Tennessee State Tiger Camp Update: DL

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team conducted its third spring practice of the week, Friday, in preparation of Saturday morning’s scrimmage.

The defensive line was one of the squad’s top units, ranking first in the conference in tackles for loss. The stellar play led to seniors Anthony Bass and Samquan Evans earning All-OVC Honors.

There are many new faces in the fold, and while the depth may be thin before freshman report in the fall, it is not short on talent.

This season, the group will welcome two new starters, but the line will include break-out stars Dinsdale Jackson, Roc-M Nesbitt and Gabe Terry.

The entire TSU D will look to shut down the team’s offense in tomorrow’s 9 a.m. scrimmage.



COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Rattlers Looking To Lovejoy To Lead Defensive Line

HEAD COACH ALEX WOOD
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The Rattler football team went through morning practice under the lights of Bragg Stadium. The spirited practice was marked with rainfall about 20 minutes into practice, but as it cleared, apparently the team’s focus did as well. “We had better execution today for sure. For whatever reason the enthusiasm was good. I think the players are learning what to do and gaining more confidence, and I think that contributed to this morning,” head coach Alex Wood said.

One position that Wood has mentioned will be critical to the success of the FAMU defense is the defensive front. Changing philosophies from last year’s 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense will change players’ assignments. Central to that change is Michael Lovejoy. Lovejoy, a 6’4” 300 lb., senior defensive lineman from Pensacola, Fla., will be relied heavily upon to control the line of scrimmage.

“I’m looking forward to everyone learning the new defense and assignments and it all falling together. I think the coaches have come in with a good mindset to improve from last year. We have confidence that if we follow their lead, things will be better,” Lovejoy said.

In full team scrimmage, Lovejoy broke through the line and nailed a running back, drawing a roar from the team. That’s about as much noise as Lovejoy would make, as he is not a vocal leader, but one who leads by his actions.

“Mike has been a good leader for us, as he leads by example more than anything. He’s a solid player…a dominant player for us in the middle. With our change in defense he has a little less responsibility, as he won’t be responsible for two gaps anymore. Now he’s a single gap player getting help from the linebacker and the extra down lineman we’ve put at the line of scrimmage. I think this defense will fit him well and he has experience playing outside as well,” Wood said.

Last season, Lovejoy had 40 total tackles, with 22 of them being solos. He had seven tackles for loss, accumulating 28 yards for loss. He also had three and a half sacks for a total of 23 yards for loss. He also broke up one pass and defended another. With streamlined responsibility of the 4-3 defense, Lovejoy is poised to have a breakthrough season. Coupled with his physique, Lovejoy could be poised to make it to the next level with a solid 2015 football season.

Wood sees Lovejoy as a model student athlete. “He’s solid in everything he does. He’s a great guy in the classroom, he’s a great guy in the community and he also leads by his work ethic on the field,” Wood said.

The Rattlers will hold their second scrimmage, tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Bragg Stadium. Wood, has solicited the help of some referees to give the team a more accurate look at where they really are. “We’re going to get the referees involved to make sure we’re fundamentally sound in our alignments and we’ll implement some special teams to see how we transition on and off the field in situational football,” Wood said.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former FAMU QB Austin Trainor earns invite to NFL Raiders rookie minicamp

QB AUSTIN TRAINER
Courtesy: FAMU Athletics

CARROLLTON, Georgia  -- Earlier this week, Central Florida wide receiver Brashad Perriman made some headlines with his 4.25 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. He is projected as a mid-first to second round pick in the upcoming draft and needed to make his pro day count. Wide receiver's can't run drills alone. Someone has to throw them the ball. In this case it was former West Georgia quarterback, Austin Trainor.

Scouts may have been there to see Perriman, but Trainor opened some eyes as well. Among them was the Raiders, who according to the National Football Post, have invited Trainor to attend their rookie minicamp in May.

