Rush, Nuggets Returning to NAIA National Championships

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's tennis teams held their positions Monday in the NAIA coaches polls, and both received at-large bids to next week's NAIA National Championships.

The Gold Nuggets (15-9) are ranked fifth, and the Gold Rush (12-7) are No. 6. Both received the first of nine at-large bids.

Twenty-four women's teams and 24 men's teams qualified for the national tournament, which will begin May 12 at Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala. The NAIA will announce seedings and pairings by 5 p.m. CDT Tuesday.

Xavier's women qualified for nationals for the fourth consecutive year and the ninth time overall in the last 11 seasons. The XU men qualified for the seventh consecutive year after never reaching nationals before 2009.

"We're happy about earning bids to play in the national tournament again," said Alan Green, in his 12th season as coach of Xavier's women and men. "We're worked hard all year to get to this point, and now it's time to go into the final tournament of the year and look to make a good showing. We just want to compete as hard as we can and see where it leads us."

The Gold Nuggets reached the national semifinals in 2013 and 2014 — the best finish by an XU team in any sport at an NAIA national tournament — and the Gold Rush reached the quarterfinals in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Both XU teams have lengthy current streaks in the NAIA's top 10: 37 straight for the men, 24 straight for the women. Both also are among the NAIA leaders in active streaks of appearances at the national tournament. The Nuggets are one of nine women's programs making a fourth consecutive appearance, and the Rush are one of eight men's programs making a seventh consecutive appearance.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll  (first-place votes in parentheses — records through May 2) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Georgia Gwinnett (12) 8-6 373 1 2 Auburn Montgomery (2) 19-4 363 2 3 Lindsey Wilson 15-7 349 3 4 SCAD Savannah 12-4 338 4 5 Xavier 15-9 327 5 6 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 13-5 311 6 7 William Carey 12-7 305 7 8 Brenau 12-5 293 8 9 Northwood (Fla.) 8-6 277 9 10 Cardinal Stritch 21-2 265 10 11 Arizona Christian 22-2 246 tie-12 12 Oklahoma Baptist 11-7 226 tie-12 13 Concordia (Calif.) 12-11 223 11 14 Northwestern Ohio 17-6 221 14 15 Lewis-Clark State 7-12 212 15 16 Evangel 10-3 201 16 17 Westmont 13-9 184 20 18 Cambellsville 12-8 169 18 19 Graceland 8-3 152 19 20 Vanguard 8-16 144 17 21 Davenport 16-10 133 21 22 LSU-Alexandria 10-2 130 22 23 Olivet Nazarene 16-7 114 23 24 Southeastern (Fla.) 12-5 105 24 25 Coastal Georgia 9-7 89 25 Others receiving votes:  Indiana Wesleyan 67, Aquinas 41, St. Thomas (Fla.) 37, McPherson 24, Missouri Valley 23, Campbellsville 19, Marian (Ind.) 14, SCAD Atlanta 9, Reinhardt 3

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll  (first-place votes in parentheses — records through May 2) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Georgia Gwinnett (14) 12-2 374 1 2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 18-3 358 2 3 Vanguard 25-1 350 3 4 Auburn Montgomery 19-4 342 4 5 Lindsey Wilson 19-1 326 5 6 Xavier 12-7 314 6 7 Northwestern Ohio 18-5 302 7 8 San Diego Christian 14-7 288 8 9 William Carey 13-6 280 9 10 Concordia (Calif.) 12-9 265 10 11 Coastal Georgia 11-7 251 11 12 Northwood (Fla.) 10-2 241 12 13 Westmont 10-14 228 13 14 Bethany (Kan.) 11-1 205 14 15 Dalton State 11-7 204 15 16 Graceland 12-3 194 16 17 Cambellsville 15-5 179 18 18 McPherson 16-5 171 17 19 Belhaven 16-5 167 19 20 Oklahoma Baptist 10-7 146 20 21 Cardinal Stritch 20-7 132 21 22 Reinhardt 11-3 120 22 23 Lewis-Clark State 4-10 104 23 24 Olivet Nazarene 12-6 92 24 25 SCAD Savannah 6-7 79 25 Others receiving votes:  Indiana Wesleyan 53, Tennessee Wesleyan 50, Davenport 48, Martin Methodist 29, Asbury 27, Aquinas 24, Marian (Ind.) 10, Middle Georgia 5, Biola 3

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

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KSU's Jacquise Lockett signs contract to join Redskins

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Former Kentucky State University Football standout Jacquise Lockett signed a contract as a free agent with the Washington Redskins in the National Football League on Saturday afternoon.

Lockett, a Fulton, KY native, signed a deal with the Washington Redskins about 10 minutes before Louisville's Gerald Christian was drafted as the last pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.

A two time 1st Team All SIAC running back, Lockett has rushed for 2,886 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career. He is the only running back in the SIAC to rush for over 1,000 each of the last two seasons and was the only running back in 2013. Over the past two seasons Lockett has averaged 112 yards per game and 5.9 yards per carry for his career.

For his career Lockett has scored 198 points including 32 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown. He also was the leading scorer for the Thorobreds the past two seasons.

Last season, Lockett went over the 100-yard mark five times including a 243 yard two touchdown performance against Central State University in the Circle City Classic.

COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Kentucky State University Releases 2015 Football Schedule

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- In the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, The Kentucky State Thorobreds are pleased to announce the 2015 Football Schedule. This year's schedule features several intriguing out of conference match-ups against the MEAC and CIAA, another visit to Lucas Oil Stadium as participants in the Circle City Classic and four home games.

Head Coach Josh Dean, who enters his second season as the head coach, will lead the Thorobreds into action on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. as the Thorobreds visit Hampton University to kick off their 2015 campaign. The Thorobreds will take a second trip to Virginia the following week to battle Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA. The home opener for the Thorobreds will be the second CIAA vs. SIAC battle as Johnson C. Smith University travels to Frankfort, on Sept. 19, 2015 with a 2:00 pm kick-off.

SIAC Conference play begins in week four with the rivalry between Central State and Kentucky State being played out during the Circle City Classic in Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 26.

October begins with a road battle vs. Benedict College in Columbia, SC before the Thorobreds return home to face the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University for homecoming in week six.

For game seven of the season, the Breds will travel to Fairfield, AL to face off against Miles College for their homecoming on Oct. 17th. They will then return home to battle the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee on Oct. 24th.  Lane College will be the Halloween match up for the Breds as they travel to Jackson, TN on Oct. 31 and the season will conclude with a battle against Stillman College on November 7 in Frankfort, KY at 1:00 pm.

Season tickets and Circle City Classic Tickets can be purchased beginning May 11, 2015 by calling the KSU athletics office at (502) 597-6011.

2015 Thorobred Football Schedule:

DATE DAY OPPONENT HOME / AWAY LOCATION TIME
9/5/2015 Saturday Hampton University A Hampton Roads, VA TBD
9/12/2015 Saturday Virginia State University A Petersburg, VA 2:00 pm
9/19/2015 Saturday Johnson C. Smith University H Frankfort, KY 2:00 pm
9/26/2015 Saturday Central State University * %
Circle City Classic N Indianapolis, IN TBD
10/3/2015 Saturday Benedict College * A Columbia, SC TBD
10/10/2015 Saturday Fort Valley State University * # Homecoming H Frankfort, KY 1:30 pm
10/17/2015 Saturday Miles College * A Fairfield, AL TBD
10/24/2015 Saturday Tuskegee University * H Frankfort, KY 1:00 pm
10/31/2015 Saturday Lane College * A Jackson, TN TBD
11/7/2015 Saturday Stillman College * H Frankfort, KY 1:00 pm
11/14/2015 Saturday SIAC Championship N Montgomery, AL TBD

* SIAC Opponent
% Circle City Classic
# Homecoming

COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU's Trice-Hill Rejoins Columbia U. Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

TRENA TRICE-HILL

NEW YORK, New York -- Trena Trice-Hill has rejoined the Columbia women’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach in April 2015 head coach Stephanie Glance announced Monday morning. Trice-Hill brings over 10 years of coaching experience and 14 years of professional playing experience to the Lions.

Trice-Hill returns to Morningside Heights after a stint as an assistant coach at Norfolk State University over the past two seasons with prior stops at Virginia Commonwealth, Shaw University, North Carolina State and Hampton University.

Trice-Hill served as an assistant women's basketball coach at VCU for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. She helped guide the Rams women's basketball team to the WNIT both years to set a new program record with four consecutive postseason appearances. She was selected to participate in the 2011 NCAA and BCA Achieving Coaches Excellence (ACE) Program, which helps recognize and develop some of the game’s top assistant coaches.

Following a 14-year professional career in the WNBA and with the Federal International Basketball Association (FIBA), Trice-Hill joined the collegiate coaching ranks as an assistant at Hampton University in 2002. She helped guide the Pirates to back-to-back MEAC titles and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances before returning to her alma mater North Carolina State for a five-year stint under late Hall of Fame head coach Kay Yow. After her time with the Wolfpack, Trice-Hill accepted an assistant coaching position at Shaw University, where she spent the 2009-10 season.

Trice-Hill has specialized in developing talented post players. She mentored three WNBA Draft selections at NC State in Khadijah Wittington, Gillian Goring and Tiffany Stansbury. At VCU, she coached forward Courtney Hurt, who led the nation in rebounding (13.1 rpg) in 2011-12 and ranked second in double-doubles (23).

Trice-Hill has experienced success at each stage of her basketball career. As a player at NC State, she guided the Wolfpack to four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and ranks among the school’s all-time greats with 1,761 points and 984 rebounds. Trice-Hill also led the Wolfpack to a pair of ACC Tournament titles (1985 and 1987) and an ACC regular season title in 1985. She was named All-ACC all four seasons, including a pair of first team all-league honors, a second team selection and was a member of the All-Freshman team. In addition, she was a two-time ACC All-Tournament selection.

Trice-Hill was a Wade Trophy Finalist in 1986, which honors the nation's best women’s basketball player, and went on to participate in the 1988 Olympic Trials. She is just one of seven players to have her No. 15 jersey retired at NC State and was named to the ACC’s 50th Anniversary team in 2002.

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Trice-Hill graduated with a degree in speech communication from NC State. She is married to Derrick A. Hill and has one daughter, Kiana.

COURTESY COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

GRU Augusta Jags Golf Headed To Chapel Hill For 19th NCAA Regional Appearance

AUGUSTA, Georgia – The No. 49 GRU Augusta men's golf team is headed to the NCAA postseason and will play at the UNC Chapel Hill regional as the eighth seed beginning on Thursday May 14 at the University of North Carolina Finley Golf Course.

Hosted by UNC, the NCAA Regional in Chapel Hill, N.C., will feature a 13-team field. The Jags competed at the UNC Finley Golf Course in their first event this fall Sept. `2-`4 at the Tar Heel Intercollegiate where GRU Augusta placed fourth at even par.

The Jaguars have made 19 NCAA Regional appearances (1993-95, 1998-2005, 2007-2012, and 2014). Last season marked the most recent trip for the Jags in the NCAA Regional when senior Alex Wennstam earned a spot as an individual competitor in 2014. The last time the team traveled for a regional was in 2012

GRU Augusta will be looking to advance to the NCAA Championships for the 14th time in 18 NCAA Regional appearances. The Jags finished in the top 10 in all 10 regular season meets and reached a No. 48 national ranking. The team placed in the top five in six different events, highlighted by a first-place finish at the 2015 MEAC Championship on April 25 to give the jags an automatic qualifying bid.

"We are excited to be participating in the UNC Chapel Hill NCAA Regional," Head Coach Jack O'Keefe said. "The field there is very challenging as are all of the sites, but we were fortunate to have played a preview tournament back in the fall. The guys like the golf course there and we hope to use our experience from the fall tournament to contend for one of the five spots that advance to the NCAA Finals in Bradenton, Florida. I am proud of our guys this year for playing well and earning a berth into the NCAA Regionals. We look forward to the challenge."

Six 54-hole regional tournaments will be conducted May 14-16. Thirteen teams and ten individuals not on those teams will compete at each of three regionals while the other three regionals will have 14 teams and five individuals not on those teams. The low five teams and the low individual not on those teams from each regional will advance to the finals.

The low five teams and low individual (not on those teams) from each of the six regionals advance to the NCAA Men's Golf Championships, taking place May 29-June 3 at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. Golf Channel will air live coverage of the final three days of the NCAA Men's Golf Championships, June 1-3.

View all brackets and selections by clicking here.

NCAA REGIONAL - UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA FINLEY GOLF COURSE – CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA

Hosted by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Teams (seeded in the following order):

1. Florida State University

2. Stanford University [Pac-12 Conference]

3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

4. Kennesaw State University

5. Wake Forest University

6. Clemson University

7. University of Florida

8. Georgia Regents University [Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference]

9. University of North Carolina, Charlotte

10. McNeese State University

11. Pennsylvania State University

12. Miami University (Ohio) [Mid-American Conference]

13. Loyola University Maryland [Patriot League]


GOLF CHANNEL NCAA MEN'S DIVISION I GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS TOURNAMENT COVERAGE

Monday, June 1 Final Round, Individual Stroke Play 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET (Live)

Tuesday, June 2 Quarterfinals, Match Play 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET (Live)

Tuesday, June 2 Semifinals, Match Play 3:30 -7:00 p.m. ET (Live)

Wednesday, June 3 Finals, Match Play 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET (Live)

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 ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

NSU Spartans get 1st no-hitter in nearly 20 years

NORFOLK, Virginia -- After coming oh-so-close to no-hitters in his each of his last two starts, Norfolk State sophomore left-hander Devin Hemmerich achieved the elusive feat Sunday in a 6-1 victory over visiting Coppin State in game one of the teams' doubleheader at Marty L. Miller Field. The Spartans won game two by the same 6-1 score to sweep their final MEAC Northern Division series of the season.

Hemmerich (4-3) threw the program's first no-hitter in the Division I era and fifth in school history to help the Spartans (23-13, 19-5 MEAC North) end their conference schedule in style. The Spartans' last no-hitter came on March 12, 1996, when John Coles (five innings) and Matthew Hemmis (one inning) combined to blank St. Paul's in a 39-0, six-inning win. Hemmerich walked the game's lead-off hitter, Colin Dower, who then stole second. Dower took third on a groundout and alertly took off for home when the NSU defense turned its back on him following the putout at first. Dower slid in safely ahead of the throw home to get the Eagles on the board.

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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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