North Carolina A&T Nursing School: Future Uncertain

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T's nursing degree program is in peril after the UNC Board of Governors decided to temporarily suspend enrollment.

In 2010 and 2011, fewer than 75 percent of A&T's nursing school passed the National Council Licensure Examination on the first try. That could have terminated the program, but the Board of Governors gave the nursing school two more years to get passing scores above 85 percent.

A&T fell short again in 2013, with only 81 percent of students passing on the first try. Now, the board of governors has put the brakes on the 2015 school year. They have 60 days to set up a review panel, which will then consider whether to close the degree program.

Inez Tuck is the Dean of North Carolina A&T's School of Nursing. She said they have improved curriculum, hired ...

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UAPB downs UALR, 6-5 in extra innings

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- A Mike Wieland single to right field scoring Mitch Bruckshaw propelled the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Baseball team to a 6-5 win over Arkansas-Little Rock in the bottom of the 10th inning, here Tuesday afternoon at the Torii Hunter Baseball, Softball Complex.

UALR (16-22) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning with Ben Crumpton scoring on a Tanner Rockwell sacrifice to right field, followed by a Joseph Paulino single scoring Austin Pfeiffer and then a Sam Vogel fielder's choice scored Justin Steelmon.

UAPB cut the Trojans' lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the third inning as Jose Hernandez scored on a wild pitch, followed by an Andre Davis single scoring Wieland.

The Trojans added to their lead in the top of the fifth inning with a Paulino ground out to shortstop scoring Pfeiffer, making the score 4-2 in favor of UALR.

Wieland scored his second run of the game on an error, cutting UALR's lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning.

UAPB took the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning as both Isias Alcantar and Wieland scored on a pair of throwing errors, giving the Golden Lions a 5-4 lead.

UALR tied the contest at 5-5 on a Petr Sila bases loads walk scoring Crumpton in the top of the ninth inning.

UAPB (17-23) finished the contest with 11 hits with Davis going three-for-five from the plate to lead the Golden Lions, whereas UALR tallied six hits in the contest with Paulino going two-for-four from the plate to lead the Trojans.

Redmond Floyd (1-0) picked up the win for UAPB as he pitched one scoreless inning in the three batters he faced. Samuel Olson, the UAPB starter pitched three innings, allowing two hits, three earned runs and striking out two in the 14 batters he faced.

Travis McDonald (2-6) received the loss for UALR as he pitched one and two-third in
nings, allowing three hits, one earned runs and striking out two in the eight batters, he faced, while Jake Busiek the Trojan starter pitched two and one-third innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs and striking three in the 13 batters he faced.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

AAMU Spring Football #13

NORMAL, Albabama – Head coach James Spady wrapped up his thirteenth practice of the spring semester at Alabama A&M with something rarely seen.

During a situational scrimmage the first year head coach made everyone live including the quarterbacks.

The players immediately celebrated the announcement as they have had to hold back during every meeting of live tackling drills.



The result was similar to previous drills with the players who have hit each other through the last 12 practices playing in a similar style remembering these were not only their teammates but classmates.

A&M will return to the field on Friday, April 25, at 4 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium for their final practice of the new year before the spring game.

The Maroon & White spring scrimmage is set for Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m. in Louis Crews stadium.

Fans will be able to tailgate for free and are encouraged to come out and enjoy themselves on "The Hill".

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hill set to play ball at Fayetteville State

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Jordan Hill spent two seasons playing basketball at the junior college level. Not only did the New Bern native mature as a player, she became a dominant one at Lenoir Community College.

Hill, who led the Division II JUCO ranks with 24.4 points per game this past season, signed her National Letter of Intent to play women’s basketball at Fayetteville State.

“I made it. It’s like a dream come true,” Hill said.

Fayetteville State, a Division II program, competes in the CIAA conference. The Broncos finished 21-7 and lost by three points in the conference tournament championship game.

They are led by head coach Eva Patterson-Heath.

“I’m going to give them my all. Whatever they want me to do, I am going to do it,” Hill said.

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CIAA Names Donnell Leathers as Coordinator of Football Officials

HAMPTON, Virginia – After a 39-year career at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Mr. Charles Bartlett retired from his position as coordinator of football officials at the end of December 2013. Bartlett worked as a CIAA official for 18 years and served as the coordinator of football officials for 21 years.

"We are thankful for all of Mr. Bartlett's hard work serving the CIAA for almost 40 years," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "The CIAA congratulates him on his well-deserved retirement."

Bartlett's successor will be Mr. Donnell Leathers, who has an extensive officiating resume. Liberty University alumni and a retired member of the United States Army, Leathers is currently a CIAA and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) football official. He has been with the CIAA since 1989 and with the MEAC since 2000 and has officiated more than 115 NCAA FCS college football games and over 120 regular season NCAA Division II college football games. He is an active member of the Southeastern Athletic Officials Association as well as three college Football Officials Associations.

Leathers also has been an active basketball official for the CIAA and the South Atlantic Conference (SAC-8) since 1989. He has officiated many regular season CIAA and SAC-8 basketball games and postseason games for NCAA Division II.

"Mr. Leathers is a longtime member of the CIAA family," said McWilliams. "We look forward to having him take the next step in his career as the new coordinator of football officials."

The CIAA Football mini-camp was held April 4-6 and had 62 attendees, 40 of which were trying out for the 2014 CIAA staff. The CIAA Annual Football Clinic will be August 1-2, and will only be open to CIAA staff. The next tryout will be held spring 2015.

COURTESY THECIAA.COM

NCCU Football Signs Tranfer to Fill Need at Wide Receiver

DURHAM, North Carolina  -- At the end of spring practice, North Carolina Central University first-year head football coach Jerry Mack said he was looking for more offensive playmakers. Mack landed one on Tuesday with the signing of Scottsdale Community College wide receiver Anas Hasic.

The 6-0, 195-pound receiver collected 58 catches for 890 yards and 10 touchdowns during Scottsdale's 10-1 season in 2013.

Hasic, who was born in Croatia, was a two-year starter at North Canyon High School in Phoenix, Ariz.  He was selected as the region offensive player of the year after amassing 49 receptions for 1,016 yards and breaking every receiving record at North Canyon.

He originally signed with Northern Arizona University in February 2011, before playing the 2012 and 2013 seasons at Scottsdale Community College.



COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

MSU Blue-Orange Spring Game set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26

COURTESY MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Morgan State fans should mark their calendars for Saturday, April 26 as the Bears will conclude its spring football practice with the annual Blue-Orange Spring Game under new head coach Lee Hull.

"We're wrapping up the spring practice season and we encourage our fans to come out and support the 2014 edition of the Bears Football Program," said Hull. "The spring game will be a great opportunity for fans to see all the hard work and effort this program has put in over the last few weeks."

"Fans will get a very good idea of what to expect for the upcoming 2014 season. They'll see a very exciting offense, a very physical defense, and a team that's going to go out there and compete."

Kickoff for the contest is set for 1 p.m. at Hughes Stadium.  The admission is free of charge to the public.

The spring game is scheduled for four 15-minute quarters. The clock will stop during the first half and will run continuously in the second half. In addition to touchdowns and field goals, points are awarded on offense for explosive plays, while the defenders gain points for sacks, tackles for loss, three and outs, and turnovers.

Morgan State fans will have a chance to get a glimpse of what's shaping up to be another highly anticipated football season on East Cold Spring Lane.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Hampton Sailing Finishes Ninth in Maisa Women's Championship

PHOTO COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

ITHACA, New York – The Hampton University sailing team finished ninth in the MAISA Women's Championship, which was hosted by Cornell University this past Saturday and Sunday.

It was Hampton's first time competing in this regatta.

The Pirates finished with 210 points overall. Georgetown won the r

Giuditta Di Laghi and Kitija Megne sailed in the A Division, tallying 118 points after recording three top-five finishes. Veronica Maccari and Ioana Kalfinova sailed in the B Division, recording six top-five finishes – including one second-place effort and four third-place finishes – tallying 92 points.

The Pirates will be in Great Neck, N.Y. this Saturday and Sunday to compete for the America Trophy. For more information on Hampton University sailing, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
egatta with 100 points.

RESULTS

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

ASU women's golf team wins SWAC title

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana  -- The Alabama State women's golf team won its second straight Southwestern Athletic Conference championship Tuesday at Links On The Bayou Golf Course.
The Lady Hornets' two-day total of 618 was 50 strokes better than Texas Southern, which owned an 11-shot lead over Jackson State for second place. Prairie View A&M finished fourth, followed by Mississippi Valley State.

Alabama State won its third conference title in four years and will learn its NCAA tournament destination on Monday at 5 p.m. The selection show will be televised live by the Golf Channel.

"As a team, this is a special group," said Alabama State coach Gary Grandison, who won SWAC women's coach of the year honors for the second straight season. "They are good students, and they are ...

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Florida A&M's Retention Efforts Recognized By US News and World Report

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been listed as one of the top "Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Where Freshmen Return" by U.S. News & World Report.

Announced on April 15, FAMU ranked No. 4 on the "Freshman Return" list with an average freshman retention rate of 79.5 percent.

The "Freshman Return" list reveals the top 10 institutions, out of 68 ranking HBCUs, with the highest average freshman retention rate for first-year students from fall 2008-2011. FAMU exceeded the list's average freshman retention rate of 63.5 by 16 percent. The rankings are based on the publication's 2013 survey.

"One of the common challenges HBCU's and many other institutions face is institutionalizing, in a systematic and sustained manner, initiatives to increase student retention, progression and graduation. This is due in impart to economic disparities," said William Hudson Jr., vice president for Student Affairs. "This top ranking by U.S News & World Report is a crucial testament to FAMU's ability to rise to the occasion, despite the odds, and meet these challenges through its tireless efforts to recruit, retain and graduate the nation's best and brightest students."

U.S. News also names FAMU among the top 10 HBCU's in the nation in its 2014 rankings.

name (state)	Average freshman retention rate (2008-2011)	U.S. News Historically Black Colleges and Universities ranking
Spelman College (GA)	88%	1
Morehouse College (GA)	82.5%	2
Howard University (DC)	82.3%	3
Florida A&M University	79.5%	9
Winston-Salem State University (NC)	78.3%	17
Elizabeth City State University (NC)	76.5%	18
Southern University and A&M College (LA)	75.7%	RNP*
Tougaloo College (MS)	74.8%	14
Jackson State University (MS)	74.5%	25
North Carolina A&T State University	74.5%	8

*RNP denotes an institution that is ranked in the bottom one-fourth of its ranking category. U.S. News calculates a rank for the school but has decided not to publish it.

Don't see your school in the top 10? Access the U.S. News College Compass to find freshman retention rate data, complete rankings and much more. School officials can access historical data and rankings, including of peer institutions, via U.S. News Academic Insights. 

Judge, S.C. State tennis hope to find success at NCAA tournament

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Does it ever get old?

South Carolina State tennis coach Hardeep Judge has answered that question numerous times since adding two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships to his office desk at Rowe Hall. With another post-season conference tournament sweep by the men and women this past Sunday at the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center, the trophy count now stands at 24 overall, 20 and counting for the program under Judge.

Yet as S.C. State awaits the announcement of their first-round opponent in the upcoming NCAA tournament, these latest trophies have apparently earned a special place in Judge’s heart.

“Every year has its own challenges and this year we definitely had our own challenges and different challenges,” said Judge, who also claimed his 20th MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Coach award, 10 on each side. “They asked me that question (see top) ... and I really think this year — the two that we won this year ... meant the most.”

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ASU men, women lead SWAC golf after opening round

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana – Both Alabama State golf teams are in first place after the first round of competition at the Southwestern Athletic Conference golf championships.

The women's team, which have won two of the last three conference championships, hold a 30-shot lead over second-place Jackson State after shooting an opening round score of 306 at the Links on the Bayou Golf Course.

The men's team, which captured conference titles in 2012 and 2013, lead Jackson State by 21 strokes after shooting a one-under 287 at the Oak Wing Golf Course.

"I'm really focused on day two," ASU golf coach Gary Grandison said. "Day one is over. Both teams played well in spurts. They played better than their scores reflect, which is good for us."

The women's team returns all five starters from ...

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Dana Ford Announced as TSU New Men's Basketball Coach

DANA FORD
HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Photo Courtesy of TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Dana Ford was introduced as the next head coach of the Tennessee State men’s basketball team at a press conference on Monday.

“We are going to be in the hands of a rising star,” Athletics Director Teresa Phillips said. “Dana is a well-rounded man with wisdom that goes beyond his years. He is the right fit at the right time.”

 

Ford, 29, will take over a program that went 5-25 last season. However, he has shown that he can turn things around quickly, as TSU increased its win total to twenty games during his final year as an assistant (2010-11).

 

“My main goal is to build a program that the current students and the past alumni can be proud of,” Ford said. “

 

"The focus will be about the players; they will be responsible for the wins, while I will be held accountable for the losses.

 

“Recruiting is the life-line of the program and I have a pretty good track record as a recruiter, but any head coach is just as good as his staff. I look forward to bringing together the best personnel.”

 

Ford was also responsible for signing high-profile Tigers Robert Covington, Patrick Miller and Kellen Thornton among others.

 

“The only thing that I can promise is that we will play defense like our hair is on fire and rebound like mad men.”

 

 

 

What others are saying about Ford’s hiring:

 

“I am really excited for Dana and his family. Dana was very integral to our success while I was there in Nashville. TSU is getting a fine young coach who will do things the right way while also leading a disciplined program. I expect Dana to educate young men on and off the court as well as compete for championships in due time.” - John Cooper, Head Coach Miami (OH)

“Dana Ford is a rising star in our profession. I was fortunate to be able to work alongside Dana for the past two years and watch him grow.  His passion, energy, knowledge, intensity and ability to build relationships with people are going to allow Dana to be very successful as a head coach.  We will all miss Dana here at Illinois State, but I could not be happier for him and his family to get this great opportunity at Tennessee State.”  - Dan Muller, Head Coach Illinois State

 

"Dana Ford is a rising superstar in the college coaching ranks. He has paid his dues and prepared himself for this opportunity the right way. His résumé is topped off with an aggressive, charismatic style that is guarded with wonderful humility. The TSU fans can expect big things from this talented coach."  - Stan Jones, Associate Head Coach Florida State

“I have known Dana since he was in high school and I tried to recruit him to attend Indiana State.  The same qualities that he possessed back then to make him a successful basketball player are the exact same qualities that will make him a successful head coach. He is first and foremost a good person who cares about the welfare of others, with a relentless work ethic. He is extremely bright and relates well to all, regardless of demographics.”  - Rick Ray, Head Coach Mississippi State

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern University Banks agree in principle to new deal

ROMAN BANKS
Photo courtesy of SU Athletics

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University and head men's basketball coach Roman Banks have reached an agreement in principle to a new deal ensuring the return of the two-time SWAC and Louisiana Sports Writers' Association's Coach of the Year, athletic department officials confirmed Monday.

"We're excited about the prospect of continuing our relationship with Coach Banks and I remain excited about his leadership of the men's basketball team at Southern U.," Athletics Director Dr. William Broussard said.

Approval for the new deal is pending and is not expected until the Southern University Board of Supervisors meet in May. Term of the contract were not disclosed at the present time.

"Today, Southern University has expressed its commitment to the future of the men's basketball program by investing in me to remain as head coach," Banks said. "With a new agreement in place, I am eager to move the men's basketball program forward while elevating the standard of excellence that we set as a coaching staff when I first arrived in 2011. But none of this would be possible without the relentless efforts of our university administration, athletics director, coaches and, most importantly, our student-athletes."

In three season as head coach, Banks has compiled a stellar 59-37 overall record, winning the SWAC tournament title in 2013 and the SWAC regular season crown in 2014. This past season, Banks guided Southern to a 19-13 record and the program's first regular season SWAC title since 2003.

Banks, a Shreveport native and former Northwestern State standout, is credited as the catalyst who helped restore the men's program to prominence after suffering through several losing seasons and NCAA imposed APR penalties.

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

TSU Tigers Complete Day One of OVC Championships

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama – The Tennessee State women’s golf team struggled to put all facets of the game together on day one of the 2014 Ohio Valley Conference golf championships. The 10-team field played the Par-72, 6,203 yard Fighting Joe course at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals under mostly sunny skies, with winds 7-9 mph and temperatures reaching 79 degrees.

 

Eastern Kentucky leads after the first 18-holes, while TSU is 10th with a 359.Sarah Needleman tied a career best with an 83, as she shot the team low. Needleman carded eight pars and two birdies during the first round. The sophomore hit 10-of-14 fairways, found nine greens in regulation and averaged under a putt per hole.

 

On the par-5, 7th, Needleman sank a 20 foot putt for birdie after she knocked her third shot on the green with a 7-wood from 171 yards out. On the par-4, 16th, the Fishers, Ind. native used a 6-iron from 142 yards to eight feet of the pin to set up her second bird of the day.

 

Laura Bremer (98) was one of only two Tigers to record two birdies on the day. Bremer dropped a pair of seven foot putts, No. 7 and the par-4, 15th. The sophomore-transfer hit six fairways and five greens, while using 36 putts.

 

TSU received scoring rounds from Amelia Dap (90), Kelly Merkel (91) and Natalie Spicer (95).

 

On the par-3, 5th, Dap hit a 7-iron into the wind and onto the green to set up a two putt for par.

 

Merkel notched seven pars on the day and hit eight fairways and eight greens, while Natalie Spicer made five pars as she hit 13-of-14 fairways and seven greens. Both golfers needed 36 putts on the day.

 

The second round will begin at 8:00am on Tuesday morning with Bremer in the first group. Spicer will tee-off at 8:10am, followed by Merkel at 8:20am, Dap at 8:30am and Needleman at 8:40am. Hole-by-hole live results from each day of the championships can be accessed through links at OVCSports.com.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

5 from Xavier are chosen Arthur Ashe Sports Scholars

Jodi Chatters

Alexandria Rencher

Javon Mead

Briana Simms

Devinn Rolland

NEW ORLEANS — Five student-athletes from Xavier University of Louisiana — two more than a year ago — have been selected Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars for the 2013-14 academic year.
     
Repeat selections from Xavier are Javon Mead (men's cross country/track and field) and Devinn Rolland (women's track and field). Mead is a three-time selection, and Rolland has been honored twice. Also chosen were women's volleyball players Jodi Chatters and Alexandria Rencher and women's cross country/track athlete Briana Simms.
      
 Diverse Issues in Higher Education, a magazine based in Fairfax, Va., has sponsored the awards since the mid-1990s. Criteria for the awards include being a person of color with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 through the fall 2012 semester. Honorees must have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution and have a demonstrated record of service to the campus or community.
     
For the second consecutive year, Xavier is the only Louisiana university with an Ashe scholar. XU has five of the six Ashe scholars from NAIA members this year.
      
Mead, a senior from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School, is an accounting major with a 3.67 GPA. He is a three-time All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference cross country runner and has helped the Gold Rush win four GCAC team titles.
      
Mead is the fifth from Xavier to earn the Ashe honor three times. Alexandra Broussard (women's tennis), Jamaan Kenner (men's basketball), Kelechi Okoroha (men's basketball} and Terry Richardson (men's tennis) were the others.
     
Rolland, a junior from Harvey, La., and a graduate of Cabrini High School in New Orleans, is a pharmacy major with a 3.99 GPA. She is a three-time GCAC outdoor champion in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the long jump. This season she ranks third in the NAIA in the 100 and long jump and is tied for 10th in the 200.
      
 Chatters, a sophomore from Lake Charles, La., and a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School, is a biology/pre-medical major with a 3.50 GPA. A libero/defensive specialist in volleyball, Chatters recorded 348 digs and 16 aces this past season for Xavier's 26-8 team which won GCAC regular-season and tournament titles and qualified for the NAIA National Championship.
     
Rencher, a junior from Mobile, Ala., and a graduate of Davidson High School, is a computer science major with a 3.37 GPA. She was second on the Gold Nuggets this past season with 361 assists and served a career-best six aces in a home victory against city rival Loyola. Like Chatters, Rencher was part of an XU team which set a school record of 20 consecutive victories in 2013.
     
Simms, a sophomore from Hendersonville, Tenn., and a graduate of Station Camp High School, is a chemistry major with a 3.23 GPA. Simms is a two-time All-GCAC cross country runner, and she was All-GCAC in the 3,000 steeplechase (second place) and 1,500 (third place) at the GCAC track championships earlier this month
.

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

XU's Flowers, Soifer voted GCAC Players of the Week

Brion Flowers

Nikita Soifer

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana tennis standouts Brion Flowers (women) and Nikita Soifer (men) have been selected Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Players of the Week for April 14-20.

Both players were chosen for the awards for the second time this season and the third time in their careers.
    
Flowers, a sophomore from Lafayette, La., and a graduate of St. Thomas More High School, won in doubles and singles in the Gold Nuggets' 6-3 home victory against Southern University. She teamed with Kourtney Howell for an 8-3 victory against Laura Syori and Kendall Bunch at the top doubles flight, and she won 6-1, 6-3 against Bunch at No. 3 singles. Flowers helped Xavier defeat Southern for the first time since 2009.
    
Soifer, a junior from Beer Sheva, Israel, and a graduate ofHof Hasharon school, won in doubles and singles in the Gold Rush's 5-4 home victory against the University of New Orleans. He teamed with Kyle Montrel for an 8-5 No. 1 doubles victory against Timo Kranz and Rui Silva, and he clinched the dual at No. 2 singles with a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Gonzalo Garcia.
    
Xavier's men, ranked 10th in the NAIA, will conclude its regular season with a 2 p.m. Thursday home dual against Alcorn State. Both XU teams will compete Friday in the NAIA Unaffiliated Group 2 Tournament in New Orleans. The Gold Nuggets are ranked second nationally.


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

Report: Florida A&M Targets Missouri assistant basketball coach Tim Fuller

COLUMBIA, Missouri  --  Missouri assistant basketball coach Tim Fuller will consider the head-coaching job at Florida A&M if he’s released from his Mizzou contract, a source close to the situation told the Post-Dispatch. FAMU, located in Tallahassee and a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, has targeted Fuller for the position, as first reported by CBSSports.com.

Fuller’s Missouri contract expires June 30. He makes $270,000 at MU. According to his contract, Fuller must obtain prior written permission from athletics director Mike Alden and the head coach or MU chancellor R. Bowen Loftin before he can terminate his contract.

Fuller has been serving as MU’s interim coach since Frank Haith accepted the head coaching job at Tulsa last Friday. Fuller, 36, is the only full-time assistant who has been with Haith all three seasons at Mizzou. Promoted to associate head coach in 2012, Fuller was acting coach during Haith’s five-game NCAA suspension to begin the 2013-14 season. He coached the Tigers to five wins over Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Illinois, Hawaii, Gardner-Webb and IUPUI.

Hired away from Rick Pitino’s Louisville staff, Fuller has been Haith’s top recruiter since ...

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READ RELATED ARTICLES
MU interim coach Tim Fuller reportedly is a candidate for Florida A&M job
Frank Haith introduced at Tulsa; Tim Fuller will serve as MU’s interim coach
Alden on Haith's departure: 'It's disappointing'

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/04/18/4967745/mus-alden-will-speak-at-11-tulsa.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/04/21/4973151/mu-interim-coach-tim-fuller-reportedly.html#storylink=cpy

Chowan Hawks Win the 2014 CIAA Women’s Championship with 5-0 Win Over Virginia State

ETTRICK, Virginia -- The Chowan Hawks claimed their first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women's Tennis Championship in school history with they took a dominating 5-0 win over the host Virginia State Lady Trojans at the VSU Tennis Complex on the campus of Virginia State University.

"It was a fantastic effort by the entire team, today," Chowan head coach Chris Stambaugh said. "We've really improved throughout this season and over the past few years."



The Chowan University women's tennis team won the 2014 CIAA Championship
on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of TheCIAA.COM

The Hawks wasted little time in taking control of the match when they took all three doubles wins. Natalya Kamenshchikova and Holly Stambaugh kicked things off with an impressive 8-2 win at #1 doubles, followed by an 8-4 win by Jessica De Backre and Jennifer Humphrey at #3 doubles. The duo of Natalia Andrade and Breanne Johnson took an 8-6 win.

In singles play, Johnson scored the fourth point for the Hawks when she won #2 singles with a 6-0 win and a win by retirement. It was Straffai Cleveland who closed out the win and the championship when she took a 6-0, 6-0 win at #6 singles.

The win brought the first women's tennis championship in school history for the Hawks. However, Stambaugh sees the win being the start of larger goals for the program. "We opened the door, today and we're here," Stambaugh added. "We've laid the groundwork for a successful future here today."

With the win, the Hawks will represent the CIAA in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament.

Box Score

COURTESY THECIAA.COM 

Benicia (Calif.) softball player Chanler Powell signs with Texas Southern

BENICIA, California  -- If Chanler Powell plays this relaxed all season, the Benicia High School softball team may be unstoppable.

Of course, signing her letter of intent to play at Texas Southern University may have had something to do with that.

During a week when she went 6-for-8 with two homers, two doubles, nine RBIs and .750 average, the senior second baseman made her signing official at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill in Benicia on Saturday afternoon.

"It is definitely stressful when you haven't made a decision yet," she said. "You definitely feel like you have something to prove. I think I am the type of player who plays better relaxed. I think once I had my offer and made my decision, I just relaxed and trusted my body and trusted my hands and just let it happen."

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Texas Southern clinches SWAC Western Division with sweep of UAPB

2014 SWAC WEST DIVISION SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY LADY TIGERS
Photo courtesy of TSU ATHLETICS

HOUSTON, Texas  --  The Texas Southern Lady Tigers softball team completed a three-game sweep of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday winning games two and three 9-1 (five innings) and 7-3.

With the two victories the Lady Tigers clinched the regular season title for Southwestern Athletic Conference's Western Division.

"We're really please with the way we came out and played this weekend," said TSU head coach Worley Barker. "Obviously there are a few things that we can improve on but overall I felt like we play well against a quality Arkansas-Pine Bluff softball team."

In game two of the series Madison Staton tossed a gem giving up just two hits and one earned run. Brianna Simpson, Princess Daniels and Kierra Patton helped give her all the run support she would need as they trio tallied three, two, and two RBI respectively.

"We hit the ball well all weekend," said Barker. "In practice we constantly emphasize pitch selection and being disciplined at the plate. Our team has bought into what we've been working with them on and it's starting to pay off for them at the plate."

In game three of the series the Lady Tigers got the opportunity to get several of their reserves some much need playing time. Samantha Jimenez went 5.1 innings picking up the win in the series finale.

Texas Southern will return to Memorial Park on Wednesday for a non-conference contest versus Sam Houston State. The Lady Tigers will host Southern this upcoming weekend in what will be TSU's conference series finale.

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2  

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Jackson State’s basketball recruiting class has JUCO feel to it

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Wayne Brent knows he’s returning a young group.

That’s why the Jackson State basketball coach didn’t target many high school players this recruiting season.

If the program wants to win fast, it has to bring in more experienced players, he said. So with the five scholarships he had to offer, Brent targeted junior college players.

“With the junior college kids, we got a chance to compete and win, right now,” Brent said.

“We felt, coming in from last year, we’d go get our freshmen kids, build our foundation, and the second year go back and bring in ...

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Defense dominates in Alabama A&M scrimmage

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- There was no middle ground on Friday morning when the Alabama A&M football road show continued. 

The Bulldogs' defense was generally terrific.  The Bulldogs' offense was genuinely horrific.

That's pretty much James Spady's review after the 100-plus-play scrimmage, held on the Bob Jones High practice field; A&M's new "community outreach" philosophy has taken the 'Dogs to Huntsville High and Johnson High as well.

"Our defense was really salty," Spady said. "I'm not sure if they were in the right place, if they had the right assignments, but they competed.

"As good as the defense looked, the offense looked that bad. We've got some work to do," he said.

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AAMU Football Adjusts Practice Schedule

NORMAL, Alabama -- The Alabama A&M football team will adjust their spring practice schedule for a workshop scheduled for all A&M student-athletes.

Wednesday's 7:00 p.m. practice at Louis Crews stadium will now move to Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at Louis Crews.

The remaining practice schedule for the month is listed below:

Monday; April 21, 2014 (7:00 PM) – Practice #12 (Full Pads)

Tuesday; April 22, 2014 (7:00 PM) – Practice #13 (Full Pads)

Friday; April 25, 2014 (4:00 PM) – Practice #14 (Helmets)

Saturday; April 26, 2014 (3:00 PM) – Practice #15 (Spring Game)

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Southern's Cador to unveil autobiography at Thursday presser

COACH ROGER CADOR
Photo courtesy of Southern University Athletic

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Roger Cador, Southern University head baseball coach, is set to release his autobiography, “Against All Odds” this summer. The book reflects on Cador’s journey to his successes as a player, coach and person.

A sneak peek of the book cover will be revealed at a press conference Thursday, April 24 at noon at the Embassy Suites located at 4914 Constitution Ave. Tressa Smallwood is heading the publishing effort at Life Changing Books and the book is set for release in late summer of 2014. For all attending the press conference, food and drink will be served during the event.

Cador credits friend, Alice Park who insisted he write this book to help motivate someone else.  “She said I needed to write this book because someone out there is going through what you went through and they may need to hear your story to help them,” said Cador.

Through this book, Cador said he hopes people will “learn the value of someone who had struggled with every facet of life and who was deprived of a basic education at a young age, who got laughed at and endured a lot of other things said about them. I didn’t quit. I just found ways to keep working and doing my thing and ignoring all of the negative things.”

Cador said in his journey of writing the motivational autobiography he found out that Herschel Walker, the former NFL player, experienced some of the same things as Cador.

One message he makes in the book is “That no matter what you go through you never give up or find fault or blame people. We live in a great country in the world. I was able to elevate myself from all of that horrible past to make good things happen,” said Cador.

Cador is in his 30^th season as the head baseball coach of Southern. He took over the program in 1984 and has become one of the most respected coaches in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with the accomplishment of compiling an 857-509-1 record.

During his time at Southern he has reached many accomplishments including: 14 SWAC Championships, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, three NCAA Play-In Tournament appearances, and his Jaguars became the first Historically Black College  University to win an NCAA Play-In game with the defeat of Austin Peay University in 1996.

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Dana Ford to Take Over TSU Men's Basketball Team



Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State will tab Dana Ford as its 17^th men’s basketball coach at a press conference Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. within the Athletics Atrium located in the Student Center.

The announcement will signal a homecoming of sorts for Ford who was an assistant under former TSU coach John Cooper from 2009-2011.

 

Ford was instrumental in recruiting talented classes for the Tigers including players who went on to have professional careers in Robert Covington and Kellen Thornton. TSU went 20-13 in Ford’s last season, including the upset of previously unbeaten Murray State.

 

After his success with the Tigers, Ford became an assistant at Wichita State in 2011-12, helping head coach Gregg Marshall guide an NCAA Tournament team to a final Associated Press ranking of No. 18. The Shockers were 27-6 overall and claimed the 2012 Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship.

 

Ford then joined the Illinois State coaching staff for the 2012-2014 seasons, where he assisted in the Redbirds’ 36-31 mark that included an appearance in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) semifinals. He was ISU’s recruiting coordinator and managed players’ academic progress along with his coaching duties.

 

Before TSU, he served as an assistant coach at Chipola Junior College (Fla.). While there, he helped lead Chipola to an impressive 35-2 overall record, its sixth-consecutive Panhandle Conference Championship with a 12-0 record, its fifth FCCAA State Championship in 10 years and a third-place finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament.

 

Prior to Chipola, Ford served two years as a graduate assistant under Marshall at Wichita State and Winthrop. While at Winthrop, the Eagles captured their first NCAA Tournament win, defeating Notre Dame and finishing the season ranked No. 22 in the Associated Press and USA Today Top-25 polls.

 

A 2006 graduate of Illinois State, Ford earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. While at ISU, he was a four-year letterwinner from 2002-06 and was voted the squad's defensive player of the year after being ranked in the MVC top-10 in both steals and blocks.

 

Ford is a native of Tamms, Ill., and is a member of the NABC and BCA. He is married to Christina Ford and has a son, Carson, and a stepson, Cameron.

 

The press conference will be streamed on the OVC Digital Network

 

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