Florida A&M Baseball Wins MEAC Southern Division Title with Doubleheader Sweep

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Florida A&M (19-23, 15-9 MEAC) won the MEAC Southern Division title for the first time since 1997 after sweeping North Carolina A&T (9-36, 6-17 MEAC) by scores of 4-2 & 8-3 on Sunday afternoon at War Memorial Stadium. Winning the Division allows FAMU to have a First Round bye in next week’s MEAC Baseball Tournament. The two wins on Sunday helped the Rattlers set a program record with 15 MEAC wins this season after previously setting the record with 14 in 2014. Marlon Gibbs went 4-for-8 with a run scored, while Michael Birdsong was 3-for-6 with three runs scored on the day.

FAMU reliever Kendal Weeks (4-2) worked 3 1/3 innings and allowed just one run on four hits with four strikeouts in game one. Cleveland Westbrook gave up just one unearned run and just one hit over the final 3 1/3 innings for his first save of the season. Game two starter Ryan Anderson (1-3) picked up his first win of the season after allowing just one run on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. Anderson had one strikeout and two walks.

NC A&T had an early scoring opportunity after loading the bases with one out on a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch in the first inning. Micah Carmony was hit-by-pitch to load the bases to force an early pitching change as Weeks came in for relief. Weeks would strike out the first two batters he faced as the Aggies stranded the bases full.

The Rattlers jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of unearned runs in the top of the second inning. With one out, Brian Davis reached on an error by A&T second baseman Milton Rivera and Birdsong singled to right field to place runners on first and second. Jeremy Barlow then followed with a double down the right line to score Davis before Peter Jackson’s sac fly to center plated Birdsong from third for the second run of the inning.

FAMU added another run in the top of the fourth inning to push the lead to 3-0. Birdsong singled up the middle with one out and took second on a wild pitch before scoring on Jackson’s two-out RBI single through the left side.

A&T got on the board with a single run in the fourth inining, to cut the Rattler lead to 3-1, despite loading the bases twice. Brandon Mitchell singled through the left side with one out and Brandon Wilkerson singled up the middle with two outs before Milton Rivera was hit-by-pitch to load the bases. This brought in Cleveland Westbrook from the pen to face Adan Ordonez. Ordonez would reach on a fielder’s choice as Rivera beat out the play at second base allowing Mitchell to score from third. Carmony then popped up to first base in foul territory for the final out leaving three runners on.

Florida A&M added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning for a score of 4-1. Jared Walker opened the seventh inning with a double down the left line and moved to third on a wild pitch with one out. Gibbs then drove in Walker with an RBI single to center field for the only run of the inning.

The Aggies scored an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh inning for the final score of 4-2.

NC A&T game one starter Mitchell McQueen (0-3) allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits in four innings of work with one strikeout and one walk.

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

In game two FAMU came out hot with five runs in the top of the first inning for a quick 5-0 lead. Alec Wong, Gibbs and Kennedy recorded three consecutive hits with one out, including an RBI double from Kennedy, for the first run of the game. Elkins brought home Gibbs from third with a single up the line at third base. Birdsong would then draw a two-out walk to load the bases. Barlow followed with a two-run double into left center, but the left fielder misplayed the ball allowing Birdsong to also score on the play.

The Rattlers scored three more runs on three hits in the top of the third inning to put the game out of reach at 8-0. The inning was highlighted by Birdsong’s two-run single to right and Kennedy tied a career-high with his second double in as many at bats.

North Carolina A&T got on the board with a single run in the bottom of the fourth inning to make the score 8-1. Ordonez opened the home half of the fourth inning with a single to center and advanced to second on a wild pitch before scoring on an RBI single from Timothy Ravare.

A&T also scored single runs in the seventh and eighth innings for a final score of 8-3.

Charles Cantrell (0-7), who started game two for the Aggies, recorded just two outs in the first inning and allowed five runs (two earned) on four hits with one walk for the loss.

Florida A&M will conclude the regular season on Wednesday, May 6 at Troy. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET..

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

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

BCU's Howard Returns to the Georgetown U. Hilltop with Women's Basketball

James Howard
Courtesy: B-CU Athletics

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Georgetown University Women's Basketball Head Coach Natasha Adair announced the hiring of James Howard as the associate head coach for the Hoyas. Howard returns to the Hilltop after serving as an assistant coach for the Blue & Gray during the 1997-98 season. He will assist Adair in all facets of the program and will focus on the defensive side of the ball.

"I'm honored and excited to have Coach Howard back on the Hilltop and, more importantly, back home," said Adair. "Jimmy is a D.C. native who is valued as one of the best in the business. He's a 28-year veteran of the game who will bring experience, stability and a wealth of knowledge to our program."

Howard comes to Georgetown from Bethune-Cookman University where he spent four seasons including the last three as the associate head coach. The Wildcats have had 10 or more wins every season and appeared in three MEAC Tournaments winning at least one game in the past two.

The Washington, D.C., native began as the recruiting coordinator and helped bring in two-time All-MEAC honoree, Kailyn Williams, who was named First Team All-MEAC a season ago.

At the end of the 2013-14 season, Howard took the helm for Head Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis when she went on maternity leave. During that span, he coached the Wildcats to a 4-5 record including a MEAC Tournament victory.

Prior to Bethune-Cookan, Howard was the recruiting coordinator and associate head coach at Howard University under former Hoya Niki Reid Geckeler. He went to Howard when Reid Geckeler got the job in 2008 and was there for three seasons moving into the role of associate head coach during the 2010-11 season. He also coached during Reid Geckeler's maternity leave and helped the Bison improve each year he was on campus.

Howard began his coaching career in the men's game as a student assistant coach at Greensboro College for two seasons (1997-99). He then served as an assistant coach at Wesley College before switching to the women's game in 1991.

Howard was the head women's basketball coach at Wesley from 1991-97 where he was 75-69 over six seasons. Following his one-year stint at Georgetown, he served as the director of basketball operations (1998-99) at the University of Maryland before being promoted to assistant coach (1999-2000).

In 2000, he moved on to George Mason University where he was an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator for seven seasons. Howard spent one season (2007-08) at Delaware State before returning to the District to coach at Howard.

Howard is a member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and the Black Coaches Association. He was chosen by the NBA to do a coaches clinic in Bermuda and founded the first chapter of Future Farmers of America in Washington, D.C.

He received his bachelor's degree from Greensboro College in 1991. Howard has two grown sons, Marco and Michael.

"I have known for quite a while what a great place Georgetown is and I am so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join Natasha's staff and to be a part of the Hoya family," said Howard. "That is a key word, family. The one thing I have found right off the bat is a close-knit group, not only of coaches, but of administrators and faculty here at Georgetown."

COURTESY GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Late Surge Vaults FAMU To MEAC Women's Track Title

The FAMU LAdy Rattlers won the 2014-15 Outdoor Championship
Head Coach: Dr. Darlene Moore
Assistant Coach: Tiffiny Morrow
Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The Florida A&M Women’s Track team used a furious scoring flurry in the final two events to surge past three-time defending champion Hampton University, 111-105, to capture the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Women’s Outdoor Track And Field Championship at the Irwin Belk Track on the North Carolina A&T campus Saturday afternoon.

Dr. Darlene Moore’s talented crew brought home the school’s 10th MEAC Outdoor title overall and the first since 2000, after trailing the Lady Pirates, 95-93 heading into the final two events: the 3000 meter steeple chase and the 4x400 relay.

But FAMU, which has dominated the league in Cross Country and distance events, used their vaunted Kenyan Connection of freshman Judith Kibii, junior Effiey Kosgei and sophomore Cynthia Chelelgo to tally 12 points to put them ahead of the Lady Pirates, who did not score in the event, 105-95.

Hampton did win the final event, the 4x400 relay, scoring 10 points, but the FAMU quartet of Jasmine Smith, Destiny Johnson, Raven Diggs and Jharna Alston, finished third, adding six points to seal the victory.

Saturday’s triumph was a sweet end to a long journey of rebuilding for FAMU coach Darlene Moore, who inherited a once-proud program which had fallen on hard times when she arrived in the summer of 2009.

Six years later, the Lady Rattler Track Program added a MEAC Outdoor title to its’ three consecutive Cross Country Championships, and with just six upperclassmen on the 20-person squad, the future is bright for Moore and her charges.

Part of the reward for the hard work of her and many others, Moore was selected as the Women’s Track and Field Outstanding Coach on Saturday.

“The girls and the coaching staff were a bit heart broken after indoors when we finished in fourth place,” Moore said. “We made a pact where we wanted to work hard and improve on our positioning and take home the victory at this year’s outdoor track and field championship.”

In addition, seven FAMU Women were named All-Conference for 2015; Judith Kibii, Florida A&M (5000m, 1500m, 3000m SC); Ashley Ivey, Florida A&M (Triple Jump); Andrea Aaron, Florida A&M (discus, javelin); Jasmine Smith, Florida A&M (4x400); Destiny Johnson, Florida A&M (4x400); Raven Diggs, Florida A&M (4x400); Jharna Alston (4x400).

MEAC Outdoor Track Women's Results

Team            Points
1. Florida A&M 111
2. Hampton 105
3. Bethune-Cookman 92.33
4. Norfolk State 76
5. North Carolina A&T State 74
6. Maryland Eastern Shore 72
7. Morgan State 54
8. Howard 42.33
9. Coppin State 33.33
10. South Carolina State 28
T11. Delaware State 20
T11. North Carolina Central 20
12. Savannah State 13

2015 All-MEAC Outdoor First Team

Judith Kibii, Florida A&M (5000m); Kiara Howell, Norfolk State (discus, JT); Deandra Daniel, Coppin State (HJ); Deidra Jordan, Bethune-Cookman (heptathlon); Ke’von Lumb, Morgan State (LJ); Jess St. John, Morgan State (SP); Morgan Knight, North Carolina A&T State (PV, 100mH); India Brown, North Carolina A&T State (4x100); Reneazia Collins, North Carolina A&T State (4x100); Latrese Barker, North Carolina A&T State (4x100); Qizeah Jackson, North Carolina A&T State (4x100); Ce’aira Brown, Hampton (1500m, 800m, 4x400); Malekah Holland, Hampton (400m, 4x400); Tristie Johnson, Bethune-Cookman (100m); Tanaya Yarde, Coppin State (400mH); Ashley Ivey, Florida A&M (TJ); Le’Quisha Parker, Hampton (200m, 4x400); Ishakeema Swain, Morgan State (3000m SC); Tanisha Greene, Hampton (4x400).

All-MEAC Second Team

Ishakeema Swain, Morgan State (5000m); Andrea Aaron, Florida A&M (discus, JT); Jailah Mason, Morgan State (HJ); Hanah Billups, Howard (heptathlon); Kaydianne McKenzie, Norfolk State (LJ); Desiree Richardson, Bethune-Cookman (SP); Tiara Davis, Norfolk State (PV); Summer Brown, Bethune-Cookman (4x100); Tristie Johnson, Bethune-Cookman (4x100, 200m); Carlecia Spivey, Bethune-Cookman (4x100); Shalaneya Bryant, Bethune-Cookman (4x100); Judith Kibii, Florida A&M (1500m, 3000m SC); Jasmine Vaughan, Norfolk State (100mH); Tanisha Greene, Hampton (400m); India Brown, North Carolina A&T State (100m); Jheniel Kelly, Maryland Eastern Shore (800m); Kourtney Keller, Hampton (400mH); Shauntel Lucius, Maryland Eastern Shore (TJ); Rayanna Relerford, Delaware State (4x400); KeShaun Davis, Delaware State (4x400); Sabrina Burrell, Delaware State (4x400); Omealla Gordon, Delaware State (4x400.

All-MEAC Third Team

Ce’aira Brown, Hampton (5000m); Kristen Deacon, Coppin State (discus); Kasie Trigg, Bethune-Cookman (HJ); Jaymi White, Savannah State (heptathlon); Darlene Girardeau, North Carolina Central (LJ); Cheyenne Bellerand, Howard (SP); Te’Shaibrah Myles, Norfolk State (PV); Morgan Durham, Delaware State (JT); Kristian Young, Hampton (4x100); Tanisha Green (4x100); Meshala Morton, Hampton (4x100); Le’Quisha Parker, Hampton (4x100, 400m); Jheniel Kelly, Maryland Eastern Shore (1500m); Shelasia Leitch, Maryland Eastern Shore (100mH); Brittany McCants, Norfolk State (100m); Shantol Hemley, Maryland Eastern Shore (800m); Monica Todd, Howard (400mH); Soibhan Ford-Holland, Hampton (TJ); India Brown, North Carolina A&T State (200m); Barbora Blahutova, Maryland Eastern Shore (3000m SC); Jasmine Smith, Florida A&M (4x400); Destiny Johnson, Florida A&M (4x400); Raven Diggs, Florida A&M (4x400); Jharna Alston (4x400).

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Southern sweeps doubleheader at Grambling

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Southern doubled its fun Saturday afternoon at Grambling as the Jaguars swept a doubleheader from their SWAC archrival by identical scores, 11-4 and 11-4.

Having already locked up the second seed for the SWAC tournament, Southern coach Roger Cador shuffled his weekend pitching rotation. Regardless, it was smooth sailing in both games for the Jaguars.

In the first game, Southern (15-22, 12-8) took control early scoring seven runs in the first three innings. It provided more than enough room for Jaguars starter J’Markus George (2-4), who started his sixth game of the season.

George went six innings, giving up four runs on five hits. He had two strikeouts and five walks, recovering from a shaky start in which he hit two of the first three batters her faced.

“He really did get it together,” Cador said. “He found a ...

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REPEAT! B-CU Men's Track Defends MEAC Outdoor Title

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Someday, the Bethune-Cookman men’s track team may have a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference meet that doesn’t come to a narrow escape in the 4X400 relay. And if that happens, Head Coach Donald Cooper won’t know to do.

Until then, Cooper’s almost getting to use to these dramatic finishes … because they’re producing championships.

The Wildcats defended their Men’s Outdoor Track championship with a one-point victory (139-138) over North Carolina A&T Saturday at the Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T. In addition to defending their outdoor title, the Wildcats made it a sweep of both the 2015 indoor and outdoor titles.

Both came to holding off North Carolina A&T in the final event. Both championships were decided by a combined 2.5 points.

“It was indoor all over again,” Cooper said. “And it was just as intense. The blood is rushing, I’m heading under the stands to catch my breath. But what a tremendous accomplishment. I’m very proud of my staff for the work they put in to prepare us for this moment.”

The 4X400 relay team of Tremayne Banks, Donavon Frater, Christopher Jackson and Jonathan Moore delivered the deciding point with its eighth place finish after North Carolina A&T whittled down a 14-point Wildcat advantage after 16 events down to five points. The Aggie relay team came in fourth.

Banks had already scored in three Saturday events – a third in the 110 hurdles, a seventh in the 100 meter dash and a third in the 200, and Ricy Brown delivered with a second in the 1500, a fourth in the 800 and a key sixth place finish in the 300 meter steeplechase that helped slow down North Carolina A&T’s late charge.

“Those guys were the workhorses,” Cooper said of Banks and Brown. “Time and time they stepped up. Treymane went toe-to-toe with [Hampton’s Trey Hollaway] in the 110 hurdles. Ricy’s effort in the steeplechase split North Carolina A&T’s points and was a main contributor to our run.”

Sophomore Michael Tiller delivered B-CU’s lone first place win Saturday with a leap of 51’7” that edged defending champion Keenan Smith of North Carolina A&T.

“That victory starting turning the tide our way,” Cooper said of Tiller.

Sophomore Kenneth Fisher was denied a repeat as long jump champion, but garnered the event’s outstanding field award. He scored 21 points with second places in long jump and high jump and added a fourth Saturday in the triple jump.

“He just wanted to be a guy who helped the team,” Cooper said of Fisher. “He sacrificed his long jump to work on the high and triple jumps. Doing all three is taxing.”

B-CU also got third place finishes from Angelo Cabrera and Chris Collins’ career throw in the javelin.

JOHNSON WINS 100, TAKES SECOND IN 200 FOR LADY WILDCATS

Tristie Johnson highlighted the Lady Wildcats’ third-place finish by winning the 100 meter dash and taking second in the 200 Saturday.

The junior broke her own meet record in the 100 with a time of 11.26 and battled Hampton’s LeQuisha Parker in the 200. Parker, a senior, posted a 23.16 to Johnson’s 23.28.

“Tristie got off to a slow start in the outdoor season, but she came on strong,” Cooper said. “Breaking her own record is a great achievement. Parker was a little too much, but next year’s 200 should belong to Tristie.”

Bethune-Cookman led the team standings entering the final day, but Florida A&M overtook the Lady Wildcats early. Summer Brown, who earlier had a third in the triple jump, helped B-CU close to within two points after the 400 hurdles, but the Rattlers pulled away after the 200 and held off a late Hampton run.

Florida A&M posted 111 points to win their first MEAC Women’s Outdoor title since 2000 and 10th overall. Hampton (105) was second, and Bethune-Cookman finished with 92.33 points.

“You had three tough teams,” Cooper said. “Florida A&M’s always been a powerhouse and they finally put it together. We’ll get it together and make a
nother run next year.”

B-CU now turns its attention to the NCAA Easter Regional May 28-30 in Jacksonville.

COMPLETE RESULTS

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Rams Roll The Virginia State Trojans 8-3, For 5th Consecutive CIAA Baseball Championship

CARY, North Carlina -- For the fifth time in a row, the Winston-Salem State University Rams are CIAA Champions. The Rams got solid pitching from freshman, Tyler Scearce, and timely hitting throughout the lineup, as the Rams pulled away from Virginia State late for a 8-3 win in the 2015 CIAA Championship Game at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary.

With the win, the Rams improve to 38-13, while the VSU Trojans end their season at 25-18.

Winston-Salem State got on the scoreboard first, as in the bottom of the first inning, as Des Roberts walked to lead off and was moved over on a sac bunt by Gavin Culler. Connor Andrus would bring Roberts home when he singled through the middle, giving the Rams the early 1-0 lead.

Virginia State would answer in the second, when they would be able to plate one run, on two hits, and helped by a WSSU error to tie the game at 1-1.

WSSU would have an answer of their own for the Trojans, and in the bottom of the third inning, they would score two runs on one hit and one VSU error to go back out in front.

Taylor Idol would lead off with a single to right field, and Des Roberts would reach on a bunt and Idol and Roberts would advance when the throw went sailing to right field, with Taylor Idol scoring. Gavin Culler would bring in Des Roberts with a sac fly to deep right field, giving the Rams a 3-1 lead.

The VSU Trojans would get one back in the sixth inning, to pull within one, at 3-2.

But once again the four-time defending CIAA Champions had answer, and in the bottom of the sixth innings, Dylan Dombrowskas and Nathan Steger would come up with big runs batted in to push the Rams lead to 5-2 heading into the final third of the game.

The Virginia State Trojans were not going to go away easily, and would come back in the seventh with another run to pull within two, at 5-3.

The top of the eight would prove to be tense, as a walk and hit batter put runs in scoring position for Virginia State. After a WSSU pitching change, and walk, the bases would be loaded with one out for the Trojans. The next batter would hit a slow roller to third base, where Colby Keene would fire it home for the force out, followed by a ground out to shortstop to get the Rams out of the inning unscathed.

Winston-Salem State would blow the game open in the bottom of the eighth, as Nathan Steger would single home Colby Keene, followed by a two RBI double from Jacob Barber, scoring Connor Andrus and Nathan Steger to give WSSU a commanding 8-3 lead, heading into the final inning.

Jordan Cummings would shut down the VSU Trojans in the ninth inning, to give WSSU the 8-3 win, and 2015 CIAA Baseball Championship, their fifth consecutive.

Tyler Scearce picked up the win for WSSU, going 6.0 innings, allowing two runs and five hits while striking out four. Eric Corlett went an inning, allowing one run on one hit with a walk and a strikeout and Devin McLemore went 0.1 innings, with a walk and a strikeout. Jordan Cummings went the final 1.2 innings, allowing one hit with a walk and a strikeout.

Nathan Steger finished 2 for 4 with a run scored and two runs batted in, and Jacob Barber picked up two runs batted in as well, as he went 1 for 4 on the afternoon. Colby Keene went 1 for 3 with two runs scored, while Connor Andrus went 1 for 3 with a run scored and one run batted in. Taylor Idol also finished 1 for 3 with a run scored, while Dylan Dombrowskas went 1 for 4 with a run scored and one run batted in. Rashad Webster finished 1 for 4, and Des Roberts scored two runs.

2015 CIAA Baseball All-Tournament Team
Name - Position - School
Colton Gunn - Pitcher - (VSU)
Zachery Jordan - Pitcher - (VSU)
Aaron Flanagan - Catcher - (CU)
Connor Andrus - Catcher - (WSSU)
Kyle Cross - First Base - (CU)
Taylor Idol - Second Base - (WSSU)
Colby Keene - Third Base - (WSSU)
Nate Steger - Short Stop - (WSSU)
Tashaun Taylor - Outfield - (VSU)
Dylan Dombrowkas - Outfield - (WSSU)
Nick Christopher - Pitcher/Short Stop - (VSU)
Jacob Barber - Designated Hitter - (WSSU)

Tournament MVP
Connor Andrus - Catcher - (WSSU)

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Total breakdown: Oakland Raiders draft TSU offensive tackle Anthony Morris in seventh round

OAKLAND, California -- A few quick thoughts on the Oakland Raiders' first seventh-round draft pick.

The pick: Anthony Morris, offensive tackle, Tennessee State

My take: Morris is 6-foot-6, 290 pounds. He is a small-school player, but when offensive linemen are taken this low, it's for developmental reasons.

Stocking up on the offensive line: In the fourth round, Oakland took Miami's Jon Feliciano. He has a chance to compete at right guard. Morris won't compete for a starting job right away. His battle will be to make the 53-man roster.



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NFL draft 2015: Baltimore Ravens pick Tennessee State OG Robert Myers in 5th round

ROBERT MYERS
6'-5" 310
Hometown: LaVergne, Tennessee
LaVergne High School
Courtesy: TSU Athletics

CHICAGO, Illinois -- The Ravens didn't hide their interest in Tennessee State offensive guard Robert Myers.

They met with him at the Senior Bowl and at the NFL scouting combine. Myers visited their team facility in Owings Mills and also had a private workout with Ravens offensive line coach Juan Castillo.

When they were on the clock with the 176th overall pick in the draft and their second selection in the fifth round, the Ravens selected the 6-foot-5, 329-pound guard.

Myers was a three-year starter at the school, and a two-time All-Conference selection. He is a late bloomer as Myers didn't start playing football until he was a junior in high school.

Myers is known as a mauler who plays with nastiness. However, he tends to struggle to maintain his technique.

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Arizona Cardinals trade up for Rodney Gunter, Delaware State, who says he 'potentially could be the next J.J. Watt'

RODNEY GUNTER
6'-5" 305 DL
Hometown: Lake Hamiliton, Florida
Haines City High School
Courtesy: DSU Athletics/Rodney Adams

TEMPE, Arizona -- Who is Rodney Gunter?

He is a defensive end who played at Delaware State. He's 6-foot-5 and 305 lbs. He's a cousin of former Arizona Cardinals tight end D.C. Jefferson. He can supposedly dunk a basketball, and the Cardinals liked him enough to trade away three picks -- 123 (4th round), 198 (6th round) and 241 (7th round) -- for number 116, where they took him in the fourth round.

"I'm very versatile," Gunter said of his game. "I can bring a hard-working guy, and I potentially could be the next J.J. Watt."

Lofty comparison, yes, but Gunter said his goal is to be the best he can be, so that's the goal.

Getting drafted is a start.

Gunter said he expected to be picked sometime in round five or later, but it was "a blessing, a dream come true" to go in the fourth to Arizona.

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Round 4: Baltimore Ravens Select Texas Southern CB Tray Walker

BALTIMORE, Maryland --The Ravens waited to draft a cornerback until the fourth round, but they got one with plenty of upside.

Baltimore drafted Tray Walker out of small-school Texas Southern with their third pick in the fourth round (No. 136 overall). He’s the sixth player Baltimore drafted in 2015.

“I’m really overwhelmed right now. I’m stunned,” Walker said. “I really can’t think right now.”



Pundits didn’t project Walker going so high, listing him as a sixth- or seventh-round pick. But Ravens Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta indicated Friday night that Baltimore had their eyes on some sleepers.

The Ravens took a chance with small-school Nicholls State cornerback Lardarius Webb in 2009 and it worked out. They’ll hope for the same result from Walker. On paper, they’re two very different players, however.

Walker said Ravens Cornerbacks Coach Matt Weiss came to his personal workout.

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MEAC, SWAC Grab Some NFL Draft Sportlight

CHICAGO, Illinois -- - The two FCS conferences for historically black colleges and universities have developed a spotlight for both the start and end of the 2015 season.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Southwestern Athletic Conference also grabbed some of the FCS spotlight on the final day of the three-day NFL Draft on Saturday.

Each conference boasted a fourth-round selection, the only two from the FCS taken in the round on the day the bulk of players from the lower half of Division I college football were gulped up.

The Arizona Cardinals traded up seven spots to use the the 116th overall selection on Delaware State defensive lineman Rodney Gunter and the Baltimore Ravens picked Texas Southern cornerback Tray Walker in a surprising final pick of the fourth round at No. 135.

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Gunter is an athletic run stopper in the interior who also can play on the edge to get after quarterbacks. Walker, at 6-2, 180, is strong in press conference and has the longest arms and largest wingspan of any cornerback in the draft class.

The two HBCU conference will open the season with the annual MEAC-SWAC Challenge on Sept. 6. This season, their conference champions will square off in the new Celebration Bowl on Dec. 18.



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WSSU Rams stay unbeaten at CIAA Tournament

CARY, North Carolina -- Gavin Culler, Dylan Dombrowskas and Jacob Barber had three hits each to help Winston-Salem State beat Virginia State 8-4 Friday afternoon in a semifinal game at the CIAA Baseball Championships in Cary.

The Rams, four-time defending CIAA champions, advanced to today's title game(s) in the double-elimination tournament. WSSU will face Virginia State, which defeated Chowan 4-3 in an elimination game Friday night.

WSSU will clinch the title with a win today. The first game is scheduled for 1 p.m.; if WSSU loses, a second game would follow immediately after the first.

The Rams (37-13) trailed 2-1 the Trojans (24-17) scored two runs in the top of the third off Rams’ starter Aaron Hatch (8-1). However, the Rams rallied in the bottom of the inning.

With one out in the third, Culler doubled off Trojans’ starter Nicholas Christopher (4-3). Colby Keene singled to knock in Culler to tie it 2-2. Connor Andrus was hit by the hit, advancing Keene to second. Dombrowskas singled to knock in Keene and stole second with Nathan Steger batting. Steger struck out, but Barber doubled to knock in Dombrowskas and Andrus to take a 5-2 lead.

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Southern plays final SWAC series at Grambling

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern baseball team wraps up Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season play with a series at Grambling that starts with a doubleheader at noon Saturday.

This series has no measurable impact on the Jaguars’ SWAC fortunes because they are locked into the second seed from the West Division for the conference tournament, which begins in 11 days in New Orleans.

Southern (13-22, 10-8 SWAC) can’t catch second-place Texas Southern (14-6). Fourth-place Grambling (7-14, 9-30) can’t catch the Jaguars. First-place Arkansas-Pine Bluff is ineligible for the conference tournament.

Senior right-hander Santos Saldivar said his experience has been that the specific seed doesn’t make a big difference anyway.

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Obadiah Simmons Named Interim Athletic Director at Grambling State University

DR. OBADIAH SIMMONS JR.
Interim Athletic Director
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Obadiah Simmons, Jr. has been named the interim athletic director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Grambling State University.

Simmons is a 35-year veteran of Grambling State University. He most recently served as the interim head and director of the Department of Kinesiology, Sport and Leisure Studies and was the recipient of the Robert L. Piper Endowed Professorship in Health and Physical Education. Prior to joining the KSLS Department in 2008, Simmons worked in numerous administrative capacities at GSU in enrollment management, academic support, total quality management and student affairs.

As the interim athletic director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Simmons will provide administrative direction and oversight for Grambling's 17-sport athletics program, supervise the control and compliance with applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and University rules and regulations governing all facets of intercollegiate athletics.

Simmons is a native of Inkster, Michugab and a three-year letterman of Grambling's baseball team from 1972-1974. He received his bachelor's degree in secondary education from Grambling State University in 1974, earned his master's degree in physical education from the University of North Carolina in 1976 and earned his doctoral degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University in 1988.

Simmons has served as Chair of the NCAA Athletics Certification Self-Study Steering Committee (2006-2008), chair of the Grambling State University Athletic Council (2008-Present), University Policy Review Committee member (2008-Present), and Institutional Representative for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame Nominating Committee (2006-Present).

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE

Events DC Kicks-Off 5th Annual AT&T Nations's Football Classic

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The AT&T Nation's Football Classic®, an annual football game featuring historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), will take place at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., featuring two storied programs -- Hampton and Howard -- on Friday, Sept. 18th at 7 p.m.

"As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the AT&T Nation's Football Classic, we wanted to refresh the event and bring back a classic rivalry, as we did in 2011 with Morehouse and Howard," said Erik Moses, senior vice president and managing director of Events DC, Sports and Entertainment Division, "The battles between Hampton and Howard in RFK Stadium during the early 90's were instant classics.  Giving this type of rivalry a rebirth is what we had in mind when conceptualizing this event."

The AT&T Nation's Football Classic® was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognizing the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlighting the unity of African-American culture, while honoring the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions.

"The Classic has become a signature event for our nation's capital and is the only one of its kind within the city limits," said Greg O'Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. "It's more than just a game, it's an overall experience that attracts fans from around the country who continue to come back in part because of the great hospitality they receive from our hotel and restaurant partners."

The Hampton and Howard rivalry, which dates back to their first meeting in 1908, has affectionately been termed the "Battle for the Real HU" by both schools' loyal supporters. These institutions pride themselves on their academic excellence and athletic traditions. This match-up, which had a home in RFK Stadium in the 1990s, has been a series of runs, with the Bison dominating play throughout the 1970s and the Pirates posting 14 straight wins from 1997 through 2010.

The last two contests were nail-bitters, with Howard winning on the road in double-overtime in 2013 and narrowly escaping with a 30-29 victory this past season. Howard is currently riding a four-game winning streak; however, Hampton leads the overall series 47-43.

Tickets for the 2015 AT&T Nation's Football Classic are now available, with a special $15 lower-level seat offer in effect through ticketmaster.com, throughout the end of May. Regular priced tickets will start at $25 with group discount rates and suite level experiences available as well.  For additional information, please visit NationsFootballClassic.com.
 
About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic 
The AT&T Nation's Football Classic® is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Now in its fifth year, the game features Howard University against Hampton University. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation's Football Classic® was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions. Tickets for the AT&T Nation's Football Classic® are on sale now at ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Hampton University Box Office (at 757-728-6828). Seats are priced starting at $25.
 
ATTNFC website: www.NationsFootballClassic.com
ATTNFC Twitter: @NationsClassic
ATTNFC Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationsFootballClassic
Howard University website: www.howard.edu 
Hampton University website: www.hamptonu.edu
Howard University Athletics: hubison.com
Hampton University Athletics: www.hamptonpirates.com 

About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital.  Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes the historic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, and the non-military functions of the DC Armory.  Events DC also built and now serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Reception Held in Honor of Hank Aaron Will Raise Funds for Eddie G. Robinson Museum

HANK AARON

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling State University and the Friends of Eddie G. Robinson Museum are hosting a special reception following the 2015 Spring Commencement featuring former members of the Atlanta Braves, including Henry “Hank” Aaron, to raise funds for the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. The reception will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at the Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant.

“I just think that every individual needs to make sure they get an opportunity to come and see this great American, Hank Aaron. He’s the king of baseball as far as I’m concerned,” said Wilbert Ellis, president of the Friends of Eddie G. Robinson Museum. “Eddie Robinson had the chance to meet Hank Aaron, and you know Eddie would be excited.”

Many state museums across Louisiana were forced to reduce operations in mid-April due to mid-year budget cuts. Currently, the Eddie G. Robinson Museum only receives enough state funding to remain open one day a week, but the Friends of Eddie G. Robinson Museum want to keep the museum operational for four days a week.

“The museum is named after one of American’s greatest, Eddie G. Robinson, who coached at Grambling for 57 years and is in every Hall of Fame you can name. He’s touched the lives of so many individuals, including myself. We want young people to see this great American and his contributions and what he has done for Grambling State University and the whole country,” Ellis said.

Four former Atlanta Braves players, who are all Louisiana natives, will be honored at the reception: Wayne Causey, Gary Eaves, Ralph “Roadrunner” Garr and George Stone.

An auction will also be held featuring autographed sports memorabilia, including baseballs and bats signed by Aaron and basketballs signed by Willis Reed, a Grambling alumnus and former New York Knicks player.

Aaron, who is the senior vice president in the Atlanta Braves front office, will be awarded Grambling’s highest honor, the Doctor of Humane Letters degree, during the 2015 Spring Commencement at 10 a.m. May 8 at the Frederick C. Hobdy Assembly Center for his numerous contributions to professional baseball and charity.

There are a limited number of tickets available for the event. Tickets can be purchased for $100 each at the following locations: Ruston-Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Grambling State University and the Clark Company in Monroe. Donations to the museum can be made payable to The Friends of Eddie G. Robinson Museum.

For more information about the reception, please call Ellis at 318-614-8716 or John Belton at 318-680-6904.

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE

Bertie HS Falcon star picks Fayetteville State

WINDSOR, North Carolina -- It’s not too close, and it’s not too far.

That was part of Bertie High basketball player De’Najah Porter’s reasoning for picking NCAA Division-II and CIAA-member school Fayetteville State University over St. Petersburg College and Cape Fear Community College as starting points for the next phase of her basketball career.

Porter actually went through a workout for Lady Broncos coach Eva Patterson-Heath during her official campus visit in March. She was sold on the school and they were just as sold on her.



“They were looking for new players and they said they liked my game, and they were interested in offering me a full-ride scholarship,” Porter stated. “Last week they contacted (Bertie girls) Coach (Alice) Lyons and told them they were going to go ahead and send in the paperwork.”

A shy almost demure lady off the court, Porter knows that with bigger, faster, quicker players in college, she’ll have to change some of her approach to the game.

At 6’ 2”, she led Bertie to the third round (sectional finals) of the 2A state playoffs this past February and a 23-5 record en route to the Northeastern Coastal Conference regular-season title with an 11-1 mark in conference play.

“She’s an excellent athlete,” said Lyons. “Those CIAA players are going to have to keep up with her.”

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Lane College Dragons Release the 2015 Football Schedule

JACKSON,Tennessee -- As the saying goes "When the going gets tough, the tough get going"! With the release of the 2015 football schedule the Dragons football team will have to be tough. A full slate of ten weeks of football action is planned for the Dragons 2015 season. They will be racking up frequent traveler miles as seven of the ten games are on the road for this season.

The Dragons open up the new season with a trip to Selma, Alabama for a contest with Concordia College on September 5 for the 2 PM start of the football season. Week two has the Dragons headed to Fort Valley, Georgia to take on the Wildcats from Fort Valley State University. The September 12 contest is scheduled for a 6 PM start at Wildcat Stadium. The sunny beaches of Daytona, Florida would be the next stop for the Dragons on September 19 as they take on Division I Bethune-Cookman University. The BCU-Wildcats have scheduled the kick-off for 4 PM.

In week four the Dragons will host the Golden Tigers from Tuskegee University for the home opener on September 26 with kick-off scheduled for 2 PM at Lane Field. The Dragons open the October portion of the schedule for week five with a road trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They will face the Tigers of Stillman College on October 3 with a 1 PM kickoff.

The second half of the season opens up with a road trip to Augusta, Georgia as the Dragons face The Tigers of Benedict College in the Augusta Classic for week six action. The game is scheduled to be played on October 10 at the Lucy Laney Stadium in Augusta. Kickoff for the classic is scheduled for 2 PM. Week seven is "Homecoming Week" for the Dragons as they host the Marauders from Central State University(Ohio) on October 17. Homecoming activities start during the week and on game day. The schedule kickoff is at 2 PM at Lane Field.

Week eight is a short turn around week for the Dragons as they travel to Fairfield, Alabama for a Thursday night (October 22) contest with the Golden Bears from Miles College. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM for this Thursday night contest.

Week nine has the Dragons wrapping up the home season on October 31 as they host the Thorobreds from Kentucky State University. Kickoff for the final home game is scheduled for 2 PM with Senior Recognition starting prior to the contest. All the action will be at Lane Field. For the final regular season contest the Dragons load up for a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to take on the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College. The contest is scheduled for a 2 PM kickoff on November 7.

Excitement is in the air as football season is coming soon. Please make your plans now to come out and support the Dragons.

LANE COLLEGE DRAGONS 2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date	Time	Opponent	Location			Time
9/5/2015	2:00 PM	Concordia College-Selma	Selma, Ala			2:00 PM
9/12/2015	6:00 PM	Fort Valley State University	Fort Valley, GA			6:00 PM
9/19/2015	4:00 PM	Bethune-Cookman University	Daytona Beach, FL			4:00 PM
9/26/2015	2:00 PM	Tuskegee University	Jackson, Tenn.		*	2:00 PM
10/3/2015	1:00 PM	Stillman College	Tuscaloosa, AL		*	1:00 PM
Augusta Classic
10/10/2015	2:00 PM	Benedict College	Augusta, Ga.		*	2:00 PM
Homecoming
10/17/2015	2:00 PM	Central State University	Jackson, Tenn.		*	2:00 PM
10/22/2015	6:00 PM	Miles College	Fairfield, AL		*	6:00 PM
10/31/2015	2:00 PM	Kentucky State University	Jackson, Tenn.		*	2:00 PM
11/7/2015	2:00 PM	Morehouse College	Atlanta, GA		*	2:00 PM

COURTESY LANE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

SIAC Softball Championship: Tuskegee claims 2015 SIAC Title

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (April 26, 2015) – The Tuskegee Tigerettes captured the 2015 SIAC Women's Softball Title with a 6-4 win over the Kentucky State Thorobrettes Sunday afternoon at Polo Road Park in Columbia. The win gave Tuskegee its second title in as many years.

After dispatching of the Stillman Lady Tigers in the opening game of the day, Tuskegee found itself against Western Division foe Kentucky State in the championship round. KSU defeated Tuskegee earlier in the tournament and entered the day undefeated in tournament play.

GAME 13: Tuskegee d. Stillman 3-1 (Stillman eliminated) (box score)

After three scoreless innings, Tuskegee broke open the scoring in the top of the fourth inning when Kenyah Smith drew a bases-loaded walk to score Cari Driver. Estavia Jones then singled in Roslyn Thomas and Chante Warner, making the score 3-0 in favor of the Tigerettes. Stillman would score in the bottom of the 7th inning when Kersey Hunt singled to score Hannah Burr.

Karisa Foye earned the win for Tuskegee, working five innings surrendering five hits while striking out four. Stillman's Mickenzie Sparks worked seven innings allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out seven.

GAME 14: Tuskegee d. Kentucky State 5-1 (box score)

Roslyn Thomas and Chante Warner each drove in two runs as Tuskegee forced a winner-take-all game when the Tigerettes defeated the Thorobrettes 5-1. Thomas's effort came on a two-run blast in the top of the first inning with two outs. Kentucky State answered when Alysha Sakamura scored on a passed ball.

Tuskegee plated another run in the top of the third when Warner reached on an error to score Cari Driver. In the top of the fourth, Kenyah Smith scored an unearned run when Haley Plato reached on a fielding error. The Tigerettes added a run in the top of the sixth inning when a Warner sacrifice fly scored Jasmine Howard.

Karisa Koye earned the win in relief, working 5 2/3 innings walking six and striking out five. Kentucky State's pitching duo of Brittney Gately and Cheyenne Carpenter combined to strike out three, walk three and allow nine hits in the contest.

GAME 15: Tuskegee d. Kentucky State 6-4 (box score)

Tuskegee scored first when back-to-back doubles by Roslyn Thomas and Adrienne Eaddy scored a run. Eaddy would score two batters later to give the Tigerettes a 2-0 lead entering the bottom of the second inning. In the bottom of the third inning, Kentucky State tied the contest when Tyniesha Wilson scored on an Alysha Sakamura double before Sakamura scored on a Tuskegee throwing error.

In the Tuskegee half of the fourth inning, Eaddy scored again, this time on a Haley Plato single. KSU answered in the bottom of the fifth when Wilson scored on a throwing error. The Thorobrettes took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning when Danielle Bonham doubled to score Danielle Odums.

Trailing 4-3, Tuskegee opened the seventh inning with a Driver single, later scoring on a Karisa Foye single. A couple batters later, Morgan Burrell would score when Eaddy reaches on an error. In the next at-bat, Kenyah Smith would ground out as Roslyn Thomas scored the insurance run to seal the win.

Tuskegee's Karisa Foye was named Tournament Most Valuable Player. In the deciding contest, she threw seven innings, striking out five, walking four and allowing three hits. She went 5-0 on the weekend striking out 34 batters over three days of play.

Softball All-Tournament Team
Erin Lipps Claflin
Talana Brown Miles
Malea Maye Albany State
McKenzie Sparks Stillman
Jessica Mathews Stillman
Karisa Foye Tuskegee
Kenyah Smith Tuskegee
Roslyn Thomas Tuskegee
Cheyenne Carpenter Kentucky State
Brittney Gately Kentucky State

COURTESY SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Allen, James, Rolland and Row Team Up for GCAC Honor

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's 400-meter relay team of Clarke Allen, Chelsea James, Devinn Rollandand Tylor Row shared the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Performer of the Week in women's track for April 20-26 after producing an NAIA B-qualifying time Saturday.
     
Rolland was a double winner; she earned the GCAC women's field weekly award in the long jump.
     
Allen, James, Rolland and Row finished third in 48.13 seconds at the Southern Miss Invitational. It was the fourth time this season that the Gold Nuggets produced an NAIA A- or B-qualifying time in this event.
     
Rolland placed fifth in the long jump with a best mark of 5.19 meters (17 feet, one-half inch). Rolland outjumped three NCAA Division I athletes and four from NCAA Division II.
     
Rolland, a senior from Harvey, La., and a graduate of Cabrini High School, is no stranger to GCAC awards. She has been the conference's track honoree twice this season and eight times in her career. For field events, Rolland has won twice this season and 12 times in her career. Rolland is the GCAC career record holder in track and field weekly awards.
     
For Rolland's teammates, it's their first time to earn a GCAC weekly honor. Allen is a freshman from Mendehall, Miss., and a graduate of Mendenhall High School. James is a junior from Gadsden, Ala., and a graduate of Gadsden City High School. Row is a freshman from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of St. Michael High School.
     
Next for qualified XU women's and men's athletes will be the NAIA National Championships May 21-23 at Gulf Shores, Alabama.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorXULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Benedict College Slewyn Young says his attention to detail landed him Coach of the Year honor

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Benedict head baseball coach Selwyn Young was named the SIAC Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to a 23-17 overall record and a 13-5 Eastern Division record. Young also helped bring home an Eastern Division championship, the program’s second eastern title since 2011 and the second in school history.

The award is the second coach of the year honor for Selwyn, who first earned the title in 2010. Young said he was proud and humbled to receive the award.

“It’s an honor because the coaches vote,” he said. “You don’t give yourself the award. They vote.”

The Tigers started off the season with a 1-8 record. Young said it was important to instill confidence into a team with 18 freshmen and sophomores on the roster.

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Benedict Baseball Coach Selwyn Young Buys Ellensburg Bulls Minor League Team

BENEDICT COLLEGE HEAD COACH SELWYN YOUNG

ELLENSBURG, Washington  SLYSPORTS LLC, headed by MLB veteran and current Benedict College head baseball coach Selwyn Young have purchased the franchise. Selwyn's brother, Delwyn, will be the hitting coach and Jim Hayes will manage the club.
-- The Ellensburg Bulls have announced new ownership for the 2015 season.

SLYSPORTS LLC will be the financial backing for the Ellensburg club this season. "You can put the Young Professional Baseball Family name on this club and a part of the league" said Selwyn in a recent communication with League Commissioner Mike Greene.

Mr. Young will also enlist the help of his family, including his sister Cynthia Young who worked in the front office for the Lancaster Jet hawks for many years.

Young hails from Los Angeles, California. He is a graduate of Belmont High School, where he was a three-sport varsity letterman. He was named "All City" shortstop his senior season as well as being an All-League defensive back in football. School honors included being named Belmont's "Athlete of the Year" in 1976. After high school, Young played for the 1977 Los Angeles City College Cubs at shortstop. A 30-game hitting streak that year helped him earn a full scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu. In 1980, he set the single season record for stolen base percentage at .952 with 20 out of 21 stolen bases. That team was inducted into Pepperdine's prestigious Hall of Fame in 1999. The 1979 Waves were the first Pepperdine team to win a berth in the NCAA College World Series.

Young played professional baseball 10 years beginning with the Oakland A's organization in 1981, where he was a part of three consecutive Minor League Championships. He also played with the Baltimore Orioles, the Mexican Major Leagues, and several independent leagues before hanging up his glove in 1995 while under a MLB contract with the Seattle Mariners. He was also a part-time scout for the Cincinnati Reds, and the Seattle Mariners.

To complete the family picture, the Skagit Valley Lumberjacks have agreed to trade Selwyn's son, Brandon Young, to Ellensburg for a player to be named later. Brandon played last year for the Trinidad Triggers and also played at Benedict College. Young said he hopes to bring in other former Benedict College baseball players to play for the Bulls.

The Ellensburg Bulls are a member of the Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League, an independent minor league with six teams located in Washington, Oregon and Montana. The league plays a 68-game schedule from May to August.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

UAPB Golden Lions Baseball Edge Kansas Jayhawks, 6-5

Final Box (.pdf) | Notes (.pdf)

LAWRENCE, Kansas -- Second-inning woes were too much to overcome, as the Kansas baseball team dropped its final midweek-matchup at Hoglund Ballpark, 6-5, Wednesday night at the hands of the UAPB Golden Lions.

The Jayhawks are no strangers to late-inning rallies and the ninth inning against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (23-16, 16-6) looked to be just that, as senior left fielder Connor McKay drilled a solo home run to right center to bring the Jayhawks (19-26, 6-9) within one run. However, UAPB closer Andre Davis had different plans and closed the door in the ninth to end the hopes of a KU comeback, 6-5.

Kansas pounded out nine hits off four Golden Lion Pitchers, five off starter Ciji Ramos (2-1) through the first five innings. McKay (4-for-5) and senior right fielder Dakota Smith (3-for-4) paced the Jayhawks with a combined seven hits, while each driving in a run. McKay finished the day tying a career-high with three runs scored.

In its final midweek bout at home, KU decided build for the future and ran out a plethora of young guns on the mound. Freshman Brandon Johnson (0-2) got the start and gave up five runs in one inning of work, after failing to record an out in the second. Three other freshmen saw action with veterans, junior righty Sam Gilbert and sophomore closer Stephen Villines sprinkled in to give the Jayhawks a fighting chance.

McKay singled in the first inning for KU with one out to get its first runner on base. A Smith walk and a fly out by sophomore catcher Michael Tinsley moved the senior outfielder to third base with two outs. It was then a passed ball by UAPB catcher Gabe Munoz that allowed McKay to score from third and give Kansas the early lead, 1-0.

The Golden Lions came back in the top of the second and scored five runs off Johnson who was relieved by freshman Blake Weiman with no outs on the board. UAPB right fielder Vladamir Gomez started the slugfest, with a single up the middle to score two. Left fielder Jerimiah Figueroa followed suit, with a single through the left side to tack on another run and advance the lead, 3-1. Two other Golden Lions tallied RBIs in the inning to add to the damage, 5-1.

"We pitched four or five freshman tonight that are still developing, but they are getting better and making progress," head coach Ritch Price said. "However, there are days like today where they can take a step back."

Several freshmen were able to get on the mound and gain experience for the Jayhawks before Kansas went to its bullpen, eventually settling with junior righty Hayden Edwards to man the mound through two innings before Gilbert took over in the seventh and then turned it over to freshman Ryan Ralston and Villines to finish the game.

"These midweek games are great for getting our young guys experience and aiding in their development," Price said. "They have been doing really well other than one bad inning that ended up being the difference of the game. I thought we pitched well tonight."

The Kansas offense was stagnant through the next four innings until the Golden Lions pitcher, Ramos, found himself in a jam in the bottom of the sixth as the Jayhawks loaded the bases. Freshman shortstop Matt McLaughlin earned a free pass that scored Smith to cut the deficit, 5-2. UAPB turned to its bullpen for help, bringing junior righty Blake Estep to the mound.

The transition didn't seem to faze the Jayhawks who began to use their bats to battle back into the ballgame. Junior designated hitter Steve Goldstein hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield to score Tinsley, who singled through the right side to get on base. Kansas collected three hits and two runs in the sixth to inch closer, 5-3.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff tacked on a run in the seventh to add to its lead, 6-3, but the Jayhawks came back in the bottom half to once again chip away. McKay doubled to right center to get on base as Smith followed suit with a double down the left field line, scoring McKay to cut the lead to two, 6-4. Tinsley drew a walk to get on base, while senior first baseman Blair Beck reached on a fielding error by the third baseman to load the bases. UAPB opted for a pitching change, bringing in senior right-hander Kevin Walsh to quiet the Kansas offense.

UAPB then brought out senior closer Andre Davis to finish off the Jayhawks, but McKay had other plans, drilling the long ball to right center to bring the game within one, 6-5. Trying to muster up a comeback, Smith stepped up to the plate with one out on the board, hoping to keep the momentum alive and singled up the middle. With both dugouts chattering in anticipation, Tinsley grounded into a fielder's choice. The pressure was then put on Beck to become the hero, but he was unable to execute and Kansas fell, 6-5.

The Jayhawks are back in action Friday, May 1, at Hoglund Ballpark as they host the Baylor Bears in a weekend conference series. The game is slated for 6 p.m. and will be available on ESPN3 and Jayhawk Radio Network.

KUAthletics.com: The official online source for Kansas Athletics, Williams Education Fund contributions, tickets, merchandise, multimedia, photos and much, much more.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS