SSU Volleyball Announces 2014 Recruiting Class

Jolanta Graham
Head Volleyball Coach, SSU Lady Tigers
Courtesy SSU Athletics

SAVANNAH, Georgia  --  The Savannah State Lady Tiger volleyball program announced the official signing of four new recruits ahead of the program's 29th season.

During the 2014 off season, two-year interim head coach Jolanta Graham was hired as the permanent head coach for Savannah State women's volleyball.

Graham lost five of her letterman last year to graduation and matriculation. In the vacancy, she has added four recruits, and five walk-ons to the six returners.

Graham's top recruit comes to Savannah from Mansfield, Ohio. Elexius Harris, a 5-9 outside hitter/middle hitter will help to fill the gap left by departing senior Bryana Gadis.

Harris, a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, played in 72 games in her senior year. She concluded the season with 24 aces, a .442 attack percentage, 221 kills, 65 blocks and 194 digs. Harris was the team's MVP, a two-year Junior Olympics Gold Medalist, and won the Pete Henry Ward for Top Female Athlete.

Durham, North Carolina native Zariya Thomas will also help as an outside hitter. The 5-11 true freshman comes to Savannah State from Riverside High School. She finished up her senior year with 489 kills, 30 blocks, 178 digs, and 28 aces. She was named to the All-Conference team and was the 2013 MVP.

True freshman Autumn Session joins the Lady Tigers as a middle hitter. The 6-0, Baltimore, Maryland native joins the Lady Tigers from Riverwood International Charter School. In the 2012 and 2013 seasons, she was named most improved player. Session also earned the Best Blocker award in her final year.

Rounding out the class is setter Lynae Bryant. The 5-8, Murrieta, California native is a graduate of Vista Murrieta High School. Bryant will assist returning setter Caitlynn Masoe.

Also joining the 2014 SSU squad are walk-ons Olivia Wasdin (defensive specialist/libero), Vanessa Foster (outside hitter/right side hitter), Miyah Davis (outside hitter/right side hitter), Kayla Glover (outside hitter), and Zakiya Barnes (defensive specialist).

Graham took over duties as the interim head coach midway through the 2012 season. She was named the permanent head coach in early 2014.

During her two years as interim head coach, Graham slowly began to build a stronger program. She culminated her progress with the program's first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) win in the final game of the 2013 season.

The 3-1 win over North Carolina Central broke a 91-match losing streak for the program that dated back to 2010.

2014 Full Recruiting Class (Click Here)

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

An unexpected path to nuclear engineering

MAREENA ROBINSON
Hometown: Miami, Florida
 Doctoral Candidate: Nuclear Science and Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
B.S. (2011) Physics, Florida A&M University
Courtesy MIT News

With ample family support, PhD student Mareena Robinson focuses on research in nuclear security.

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts  -- When she was accepted into the undergraduate business program at Florida A&M University (FAMU), Mareena Robinson thought she had her future all figured out: She would go to law school and become an attorney, like her father, or else a businesswoman.

But when she and her father arrived on campus at the beginning of freshman year, he made an offer the self-described “obedient daughter” couldn’t refuse: to pay a visit to the physics department, where he had a distant connection to a friend-of-a-friend.

“I said, ‘OK, I’ll just check it out,’” Robinson says. “I had no intention of going into physics. But when I got up there they treated me like a football player.”

She was surprised — after all, the department didn’t know anything about her, and had no idea whether she could cut it as a physics major. “They were so excited about anybody who was even willing to talk about the possibility of doing science because it is a select few people who have the audacity to try something like that,” she says.

Her father was sold on the program, telling her: “Mareena, I don’t know anything about this physics stuff. I can’t do one equation. But I feel like this is the wave of the future and I just need you to try it. And if you hate it or you can’t do it, you can be a theater major for all I care. But just give it a shot.”

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Three Notable NFL Hall of Famers Headline Legends Reception at MEAC/SWAC Challenge

ORLANDO, Florida  --  The class of five honorees – headlined by three former NFL standouts – will be recognized at the sixth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legends Reception at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, near Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. ET. The evening will honor National Football League (NFL) Hall of Famers Elvin Bethea (North Carolina A&T State University); Harry Carson (South Carolina State University); and John Stallworth (Alabama A&M University); as well as sports media relations veteran Bill Hamilton (South Carolina State) and former athletic director and longtime volleyball coach Betty Austin (Alabama A&M University).

Established in 2009, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legends Award pays tribute to those individuals whose achievements have impacted Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Each honoree will receive an HBCU Trailblazer Award in recognition of the impact made in his or her respective career, community or alma mater. ESPN sportscaster Jay Harris will host the evening’s festivities.

“The weekend surrounding the MEAC/SWAC Challenge provides an opportunity to annually recognize alumni from HBCU institutions who have made wonderful and significant contributions to their schools and communities,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN Events.

“Our 10^th anniversary is obviously special, and we’re so pleased to welcome an outstanding class of Legends and celebrate their many contributions and highlight how each journey was launched at an HBCU school.”

Tickets to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legends Reception are available for $75 at http://espnevents.com/meac-swac/tickets/.

The Legends Reception will precede the 10^th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney featuring the North Carolina A&T State University Aggies of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The game will be played Sunday, Aug. 31 at 11:45 a.m. ET, and televised on ESPN. This year’s matchup will be played at Bright House Networks Stadium on the campus of the University of Central Florida, while the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium undergoes renovations. The game is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN.

