19 student-athletes, 3 managers receive Xavier degrees

Head Coach Bo Browder, Jolie Bellow and Athletic Director Jason Horn
at Xavier University of Louisiana

PHOTO GALLERY

NEW ORLEANS — Nineteen student-athletes, current and former, received degrees Saturday at Xavier University of Louisiana's 2014 commencement at the XU Convocation Center.
   
Also graduating were three student managers employed by the athletics department.

Student-athletes graduating (with high schools in parentheses) were:
   
•  Angelica Andreana Alexander, Shreveport, La. (Byrd), women's basketball and track and field, bachelor of science.
   
•  Jolie Therese Bellow, Natchez, La. (Natchitoches Central), women's basketball, bachelor of science.

•  Courtney Regina Bettis, Denver, Colo. (Denver School of Science and Technology), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
   
•  Anthony Shareef Boswell, Slidell, La. (St. Stanislaus), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
   
•  Chelsea Paige Broussard, Arnaudville, La. (Beau Chene), women's basketball and track and field, bachelor of science.
   
•  Amber Queandrea Brown, Decatur, Ga. (home-schooled), women's tennis, bachelor of science.
   
•  Landon E. Bussie, Baltimore, Md. (Woodlawn), men's basketball, master of arts.
   
•  Paige Antoinette Gauthier, Lake Charles, La. (St. Louis Catholic), women's basketball and track and field, bachelor of science.
   
•  Nicholas Pierre Haywood, Monroe, La. (Ouachita), men's basketball, bachelor of science.   

•  James L. Hearn, Newport News, Va. (Woodside), men's cross country, bachelor of science.
   
•  Carmen Chandalear Holcombe, Plano, Texas (Plano West), women's basketball and track and field, bachelor of science.
   
•  Marchelle Rene Jones, Baton Rouge, La. (Episcopal), women's basketball and track and field, bachelor of science.
   
•  Etheral Latrice Lesene, New Orleans, La. (The Colony), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
   
•  Javon Donnell Mead, Baton Rouge, La. (Baton Rouge Magnet), men's cross country and track and field, bachelor of science.
   
•  Shamarri Denise Riddle, Flint, Mich. (Grand Blanc), women's track and field, bachelor of science.
   
•  Charles Lovoy Shaw, Birmingham, Ala. (Woodlawn), men's cross country, doctor of pharmacy.
   
•  Renard E. Smith, New Orleans, La. (McDonogh 35), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
   
•  Danielle Marie Tucker, Rochester, N.Y. (McDonogh 35), women's basketball, bachelor of arts.
   
•  Dannie L. Woods Jr., San Antonio, Texas (Sam Houston), men's basketball, master of arts in teaching.
   
Student-managers graduating were:
   
•  Kamille Dene Deloach, women's basketball, bachelor of science.
   
•  Ariel Chanel Ellis, men's basketball, bachelor of arts.
   
•  Taylor Reneé Loyd, men's basketball, bachelor of science.
   
Mead graduated magna cum laude and received a university service key award. Loyd graduated with honors in English.
   
Xavier is one of 38 U.S. colleges listed as a "Best Buy School" in the 2014 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

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

Florida A&M tops Bethune-Cookman 4-2 to claim MEAC softball championship

ORMOND BEACH, Florida  -- Things didn't start out well for Florida A&M pitcher Kenya Pereira on Saturday.
             

Bethune-Cookman's first four batters of the game got hits, including Kelsey Rodney, who smashed a two-run homer over the left-field fence in the top of the first.

 

But Pereira, a freshman right-hander, did not allow another hit until the fifth inning, and the Rattlers went on to defeat the Wildcats 4-2 to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament softball championship at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

 

Pereira, who allowed just two earned runs in 26.1 tournament innings, was named the tourney's outstanding performer, while FAMU's Veronica Wiggins was named oustanding coach. The Rattlers (24-27) allowed a total of three runs to win four consecutive tourney games and advance to the NCAA regionals for the first time since 2009.

 

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ASU's Wenzig Invited to Kansas City Chiefs Minicamp

Bobby Wenzig
Courtesy ASU Athletics

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Former Alabama State University kicker/punter Bobby Wenzig, has been invited to the Kansas City Chiefs minicamp that will take place at the end of May.

Wenzig is arguably the most decorated football player to have ever put on an ASU uniform. He has been a difference-maker for ASU ever since he transferred to the Hornets following a year at Arizona State. He is a two-time All-America selection as well as a three-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) pick.

The San Diego, Calif., native finished his career averaging 43 yards per punt.  He was a master of being able to down his punts to pin the opposition next to their own goal line as 68 of his 208 punts were downed inside the 20 yard line.  He also had the ability to punt for distance changing field position for the Hornets defense.  He had 61 punts travel over 50 yards.

