ASU Baseball To Play Final Home SWAC Series, Honor Seniors Against Alcorn State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - The Alabama State baseball team will play its final home Southwestern Athletic Conference series of the season against Alcorn State on Friday and Saturday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
 
Due to significant rain in the forecast Sunday, the series was moved up a day with Friday's doubleheader and Saturday's single game both starting at 1 p.m. The games are a part of the ASU Spring Festival in which the Swarm And Sting Football Tour begins with a kickoff event at 5 p.m. just outside the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex, and ASU Softball hosting Alabama A&M at 6 p.m. at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
 
Alabama State (24-11 overall, 12-3 SWAC) has won nine games in a row, the last two in dramatic come-from-behind fashion. After erasing a six-run deficit in a 15-11 win at Mississippi Valley State Sunday, the Hornets erased a five-run deficit Wednesday night in defeating Jacksonville State 8-7. After falling behind 6-1 after four innings, Alabama State stormed back with three runs in the fifth and six innings, comeback, highlighted by Ray Hernandez' three-run homer that gave the Hornets the lead for good in the sixth. The defense and pitching were clutch down the stretch in sealing the win.
 
Relievers Patrick Coffin, Darren Kelley, Michael Estevez, Jorge Pantoja and Armando Ruiz limited Jacksonville State to three hits and one run with nine strikeouts over the final five innings.
 
"I was very proud of them," Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. "We had to use the bullpen earlier than we wanted to. Those guys held Jacksonville State down after they kind of scored at will. I'm very proud of their effort. It takes a whole team to win games. I've told this team many times whether they play or not, pinch run, or throw to one batter, whatever the case may be, it's always a team effort."
 
Alabama State will salute its nine baseball seniors prior to Saturday's game. Pitchers Michael Estevez, Michael Montgomery, T.J. Renda, Armando Ruiz, infielders P.J. Biocic, and Einar Muniz, and outfielders Waldyvan Estrada,Cesar Rivera and Marcus Swint will be honored before the final game of the series. Estevez, Estrada, Montgomery, Muniz, Renda, Ruiz, and Swint are a part of the winningest senior class in the history of ASU baseball, currently with 113 wins, including four consecutive 20-win seasons and back-to-back 30-win seasons, including a school record 37 in 2014.  
 
"I've coached for a long  time, and it's been since 2005 (at Bethune-Cookman) that I've been able to coach that many freshman at one time," said Melendez of this class which came to Alabama State in the fall of 2011, along with Richard Amion, Richard Gonzalez, and Emmanuel Marrero who were drafted into professional baseball as juniors in the summer of 2014. 

"They hold a special place in my heart. This group of kids has been amazing, and have paved the way for what ASU baseball is now. In all the trials and tribulations of four years ago when we trying to establish our mark in college baseball to where we are now has been great to see. They play with a lot of confidence. They bleed black and gold now. The pride they have taken into this institution and this program has been amazing."
 
This is the second series meeting between the Hornets and Braves (10-29, 4-14). Alabama State won all three games in Lorman in March in a matchup that has always been highly competitive.
 
"Anytime you go into a conference weekend, you have to expect the best out of the opponent," Melendez said. "Whether they play well midweek or not, you have to throw out the stats. It doesn't really matter. They'll play tough, and we'll play tough because conference play means something. We have to be ready for it, and I think our team is. We're playing very well right now, and we have to continue doing what we do best."
                               
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In-state hoops recruit to sign with WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Jamel McAllister, a 6-7 forward from Wake Forest High School in Wake Forest, has committed to play basketball at Winston-Salem State.

McAllister, who played as many as four positions this past season at Wake Forest, will sign his national letter of intent today, according to his father, A.J. McAllister.

“It’s kind of been a whirlwind the last couple of weeks but Jamel is excited to get this decision over with,” A.J. McAllister said by telephone on Wednesday night.

McAllister, who weighs around 190 pounds, averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and two blocks a game in his senior season.

A.J. McAllister said several schools were recruiting his son, including Longwood, Radford and Cornell.

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WSSU’s Boulware at ease heading into offseason

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Coach Kienus Boulware of Winston-Salem State keeps the lights out in his office at Bowman Gray Stadium fieldhouse, but the two computer screens he sits in front of give him all the light he needs.

Those screens keep him posted with highlights from possible recruits, e-mails and anything else he needs to stay connected. As a head coach of a Division II program the recruiting never really stops because there are always Division I players or junior college players looking for their next opportunity.

Boulware is relaxed these days because the Rams finished spring practice over the weekend and he liked what he saw. For the first time in a long time the Rams had a lot of young players who needed attention and guidance, and Boulware and his assistants were all about teaching during the 15 practices they were allowed.


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Tampa Bay Storm add Rattler to Roster

TAMPA BAY, Florida -- The Tampa Bay Storm has acquired offensive lineman Chris Jamison and defensive lineman Frances "Frank" Mays, announced Vice President of Football Operations Jeff Gooch.

“Frank provides a big body for the defensive line,” said Gooch. “His height is an added benefit that we hope can be a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball.”

Mays (6-foot-9, 295 lbs., Florida A&M) enters his rookie season with the Storm after spending all of training camp with the team this past offseason. He played at Central Lakes College (MN) before transferring to Florida A&M for his junior and senior seasons. At FAMU, Mays appeared in 21 games for the Rattlers, leading the team with 4.0 sacks in his senior season. He finished his collegiate career with 68 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Mays began his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League in 2014.

“We felt the team needed some added presence to the offensive line,” said Gooch. “Chris brings four years of veteran experience along the offensive line and can play multiple positions.”

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm enters its 28th season in the Arena Football League.

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Xavier basketball player Sydney Coleman is trying to win a job with the New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS -- Former Xavier University forward Sydney Coleman has dumped dunking - his favorite basketball feat - in favor of a new sport - a switch which if successful, will allow him to follow the unorthodox NFL path of All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham.

Coleman wants to play for the New Orleans Saints.

He worked out for the Saints in late March, and is scheduled to showcase what he’s learned in a Friday workout. Coleman’s improvements, if substantial, could earn him an invitation to Saints mini camp.

Not that his challenges will end.

It’s premature to consider Coleman, a six feet, seven inch, 234 lbs., native of Meridian, Miss., the next Jimmy Graham - the former rebounding power forward from the University of Miami basketball team whom the Saints transformed into one of the NFL’s top offensive play makers before trading him this offseason to Seattle. Coleman, after all, has never played organized football.



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Fakler Earns GCAC Track Weekly Award After Winning 5 Times

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Catherine Fakler, a 5-time winner at Saturday's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships, is the GCAC Performer of the Week in women's track.

Fakler earned the GCAC weekly award for the first time this season and the fourth time in her career.

A senior from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School, Fakler scored victories in all five events she entered at the GCAC meet. Over a span of about six hours, Fakler won the 3,000-meter steeplechase, the 1,500, the 800 and the 5,000. She erased a 75-meter deficit during the final segment to give the Gold Nuggets a nearly 3-second victory in the 3,200 relay.

Fakler won the 1,500 for the fourth consecutive year and the 5,000 and steeplechase for the third straight year. In the 5,000, Fakler lapped all eight of her opponents, including three teammates. She won by nearly two minutes.

Fakler won 13 times at GCAC Championships in four seasons — 11 individual races and two relays.

Fakler will graduate from XU May 9 with a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0.

Next for the Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush will be the Southern Miss Invitational April 24-25 at Hattiesburg, Miss.



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Gold Nuggets Remain 7th; In Top 10 for 22nd Consecutive Time

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is No. 7 for the fourth consecutive time in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll and gained ground on the teams ahead of them.
The Gold Nuggets (15-8), after going 4-0 against ranked teams in California, are one point behind No. 6 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) and 19 points behind No. 5 SCAD Savannah. In the previous poll two weeks ago, Xavier trailed the sixth-ranked team by six points and the fifth-ranked team by 23.

Xavier has not played since a 7-2 victory March 31 against top-25 member Lewis-Clark State at La Mirada, Calif., on March 31. The next Gold Nuggets dual will start at noon April 25 at West Florida, which is ranked eighth in NCAA Division II. It's a makeup of a Saturday dual which was postponed due to a threat of rain.

Georgia Gwinnett, last year's NAIA champion, is No. 1 for the sixth time in as many polls and received 12-of-14 first place votes. Auburn Montgomery received the other first-place votes and remained second. Three of the top six shuffled, with Brenau — a 5-4 winner against Xavier on Feb. 23 — climbing from fifth to third.

