Southern set to host 2014 Pelican Relays April 4-5

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  The Southern University Track and Field team and the U.S. Express Track Club will host the 5th annual Rodney Milburn/Willie Davenport Pelican Relay on the Baton Rouge campus. 

The relays kick off with college and universities division on Friday, April 4 at 3 p.m. at Roscoe Moore Track inside A.W. Mumford Stadium. 

Friday’s event will also have a high school division where 13 local high schools will compete. Awards will be given to all first place finishers in all events.

The Relays will continue Saturday, April 5 as the U.S. Express Track Club invites all children 14 years and younger, middle school teams and adults 30 years and older to participate.

The event will be divided into three divisions-Youth Division, Middle School Divisions and Masters Division. The top 6 finishers of each division will receive awards. In addition, the middle school division will have a team trophy for the champion and runner up.

All teams wanting to participate for Friday’s event must register at www.directathletics.com by April 2. Entry fee is $200 per college team and $100 per high school team.

Entry Fee for youth division is $6 per athlete and $10 per athlete for master’s division. For middle school division, the entry fee is $6 per athlete for a max of $36 per team or $72 for schools with boys and girls team. School checks are accepted made out to U.S. Express Track Club.

To register, entries must submit application online at www.coacho.com no later than April 2nd at 10PM. No entries will be accepted after the deadline and no onsite registration.

The youth division will be awarded and scored based upon age groups-ages under 6, ages 7-8 division, ages 9-10, ages 11-12, and ages 13-14. In all youth events, there will be a limit of five participants per age group per team.

General admission is $5 for all events, but free for Coaches and spectators with valid proof of USATF membership.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Gold Nuggets, Gold Rush add home duals to schedules

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana announced changes to its men's and women's tennis schedules Wednesday.

Coach Alan Green said men's and women's dual matches at Alcorn State, scheduled for Sunday, were canceled. Instead, Alcorn State's men will visit Xavier at 2 p.m. on April 24.

The Gold Nuggets also picked up a home dual: 4 p.m. Friday against Southern Miss.

Xavier's women (11-5) are ranked second in the NAIA, and the men (6-9) are 10th.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Gold Rush's No. 16 final rank is highest in 13 years

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana dropped four places to 16th in NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Postseason Top 25 poll on Wednesday, but the Gold Rush emerged with its highest ranking in the final poll of a season since 2001.

Xavier tied at its position with Rocky Mountain.

The Gold Rush were 23-9 in 2013-14, won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship for the third straight year and qualified for the national tournament for the fourth consecutive year.

This is the third straight year that the NAIA's final poll occurred after the national tournament. Xavier was 24th each of the previous two seasons.

The Gold Rush are in the top 25 for the 37th consecutive time -- the longest active streak in the division -- and the 50th time in the last 51 polls.

GCAC Tournament champion Talladega ranked 11th. National champion Vanguard was a unanimous No. 1.

The top 25:

NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through end of season) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Vanguard (10) 32-6 250 8 2 Emmanuel (Ga.) 33-4 242 7 3 Cal State San Marcos 32-2 230 1 4 MidAmerica Nazarene 26-11 225 19 5 Pikeville 31-3 216 2 6 St. Gregory's 24-10 206 18 7 William Carey 28-3 203 3 8 Freed-Hardeman 29-6 200 9 9 Columbia (Mo.) 32-3 185 4 10 Georgetown (Ky.) 24-11 171 16 11 Talladega 29-6 166 6 12 Southwestern Assemblies of God 26-6 163 5 13 Culver-Stockton 24-8 157 14 14 Benedictine (Kan.) 23-9 153 11 15 Hope International 23-11 135 22 16-tie Xavier 23-9 118 12 16-tie Rocky Mountain 23-8 118 10 18 St. Catharine (Ky.) 20-13 116 RV 19 Wiley 25-7 113 15 20 Cumberlands 20-12 96 24 21 LSU-Shreveport 21-9 94 13 22 Wayland Baptist 23-11 80 20 23 Arizona Christian 23-8 78 17 24 Westminster (Utah) 19-13 71 21 25 Montana State-Northern 23-9 56 23 Others receiving votes: St. Thomas (Texas) 48, Evangel 47, Life 38, Philander Smith 30, Lindenwood-Belleville 11, Belhaven (Miss.) 8.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Gold Nuggets climb to 19th in NAIA postseason rankings

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana moved up one spot to 19th in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Postseason Top 25 poll on Wednesday.

The Gold Nuggets were 24-10 in 2013-14, won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament and upset defending champion Westmont 66-53 in the opening round of the national tournament on March 19. Xavier lost 59-55 to Campbellsville in the second round.

This is the fifth consecutive year and the 11th time in the last 13 seasons that Xavier appears in the final top 25 of the season. This is the third straight year that the final poll occurred after the national tournament.

GCAC regular-season champion Talladega ranked 25th.

National champion Oklahoma City was a unanimous No. 1. Xavier lost 72-70 in overtime at Oklahoma City on Nov. 29.

The top 25:

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through end of season) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Oklahoma City (10) 27-4 250 5 2 Freed-Hardeman 36-2 242 2 3 Vanguard 27-2 229 1 4 Westminster (Utah) 26-3 221 3 5 Campbellsville 32-4 219 4 6 Wiley 30-5 218 11 7 John Brown 28-8 200 19 8 Our Lady of the Lake 27-5 189 9 9 Oklahoma Baptist 29-6 183 6 10 Georgetown (Ky.) 21-9 175 8 11 Baker 27-7 166 12 12 The Master's 24-9 157 7 13 MidAmerica Nazarene 28-4 151 14 14 Columbia (Mo.) 26-8 141 10 15 Loyola 23-12 134 RV 16 Bethel (Tenn.) 23-11 133 RV 17 Lewis-Clark State 27-6 130 15 18 Westmont 20-10 117 13 19 Xavier 24-10 116 20 20 Montana State-Northern 22-10 96 21 21 Shawnee State 20-13 87 25 22 Hope International 23-10 82 16 23 Lyon 24-9 75 17 24 Wayland Baptist 20-12 62 18 25 Talladega 26-5 59 22 Others receiving votes: Cumberlands 47, Mobile 46, Langston 36, Southern Poly , William Woods 16, Martin Methodist 9.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Delta Devils kick off spring practice under new leadership

ITTA BENA, Mississippi – Mississippi Valley State kicked off spring practice Tuesday morning at Rice-Totten Stadium, marking the beginning of the Rick Comegy era.

The Delta Devils practiced in helmets only for roughly two hours, as the returning players and new staff participated in their first official practice of the offseason.

"Everything went according to our practice plan," said head coach Rick Comegy. "I was very happy to see the kids adjust to the style of practice that we run. I'm sure it was kind of foreign to a lot of them, but they adjusted well."3



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The first-year coach said he was pleased with his initial observance of the Delta Devils.

"We got a chance to see their agility and moving around," he said. "We're pretty athletic…..Once we get pads on, we can really find out where the heart lies."

MVSU will be back on the field Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. in preparation for the Green & White Game which is scheduled for April 12 at 1 p.m. at Rice-Totten Stadium.

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU's Holmes puts all position up for grabs

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- At the end of almost every football game that FAMU lost last season, coach Earl Holmes was left shaking his head in disbelief. The Rattlers finished the season with just three victories in 12 games.

On Monday when FAMU began spring practice for the 2014 season, Holmes was upbeat. He was obviously glad to be making a fresh start in his second season as head coach.

In a sense he is starting over, considering that he’s told his players that no matter their role last year, they’ll have to use the 15 days of workouts to prove they are worthy of being a starter.

“We don’t have a starter yet until we find 11 guys on offense and 11 guys on defense and special team,” Holmes said. “It’s all about building a team. We’ve got to do this the right way. As of now, we don’t have any starters so all of the positions are opened.”

CONTINUE READING 

Former SSU tennis star Phyllis L. Oliver-Mattox dies from cancer

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -- Phyllis Mattox, a former Savannah State tennis star who was inducted into the SSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011, died Saturday after a battle with cancer.