Each year, the game pits a MEAC team against a SWAC opponent at a neutral site located within the footprint of one of the conferences. Several additional events will take place around the game, including a high school career panel, pep rally and the halftime Battle of the Bands.

Tickets to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney can be purchased through Ticketmaster online, by calling 800-745-3000 or by logging on to www.meacswacchallenge.com.

For more information about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, or to join the event’s following on Facebook and Twitter, please visit the event’s official Web site at www.meacswacchallenge.com or at www.espnevents.com.

The 2014 Legends Class
Betty Austin (Representing Alabama A&M University)
Elvin Bethea (Representing: North Carolina A&T State University)
Harry Carson (Representing: South Carolina State University)
Bill Hamilton (Representing: South Carolina State University)
John Stallworth (Representing: Alabama A&M University)

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ESPN Events:

ESPN Events a subsidiary of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes two Labor Day weekend college football games; 11 college bowl games and eight college basketball events, which accounts for approximately 200 hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over a half a million attendees each year. With satellite offices in Boise, Birmingham, Dallas-Fort Worth, Albuquerque, St. Petersburg and Las Vegas, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
              
ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.                        
                       
For more information, visit www.espnevents.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook.


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Monroe star QB Charles Stafford signs with Albany State

Monroe quarterback Charles Stafford will red-shirt his freshman year at ASU

ALBANY, Georgia  — Charles Stafford broke every quarterback record at Monroe High and made the Tornadoes one of the most dangerous offensive teams in Southwest Georgia.

On Tuesday, he announced that he’s sticking around the Good Life City a little longer.

 

The star quarterback and 2012 Herald Player of the Year signed with Albany State, giving the Rams a Division I-caliber quarterback and a major recruiting victory.

 

“I think I made the best decision of my life,” said Stafford, who will likely be red-shirted this fall while senior quarterback and reigning SIAC Newcomer of the Year Frank Rivers wraps up his college career. “I know the coaches at Albany State are very good coaches and are going to look out for me no matter what. They were really upfront with me by telling me that I will be red-shirted this year and then the team will be mine for the next four years.”

 

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2014 Preseason WNIT Matchups Announced

FORT COLLINS, Colorado  – Tournament officials announced matchups for the 2014 Preseason WNIT today.
 
The Preseason WNIT kicks off the women’s college basketball season and will be played Nov. 14-23. The tournament is formatted to give all teams a three-game guarantee. The event opens Nov. 14-15 with Round One.  Round Two will be played Nov. 16-17; Semifinals will be Nov. 20; and the championship is set for Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. ET.  The championship game will be nationally televised live on CBS Sports Network.
 
If a team loses in the first two rounds, they will finish the tournament in the consolation bracket. The consolation bracket will be re-drawn to form new matchups based on the geography of teams involved, who can/cannot host, and recent history of teams. The consolation bracket will be released Nov. 16 after all of the Round One games are complete.
 
First-Round Matchups
All 2013-14 team records in parentheses

Nov. 14, 2014
Rider (15-17) at Seton Hall (20-14), Noon ET
Towson (13-17) at Penn State (24-8), Noon ET
St. Francis Brooklyn (19-11) at Albany (28-5), 7 p.m. ET
Mercer (17-14) at Mississippi State (22-14), 8 p.m. ET
Central Arkansas (18-12) at Western Kentucky (24-9), 8 p.m. ET
Jackson State (15-15) at Arkansas State (22-12), 8:05 p.m. ET
 
Nov. 15, 2014
Eastern Kentucky (17-13) at West Virginia (30-5), 7 p.m. ET
North Dakota (22-10) at Colorado (19-15), 8 p.m. ET

Nine of the 16 teams in the field are coming off postseason appearances, including five teams in the NCAA Tournament and four in the WNIT.  Six teams in this year’s field are making their first appearance in the Preseason WNIT: Albany, Central Arkansas, Mercer, North Dakota, Rider, and St. Francis Brooklyn. Western Kentucky is in the field for the fourth time (2007, 2003, 1997), and it’s the third appearance for Arkansas State (1998, 1994) and Colorado (2001, 1995). It’s the second appearance for Eastern Kentucky (2001), Jackson State (2003), Mississippi State (2002), Penn State (2002 – Runners-Up), Seton Hall (1994), Towson (2009), and West Virginia (2009).

Last year, No. 5 Louisville claimed the Preseason WNIT title knocking off the Oklahoma Sooners 97-92 in a thrilling overtime game at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla.  In 2012, North Carolina came away with the title after a 77-64 victory over host Iowa.  The 2011 event featured the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country as Brittney Griner led Baylor to a 94-81 win over Notre Dame in Waco, Texas.
 
About the WNIT
The Preseason WNIT began in its modern form in 1994.  Since its inception, more than 200 teams representing all 32 conferences have competed in the tournament.  The UConn Huskies have won the championship a record three times.  It is organized and produced by Triple Crown Sports, a national sports event company based in Fort Collins, Colo.  For more information on the WNIT please www.womensnit.com.  Follow the WNIT on Twitter @WomensNIT.
visit:

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU Season Football Tickets Available Online Now!

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  It’s time to “Set The Record Straight!”  The 2014 Rattler football season is quickly approaching, so make sure you have your tickets, your Rattler Booster parking and your Rattler Vision subscription to make sure you never miss a moment of exciting Rattler Football.
This year’s home slate includes five home games. 

The Rattlers will face Coastal Carolina (Sept.20), Morgan State (Oct. 4), Savannah State (Oct. 11), Norfolk State (Nov.1 – Homecoming) and S.C. State (Nov.8).  The first three home games start at 5 p.m., with the final two featuring 3 p.m. kickoffs.

Season tickets are on sale now at the FAMU Ticket Office.  Additionally, you can purchase your tickets online by clicking on the following link: GET TICKETS.

If you need additional information  on tickets, please feel free to call the ticket office at (850)599-3141.  In addition they can be purchased at www.FAMUAthletics.com.

Subscribe to Rattler Vision for just $59 for a year.  The package includes all five home football games, home basketball games, home volleyball games, weekly press interviews, baseball, softball and the FAMU Relays.  This is a direct benefit to FAMU Athletics, so get your subscription today!

The Rattlers Boosters are actively selling spaces at Bragg Stadium and surrounding areas. To contact the Rattler Boosters, please call (850) 224-6093.

Finally, if you need to get your official Rattler gear in order, please purchase at our fan shop: BUY HERE.  We appreciate your support of the official athletics apparel company, where FAMU benefits directly from your purchases.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

ASU Football Camp A Huge Success

LORMAN, Mississippi  -- Yesterday morning Jay Hopson and his coaching staff hosted the 2nd Annual Jay Hopson Football Camp at the Alcorn State football practice fields.

Just over 80 high school football players showed up on the "Reservation" to participate in the camp.  Campers got the opportunity to see where they stand in the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, and even got a chance to go one-on-one with other campers.  They also were able to view the Braves weight room and academic center.

"This years' camp was a great succes and we want to thank all of the high school athletes and parents for participating," stated Coach Hopson.  "We were very excited to see so many high school athletes attend and can't wait until the next high school camp in July."

The next Jay Hopson football camp is scheduled for Friday, July 18th.  High school athletes can register online at jayhopsonfootball.com or on the day of the camp at 9:00 a.m. 


COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION  

VUL Dragons Releases 2014 Football Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Location	Home / Away	Time
8/30/2014	4:00 pm (CST)	Alcorn State University		A	4:00 pm (CST)
9/6/2014	6:00 pm (CST)	Jackson State University		A	6:00 pm (CST)
9/13/2014	6:00 pm (EST)	Gardner Webb University		A	6:00 pm (EST)
9/20/2014	1:00 pm (EST)	Livingstone College	Home(not available)	H	1:00 pm (EST)
9/27/2014	1:00 pm (EST)	West Georgia (Patriots)	Home	H	1:00 pm (EST)
10/11/2014	1:00 pm (EST)	Atlanta Sports Academy	Home(not available)	H	1:00 pm (EST)
10/25/2014	1:00 pm (EST)	Wesley College	Home	H	1:00 pm (EST)
11/1/2014	2:00 pm (EST)	Alderson Broaddus University		A	2:00 pm (EST)
11/8/2014	1:00 pm (EST)	Kentucky Wesleyan College	Home	H	1:00 pm (EST)

COURTESY VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG SPORTS INFORMATION

2014 HBCU Football TV Schedule

ORLANDO, Florida  -- Listed are HBCU games scheduled for national networks -- ESPN Family Networks, CBS Sports NET and NBC.  All games are scheduled for p.m. Eastern time zone unless  noted. Dates and times are also subject to change and expect more game to be added throughout the season.

Aug. 31
North Carolina A&T vs. Alabama A&M in Orlando, ESPN, 11:45 a.m.

Oct. 2
Benedict (S.C.) at Miles (Ala.), CBS Sports Net, 8

Nov. 8
Grambling State at Mississippi Valley, ESPNU, 6

Nov. 22
Savannah State at Brigham Young, BYUtv, 3

Nov. 29
Grambling vs. Southern in New Orleans, NBC, 2

Dec. 13
SWAC championship in Houston, ESPN network, TBA

Inspired by Deceased Mother, UDC's Nova Coston Overcomes Adversity to Achieve Her Goals

NOVA COSTON
UDC FIREBIRDS LACROSSE
2014 UDC GRADUATE
Courtesy UDC Firebirds Blog

WASHINGTON, D.C.  -- Nova Coston was raised by a single mother in Queens, NY. It was from her mother that she learned a valuable lesson: “Never give up on anything just because you’re tired or hurting or bored with it. Nothing comes easy.”

Coston’s mother collapsed from a stroke and fell into a coma when she was just 19. She and her brother would have to take care of their mother for the remainder of her life.

 

Still, it was from her mother that Coston continued to draw inspiration as she went on to complete the Police Academy in 2001 and become an officer in 2002.

 

Later, she joined the United States Army in 2003 and served active duty for six years. While on active duty in 2009, she was hit by a tent pole during a windstorm and suffered a spinal fracture. After enduring months of rehabilitation, she went on to enter a tennis tournament, play basketball and even earn her yellow belt in Tae Kwan Do.

 

Upon completing her military service, she enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia at the age of 31.

 

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HU's Edward Hill, Jr. Receives CoSIDA Trailblazer Award

ORLANDO, Florida --- Longtime Howard University sports information director Edward Hill, Jr. received the 2014 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award on Wednesday afternoon on the last day of the organization's annual convention.

The award, named after the late Penn State associate sports information director Mary Jo Haverbeck, is given annually to an individual who is a pioneer in the profession and who has mentored and helped improve the level of ethnic and gender diversity within CoSIDA.

Hill, who has worked in the Howard athletics department for 30 years, was named the Trailblazer award winner in April and was appreciative of receiving such a prestigious honor from his peers.



"To receive this very prestigious honor as the 2014 CoSIDA Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award is very humbling indeed," said Hill about the recognition. "None of this would have been possible had it not been for the help of God allowing me the opportunity to work with so many talented young people. I am also grateful to represent Howard University, which has afforded me the opportunity to work there for 30 years."

Senior Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator Shelley Davis-Hill was among the hundreds in attendance to celebrate Hill and all the Special Awards recipients and reflected on the impact he has had from the campus of "The Mecca."

"Mr. Hill's service to the sports information profession and Howard University can only be described as legendary. He has influenced a generation of media relations professionals that have proven to be leaders and innovators in the sports media relations field. We are proud that he's a Bison and congratulate him on yet another recognition and award."

Hill has been honored previously by CoSIDA, being named the Bob Kenworthy Community Service award in 2005 and earning his 25 Year award in 2009. Several of Mr. Hill's trailblazing connections have received recognition as well, including CoSIDA Rising Stars Chevonne Mansfield (2011), Rob Knox (2011) and Maurice Williams (2012).

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

CIAA Announces 2014 Football Media Day

Hampton, Virginia -- The 2014 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Media Day is scheduled to take place Thursday, July 24 at 11:30 a.m. in Durham, North Carolina at the Downtown Durham Marriott City Center.

Head coaches and select returning student-athletes will be interviewed, and media are welcome to conduct one-on-one sessions after. Football media day is a long-standing tradition in the CIAA and provides unprecedented access to the schools' coaching staff and top student-athletes. The CIAA will reveal the predicted order of finish for each division and the entire conference, in addition to the All-CIAA preseason offensive and defensive teams.

This year, two new head coaches will be welcomed to the conference: Mark James of Virginia Union University and Kienus Boulware from Winston-Salem State University.

The CIAA football season kicks off Thursday, September 4, 2014 when Livingstone travels to Millersville and The Lincoln University faces Cheyney University.

To register for a media credential to attend the event, please click here. Deadline to submit your application is July 15, 2014.

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Editorial: Bowman Gray Stadium: Let’s wrap up the deal

BOWMAN GRAY STADIUM

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  It seems the wheels of progress are moving slowly lately – and we haven’t even reached the dog days of summer yet.

On top of further delays in paying for and building our Business 40 and Northern Beltway, we’ve had to wait for the completion of the sale of city-owned Bowman Gray Stadium to Winston-Salem State University. Last summer, local officials thought it would be done by the end of the year. Now we’re looking at … well, we don’t know. But as with our highway construction, we do seem to be one step closer.

Or maybe two. This deal is, at least, moving a bit faster than the highway one. And, whatever challenges might remain, it’s time for this deal to be done.

State officials have given their nod to the sale of the stadium to WSSU, for $7.3 million, WSSU Chancellor Donald Reaves told the Journal’s John Hinton last week. Reaves was informed by a letter from the State Property Office.

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Crocs sign import centre Mickell Gladness (AAMU)

MICKELL GLADNESS
COURTESY TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES

TOWNSVILLE,  Australia  --  The Townsville McDonald’s Crocodiles are thrilled to announce the signing of 27 year-old, 211cm import centre Mickell Gladness for the coming 2014/15 National Basketball League Season.

Gladness joins the Crocs after playing last season in the NBA D-League with the Reno Bighorns. In 40 games, Gladness put up averages of 7.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and most notably 1.9 blocked shots per game.

During his professional career, Gladness has also played for NBA teams including the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Golden State Warriors. During his time with Golden State he saw a career high in points with 14 against the San Antonio Spurs in 2012.

“We think Mickell is a perfect fit for us. Speaking to a lot of the guys who know him around the NBA, he is spoken of very highly. He is from a small town, a small market and that is the type of environment he is joining. We wanted someone who could fit into our community environment and team culture and Mickell ticks all those boxes,” Crocodiles coach Shawn Dennis said.

“We did a robust evaluation of Mickell and we’re very happy to be bringing him to our club. I know we have locked him in quite early in the off-season but sometimes when the right guy comes along it just makes sense to secure the deal and start building towards the season ahead.”

Known for his interior presence on defense throughout his career, Gladness made history while suiting up for Alabama A&M in college.

Gladness broke the record for blocks in an NCAA game when he swatted away 16 shots against Texas Southern on February 24, 2007.

In the same season, Gladness led the entire NCAA in blocked shots with a total of 188 in 30 games, coming to an amazing average of 6.27 blocks per contest.

“Our defence needed to be more intimidating and Mickell will provide that. He will bring a whole new meaning to our defence and allow us to better match up on the other teams in the NBL. We are bringing in someone that the NBL hasn’t seen the likes of as a defensive Big Man since Simon Dwight,” Dennis said.

“This signing, for this club and the NBL is huge. He is going to bring some serious excitement. He will feature on plenty of highlight reels this season. We showed last season how good we can be in transition with the likes of Norton and Blanchfield. Adding someone like Mickell will really add a new dimension to that.”

“These are exciting times for the Crocs. Today we announced our new home court at Townsville RSL Stadium and it reminds me of the days of playing in front of smaller, packed out stadiums, when coming to Townsville was a nightmare for the opposition. With a drawcard like Mickell in our squad that is only going to make it even better for our fans.”

Gladness joins an already strong core consisting of Steve Markovic, Todd Blanchfield, Mirko Djeric, Jacob Holmes and Mitch Norton.

He will join the Townsville McDonald’s Crocodiles in early September.

Mickell Gladness Bio:

Name: Mickell Jawaun Gladness
Age: 27
Height: 211cm (6’11)
Position: Center
College: Lawson State CC (2004-2005), Alabama A&M (2005-2008)

Pro Career:
• Matrixx Magix Nijmegen, Netherlands (2008-2009)
• Rio Grande Valley Vipers, NBA D-League (2009-2011)
• Dakota Wizards, D-League (2011)
• Miami Heat, NBA (2011-2012)
• Golden State Warriors, NBA (2012)
• Santa Cruz Warriors, D-League (2012-13)
• Reno Bighorns, D-League (2013-14)

COURTESY TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES MEDIA RELATIONS

Wiley Wildcats Hartsfield named men’s head basketball coach

MARSHALL, Texas  --  Wiley College announced its new head basketball coach at a press conference Monday afternoon. That new head coach is Jameus Hartsfield, who will be moving up from assistant coach to head coach. He’ll be replacing Andre Payne who recently accepted a job at Mississippi Valley State University.

He’ll be taking over a team that finished the 2013-2014 season with an overall record of 25-7 and 13-5 in Red River Athletic Conference play. They finished the season as conference champions.
Hartsfield is optimistic about the season up ahead and says he fully anticipates it to be a smooth transition from one coach to another.

“We’re getting almost all of our guys back from last year and we’ve added height to our team,” he said. “I’ll be working on establishing myself and getting our guys used to hearing my voice and familiar with my game plan, but other than that, it will be a very smooth transition.”

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Rebranding Lincoln University

Kevin D. Rome Sr., Ph.D.

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  --  Kevin D. Rome Sr. sat down to speak with The St. Louis American last week one year and one day after he took over as the 19^th president of Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

The school was founded as Lincoln Institute in 1866 by African-American Civil War veterans to educate newly freed slaves. Lincoln Institute formally became a state institution in 1879 and was renamed Lincoln University in 1921, via state legislation introduced by Walthall M. Moore, the first black American to serve in the Missouri Legislature.
Rome told The American that Lincoln now needs, not another renaming, but a rebranding – and explained how he tried to be a trailing spouse and follow his wife to the University of Chicago, but ended up bringing her and the twins to Missouri with him instead.

The St. Louis American: What’s new at Lincoln University?

Kevin D. Rome Sr.: We’re going though a lot of new rebranding strategies, defining goals to improve our reputation and improve our impact on the state and improve our retention and graduation rates. It’s a transformative period of growth for us.

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DSU Volleyball Inks Seven Newcomers for Upcoming Season

DOVER, Delaware  -- The Delaware State volleyball program announced the signings of seven newcomers (Jada’ Canteen, Maya Dunston, Nevershi Ellis, NaKia Jones, Ayanna Lee, Amanda McAfee and Alliyah McBean) for this season.

“With the changes we have made in our roster this year, we are certain that we will do great things as well as conquer our learning curve,” said head coach Kisya Killingsworth, who’s entering her second season at the helm.  “We have a young squad this year, but with young talent comes hard work, dedication and a new found sense of winning.”

The following is information on each signee and a quote from Killingsworth:

Jada’ Canteen – Middle Hitter
6-1 * Freshman
Newark, Del. * Glasgow High School * AAU/Club Team: Champion Volleyball Club
Major: Secondary Education

Bio: Attended Red Lion Christian Academy (2010-11), Eastern Christian Academy (2011-13) and Glasgow High School (2013-14)... Born March 12, 1996 in Philadelphia, Pa… Daughter of Yolanda Jenkins… Sister to her twin brother, Frederick… Cousin to current Michigan Wolverine wide receiver, Freddy Canteen.

Killingsworth on Canteen: “Jada’s blocking presence to our front row will be a great addition to our squad this year, along with adding depth to our middle blockers position.”

Maya Dunston – Outside Hitter
5-9 * Freshman
Newark, Del. * Glasgow High School * AAU/Club Team: Champion Volleyball Club
Major: Movement Science 

Bio: Four-year varsity standout in volleyball… Recorded 22 kills, 25 aces and seven digs as a freshman, in addition to earning the Coaches Award…  As a sophomore, posted 49 kills, 20 aces, 17 blocks, 16 digs and three assists, along with garnering the Coaches Award and Athlete of the Month (October) honors… Tallied 37 kills, 20 aces, 17 blocks, 10 digs and one assist as a junior… As a senior, totaled 50 kills, 21 aces, 17 blocks, 32 digs and 11 assists, in addition to earning Team Most Valuable Player honors… Daughter of Roland and Rosetta Dunston… Sister to Jerome, Roland and Marquisha… Born Nov. 16, 1996 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Killingsworth on Dunston: “Her hard work and dedication will be great for the program as well as her ability to be coachable and wanting to be great asset.”

Nevershi Ellis – Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
5-7 * Freshman
Chicago, Ill. * Harlan Community Academy High School * AAU/Club Team: Club Kace
Major: Biology 

Bio: Earned four varsity letters in volleyball… Was a part of three conference championship teams… Led the team in kills her last two seasons, while leading the squad in blocks as a senior… During senior season, earned De La Salle All-Tournament Team honors, whereas the team finished as a Regional State finalist… Born Aug. 22, 1996 in Chicago, Ill., where she currently resides… Daughter of Wendel and Tamarah Ellis… Sister to Syncere and Wyndel.

Killingsworth on Ellis: “She will help anchor the outside hitters as well as the back row defense. Nevershi will contribute quickness, excitement and will be another great leader to follow behind current Hornet Jasmine Jackson.”

NaKia Jones – Middle Blocker
5-9 * Freshman
Chicago, Ill. * Harlan Community Academy High School * AAU/Club Team: Club Kace
Major: Sports Management

Bio: Earned varsity letters in basketball (three), cheerleading (one), cross country (one) volleyball (four) and track & field (three)… Was a part of four consecutive conference championship teams in volleyball... Track & field wise, was a three-time indoor Chicago Public Schools (CPS) 400-meter champion and 400-meter IHSA 2A State Qualifier (outdoor)… Academically, graduated with a 4.37 grade point average, in addition being a National Honor Society member and a Principal’s Scholar honoree… Four-time Harlan Scholar Athlete honoree… Born Sept. 27, 1995 in Chicago, Ill… Daughter of James Shelton Jr. and LaKisha Jones… Sister to NaKyel… Father James played football at Memphis (1986), while mother LaKisha was a track & field standout at Chicago State (1991-94)… Cousin to current Tennessee women’s basketball standout Jasmine Jones.

Killingsworth on Jones: “Adding someone like NaKia will upgrade our offensive and defensive presence at the middle blocker position. With her leaping ability, paired with her ability to hit smart shots, she makes for a perfect addition to our squad.”

Ayanna Lee – Outside Hitter/Libero/Defensive Specialist
5-5 * Freshman
Washington D.C. * Lanham Christian School * AAU/Club Team: Evolution Volleyball
Major: Undecided

Bio: Four-year varsity volleyball standout… As a freshman, earned Second Team All-League honors… Over the next three seasons, she earned First Team All-League recognition, in addition to Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior… Born Nov. 24, 1996 in Washington D.C… Daughter of Anthony and Earlene Lee… Sister to Tonisha, Aleah and Tiara… Cousin to Usama Young, who currently plays in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders.

Killingsworth on Lee: “Ayanna will do an excellent job of anchoring our back row defense. From her ability to read the court, to her communication skills, she will make an impact for years to come.”

Amanda McAfee – Middle Hitter
5-8 * Junior
Clinton Township, Mich. * Macomb Community College (Chippewa Valley High School) *
AAU/Club Team: Dynasty Volleyball Club
Major: Nursing

Bio: At Macomb C.C., finished third on the team as a freshman in hitting percentage (23.5%), blocks (198), blocks per set (1.75) and points (265) on her way to earning Most Improved Player, All-Eastern Conference Third Team and All-Freshman Team honors… In high school, earned three varsity letters in volleyball… Received All-Class A Honorable Mention and All-Academic Team honors… Born March 10, 1994 in Detroit, Mich… Daughter of Vanzetti and Monique McAfee… Sister to Vanzetti Jr. and Quentin McAfee.

Killingsworth on McAfee: “Amanda’s ability will bring the hitting diversity we are looking for, along with the experience of already playing on the collegiate level. Her versatility to play any position within the front row gives us the option to run numerous routes to give opposing team’s problems.”

Alliyah McBean – Libero
5-5 * Freshman
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. * St. Thomas Aquinas High School * AAU/Club Team: Boomers Volleyball
Major: Forensic Biology

Bio: Three-year varsity standout in volleyball… Best season occurred during senior campaign by posting an 18.7 service ace percentage, 217 digs and 24 assists on her way to earning BCAA All-Star First Team honors… Academically, was named to the Principal’s Honor Roll list… Born Oct. 26, 1995 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla… Daughter of Richard and Danielle McBean… Sister to Alyssa.

Killingsworth on McBean: “The plan for Alliyah is to solidify our Libero position. With her hard work ethic and her ability to read hitters, I am sure Alliyah will have great success here at DSU and in the MEAC.”

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Tuskegee's new president brings along $100,000 gift

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Tuskegee University's new president brought along a $100,000 gift Friday.

Brian Johnson, 40, also told students and faculty that social media interaction will be fine with him.

"You will probably find me on Facebook and Twitter and that's okay," Johnson said, adding he'll be too busy to start answering them right away and will rely on his staff to help him with that assignment.

Accompanied by his wife and two sons, Johnson quickly won over the large crowd at the TU chapel during his speech, especially when he said he would be promoting an "outcome-based" program available to the public under his "transparent administration."

During a news conference following his speech, Johnson, who begins his tenure Monday, was asked about the $100,000 family gift that will take the form of an endowed student scholarship spread over five years.



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Morgan State: Brotherly Love Led Karim Barton To The NFL

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania --  Karim Barton’s unmistakable Jamaican accent cloaks every word as he speaks about his childhood in his homeland’s capital city of Kingston and the move to Los Angeles’ Crenshaw neighborhood in 2004, following the passing of his mother, Carol, who died from a blood clot when he was 13 years old.

“Growing up (in Kingston), I got to experience the best of both worlds,” Barton said. “We weren’t poor, but we weren’t rich. Sometimes my parents would take us up to the country where there was no TV, no cell phones and we just depended on nature. We bathed in the river, raised cattle and all that type of stuff. Growing up down there was humbling, you don’t take anything for granted because a lot of people have nothing. That just laid a foundation, so when I came here, no matter what, I still took nothing for granted.

"I moved straight from Jamaica to South Central (Los Angeles). South Central was more dangerous than Kingston – which is notorious (for crime) – because you had to worry about colors. If you wore the wrong colors, gangs would get you. It’s crazy how the negativity and cancerous thinking is continuing to take our inner city. When I first got (to South Central), my brother was living in a neighborhood off Crenshaw (Street), and he basically told me, ‘Don’t wear any red.’ That thought was crazy to me.”

The concerns about gangs and steering clear of trouble only intensified as ...

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Morgan State's Barton: ‘When It Hits Me, Tears Will Come Down’

KARIM BARTON
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY BEARS GRADUATE
PHOTO COURTESY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  -- When the Eagles’ team huddle broke to end Tuesday’s OTA, dozens of players walked toward the NovaCare Complex’s main building that houses the locker room.

Walking alone in the other direction was offensive lineman Karim Barton. He slowly traveled about 50 yards with his helmet in hand and his green jersey drenched in sweat, passing many teammates along the way. He stopped at the two-person orange blocking sled on the outskirts of the facility to get additional work in.

"The coaches can't come out here and give me one-on-one time because of time restrictions," he said. "So I created one-on-one time with the sleds."

Barton is used to traveling alone, and taking a different path than most of his peers is why he’s in Philadelphia in the first place. After growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, then moving to South Central Los Angeles, he has escaped the drugs, violence and poverty that plague both areas.

"It still hasn't hit me," he said. "When it hits me, tears will come down. To beat the odds, not a lot of people make it out of South Central, and not a lot of people make it out of Kingston."

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A&T's Lawrence Ends Season As An All-American

EUGENE, Oregon  --  Senior Desmond Lawrence finished seventh in the NCAA 100 meter final at Hayward Field on Friday.

Lawrence was trying to become the first Aggie to win an NCAA national championship, individual or team, as he competed in the 100 at the NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships. Lawrence ran a 10.24 two days after running a personal-best 10.12 to qualify for the final.

Baylor’s Trayvon Bromell won the national championship by running a 9.97. Lawrence became the first Aggie in history to earn first-team All-American honors in the 100 meters. Lawrence becomes the 11^th All-American (men and women) in school history to earn All-American honors joining Everett Bruce, Timothy Walls, Sean White, Titus Haywood, Gerald Wright, Theo Wilds, Loreal Smith, Alexandria Spruill and Shakia Forbes.

Pl.	Name		Affiliation	Time			Heat (Pl)
1	Trayvon Bromell	FR	Baylor	9.97		+1.8	1 (1)
2	Dentarius Locke	SR	Florida State	10.02		+1.8	1 (2)
3	Aaron Brown	SR	USC	10.07		+1.8	1 (3)
4	Justin Walker	SR	Northwestern St.	10.12		+1.8	1 (4)
5	Shavez Hart	JR	Texas A&M	10.15		+1.8	1 (5)
6	Clayton Vaughn	JR	Texas-Arlington	10.19		+1.8	1 (6)
7	Desmond Lawrence	SR	N. Carolina A&T	10.24 (10.236)		+1.8	1 (7)
8	Antwan Wright	SO	Florida	10.24 (10.240)		+1.8	1 (8)

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION & NCAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Lincoln University Men's Basketball Adds Four Assistants

HEAD COACH JOHN MOSELEY

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  -- Head coach John Moseley has completed his coaching staff, as four assistants will join the Lincoln men's basketball team for the 2014-15 season.

Peter Quinn, Joshua Jones and Tyler Clark will join the Blue Tigers as assistant coaches while C.J. Wilkerson will serve as a graduate assistant. Moseley announced the additions on Wednesday (June 4).

"I'm excited that each of these men has decided to assist me as we restore the image of Lincoln basketball," Moseley said. "They all bring different skills and abilities to the Blue Tigers and each of them will be integral parts of our climb in the MIAA."

Quinn and Moseley worked together in 2012 at North Carolina Central, where Moseley was the associate head coach and Quinn was the Director of Basketball Operations. Prior to that, Quinn spent 14 years as a collegiate coach, including two as the head coach of NCAA Division II Long Island University – Southampton from 2003-2005. Quinn has also served as an assistant coach at Newberry College, Pfeiffer University and Belmont Abbey College. Most recently, Quinn was a teacher and assistant coach at St.

"It's great to add someone to my staff that has had success at the Division II level," Moseley said. "Pete is one of the hardest-working coaches in the business and is constantly doing things to make a program better."

One of the winningest players in Eastern Kentucky history, Jones spent the past year as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. Jones, who is 19^th on EKU's career scoring list with 1,192 points, started all four years, including all but two games during his final three seasons with the Colonels. As a player, Jones led Eastern Kentucky to 76 victories over four years. In his only season as a graduate assistant, Jones helped guide the Colonels to an Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament.

"Joshua started for four years at point guard for a coach (Jeff Neubauer) that I tremendously respect," Moseley said. "He's also got ties throughout the Midwest and we plan to tap into those resources in recruiting quality student-athletes to Lincoln."

Clark is transitioning into the collegiate ranks after a successful five-year run as a high school head coach. Clark spent the last two years at Father Tolton Catholic in Columbia, Mo., where he led the program to a 20-8 record and the first district championship in school history. Clark, who was the District Area Coach of the Year in 2014, also led Father Tolton to its first ever sectional and quarterfinal state playoff appearances in any sport. Prior to coming to Father Tolton, Clark spent two years as the head coach of New Bloomfield High, where he led the team to its first district championship victory in 15 years, and one season as the head coach of South Shelby High.

"Tyler has been successful as a high school coach in Missouri and he has relationships with many coaches throughout the state," Moseley said. "Tyler will be an integral part of assisting us with restoring the Lincoln brand amongst high school prospects and coaches throughout Missouri."

Wilkerson also worked with Moseley at North Carolina Central, where Wilkerson was a volunteer assistant coach during the 2013-14 season. In that capacity, Wilkerson helped lead the Eagles to a 28-6 record, the regular season and tournament MEAC championships and a berth in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament.  Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Wilkerson played for NCCU for two seasons, making the NCAA All-Independent team in 2010 and 2011 and earning NCAA Division I Independent Newcomer of the Year honors in 2010.

"C.J. was extremely successful during NCCU's transition from DII to DI," Moseley said. "He has an understanding of where this program is currently, where we plan to take it and how we plan to go about making that happen. He'll be great at communicating our on-the-court and off-the-court expectations to our athletes."

Overall, Moseley said he is excited about working with his inaugural coaching staff, which he believes will lead the Blue Tigers to success, both athletically and academically.

"We are committed to ensuring that our student-athletes have success in the classroom and on the basketball court," Moseley said. "The university, its alumni and its fans deserve to have a basketball program that they can be proud of, and I'm confident that this staff is a major step in the right direction."
Mary's Ryken High in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

NCAA Division 1 Transfer Karon Abraham Signs With Langston

(L) Coach Stan Holt, Karon Abraham and (R) A.D. Mike Garrett
Courtesy Langston University Athletics

LANGSTON, Oklahoma  --  First year head coach, Stan Holt, added a crown jewel to his 2014 recruiting class June 5, 2014 when point guard Karon Abraham committed to Langston. Abraham played for Robert Morris, an NCAA Division 1 program located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 2009-2012.

He broke onto the scene during the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament, when Robert Morris played Villanova into overtime. They lost the game 73-70, but Abraham went for 23 points, sinking five three-pointers. "I feel excited and blessed to have this opportunity", said Abraham. "I definitely see where Coach Holt and Mr. Garrett (Athletic Director) are taking this program, and I know I will be able to help."

Coach Holt is also optimistic about the future of Langston basketball: "This is an exciting day for Langston Basketball. Karon brings NCAA Division 1 experience. He has played at the highest level, and we expect him to use that experience to excel here at Langston."

Abraham averaged 13.7 points per game on 41.9% shooting with the NCAA Division 1 Robert Morris Colonials over two years. Abraham was particularly dangerous from beyond the arc, making 43.4% of his three-point attempts. He will provide an immediate threat from the backcourt, along with returning sophomore Renard Green. Green led the Lions in scoring last year, averaging 12.3 points per game. Landon Gray also comes back to the team after shifting in and out of a starting role in 2013-2014.

COURTESY LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

From USC to Langston, Mike Garrett is still all about winning

LANGSTON, Oklahoma  --  If  Mike Garrett has his way, he hasn't won his last college football national championship.

Four years after he was replaced as USC's athletic director in the wake of severe NCAA penalties, Garrett is again driving a college sports program toward visions of prominence.

Garrett is the athletic director at Langston University, a historically black college in rural Oklahoma. There, the man who oversaw a USC program that won nearly two dozen national titles and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue supervises nine teams — four men's, five women's — that compete in the National Assn. of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Garrett, who turned 70 in April, declined an interview request from The Times to discuss his work and vision for Langston and to reflect on his time at USC. But in an article published in the Oklahoman last August, Garrett sounded as if he was planning to build Langston into a power.

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Gerald Ensley: FAMU sports tries to play the money game

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- You could argue this is how Florida State University sports success started.

Forty years ago, in 1974, the FSU athletics program was $300,000 in debt. FSU President Stanley Marshall told the few hundred Seminole Boosters they needed to start raising money or there might be severe changes to the FSU sports program.

FSU boosters took that threat to heart. In a year, they had 1,500 members and raised $400,000 to erase the debt. In four years, they had 3,000 members and were raising more than $1 million a year. Today, there are 18,000 Seminole Boosters, the organization raises $43 million a year — and FSU has won three national football championships.

Which is the direction Florida A&M boosters are now trying to head. Two weeks ago, an advisory committee announced FAMU’s first serious sports fundraising campaign. The committee chair, Gregory Clark, set a goal of raising $3.2 million in the near future.

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