Wenzig also handled kick off, field goal and PAT duties for ASU.  He hit 35 field goals during his three years and 69 PAT's.  He finished his career with 204 points becoming only the fourth ASU player to score over 200 points during his career.

"I am very happy to have the opportunity to go to Kansas City and compete at the rookie mini-camp! I am going in there as a combo kicker. It gives me the chance to show that I can do in all aspects of kicking and punting.

Alex Smith is also from San Diego and I look forward to meeting him soon."

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SWAC Softball Championship Preview

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- No. 1 West seed Texas Southern and No. 3 East seed Mississippi Valley State will meet for the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Softball Championship on Sunday, May 11, at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur, Ala.. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m.

TSU (30-18) enters the final round after defeating in-state rivals Prairie View A&M, 5-2, on Saturday. Texas Southern captured the Western  title during the regular season and are led by Thomasina Garza.

For the tournament, Garza connected 6-of-11 with four runs scored, nine RBI and three home runs including two dingers in the win against PVAMU. She is currently batting .407 on the season. The Lady Tigers make their second championship game appearance after capturing the title in 2000.

Defending tournament champions, MVSU (14-34) makes an unprecedented 10th consecutive championship game appearance winning eight titles during the spread.

The Devilettes will have a chance to earn a third straight title after defeating top seeded Jackson State, 4-3. MVSU is powered by Brandi Williams during its 2014 tournament run. Williams has recorded five RBI hitting 5-of-9. Jahcenda Garrett is the only Devilette hitting over 300 on the year posting a .314 batting average.

This will be the third time TSU and MVSU will meet in the SWAC tournament and the first in the title game. The Devilettes defeated the Lady Tigers 7-0 in 2006 and 1-0 in 2013. MVSU holds the series record, 18-4, since 1997, however, TSU won the last meeting during the league's divisional crossover round-up, 17-4, on March 22.

For the meetings, MVSU has outscored TSU 111-66.

 

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU Overcomes Huge Deficit To Defeat NCCU 9-8

Courtesy Florida A&M Sports Information

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Bennie Robinson’s game-winning RBI double in the bottom of the eighth pushed Florida A&M (24-24, 14-10 MEAC) to a 9-8 victory over North Carolina Central (19-31-1, 12-12 MEAC) on Saturday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field. Ryan Kennedy’s three-run home run in the fifth tied the game at 7-7 before the Rattlers took the lead for good in the eighth. The win clinches the #2 seed in the Southern Division for FAMU.

The game was resumed from a suspended game due to rain on March 23. The game started with the Rattlers trailing 6-0 in the top of the second inning, with two outs and the bases loaded.

The win is the fifth straight for FAMU and its 11^th straight win in games decided by one run. Robinson extended his consecutive games on base streak to 44 games.

Four Rattlers (Robinson, Kennedy, Ryan Hutson and Marlon Gibbs) recorded multiple hits on the day.

Brandon Fleming (5-4) worked a scoreless eighth and ninth inning for the win. Fleming only allowed one hit with two strikeouts. The pitching staff came in to the suspended game trailing 6-0 but only allowed two runs on the day which was enough to let the FAMU offense to get rolling. William Carrasco started the resumed game and only allowed one run on four hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched.

Christian Triplett, for the Eagles, lined out to first on the very first pitch of the game from Carrasco to strand the bases full.

The Rattlers offense started fast to cut the Eagle lead in half at 6-3 with three runs in the second inning. Hutson led off the bottom of the second with a double to left center. After Devin Perry lined out to the shortstop, Gibbs singled to left with one out to put runners on the corners. Kendal Weeks then smacked a two-run triple into right center to score both Hutson and Gibbs. Jeremy Barlow would plate Weeks from third with a sac fly to center for the third run of the inning.

Florida A&M quickly added another run in the third to make the score 6-4. Peter Jackson singled up the middle and came around to score on Kennedy’s one out double down the left line.

NCCU answered with a run in the top of the fourth inning on Carter Williamson’s sac fly to left that scored Carlos Ortiz, pushing the Eagle lead back to three at 7-4.

FAMU would fight all the way back to take the lead at 8-7 on four runs in the fifth inning. Kennedy’s three-run home run, his eighth of the season, tied the game at 7-7. Hutson doubled down the left line, advanced to third on a fly out by Perry, before coming home for the go ahead run as Gibbs reached on a throwing error by the second baseman.

The Eagles came right back to tie the game at 8-8 with a run in the top of the seventh. Eric Kimber and James Dey recorded back-to-back singles to lead off the inning. Kimber went to third on Dey’s single and scored the tying run from third as Christian Triplett hit into the 6-4-3 double play.

The Rattlers grabbed the lead for good and the final score of 9-8 in the eighth inning. Barlow struck out swinging and Jared Walker popped up to second base for the first two outs of the inning. Jackson then drew a walk to represent the winning run. Robinson followed as he ripped a two out RBI double into the left center gap scoring Jackson from first for the go ahead run.

Eagle reliever Terry McNabb (2-8) suffered the loss after pitching the final 3 2/3 innings. McNabb gave up just one run on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

Florida A&M travels to the MEAC Tournament in Norfolk, VA this week. The Rattlers first opponent will be Coppin State on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 pm. FAMU will be the #2 seed out of the Southern Division.

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

BOX SCORE

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

Randallstown guard Jerell Cooke picks Morgan State

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- At first, Jerell Cooke thought he might want to leave Baltimore for college. The Randallstown senior was recruited mostly by junior colleges, so he was preparing himself for a life away from home.

Then Morgan State came calling.



“After the … county championship, the [Morgan State] coach called my [high school] coach,” Cooke said.  “Morgan was looking to offer me and they wanted to recruit me. [I told my coach], ‘Yeah, I like that.’ [He said], ‘Yeah, me too.’”

Cooke committed to the Bears last month, ensuring that his family and friends will be able to see him play in college. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound shooting guard will redshirt his freshman year and then have four years of eligibility to play for the Bears.

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Florida Gators blank S.C. State Bulldogs to open NCAA tourney

GAINESVILLE, Florida  -- Despite a three-week break from competition, it was business as usual for the No. 8 Florida women's tennis team Friday at Linder Stadium.

UF (20-5) had no trouble with MEAC champion South Carolina State (13-6), ending the Bulldogs' season with an efficient 4-0 win in first-round NCAA tournament action.

 

“I thought we played really well,” Florida coach Roland Thornqvist said. “We were a little nervous in the opening 10 minutes of doubles, but managed to play our way through that and executed well.

 

“In these tournaments when you have to play back-to-back days in 90-degree weather, when you are up and have a chance to close it out quickly, it's very important that you do. I thought a two-hour match Saturday was nice, not to have to be on the court for another hour.”

 

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ESPN to air SWAC Softball Tournament semifinal rivalry today

COURTESY SWAC.ORG

DECATUR, Alabama  -- As a  result of the postponed 2014 SWAC Softball Tournament on Friday, May 9, ESPN will noaw air one of two match-ups of the semifinal round.

The Texas Southern versus Prairie View A&M match-up will be aired in place of the original scheduled airing of the SWAC Softball Championship on Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. CT on ESPN3. The tape delay will be televised on ESPNU at 9 p.m. CT.

Due to inclement weather on Friday, the tournament scheduled was adjusted with the semifinals, including the Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State game also slated for Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. The final round is now scheduled for Sunday, May 11, at 10 a.m. CT at Wilson Morgan Park in Decatur, Ala.

 

WATCH LIVE - ESPN3

 

COURTESY SWAC.ORG

 

First Deaf Football Player at Saint Augustine's University Earns His Degree

Javarous Faulk
All-American (Football)
Hometown: Macon, Georgia 

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  College campuses all over the country are buzzing with excitement, music and celebration as graduates prepare to walk across commencement stages this month. Proud parents and loved ones will cheer as they hear their graduates name called from the stage. Every motivational word spoken by guest speakers will resonate through crowds of tomorrow's leaders on this special day.

Yet, one graduating senior and All-American football player at Saint Augustine's University celebrated his accomplishments in silence.

At the age of three, Javarous Faulk's mother noticed that her son may have been losing his hearing. Today, Faulk is only able to hear sounds and tones through a hearing aid.

Faulk did not let his hearing impairment stop him from obtaining a college degree. On May 4, Faulk earned his Bachelor of Science degree in human performance and wellness.

"I admire Javarous' tenacity to overcome the obstacle of being hearing impaired," said Dr. Derrick Sauls, department chair for SAU's Physical Education, Exercise Science and Athletic Training. "I have watched him continually meet challenges in the classroom, yet he never gave up on himself."

Not only did Faulk not let his hearing impairment stop him from earning his degree, but he also did not let it hinder him on the football field.

"Faulk was one of my better players," said Tremayne Henry, defensive line coordinator for the Falcon Football Team. "He would always be in the office watching game film. He would do whatever he needed to do to perform better on the field."

Coach Henry shared how he and Faulk communicated each game.

"We had developed various hand signals I would give him from the sidelines," Henry said. "After each play, he would look at me and I would give him thumbs-up or thumbs-down. He always wanted to be reassured that he was performing well."

Henry further commented on how he felt when Faulk received his diploma.

"When he walked across the stage at commencement, I felt as if he was one of my own children," Henry said. "After the ceremony, I told him how proud I was of him and that I loved him."

Faulk, a native of Macon, Ga., played defensive end on the Falcon Football Team. In 2012, Faulk, who was an All-American player, tied the university's single-season sack record. Some of his outstanding plays led to other accolades including the Black College Sports Page All-America Third Team, the Don Hansen All-Super Region One Third Team and the All-CIAA First Team. He was also a nominee for the Gene Upshaw Award which goes to the NCAA Division II Lineman of the Year. Entering the 2013 season, he was named to the USA College Football Division II Pre-Season All-America Second Team.

What inspires Faulk to succeed?

"Naysayers, my family and people that look up to me," wrote Faulk. "Graduating from college was really exciting for me. There was a sense of relief at being done with countless assignments and a sense of accomplishment in earning my degree."

Faulk has big plans for his future.

"I want to continue my education," Faulk wrote. "I want other hearing impaired individuals to know that whatever I accomplish that they can do it too."

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Sixty-Three Student-Athletes Among 210 Saint Augustine's University Graduates

Football Player Javarous Faulk (Left) and Clarence Ganus (Right) Are Among
63 SAU Student-Athletes.

RALEIGH, North Carolina – Sixty-three student-athletes and cheerleaders were among the 210 Saint Augustine's University graduates this past weekend (May 4) at the school's 2014 Commencement, held on the lawn of the campus Quadrangle.

Thirty percent (30%) of the graduating class were student-athletes and cheerleaders. The percentage surpasses last year's percent number (25%) of student-athletes in the 2013 graduating class.

The ceremony capped another successful season for the university's athletic program. Saint Augustine's University won CIAA championships in five sports this season including men's cross country, women's cross country, men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field and men's outdoor track and field. The men's track & field team won the NCAA Division II indoor championship for the second consecutive year and are currently ranked No. 1 in Division II in outdoor track & field.

The softball team reached the CIAA Championship Game, and the women's basketball team won the CIAA Team Highest Grade Point Average Award in its sport for the fifth straight season.

Below is a list of the 2014 student-athletes who graduated from Saint Augustine's University and their respective sports:

Bachelor of Science (School of Applied Health and Medical Sciences)

Summa Cum Laude (3.80-4.00 GPA)
Dwayne Hyman – Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Christopher Octetree – Men's Tennis

Javarous Faulk – Football
Clarence Ganus – Baseball
Jonathan Hailey – Baseball
Jermaine Jones – Football/Men's Track & Field
Jjshaun Pinkston – Football
Brian Richards – Football
Kelly Shaw – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Amber Simrel - Volleyball
Anthony Todd – Men's Track & Field
Jameel Walcott – Men's Track & Field/Cross Country

Bachelor of Science (School of Business, Technology and Sport Management)

Summa Cum Laude (3.80-4.00 GPA)
Joshua Easter – Baseball
Byron Munro – Football
Autumn Smith – Women's Basketball/Softball

Cum Laude (3.40-3.59 GPA)
Victoria Davis – Women's Basketball/Volleyball

Audarius Blackwood – Football
Kirsten Bowens – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Unique Connor – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Alex Edwards – Baseball
Jamie Goff – Volleyball
Stephen Hamilton – Baseball
Javon Harley – Football
Joel Kindred – Men's Basketball
James Quarles – Men's Track & Field
Herman Reaves – Football
Joseph Reed – Football
Chaz Robinson – Football
Jonathan Stallworth – Football
Marcel Streeter – Football
Shawn Sutton – Men's Track & Field
Luther Witherspoon – Football

Bachelor of Arts (School of Liberal Arts and Education)

Summa Cum Laude (3.80-4.00 GPA)
Brittany Brown – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country

Ramaan Ansley – Men's Track & Field
Jaivairia Bacote – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Dario Barnes – Football
Devon Burroughs – Men's Track & Field
Calvin Butcher – Baseball
Joshua Edmonds – Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Brittni Finch – Women's Track & Field
Aru Kok – Men's Basketball
Newton Miller – Football
John Newman – Men's Basketball
Rodricaus Peters – Football
Ashley Ross – Cheerleading

Bachelor of Science (School of Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering)

Cum Laude (3.40-3.59 GPA)
Jennifer Plair – Softball
Justin Williams – Football

Kenishea Donaldson – Women's Tennis
Unique Gupton – Bowling
Bryan Jones – Football
Minyan Murphy – Women's Tennis
Shonquez Nelson – Football
Michelle Shackelford - Softball

Bachelor of Arts and Science (School of Social and Behaviorial Sciences)

Cum Laude (3.40-3.59 GPA)
LaKeisha Ford – Softball
Temperance Jacobs – Women's Basketball/Volleyball

Latricia Bennett – Track & Field
Darien Hardaway – Baseball
Brock Holmes – Baseball
Dane Hyatt – Men's Track & Field
Clarence Peace – Baseball
Ebony Spencer – Women's Basketball/Volleyball/Softball/Tennis
Dahveed Todd – Baseball
Anthony Wright – Football

NOTE: Volunteer men's assistant basketball coach B.J. Williams and baseball student manager Gennetha Williams graduated at Commencement.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Ford Picks up First Commitment as TSU Head Coach

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Tennessee State head men’s basketball coach Dana Ford announced the signing of shooting guard Darreon Reddick on Friday.

“Darreon is a great kid who excels in the classroom as well as on the court,” Ford said. “Darreon is a combo-guard that can play at both guard positions in our system, and he comes from an AAU program (Southwest Illinois Jets) in which the director is a Tennessee State alum, so we look forward to Darreon showing pride in our program.”

Reddick was the top scorer for Belleville East HS this season and the three-year starter averaged 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.63 assists per game. He also led East in assists (79) and steals (43), helping the Lancers win a regional before they lost in the sectional to state tournament qualifier Edwardsville.

Rated a two-star recruit by scout.com, Reddick averaged 13.6 points as a junior and 8.1 points as a sophomore.

The 6-foot-3 Belleville, Ill. native also received offers from Bradley, DePaul and Indiana State among others, but chose to become Ford’s first commitment as head coach of the Tigers.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Lady Rattlers Strike Wildcats 5-1 In MEAC Semis

Lady Rattlers are one game away from their 10th MEAC Softball Championship
Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information

ORMOND BEACH, Florida  -- The FAMU Women’s Softball team moved one step closer to its’ 10^th MidEastern Athletic Conference title here Friday with a 5-1 semifinal victory over Bethune-Cookman in the 2014 MEAC Softball Championships at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

FAMU (23-27), which managed to score just two runs in two 1-0 victories in Thursday’s opening rounds, struck early against Bethune-Cookman (24-30), plating three runs in the first inning, on one hit, aided by two Wildcat defensive errors.

Alyssa Weaver, who reached on a leadoff single, advanced on an error and a passed ball, before scoring on a wild pitch for a 1-0 lead. Amber Fullwood, whose fielder’s choice grounder resulted in the first Cookman fielding error at second, along with Kieffi Myrick, who reached on a two out walk, both later scored on a throwing error by B-CU shortstop Sophia Ortega, for a 3-0 lead.

That was enough for freshman pitcher Kenya Pereira (8-8), who turned in her third complete game performance in the circle in two days, allowing one unearned run on three hits, with three strikeouts and three walks.

For the tournament, the Kissimmee, Florida native has pitched 21 innings, allowing just one unearned run on 10 hits, with 11 strikeouts against just four walks in compiling a 3-0 record.

In the top of the fifth, Myrick, who finished with a team-high two hits, lashed a two-run single, scoring Fullwood and pinch hitter Amanda Weaver, to extend the FAMU lead to 5-0.

The Wildcats scored their only run of the game in the bottom of the fifth with two outs, when a FAMU fielding error by second baseman Alyssa Weaver allowed Wanda Darby to score for a 5-1 count.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU advances to Saturday’s 1:00 p.m. title game
against the winner of the Bethune-Cookman –Delaware State  game that was to be played at 6 p.m.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU Signs Radio Agreement with Max Media/Star 1310 AM

COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
NSUSPARTANS.COM

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The Norfolk State University Athletics Department announced Friday that it has signed a radio agreement with Max Media of Hampton Roads to broadcast the Spartans football and men's basketball games on Star 1310 AM in the 2014-15 athletics season.

Star 1310 AM (WGH) will broadcast NSU's 2014 football and men's basketball games as well as the school's weekly news and information program on Saturday mornings. All NSU programming broadcast will also be streamed on www.star1310.com. The audio streaming application is also compatible with Apple and Android mobile devices.

"This Norfolk State partnership with Star 1310 is something we've wanted for quite some time and we are very excited as to what's ahead," said John Shomby, director of operations and programming for Max Media.

"We're very excited to work with Max Media next year," said Matt Michalec, NSU's assistant athletics director for communications. "We had the opportunity to broadcast several basketball games on Star 1310 this past season and were very pleased with the outcome. Max Media runs a first-class operation and we think this gives our program added visibility and our fans a great avenue to follow NSU athletics."

Visit www.nsuspartans.com for more details on NSU programming with Star 1310 AM as the 2014-15 athletics season approaches.

ABOUT STAR 1310 AM WGH
Star 1310 is a 20,000-watt station based in Newport News which serves the entire Hampton Roads area as well as portions of northeast North Carolina. The station is an urban contemporary Christian music format but also features select college sports programming. The station previously was the radio home of ESPN Radio until 2009, when it changed to its current format.



By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

HU's Smalls Named To Atlantic Sun WLAX All-Conference Team

Cynithia Smalls
HOWARD UNIVERSITY LADY BISON LACROSSE
COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --    The Atlantic Sun Conference has released their Women's Lacrosse All-Conference awards and Howard senior attack Cynithia Smalls has been named to the All A-Sun Second Team.

The honor gives Smalls a pair of Second Team All-Atlantic Sun Second Team awards after being honored in 2013.

Smalls finished her Lady Bison career as one of the best offensive players in school history. The Far Rockaway, NY native leaves Howard with the following records:

• Goals in a game (10)
• Goals in a career (139)
• Points in a game (10)
• Points in a career (162)
• Draw Controls in a game (14)
• Draw Controls in a season (72)
• Draw Controls in a career (166)

This season, Smalls led Howard in goals (34), assists (7), points (41) and draw controls (72) while finishing fourth in ground balls (19).

 2014 Atlantic Sun Lacrosse All-Conference Release

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON SPORTS INFORMATION

Howard U. To Host Annual Kevin Nickelberry Basketball Camp

HEAD COACH KEVIN NICKELBERRY
HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Howard Men's Basketball Kevin Nickelberry will host his fifth annual Basketball Camp this summer, from August 4-7.

The Kevin Nickelberry Basketball Camp - one of the premier camps in the DC area as well as the most affordable - focuses on creating a sound basketball foundation for kids of all ages that can be built on for years to come.

Space is very limited, as the camp will have only ONE session this summer.

The price for the four-day camp is $150, with an Early Bird Special rate of $125 in effect until May 31. Discounts are also available for Howard University employees and alumni.

All campers will receive an official camp t-shirt.

For more information or to register for the camp, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

B-CU men, Chicago State women lead after first round

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida -- On Friday at PGA Golf Club, the Chicago State University women’s team jumped out to the first-round lead, while Bethune-Cookman University took the early lead in the Division I Men's competition at the 28th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship.

The 2014 edition of the Championship features nearly 200 players representing more than 40 colleges and universities. The 54-hole Championship concludes Sunday.

The Bethune-Cookman men’s team, which opened with a 10-over-par 298 total on the Wanamaker Course, took a two-stroke lead over Alabama State University. Savannah State University is in third place at 301.

Both Bethune-Cookman and Alabama State will be competing in NCAA regionals next week.

Bethune-Cookman was led by senior Matthew McKnight, who shot 3-under-par 69 on the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club.

CONTINUE READING

2014 PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship

TOURNAMENT FACTS AND FIGURES:

Dates: May 9-11, 2013

Site: PGA Golf Club, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Courses: Ryder and Wanamaker
Field List: See who's scheduled to play (.pdf)
Career Expo: Players to explore job possibilities (.pdf)

Last Year: Relive the 2013 tournament

 

Photo Gallery: Career Expo | Welcome Dinner | Friday

Tee Times: See when your favorites will hit the course

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON TWITTER: Use hashtag #MinorityChamp

 

FRIDAY: Bethune-Cookman men, Chicago State women lead after first round

The Bethune-Cookman men's team opened with a 10-over-par 298 total Friday to take a two-stroke lead over Alabama State. In the women's division, Chicago State carded a 309 to grab a nine-stroke lead over the University of Houston-Victoria. 

 

PREVIEW COVERAGE:

Five division winners return to defend titles at 2014 PGA Minority Championship

Bethune-Cookman University hopes to repeat its men's and women's team championships from a year ago, while Alabama State's Robert Grant is looking to script an encore to his exciting men's individual championship finish as five of the six teams and individual champions from 2013 will return this year to provide another dramatic chapter in this unique competition.

 

  --Notebook: Pioneer Renee Powell to speak at Welcome Dinner

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Chicago State Women's Soccer Announces Inaugural Schedule

COURTESY CHICAGO STATE ATHLETICS

CHICAGO, Illinois  -- Chicago State's inaugural women's soccer schedule was released on Thursday (May 7). The 2014 19-game schedule features nine non-conference contests against seven different NCAA Division I conferences and 10 Western Athletic Conference matches.

Head Coach Tony Tommasi and the Cougars will begin their season with a road trip to Arkansas where they will play at Arkansas-Little Rock (Aug. 22) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Aug 24).

The team will then come back to the Windy City and play CSU's first ever home women's soccer games with a three-game home stand vs. North Dakota (Aug. 29), Cleveland State (Aug. 31) and Green Bay (Sept. 5). They follow this stretch with a neutral site contest at Nike Park in Naperville, Ill. with Northern Illinois (Sept. 12).

"Most schedules are done a year or two out," Tommasi said.  "But even with the time crunch we faced putting a non-conference schedule together, I believe we have a schedule that should help our development path."

Three consecutive non-conference games follow the Northern Illinois game before Chicago State's first WAC contest on Sept. 28 at home vs. Kansas City. It is the first of 10 WAC matches to close the regular season. The Broncos of UTPA come to town on Oct 3. UTPA will also be in their inaugural season of women's soccer in 2014.

The Cougars close the regular season with five of their seven contests on the road, including a three game road trip with Utah Valley (Oct. 24), defending WAC champion Seattle U (Oct. 26) and Kansas City (Nov. 1).

The WAC tournament will be held Nov. 6-9 at Seattle U.

Link to entire schedule

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Tuskegee Defeats UAH in Opener of Regional

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama | The University of Alabama in Huntsville softball team fell in the opening game on the NCAA South 1 Regional on Friday afternoon as the top-seeded Chargers dropped a 7-5 decision to No. 8 seed Tuskegee. UAH slips to 43-10 with the setback, while the Golden Tigers improve to 30-14.

UAH will meet North Alabama in an elimination game at 3 p.m. on Saturday, with the winner of that contest playing at 6 p.m. against the loser of Rollins and Tuskegee.

The Golden Tigers jumped in front in the second inning, crossing the plate five times with two outs in the frame. A hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded plated the first run, leadoff batter Cari Driver singled to score a run, and Chante Warner hit a bases-clearing double right on the leftfield line to score three more and give Tuskegee a 5-0 lead.

After a pair of scoreless innings, Tuskegee would tack on another pair of runs in the fifth inning to grab a 7-0 advantage.

The Chargers would then cut into the large deficit with a pair of runs in the sixth as Brianna Sullivan singled in Kaitlyn Bannister and Emily Glover scored on the same play thanks to a Tuskegee error, and UAH would pull closer in the seventh inning.

Bannister made it a 7-4 game when she homered with two outs, scoring Tyler Harrison who had singled in the previous at-bat, and Glover would score UAH's fifth run of the game after doubling, coming home when Mallory McNeal singled into center.

Unfortunately, the Chargers could pull no closer as Latifah Kelly (17-5) earned the complete-game victory. She gave up 11 hits and the five runs, striking out two and walking three.

Glover (14-4) picked up the loss for the Chargers as she was charged with the first four runs.

Helping UAH collect its 11 hits, both Macie Couey and Bannister recorded three hits in the game. Denavia Harrison matched that performance on the other side as she also collected three hits to assist Tuskegee in finishing the day with 10.

The Golden Tigers will face Rollins at noon with a berth to the championship on the line.

Box Score

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B-CU beats Delaware State, advances to MEAC softball championship

ORMOND BEACH, Florida  -- Bethune-Cookman scored five runs in the first inning in a 9-2 win over Delaware State to advance to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference softball tournament championship Friday.

The Wildcats (25-30) will meet Florida A&M (23-27) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

 

B-CU, which lost to the Rattlers 5-1 earlier Friday, needs to beat FAMU twice to claim its fourth league title in five years.

 

“We're focused on that first game (Saturday),” B-CU assistant coach Sabrina Ferguson said. “How we played (Friday) is behind us. We're going to come prepared (Saturday), and our mindsets are good.

 

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UPDATED: Semifinals at SWAC Softball Tournament postponed

DECATUR, Alabama  -- The Mississippi Valley State softball team will have to wait an extra day before they can find out if they'll be playing for a ninth SWAC Tournament championship in the last 11 years.

It was announced Friday morning that the semifinal round of the SWAC Softball Tournament has been rescheduled to Saturday at Wilson Morgan Park. The Devilettes will face rival Jackson State at 2 p.m. for the second time of the tournament and the fifth time in the last two weeks. If MVSU loses in the 2 p.m. game on Saturday, then they'll have another shot at JSU in the 5:30 p.m. game against the Lady Tigers.

Meanwhile, the championship game has been rescheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m.

A win Saturday will put MVSU in the championship game against either Texas Southern or Prairie View A&M.

For live stats of the games, click here. 

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION   

Garrett's game-winning hit sends MVSU Devilettes into semifinals

COURTESY MVSU ATHLETICS

DECATUR, Alabama -- For the second straight day at the SWAC Softball Tournament, "The Comeback Kids" of Mississippi Valley State came from behind Thursday to stay in the winner's bracket.

Jahcenda Garrett had a walkoff single to center field in the bottom of the seventh inning to send the Devilettes past rival Jackson State, 8-7, at Wilson Morgan Park. Valley fought its way back from an early 5-0 deficit to beat the No.1-seeded Lady Tigers, who fall into the loser's bracket.

Going into the bottom of the seventh inning, MVSU trailed 7-5 before putting up three runs to secure a spot in Friday's semifinal game at 10 a.m.

"I have to give it to our players and coaching staff, they never gave up," said MVSU head coach Lee Smith. "No matter what situation we've found ourselves in during this tournament, they've kept their focus and gotten the job done. I couldn't be any prouder of our group."

MVSU cut the lead to 7-6 after a bases loaded walk with two outs by Brandi Williams. Garrett followed it up with one of the biggest hits of her career to put away JSU.

The Lady Tigers had taken the momentum early in the game by running out to a 5-0 lead after two innings, but Valley responded with an RBI-single by Tracey Williams in the third inning to cut the lead to 5-1. Then, the Devilettes had its largest offensive output in the fourth inning when Valley put up four runs -- with three of them coming on a home run by Deja Talton, her fifth of the season, that tied the game at five.

JSU, however, fought back with two runs of its own in the top of the fifth inning on a pair of MVSU errors.

After both teams went scoreless in the sixth inning, it was MVSU that came out victorious thanks to the game-winning heroics of the Nashville native Garrett, who leads the Devilettes in batting average.

Cassandra Rivera (5-19) earned the win, giving up five earned runs on seven hits with one strikeout in 3.2 innings of work on the mound.

Talton led the Devilettes with three RBIs and Tracey Williams went 2-for-4 at the plate for Valley, which finished with seven hits in the game. JSU committed four errors in the contest.     
Box Score

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State To Have Strong Contingent At PGA Minority Championship

COURTESY ASU ATHLETICS

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida – Alabama State's SWAC Champion men's and women's golf teams will have strong representation in this weekend's 28th PGA Minority Collegiate Championship.

The three-time defending conference champion men's team will look to improve on last year's third-place finish on the PGA Golf Club's Wanamaker Course (par 72, 6,840 yards). In addition to men's Aplay, Robert Grant will look to defend his individual title, highlighted by a dramatic eagle on the 18th hole to force a playoff, which he won on the first extra hole.

And while the two-time defending SWAC champion women's golf team competes in this weekend's NCAA Tournament, Mia Campbell, who finished second in 2012, and Darleen Raymond will play individually on the Ryder Course (par 72, 5,745 yards).

Tournament play begins Friday at 7:30 a.m. local time.

"We've continued to practice on what we've focused on all season, which is improving our short game and approach shots to the green," assistant coach Robert Clark said. "The team has done a wonderful job in doing that. This venue calls for the short game to be sharp in order for you to score well."

The 54-hole, stroke-play Championship will feature over 200 student-athletes representing more than 40 colleges and universities. They will be competing for a National Championship in six divisions: Men's Division I, Men's Division II, Men's NAIA, Women's Team Division, Men's Individual Invitational, and Women's Individual Invitational.

"Playing here at the PGA Village is a real honor and privilege for us to come here each year and participate in the PGA Minority Collegiate Championship," Clark said. "Our guys, I think, are the class of the crop. We think we have a good opportunity to finish on top. Last year, the effort was there and we did ok finishing third, but we didn't play very well. With the underclassmen being more experienced, we're looking forward to them doing a really good job this year."

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama A&M Bulldogs signs pitcher for 2015

NORMAL, Alabama  -- Glad tidings continue for the Bulldog baseball team fresh off their all-time number of wins in the history of Alabama A&M in Division I.

Hartselle high school All-State pitcher Thomas Brady Wallace inked his named on a national letter of intent to play for A&M next season.

"The need for us was left handed pitching in 2015.  He was on our radar early last year and we wanted him," said head coach Mitch Hill. "He was a weekend pitcher for Hartselle high school which is a powerhouse 5A baseball program in Alabama."

"He made the decision to sign before the end of our season.  He will have the opportunity to get exposure with the teams we play," Hill quoted. "He is throwing mid 80's and is one of the better pitchers in the state of Alabama."

Wallace was a member of Hartselle's 2013 state championship team. The left-hander came in relief to start the third and pitched four shutout innings through the sixth to get the win. He yielded two hits and struck out three.

In 2014 the two-sport athlete, who lettered in basketball, finished with a 7-4 record and led his team to the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs.

"He comes from a winning program and knows how to win," Hill commented.

 

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

West Virginia State Vie For First MEC Baseball Tournament Title

BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia  -- The Mountain East Conference will crown its final champion in its inaugural season this weekend at the 2014 MEC Baseball Tournament at Linda K. Epling Stadium in Beckley, W.Va. 

West Virginia State's Devin Bowles pitched the Yellow Jackets past Urbana, 3-1, on Thursday night at Epling Stadium.

WVSU improved to 31-16 on the year and will take on Concord tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Urbana slipped to 23-20 and will play Shepherd at 3 p.m.

Bowles (5-1) allowed just four hits and one run through eight innings with nine strikeouts and a pair of walks. Joshua Falbo picked up his 11th save of the season
pitching a perfect ninth.

Urbana started Nick Bozman also turned in a solid performance on the mound for the Blue Knights giving up three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and three walks.

West Virginia State finally broke through in the bottom of the third inning with a pair of runs. Noah Blackhurst singled and Jack Hudson followed it with a double to right field putting a pair of runners in scoring position. Andrew Pickering's fly ball to right field to score Blackhurst, and Trenton Porter singled up the middle to make it 2-0.

Urbana pulled one back in the sixth after Cody Ridinger singled up the middle and Roman Gammell hit a two-out single.

WVSU added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth after Eric Craft walked and moved to second on a single, and then stole third with no out. That steal would be beneficial as he scored on the next play -- a 1-6-3 double play for Urbana.

Falbo then struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth to secure the victory.

MEC Baseball Tournament Central
Box Score 

 

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