FAMU Ties School Record With 12th MEAC Win



Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information


TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  On the day the rest of the FAMU campus was celebrating graduation, sixth-year senior, David Duncan pitched a complete game shutout in the game two win of Saturday’s doubleheader. Florida A&M (20-24, 12-10 MEAC) split the two games with North Carolina A&T (16-31, 9-14 MEAC) 3-7 and 1-0 as game one went twelve innings at Moore-Kittles Field. The 12 MEAC wins ties the school record (2003) for the most MEAC wins in the regular season.

The shutout in game two was the second of the season for FAMU.

Duncan (4-4) pitched seven strong scoreless innings in the game two win with seven strikeouts and no walks, while the Aggies scattered five hits.

William Carrasco (3-5) took the loss in game one after allowing four runs, one earned, with two walks and two strikeouts. Carrasco had a season-long relief outing with five innings of work. Game one starter for the Rattlers Chase Jarrell worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs with three strikeouts in the no decision.

Bennie Robinson went 3-for-5 with one RBI in game one to lead the FAMU offense.

The Rattlers scored first in game one with three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Ryan Hutson reached on a fielder’s choice and Logan Seymour was hit-by-pitch to put runners on first and second with two outs. Jared Walker, who hadn’t had an at bat in 13 games due to a hand injury, roped a two-run double to left and Robinson followed with an RBI single to account for the early FAMU 3-0 lead.

A&T tied the game with three runs of their own in the top of the sixth inning. The Aggies recorded four straight hits to start the sixth inning, including an RBI single from Cameron Jergens and an RBI double from Brandon Wilkerson to cut the FAMU lead to 3-2. With runners on the corners and one out, FAMU starter Jarrell hit Stefan Jordan with a pitch to load the bases. Brandon Fleming would then come in to relieve Jarrell with one out. Wilkerson scored the tying run as Ryan Hill beat out the throw to first, on a would-be double play. Fleming would then strike out Brandon Mitchell to end the inning.

FAMU worked the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth but failed to plate a run, as the score remained 3-3. Jeremy Barlow singled and advanced to second as the throw to second wasn’t in time on a sac bunt attempt. Hutson followed with another sac bunt attempt to move Barlow to third, but an errant throw to third allowed Barlow to reach safely and load the bases. After Seymour lined out to third, Walker grounded into the rare 6-2-5 double play to end the Rattler scoring threat.

North Carolian A&T also loaded the bases in the top of the seventh, but was unable to score.

Florida A&M squandered another scoring opportunity in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded again. Robinson was walked on four pitches to start the FAMU seventh and Gibbs laid down an attempted sac bunt, but another throwing error allowed the runners to advance to second and third. Michael Birdsong was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out to set up the double play. Barlow then did exactly what A&T had hoped for as he grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

The Aggies grabbed the lead for good, at 7-3, with four runs, only one earned, on three hits and a Rattler error in the 12^th inning. With the bases loaded and what would have been a sac fly to right for Lester Salcedo, turned into an error by right fielder Seymour that allowed McMillan and Tendler to score what proved to be the game winning runs.
In game two, FAMU and A&T took a scoreless game into the sixth inning but the Rattlers scored all they needed with one run in the bottom of the inning. Hutson and Weeks drew consecutive walks to put runners on first and second with one out. Hutson tagged up to go to third as Ferdinand Rondon flew out to right. Peter Jackson’s, two-out, game winning RBI single just past the glove of Aggie second baseman Kyle Clary was enough to score Hutson for the only run of the game and the final score of 1-0.

A&T reliever Luke McCreesh (2-0) earned the win in game one while Aggie starter Tyler Boone (2-7) suffered the loss in game two.

In the game two loss for the Aggies, starter Tyler Boone allowed one run, but walked six batters in six innings of work.

The Rattlers and Aggies close out their MEAC regular season conference schedule on Sunday at 1:00 pm at Moore-Kittles Field.

As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @FAMUAthletics and live stats will be available via www.FAMUAthletics.com

    Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

By Michael Morrell/Special to FAMU Athletics
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bowie State Anton Goff Resigns as Athletic Director (VIDEO)

BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie State University athletic director Anton Goff announced he is leaving to accept the same position with the University of Hartford and will begin his new post in July.

"I thank the Bulldog Nation and the entire Bowie State University community for the support that not only I received, but the athletic department received in general from day one," said Goff. "The experience I had at Bowie State was incredible, we've done a lot of things together and I truly believe the program is heading in the right direction. I believe the next AD has a great base to start with."




Goff had been the athletic director at Bowie State since 2010. Under his leadership, Bowie State athletic programs have increased student athletes' academic success rate (raised the student-athlete graduation rate to above that of the overall student population), enhanced the existing facilities (including new football stadium lights, locker rooms and concessions, and a new HVAC system in the gymnasium), exceeded fundraising targets through both private donations and governmental lobbying, and captured Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship titles in Men's Basketball (2013) and Women's Bowling (2013).

"Anton Goff has done a tremendous job as our university's athletic director and his departure will be a great loss," said Bowie State University President Mickey L. Burnim. "We share in his excitement about the new opportunity and wish him well."

Goff, who has been in the athletic administration field for nearly 20 years, will succeed University of Hartford Director of Athletics Pat Meiser, who is retiring after 21 years at the University.

Prior to his Bowie State appointment, Goff served as the associate athletic director and the sport supervisor for six varsity sports at the University of Maryland, College Park. In that role, he has managed multi-million dollar budgets as well as overseeing the support services provided to 27
varsity sports. He has been involved with fundraising, facility management, support services, coach/staff supervision, and media relations.

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS 
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS (VIDEO)

New Hampton Pirates football coach Maynor a man of faith and confidence

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- Bill Hayes knew what he was getting when he chose Connell Maynor to shepherd Winston-Salem State University's troubled, transition football program.

Hayes recruited Maynor as a teenager, coaching him first at WSSU and then at North Carolina A&T. He knew the young man's ability and followed his playing and coaching career. He believed that Maynor possessed qualities capable of not just leading a team, but influencing an entire athletic department.



When Hayes accompanied his new head coach to the CIAA's preseason football gathering in the summer of 2010, however, he was reminded of the wild-card quality snugly nestled within his former quarterback.

"He stands up and says he's going to go 11-and-0," Hayes said. "I like to fell out of my damn chair. I'm thinking: I took a chance on this boy; nobody really expects the world right now; all he's got to do is get in there and start turning things in the right direction and we'll build this thing gradually. But he stands up and says he's going to go 11-0 — he might have said he'd go 15-0. And I said, 'Oh (spit).'

CONTINUE READING 

MEAC Completes Day Two of Track and Field Championship

Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information
@Kevin Dorsey
Nakia Linson captured the long jump at the MEAC Championship

 

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The Florida A&M women and the Bethune-Cookman men sit at the top of the results board heading into the final day of competition in the 2014 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University.

On the women’s side, the Lady Ratters totaled 48 points after day two’s action. Bethune-Cookman finished second with 44 points followed by Norfolk State in third with 32 points.

Florida A&M’s Shawanna Steplight earned the gold in the women’s heptathlon with 4,693 points, while Coppin State’s Ashley Bacote (4,590) and Deidra Jordan of Bethune-Cookman (4,571) finished second and third, respectively.

In the field events, Morgan State’s Ranita Mealer repeated as the shot put winner with a throw of 14.30m (46-11.00 ft.) and Florida A&M’s Nakia Linson secured the top spot in the women’s long jump with a leap of 6.02m (19-09.00 ft.).

In men’s action, the Wildcats advance to day three with 70 total points. Maryland Eastern Shore currently sits at second with 41 points followed by Hampton with 21 points.

Bethune-Cookman’s Nnamdi Davis earned first-place honors in the decathlon with 6,423 total points. Teammate Keron Stoute captured second with 6,318 points and Hampton’s Emmanuel Price finished third with 6,183 points.

Kenneth Fisher of Bethune-Cookman clinched the gold in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.78m (25-06.25 ft.). B-CU teammate Nicholas Williams placed second (7.66m) followed by Shane Green of Coppin State, with a jump of 7.27m.

Dillon Simon of Maryland Eastern Shore repeated as the shot put champion, setting a new MEAC record with a throw of 18.64m (61-02.00 ft.). Simon replaces the 2007 record of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Kimani Kirton’s mark of 18.08m.

The competition concludes Saturday, with events starting at 9 a.m. with field events including: men's and women's pole vault, javelin, and triple jump. The women's and men's 4x100m relays will begin the running finals at 1 p.m. Rounding out the evening's events will be the men's and women's 4x400m relay race at 4:20 p.m.

For more information on MEAC Outdoor Track and Field, log on to www.MEACsports.com.

 

Women's Results- 6 Scored Events

1.     Florida A&M                              48
2.     Bethune-Cookman                 44
3.     Norfolk State                            32
4.     Coppin State                             27
5.     Morgan State                            20
6.     Hampton                                    18.5
7.     North Carolina A&T                18
8.     South Carolina State              9

9.     Maryland Eastern Shore       8

10.   Delaware State                        4

        N.C. Central                               4

12.   Howard                                       1.5 

Men's Results- 6 Scored Events
1.     Bethune-Cookman                 70
2.     Maryland Eastern Shore       41
3.     Hampton                                    21
        Howard                                        21
5.     South Carolina State              20
6.     Morgan State                            19
        Florida A&M                               19
8.     North Carolina A&T                13

9.     Coppin State                             6

10.   N.C. Central                               1

** Norfolk State men ineligible for postseason  

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Qua Cox to Appear on Boxtorow

QUA COX
Courtesy Jackson State University Athletics 

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  As the NFL Draft approaches Jackson State's two-time BOXTOROW All-American cornerback Qua Cox will appears as a guest on the national sports talk show FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW w/ Donal Ware.

BOXTOROW airs on radio stations around the country including Friday at 5p CT on WJSU-FM 88.5.  Terrestrial radio stations that carry the show can be found here www.boxtorow.com/affiliates.php

The show can also be heard on Satellite Radio, Saturdays 11a CT/12p ET on SiriusXM Channel 142.

Each year BOXTOROW talks with the top players in HBCU football prior to the draft.  Over the years, that list includes current NFL players Antoine Bethea, Jason Hatcher, Tarvaris Jackson, Jacoby Jones, Chris Baker, William Hayes, Kendall Langford, Justin Durant to name a few.

Last week, BOXTOROW caught up with Alabama State running back Isaiah Crowell in an exclusive interview.

BOX TO ROW airs in top markets including Washington, DC, U.S. Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico, Pittsburgh, Austin, TX, Hampton Roads, VA area, Nashville, Raleigh, NC, New Orleans, and Greensboro, NC to name a few.

Over the years guests such as Jerry Rice, Tony Dungy, Jim Brown, Serena Williams, Ice Cube, Common, Kevin Hart, Michael Vick, Mike Krzyzewski, Gladys Knight, Matt Kemp, Kevin Durant, Joss Stone, and Snoop Lion are a few of the guests that have appeared on FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW.

FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW has been on the air since August 20, 2005. 

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS         

B-CU Football to Host Instructional Skills Camps

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH BRIAN JENKINS
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY
COURTESY: B-CU ATHLETICS

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman University’s football program will hold two instructional summer camps in the coming weeks. The instructional skills camps will take place on June 21 and July 19. Times for both are noon until 5 p.m.

Under the direction of head coach Brian Jenkins, recently completing his fifth year at the helm of the Wildcats program, the Bethune-Cookman football staff will host two instructional skills camps intended to teach, in detail, multiple phases of the game. With an emphasis on keeping the game fun, the Wildcats coaching staff will help instruct each camper the importance of making good grades in the classroom, teamwork, self-discipline, proper playing techniques and the fundamental essentials to excel on and off the playing field.

The price for the camp is just $25, with registration taking place at the Larry R. Handfield Athletic Training Center on both days of the camps. Eligible campers are ages 13 through 18, or eighth grade through 12th. Each camper is asked to bring the following items: cleats, tennis shoes, practice shorts/shorts, socks and a helmet. Medical and training staffs will be on site in case of emergency.

Instructional Skills Camp Flyer

Instructional Skills Camp I

Date: June 21 (Noon – 5 p.m.)
Ages: 13-18 (Grades 8-12)
Cost: $25

Instructional Skills Camp II
Date: July 19 (Noon – 5 p.m.)
Ages: 13-18 (Grades 8-12)
Cost: $25

For more information on the camps, please access the official camp informational packet by clicking here.

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

TSU Field Athletes Shine in Day One of OVC Outdoor

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics
OVC DAY 1 RESULTS (.pdf)

EDWARDSVILLE, Illinois – The Tennessee State track and field teams opened the 2014 OVC Outdoor Championship with a handful of solid performances in preliminaries and top-five finishes.

 

JaLyn Burr notched a third-place outing in the high jump after a leap of 1.60 meters, and Clairwin Dameus won the long jump with a 6.22 meter hop. Ashontae Jackson came in second in the long jump (6.02m) to give TSU eight more points.

 

Dameus later tossed the javelin 36.74 meters which earned her fifth place, and won two of the day’s four heptathlon events (100 meter hurdles and 200 meter dash).

 

For the Flying Tigers, Daryl Rice came in fourth in the high jump with a final of 2.05 meters and Justin Young finished fifth in the pole vault (3.80 meters).

 

Tyler Anderson rounded out the day with a fifth-place showing in the long jump after a hop of 7.35 meters.

 

Several TSU athletes including Amber Hughes, Quamel Prince and Quanisha Sales, positioned themselves nicely Friday’s preliminaries which could lead to gold medals tomorrow.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Low Scores Highlight TSU Football Golf Tournament

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  On Friday, the Tennessee State football program hosted the fifth annual "Tee Off With The Tigers" Golf Tournament on a beautiful day at the Ted Rhodes Golf Course in Nashville.

The golf tournament raised funds for the TSU Tiger Paw Foundation, which helps maintain expenses for the Big Blue Football program.

Well over 20 teams took part in the shotgun four-ball scramble, but it was Team AIG composed of Derek Fleming, Dewayne Collier, T.C. Cope and Kim Greer that took home first prize with a round of 56.

David Hood, Clint Powell, Conoly Brown and Dean Dudley of A Around Clock shot a 60 and were second, while third place was occupied by Tennessee Orthopedic (Rob Dyer, Brandon Teruya, Donnie Corey and Brad Wolfson).

The TSU football program will now turn its focus to summer camps starting in June.



COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

State champions Moses and Calais sign with Xavier

Joseph Moses III

Carlie Calais

NEW ORLEANS — State track champions Joseph Moses III of Baton Rouge, La., and Carlie Calais of Breaux Bridge, La., signed athletic scholarships Wednesday with Xavier University of Louisiana.
   
Moses, competing for Christian Life Academy, was the Class 1A outdoor champion in the 100- and 200-meter dashes in 2013 and ran the first segment on the 800-relay squad which placed second. He is the son of XU track and cross country coach Joseph Moses.
   
This past week, Moses won District 6-1A titles in the 100 (10.77 seconds) and 200 (22.14).
   
Calais, competing for Cecilia High School, was the 2013 Class 4A outdoor champion in the 800-meter run and placed third in 2012. In February she placed eighth in the 800 at the Division I state meet. On Thursday she posted her best outdoor time in the 800, 2:19.78, in a victory in the Region II-4A meet. At the District 5-4A meet, she repeated as district champion in the 400 and placed second in the 800.
   
Calais is a 4.0 student and will be a pre-pharmacy major at Xavier. She also will compete in cross country for the Gold Nuggets.
   
"Carlie is a great student-athlete," Cecilia coach Logan Duplechein said. "Her work ethic is what separates her from others. She has truly gotten better on the track from year to year."
   
Moses and Calais are the first to sign with Xavier track for 2014-15.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold

MEAC Completes Day One of Track and Field Championships

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  --  The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats took the lead after the first day of competition of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University.

On the women’s side, the Lady Rattlers tallied 19 points to take the lead. Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats finished second with 17 points, while North Carolina A&T State followed in third with 15 points.

In the high jump, Coppin State’s Deandra Daniel, the 2013-14 Indoor Champion and defending champion in the event, set a new MEAC record with a leap of 1.82m (5-11.50 ft.) to capture first. Daniel replaces the 2006 record of Morgan State’s Brittany Robinson, who jumped 1.80m (5-10.75 ft.). Nakita Gray of North Carolina A&T placed second at 1.77m (5-09.75 ft.), while Bethune-Cookman’s Deidra Jordan jumped 1.67m (5-05.75) to finish third.

Sasha-Ann Lebert of Florida A&M won the discus with a toss of 45.67m (149-10 ft.). Kiara Howell of Norfolk State was second at 45.42m (149-00 ft.) and Shawnata Young of Maryland Eastern Shore placed third at 44.69m (146-07 ft.).

Morgan State of Ishakeema Swain won the 5,000m with a time of 18:16.69. Nayjock Pan of Bethune-Cookman placed second (18:31.42), while Florida A&M’s Effiey Kosgei finished third (18:22.07).

On the men’s side, Bethune-Cookman grabbed the early lead with 28 points, while Maryland Eastern Shore finished second with 26 points, followed by Florida A&M with 18.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dillon Simon finished first in the discus with a 55.85m (183-03 ft.) throw. Simon replaces South Carolina State’s Xavier Molette 2013 record with a throw of 51.16m. Emmanuel Stewart of Morgan State placed second at 52.16m (171-01 ft.). Molette finished third with 49.37m (162-00 ft.).

Bethune-Cookman senior Keron Stoute tallied 3,834 points during the first half of the decathlon. Nnamdi Davis was second with 3,658 points and Hampton’s Emmanuel Price was third with 3,649 points.

Rico Taylor of Maryland Eastern Shore won the high jump with a leap of 2.11m (6-11.00 ft.). Bethune-Cookman’s Ed’Ricus Williams placed second and teammate Michael Tiller was third.

The Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships continue Friday, May 2, with the women's heptathlon and men's decathlon at 9 a.m. Other field events on Friday's slate includes the men's and women's long jump, high jump and shot put. The afternoon continues with the men's and women's semifinal in the 400m, 100m dash, 800m, 400m hurdles, 200m dash, women's 100m hurdles and men's 110m hurdles.

The competition wraps up Saturday at 9 a.m. with field events including: men's and women's pole vault, javelin, and triple jump. The women's and men's 4x100m relays will begin the running finals at 1 p.m. Rounding out the evening's events will be the men's and women's 4x400m relay race at 4:20 p.m. 

