Saturday, January 10, 2015

Hall of Famer Willie Jeffries to Guide Medal of Honor Bowl’s American Team in Nationally Televised Game on NBC Sports at 2:30 PM ET Today

AMERICAN TEAM ROSTER

NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER
CHARLESTON, South Carolina -- The final day of practice for the 2nd Annual Medal of Honor Bowl concluded Friday at Johnson Hagood Stadium with both teams doing a final walk-through before Saturday’s game that kicks off at 2:30 pm. The players were on the field in their Medal of Honor Bowl sweats, going through their responsibilities one last time.

Special teams appeared to be the focus of the American team’s practice Friday with coaches making sure each player knew their responsibilities, and if they went down who the backup was. Friday’s final tune-up had the American team coaches feeling good.

At the end of practice Hall of Fame Coach Willie Jeffries told his players, “You guys have worked hard at practice this week. I am confident you are ready for tomorrow.”

South Carolina State University’s famed “Marching 101” Band will perform during halftime.

The National team, under former NFL and college head coach Chan Gailey, took a different approach to their practice. While the National team was also in their sweats at the walk-through, they were working on refining their defensive and offensive plays. Coach Gailey wanted to make sure that his guys make the most of their opportunity.

“Tomorrow’s game film will be sent everywhere,” he said. “All NFL teams and the entire Canadian league. We will try to get everyone on the field, so when you are on the field, show who you are and what you can do.”

Both teams will definitely be ready for Saturday’s game, and everyone is focused on the goal of making the NFL. The question now is who will shine the most?

The Medal of Honor Bowl is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.


Willie Jeffries, a native of Union, South Carolina, earned his Bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a Master's degree in guidance and counseling from South Carolina State University. Further studies were also completed at Indiana University.

Popular Former South Carolina State Head Coach Returns to Lowcountry to Coach

CHARLESTON, South Carolina -- Hall of Fame coach Willie Jeffries, the former South Carolina State, Wichita State and Howard head coach, will guide the American Team for the 2nd Annual Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be played on January 10, 2015, at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium.

“The Medal of Honor Bowl is privileged to have Hall of Famer and living legend Willie Jeffries coach the American Team,” said Medal of Honor Bowl Chairman Tom McQueeney. “Coach Jeffries has demonstrated throughout an amazing career his passion for the game and his abilities on the sideline. His team will certainly enjoy playing for him. His engaging personality will make every player and NFL scout feel special as part of our game.”

Jeffries, a native South Carolinian, replaces new Rutgers University Offensive Coordinator Ralph Friedgen, who guided the American Team in the Bowl’s inaugural year in 2014 to a 20-3 victory. Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Chan Gailey was previously announced as returning to guide the National Team.

In his 29-year coaching career, Jeffries compiled a 179-132-6 record. He coached for 19 years at his alma mater, South Carolina State University, another five years at Wichita State and five years at Howard University. Jeffries is the winningest coach in the 107-year history of SCSU and in the history of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Jeffries grew up in Union, SC, and started his coaching career in 1960 as an assistant at Barr Street High in Lancaster. He followed at Granard High in Gaffney, where he went 64-8-2 in seven seasons.

His record during his two stints with South Carolina State (1973-78 and 1989-01), include three Black National Championships, seven MEAC championships, several post-season appearances in the Division I-AA playoffs and the Heritage Bowl. He received numerous coaching awards and produced many future NFL players to include Harry Carson, Donnie Shell, Robert Porcher, Orlando Brown, Jumpy Geathers, Chartric Darby, Dexter Clinkscale, David Norman and Anthony Cook.

In 2010, Jeffries was named Head Football Coach Emeritus by the South Carolina State University Board of Trustees. In that role, he serves as a liaison between the university, its alumni and other constituents and also helps market the university.

When Jeffries took over Wichita State in 1979, he became the first African-American to coach a Division I-A University. He is the only man to coach against both Eddie Robinson of Grambling State University and Paul “Bear” Bryant of the University of Alabama.

Coach Jeffries has been recognized with the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor in the state. He also was presented with the Order of the Silver Crescent, which is awarded to those who make community or professional accomplishments of local significance.

A proud member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, Coach Jeffries was also inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Coach Willie Jeffries (Year-by-Year as Head Coach)
1973-78 South Carolina State
1979-83 Wichita State
1984-88 Howard
1989-01 South Carolina State

UMES Perspective: The Legacy of Alumnus Nelson Townsend

UMES Legend Nelson Townsend
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland (Jan. 9, 2015) -- With a heavy heart, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is saddened to announce the passing of a Hawk legend Nelson Townsend, who died yesterday morning in Tallahassee, Florida at the age of 73. Townsend, a 1962 graduate of then Maryland State College, a UMES Hall of Famer, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Hall of Famer and a two-time Director of Athletics at UMES, collapsed on campus at Florida A&M University yesterday morning where he was serving as the Interim Director of Athletics for the Rattlers.

Townsend, served two terms as Director of Athletics at UMES. The latest began with an interim appointment back in 2003-2005. Previously he served as AD from 1976-1979. His last post at UMES began in 2000 as Director of Collaborative Programs between Salisbury University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, which ended when he took over as Director of Athletics in 2003.

In 2005, Townsend's last season with UMES, the women's bowling team won the MEAC Championship, which proved to be a spring board for its future successes that included five National Championships.

Townsend played a key role in the current landscape of Hawk Athletics. Women's Basketball head coach Fred Batchelor, who is in his 11th season at the helm of the program, was hired by Townsend at UMES.

Batchelor, the winningest head women's basketball coach in school history, and who coached at the University at Buffalo under Townsend, was particularly struck hard by the shocking news of Townsend's death.

"He was without a doubt the single most important influence in my professional development and in my career path as a coach. Every step of the way he was there to help me get positions, to advise me, to recommend me and to mentor me. My family and I are indebted to all of his efforts, Mr. Townsend and his family have been a second family to me, his wife Diane, his children, they have all played a huge role in shaping who I am as a father, coach and person."

The same year Townsend hired Batchelor, he also appointed Alex Temkin to lead the women's volleyball program. Temkin helped maintain a program that would go on to win a pair of conference championships under his successor, Don Metil.

Perhaps the most impact Townsend had was on director of athletics Keith Davidson. Townsend who gave Davidson his first job in intercollegiate athletics at Buffalo, brought him to UMES from Texas Southern to head the Hawks' compliance office. Davidson was the obvious choice in January 2006 for acting AD when Townsend left at the end 2005. The interim tag was removed in 2007 by then President Dr. Thelma B. Thompson. UMES has enjoyed its most success in several decades under Davidson, capturing five straight MEAC Graduation Success Rate Awards, five National Championships, 12 conference championships, 47 All-America selections and three prestigious Academic All-America honors, four NCAA Elite 89 winners and numerous other awards.

Davidson, who considered Townsend his mentor and friend, spoke regularly with his former boss. "He was like a father to me. He advised me, counseled me, and was genuinely concerned for me. He offered me opportunities when others didn't, he educated me on collegiate athletics. I am personally and professionally saddened at this loss. The Townsend family were my family. We lost a great ambassador not only for UMES, but for the MEAC and the NCAA. He truly understood the mission of collegiate athletics, public service and community engagement. He was a great man, but now we have to turn our attention to his family and I need to be able to help provide them some support and love, just like he always showed me. "

Before his second stint at UMES, Townsend served as Director of Athletics at the University of Buffalo for 12 years and spent his last two years there as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. Townsend has also previously served as athletic director at fellow MEAC schools, Florida A & M University and Delaware State University. In his stints as Director of Athletics he took the University at Buffalo from Division III to Division I in just three and one-half years. He was the first African-American AD in Buffalo history. He also took Delaware State University from Division II to Division I in his tenure there.

During the early part of Townsend's career he was a faculty member, counselor, vice principal and coach in the Worcester County, Maryland, School System, having served at Pocomoke High School from 1966-1971. Current Pocomoke High School Director of Athletics and state championship basketball coach, David Byrd played baseball for Townsend at Pocomoke High School. "He was a great man, I am sad to hear of his passing. He coached me to be more than a player and he was a role model for me, he inspired me to do my part in the community. He certainly did more than his share for the entire Eastern Shore."

He was well-known and respected on the lower shore for service to youth and citizens of all ages; Townsend received several awards as Executive Director of Shore Up! INC. from 1971-1974.

Townsend had over 40 years of experience as a director of athletics and administrator in education at both the collegiate and secondary levels. His administrative experience spans athletics, student affairs, educational support services and secondary education. He holds degrees from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) (BS), Salisbury University (M.Ed) and Temple University.

Townsend has been a leader in sports and educational administration at state, national and international levels. He has occupied significant leadership roles in intercollegiate athletics, international sports and even at the level of Olympic administration. While at the University of Buffalo, Townsend served as chairman of the NCAA Olympic Liaison Committee. In that position he was named as an active member of the United States Olympic Committee. From 1991-1993 Townsend traveled extensively to such places as Germany, Canada, Bulgaria, France, England, and Spain in preparation to host the World University Games in Buffalo in 1993. The games, using the University as the major site, marked the only time that this event has been hosted in the United States. With 105 nations competing, The World University Games are considered the largest international sports event other than the Summer Olympics. For his effort and leadership in these games Townsend was awarded "The Buffalo Achievement Award" in 1993.

He was inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame in 2012.

Townsend in a native of the Eastern Shore's Horntown, Virginia. At the time of his death he was living in Tallahassee, Florida with his wife Diane. They have four adult children, Tracy Lynn, Marc, Eugene and Eboni as well as numerous grand-children.

News reports surfaced yesterday morning that he had collapsed on his way to an 8:30 a.m. meeting and was rushed to the hospital. FAMU spokesman, Jimmy Miller confirmed that he was taken to the hospital before the start of the meeting.

Townsend took over at FAMU for Kellen Winslow who had resigned in December. This was his third stint as AD at Florida A&M, having served in the position in the late 1980's and again in 2005 through 2007. Always relishing the chance to serve in a profession he loved, Townsend said "this is not a new spot for me, I've been in this position before and I cherish this opportunity because this time it's an opportunity to serve in this capacity at a time when this university needs to move in the direction Dr. Mangum has laid forth."

Outpouring of support came from the Tallahassee, Florida, area. FAMU President Elmira Mangum told local media yesterday that he was a compassionate human being.

"The university lost a dear friend, excellent leader and administrator," she said in a statement. "We will miss Nelson Townsend. We join his wife and family in mourning this great loss."

The Rev. R.B. Holmes, Townsend's pastor at Bethel Missionary Baptist church, said, "he was a great man. A great family man. A caring man. A blessed man. He went out in the way he wanted to go out, doing what he does as a director and a strong Christian man. We're all devastated, no doubt about that. We know Dr. Townsend is definitely in a better place. We pray for his wife and his children."

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum also released a statement yesterday regarding Townsend's death.

"R. Jai and I are both saddened to hear the news of Nelson Townsend's passing this afternoon. Nelson was a community leader with a deep passion for the growth and development of student-athletes. His storied career spanning over three decades in collegiate and international athletics, as well as educational administration, is a testament to the dynamic and benevolent person he embodied to those around him. His contributions to FAMU Athletics and to our greater university community will be greatly remembered and appreciated. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family."

The Tallahassee Democrat released a story this morning saying that a funeral will take place at noon Wednesday in Gaither Gymnasium on Florida A&M's campus. A viewing will start at 10 a.m. The family told the newspaper that funeral's time and place are subject to change. There is no word yet on a service near his hometown here on the Eastern Shore.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Friday, January 9, 2015

Second-half surge lifts Claflin over Kentucky State

FRANKFORT, Kentucky — Adolph Caldwell scored eight of his team-high 13 points in the second half to help lift Claflin over Kentucky State University (KSU), 62-57, in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup in the Exum Center Thursday night.

With the win, the Panthers improves to 5-7 overall and 2-1 in the SIAC.

The teams exchanged baskets over the first five minutes of the first half. KSU (2-7, 1-2 SIAC) used a 6-0 run to jump ahead 11-17 at the 13:32 mark.

The Thorobreds maintained the momentum over the next eight minutes, pushing its lead to nine, 18-27, with 5:20 remaining, but then Claflin’s offense came back to life. The Panthers used a 9-0 run to pull within one, 26-27, heading into the final media timeout of the half (3:29).

The Thorobreds pushed the lead to three, 26-29, but the Panthers continued to battle, heading into the break, down by one 30-31.

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Organizer of fatal FAMU hazing sentenced to 77 months in prison


LISTEN AT 1:31:50 ...

ORLANDO, Florida -- Orange Circuit Judge Renee Roche, saying that "forgiveness doesn't have a role in the legal system," sentenced former FAMU band member Dante Martin to more than six years in prison Friday for organizing the fatal hazing of drum major Robert Champion.

It was the harshest sentence yet in the beating death of the drum major three years ago in Orlando.

Martin was one of 15 people charged in Champion's death but the only ex-band member to get prison time in the case.

Before imposing her sentence, the judge described Martin as a "remarkable young man" with "limitless potential" and a strong support system, basing her view on two hours of testimony from family and friends, including a former band member who pleaded with her to give the 27-year-old a second chance.

"On the other hand, the circumstances of this death were so profoundly disturbing," Roche said.

Martin's lawyers had asked the judge to spare him a prison sentence, suggesting he could be a persuasive voice against hazing if given the chance.



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Southern University remains under postseason ban because of APR problems


BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University will remain ineligible for postseason competition because of "unusable data'' from its academic progress rates, the NCAA informed the school Friday. The ruling stays a ban that was implemented in December of 2013.

Though the ban keeps Southern from taking part in NCAA postseason competition, university officials said they continue to work to have it lifted as quickly as possible.

However, as of now, Southern's men and women's basketball programs, both expected to be in the hunt for the SWAC title, cannot compete in the NCAA Tournament.

"We received notification from the NCAA Subcommittee on Data Collection that Southern will remain in the unusable data probationary ban and remains ineligible to participate in postseason competition,'' the university said in a statement. "We are currently developing our response to the NCAA notification letter. The committee possesses the authority to lift the postseason ban at any time and we are closely engaged with NCAA representatives in an attempt to have the ban lifted as quickly as possible.''

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UMES mourns the loss of Hall of Famer Mack Alston

Mack Alston - 1947-2014 

Maryland State gridiron legend, NFL veteran, donor and supporter passes suddenly

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland (Jan. 5, 2015) — A memorial service is scheduled in Alexandria, Va. this Saturday (Jan. 10) to honor the late Mack Alston, who died unexpectedly Christmas Eve. He was 67.

Alston parlayed a reputation as a stellar two-way player on the gridiron at then-Maryland State College into an 11-year career in the National Football League, where he played tight end for three franchises between 1970 and 1980.

A 1984 Hawk Hall of Fame inductee, he was a college teammate of Art Shell, a fellow South Carolinian and NFL Hall of Famer. As a freshman and sophomore playing alongside Shell, Alston helped the Hawks go a combined 10-4-1 in the final two seasons of Hall of Fame coach Sandy Gilliam’s tenure.

The Georgetown County, S.C. native stood an impressive 6-4, weighed 230 lbs. and played on both sides of the ball for the Hawks. While mostly lining up as a tight end, he also played linebacker and defensive end when called upon.

Alston remained an imposing presence well past his playing career and was a loyal alumnus who actively supported his alma mater’s athletic and academic endeavors. He earned his business administration degree in 1971.

Drafted in the 11th round by Washington, Alston played three seasons for the Redskins before being traded to the Houston in 1973. He spent the next four seasons as an Oiler, the most productive of his pro career. He held an Oilers’ record for most touchdowns in a game when he caught three against the Cleveland Browns in 1975. Alston signed as a free agent with Baltimore, returning to Maryland in 1977 and playing for the Colts before retiring in 1980.

He finished his pro career with 15 touchdowns – 12 with the Oilers – playing in 145 games and catching 108 passes for 1,247 career yards.

Carl Hairston, a fellow Hawk football great and UMES Hall of Famer who played after Alston graduated, described him as "a great man - and person. His legacy help set the standard for me as a professional."

Alston was honored in the 1970s with a Presidential Commendation and was invited to the White House in recognition of his work as a youth advocate. He testified before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on youth employment.

In his post-football life, Alston was visible and involved in his community as well as at UMES. He recently served on the University’s search committee for a new men’s basketball coach that resulted in the hiring of Bobby Collins.

He also worked to preserve Hawk football memories, volunteering his time for a video to chronicle the history of the program that ceased fielding a team after the 1979 season. He was a regular participant at the Art Shell Celebrity Golf Classic, a University fundraiser. Two weeks before his death, Alston made a substantial contribution to the athletics department’s “Deuces” campaign, a gift that fully vested an endowment created to support general athletic needs.

“There was not a selfish bone in this man's body,” said Dr. Michael Casey, a fellow UMES Hall of Famer. “He loved … football and many of the schools around the Washington Metropolitan area are thankful for Mack, volunteering his time, skills and knowledge of the game for free when they asked for his services.”

“He helped so many … students, coaches and yes, school administrators to realize that education comes first and sports second,” Casey said.

Wayne Jearld, Interim Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations at UMES and an alumnus, offered his thoughts. “Mack was my classmate, he became a friend, and his heart was as big as he was tall. Mack truly cared for his friends, community and college.”

He is survived by his wife, Rose A.W. Alston, a son, Kevin, a daughter, Andrea, and her husband, Gerald Cope Sr., and grandson Gerald Jr.

A funeral service was held Dec. 30, 2014 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Georgetown, S.C., where he graduated from Howard High School. He was buried at St. Mary’s Community Cemetery in nearby Pawleys Island, S.C.

Saturday’s memorial service in Alexandria, Va. will be 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 2932 King St. They can be reached at (703) 684-3720.

This tribute is a collaborative effort of the UMES Department of Athletics and the Office of Public Relations.

New VSU coach Byron Thweatt Inherits A Win-Now Team



ETTRICK, Virginia — Byron Thweatt wasted little time in reaching out to Virginia State athletic director Peggy Davis to indicate his interest in the vacant head coaching position three weeks ago. The position was a dream job for the former Richmond University assistant football coach who grew up in Ettrick, remembered getting haircuts at the university barber shop and graduated from Matoaca High School.

After passing on an opportunity to join the Trojans' coaching staff two years ago, Thweatt was not going to let another chance slip away. When he walked out of his interview Tuesday morning, the one-time NFL linebacker thought he had exceeded all expectations during the interview process. However, he did not want to be overly confident after comparing it to feeling good about a test as a child, only to not have done as great as once thought.

But those concerns were unwarranted as only two days later, Thweatt stepped up to the podium to be introduced as Virginia State University's 24th head football coach in team history. And in the minutes which followed, Thweatt addressed alumni in attendance, media and Trojans players with an opening statement which seemed to solidify he was right hire.


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Southern University Releases 2015 Football Schedule; Georgia, Louisiana Tech Included



SOUTHERN 2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 5: at Louisiana Tech, Ruston, LA
Sept. 12: at Mississippi Valley State*, Itta Bena, MS
Sept. 19: Jackson State*  HOME
Sept. 26: at Georgia, Athens, GA
Oct 3: OPEN
Oct. 10: at Alabama State*, Montgomery, AL
Oct. 17: Prairie View*   HOME
Oct. 24: at Texas Southern*, Houston, TX
Oct. 31: Alcorn State*   HOMECOMING
Nov. 7: at Arkansas-Pine Bluff*, Pine Bluff, AR
Nov. 14: Alabama A&M*    HOME
Nov. 21: OPEN 
Nov. 28: vs. Grambling State,* Bayou Classic, New Orleans, LA  
All home games played at A.W. Mumford Stadium
* Southwestern Athletic Conference game

Southern 2015 football schedule will include Georgia, Louisiana Tech

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern football team will open the season with an in-state road game for the second consecutive season in 2015.

The Jaguars, who finished 9-4 overall and won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division last season, will begin the season against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 5 in Ruston.

Last year, Southern opened the season with a 45-6 loss at Louisiana-Lafayette.

The other nonconference game has the Jaguars playing at Southeastern Conference power Georgia on Sept. 26.

The two nonconference games will generate $1 million in revenue for Southern. The game at Georgia comes with a $650,000 guarantee and the game at Louisiana Tech comes with a $350,000 guarantee.

The Jaguars have just four games in A.W. Mumford Stadium...

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Former CSCC teammates aid North Carolina A & T win

Bryan Akinbugbe
Hometown: Bowie, MD
Arturs Bremers
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
COLUMBIA, Tennessee -- A pair of former Columbia State teammates are
back on the court again together, this season for North Carolina A & T.

Bryan Akinbugbe, a member of the 2012 Columbia State team that went to the nationals, and Arturs Bremers, who was on the 2014 team that advance to the nationals, are playing for their former junior college coaches.

Jay Joyner, who was the coach at Columbia State, is the associate head coach under Cy Alexander at A & T. Alexander is a former coach both at Tennessee State and South Carolina State. Alexander also assisted Joyner at Columbia State.

In their most recent game, A & T defeated Cal State-Bakersfield 83-70 as Bremers made all four of his 3-point attempts and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe.

In addition to his team-high 18 points, the 6-foot-3 Bremers had six rebounds, one assist and one steal. He is second on the team in scoring with 7.8 points per game and is shooting 86.7 percent from the foul line.

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Depth provides pleasant challenge for HU basketball staff

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University's Convocation Center has been as much laboratory as gym for the past couple of weeks, as professor Ed Joyner Jr. and his merry band of scientists worked with all of the ingredients in their chemistry set.

There were some successes, as well as a few spills and clean-ups. As the Pirates completed non-conference play and dive into their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule, Joyner believes he finally has a handle — albeit a loose one — on the deepest team he has ever coached.

"It has been difficult to figure out how to piece everybody together," Joyner said. "The last 4-5 days, we've been able to get in the gym and just practice. We've been able to get everybody in there and try to figure out roles and get everybody's roles properly addressed. We think we've been able to do that."

Hampton (6-8, 2-0 MEAC) heads to Florida this weekend for games at...

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Coaches, sports information director react to interim AD's death

Nelson Townsend's funeral will take place at noon Wednesday in Gaither Gymnasium on Florida A&M's campus. There will be a viewing starting at 10 a.m. The family has told the Democrat that the funeral's time and place are subject to change.  (Photo Courtesy Florida A&M University Athletics)

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Many on Florida A&M's campus believed Nelson Townsend had the university's athletic department on the right track.

He maintained open communication, kept coaches in the know and created a dialogue with fans who were disgruntled but hopeful for the future.

Townsend himself delivered a passionate message of hope to the 220 Quarterback Club Wednesday afternoon at New Times Country Buffet. He confidently raised his voice and announced a 10,000 season ticket goal and gave the group of FAMU enthusiasts a sneak preview at the 2015 football schedule.

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Thursday, January 8, 2015

Saint Augustine's University Names Court After Legendary Athletic Director and Coach Harvey D. Heartley Sr

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Saint Augustine's University named the basketball and volleyball court at Emery Gymnasium after legendary Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Harvey D. Heartley, Sr. in an unveiling ceremony on Thursday, January 8, 2015. The event was held prior to the men's and women's basketball doubleheader between Saint Augustine's University and Bowie State University.


The speakers at the ceremony included Saint Augustine's University Interim President Dr. Everett B. Ward, current Athletic Director and Legendary Track & Field Head Coach George Williams, Heartley's Sr.'s widow Maria Heartley and Heartley Sr.'s son Harvey Heartley, Jr. The Heartley family and many former Falcons' players were among those in attendance.

Coach Heartley is the all-time winningest men's basketball coach at Saint Augustine's University with 371 victories. He guided the Falcons to the 1977 and 1980 NAIA District 26 Tournament crowns and the 1984 NCAA Division II Championship game. He led the Falcons to the CIAA Championship contest four times.

As athletic director, Heartley played a huge role in changing the by-law to allow every team to qualify for the CIAA Tournament instead of eight teams. Under his leadership, the Falcons' athletic department grew from three to 13 sports under his tenure.

Heartley is in numerous hall of fames including the CIAA Hall of Fame, the Saint Augustine's University Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Central University Hall of Fame. After building a legacy at Saint Augustine's University, Heartley passed away on June 23, 2014.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

UMES planning to use 'unfamiliar territory' of non-conference success for MEAC play

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  -- The new year for UMES began with a loss, but Wednesday night’s 69-60 defeat at NJIT won’t diminish the program’s accomplishment thus far.

The Hawks (8-9) recorded seven non-conference wins, which are the most since the team competed as an independent in 1980-81. They missed out on resuming their play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with a winning record, but coach Bobby Collins said the game against NJIT should mirror upcoming league games.

“Last night, I told our guys that this team is going to be similar to what our games are going to be and we’ve got to learn how to respond to that,” Collins said. Thursday morning. “This team is obviously in unfamiliar territory as far as the success we’ve had thus far. So this has been very exciting coaching these young men. We’ve just got to stay focused and keep doing what we’re doing.”

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North Carolina A&T Aggies Football to Play at Elon in 2015

ELON, North Carolina -- — Elon University football head coach Rich Skrosky released the program's upcoming 2015 schedule today.

The 11-game slate features five games at home in Rhodes Stadium. Game times will be announced this summer, according to a news release from the university.

Season ticket prices will be released in the coming weeks and will be available for purchase beginning Feb. 4, the release states.

The Phoenix will open its 2015 schedule on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Wake Forest.

Sept. 19 — vs. North Carolina A&T (Hall of Fame): Elon and the Aggies will be meeting for the 11th time on the gridiron and at Rhodes Stadium for the second straight season. A&T defeated Elon 17-12 in 2014 to claim a 6-4 edge in the series that dates to 2006. The Aggies went 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the MEAC last year.

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Tech finalizes 2015 non-conference slate with Southern

RUSTON, Louisiana -- Louisiana Tech finalized its 2015 non-conference schedule Thursday with the addition of Southern.

The 2014 Conference USA West Division champs will open the season Sept. 5 against 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division champion Southern, whose rival Grambling is a couple minute drive down I-20 from Ruston.

The game will be the first in the newly renovated Joe Aillet Stadium, which is currently undergoing a $20-plus million addition to the south end zone.

Southern went 9-4 and knocked off Grambling in the Bayou Classic to clinch a berth in the SWAC title game. The Jaguars ended up falling to Alcorn State, 38-24.

With Southern coming to Ruston, Tech will hope to avoid another FCS disaster like 2014 when Northwestern State kicked a game-winning field goal to pull off a 30-27 upset.

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VSU names Byron Thweatt Head Football Coach

ETTRICK, Virginia -- Virginia State University (VSU) has named Byron Thweatt as the University's Head Football Coach. Thweatt comes to VSU from the University of Richmond (UR), where he coached linebackers and served as Director of High School Relations under head coach Danny Rocco. Thweatt joined the UR staff in the spring of 2007 following a year as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of Virginia.

"My goal is to compete and to win CIAA championships," Thweatt said upon being introduced as VSU's 24th Head Football Coach. "I am putting together a committed staff that will help propel VSU's program to national prominence."

PHOTO GALLERY

Thweatt is a Chesterfield County native, having attended Matoaca High School, where he was a high school All-American as a running back and defensive end. "This is my community; this is my family," Thweatt said, referencing his close local ties.

In both 2012 and 2013, two UR linebackers were named All-CAA under Thweatt. Thweatt was also recruiting coordinator for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, before returning to the defensive side to coach the linebackers -- the position he played as an All-ACC pick at UVA.

Thweatt was a two-year, UVA captain and started 47 games in his collegiate career, a school record for starts by a linebacker. He was named All-ACC and Honorable Mention All-America by Football News following his senior year. As a senior, Thweatt recorded 125 tackles -- tied for the sixth-highest total in school history. His 387 career tackles was third in school history.

After college, Thweatt spent time with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans and played in NFL Europe.

VSU Athletic Director Peggy Davis said Thweat impressed the school's search committee with more than his football knowledge. "He's part of VSU," she said. "We chose Byron because of his character and his leadership skills."

Thweatt and his wife Mieya have three daughters: Brianna, Bryce and Bralynn.

COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Noon Update: FAMU interim AD Nelson Townsend has died

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M interim athletic director Nelson Townsend has died. He was 73.

University President Elmira Mangum said Townsend was a compassionate human being.

"The university lost a dear friend, excellent leader and administrator," she said in a statement. "We will miss Nelson Townsend. We join his wife and family in mourning this great loss."

The Rev. R.B. Holmes, Townsend's pastor at Bethel Missionary Baptist church, said he is currently with Townsend's family. Townsend collapsed earlier this morning before an 8:30 a.m. meeting, said FAMU spokesman Jimmy Miller.

"He was a great man," Holmes said.

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Interim FAMU Athletic Director Nelson Townsend Has Died

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University's interim athletics director has died.

Early Thursday morning, Nelson Townsend, 73, was taken to a local hospital. Shortly before noon, Townsend passed away.

FAMU President Elmira Mangum tapped Townsend in December to take over as the school's Interim Athletic Director following the abrupt resignation of Kellen Winslow. Townsend was no stranger to FAMU—he served twice previously as the university's athletic director.

At the time of his appointment, Townsend was leading the search for a new football coach.

FAMU Issues Statement Regarding the Passing of Interim Athletic Director Nelson Townsend

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) was shaken this morning by the sudden death of Interim Athletic Director Nelson Townsend. President Elmira Mangum said, “The University lost a dear friend, excellent leader, and administrator.” She applauded Nelson Townsend as a fine man of God and compassionate human being.

“We will miss Nelson Townsend. We join his wife and family in mourning this great loss,” Mangum said.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Unbeaten Loyola wins for first time at Xavier, 68-55

PHOTO GALLERY:  XU women's basketball vs. Loyola

NEW ORLEANS -- Janeicia Neely scored 21 points, 15 in the first half, to lead unbeaten Loyola to a 68-55 women's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana.

The Wolf Pack (13-0), ranked seventh in NAIA Division I, led wire-to-wire and defeated the Gold Nuggets (8-9) for the first time ever at Xavier.

Neely did not miss a first-half shot -- she was 7-of-7 from the floor -- to lead Loyola to a 35-28 halftime advantage. Loyola led by 17 points twice in the second half and by double digits for the final 10:21.

Neely's 3-point play gave Loyola a 16-5 lead at 11:09 of the first half.

Megan Whittaker made five 3-pointers and scored 17 points for the Wolf Pack, and Meghan Temple had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Whitney Gathright made four 3-pointers and led Xavier with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Vinnie Briggs had 13 points and six rebounds, and Alesha Smith scored 10 points.

Loyola outshot Xavier 41.1 to 29.5 percent from the floor. The Wolf Pack made 16-of-18 free throws, and Xavier made 14-of-25.

Xavier has lost five of its last six games and has its first three-game home losing streak since the 2009-10 season. The home skid follows a 24-game win streak at the Convocation Center, which opened in November 2012.

Xavier leads the series with its city rival 30-7 overall and 16-1 at Xavier.

Xavier's next game will start at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Convocation Center against Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent Philander Smith.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

Obituary: Dallas Cowboys legend Jethro Pugh (ECSU) dies

A native of Windsor, North Carolina, Pugh entered Elizabeth City State University at the age of 16 and by the time he turned 20 he was already a member of the Dallas Cowboys (with a college degree). 

IRVING, Texas -- Jethro Pugh, an original member of the Dallas Cowboys’ famed Doomsday Defense who played on two Super Bowl title teams, died Wednesday.

Relatives said he died of natural causes. He was 70.

Mr. Pugh was also on the Cowboys team that played in the famed Ice Bowl, the 1967 NFL Championship Game against Green Bay. The Cowboys will play a playoff game at Green Bay on Sunday for the first time since the Ice Bowl, and owner Jerry Jones said Mr. Pugh’s spirit will be with the team , with a Bachelor's Degree.

PHOTO GALLERY:  Photos: A look back at former Cowboys defensive tackle Jethro Pugh



“This is a sad day for Cowboys fans, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Jethro’s family,” Jones said in a statement. “He was loved and appreciated by his teammates and Cowboys fans for decades, and his spirit will be felt when our team travels to Green Bay this weekend.”

Mr. Pugh, a native of Windsor, N.C., was picked in the 11th round of the 1965 NFL Draft out of tiny Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, N.C. He went on to play 14 years with the Cowboys, the fourth-longest tenure in franchise history.

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Townsend: FAMU athletics not 'broken'

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Since being named Florida A&M’s interim athletic director, Nelson Townsend has frequently said he wants to maintain open communication between the university’s athletic department and Rattler Nation.

He delivered on that promise in a big way Wednesday afternoon.

In front of a crowd of about 50 members of the 220 Quarterback Club, a group of FAMU sports enthusiasts, Townsend unflinchingly tackled questions on a variety of subjects.

From the the school’s athletic department, to it’s under-performing sports teams and future plans for the football team, which may not include trips to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Townsend also announced FAMU’s 2015 football schedule during the 60-minute question-and-answer session.

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Virginia State will name Richmond assistant Byron Thweatt head football coach

COACH BYRON THWEATT
Courtesy: University of Richmond Athletics
RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia State University will introduce University of Richmond assistant Byron Thweatt as its head football coach Thursday.

Thweatt, 36, is a graduate of Matoaca High School and the University of Virginia. He has been a member of the Spiders’ staff for eight years. Thweatt coached inside linebackers and was UR’s director of high school relations in 2014. He has also coached other positions for Richmond and was the program’s recruiting coordinator.

“There’s a lot of buzz at Virginia State, so I’m very pleased with the opportunity,”said Thweatt, an All-ACC linebacker as a U.Va. senior. “That’s a community I grew up in and it’s a great opportunity for me to give back to the community and continue a tradition that has really taken off.”

Thweatt succeeds Latrell Scott, a Lee-Davis High grad who left Division II VSU to become ,,,

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UVA Quarterback David Watford will finish his college career at Hampton University

HAMPTON, Virginia -- After nearly a month of searching for the right place to get back on the field, David Watford is continuing his football career where it began.

Watford, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback who graduated from Hampton High and spent the past four seasons at Virginia, has transferred to Hampton University. He told the Daily Press he'll begin graduate classes Monday in sports administration at HU, where he'll compete next season as a redshirt senior quarterback.



"I'm definitely excited for the opportunity, and a fresh start at the end of the day," said Watford, a former U.Va. starting quarterback who graduated from the school with an undergraduate degree in African-American studies. "I want to have fun and play up to my capabilities.

"(HU's coaches) told me I'll have to work for my spot to earn it. It's my job to go out there and earn my spot and keep it."

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FAMU Athletics Announces 2015 Football Schedule

11-game slate features rugged opening act in September

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University Interim Director of Athletics Nelson E. Townsend Wednesday afternoon announced the 2015 Rattler Football Schedule.

New Head coach Alex Wood, appointed to take the helm of the storied Rattler program on December 23, will lead his charges through a challenging gauntlet of games that features three non-conference matches and eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference bouts.

September will be a strong opening act for the Rattler squad, as they face three straight road games to open the season, beginning with the Sept. 5 lid lifter in Tampa against the University of South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium.

The Rattlers will then head to Birmingham, Ala., Sept. 12 to face the Samford University Bulldogs , followed by their Sept. 19 MEAC opener sgainst the South Carolina State Bulldogs in Orangeburg. They wind down the month at home, Sept. 26 against the Big Blue Tigers of Tennessee State.

Conference games will dominate the October and November play dates, beginning Oct. 3 with the road test against the Savannah State Tigers in Savannah, Ga.

Home in Bragg Stadium will be the theme for the remainder of October, as the Rattlers will host three home games in four weeks: Oct. 10 against the Eagles of North Carolina Central; Oct. 17 against theDelaware State Hornets, and following an open date on Oct. 24, against the North Carolina A&T
Aggies, on Oct. 31.

In November, FAMU closes the regular season as they began the campaign with three straight on the road: Nov. 7 against the Hampton Pirates at Hampton, Va.; Nov. 14 against the Bears of Morgan State in Baltimore,Md., and Nov. 21 against archrival Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Blue Florida Classic in the Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

Season ticket packages are being finalized for the 2015 FAMU Home Schedule, and will go on sale beginning Wednesday, Jan. 14 at the Rattler Box Office in The Al Lawson Center.

Call (850) 599-3141 for ticket reservations or for more information.

2015 FAMU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 at University of South Florida+                Tampa, Fla.

Sept. 12 at Samford University**                          Birmingham, Ala.

Sept. 19 at South Carolina State* Orangeburg, S.C.

SEPT. 26 TENNESSEE STATE++     HOME

Oct. 3 at Savannah State* Savannah, Ga.

OCT. 10 NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL*     HOME

OCT. 17 DELAWARE STATE *      HOME

OCT. 31 NORTH CAROLINA A&T*       HOME

Nov. 7 at Hampton University* Hampton, Va.

Nov. 14 at Morgan State University* Baltimore, Md.

Nov. 21 Bethune-Cookman * Orlando, Fla. (Florida Blue/Florida Classic)

*Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Games
+ American Athletic Conference
 **Southern Conference
++Ohio Valley Conference



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