No. 10 Seed Texas A&M Women to Host NCAA First (Alcorn State) and Second Rounds

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M women’s tennis team received a No. 10 seed in the 64-team NCAA Tennis Championship bracket and will host first and second rounds, Saturday-Sunday, May 9-10 at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center, the NCAA announced today.

Texas A&M (15-5), an at-large entry making its 16th consecutive and 21st overall appearance in the tournament, opens against Alcorn State (11-12) on Saturday, May 9 at 12 p.m. The match follows a first-round meeting between TCU (18-8) and Notre Dame (14-10) to be played at 9 a.m. at the Mitchell Tennis Center.

First-round winners will meet in the second round to be played Sunday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at the Mitchell Tennis Center. The second-round winner advances to the round of 16 and the final championship site, Baylor’s Hurd Tennis Center in Waco.

The Alcorn State Lady Braves are the Southwestern Athletic Conference automatic qualifier despite falling in the finals of the SWAC Championship to Southern University, which is ineligible for postseason competition. The No. 17-ranked TCU Horned Frogs, representing the Big 12 Conference, and the No. 36 Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the Atlantic Coast Conference are both at-large entries.

“The match-up for hosting is going to be challenging for sure,” A&M head coach Howard Joffe said. “Obviously first we face Alcorn State in a match in which we will be heavily favored. The following match is going to be the winner between Notre Dame and TCU, assuming we win the first-round match. All one needs to know is TCU already beat us once at home this year, so that will represent a big challenge.

“We have shown this year that we’ve got the ability to lose to TCU and LSU, and so there are no great expectations. On the other hand, I don’t really think there is a team in the country that we can’t beat. So there is the old coaching adage of taking it one match at a time, and obviously we have to perform well if we are to advance.”

Currently ranked ninth in the ITA team rankings, Texas A&M is one of 12 teams in the tournament field representing the Southeastern Conference. The Aggies tied Georgia and SEC Tournament champion and NCAA automatic qualifier Vanderbilt for second place in the SEC with an 11-2 record.

“There is no question that one of the byproducts of playing such a competitive SEC schedule is that we are pretty match-tough,” Joffe said. “One of the other things I personally like is that our conference tournament is a week early so we get a little time some time to decompress before we face the NCAA tournament.”

The Aggies have not played since falling to No. 24 LSU, 4-3, in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on April 17.

“Some time off, some rest and also a little bit of hard work is getting us ready for next Saturday,” Joffe added. “It is all contingent on how we perform, but I really expect us to be ready to go, and I am obviously looking forward to it.”

Last year, the Aggies were a No. 10 seed in the NCAA tournament and defeated Stony Brook, 4-0, and Texas, 4-2, to advance to round of 16 in Athens, Ga. Texas A&M was then eliminated by NCAA runner-up and current No. 1-ranked North Carolina, 4-0, in a match that was moved to the Ken Byers Tennis Complex indoor courts on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta because of rain.

NCAA FIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS
(George P. Mitchell Tennis Center, College Station, Texas)

Saturday, May 9
TCU (18-8) vs. Notre Dame (14-10), 9 a.m.
No. 10 Texas A&M (15-5) vs. Alcorn State (11-12), 12 p.m.

Sunday, May 10
TCU/Notre Dame winner vs. No. 10 Texas A&M/Alcorn State winner, 1 p.m.

TOURNAMENT CENTRAL:

http://www.12thman.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27300&ATCLID=210054602

TICKET INFORMTION:

Tickets to the first and second-round matches can be purchased in advance at 12thManFoundation.com or during business hours at the Athletic Ticket Office at Kyle Field or by calling the ticket office at 1-888-99-AGGIE or 979-845-2311. Tickets also will be available for purchase on match days at the Mitchell Tennis Center beginning one hour before match time.

Prices are as follows, with the all-session ticket also allowing entry to the men’s tennis first and second round matches to be played Friday and Saturday, May 8-9 at the Mitchell Tennis Center:

$12 All-Session Reserved (Stadium Club)
$7 Single Day Reserved (Stadium Club)
$5 Single Day General Admission
$3 Single Day Students/Youth
Free for children under age two

TEXAS A&M TOURNAMENT FACTS:

Team Appearances....... 21 (1986, ’89, ’96, ’97, ’98, 2000, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ‘11, ‘12, ‘13, ’14, ‘15)
All-Time Team Record.. 19-20
Best Finish...................... Finals (2013)
Highest Seed.................. 3 (2013)

NOTES:

This is the seventh time overall and the third consecutive year Texas A&M has served as host of an NCAA match (2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2004, 2003, 1996)
The Aggies are 9-3 in home NCAA tournament matches and 19-20 all-time in NCAA tournament play
Texas A&M is 11-5 against the 2015 tournament field, with one of the losses coming against TCU in the championship match of the ITA Kick-Off Weekend on Jan. 25 in College Station
A&M tied Georgia and Vanderbilt for second place in the Southeastern Conference standings with an 11-2 record. The Aggies were the No. 3 seed at the SEC Tournament and fell to 24th-ranked and No. 6 seed LSU, 4-3, in the quarterfinals on April 17 at the Carolina Tennis Complex in Columbia, S.C.
Texas A&M enters the tournament having won 12 of its last 14 matches
Twelve teams represent the SEC in the 64-team field, including No. 4 seed Vanderbilt, the SEC tournament champion and the league’s automatic qualifier. SEC regular-season champion Florida is the No. 5 seed, and Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama are the No. 6, 10 and 13 seeds, respectively. Other SEC teams in the tournament are Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and South Carolina.
In the 2014 NCAA Championship, the Aggies were a No. 10 seed and defeated Stony Brook, 4-0, and Texas, 4-2, at the Mitchell Tennis Center to advance to round of 16 in Athens, Ga. Texas A&M was then eliminated by NCAA runner-up and current No. 1-ranked North Carolina, 4-0, in a match that was moved to the Ken Byers Tennis Complex indoor courts on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta because of rain.
UCLA is the defending national champion
Southern California is this year’s No. 1 seed
Fourth-year Aggie head coach Howard Joffe led Texas A&M to an NCAA second-round appearance in his first season (2012), the championship match in 2013, and the round of 16 in 2014.
A&M has no seniors on the 2015 team
Sophomore Rachel Pierson is a team-high No. 26 in the ITA singles rankings and also is a team-best No. 17 in doubles with freshman partner Eva Paalma
Sophomore Rutuja Bhosale, ranked 64th in singles, has the most singles wins in dual match play with a 14-5 record and led A&M in conference victories with a 10-3 mark
Bhosale and sophomore partner Saska Gavrilovska lead A&M in doubles victories with a 12-5 record in dual matches.
Pierson and Paalma enter the NCAA tournament riding a seven-match win streak in doubles
The NCAA Individual Championship participants (singles and doubles) will be posted at NCAA.com, Wednesday, April 29 no later than 5 p.m.
Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M women’s tennis. Aggie fans also can keep up to date with the A&M women’s tennis team on Twitter by following @AggieWTEN or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AggieWomensTennis.

COURTESY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS PRESS RELEASE

Central hurdler signs with SWAC school

BEAUMONT, Texas -- On Tuesday morning, Central senior hurdler Paizley Armstrong signed her National Letter of Intent to run track and field at Southern University (Baton Rouge). Armstrong runs in both the 100 and 300-meter hurdles in high school and will run in the 100 and 400-meter hurdles in college.

Armstrong finished as the runner up in both hurdling events at the District 22-5A meets, running a 15.49 in the 100 hurdles and a 48.15 in the 300 hurdles. Because districts 21 and 22-5A chose not to have an area meet, the top two from each district meet automatically advanced to the Class 5A Region III meet.

Hurdling genes are strong in Armstrong’s family as she is the cousin of Jasper-native Bryan Bronson, the 1997 World Championship bronze medalist and three-time USA track and field champion in the 400-meter hurdles.

CONTINUE READING 

HU extends Joyner's contract

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University extended the contract of men's basketball coach Ed Joyner Jr., the school announced Monday.

oyner received a multi-year extension after guiding the Pirates to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament championship in March and the program's second NCAA tournament win.

"I'm happy that the university wants to keep me around for a little while longer," Joyner said. "We've accomplished some good things and we have more time to build on that."

Hampton University revealed that the new deal is for multiple years, but per its status as a private school, did not provide details.

Joyner declined to offer specifics, but said that he received a pay raise, as well as incentives for performance and an annual rollover clause that will be determined at the end of each season. He said that he just concluded the final year of his previous deal.

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UNO Privateers Start Mid-Week at Jackson State

NEW ORLEANS (13-29, 3-18) AT JACKSON STATE (28-17, 14-7)
GAME 43 | BRADDY FIELD | JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
TUESDAY 6 PM

GAME NOTES | AUDIO | TWITTER
 
THE GAME: 


The New Orleans Privateers baseball team (13-29, 3-18 Southland) looks to bounce back off of getting swept on the weekend when they face the Jackson State Tigers (28-17, 14-7 SWAC) for the second time this season on Tuesday at Braddy Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
The Privateers lost all three games to Central Arkansas and were limited to just one run and two extra base hits. This is the first of a make-up week as this contest was originally scheduled for Apr. 14. The Privateers will make up a game against Louisiana-Lafayette that was postponed from early March on Wednesday.
 
Jackson State took three of four in their most recent conference weekend against Mississippi Valley State. The Tigers won 5-3 in the series finale to clinch the 3-1 weekend. Melvin Rodriguez is hitting an NCAA best .444 coming into the week and has 71 hits.
 
The Tigers have won seven of their last nine games heading into play and their offense has been a key factor. Jackson State is averaging 9.2 runs per game in that span and is in first in the SWAC in runs scored (337) and second in batting average (.308).

WEATHER:

Temperature	Conditions	Rain Chance	Winds
51/40	Overcast	40%	NW 5-10

 
PITCHING MATCHUP:
UNO: Daniel Martinez RHP (0-3, 6.47) vs. JSU: TBA
 
ALL-TIME SERIES:
RECORD: New Orleans leads 61-11
LAST MEETING: UNO W 9-3, 4/22/15
 
NEXT UP:
The Privateers will take on Louisiana-Lafayette on the road on Wednesday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
NEWS AND NOTES:
HALLIDAY ROAD:
Nick Halliday had his longest outing on the mound this season when he was called on out of the pen for the series opener against Central Arkansas. Halliday finished the game, pitching the final 3.1 innings and allowing no runs on three hits.
 
BELOW THE MENDOZA LINE:
Shawn Semple allowed four hits in his start over the weekend at Central Arkansas, and his opponent batting average is .196, which is third best in the Southland. Semple is also in the top ten in earned run average (2.13).
 
SCORING WOES:
The Privateers have been held under five runs 29 times and to less than three runs 17 times. This season, New Orleans is 3-26 when scoring less than five runs in a game. The Privateers are also 1-23 in games when they are out-hit by opponents. For more information, follow the Privateers on Twitter @UNOPrivateers and @Privateers_BSB or like us on Facebook. 

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS 

The Secret to Success: Mitch Hill Turns Around AAMU Baseball Program

Birmingham, Alabama -- The SWAC basbeall tournament begins in mid May and for the first time, Alabama A&M feels like it has a chance. Third place in the east, but fresh off a double-header sweep of first place Alabama State. Meaningful baseball is a new concept to the Bulldogs who lost 41 games just three seasons ago.

“It was dead,” senior shortstop Julio Nunez said about the locker room atmosphere back then. “We were used to losing, losing was a habit.”

Mitch Hill took over the program in 2013 and none of his players knew what was coming next.

“That Fall when he first came he really wanted to show us he was the boss,” senior 2nd baseman Jordan Friend said before a game in Birmingham.

Hill started holding his players accountable to ...



CONTINUE READING

BTW’s Donnita Rogers accepts Langston AD position

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana -- Booker T. Washington boys basketball coach Donnita Rogers, who previously served as Grambling State’s women’s basketball coach, has accepted the athletic director’s position at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma.

Rogers, 47, will replace former USC athletic director and Heisman Trophy winner Mike Garrett in leading Langston’s nine sports, including football, along with men’s and women’s basketball. Langston competes in the NAIA’s Red River Athletic Conference along with LSUS.

“It is bittersweet, because I absolutely love my boys and the BTW community. This was an extremely tough decision,” said Rogers, who indicated she received a
call “out of the blue” from Langston president Kent Smith Jr. “But opportunities like this don’t come up very often, so I believe this is the best move for my career.”

Langston announced in mid-April that the 71-year-old Garrett, who was hired in 2012, was leaving his position to pursue other interests. Rogers, one of the few women coaching a boys basketball program in the state, crafted the Lions into winners during her three years (two as a coach) at the Shreveport school. Her final team went 22-9 and advanced to the LHSAA Class 3A quarterfinals.



CONTINUE READING

Alcorn State University names Montez Robinson Head Men’s Basketball Coach

HEAD COACH MONTEZ ROBINSON
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State University Director of Athletics Derek Horne announced today that Montez Robinson has been hired as the Braves new head men’s basketball coach.

For the past four seasons, Robinson has served as an assistant coach for the Bethune-Cookman University Men’s Basketball program. In his time at Bethune-Cookman, the Wildcats advanced to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament quarterfinals twice with a trip to the championship game in 2012.

“Robinson is an experienced recruiter and developer of dynamic talent,” said Horne. “Combine all of that with his commitment to academic achievement and we have a coach who is a good fit to develop a first-rate basketball program.”

Robinson served as the camp director for the Bethune-Cookman Men’s Basketball Fundamental Camp, Elite Camp and Team Camp for the past two years. He was also the lead coach for working directly with post players, including All-MEAC Tournament selection Anthony Breeze.

“It’s extremely exciting to become the head men’s basketball coach at Alcorn State University where knowledge and character is the emphasis both on the court and in the classroom,” Robinson said. “Alcorn has an impressive vision for the basketball program and I am looking forward to building a foundation of success. I cannot wait to start working with current players and incoming freshmen.”

Prior to his time at Bethune-Cookman, Robinson spent six seasons at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Kennesaw, Georgia.

While at KSU, Robinson helped the team to transition from Division II to the Division I level of athletics. In just their first season of reclassification, KSU reached the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament semifinals and won more games than any other in NCAA history for a team in reclassification in a four-year period. They would go on to rank amongst the To
p 5 in the mid-major polls.

While at KSU, Robinson helped identify and recruit top-rated athletes. He helped coach the conference’s Freshman of the Year, as well as five members of the all-league team. Robinson coached a total of 14 Players of the Week, with seven players going on to play professionally.

Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from North Georgia College & State University and a master's degree in transformative leadership from Bethune-Cookman University.

Robinson and his wife, Leah have two children, Tezlyn and Montez Jr.

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Alabama State Wins 10th Women's Outdoor T&F Championship

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
2015 CHAMPIONS

NORMAL, Alabama -- Alabama State University claimed their 10th Southwestern Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship Sunday at Louis Crews Stadium in Normal, Alabama. The Lady Hornets secured the top spot earning them their fifth consecutive conference outdoor title with a point total of 284. This also marks the third consecutive season that ASU takes home the SWAC Triple Crown (Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track and Field).

Texas Southern finished in second place with 104 points, Prairie View came in third with 100 points, Southern finished fourth with 83 and Grambling State rounded out the top five with 72 points. Arkansas Pine Bluff (57), Alcorn State (50), Alabama A&M (34), Mississippi Valley (22) and Jackson State completed the scoring finishing with 13 points.

Individually, Sydnee Worlds of Arkansas-Pine Bluff earned Most Outstanding Field Performer honor rolling up 26 points through four events.
Artrailia LaSane of Alabama State claimed the Most Outstanding Track Performer accolades for the second straight season, finishing with 36 points. She took first place in the 1500 Run (10) and Steeplechase (10).

Other top finishers included Narricka Williams Ferebee (Alabama State) winning the 100 Meter Hurdles.

FIRST TEAM ALL-SWAC
Alexis Ferebee – Alabama State
Santina Williams – Alabama State
Tatiana Etienne – Alabama State
Artrailia Lesane – Alabama State
Paige Rankin – Alabama State
Narricka Williams – Alabama State
Doenca Bookman – Prairie View
Alicie Terrell – Alabama State
Tyler Anderson – Grambling State
Sydnee Worlds – Arkansas Pine Bluff
Briana Radford – Southern
Georgeanna Felder – Southern
Karina Foster – Texas Southern
Lori Davis - Alabama State
Robyn Hancock – Alabama A&M
Kourtney Lacey – Alabama A&M
Angela Uhegwu – Prairie View
Tatiana David – Alcorn State
Jada Curbea, - Prairie View

SECOND TEAM ALL-SWAC
Dikerria Wilson – Alabama State
Creshonda Carter – Grambling State
Tierra McGowan – Texas Southern
Brandee Ebert – Alabama State
Shakalia Williams – Alabama State
Sydney Edwards – Texas Southern
Sarah Westbrook – Prairie View
Ashley Shepard – Southern
Kadijah Gordon – Alabama State
Kenya Wheeler – Grambling State
Dominique Edwards – Alcorn State
Imani White – Alabama State
Carla Leblanc – Southern
Destiny Thurmond – Alabama A&M

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Grambling State Wins Seventh Straight Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
2015 CHAMPIONS 

NORMAL, Alabama  -- The Grambling State Tigers claimed their seventh straight conference title on Sunday at the 2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Louis Crews Stadium. GSU scored 170 points to earn their 11 title overall, earning Bertram Lovell Coach of the Year honors.

Texas Southern finished the meet second with 127 points, while Prairie View was third with 125 points. Jackson State was fourth with 87 points and Mississippi Valley State rounded out the top five with 86 points. Southern was sixth (67 pts), Alcorn State Alabama State eighth tied for seventh (48) with Alabama A&M (41) and Arkansas Pine Bluff (15) closing out the scoring

Individually, Micah Hill of Mississippi Valley State was the championship’s Most Outstanding Field Performer scoring 26 points.

Jesus Hernandez of Grambling State was the meet’s Most Outstanding totaling 27 points.

Other top finishers included Kameron Cowan from Grambling State winning the 100 Meter Dash (10.16) along with his teammate Jameal McTear winning the 200 Meter Dash (20.97). Prairie View’s Michael Prejean finished first in the 110 Meter Hurdles (13.63). D’Andre Lewis of Texas Southern won the 1500 Meter Run with a time of 4:02.90 with Tammarick Johnson of Jackson State claiming the 400 Meter Dash (46.88).

Hernandez (Grambling State) crossed the line first in the 5000 Meter Run (15.55). Ian Williams of Texas Southern took first place in the Men’s Triple Jump with a distance of 49-11.00 (15.21m). Devauntay Brown (Alabama State) matched last season’s mark finishing first in the High Jump 6-09.00 (2.06m), Jawalyn Brooks (Texas Southern) came away with the highest mark in the Pole Vault with 13-11.25 (4.25) topping his mark from last season, while Prairie View’s Sorone Batiste won the 800 Meter Run clocking in at 1:50.14.

FIRST TEAM ALL-SWAC
Kameron Cowan – Grambling State
Jamael McTear – Grambling State
Tamarick Johnson – Jackson State
Sorone Batiste – Prairie View
D’Andre Lewis – Texas Southern
Jesus Hernandez Grambling State
Michael Prejean – Prairie View
Dannie Luckey – Prairie View
Romello Nalepa – Mississippi Valley State
Devauntay Brown – Alabama State
Jawalyn Brooks – Texas Southern
Demetrius Williams – Texas Southern
Ian Williams – Texas Southern
Micah Hill – Mississippi Valley State
Deshaun Allen – Jackson State
Phillip McClain – Grambling State
Afton McClammy – Alabama A&M
Charles Hughes – Alcorn State
Khalil Upshaw – Southern
Darryl Jones – Alcorn State

SECOND TEAM ALL-SWAC 
Keon Campbell – Prairie View
Lloyd Benjamin – Southern
Montieco Harris – Grambling State
Jose Medina – Texas Southern
Bentrell McGee – Jackson State
D’ante Almo – Jackson State
Quin-Tarius Crenshaw – Prairie View
Christopher Amisial – Alabama State
Maurice Buchanan – Alabama State
Chauncey Wells – Grambling State
Samuel Reese – Grambling State
Christopher Bazile – Grambling State
Trauvon Martin – Texas Southern
Lawerence Williams – Southern
Maurice Jones – Alabama A&M

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Rush, Nuggets lose 9-0 at NCAA-ranked West Florida

PENSACOLA, Florida -- Xavier University of Louisiana's men's and women's tennis teams lost dual matches Sunday to NCAA Division II-ranked West Florida. Both scores were 9-0.

The Gold Nuggets' Nour Abbes and the Gold Rush's Kyle Montrel both won the second sets of their singles matches at the top flight, then lost third-set super-tiebreakers.

Abbes, a sophomore and the NAIA's top-ranked singles player, lost for just the third time in 48 XU singles decisions. The Argonauts' Laure-Eline Faure defeated Abbes 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 1-0 (10-5).

Montrel lost 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 (12-10) to Alex Peyrot.

Montrel and Vincenzo Ciccone also lost a doubles tiebreaker, 9-8 (7-2) to Pablo Borrero and Pablo Tellez at No. 3. Montrel and Ciccone led 8-7 in games and were tied at 2 in the tiebreaker.

Xavier didn't win any other sets. At women's No. 3 doubles, Brion Flowers and Brandi Nelson lost 8-5 to Katarina Dikosavljevic and Giovana Patitucci after leading 5-4.

The duals were the first for the Gold Nuggets (15-9) and Gold Rush (12-7) since March 31. The XU women are ranked seventh in the NAIA, and the men are No. 6.

West Florida's women (25-3) are No. 8 in NCAA Division II, and the men (24-3) are No. 2.

The Nuggets and Rush will learn if they qualify for the NAIA National Championship with at-large bids after a coaches poll is announced next Sunday. Another coaches poll will be announced Tuesday.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorXULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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Baylor College of Medicine Partners with Texas Southern University to Provide Healthcare for Student Athletes

HOUSTON, Texas -- Sports medicine physicians at Baylor College of Medicine are now the official team physicians for Texas Southern University men’s and women’s athletic teams.

Through this new collaboration, Baylor Sports Medicine physicians will handle all aspects of TSU’s team medical care, including on-site injury evaluation and assessment, treatment and follow-up clinic visits. Baylor physicians and athletic trainers from both Baylor and TSU will be on the field, court, and track for TSU home and away football games as well as men’s and women’s basketball and track events.

“I am excited to introduce the expertise and resources of our multidisciplinary sports medicine team to the student-athletes at TSU,” said Dr. Theodore Shybut, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor, who travelled with the men’s basketball team to the NCAA tournament last month. “Our goal is the provision of high value, individualized, evidence-based care, with a strong emphasis on injury prevention and innovative treatment of sports injuries. We are honored to partner with another landmark Houston institution and we look forward to developing a program that enhances student-athlete health and achievement.”

“We are extremely excited to have the expertise of the Baylor College of Medicine sports physicians and athletic trainers in the care and prevention of injuries for our student-athletes,” said Dr. Charles McClelland, vice president for intercollegiate athletics at TSU. “Baylor College of Medicine has a reputation of providing high quality and personalized patient care, they bring the latest technology and treatment to the forefront of patient care and their doctors are among the best.”

“We are thrilled about this new collaboration with the TSU Department of Athletics and look forward to working alongside their staff,” said Dr. Thomas Hunt, chair of orthopedic surgery at Baylor. “Baylor sports medicine combines excellence in multidisciplinary patient-centered care with cutting-edge prevention and treatment strategies to help TSU student athletes attain their goals like never before.”

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

MVSU Opens the Student-Athletic Academic Success Center (SAASC)

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Mississippi Valley State University's athletic department has a great reason to celebrate, the grand opening of the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center.

For the first time in the history of athletics at "The Valley" the student-athletes have a learning center and a staff on hand to assist them in their studies. Ms. Sherese Parker, who serves as the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services/Senior Women Administrator, leads the SAASC staff.

"The opening of the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center today was phenomenal! It has been a much anticipated event, and to have our NCAA partners on campus today to share in the opening, made it an even greater occasion," said Ms. Parker.

Parker also stated, "This center will be is a critical component in the continued academic success of our student-athletes. Being able to have academic support staff (counselors, a learning specialist, interns and tutors) in the same centralized area will make it easier for students to connect with academic resources. This will add to the proactive strategies being put into place to improve our current APR and maintain (and surpass) the NCAA requirements. I am excited for the future of athletic academic services here are Mississippi Valley, and even more elated for the student-athletes it will serve."

Student-athletes, representing every sport, were present and given an opportunity to speak candidly with the NCAA representatives as a part of the day festivities. There were a few seniors present during a roundtable with the NCAA staff, however they were just as excited about the changes as the underclassmen.

"Today was a great day in "The Valley" for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and athletics stakeholders to see a promise fulfilled. The Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant has solidified the vision of Dr. Bynum and Mrs. Ford-Kee for our program. It was a privilege to see the reactions on the students and coaches faces as they walked into the center, commented Ms. K. Renia Edwards, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Affairs.

"Ms. Parker and her staff will be able to engage the student-athletes in several different mediums to enhance their academic, social and professional development during their time at MVSU. This will help in our recruiting efforts and enhance our graduation rates in the future. A special thanks to the Oversight Committee, the faculty and staff that serve in the roles of certifying our student-athletes to represent MVSU with pride," stated Edwards.

Today was a day of smiles and celebration in "The Valley" and it shall be remembered for years to come. The student-athletes were able to see that the department and NCAA are deeply invested in their education and future success.

Mrs. Dianthia Ford-Kee (Athletic Director) said, "Today was a historic moment in MVSU athletics for our student-athletes. We wanted to commemorate the grand opening of our new Student-Athlete Academic Success Center in a manner that our student-athletes would not forget. Having the grand opening [of the center] while the NCAA AASP Grant Team was on campus, meeting about our progress in Year 1 of the initiative would prove to be a highlight of their visit. It also provided the NCAA AASP Grant Team the opportunity to witness the impact of the grant resources to transform the space within the Academic Skills Parlor into a new computer lab, tutorial lab, lounge area, office space for the staff and meeting space."

Ford-Kee finished with, "I'm proud of my staff and the members of the Oversight Committee for supporting the vision as well as the collaborative effort being done to bring about change to improve academic support services for our athletes. The grant resources will continue to make a difference in the academic success of our student-athletes for years to come."

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

JSU Getting to Know: Robert Johnson, IV

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Jackson State University Sports Media Office recently sat down with rising sophomore and Raymond, Mississippi native Robert Johnson. Last season as a true freshman, Johnson averaged 4.8 yards per carry, finishing the season with 304 yards and a touchdown on 64 carries. He also caught 12 passes for 112 yards for a 9.3 yard per reception average.



COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Morgan State Freshman Jailah Mason Sets New Penn Relays High Jump-College Record

Jailah Mason
Hometown: Sterling Heights, Michigan
High School: Adlai E. Stevenson HS

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Morgan State freshman Jailah Mason set a school and Penn Relays record in the high jump on Thursday during the 121st edition of the Penn Relays at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mason's personal-best height of 6-00.5 in the high jump-college, broke the previous Morgan State and Penn Relays mark of 5-10.75, which was set by Brittany Robinson during the 2006 Penn Relays.

Fellow freshman Jess St. John would place ninth in the shot put-championship with a throw of 46-11.

On Friday, Shenel Crooke ran a time of 11.91 in the 100 meter dash to finish 15th.

121st Penn Relays
April 22-25, 2015
Philadelphia, Pa.

Morgan State Finishers

High Jump College
1. Jailah Mason, 6-00.5

Shot Put Championship
9. Jess St. John, 46-11

100 Meter Dash
15. Shenel Crooke, 11.91

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Moves into First Place with 9-4 Win at Fenway Park

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Florida A&M (17-22, 13-8 MEAC) moved into first place in the MEAC Southern Division after completing the sweep over North Carolina Central (19-25, 12-11 MEAC) by a score of 9-4 on Saturday at Fenway Park. The Rattlers scored six runs over the final four innings and Ryan Kennedy’s two-run home run over the Green Monster in the eighth inning sealed the win. The FAMU bullpen held NCCU scoreless and with just three hits over the final 3.2 innings.

Alec Wong led the offense going 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored, while Michael Birdsong added a 2-for-4 day at the plate.

Rattler reliever Brandon Fleming (6-1) earned the win after pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief with two hits and a season-high four strikeouts. Starting pitcher Ryan Anderson pitched 5 1/3 innings while allowing four runs on five hits with four walks and one strikeout.

NCCU jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind Christian Triplett’s two-run home run over the Green Monster. Ronald Thompson led off with a walk and Triplett blasted a two-run home run down the left line that was just fair.

The Rattlers grabbed their first lead, at 3-2, with three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Jeremy Barlow doubled off the Monster while Peter Jackson and Jared Walker drew back-to-back to load the bases with two outs. Wong then tied the game with a two-run single into right field. Walker broke the tie as he scored on a passed ball that went through the legs of Eagle Catcher Kocalcik.

Florida A&M pushed its’ lead to 4-2 with a single run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Marlon Gibbs doubled into the left center gap, with one out, and was awarded third on a balk. After Ryan Kennedy walked, AJ Elkins brought home Gibbs with a sacrifice fly to left.


N.C. Central would tie the game at 4-4 with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning. Triplett cut the FAMU lead to 4-3 as he led off the inning with his second home run of the game over the Monster. Eric Kimber quickly followed with a double to right and advanced to third on a sac bunt from Kovalcik. Trevor Theissen then tied the game as he plated Kimber with an RBI single to right. Theissen stole second and took third on the errant throw as Barlow tried to catch Theissen stealing second. Brandon Fleming would come in for relief and struck out the next two batters to keep the game tied.

FAMU broke the game open with three runs in the sixth to make the score 7-4. Jackson walked to start the home half of the sixth and went to second on a sac bunt from Walker. Wong’s single to left would put runners on the corners with one out and Wong later moved to second on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch allowed Jackson to score from third and Wong to go to third. Still with one out, Gibbs walked as runners were now on the corners to force another pitching change as Andrew Vernon came in for the Eagles. Gibbs stole second as Kennedy struck out looking, before Wong came home on a passed ball and Gibbs was able to score on a wild pitch.

Kennedy’s two-run home run into the second row of the Green Monster, in the eighth inning, put the game away by a final score of 9-4.

NCCU reliever Kyle Shields (2-4) suffered the loss after allowing the go-ahead run in the sixth inning. Shields only recorded one out with one walk. Starter Devin Sweet lasted 4 2/3 innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits with five walks and one strikeout.

Florida A&M will be off this week due to finals, but returns to action next weekend at North Carolina A&T for the final MEAC series of the season. Game one is Saturday, May 2 at 5:00 PM ET and the series will conclude with a doubleheader on Sunday, May 3 beginning at noon.

As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @FAMUAthletics and live stats will be available via www.FAMUAthletics.com.

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Norfolk State Freshman Romero Hines Wins Long Jump at Penn Relays

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania  --  Redshirt freshman Romero Hines helped the Norfolk State men's track and field team cap its 2015 outdoor season in style by winning the college section of the men's long jump on Friday at the Penn Relays.
 
Hines set a new personal record for the second time in three meets, leaping 7.51 meters (24 feet, 7.75 inches) to top the field of 40 athletes. His previous best was a mark of 24-3.5 from the Hampton Relays two weeks ago.
 
Hines also ran a leg on the Spartans' 4x200 meter relay team on Friday. He joined Steve Coles, Jaylen Carr and Michael-Thomas Brownas the quartet finished second in its heat and 14^th overall out of 44 teams in the event.
 
Freshman Chris Lee also competed Friday in the shot put, recording a best throw of 15.32 meters (50-3.25).

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications

COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Hampton Pirates Win Two Relay Titles at Penn Relays

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Relay gold is a big deal at the historic Penn Relays, which were held at Franklin Field this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the Hampton University men's track & field team won two such races.

The Pirates took home gold in the IC4A final of the 4x200-meter relay and the college final of the 4x400-meter relay.

Jasper Savoy (Branywine, Md.), Trey Holloway (Chesapeake, Va.), Justin Beatty (Bowie, Md.), and Chidi Okezie (Philadelphia, Pa.) ran a 1:24.36 in winning the 4x200 IC4A race, after turning in a 1:25.88 – the 11th fastest time – in the heats.

Beatty and Okezie were also on the 4x400 squad – along with Edose Ibadin (Glendale, Md.) and Rayon Black (Kingston, Jamaica) – that took college gold with a season-best 3:08.67.

Holloway was also sixth in the 110-meter hurdles with a 14.11 – after running a season-best 13.87 in the heats.

Donmanique Hardy (Lawrenceville, Va.) was sixth in the college long jump with a mark of 7.26 meters (23 feet, 10 inches).

On the women's side, Hampton turned in a pair of top-seven finishes in the relay events, finishing seventh in the championship final of both the 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay. Tanisha Greene (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Le'Quisha Parker (Silver Spring, Md.) were on both squads.

Greene and Parker teamed with Kristian Young (Dallas, Texas) and Meshala Morton (Stafford, Va.)
to run a 46.79 in the 4x100 final, while Greene, Parker, Ce'aira Brown (Philadelphia, Pa.), and Malekah Holland (Brooklyn, N.Y.) ran a 3:38.88 in the 4x400 final.

The 2015 MEAC Outdoor Championships will be held this coming Friday and Saturday at North Carolina A&T's Irwin Belk Track in Greensboro, N.C. The Lady Pirates are the defending MEAC outdoor champions, as well as the reigning indoor champs.

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

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COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Chris Clack throws 3 TDs, But Morgan State Defense posts victory in Spring Game

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Chris Clack entered today's Blue-Orange Spring Game as the Bears' third string, but his play on the field showed that he is certainly in the race for the starting quarterback position.

The redshirt sophomore-to-be completed 8 of 13 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Blue, however it was the Orange who held on for a 62-57 win before a spring-game crowd at Hughes Stadium.

"Chris [Clack] did a great job," said Coach Lee Hull. "Chris always tells me, 'Don't forget about me coach, I'm in this race coach.' "

"He did a great job today. He had very good command of the offense and he hit the receivers when they were open. He did a great job!"

Coach Hull was enthused about the overall performance of his team.

"I thought the game was very competitive on both sides of the ball," said Hull. "It [the game] came down to the very last play. Because it was tied (57-57), that's why we went for it on fourth down... so if the offense made the first down they would've won, and if the defense stopped them they would've won. The defense came up with the stop to win the game."

"The game turned out exactly how I wanted. It was a very competitive game and everybody was competing. There were a lot of good things, and there were some bad things that we have to clean up. But for the most part it was a pretty clean game."

Defense had dominant moments throughout the contest. Ayodeji Agbelese registered three of the 10 sacks for the Orange.

"I thought they flew around and made plays," Hull said of the defense. "They didn't have any takeaways or turnovers, but they played sound and that's what you really want."

"They made it hard on the offense to move the football. I like what I see out of them so far!"

The game was played under partly sunny skies with temperatures in the 60s.

Trailing the defense 25-8, Clack helped put the Blue team on the scoreboard when he hit Maurice Lewis on a 53-yard scoring pass with 11:51 left in the half. He also tossed a 16-yard TD strike to freshman wideout Ryan Davis, followed by a 41-yard TD pass to Aaron Strums.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Nuggets reach NAIA qualifying mark in 400 relay again

Clarke Allen #1263 & Devinn Rolland #1275

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi -- Xavier University of Louisiana's Chelsea James, Tylor Row, Clarke Allen and Devinn Rolland ran the 400-meter relay in a national qualifying time of 48.13 seconds Saturday and finished third at the Southern Miss Invitational track and field meet.

The Gold Nuggets met the B-standard for next month's NAIA National Championships at Gulf Shores, Ala. It's the fourth time this season that the XU women produced a qualifying mark in this event.

James, Allen and Rolland were part of the other three XU qualifying marks. Row ran this relay for the first time this season.

Xavier's best 400-relay time this season was a school-record 47.22 April 11 at the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships.

Also earning top-10 finishes for Xavier were Rolland (5.20 meters/17 feet, three-quarters of an inch) and Ireyon Keith (5.09 / 16-8 1/2) in the long jump and Row in the 100 hurdles (15.76). Rolland was fifth, Row placed sixth, and Keith finished eighth.

The meet was Xavier's sixth of the outdoor season and probably the final one before nationals. Tulane canceled its May 2 meet in which Xavier planned to compete. The NAIA National Championships will be May 21-23.

Here are all of Xavier's Saturday results from the Southern Miss Invitational:

Women
 100:  Chelsea James, 12th in 12.40; Devinn Rolland, 15th in 12.71; Katelyn McMorris, 19th in 13.01
 100 Hurdles:  Tylor Row, 6th in 15.76
 400 Relay:  Chelsea James, Tylor Row, Clarke Allen, Devinn Rolland, 3rd in 48.13
 Long Jump:  Devinn Rolland, 5th in 5.20 meters (17 feet, 3/4 inch); Ireyon Keith, 8th in 5.09 meters (16 feet, 8 1/2 inches)

Men
Did not compete

Results

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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WSSU Rams Roll Over VSU Trojans 13-0; Clinch CIAA Regular Season Crown

North Carolina -- The Winston-Salem State Rams rode the arm of Sam Burton on the mound, and Dylan Dombrowskas and Nathan Steger hit back to back home runs in the third inning to propel the Rams to a 13-0 beating of the Trojans this afternoon at the USA Baseball Training Complex in Cary, NC.

With the win, Winston-Salem State improves to 32-13 overall, 12-1 in the CIAA, while Virginia State falls to 23-13 overall and 8-5 in the CIAA.

The Rams also earn their fourth consecutive CIAA regular season crown, and will go into next week's CIAA Tourney as the top seed.

WSSU got on the board early, as Nathan Steger singled to right scoring Des Roberts and Colby Keene in the first inning to give the Rams a 2-0 lead.

The Rams added three runs in the third inning, as Connor Andrus doubled to start the inning and Dylan Dombrowskas homered to left field. Nathan Steger followed with a solo home run to give WSSU a 5-2 advantage.

Winston-Salem State would blow the game wide open with eight runs combined in the fifth and sixth innings, to give the Rams a 13-0 win.

Sam Burton pitched a masterful game for the Rams, throwing a complete game, giving up just two hits, with three walks and five strikeouts in the shutout. Only three balls left the infield on the afternoon.

Nathan Steger led the Rams with the bat, going 5 for 5 on the afternoon, with one run scored and five runs batted in. Des Roberts went 3 for 3 with three runs scored and one run batted in, while Jacob Barber went 2 for 5 with three runs batted in. Dylan Dombrowskas was 2 for 4 with one run scored and two runs batted in, and Connor Andrus was 2 for 4 with three runs scored and a run batted in. Taylor Idol also finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored and one run batted in. Colby Keene went 1 for 4 with a run scored, and Chris Kane also went 1 for 4 with a run scored. Rashad Webster also scored a run on the afternoon.

The Rams and Trojans will have a long day on Sunday, as they will attempt to play three, seven inning games, to finish the regular season. The teams will look to start the first game between 11:30am and 12pm, depending on field conditions from this evening's rain. All games will be played at the USA Baseball Training Complex in Cary, NC.

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COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

QB competition key in UAPB Spring Game

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Ben Anderson didn't miss a significant snap because of injury over the last four years. And other than a rough patch in his first game as starting quarterback as a freshman, Anderson didn't miss any because of ineffectiveness, either.

Over the last four seasons Anderson provided Arkansas-Pine Bluff Coach Monte Coleman with something every coach can appreciate: quarterback stability. The Little Rock Parkview graduate started 45 games, set school records for passing and total offense and helped deliver the Golden Lions a SWAC championship in 2012.

Coleman is facing the flip side of that luxury now, trying to find a replacement for a player who has been so dependable from a pool of players who have virtually no substantial experience.

"You've got nothing," Coleman joked Saturday regarding UAPB's quarterback experience. "You've got to start over. But it's a good starter."

In reality, Coleman has plenty.

Four quarterbacks took turns guiding the offense during a 90-play final spring scrimmage Saturday at Golden Lion Stadium. Sophomore Marcus Terrell, who threw three passes last season, and junior Nolan Sorensen took turns leading the Black team offense, which consisted of the No. 1 offense and defense; and sophomore Brandon Duncan and freshman Collin Willis took turns with the Gold team.

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AAMU Bulldogs sweep doubleheader from Alabama State to win Magic City Diamond Classic

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Rickwood Field has seen its share of baseball history in its more than 100 years of existence.

On Saturday, a new chapter was written when the Bulldogs swept a doubleheader from Alabama State, 8-3 and 5-2 to win the inaugural Magic City Diamond Classic.

It was the first series sweep of the Hornets by A&M since 2010 and the wins ended ASU's streak of winning 17 straight series.

The Bulldogs are 16-8 in the SWAC East (24-24 overall), 1 1/2 games behind first-place Alabama State (16-5) and .033 percentage point behind Jackson State (14-6).

In the first game Saturday, Andrew Utterback and Dustin Dhanani each homered as Joshua Freeman picked up his second straight win.

In the nightcap, A&M scored two runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth inning en route to the win.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, the Bulldogs scored when Ty Russell was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Austin Hulsey to tie the score. And, one out later, Dhanani was walked with the bases still loaded and Utterback scored for a 2-1 A&M lead.

In the fifth inning, Ben Lott hit a one-out triple and scored on Hulsey's single. After Utterback singled, Julio Nunez ripped a double, driving in Hulsey and Utterback for a 5-1 lead.

Utterback finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored and Nunez was 2-for-3 with two runs batted in.

Starter Caleb Bowen went five innings giving up a run on two hits and four walks. Taylor Knight pitched three innings of scoreless relief and Utterback picked up his sixth save of the season pitching in the ninth inning.

Dhanani had three RBIs in the opener and Utterback drove in two more runs.

Dhanani's first RBI came in the second when he singled to score Justen Folger.

Utterback homered in the third inning with Ben Lott on base for a 3-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, Dhanani homered to left field to score Jordan Friend for a 5-0 lead.

After the Hornets scored in the top of the fifth, the Bulldogs countered when Justen Folger singled to drive in Hulsey for a 6-1 lead.

The Bulldogs' final two runs came in the seventh inning when Patrick Dodson scored on a wild pitch and Friend's foul ball sacrifice fly scored Utterback from third base.

Hulsey, Utterback, Folger and Dhanani each had two hits while Utterback also had 2 RBIs and a run scored.

Freeman pitched seven innings and struck out seven to pick up the win. Devin Smith and Utterback closed out the win.

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COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Georgia Regents Augusta Jags Advance To DI Golf Championships With Win At MEAC Tourney

SAVANNAH, Georgia – With round three cancelled due to weather, the GRU Augusta men's golf team won the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men's Golf Tournament Championship at the Crosswinds Golf Club in Savannah, Ga., by 36 strokes to advance to the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships.

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A new face to the conference, the Jaguars became an associate member of the MEAC in September. The team ranked No. 49 entering the championship in Golfstat's head to head rankings.

Due to inclement weather in the third and final round, the Jaguars, with a 36-stroke lead following the second day of competition, earned the conference title and automatic berth to the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship. With an unfinished shotgun-start in Saturday's play, all scores returned back to the completed 36 holes of the second round, confirming GRU as the champion.

The NCAA Division I Men's Golf Selection Show will air May 4 at 10 a.m. on the Golf Channel.

The Jaguars combined to shoot a 19-under par 557 through 36 holes of the tournament and had 43 combined birdies through two rounds. Robin Petersson won the event for the Jags, while Maverick took second and Broc Everett third to highlight the Jags.

GRU's Robin Petersson, who led the field with a 5-under par 67 after day two, was named the Most Outstanding Performer. For the tournament, Petersson carded 12 birdies, two bogies and one double bogey to finish 8-under par 136 overall.

GRU's Jake O'Keefe was named Outstanding Coach. "This was fantastic," said Coach O'Keefe. "Our guys played well and to win was our goal. It was a nice feat and to have all of our guys finish in the top 10 was great. I look forward to representing the MEAC in the NCAA Regionals and we will continue to do our best to keep this going."

GRU's Maverick Antcliff finished in second place after shooting a one-under par 71, four strokes from the overall lead in the second round. Antcliff carded three birdies and two bogeys to combine for four-under par thru 36 holes.

Viktor Edin registered an even par in round two and finished seven strokes from the overall lead with a one-under par 143.

GRU's Broc Everett finished in a tie for third with Bethune-Cookman's Ian Clark, at 2-under par 142. Everett fired a 3-over par 75 and Clark finished a 1-over par 73 in the second round.

Bethune-Cookman and Savannah State finished tied for second place at 17-over par 593 to receive the 2015 Co-Runners Up award.

Florida A&M finished fourth at 31-over par 607. North Carolina Central (625), Maryland Eastern Shore (658) and Hampton (663) round out the seven-team field.

For more information on the MEAC Men's Golf Championship or other sponsored sports, visit www.MEACsports.com.

The Division I Men's Golf Selection Show will air Monday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. on the Golf Channel.  For more information on the MEAC Men's Golf Championships or other sponsored sports, visit www.meacsports.com.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow GRU Athletics at www.jaguarsroar.com and receive short updates on Facebook at GRU_Jaguars and on Twitter at @GRU_Jaguars.

COURTESY GEORGIA REGENTS UNIVERSITY AUGUSTA MEDIA RELATIONS

Change coming with JCSU's Blount; Rebuilding is certain for 2015 campaign

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Johnson C. Smith football in April won’t be the same when September rolls around.

The Golden Bulls have a new head coach in Kermit Blount and player turnover is coming through graduation. If Blount’s history is an indicator, he’ll emphasize an attacking style based on personnel.

“You’re going to see a team that’s going to be very aggressive on the field and competitive on the field and doing all the right things off the field,” he said.

The good news for Blount is he gets a chance to remake the program in his own image, especially on offense, where the majority of last year’s skill position players are graduating. The Golden Bulls weren’t very productive in 2014 as JCSU scored an average of 13.2 points per game, worst in the 12-team CIAA. The Golden Bulls were shut out four times and managed just 277.7 yards on offense. Change was in the works, but changing coaches and philosophies accelerate the process.



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