The NAIA will announce its next top 25 April 28.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
First-place votes in parentheses -- records through April 12

RANK PREVIOUS SCHOOL W-L POINTS
1 1 Georgia Gwinnett (12) 7-6 373
2 2 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) (2) 15-4 363
3 5 Brenau (Ga.) 11-3 339
4 4 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 13-7 337
5 6 SCAD Savannah (Ga.) 10-4 330
6 3 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 12-2 312
7 7 Xavier (La.) 15-8 311
8 8 Northwood (Fla.) 7-5 287
9 9 Arizona Christian 22-1 281
10 10 Oklahoma Baptist 8-6 264
11 11 Westmont (Calif.) 12-8 256
12 12 Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) 16-2 244
13 24 Evangel (Mo.) 6-3 204
14 14 Concordia (Calif.) 9-11 200
15 18 Northwestern Ohio 11-6 196
16 21 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 6-12 195
17 13 Graceland (Iowa) 6-2 177
18 16 William Carey (Miss.) 10-6 169
19 17 Vanguard (Calif.) 6-15 162
20 19 Cumberland (Tenn.) 9-6 152
21 15 Davenport (Mich.) 11-9 151
22 20 Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) 12-6 142
23 22 Coastal Georgia 8-6 108
24 23 Southeastern (Fla.) 11-4 102
25 25 Indiana Wesleyan 18-6 77

Others Receiving Votes: Aquinas (Mich.) 44; Campbellsville (Ky.) 34; Reinhardt (Ga.) 31; McPherson (Kan.) 24; Missouri Valley 22; Marian (Ind.) 19; Dalton State (Ga.) 17; St. Thomas (Fla.) 16; LSU-Alexandria 12; Cumberlands (Ky.) 5; Southwestern (Kan.) 3.


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No. 6 Gold Rush Make 35th Straight NAIA Top-10 Appearance

NEW ORLEANS — For the fourth consecutive time, Xavier University of Louisiana is No. 6 in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll. It's the 35th consecutive top-10 appearance for the Gold Rush.

Xavier's poll streaks include 65 consecutive appearances in the top 25, 56 in a row in the top 20 and 41 straight in the top 15. The top-25 streak began April 4, 2007.

Xavier (12-6) has not played since a 9-0 victory March 31 against top-25 member Lewis-Clark State at La Mirada, Calif., on March 31. The next Gold Rush dual will start at noon April 25 at West Florida, which is ranked second in NCAA Division II. It's a makeup of a Saturday dual which was postponed due to a threat of rain.

Defending NAIA champion Georgia Gwinnett was a unanimous No. 1 for the sixth time in as many polls this season. San Diego Christian made the biggest move, climbing from No. 17 to No. 9, and No. 24 McPherson is the only newcomer this week.

The NAIA will announce its next top 25 April 28.



NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
First-place votes in parentheses -- records through April 12

RANK PREVIOUS SCHOOL W-L POINTS
1 1 Georgia Gwinnett (11) 11-2 281
2 2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 16-3 267
3 4 Vanguard (Calif.) 23-0 265
4 3 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) 15-5 256
5 5 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 10-1 245
6 6 Xavier (La.) 12-6 236
7 7 Northwestern Ohio 12-5 227
8 8 Bethany (Kan.) 6-0 209
9 17 San Diego Christian (Calif.) 12-6 206
10 11 William Carey (Miss.) 9-5 205
11 9 Concordia (Calif.) 11-8 194
12 12 Coastal Georgia 9-5 176
13 13 Northwood (Fla.) 10-2 175
13 10 Westmont (Calif.) 9-13 175
15 15 Belhaven (Miss.) 14-4 155
16 14 Graceland (Iowa) 8-2 146
17 17 Dalton State (Ga.) 10-5 133
18 18 Oklahoma Baptist 6-7 124
19 19 Campbellsville (Ky.) 7-3 117
20 20 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 3-9 109
21 21 Tennessee Wesleyan 14-2 100
22 23 Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) 9-5 86
23 22 SCAD Savannah (Ga.) 6-7 82
24 RV McPherson (Kan.) 11-4 71
25 25 Aquinas (Mich.) 12-6 65

Others Receiving Votes: Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) 36; Martin Methodist (Tenn.) 36; Reinhardt (Ga.) 36; Indiana Wesleyan 34; Marian (Ind.) 10; Middle Georgia State 8; Southeastern (Fla.) 7; Pikeville (Ky.) 6; Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) 5; Friends (Kan.) 4.


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Pelham's Cheyenne Brooks signs with Florida A&M

Brooks has put in the work in the classroom and is currently second in her class. Cheyenne is currently a National Elite pole vaulter and is ranked #1 in region, #1 in State AA classification, & #6 in State all classifications.

PELHAM, Georgia — Pelham High School’s
Cheyenne Brooks signed her letter-of-intent to Florida A&M University Wednesday, becoming the first track & field athlete during head coach Ashley Cochran’s tenure to sign a scholarship to compete at a Division I school.

Brooks, who is currently second in the state in pole vaulting, will attend FAMU this fall on a full scholarship.

“I picked FAMU because it offers what I want in a school athletically, while also giving me an environment that I can be friendly in,” Brooks said. “Everybody there is really accepting and they’re outgoing, which I love about it.”

As far as the track and field program itself, she said she feels she can help the Rattlers become the team to beat in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) next year.

“They went second in their conference last year and I believe that we’re gonna win it next year,” she said enthusiastically. “I’m very excited.”

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Davison Joins TSU Football Staff as Ends Coach

Coach Nick Davison

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State head football coach Rod Reed officially announced the hiring of Nick Davison, Wednesday, to coach the defensive ends and take over as the team’s recruiting coordinator.

Prior to his arrival on campus in a full-time role, Davison spent 2013 as a graduate assistant on the Tiger staff.

“We were really impressed with the job Nick did in 2013,” Reed said. “So we are excited to bring him back in a larger role. He is a young coach that brings enthusiasm and the ability to recruit south Ga. to the table.”

While at TSU, Davison helped guide Big Blue to a 10-4 record and a top-10 nationally ranked defense.

Davison coached five All-OVC players on the defensive front, including end Anthony Bass who was named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year after recording 14.5 sacks. In addition, the Tennessee State defense ranked as one of the best in the country, only allowing 296 total yards per game. The unit also forced 32 turnovers and gave up just 18.1 points per contest.

Prior to arriving at TSU, Davison worked as the defensive tackle coach at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga in 2012 after an accomplished playing career.

Davison played his first two years at the University of Alabama-Birmingham where he notched 33 tackles and saw action in all 24 games for the Blazers. He then transferred to UTC and was named Preseason 2nd Team All-SoCon as a senior.

Davison currently resides in Nashville, Tenn. with his dog “Bear”.


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U-High Bates is Gold Nuggets' first 2015-16 signee

NEW ORLEANS — Mikayla Bates, a 5-foot-7 combo guard from University High School in Baton Rouge, La., is Xavier University of Louisiana's first women's basketball signee for 2015-16.
     
Bates signed her scholarship Wednesday at U-High. She averaged 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 5.4 steals per game in 2014-15 and helped the Cubs repeat as Class 3A state champion. She was first-team all-district twice and her district's defensive player of the year in 2013-14.
     
"Mikayla is a natural leader and a great person," U-High coach Bonita Johnson said. "She'll bring energy to your team. She loves to play defense, which is rare in a player these days, and she can shoot the 3."
     
Bates played in the state all-star game and was academic all-state as a senior. She has a 3.97 grade-point average and will major in accounting at Xavier.
     
"I picked Xavier based on how I felt when I walked in the (Convocation Center)," Bates said. "I thought that's where I need to be. I like how they work hard. It's about business. I like the staff and how everybody is friendly. I know I can get a great education there and help Xavier win."
     
Bates' single-game highs include 26 points, 12 rebounds, 15 steals and five 3-pointers made.
     
"Mikayla Bates had a great workout with us when she visited Xavier," XU coach Bo Browder said. "She's a really talented young lady and a strong student who will contribute to our program and help us improve next season."
     
Xavier was 18-15 in 2014-15 and finished second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament. The Gold Nuggets qualified for the NAIA Division I National Championship 18 of the past 21 seasons.


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Alexander, Jackson are first Gold Rush signees for 2015-16

NEW ORLEANS -- Guards Leland Alexander of Houma, La., and Seth Jackson of Baton Rouge, La., are Xavier University of Louisiana's first men's basketball signees for 2015-16.
     

Both student-athletes signed scholarship documents Wednesday afternoon at their respective schools — Alexander at Ellender Memorial High School, Jackson at Baton Rouge Community College.      

Alexander, 6-feet-5 and 180 pounds, averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals per game in 2014-15 for Ellender's Class 4A state quarterfinalist team. He is a two-time district MVP and played in the Louisiana and Terrebonne Parish all-star games. Alexander averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists as a junior.
     

"Leland is a long and extremely athletic defender. He can handle the ball, shoot it well and rebound well," XU coach Dannton Jackson said. "He's going to be real versatile for us. Once he gets on the weights with us, he's going to get even better."
     

Alexander's single-game highs at Ellender included 32 points as a junior and 30 as a senior. He made the school's A/B honor roll multiple times.
     

"Xavier is a good school and a good opportunity," Alexander said. "I wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted. It's a good environment, and it's not too far from home. Coach Jackson has a high graduation percentage in his program, and that most definitely made a positive impression on me."
     

Seth Jackson, 6-1 and 176 pounds, is not related to the XU coach. He averaged 9.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and made 39.4 percent of his 3-pointers for BRCC in 2014-15. He scored in double figures 11 times and had back-to-back games with five 3-pointers made.
     

"We've liked Seth for a long time," Dannton Jackson said. "Seth is a strong, very athletic guard who defends at a high level. We're excited to get him in here."
     

Seth Jackson was a two-year starter at Baton Rouge's Redemptorist High School and helped his team reach the second round of the 2012 Class 2A playoffs and the 2011 Class 3A playoffs. Jackson will have two seasons of eligibility at Xavier.
     

Alexander has not decided on a major at Xavier. Jackson will major in business.
     

Xavier was 24-10 in 2014-15, finished second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament, qualified for the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship for a school-record fifth consecutive year and ranked 21st in the postseason poll.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

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Wilson Adds Two To SSU Coaching Staff

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SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State University head football coach Earnest Wilson III has announced the addition of two new offensive assistant coaches. Andy Siegal will be the Tigers new offensive coordinator and Russell Demasi will be the quarterback coach.

SIEGAL
Siegal comes to Savannah State from the University of Nebraska-Kearney where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2012-2014.

He has over 25 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, professional and high school level.

His college coaching stops include East Mississippi Community College (2010-11), Southern Mississippi (2009-10), College of the Sequoias (2005-09), Dodge City Community College (1999-05), Southern Arkansas (1992-94) and Quincy University (1992).

In 2010, Siegal was offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for an East Mississippi team that led the nation in passing offense, passing touchdowns, passing attempts and passing yards and made the playoffs for a third season.
,
Five years earlier at the Sequoias, he coordinated an offense that also ranked number one nationally with 49 passing touchdowns, averaged 450 yards a game and 43 points a game. Every year at Sequoias, his offenses ranked in the top 20 in the nation.

He served in a variety of roles while at Dodge City, including interim head coach and offensive coordinator. His offense ranked first in the nation in 2002 and 2004.

At Southern Miss, Siegal did a variety of duties, including assistant offensive line coach and offensive quality control. He was part of a 2009 Eagles team that went 7-6 and advanced to the New Orleans Bowl.

Besides holding a B.S. in Physical Education from Winona State University, Siegal also has a Master's degree in Kinesiology from Southern Arkansas.

Siegal and his wife, Miriam, have three children; Taylor (17), Austin (15) and Bear Bryant (7).

DEMASI
Demasi comes to SSU from Shorter University. During the 2013 season he was a graduate assistant and worked with the quarterback and fullbacks and during the 2014 season he served as co-special teams coordinator.

The Savannah, Georgia native was a member of the Georgia Southern University football team (2008-12) where he went from being a preferred walk-on to earning a scholarship during his senior year. He was named Scout Team Player of the Year in 2011.

While in high school, Demasi was a 2006 and 2007 All-Greater Savannah first-team selection. DeMasi threw for 1,068 yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior season for Savannah Christian Preparatory School, leading them to a 10-2 record and the second round of the Class AA playoffs.

Demasi earned his bachelor's degree from GSU in general studies with a concentration in education, coaching and business in 2012 and earned his master's degree from Shorter in December 2014.

He is the son of Karl Demasi, who now serves as athletics director and head basketball coach at Islands High School in Savannah. Karl has served as head coach in football, basketball and baseball at various Savannah schools since 1995.

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In the FCS Huddle: Can Savannah State be fixed?

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PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Joe Paterno. Tony Dungy. Dennis Green. Kirk Ferentz. Ted Marchibroda. Joe Philbin. Joe Lee Dunn. Willie Shaw. Yes, the list can go on.

When people, especially potential recruits, want to know why Earnest Wilson III believes he will get different results as Savannah State University's head football coach than plenty of predecessors, he can point to his many coaching influences.

It's an impressive list of coaches whom he worked under or alongside, or simply has drawn off.

"With any type of business, you've got to have a vision, you have to sell that vision to them," Wilson says. "I just say, 'Look at my background.'"

The 50-year-old Wilson's background suggests he can slow, perhaps end Savannah State's longstanding struggles. He was part of a national championship-winning staff in ...

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Tech lands Florida A&M transfer guard Jermaine Ruttley

RUSTON, Louisiana -- Louisiana Tech's busy day on the recruiting trail continued Tuesday evening when former Florida A&M guard Jermaine Ruttley announced on Twitter he is transferring to play for the Bulldogs.

The junior guard is a graduate transfer and is eligible to play immediately in 2016.

Ruttley joins Justin Leon as the two most recent additions to the Bulldogs' roster. Leon, a 6-foot-8 junior college forward, committed to Tech on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to sign.

Ruttley, a 6-3, 200-pound guard, averaged 17.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for Florida A&M this past season. He'll bring instant scoring to a position that is losing two all-league guards in Speedy Smith and Raheem Appleby.

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DSU Hornets Make Progress in Red-White Scrimmage

DOVER, Delaware -- Delaware State football coaches saw enough from the offense and defense in the Hornets’ Red-White scrimmage at Alumni Stadium today to give them hope for the upcoming season.

The full contact scrimmage consisted of more than 80 plays in various situations, including short-and-long yardage, third down, red zone and goal line.

“I was pleased with the overall performance of the offense and defense,” said DSU first-year head coach Kenny Carter. “Both sides are on schedule are far as understanding their assignments in our new systems. While there were a number of positive plays in the scrimmage, we still have a long way to go in our development as a team.”

First-team quarterback Esayah Obado (r-jr.) appeared to have a good grasp of the new offense. He threw four touchdown passes in the scrimmage and directed two other scoring drives. Obado connected with tight end Nate Ortiz (jr.) on a 28-yard touchdown pass for the first score of the scrimmage. Ortiz had two long receptions in the scrimmage, strengthening his bid to be the team’s starting tight end this season. Hornet tight ends have combined for just three catches in the last two years.

Obado threw two touchdowns to wide receiver Aris Scott (jr.) and connected with wideout Marquel Knight (so.) on another. Two other apparent touchdowns throws by Obado were dropped by Hornet receivers.

Obado was DSU’s projected starter heading into the 2014 season, but was forced to sit out the year due to a lower back injury. He has not seen game action since 2013, when he completed 21-of-40 passes (52.5%) for 168 yards and two interceptions in four games as a redshirt freshman.

“Considering all he’s been through coming back from injury and learning a new offense, Esayah has done a really nice job for us this spring,” Carter said. “He made some good throws and impressed us with most his reads and check downs in the scrimmage. Of course, there are things he needs to improve, but he’s on the right track.”

Najee Jackson (sr.), Dae-Hon Cheung (sr.) and Jamaal Jackson (sr.) each had big running plays in the scrimmage.

The Hornet defense was particularly impressive in applying pressure on the quarterback. The officials stopped six plays that would have been ruled sacks for the defense.

The defense also kept the offense out of the end zone with two big stands inside of its five-yard line.

Linemen Tarique Anderson (sr.), Gabe Sherrod (jr.) and Jihad Abdur-Rahman (sr.), along with linebackers Demont Cook (so.), Malik Harris (so.) and Dan Zajac (so.) turned in solid efforts along the front seven.

In the secondary, T.J. Ajibola (so.) was the leading tackler, while J.R. Robinson (sr.) was solid in pass coverage.

The Hornets will wrap up their 2015 spring camp with a 6:30 p.m. practice on Monday at Alumni Stadium.

Coach Carter will begin his first summer camp as DSU head coach in August.

The Hornets open the 2015 season on Sep. 5 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. The home opener is Sep. 19 against Chowan.

2015 DSU Hornets Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time (ET) .   Sat, Sep 05  Liberty Lynchburg, Va.   TBA   Sat, Sep 12  Kent State Kent, OH   TBA Hall-of-Fame Day   Sat, Sep 19  CHOWAN Dover, Del.   2 p.m.   Sat, Oct 03  MORGAN STATE * Dover, Del.   2 p.m.   Sat, Oct 10  Hampton * Hampton, Va.   TBA   Sat, Oct 17  Florida A&M * Tallahassee, Fla.   TBA Homecoming   Sat, Oct 24  SOUTH CAROLINA STATE * Dover, Del.   2 p.m.   Sat, Oct 31  BETHUNE-COOKMAN * Dover, Del.   2 p.m.   Sat, Nov 07  No. Carolina Central * Durham, N.C.   2 p.m.   Sat, Nov 14  North Carolina A&T * Greensboro, N.C.   1 p.m.   Sat, Nov 21  HOWARD * Dover, Del.   2 p.m.

* Conference Games COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

All-Tidewater pick commits to Grambling State

CHESAPEAKE, Virginia -- Oscar Smith senior Nigel Ribeiro - South Hampton Roads' most prolific scorer in boys basketball last season - has committed to play at Grambling State.

Ribeiro, a 6-foot guard, was first-team All-Tidewater last season. He led South Hampton Roads in scoring with 22 points a game. He also averaged 9.4 assists and four steals.

"It feels amazing and it's like a huge weight off of me," said Ribeiro, who was the Monitor-Merrimac Conference Co-Player of the Year and first-team All-6A South Region. "And I'm just thankful for this opportunity."

Ribeiro said he formed a good relationship with Grambling State coach Shawn Walker, who is in his second season with the Tigers after 14 years at Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University. Walker saw Ribeiro play several times last season.

"He told me he loves that I can do it all," Ribeiro said. "I can score a lot, but I can also get assists."

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Brian Burg leaving NCCU basketball

DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central assistant Brian Burg is leaving the men’s basketball program to join newly hired coach Chris Beard at Arkansas-Little Rock, NCCU coach LeVelle Moton confirmed through an Instagram Monday morning.

“Gonna miss this guy (Brian Burg) as he prepares for his next chapter in life at Arkansas Little Rock. No one has been more loyal, worked harder, and given 110% each day. You are loved and appreciated my man. I’m fortunate that I had you as my assistant the last 2 years. May God bless your pathway abundantly. #ThankYou,” the caption beneath a photo of Burg read.

N.C. Central could not confirm the departure Monday afternoon.

Burg, who joined NCCU’s staff in the summer of 2013, was a major factor in the program’s recruiting and helped the team land all-MEAC point guard Nimrod Hilliard.

During Burg’s two seasons with the program, NCCU’s program reached...

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Felony charges against ASU football signee dropped

NORFOLK,Virginia -- Alabama State football signee Elston "Ricky" Haley Jr. was in a world of trouble.

Last May, Haley was the driver in a drive-by shooting in which two people were shot. The Norfolk, Virginia native was charged with multiple felonies that included two counts of malicious wounding, two counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, one count of conspiracy and one count of child cruelty.

All that changed today.



Earlier this morning, the prosecutor dropped all the charges against the Maury High graduate, according to The Virginian-Pilot. The people who were shot weren't cooperating with attorney Catherine Dodson's office . Dodson said they weren't in court ready to testify. So she asked for all charges to be dropped.

"I'm just happy it's over with," Haley told The Virginian-Pilot. "That's all I can say. I'm happy and ready to move on with my life."

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Multi winner Fakler leads Nuggets to 3rd straight GCAC team title

Gold Nuggets score 202 points, win GCAC championship in women’s outdoor
 track and  field for third consecutive year and fourth time in five years

2015 GCAC PHOTO GALLERY

NEW ORLEANS -- Catherine Fakler won four individual events and anchored a winning relay team Saturday, leading Xavier University of Louisiana to its third consecutive women's team title in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium.

Fakler, a senior with a cumulative 4.0 grade-point average, won the 3,000-meter steeplechase (12 minutes, 45.41 seconds), 800 (2:29.43), 1,500 (5:10.86) and 5,000 (22:26.21). Fakler erased a 75-meter deficit during the final segment to give the Gold Nuggets a nearly 3-second victory in the 3,200 relay (10:38.28).

Fakler won the 1,500 for the fourth consecutive year and the 5,000 and steeplechase for the third straight year.

The Gold Nuggets scored 202 points, 44 more than runner-up Edward Waters. Dillard was third with 138 points, and SUNO was fourth with 65.

In the men's division, Edward Waters scored 156 points to win for the third time in four years. Dillard (121 points), SUNO (103) and Xavier (83) finished 2-3-5. The XU men's point total was more than double the average Gold Rush score at the previous four GCAC meets.

"This was my last conference meet, so I wanted to do well. I wanted to win every race," Fakler said. "I thought we had a chance to win the relay with about 300 meters to go. The (Edward Waters) runner ahead of me was really slowing down. My teammates were screaming for me to catch her, so there was no option but to try to win it."

In the 5,000, Fakler lapped all eight of her opponents, including three teammates. She won by nearly two minutes.

Also winning a fourth consecutive title was XU senior Devinn Rolland in the women's long jump (18 feet, 1 inch). Rolland missed on opportunities to win fourth consecutive titles in the 100 and 200. She placed fourth in the 100, third in the 200 and helped the 400 relay team finish second.

Also winning for Xavier's women were Terri Cunningham in the 400 hurdles (school-record 1:05.72) and high jump (4-11), Tylor Row in the 100 hurdles (school-record 15.26) and Drew Chatters in the javelin (meet-record 116-5). Hannah Finnegan, Reeka Belton and Zahri Jackson teamed with Fakler on the champion 3,200 relay.

Row and Chatters are freshmen.

Xavier's Alex Xavier won the men's 110 hurdles (15.05), and Christopher August won the 5,000 (17:09.13). August's victory denied teammate Kwame Jackson a fourth consecutive conference title in that event. Jackson finished second in 18:22.48.

Ten Gold Nuggets scored in two or more individual events, and nine scored 10 or more points.

"We knew it would be difficult to repeat as women's champion," XU coach Joseph Moses said. "But we had a lot of help in a lot of areas. Our ladies stepped up and did a great job."

The women's title was the 22nd in Moses' 10 seasons at Xavier. Moses' teams have won four championships in women's outdoor track and nine apiece in women's and men's cross country.

Next for the Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush will be the Southern Miss Invitational April 24-25 at Hattiesburg, Miss.

Results:  Men    Women 

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Hampton Relays revival showcases McCorory, other HU alumns

HAMPTON, Virginia -- After a six-year hiatus, the Hampton Relays resumed business on the blue track of Armstrong Stadium this weekend. As expected, the host Pirates excelled on the oval, but the stars of the day may have been a few of their alumni.


Olympic gold medalist and 400-meter indoor world champion Francena McCorory ran three events, as did two-time NCAA champion Yvette Lewis. In the women's 400 relay, McCorory and Lewis combined with fellow alums Breana Norman and Teiara Denmark to decimate the college teams with a time of 45.02, two seconds ahead of runner-up Campbell University.

Not to be outdone, the Hampton Alumni quartet of Reggie Dixon, Charles Clark, Je'von Hutchinson and Brandon Jones raced to a 40.43 win in the men's 400 relay, edging Virginia Union (40.65). Hutchinson also won the open 400 in 46.65.

But McCorory was not done. Later in the day, she breezed to a win in the 200 (23.01), and then saved the best for last, anchoring the winning women's 1600-meter team with a split of 50.1.

FINAL RESULTS

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Morehouse College: Death of former Annapolis High track athlete shocks friends, family

OBITUARY: JOHN B.D. HARRIS, JR.
2015 Class of Morehouse College

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland -- In Mary Jackson Harris' family home, there is a room devoted to the trophies from the Harris family.

One wall is just the awards for John Benjamin Daniel Harris Jr. Ribbons and plaques line a glass case along the wall. Nearly every family member has an iconic shot of Harris, running in a race from his time at Annapolis High School. In it he's thin and wiry, concentrated, and focused.

"He would set a goal, believe he could do it, and he did," said his grandmother.

John Harris Jr. [Pictures]

John Harris died Tuesday after being involved in a car accident in Marietta, Georgia. The 22-year-old was the passenger in a vehicle with Quantae Lanard Adams, who spun out, crossed a concrete median, and collided into another vehicle.

Adams, has been charged with vehicular homicide, failure to maintain lane, driving on a suspended license, driving under the influence, serious injury by vehicle and giving a false name and date of birth. He is being held without bond.

The loss of Harris, who was just a month shy of graduation from Morehouse College, is a loss to the community, Mary said.

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Observations, takeaways from FAMU’s 2015 spring game

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Top plays of the game

The flea-flicker: A trick play helped invigorate Florida A&M’s offense after two drives fizzled out. Royal handed the ball off to Terrance Nelson, who then pitched it back to the quarterback for a 70-yard pass to Montavious Williams. It was the first score of the day for the offense.

Yards after the catch: Tra’Von Holmes — the nephew of FAMU legend and former coach Earl Holmes — caught a quick wide receiver screen from third-string quarterback Davonte Austin and ran an additional 40 yards to set up the Rattlers’ second touchdown.

By accident: Royal’s second touchdown pass of the day was a 28-yard pass to redshirt junior Jairuckeis Jones. The pass was tipped (nearly intercepted) but Jones adjusted his route and snagged the ball out of the air, sealing the scrimmage win for the offense.

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NSU | Yellow flags fly and don't make Scott happy

COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State's new pro-style offense had little trouble moving the ball during Saturday's scrimmage.

The problem was that it wasn't always in the right direction.

The Spartans committed 12 penalties, many of them false starts, in a 21/2-hour scrimmage at Dick Price Stadium in which they ran about 100 plays.

It wasn't quite what first-year coach Latrell Scott wanted in the final tune-up for this Saturday's Green & Gold Game.

"Hopefully, it's very uncharacteristic of us," Scott said, adding that his teams at Virginia State and Richmond were known for keeping penalties to a minimum.

Rising sophomore quarterback Terrance Ervin said the offense is taking steps toward installing Scott's read-heavy scheme. But the penalties have to go.

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FAMU basketball leader Jermaine Ruttley transferring

Jermaine Ruttley
Courtesy: FAMU Athletics

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Junior guard Jermaine Ruttley, the MEAC's third-leading scorer last season, is transferring away from Florida A&M, head coach Byron Samuels confirmed via text Sunday morning.

Ruttley led the Rattlers in points (17.4 per game), rebounds (6.7) and assists (2.1). He finished the seasons with two 28-point games and had a 30-point game against Delaware State.

The Rattlers (2-27, 2-14 MEAC) started the season with a 23-game losing streak before beating North Carolina A&T. The losing streak was the longest in school history.

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