Trainor went underaft last year, which is why he can accept the invitation now. The invitation is a tryout for the team who will be looking for a camp arm behind Derek Carr, Matt McGloin and Christian Ponder. McGloin himself went undrafted and had to try out for NFL teams. He earned a spot on the Raiders ahead of drafted fourth round QB Tyler Wilson. So, anything is possible for Trainor.

The 6-3, 231-pounder played his first two seasons of college ball at Florida A&M and later transferred to West Georgia.

CONTINUE READING

VSU Multipurpose Center Walkthru Animation

PETERSBURG, Virginia -- Virginia State University Multipurpose Center  -- Presently under construction, the 167,000 gross sq. ft. event facility will have approximately 5,200 fixed seats and accommodate nearly 6,200 for events. The facility will be the home of Trojan basketball and volleyball, and will include food and retail services, media spaces, classrooms and faculty offices, a wellness center and conference/meeting spaces. The Center is scheduled for completion winter of 2015. Construction by S.B. Ballard Construction.   Estimated Construction Cost: $85 million.  Check out this link for a slide show preview:

Florida A&M musicians arrive in New York for historic performance at Carnegie Hall

FAMUNAA.ORG
RATTLERS, JOIN US NOW!!

MANHATTAN, New York - The 60-member wind symphony from Florida A&M University (FAMU) arrived to the city on Friday to prepare for their performance at Carnegie Hall on Sunday.

Students and staff flew in from the Sunshine State and are staying in Midtown Manhattan. Their time before the big performance will be spent in music rehearsals, sightseeing and meeting Tri-State area FAMU alumni.

Over $40,000 was raised from donors across the nation to pay for the trip and also for brand new instruments the students will play at the legendary venue.

Musicians will have a dress rehearsal on Saturday before performing on Sunday at Carnegie Hall. Several university officials are in the city for performance including FAMU president Dr. Elmira Magnum.

Making history, the FAMU Wind Symphony will be the first appearance of a classical ensemble from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) at Carnegie Hall.

The symphony’s invitation is part of the Ensemble Spotlight Series. The group will share the stage with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, the featured company for the evening.



CONTINUE READING

WSSU gets commitment from junior-college star

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Small forward T.J. Wilson has committed to play basketball at Winston-Salem State.

Wilson, who is 6-3 and 205 pounds, played two seasons ago at Caldwell Community College, where he helped it to the Division III Junior College national championship game. During that 2013-14 season Wilson averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds.

“I’m excited about coming to Winston,” Wilson said by telephone on Thursday. “I love their style of play and how they trap all over the court. It’s a similar style that I’m used to, so it’s going to be a nice fit.”

Wilson missed this past season at Caldwell Community College so he could focus on his academics, but says he will graduate from CCC. He’ll have two years of eligibility remaining.

Wilson was a member of Gastonia Hunter Huss’ state championship team in his senior high school season in 2010-11. He signed with Lenoir-Rhyne but only stayed there for a semester before going to Caldwell Community College.

He said that Fayetteville State, East Tennessee State and ...

CONTINUE READING

Jamaica to LA to Cleveland: Browns Karim Barton (Morgan State) continues to defy life’s obstacles

VIDEO: 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It’s hard to figure out what’s more distinctive:
Karim Barton’s thick Jamaican accent or his treacherous path to the NFL.

It’s a Monday in March during the offseason and Barton is one of the only players in the Cleveland Browns’ building. He laces up his orange cleats and trots out to the indoor practice field. He works out on the artificial grass until the sweat floods down his face like the rain water he grew up drinking.

Barton, a 6-foot-3, 313-pound reserve offensive lineman, just completed his first season on the practice squad. An NFL practice squad is where many football careers come to an end. The Browns made more than a dozen cuts on the practice squad last season alone.

Barton won’t allow anything to die. In fact, establishing himself as a professional football player will be a cakewalk compared to what he’s experienced through most of his life.

Barton stares blankly at the pictures – the ones of his mom, dad and three older brothers. As he slowly thumbs through the photos, the 23-year-old’s face winces with pain. His throat hardens.

CONTINUE READING

Bill would allow alcohol at FAMU's Lawson Center, Bragg Stadium

AL LAWSON CENTER
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The debt-ridden Florida A&M University Athletic department may get a boost from alcohol sales at Rattler football games under a bill passed in a House subcommittee Wednesday morning.

FAMU Athletics, which has accrued millions of dollars in debt, stands to make an estimated $50,000 in revenue by “providing select fans a premium experience at home football games in Bragg Memorial Stadium in the North End Zone Club,” according to a staff analysis of HB 1163, sponsored by Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee.

The bill cleared the House Local Government Affairs Subcommittee without debate.

In the 2014-15 football season, FAMU unveiled the North End Zone Club, where season-ticket holders who pay an extra $65 for a ticket can watch the game from a climate-controlled tent along with a buffet and flat-screen televisions.

Williams’ bill would now allow vendors who get a special temporary alcohol license to sell alcohol at Bragg and the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center for special events.

CONTINUE READING

Hampton U.'s Holloway, Pierce on national stage

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY COACH MAURICE PIERCE
Courtesy Hampton U. Athletics

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- A week after hurdler Trey Holloway turned in one of the best performances in Hampton University track history, his coach, Maurice Pierce, was recognized by his peers for a coveted position.

Pierce, the director of track and field for the Pirates' men and women, was selected as an assistant coach for sprints, hurdles and relays for the U.S. men's team that will compete in the IAAF World Outdoor Championships in August in Beijing.

"A huge honor," Pierce said. "I wasn't even sure I was under consideration. This is big for Hampton and our program, and for me. The only thing bigger than coaching in the worlds is the Olympics. I hope one day they consider me for a spot on the Olympic team, if not coming up, maybe 2020."

Holloway finished third in the 60-meter hurdles at the recent NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, Ark., clocking a school-record 7.72 seconds in the finals and becoming the program's first indoor All-American honor since the athletic department moved up to Division I in 1995.

CONTINUE READING

Matoaca's Star PG Devin Morgan commits to Delaware State

CHESTER, Virginia -- Matoaca senior point guard Devin Morgan (2-star) committed to Delaware State last weekend. Morgan (5-foot-9/175) was the leading scorer in the Richmond area, averaging 28.6 points per game. He was named the Conference 12 player of the year.

Morgan also had offers from Radford, Northern Arizona and Longwood.

Delaware State finished 18-18 and finished runner-up to Hampton in the MEAC tournament. Also on the roster at Delaware State is Kavon Waller, a freshman forward from Thomas Dale.



CONTINUE READING

Carter settling in as DSU's football coach

DOVER, Delaware — Kenny Carter has been so consumed in his first two months as Delaware State University’s new football coach that some daily activities take a backseat.

“My strength coach will come in with food in his hand and asks, ‘Did you eat?’” says Carter as he sits on a couch in his new office. “I’ll look at him and be like, ‘I really don’t know. Then he’ll run out and get me some food.’”

While Carter might not be settled in his personal life — he is still sleeping on an air mattress — he has jumped right into football as Delaware State’s spring camp is well underway.



Carter is busy installing a new offensive and defensive system. His new coaching staff includes seven newcomers to go along with one holdover from last year’s staff.

The biggest change is the tempo. Carter wants to play fast and there isn’t much standing around during this camp.

The players have noticed the increased intensity of practice.

CONTINUE READING

Jacksonville's Curry twins sign with N.C. A&T football

Kris Curry (6'-2"/245 4.60 40 yd dash) shared The Daily News player of the year honors after he rushed for a school, record 2,327 yards to go along with 19 touchdowns, last season.  Korey Curry (6'-2"/235 4.65 40 yd dash) was a first-team all-area defensive back after he recorded 42 tackles, 14.5 sacks and eight tackles for losses for 9-4 Northside High School. 

