A look ahead after Southern’s spring football season

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- Southern football coach Dawson Odums wasn’t ready to release a depth chart when spring practice ended last weekend.

There’s plenty of work to be done over the summer and in fall camp before the pecking order is transferred from pencil to ink, but nonetheless Odums has seen enough to be confident he has what he needs.

He has two inexperienced but talented quarterbacks who are pushing one another to be better every day. He has an abundance of talented runners and catchers that any opponent that tries to gang up on the run or the pass will pay a price. He has a mostly set offensive line that will enhance that balance.

On defense, he has seen improvement in run defense, which was a priority for the spring, and he has as many speedy athletes defending the pass as he has handling the football on offense.

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NSU Claims 6-1 Victory Over James Madison

Front Row (left to right): Robin Riethmueller, Igor Braga, Samuel Lemberger,
Pascal Domnik.  Back Row: Assistant Coach Torrie Browning, Peter Ramstromer-
Pello, Dzmitry Zyhmantovich, Kent Austin, Daniel Grauel, Head Coach Nate Feldman.
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE ATHLETICS

Men's Tennis Defeats JMU for First Time in School History

RICHMOND, Virginia – The Norfolk State men's tennis team defeated James Madison, 6-1, on Saturday afternoon for its first victory against the Dukes in school history.

The win improves NSU's record to 10-6 on the season, while JMU falls to 6-10 overall.

The Spartans went 2-1 in doubles play. Dzmitry Zyhmantovich teamed up with Peter Ramstromer-Pello at the No. 1 spot, where they posted an 8-7(3) win over Miljan Ruzic and Robert Stirling. Zyhmantovich and Ramstromer-Pello are now 6-4 on the season in doubles competition. Robin Riethmueller and Igor Braga competed at the No. 2 spot, where they upended Alex Berdnikoff and Brett Moorhead, 8-5. Riethmueller and Braga are also 6-4 overall in doubles play. JMU's lone win in doubles came at the No. 3 position. Sebastian Salinas and Maxi Branth defeated Pascal Domnik and Daniel Grauel, 8-6.

Zyhmantovich led off the singles competition with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Stirling to improve to 12-3 for the season. Domnik competed at the No. 2 spot, where he posted a 4-6, 7-6(5), 1-0(5) victory against Salinas. In the No. 3 position, Riethmueller claimed a 6-1, 6-2 over Branth. Ramstromer-Pello improved his singles record to 10-5 on the season as he defeated Ruzic, 7-6(4), 1-6, 1-0(9) at the No. 5 slot. Grauel competed at the No. 6 position, where he claimed a 6-1, 6-0 win over Niels Kathol. NSU's only loss came at the No. 4 spot. Braga fell to Moorhead, 6-4, 6-3.

NSU will head to Farmville, Va., on Tuesday to take on Longwood. Play begins at 1:30 p.m. at Lancer Courts.

Complete Match Results

Chaundrea Lee, Media Relations Assistant
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS  

Hampton learns new systems, improves in spring football practice

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- Connell Maynor looked for effort more than execution in his first spring football game as Hampton University's head coach. He saw enough of both to be pleased, though by no means satisfied.

"I look for guys to compete, make plays and see who's got some heart, who's going to fight through a little bit of adversity," Maynor said. "See how they're going to react, if they're going to start pointing fingers or pushing each other. If they're going to keep their head up and understand it's just one play of a football game, and you have the rest of the game to have a positive impact."

The Pirates showed well during a spirited one-hour, 50-minute session on a balmy Friday evening at Armstrong Stadium.



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WSSU offense turns tables and has its day

QBs Johnson, Sims have Rams clicking in spring scrimmage

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  The defense has had its way most of the time during spring football practice at Winston-Salem State, but that changed Saturday in a controlled scrimmage.

The Rams’ offense, which failed to score in a scrimmage last week, found its groove, with quarterbacks Phillip Sims and Rudy Johnson combining for six touchdown passes during the 11-on-11 portion of the scrimmage.
                   
Sims threw four touchdown passes, Johnson threw two, and several wide receivers had solid efforts.



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A&T Football Finally Springs Into Action

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  -- Spring football practice or no spring football practice, one thing has always been clear about Rod Broadway-coached teams at A&T. They play good defense.

A&T’s spring practices culminated in the Blue/Gold Spring Game at Aggie Stadium on Saturday. The offense ran 104 plays against the defense. The offense scored three touchdowns and recorded 11 first downs. But it was the Aggies defense that came away with 16 tackles for loss, 14 three-and-outs, seven sacks and two turnovers.