Mattox, 38, played for the Tiger tennis team from 1994-98. The Warner Robins native was a four-time All-SIAC player and was the conference player of the year after her undefeated senior season in 1997. Her teams won conference titles in her junior and senior seasons.

Mattox earned her bachelor and masters degrees from SSU and had worked the last nine years for the Duval County School System in Jacksonville, Fla., as a teacher and district reading coach before her recent promotion to vice principal.

CONTINUE READING 

LB Jones to transfer from Wake Forest to Benedict Tigers

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- Kevis Jones’ considerable promise will never be realized at Wake Forest.

Jones, a highly athletic redshirt freshman who played a reserve role last season at outside linebacker, plans to transfer to Benedict College, a Division II program in Columbia, S.C. Jones said he is making the move because he wants to play quarterback, one of several positions he played as a star at Northeast High School in Oakland Park, Florida.

“I want to play quarterback,’’ Jones said Tuesday. “I have no hard feelings toward Wake Forest.’’



Dave Clawson, who succeeded Jim Grobe as head coach in December, said he understood Jones’ feelings and he wished him well.

Clawson also said that Ben Emert, a redshirt junior fullback, will graduate with his class and not return for his redshirt senior season. Emert played in 10 games last season, but did not start.

CONTINUE READING

DSU football: Obado take over at quarterback

HEAD COACH KERMIT BLOUNT
(Courtesy: DSU Hornets Athletics)

Esayah Obado has big shoes to fill as quarterback for the Delaware State football team

DOVER, Delaware  --  Esayah Obado has some awful big shoes to fill.

The Delaware State red-shirt sophomore is poised to become the Hornets' third starting quarterback in as many seasons. He follows in the footsteps of Nick Elko, the 2012 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference offensive player of the year, and Corey Murphy, who led the MEAC with 2,307 passing yards last season.

"We're looking forward to him taking the reins," said Delaware State coach Kermit Blount, who has a 14-19 record in his first three seasons with the Hornets. "We felt that he did a tremendous job when we put him in games last year. He managed games very well from the perspective that we had to play him."

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Obado appeared in four games last season, completing 21 of 40 pass attempts for 168 yards and two interceptions. He also rushed for 82 yards on 19 carries.

CONTINUE READING

LB Noble assuming new role on Jackson State's defense

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  Stacy Noble has pulled on a defensive linemen’s jerseys when they’re incorrectly aligned. He yells over at his fellow linebacker to move when he anticipates a running play.

On the field, Noble appears the vocal leader.

But that wasn’t defensive coordinator Derrick Burroughs’ first impression of him.

“When I first got here, I thought he was very quiet,” Burroughs said. “But he’s not. When he steps on the field, he just kind of lets loose.”

As spring practice continues, the Tigers want the sophomore Noble to transform into the instructive player they’ll need at inside linebacker. Noble played in 11 games last season as a freshman, but his duties were largely limited to special teams.

CONTINUE READING

SC State Bulldogs Continue Spring Workouts

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- During the   8^th of 15 scheduled spring workout sessions held Tuesday morning, South Carolina State continued to conduct team-style drills on offense and defense during a lively and very intense practice, according to head coach Buddy Pough

 "We have a lot of work to do and we have to figure out who can be in certain positions to help us moving forward," said Pough. "We are starting to move some guys around and put them in different positions to see how things work."

"It's about time for us to start showing some evidence of being able to go out and execute things," he continued. "So it will be interesting to see where we are at during this coming Saturday."

 Pough added, despite the success in the past it's not unusual that this team is where they are at during this point in spring drills.

SC State,  midway through spring workouts with seven dates left -- including the annual Spring Garnet & Blue game --, will play a 12-game schedule in 2014. The Bulldogs open the campaign on Aug. 30 when Pough's team battle intrastate rival Benedict College in the Palmetto Capital City Classic in Columbia.

 SC State will conduct their annual Pro Day Wednesday (Apr.2) with approximately 15 seniors from the 2013 team, which are scheduled to work out for pro scouts from National Football League teams.

Bulldog Pro Day Schedule

2014 Spring Practice Schedule
 Practice #                  Date                          Time
9                                  Wed, April 2                6:30 AM
10                                Fri, April 4                   6:30 AM       
11                                Sat, April 5                10:30 AM        Scrimmage
12                                Mon, April 7                6:30 AM
13                                Wed, April 9                6:30 AM
14                                Fri, April 11                 6:30 AM       
15                                Sat, April 12               1:00 PM          Spring Game

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU Rattlers Win Thriller 8-6 Over ASU Hornets

COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  – The FAMU Lady Rattlers pulled off a crushing upset to the Hornets of Alabama State, as they exploded for four runs in their final at-bat to take an 8-6 win at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex on the campus of ASU in Montgomery, Alabama.

ASU scored in the first inning after blanking FAMU in the opening frame, taking a 1-0 score into the second inning.  Both teams were scoreless in the second inning, but the Rattlers got on the board with two runs in the top of the third inning.  Second baseman Alyssa Weaver singled to first base, scoring Tashayla Irvis.  Weaver would then scored on an RBI by Amber Fullwood, making the score 2-1 in favor of FAMU.

The lead would not last as Valerie Centeno and Tamara Williams scored on a double by ASU second baseman Jazzmin Romero, bringing the game to a tie.  They would regain the outright lead  of 3-2, going into the fourth inning.

FAMU struck right back, plating two runs in the top of the fourth.  This time Amanda Weaver singled, scoring Irvis.  Fullwood would card another RBI as she singled in Alyssa Weaver, making the score 4-3 FAMU.

With three consecutive innings, scoring one run in each, ASU took a 6-4 lead into the seventh inning.

Naesha Lewis scored on a Kenya Pererira single, making the tally 5-6, in favor of ASU in the top of the seventh.  Kieifi Myrick hit a crushing three-run homer to give the Lady Rattlers the win, with an 8-6 final.

Myrick went 3-for-3 on the day, including three RBI.  Alyssa Weaver and Fullwood collected two hits and one RBI each for FAMU.

Pererira got the win on the mound as she went three innings, gave up six hits, three runs and one strikeout in the 15 batters she faced.  Ashleigh Minter, who started the game, went four innings, giving up three runs, four hits and two walks.

For the Hornets, Centeno and Raven Walker got two hits each, with Centeno adding two RBI to her line.  Melissa Christmann took the loss for ASU, going two-and-one-third innings, giving up five hits and four runs.  Rachel Mills also saw time on the mound, going four-and-two-third innings gicing up seven hits and four runs.

The Lady Rattlers return to Tallahassee for a weekend MEAC series against the Aggies of North Carolina A&T.  Saturday’s doubleheader games start at 1p.m., with the third gme of the series strting at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Nuggets still 2nd in NAIA but tied with Lindsey Wilson

NEW ORLEANS -- Two of the NAIA's premier women's tennis programs, Xavier University of Louisiana and Auburn Montgomery, will put their new national rankings on the line Saturday when they meet at 2 p.m. at XU Tennis Center.

The NAIA announced Tuesday its fifth coaches poll of the season. Xavier is tied for second with Lindsey Wilson, and Auburn Montgomery, the three-time defending champion, is fourth.

The Gold Nuggets (11-5) are in the top 10 for the 12th consecutive time and in the top five for the eight time in the last nine polls. They were second in the previous poll on March 18.

Xavier won 5-4 at then-No. 1 AUM on March 9 on the final day of the AUM Invitational. It was the first time the Gold Nuggets defeated a top-ranked team.

Xavier is 3-1 since the previous poll. The loss was 5-4 at Lindsey Wilson on March 21 in a dual which was not decided until a third-set tiebreaker in the final match on the court.

Xavier is 6-2 this season against ranked NAIA teams and has won eight of its last nine duals overall.

Admission is free to the Xavier-AUM matches. Both schools' men's teams, also ranked in the top 10, will play at the same time.

The next rankings will be announced April 15.

The top 25:

1. Georgia Gwinnett
2. (tie) Xavier
2. (tie) Lindsey Wilson
4. Auburn Montgomery
5. SCAD Savannah
6. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
7. Brenau
8. Northwood (Fla.)
9. Vanguard
10. Oklahoma Baptist
11. Westmont
12. Graceland
13. Concordia (Calif.)
14. Lewis-Clark State
15. Milligan
16. Indiana Wesleyan
17. Coastal Georgia
18. Davenport
19. Campbellsville
20. Cardinal Stritch
21. Marian (Ind.)
22. St. Thomas (Fla.)
23. Olivet Nazarene
24. SCAD Atlanta
25. Northwestern Ohio

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Gold Rush in NAIA's top 10 for the 25th consecutive time

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana fell three places Tuesday in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll but kept alive its streak of top-10 appearances.

The Gold Rush -- 6-9 overall and 2-2 since the previous poll two weeks ago -- rank 10th. It's the 25th consecutive top-10 appearance for the XU men and their 28th in the last 29 polls.

Five XU losses this season are against teams in this week's top 10. The Gold Rush, have victories against William Carey, Graceland and Coastal Georgia, which rank 13-14-15, and a two-dual split with No. 7 Cumberland.

Not surprisingly, the Rush's next opponent is ranked. No. 2 Auburn Montgomery will visit Saturday for a 2 p.m. dual at the XU Tennis Center. AUM defeated the Rush 7-2 on March 9, the final day of the AUM Invitational.

AUM will be the first Gold Rush home opponent since Feb. 7 and the second of the semester. The XU men played their previous 13 duals on the road.

Xavier is one of six schools with both tennis teams in the top 10 this week. The XU women are tied for second.

The men's top 25:

1. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
2. Auburn Montgomery
3. Georgia Gwinnett
4. Vanguard
5. Westmont
6. Lindsey Wilson
7. Cumberland
8. Belhaven
9. Aquinas
10. Xavier
11. Concordia (Calif.)
12. Bethany (Kan.)
13. William Carey
14. Graceland
15. Coastal Georgia
16. Northwestern Ohio
17. Warner
18. Bethel (Tenn.)
19. (tie) Lewis-Clark State
19. (tie) Davenport
21. Pikeville
22. Webber International
23. Olivet Nazarene
24. Northwood (Fla.)
25. Oklahoma Baptist

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANAhttps://twitter.com/xulagold
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TSU to Hold Blue and White Game on Saturday

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State football team will hold its annual Blue & White Spring Game on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Hale Stadium.

The Tigers are coming off their most successful season since 1999, winning 10 games and reaching the second round of the FCS Playoffs.

 

At the end of the season, end Anthony Bass was named OVC Defensive Player of the Year and Daniel Fitzpatrick was selected as the nation’s top defensive back by the CFPA; both will be back for TSU in the fall.

 

Offensively, redshirt senior quarterback Mike German will be healthy and ready to go in 2014, a year removed from throwing 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions.

 

Bass, Fitzpatrick and the rest of the Big Blue defense will square off against German and Tiger offense in a format that will generate more points for each side.

 

The offense will receive six points for a touchdown, three for a field goal, two for a pass of at least 15 yards and one for a first down, PAT and a run over 10 yards.

 

The defense can get six point for a touchdown, three for a turnover, two for a three-and-out and one point for any stop to a series or quarterback sack.

 

The action kicks off at 1 p.m. for the TSU Legends Game before the current crop of Tigers take the field at 3 p.m. Admission is free.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

A&T Aggies Wrap Up Spring Practice This Week

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – The North Carolina A&T football team will wrap up spring practice this week with practices on Wednesday and Friday. All practices start at 4 p.m.

The Aggies will then play in their first Spring Game in two years when they take the field at 1 p.m., Saturday at Aggie Stadium. The A&T Sports Hall of Fame is welcoming back former football lettermen to participate in a pig pickin’ at the stadium.

The Spring Game is free and open to the public. The Aggies are coming off back-to-back 7-4 seasons. They return 2013 MEAC Rookie of the Year Tarik Cohen, a running back out of Bunn, N.C. They also return five-year senior and leading tackler D’Vonte Grant.

But A&T must replace three starters along the offensive line and all four starting defensive backs.

Aggie Football Camps

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NOTE: Football Scoop is reporting today, per source, former Catawba College head coach Chip Hester is joining the A&T staff as receivers coach.

Alabama State Baseball To Host A Pair Of Midweek Games

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  The Alabama State baseball team will open the month of April by hosting a pair of midweek games against Mercer Tuesday and Jacksonville State Wednesday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.

Both games begin at 6 p.m., with bamastatesports.com carrying live stats of both games. Live video for Wednesday's game will be available free of charge at bamastatesports.com/showcase.

The Hornets (24-8) have won six in a row and are coming off a three-game weekend sweep over North Carolina Central in which Alabama State had to score in the late innings to win twice. A walk-off single in the ninth inning helped ASU capture a 3-2 win in game one. Sunday, a four-run eighth inning rally erased a two-run deficit in a 9-8 win.

"I'd thought about that over the last few days that we hadn't played in a lot of close games," head coach Mervyl Melendez said. "As a coach, you want your team to perform at a high level offensively and not be in those situations. The reality is that you're going to have to win games late. We were able to do that twice this weekend. It was good see our guys fight back, especially when we were down, to come back to win, as well as scoring in the ninth to win."

It's the third straight year the Hornets have faced both Mercer and Jacksonville State in home-and-home matchups. Tuesday's matchup with Mercer (22-7) is perhaps one of few if not the first on the 2014 schedule nationally featuring a pair of 20-win teams. The defending Atlantic Sun Conference champion Bears opened the season with nine straight wins, and have won eight of their past nine games, including a win last week over 23^rd-ranked Georgia Tech.

"Mercer always has a good team, regardless of the win total," Melendez said. "They are a very good offensive ball club, and we know we are going to have to pitch very well to come out on top. They are a well-coached team, and we have our hands full. We're looking for to the challenge, and to continue to play well and see if we can continue to improve."

Jacksonville State (17-10) has won three in a row and six of its last seven games. Among the victories this season for the Gamecocks of the Ohio Valley Conference are wins over Troy and UAB.

"I think they are playing better than they have in recent years," Melendez said. "Credit that to the guys they have coming back who have continued to get better, similar to what we have done, as we have a lot of the same players who have matured. I think it will be a matchup of two teams that have players who have been with their programs for a few years now, understand the game better and playing with more confidence. We haven't beaten Jacksonville State in our previous matchups, so it will be a good test for us."

The mid-week games have continued to challenge and test Alabama State, something Melendez has wanted and established in the program. The difference this season, according to Melendez, is the opponents seemingly are all playing well.

"Almost every team we have faced during mid-week has played well throughout the season," Melendez said. "We don't have time to relax and put new guys in the mix and see if they can perform. We have to play our best game, and our guys who play on weekends. We have benefitted as well, because our players have gotten better. By being tested, you get better, and you improve on your game."

SCHEDULE CHANGE: This weekend's SWAC doubleheader at Miss. Valley St. will now be played Sunday in Moorhead, Miss at Mississippi Delta Community College. First pitch is 1 p.m. with live internet radio at bamastatesports.com/showcase .

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Spring Training brings a Sense of Excitement to Texas Southern Tigers Football

HOUSTON, Texas  --  A sense of excitement, urgency and optimism fills the air around the Texas Southern Tigers football field house and practice field.

Third year head coach Darrell Asberry is fired up about his team and their change in attitude.

"They know it's time to win and they have the attitude and will to want to win," said Asberry. "No one's complaining and everyone wants to work.  They see the writing on the wall."

Asberry is excited about the talent on the team but also the fact that he gets to test that talent for the first time in two years during the spring.

"We didn't have spring training last season and it showed," Asberry said.  "The guys didn't start to come together until the second half of the season.  They've worked hard in the weight room and now we are on the field.  I'm very optimistic about our future."

Asberry said he is focused on finding out what these guys do best, and working that to perfection.  He would like to get the ball down field fast, and he seems to have the talent to do it.

Starting quarterback Homer Causey is back for his junior year.  He played in 10 games with 1459 yards passing and 5 touchdowns.  He also rushed for 694 yard and 6 touchdowns.

"Homer's attitude has improved a lot and he is showing maturity and good leadership skills," said Asberry.

Jay Christophe saw playing time as a true freshman and he is getting some quality reps in spring practice.  Asberry said a redshirt freshman is also stepping up.  "The surprise at quarterback was Rico Smalls' brother, Mario," Asberry said.  "He moved the team during his reps and he made good decisions with his reads."

The offensive line is missing their veteran left tackle.  Glen Jackson won't practice in the spring because of his injury, but he's expected back for the fall.

Senior wide receiver Fred Plummer is back in action after missing most of last season because of an injury.  Plummer's hard work and rehab is playing off.  Coach says he is catching everything thrown in his direction.

The defensive line was a concern according to Asberry, but the squad has squashed some of the head coach's worries.  "I had concerns about the D-line, but they are doing a good job," said Asberry.  "They got after us pretty good on Saturday.  We still have a lot of work to do but I'm encouraged by what I've seen so far."

Special teams should be a very special group this season.  The Tigers now have two experienced kickers who both have experienced some success.  "Corey [Carter] and [Eric] Medina are back with us and we brought in another long snapper," Asberry said. "We put some pressure on Medina as a true freshman and he did well despite some freshman tendencies.  Corey went through the same thing as a true freshman and he came back and led the conference in punting his sophomore year.  We feel real good about those guys."

Asberry believes he has a solid core of student-athletes on campus, with a group of freshmen and transfers on their way to help fill in the gaps.  What's high of Asberry's list for spring training?..staying healthy and science.  "Think it's very important that we get some chemistry going with these guys," Asberry said.  "Their attitudes have really changed…so we are focused on discipline and our commitment to working as a team."

The Tigers have two more weeks of spring training, and Asberry and his coaching staff plan to take full advantage of it.

"We are a very talented football team.  We are going to work real hard to get these guys going in the right direction.  It feels good to come to work in such a positive atmosphere."

Texas Southern's 2014 season kicks off on August 31^st. 

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date	Opponent	Location	Time
8/31/2014	Prairie View A&M University	Houston, TX	4:00pm
9/4/2014	Texas College	Houston, TX	7:30pm
9/13/2014	Central State-Ohio	Wilberforce, OH	TBA
9/20/2014	Alabama A&M	Houston, TX	7:00pm
9/27/2014	Alabama State University	Montgomery, AL	TBA
10/4/2014	Mississippi Valley State	Houston, TX	7:00pm
10/18/2014	Alcorn State	Alcorn, MS	TBA
Homecoming
10/25/2014	Arkansas-Pine Bluff / Homecoming	Houston, TX	2:00pm
11/1/2014	Grambling State	Houston, TX	2:00pm
11/8/2014	Southern University	Baton Rouge, LA	TBA
11/15/2014	Jackson State	Houston, TX	2:00pm

By Rodney Bush TSU Sports Information Director 
COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Venue for Alabama A&M football opener against North Carolina A&T changed

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama  --  Alabama A&M will still open its 2014 football season up against North Carolina A&T August 31st in sunny Orlando. 

However, the Bulldogs won't be doing so at The City Beautiful's Citrus Bowl. 

Organizer's of the 10th Annual MEAC-SWAC Challenge have switched the venue for the game to Bright House Networks Stadium, home of the University of Central Florida Knights. 

The Citrus Bowl, where the game was played from 2008-2013, is currently under renovation and will not be available for the Challenge, which will be aired live on an ESPN Network. The game was held at Birmingham's Legion Field from its inception in 2005 through 2007. 

"We are thrilled to have North Carolina A&T State University and ...

 

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Reggie Johnson added to Alabama A&M coaching staff as defensive coordinator

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Reggie Johnson, a former Alabama A&M assistant coach most recently on the staff at UAB, has been named as new defensive coordinator for Alabama A&M.

According to a press release from Alabama A&M on Monday, that completes the staff of new head coach James Spady.

The Bulldogs open spring practice Friday and will hold their spring game April 26 at 3 p.m.

Johnson played collegiately at the University of Louisville and after a season as graduate assistant there, his first full-time coaching role was at Alabama A&M in 1998-1999 as the defensive tackles coach, then in 2000 as linebackers coach under Ron Cooper, the Huntsville native who coached Johnson at Louisville.

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Florida A&M Rattlers Open Spring Practice With Drills Today

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  (Mar. 31) -- There was a sense of urgency in the voices of FAMU coaches during the opening day of Spring football drills today at the Rattler practice fields.  While at most times, football teams merge their way into activity, the Rattlers jumped full head of steam into the beginning of the 2014 football campaign.  Head coach Earl Holmes was the leader of the pack, speaking to media briefly before practice.

“3-9 simply is not good enough.  We’ve grown as a coaching staff and we understand that we want to do better right now.  That means more emphasis on basic skills.  Blocking, tackling and catching will be at a premium this Spring, because all positions are open,” Holmes concluded.

On a sunny 77 degree day, the team went through a battery of drills, highlighted by stiff competition in 7-on-7 drills.  Carson Royal was leading the way, taking snaps at the No.1 position.  He was thrown into the fray last season against rival South Carolina State.  Without taking many reps all season, Royal was baptized in the fire as he would start the remainder of the season for the Rattlers.

Damien Fleming, the Rattlers’ star quarterback, was injured in the SCSU game, and was sidelined for the remainder of the season.  He was in practice in a protective boot, though he was in some drills throwing without restraint.  Fleming will have the boot removed this week and work his way into Spring drills.

“I’m ahead of schedule, and I just want to get back in there and start working to get things right for this year.  This is my last season, so I want to begin building our program back to where it needs to be.  I really want to flip our record from last season to more like 9-3 and get in the playoffs, “ Fleming said.

Offensive coordinator Quinn Gray and defensive coordinator Levon Kirkland were flying around the field like the season had already started.  The entire battery of coaches were in mid-season form, demanding perfection from the Rattlers from the start.

The feeling among the players is one of focus as well.  Royal spent much of his offseason with quarterback coaches.  “I have to be able to lead this team.  I set a goal for myself to help coach Gray guide this team as a leader,” Royal said.  “I spent a lot of time in the offseason with our receivers getting our timing down,” he added.




The Rattlers will continue Spring drills with the annual Orange 7 Green game slated for April 19^th.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU vs. B-CU Baseball FInale To Air Live on ESPN

COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS

Final game of crucial MEAC Southern Division showdown to be televised liver nationally

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced Friday, that  ESPN3.com would broadcast the final game of this weekend’s FAMU vs. B-CU baseball series live nationally, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Eastern from historic Jackie Robinson Stadium in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida.

Veteran broadcasters Joe Davis (play-by-play)and Jay Walker (analyst) will handle the on-air presentation for the game, which will also air on a taped delay basis at 6 p.m. Sunday on ESPNU.

This weekend’s Sunshine State series took on even more importance when the resurgent FAMU Rattlers (7-4 MEAC, 10-16 overall), under first-year head coach Jamey Shouppe, took over first place in the MEAC Southern Division after sweeping a three-game series at North Carolina A&T (6-6, 11-16) last weekend, to vault from fourth place to first.

The trade in places by FAMU moved the Rattlers past second place Bethune-Cookman (7-5, 15-14), which sits just one-half game behind their in-state rivals heading into the weekend.

In their previous meeting this season, the ‘Cats won three hard-fought games against FAMU in Tallahassee on March 1-2, highlighted by a marathon 15-inning 10-5 opening win, followed by 4-2 and 11-6 decisions in the final two games

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

WSSU's Townsend switches from QB to tight end

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- “The Big Show” is taking his talents to another position at Winston-Salem State.

DeShean Townsend, who is 6-3 and close to 230 pounds, certainly deserves his nickname. But because he’s been a backup quarterback for three seasons he hasn’t been on the field much.

His only significant playing time in his career came in the final game last season in a 7-0 loss to Shepherd in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Townsend struggled after starter Rudy Johnson went out with an injured shoulder in the first half. Townsend couldn’t rally the Rams with a makeshift offensive line and a depleted wide-receiver corps as the season came to an abrupt end.

Johnson and the highly-touted Phillip Sims are the top quarterbacks in practice this spring; with redshirt freshman Justin Johnson also in the mix, there wasn’t room for Townsend at his old position.

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