Former Pirates Coach Rose Returns to Hampton in New Role

DONOVAN ROSE
Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Fundraising
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- For over a quarter-century, Hampton University has been home to Donovan Rose. He's been a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach for the Pirates football program, and heading into his 24^th professional year with the school, Rose finds himself tackling a new role:

Fundraising.

Rose is now the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Fundraising, a role drastically different from the one he had roaming Armstrong Stadium's sidelines for 23 years. Rose had been the Pirates head coach from 2009-13. Before that, he'd been an assistant coach, in a variety of capacities, since 1991.

"After coaching, it was good to have a chance to step away and re-focus a little bit," Rose said. "I have a son (Donovan Jr.) who's preparing for college, and having more time to spend with my family, I come back now to find a new me, a fresher me."

Rose calls this new opportunity "different, but the same," and cites his long-standing history with the school as an asset. As a student-athlete and as a coach, Rose developed a lot of relationships over the years – relationships he now hopes can be put to good use in his new role.

"This is sort of the best of both worlds for me," Rose said. "This seems like such a natural fit. I can act as sort of a bridge between the school and alumni, I can reach out to people."

Alumni – and former Hampton student-athletes – are of particular concern to Rose, and he specifically noted a desire to reach out to them as part of this new role. "They're part of the team," he said. "I want to reach out to them and make that connection and see where we can go in terms of making them even more a part of them."

Rose is excited to kick off his new role, noting that he's spent over half of his life at Hampton University and that he sees bigger and better things on the horizon. Rose's new role coincides, to some degree, with a new Director of Athletics in Eugene Marshall Jr.

Marshall, who has over two decades of athletic administration experience, has tapped fundraising as a point of emphasis for the university moving forward.

"Working with (Marshall), working with our marketing people, with all the areas," Rose said, "we have a chance to establish an organic relationship, something we can all be a part of … almost like a unique club or membership."

Rose continued: "This is a people business. People like to give to causes. They like to give to people who make a difference."

As Rose embarks on what he calls "the next chapter for me," he's found his new cause.

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

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS 

Former FAMU band member gets probation for role in death of Robert Champion

ORLANDO, Florida  --Another former member of Florida A&M University's Marching 100 has been sentenced for their role in the 2011 hazing death of drum major Robert Champion.

Jarrod Deas was given a sentence of 5 years probation and ordered to serve 100 hours of community service. He pleaded guilty to a charge of hazing causing injury or death in exchange for manslaughter charges to be dropped.

Champion's parents, Pam and Robert senior, were in the Central Florida courtroom Friday as the sentence was handed down. On the stand, Pam told Deas "I have no hate for you...you have to live with the fact that you killed my son."



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New Orleans Saints’ Junior Galette is Ready to Take the Next Step in 2014

NEW ORLEANS -- If you’re not from the Greater New Orleans Region, Junior Galette is probably not your average household name. In fact, before the 2013 NFL season, little was known about the Haitian-born linebacker.

He began his college career at Temple University where he received honorable mention on the Sporting News Freshman All-American team. After playing three years at Temple, he transferred to Stillman College, a Division II school in Tuscaloosa, Ala. There, he was named to the All-SIAC first team as a senior.

Galette was avoided by all teams in the 2010 NFL Draft but soon signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. By the time the preseason had kicked off, his overconfidence and energetic play made him a fan favorite in the Crescent City. After a colossal performance during the team’s final exhibition game, Galette was added to the 53-man roster for the start of the regular season.

The 6-foot-2 defensive end at the time started in ...

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CIAA loses basketball icon Harry James Bradley Sr.

Mr. Bradley was honored as CIAA Coach of the Year in 1989 while serving as the head coach at his Alma Mater, Saint Paul's College. His collegiate coaching career included stops at Virginia State, Saint Paul's and North Carolina Central University.

HOPEWELL, Virginia — The area has lost a local basketball icon with the death of Harry James Bradley on July 3.

"Coach Brad," as he was known, was honored in 2010 when his name was added to the Hopewell Athletic Wall of Fame.

Bradley was a member of a state championship basketball team at the all-black Carter G. Woodson School before segregation ended in 1968.

During the ceremony in 2010, Bradley said he was grateful for his inclusion on the Wall of Fame as an alumnus of Carter G. Woodson.

"I want to thank the committee for selecting me and having the foresight of the inclusion of people who played at Carter G. Woodson," Bradley said. "At some places this would never have happened."

Graham Vance Johnson, a basketball star at Hopewell and later at Virginia Commonwealth University who was added to the Wall of Fame the same year, thanked Bradley, who was his junior varsity basketball coach.

"Coach Bradley didn't just make me a good basketball player, he made me a good man," he said at the time.

OBITUARY

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Payne introduced as MVSU men's basketball coach

COACH ANDRE PAYNE
COURTESY MVSU ATHLETICS

ITTA BENA, Mississippi – Mississippi Valley State University officially announced Andre Payne as its new head basketball coach during a press conference Friday, July 11 at the Science and Technology Center on the MVSU campus.

Payne arrives at MVSU after an eight-year stint as head coach and associate athletic director at Wiley College in Texas where he led the Wildcats to two Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Tournament titles (2007 and 2014). In 2007 during his first season at the helm, Wiley College qualified for the NAIA Tournament for the first time in 37 years. The Wildcats made another appearance in the NAIA Tournament in 20
Payne had an overall record of 146-104 at Wiley College, including a 25-7 (13-5 RRAC) record last season. He led the Wildcats to at least 19 wins four times including a 21-10 mark in 2006-07 and 22-10 record in 2007-08.

Overall, Payne boasts a career record of 239-183, ranking him 24th in career wins amongst active NAIA coaches.

"I'd like to thank MVSU President William Bynum and Athletic Director Dianthia Ford-Kee for giving me this opportunity," said Payne. "I'd also like to thank my wife and kids who have been with me through all the years....This is a true blessing for me and my family. I'm honored and humble for the trust that has been bestowed upon me."

Prior to his time at Wiley, he worked as the head coach at Texas College where in 2001 he became the youngest head coach at a four-year institution. Payne previously served as an assistant coach at Texas College since 1999. While at Texas College, he led the school to seven RRAC Tournament appearances.

Payne takes over a MVSU men's basketball program with a rich history consisting of five NCAA Tournament appearances. The Delta Devils last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2012 under former head coach Sean Woods.

"Mississippi Valley State has a rich tradition in men's basketball, and we're going to do everything in our power to keep that tradition up," said Payne.

During the press conference, he also spoke on his expectations for MVSU players.

"My plan is simple: recruit student-athletes who want to be here. Recruit student-athletes who want to call this place home, that's what I plan to do," Payne said. "We want guys who are committed to their education. We want guys who are committed to being superb athletes. And we want guys who are committed to having a great social life on campus, too."

Payne graduated from Auburn High School in 1993 before attending Alabama A&M where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology. He later earned a master's degree from New Mexico Highlands University in Human Performance and Sports. Payne is married to Nikki Payne and they have two sons.

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Matthew Lay to coach Bulldogs golf team

MATTHEW LAY
Photo Courtesy: AAMU Athletics

NORMAL, Alabama  --  Alabama A&M University's Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks has hired former Bulldog Matthew Lay as its men's golf coach.
Before joining the Maroon and White, Lay served as an assistant at the Professionals Golf Shop, in Madison, Alabama. Prior to returning to Alabama, Lay was an assistant at Oak Mountain Golf and Country Club in Carrollton, Georgia.

As a student, he was a member of the University's golf team from 2005 to 2009 and earned his degree in Political Science and History in 2011.

"I am honored to be leading the Alabama A&M University men's golf team and want to thank Athletic Director Bryan Hicks for this tremendous opportunity. I am excited to lead the team and build the program," Lay commented.

After college, Lay pursued a professional career and played on several tours. He competed in 35 events, over a two-year span (2012-2014) on the Southern Swing Professional Tour and made 17 cuts. His best finish was a third in top five finishes while on tour.

Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks stated, "We are excited to bring back home Matthew Lay as our Head Men's Golf Coach. He replaces coach Josh Oliver who has served us well in the golf program and will continue to assist the athletics department. Matthew was,an outstanding golf student-athlete and recipient of high academic honors while at A&M under Oliver."

"His experience in developing golf student-athletes, professionalism, and commitment to academic excellence will be valuable for our continued growth and success in the Men's Golf program," stated Hicks.

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Commentary: Tuskegee AD disses two legendary Alabama athletes with ties to the University

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- On Independence Day, friends of Tuskegee University gathered to celebrate the day that the first class was taught at the school more than 123 years ago.

Twelve years after the first class was taught at Tuskegee, a young lad born in Selma, Alabama, three years before that first class convened came to the attention of Booker T. Washington. He was 16 years-old at the time, and his name was William Clarence Matthews.

Right off the bat, Washington observed that Matthews was a bright student. He encouraged Matthews to join Tuskegee’s inaugural baseball team, which was coached by Washington’s brother, James B. Washington. Matthews was a strong batter and a good fielding shortstop. He excelled in baseball and ultimately became the captain of the team.

In 1894, Matthews, a quick learner, grasped the nuances of a newly emerging game called football. He helped to organize the Tuskegee football team and served as a student coach under James B. Washington. Although, Matthews-coached teams finished with a 0-2 record, today, Tuskegee’s football program has won more games (642) than any other historically Black College or University.

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Tuskegee men’s basketball coach Leon Douglas resigns

TUSKEGEE, Alabama  -- Tuskegee University accepted the resignation of Leon Douglas, head men’s basketball coach today.

Douglas has served in this position since 2006. He ends his career at Tuskegee with a 118-114 record.

The university offered Coach Douglas a compensation package that would have made him the highest paid basketball coach in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) in recognition of his successful championship season.

“I appreciate Coach Douglas’ commitment to Tuskegee basketball. We had a very successful season and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” said athletic director, Curtis Campbell.

The university will immediately begin a search to find his replacement.

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Former MSU standout playing in NBA Summer League

BALTIMORE, Maryland – Former Morgan State University basketball standout Ian Chiles will play for the Washington Wizards in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Chiles, a 7-foot-2 native of Cliffside Parks, N.J., was one of two players in the MEAC to finish in the top 10 in scoring (15.6), rebounding (6.5), field goal percentage (.549) and blocked shots (3.0).  His 92 blocked shots on the season ranked 16^th nationally.

He finished his career at Morgan State with 1,051 points and 491 rebounds.

Twenty-four teams will compete in this year's NBA Summer League from July 11-21 on the campus of UNLV.

NBA TV will televise 2014 NBA Summer League games from Las Vegas with a complete schedule of games and broadcast information to be released at a later date.

2014 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE GAME SCHEDULE

NBA Summer League 2014 Game Schedule:
All Times listed are PACIFIC
* denotes broadcast live on NBA TV

Friday July 11
COX Pavilion
1 PM – New York vs. Dallas* (Game 1)
3 PM – Toronto vs. LA Lakers* (Game 2)
5 PM – Cleveland vs. Milwaukee* (Game 3)
7 PM – Sacramento vs. San Antonio* (Game 5)

Thomas & Mack
5:30 PM – Golden State vs. Charlotte (Game 4)
7:30 PM – NBA D-League vs. New Orleans (Game 6)

Saturday July 12
COX Pavilion
1 PM – Portland vs. New York* (Game 7)
3 PM – Toronto vs. Denver* (Game 9)
5 PM – Phoenix vs. Golden State* (Game 11)
7 PM – Houston vs. Miami (Game 13)

Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – Atlanta vs. Washington (Game 8)
3:30 PM – Dallas vs. Minnesota (Game 10)
5:30 PM – Chicago vs. LA Clippers (Game 12)
7:30 PM – Utah vs. Philadelphia* (Game 14)