The Spring Game took place in front of an impressive crowd at Aggie Stadium. Part of the crowd included past letter winners from the football who provided the team with a pig picking after the game. Despite some tough weather in March, the Aggies were able to practice 13 times before Saturday.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Broadway, who is entering his fourth season as the Aggies head coach. “The last two years we’ve gone out and played with both hands behind our backs because without the spring there is really no chance to teach fundamentals, techniques and schemes. For the first time in a long time, we have a head start on fall practice. We know we can slide guys into certain roles because we’ve been able to identify those roles over the last couple of weeks.”

Rising fifth-year senior D’Vonte Grant knows exactly what role Broadway wants him to play. He has led the Aggies in tackles the past two seasons. He did much of the same on Saturday by making eight tackles and a sack from his weak side linebacker position. Over his career, he has earned the reputation of being the Aggies biggest playmaker on the defensive side with three interception returns for touchdowns. Fellow outside linebacker Marcus Albert had seven tackles and middle linebacker Denzel Jones finished with six. Angelo Keyes had two sacks and a big hit on a two-yard out by receiver Michael Weaver.




“For anyone who has been around here for a few years, they know we always play pretty good defense,” said Broadway. “It’s our belief around here that offense is hot and cold. You can score 40 one week and turnaround and score 10 the next. But if we’re stopping people, we can win those close games where the offense isn’t clicking.”

The Aggies offense has largely relied on the running game over the past two seasons. Nationally, the Aggies have had a top-50 rushing game each of the past two seasons. But the passing offense has ranked 108^th and 105^th respectively. There were some bright spots for the offense on Saturday.

Rising junior Kwashaun Quick, the Aggies No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart in the spring, completed 11 of 20 passes for 120 yards and a 36-yard touchdown pass to rising sophomore Xavier Griffin. Quick also completed a 37-yarder to rising sophomore Joseph Spann. Quick looked his most dangerous with his feet, however. He had runs of 29, 11 and 10, and he scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. He also escaped several potential sacks. Junior backup Frank Foster was 12-for-20 for 95 yards and a six-yard touchdown to rising fifth-year senior Quentin Todd. Foster completed seven of his first eight passes.

All opponent defenses will have their eyes on rising sophomore and reigning MEAC Rookie of the Year Tarik Cohen. The 5-foot-8 running back carried it seven times for 36 yards.

Weaver led the Aggie receivers with nine receptions for 68 yards. Spann made four receptions for 53 yards.

“We just wanted to go out and have a little fun and be disciplined,” said Grant. “At the same time, these are our teammates so you don’t want anyone to get hurt. As a defense we have to encourage our offense because if they’re successful, the team will be successful.”

Despite not having spring practice the past two seasons, the Aggies are coming off two consecutive 7-4 seasons. Each of Broadway’s three seasons at A&T, the defense has ranked among the best nationally. In 2013 the Aggies had the best rush defense, allowed the second fewest first downs and ranked fourth in scoring defense in FCS.

When asked are the expectations for the 2014 season going to be even higher now that the Aggies have a spring practice, Grant responded: “Absolutely. With no spring ball the last two years, we’ve been a step behind. But now we’ve had spring ball, we’re in step with everybody else. Seven and four won’t cut it this year. We should feel that way, the coaches should feel that way and the community should feel that way.”

RUSHING: Kwashaun Quick 20-64; Daniel Robinson 17-34; Frank Foster 9-0; Tarik Cohen 7-36; Cameron Hill 3-17; Jordan Dawson 2-4; Oluwafemi Bamiro 2—4.

PASSING: Frank Foster 12-20-1-95; Kwashaun Quick 11-20-0-120; Jordan Dawson 3-3-0-33.

RECEIVING: Michael Weaver 9-68; Joseph Spann 4-53; Darren Bullock 4-21; Xavier Griffin 2-45; Kevin Francis 2-34; Quentin Todd 2-17; Tarik Cohen 2-7; Keenan Medley 1-3.

INTERCEPTIONS: Tajir Wharton 1-45.

FUMBLES: Angelo Keyes 1-9.

SACKS (UA-A): Angelo Keyes 2-0; D’Vonte Grant 1-0; Daniel Pinnix 1-0; Malik Hamapton-Prioleau 1-0; D’Anthony Ross 1-0; Marquis Ragland 0-1; Jermaine Clark 0-1.