2014 MEAC TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Women's Results- 3 Scored Events
1.     Florida A&M                              19
2.     Bethune-Cookman                 17
3.     N.C. A&T                                     15
4.     Norfolk State                            14
5.     Coppin State                             13
6.     Morgan State                            10
7.     South Carolina State              9
8.     Maryland Eastern Shore       8
9.     Hampton                                    6.5
10.   N.C. Central                               4
11.   Howard                                       1.5

Men's Results- 3 Scored Events

1.     Bethune-Cookman                 28
2.     Maryland Eastern Shore       26
3.     Florida A&M                              18
4.     South Carolina State              12
5.     Howard                                       11
6.     N.C. A&T                                     10
7.     Morgan State                            8
8.     N.C. Central                               1

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Tennessee State Tigerbelles' Hughes Named OVC Outdoor Female Freshman of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --  Tennessee State hurdler and sprinter Amber Hughes was named the Outdoor Female Freshman of Year by the Ohio Valley Conference office on Thursday.

Hughes, a native of Atlanta, Ga., notched the second-fastest time in the league in the 100-meter hurdles (13.56) and placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles (1:02.87). The Tigerbelles are also first in the conference in the 4x100 and 4x400 relay events.

The award is the second of its type this year for Hughes, as she was named Female Freshman of the year following the Indoor Season.

Hughes becomes just the second TSU track and field member to win OVC Outdoor Freshman of the Year, following Dominique Ward who took home the inaugural title in 2005.

The Tigerbelles and Flying Tigers will next travel to SIUE on May 2-3 for the conference outdoor championship.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU Graduating Senior Accepted into Six Medical Schools

Nellena Adekoya

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Florida A&M University (FAMU) graduating senior Nellena Adekoya has a lot to smile about. On Saturday, May 3, she will be among more than 1,300 candidates who will receive diplomas during FAMU’s spring 2014 commencement ceremonies.

Behind Adekoya’s infectious smile is also the excitement of beginning her journey to obtain the title of doctor.

The Grayson, Ga. native has accomplished the phenomenal feat of being accepted into six medical schools: the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, the Meharry Medical College, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, the Florida State University College of Medicine, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine. She’s decided to attend the Medical College of Georgia, which is located near her hometown.

With her sight’s set on becoming an OB-GYN, Adekoya, 21, said she believes what’s made her such an attractive candidate for medical school is simply her warm personality and passion for helping others.

“I think what helped me to standout was the interview process. I was able to show them that what I had to offer was more than what was on paper,” said Adekoya, who will graduate summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Letina Banks, biology instructor and academic advisor, said she knows exactly why so many distinguished medical programs courted Adekoya.

“Nellena has been a superb student from start to finish. She is a shining star,” Banks explained. “No matter what, she always has a smile on her face, is always humble and displays a caring personality. She is a model student and has never been afraid to ask questions or ask for help. She truly has what it takes to be a great physician – she will be a great physician.”

Adekoya’s interest in practicing medicine stems back to before she was a kindergartener.

“Since I was a four-year-old I've wanted to become a doctor. I used to watch a show called ‘Rescue 911’ with my mother and I was inspired to help people in need,” said Adekoya. “From there I took science classes, shadowed physicians and volunteered. I’ve never had any other career option in mind.”

According to Adekoya, a self-proclaimed soccer enthusiast, who donates much of her free time to coaching area youth, FAMU has served as a foundation for her ability to excel in and out of the classroom. She was a recipient of FAMU’s Life Gets Better Scholarship, which offers a full-ride to National Achievement and Merit Semifinalists who maintain at least a 3.5 GPA in high school and major in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“FAMU gave me every tool I needed, both academically and socially, to form a great foundation for medical school,” Adekoya said. “We have some of the most caring and available professors around. I'm very proud to be a Rattler.”

While Adekoya is poised to become one of the nation’s next leaders in medicine, she asserts that everything she has accomplished to get her to this point is not about her.

“My main goal is to help as many people as I can,” she said. “Once I'm established, I'd like to do my best to institute free or discounted medical care services every year. I'm not interested in fame or fortune, just impacting lives.”

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Langston University Names Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller Head Women’s Coach

The legendary player says she's "right where I need to be."

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- Cheryl Miller has officially been named head coach of women’s basketball at Langston University and was formally introduced to the team and the student body during center court ceremonies today (April 30) in Langston. Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.

“This is an historic moment for Langston University athletics as we welcome legendary player and coach Cheryl Miller as women’s basketball head coach,” said Langston President Dr. Kent Smith. “Securing a coach of the caliber and character of Coach Miller is a tribute to Athletic Director Mike Garrett’s stature in the sports world.”

“Coach Miller’s credentials as a player and coach are unsurpassed in women’s basketball. We are thrilled and honored to have her here wearing Lion blue on our courts,” said Mike Garrett, athletic director at Langston University. “Coach Miller has the skills and tools to lead our women’s basketball team to domination in the NAIA.”

The NCAA named Miller one of the top five collegiate basketball players in NCAA history. Miller was USC’s head women’s coach (44-14 and won the 1994 Pacific-10 conference title) for two years in the mid ’90s, and then coached (and General Manger)  the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA from 1997 to 2000.




CONTINUE READING

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Jermane Clark: North Carolina A&T football player shot, killed

Clark was Winston-Salem native, attended Reynolds High School, Oak Ridge Military Academy and the University of Colorado before transferring to A&T.

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Two people were arrested in connection with the shooting death of a North Carolina A&T State University football player late Tuesday night.

Kendrick Louis Robinson, 22, and Lemiah Wyatt Sanders Jr., 20, both of Greensboro, were charged Thursday with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the death of Jermane Darnell Clark.

Clark, 22, was found shot just after 11 p.m. on the street outside his home at 425 Stedman St. just west of campus. The Winston-Salem native was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Moses Cone Hospital.

Greensboro police allege Robinson and Sanders shot Clark and robbed him of $200, as well as 1/4 pound of marijuana. It's not yet known if the three men knew each other.

CONTINUE READING 

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N.C. A&T Men's Tennis Makes Its Return With Four Recruits

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  -- The North Carolina A&T State University men’s tennis is back. It was made official on Thursday when A&T head tennis coach Bruce Myers announced the first signings of men’s tennis players since 2005. 

“I was asked by our athletics director (Earl M. Hilton III) to field a men’s tennis team that would compete in the MEAC,” said Myers. “I believe our signings today will not only allow us to be competitive for the 2014-15 season, but will allow us to surprise conference opponents.”



Dreshaun Jarmon (Philadelphia, Pa./William Penn Chapter High School), John Wilson IV (Red Oak, Texas/Red Oak High School), Kyle Scott (Greensboro, N.C./Northwest Guilford High School) and Brett Caban (Drexel Hill, Pa./Upper Darby High School) is the historic class that will usher in the return.

Jarmon is slated to be the Aggies No. 1 player in the fall. He has wins over 2-star players, and he made it the finals of the ESCS Amateur B18s Tennis Classic finals.

“Dreshaun is a player who I think will excel at North Carolina A&T,” said Myers. “He is extremely athletic, and has not reached his full potential. He has a world-class forehand and with refining that will come in the weight room. He has a realistic opportunity to win a bunch of matches in the MEAC.”

Wilson is a two-star standout with four wins over 3-star players. He is the captain and No. 1 player on his varsity tennis team. Most valuable player honors have come his way two straight years, and he made history when he became the first ever state qualifier from Red Oak High School. Wilson eventually went on to win the first of three straight district championships.



Wilson has been a USTA Texas Super Champ since 11, and he has been ranked as high as 20^th in the state of Texas. In doubles, Wilson has reached the finals twice at USTA regional tournaments. Outside of tennis, Wilson is on the debate team, student council and National Honor Society. He is in the top seven percent of his graduating class.

“John is a humble young man who displays great leadership abilities and is a good role model for his four younger brothers,” said Myers. “He is an ambitious young man with high expectations for himself. Please look for great things to come from John W. Wilson IV.”

Scott is a 1-star player with wins over 2-star opponents. He played No. 2 singles at Northwest Guilford where he earned all-conference honors and advanced to the regionals. Scott’s parents are Aggies who met while attending A&T.

“I knew Kyle fell in love with North Carolina A&T as soon as he came for his first visit,” said Myers. “Kyle is another athletic player who will benefit from a structured training regimen and practicing and playing with Division I competition on a daily basis.”



Caban was recruited to A&T during Myers’ evaluation of Jarmon. He has wins over 1-star and 2-star players and was rated in the top-50 among Pennsylvania players.

“He will battle for every point and make his opponent earn everything,” said Myers. “He is someone who will benefit from getting in our program and ramping up his on and off-court training. I have no doubts that he will succeed on the court and in the classroom.”

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bethune-Cookman's Chris Cochran Released as Softball Head Coach Before MEAC Tournament

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  Bethune-Cookman University announced earlier today the release of head softball coach Chris Cochran from the program effective immediately.

Cochran served for the past eight years as head softball coach at B-CU and was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Coach of the Year in 2013 – her second honor in the past four seasons. From 2010-12, she guided the Wildcats to three consecutive MEAC championships, in addition to three NCAA Regional berths.

“We are grateful to Coach Cochran for guiding our program to three championships,” said Lynn W. Thompson, B-CU Director of Athletics. “She has allowed our softball team to regain a place as a perennial MEAC power. However, as we seek to radically transform our program in every aspect, we must make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the university and our athletics program in order to enhance the total student-athlete experience.”

During her eight-year stint at B-CU, Cochran compiled an overall record of 196-252 with three straight MEAC titles from 2010-2012. She had a career MEAC Tournament record of 20-11, while last year the Wildcats were eliminated in the second round of the tournament. Currently, the Wildcats lead the MEAC Southern division with a 10-2 record, and this weekend travels to Florida A&M with a chance to clinch the Southern division crown and a top seed in next week’s MEAC Softball Tournament in Ormond Beach, Fla.



To complete the remainder of the season, Thompson has appointed Sandra Booker, Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator, to provide management oversight of the softball program and remaining staff. She assumes that role immediately and will lead the team into this weekend’s series at FAMU, as well as the upcoming conference tournament taking place May 8-10.

Bringing over 20 years of coaching experience to the B-CU program, Cochran began her coaching career at Clear Creek High School in Tiffin, Iowa, where her teams advanced to three consecutive state tournaments. In 1991, she was named District Softball Coach of the Year.

After her years at Clear Creek, she served as an assistant coach at Ball State (1992-1994) and Marshall (1995-1998), before being named head coach at Brown University (1998-2001). At Brown, she helped developed two Brown Female Athletes of the Year.

After her stint at Brown, she joined the Iowa State coaching staff where, in 2002, she was named associate head coach.

Just prior to arriving at Bethune-Cookman in 2006, Cochran served as an assistant coach at Rutgers. Cochran was a three-year letterwinner for the University of Iowa's softball team (1981-1984). During that time she earned the Women's Intercollegiate Athletics Award.

In 1986, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education from the University of Iowa.

Record at B-CU (Years)............................................. 196-252 (8)
Conference Championships.................... 3 (2010, 2011, 2012)
MEAC Tournament Record.................................................. 20-11
NCAA Regional Record............................................................. 0-6

 

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Coahoma Big Man Graves Headed to Alcorn State

CLARKSDALE,  Mississippi — Coahoma Community College’s Xavier Graves just returned from Decatur, MS where he scored 11 points for his North Division squad during the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) All-Star weekend. The performance effectively ended his JUCO basketball career. However, on Wednesday afternoon, he officially began his career at the Division I level signing his paperwork to continue his career in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) at Alcorn State University.

Graves (Bassfield, MS) was a force inside for the Tigers this season nearly averaging a double-double. His 13 points and nine rebounds per game, along with two blocks, were a big reason that CCC advanced to the MACJC playoffs for the second consecutive season. Those stats, along with his performance in the classroom made him a desirable recruit for the Braves.

“He’s and outstanding student, and he’s an outstanding person,” said Alcorn Head Basketball Coach Luther Riley. “We believe that he has a lot of untapped basketball ability. His work ethic, drive to become better and his determination have separated him from a lot of the other players that we’ve been recruiting.”

Graves will be receiving his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in just a few weeks during commencement ceremonies at Coahoma, and he will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Alcorn State’s Department of Heath, Physical Education and Recreation with a focus on coaching.

“We are very proud of Xavier, he is a young man that has really grown tremendously during his last two year’s at Coahoma,” said CCC Head Basketball Coach Ira Peterson. “He’s a fine young man, and an excellent basketball player. I know that Xavier’s best basketball is still in front of him.”

The Alcorn State Alumni family at CCC gathered around Graves Wednesday afternoon as he signed his scholarship paperwork — including Coahoma’s own President Dr. Valmadge Towner.

“It is always a wonderful thing to watch one of our students excelling and pursuing their dreams,” said Towner. “Coahoma strives to be a launching pad to a better future for its students, and Mr. Graves is an excellent example of one of our best. We wish him the very best.”

Press Release from Coahoma Community College Public Relations - Matthew E. Killebrew, Director

UAPB Celebrates New Chancellor - Unveils New Logo At Investiture Ceremony

Dr. Laurence B. Alexander
Photo Courtesy UAPB Media Communications

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) formally welcomed its newly appointed Chancellor Dr. Laurence B. Alexander as the 18th leader of the institution. The near capacity crowd at the Pine Bluff Convention Center gave him three standing ovations during the ceremony and rousing applause.

During his acceptance speech, Chancellor Alexander highlighted the history of the institution, its programs and prestigious alumni and vowed to take the institution to the next level. One of the ways he pledged to do this was to change the face of UAPB.

“Together, we can re-invent the land-grant vision of the nineteenth century to meet the global demands of the 21st Century. One of the ways we have chosen to reinforce this university’s past, present, and future is represented in our new brand.”

Created by The Design Group, a multicultural marketing firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the mark is a nod to the legacy of the institution using a combination of the landmark W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower and a contemporary approach to text configuration. Over the next six to eight weeks, the new brand identity will be applied to all communication outlets for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The current logo a seal that depicts the bell tower and name changes for the institution - will be delegated for use in executive communications and affixed to formal documents (degrees, certificates, etc.).

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Ex-Bulldog Dante McDonald inks with UAPB

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina  -- Former Terry Sanford High running back Dante McDonald has signed with Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the school announced Wednesday.

"We were in need of a big back with a game experience. Dante fits the bill," said coach Monte Coleman. "He's a powerful runner, but also agile. He's also a versatile enough that we can pass him the ball coming from the backfield or line him up in the slot. With those combinations of skills, he should make quite an impact" in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

McDonald, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back played the past two seasons at ASA College in Brooklyn, N.Y. Last season, he finished second on the team with 383 rushing yards in seven games on 50 carries.

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ASU Barlow holds exit interviews with football players

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Football coach Reggie Barlow spent last week going over "exit" interviews with his players, talking to each one about what is expected from them between now and when the team convenes for fall camp on July 31.

"We want to meet with every guy on the team – scholarship guys, non-scholarship guys, two-deep, three-deep -- and talk about academics and where they are and where they perceive themselves to be in classes, have they enrolled in summer school and I always like to hear how they thought they did this spring," Barlow said. "I have cards written up by each (position) coach, how they did, and of course I have my own opinion."

Which brings up the interesting question: Are the players ever more critical of themselves than the coaches?

"I think (quarterback Daniel) Duhart was not happy with his spring play," Barlow said. "I think we were all on the same page that we were hoping that we would have gotten a little more out of him this spring. But he was critical of himself.

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Williams Signs with Grambling State Lady Tiger Basketball Team

Myah Williams

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- The GSU Lady Tiger Basketball team has been busy on the recruiting trail as they have signed Myah Williams, a 5'9 Guard from John F. Kennedy High School out of Seattle, Washington

Williams helped to lead Kennedy Catholic High School to three consecutive Seamount League Titles and to the State Championships in her freshman, sophomore and senior years.  Williams was named Seamount League Player of the Year in 2013 and was also name 1st team District 8 All-Regional.  She went on to earn a spot on the Washington All-State 2nd Team. Williams averaged 19.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game to go along with  6.8 assists and 7.3 steals during her senior year.  She was named Seattle Times All Regional Player as well as being named Auburn Riverside Tournament of Champions Most Valuable Player and named to the Comcast Holiday All-Tournament Team.

"We are blessed to have this young and energetic talent.," said Assistant Coach Chauncey Harris.   "The truth is Myah was sold on Grambling before she even spoke to us.  This young lady has roots in Louisiana and she looks forward to establishing herself as a immediate force in our conference.

Williams comes from a long line of great athletes as her father Guy, was an All-American Basketball player at Washington State University and a NBA player with the Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors.  "Myah's mom and dad were instrumental in making sure that their

Myah plans on studying Biochemistry and wants to work in the medical industry when her athletic career is over.

daughter had an opportunity to pursue her dreams of playing for Grambling State University, said Coach Harris"  Her sister Aminah plays basketball for the University of Washington and younger brother Noah (class of 2019) is rated the #1 player in the Northwest.

COURTESY GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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Danville's own Marty Miller now a member of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

Marty L. Miller
Athletics Director
Norfolk State University
 

DANVILLE, Virginia  -- It’s just another Hall of Fame induction to add to the already impressive resume for Danville native Marty Miller.

The Norfolk State director of athletics — a long-time baseball coach for the Spartans — was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Saturday night. Even though it is his fifth Hall of Fame, Miller feels grounded by the honor.

“It’s been a very humbling experience, and especially when I think about how I got started in athletics,” Miller said Monday. “As I indicated the other night, when I started, I was trying to play baseball.”

Miller, who always felt he had to prove himself in order to make baseball teams because he was small growing up, stumbled into the head coaching position at Norfolk State, a post he held for 32 seasons. Miller was a Norfolk State assistant coach in 1972 and became head coach in 1973.

“I’d had no coaching experience when I started coaching here at Norfolk State,” he said. “I was here in Norfolk, and they needed a baseball coach. So, I was approached, and I was working somewhere downtown, and they asked me if I would come over and coach the team for two weeks.”

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Brianna Hayes signs with Norfolk State

CHESTERFIELD, Virginia  -- Matoaca High School Track and Field standout Brianna Hayes has signed a letter of intent to compete for Norfolk State University next school year. Brianna will join the Norfolk State Division I team competing in the MEAC conference.

Brianna competes in the high jump, long jump and the 400 meters. She is the current school record holder in the high jump. Her personal best is 5’10”. She is the Regional Champion and is ranked in the top five female high school high jumpers in the State.

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Southern lacks enough players to makeup DH at Texas Southern

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  The Southern baseball team will not play a makeup doubleheader against Texas Southern scheduled for May 8 in Houston because it won’t have enough players available.

When Southern failed to qualify for the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament that begins May 14, coach Roger Cador gave 10 players who are from other countries or have long distances to travel home permission to leave after final exams, which end May 7. The cost for the families to change the flights would be prohibitive, Cador said.

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The SWAC was waiting until the completion of the regular-season this weekend to see if the makeups would be necessary. The Jaguars play a weekend series at Prairie View A&M.

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