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MIAMI, Florida --Tommy Lee Walker's ashes were spread off of the waters of Miami last Sunday by his family.
It was one day after the Ravens drafted his son, Texas Southern cornerback Tray Walker, in the fourth round.
It would have been his father's 54th birthday. Tommy Lee Walker died in November from a heart attack.
"This upcoming season, the whole process of right now, I dedicate that to him," Tray Walker said Friday during the first day of a rookie minicamp at the Ravens' training complex. "That's all he wanted. He just wanted the best for me and prayed to God that I would get this chance, and now I'm here."
Drafted 136th overall, Walker became the first Texas Southern player to be drafted since wide receiver Joey Jamison went to the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round in 2000. He's the highest draft pick for the school since center Joe Burch went in the third round to the New England Patriots in 1994.
COURTESY SWAC.MEDIA RELATIONS Texas Southern University Softball Champions
DECATUR, Alabama – Thomasina Garza (4-for-4) led Texas Southern University (14-3, 25-16) to its second consecutive SWAC Softball Championship as the Tigers defeated Alabama State University (11-6, 21-33), 9-0, Saturday afternoon at Wilson Morgan Park. Garza was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament (MVP) for the second time in a row.
In the first inning, Brianna Parker hit a single to bring home Jessica Miller for the Tigers’ first score. Neither team would score again until the top of the fourth when TSU used a double to score Garza, making the score 2-0. The Tiger managed two addition runs before closing out the inning with a four-score game lead.
A two-run double courtesy of Parker allowed Garza her second run of the day. The rally grew larger as TSU finished the fifth frame with a score of 6-0. The Hornets worked behind the bat at the bottom of the fifth with Aleesa Yanez slugging a double, but the runner was not successful in making it home.
To finish the game, Krystalani Yockman slammed a homerun down center, leaving the score 9-0 at the top of the seventh, granting Texas Southern championship victory.
Sammantha Jimenez (7-4) pitched a seven-inning shutout - her first this season. After facing 29 batters, she only allowed eight hits, and one walk, while tossing one strikeout. Garza and Chanler Powell managed a game-high two runs, while Yockman secured a game-high three RBI.
Texas Southern finished the tournament 4-0.
Four, Tigers were named to the All-Conference team – Garza, Parker, Brianna Simpson and Chelsea Guenther. The entire team is listed below.
Tournament MVP
Thomasina Garza – Texas Southern University
SWAC All-Tournament Team
Anisa Britt – Alabama A&M University
Alexandra Dobbins – Mississippi Valley State University
Alicia Barajas – Southern University and A&M College
Canessa Swanson – Jackson State University
Jenna Mae Thorne – Alabama State University
Chelsea King – Alabama State University
Kendall Core – Alabama State University
Brianna Parker – Texas Southern University
Brianna Simpson – Texas Southern University
Chelsea Guenther – Texas Southern University
The championship game will play tape delayed tomorrow, May 10, at 9 p.m. CST on ESPNU.
The NCAA Division I Softball Selection Show will also be Sunday, May 10 at 9 p.m. CST on ESPNU. Tune in to see which team Texas Southern will face in the first round.
ORMOND BEACH, Florida – The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers used a storng pitching performance by sophomore Kenya Pereira and solid defense, making just one error, to defeat the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman in the MEAC semifinal match today, paving the way for the Rattlers to defend their title tomorrow at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.
Pereira, pitched a complete game for FAMU. She allowed five hits, one walk and just one run. The 2014 MEAC Softball Championship Most Outstanding Player, has again had a stellar tournament and is leading the way for the Lady Rattlers who have made their way unscathed at 3-0.
The Lady Rattlers scored their first run in the top of the third inning. With speedster Tashayla Irvis on base, head coach Veronica Wiggins decided to put freshman Toni Anderson at the plate in order to ensure the run. Wiggins’ hunch paid off as Anderson hit a deep fly ball to left-center field, scoring Irvis.
B-CU would manufacture a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, aided by FAMU’s lone error. Bryanna Campos, who went 3-for-3 for B-CU, would plate on the error, making it a 1-1 tie.
A bizarre top of the sixth inning by B-CU pitcher Sabrina Anguiano, allowed FAMU to take the lead for good. Miesha McBride was hit by a pitch with one out. Amanda Weaver drew a walk to put runners on first and second base. Wiggins placed speedy outfielder Naesha Lewis on second base to run for McBride. Anguiano, then hit Raven Moseley, who was pinch hitting for Alyssa Weaver to load the bases. Catcher Alexsis Sandage drew yet another walk to plate Lewis for what would be the game-winning run.
Jessica Nathan went 3-for-4, to lead all hitters on the day. Amber Fullwood and Whitney Farris would card FAMU’s only other hits.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida – Three-time defending women’s champion Bethune-Cookman University wasted no time taking the first-round women’s division lead, while Florida A&M University moved atop the Division I men’s division Friday at PGA Golf Club in the 29th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship.
The 2015 edition of the Championship features more than 220 players representing 50 colleges and universities, 12 countries and two U.S. territories. The 54-hole Championship concludes Sunday.
Florida A&M’s men’s team, which opened with an 11-over-par 299 total on the Wanamaker Course, owns a two-stroke lead over Alabama State University. Two-time defending Champion Bethune-Cookman University is in third place at 307.
FAMU’s Rattlers, who last won the Championship in 2000, were led by senior Lyron (“La-Ron”) Henderson, 23, of Long Beach, California, with a 2-under-par 70. Henderson is completing his first full collegiate golf season, having transferred in 2013 from the University of Texas-Austin, where he did not compete.
“It’s a great way to start off this Championship,” said Henderson, who began play on the 10th hole of the Wanamaker, and overcame a lost ball and a double bogey on the 15th hole. “I grinded it out and stayed consistent. I had a couple bad breaks, but conquered those demons. My ball on No. 15 kicked left into the brush. After that, I parred out to end the front nine, then birdied Nos. 1, 5 and 9 coming in.”
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Omar Housting had two hits and two RBIs and Kyle Vaas hit a solo home run Friday as Norfolk State set a school record for Division I victories by beating Jackson State 7-3.
Troy Applin added three hits for the Spartans in their regular-season finale.
Stephen Butt (Churchland) allowed two runs, one earned, over five innings to pick up the win for the Spartans (26-14), who surpassed the 2007 and '08 teams, which each won 25 games, for victories in the Division I era.
NSU finished 15-2 at home, its best at Marty L. Miller Field.
DECATUR, Alabama -- Western division champion, Texas Southern University, will face Alabama State University in the 2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference Softball Championship Saturday, May 9, at Wilson Morgan Park. The first pitch is set for 2 p.m. CST.
The Tigers will make their second consecutive appearance in the SWAC softball tournament championship game after defeating SWAC eastern division champion, Jackson State University, 7-5. TSU grabbed its fifth SWAC western division title this season with efforts from Thomasina Garza, Jessica Miller and Brianna Parker.
This will be Texas Southern’s third time participating in the championship game – the first being in 2000, and the second being last season when they were crowned SWAC champions.
Garza looks to lead the team in her final year after claiming a conference-high batting average of .432, slugging percentage of .730, on base percentage of .529, 46 RBI and seven homeruns. During the game against JSU, Garza hit a double to tie the game, 5-5, followed by Parker’s homerun, which scored two runners and won the game for the Tigers.
COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS
This is the second time in two years the Hornets will appear in the SWAC softball championship game. In the 2013 season, ASU was eliminated by Mississippi Valley State University, 11-3.
Chelsea King plans to guide the team to its first SWAC championship title in the history of its program after producing a 8-6 win/loss record. King claimed her eighth career win and second shutout game during the semifinals against Jackson State - throwing six strikeouts and only allowing one walk and six hits.
Alabama State dropped a 5-2 decision to Texas Southern the first/last time the two teams met this season. Sammantha Jimenez was credited the win, pitching two strikeouts with zero walks and only four hits. Chelsea Guenther managed a game-high two runs, while Kacey Creel and Alexis Johnson registered a game-high two RBI.
The Hornets led the tournment in batting average (.317) and pitching avera
ge (1.04), with individual first place positions in hits, double, triples and total bases.
RASHARD BURKETTE
COUJRTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY ATHELTICS
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Rashard Burkette is heading to the Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend bigger, stronger, faster — and motivated up to fine hairs of his eyebrows.
Burkette has been working out since completing his college career at Tuskegee in 2013 to receive a shot to play in the NFL. His time has come and the Montgomery native is ready to take full advantage of it.
"I know my son and I know him well," said Burkette's father, District 4 Councilman David Burkette. "He's determined. He was destined to achieve his goal and his goal was to get in wherever he fit in and he's worked extra hard."
Staying in a driven mode, Rashard Burkette didn't want to do any interviews heading into rookie camp as ...
Miesha McBride was 4-for-4 with a solo home run as Lady Rattlers down SSU 9-3 COURTESY FAMU SPORTS INFORMATION
ORMOND BEACH, Florida -- The thirteenth man was in play last night as the FAMU Rattlers soundly defeated the number one seeded Savannah State Tigers in their second game of the MEAC Conference Championship.
It has been a disappointing season for the Lady Rattler Softball Team, who after winning last year’s conference championship expected to have a better record this time of year than the 16-36 they posted, seeded third in the Southern Division.
On Thursday the team seemed to turn the whole season around with solid defense, good hitting, and key pitching from its starter, sophomore Kenya Pereira. The result was two wins against higher seeded opponents leading to a 1:30 PM matchup today against the BCU Wildcats, who against two opponents have not allowed a score so f
ar in the tournament.
NORMAL, Alabama -- Alabama A&M will host its 2015 Football Prospect Camps around the state in June. The camps are for students entering Grades 9-12 for the 2015 school year.
Registration will begin 90 minutes before camp. All camps are $25 per camper and cash only payments will be accepted at registration. Campers under age 18 will need parent/guardian signature on camp waiver.
For any questions, please contact Matt Sanders at matthew.sanders@aamu.edu or call 256-372-4014. The camps are:
Huntsville, June 1. 10 a.m., Alabama A&M's Louis Crews Stadium Birmingham, June 2. 9 a.m., Huffman High School 3 p.m., Ramsey High School Montgomery, June 3. 9 a.m. Huntingdon College Dothan, June 3 4:30 p.m. Rip Hewes Stadium Mobile, June 4 9 a.m. Baldwin County High School 3 p.m. Lipscomb Field
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- After helming the ship that is Stillman College Baseball, Donny Crawford has ended his 11-year reign on May 5, 2015. Over 11 seasons as head coach, Crawford amassed a career mark of 272-236 (.535) while claiming the SIAC title on seven occasions with three runner up campaigns.
Crawford took over the Stillman program prior to the 2005 season as the Tigers transitioned from D-III to D-II, and led the team to a 3-21 mark. One year later Stillman began a streak of nine seasons with at least 24 wins with a runner-up finish in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship. The Tigers would win the SIAC titles in 2007-2009 and 2011-2014; in 2010 and 2015 the Tigers would finish as runner-up at the SIAC tournament.
In 2012, the Tigers went undefeated (21-0) in SIAC play while claiming the conference title. The Tigers wrapped up the season with wins in the NCAA South Regional for the first time in program history. Stillman was defeated by eventual NCAA Runner-up Delta State in the South Region Championship series.
Four Tigers picked up SIAC All-Conference nods in 2015, with Hunter
Hood adding Pitcher of the Year to his First Team selection. Paul Winterbottom was also named First Team while Fernando Tanaka and Nick Vitale were Second Team honorees.
"I would like to thank Coach Crawford for his hard work and dedication to Stillman College and the baseball program over the course of eleven years and wish him the best in future endeavors," said interim Director of Athletics Cassandra Moorer.
A search to find the next head coach is already underway.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University pitcher Santos Saldivar had to fight back his emotions as he walked off Lee-Hines Field for the last time in his career.
In a season filled with more downs than ups, Saldivar sent the Jaguars (17-22) out on a high note, throwing a complete game in Southern’s 5-1 win against Southeastern Louisiana (36-14) in the team’s final regular-season outing.
“I was just doing it for the team,” Saldivar said. “There’s nine seniors out here — I was doing it for them.”
The senior set a Southern single-season record with 104 strikeouts after retiring 13 Lions on Wednesday night. The total puts him one strikeout ahead of Jose DeLeon’s record set in 2012.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Earl D'Wayne Robinson has been hit with a seemingly never-ending string of questions since being named Florida A&M's interim athletic director in January.
FAMU fans want to know when the football and basketball teams will be eligible for postseason play again. They want to see how he'll tackle a budget millions of dollars in the red. Above all, they want to know if the athletic department is moving in the right direction after eight years with six different people — including Robinson — at the helm.
FAMU interim athletic director E. D'Wayne Robinson watches as Coach Darlene Moore and her team are honored. COURTESY FAMU SPORTS INFORMATION
One by one, Robinson is tackling the questions to the best of his ability. First, he's looking to make sure the NCAA sanctions brought on by low APR scores weighing down the basketball and football teams don't haunt Florida A&M for much longer.
APR scores, provided and tracked by the NCAA, take eligibility and retention rates into account and provide team-based scores. Florida A&M football and basketball teams had multiyear (average over a four-year span) APR scores of ...
NEW ORLEANS — As expected, Xavier University of Louisiana's men and women received first-round byes Tuesday to next week's NAIA Tennis National Championships at Mobile, Ala.
The Gold Rush (12-7) are seeded sixth and will play 11th-seeded Coastal Georgia (10-6) or 22nd-seeded Asbury (15-2) at 9 a.m. May 13 in the round of 16. The Gold Nuggets (15-9), who are seeded fifth, will play 12th-seeded Oklahoma Baptist (12-8) or 21st-seeded SCAD Atlanta (9-7) at 1 p.m. in the same round that same day.
Copeland-Cox Tennis Center (851 Gaillard Drive, zip code 36608, phone 251-208-5181) will be the site of all matches. Mobile is the tournament site for the 12th consecutive year.
Both the women's and men's brackets have 24 teams, with the top eight seeds receiving first-round byes. The five-day tournament will begin next Tuesday (May 12). Quarterfinals will be played May 14, semifinals May 15 and the finals May 16.
The Rush's and Nuggets' seedings are the same as their positions in Monday's coaches poll, the final one before the tournament. The XU women received a first-round bye for the third consecutive year, and the men earned a bye for the fourth time in five seasons.
Neither XU team has played any of its potential second-round opponents this season. A year ago, however, the Gold Rush defeated Coastal Georgia 6-3 in the opening round of the AUM Invitational at Montgomery, Ala., and the Gold Nuggets beat Oklahoma Baptist 5-1 in the semifinals of an NAIA unaffiliated group tournament in New Orleans.
Last year at nationals, the Gold Nuggets reached the semifinals for the second consecutive season, and the Gold Rush reached the quarterfinals for the third straight season.
Voting Continues Now Through May 22nd
CHICAGO — EBONY magazine is proud to continue the tradition of celebrating the accomplishments of African-American college students with the launch of its annual HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) EBONY Campus Queens feature.
For nearly four decades, EBONY has celebrated the next generation of rising Black professional women in the magazine. The HBCU Campus Queens is one of EBONY’s longest-running editorial franchises, and the young women highlighted are poised to affect great social change within their communities.
The Top 10 vote getters on the website will receive an all-expense paid trip complete with a stay at a luxury hotel. The royal treatment continues as each of the 10 Queens receive a makeover with professional hair, makeup and wardrobe styling for an exclusive photo shoot that will appear in the September 2015 issue of EBONY magazine.
Voters can select their favorite Queen on EBONY.com now through May 22nd; however, the Queens will not be the only winners in this campaign. Each voter can enter a sweepstakes to win a free pair of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones each time he or she submits a vote. A total of four sweepstakes winners will be selected, with one winner announced every Friday. Voters are welcome to vote as many times as they like throughout the duration of the online campaign period.
On April 20, the EBONY.com digital community kicked off the voting for their favorite HBCU Campus Queen. There are 54 queens in the competition and the top 15 queens as of May 6, 2015 are as follows:
1. Prairie View A&M University
2. Grambling State University
3. Savannah State University
4. Howard University
5. Oakwood University
6. Southern University & Agricultural & Mechanical College
7. Morehouse College
8. Tuskegee University
9. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
10. Clark Atlanta University
11. Hampton University
12. Tennessee State University
13. Bethune-Cookman University
14. Alabama State University
15. Florida A&M University
Contest Rules: Only 10 beautiful, talented and accomplished queens will be featured inside EBONY’s September 2015 issues. Votes do not have to come exclusively from students at the schools represented in the contest; so all networks (family, friends, community organizations, etc.) are encouraged to vote.
EBONY is the No. 1 source for an authoritative perspective on the African-American community. The monthly magazine, now in its 68th year, reaches nearly 11 million readers. EBONY features the best thinkers, trendsetters, hottest celebrities and next-generation leaders of African-Americans. EBONY ignites conversation, promotes empowerment and celebrates aspiration. Available nationwide on newsstands and the iPad, EBONY is the heart, the soul and the pulse of African-Americans.
Follow us and tell us what’s on your mind: @EBONYMag on Twitter | EBONYMag on Facebook| EBONYMag.Tumblr.com on Tumblr| EBONY.com online
EBONY: It’s more than a magazine, it’s a movement.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- FAMU Bowling coaches Karen and Alfred Brown today announced the signing of one of the nation’s top recruits.
Chelsie Cleaves has been a bowling phenom for years, bowling her first perfect 300 game at the age of 13, with a 299 at age 12. She has been named Miss Bowling Tennessee for the last two consecutive years.
Cleaves has carried the highest average in the state of Tennessee for the past three years. She was named Best of Preps the past three years. She was recruited by several elite schools for her abilities.
“We are very excited about adding this top bowler to our roster. We are equally impressed with her bowling talent and her strength in academics. She is also a gifted vocalist, singing the national anthem at the Tennessee State Bowling Tournament to rave reviews. She and her parents chose FAMU because of the friendly family atmosphere portrayed at the school,” Brown said.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State University former offensive lineman Marcus Reed (Houston, TX) is one of the 16 undrafted free agent signings by the Green Bay Packers for the 2015 season. Reed reached an agreement with the Packers of the National Football League (NFL) on Saturday, May 2nd following the conclusion of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Reed was an essential piece of the Fayetteville State offensive success on the gridiron during the 2014 season; starting all 10 games and contributing at both tackle and guard positions. The Broncos' offense finished the season ranked sixth in the CIAA for passing yards and seventh in rushing yards, with Reed paving the way. He provided protection for a running back to total more than 700 yards rushing and two quarterbacks to throw for more than 500 yards. Reed was selected to the All-CIAA Second Team as recognition for his contributions.
The Packers added three offensive linemen as undrafted free agents including Matt Rotheram from the University of Pittsburgh and Fabbians Ebbele from the University of Arizona; in addition to Reed.
Here is a complete list of the 2015 Green Bay Packers Undrafted Free Agent Signings:
OL Marcus Reed, Fayetteville State OL Matt Rotheram, Pittsburgh OT Fabbians Ebbele, Arizona CB Bernard Blake, Colorado State TE Mitchell Henry, Western Kentucky OLB Tavarus Dantzler, Bethune-Cookman DT Lavon Hooks, Mississippi RB Malcolm Agnew, Southern Illinois RB John Crockett, North Dakota State RB Alonzo Harris, Louisiana - Lafayette RB Raymond Maples - Army WR Javess Blue - Kentucky WR Jimmie Hunt - Missouri WR Ricky Collins, Texas A&M - Commerce WR Adrian Coxson, Stony Brook WR Larry Pinkard, Old Dominion.
COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TROY, Alabama – Florida A&M (20-23, 15-9 MEAC) scored all six of its’ runs on six hits in the first inning to shutout Troy (26-23, 14-10 Sun Belt) 6-0 on Wednesday at Riddle-Pace Field. It was only the second time the Trojans had been shutout at home all season. FAMU starter Ricky Page (1-0) pitched a gem for his first win of the season as he worked five scoreless innings and scattered three hits with one strikeout and one walk. Page faced just two batters over the minimum in the win.
FAMU out-hit Troy 8-5 as Logan Seymour led the Rattlers going 2-for-3 at the plate.
The Rattlers scored all their runs in the opening frame as they recorded six runs on six hits and sent 11 batters to the plate, while jumping out to a 6-0 lead. Michael Birdsong recorded his fifth home run of the season to end the scoring outburst in the first. Jared Walker led off by reaching on catcher’s interference, stole second and went to third on Alec Wong’s infield single. Ryan Kennedy started the scoring when he belted a two-run double into left center as Walker and Wong both were able to score. Runners would then be on first and second after Kennedy was held at second base on AJ Elkins single to the shortstop. Brian Davis would follow by reaching on a fielder’s choice as an errant throw to second trying to catch Elkins allowed Kennedy to come around and score. Birdsong then crushed a three-run shot over the 30’ wall in right field to cap the scoring.
Troy starter Corey Childress (3-5) gave up all six runs (four earned) on six hits in the first inning, while only recording two outs. Childress faced 10 batters and threw 24 pitches in the top of the first inning.
The FAMU bullpen held Troy to just two hits over the final four innings with a combined four strikeouts and two walks.
Florida A&M will be off until next week’s MEAC Baseball Tournament in Salisbury, MD. The Rattlers first tournament game will be on Wednesday night, May 13, at 7:30 PM and face the winner of the UMES vs. South #3 Seed. The South #3 seed will be determined after this Saturday’s North Carolina A&T at North Carolina Central game. If NC Central wins, they will become the South #3 seed. If they lose, Savannah State will make the Tournament as the #3 seed from the MEAC Southern Division.
As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @FAMUAthwww.FAMUAthletics.com.
letics and live stats will be available via
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Former University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Wide Receiver Isiah Ferguson signed free-agent contract with NFL's St. Louis Rams, this past Saturday.
Ferguson, 6-6, 210, wide receiver from Mount Vernon, N.Y., saw action in 10 games this past season in a UAPB uniform. He finished the season with 343 receiving yards on 25 receptions with one TD. He tallied a season high 84 yards on five receptions against Grambling State (10-18-14) and pulled down seven reception for 60 yards and one TD against Prairie View A&M (11-8-14).
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Athletics has released its 2015 football schedule, featuring a five-game home slate, a game in Little Rock, Arkansas and a contest in Orlando, Florida.
UAPB will open up its 2015 campaign against South Carolina State on Sunday, Sept 6 in the 11th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney at the newly renovated Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN in a 3:30 p.m. EST start. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
The Golden Lions then will return to the comfort of Golden Lion Stadium for back-to-back home contests. UAPB will take on Morehouse College in their home-opener on Saturday, Sept 12. This will be the first-ever meeting between UAPB and Morehouse. A week later, UAPB will take on Texas Southern in its conference opener on Saturday, Sept. 19. Last season, the Golden Lions played the role of spoiler as they pulled out a 38-37 win over the Tigers on their homecoming. The Golden Lions have defeat TSU in three of their last four meetings.
UAPB will close out the month of September with a trip to Huntsville, Ala. to take on Alabama A&M on the Sept. 26 in the Louis Crews Classic at Louis Crews Stadium in a 1 p.m. start. Last season, in their season finale', the Golden Lions pulled out a 20-19 win over the Bulldogs.
The Golden Lions will open up the month of October against Alcorn State on Saturday, October 3 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. UAPB has won three of its last five meetings against Alcorn State, who is the defending SWAC champion.
After a week off, UAPB will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 17 against Alabama State at Golden Lion Stadium before closing out the month of October on the road with contests against Jackson State and Prairie View A&M. The Golden Lions will face JSU on Saturday, Oct. 24 in Jackson, Miss. and then PVAMU on Saturday, Oct. 31 in Waller, Texas.
The Golden Lions will close their 2015 home campaign with back-to-back home contests to start the month of November.
UAPB will welcome Southern University to Golden Lion Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, hoping to defeat the Jaguars for the fourth time in six meetings. The Golden Lions will then close out their 2015 home campaign against Grambling State in their annual homecoming game on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Golden Lion Stadium
In the regular-season finale', UAPB will travel to Itta Bena, Miss., to take on the Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Rice Totten Stadium.
Season tickets for UAPB's home games in Pine Bluff are scheduled to go on sale on May 11.
Date Opponent Stadium Location Time
Sept. 6 vs. South Carolina State+ Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla. 3:30 p.m. EST Sept. 12 Morehouse College Golden Lion Stadium Pine Bluff, Ark. 6 p.m. Sept. 19 Texas Southern* Golden Lion Stadium Pine Bluff, Ark. 6 p.m.
Sept. 26 at Alabama A&M* Louis Crews Stadium Normal, Ala. 1 p.m. Oct. 3 vs. Alcorn State* War Memorial Stadium Little Rock, Ark. 4 p.m. Oct. 17 Alabama State* Golden Lion Stadium Pine Bluff, Ark. 6 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Jackson State* Veteran Memorial Stadium Jackson, Miss. 2 p.m.
Oct. 31 at Prairie View A&M* Waller Stadium Waller, Texas TBA Nov. 7 Southern* Golden Lion Stadium Pine Bluff, Ark. 2:30 p.m. Nov. 14 Grambling State* HC Golden Lions Stadium Pine Bluff, Ark. 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 21 at Miss. Valley State* Rice-Totten Stadium Itta Bena, Miss. 1 p.m.
+- Denotes 11th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney
*-Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference Games
All Home Games at Golden Lion Stadium Are In Bold
HC – Homecoming
All times and dates are subject to change
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKASAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION
HAMPTON ROADS, Virginia -- Their names weren't called by the time the NFL draft ended Saturday, but several players from South Hampton Roads will be headed to pro camps over the next week.
Linebacker Sage Harold (Ocean Lakes) signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, linebacker Travis Hughes (Kempsville) is headed to the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Phillip Sims (Oscar Smith) is headed to the Arizona Cardinals, and Norfolk State defensive tackle George Riddick (King's Fork) signed with Green Bay.
Old Dominion center Josh Mann, an Ocean Lakes High product, became the sixth Monarch to agree to terms with an NFL team. He'll get a tryout with the Jacksonville Jaguars, ODU officials said Monday. Mann started three seasons and was named All-Conference USA as a senior.
Riddick, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound Suffolk native, led the Spartans with eight sacks as a senior and added 13 tackles for loss on his way to making first-team All-MEAC.
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- After a year away from football, former Tuskegee University football player Rashard Burkette earned an invitation this week to the Minnesota Vikings Rookie Mini-Camp, which begins Thursday (May 7) and ends on Sunday (May 10).
The Montgomery-native participated in Troy University's Pro Day following his senior season in 2013 and the 6-foot-2, 215 pounder posted the highest vertical leap among players who participated at 40.5 inches. He also did 19 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds and ran a 4.63 in the 40-yard dash. During Pro Day, the former quarterback worked out at wide receiver and defensive back.
"It means a lot to get to get an invite to mini-camp," Burkette said. "Last year I didn't get a shot when I finished my career at Tuskegee,and it just shows you have to keep working. If you keep working and stay consistent, hard work pays off. It means a lot to be able to continue my dream of playing at the next level."
During his last year at Tuskegee, Burkette led the Golden Tigers to the NCAA Division II playoffs by completing 75 of 145 pass attempts for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 296 yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries.
In brief duty at wide receiver, he caught four passes for 29 yards.
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Just a week removed from capturing their second consecutive SIAC Tournament championship, Tuskegee (21-20) received their second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth as the field for the postseason event was announced by the NCAA Division II Softball Committee Monday morning.
The Lady Tigers join Alabama-Huntsville, Shorter and Valdosta State from the Gulf South Conference in the tournament. Tuskegee will be the eighth seed and will face top-seed and host Valdosta State (46-7) in the opening round on Friday, May 8 at 7:00 pm. The other two teams, fourth-seeded Shorter (36-15) and fifth-seeded Alabama-Huntsville kick off play at 4:30 pm on Friday.
The tournament will take place Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10 and will be held at Steel's Diamond at Blazer Park in Valdosta.
The South 1 Region features four of the top eight teams in the South Region, while the other four teams from the region will play at the University of North Alabama in the South 2 Region.
For more information on the tournament, click on the links above or check back with GoldenTigerSports.com where tournament information will be released as it becomes available.
Courtesy: DSU Athletics/Rodney Adams (L) Dr. Harry L. Williams (C) Barbara Burgess (R) Skip Perkins
DOVER, Delawae -- One of the greatest players in Delaware State University women’s basketball history has returned to her alma mater as the new head coach of the Lady Hornets.
DSU President Harry L. Williams and Interim Athletics Director Louis “Skip” Perkins announced the appointment of Barbara Burgess as the school’s ninth head coach during a press conference today.
Burgess, who starred for the Lady Hornets from 1985 to ’89, most recently served as an assistant coach at Delaware State’s highly successful MEAC rival Hampton University the past six seasons. While at Hampton, Burgess helped lead the Lady Pirates to five MEAC Tournament titles, five regular season crowns and six national championship tournament appearances.
During Burgess’ tenure as an assistant coach, the Lady Pirates won a MEAC-record five consecutive tournament championships from 2009-to2014. Hampton posted an overall record of 146-48 (.753), including an 88-8 mark (.917) in MEAC regular season play; and won 54 consecutive games vs. league opponents (including tournament games) while she served with the program.
“We believe that Barbara’s championship experience at Hampton, along with the intensity and passion she developed in her playing days with the Lady Hornets will greatly benefit our women’s basketball program,” Dr. Williams said.
Prior to her time at Hampton, Burgess served one season as an assistant coach at Norfolk State University(2008-09). She was head women’s coach at Virginia Union University from 1999-2001; and head girls coach at Phoebus High School in Hampton, Va. (2002-08) and Huguenot High School in Richmond, Va. (1992-98)
Before entering the coaching ranks, Burgess enjoyed a standout four-year career with the Lady Hornets. A two-time All-MEAC First Team selection, she is DSU’s second all-time scorer with 1,807 points; and fourth-leading rebounder with 817 boards. During her senior year, she helped lead the Lady Hornets to their first MEAC Tournament championship game.
Burgess was a star at Delaware State from 1985 to '89
Burgess was selected as Delaware State’s Female Athlete-of-the-Year in 1988 and ’89; and was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 2000.
“Barbara stood out among some outstanding candidates for the position, not just because she’s a Lady Hornet alum, but because of her highly successful experience as a teacher of the game and recruiter, as well as her commitment to academics and community service,” AD Perkins said. “We believe Barbara will bring a high level of excellence back to the Lady Hornet program she helped to make so successful as a student-athlete.”
Burgess earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Delaware State in 1990. She also has a 2011 Master of Science in Sports Management and Intercollegiate Athletics Administration from California University of Pennsylvania.
Her appointment marks the second time that a former Lady Hornet player has headed the DSU women’s basketball program. Jackie Devane was head coach from 1995-2000 after competing for the team from 1979 to ’83.
COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
HAMPTON, Virginia -- The Hampton University Department of Athletics has announced the addition of two new sports for the coming 2015-16 academic year: men's lacrosse and women's soccer, both of which have been intramural programs at the school.
Both programs will compete as independents and play modified schedules.
With the additions, Hampton will feature 17 intercollegiate programs – seven men's programs, nine women's programs, and one co-ed program in sailing. Aside from sailing, all programs will be under the NCAA umbrella.
John McNabb will serve as head coach of the women's soccer program, bringing with him decades of experience playing and coaching the sport. He has worked at Hampton University in the Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, and McNabb has also played for Hampton International as part of the Virginia Rush Peninsula Adult League.
Having played for Hampton International since 2008, McNabb has been on several league championship teams, most recently in the fall of 2014. His specialty has been on the defensive side of the ball.
McNabb has obtained licenses from the United States Soccer Federation and Virginia Youth Soccer Association to coach U6-U8, U8-U10, and Under-12 squads. He also served as club coach at Hampton since the spring of 2013.
McNabb holds a doctorate and a Master's in physics from Carnegie Mellon, and he received his bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, and history from Washington and Jefferson in Pennsylvania in 1995.
Lloyd Carter will serve as head coach of the men's lacrosse program after co-founding and coaching the university's club lacrosse team – a capacity in which Carter has served since 2010. A native of Baltimore, Md., Carter lettered in the sport in both high school and college – playing for Morgan State until the program was discontinued in 1981.
Carter's coaching experience began in Baltimore's Northwestern High School in 1999. During his tenure that stretched more than a decade, Carter was a four-time Baltimore City Lacrosse Coach of the Year, and he served as president of the Baltimore City Lacrosse Coaches Association.
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Under his leadership, Northwestern won two regional, two city, and six divisional championships.
In 2003, Carter founded Blax Lax Inc., a club-level organization where college and high school-level players competed in programs and summer leagues in Howard County, Md. From 2004-08, Carter co-founded and coached club lacrosse at Morgan State.
Carter received both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
For more information on Hampton University athletics, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY PIRATES SPORTS INFORMATION
MIAMI, Florida --Tommy Lee Walker's ashes were spread off of the waters of Miami last Sunday by his family.