TACKLES (UA-A): D’Vonte Grant 6-2; Marcus Albert 6-1; Denzel Jones 5-1; Zerius Lockart 5-0; Tony McRae 4-0; D’Anthony Ross 4-0; Angelo Keyes 3-2; Jermaine Clark 3-1; Tajir Wharton 3-1; Lorenz Suttles 3-0; Jerome Beatty 3-0; Jeremy Taylor 3-0; Joshua Patrick 2-1; Marquis Ragland 2-1; Dorian Belcher 2-1; Marquis Boyan 2-0; Marquis Willis 2-0; Malik Hampton-Prioleau 1-1; Daniel Pinnix 1-0; Nicholas Dease 1-0; Courtney Edmonds 1-1; Reginald Ward 0-1.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU's Teresa Phillips: Legendary Ladies Elite 8

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  In conjunction with the 2014 Women's Final Four, Tennessee State University Director of Athletics, Teresa Phillips was featured on the Tennessean's Legendary Ladies Elite 8 list.  Watch the full video feature that includes interviews from colleagues, columnists and former TSU players below.

Athletic Director Teresa Phillips became the first woman in history to coach a Division I NCAA men's basketball team in 2003.



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B-CU Football to Hold Second Annual Women’s Clinic

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  -- Bethune-Cookman University Football is set to hold its second annual women’s football clinic on Saturday, April 12, on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University. The camp fee is just $25, with all proceeds befitting cancer research.

On the success of last year’s inaugural event, the B-CU coaching staff decided to allow all ladies a second opportunity at getting an inside scoop on what really happens inside the huddle. The B-CU coaches are excited about their game plan, and they are ready to once again show all ladies interested in football exactly how it works.

This year’s event is being named after one of B-CU’s most passionate football supporters, and a member of last year’s inaugural women’s clinic, Remona Thompson. A lifelong Wildcat who recently lost her life battling cancer, The Remona Thompson Women’s Football Clinic is a way of the B-CU coaching staff paying tribute to a woman that gave all she had in her support of the Maroon and Gold.

The Remona Thompson Women’s Football Clinic includes:
·         Offense/Defense/Special Teams inside scoop
·         Basic rules and strategies of football
·         Coaching instruction and on-field drills
·         Official Clinic t-shirts
·         Special one-on-one instruction from the B-CU coaching staff

Registration will be held at the Larry R. Handfield Athletic Training Center from 9-10 a.m. All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear casual attire with tennis shoes to make sure you enjoy the full football experience.

Space is filling up fast, so register now! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to learn the ins and outs of football from B-CU head coach Brian Jenkins and his experienced staff.

For more information on The Remona Thompson Women’s Football Clinic and how to register, please contact D.J. McCarthy in the B-CU Football office at (386) 481-2269.

Fans can keep up-to-date with all B-CU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/BCUathletics, in addition to the official football twitter page at Twitter.com/BCUGridIron. You can also become a fan of the Wildcats on Facebook at Facebook.com/BCUathletics.

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Nuggets' 400 relay team reaches A-standard again

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Another national qualifying mark in the 400-meter relay was among many highlights of the Xavier University of Louisiana women's track and field team at the Pelican Relays on Friday.

The Gold Nuggets' Kaylee Moore, Devinn Rolland, Kailey Williams and Chelsea James completed the relay in 47.54 seconds, finishing fifth but producing the fastest time in Joseph Moses' five seasons as XU's coach. It was the second consecutive week that the XU relay met the A-quaifying standard for next month's NAIA National Championships.

Rolland also met NAIA B-standards in the long jump (second place in 18 feet, 1 inch) and the 100 (fourth place, 12.17), events in which she already has reached A-standards this season.

Reaching the B-standard for the first time was Catherine Fakler, who won the 1,500 in 4:42.12. Teammate Ashley Flournoy ran second in 5:05.26.

Finishing third and producing season bests were Fakler in the 800 (2:23.11), Tramaine Shannon in the 400 (58.13), Reeka Belton in the 3,000 (12:09.01) and Terri Cunningham in the 400 hurdles (1:08.50).

Xavier got additional season bests from Kaylee Moore in the 100 (12.54), Kailey Williams in the 400 (1:02.51) and Angelica Alexander in the triple jump (34-1 3/4).

There was no team scoring. Xavier's men did not compete.

Both XU teams will compete April 12 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans. Xavier's women won GCAC team championships in 2013 and 2011. Dillard is the host school.

Results  (PDF file)

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold

Florida Congresswoman Corrine Brown Says Separate is Inherently Unequal

April 4, 2014

My fellow Floridians,

It has come to my attention that there has been a “behind the scenes effort” to divide the joint engineering program shared by both Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and Florida State University.

This backhanded decision by the Florida legislature to move forward with a plan of action without first jointly consulting with the administrations of Florida A&M University and Florida State University is both unprofessional and not the type of leadership you expect from your elected officials.  

During my ten year tenure in the Florida House of Representatives, which started in 1982, it was the policy of state lawmakers to reduce duplication of high cost academic programming in the state university system. Our goal was to be good stewards of the tax dollars paid by hardworking Floridians like you, and find a reasonable - bi-partisan solution to paying twice for some of the higher cost academic programs such as medical schools, law schools, and engineering schools. As a result, the joint school of engineering for FAMU and FSU was formed. Since the inception of this collaborative effort, the schools have been able to garner millions of dollars in sponsored research via its multi-year contract, graduate a bevy of talented young people who have gone on to do incredible things in the field of engineering and manufacturing, and attract bright minds from all across the country.

As a long serving elected official from the State of Florida who has a vivid memory of previous attempts by the Florida Legislature to weaken the academic standing at FAMU by defunding the university’s law school, nursing program, and several other programs throughout the years. I believe that tax dollars used to create a new school of engineering for Florida State University, when there is already a successful partnership in place with Florida A&M University is counterproductive to increasing engineering graduates.

Instead of using scarce tax dollars to duplicate another scholastic program within the city of Tallahassee, there should be an effort to allocate that funding to issues that are of greater need and priority. Issues such as expanding Medicaid in Florida to the thousands of uninsured people who make too much to qualify for the program, yet not enough to purchase insurance of their own, investing in education so that students currently in school have the resources and funding to receive the quality education they deserve, and among other things, appropriating the necessary funds to improve our states infrastructure and invest in projects such as SunRail and improving our ports.

There is no reason this plan should move forward without additional dialogue. The short and long term implications of this plan are unknown. As an alumnus and lifelong advocate of FAMU, I recommend that proponents of this measure withdraw their support and give all stakeholders an opportunity to discuss a better way forward. With the long-term future of Florida A&M University at stake, we can no longer sit idly by as there are continuous attempts to weaken and dismantle the nation’s largest Historically Black College. As the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case has shown us, separate is not always equal. The notion that future legislatures will equally protect the funding for both institutions is naïve and credulous.  At a time when we need cooperation and increased partnership, this hasty resolution to a problem that does not exist, will only plant the seed of division and discord. Join me in urging the Florida Legislature to do what is best for Florida A&M University and Florida State University by opposing this measure and defeating this legislation  today. 


Sincerely,

Corrine Brown
Member of Congress 

SUNDAY LIVE ON ESPNU/ESPN3: FAMU Rattlers prepare for Bethune-Cookman 'Cats, ESPN TV exposure

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Just having to play Bethune-Cookman University in a baseball series that could solidify FAMU’s hold on first place in the MEAC’s South Division is enough for coach Jamey Shouppe and the Rattlers to worry about.

On top of that, they have the added oddity of playing the final game of that series on television Sunday – exposure that the Rattlers haven’t had in about 15 years.

April 6, 2014 - 1:03 p.m. ESPNU Broadcast/ESPN3 LIVE 
Jackie Robinson Ballpark (4,800) - Daytona Beach, Florida

But Shouppe insisted that neither the rivalry with the Wildcats nor the fact that a national television audience will watch the last game is going to affect their approach.

“We are going to go in and play as good as we can,” said Shouppe, who has the Rattlers holding first place in the league for the first time since 1997. “We are going to try to win three baseball games.”

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Jim Henry column: Shouppe 'excited' about FAMU's progress

FAMU BASEBALL HEAD COACH JAMEY SHOUPPE
Courtesy: Florida A&M Athletics

Rattlers' baseball program shows improvement

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  It's the chance to coach a Division I program for the first time. To mold players into a team and into men.

It's the chance to see if his knowledge of the sport can be applied each day into a system that works.

It's not the ideal situation, by any means, and he could complain long and loud if he so desired.

That’s not his style.

When the sun dips behind Moore-Kittles Field each night, hey, it's still baseball.

And Jamey Shouppe is having the time of his life at Florida A&M.

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Jackson State O-line adjusts to challenges of newest scheme

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- As the rain continued to pour and the first sound of thunder was heard, Jackson State canceled its spring football practice on Friday morning, rescheduling it for next week.

But before the players and coaches dispersed, new offensive line coach Tommy Poynter met with his nine linemen, hoping to hammer a message about the last four practices.

“I told them, ‘Guys, in these next few days, these are the most pivotal days of our spring. I’m expecting us, when we leave spring ball, to feel good that we’ve got everything installed, that there’s no questions in our mind about guys understanding how to line up, guys understanding what they’re doing and guys understanding how to do it,’” Poynter said.



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Offense Tops Defense in TSU Blue and White Game, 36-24

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- The Tennessee State football team held its annual Blue and White Game on Saturday at Hale Stadium in front of over 1,000 TSU supporters. The offense defeated the defense, 36-24, and led throughout the entire game.

Quarterback Mike German led the Blue Team, completing 11-of-14 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown.

