DURHAM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State was picked to win the South Division and Virginia State was picked to win the North at the CIAA football media day Thursday in Durham.
In the South Division, Fayetteville State was picked second, Shaw third and St. Augustine’s fifth.
Winston-Salem State has won the past two titles. Shaw won it in 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Winston-Salem State has a new head coach in former defensive coordinator Kienus Boulware but Boulware will have 18 starters back. One of those is All-CIAA quarterback Rudy Johnson, a senior.
Shaw, coached by Robert Massey, was 6-4 last season and closed with a 32-14 win over St. Augustine’s has a defensive line Massey says is “the best defensive line in the country.”
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Sunday, July 27, 2014
Football: Fisher to be preferred walk-on at Winston-Salem State
NEW BERN, North Carolina -- Felix Fisher didn’t know if he’d get his shot of playing football in college. Then Winston-Salem State called.The former New Bern defensive back was hoping to continue his playing career. Then, one morning, the coaches at Winston-Salem State left a message, offering him a spot as a preferred walk-on.
Fisher jumped at the chance.
“I just have to go there and show them what I can do. They are giving me this opportunity to show my skills,” Fisher said.
Fisher was accepted into the college and took a visit in April. It wasn’t until recently when he received the good news.
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Alabama State establishes new football classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama State University and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama announced the establishment of the Prince Hall Masons Americanism Football Classic Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom.
The two-year agreement was signed by Alabama State University President Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd and Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama Grandmaster Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq. KYGCH, 33°. This year's game will feature the Hornets hosting Texas Southern on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. In 2015, Alabama State will host Grambling State on Sept. 19 at the New ASU Stadium.
"We are certainly excited to establish a third classic for Alabama State University," said Dr. Boyd of this new classic which joins the existing State Farm Magic City Classic and the Turkey Day Classic. "We are excited that when you (the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama) did reach out for a partner, not only in football, but in enhancing the lives of our young people, and especially our young men, you chose Alabama State. It is important that we always acknowledge that our students are student athletes, they are students first. We want them to be champions in the classroom as well as champions on the field. In partnering with you, they will see role models and examples of excellence in the community. You will help them understand what it takes to be real men in their community, and to be real men who continue to give back and are productive citizens in the world."
The mission of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Alabama is to continue the legacy of making good men better through fraternal brotherhood, to aid and assist widows, orphans, and distressed men, and to contribute to the community through service, scholarship, charity and training. Among the goals and benefits of this new classic football game will be the establishment of scholarships for Alabama State students.
"I look at this as a great opportunity as Black men to be role models to young men going to school trying to better themselves," Grandmaster Hawkins said. "Part of our mission statement is to present scholarships. This is an outstanding way for us to do so. We have to be more involved in our children's lives. In order to be a man, you must see a man, and I think this is an outstanding opportunity. I am thankful to Alabama State University for allowing us to partner with you. It's a blessing to have a school that's willing to do such."
COURTESY SWAC.ORG MEDIA RELATIONS
Saturday, July 26, 2014
FAMU upperclassmen plan to lead turnaround
NORFOLK, Virginia -- The onus is on head football coach Earl Holmes to turnaround the FAMU football program, but senior defensive back Terry Johnson insisted that it's up to him and the other upperclassmen to make this a winning season.
They could only do it by being responsible as leaders, Johnson told reporters Friday at the MEAC kickoff at the Marriott Waterside.
"It starts with leadership and accountability," said Johnson, a product of Rickards High School. "If we have the younger players looking up to us they will follow our lead.
"Every leader was a follower. I was a follower and I looked up to the older guys and did what they did. It made me the person that I am today."
FAMU finished last season with a disappointing 3-9 record, considering the hype surrounding Holmes debut as a head coach. At least five of their games were decided by a touchdown or fewer points, something that Holmes attributed to mistakes by his young team.
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They could only do it by being responsible as leaders, Johnson told reporters Friday at the MEAC kickoff at the Marriott Waterside.
"It starts with leadership and accountability," said Johnson, a product of Rickards High School. "If we have the younger players looking up to us they will follow our lead.
"Every leader was a follower. I was a follower and I looked up to the older guys and did what they did. It made me the person that I am today."
FAMU finished last season with a disappointing 3-9 record, considering the hype surrounding Holmes debut as a head coach. At least five of their games were decided by a touchdown or fewer points, something that Holmes attributed to mistakes by his young team.
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MEAC: Five SSU players earn preseason league honors
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Yes, Savannah State’s football team has something to play for during the 2014 season, Tigers second-year coach Earnest Wilson said Friday after the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason football luncheon in Norfolk, Va.
SSU (1-11 in 2013) isn’t eligible for postseason play because penalties from a poor Academic Progress Rate released in the spring and the Tigers weren’t included in the league’s preseason poll voting.
But ...
“If we beat everyone in the MEAC, who’s the champion?” Wilson said.
Bethune-Cookman was the favorite in the voting of league coaches and sports information directors followed by South Carolina State, North Carolina A&T, Howard, Delaware State, Norfolk State, Hampton, North Carolina State and Morgan State.
SWAC media day: SU Jaguars put 6 on all-conference teams
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Southern re-emerged as a dominant program in Southwestern Athletic Conference football last season by going 9-4 and winning the conference title by topping Jackson State 34-27 in double overtime.
All that success has the Jaguars on everyone’s minds. As the 2014 season nears, they put six players on the preseason all-conference teams, announced Friday, and they’re the favorite to win the SWAC West Division.
Junior receiver Willie Quinn and junior offensive lineman Anthony Mosley received first-team nods. Sophomore running back Lenard Tillery, senior offensive lineman Zach Brown, senior linebacker Daniel Brown and senior defensive lineman Arthur Miley were voted to the second team. Quinn also was honored as a second-team return specialist.
Rabalais: The ring’s the thing for Southern, which will aim for another
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The Southern Jaguars don’t need a target on the back of their powder blues for opponents to aim at.
Just triangulate on the ring.
Southern’s rings from last season’s SWAC championship rank pretty high on the bling meter. They’re so massive that you had to think Jaguars football players Brian McCain and Arthur Miley, who accompanied coach Dawson Odums to SWAC media day here Friday, got in the equivalent of their daily offseason weight work just toting these things around.
Despite the constant silver reminders, the Jaguars are focused — shades on to protect against the sun’s glare off those rings — on the future.
SU's Avery Johnson, others headed into Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame
NEW ORLEANS -- At one point in his young life, Avery Johnson wasn’t good enough to crack the starting lineup at St. Augustine High.
“I was kind of a 30-point guy,” Johnson told The Advocate last year. “When we were up by 30, I would have an opportunity to go in the game and play a little bit.”
“I was kind of a 30-point guy,” Johnson told The Advocate last year. “When we were up by 30, I would have an opportunity to go in the game and play a little bit.”
The diminutive backup had his number called when St. Aug’s starting point guard was suspended from the team during the 1983 state playoffs.
Off Johnson went, helping the Purple Knights complete a 35-0 season and win the Class 4A title.
That was followed, of course, by an illustrious career at Southern and 16 playing seasons in the NBA, where he later coached the Spurs and Nets.
He will be one of five persons entering the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame on Aug. 2.
Friday, July 25, 2014
B-CU football picked by MEAC to defend conference title
NORFOLK, Virginia – The Bethune-Cookman University football team was picked to defend its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title on Friday.
B-CU had 487 votes to top South Carolina State (457) and North Carolina A&T (338).
B-CU senior offensive center Andrew Edouard was named to the all-MEAC preseason first team.
Teammates LeBrandon Richardson and Marquis Drayton were selected to the preseason first team on defense.
Quarterback Quentin Williams and senior defensive lineman Rony Barrow made the all-MEAC preseason second team.
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B-CU senior offensive center Andrew Edouard was named to the all-MEAC preseason first team.
Teammates LeBrandon Richardson and Marquis Drayton were selected to the preseason first team on defense.
Quarterback Quentin Williams and senior defensive lineman Rony Barrow made the all-MEAC preseason second team.
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Tennessee State Football Tickets Still on Sale
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Season and single game tickets for the 2014 Tennessee State football campaign are still on sale. Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the TSU Ticket Office (615-963-ROAR).
The reigning Black College National Champions open the season on Saturday, August 30 against Edward Waters College in the 16th annual John A. Merritt Classic.
TSU returns to Hale Stadium to face Tennessee Tech on Sept. 20 before taking on Florida A&M for Homecoming, Sept. 27.
In October, the Tigers will host Jacksonville State (10/11) and UT Martin (10/18) with the final home contest coming against Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 1.
Last season, TSU finished with a record of 10-4 and advanced to the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
The Tigers are coming off of their first postseason victory since 1986 and return the bulk of a defense that ranked sixth nationally in yards per game (296.9).
Season tickets are $90 and season parking passes are $30. The season parking package will include the three contests at LP Field. The Hale Stadium games will be $5 cash only for every contest.
Ticket Information
SEASON TICKET BROCHURE (First time season ticket holders)
Season Ticket Price - $90
TSU Faculty/Staff Price - $80
Young Alumni/Kids 12 and under - $60 (Must be listed among TSU graduates from 2010-2014 are eligible/ Must specify at time of purchase)
2014 Football Single Game Tickets
Single Game Tickets at LP Field – Range from $15 - $40
Single Game Ticket at Hale Stadium - $15
** Tickets increase by $5 on game day**
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Six Rattlers Named To MEAC Preseason All-Star Team
NORFOLK, Virginia – Six Florida A&M University football players were named to the Preseason All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team during the MEAC Football Media Luncheon here Friday afternoon at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel.
The preseason All-MEAC team, selected by the conference’s head coaches and
sports information directors, featured FAMU with four second team selections,
sophomore guard Keonte Cash (Miami, Florida), senior defensive back Devontae
“Terry” Johnson (Tallahassee, Florida), redshirt sophomore Patrick Aiken
(Pembroke Pines, Florida) and senior kicker Chase Varnadore (Tallahassee,
Florida).
The two third team selections from FAMU included senior quarterback Damien
Fleming (Jacksonville, Florida) and senior offensive lineman Ryan Templeton
(Chicago, Illinois).
RATTLERS IN THE HOUSE
FAMU was well represented by a contingent of personalities which included
athletic director Kellen Winslow, Sr., head football coach Earl Holmes, and star
players Chase Varnadore and Devontae “Terry” Johnson.
All four gentlemen were run through a battery of interviews with media
outlets from around the conference during a Media Day session prior to the Noon
Coaches’ Luncheon.
MEAC NOTES
A pair of seniors snagged the Preseason Player of the Year honors, as Howard
quarterback Greg McGhee, the league leader in both passing and total offense,
was the Offensive Player of the Year, while Norfolk State All-America linebacker
Lynden Trail, was tabbed Defensive Player of the Year.
South Carolina State led all league schools with 10 preseason all-star
selections, tying defending champion Bethune-Cookman (7 selections) for the most
first-team picks: four (4).
Norfolk State was second in the number of overall selections with eight (8),
followed by Bethune-Cookman and MorganState with seven (7) apiece.
BETHUNE PICKED TO WIN
The league’s coaches and SIDs also weighed in on the coming football title
chase, picking Bethune-Cookman to defend their 2013 title, garnering 487 points.
South Carolina State (457 points) was second, followed by North Carolina A&T
(338) and Howard University (309).
2014 MEAC Predicted Order of Finish
# School (Points)
1-Bethune-Cookman (487)
2-South Carolina State (457)
3-North Carolina A&T (318)
4-Howard University (309)
5-Delaware State (229)
6-Norfolk State (225)
7-Hampton (200)
8-North Carolina Central (187)
9-Morgan State (148)
**FAMU and SavannahState are ineligible for the conference title
due to an NCAA postseason ban over the Academic Progress Rate
(APR).
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Thursday, July 24, 2014
WSSU picked to win Southern Division
DURHAM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State, the two-time defending CIAA champion and three-time defending Southern Division champion, has been selected as the top team again in its division.
The Rams, who have not lost a CIAA game in the last three seasons, were selected as the top team by the preseason CIAA coaches’ poll that was released this afternoon.
Following the Rams in the Southern Division are Fayetteville State, Elizabeth City State, Johnson C. Smith, St. Augustine’s and Livingstone.
The top team in the Northern Division was Virginia State, the defending division champion.
Following Virginia State were Elizabeth City State, Bowie State, Chowan, Virginia Union and Lincoln.
Coach Kienus Boulware of the Rams, who is in his first season, said earlier this week that he’s looking forward to the season starting.
Miles College football game with Benedict College changed for national TV
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football game between Miles College and Benedict College has been selected for a CBS Sports Network national television broadcast. The game has been moved to 7 p.m. Central on Thursday, Oct. 2, as part of the NCAA Division II Football Game of the Week television package.
The Golden Bears and Tigers were originally scheduled to play on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Albert J. Sloan-Alumni Stadium in Fairfield.
"Playing on CBS Sports Network is a great opportunity for Miles College and our football program especially when it comes to playing in front of a national television audience", said Golden Bears head coach Reginald Ruffin said in a prepared statement. "It's big for our institution to have an opportunity to be showcased in markets all of the country."
Ram Ramblings: With CIAA media day approaching, season is not too far away
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- It’s a good sign when the CIAA football media day rolls around because that means it’s getting closer to when Winston-Salem State will begin practicing.
The annual media day will be Thursday at a Durham hotel, but unlike Division I schools where coaches know a lot about what they have coming back, it’s more of a crapshoot at Division II schools.
Coach Kienus Boulware of WSSU said as much earlier this week when we met for a lengthy interview at his office. I won’t be attending the media day, but it’s a good bet the CIAA coaches will be very general in their comments about their teams.
Plenty of changes take place at the Division II level between spring practice and the fall. Eligibility issues arise, walk-ons decide not to come back to school or a myriad of other reasons turn rosters upside down before players report in August.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
FAMU RB Hearns has more than football talent
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- It didn't take long for West Palm middle school teacher Tim Williams to realize that Gerald Hearns would be a special student, when he walked into his pre-engineering class at Roosevelt magnet school.
Williams saw it in his eyes – inquisitiveness and eagerness.
"The thing I remember about him the most is his drive and his want," Williams said six years after he first met Hearns. "He was eager and ready to work. He was a self-starter. He is driven. I know that personality when I see it."
Hearns is now a freshman running back at FAMU. His teammates who have known him for just a few weeks during volunteer workouts say they see the same thing that Williams saw six years ago – drive and enthusiasm.
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SIAC commissioner: HBCUs left out of college sports talk
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA -- Gregory Moore felt compelled at Monday's SIAC Media Day in Montgomery to address what he feels is an alarming problem.The league commissioner said historically black colleges and universities haven't been a part of the discussions regarding hot-button issues in intercollegiate athletics that could impact HBCUs.
"I believe the gap between the have and have nots is growing to the point where it's becoming alarming," Moore said. "When you have the average payout at a Power 5 conference school exceeds the top line revenue of all the HBCU conferences combined, that's a problem," Moore said. "That should be discussed. No one is talking about it."
Bernard Franklin, NCAA executive vice president and chief inclusion officer, hosted a meeting Moore attended last week in Atlanta with several presidents, chancellors at conference commissioners of HBCU schools.
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Report: JSU expects to hire Leon Seals as DL coach
JACKSON, Mississippi ;-- Former Jackson State defensive lineman Leon Seals might return to his alma mater.Footballscoop.com reported Monday that Seals will be the new defensive line coach. A source told The Clarion-Ledger Seals interviewed for the position but nothing was confirmed as of Monday evening.
At last Friday's SWAC media day, Tigers coach Harold Jackson said he already had in mind who he wanted to hire and hoped to have it done by Tuesday.
Seals was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL draft. He earned All-SWAC honors in 1985 and 1986, when JSU finished 8-3, 6-1 SWAC and 9-3, 7-0, respectively.
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Monday, July 21, 2014
Tuskegee hopes to play for SIAC title at Cramton Bowl
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Golden Tigers missed out on playing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title game, but earned a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in school history."We lost the Miles game and from that point on, everything was over," Tuskegee senior receiver Larry Cobb said. "It was completely done. Then we found out we made the playoffs. We were ecstatic. We got another chance, another opportunity to go out and play."
Looking to make amends, Tuskegee enters this season as favorites to win the SIAC West and play in the Nov. 15 conference championship game as a result of voting by the league's 12 head coaches.
Defending conference champion ...
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SIAC championship game moving to Montgomery in 2014 from Atlanta
ATLANTA, Georgia – In addition to holding its 2014 Football Media Day in Montgomery, Ala., the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will host its football championship at the Cramton Bowl.The SIAC formally made the announcement during its football media day and is slated to hold the championship game at the Cramton Bowl for the next three seasons starting in 2014.
"The SIAC football championship game has grown significantly over the years and Montgomery is great fit for our postseason atmosphere. The Cramton Bowl is a spectacular venue as it has held some legendary games in college football," said SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore. "We want to thank the City of Montgomery, Mayor Todd Strange, The Central Alabama Sports Commission and Convention & Visitor Bureau, as well as the Chamber of Commerce for embracing and assisting our transition to such a historic venue."
The decision to move the championship was unanimously approved by the SIAC President's Council. It relocates after spending its first three years in Atlanta. The inaugural game was played at Panther Stadium on the campus of Clark Atlanta University in 2011 before moving to Lakewood Stadium the last two seasons.
SIAC President's Council Chair Dr. George T. French added, "It is both exciting and appropriate that the SIAC championship game is relocating to a venue in Alabama which holds such rich history and tradition, very much like the HBCU's represented by the teams that will be playing there."
Cramton Bowl is a 25,000-seat stadium located in Montgomery, Alabama. It opened in 1922 has been home to Major League Baseball spring training, the Turkey Day Classic, 20 games for the University of Alabama, and several high school football games. In June 2014, a new synthetic turf field was installed. Starting in December 2014, the Cramton Bowl will be the location for the Camellia Bowl featuring teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Mid-American Conference.
"We are proud to welcome the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Football Championship Game to the city named by USA as the Best Historic City in the U.S., Montgomery, Alabama," said Mayor Todd Strange. "The Central Alabama Sports Commission and Convention & Visitor Bureau are working hard to insure that the next three championship games at the world class Cramton Bowl and Multiplex are the best and most memorable SIAC history."
COURTESY THE SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS
Alabama State, other SWAC football teams get no free pass, must improve APR, commissioner says
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Southwestern Athletic Conference Commissioner Duer Sharp said during Football Media Day last week that conference schools have not been given a free pass when it comes to making progress on theirAcademic Progress Rates.
"It's time," Sharp said at the Birmingham Marriott. "It's been long enough that SWAC's been front page as far as APR and it's time that we step up and do something about it."
The APR is billed as a real-time measurement for all teams and is based on a points-system that rewards athletes for staying academically eligible and staying in school.
TSU Tigers Picked Third at OVC Media Day
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team was picked to finish third and six Tigers were
named to the All-Preseason Team announced at the Ohio Valley Conference Media
Day, Monday.
Big Blue garnered
four first-place votes and 107 total points, which trailed only Jacksonville
State (118), who TSU beat 31-15 on the road in 2012, and Eastern Illinois (108).
All three teams made it past the First Round of the FCS Playoff a season
ago.
Tennessee State
has improved its win total in each of Rod Reed's first four seasons, reaching 10
overall wins and a second-place finish in the conference. The team was 6-2 in
OVC play and earned an at-large bid to the FCS Playoffs, shutting out Butler
31-0 in the first round to snap the OVC's 19-game postseason losing
streak.
Now in his fifth
season as head coach Reed returns 58 players from last year's team including six
offensive and six defensive starters. The defense should once again be solid
after ranking sixth nationally in total defense (296.9 yards/game) and scoring
defense (18.1 points/game) and ninth nationally in turnovers gained (31) last
season.
That defensive
unit is led by reigning OVC Defensive Player of the Year Anthony Bass who was
also tabbed this year's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year; in 2013 Bass had
34 tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 10.0 sacks, four pass breakups, six
quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a blocked kick
and a safety.
Also back is
senior defensive back Daniel Fitzpatrick who was named the National Defensive
Back of the Year by the FCS ADA a season ago. Fitzpatrick led all Division I
players (FBS or FCS) with eight interceptions as a junior and is on the
Preseason Buck Buchanan Award Watch List.
Middle linebacker
Nick Thrasher returns for his senior season after amassing 110 tackles, the most
for TSU since 2002. Thrasher now has 230 career tackles which puts him sixth in
the school record books, and just 16 away from cracking the top-five.
The other
defensive player to be named to the All-Preseason Team was cornerback De’Ante
Saunders. Saunders was named to the OVC All-Newcomer Team following a year in
which he intercepted four passes and even ran one back for a touchdown at UT
Martin. The junior also made 39 tackles and broke-up a team-high nine passes.
The offense will
be led by senior quarterback Michael German who missed the beginning of last
season but worked his way back in the lineup before the end of the season. In
seven games German completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,168 yards and 13
touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Blocking for
German will be fellow All-Preseason Team nominee, Robert Myers. Last season,
Myers helped block for Tim Broughton who rushed for 1,146 yards (25th-most
nationally) and six touchdowns. He also protected a quarterback duo that
combined for 26 passes touchdowns and only four interceptions.
The Tigers will
report for fall camp on Aug. 3 in preparation of the John Merritt Classic on
Aug. 30.
2014
OVC Preseason Football Predicted Order of Finish
1. Jacksonville State (10 first-place votes) - 118 points
2. Eastern Illinois (4) - 110
3. Tennessee State (4) - 107
4. Eastern Kentucky - 82
5. UT Martin - 79
6. Murray State - 54
7. Tennessee Tech - 48
8. Southeast Missouri - 34
9. Austin Peay - 16
Note: 8 points awarded for a first-place vote, 7 for second, etc. - Coaches and SID's could not vote for their own teams
1. Jacksonville State (10 first-place votes) - 118 points
2. Eastern Illinois (4) - 110
3. Tennessee State (4) - 107
4. Eastern Kentucky - 82
5. UT Martin - 79
6. Murray State - 54
7. Tennessee Tech - 48
8. Southeast Missouri - 34
9. Austin Peay - 16
Note: 8 points awarded for a first-place vote, 7 for second, etc. - Coaches and SID's could not vote for their own teams
2014
Preseason All-OVC Football Team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: DaMarcus James (RB), Jacksonville State
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Bass (DL), Tennessee State
OFFENSE
QB - Michael German, Tennessee State
QB - Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State
RB - DaMarcus James, Jacksonville State
RB - Shepard Little, Eastern Illinois
WR - Adam Drake, Eastern Illinois
WR - Josh Barge, Jacksonville State
WR - Paul McRoberts, Southeast Missouri
TE - Jeff LePak, Eastern Illinois
C - Max Holcombe, Jacksonville State
OG - Collin Seibert, Eastern Illinois
OG - Blake Burks, Jacksonville State
OT - Charles Sweeton, UT Martin
OT - Robert Myers, Tennessee State
DEFENSE
DL - Anthony Bass, Tennessee State
DL - Dino Fanti, Eastern Illinois
DL - Caleb Lawrence, Jacksonville State
DL - Chris Landrum, Jacksonville State
LB - Nick Thrasher, Tennessee State
LB - Tony Bell, UT Martin
LB - Robert Haynes, Eastern Illinois
LB - Tra'Darius Goff, Tennessee Tech
DB - Daniel Fitzpatrick, Tennessee State
DB - Jourdan Wickliffe, Eastern Illinois
DB - Marty Jones, Tennessee Tech
DB - De'Ante Saunders, Tennessee State
SPECIALISTS
K - Andrew Lloyd, Eastern Kentucky
P - Hamish MacInnes, Jacksonville State
RS - Shepard Little, Eastern Illinois
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: DaMarcus James (RB), Jacksonville State
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Bass (DL), Tennessee State
OFFENSE
QB - Michael German, Tennessee State
QB - Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State
RB - DaMarcus James, Jacksonville State
RB - Shepard Little, Eastern Illinois
WR - Adam Drake, Eastern Illinois
WR - Josh Barge, Jacksonville State
WR - Paul McRoberts, Southeast Missouri
TE - Jeff LePak, Eastern Illinois
C - Max Holcombe, Jacksonville State
OG - Collin Seibert, Eastern Illinois
OG - Blake Burks, Jacksonville State
OT - Charles Sweeton, UT Martin
OT - Robert Myers, Tennessee State
DEFENSE
DL - Anthony Bass, Tennessee State
DL - Dino Fanti, Eastern Illinois
DL - Caleb Lawrence, Jacksonville State
DL - Chris Landrum, Jacksonville State
LB - Nick Thrasher, Tennessee State
LB - Tony Bell, UT Martin
LB - Robert Haynes, Eastern Illinois
LB - Tra'Darius Goff, Tennessee Tech
DB - Daniel Fitzpatrick, Tennessee State
DB - Jourdan Wickliffe, Eastern Illinois
DB - Marty Jones, Tennessee Tech
DB - De'Ante Saunders, Tennessee State
SPECIALISTS
K - Andrew Lloyd, Eastern Kentucky
P - Hamish MacInnes, Jacksonville State
RS - Shepard Little, Eastern Illinois
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Chicago State Track and Field Adds Three for 2014-15
Jones earned 11 total varsity letters, including four in track and field at Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, Fla. She was a three-time all-area first team selection. As a junior and senior she was the Lee County Conference Champion in the 100 and 200 meters. As a senior she also took home the long jump and 4x100 meter relay titles. She was named MVP and earned district champion honors in the 100 meters, 4x100 relay and the long jump the same year. She was also a regional champion in the 100 meters. As a senior, her squad won the regional championship.
"TaQuoya is an exceptional student-athlete and is dedicated to getting positive results," Chicago State head coach Craig Collins said. "Her work ethic and concentration on self improvement is what I was looking for to push our young, but very talented team. I'm positive there will be a lot of school records with Jones' name attached in the near future."
Terry recorded her best times as a senior when she ran a 25.60 in the 200 meters and 58.00 in the 400 meters. As a junior she was part of the state 4x200 relay champion as well as taking fourth in the city in the 100 meters. Renaissance High School won the state championship her junior year. Academically, she was a four-year member of the honor roll. She ran for the Detroit Cheetah Track Club, setting records for the 100, 200 and 400 meters.
"Ashlynn is quite accomplished academically as well as athletically and knows what it takes to win," Collins said. "She will fit in perfectly with our young team. She has great range as a sprinter and brings to us the tough Detroit 'get the job done' mentality. We are very pleased that Ashlynn is a CSU Cougar and expect great things ahead."
Houston recorded his best triple jump performance as a senior when he earned a mark of 44'8". As a sophomore he helped his team win the sectional championship. Academically, he was a member of the honor roll, the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. He ran for one season with the Saints Track Club.
"I am very pleased to welcome Landis to our Chicago State family," Collins said. "Landis has loads of potential in which he is still learning his events as a hurdler and horizontal jumper. He's an excellent student and his strength and his natural athletic ability is what stands out. I'm positive that in a short period of time Landis will show his ability and represent CSU and the Chicago track and field community well."
The Cougars open the 2014-15 season, their second in the Western Athletic Conference, in December.
COURTESY CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
ASU athletic director search about to enter 3rd year
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -Alabama State's search for an athletic director to replace ousted Stacy Danley is about to enter its third year, but university officials appear in no hurry to target a successor.A university search committee was formed to find a replacement and actually brought in a group of finalists to interview for the position, but apparently made no decision. The search was opened again and again no replacement was named.
Now, with new president Gwendolyn Boyd on hand, another search is currently under way, either a third search or a continuation of the postponed second search. University officials refer all comments to the president and Boyd's only comment on the vacancy was, "We don't comment on personnel matters."
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Former ASU QB Tarvaris Jackson event elicits friendly visits
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Seattle Seahawks were up 43-8 with less than four minutes to play in this year's Super Bowl when former Alabama State quarterback Tarvaris Jackson ran onto the field to replace Russell Wilson.
Jackson's late-game appearance — he was on the field for two plays — didn't make headlines. But far away, in downtown Montgomery, his former coach, decked out in Seahawks gear and surrounded other Tarvaris Jackson supporters, watched with pride.
Jackson attended Sidney Lanier High School and played at ASU for three years. On Saturday, more than 280 kids attended his second annual free youth football camp, which was held at ASU's Hornet Stadium. Standing among old coaches and teammates, Jackson reflected on his Super Bowl appearance.
"I had already started celebrating in ...
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Jackson's late-game appearance — he was on the field for two plays — didn't make headlines. But far away, in downtown Montgomery, his former coach, decked out in Seahawks gear and surrounded other Tarvaris Jackson supporters, watched with pride.
Jackson attended Sidney Lanier High School and played at ASU for three years. On Saturday, more than 280 kids attended his second annual free youth football camp, which was held at ASU's Hornet Stadium. Standing among old coaches and teammates, Jackson reflected on his Super Bowl appearance.
"I had already started celebrating in ...
CONTINUE READING
SIAC moves media day, championship game to Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will move its media day to the Capital City, part of a package deal that will include its football championship game as well.
The SIAC, which includes Tuskegee University, split into two divisions in 2011 and has staged all three media day kickoffs as well as championship games in Atlanta.
"We are extremely excited about this year's football media day that will be hosted by the city of Montgomery," said SIAC commissioner Greg Moore in a statement posted to the organization's Web page earlier this month. "The event format will be re-calibrated in an effort to better showcase our student-athletes, coaches and SIAC member schools. With the start of the college football season fast approaching, we are anticipating that the event will generate excitement among the fans and increase visibility for our outstanding SIAC football programs."
The media day will be held at the ...
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