SU Soccer to host Howard, Jaguar Cup in 2014

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University soccer will host two Sun Belt conference opponents along with the second annual Jaguar Cup before beginning its defense of last season's Southwestern Athletic western division title, head coach Courtnie Prather announced Friday.

Southern unveiled the 2014 schedule, which is comprised of teams that posted a combined 67-61-10 record in 2013 and features teams from the Southeastern, Sun Belt, Southland and Western Athletic Conference.

"We wanted to make sure we had opponents from different conferences in the region - from the Southland Conference and the Sun Belt Conference - that can gives us an opportunity to compete and prepare us for not only our conference games but, hopefully, if we put ourselves in a position to be in the SWAC Championship and move on, we'll be prepared for that first round in the national tournament," Prather said.

The Lady Jaguars, who finished 3-0-1 in league play and won the 2013 division crown in Prather's first year as head coach, also welcome Howard University to the SWAC when the schools meet in Baton Rouge on Oct. 12.

The season opens on Friday, August 22 as the Jaguars host Texas-Pan American in the Broncos inaugural soccer game as a Division I program. Following their home-opener, Southern heads to Fayetteville, Ark. to face Arkansas on Aug. 24 before returning to A.W. Mumford Stadium for a two-game home stand against UL Monroe on Aug. 29 followed by the second annual Jaguar Cup against South Alabama on Sept. 7.

"[South Alabama head coach Graham Winkworth and I] reached out to each other and we believed it would be a great opportunity to showcase our programs, not only in Louisiana but in the Alabama area, and to market the game of soccer to those who are not as exposed to the game," Prather said.

"[University of South Alabama] is a strong opponent and have done very well within their conference. Its just another opportunity to for us to play another opponent in a strong conference and expose the local community to the different teams that are represented there."

Southern concludes its non-conference slate on the road at McNeese State (Sept. 12) and Stephen F. Austin (Sept. 14) before hosting Louisiana College (Sept. 18) and traveling to Hattiesburg, Miss. to face Southern Miss (Sept. 21).

The Lady Jaguars quest to repeat as SWAC western division champions gets underway at home on Friday, September 26 against Grambling State at 6 p.m. After hosting UAPB on Sept. 28, Southern ventures to the state of Mississippi to face Alcorn State (Oct. 3 - Lorman, Miss) and Mississippi Valley State (Oct. 5 - Itta Bena, Miss.) in a cross divisional matchup.

Following a Thursday night showcase against Nicholls State on Oct. 9, Prather and the Jaguars welcome the Lady Bison to Baton Rouge, Sunday, October 12 before wrapping up the home schedule against Alabama A&M (Oct. 17) and Alabama State (Oct. 19).

The Lady Jaguars finish its 2014 campaign on the road at Texas Southern on Oct. 24 and Prairie View A&M on Oct. 26 before meeting Jackson State, the defending SWAC champions in Jackson Miss., Friday, October 31.

The 2014 SWAC Soccer Tournament is scheduled for November 14-16.

"Everything that we've been doing, we've talked about everyday preparation and staying focused on 'today'," Prather added. "Not looking to far down the road. Not putting the championship on a pedestal and saying that's what we want to get. We know, if we prepare for [the season] correctly everyday, we should find ourselves in a spot for contention."

2014 Southern U. Soccer Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time (CT)  

Fri, Aug 22 Texas-Pan American A.W. Mumford Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sun, Aug 24 Arkansas Little Rock, Ark. 11:00 a.m.
Fri, Aug 29 UL- Monroe A.W. Mumford Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 07 South Alabama A.W. Mumford Stadium 1:00 p.m.
Fri, Sep 12 McNeese State Lake Charles, La. 7:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 14 Stephen F. Austin Nacogdoches, TX 1:00 p.m.
Thu, Sep 18 Lousiana College A.W. Mumford Stadium 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 21 Southern Miss Hattiesburg, MS 1:00 p.m.
Fri, Sep 26 Grambling State * A.W. Mumford Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 28 Arkansas-Pine Bluff * A.W. Mumford Stadium 1:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 03 Alcorn State Alcorn State, Miss. 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 05 Mississippi Valley State Itta Bena, Miss. 1:00 p.m.
Thu, Oct 09 Nicholls State A.W. Mumford Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 12 Howard * A.W. Mumford Stadium 1:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 17 Alabama A&M A.W. Mumford Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 19 Alabama State A.W. Mumford Stadium 1:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 24 Prairie View A&M * Prairie View, Texas 7:00 p.m.
Sun, Oct 26 Texas Southern * Houston, Texas 1:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 31 Jackson State University Jackson, Miss. 6:00 p.m.
Sun, Nov 16 SWAC TOURNAMENT * TBA 6:00 p.m.
* Conference Games



  COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

WSSU Board Of Trustees Approves Contract For New Men's Basketball Coach

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- The Winston Salem State University Board of Trustees officially approved a contract this morning for the next head men's basketball coach.

James Wilhelmi will officially be introduced as the seventh head men's basketball coach at Winston-Salem State University on Thursday, June 12^th on the WSSU campus. Scheduling conflicts with the University administration prevents it from happening before then.

 

"Our goal is to build a championship-caliber program that contends for CIAA titles and NCAA Tournament berths on an annual basis", says Tonia Walker, WSSU Director of Athletics.  "I believe that James brings the experience and vision that will allow the Rams to reach new heights. Not only does he bring continuity to the program, but more importantly, he's demonstrated an ability and desire to be a mentor to young men, and he embraces our mission to develop leaders on the court and in the classroom", says Walker.

 

"I would like to commend the search committee for their time and effort in recommending a strong candidate who I believe possesses the right fit, proven experience and work ethic to assist the department of athletics in Graduating Champions", added Walker.

 

James Wilhelmi joined the Rams coaching staff in the summer of 2011 as the team's associate head men's basketball coach. Wilhelmi brings a wealth of experience and a strong knowledge of the game to the WSSU sidelines after several coaching stints. Throughout his career, Wilhelmi has been instrumental in the recruitment and development of several players who have gone on to compete at the professional levels. He spent last season as an assistant coach at the University of North Alabama.

 

Prior to joining the Lions' staff, Wilhelmi spent five seasons at Howard University in Washington, D.C. During his time at Howard, he played an integral role in recruiting some of the top players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), including a pair of MEAC All-Rookie Team players. He also spent time as an assistant men's basketball coach at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md.

 

His other coaching stops include the University of Evansville, Texas Southern, the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Hampton, Northeastern Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  During his time at Evansville, he was the team's offensive coordinator where he guided the Evansville Purple Aces to ranking second in the Missouri Valley Conference in field goal percentage and an upset of a top ten opponent when the team defeated the Creighton Blue Jays, who were led by NBA star Kyle Korver. He also recruited former Texas Southern great Sean Walker, who went on to lead the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in scoring.

 

He was also instrumental in teams' successes as he helped guide the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore Fighting Hawks to their first winning MEAC record in 10 seasons and helped the Hampton Pirates to a turnaround season that saw the team win nine more games during the 1999-2000 season. The effort was one of the top ten turnarounds for NCAA Division I teams. He also helped guide the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Pointers to an elite eight appearance in the NCAA Division III National Basketball Tournament. Wilhemi also spent a year as a head boys' basketball coach at Sussux Central High School in Georgetown, Delaware.

 

Wilhelmi is a 1995 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and earned a Master of Science degree in human development and community resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1997). He is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and spent several years on the Mid-Major Top 25 voting panel for CollegeInsider.com. 

 

As an athlete, Wilhelmi played high school basketball at La Follette High School in Madison, Wisconsin and went on to letter in football at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for three years.

 

The WSSU Rams basketball team has compiled a record of 60-27 since Wilhelmi's arrival, and the team has won one CIAA Championship, and played in the CIAA title game this past season. The Rams have also been to two NCAA Regionals in his tenure as an assistant coach.

 

The University nor James Wilhelmi will have any further comment until Thursday's press conference.

 

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Lamar academic woes could boost NCCU hoops cause

DURHAM, North Carolina  -- Another team’s turnover with its Academic Progress Rate could dish an assist to N.C. Central.

Nimrod Hilliard, the leading scorer for Lamar University last season, has used Twitter to say goodbye to that school and announce that he’s ready to get in on what NCCU had going last year when the Eagles went 28-6 and made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

Neither NCCU nor Lamar has announced that Hilliard has transferred, but he could be eligible to play right away if he has.

Student-athletes transferring from one Division I school to another generally are required to miss a season per NCAA rules, but that doesn’t apply if a transfer is leaving a school an unacceptable APR and the player has just one season of eligibility remaining.

CONTINUE READING

Coppin State reports lowest revenues and expenses in NCAA Division I

BALTIMORE, Maryland --Texas has the richest athletic department in the country.

The Longhorns generated more than $165 million in revenue, last year, churning out nearly $19 million in profit despite a) not receiving a single dollar in subsidies from the state or the school and b) spending the most on athletics, $146, 807,585.

By comparison, Coppin State, a MEAC school in Baltimore, had revenues and expenses below $4 million, with more than 75% of the revenue coming into the athletic department the result of subsidies. Chicago State, who had less than $7 million in revenue, got more than 94% of that money from subsidies.

You can browse through the entire database here.

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Citrus Bowl reconstruction 50 percent complete

ORLANDO, Florida  --  The Citrus Bowl is less than six months away from hosting its first game since reconstruction started on the stadium.

Today, city and county leaders joined Florida Citrus Sports and construction workers for the “forward Progress to the 50” ceremony to celebrate the progress.

Mayor Buddy Dyer wants to remind people that it’s not a renovation, it’s more like a reconstruction because the only thing remaining from the old stadium is the upper bowl seating.

After four months of demolition, the upper bowl is pretty much all that’s left standing in this $200 million project, and Steve Hogan, with Florida Citrus Sports, says people in athletics all over the country are excited.

“They are fired up over what we’ve done here. They know it’s not just paint and replacing seats. We ripped it out and rebuilt it,” said Steve Hogan, Florida Citrus Sports.

Citrus Bowl reconstruction 

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Brandon’s Anderson signs with FAMU

BRANDON, Florida  --  Brandon High pitcher Ryan Anderson has signed to play baseball with Florida A&M University. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound righty made 15 appearances for the Eagles this season posting a 6-5 record, with a 1.12 ERA and 52 strikeouts.

Anderson also batted .292 with 17 runs, 20 RBIs and three home runs on the season.

Anderson said he had been talking with FAMU’s coaches throughout the season and took a visit to see the baseball team play this season, but at last month’s Senior All-Star Challenge, Anderson pitched a scoreless inning in front of Rattlers’ head coach Jamey Shouppe.

“I knew (Coach Shouppe) was at the game and had heard a few things about me,” Anderson said. “But after the game, he said he was impressed and it went from there.”

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Jackson State’s Brent finalizes first class with Crawford

PIERRE CRAWFORD

JACKSON, Mississippi --  For Pierre Crawford, the fourth time was the charm.

The Eutaw, Alabama, native has been on the move in the college basketball scene, with Jackson State being his fourth stop.

Crawford confirmed Wednesday he will transfer from Florida A&M, finalizing Jackson State coach Wayne Brent’s 2014-15 signing class, which features seven additions.

The decision to leave FAMU didn’t come easy for Crawford after the basketball program failed to meet Academic Progress Rate requirements. The Rattlers are ineligible for postseason competition and have practice time restrictions after averaging a multi-year rate of 900 (below the 930 four-year benchmark).

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Jackson State sees jump in revenue, expenses

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Jackson State reported an increase in total revenues for 2013, which is its second highest in eight years.

According to data collected by USA Today, JSU received $6,411,728, up about $500,000 from 2012 and the most since 2011 ($6,909,322).

The university saw increases in ticket sales, school funds and "other," and decreases in rights/licensing, student fees and school funds.

It also reported the same amount in total expenses, leaving it with no profit for 2013. Jackson State's biggest expense came from coaching/staff, spending $3,213,168, the most its spent in that category. (USA Today shows data collected since 2005).

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Coaching Carousel: Mississippi Valley State to Tab Andre Payne

After a weird search, the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils look to an NAIA head coach to lead their squad

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  -- The weird coaching situation at Mississippi Valley State seems to be coming to an end as the Delta Devils are expected to tap Andre Payne to replace former head coach Chico Potts. Payne comes from NAIA Wiley College where he was the basketball coach and Athletic Director.

Payne lead the Wiley Wildcats to a 19-11 mark this past year.  He's been coaching at Wiley since 2006 and lead the Wildcats to their first national tournament appearance in 37 years in 2007 and was also named the Red River Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

 

One weird twist in the hire is that Payne will not be announced or start as the head coach until after July 1 when the new fiscal year starts at the SWAC school.

 

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NSU Football Season Tickets on Sale Now

NORFOLK, Virginia — Season tickets for the 2014 Norfolk State football season are now on sale at the NSU Ticket Office and online at www.nsuspartanstickets.com.

The Spartans have five home games lined up for 2014, beginning with a non-conference matchup with Big South co-champion Liberty on Saturday, Sept. 6. Other home games include the MEAC slate of Morgan State for the Fish Bowl Classic on Sept. 27, Homecoming against Delaware State on Oct. 11, and two straight conference contests in November against defending MEAC co-champion Bethune-Cookman (Nov. 8) and North Carolina Central (Nov. 15).

2014 NSU Football Schedule

Season ticket prices are $80 for reserved seating, $65 for general admission, and $40 for NSU faculty and staff (maximum of two). The NSU Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased anytime at www.nsuspartanstickets.com. First time users of the online ticket portal system will need to register a user name and password before making a purchase. Online users can print their tickets at home or choose to pick them up at the NSU Ticket Center.

Single-game tickets will also be available beginning July 28.

For more information, visit www.nsuspartans.com or call (757) 823-9009.


ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

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

MEAC Football Press Luncheon is July 25

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host the annual Football Press Luncheon on Friday, July 25, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel (235 E. Main St., Norfolk, VA 23510/ (757) 627-4200). MEAC head football coaches and two student-athletes from each team will be on hand to offer an inside view of the 2014 football season.

A limited number of tickets are available to the public for the press luncheon and can be purchased by calling Jane Vega at (757) 951-2055 or jvega@themeac.com. Tickets are $30 per seat or $300 per table (10 persons) and must be purchased by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18.

Media members may obtain a credential for the luncheon and/or one-on-one interviews by completing an application found on www.MEACSports.com. One-on-one interviews will begin promptly at 10 a.m. in the James I-III room.

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Hampton Track Sends Eight to NCAA Outdoors Championships

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The Hampton University men's and women's track & field teams will send a combined eight student-athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Championships after a strong showing this past weekend in the NCAA East Preliminary hosted by the University of North Florida.

  

Six Pirates will be heading to Eugene, Ore., while the Lady Pirates will send two.

  

Sophomore Ce'aira Brown (Philadelphia, Pa.) punched her ticket to Eugene in the 800-meter run, beating the school record in the event by nearly a second after turning in a 2:03.76 in the semifinals – recording the second-fastest time overall.

  

Junior Le'Quisha Parker (Silver Spring, Md.) qualified for NCAAs in the 200-meter dash after running a 23.46 in the semifinals – after turning in a 23.42 in the preliminary heats.

  

Parker was seventh overall in the 200-meter dash.

  

On the men's side, the Pirates 4x400-meter relay squad set a new school record in qualifying for the NCAA Championships, turning in a 3:05.21 to break a record that had stood for 13 years. Hampton notched the 10th-fastest overall time in the heats.

  

Senior Je'Von Hutchison (Boynton, Fla.), junior Chidi Okezie (Philadelphia, Pa.), graduate student Paris Reddick-Simmons (Alexandria, Va.), and junior Edose Ibadin (Glendale, Md.) made up the relay squad.

  

Hutchison also qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 400-meter dash, running a season-best 45.71.

  

Sophomore Trey Holloway (Chesapeake, Va.) reached the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the second straight season in the 110-meter hurdles, turning in a season-best 13.74 to post the eighth-fastest time in the semifinal round.

  

Senior Stefano Nardini (Milan, Italy) continued his strong season, reaching NCAA qualification in the javelin throw with a ninth-place effort of 68.40 meters (224 feet, five inches).

  

Ibadin broke his own school record in the 800-meter run, turning in a 1:48.37 in the semifinals.

  

The 2014 NCAA Div. I Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held June 11-14, hosted by the University of Oregon. The Lady Pirates have five Div. I national champions in their history, while the Pirates are seeking their first.

  

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

Results

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

PEACH STATE PIGSKIN PREVIEW: FVSU restocking with returnees

MACON, Georgia  -- Each summer, Fort Valley State opens practice without a number of underclassmen who played the season before but, for a variety of reasons, aren’t suiting up that fall.
And in many cases, they’re back in uniform in a year or two.

That’s the case again this season, and just in time, as far as Keith DeGrate is concerned.

He filled in Tuesday for head coach Donald Pittman, who was out of town, and said three key players who should be back on the field this fall are running backs Seth Hill, Germaine Tate and Travis Richmond.

Hill went out with a season-ending knee injury in the opener against Valdosta State. Tate and Richmond, the former Peach County standout, sat out 2013 for different reasons, primarily academic oriented.

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PEACH STATE PIGSKIN PREVIEW: Valdosta State coach excited to open season vs. Albany State

MACON, Georgia  — Two years ago, Valdosta State football coach David Dean stood in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and talked about his desire to resume a rivalry with Albany State.

 

He’s finally getting his wish — and on Tuesday he said the atmosphere for this year’s season opener between the two South Georgia Division II programs will be intense.

 

“We always enjoy playing them because of the crowd and the intensity that goes along with that game,” he said. “For us being so close, it’s easy for both fan bases to be able to travel. It’s always a packed house, and that’s good for our guys to be able to play in that type of atmosphere and pressure.”

 

The Rams and Blazers will open their seasons Sept. 6 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta, renewing a rivalry game that has been played just once in the past six years.

 

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FAMU's Robinson Has Big League Dreams

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Last month, for the first time in the NFL draft era, which started in 1967, no players were selected out of the MEAC or SWAC.

The Major League Baseball Amateur Draft is this week, and one FAMU Rattler is focused on not being left out.

FAMU's Bennie Robinson has a good shot of getting picked in this year's Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

"I'm just going to wait for the call, I'm going to go about my day. Probably be on the field working out. Just go about my day and when it happens, it happens," Robinson said.

If it happens, it won't change him, still the likable kid with the big smile. As far as the scouts are concerned there is plenty to like.

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68 MVSU student-athletes earn degrees

COURTESY MVSU ATHLETICS

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  -- A total of 68 current and former Mississippi Valley State University student-athletes earned their degrees as part of the May 10 commencement ceremony on the MVSU campus.

The MVSU football program led all teams with 25 graduates while the baseball and women's track and field/cross country teams each had eight student-athletes walk across the stage.

Football
Donta Reed (Master's of Science / Bioinformatics)
Leployer Franklin (Master's of Science / Criminal Justice)
Ernest Brown (Music)
Jeremy Johnson (Mathematics)
Jeremy Collins (Biology)
Wesley Steele (Applied Technology)
Antonio Benson (Business Administration)
Antonio Griggs (Business Administration)
Timothy Johnson (Communications)
Kevin Eugene (Communications)
Napoleon Brewer (Communications)
Richard Drake (Communications)
Jackie Simpson (HPER)
Brandon Powe (HPER)
Eddie Ivory (HPER)
Marquez Floyd (HPER)
Patrick Durr (HPER)
Carl Davis, Jr. (HPER)
Kenneth Dabney (HPER)
Lakendrick Carter (HPER)
Justin Barner (HPER)
Jacob Avery (HPER)
Rico Shaw (Social Work)
Worrell Troup (Speech Communications)
Paul Cox (Criminal Justice)

Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Denai Greene (Mathematics)
Joyce Chumo (Biology)
Tambriya Barney (Political Science)
Winny Tanui (Biology)
Queona Williams (Accounting)
Alicia Wimley (Biology)
Trudy Burke (HPER)
Jovanna Peterson (Communications)

Softball
Cassandra Rivera (Chemistry)
Brianna Holmes (Biology)
Brittany Lilly (Communications)

Men's Track & Field
Micah Hill (Biology)
Daniel Kibet (Chemistry / Biology)
Quantrail Fleming (Business Administration)
David White (HPER)
David Pulliam (HPER)

Women's Basketball
Brittney Lakes (Master's of Science / Criminal Justice)
Davina Jefferson (Business Administration)
Joncyee Sanders (HPER)
Jasmyne Sanders (HPER)
Malea Malone (HPER)
Olivia Kennedy (HPER)

Men's Basketball
Ervin Thomas (HPER)
Marcus Johnson (HPER)
Cortland Henry (HPER)
Julius Francis (Social Work)

Soccer
Kristin Swanson (Master's of Science / Bioinformatics)
Jerrica Salido (Biology)
Shanesse Spratt (Biology)
Shelby Willcocks (HPER)
Alexandra Neumann (HPER)
Nicolle Forcier (HPER)

Volleyball
Mika Krienke (Biology)
Chylla Nault (Business Administration)

Baseball
German Hays (Business Administration)
Mark Kaplan (Business Administration)
Montana Kiler (Business Administration)
David Lostra (Business Administration)
Kameron Stady (Business Administration)
Grant Reifers (HPER)
Blake Palasini (HPER)
Luke Brumfield (Criminal Justice)  

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Donte Jackson Named Stillman College New Men's Basketball Head Coach

COACH DONTE JACKSON
Courtesy: Central State University Athletics

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Stillman College's Director of Athletics Paul Bryant announced the selection of Donte Jackson as its new men's basketball coach.  The announcement comes after a national search that saw more than 200 applicants vie for the position.  Jackson will be introduced at a press conference on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m. in Birthright Alumni Hall.

"I am excited for the opportunity to be the head coach of the Stillman Tigers," said Jackson.  "I think that this is a great opportunity to build a great program in the SIAC."

The Wisconsin native comes to Stillman after four seasons at the helm of the Central State University (CSU) program.  He was named the men's basketball coach at Central State University in 2010 after serving as an assistant coach for seven seasons.  In four seasons as the Marauders head coach, he built a 68-42 record.  Jackson averaged 17 wins per season including finishing with a 19-9 mark during the 2011-12 campaign, which was his second as the leader of the CSU program.

While serving as an assistant coach at CSU, he helped guide the Marauders to an NCAA tournament appearance and three Independent Conference Association regular season titles while compiling a 125-61 record.

When asked about what fans and supporters can expect, Jackson responded with great optimism and determination.  "Fans can expect us to play hard night in and night out.  We will play with discipline and structure as we look to do what is necessary to build a championship program in the conference."

Jackson graduated from Central State in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and in 2008 earned the Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

As a student member of the Marauder basketball team, Jackson was a three-year letterman and earned all-conference and all-region honors during the 2001-2002 season. He led the Marauders to the NAIA Division I National Tournament and a Sweet Sixteen appearance with a 24-8 record during 1999-2000 season.

Jackson received one of the Central State's most prestigious honors in his senior year. He was selected as the recipient of the John W. Garland President's Award, presented annually to a student athlete who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through academic and athletic achievements.

"I am honored to have (Coach) Jackson join the Stillman family," said Bryant.  "He is a young, energetic professional who has proved to be a winner as a player, assistant coach and as a head coach.  I look forward to working with him as he continues the tradition of Stillman basketball."

Jackson is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended Alexander Hamilton High School. He was an All-City Conference player and received All-State honors his senior year of high school. Prior to Central State University, Jackson played one season at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (NCAA Division I).

COURTESY STILLMAN COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

 

Jackson State baseball must replenish senior-laden roster in offseason

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Jackson State bowed out of NCAA postseason baseball play on Sunday and said goodbye to a season to remember.

For many, many reasons.

Since last August, the team set a goal to win at least one game in the NCAA regional, something the program had never done in its five previous trips to the tournament.

That changed when the Tigers (32-25), who entered with the lowest RPI in the 64-team tournament, upset the unanimous No. 1 ranked Louisiana-Lafayette in shutout fashion and turned heads in college baseball. They landed the program a featurette on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“No one tried to downplay anything that we’ve done, so I’m really grateful of that,” coach Omar Johnson said after Sunday’s 11-1 loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns that eliminated the Tigers.

CONTINUE READING

City, church top bidder to buy Morris Brown for $14.6 million

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The City of Atlanta is the top bidder to buy Morris Brown College out of bankruptcy with an offer of $14.6 million, city officials announced late Thursday.

Atlanta partnered with Friendship Baptist Church, one of two historically black churches to sell in the wake of the future Atlanta Falcons stadium, to place a bid on the embattled property.

Under the proposal, the city — through its economic development agency Invest Atlanta — will spend $10.625 million and Friendship will contribute $4 million, according to Mayor Kasim Reed spokeswoman Melissa Mullinax. The Morris Brown Bankruptcy Creditors Committee has confirmed the city as the highest bidder, she said.

It’s unclear exactly what properties the city will assume in the takeover, but officials previously said Atlanta would gain control of the college stadium, while Friendship would own other portions of the campus.

Morris Brown will retain some of its historic buildings, which Mullinax said will allow the school to continue providing educational opportunities.

CONTINUE READING

TSU Dameus, Five Others, Vie For Spot in NCAA Championship

JACKSONVILLE, Florida  -- Over the weekend, six members of the Tennessee State track and field teams had solid outings in the 2014 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships as the University of North Florida.

Sophomore Clairwin Dameus came the closest to making the NCAA Championship in the long jump after finishing 15^th with a hop of 6.11 meters. Although she needed to be in at least 12^th, Dameus will still compete in the heptathlon in Eugene, Ore. on June 11-14.

 

Dameus then teamed with Amber Hughes, Ashontae Jackson and Quanisha Sales to post a 45.08 second time in the 4x100 meter relay which earned the Tigerbelles 17^th place.

 

Hughes and Sales also competed in solo events in Fla., with Hughes clocking a 13.60 in the 100-meter hurdles and Sales running the 200-meter dash in 24.58 seconds.

 

Jerome Henderson of the Flying Tigers ran a time of 10.90 in the 10 
0-meter dash while Daryl Rice leapt 2.00 meters in the men’s high jump.

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

State Legislature proclaims Xavier Gold Nuggets Day

June 2, 2014: Xavier Gold Nuggets Day

Proclaimed by the Louisiana Legislature.

Thanks to Rep. Walt Leger and Sen. Karen Carter Peterson

for their efforts in recognizing the 2013-14 XU women's tennis team.

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- The Louisiana Legislature commended the Xavier University of Louisiana women's team for its accomplishments in 2013-14 and declared June, 2, 2014, as Xavier Gold Nuggets Day.

Rep. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, and Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D-New Orleans, were the authors of House concurrent resolution No. 215, which recognized the team.

The Gold Nuggets finished 17-7, reached the semifinals of the NAIA National Championship for the second consecutive season and ranked third in the NAIA postseason coaches poll. Twice during the season they ranked No. 1 in the NAIA. Women's tennis is the only XU sport to reach the NAIA's national semifinals.

Coach Alan Green and four of his student-athletes -- Kourtney Howell, Brandi Nelson, Carmen Nelson and Sha'Nel Bruins -- traveled to the State Capitol to hear the reading of the resolution on the floor of the House and Senate. Jason Horn, XU director of athletics and recreation, also attended.

"I was surprised at how big a deal it turned out to be," said Howell, a three-time All-American and a senior from Cypress, Texas. "I've never received anything like that before. It was a really good experience."

It was the second trip to the State Capitol -- her first since a fifth-grade field trip --for Bruins, a freshman from Colfax, La.

"It was an honor to be part of this season and the big accomplishments we made to receive this recognition," Bruins said. "It was great to receive an honor of this magnitude in front of the Louisiana Legislature."

Carter read the names of all team members and said of Nour Abbes -- a freshman who was 17-0 in singles and earned a slew of national awards -- "She's the truth."

VIDEO FROM SENATE
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IMAGE OF RESOLUTION 

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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TSU's Michael Strahan and the Ocean of Soul Band getting set for the Road to Canton

HOUSTON, Texas  --  On August 1-3, 2014 TSU alumnus Michael Strahan will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. To honor his achievement and celebrate Tiger pride, the Ocean of Soul marching band has been invited to participate in the prestigious Enshrinement Celebration by leading the Grand Parade through downtown Canton and performing at the Fan Appreciation Tailgate Party on the Hall of Fame Campus.

How can I help?
Make the trip to Canton to cheer on Michael and the Ocean of Soul
Support the band on their trip by making a donation to help cover the costs of the journey
Share your support on your social media accounts with by using TSUroadtoCanton and supportStrahan

Ways to give:
Donate Online

By check made out to Texas Southern University Foundation with "Road to Canton" in the memo line, mailed to Office of Development, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne, Hannah Hall Ste. 206, Houston, TX 77004



COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

PVAMU Women's Basketball Loads Up For Future Success With Impressive Recruiting Class

HEAD COACH DAWN BROWN
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
Courtesy: PVAMU Sports Information

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  Coming off a memorable inaugural season in which Prairie View A&M made its fourth straight NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament appearance, head women's basketball coach Dawn Brown took a major step in solidifying her program's immediate future as a SWAC and regional powerhouse with a monster recruiting class which fulfills a variety of needs.  The class is highlighted by four NCAA Division I transfers, four junior college transfers and two high school players.

With a returning roster dominated by upperclassmen, Brown and her staff recruited from coast-to-coast looking for players who can make an immediate impact while also building for the future as several of the NCAA Division I transfers will have to sit out one year per NCAA requirements.

 

The Lady Panthers received a much-needed infusion of size with the shortest player standing 5-6 with five players measuring 6-0 or taller. 

Monique Abbs	Guard	5-6	Jr.	Phoenix, Ariz. (South Mountain CC)
Tori Carter	Guard	5-8	Jr.	Atlanta, Ga. (UNC Charlotte)
Lamaria Cole	Guard	5-6	Jr.	Bryan, Texas (University of Kansas)
Shanique Dogins	Forward	6-0	Jr.	Wharton, Texas (Lamar University)
Alison Gore	Guard	5-10	Fr.	Atlanta, Ga. (North Atlanta)
La'Sha Haynes	Forward	6-2	Fr.	Port Gibson, Miss. (Port Gibson)
Kaitlyn Parks	Center	6-4	Jr.	Barstow, Calif. (Pasadena City)
Chelsey Rosier	Guard	5-8	Jr.	Tallahassee, Fla. (Gulf Coast State)
Christina Soloman	Center	6-2	Sr.	Waltham Park, Jamaica (Winthrop)
Ebonee Tate	Forward	5-10	Jr.	Fort Worth, Texas (Arkansas Baptist)

 

Monique Abbs              Guard   5-6        Junior  Phoenix, Ariz. (South Mountain Community College)

Finished her final season at South Mountain as the team's second-leading scorer with 18.5 points per game and 4.7 rebounds…seventh-leading scorer in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference…led her team in three-point shooting and finished seventh amongst ACCAC leaders…finished third on her team in field goal percentage…had a season-high 36 points versus Eastern Arizona…named Player of the Week on Nov. 27, 2013 after averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals…named to the 2012-13 All-ACCAC Third Team and Second Team All-Region I (Division II) Team…originally signed with Seattle University out of high school…earned All-State, All-Region honors in high school while also running track.

Brown on Abbs: "Moe" is a strong, athletic combo-guard with a scorer's mentality who handles well in transition.  She can push the tempo, is smooth to the rim and can finish with her weak hand. Moe is also an impressive three-point shooter from deep behind the arc."

 

Tori Carter                    Guard   5-8        Junior  Atlanta, Ga. (UNC Charlotte)

A transfer from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte…played in 26 of UNC Charlotte's 31 games with two starts as a sophomore…finished the 2013-14 campaign with 3.7 points per game and shot 39 percent from the field…helped guide team to back-to-back Women's NIT appearances in 2013 and 2014….originally from Norcross High School in Atlanta, Ga. and was an All-County selection as a senior along with playing in the 2012 Georgia All-Star Game…four-year starter at Norcross who was picked to the GACA Junior All-Star team after averaging 7.8 points and three assists as a junior…guided her high school to the 2011 Class 5A State Championship and led the program to three Region 7-5A titles.

Brown on Carter: Tori is an ultra-athletic combo-guard who can create her own shot and is explosive in transition.  She has a midrange pull-up game and has a lot of upside.Tori is a leader on the floor and will bring a great level of expertise as she has played alongside ACC Freshman of the year Diamond DeShields and former Georgetown standout player Shayla Cooper."

 

Lamaria Cole                Guard   5-6        Junior  Bryan, Texas (University of Kansas)

Transfer from the University of Kansas…started five games and appeared in 24 averaging 10.4 minutes per game during the 2013-14 season…also amassed 63 points, 28 assists and 26 rebounds while shooting 38.7 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from the free throw line…prepped at Rudder High School in Bryan, Texas and was ranked as the 25^th-best guard in the nation by HoopGurlz.com…selected as the District 16-4A MVP during her junior and senior campaigns…averaged 14.8 points, 5.4 assists and 4.1 steals per game in her final season and was named all-state by the Texas Girls Coaches Association and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches…a 2012 McDonald's All-American Girls Game nominee and a regional qualifier in track & field.

Brown on Cole:  "Mari" is very athletic with a quick, hesitation game to the rim as she handles, directs, slashes and finishes well.  With "Mari" advancing in the 2013 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament to the Elite Eight, I think it will definitely add an extra work ethic in our team's daily workouts. She will be a great floor leader and I am excited to have an opportunity to coach her."

 

Shanique Dogins         Forward           6-0        Junior  Wharton, Texas (Lamar University)

Transfer from Lamar University…played her freshman season at nearby Blinn College…led Blinn with 12.4 points and ranked second on the team with 9.1 rebounds per game…shot 46.4 percent from the field en route to earning All-Region XIV and team co-MVP honors…played prep ball at Rice Consolidated High School, where she averaged 23.7 points and 13.0 rebounds per game as a senior en route to earning all-region honors ...Played AAU basketball for Cy-Fair Premier.

 

Brown on Dogins: "Shaq" is a very athletic, versatile forward threat with quick release on her jumper.  She is springy with the ability to rebound and putback baskets well.  Shaq also is a strong finisher versus contact and will add depth to our low block game as I'm looking forward to her dominant presence on the glass."

Alison Gore                  Guard               5-10      Freshman         Atlanta, Ga. (North Atlanta)

Averaged 9.6 points, six rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.1 assists per game as a high school senior…led her team to the playoffs as a senior…named Player of the Game on Feb. 8, 2014 by MaxPreps.com after scoring 18 points with five steals, five assists and four rebounds against MLK High School…also named Player of the Game on Nov. 14, 2013 for her performance against Walker High in which she scored 10 points and tallied seven steals.

 

Brown on Gore: "Alison has big upside to her game. She has a strong frame and can get to the rack at will. She is an athletic lead-guard with handles and can push the tempo with the ability to dish on the break while also a creator with developing mid-range consistency. Alison chose PVAMU over University of Pennsylvania (Penn), UNC Asheville, Gardner-Webb, Southern, Agnes Scott and Averett University.

 

La'Sha Haynes                 Forward           6-2        Freshman         Port Gibson, Miss. (Port Gibson)

Ranked as the 17^th-best player in the state of Mississippi by MSGBR.com…named a top 40 player in the state of Mississippi by FILA MS and the Clarion Ledger…averaged 8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2,6 steals as a senior…a four-year varsity letterwinner…selected to play in the Mississippi Association of Coaches North/South (Junior) All-Star Basketball game in 2013.

 

Brown on Haynes: "Shay" one of the most highly recruited athletes in the state of Mississippi as she was recruited by Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Lafayette-Lafayette, McNeese State and Louisiana at Monroe. She is a face-up forward that will soon follow in the footsteps of upcoming senior and All-SWAC forward Larissa Scott.  "Shay" has a pro-frame with the ability to produce off the bounce and is a solid interior passer and an explosive leaper."

 

Kaitlyn Parks                Center              6-4        Junior              Barstow, Calif. (Pasadena City College)

Averaged a double-double for PCC with 11.7 points and 10.6 rebounds as a sophomore… led the South Coast Conference in overall field goal percentage (56 percent) and blocked two shots per contest…earned All-State honors and First Team All-SCC following the 2013-14 campaign… became the 28th player in Pasadena City College women's basketball history to score 500 points in her two-year junior college career…led her team to the third round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs.

Brown on Parks: "Kaitlyn is a low-post insider with a pro frame.  She has off-the-charts potential as she has a long frame and a shot blocking presence and can easily alter shots.  She is a strong rebounder with the ability to create put backs and is very mobile in transition." 

 

Chelsey Rosier             Guard           5=8        Junior              Tallahassee, Fla. (Gulf Coast State College)

Guided team to the semifinal round of the 2013 NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship as a freshman with a 28-6 record...averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists as a sophomore…shot 42.5 percent from the field and 80.5 percent from the free throw line…led her team on a 16-game winning streak to open the 2013-14 campaign…earned 2014 All-Panhandle Conference Honorable Mention honors...recruited heavily by several Southern Conference institutions.

Brown on Rosier: "Chelsea is a natural born shooter and a deep threat from the perimeter. I expect her to bring leadership coming for nationally ranked Gulf Coast State College program. She's a player that can create off the bounce and has a scorer's mentality."
 

Christina Soloman       Center              6-2        Senior              Waltham Park, Jamaica (Winthrop)

Played one season at Winthrop University…began her career at Tallahassee Community College and averaged five rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field…earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors in 2011 and Second Team All-Conference honors in 2012 at TCC…a native of Jamaica and was one of the top netballers, a sport which derived from basketball, in the world while in high school…participated in the U-16 National Championship, the World Senior Netball Championship, and the World Youth Netball Championship.

Brown on Soloman: "Christina is a very athletic forward with a pro fame.  She elevates on mid-range shots and cleans up around the basket. She will be eligible in the spring semester and we look forward to her presence."

Ebonee Tate                 Forward           5-10      Junior              Fort Worth, Texas (Arkansas Baptist)

Played one season at Arkansas Baptist College and finished with 10.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game…shot 67.7 percent from the charity stripe and 38.2 percent from the three-point line…began her freshman campaign at nationally ranked Paris Junior College and finished the season with 5.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest…ranked as one of the top players in Fort Worth during her high school career.
 

Brown on Tate: "Eb" is a versatile combo forward with a developing interior game.  She can rebound with the ability to put back in addition to having quick feet and can also finish with her weak hand in traffic."

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Mack: ‘There has to be more to life than football.’

DURHAM, North Carolina  --  North Carolina Central football coach Jerry Mack wants more than just championship rings. He wants well-rounded, well-educated student-athletes.

That was the message Mack recently gave at a Durham Sports Club luncheon.

Mack said NFL contracts are hard to come by at the Football Championship Subdivision level (formerly Division I-AA), so it is imperative that student-athletes place more emphasis on the student rather than the athlete.

“Let’s face it, we won’t have many players going to the NFL, so there has to be more to life than football,” he said. “I want to develop the entire student-athlete. I want them to leave with a championship ring and a degree in hand to become productive citizens.”

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