Alabama State Hornets Amion, Gonzalez Selected In MLB Draft

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Alabama State University center fielder Richard Amion and catcher Richard Gonzalez were selected on day three of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft.

Amion was selected in the 18^th round by the San Francisco Giants, while Gonzalez was selected in the 29^th round by the Houston Astros.

"Amion is one of the hardest working players I've ever coached," Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. "For him to realize one of his goals is a great accomplishment. He was a difference maker for our program, putting up great numbers."

Amion (5-11, 185, Jr., Cutler Bay, Fla.), a 2014 first-team All-SWAC selection, set career highs in  batting average (.336 – second on the team) and home runs (four) with 27 RBI. He was 10^th in the SWAC in average, first in runs scored (66), second in both hits (71) and walks (37), third in on-base percentage (.452), and tied for fifth in stolen bases (17), reaching base in 51 of 54 games this season. Amion led the Hornets with 25 multi-hit games, including a career-high four hits at Jackson St. (3/22 – game 2) and a five-RBI game at a Samford (3/18/14). For his career, Amion hit .299 with five triples, six home runs, 86 RBI and 87 stolen bases.



"Today my dream of playing professional baseball has come true," said Amion, who started 156 of his 161 games as a Hornet. "I want to thank Coaches Melendez, (Jose) Vazquez, (Drew) Clark, and (Matt) Crane for shaping me into the player I am today. Without them I would not have matured as a man on and off the field. I am grateful for everything ASU has done for me. I am excited about embarking on the next chapter of my life. Go Hornets!"

Gonzalez (5-10, 205, Jr., Caguas, PR) was a three-time All-SWAC selection, earning first team honors this past season in hitting .270 with a career-high four home runs and 33 RBI. He was fifth in the SWAC in runs scored (48), and had 47 hits, including eight doubles and two triples. Gonzalez had a .406 on-base percentage and a .408 slugging percentage, and stole seven bases. He had nine multi-hit games and seven multi-RBI games this season. Defensively, he threw out 16 runners trying to steal this season and had a .982 fielding percentage. For his career, Gonzalez hit .303 with 27 doubles, nine triples, five home runs and 100 RBI, and threw out 70 runners attempting to steal.

"Vince has been our workhorse the last three years," Melendez said of Gonzalez, who started all but one of his 162 games in a Hornet uniform. "He has led our team on and off the field and we're excited he's getting this opportunity. He will be a great professional player. His defensive skills are as good as they come, and he was a great offensive player for us."

Gonzalez hit .270 or above all three seasons, highlighted by a career-best .348 average in 2013.

"I want to thank the coaching staff because they made be better, not just as a player, but as a person," Gonzalez said. "I want to thank all my teammates as well. The Hornets are my family, and without them I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this."

The duo joins seventh-round draft pick SS Emmanuel Marrero in giving the Hornets three players in the 2014 MLB Draft class. Arguably the most decorated trio in program history, ASU baseball won 89 games over the past three seasons, including notable victories over #4-ranked Miami, Auburn, Troy and South Alabama during that time.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M's Bennie Robinson Selected in the 28th Round by Arizona Diamondbacks

COURTESY FAMU SPORTS INFORMATION
BENNIE ROBINSON

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M 1B/RF Bennie Robinson was selected in the 28^th round (840 overall) of the 2014 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon. The number 28 is fitting as Robinson becomes just the 28^th FAMU player ever to be drafted and first since Derek Shaw was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 41^st round of the 2010 draft.

"I feel honored to be selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks and represent Florida A&M University," Robinson said. “It’s an amazing feeling that you just can’t explain after working so hard in the game I love to be drafted. Thanks to the coaches and all my teammates for pushing me this year and I know there will be many more draftees for FAMU in the future."

Robinson finished his senior season reaching base in 48 consecutive games and became the Rattlers first ever MEAC Player of the Year and made the MEAC All-Tournament Team. Robinson hit.390, which ranked 15^th nationally, while leading the conference in hits (83) and tied for the lead in doubles (15). He also had 26 multi-hit and 14 multi-RBI games as well as a 15 game hitting streak in 2014.

FAMU finished the 2014 season tied for first in the MEAC Southern Division with a record of 26-26, 14-10 MEAC, marking the first time the Rattlers ended a season with a .500 or better record since 2003 (31-21, 12-6 MEAC). The 14 MEAC wins were the most in program history.

Read more news regarding FAMU sports at FAMUATHLETICS.COM

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MSU Bozeman adds six names to 2014-15 men's basketball roster

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Morgan State University men's basketball coach Todd Bozeman added six newcomers to the Bears 2014-15 roster. The newcomers are compiled of five freshmen and a transfer.

The five freshmen consists of, Jahleem Montague, Jamar Redmond, Jerell Cooke, Jeremiah Curtis and A.J. Vernon.

Jahleem Montague helped Atlantic City High School win a pair of Group IV state titles in 2012 and 2013. Montague, who stands at 6-foot-9, completed his senior season averaging 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, despite playing with an injury. He was at his best in the postseason, averaging 12.7 points in 11 postseason games. Montague attended prep school at The Robinson School where he averaged 17 points , 14 rebounds and three blocks. He recorded a triple-double versus Pioneer Science Academy by posting 29 points, 17 rebounds and 11 blocks.

Jamar Redmond is a 6-foot-3 guard from Roselle, New Jersey. He was a standout shooting guard at The Robinson School, where he was also teammate with Jahleem Montague. Redmond averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. H e also had a career-high 32 point outing against Laurel Prep.

Jerell Cooke averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 steals as a senior at Randallstown High School.  The 6-foot-3 shooting guard helped lead his team to a 22-4 record and 10-1 in conference.

Jeremiah Curtis is another big man who will be joining the Bears. Curtis was a 6-foot-8, 230 pound post player at the Middleburg Academy (Virginia) where he averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds during his senior year.

Anthony 'A.J.' Vernon was a standout power forward at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. The 6-foot-8 Brooklyn native was one of the most improved big men in the highly competitive conference and helped lead his squad to the CHSAA title game.

Joining the incoming freshmen will be 7-foot transfer Zech Smith (...first name is pronounced "Zach").  Smith joins the Bears roster after spending a season as a CSU Bakersfield Roadrunner where he shot 58 percent from the field his redshirt-junior year.

Todd Bozeman has led NCAA appearances in 2009 and 2010. Morgan State has won three MEAC Tournaments (1977, 2009 & 2010) and made its sixth championship appearance in eight seasons under Coach Bozeman. The Bears finished the 2013-14 season with a 17-15 record.





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Albany State football coach Mike White hosts annual youth camp

Mike White is entering his 15th season as coach of the Rams

ALBANY, Georgia  -- Albany State football coach Mike White has instilled his knowledge in area youth players for 12 years through his annual football camp, which kicked off Thursday at ASU’s campus and runs through today.

The camp has been a staple in the Good Life City and gives kids ages 8-18 a taste of the ASU experience. Participants get the chance to spend the weekend in student dorms, eating in campus cafeterias and meeting current ASU players.

 

“We show them around campus, talk to them about what it takes to be a student-athlete, talk to them about leadership, what it takes to be an athlete on this level,” White said. “If they want to get here we show them what that takes.”

 

While most kids enjoy the time with their peers away from home, White sees the camaraderie developed between the campers and current student-athletes as the camp’s biggest draw.

 

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NC Central basketball coach visits Daniels, his former middle school

HEAD COACH LEVELLE MOTON
NORTH CAROOLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

RALEIGH North Carolina  --  N.C. Central men’s basketball coach Levelle Moton shared his playbook with a different team Friday.

Moton, 39, months removed from the Eagles’ first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship and NCAA tournament bid, talked with the Blue Jackets’ roster of students at Daniels Middle School about the plays that those around him drew up for him to succeed, on and off the court.

Bob Schmalfield coached Moton in football and basketball at Daniels, where he graduated in 1988. Before introducing Moton to the students, Schmalfield told them that he didn’t do anything to improve Moton’s game, making the point that everything they need to be successful as well is already within them.

“What made him great was what he brought with him,” Schmalfield said. “He brought it from inside. I didn’t have to bring it out of him.” CONTINUE READING

Former FAMU Rattlers Scott looks to catch on in CFL

COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Padric Scott is getting encouragement from Toronto Argonauts assistant coach Jim Daley almost every day. His teammates are telling him how impressed they are with him, too.

It all sounds familiar to Scott, a former standout nose tackle at Lincoln High School, who is having his second go at a pro football career — this time in the Canadian Football League. Last year after graduating from FAMU, the lineman signed a free-agent contract with Arizona in the NFL.

Scott didn’t make the cut. Ten months after returning home, he signed with the Argonauts and is currently in their rookie camp.

But while he was brimming with confidence during a Friday evening telephone interview, Scott isn’t allowing himself to get too excited about the positive feedback.

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Howard University Bison Football To Host Football Camps

WASHINGTON, D. C.  Gary Harrell will lead his annual Football Camp for rising freshmen through seniors for two days this summer.
-- Howard Football head coach

The Gary "Flea" Harrell Football Camp will take place on June 21-24, 2014 at two different high schools in the DMV area.

The schedule for the three sessions are as follows:

- June 21: Annapolis Christian
- June 24: Friendly High School

The one-day camp sessions are designed to help participants develop their game and pinpoint areas of improvement. Campers will also be able to receive true evaluations from local Division I and Division II coaches.

The cost of the camp is $30 per day.

For more information or to register, please visit www.CoachGaryHarrell.net. You may also download the camp brochure HERE and follow the instructions to register.



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Howard Bison to Face Morgan State in NYUL Football Classic

WASHINGTON, D.C.  -- The New York Urban League recently announced the lineup for its 42nd annual NYUL Football Classic and Howard University & Morgan State University have been selected to play in the prestigious contest.

The NYUL Football Classic will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 3:00 pm at MetLife Stadium, home of last year's Super Bowl XLVIII.

"Howard University is excited about playing in the New York Urban League Classic," said Director of Athletics Louis "Skip" Perkins. "The added dimension of playing one of our conference rivals in Morgan State University makes the game even more special."

Ticket information can be found on the NYUL Football Class website and additional information about the game will be posted on www.HUBison.com.



COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

ASU's Marrero goes to Philadephia Phillies in MLB's 7th Round

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Alabama State University shortstop Emmanuel Marrero was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round (202 overall) of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft Friday.

Marrero (6-0, 195, Jr., Caguas, PR) becomes the highest draft pick from Alabama State University, surpassing Rufus Ellis who was selected in the 24^th round of the 1985 Draft by the Kanas City Royals. Marrero is the sixth Hornet selected in the MLB Draft, joining Jesse Clevelend (1965), Willie Garrison (1967), William Hardy (1979), Rufas Ellis (1984 and 1985), and Adrian Urquhart (2002).



The 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year put up career-best numbers in 2014. Marrero hit .329 (fourth on the team) with four home runs and 58 RBI, committing just six errors in 256 chances (.977 fielding percentage). He led the SWAC in hits (73), triples (eighth), total bases (117) and two-out RBI (25), was second in RBI (58), tied for second in doubles (16), sixth in runs scored (44), and eighth in slugging percentage (.527).

"Today is a very special day for me," Marrero said. "Thanks to God, my family, my teammates, and Coach Melendez for believing in me. I'm a Hornet for life."

Marrero started 159 of the 167 games played in an ASU uniform, helping lead the Hornets to back-to-back 30 win seasons in 2013 and 2014, 89 overall wins in three seasons, and a SWAC Eastern Division title.

"I'm very happy for him," Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. "He's worked extremely hard to be considered one of the best defensive players in this year's draft. He's one of the best human beings I've ever coached."

Marrero was second on the Hornets in both multi-hit games (22) and multi-RBI games (16) in 2014, including back-to-back 5+ RBI games at Alabama A&M (6 RBI on 3-for-5 game on 3/16) and at Samford (6 RBI on 2-for-4 game including GS on 3/18). For his career, Marrero hit .270 with 27 doubles, eight triples, eight home runs, 97 RBI and 31 stolen bases.

"I always knew he was going to be a special player," said Melendez of Marrero, who worked his way from hitting .185 as a freshman to as high as .378 earlier this season. "I'm glad he had the drive to become one of the best to ever come out of Alabama State. He made some plays defensively that some big leaguers would be proud of. Offensively, he had a great year, highlighted by tying for the national lead in triples and being in the Top 15 in RBI."



COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

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.

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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