Sunday July 13
COX Pavilion
1 PM – Cleveland vs. San Antonio* (Game 15)
3 PM – Sacramento vs. Charlotte* (Game 17)
5 PM – Chicago vs. Denver* (Game 19)
7 PM – Milwaukee vs. Phoenix* (Game 21)

Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – LA Lakers vs. New Orleans (Game 16)
3:30 PM – Atlanta vs. NBA D-League (Game 18)
5:30 PM – Portland vs. Houston (Game 20)
7:30 PM – Washington vs. Minnesota (Game 22)

Monday July 14
COX Pavilion
1 PM – New York vs. Charlotte* (Game 23)
3 PM – Toronto vs. Dallas* (Game 25)
5 PM – Cleveland vs. Philadelphia* (Game 27)
7 PM – Golden State vs. LA Lakers* (Game 29)

Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – Sacramento vs. NBA D-League (Game 24)
3:30 PM – San Antonio vs. New Orleans (Game 26)
5:30 PM – Miami vs. LA Clippers (Game 28)
7:30 PM – Utah vs. Milwaukee (Game 30)

Tuesday July 15
COX Pavilion
1 PM – Portland vs. Atlanta* (Game 31)
3 PM – LA Clippers vs. Houston* (Game 33)
5 PM – Philadelphia vs. Phoenix* (Game 35)

Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – Chicago vs. Minnesota (Game 32)
3:30 PM – Miami vs. Washington (Game 34)
5:30 PM – Utah vs. Denver (Game 36)
www.insidehoops.com

Wednesday July 16
COX Pavilion
1 PM – 9 Seed vs. 24 Seed* (Game 37)
3 PM – #11 Seed vs. #22 Seed* (Game 39)
5 PM – #13 Seed vs. #20 Seed* (Game 41)
7 PM – #15 Seed vs. #18 Seed* (Game 43)

Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – #10 Seed vs. #23 Seed (Game 38)
3:30 PM – #12 Seed vs. #21 Seed (Game 40)
5:30 PM – #14 Seed vs. #19 Seed (Game 42)
7:30 PM – #16 Seed vs. #17 Seed (Game 44)

Thursday July 17
COX Pavilion
1 PM – #8 Seed vs. Winner of Game 37* (Game 45)
3 PM – #6 Seed vs. Winner of Game 39* (Game 47)
5 PM – #4 Seed vs. Winner of Game 41* (Game 49)
7 PM – #2 Seed vs. Winner of Game 43* (Game 51)

Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – #7 Seed vs. Winner of Game 38(Game 46)
3:30 PM – #5 Seed vs. Winner of Game 40 (Game 48)
5:30 PM – #3 Seed vs. Winner of Game 42 (Game 50)
7:30 PM – #1 Seed vs. Winner of Game 44 (Game 52)

Friday July 18
COX Pavilion
1 PM – Game 37 Loser vs. Game 38 Loser* (Game 53)
3 PM – Game 41 Loser vs. Game 42 Loser* (Game 55)
5 PM – Game 45 Loser vs. Game 46 Loser* (Game 57)
7 PM – Game 49 Loser vs. Game 50 Loser* (Game 59)

Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – Game 39 Loser vs. Game 40 Loser (Game 54)
3:30 PM – Game 43 Loser vs. Game 44 Loser (Game 56)
5:30 PM – Game 47 Loser vs. Game 48 Loser (Game 58)
7:30 PM – Game 51 Loser vs. Game 52 Loser (Game 60)
www.insidehoops.com

Saturday July 19
Thomas & Mack
1 PM – Game 46 Winner vs. Game 51 Winner* (Game 61)
3 PM – Game 47 Winner vs. Game 50 Winner* (Game 62)
5 PM – Game 45 Winner vs. Game 52 Winner* (Game 63)
7 PM – Game 48 Winner vs. Game 49 Winner* (Game 64)

Sunday July 20
Thomas & Mack
3 PM – Game 61 Winner vs. Game 62 Winner* (Game 65)
5 PM – Game 63 Winner vs. Game 64 Winner*(Game 66)

Monday July 21
Thomas & Mack
6 PM – Game 65 Winner vs. Game 66 Winner* (Game 67)

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU's Mangum calls for review of tennis, golf suspensions

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- A recent decision by athletic director Kellen Winslow to suspend the men's tennis and golf programs at FAMU will be reviewed, president Elmira Mangum said Monday.

While praising Winslow's "bold and necessary leadership," Mangum said that the review will include focus groups to consider alternative ways to fund the program.

Winslow announced suspension of the programs almost two weeks ago, saying it was part of his effort to reduce the operating cost of the athletic department. The athletic department has a $7 million deficit.

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Liberty opponent scouting report: Norfolk State

COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

LYNCHBURG, Virginia  -- For the first time in 11 years, Liberty will open the season with two road games. The Flames hope to find better results than in 2003, when they began the year with a 48-6 loss at James Madison followed by a 49-3 defeat at Toledo. Game 2 of the opening swing is at MEAC foe and state rival Norfolk State.

LOOK BACK

The Spartans played one of the tougher non-conference schedules in the FCS last season, opening with a loss to Maine at home before falling at Rutgers and losing at home Charleston Southern. Both Maine and CSU won 10 games and though Rutgers is a mediocre FBS outfit, it’s an FBS team nonetheless.
 

After scoring just 18 points total in those three losses, the Spartans seemed to find ...

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TSU's Larry Inman to be Inducted into the MTSU Hall of Fame

Coach Inman is is the all-time winningest coach in OVC women’s basketball history
Photo Courtesy: Tennessee State University Athletic

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Tennessee State University head women’s basketball coach Larry Inman has been selected to the 2014 Middle Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee class.

Inman, who has served as the head coach for the TSU women’s basketball program for the past two seasons, coached at Middle Tennessee, an OVC member until 2000,  from 1978-86.

 

In eight years at the Murfreesboro, Tenn., school, Inman won more than 68 percent of his games, was named OVC Coach of the Year three times, led MTSU to six OVC regular-season championships and won four tournament titles. In his last four seasons on the Blue Raiders’ bench, he led the program to four straight OVC regular season and tournament championships and four straight NCAA tournament appearances.

 

He compiled an overall record of 161-73 at Middle Tennessee. Inman went 73-12 in OVC games, losing only four conference games his final five seasons.

 

Following his stint at MTSU, Inman served as head coach of the Eastern Kentucky women’s basketball team from 1988-2008, compiling a 319-244 record and leading the Lady Colonels to two OVC Tournament championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances (1996-97, 2004-05).

 

In being named OVC Coach of the Year eight times, he also directed EKU to five OVC regular season championships. He also led the Lady Colonels to the 2002 WNIT Sweet Sixteen. He is the all-time winningest coach in Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball history with his record of 505-350.

 

Inman, who was inducted into the Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame in 2009, announced his retirement from Eastern Kentucky in April 2008. Prior to his retirement, Inman was the 27th winningest active coach in NCAA Division I.

 

Inman came out of retirement to coach at Lebanon High School before taking the helm of the Tennessee State University women’s basketball program.

 

The members of the 2014 Hall of Fame class are as follows: James Griffin (football), Kerry Hammonds (men's basketball), Larry Joe Inman (women's basketball coach), Jennifer Martinez (softball) and Micah Otis (track & field).

 

The class will be inducted Oct. 4 before the home football game against Southern Miss. The event will be open to the public and take place on the lawn of the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame building.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

The 'dean': SCSU's Buddy Pough enters 13th season looking to get to next level

South Carolina State University head football Buddy Pough
 is entering his 13th season as head coach of the Bulldogs.

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- Well before becoming the “dean” of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference head football coaches, Buddy Pough was treated like one by his colleagues upon arriving in 2002.

“Because (former S.C. State head football coach Willie) Jeffries was chair of the head coaches committee when I came into the league, they just kind of grandfathered me into that position where I had most of the responsibilities,” he said. “And as I stayed longer, they just wouldn’t move me.”

Pough now enters a 13th season at his alma mater as the conference’s longest-serving active football coach. It’s a distinction he “earned” following Morgan State’s dismissal last November of Donald Hill-Eley, who entered the MEAC along with Pough in 2002 and is now the offensive coordinator at Norfolk State.

The Bulldogs’ sideline leader is also the second-longest active coach in the state of South Carolina behind Wofford’s Mike Ayers (26 seasons) and in black college football behind Albany State’s James “Mike” White (14 seasons).

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FAMU's Johnson has a penchant for big hits, picks

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- There is a good chance that no team in the MEAC has any doubt about Terry Johnson's physicality.

Not if they've seen the times he's floored an opposing player in his three seasons as defensive back on the FAMU football team.

The scenario is almost the same every time one of his big hits puts a receiver on the turf. For a split second (before the referee sees him and drops a flag) Johnson would celebrate. Sort of the way Muhammad Ali stood over Sonny Liston in the famous photo of the "phantom punch" knockout.

Being physical isn't something that Johnson, a former three-sport athlete at Rickards High School, developed recently.



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Lions’ Dingle commits to Alabama A&M

AUGUSTA, Georgia  --  Another player who led his team to a state championship made news recently. For this story we shift from golf to basketball. Augusta Christian product Jordan Dingle has made his college decision. Dingle had a special senior campaign for the Lions after transferring in from South Aiken.

The 6-2 point guard led ACS to the SCISA state title and was named The Augusta Chronicle Private School Player of the Year. He also was Co-Player of the Year in Columbia County. Dingle was the steady floor general for the Lions all year and paced the team in scoring at 15 points per game.

He also dished out more than four assists per contest. Dingle’s strong performance afforded him several college opportunities. In the end, he chose to head to Huntsville, Ala., having committed to play at Alabama A&M. Alabama A&M is coming off a 14-16 season, finishing 10-8 in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference). Dingle is part of a strong recruiting class that includes a pair of big JUCO transfers in seven-footer Isaiah Cotton and 6-8 power forward Quinterian McConico. More good news for Dingle is that he should have a chance to play big minutes right away. He is currently the only scholarship point guard on A&M’s roster for 2014-15.

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Tennis column: Push on to reverse FAMU's decision

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- When Florida A&M University made the announcement in late June that it would suspend the men's tennis program to deal with fiscal restraints and to meet Title IX requirements, tennis advocates swung into action.

This week, David Benjamin, Executive Director of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), sent an email to rally tennis advocates to show support for intercollegiate tennis.

Benjamin penned personal letters to FAMU's President Elvira Mangum, Athletic Director Kellen Winslow and Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Solomon Badger expressing their concern with the move and requesting the key university administrators overturn the decision.

Benjamin noted that varsity tennis has become a "prime target for cost-cutting measures" as collegiate administrators face difficult budget decisions.

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Georgia Division II teams could form strong conference

Just start with the football-playing programs: Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State, Morehouse, Paine, Shorter, West Georgia and Valdosta State ...

Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2014/07/04/3182501/division-ii-teams-could-form-strong.html?sp=/99/100/&ihp=1#storylink=cpy

MACON, Georgia  --  On Tuesday, we saw an addition to the ACC the same day the conference lost one of its founding members. And we saw the Southern Conference lose four programs and replace them with three.

Louisville joined the ACC officially Tuesday to replace Maryland, which jumped to the Big Ten. While it hurts to lose a founding member, that’s a win for the ACC considering Maryland hasn’t been relevant in anything for some time, while Louisville in recent years has won a basketball national title and a BCS bowl game while also reaching the College World Series.

The Southern Conference lost Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Elon and Davidson, while Mercer, East Tennessee State and VMI moved into the conference. Some question Georgia Southern’s move up to the FBS and the Sun Belt, but as long as Eagles fans adjust their goals, that’s a solid step up for the program. Mercer’s move is also an overall positive, although the Bears left a terrific mid-major conference in the A-Sun.

It was yet another day of the process of realignment, which has ruled over college athletics for the past few years. Hopefully, that is about to come to an end, although it would be nice to see a little more realignment -- right here in our state on a smaller level.

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Alcorn State Athletics Reflects on the Life of Steve "Air II" McNair

LORMAN, Mississippi  --  Five years ago on this day (July 4), we lost one of the greatest football players to ever play the game at Alcorn State and in the NFL.  Steve McNair lost his life but left behind a legacy that no one will ever forget.

The four years Steve spent at Alcorn was absolutely the most best years of Alcorn football anyone has ever seen.  He shattered evey passing record in the SWAC and NCAA record books throughout his college career.  His style of play as a scambling quarterback kept the Alcorn faithful as well as others at the edge of their seats each game.

Steve is the all-time career passing leader in Alcorn football history passing for a total of 14,496 and threw 119 touchdowns.  Because of Steve's performance he earned All-American honors and finish third in the Heisman Trophy Voting polls.

He was selected as the third overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft to the Houston Oilers and had an outstanding career with Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens.

His leagacy will forever be remembered and cherished at Alcorn State.  Go Steve!!!  

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Morgan State Bears: A Way Too Early Non-Conference Preview

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
MORGAN STATE SEASON FOOTBALL TICKETS (click here)

Morgan State Bears at Eastern Michigan Eagles

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Sat. Aug. 30, 2014

6:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU & WatchESPN

YPSILANTI, Michigan -- The first game to be played at "The Factory" will be between Chris Creighton's Eagles and the Morgan State Bears.  It's the most highly-anticipated game that we're all waiting for: the first game played on the infamous gray turf at Rynearson Stadium. 

The Morgan State Bears will make the trip from Baltimore to play against the Eagles, led by first-year head coach Chris Creighton.

Morgan State Bears 2013 Rewind:

The Bears got off to a terrible 0-5 start last year, but ended the season with a 5-7 overall record. All five wins came against in-conference opponents, and were only 2-6 when playing on the road.

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FAMU Marching 100 Greatest Hits!

Byron Dobson: Dr. Julian White seeks diversity in Goodwill’s band

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  In his 50-year career as a music educator, first on the public-school level and later as director of Florida A&M University’s Marching 100, Julian White has had his share of experiences with students needing access to instruments and lessons to expand their musical talents.

Like a dedicated sports coach who also grooms the playing field and pays out of pocket for unexpected expenses, band directors on the grassroots level search for the right acoustic setting for practices, seek patron partnerships and learn how to strike deals on purchasing musical instruments.

That’s why White, 73, gets excited when he talks about his new environment as director of musical outreach for Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend. It may sound like an odd partnership, but Goodwill is including music classes and the formation of a community band among its many offerings, now that its Prosperity Center is open at its West Pensacola Street campus.

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Former SAU's Brittany Parker Joins MSU Women's Basketball Coaching Staff

MOREHEAD, Kentucky  -- Brittany Parker, a Waterbury, Conn, native, has been named an assistant coach for the Morehead State Women's Basketball program.

Parker spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach at Niagara (N.Y.), where she was also video coordinator and community service coordinator. 

"Brittany will be a great addition to our staff," MSU Head Coach Greg Todd said. "She has three full seasons as an assistant at the Division I level. She will be an excellent coach on the floor as well as an outstanding role model for our young ladies. Brittany's work ethic and experience will be a great asset to our program."

Prior to her stint with the Purple Eagles, Parker served two years as an assistant at Division II Fayetteville State (N.C.).  While at FSU, Parker was responsible for post player development, scouting, travel, and community service.  She helped the Broncos reach a 20-10 record, as well as claiming the 2010 CIAA Tournament championship. 

Parker coached Deja Middleton, a center who was selected First Team All-CIAA and was named 2009-10 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year.  She also coached Tiffany Haywood, a center who was named the 2010 CIAA Tournament MVP.  She coached Victoria Rampado, the 2013-14 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, at Niagara. 

"We are right in the middle of a great recruiting area here at MSU," Parker said. "I am really excited to be on this staff and at such a great school. Coach Todd and I have some mutual friends in the coaching world here in Kentucky, so through my relationships with them, I was able to have this opportunity here."

Along with graduating in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in accounting from St. Augustine (N.C.), Parker was also a four-year member of the basketball team.    

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Bahamas HBCUX Classic 2014 Press Conference

NASSAU, Bahamas  -- HBCUX Founder/CEO Curtis Symonds former EVP of BET and former COO of the Washington Mystics makes a formal announcement of the 1st Annual HBCUX Classic in Nassau Bahamas.  The Texas Southern Tigers football team is gearing up for the 2014 HBCUX Classic versus Central State. Travel packages for the event are now on sale and can be viewed by visiting the HBCUX Classic official website located at www.hbcux.com.

Mike DeMilia Named Next Lincoln Baseball Coach

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  --  Mike DeMilia, who helped lead Truman State to the postseason last spring, is the next head coach of the Lincoln baseball program. Lincoln Athletic Director Betty Kemna announced the hiring on Tuesday (July 1).

"We are very excited to welcome Mike to Lincoln University," Kemna said. "Mike is a high-energy guy who brings tremendous enthusiasm to our program. We believe his passion for the game of baseball, his understanding of the sport and his knowledge of the MIAA will take Lincoln to the next level."

DeMilia spent the past three seasons as the assistant coach at Truman, including helping the Bulldogs transition from the MIAA into the Great Lakes Valley Conference for the 2014 season. This past spring, DeMilia helped lead Truman to a program-record 26 wins and a berth in the GLVC postseason tournament, where the Bulldogs won two extra-inning games against higher-ranked teams. One of those wins was a 13-12 come-from-behind victory that eliminated eventual NCAA Midwest Regional-qualifier Indianapolis from the GLVC tourney.

DeMilia becomes the eighth head coach in Lincoln baseball history.



"I've coached for 21 years, the last three at Truman State, and we've played Lincoln 11 times [in that span], and I've always kind of seen it as a program with some promise," DeMilia said. "I see some talent, and a facility that I think can be really good. I believe Lincoln is a place where you can be successful."

Prior to becoming the assistant at Truman, DeMilia was the assistant coach at Millard North High, where he coached two all-state position players and three All-Omaha Metro Area players. That season, DeMilia helped Millard North finish third in the Legion season and fourth at the state tournament. DeMilia was also the head coach at Omaha Bryan High from 2006-2010, winning 184 games overall between the high school and American Legion seasons.

DeMilia has coached baseball on some level since 1994, when he started his professional career as a junior varsity assistant coach with the Nebraska Medical Center Legion team. DeMilia was promoted to head coach of that squad in 1996, and held that position until taking over as head coach of the varsity squad in 2000. In six seasons with the Nebraska Medical Center Legion team, DeMilia won 126 games with players who had been cut from their high school squads.

DeMilia also concurrently coached as an assistant at Millard West High in 1999 and at Omaha Central High from 2004-2005. DeMilia helped both programs set school records for wins in a season.

In addition to his coaching, DeMilia has also organized, coordinated and instructed at a variety of youth baseball camps and clinics. At Truman State, DeMilia was responsible for scouting opponents and coaching defensive positioning as well as all aspects of the Bulldogs' offensive system. In 2014, the Bulldogs set five offensive records, including runs scored (292), total hits (482), RBI (248) and stolen bases (118). DeMilia coached eight position players that earned All-GLVC recognition and one that was named the Midwest Regional Player of the Week.

DeMilia expects to bring an aggressive offensive approach to the Blue Tigers.

"We want to make pitchers uncomfortable, we want to make the defense uncomfortable," DeMilia said. "At some point, I want to bring speed to our team and steal bases, hit-and-run, things like that. The biggest thing is, I want a group of guys that will compete. You're going to see kids fighting hard, playing as a team, playing with enthusiasm."

DeMilia earned his bachelor's degree in Physical and Health Education at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1999 and later received a master's degree in Health and Human Performance from Oklahoma State University in 2001. While at Oklahoma State, he served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer with the Cowboy baseball team.

DeMilia and his wife Mendy have three children: Easton, Nolan and Claire.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations

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