JACKSONVILLE, North Carolina -- The Curry twins of Northside High are taking their football prowess and personable and sometimes outspoken personalities to Greensboro.

Kris and Korey Curry signed national letters of intent Thursday to play at North Carolina A&T University of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. They both called it a dream to not only play collegiate football but also to play Division I.

N.C. A&T is a member of the Football Championship Subdivision.

KRIS CURRY VIDEO

KOREY CURRY VIDEO

“I’m both excited and relieved,” Korey said. “I know where I’m going and I’m excited to be out there playing football again.”

Kris echoed his brother’s comments, adding that football gave them a better opportunity than basketball. The twins were key cogs in Northside’s basketball team that this season advanced to the NCHSAA East Regionals for the third consecutive season.

CONTINUE READING

Privateers Host Non-Conference Foe, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF (10-10, 6-3) AT NEW ORLEANS (8-16, 2-7)
GAME 25-27 | NEW ORLEANS, LA. | MAESTRI FIELD AT FIRST NBC BALLPARK
FRIDAY 6:30 PM | SATURDAY 2 PM | SUNDAY 1 PM

GAME NOTES | AUDIO | VIDEO | TWITTER
 
THE SERIES:
The New Orleans Privateers baseball team (8-16, 2-7 Southland) faces a non-conference test to wrap up the final weekend of a 12-game home stand as they take on the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (10-10, 6-3 SWAC) in a three-game series. First pitch for the opener is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Maestri Field at First NBC Ballpark.
 
The Privateers are trying to break a season-long five-game losing streak that has extended back to Mar. 17. New Orleans lost to the Loyola Wolfpack on Tuesday night, their first loss against Loyola since 1972. In the losing skid, the Privateers have been held to under five runs in four of five games.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff comes in after splitting a mid-week series against an SEC opponent, defeating Missouri 8-3 on Tuesday and losing to the Tigers 9-3 on Wednesday. The Golden Lions have taken two wins over SEC competition including a win over then-15^thranked Mississippi State on Mar. 3.
 
Carlos James is in the midst of his fifth season with Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Last season, James took the Golden Lions to a SWAC West Division title, their first in program history. In 2013, James was named the SWAC Coach of the Year. On the diamond, Andre Davis leads the team in batting average, hits, home runs, RBIS, slugging percentage, and is tied for the team lead in runs.

PITCHING ROTATION:
Friday- UNO: Alex Smith RHP (2-4, 3.11) vs. UAPB: Billy Olson RHP (4-2, 4.41)
Saturday- UNO: Jordan Priddle LHP (4-2, 3.49) vs. UAPB: Blake Estep RHP (2-2, 7.45)
Sunday- UNO: Daniel Martinez RHP (0-2, 5.90) vs. UAPB: Humberto Medina RHP (0-2, 3.98)
 
ALL-TIME SERIES:
RECORD: First meeting
 
NEXT UP:
The Privateers will have their second match-up against the Loyola Wolfpack on Tuesday, Mar. 31. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
 
NEWS AND NOTES:
ALL THE WAY HOME:
Ryan Calloway has scored 19 runs this season, which leads the team and has been crossed the plate eight times in the last eight games. Calloway's run total currently ranks him in a tie for seventh most in the conference.

SWACCESS:
The Privateers will be playing their fourth, fifth, and sixth games against a SWAC opponent this season. At the MLB Urban Youth Invitational, New Orleans defeated three separate SWAC foes (Alcorn State, Southern, Grambling). In 2014, the Privateers went 4-1 against the SWAC.
 
KNOCK KNOCK:
Ray Veit is currently on a seven-game hitting streak after going 1-for-4 on Tuesday night against Loyola. The longest hitting streak so far this season by a Privateer was accomplished by Ryan Calloway who collected a hit in eight straight games from Mar. 3-17.
 
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS MEDIA RELATIONS

UAPB Lions get validation from SEC

COURTESY UAPB ATHLETICS

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Carlos James has a saying every time his Arkansas-Pine Bluff baseball team gets off a bus to play an SEC school on its home field.

"It's 4.8 versus 11.7 and a million dollars," James said, referring to the number of scholarships UAPB is allotted because of budget restrictions compared to the deeper pockets of SEC schools.

Twice this season, UAPB has come out on top against those programs.

The Golden Lions (10-10) beat Missouri 8-3 on Tuesday in Columbia, Mo., a game in which the Tigers entered ranked 23rd nationally by Collegiate Baseball. The victory came three weeks after UAPB beat then-No. 7 Mississippi State 3-2 in Starkville, Miss.

The two victories are the school's first over major conference opponents since James took over as the Golden Lions' coach in 2011, and James said it is even more proof of the progress his program has made than the Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division championship the team won last year.

"It just kind of validates everything that we believe in our program," James said.

CONTINUE READING

XU's Wright earns NAIA All-America honorable mention

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana's Morris Wright received honorable mention on the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball All-America Team announced Wednesday.

Wright is a 5-foot-10 junior guard from Zachary, La., and a former Zachary High School and Baton Rouge Community College standout. He led the Gold Rush with 14.9 points, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game and 70 made 3-pointers. He is the first Xavier player to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 made free throws, 50 made 3-pointers and 50 steals in a season.

Wright helped the Gold Rush go 24-10, finish second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament and qualify for the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship for a school-record fifth consecutive year. The Gold Rush ranked 19th entering nationals. Wright was first-team All-GCAC for the second straight year.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

XU's Gathright receives another All-America honor

XULAgold.com

NEW ORLEANS -- For the second time in nine days, Xavier University of Louisiana's Whitney Gatright has earned an NAIA postseason honor.

Gathright received honorable mention Wednesday on the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball All-America Team.

Gathright is a 5-foot-4 junior guard from New Orleans and a graduate of John Curtis Christian School. She led the Gold Nuggets with 12.8 points, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game, and she was the only Louisiana woman this season with 400 points, 100 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 made free throws, 40 made 3-pointers and 60 steals.

Last week she earned honorable mention on the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's NAIA All-America team.

The Gold Nuggets were 18-15 this past season and finished second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament. Gathright was first-team All-GCAC for the second consecutive year.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

XU launches SIDEARM-powered website, XULAgold.com

XULAgold.com

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana's Department of Athletics and Recreation has launched its new website, XULAgold.com, in partnership with SIDEARM Sports.

XULAgold.com went online at 10 a.m. Thursday. It replaced a longtime in-house site.

"We are very excited to provide this new look to all our XU stakeholders," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Jason Horn. "This new partnership gives us the opportunity to take advantage of the software and technology innovations that SIDEARM Sports brings to the table through their service to collegiate athletic programs. The new look will enhance the experience for all fans as well as give our programs a lift in recruiting. We are thrilled to be part of the SIDEARM family, and we look forward to a long, successful relationship."

As the official website provider of the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets, SIDEARM Sports gives XU fans a fully adaptive experience across all platforms. Fans can enjoy a version of XULAgold.com specifically tailored to their mobile device or opt to view the full site. Additionally, fans on mobile devices can click "Add to Home Page," and the site will provide an icon marker to allow easy access to the site without the need to download an app.

"The launch of XULAgold.com is one of our steps in energizing the branding of Xavier athletics and showcasing the successes of our department and of Xavier University," Horn said.

The site will feature information -- including schedules, live stats, streaming, rosters, statistics, game stories and photo galleries -- about Xavier's nine intercollegiate teams, along with extensive information for prospective student-athletes. Video interviews, coordinated by Administrative Specialist Jimmie Walker, will become a regular feature of the site.

XULAgold.com also offers fans the ability to sign up for free email and text message alerts for one or multiple XU teams.

Sports Information Director Ed Cassiere will continue as webmaster of the athletics website.

"SIDEARM Sports is excited to launch the new Xavier athletics website, XULAgold.com, and we are thrilled to welcome the university into our family," said Jeff Rubin, President/CEO of SIDEARM Sports. "We hope the fans, student-athletes, alumni, staff and supporters of the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will enjoy all the features that the site offers."

SIDEARM Sports, based in Syracuse, N.Y., is the host of nearly 800 websites, most of them involving intercollegiate athletics.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

SUBR addresses future of Athletics Department

Statement from SUBR administration on personnel matter involving Director of Athletics Dr. William Broussard

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University Director of Athletics Dr. William Broussard has been temporarily reassigned to the Southern University System Office, effective April 1.

The reassignment is a personnel matter and therefore the University can not discuss it publicly. The University will have no further comment on the subject.

We fully anticipate that Dr. Broussard will return as Director of Athletics on Aug. 1, 2015.

SU Head Mens’ Basketball Coach Roman Banks will assume a dual role that will include Acting Director of Athletics, effective April 1. He will continue in both positions until the anticipated return of Dr. Broussard on Aug. 1, 2015.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

UAPB Drops Missouri 8-3 to Extend Win Streak to Three Games

COLUMBIA, Missouri -- Sophomore Jerimiah Figueroa hit his second home run of the year, batting in four runs and fellow teammate Josh Cassidy hit his second consecutive game home run, as The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (10-9, 6-3 SWAC) hammered No. 23 Missouri, 8-3, on Tuesday at Taylor Stadium

The Golden Lions, who have won 10 of their last 14 games, snapped the Tigers' mission, who's coming off a good series win verse No. 6 South Carolina last week.  UAPB has won their second game against a nationally rank SEC opponent this season.  

Missouri (18-7, 5-1 SEC) would draw first blood in the bottom of the first, taking a 1-0 lead heading into the second.  The Golden Lions would roar back after the Tigers would put two UAPB runners on first and second.  Followed by Tommy Haas grounded to first, but would reach base on an throwing error, which would score Cassidy and Colin Drury to put the Golden Lions ahead 2-1 in the top of the second. 

  
Cassidy first homer to left field, a solo shot in the seventh and Figueroa repeated the effort again with a two-run blast over the left field wall in the bullpen in the eighth withVladimir Gomez on first after he reached on an error.

UAPB, which playing one of the toughest non-conference schedule among division 1-AA schools, making its best start in school history and playing above 500, under the reign of  Coach Carlos James.

The Golden Lions pitching staff was outstanding once again, chalking up six strikeouts.

RHP Jr. Blake ESTEP received the start and tossed 5.1 innings with a team-high four strikeouts, while allowing just two hits and giving up two runs.  

RHP Jr. Billy Olson (4-2) came in for ESTEP to pitch 1.2 innings and struck out one while giving up just one hit, one run to earn the win.

The Tigers threatened in the sixth inning, placing runners on first and second with one, but CF Rashawn Tillman pulled UAPB out of the jam, with a diving catch in the left-center gap and throwing out a runner at second to complete the double play to end the inning. 

Andre Davis and Kevin Walsh came on in for the last two innings to strike out one, giving up one hit and no runs to secure the victory.  

Josh Cassidy led all hitters going 3-for-4 with an RBI, followed by Jerimiah Figueroa 2-for-4 with four RBI's, and both Andre Davis and Westi Hinkel both going 2-for-4. 

The Golden Lions will be back in action against the Tigers Wednesday March 25, with the first pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

Commentary: ASU's Cyrus just wants 'foot in door' to NFL

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Malcolm Cyrus fell just short of achieving the second half of his "15-and-15" goal, but proved to be one of best running backs in college football as he rushed for 1,662 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

"I was close," Cyrus said with a laugh.

Now the former Alabama State star is looking to achieve his ultimate goal — to play in the NFL.

"All I want is a foot in the door, an opportunity," Cyrus said.



Before the 2014 season, Cyrus set a goal to rush for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns. He didn't score 15 times, but earned SWAC co-offensive player of the year honors. Cyrus rushed for 466 yards more than second-leading rusher Lenard Tillery — and played in one less game than the Southern sophomore.

Cyrus doesn't expect to get drafted, but if he's invited to an NFL camp, he plans to play on Sundays.

CONTINUE READING 

C'Evon Jones is the first indoor national champion in Virginia Union history

RICHMOND, Virginia -- It took C’Evon Jones 7.35 seconds to make it into the Virginia Union history books.

Jones won the 60 meter dash at the Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala., on March 14, becoming the first indoor national champion in school history.

Jones’ is the school’s first national title since the men’s basketball team’s championship in 2005.

“I’m still speechless,” Jones said, “because I didn’t know that I did that much. I thought I just won a national championship. I didn’t know that I made history like that.”



“I’m still overwhelmed with my accomplishment.”

But there wasn’t a lot of time between the end of the indoor season and the beginning of outdoor season, which Jones is currently in the midst of. Panthers coach Wilbert Johnson said Jones’ success this year is largely attributed to a disappointing finish to her outdoor season a year ago.

CONTINUE READING

Hampton Lady Pirates' Run Ends at West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia – The Hampton University women's basketball team saw its run in the WNIT end on Tuesday night at the WVU Coliseum, as West Virginia came away with a 57-39 win in the second round.

The Lady Pirates ended the season at 19-13.

Sophomore guard Malia Tate-DeFreitas (Harrisburg, Pa.), the MEAC Player of the Year, led the Lady Pirates with 21 points and was the only Hampton player in double figures. Redshirt junior forward Brielle Ward (Baltimore, Md.) grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Junior forward Tyler Hobgood (Oxford, N.C.) came off the bench to grab seven rebounds.

The Lady Pirates struggled offensively for the third straight game, shooting 26.4 percent (14-for-53) from the floor – including a 21.2 percent (7-for-33) clip in the first half. Hampton went without a 3-pointer and was out-rebounded 40-37.

Much like the Lady Pirates' first-round game at Drexel, the first half of Tuesday's game saw offense come at a premium; after West Virginia scored the game's first five points, Hampton went on an 8-2 run to take an 8-7 lead at the 12:54 mark on a layup from freshman forward Kaylah Lupoe (Phoenix, Ariz.).

Hobgood gave the Lady Pirates a 13-11 lead with 7:53 left in the half with a jumper, but the Mountaineers closed out the half on an 11-2 run to take a 22-15 lead into the half. Hampton went the last 5:03 of the half without a field goal.

Tate-DeFreitas had seven points at the half to lead all scorers.

A 3-pointer from Bria Holmes gave the Mountaineers their first double-digit lead of the night, 27-17, with 17:59 left in the second half. A layup from Lupoe just over four minutes later cut West Virginia's lead to 29-23, and Tate-DeFreitas cut the lead to 31-25 at the 12:44 mark with a jumper.

A 6-2 spurt from West Virginia gave the Mountaineers a 37-27 lead with 10:10 to play, thanks to a layup from Lanay Montgomery, and Averee Fields gave West Virginia a 40-30 lead with 6:37 remaining.

Tate-DeFreitas cut the lead to 40-32 with a pair of free throws with 6:09 remaining, before the Mountaineers went on a 10-3 run to take a 50-35 lead at the 2:16 mark after a trey from Linda Stepney.

Stepney added two free throws with 33 seconds left to reach the game's final margin.

West Virginia (20-14) shot 40.4 percent (19-for-47) from the floor, hit four 3-pointers, and outscored the Lady Pirates 22-16 in the paint. The Mountaineers, after shooting just 36 percent in the first half, shot 45.5 percent (10-for-22) from the floor in the second half.*

Fields led three Mountaineers in double figures with 16 points.

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

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Spring Ball Begins In North Carolina A&T Aggieland

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T head football coach Rod Broadway used the snowy winter months to stay inside and study the 2014 season. As he study film after film of his team winning nine games and a share of the MEAC title, there were some disturbing things that stood out.

Now that the snow is gone and the sun is perched high, it is time for Broadway and his staff to begin to correct those things. The Aggies have started Spring Practice 2015 with 76 players looking to be finely tuned when the Aggies start the season against Shaw University on Sept. 5 at Aggie Stadium.

A&T’s annual Blue & Gold Spring Game is noon Saturday, April 18 at Aggie Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m. The Aggies will practice Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until the Spring Game.

“We have so much room for improvement,” said Broadway just prior to the start of spring. “We need to focus on fundamentals and techniques. And this is a little embarrassing to say, especially four years into the program, but we need to work on effort.”

In four years at A&T, Broadway is 28-17. He has won at least one conference title in all three leagues he has coached – CIAA, SWAC, MEAC – after the Aggies were crowned co-champions of the MEAC this past fall. Broadway is also only four wins shy of his 100th career coaching victory.

He is the owner of four conference titles in his career, but he believes the Aggies have potential for more. In an effort to lead the Aggies to back-to-back titles, Broadway wants to see more explosiveness from his offense. Running back and co-MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Tarik Cohen and wide receivers Denzel Keyes, Xavier Griffin, Darren Bullock, Caleb Gabriel and Khris Gardin are just some of the weapons Broadway has at his disposal. He hopes to use the spring to experiment with ways of getting the ball in their hands.

“We're going to try to be a little more explosive, try to create some mismatches against people, try to put the defense in bad positions, get the ball in the hands of playmakers who are in a position where they can make plays,” said Broadway.

The Aggies will have holes to fill and positions to compete for with the graduation of All-American offensive linemen Ronald Canty and William Ray Robinson III. Defensively, the Aggies lose one of the best tacklers in school history in linebacker D’Vonte Grant along with All-American cornerback Donald Mattocks and defensive end Daniel Pinnix. But defensively the Aggies have three-fourths of their defensive line back, top tackler and rover Landis Shoffner is back and kick returner/cornerback Tony McRae is also scheduled to return.

“We've got to be a little more physical football team than we have been,” said Broadway. “We've had a chance to dominate and put some licks on people, and I don't think we do enough.”

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FSU Meets Alabama State Wednesday Night

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – After a four-game road trip, No. 9 Florida State (19-6) returns home for a four-game stay beginning Wednesday, March 25 against Alabama State (13-8) on Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. First pitch against the Hornets is set for 6 p.m.

The Seminoles and the Hornets will meet for the first time in school history on Wednesday night. Alabama State enters the week at 13-8 overall and 7-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Hornets currently lead the SWAC Eastern Division by 0.5 game following a series victory over second-place Alabama A&M.

Against current schools from the SWAC, Florida State owns an all-time record of 20-1 with the most games coming against Grambling State (18 games). The Seminoles have also faced Southern University(1982) and Jackson State (1981) and are a combined 3-0 against those two schools.

Game Notes vs ASU


CONTINUE READING

Jackson State baseball team erupts early, handles Southern 11-5

JACKSON, Mississippi — Southern pitcher Tyler Robinson put on a show against No. 1-ranked LSU.

His follow-up didn’t go nearly as well.

One week after he sparkled in seven innings at home, Robinson was roughed up at Jackson State, allowing four runs on five hits in the first inning alone as the Tigers erupted for an 11-5 victory.

The Jaguars had given Robinson a one-run lead after Marcus Tomlin smashed a one-out homer.

Defensive mistakes didn’t make Robinson’s life any easier, Southern coach Roger Cador said.

“We got out to a 1-0 lead with a solo home run, but we came back and gave up four runs,” Cador said. “We made the pitcher have to get seven outs, and when that happens, all heck broke loose.”

CONTINUE READING