PVAMU Athletics Statement on NCAA APR Release

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  Prairie View A&M University was recently informed by the NCAA's Committee on Academic Performance that its football program has been placed on postseason ban for the 2014 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs for the upcoming season due to low Academic Performance Rate (APR) average over the past four years.  The university's APR score of 908 fell two points short of the 910 filter the NCAA has put in place. However, the team is still eligible for the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Championship and the annual league championship game as the SWAC opts out the playoffs.

Prairie View A&M student-athletes are graduating 17 percentage points higher than the overall student body.  The current student body federal graduation rate is 33 percent while the student-athletes have a rate of 50 percent.  "We have higher academic standards than the NCAA minimums and are penalized when reporting to the NCAA," said Prairie View A&M Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson.  "However, we do acknowledge that football eligibility is an issue and we are providing support and an approved APR Plan to improve their academic performance rate."

 

PVAMU President Dr. George C. Wright has made a commitment to all students at the university, which includes student-athletes, that they have the necessary support to be successful in the classroom.  Dr. Wright's goal is to ensure that the NCAA and its supporters fully understand the unique mission of PVAMU and the students the university serves. 

 

Prairie View A&M Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson and Director of Athletic Compliance Monique Carroll have been tasked with establishing the "Foundation for Future APR Success".  One of the first tasks has been to beef up the Compliance Department's staffing in order to provide full support for the student-athletes.  As a result, Carroll has hired three additional personnel to directly assist in academic support of the student athletes.  With the additional staffing in place, Carroll and her staff have already drafted an extensive APR Improvement Plan, that was approved by the NCAA.  The plan will have a positive impact on future APR scores.

 

"Our 2014 football schedule reflects PVAMU's commitment to academics as the 10-game schedule allows the student-athletes to have ample time to focus on their academic endeavors throughout the season," stated Robinson.

 

Under fourth-year head football coach Heishma Northern, the PVAMU football program has broken a plethora of records both on the field and in the classroom.  Coach Northern has reported the second and third-highest APR scores in program history since APR was introduced in 2004.  The football team posted a score of 925 during the 2011-12 reporting cycle and a score of 912 in 2012-13.

 

During the current APR reporting cycle, nine teams at Prairie View A&M saw improvements in their multi-year scores (baseball, football, men's basketball, men's indoor & outdoor track & field, men's tennis, softball, women's cross country and women's indoor track & field). 

 

With the four-year APR score set to raise to 930 in 2015-16, Prairie View A&M is being proactive in preparing its teams for the higher benchmark.  As of now, 13 (baseball, bowling, men's basketball, men's tennis, soccer, softball, volleyball, women's basketball, women's cross country, women's golf, women's indoor & outdoor track & field and women's tennis) of the department's 18 teams have exceeded the future score.

 

To stay informed on Prairie View A&M's academic progress and NCAA rules legislation, please subscribe to the Office of Athletic Compliance and Academic Advising's monthly newsletter by clicking here..

 

For more information on rules education, APR and compliance related matters, contact Director of Athletic Compliance Monique Carroll at (936) 261-9141 or mvcarroll@pvamu.edu.

 

COURTESY PAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

 

Southern Jags Dawson Odums Golf Tournament set for June 21

HEAD COACH DAWSON ODOMS
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY JAGUARS
Courtesy David Clark, Athletics Media Relations Student Photographer

2014 Dawson Odom Golf Tournament 

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University head football coach Dawson Odums is extending a personal invitation to golf enthusiats to join him at his second annual golf tournament June 21 at the Copper Mill Golf Club in Zachary.

The Dawson Odums’ Golf Classic is sponsored by the Blue and Gold Century Club and includes a continental breakfast and a full course lunch.

Prices for the one-day tournament include $95 for singles and $500 for one-team foursomes, which features hole sponsorship on the course.

For companies interested in entering several teams, the tournament offers All-American and Hall of Fame level sponsorship packages, which include gifts for each member on the team, SU Football season tickets and Bayou Classic tickets.

Copper Mill Golf course is an 18-hole links course located in Zachary La. Teams will not exceed 27 or 108 individual players. All sponsorships and teams must be paid no later than Sunday, June 15, 2014 to secure your spot.

For more details regarding the first annual Dawson Odum’s Golf Classic, contact Craig Pierre at 225-324-7234 or via email at craigpierre@bellsouth.net.

2014 Dawson Odom Golf Tournament

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Rolland misses mark in 100; Alexander jumps Saturday

GULF SHORES, Alabama  — Xavier University of Louisiana's Devinn Rolland did not qualify Friday in her preliminary heat of the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.
   
Rolland ran 100 meters in 12.18 seconds to rank 16th out of 32 competitors. The slowest qualifying time to reach the final was 11.89. Rolland's best time this season was 11.66, which ranked fourth in the NAIA entering the meet.
   
Rolland, who competed in four events at nationals, was fourth in the long jump Thursday and was All-America in that event for the second time in three years.
   
Xavier's final competitor in the three-day meet will be senior Angelica Alexander, who will high jump at 2 p.m. Saturday. Alexander's best jump is 1.68 meters (5 feet, 6 inches), accomplished twice this season. Alexander is tied for 13th in the NAIA entering the meet.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Updated 5/23: 2014 HBCU Football NFL Free Agent Signings

POS    PLAYER  TEAM    COLLEGE

T     Terren Jones, Atlanta Falcons, Alabama State
CB  Derricus Purdy, Chicago Bears, Texas Southern
WR Travis Harvey, New York Giants, Florida A&M
DB  Jakar Hamilton, Dallas Cowboys, South Carolina State
DB  Vernon Kearney, Kansas City Chiefs, Lane College
T     Michael Ola, Miami Dolphins, Hampton University
S     Jerome Junior, Jacksonville Jaguars, Winston-Salem State
DB  Courtney Bridget, Washington Redskins, Hampton University
TE  Rashaun Allen, Seattle Seahawks, Southern University
RB  Jourdan Brooks, Cleveland Browns, Morgan State
LB Brandon Denmark, Green BayPackers, Florida A&M
WR Tyler McDonald, New England Patriots, South Carolina State *(minicamp invitee)
S    Kimario McFadden, Atlanta Falcons, South Carolina State
CB Keith Lewis, Tampa Bay Bucs, Virginia University-Lynchburg
LB Carlos Fields, Oakland Raiders, Winston-Salem State
DT Rob Smith, Oakland Raiders, Jackson State
RB Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns, Alabama State
LB Joe Thomas, Green Bay Packers, South Carolina State
DB Justin Blake, Washington Redskins, Hampton
WR Lee Doss, Washington Redskins, Southern
CB Qua Cox, Indianapolis Colts, Jackson State
WR Greg Moore, Indianapolis Colts, Lane College
K/P Bobby Wenzig, Kansas City Chiefs, Alabama State *(minicamp invitee)
CB David Van Dyke, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee State
TE  A.C. Leonard, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee State
DE Francis ("Frank") Mays, Philadelphia Eagles, Florida A&M
OL Karim Barton, Philadelphia Eagles, Morgan State
S    Dexter Moody, Baltimore Ravens, Albany State (Ga.)
DB Deji Olatoye, Baltimore Ravens, North Carolina A&T
WR Eddie Poole, Washington Redskins, Bethune-Cookman *(minicamp invitee)
 S    Nick Addison, Houston Texans, Bethune-Cookman *(minicamp invitee)
WR Jermaine Jones, New York Jets, Saint Augustine's U. *(minicamp invitee)
SS  DeRon Furr, Kansas City Chiefs, Fort Valley State
DT Leon Minto, Houston Texans, Johnson C. Smith U.
OL Nathan Isles, Seattle Seahawks, North Carolina A&T

BOLD: 5/23/14 Updates
*Tryout 

Hampton Pirates' Bridget Signs Free Agent Deal With Washington Redskins

COURTNEY BRIDGET
COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Former Hampton University defensive back Courtney Bridget has signed a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins, the team announced on May 17, 2014.

Bridget (Baltimore, Md.) was seventh on the team in tackles this past season, tallying 51 total stops (including 22 solo efforts). He had a career-high 10 tackles (four solo) in the 2013 season opener at Western Illinois.

He also had five pass breakups on the season.

The UNLV transfer was with the Pirates for three seasons, and in 2011 Bridget made five starts, recording 20 total tackles. He also recorded his lone interception as a Pirate that season against Savannah State.

If he makes the squad, Bridget will be the second Pirate on the roster in Washington; former Hampton defensive lineman Chris Baker is entering his third season with the Redskins.

For more information on Hampton University football, 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

XU's Rolland is All-America long-jumper for 2nd time

Xavier's Devinn Rolland, third from right, receives her
fourth-place award  in the long jump at the NAIA 
Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.

GULF SHORES, Alabama-- Xavier University of Louisiana's Devinn Rolland long-jumped 18 feet, 7 inches Thursday to earn All-America honors for the second time in three years at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.

Rolland, competing in her third event of the day, placed fourth out of 24 jumpers. The top six individuals and relay teams in each event are named All-America.

Rolland is a junior from Harvey, La., and a graduate of Cabrini High School in New Orleans.

Rolland jumped 19-5 1/2 to finish sixth at nationals in 2012.

Xavier did not qualify for finals in any of its three track events. Rolland was 17th in 24.97 seconds in the 200-meter dash, and Catherine Fakler did not finish in the 1,500. The 400 relay squad of Kailey Williams, Rolland, Tramaine Shannon and Chelsea James was 15th in 47.75.

Rolland will compete in the 100 preliminaries at 3:10 p.m. Friday.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Jacksonville Jaguars Sign WSSU's Jerome Junior

JACKSONVILLE, Florida  -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed former WSSU safety, Jerome Junior, after the two-day rookie minicamp that ended this past weekend.

The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Junior transferred to Winston-Salem State in 2013 after four years at Connecticut. In 2013, Junior finished as the Rams fourth leading tackler, amassing 41 tackles, 4 tackles for losses, 0.5 sack, one interception, four pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and one forced fumble.

Jerome Junior was one of two workout rookies signed after rookie minicamp.

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

School-Record 89 NSU Spartans Named to MEAC All-Academic Team

NORFOLK, Virginia --  A school-record 89 Norfolk State University student-athletes have been named members of the 2013-14 MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team.

The number is 13 higher than last year's previous record of 76. To be selected, athletes must be sophomores, juniors or seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Athletes must have also been in at least their second year at their current school during the 2013-14 academic year.

Only Delaware State (136), Howard (131), Bethune-Cookman (114) and South Carolina State (96), all of which offer more sports programs than NSU, had more athletes selected to the MEAC All-Academic Team than did the Spartans.

Listed below are NSU's members of the all-academic team, including their sport and major.

WOMEN (39): Rae Corbo (WBB, Business), Rachel Gordon (WBB, Psychology), Jazamine Gray (WBB, Exercise Science/Physical Education), Quineshia Leonard (WBB,  Kinesiotherapy), Thea Aspiras (WBO, Fine Arts), Delilah Bethel (WBO, Biology), Courtney Brown (WBO, Education), Ashley Buck (WBO, Sociology), Carrie Hickey (WBO, Social Work), Jessica Overton (WBO, Education), Courtney Williford (WBO, Education), Kelsea Yarbrough (WBO, Electronics Engineering), Taylor Brandon (CHR, Education), Jazmine Copeland (CHR, Medical Technology), Alexis Griffen (CHR, Social Work), Desiree Lewis (CHR, Finance), Kiana Manson (CHR, Chemistry), Bratasia Stephenson (CHR, Sociology), Ashley Woodley (CHR, Exercise Science), Morgan Boyd (WSB, Kinesiotherapy), Alina Moriarty (WSB, Biology), Stephanie Wheatley (WSB, Elementary Education), Whitney Williams (WSB, Sociology), Angie Darcus (WVB, Kinesiotherapy), Jasmin Flowers (WVB, Chemistry), Janay Frazier (WVB, Math/Optical Engineering), Maatra Henderson (WVB, Kinesiotherapy), Jessica Johnson (WVB, Business Finance), Rebecca Graff (WTE, Business Management), Yvonne Kamegne (WTE, Business), Mafalda Lhorca (WTE, Mass Communications), Andrea Macchiavello (WTE, Business), Tiara Davis (WTK, History), Adugna Desalegn (WTK, Kinesiotherapy), Amethyst Edmond (WTK, Biology), Kassandra Irizarry (WTK, Nursing), Tori Lewis-Johnson (WTK, Management Information Systems), Rachel Webb (WTK, Political Science), Charity Wilson (WTK, Kinesiotherapy)

MEN (50): Troy Applin (MBA, Building Construction), Cameron Day (MBA, Electrical Engineering), Jeff Di Fulgo (MBA, Kinesiotherapy), Cody Ellis (MBA, Exercise Science/Physical Education), Ian Horne (MBA, Kinesiotherapy), Chase Kyriacou (MBA, Kinesiotherapy), Justin Lee (MBA, Computer Science), Zach Markel (MBA, Sociology), Ryan Montgomery (MBA, Medical Technology), Matt Outman (MBA, Accounting), Kyle Vaas (MBA, Psychology), Hefeng Sun (MBB, Business Management), Shaquan Bailey (MFB, Kinesiotherapy), Andre Bean (MFB, Physical Education), Joshua El (MFB, Kinesiotherapy), Tanner Fiano (MFB, Mass Communications), Alonzo Fowlkes (MFB, Electrical Engineering), Ramsey Henderson (MFB, Mass Communications), Jamal Hill (MFB, Kinesiotherapy), Louis Humphrey (MFB, History), DeMarta' Johnson (MFB, Health Fitness Instruction), Alex Killam (MFB, Electronics Engineering), Deon King (MFB, Building Construction), Keenan Lambert (MFB, Business Management), Daniel Oladimeji (MFB, Computer Science), Mike Phillips (MFB, Computer Information Technology), E.J. Rogers (MFB, Mass Communications), Dallas Simmons (MFB, Business), Omari-Ali Timmons (MFB, Business), Tevin White (MFB, Interdisciplinary Studies), Michael Witcher (MFB, Kinesiotherapy), Julius Wormley (MFB, Sociology), Kent Austin (MTE, Accounting),  Igor Braga (MTE, Computer Science), Daniel Grauel (MTE, Business), Peter Ramstromer-Pello (MTE, Computer Information Technology), Robin Riethmueller (MTE, Business), Dzmitry Zyhmantovich (MTE, Business), Chad Allen (MTK, Building Construction), Marcus Anderson (MTK, Computer Science), Stefan Battles (MTK, Sociology), Ian Copeland (MTK, Biology), Steven Daniels (MTK, Sociology), Michael Evans (MTK, Sociology), Sammy Kiptoo (MTK, Accounting), Michael Mingo-Dabney (MTK, Business/Finance), Michael Smith Jr. (MTK, Mass Communication), Robert Thrasher (MTK, Psychology), Ryan Turner (MTK, Building Construction), Willard Ward (MTK, Business)

Key:
MCC – Men's Cross Country
WCC – Women's Cross Country
MBB – Men's Basketball
WBB – Women's Basketball
WGO – Women's Golf
MGO – Men's Golf
WSO – Women's Swimming
WVB – Women's Volleyball
MFB – Football
CHR – Cheerleading
WSB – Women's Softball
MBA – Men's Baseball
WBW – Women's Bowling
WTK – Women's Tennis
MTK – Men's Tennis
MTR – Men's Track and Field
WTR – Women's Track and Field

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

Howard University lacked institutional control; 4 year penalty handed down by NCAA

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana  -- A former Howard University head cross country/track and field coach admitted that he violated the NCAA ethical conduct rules and did not promote an atmosphere for compliance. Additionally, Howard University lacked institutional control over certain aspects of its athletics department, according to a decision issued by a NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions panel.

The university’s violations occurred for more than three years and involved more than 200 student-athletes in 15 sports. The case centered on the misuse of scholarship money, failure to withhold ineligible student-athletes from competition, impermissible recruiting contacts and the provision of $11,500 in inducements and extra benefits to prospects and student-athletes.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY PUBLIC INFRACTIONS REPORT, MAY 20, 2014 (.pdf)

Penalties in this case, which were mostly self-imposed by the university, include four years of probation; a $140,000 fine; scholarship reductions for football, men’s basketball, women’s swimming, and men’s cross country/track and field; recruiting restrictions, a vacation of wins in men’s cross country/track and field; the disassociation of an athletics representative; and a three-year show-cause order for the former head cross country/track and field coach. If the former coach seeks employment at an NCAA member school during that period, he and the school must appear before a panel of Committee on Infractions to determine if the school should restrict his athletically related duties.

This case was resolved through the summary disposition process, a cooperative effort where the involved parties submit the case to the Committee on Infractions in written form. The NCAA enforcement staff, university and involved individuals must agree to use the summary disposition process instead of having an in-person hearing.

The university lacked control and did not monitor the administration of its student-athlete textbook distribution and student financial account system. From 2010-11 through the 2013 summer term, the university allowed student-athletes to spend scholarship money on items not required for their courses and permitted student-athletes to keep any unspent portion of their scholarship that was designated solely for the purchase of required course items, tuition and housing. Additionally, the university did not make sure that a new textbook system operated within NCAA rules, did not incorporate safeguards in the textbook and financial account systems that could have prevented the violations, and did not recognize an NCAA violation. When a violation became known, the university did not properly investigate the extent of the impermissible purchases by student-athletes and any inappropriate credits and refunds to student-athletes.

The university also failed to monitor the men’s and women’s cross country/track and field programs to assure compliance with NCAA financial aid, recruiting and extra benefits rules. While it knew the former coach recruited international student-athletes, it did not make sure that he did so within NCAA rules. Additionally, the university initially awarded athletics aid to an international student-athlete who was determined to be a nonqualifier.

The former coach violated the NCAA ethical conduct rules and did not promote an atmosphere for compliance, according to the facts of the case. The former coach deliberately developed a relationship with the founder of a charity, who the former coach knew could help him recruit several prospects from Kenya. The head coach recruited and held evaluations with four prospects while in Kenya during a recruiting quiet period. The athletics representative promoted Howard in phone calls with two prospects at the former coach’s direction.

The former coach and the athletics representative also knowingly provided or arranged for the provision of $11,500 in inducements and extra benefits in the form of fees for a visa, apparel, university fees, transportation and living expenses to five prospects who later became student-athletes at Howard. The former coach also denied involvement in providing benefits during the investigation, despite being reported by the involved student-athlete.

Penalties and measures self-imposed by the university and accepted by the panel are below:

• Scholarship reductions for football, men’s basketball, women’s swimming and men’s cross country/track and field (self-imposed by the university). The public report further details the reductions.
• A vacation of men’s cross country/track and field wins from 2011-12 and 2012-13 in which ineligible student-athletes competed (self-imposed by the university). The public report contains further details.
• A reduction of recruiting opportunities in men’s and women’s cross country/track and field (self-imposed by the university).
• A reduction of the number of men’s and women’s cross country/track and field coaches who may recruit during the 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons from three to one (self-imposed by the university).
• A fine of $140,000 (self-imposed by the university).
• The permanent disassociation of the athletics representative (self-imposed by the university). Details of the disassociation can be found in the public report.
• Completion of a review of its athletics compliance program by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in July 2013 and an external agency during the 2017-18 academic year (self-imposed by the university).

Penalties prescribed by the panel are below:

• Public reprimand and censure.
• Four years of probation from May 20, 2014 through May 19, 2018 (proposed by the university and accepted by the panel).
• A three-year show-cause order for the former head coach. The public report contains further details.

The members of the Division I Committee on Infractions who reviewed this case include Melissa Conboy, chief hearing officer and deputy director of athletics at the University of Notre Dame; John Black, attorney; Lloyd Carr, former head football coach at the University of Michigan; Carol Cartwright, president emeritus at Kent State University; Greg Christopher, athletics director at Xavier University; and Bobby Cremins, former head basketball coach at the Georgia Tech.

 

COURTESY NCAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Xavier Gold Nuggets in six events at NAIA's national meet

 

Angelica Alexander

5'-10" Jumper

Senior

Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana

High School: Byrd High School

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has eight women entered in six events at the 2014 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. The three-day meet will begin Thursday morning at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium in Gulf Shores, Ala.
   
NeuLion will offer for a fee approximately 22 hours of live streaming of the meet. Click here for more information.
   
The busiest of the Gold Nuggets will be junior Devinn Rolland, who qualified in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, the 400 relay and the long jump. Rolland's 100 time of 11.66 seconds and long jump of 5.91 meters (19 feet, 4¾ inches) rank fourth on the NAIA's season lists.  
   
Rolland runs the second segment on Xavier's relay team, whose best time of 47.42 ranks 12th in the NAIA this season. The other members are freshmen Kailey Williams and sophomores Tramaine Shannon and Chelsea James. Freshmen Kaylee Moore and Katelyn McMorris are the backups.
   
Also competing will be junior Catherine Fakler in the 1,500 — her best time is 4:42.12 — and senior Angelica Alexander, who twice this season has high-jumped 1.68 meters (5-6).
   
Thursday's schedule will include the long jump at 5:30 p.m., plus trials in the 400 relay at 2:30, the 1,500 at 3:20 and the 200 at 4:50. The 100 trials will start at 3:10 p.m. Friday, and the high jump will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday.
   
The Gold Nuggets did not score in any of the five events in which they competed a year ago. Rolland was named All-America as a freshman in 2012 after long-jumping 19-5½ and finishing sixth.
   
The Gold Nuggets are 31st in the most recent NAIA National Team Computer Rankings and were as high as 14th. They spent five consecutive weeks (April 9-May 7) in the top 25.
   
The national meet includes men's competition, but the Gold Rush did not qualify any athletes. This is the first time for Gulf Shores as meet site, and it's the first time since 1999 that the meet is competed in the Deep South.
 

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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XU Nuggets rank third in postseason for 2nd straight year

NEW ORLEANS — For the second consecutive year, Xavier University of Louisiana is No. 3 in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll. The NAIA announced the rankings Wednesday.
   
The Gold Nuggets (17-7) dropped from No. 1 after losing 5-2 to Embry-Riddle (Fla.) in the semifinals of the NAIA National Championship at Mobile, Ala. Embry-Riddle finished second in the rankings after losing 5-4 to Georgia Gwinnett in the final.
   
The Gold Nuggets were the only NAIA team to defeat Georgia Gwinnett this season. Five of Xavier's victories were against teams in the postseason top 10.
   
Xavier was No. 3 in the preseason, fell to sixth in the first poll of the regular season but climbed to No. 2 on March 18 after winning 5-4 at then-No. 1 Auburn Montgomery. The Gold Nuggets then climbed to No. 1 after a 5-3 home victory against Georgia Gwinnett and held the top spot for two polls.
   
Xavier also defeated No. 6 Brenau, No. 8 Northwood (Fla.) and No. 10 Oklahoma Baptist.
   
The Gold Nuggets are in the final top 25 of the year for the third consecutive season and the ninth time in 10 seasons.

The postseason top 25:

1. Georgia Gwinnett
2. Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
3. Xavier
4. Lindsey Wilson
5. Auburn Montgomery
6. Brenau
7. SCAD Savannah
8. Northwood (Fla.)
9. Vanguard
10. Oklahoma Baptist
11. Westmont
12. Graceland
13. Milligan
14. Davenport
15. (tie) Indiana Wesleyan
15. (tie) Concordia (Calif.)
17. Coastal Georgia
18. Lewis-Clark State
19. Cardinal Stritch
20. Northwestern Ohio
21. Marian (Ind.)
22. St. Thomas (Fla.)
23. Olivet Nazarene
24. Campbellsville
25. McPherson

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Jackson State basks in SWAC title run

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Robert Braddy Field was calm.

There was no chalk marking the baselines. The dirt wasn’t groomed.

A few Jackson State baseball players were around but didn’t step on the field that they are responsible for maintaining.

Instead, this was their time to soak in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship they won on Sunday by defeating Alabama State 9-8.

“It’ll take a while for it to sink in,” senior utility player Aneko Knowles said.

The pace has slowed for the Tigers, considerably.

With Sunday’s victory, the Tigers were awarded an automatic bid to an NCAA regional, which won’t begin for another two weeks.

CONTINUE READING

XU Gold Rush are No. 8, make 4th consecutive top-10 finish

NEW ORLEANS — For the fourth consecutive year, Xavier University of Louisiana's men's tennis team is in the final top 10 of the season. The Gold Rush were No. 8 in the postseason coaches poll announced Wednesday.
   
The Gold Rush (13-12) climbed one spot after reaching the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championship for the third consecutive year.
   
Additional Gold Rush poll streaks include:
   
•  Ninth consecutive appearance in the final top 25 of the season.
   
•  Twenty-ninth consecutive appearance in the top 10.
   
•  Fifty-ninth consecutive appearance in the top 25.
   
Xavier won seven of its final 10 dual matches to finish with a fourth consecutive winning record. Six Gold Rush victories this year were against teams in the postseason top 25, including No. 6 Cumberland and, in the NAIA quarterfinals, No. 10 Belhaven.
   
National champion and unbeaten Georgia Gwinnett was unanimously chosen No. 1.

The postseason top 25:

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through end of season) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Georgia Gwinnett (12) 21-0 312 3 2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 21-4 302 1 3 Auburn Montgomery 24-4 291 2 4 Vanguard 20-5 283 4 5 Lindsey Wilson 17-3 272 5 6 Cumberland 15-6 261 6 7 Bethany (Kan.) 21-3 251 10 8 Xavier 13-12 243 9 9 Westmont 14-7 228 7 10 Belhaven 16-5 227 8 11 Concordia (Calif.) 12-11 207 11 12 Northwestern Ohio 22-4 206 12 13 Aquinas 25-5 193 13 14 Graceland 12-6 182 tie-14 15 Coastal Georgia 13-8 174 16 16 Webber International 13-10 145 18 17 Davenport 19-7 138 19 18 Warner 12-2 122 20 19 SCAD Atlanta 10-5 118 RV 20 Pikeville 15-7 113 21 21 Olivet Nazarene 12-8 111 23 22 Mobile 10-8 105 NR 23 Lewis-Clark State 5-11 92 22 24 William Carey 9-9 85 tie-14 25 Northwood (Fla.) 8-9 61 24 Others receiving votes: Oklahoma Baptist 58, Bethel (Tenn.) 47, Campbellsville 43, Indiana Wesleyan 39, McPherson 35, Missouri Valley 17, St. Francis (Ill.) 5, Huntington 5, Hastings 4, IU Southeast 3.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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AAMU Men's Basketball Sets Camp Dates

NORMAL, Alabama -- The Alabama A&M men's basketball team is hosting a Boys and Girls' Basketball Camp June 2-6 and June 16-20 in the T.M. Elmore Gymnasium.

The Maroon and White third year men's basketball coach Willie Hayes will lead this camp, assisted by the coaching staff and team members.

The camp staff is outstanding, knowledgeable and eager to help expand young player's basketball skills combined with having fun with the fundamentals!

Each five-day session is crammed with the type of hands-on teaching that can make a difference in your game and have an impact on your life.

From beginning to end, campers will be exposed to a high level of instruction and motivation that will assist both beginners and experienced players alike.

The rate is $110.00 for the fundamental camp with the hours of operation running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday, June 6 and 20, the camp will end at noon.

For more information, contact Dexter Holt at 256-372-8240 or James Wright 256-372-4007.

Camp Waiver

Camp Brochure

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

ASU Braves Finish 2013 With Historic 9-3 Season

LORMAN, Mississippi  --  Heading into the 2013 season, no one predicted the Braves would have a productive year.  In the SWAC, the Braves were picked to finish fourth in the Eastern Division and no one across the country gave the Braves any respect.

As everyone knows, the past few years have been pretty rough for the Alcorn State football program. Four different coaches, new offensive and defensive schemes to learn, and to top it off, six consecutive losing seasons. Well, that changed this past season as second year Head Coach Jay Hopson dramatically turned the Alcorn State football program around and led them to a historic 9-3 record.

It has been over 30 years since the Braves won nine games and they did it in "ALCORN" fashion.  The Braves averaged 36.8 points per game scoring 40 points or more in six of their 12 contests, finished 4-1 at Spinks-Casem Stadium, captured the Circle City Classic defeating Grambling State, and was the only team in the SWAC to defeat both teams who played in the SWAC Championship game (Southern and Jackson State).

The 2013 season also featured several classic games including a 35-28 vicotry over Mississippi Valley, a 44-38 overtime win over Southern on their homecoming, and of course a 48-33 victory over rival Jackson State at the legendary Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss.

Ten of the Braves players earned All-Conference honors;  Arnold Walker (1st Team All-SWAC), Issac Sampson (1st Team All-SWAC), CJ Morgan (1st Team All-SWAC), Haiden McCraney (1st Team All-SWAC), Tavoris Doss (1st Team All-SWAC), Jonathan Scott (2nd Team All-SWAC), Detonio Dade (2nd Team All-SWAC), Jordan Payne (2nd Team All-SWAC), Deion Roberson (2nd Team All-SWAC), and Devon Francois (2nd Team All-SWAC).

To sum up the 2013 football season, the Braves were only one win away from securing a spot in the SWAC Championship game in Houston, Texas.



Offense
The Braves collected over 5,000 yards of total offense led by running back Arnold Walker and quarterback John Gibbs, Jr.  Arnold Walker rushed for 1,191 yards breaking a 30-plus year record held by Augustus Lee and is now the all-time leading rushing yards leader in school history.  Not only did Walker rush for over a thousand yards but he also scored 16 touchdowns and was named SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year.  He led the SWAC in three categories (rushing yards, scoring, and scoring touchdowns) and finished in the top 20 in the FCS in scoring touchdowns.

Gibbs threw for over 2,000 yards, recorded 21 touchdowns, and averaged 213.9 yards per game in the air.  In six games he threw for over 200 yards and averaged two touchdowns in those games.
The 6-foot-6 starting quarterback also rushed for 455 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Led by junior Tollette George (52 catches, 637 yards, and three touchdowns), four of the Braves wide receivers caught over 20 balls, recorded over 300 yards receiving, and scored three touchdowns.  Sophomore Jordan Payne caught a career-high nine touchdowns for the Braves this past season.

Defense
The Braves fierce defense showcased their talents as well finishing first in three SWAC defensive categories (scoring defense, pass defense, and pass defense effic.) and only allowed 24.5 points a game.  "DB Nation" gave up 188 yards in the air and were second in the conference in interceptions.  They also shutout two of their opponents (Warner, 57-0 and Grambling State 48-0)

Junior Devon Francois led the Braves in tackles recording a total of 90 and finished in the top 10 in the SWAC in tackles.  Junior transfer CJ Morgan led the Braves and the SWAC in passes defended (14).

Defensive tackle Deion Roberson led the Braves with 12.5 tackles for a loss and recorded 50 tackles on the season, forced two fumbles and collected two sacks.

Special Teams
Freshman Haiden McCraney and senior Tavoris Doss were highlighted the special teams area this season.  McCraney led the SWAC in scoring (kicking) with a total of 81 points, averaged 6.8 points per game and was named SWAC Specialist of the Week three consecutive times.

Doss led the SWAC and the FCS in punt return average (16.1 yards per game) which earned him FCS Punt Return Average Champion.

Looking Ahead to 2014
All eyes are on the Braves this season and Coach Hopson has high expectations for the 2014 season.  Hopson and his coaching staff have their players set on making the trip to Houston to play in the 2014 SWAC Championship game.  The Braves schedule features seven home games at Spinks-Casem Stadium this season with marquee matchups against Alabama State, Southern and rival Jackson State.

The Braves only lost six seniors to graduation and return 11 starters on offense and 10 on defense.

The 2014 season kicks off on August 31st as the Braves welcome Virginia University of Lynchburg.  Kick-off is slated for 4 p.m.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY 2014 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date	Opponent	Conference Game	Location	Time
8/30/2014	Virginia University at Lynchburg		Lorman, Miss. - Spinks-Casem Stadium	4:00 P.M.
9/6/2014	Southern Mississippi		Hattiesburg, Miss. - Roberts Stadium	TBA
9/13/2014	Louisiana College		Lorman, Miss. - Spinks-Casem Stadium	4:00 P.M.
9/20/2014	Mississippi Valley State	*	Itta Bena, Miss. - Rice-Totten Stadium	TBA
9/27/2014	Southern University	*	Lorman, Miss. - Spinks-Casem Stadium	4:00 P.M.
High School Day
10/2/2014	Alabama State	*	Lorman, Miss. - Spinks-Casem Stadium	TBA
10/11/2014	Grambling State	*	Grambling, La. - Eddie Robinson Stadium	2:00 P.M.
Homecoming
10/18/2014	Texas Southern	*	Lorman, Miss. - Spinks-Casem Stadium	2:00 P.M.
10/25/2014	Prairie View A&M	*	Prairie View, Texas - Blackshear Stadium	TBA
11/1/2014	Open
11/8/2014	Alabama A&M	*	Huntsville, Ala. - Louis Crews Stadium	TBA
11/15/2014	Arkansas-Pine Bluff	*	Lorman, Miss. - Spinks-Casem Stadium	4:00 P.M.
Senior Day
11/22/2014	Jackson State	*	Lorman, Miss. - Spinks-Casem Stadium	2:00 P.M.

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

VSU Names Rose Burke Head Volleyball Coach

ROSE BURKE
HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

ETTRICK, Virginia  --Virginia State University named  Rose Burke as the University's head volleyball coach on May 12, 2014. Burke comes to VSU with 13 years of volleyball experience, both as a coach and player.

"I am excited to come into a program that has already proven they can compete in the CIAA. I am looking forward to taking an already strong team and growing it to compete at the next level," said Coach Burke.

The Gainesville, Florida native caught the coaching bug in college, working at camps for middle and high school students. Burke honed her coaching skills as an assistant at NCAA Division I schools Florida International University and Morgan State University.

During her one season at FIU, the Panthers were ranked in the Top 25 and won the 2009 Sun Belt Conference regular-season title. At Morgan State (July 2010-July 2012) Burke's first recruiting class took the MSU Bears from fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to second the following season.

Burke was a four-year starter at NCAA Division I California State University -- Sacramento.  She was part of three Big Sky Conference championship teams while at Sacramento State, earning all-conference honors in 2007 and 2008 as a setter.  Those teams also competed in the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship Tournament between 2005 and 2007.

She earned a degree in liberal studies with a focus in mathematics from CSUS in 2009.

COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION