Savannah State Releases 2015 Football Schedule

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State University announces a 10-game football slate in 2015 that includes two nonconference opponents and four home games at Theodore A. Wright Stadium.

SSU will open the season on the road against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents Colorado State and Akron.

The Colorado State Rams are coached by former University of Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, while Akron is coached by former Auburn head coach Terry Bowden.

The Rams, who play in the Mountain West Conference (MW), posted a 10-3 record in 2014 and played in the Las Vegas Bowl while Akron went 5-7 while competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

The Tigers will face Colorado State on Sept. 5, and then, following a bye week, will play Akron on Sept. 19.

Savannah State will finish the season with eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) contests.

SSU will travel to Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 26, and will play their home opener on Oct. 3 against Florida A&M.

After a trip to Morgan State on Oct. 10, the Tigers will return home to celebrate Homecoming against North Carolina Central on Oct. 17.

Following an open date on Oct. 24, SSU will have back-to-back road games at Howard (Oct. 31) and Norfolk State (Nov. 7).

Savannah State will close out the regular season with home games against Hampton (Nov. 14) and South Carolina State (Nov. 21).

The last time the Tigers played a minimum of 10 games in a single season was in 2009.

Earnest Wilson III will enter his third year as the Tigers' head coach.

Savannah State University

2015 Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Event	Location
9/5/2015	Colorado State University		Fort Collins, CO
9/12/2015	Open
9/19/2015	University of Akron		Akron, OH
9/26/2015	Bethune-Cookman University		Daytona Beach, FL
10/3/2015	Florida A&M University		Savannah, Ga. - Ted Wright Stadium
10/10/2015	Morgan State University		Baltimore, MD
10/17/2015	North Carolina Central University	"Homecoming"	Savannah, Ga. - Ted Wright Stadium
10/24/2015	Open
10/31/2015	Howard University		Washington, DC
11/7/2015	Norfolk State University		Norfolk, VA
11/14/2015	Hampton University		Savannah, Ga. - Ted Wright Stadium
11/21/2015	South Carolina State University		Savannah, Ga. - Ted Wright Stadium

BOLD:  Home Game

Colorado State University will pay Savannah State a guaranteed payout of $300,000 for this game. Savannah State, which has a reputation of playing in guaranteed payout games with higher division programs, has gone 2-21 the past two seasons and has never faced CSU.

Last season, the Tigers made $375,000 for a 77-7 loss at Miami and in 2012 cashed in $860,000 for losses at Oklahoma State and Florida State by a combined score of 139-0. SSU is always going to have that payday game on the schedule.  It's a must to successfully build the Tigers' Division I athletic program and is no different than the financial model being successfully executed by Mid-major programs in football and basketball.

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Norfolk State Scott Announces 1st Hires to Coaching Staff

PHOTO COURTESY NSU SPARTANS ATHLETICS

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State University football coach Latrell Scott announced the first hires to his new coaching staff on Wednesday: defensive coordinator Jerry Holmes, offensive coordinator Mike Faragalli and assistant athletics director for strength and conditioning Chris Neff.

Holmes and Neff both come to NSU after working in similar capacities with Scott at Virginia State. Faragalli, who served on Scott's staff at Virginia State in 2013, most recently served as quarterbacks coach, special teams coach and primary play-caller at Christopher Newport University. Holmes will also coach NSU's linebackers, while Faragalli will mentor the Spartan receivers. 

Holmes has distinguished himself as a defensive coach at the FBS and FCS levels as well as the professional ranks. Most recently, Holmes coached a 2014 Virginia State defense that played an integral role in the Trojans' 10-3 record, CIAA championship and first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs. His defense ranked in the national Division II top 20 in turnovers gained (11th, 31), interceptions (12th, 18), passing defense (17th, 174.2 ypg) and total defense (20th, 314.7 ypg).

Holmes is no stranger to the MEAC. He had two successful stints as defensive coordinator at Hampton University and was also the Pirates' head coach in 2008. Holmes began his coaching career as the linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator at Hampton from 1992 to 1994. During those three seasons with the Pirates, Hampton posted a record of 31-4-1, making two trips to the NCAA playoffs and capturing the 1994 Black College National Championship. 

2015 NSU Spartans Football Coaching Staff 

Latrell Scott  Head Football Coach

Mike Faragalli Offensive Coordinator/Receivers 

Jerry Holmes Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Chris Neff  Assistant AD for Strength & Conditioning 

Paul Macklin  Running backs/Recruiting Coordinator

After leaving Hampton, Holmes spent the next four seasons (1995-98) as the defensive backs coach at his alma mater, West Virginia University. In 1996, the Mountaineers featured the nation's top-ranked defense that included a No. 5 national ranking against the pass. Following his tenure in Morgantown, W.Va., Holmes spent five seasons as a defensive backs coach in the NFL, first for Cleveland (1999-2000), then Washington (2001) and finally San Diego (2002-03). 

Holmes returned to Hampton as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach from 2004-07. HU went 37-10 in that span, winning three straight MEAC titles and making three NCAA Division I FCS playoff appearances from 2004-06. The Pirates' defenses were a big reason for that success, ranking sixth in the nation in total defense and second in scoring defense in 2005, then 15th nationally in total defense and sixth in scoring defense in 2006.

As head coach, Holmes led HU to a 6-5 record in 2008.

Holmes' professional playing career as a cornerback spanned 12 seasons and included stops with the NFL's New York Jets (1980-83, 86-87), Detroit Lions (1988-89) and Green Bay Packers (1990-91) as well as the USFL's Pittsburgh Maulers (1984) and New Jersey Generals (1985). Holmes recorded 25 career interceptions in the NFL.

Holmes is a native of Newport News, Va., and a 1979 graduate of West Virginia.

"I'm very pleased to have Jerry Holmes join my coaching staff," Scott said. "My relationship with him goes back to my playing days at Hampton. He was a big part of our success last year at VSU and I know he will be great for our student-athletes here."

Faragalli has more than 30 years of coaching experience. His extensive resume includes experience as both an assistant and head coach. At the collegiate level, he has served as an assistant coach at Rhode Island (1981), Wisconsin (1982), William & Mary (1983-84), Bowling Green (1991-94 and 1996-99), Lafayette (2000-07), Richmond (2008-09), Virginia (2010-12), Virginia State (2013) and CNU (2014). His professional stops have all come in the Canadian Football League, including a stint as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts in 1995.

Last season at CNU, Faragalli served as the Captains' quarterbacks coach, special teams coach and primary play-caller. CNU averaged 35 points and more than 420 yards per game en route to an 8-4 record and the USA South Conference title. The Captains also won a first-round game in the NCAA Division III playoffs.

(L) Holmes  (R) Faragalli,

In 2013, Faragalli served as quarterbacks coach for Scott at Virginia State. The Trojans went 9-1 overall, including 7-0 in CIAA play, and won the conference's Northern Division crown that season.

Faragalli was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Richmond under head coach Mike London when the Spiders won the FCS national championship in 2008 and the CAA championship in 2009. He went with London to the University of Virginia in 2010 and served as Cavaliers' running backs coach for three seasons.  

Faragalli was offensive coordinator for eight seasons at Lafayette, helping the Leopards win three Patriot League championships. Faragalli sandwiched two four-year stints as the offensive coordinator at Bowling Green around one season as the head coach of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts in 1995. Faragalli has a wealth of CFL experience, serving as the offensive coordinator with three different clubs from 1985-1990. He spent one season in Montreal and two in Hamilton - winning the 1986 Grey Cup championship with Hamilton - and three in Edmonton. 

Faragalli served as receivers coach during his stints at Rhode Island, Wisconsin and William & Mary. Faragalli is a native of Philadelphia and a 1980 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where he played defensive back.

"We're excited to have someone of coach Faragalli's experience and stature leading our offense," Scott said. "He was also an integral part of my first year VSU and has more than 30 years of experience at some very successful programs. It's great to have him become part of what we're building at NSU."

A native of Richmond, Va., Neff served as the Trojans' strength and conditioning coach this past fall during their run to the CIAA championship. Neff has six years of experience as a strength and speed coach for student-athletes. He has also served as an intern at the University of Richmond, working with the Spiders' football, baseball and women's lacrosse athletes. He earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from VCU and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Scott also announced Wednesday that Paul Macklin, who served as running backs coach at NSU for the last five seasons, will remain on staff.

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
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XU Nuggets' Gathright selected GCAC Player of the Week

Whitney Gathright

NEW ORLEANS -- Whitney Gathright on Tuesday became the first Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball player this season to be named Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week.

A 5-foot-4 junior point guard from New Orleans and a graduate of John Curtis Christian School, Gathright averaged 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals to help the Gold Nuggets win 2-of-3 games. She shot 51.5 percent from the floor, 50 percent from 3-point range (8-of-16) and made all 10 of her free throws.

Gathright scored seven points in the final four minutes Saturday to help the Gold Nuggets pull away for a 61-48 home victory against Philander Smith. She began the week by scoring 18 points in Xavier's first victory at Talladega in 13 years.

Sandwiched between those victories were Gathright's 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals in a home loss to unbeaten city rival Loyola.

For the season, Gathright leads Xavier with averages of 14.1 points and 3.7 assists in 19 games and with 33 made 3-pointers.

This is Gathright's second GCAC weekly award of her career.

Xavier, 10-9 overall and 3-0 in the GCAC, will play SUNO at 5:30 p.m. Monday at XU's Convocation Center.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director 

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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Gold Rush climb 3 places to 21st in NAIA coaches poll

NEW ORLEANS -- A late comeback against Philander Smith -- Xavier University of Louisiana's second victory of the season against a ranked opponent -- helped the Gold Rush climb from 24th to 21st Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25.

It's the 41st consecutive appearance in the top 25 for the Gold Rush (13-6), and it's the longest active streak among NAIA DI men's teams.

Xavier closed with a 20-1 run, including the final 18 points, to win 61-53 Saturday against then-No. 16 Philander Smith at the Convocation Center. The Panthers dropped to 23rd.

Xavier and Philander Smith both are 2-1 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and a game behind Talladega, which dropped from fifth to sixth nationally. Talladega is in the top 10 for the 14th time in the last 15 polls.

Campbellsville collected 6-of-10 first-place votes and is No. 1 for the second consecutive week.

The next rankings will be announced next Tuesday.

Xavier won 76-74 Monday at home against Tougaloo and will play next at 7:30 p.m. Monday against city and GCAC rival SUNO at XU's Convocation Center.

The top 25:
1. Campbellsville
2. Hope International
3. Cal State San Marcos
4. Pikeville
5. Martin Methodist
6. Talladega
7. Oklahoma Baptist
8. Freed-Hardeman
9. Montana Western
10. Benedictine (Kan.)
11. (tie) Our Lady of the Lake
11. (tie) Wayland Baptist
13. Arizona Christian
14. Dalton State
15. Concordia (Calif.)
16. William Carey
17. Texas Wesleyan
18. Georgetown (Ky.)
19. Lewis-Clark State
20. Columbia (Mo.)
21. Xavier
22. Evangel
23. Philander Smith
24. LSU-Alexandria
25. Cumberlands


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director 

XULAATHLETICS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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FAMU names E. D'Wayne Robinson as interim Athletics Director

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Earl D'Wayne Robinson has been announced as Florida A&M's new interim athletic director.

He takes over for Nelson Townsend, who died from a sudden heart attack Thursday after one month on the job. Townsend was named interim athletic director by FAMU president Elmira Mangum after Kellen Winslow resigned on Dec. 15.

Robinson, who turned 49 on Saturday, said he hopes to "continue some of the things Nelson Townsend stood for." He steps into the role as interim athletic director and leaves behind his job as the athletic department's director of NCAA compliance.

"Our visions for athletics were very similar," Robinson said.

"With that in mind, and in thinking about (Townsend) and his vision for the program, I want to ...

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E. D'WAYNE ROBINSON
(Photo Courtesy: Florida A&M University Athletics)

Summary background on Mr. Robinson's Career:

• Appointed Interim Athletic Director at Florida A&M University on January 13, 2015 by FAMU President, Dr. Elmira Mangum.   He was serving as Florida A&M Associate Athletic Director for NCAA Compliance prior to his appointment.

• Florida A&M University Athletics announced on August 7, 2014, the appointment of  Mr. E. D’Wayne Robinson as the Assistant Athletic Director for NCAA Compliance.

• Robinson is a highly-seasoned veteran in the field of athletic administration, and has been responsible for overseeing the rules compliance operations within the FAMU Athletic Department; coordinated efforts with the department’s Academic Support Services arm to monitor and facilitate student-athlete retention, scholastic success, and graduation.

• He also spearheaded the rules education efforts by FAMU Athletics for student-athletes, coaches and staff, as well as for other critical departments within the university.

• This is Mr. Robinson’s second tour of duty with FAMU Athletics, as he served as Associate Director of Athletics for Academic Support Services from 2006 to 2008, and was mentored by the late Dr. Nelson E. Townsend.

• Mr. Robinson is a graduate of Tougaloo College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry; He also earned a Master of Science in Education degree from Alcorn State University.  He is presently pursuing a doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida State University.

• Robinson previously served as president of  First Steps Consulting Group (Atlanta, Ga.), which provided instruction, counseling and mentoring to high school and amateur prospective student-athletes aspiring to become collegiate athletes.

• He served in the position of Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations and Compliance at Clark-Atlanta University (2010 to 2013).

• Mr. Robinson had a stint serving as Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations and Compliance at Alabama State University (2009-10).

• Further work experiences in athletic administration for Robinson have included working as an Athletic Academic Support Counselor – Football Operations and Instructor at Florida State University (2004-06) and Assistant Director of Athletics for Internal Operations at Alcorn State University (2002-04).

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XU Rush do it the Wright way, beat Tougaloo with late FTs

PHOTO GALLERY: XU men's basketball vs. Tougaloo —
at Xavier University Convocation Center

Photos by Yamlak Tsega

NEW ORLEANS — Morris Wright's two free throws with three-tenths of a second remaining gave NAIA No. 24 Xavier University of Louisiana a 76-74 men's basketball victory against Tougaloo.

The Gold Rush (13-6, 2-1) moved into a second-place tie in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference with the Bulldogs (4-7, 2-1) and Philander Smith.

Wright scored the winning points after Malcolm Sanders fouled him as he drove into the key on Xavier's final possession.

Tougaloo trailed 58-45 with 10:40 remaining but tied the score on Kelsey Howard's basket with 11 seconds remaining.

Sydney Coleman scored a season-high 17 points for Xavier, and his eight rebounds were one less than his season best. Anthony Goode had 15 points — he made three of Xavier's five 3-pointers — and tied his career high of six assists. Wright had 13 points and seven assists, and Jacques Johnson matched his career high of 12 points in his first double-figure game since late November.

Quintarius Porter had 22 points and six 3-pointers, both season highs, and four steals for Tougaloo. Howard scored 16 points, Andravious Smith had 14, and Kardrailous Kemp scored 11. Jarmell Anderson had a career-high nine assists.

Johnson's two baskets in the final 1:23 erased a Tougaloo lead and gave Xavier a 37-34 halftime advantage. The Bulldogs led by six twice in the opening half, the last time at 29-23 on Kemp's basket at 5:39.

Xavier — led by Coleman's 7-of-8 shooting and Wesley Pluviose-Philip's 4-of-5 — matched its season high by shooting 59.6 percent from the floor. It was the eighth time this season that the Gold Rush reached 50 percent and the fourth time in the last six games.

Xavier equaled its season high of 20 assists and outrebounded Tougaloo 30-20.

The Bulldogs shot 46 percent from the floor and made 20-of-24 free throws.

Xavier's will play GCAC and city rival SUNO at 7:30 p.m. next Monday at XU's Convocation Center.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director 

XULAATHLETICS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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Gold Nuggets hit the high notes, defeat Tougaloo 69-58

PHOTO GALLERY:  XU women's basketball vs. Tougaloo —
at Xavier University Convocation Center

Photos by Yamlak Tsega

NEW ORLEANS — Sparked by a slew of season and career highs Monday, Xavier University of Louisiana rolled to a 69-58 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against Tougaloo.

Four scored in double figures for the Gold Nuggets (10-9, 3-0 GCAC), led by freshman Ireyon Keith with a career-high-tying 13 points. Donyeah Mayfield and Whitney Gathright scored 12 points apiece — Mayfield matched her season high — and sophomore Kelsee Singleton produced her first XU double-double with a career-high-tying 10 points and a career-best 10 rebounds.

Emoni Harvey grabbed a game- and career-best 11 rebounds for Xavier. Harvey, a 5-foot-6 junior guard, has a team-high 28 rebounds through three conference games.

Montoria Atkinson had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs (0-12, 0-3). Reyada Stinner had 14 points, six assists and five steals, and Tremayia Weatherspoon scored 10.

The Gold Nuggets led wire-to-wire. Keith's basket at 2:34 of the first half gave Xavier its largest lead, 30-13. Xavier led 34-22 at halftime and maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half.

Xavier outshot Tougaloo 38.7 to 33.3 percent from the floor. The Gold Nuggets did not make a 3-pointer for the first time this season but made 21 free throws, a season high, in 27 attempts.

Xavier's will play GCAC and city rival SUNO at 5:30 p.m. next Monday at XU's Convocation Center.

Box score

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director 

XULAATHLETICS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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ASU Hornets Pick Up Another Road Win at MVSU

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Jamel Waters scored 17 points and had a game-high nine assists in leading Alabama State to an 88-76 win at Mississippi Valley State to remain undefeated in conference play.

For the sixth time this season the Hornets had four players reach double digits as DeMarcus Robinson (15), Maurice Strong (14) and Bobby Brown (10) joined Waters in double figures.

MVSU also had four players in double digits led by Jeffery Simmons 20 points off the bench.  Latrell Love added 18 while Billy Jackson had 13 and Dwain Whitfield 12.  Jordan Washington came into the game as one of the top scorers in the conference averaging over 14 points per game.  The Hornets made it hard on him and he finished scoreless.

"I thought our guard play helped us have the slight lead going into halftime, but our defense has to get better," Head Coach Lewis Jackson said.  "They got to the free throw too much tonight and they penetrated against us even when we played zone."

"We gave up 70-something points and that is a lot of points for us to give up.  You know it's still a win on the road so we were able to get what we wanted and that was two wins, but we have got to get better."

With the Hornets holding a seven point lead coming out of the half, Robinson scored six straight points as ASU blew the game open out scoring MVSU 16-2 over the first four minutes of the second half and went on to lead by as many as 21 at 53-32.

MVSU (2-14/1-2 SWAC) was able to keep the score as close as it was by getting to the free throw line.  They shot 43 percent from the field and only hit 29 percent of their threes, but hit 25 of their 36 free throw attempts.

ASU (8-5/4-0 SWAC) shot 52 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the three point line.  ASU attempted 19 free throws hitting 13.  15 of those free throws came in the second half.

The Hornets did a better job of taking care of the basketball committing 11 turnovers while finishing the game with 22 assists on their 35 field goals. Robinson dished out a career-high seven assists and had a game-high four steals.

The Hornets shot 46 percent in the first half and took a 37-30 lead into the locker room at the half.  Robinson had eight and Strong added seven to lead ASU.

MVSU shot 39 percent in the opening 20 minutes and got 12 points from Simmons and 11 from Love, but it was at the free throw line where the Delta Devils was able to stay in the game.  They shot 17 free throws making 11 while the Hornets only shot four, making three.

ASU will end the three-game road swing at Alabama A&M Saturday, Jan. 17 in Huntsville.  The game is scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m. The game can be heard live on HornetVision at bamastatesports.com.

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Funeral Arrangements Finalized For FAMU's Interim Athletic Director

Dr. Nelson Elijah Townsend (1941 - 2015)

Dr. Nelson Elijah Townsend, 73, died Thursday January 8, 2015.

The viewing is at 11 a.m.  Funeral service will be 12 (Noon), WEDNESDAY January 14, 2015 at Florida A&M University Lee Hall, 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd with burial at Tallahassee Memory Gardens.



Strong and Jones Funeral Home
551 West Carolina Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-224-2139 

Jasmine Jefferson’s double-double lifts Southern women over Jackson State

JACKSON, Mississippi — Jasmine Jefferson walked out of the visitors locker room Monday night and proclaimed what already was obvious.

“First let me say, finally,” Southern’s senior post player said, “that Jas Jefferson is back.”

Jefferson, a preseason all-Southwestern Athletic Conference player, has played below expectations for much of the season. But she had game-highs of 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Jaguars to a 77-61 victory against Jackson State in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center.

That performance came 48 hours after Jefferson missed 10 of 14 shots and had just five rebounds in an effort that epitomized the Jaguars’ lethargic 57-56 loss at Grambling.

“I was really happy with Jas,” Southern coach Sandy Pugh said, “because I really lit into her the last game — during and after.”

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Stillman men perfect at home

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama --The Stillman College men’s basketball team continued its home dominance in a 68-64 win over Claflin University on Monday.

The Tigers have won three straight games and remain a perfect 7-0 at home this season.

It was a team effort for the Tigers against Claflin (5-9, 2-3 SIAC), as four players scored in double digits.

Rodnerius Lewis led Stillman in scoring with 17 points and Markeith Madison added 16 points.

Jamon Jackson-Wilson had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double effort and Maurice Crenshaw came off the bench and was 3 of 5 on 3-pointers to give the Tigers a cushion.

“One thing we always talk about is ...

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Jackson State falls in key SWAC matchup

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Wayne Brent has been looking for someone other than Raeford Worsham to step up when it mattered.

Treshawn Bolden provided that. But it was not good enough on Monday.

Even behind Bolden's second half performance, Jackson State fell to Southern 60-52 on Monday at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center.

Bolden, a Callaway product, finished with 13 points and seven rebounds for Jackson State (4-13, 2-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference). After a Javeres Brent 3-pointer to tie the game, Bolden's layup with 12:39 left in the second half gave the Tigers a brief 32-30 lead, its only lead of the game.

"One thing with Treshawn is we need ...

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GSU women win second straight

GRAMBLING, Louisiana – The Grambling State Lady Tigers evened their conference record with a 64-57 win over Alcorn State on Monday night.

Grambling improves to 2-2 in the SWAC and 4-10 overall with the win. Alcorn State drops to 3-9 overall and 2-2 in the SWAC.

The Lady Tigers held a 24-22 halftime lead and then stretched the margin in the second half to the eventual seven-point difference.

Bre’Nae Andrews scored 17 points and Shanice Poole added 16 to lead Grambling. The Lady Tigers also got nine points from Yosha Watson.

Olivia Brown led Alcorn with 17 points and Norianna Haynes had 10 for the losers.

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Florida A&M's Hazing Message received, finally

MIAMI, Florida -- Scroll to the bottom of Florida A&M University’s home page and there, under Quick Links, is one that says, “Stop Hazing.”

Those two words say that FAMU has gotten serious about confronting the scourge of violence and intimidation that go along with “belonging,” with being accepted. The school can proudly cite progress in keeping its students safe from hazing.

Last week, former student Dante Martin was sentenced to more than six years in prison in the 2011 beating death of Robert Champion, 26, a FAMU band member who died after a brutal hazing ritual went off the tracks. Martin is the first of 15 former members of the band to stand trial in the case. Prosecutors said that he took the lead in the smacking, beating and pummeling that some students at FAMU — and other academic institutions across the country — endure just to belong to the clique, in this case, the legendary Marching 100.

Mr. Champion, from Decatur, Ga., was brutalized and killed at the hands of irresponsible band mates while on a bus trip. The death, of course, was the worst of it. But the fallout was significant, too: FAMU’s president, James Ammons, resigned; the band leader lost his job; the band was suspended for two years; and FAMU showed that it had learned little, if anything at all, for a hazing incident 10 years earlier.\

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Southern women seeking leadership

JACKSON, Mississippi — The Southern women’s basketball team has played just three Southwestern Athletic Conference games, but it hasn’t looked like the team that was picked to win the regular-season title.

The Jaguars (2-10 overall) beat Prairie View in their conference opener before losing to Texas Southern. Then came a 57-56 loss in the league road opener against Grambling on Saturday.

Southern had big advantages in size and experience and led by as many as eight points in the second half but couldn’t finish.

The loss seemed to leave Jaguars coach Sandy Pugh equal parts angry and mystified.

“I don’t know what’s going on,” Pugh said. “Our veterans didn’t do a good job. They weren’t focused. I think that lack of leadership and lack of toughness showed its head.”

Southern was picked to win the ...

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BUFFALO NEWS: Nelson Townsend, former UB athletic director, dies in Florida

May 16, 1941 – Jan. 8, 2015

BUFFALO, New York  (Jan. 9, 2015) -- Nelson E. Townsend, former University at Buffalo athletics director, died Thursday in Florida after collapsing before a meeting at Florida A&M University, where he was interim athletic director. He was 73.

Mr. Townsend had been at Florida A&M for less than a month, taking over on Dec. 15 after former Athletic Director Kellen Winslow resigned.

Mr. Townsend was at UB for 11 years, starting in 1987, and while there guided the athletic program from Division III to Division I. While at UB, he was chairman of the NCAA Olympic Liaison Committee and a member of the United States Olympic Committee, and was instrumental in bringing the World University Games to Buffalo in 1993 – the only time the games have been held in the United States.

Mr. Townsend stepped down from the athletic post at UB in 1998 after suffering a heart attack.

This was his third time as athletic director at Florida A&M, having held the position in 1986-87 and 2005-07. Shortly after accepting the job, Mr. Townsend hired Alex Wood, interim head coach at UB, as the head football coach at Florida A&M.

“The university lost a dear friend, excellent leader and administrator,” Florida A&M President Elmira Mangum said in a statement. “We will miss Nelson Townsend. We join his wife and family in mourning this great loss.”

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MSU Returns to Hill Field House to Host UMES Monday Night

Game Dates: Monday, January 12, 2015
Opponent: Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (8-9, 1-1 MEAC)
Site: Hill Field House, Baltimore, Maryland
Game Time: 7:30 p.m.
Record:  MSU 3-14 (1-2 MEAC)
Head Coach: Todd Bozeman (146-130 - 9th yr)
Websites: www.MorganStateBears.com/www.umeshawks.com

Game Notes  | Watch Live  |  Live Stats  |  Live Audio  |  Twitter Updates 
 
BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State will play its first of three straight homes games when it welcomes the Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore (8-9, 1-1 MEAC) to Hill Field House on Monday, January 12. The matchup will be the first home game for the Bears since they recorded a win against UC Irvine on December 16. Tip-off at Hill Field House is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be radio broadcast by WEAA, 88.9 FM and Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN). There will be live updates throughout the game available on Twitter @MorganStBears. A live game stream will also be provided on www.morganstatebears.com.
 
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MSU men's basketball fans can follow their favorite team, or any of the other MSU athletics programs on Twitter through the handle @MorganStBears.

LAST TIME OUT
Jan. 10, 2015 -- Cedric Blossom scored a career-high 24 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and made 10 of 12 free throws Saturday and Morgan State rallied to beat Delaware State 73-69, snapping a six-game losing streak. Blake Bozeman matched his career-high with 22, including four 3-pointers, Zech Smithhad 10 with 12 rebounds, and the Bears (3-14, 1-2 Mid-Eastern Athletic) were outrebounded 50-29 but converted 29 of 44 free throws.

SCOUTING THE HAWKS
• UMES welcomed back seven veterans from a squad that posted a 6-24 overall record, and finished last in the MEAC with a 4-12 mark.
• Bobby Collins (Eastern Kentucky '91) enters his first season as the Hawks head men's basketball coach and he has guided UMES to a 8-9 record, and is 188-182 in his 13th season as a head coach.
• Michael Myers leads the Hawks by averaging 15.4 ppg and leads his team in rebounds (7.0 rpg). Devin Martin is averaing 11.6 ppg, and Devon Walker is adding 9.4 ppg. Ishaq Pitt leads the Hawks is assists (3.3 apg). 
• UMES enters Monday night's contest fresh off a 63-60 win over Tennessee-Martin last Tuesday night. Devon Walker paced the Hawks with 16 points and Michael Myers added 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

FOR THE RECORD
The Morgan State Bears will square off against Maryland Eastern Shore for the 83rd meeting between the two schools. MSU holds a 50-32 advantage in the series since the 1971-72 season. Ian Chiles had 22 points as the Bears stormed out to a 23-point lead midway through the first half and beat the Hawks 88-72 in their last meeting on Feb. 17, 2014. MSU has won the last three meetings vs. UMES, including 8 of the last 10 meetings.

MORGAN STATE TABBED THIRD IN PRESEASON POLL
Morgan State was picked to finish third in the 2014-15 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's basketball preseason poll behind defending regular season champion North Carolina Central.
 
BLAKE BOZEMAN EARNS PRESEASON HONORS
Morgan State senior guard Blake Bozeman was selected to the Preseason All-MEAC Third Team by the conference head coaches and sports information directors.

2015 MEAC Basketball Tournament Tickets are on SALE NOW!?
The 2015 MEAC Tournament is March 9-14 at the Norfolk Scope Arena?Norfolk, Virginia. Ticket books are on sale for $100 at the MSU Box Office located at the Morgan State University Student Center.

To purchase tickets, call the MEAC office at 757-951-2055 or contact your institution's ticketing office.  Tickets can also be purchased by visiting the MSU Box Office at the Student Center. Ticketmaster.comor calling them at 1-800-745-3000.  You may also contact the Scope Arena box office at 757-664-6464.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Return to Dover boosts May, Delaware State

DOVER, Delaware -- Amere May left Delaware State University's basketball program because its playing style didn't fit him.

After one major alteration – Keith Walker taking over as head coach this year – DSU suited the 6-foot-3 guard from Covert, Michigan, much better.

He came back and, so far, both he and the Hornets have been a perfect match.

"I think it was meant to be," May said.

May's season has featured a 48-point effort in DSU's 72-64 win at St. Francis Brooklyn on Dec. 17, the second highest single-game total in school history.

He also scored 32 in the Hornets' 72-65 victory at Wake Forest on Nov. 28. In both that and the St. Francis Brooklyn game, May was 6-for-10 on 3-pointers.

While scoring 28 points in a loss to Campbell Dec. 10, May was 10-for-10 at the foul line, as he was at St. Francis Brooklyn.


Guard Amere May #44 tossed an alley oop pass off the glass to center Kendall Gray, who finished with a thunderous dunk.

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Paine College Official Release on Self-Imposed Suspension of Infant Football Program

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Jan. 10, 2015) -- Dr. Samuel Sullivan, Paine College Interim President, announced today that the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to suspend the College’s football program for two years. Dr. Sullivan said that the suspension was self-imposed. He commented, “At this critical juncture in the history of Paine College, we have no choice but to firmly reestablish the financial health of our College.” “It is only through achieving this condition that we will have a chance of being removed from probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and winning reaffirmation of the College’s accreditation.” Dr. Sullivan further stated, “We must take this and other steps to reduce overall expenditures by the College and increase our net assets.” “After removal of all sanctions imposed upon the college by SACSCOC, we will conduct a cost benefit analysis and evaluate the return of our football program.”

“The College will honor scholarships for eligible players during the spring 2015 semester,” said Athletics Director Selina Kohn. “While we regret that the College has suspended the football program, the Lion Athletics Program will continue to support five men’s and five women’s sports.” Kohn further stated that the football coaches will mentor the student athletes to help them make the transition to find new athletic homes for those who wish to transfer.

During the meeting of the Board of Trustees in October 2012, the governing body unanimously voted to revive the football program after a 50-year hiatus. The College introduced Club Football with a limited number of games in 2013 and rolled out its full program during the 2014 fall semester.

Under the leadership of Coach Greg Ruffin, the Club team ended the season with an impressive 3-1 record in 2013. In 2014, the Lions ended the season with a 2-8 record.

Although the community has rallied support for the new program that is still in its infant stage, the cost to operate the program has placed an enormous amount of financial strain on the College’s operating budget.

“We want our sports programs to remain competitive and in order to do that, we must revisit the cost of maintaining a healthy athletic program,” said Dr. Sullivan. “Although the College is witnessing an enormous outpouring of support from the community, the economic climate has caused us to reassess the budgets and the cost of operating the football program.” “It is imperative that we continue to enhance the College’s academic programs and student services.”

The Paine College Lion Athletic program falls under the auspices of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference and NCAA Division II.

For more information, please contact the Office of Communications and Marketing at 706.396.7591, 396.8163 or via email:Tjwilliams@paine.edu.

Jacobs: College football championship still faces challenges

ESPN'S power drives the decisions: the marriage of money and
 television programming.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- When Ohio State and Oregon take the field Monday night in major-college football’s latest version of a championship game, the meeting will be hailed as a landmark moment, the culmination of years of popular advocacy, aspiration and agonizing. Finally, common sense will have prevailed. Satisfaction is mine, saith the horde.

And soon enough, as sure as someone will insist the Ducks are not soft and the Big Ten’s reputation is redeemed, the call will be raised for the College Football Playoff to go forth and multiply, expanding to include eight, not four teams, and seven, not three games.

But before we careen farther – toward more games, more practices, more TV inventory, more coaches’ pay, more revenues for everyone except the players involved – let’s recognize how far we’ve already traveled down the road to excess. For one simple gauge of how far we’ve come, consider that Duke’s spring practice for 2015 starts less than a month after college’s 2014 champion is determined.

You can appreciate college football and still question placing greater demands on the bodies and minds of players, who are supposedly students first. Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes coach, opposes expanding the Playoff. He noted prior to the Sugar Bowl that the length of the college season was positively “NFL-ish.” “I think it’s something we all need to consistently monitor … because the wear and tear on the student-athlete is real,” he said. “It’s never been like this. This is the first time in college football history.”

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