RALEIGH, North Carolina -- The North Carolina Senate’s proposed $21 billion budget would have the University of North Carolina system shut down “small, unprofitable” Elizabeth City State University.
ECSU, a historically black school in the northeast corner of the state, reports an enrollment of 2,421, including 2,155 full-time students. Among its students, 1,777 are black, 380 are white, according to the school’s website. North Carolina residents account for 2,163 students and the average SAT score is 889. Entering students have a 3.15 high school grade point average.
The proposal is the latest turn by Republican leaders to trim the UNC system. Last year, Gov. Pat McCrory suggested merging or closing campuses as well as eliminating course offerings to save money. That tone rankled HBCU alumni and supporters who fear the state will target the state’s black colleges, which generally are smaller and perennially underfunded compared to their larger peers.
A study published last month by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that North Carolina’s public black colleges have struggled to keep recover from the recession of 2008, which led to deep cuts in state funding. With a higher proportion of first-generation and low-income students on campus, HBCU enrollments have fallen or remained stagnant over the last five years.
ECSU enrollment has dropped from 3,307 in the 2010-11 academic year to 2,421 in 2013-14.
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Friday, May 30, 2014
UPDATED: 3 DSU football players, 2 students charged in U. of Delaware burglaries
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| Really? Give all of 'em the ole Hornet boot! |
NEWARK, Delaware -- Five Delaware State University students, three of who are active members of the school’s football team and two who no longer play for the team, have been arrested in connection with two separate burglaries at the University of Delaware.
The men were identified by University of Delaware Police as Rashawn G. Barrett, 20, of Montclair, N.J., Malik Golson, 19, of Dover, Shubasz Gordon, 23, of Bloomfield, Conn., Cameren Judge, 21, of New Britain, Conn, and Gabriel E. Sherrod, 20, of Dover.
DSU spokesman Carlos Holmes confirmed the five are students at the Dover university. Golson, Barrett and Sherrod all are members of the school’s football squad; Gordon and Judge have exhausted their eligibility to play NCAA intercollegiate sports and no longer are on the Hornets roster, Holmes said.
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Saint Augustine's University Releases 2014 Football Schedule
RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Home games against Shaw University and Fayetteville State University and away games against CIAA division champions Winston-Salem State University and Virginia State University highlight the 2014 Saint Augustine's University football schedule, which was released Thursday, May 29, 2014.The schedule includes four home contests this upcoming season. The Falcons will play six away games.
The season begins Sept. 6 with a trip north to Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the first-ever meeting between both teams. A member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, Indiana (Pa.) was ranked as high as seventh in the nation before ending the 2013 season ranked 24th in the final American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II poll. Game time is noon.
The Falcons play their first home game Sept. 13 against Wingate University at 1:30 p.m. In 2012, the Falcons beat Wingate 28-10 at home in the first-ever contest between both schools. Wingate plays in the traditionally tough South Atlantic Conference.
The Falcons hit the road again Sept. 20 to face Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Ala., at 3 p.m. central standard time. Last season, the Falcons handed Stillman a 35-7 trouncing at home. Stillman is a member of the always competitive Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
The conference schedule begins Sept. 27 for the Falcons when they host Chowan University of the Northern Division at 1:30 p.m. The last time both teams met was 2009 with the Falcons winning 28-18 on the road.
After the Chowan game, the Falcons embark on a three-game road stretch including contests against conference division champions Virginia State and Winston-Salem State. The Falcons visit Virginia State of the Northern Division on Oct. 4 in Ettrick, Va., at 2 p.m. The last time both teams played was 2009 when the Falcons thumped the Trojans 27-14 at home.
The Falcons continue their road trek with a matchup against Livingstone College on Oct. 11 in Salisbury, N.C. at 1:30 p.m. This is the first of five games against Southern Division opponents. The Falcons have beaten Livingstone every season since 2002 including a 21-14 home victory on Homecoming Day in 2013.
On Oct. 18, the Falcons travel to Winston-Salem, N.C. to face Southern Division champion Winston-Salem State at 1:30 p.m. The games between the Falcons and Winston-Salem State have been competitive since the Rams returned to the CIAA and last season was no different. The Falcons only trailed 7-3 at halftime against the nationally-ranked Rams at home before falling 35-17.
The Falcons return home to host Fayetteville State for Homecoming on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. Two seasons ago, the Falcons hosted Fayetteville State for Homecoming and topped the Broncos 34-28 in three overtimes.
The final away game of the season is against Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte N.C., on Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. Last season, the Falcons edged Johnson C. Smith at home 13-6. Their last win over Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte, N.C. was 34-24 in 2010.
The last regular-season game is Nov. 8 against Shaw at home at 1:30 p.m. Two seasons ago, the Falcons downed their crosstown rival at home in the regular-season finale. They scored on the game's last play to win 43-42 in a thriller.
WATH IN 720p HD, WIDE SCREEN
2014 Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
| Sept. 6 | at Indiana (Pa.) | Indiana, PA | 12 p.m. |
| SEPT. 13 | WINGATE | RALEIGH, NC | 1:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 20 | at Stillman | Tuscaloosa, AL | 3 p.m. CST |
| SEPT. 27 | CHOWAN* | RALEIGH, NC | 1:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 4 | at Virginia State* | Ettrick, VA | 2 p.m. |
| Oct. 11 | at Livingstone* | Salisbury, NC | 1:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 18 | at Winston-Salem State* | Winston-Salem, NC | 1:30 p.m. |
| OCT. 25 | FAYETTEVILLE STATE*# | RALEIGH, NC | 2 p.m. |
| Nov. 1 | at Johnson C. Smith* | Charlotte, NC | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 8 | SHAW* | RALEIGH, NC | 1:30 p.m. |
| Nov. 15 | CIAA Championship | TBA | 1 p.m. |
# - Homecoming
Home Games in BOLD CAPS
CST – Central Standard Time
SSU Announces Times and Themes for Home Football Games
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| SSU Ticket Office: Selena Warner 912-358-3429 warners@savannahstate.edu |
The five-game home schedule is highlighted by SSU's "Homecoming" game against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foe Norfolk State on October 4 at 2 p.m.
The home opener on September 13 against Fort Valley State will be an "Orange Out". Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Other home dates include: "Think Pink & Open House" on October 18 against Bethune-Cookman at 6 p.m.," High School Band Day & Armed Forces Night" on November 8 against Howard at 6 p.m., and "Future Stars of Tomorrow & Community Day" on Nov. 15 against North Carolina A&T at 2 p.m.
Season tickets can be purchased at www.SSUAthletics.com or by contacting Selena Warner at (912) 358-3429 or warners@savannahstate.edu.
SSU 2014 Football Home Game Schedule
Sept. 13 FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY Savannah, Ga. 6 p.m.
"Orange Out" Theodore Wright Stadium
Oct. 4 NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY Savannah, Ga. 2 p.m.
"Homecoming" Theodore Wright Stadium
Oct. 18 BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY Savannah, Ga. 6 p.m.
"Think Pink & Open House" Theodore Wright Stadium
Nov. 8 HOWARD UNIVERSITY Savannah, Ga. 6 p.m.
"High School Band Day & Armed Theodore Wright Stadium
Forces Night"
Nov. 15 NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY Savannah, Ga. 2 p.m.
"Future Stars of Tomorrow Theodore Wright Stadium
& Community Day"
Full 2014 Football Schedule (Here)
COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Cheyney Wolves Release 2014-15 Hoop Schedule; Drinks Named Captain
CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania -- Cheyney University Men's Basketball Coach Dominique Stephens has announced that Mike Drinks will be the captain of the Wolves 2014-15 squad. The University has also released the 2014-15 men's basketball schedule.Drinks will be a senior next year. He netted a career high 16 points in a conference loss to Lock Haven during the 2013-14 season. At the Annual All-Sports Banquet, Drinks was awarded the teams' sportsmanship award. Drinks is a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Delaware Valley Charter High School. He is a majoring in Recreation and Leisure Management.
The 2014-15 schedule features home and home contests against the other eight schools in the PSAC East (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Kutztown, Millersville, Shippensburg, West Chester and East Stroudsburg). Through a random draw the Wolves will also battle six schools from the PSAC West. Cheyney will play Gannon, Clarion and UPJ at home while traveling to Edinboro, Mercyhurst and IUP on the road.
The non-conference portion of the schedule features the Annual Battle of the Firsts. Cheyney will host Lincoln in a rare Saturday night double header with the women's teams tipping off at 6:00 pm followed by the men. The other non-league home contest will feature a tilt against the University of the Sciences. The Wolves will travel to Virginia State and Bowie as well as open the season at the West Virginia State Tournament. Opponents for the season opening tournament will be announced later this summer as will the game times for the away contests.
To view the 2014-15 men's basketball schedule click here.
COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Johnson named Interim Head Football Coach at Cheyney U.
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| Coach Anthony Johnson Takes the Reins of the Cheyney Wolves Football Program Photo Courtesy: Cheyney University Athletics |
Prior to his appointment at Cheyney he spent three years at Salisbury University. While at Salisbury, Johnson was responsible for the running backs and slot backs which featured a nationally ranked offense and the number one rushing offense in the nation. Four of his backs earned all- conference honors and the Seagulls participated in the ECAC Southwest Championship Game.
Johnson was an All-Conference performer at Salisbury and the Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 at Salisbury University. In 2004 as a player, the Seagulls finished the regular season undefeated, for only the third time in program history, and were ranked No.5 in the nation. He has won two conference championships and has two NCAA tournament appearances at Salisbury University. Johnson earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary studies specializing in Physical Education, while minoring in Athletic Coaching and a M.ED in Post-Secondary Education in 2010. He is an active member of the American Football Coaches Association.
"I am extremely grateful, honored, and blessed that Cheyney University has recognized all the hard work I have been doing for my four years at this University," Johnson states. "I will surround myself with great men that bring a wealth of knowledge along with a passion for the game. We are leaders of men first and foremost under my leadership. I understand that being an educator is the most important aspect of being a coach," he adds. "My passion, energy, and competitive drive are noteworthy. I thrive off helping each student reach his full potential by teaching core values that will enable all students to become visionary leaders and responsible citizens in society and life."
Lastly he states "Now being appointed Cheyney's Head Football Coach, my primary objective would be to revive the Cheyney University football program by changing the culture of the student athletes. I envision instilling an unparalleled work ethic, strict discipline, and mature self-confidence in the student athletes, thereby developing winners who want to contribute and help the football program grow to be a championship caliber team. I further envision building a structured program with a solid foundation based off recruitment, education, community service, and fundraising. This will be done through the recruitment of staff and the efforts to adhere to all NCAA rules and regulations would be imperative."
As the offensive coordinator Johnson played a significant role in obtaining the first PSAC win in snapping a 32 game losing streak and a 24 game PSAC East conference losing streak with a 20-17 win at Millersville. That same season the Wolves scored a career high 34 points against West Chester University, the second most the Wolves have ever put on the scoreboard against the Golden Rams. In 1979, the Wolves scored 36 points and won by two. Johnson also led the Wolves offense to beat Lincoln the first time in school history two years in a row. Johnson has spoken at several Glazier clinics up and down the east coast on the Triple option.
It hasn't gone un-noticed that in each of the last three years one student athlete has been presented an Academic Award by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Football foundation and College Hall of Fame. Johnson has implemented a structured academic system for the student athletes to follow in the Academic Success Center which has led to improved retention rates. The football roster has grown every year since Johnson has been associated with the program. There has been an average of fifteen football student athletes that have earned a 3.0 GPA or better and been on the Dean's List each semester.
COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS INFORMATION
UAPB Football sets dates for youth camp
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Football team will hold its' annual Monte Coleman Summer Football Day Camp for youth grades first through eighth on June 12 and high school camp for grades ninth through 12th on June 13 at Golden Lion Stadium.
The cost of the camp is $50 per camper with each camper receiving lunch and a t-shirt. Registration each day will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. with camp activities beginning promptly at 9 a.m. each day.
Athletic trainers are will be on duty to treat minor injuries and sickness. Camp medical staff will not be responsible for administering prescribed medication.
For information contact Keith Saine at 870-575-8605 or via e-mail at sainek@uapb.edu.
2014 UAPB Football Camp Brochure
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
WSSU coaching search narrows
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Tonia Walker, the athletics director at Winston-Salem State, says the search for the next men’s basketball coach has been going well.
Walker said on Wednesday that there were 52 who applied for the opening that came about after Bobby Collins resigned and took the opening at Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Collins spent eight seasons at WSSU, the second-longest tenured coach for the Rams behind the late Big House Gaines, who was there for 47 years.
“We had a strong pool of applicants,” Walker said. “We are trying to identify a coach who will make sure our academic success will be maintained and that we remain competitive in the CIAA and that the coach has the ability to turn boys into men.”
Kunz, Newell, Graham and Woinowsky Join Chicago State Volleyball
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| Photo: (L) Jana Kunz, Selena Newell, Amber Graham and Elisa Woinowsky |
CHICAGO, Illinois – Jana Kunz (Olton, Switzerland/ Kantonsschule Solothurn/Palm Beach State College), Selena Newell (Pembroke Pines, Fla./Pembroke Pines Charter HS/Palm Beach State College), Amber Graham (Las Vegas, Nev./Arbor View HS/Arizona Western CC) and Elli Woinowsky (Berlin, Germany/Merian Oberschule/San Jacinto College) have each signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Chicago State University volleyball program for the 2014 campaign.
"This is a very solid, athletic class," Chicago State interim volleyball head coach Dawn Barnes said. "I'm excited about this group and what they each bring to our program both on and off the court. They all add depth and athleticism to their respective positions."
Kunz, a 6-2 setter, was an all-state selection in high school and attended the Swiss Youth National Team Training Camps. She played for TV Schönenwerd for four years. She played setter, middle blocker and opposite hitter for Palm Beach State College.
"Jana gives us size and bigger block on the right side," Barnes said. "She is a versatile player and will raise the level of play in the gym. She will make an immediate impact at several positions."
Newell, a 6-0 outside hitter, was voted most outstanding player in 2013 at Palm Beach State College. She was listed as one of Max Prep's top athletes in 2012. She helped Pembroke Pines Charter High School to a pair of district championships and a regional appearance. Newell made the Dean's List and honor roll in high school. In 2011-12 she played with the South Florida Volleyball Club and won first place in gold at the Capitol Hill Classic. She was named the MVP in 2010-11 with the Ohana Volleyball Club.
"Selena is very dynamic and is a true outside hitter," Barnes said. "Her versatility and athleticism will allow us to do some different things offensively. She will definitely add creativity and competitive energy."
Graham, a 5-10 outside hitter, averaged 3.06 kills and 2.23 digs per set for Arizona Western College last season. She finished second on the team in total points (302.0). Graham helped the Lady Matadors to a record of 20-6. Her club won the District C Championship and earned a trip to the national tournament.
"Amber brings the mentality of a hard nosed kid and has a great competitive spirit," Barnes said. "She is an amazing talent. She is dynamic, explosive and has different shot selections that will throw off a lot of teams. Her ability to find the holes on the court while in the air is something that we are looking forward to."
"Elli will make an immediate impact to the Cougars' offense and defense," Barnes said. "She is a six rotation kid that plays at a very high level. Elli brings more than ball control to our team. She has an incredible work ethic and a solid passing platform."
These four join previously announced additions Chelsea Sheldon-Medina (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha North), Milica Zmiric (Sombor, Serbia/Gimnazija Veljko Petrovic), Essence Jackson-Jones (Muskegon, Mich./Muskegon) and Alex Messner (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Fremd) to make up the eight-member 2014 recruiting class.
Chicago State opens the 2014 season in late August.
COURTESY CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
The Lincoln University Announces Jacob Mullins as their New Director of Compliance
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania -- The Lincoln University is pleased to announce the hiring of Jacob Mullins as the Director of Compliance. Mullins comes to LU after serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Compliance at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA. Mr. Mullins primary responsibility will be certification of student athletes, monitoring of recruitment, and rules education.
Dr. Pope, Director of Athletics at The Lincoln University believes that Mr. Mullins is a veteran compliance professional who will bring to the department a level of confidence needed to allow the administration to concentrate on growing the department on and off the field. " I look forward to Mr. Mullins joining our team. His background and knowledge is just what the department needs at this time," states Dr. Pope.
Mullins spent the last eight years at Bryn Mawr as the department's chief communication officer for both internal and external relations. He was charged with and led the department's publicity efforts as well as all marketing and promotions for the Division III institution's 12-sport athletic program. Mr. Mullins contribution to the overhaul of the athletic website including: the addition of photography and videography, the use of social media and QR codes, has created a website that has become one of the finest in the Centennial Conference.
As the Compliance Director, Mullins ensured that Bryn Mawr's coaches, athletes, staff, administration and other institutional figures adhered to NCAA rules and regulations as well as promoted the Division III philosophy. He administered the annual NCAA Rules Test, reported violations to the conference office, oversaw databases, monitored playing and practice seasons, as well as the academic and athletic eligibility for more than 200 athletes. In addition, Mullins served as the liaison to the NCAA, Centennial Conference, local, regional and national sports media.
For the start of the 2013 school year, Mullins led the athletic department's partnership with Stretch Internet to be the home for the Bryn Mawr's live video streams. During the 2013-14 athletic year, more than 150 athletic-related events were live streamed in HD.
During the summer of 2012, Mullins overhauled the athletic website with the help of Presto Sports' CMS to make it the website more user friendly and visually appealing. In addition, Mullins helped change the layout of the popular live stats feature where fans can follow all home game action with up-to-the minute statistics.
Prior to Bryn Mawr, the Delaware native worked at Gallaudet University, the only institution of higher learning dedicated to the deaf and hard of hearing. While in the nation's capital, Mullins ran all aspects of the Sports Information Office and was the sole publisher of athletic publications. Before Gallaudet, Mullins worked at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he was in charge of marketing and promotions efforts for the 24-Division II athletic department.
Mullins graduated from Lynchburg College in Virginia in 2004 where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management. While at Lynchburg, Mullins was a standout on the Hornet track and field team were he earned numerous academic awards as well as All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) honors in 2002, 2003, and 2004 in the javelin throw.
Mullins helped lead the Hornets to three ODAC Conference Championships during his tenure. After completing his bachelor's degree, Mullins attended Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., where he earned his master Master's Degree in Sports Administration for Higher Education in 2005.
Mullins is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of America (NACDA), National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC), College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), and Philadelphia Area College Sports Information Directors Association (Philly-SIDA). Mullins served as the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Women's Track and Field coordinator for Philly-SIDA. He also serves as an administrative delegate and representative of Bryn Mawr College at Centennial Conference and NCAA meetings and conventions.
Mullins resides in West Chester with his wife, Melissa, and daughters, Emma and Lily.
COURTESY THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Florida A&M's Robinson turns attention to MLB draft
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- He finished the season with a national top-15 batting average, led the MEAC in hits and is now one of only two former FAMU players that have had 213 at-bats in a season.
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| BENNIE ROBINSON Photo Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information |
With those kinds of statistics, you’d think that first baseman Bennie Robinson had been on everybody’s radar for some time. But that was not the case for the left-handed slugger who ended the season at the MEAC’s Player of the Year.
And all of doubting that he endured just pushed him to play with a sense of purpose, said Robinson, who is now a hot prospect to be selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB draft next week.
“I just want to be successful in the game of baseball,” Robinson said. “When you want to be successful in what you do every day, you find a way to get it done.”
The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros have already had a close up of Robinson in workouts. The Yankees and Diamondbacks have also invited him to work out for them, he said.
Should he get drafted, Robinson will be the first FAMU player to do so since Derek Shaw was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010.
Southern Football announces kickoff times for 2014 schedule
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University's 3-game homestand set for the month November has been assigned a 1 p.m. kickoff at A.W. Mumford Stadium as the football program announced the remaining start times to its 2014 schedule.
Southern will host Alabama State on Nov. 1 before welcoming Texas Southern and Mississippi Valley State to Baton Rouge on Nov. 8 and Nov. 15.
Kickoff times for all road games during the 2014 season has been finalized except for the Jaguars' 2014 season opener against UL Lafayette Aug. 30 in Lafayette.
Following the battle between defending conference champions at Cajun Field, the Jaguars will host Central Methodist on Sept. 6 and Northwestern State Sept. on 13 before opening defense of its SWAC title against Prairie View A&M on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m.
Southern will travel to face Alcorn State in Lorman, Miss. on Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. before hosting UAPB for homecoming on Oct. 4. The Jaguars road schedule concludes with a back-to-back games at Alabama A&M on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. and at Jackson State on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.
2014 Southern U. Jaguars Football Schedule
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COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
AAMU Women's Basketball adds three players for the 2014-15 season
NORMAL, Alabama -- Head women's basketball Coach Semeka Randall announces three more additions to her inaugural class for the 2014-15 season.Combo guard Jaylan Snowden (Wallace State Community College; Mobile Alabama), power forward Janie Myles (Conumnes Community College; Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and center Deborah Martin (Volunteer State Community College; Jefferson City, Missouri) will provide much needed depth and experience to the roster in the efforts to compete against a highly competitive non-conference and Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule.
Snowden, a 5'8 combo guard finished her 2014 season at Wallace State with a team leading of 4.3 assists while scoring 8.4 points a game. Her efforts contributed greatly for a balanced team and successful campaign at Wallace State with a 27-5 overall record.
"Jaylan's versatility allows her to play the 1-2 or 3 position on the court, but her unselfish nature and pass first mentality will make her most effective in our team schemes," Randall mentioned.
Myles, the 5'11 power forward looks to help shore up the rebounding deficiencies that plagued the team at crucial moments last season.
Myles was named to the California Community College Athletics Association Northern Cali. All-State First Team with averages of 20.7 points, 53.4 percent in field goals, and led the CCCA in rebounding with a 16.2 per game. Her abilities are a welcome addition to a developing front court for the Lady Bulldogs.
"Janie is truly a throwback type player with her abilities to finish at the basket and rebound out of her area which what makes her special," said Randall.
Martin, a 6'2 center from Volunteer State Community College, provides the Lady Bulldogs with some much needed length and athleticism at the center position. Deborah finished her 2014 campaign averaging 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds a contest.
"Deb's ability to defend not only in the post but also on the perimeter makes her a vital piece to what we will try to do defensively nightly," Randall quoted. "Her shot blocking and rebounding will be essential in our efforts to dictate tempo in our games next season."
"All three of these young ladies have the potential to contribute greatly next season for our program. They are great individuals and students but I am even more encouraged that they chose Alabama A&M to complete their degree studies which to me continues to show the appeal of our university.
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Team Champs Saint Augustine’s Men & Lincoln U. (Mo.) Women Headline Division II Outdoor T&F All-America Honorees
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| 2014 Men’s Team Winner: Saint Augustine’s, 112 | NCAA Recap 2014 Women’s Team Winner: Lincoln (Mo.), 64 | NCAA Recap Championships Video (NCAA): Men | Women |
Student-athletes were honored for their performances at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships this past weekend in Allendale, Mich. Those who earned any portion of a team point at the championships earned the distinction, so long as their teams are a member of the USTFCCCA.
The full men’s list can be found here, and the full women’s list here.
Two-time defending national men’s champion Saint Augustine’s led the way with 22 total All-America awards, including six student-athletes who claimed multiple honors, to nearly double-up Ashland’s 12.
Representative of how close the race for the women’s team title was, champion Lincoln (Mo.) and third-place host Grand Valley State both accumulated 18 total All-America honors, followed by runner-up Johnson C. Smith and Southern Connecticut with 10 apiece.
Of the nine male athletes from around the nation who earned at least three awards each, four came from Saint Augustine’s: the nation’s lone four-time All-American in Burkheart Ellis, Jr., as well as three-time honorees Joshua Edmonds, Jermaine Jones and Taffawee Johnson.
Also among the three-time honorees were 100 and 200 meters champion Tim Price of Texas A&M-Kingsville, shot put champion Christopher Reed of Minnesota State, and 400 meters champ Jordan Edwards of Academy of Art.
Romone Hill of Lincoln (Mo.) and Elijha Owens of Ashland rounded out the three-time All-Americans.
Hill’s Lincoln (Mo.) squad and Price’s Kingsville crew both also recorded double-digit All-America honors with 11 and 10, respectively.
While the Lincoln (Mo.) women with three different individuals who earned three All-America awards each in Yanique Ellington, Janae Johnson and Tamara Keane topped the list of nine three-time honorees, it was the Johnson C. Smith duo of Danielle Williams and Samantha Elliot who headlined the multiple honorees.
The duo combined for four individual national titles with Williams claiming crowns at both 100 and 200 meters and finishing runner-up by just .006 in the 100-meter hurdles to Elliot, who also took the 400-meter hurdles title. Both received three All-America honors apiece.
Salcia Slack of New Mexico Highlands also turned in a multiple national title weekend with wins in the heptathlon and the long jump, and a third-place showing in the triple jump.
Rounding out the three-time honorees were New Haven’s Ada Udaya, Academy of Art’s Keanna Moody and Southern Connecticut’s Shataja Wattely.
The women of the MIAA led all leagues in total awards with 42 to the GLIAC’s 36, while the men’s conference list was topped by the CIAA with 37. That total edged out the Lone Star Conference with 33, the MIAA with 31 and the GLIAC with 29.
COURTESY Kyle Terwillegar, USTFCCCA
Lincoln University's Victor Thomas Named USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year
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| COACH VICTOR THOMAS Courtesy: Lincoln University Athletics |
Thomas led Lincoln to its seventh outdoor national title, and its 11th overall track & field national championship, on Saturday (May 24). The Blue Tigers won both relay events and scored 64 team points to beat Johnson C. Smith, which finished second with 59 points. In the process, Lincoln recorded a nation-best 18 All-American performances, with Janae Johnson, Yanique Ellington and Tamara Keane each earning three All-American awards apiece.
Prior to winning the national championship, Lincoln's first in outdoor track & field since 2009, Thomas coached the Blue Tigers to their eighth consecutive MIAA championship. Lincoln, which had won all four league indoor titles since rejoining the conference, ran away with the 2014 MIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship. The Blue Tigers won eight events and recorded 28 top-eight finishes to score 182 points, nearly 80 more than the second-place team, winning their fourth-straight MIAA outdoor championship in the process.
Thomas, who just finished his 12th season as head coach of the Blue Tigers, also coached Lincoln the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championship in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2
006, 2007 and 2009.
By Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY BLUE TIGERS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
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