Three backs split the carries, but Tennessee transfer Tom Smith proved to be the most productive, totaling 67 yards on six touches.

Nick Thrasher anchored the defense with six tackles and fumble-recovery, while reigning OVC Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Bass was just as destructive in the spring, recording a pair of sacks and blocking a field goal.

On the first drive of the game, German was a perfect 5-of-5 for 48 yards. Most of his passes went to tight end Joe Bowens who had three receptions for 37 yards.

Tevin Spells started the game at running back for TSU and capped off the opening series with a one-yard touchdown. Spells ran five times on the possession for 25 yards.

The fireworks during the opening minutes gave the Blue Team an early, 13-0, lead.

The defense responded after the early score, as Thrasher recovered a dropped snap to give the White Team three points before the end of the first quarter.

Smith regrouped the offense in a hurry to begin the second period, racing down the left sideline for a 40-yard gain. However, Bass recorded a sack and then blocked a field goal, making the score 14-10 in favor of the Blue squad.

A final three-and-out by the offense put the defense behind by just one, 14-13, heading into halftime.

Ryan Mitchell started the second half with a 16-yard run on a reverse, and later caught a 35-yard touchdown pass on a deep throw from German.

Mitchell finished the game with three catches for 77 yards and one score.

The second-string defense led by second-year lineman Rodney Edwards, Baron Poole and Roc-M Nesbitt forced a handful of stops for the remainder of the contest, but the Blue Team did find the end zone once more when receiver Lavatiae Kelly ran the ball in  from three-yards out.

The Blue and White Game signaled the end of Spring Practice for the Tigers, but the team will suit back up in the fall in preparation of the 2014 season.

Note: The Blue Team defeated the White Team in the Legends Game, 30-24, as James Wade threw a touchdown pass to Joe Stone in the corner of the end zone with just six seconds left.



COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern coach Roger Cador prefers forfeit to makeup

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  The Southern University baseball team is scheduled to return to Houston to play a makeup doubleheader against Texas Southern on May 9.

But Jaguars coach Roger Cador said he’s prepared to forfeit the games to save the expenses of a trip that isn’t in the budget and avoid the strain on players who will be taking final exams that week. Additionally, the makeup date is the same as the university’s commencement.

Southern and Texas Southern played just one of three scheduled games in Houston last month because of rain. The Southwestern Athletic Conference has a “100 percent rule,” which requires that all divisional games be played.

“We don’t have the money,” Cador said. “Just the bus is $3,000. You’re looking at $1,600 or so for a hotel and another $1,000 or so for food. So you’re talking about another five or six thousand dollars easy that you don’t have. That’s money I wish I had for recruiting.

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Eagles beat Nuggets 6-3; AUM dual matches canceled

NEW ORLEANS -- Southern Miss won the final three singles matches Friday to escape with a 6-3 women's victory against NAIA No. 2 Xavier University of Louisiana at XU Tennis Center.

Amber Brown tied the dual at 3 for the Gold Nuggets (11-6) with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory against Kathrin Waidner at No. 6 singles. But the Golden Eagles (7-11) took the lead for good when Mahitha Dadireddy beat Kourtney Howell 6-2, 7-5 at No. 2, then clinched when Lisa Noderer defeated Brion Flowers 6-2, 6-7 (6-8), 6-1 at No. 3.

Freshman Nour Abbes won in doubles and singles for Xavier. She teamed with Simone-Alyse Ewell for an 8-5 victory against Waidner and Karina Gurgenyan at No. 3, and Abbes defeated Carolin Drescher 6-4, 6-3 at the top singles flight.

Abbes is 11-0 in singles and is 5-0 in doubles with Ewell as her partner. Ewell stretched her doubles win streak to 12.

The Gold Nuggets are 1-4 this season against NCAA Division I opponents. The loss to Southern Miss was just the second in Xavier's past 10 duals.

Xavier's men's and women's home duals against Auburn Montgomery, scheduled for Saturday, were canceled due to impending rain. The Gold Nuggets' next dual will start at 3 p.m. on April 14 at home against Southern. The next Gold Rush dual will start at 2 p.m. April 12 at home against William Carey.

Results

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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TSU Tigers Take to Road For OVC Double Headers versus UT Martin, Southeast Missouri

Courtesy: TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tennessee   --  The Tigers take to the road to tame a pair of Hawks as they continue Ohio Valley Conference play. Tennessee State opens with the Skyhawks of UT Martin for a double header beginning at 1:00pm on Saturday. The Redhawks of Southeast Missouri are the opponents for TSU on Sunday with a 12:00pm double dip.

All games can be heard on tsutigers.com. The UTM twin bill can be seen on the ovcdigitalnetwork.com. 

Play this weekend marks the halfway point of OVC play. Tennessee State will look to get back into the playoff hunt, as they sit two-and-a-half games out of the final qualifying spot. The Tigers are coming off a weekend where they were unable to score a run against Jacksonville State, who swept a three-game series. It was the first time in 2014 the Tigers have been held scoreless in consecutive games. 

Historically, Shea Morris is one win away from becoming the winningest pitcher in TSU history. Morris is also 10 strikeouts away from becoming the first hurler in program history to record 500. Olivia Gamache is on the verge of becoming the fourth pitcher in school history to reach 200 in the same category. Gamache, is currently fourth on the career list, is just 11 punch outs shy of the mark. 

UT Martin (17-6-1, 5-3)

2013 Record: 37-20

Conference: OVC

2013 Finish: 14-10/4th

Series Record: 7-53

Last Time Played: 3-23-13, L 0-13

Last Win: 3-23-13, 4-2 

Elizabeth Wiegand has stepped up as the ace of the Skyhawks, starting 16 games and appearing in 17. Wiegand has compiled a 9-4 record with a 3.12 ERA in 96.1 innings of work. UTM also relies on Casey Vincent (4-4, 3.29) and Kenzi Tate (3-3 2.41) to form their rotation. Offensively, the Skyhawks are batting .281 as a team and are led by Deven Wilson and Kayla Wade. Wilson is hitting at a .365 clip with nine double, three dingers and 20 RBI. Wade is hitting .355 and has crossed home plate 20 times and has three doubles, two triples, a home run and a team-leading 15 stolen bases.

Southeast Missouri State (7-18, 2-5)

2013 Record: 15-23

Conference: OVC

2013 Finish: 6-18/6th West

Series Record: 7-52

Last Time Played: 3-24-13, L 0-4

Last Win: 4-9-10, 6-4  

Savannah Carpenter is the top Redhawk, pacing the squad with a .433 average with six doubles, four home runs and 16 RBI. Haylee Crack provides support at .329 and tops the team in runs (13), home runs (7) and runs driven in (20). As a unit, the SEMO pitching corpse has a Team ERA of 5.34, while opponents are batting .324 against the staff. Keaira Schilling is 2-8 on the season and has tossed a team high 63.2 innings and is supported by Hannah Durham and Aubrey Denno. Durham is 2-5 in 48.2 innings, while Denno is 3-5, working in 44.0 innings.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

MEAC schools showing interest in WSSU's Collins

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Bobby Collins, the men’s basketball coach at Winston-Salem State, has been drawing interest from at least three Division I schools with coaching vacancies.

Collins confirmed that MEAC members Maryland Eastern-Shore, Delaware State and Coppin State have contacted him.

“There’s been interest,” Collins said by telephone Friday night from the Final Four near Dallas. “I’m not going to get into particulars but there’s interest from me, as well. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens — so I really don’t want to say anything more.”

Collins just completed his eighth season at WSSU and probably ...

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Former FAMU Rattler WR Harvey signs with NY Giants

TRAVIS HARVEY

Five things to know about Travis Harvey

NEW YORK  --  Former Florida A&M wide receiver Travis Harvey has signed a contract with the New York Giants, per the FAMU Athletics Department.

1. Wide receiver Travis Harvey, 6-2 and 188 pounds, went undrafted out of Florida A&M in 2013.

2. Harvey spent part of the 2013 preseason with the Tennessee Titans before being released in training camp.

3. In his final year of college in 2012, Harvey caught ...

>> VIEW TRAVIS HARVEY PHOTO GALLERY

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Joseph LeBeau signs with CFL team

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Former Jackson State defensive end Joseph LeBeau is back in the pros, this time with the Canadian Football League.

LeBeau, who played at JSU for two seasons, signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a DE late in March. Following his 2012 senior season at Jackson State, the New Orleans native signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent but was waived last August.

According to the Tiger-Cats’ website, LeBeau is listed at 6-foot, 245-pounds, which is 26 more pounds than when he signed with the Rams as a linebacker.

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Lincoln Football Continues Spring Practice

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania -- The Lions continued football drills throughout their second week of scheduled practice sessions, going through a two-hour workout at the LU Football Stadium.

The Lions, who return 14 starters (eight offensive, six defensive), opened the practice with position drills, before running play sets with the first-team offense going against the first-team defense.

Lincoln will conclude their Spring Practices on Friday, April 11th with the annual Spring Game at 7 pm.

Lincoln opens the 2014 season with a nationally televised home game against rival Cheyney in the annual "Battle of the First" on Thursday, September 4, 2014.

Here are the remaining practice dates and times (subject to change):

Practice No. 8: Thursday, April 3, 6:00 p.m.
Practice No. 9. Friday, April 4, 6:00 p.m.
Practice No.10 (Scrimmage): Saturday, April 5, 11:00 a.m.
Practice No. 11: Monday, April 7, 6:00 p.m.
Practice No. 12: Tuesday, April 8, 6:00 p.m.
Practice No. 13: Wednesday, April 9, 6:00 p.m.
Practice No. 14: Thursday, April 10, 6:00 p.m.
Practice No. 15 (Spring Game): Friday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.

COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Brown Named PVAMU Head Women's Basketball Coach

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Prairie View A&M University has officially named Dawn Brown as its head women's basketball coach. Brown, who served on an interim basis this past season, becomes Prairie View A&M's fifth head coach since the program moved to the NCAA Division I ranks in 1982.

"Coach Brown has done a tremendous job in continuing the overall success of the program on-and-off the court," said Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson. "She stepped into the position last summer and immediately proved herself as a solid motivator, teacher and recruiter. Coach Brown has the desire to move the Prairie View A&M women's basketball to another level in terms of its national profile after having an instrumental part in the program's success over the past four seasons."

Named the team's interim head coach on July 1, 2013, Brown led the Lady Panthers to their fourth consecutive NCAA Women's Basketball Division I Tournament appearance and the team's fourth straight SWAC Tournament Championship this past season. Under her watch, junior point guard Jeanette Jackson had a record-breaking season as she became the all-time single season scoring leader in PVAMU women's basketball history in addition to earning All-SWAC First Team and SWAC Tournament MVP Honors. Brown also developed senior guard LaReahn Washington into a scoring threat as the senior had a career season in her lone season as a starter while sophomore post Shamiya Brooks emerged as one of the top shot blockers in the SWAC.

In addition to the team's individual accolades, the Lady Panthers had a pair of five-game winning streaks under Brown over the course of the 2013-14 campaign and won 10-of-11 contests during a two-month span. Since joining the PVAMU women's basketball program as an assistant coach in 2010, the Lady Panthers are a perfect 12-0 in postseason play with Brown on the bench.

Prior to becoming interim head coach, Brown served as the team's assistant coach for three seasons along with adding the responsibilities of recruiting coordinator during the 2012-13 campaign. Brown recruited 2012 SWAC All-Tournament center Larissa Scott, 2013 SWAC Tournament MVP Kiara Etienne and do-it-all forward JaQuandria Williams, who contributed heavily to the Lady Panthers' SWAC Tournament Championships in 2012 and 2013.

Before coaching at Prairie View A&M, Brown spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Tougaloo College. At Tougaloo, Brown played a major part in turning the program around as the Lady Bulldogs finished the 2009-10 season with their best record in 12 years and advanced to the semifinal round of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament.

A 2005 graduate of Jackson State University, she had a two-year career as a student-athlete with the Lady Tigers and helped capture the 2002-03 SWAC Regular Season Co-Championship and a SWAC Tournament semi-final berth.

Before her playing days at Jackson State, Brown a two-time captain at Atlanta Metropolitan College, led the team to two-straight GJCAA Tournament appearances as she was a part of the inaugural team in 2000.

Dawn knows the demands of a Division I student-athlete, as she also excelled in the classroom earning her Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2005. She also holds memberships in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Order of Eastern Star, Black Colleges & Administrators and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

Brown is the proud daughter of William and Imelda Brown.

Prairie View A&M University has officially named Dawn Brown as its head women's basketball coach. Brown, who served on an interim basis this past season, becomes Prairie View A&M's fifth head coach since the program moved to the NCAA Division I ranks in 1982.

"Coach Brown has done a tremendous job in continuing the overall success of the program on-and-off the court," said Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson. "She stepped into the position last summer and immediately proved herself as a solid motivator, teacher and recruiter. Coach Brown has the desire to move the Prairie View A&M women's basketball to another level in terms of its national profile after having an instrumental part in the program's success over the past four seasons."

Named the team's interim head coach on July 1, 2013, Brown led the Lady Panthers to their fourth consecutive NCAA Women's Basketball Division I Tournament appearance and the team's fourth straight SWAC Tournament Championship this past season. Under her watch, junior point guard Jeanette Jackson had a record-breaking season as she became the all-time single season scoring leader in PVAMU women's basketball history in addition to earning All-SWAC First Team and SWAC Tournament MVP Honors. Brown also developed senior guard LaReahn Washington into a scoring threat as the senior had a career season in her lone season as a starter while sophomore post Shamiya Brooks emerged as one of the top shot blockers in the SWAC.

In addition to the team's individual accolades, the Lady Panthers had a pair of five-game winning streaks under Brown over the course of the 2013-14 campaign and won 10-of-11 contests during a two-month span. Since joining the PVAMU women's basketball program as an assistant coach in 2010, the Lady Panthers are a perfect 12-0 in postseason play with Brown on the bench.

Prior to becoming interim head coach, Brown served as the team's assistant coach for three seasons along with adding the responsibilities of recruiting coordinator during the 2012-13 campaign. Brown recruited 2012 SWAC All-Tournament center Larissa Scott, 2013 SWAC Tournament MVP Kiara Etienne and do-it-all forward JaQuandria Williams, who contributed heavily to the Lady Panthers' SWAC Tournament Championships in 2012 and 2013.

Before coaching at Prairie View A&M, Brown spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Tougaloo College. At Tougaloo, Brown played a major part in turning the program around as the Lady Bulldogs finished the 2009-10 season with their best record in 12 years and advanced to the semifinal round of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament.

A 2005 graduate of Jackson State University, she had a two-year career as a student-athlete with the Lady Tigers and helped capture the 2002-03 SWAC Regular Season Co-Championship and a SWAC Tournament semi-final berth.

Before her playing days at Jackson State, Brown a two-time captain at Atlanta Metropolitan College, led the team to two-straight GJCAA Tournament appearances as she was a part of the inaugural team in 2000.

Dawn knows the demands of a Division I student-athlete, as she also excelled in the classroom earning her Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2005. She also holds memberships in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Order of Eastern Star, Black Colleges & Administrators and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

Brown is the proud daughter of William and Imelda Brown.

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

In the FCS Huddle: Fobbs delivers healing at Grambling

HEAD COACH BRODERICK FOBBS
Courtesy: Grambling State Athletics

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania - Broderick Fobbs could sense Grambling State would be a part of his future even during the moment he was making it his past.

Shortly after he graduated from the university in 1997, he was off to discover the world. Yet as he drove over the hill that so many do while departing both campus and the tiny town in Louisiana, Fobbs looked into his car's rear-view mirror that day and told himself he would be back someday.

"I didn't know when," he remembers today, "didn't know what year or what, but I did know at some point that I'd be back."

Broderick Fobbs is indeed back and Grambling State really needs him now.

He's been hired to restore the legendary ...

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With options at QB, NSU coach seeks a clear choice

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- When Norfolk State conducts the first of 15 scheduled spring practices today, 10th-year coach Pete Adrian will have one top objective.

And it's no small task.

"We've got to find a starting quarterback," he said. "That's my main goal for the season, is to have a definite starter coming out of spring practice."

How definite that can be remains to be seen. In addition to rising juniors Tyler Clark, Malik Stokes and Omari Timmons, who split 11 of 12 starts last season, Adrian will have at least one more option after the spring.

Terrance Ervin, a 6-foot-3 incoming freshman who led Chesterfield's L.C. Bird High to consecutive state titles, will arrive for summer workouts in July. Ervin, who went 29-0 as a starter in high school, will be given a shot.

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Jacksonville University to interview TSU's Mike Davis

HOUSTON (FOX 26) -- College basketball sources told FOX 26 Sports Jacksonville University (Fla.) has received permission from Texas Southern to interview Tigers men's basketball coach Mike Davis.

Davis took over the TSU program two years ago and led the Tigers to the SWAC regular season championship while the program was on NCAA probation.

He led TSU to a 16-2 conference record in 2013, but the school was barred from postseason play.

Davis followed that success by leading the Tigers to the SWAC Postseason Tournament title in 2014, landing the school's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2003.

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Alcorn State 2014 Bravefest Set for April 12

LORMAN, Mississippi --  On Saturday, April 12, 2014, Alcorn State University Braves will host its' annual Bravefest on the "Reservation."

The day has a full slate of activities taking place which includes high school day that morning beginning at 9 a.m.

Head Coach Barrett Rey and the Braves baseball team host Alabama State in a key three-game weekend series.  First pitch begins Saturday with game one at 12 p.m. followed by game two at 3 p.m.  The Braves wrap up the weekend series with the Hornets on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Alcorn State football team will play its' annual Purple and Gold Spring game on Saturday at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium.  The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite will be in attendance to "AMP" your day with their familiar hits such as "Funky Stuff" and "The Braves Fight Song."  Admission and tailgating is free of charge for the game which is set to begin at 2:00 p.m.

So come on out to the "Yard" and bring your families to support the Alcorn State
Football team as they prepare for the 2014 season and the Alcorn State Baseball teams as they look to sweep the first place Alabama State Hornets.  "You don't want to miss out on all the action."

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION