Tuesday, May 20, 2014

New Thursday Contests, ASU Home Game Times Announced; Season Tickets On Sale Wednesday



MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- A pair of Thursday contests have been added to the 2014 Alabama State University football schedule, as home game times are announced in advance of season tickets going on sale Wednesday.

The Saturday, Sept. 20 home contest against Arkansas-Pine Bluff has been moved to Thursday, Sept. 18 on Faith and Family Night. The Saturday, Oct. 4 road game at Alcorn State has been moved to Thursday Oct. 2. Both games will be televised live on the ESPN family of networks, with game times TBA.

The three other September home games against Tennessee State, Mississippi Valley State, and Texas Southern will kickoff at 5 p.m. at the New ASU Stadium. The two November home games against Jackson State on Nov. 8 and Stillman in the Turkey Day Classic on Nov. 22 will kickoff at 1 p.m.

Season tickets go on sale Wednesday at 9 a.m. online at bamastatesports.com/tickets or by calling the New ASU Stadium Ticket Office at 334-229-4551. Among the new pricing packages, individual season tickets start as low as $90, and family pack season tickets (four tickets per game) for only $300.



2014 ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date
OpponentLocationTime
    
                            
8/30/2014  Sam Houston St. Huntsville, TXTBA                        
Inaugural Classic
9/6/2014  Tennessee St. Montgomery, Ala. - New ASU Stadium5 P.M.                        
9/13/2014 *Mississippi Valley St. Montgomery, Ala. - New ASU Stadium5 P.M.                        
Faith and Family Night
9/18/2014 *Arkansas - Pine Bluff Montgomery, Ala. - New ASU StadiumTBA                        
Health And Awareness Day
9/27/2014 *Texas Southern Montgomery, Ala. - New ASU Stadium5 P.M.                         
10/2/2014 *Alcorn St. Lorman, Miss.TBA                         
10/11/2014 *Prairie View A&M Prairie View, TX2 P.M.                        
73rd State Farm Magic City Classic
10/25/2014 *Alabama A&M Birmingham, Ala. - Legion FieldTBA                        
11/1/2014 *Southern Baton Rouge, LA6 P.M.                        
Connection Day / Military Appreciation Day
11/8/2014 *Jackson St. Montgomery, Ala. - New ASU Stadium1 P.M.                        
11/15/2014 *Grambling St. Grambling, LA2 P.M.                        
91st Turkey Day Classic / Homecoming
11/22/2014  Stillman Montgomery, Ala. - New ASU Stadium1 P.M.                        
Toyota SWAC Football Championship
12/6/2014  TBA Houston, TexasTBA                         

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

'Canes football home opener vs. FAMU set for 7 p.m. start

MIAMI, Florida -- The Hurricanes already knew they'd be opening their season on national television against Louisville on Labor Day, but now they know a little bit more about some of their other early-season matchups.

Kickoff for Miami's home opener on Sept. 6 against FAMU is set for 7 p.m., while the Hurricanes' second home game of the season--a Sept. 13 matchup against Arkansas State--will kick off at 3:30, the ACC announced on Tuesday.

The Sept. 6 game against the Rattlers will be broadcast on ESPN3, while the Sept. 13 game against the Red Wolves will be shown on ESPNU.

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FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

OpponentDateLocationSeries RecordTime - ET
Jackson StateAug. 30Jackson, Miss.7-8-26:00 pm
Univ. of MiamiSept. 6Miami, Fla.1-8-07:00 pm
COASTAL CAROLINASEPT. 20Tallahassee, Fla.0-0-05:00 pm
Tennessee St.Sept. 27Nashville, Tenn.24-28-0TBA
MORGAN STATEOCT. 4Tallahassee, Fla.20-6-05:00 pm
SAVANNAH STATEOCT. 11Tallahassee, Fla.6-0-05:00 pm
Howard Univ.Oct. 18Washington D.C.27-9-01:00 pm
N.C. A&TOct. 25Greensboro, NC43-13-21:00 pm
NORFOLK STATENov. 1Tallahassee, Fla.13-1-03:00 pm
S.C. STATENov. 8Tallahassee, Fla.33-22-33:00 pm
Delaware St.Nov. 15Dover, Del.22-9-02:00 pm
Bethune-CookmanNov. 22Orlando, Fla.48-18-1TBA

Home games in bold caps.

FOLLOW THE RATTLERS AT: FAMUATHLETICS.COM AND FOR TICKET INFORMATION.



COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Vandy close to finalizing football series with TSU

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Vanderbilt athletics director David Williams offered an update Wednesday regarding his work on future football schedules.

One item close to being finalized, he said, is a two-game series with Tennessee State, which would begin with the Commodores' 2016 season opener. The second game would likely be in 2018. Williams said the deal would be completed when TSU athletics director Teresa Phillips signs off on it.

Williams said Wake Forest and North Carolina State have shown ...



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MVSU selects Hunter as head volleyball coach

ITTA BENA – Mississippi Valley State University announced Friday that it has hired Douglas Hunter as its head volleyball coach. He most recently served as the head women's volleyball coach at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. 
Hunter takes over for Angela Franke, who recently accepted the same position at Loyola University in New Orleans.  
The Kingston, Jamaica native boasts more than 30 years of volleyball coaching experience consisting of seven years as a head coach at colleges or universities in the United States. Prior to his four-year stint at Shaw, Hunter served as head coach at Winston-Salem State University from 2007-10. Hunter's highest winning total as a head coach came during the 2012 season after he led Shaw to a 10-17 record.  
Hunter also has served as an assistant coach at North Carolina Central University (2002-06), Saint Augustine's College (1995-2001) and Mercy College (1994-95). At NCCU, he helped guide the school to three consecutive Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships from 2004-06 and its first appearance in school history in the NCAA Division II Regional in 2004. Then, at Saint Augustine, he assisted the Lady Falcons to three CIAA titles in 1997 and 2000-01 and its first NCAA Division II Regional appearance in school history.  
Prior to his time in the CIAA, Hunter spent two seasons as head coach of the Long Island Big Apple Volleyball Club (16s). In addition to his duties as head coach, he served as the team's technical director. 
As a player, Hunter has a wealth of experience playing in Jamaica and in the USAV Men's Hi A Club with DVC.net as well as with the International Jammers Volleyball Club in the Men's Open Club. He was a well-decorated player earning Best Middle Blocker, Best Defensive Player, and Best Passer honors with the Jamaica Volleyball Association during his career from 1984-94. He also earned Men's Hi A All-Region honors in 1998. In addition, Hunter has served as a volleyball official with the USAV, the FIVB and JVA Nationals.  
Hunter earned his bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from St. Augustine's College in 1999. He also graduated from the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica in 1992.

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS  INFORMATION

NAIA awards XU Gold Nuggets' Abbes, Howell and Flowers with All-American honors


Nour Abbes

Nour Abbes
Freshman
1st Team All-American
    Kourtney Howell
Kourtney Howell
Senior
1st Team All-American
    Brion Flowers
Brion Flowers
Sophomore
2nd Team All-American

NEW ORLEANS — For the second consecutive year, Xavier University of Louisiana has produced three All-Americans in women's tennis. The NAIA announced Monday that Kourtney Howell and Nour Abbes were chosen to the first team, and Brion Flowers made the second team.
   
Howell is the Gold Nuggets' first three-time All-American and joins Anastesia Opata (2008, 2009) as the program's only two-time first-team All-American. Flowers is a repeat second-team selection and the first Gold Nugget to earn All-America as a freshman and sophomore. It's the fourth honor in eight days for Abbes, the Wilson/ITA NAIA National and Region IV Rookie of the Year and winner of the Marvin P. Richmond Outstanding Player Award at the NAIA National Championship.
   
The trio helped Xavier finish 17-7, earn No. 1 in the final two coaches polls before the national tournament and reach the national semifinals for the second consecutive year. The Nuggets defeated eventual national champion Georgia Gwinnett 5-3 on April 26 for the championship of the NAIA Unaffiliated Group 2 Tournament.
   
Howell, a senior from Cypress, Texas, and a graduate of Cypress Woods High School, was 15-9 in singles and 23-9 in doubles this season. She and Flowers won the doubles title at USTA/ITA NAIA South Regional Championships and placed third in NAIA division of National Small College Championships.
   
Abbes, from Tunis, Tunisia, and a graduate of Lycée Sportif d'El Menzah, is the first XU women's tennis freshman to earn first-team NAIA All-America. (Flowers was second team as a freshman in 2013.) Abbes was 17-0 in singles and 16-2 in doubles, 12-0 with sophomore Simone-Alyse Ewell.
   
Flowers, a sophomore from Lafayette, La., and a graduate of St. Thomas More High School, was 10-13 in singles and 23-8 in doubles. Her three-set singles decision against Auburn Montgomery's Paula Diaz on March 9 clinched the Nuggets' first-ever victory against an NAIA No. 1 team, and she and Howell won four times against top-13 doubles opponents.
   
The ITA will announce its NAIA All-Americans after compiling its final singles and doubles rankings.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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XU Rush's Montrel, Soifer are 1st-team NAIA All-Americans

Xavier's Nikita Soifer, left, and Kyle Montrel were 17-6 at No. 1 doubles this year.

NEW ORLEANS — For the first time in the modern era of men's tennis at Xavier University of Louisiana, the Gold Rush have two first-team All-Americans in the same season. Sophomore Kyle Montrel and junior Nikita Soifer received that honor Monday from the NAIA.
   
They were the best players on a Gold Rush team which finished 13-12 and reached the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championship for the third consecutive year. The Gold Rush ranked ninth in the NAIA entering the national tournament — the postseason poll will be announced Wednesday — and extended the program's top-10 streak to 28 polls dating to May 2011.
   
Montrel, from Atlanta and a graduate of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, was 16-10 in singles and 19-7 in doubles this season and was chosen Wilson/ITA NAIA Region IV Player to Watch. He is the first Gold Rush tennis sophomore to be named first-team All-America. He received All-America honorable mention a year ago.
   
Soifer, from Beer Sheva, Israel, and a graduate of Hof Hasharon school, was 15-10 in singles and 22-7 in doubles. He was second-team All-America a year ago, and he is the program's third player to earn first- or second-team All-America twice. The others were Zach Taylor in 2011 and 2012 and Loic Didavi in 2012 and 2013.
   
Montrel and Soifer played No. 1 doubles for Xavier and were 17-6 this year, including three victories against top-20 opponents.
   
Coach Alan Green's Gold Rush have produced four first-team All-Americans and seven second-team selections, all in the last seven seasons.
   
The ITA will announce its NAIA All-Americans after compiling its final singles and doubles rankings.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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Monday, May 19, 2014

Xavier University of Louisiana -- Happy!


Tuskegee University is happy


A disappointing end to the baseball season

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- That's why they play the game.

If you were following along with the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship game, you could see a confident, relaxed Jackson State playing the way it always plays in mid-May, winning its 16th conference baseball championship and advancing to the NCAA regionals for the second consecutive year.

Or you could watch their opponent, an Alabama State team heavily favored to win its first conference baseball championship, giving up 17 hits, committing a pair of costly fielding mistakes and losing 9-8 to Jackson State. Watching as their trip to the NCAA regionals went to someone else. Watching as all their hard work this season – which resulted in a pretty remarkable year and a school-record 37 wins – came to a crashing halt on a youth baseball field in New Orleans.

And that, coaches like to say in a cliché that is way overused, is why they play the game.

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Indianapolis Colts Makes Roster Moves; Lane Dragons WR Greg Moore Waived

COURTESY LANE COLLEGE ATHLETICS
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Indianapolis Colts today signed free agent wide receiver Ryan Lankford and waived wide receiver Greg Moore.

Lankford, 5-11, 163 pounds, completed his collegiate career at Illinois with 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in 43 games played. As a junior in 2012, he led the team in receiving yards (469), receiving touchdowns (five) and total points scored (30), while finishing second in receptions (37). He earned the Illinois Point Award as the top offensive skill player on the team. In 2011, Lankford played in all 13 games (five starts) and totaled 12 catches for 108 yards. He also saw time as a punter, averaging 39.4 yards on 19 punts, and as a punt returner, returning 19 punts for 33 yards.

Moore finished the 2013 season at Lane College with 59 catches for 910 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to All-SIAC accolades. He also had three 100-yard receiving contests. Moore started 10 games as a freshman in junior college at Mesabi Range before transferring to Lane and starting nine contests as a sophomore.

Jackson State puts brakes on ASU




MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- All of the success, all of the records meant nothing on Sunday afternoon in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship game.

It couldn't help Alabama State win its first-ever SWAC baseball title. It couldn't help the Hornets reach the NCAA regionals. And in the end, it couldn't help ASU beat its arch nemesis as Jackson State pounded out 17 hits and took a 9-8 victory at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in New Orleans.

Alabama State, winners in 11 of 12 Sunday outings, couldn't win when it mattered most as the Tigers held on to win their 16th conference baseball title and grab the NCAA regional bid that seemed within Alabama State's grasp for most of the season.

Alabama State (37-19) ends the most successful season in school history, but a school record for wins and a SWAC East Division regular-season championship will feel hollow when it's the fourth-place team in the East that will be playing in the NCAA regionals in two weeks.

In the end, Alabama State couldn't come up with ...

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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Just Sayin': Rens right choice for UMES volleyball

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  -- More than a decade ago, a still green coach took the reigns of the volleyball program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Toby Rens had just two years of head coaching experience when he arrived, and won just three games in his first season as the coach in 2001. Doesn't sound too impressive until you realize the squad had not won even a single game in more than two years.

"When it was all said and done, we broke a 72-match losing streak," Rens said.

By 2002, the team finished 20-15, and one season later, in 2003, set a school-record 26-12 mark that would stand until it was broken in 2012.

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Jackson State Tigers claim second straight SWAC title with 9-8 win over Alabama State Hornets


NEW ORLEANS  --  The Jackson State baseball team won its second straight and 16th overall Southwestern Athletic Conference championship with a 9-8 victory over Alabama State Sunday evening at MBL Youth Academy at Wesley Barrow Stadium in New Orleans, La.
 
The Tigers and the Hornets squared off for the seventh time this season and while ASU held a 5-1 regular season edge, JSU held on to win the league crown. After five innings, the Hornets held a 6-5 advantage over the Tigers. JSU scored three runs to take an 8-6 lead and added an insurance run in the eighth to secure the victory.
 
Desmond Russell (9-4) pitched five innings to pick up the win. He allowed six runs on 10 hits and struck out five batters. Alexander Juday got the save in relief work. In two innings he gave up only one run on one hit and finished with three strikeouts.
 
Melvin Rodriguez and Charles Tillery powered JSU’s offensive efforts with each player recording three hits. Rodriguez scored a run and had two RBIs and Tillery scored two runs and had one RBI.
 
COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Explosive Scoring Pushes B-CU Past SSU to MEAC Final

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (25-31) battled back from an early deficit versus Savannah State (22-30) in the semi-final round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Baseball Championships, igniting the bats in the fourth to spark a 16-6 run rule victory over the Tigers.

Using a season-best scoring total and matching the season high in hitting, the Wildcats were able to earn some vindication after falling to the Tigers in the 2013 MEAC Championship final, 1-0, in the 10th inning, advancing to the championship game for the ninth consecutive season.



“We did a great job,” Head Coach Jason Beverlin said. “It was just one barrel after another. Guys were doing a good job of hitting the ball hard and using the whole field.”

The Wildcats were the first to reach the board in Sunday’s semi-final, as Bryant Munoz scored on second baseman Matt Noble’s sacrifice fly for the first inning 1-0 advantage.

However, the Tigers went to work early as well, using four consecutive hits in the second to take the lead on Zachary Brigham’s two-run double to left field, finishing the frame with a 3-1 advantage after a Lee Moore sacrifice fly.

After the early scoring cooled in the third, the game looked as though it could turn into a pitcher’s duel, but the fourth inning changed everything, as third baseman Jordan Robinson set the Wildcats off on a seven consecutive hit run, pushing B-CU well into the lead as 13 Wildcats batted through, en route to a 10 hit, nine run inning, going on top 10-3.

The Tigers stayed in the fight, as Moore scored on a single to the outfield in the fifth and Tre Sikes added a two-run homer to trim the Wildcats lead to four runs.

The Wildcats kept the pressure on, responding with a pair of runs in the bottom half, as Shaun McCarty scored on a Josh Johnson RBI single and Zach Olszewski scored from third during a double play. However, the final push for the win came in the sixth. Robinson put in the first run, scoring as McCarty reached on an error. Olszewski followed with an RBI single through the right side, McCarty scored on Johnson’s sac fly, and Olszewski crossed the plate for the double-digit lead on a Munoz RBI, pushing the Wildcats ahead 16-6.




After entering in relief for starter Montana Durapau in the sixth, Scott Garner lifted the Wildcats with a one-hit outing to secure the run-rule victory, with the final out coming on a highlight-reel snagging of a lined foul ball by Robinson at the left side fence.

“It was awesome to get in there,” Garner said. “We had a lot of reasons to beat them. I’m glad I was able to come in and once we got that 10th run, the seventh inning came along, I just had to shut it down and throw strikes.”

Despite his toughest outing in 26 appearances, Durapau (11-1) earned the victory and ties Helpiz Moises (2002) for most wins in a season, falling just one third of an inning behind Francisco Rodriguez for season innings pitched.

“It was one of those deals where the guys really picked him up today, it was great to see,” Beverlin said of Durapau. “There have been times throughout the year that he picked them up, and it was great to see them have his back today.”

All nine batters logged a hit for B-CU, six finished with multiple hits and six recorded multiple RBI, led by the freshman catcher, Olszewski, who went 4-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.  

Johnson and Munoz each went 2-for-4 with a team-leading three RBI apiece.

“The team had a lot of energy coming out, and they knew we were on a mission to get the job done and get past Savannah,” Johnson said.

The Wildcats advance to Monday’s (May 19) Championship Final as the lone unbeaten team in the tournament, and will face Norfolk State at 11 a.m., the Spartans defeated Savannah State, 5-0, in Sunday's elimination game.

“It definitely puts us in the driver’s seat,” Beverlin noted. “We’ve just got to go out tomorrow and continue to play well.”

For all the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow the official Twitter feeds, @CookmanBaseball or @BCUathletics, or "Like Us" on Facebook at BCUathletics.

To join the conversation on social media, be sure to tag your B-CU-related posts with the official hashtag of B-CU Athletics, #HailWildcats.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

First Lady Michelle Obama Addresses Senior Appreciation Day in Topeka, Kansas

TOPEKA, Kansas (May 16, 2014) -- On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the landmark Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court decision, First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at Senior Appreciation Day in Topeka, Kansas, where the historic civil rights case began.



Statement by the President on the 60th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Ruling

(May 16, 2014) 
Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Supreme Court handed down its landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the first major step in dismantling the “separate but equal” doctrine that justified Jim Crow. As we commemorate this historic anniversary, we recommit ourselves to the long struggle to stamp out bigotry and racism in all their forms. We reaffirm our belief that all children deserve an education worthy of their promise. And we remember that change did not come overnight – that it took many years and a nationwide movement to fully realize the dream of civil rights for all of God’s children. We will never forget the men, women, and children who took extraordinary risks in order to make our country more fair and more free. Today, it falls on us to honor their legacy by taking our place in their march, and doing our part to perfect the union we love.

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary


Presidential Proclamation -- 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

May 15, 2014

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

May 17, 1954, marked a turning point in America's journey toward a more perfect Union. On that day, the Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education, outlawing racial segregation in our Nation's schools. Brown overturned the doctrine of "separate but equal," which the Court had established in the 1896 case of Plessy v. Ferguson. For more than half a century, Plessy gave constitutional backing to discrimination, and civil rights organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People faced an uphill battle as they sought equality, opportunity, and justice under the law.

Brown v. Board of Education shifted the legal and moral compass of our Nation. It declared that education "must be made available to all on equal terms" and demanded that America's promise exclude no one. Yet the Supreme Court alone could not destroy segregation. Brown had unlocked the schoolhouse doors, but even years later, African-American children braved mobs as they walked to school, while U.S. Marshals kept the peace. From lunch counters and city streets to buses and ballot boxes, American citizens struggled to realize their basic rights. A decade after the Court's ruling, Brown's moral guidance was translated into the enforcement measures of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.

Thanks to the men and women who fought for equality in the courtroom, the legislature, and the hearts and minds of the American people, we have confined legalized segregation to the dustbin of history. Yet today, the hope and promise of Brown remains unfulfilled. In the years to come, we must continue striving toward equal opportunities for all our children, from access to advanced classes to participation in the same extracurricular activities. Because when children learn and play together, they grow, build, and thrive together.

On the 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, let us heed the words of Justice Thurgood Marshall, who so ably argued the case against segregation, "None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody...bent down and helped us pick up our boots." Let us march together, meet our obligations to one another, and remember that progress has never come easily -- but even in the face of impossible odds, those who love their country can change it.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 17, 2014, as the 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with programs, ceremonies, and activities that celebrate this landmark decision and advance the causes of equality and opportunity for all.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

XU's Abbes named NAIA tourney outstanding performer

NOUR ABBES
Marvin P. Richmond Outstanding Player Award
2014 NAIA Women's Tennis National Championship

MOBILE, Alabama -- Xavier University of Louisiana's Nour Abbes received the Marvin P. Richmond Outstanding Player Award at the conclusion of the 2014 NAIA Women's Tennis National Championship on Saturday.

Abbes, a freshman from Tunis, Tunisia, and a graduate of Lycée Sportif d'El Menzah, was 3-0 in singles and 3-0 in doubles at the tournament to lead the Gold Nuggets (17-7) to their second consecutive semifinal berth and tie for third place. All three of her singles opponents were ranked in the ITA's top 40; Abbes won a collective 36-of-43 games against them.

It's the first time since 2008 that the Richmond award winner was not a member of the championship team. Abbes is the first XU athlete to win an outstanding-player award at an NAIA national tournament.

The award is named for a former United States Tennis Association president and a longtime supporter of the NAIA.

"Nour finished the season the way she started -- winning and competing at a high level," XU coach Alan Green said. "Even though she was less than 100 percent in the semifinals on Friday because of a stomach bug, she won both her matches and demonstrated again what a special talent she is."

Abbes finished the season 17-0 in singles -- 7-0 against ranked NAIA opponents, 6-0 against players from NCAA Division I --  and 16-2 in doubles. She was 12-0 in doubles with sophomore Simone-Alyse Ewell, her partner during the final nine weeks.

Abbes on Monday was named Wilson/ITA NAIA Women's National and Region IV Rookie of the Year.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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Colts' Robert Mathis suspended four games for PED

Former Alabama A&M star player makes poor decision

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Indianapolis Colts' defense has taken a big hit with training camp still months away.

The NFL and the Colts announced Friday that outside linebacker Robert Mathis was suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Mathis released a statement through NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport in which Mathis said the failed test came from taking fertility drugs. He admitted that he made the mistake of not checking with the NFL or NFL Players Association about whether the drugs would present a problem for drug testing.

"The union has worked very closely with me to present all of the facts and medical records for consideration of discipline that does not include a suspension because of the unique facts of my case, but the Commissioner refused the request," Mathis said.

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NFL issues sharp response to Robert Mathis' claims

NEW YORK, NY  --  Robert Mathis had his say.

Now the NFL is taking its turn.

After a series of revelations by Mathis' camp on the heels of his four-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, the NFL is addressing some of Mathis' specific claims.

RELATED: Mathis says fertility drug prompted positive test

Mathis, who admits to taking the substance Clomid as a fertility aid in his and his wife's efforts to conceive a baby, sought leniency from the NFL after his positive test late last season. His appeal was denied, and the league now is going into more depth about the decision in a statement provided to the Indianapolis Star.

"As Mr. Mathis' agent acknowledged (Friday), his client failed to follow the protocols in the policy that the NFL and NFLPA agreed upon to address precisely these kinds of claims," the statement reads. "That policy also prescribes the disciplinary consequences of a positive test. The policy does not provide – nor should it provide – for the commissioner to override the policy's procedures and assess discipline on an after-the-fact, ad hoc basis. Here Mr. Mathis actually withdrew his appeal and accepted discipline at the union's suggestion. His hearing took place only after the Players Association requested that the appeal be reinstated."

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U.S. Senator Kay Hagan Introduces Bill to Strengthen Historically Black Colleges & Universities

(R) Senator Kay R. Hagan (D- N.C.) and (L) Dr. D. Jason DeSousa, Fayetteville State
University's Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Retention
Hagan Chaired Senate Education Committee Hearing on Minority Serving Institutions

WASHINGTON, D.C.  (May 13, 2014) --  Today, Senator Kay Hagan chaired a full committee hearing of the Senate Education Committee on the subject of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). At the hearing, Hagan announced she will be introducing a bill to strengthen HBCUs by establishing an HBCU Innovation Fund, a competitive grant program to help develop innovative initiatives to address specific needs of the students being served at those institutions. North Carolina is home to ten HBCUs across the state, and Hagan has long been a supporter of strong investments in these colleges and universities. Among the witnesses testifying was Dr. D. Jason DeSousa, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Retention from Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC.

"Our HBCUs provide North Carolina students a quality education, and we must continue supporting these institutions in their drive toward innovation," said Senator Hagan. "My bill will allow them to further enhance their students' learning experience and better prepare them for future success in the workforce. Our success as a state and a nation depends on making sure all students reach their full potential, and that is why I'm committed to ensuring our HBCUs have the resources necessary to truly educate each and every student."

Hagan's bill would authorize a competitive grant program for HBCUs with two options:

  •  Planning grant - a one-year grant to plan, design, and develop innovations that would address the issues affecting a schools' student population.
  •  Implementation grant - a five-year grant, conditional after three years on satisfactory progress to achieve specific outcomes articulated in the application. 
The legislation would also require grant recipients to secure a 15% match from an external source to carry out their innovation as well as conduct an independent evaluation and closely track their success against the measures set out in their application.

Priority for grants would be given to programs that increase the number of African American males who attain postsecondary degrees; build partnerships between HBCUs and local high schools to increase the enrollment and successful completion of historically underrepresented populations in higher education; and strengthen partnerships to combine the resources of HBCUs and partner institutions to support entrepreneurship and research on campuses of HBCUs.

For more information on the bill, please click HERE.

Hagan's bill has broad support from North Carolina's HBCUs.

"Fayetteville State University is working hard to ensure federal investments are yielding high returns and doing our part to leverage resources by partnering with majority institutions and others to provide greater academic support services to our students and to returning veterans," said Dr. DeSousa, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Retention at Fayetteville State University, who testified at today's HELP Committee hearing. "I thank Senator Hagan for her continued commitment to strengthening HBCUs across North Carolina and ensuring the students they serve are prepared for success in the future through innovative programs and high quality learning experiences."

"The proposed HBCU Innovation Fund is a timely initiative to expand opportunities for our students," said Harold L. Martin Sr., chancellor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. "This strategic investment will make a significant impact by providing funding through competitive grants to increase student enrollment in the STEM fields and expand entrepreneurship initiatives that support the university's interests in creating businesses and commercializing innovations developed through campus research programs."

"These are critical times for Historically Black Colleges and Universities as we seek creative funding opportunities to enhance our academic initiatives and address our most pressing needs," said Dr. Gaddis J. Faulcon, Acting President at Shaw University in Raleigh. "The HBCU Innovation Fund legislation sponsored by Senator Hagan specifically addresses the financial challenges that have impeded our students from enrolling or completing their degree. Additionally, it provides necessary funding to ensure that our students continue to achieve in the STEM disciplines that will prepare them to compete globally now and in the future. We applaud Senator Hagan for taking this monumental step in helping HBCUs continue their historic mission of educating tomorrow's leaders."

"I applaud Senator Hagan for introducing the HBCU Innovation Fund Legislation," said Dr. Ronald Carter, President of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. "It is very timely and important for HBCUs that are facing challenges in sustaining quality new programs that have been created to advance the recruitment, retention, and graduation of its students. With HBCUs currently being threatened by fewer federal dollars to support them in general - and in student initiatives specifically - this legislation is a bright spot."

During her time in the Senate, Hagan has been a strong supporter of North Carolina's HBCUs. Last year, Hagan hosted a summit with chancellors and presidents from North Carolina's HBCUs to discuss ways to strengthen the schools. Hagan sought input on important education and workforce development issues facing Congress and welcomed the chance to listen to North Carolina HBCUs' chancellors and presidents.

Hagan has supported key investments in HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions to renew, reform and expand programming to ensure that students have the support they need to stay in school and graduate. Hagan supported a bipartisan solution in July to keep federal student loan interest rates affordable.

While HBCUs represent just 3 percent of the nation's colleges and universities, they enroll 9 percent of the country's African American undergraduates, produce 17 percent of all African American bachelor degree recipients and generate 22 percent of all bachelor's degrees in STEM fields earned by African Americans.

SWAC Baseball Championship: Alabama State vs. Jackson State


Baseball Championship Notes (.pdf)
COURTESY SWAC.ORG
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball championship match-up is set with the No. 1 East seed Alabama State and No. 4 East seed Jackson State meeting for the first time in the final round to earn the 2014 SWAC baseball title.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at MLB Urban Youth Academy in New Orleans, La. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m. and will air live on ESPN3 with tape delay scheduled for Monday, May 19, on ESPNU.

ASU (37-19) won both series over JSU (30-23) during the regular season capturing five of the six games played.

ASU, winner of the SWAC East Division, enters the championship round after defeating Grambling State, 15-6, on Friday. The Hornets are led by SWAC Player and the Pitcher of the Year, Emmanuel Marrero and Joseph Camacho.

Marrero is hitting .326 and joins Waldyvan Estrada (.345), Einar Muniz (.343), and Richard Amion (.335) as the only Hornets currently batting over .300. Camacho (10-1) holds the most by a pitcher in the SWAC with a 2.32 ERA to complement 62 strikeouts. For the tournament, he carries 2.00 ERA with four strikeouts.

With a win on Sunday, defending tournament champions, JSU, can record a back-to-back championship for the fourth time. The Tigers won consecutive titles from 1977-78, 1989-90, and 1993-95.

SWAC Newcomer of the Year, Tilur Smith and pitcher Desmond Russell power JSU. Smith leads the Tigers with a .342 batting average and is hitting .357 for the tournament. Russell (8-4) holds a 3.12 ERA and leads the SWAC with 80 strikeouts throwing the most in one game this year 14. He has thrown eight strikeouts and has not given up an earned run in the tournament. During the regular season, Russell handed JSU its only win over ASU with a 5-4 victory on April 26.
 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

ASU set to play for SWAC supremacy, auto NCAA bid

NEW ORLEANS -- Alabama State has to take down the conference champions to earn an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament.

The Hornets (37-19) face defending SWAC champion Jackson State (30-23) Sunday at 2 p.m. in the conference title game in New Orleans. The game can be seen live on ESPN3.com and on tape delay at 7 p.m. Monday on ESPNU.

What are Alabama State's chances?

Very good if you base it on head-to-head meetings this season.

The Hornets are 5-1 against Jackson State this season. They put up 11 runs in each of their last two wins against the Tigers.

CONTINUE READING

Hampton Volleyball Announces Signing of Four New Players

HAMPTON, Virginia –  Hampton University head volleyball coach Karen Weatherington has announced her 2014 signing class, a quartet of players brought into the program with the hopes of continuing and building upon recent success.

"We are extremely excited to announce our 2014 recruiting class," Weatherington said. "This group is the first under our staff and we work diligently to make certain that it fits the standards of being a Hampton woman."

The 2014 signees are:



Mallory Beard (5-6, S/DS, Chino Hills, Calif./Chino Hills HS): Was named MaxPreps AVCA National Player of the Week back in October, on top of earning First Team honors in the Sierra League. She was also an All-Academic honoree and the Sierra League's Outstanding Senior. The three-year letterwinner also has seven years of club experience, and she serves as captain of the Mizuno Long Beach club team.

What Weatherington says: "Mallory has had great success with her teams as a setter and libero. She's projected as more of libero here, but she can serve in a number of roles. I think she has a good volleyball IQ, and she's accustomed to being a strong leader. She also has an incredible outgoing personality that really has a positive impact on everyone around her."



Raya O'Neal (5-10, S/OH/RS, East Hampton, N.Y./East Hampton HS): After moving up to varsity in eighth grade and helping East Hampton reach the state tournament, she was named Rookie of the Year as a ninth grader. After being named All-County as a sophomore, junior, and senior, she was named League VI Player of the Year as a senior, ranking first on the team in kills (764), aces (201), and assists (1,975).

What Weatherington says: "Raya led her high school team to their one of their best records in history and she was the MVP of her team as a setter. I think that she'll bring a well-rounded skill set with her and she'll be able to be develop as a high-level setter at Hampton."



Erin Napoleon (5-9, MB/OH, Fontana, Calif./Etiwanda HS): Played on the varsity squad all four years, and she was the Team MVP as a senior this past season. She also earned MVP honors in the Desert Classic, and she was a Second Team All-League selection. The three-time Scholar Athlete also excelled in track & field, medaling in the Junior Olympic qualifier in 2012.

What Weatherington says: "Erin is projected as middle and I think her skills indicate that she is a really nice, natural blocker. She is quick off the ground and can attack at a number of positions. She will bring depth to the roster and make a great contributions to the team."



Tatyana Thomas (6-3, MB, Suffolk, Va./Nansemond River HS): Was named First Team All-Ironclad Conference this past season, on top of earning Player of the Year honors. As a sophomore and junior, she earned Second Team All-District honors, before being named District Player of the Year, Second Team All-Region and Second Team All-State as a senior.

"What Weatherington says: "Tatyana can touch over to 10 feet and she has a wide array of attacks skills. I see her really dominating in the middle blocker position. She was an all-around player for her high school and club team, but her net skills are very strong. She has great size and presence at the net and I think she can impact the program right away."

"They are incredible athletes with great work ethic and the hunger to compete and have a high commitment to academics, all of which are integral components of being part of the Hampton volleyball program," Weatherington added.

"We are thrilled to have them and their families as a part of our Pirate volleyball family."

For more information on Hampton University volleyball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Vales Tosses a Gem as NSU Remains Alive in MEAC Tourney, Eliminate FAMU 6-3

NORFOLK, Virginia  – Junior right hander Josh Vales struck out a career-high 12 batters over 7.2 innings, pitching Norfolk State past Florida A&M 6-3 on Saturday night to keep the Spartans alive in the 2014 MEAC Baseball Tournament at Marty L. Miller Field.

The Spartans (22-25) advance to another elimination game at 5 p.m. Sunday against the loser of the 1 p.m. game between Bethune-Cookman and Savannah State. The winners of Sunday's two games advance to Monday's championship round.

Vales (3-5) allowed just five hits and one run while walking three. The 12 strikeouts are the most by a Spartan pitcher since Justin Bhatti also fanned 12 against Coppin State on April 20, 2012. It was Vales' second straight win in as many starts.

Third baseman Justin Burrell knocked in three runs for the second time on the day, while catcher Omar Hotusing added two hits and two RBI.

Vales got off to a rocky start, allowing singles to the first three FAMU batters of the game. Jared Walker and Bennie Robinson had the first two, then Marlon Gibbs singled in Walker to make it 1-0 before the game was five minutes old. But Vales settled down, striking out Jeremy Barlow and Ryan Hutson to limit the damage.

But NSU answered immediately with three runs in the top of the second. Cameron Day led off with a single, Ross Cardwell walked and Cody Ellis reached on a bunt single to load the bases. One batter later, Hotusing hit a two-run single to left-center and Justin Lee followed with an RBI single of his own to make it 3-1.

Burrell had an RBI single to stretch the lead to 4-1 in the third. After that, FAMU starter William Carrasco settled down, but Vales kept the Spartans in front with a masterful performance. After the three straight hits in the first, Vales allowed just a single to Kendall Weeks in the fifth and an infield single by Ryan Kennedy in the eighth.

Burrell tacked on a two-run single in the eighth to give the Spartans some breathing room with a 6-1 advantage. NSU would need it as FAMU (26-26) threatened in both the eighth and ninth innings. FAMU got two on in the eighth, and Spartan reliever Jeff Di Fulgo got Jeremy Barlow to strike out to end the threat.

The Rattlers made it interesting in the ninth as Weeks walked, went to second on a wild pitch and scored on Michael Birdsong's bloop single. Pinch runner Taylor Strauss then scored on a two-out error to bring FAMU within 6-3. But Di Fulgo struck out Gibbs, the potential tying run, to seal the win.

Di Fulgo fanned three batters in 1.1 innings, giving Spartan pitchers 15 strikeouts in the contest.

Burrell, Hotusing, Cardwell and Andre' Moore had two hits apiece for the Spartans. Walker was 2-for-5 for the Rattlers.

Carrasco (3-6) took the loss for FAMU, allowing six runs (five earned) in seven innings.

Box Score

Mike Bello, Asst. SID
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION