MEAC Announces Softball Preseason All-Conference Honors

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Hampton Lady Pirates and the Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats were predicted to win the northern and southern divisions, respectively, in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the conference announced on Thursday. All preseason honors were voted on by the conference’s head softball coaches and sports information directors.

Savannah State’s Torrian Wright was selected as the conference’s Preseason Player of the Year, while Jailynn Jackson of Hampton earned Preseason Pitcher of the Year accolades.

Wright was selected the 2014 MEAC Player of the Year after leading the conference in runs batted in (41) and home runs (13) last season. She batted .346 with 35 walks, 31 runs scored and five doubles. Wright ranked 13th in NCAA Division I in on-base percentage (.536), 14th in walks per game (0.81), 27th in home runs per game (0.30) and 33rd in slugging percentage (.757).

Jackson started 30 games as a junior, compiling a 2.79 ERA in 203.0 innings and an 18-12 record. Jackson was the 2014 MEAC Pitcher of the year and led the MEAC with 135 strikeouts. She registered 25 complete games, with five shutouts, in 35 appearances.

Hampton was the 2014 MEAC northern division co-champions. The Lady Pirates finished the season with a 35-17 overall record and 15-3 MEAC mark.

Delaware State earned a share of the northern division last season and is picked to finish second this season, followed by Norfolk State in third. Coppin State, Morgan State, Howard and Maryland Eastern Shore complete the northern division predictions.

Bethune-Cookman captured the top seed in the 2014 MEAC Softball Championship. The Lady Wildcats finished last season with a 12-4 MEAC record and a 25-31 overall mark. Bethune-Cookman has won eight MEAC Softball tournament championships.

Florida A&M, the defending MEAC Tournament Champions, was picked to finish second in the southern division, followed by Savannah State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central and South Carolina State.

Wright (SSU) and Jackson (Hampton) are joined by Tara Tursellino (DSU), Sandy Hawthorne (DSU), Danielle Budden (Hampton), Whitney Williams (NSU), Margaret Wilkins (Hampton), Calesha Shelley (B-CU), Nicole Gazzola (DSU), Heather Dunning (NSU) and Amber Fullwood (FAMU) on the 2015 Preseason All-MEAC team.

The 2015 MEAC Softball Championship tournament is scheduled for May 7-9, 2015 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex in Ormond Beach, Florida.

2015 MEAC Softball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish

As voted on by the Conference’s Head Softball Coaches and Sports Information Directors

(First-Place Votes In Parenthesis)

Northern Division                Southern Division                                  

School	Points	School	Points
Hampton (10)	164	Bethune-Cookman (10)	132
Delaware State (13)	162	Florida A&M (11)	130
Norfolk State (1)	123	Savannah State (4)	112
Coppin State (1)	91	North Carolina A&T State	79
Morgan State	70	North Carolina Central (1)	59
Howard (1)	61	South Carolina State	34
Maryland Eastern Shore	57

2015 Softball Preseason All-MEAC Teams As voted on by the Conference’s Head Softball Coaches and Sports Information Directors Preseason Player of the Year: Torrian Wright, Savannah State Preseason Pitcher of the Year: Jailynn Jackson, Hampton First Team Pos. Name School Cl. Ht. Hometown P Tara Tursellino Delaware State So. 5-6 Moreno Valley, Calif. P Jailynn Jackson Hampton Sr. 5-8 Virginia Beach, Va. C Sandy Hawthorne Delaware State Jr. 5-7 Smithtown, N.Y. 1B Torrian Wright Savannah State Jr. 5-6 McDonough, Ga. 2B Danielle Budden Hampton So. 5-4 Jackson, N.J. 3B Whitney Williams Norfolk State Jr. 5-6 Four Oaks, N.C. SS Margaret Wilkins Hampton Gr. 5-10 Tustin, Calif. OF Calesha Shelley Bethune-Cookman Sr. 5-3 Suisan City, Calif. OF Nicole Gazzola Delaware State Jr. 5-6 Coram, N.Y. OF Heather Dunning Norfolk State Jr. 5-8 Virginia Beach, Va. UTL Amber Fullwood Florida A&M So. 5-5 Land O’Lakes, Fla. Second Team Pos. Name School Cl. Ht. Hometown P Sabrina Anguiano Bethune-Cookman So. 5-7 Haciendo Heights, Calif. P Kenya Pereira Florida A&M So. 5-3 Kissimmee, Fla. C Emerie Germ North Carolina Central Jr. 5-9 Canton, Ga. 1B Taylor McCoy Hampton Jr. 5-11 Riverview, Fla. 2B Alina Moriarty Norfolk State Sr. 5-3 Chesapeake, Va. 3B Kaitlin Alamprese Bethune-Cookman So. 5-7 Chino, Ca. SS Candice Van Horn Coppin State Sr. 5-10 Drums, Pa. OF Whitney Farris Florida A&M So. 5-8 Lake Wales, Fla. OF Claudette Tanabe-Smith Morgan State Sr. 5-5 Lemon Grove, Calif. OF Tashayla Irvis Florida A&M So. 5-1 Lake Wales, Fla. UTL Zina Constancia Morgan State Sr. 5-6 Curacao, Netherlands

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS RELEASE 1/5/15

FAMU Moves Date Of Football Season Ticket Kickoff

TALLAHASSEE, Florida --  The FAMU Department of Athletics announced Tuesday afternoon that the kickoff of the 2015 Rattler Football Season Ticket Drive would be delayed one week.

Season Ticket sales will commence in earnest on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the FAMU Athletic Box Office in the Al Lawson Center, as the department makes an all-out push to reach the goal of 10,000 season tickets sold as set by the late athletic director  Nelson Townsend.

Those needing more information on seating options, packages and prices, can call the Athletic Box Office at (850) 599-3141 or go to the official athletic website, www.FAMUAthletics.com starting Jan. 21.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Winston-Salem State 2015 football schedule will be challenging

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The reputation with the Winston-Salem State football program is that its fan base travels very well.

That reputation will be put to the test next season, with the Rams’ first four games on the road. The Rams, 9-2 last season, will have six road games and four home games; their first game at Bowman Gray Stadium is not scheduled until Oct. 3 against Chowan.

2015 WSSU Rams Football Schedule

Kienus Boulware, who will enter his second season as head coach, said the Rams will be challenged but that’s OK with him.

“We going to play some football games regardless,” Boulware said. “In order for us to stay competitive and get where we want to be, it’s imperative that we play a challenging schedule.”

The Rams, who missed the NCAA Division II playoffs last season for the first time since 2010, will open at UNC Pembroke on Sept. 3. It will be the fourth straight season the Rams will open against the Braves.

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Coppin State basketball coach Michael Grant says morale hasn't dipped despite 11-game skid

COURTESY COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Coppin State has gone 46 days since its only victory of the season – a 103-50 pasting of Division II Goldey-Beacom on Dec. 1.

But despite an 11-game losing streak and a 0-3 start in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, coach Michael Grant insisted that the Eagles (1-15 overall) have remained positive about turning the season around with upcoming home games against Bethune-Cookman (4-13, 0-3) on Saturday and Florida A&M (0-16, 0-3) on Monday.

“We feel pretty confident about going into these next two games against Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M,” Grant said Thursday afternoon. “Both of those games are games that we would really have a great opportunity of winning and could really get ourselves back into contention with everyone else. So that would really, really help us a lot. … But the guys are in great spirits. They have really believed that they could win. … Our guys still feel good that we can compete with anybody that is within our league, and we should be ready to go this weekend.”

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Former Florida Gator, Jax Jaguar Willie Jackson is new AD at Edward Waters College

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Former University of Florida and Jaguars receiver Willie Jackson was named athletic director at Edward Waters College on Wednesday by school president Nat Glover.

Jackson, 43, spent parts of eight seasons in the NFL, including three years with the Jaguars (1995-97). The Jaguars selected Jackson as part of the expansion draft in 1995 when the Dallas Cowboys left the former fourth-round selection unprotected. Jackson caught 103 passes for 1,281 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Jaguars.

He played for the Gators from 1990-93 under Steve Spurrier and finished his college career with 162 receptions for 2,172 yards and 24 touchdowns. Jackson’s yardage total is No. 5 on the Gators’ all-time career list. Jackson also played for the Gators basketball team in 1990 and ’91. He graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

Jackson replaces Johnny Rembert, who resigned last July but stayed on with the school in an advisory position.

Jackson’s appointment is effective immediately. He has five children, including a son, Sir Jackson, who is a quarterback. He plans to transfer to EWC in the fall and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

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Steven Aycock is out as JCSU head football coach

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- After a season in which his team went a disappointing 3-7, Steven Aycock has resigned as head football coach at Johnson C. Smith University, effective Jan. 15.

In a statement released late Wednesday by the university, Aycock described the decision as “very difficult.”

“For the last 10 years, I have devoted my life to the football program as assistant coach and head coach,” he said. “It has been a great journey.”

Aycock expressed gratitude for his time with the Golden Bulls.

“I will always love my young men who I’ve watched grow both on and off the field as well as the ones I’ve seen graduate and go on to be productive in their professions and their communities,” he said.

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Norfolk State reflects on fast start

NORFOLK, Virginia -- After wrapping up a six-game road trip, Norfolk State returns home to Joe Echols Hall in a three-way tie for first place in the MEAC.

The Spartans, which graduated several players last year, have won 11 of their 19 games and are 4-0 in conference play.

Second year head coach Robert Jones has done all of this with a new-look team compared to last season.

“The season has been interesting, obviously the unknown factor coming into the season with 8 new guys,” coach Jones said. “We’ve had some early success and we’re just trying to continue that success, but the 4-0 start in the MEAC is a pleasant surprise honestly with this new group.”

Senior guard Jamel Fuentes, who has seen his share of success with the Spartans, is happy about the fast start, but he’s focused on the big picture.



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Elizabeth City State Vikings Releases 2015 Football Schedule

ELIZABETH City, North Carolina -- The Elizabeth City State University Athletic Department has released the 2015 football schedule.

Last season, the Vikings finished in fourth place in the CIAA Northern Division at 4-6 overall (CIAA 3-4).

ECSU will begin the 2015 season at home on Saturday, September 5 in their first ever meeting with Virginia University of Lynchburg.

The Mighty Vikings will then hit the road for two straight weeks, first against Benedict College in Columbia, SC and then Saint Augustine's University for a non-conference clash in Raleigh, NC. When the Vikings face Benedict in Columbia on September 12th, they will be looking to avenge a last second loss suffered at the hands of the Tigers at the 2014 Down East Viking Football Classic.

On September 19th, the Vikings will tangle with the Falcons in Raleigh, NC in a cross division, non-CIAA contest. The two teams last saw each other in the 2013 season where the Vikings narrowly escaped with a 26-25 victory.

The 18th Annual Down East Viking Football Classic will open ECSU's conference slate when the Vikings welcome the Winston-Salem State Rams to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex. It will be the Rams' first trip "Down East" while the Vikings will be seeking their first win over WSSU since the 2002 season where ECSU earned a 15-14 victory.

The Vikings' other cross division CIAA contest will take place at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC on October 3rd at 1pm.

In the CIAA Northern race, the Vikings will host three of their division opponents in Roebuck Stadium, including Homecoming 2015 vs. The Lincoln University on October 17th. ECSU will welcome defending CIAA Champion Virginia State (October 10th) and Bowie State in the season finale, (November 7th) to the Harbor of Hospitality.

The Vikings' other Northern Division matchups will be road games against Chowan in Murfreesboro, NC on October 24th and Virginia Union in Richmond on Halloween (October 31st).

The 2015 CIAA Football Championship will take place on November 14th at a site to be determined. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com and follow on Twitter @ECSUVikings.

COURTESY ECSU VIKINGS ATHLETICS

2015 ECSU VIKINGS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Date Opponent / Event Location 
09/05/15 vs. Virginia University-Lynchburg Elizabeth City, N.C. 6:00 p.m. ET
09/12/15 at Benedict Columbia, SC TBA
09/19/15 at Saint Augustine's Raleigh, NC 6:00 p.m. ET
09/26/15 vs. Winston-Salem State (18th Annual Down East Viking Football Classic) *                Rocky Mount, NC 4:00 p.m. ET
10/03/15 at Livingstone * Salisbury, NC 1:00 p.m. ET
10/10/15 vs. Virginia State * Elizabeth City, N.C. 1:00 p.m. ET
10/17/15 vs. Lincoln (Pa.) (HOMECOMING) * Elizabeth City, N.C. 1:30 p.m. ET
10/24/15 at Chowan * Murfreesboro, NC 1:00 p.m. ET
10/31/15 at Virginia Union * Richmond, VA 1:00 p.m. ET
11/07/15 vs. Bowie State * Elizabeth City, N.C. 1:00 p.m. ET
11/14/15 CIAA Football Championship

BOLD: Home Games

COURTESY ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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.

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

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 

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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 ...

CONTINUE READING

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).

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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

https://twitter.com/xulagold

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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

https://twitter.com/xulagold

https://www.facebook.com/

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.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

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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