5 biggest changes for JSU in 2015

JACKSON, Mississippi -- It's safe to say the Jackson State football program would welcome some changes this fall, especially after last season's 5-7 showing.

Here are the five biggest changes for the Tigers in 2015.

New faces on coaching staff

Earlier this year, JSU coach Harold Jackson said he wanted everyone in the program "pulling on one end of the rope instead of two separate ways."

Pulling in different directions may have been the case last season, and it looks like an overhaul of the coaching staff will aim to fix that. Of the eight positions on staff other than head coach — two coordinators and six assistant coaches — half will be overseen by new men.

CONTINUE READING

TSU's John Merritt Classic Press Conference Set for July 24

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee State will host the 2015 John Merritt Classic Press Conference on Friday, July 24 at Nissan Stadium. The press conference will begin at 11 a.m. in the stadium’s Press Room (Lower Level).

The 17th Annual John Merritt Classic football game on Sept. 6 will see the Tigers face the Hornets of Alabama State for the 13th time in the programs all-time series history. The game will be a rematch of last season when TSU fell to ASU, 27-21, on the road.

Head coaches Rod Reed and Brian Jenkins will join the director of athletics from both schools to address the media and speak on the upcoming contest. The honoree for the annual event will also be announced.

Nashville favorite and long time WSMV sports newscaster, Rudy Kalis, is set to MC the event.

In last season’s John Merritt Classic, the Tigers defeated Edward Waters College, 58-6, to improve to 11-5 all-time in JMC games.

The press conference will be streamed live on the OVCDigitalNetwork.

TSU Tigers Ticket Information

 

SEASON TICKET BROCHURE (First time season ticket holders)

Season Ticket Price - $70

TSU Faculty/Staff Price - $60

Young Alumni (Must be listed among TSU graduates from 2011-Present)

T

Kids 12 and under - $60 (Must specify at time of purchase)

2015 Football Single Game Tickets

Single game tickets for all four home games will go on sale July 15. All tickets will increase by $5 on game day.

Single Game Tickets at LP Field – Range from $15 - $40

Single Game Ticket at Hale Stadium - $15

 

For season tickets, call (615.963.5841) or visit the TSU Ticket Office.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

4-Star Freshman Recruit Trae Jefferson commits to TSU

WATCH ALL VIDEOS IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

HOUSTON, Texas -- Damontrae "Trae" Jefferson (Believe Prepatory School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin), one of the more entertaining players to watch in the Class of 2015, announced that he had committed to Texas Southern University on Tuesday afternoon via his personal Twitter account.

There’s no shortage of YouTube videos of the diminutive 5-foot-7 point guard. There’s this one from BallisLife that was uploaded last August and this one from last month of him torching defenders while wearing sweatpants.

Jefferson was once listed in the Rivals 150 and is still listed as a four-star recruit, according to the same recruiting service. Despite the ranking, he could only land offers from Atlantic 10, Conference USA, Horizon League and Big West programs, according to Rivals and ESPN, which rated him as a three-star prospect.

It’ll be interesting to track how Jefferson translates to the next level, but he should form an entertaining backcourt alongside rising junior guard Chris Thomas.



CONTINUE READING

TSU Men’s Basketball Releases 2015-16 Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State University men’s basketball team released its schedule for the upcoming 2015-16 campaign. The Tigers will play a 29-game schedule and will match-up with opponents from the SEC, Patriot League, Mid-American League, Conference USA, Atlantic Sun, SWAC and Missouri Valley Conference before entering OVC action.

TSU will officially kick-off the regular season with two road games at Loyola University (MD) on Nov. 13 and Ohio University on Nov. 16 prior to returning to Nashville for home contests against Fisk (11/18), Middle Tennessee (11/21) and Reinhardt University (11/24).

The Tigers will close out the month of November on the road at Kennesaw State University (11/28) then host Stetson in the Gentry Center on December 5.

VIEW 2015-16 SCHEDULE

A week later, TSU will travel to Chicago, Ill. to face Grambling State in the HBCU Legends Hardwood Classic on Dec. 12. The Tigers will face Atlantic Sun opponents in the next two contests, a rematch at Stetson (12/14) and a home game versus Lipscomb (12/17).

On Dec. 19, TSU will head to Memphis, Tenn. to play Alcorn State in the HBCU Heritage Hardwood Classic. The Tigers will remain on the road the rest of December with match-ups against Illinois State (12/22) and Tennessee (12/29).

OVC action begins on Saturday, January 2 with a road contest at Southeast Missouri and will continue through February, with the Tigers closing out the regular season at home versus Belmont on Feb. 27.

The OVC Basketball Tournament is set for March 2-5 at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.

Tiger fans will get a chance to see the team in preseason action when TSU hosts Cal State East Bay in an exhibition game on Tuesday, Nov. 3 in the Gentry Center.

VIEW 2015-16 SCHEDULE


ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Rutgers Transfer Okoro Joins NSU Men's Basketball Program

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Norfolk State men's basketball program added another Division I transfer on Tuesday, as former Iowa State and Rutgers player Nkereuwem Okoro signed a grant-in-aid to play his last season with the Spartans.

Okoro, who goes by the first name Kerwin, is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound guard/forward. He will sit out the upcoming season and have one year of eligibility remaining in 2016-17. Okoro played at Iowa State in 2012-13 and the past two seasons at Rutgers.

"I have known Kerwin since he was 14 years old. He was once regarded as a top high school player nationally, and has played at the highest levels in college at Iowa State and Rutgers," NSU head men's basketball coach Robert Jones said. "His experience in the Big 12 and Big 10 should help provide immediate dividends for us."

Okoro played in 17 games and made one start in 2014-15 at Rutgers. He averaged 2.0 points and 0.9 rebounds while also adding eight total assists. Okoro appeared in 11 games as a sophomore in 2013-14 and averaged 2.7 points and 0.9 rebounds.



He scored 1.0 point per game in nine games as a freshman at Iowa State in 2012-13 before receiving a waiver and becoming eligible to compete immediately at Rutgers beginning in 2013-14.

Hailing from the Bronx, N.Y., Okoro earned first-team All-Bronx honors by the New York Post in 2011-12 as a senior after leading St. Raymond High School to the 2012 New York Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Class AA state title. He averaged 15.5 points per game that year and was also a two-time first-team All-CHSAA honoree as a junior and senior.

He originally chose Iowa State over Pittsburgh, Seton Hall, Arizona and Texas A&M.

"At 6-4, Kerwin possess good size at the wing spot. He can handle the ball like a point guard and is developing into a deadly outside shooter," Jones added. "He will get an opportunity here to showcase his talents. We look forward to him pushing our guys this year in practice and competing for us in the 2016-17 season."

Okoro is the eighth player to join NSU's 2015 recruiting class. Junior college players Jonathan Wade, Preston Bungei and Devarus Craig signed in May, while JC transfer Brian Kelley and incoming freshmen Moses Toriola and Alex Long signed national letters of intent last November.

Okoro joins Iona transfer Daniel Robinson in sitting out the 2015-16 season at NSU.

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

XU cross country teams to compete for Red River titles in 2015

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has received affiliation with the NAIA's Red River Athletic Conference for the 2015 cross country season. As a result, both the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will compete for RRAC team and individual titles and for automatic berths to the NAIA National Championships.

NAIA legislation approved in 2014 permits teams in conferences without automatic bids — five or fewer eligible teams — to pursue affiliate membership with automatic-bid conferences. The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Xavier's home since 1981, will not qualify for automatic bids to nationals in cross country this year.

Xavier will continue to compete for GCAC championships and bids to nationals in women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball and men's and women's outdoor track and field. Men's and women's tennis will compete in an NAIA unaffiliated group for the sixth consecutive year.

Xavier won each of the last nine GCAC men's and women's cross country team championships and produced six men's and four women's individual champions during that time.

The Red River's full-time cross country members are Huston-Tillotson, Jarvis Christian, Langston, LSU-Shreveport, Our Lady of the Lake, Paul Quinn, Southwest and Wiley. The men and women of Wiley won the 2014 Red River team championships.

"I am very excited about the move, both for our teams and for me," said Joseph Moses, coach of the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets since 2004. "It will be a new challenge for our program. We have competed against some of these schools before, and it will be more difficult. But we're going in there with the thought of challenging for the championship. When the gun goes off, we'll be ready."

A second GCAC member from New Orleans, Dillard University, also will compete for the Red River's men's and women's cross country titles in 2015.

The Red River's championship meet will be Nov. 6 in San Antonio, Texas. The NAIA National Championships will be Nov. 21 in Charlotte, N.C.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Dillard Lady Bleu Devils ink four in offseason; look to make a run at GCAC title

Alyssa Washington (left) of Pflugerville High & Shaelynn Moore (right) of

Atascocita High  signed with the Lady Bleu Devils.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Dillard University has been busy this offseason, signing four players to the Lady Bleu Devils basketball team that improved from three wins to 16 wins in just one season. Under the direction of Dillard head coach Norbert Rome, Dillard's 2015-16 signees include Alyssa Washington, Bria Burras, Shaelynn Moore and Teira Nickerson. All ladies will be incoming freshman in the fall at Dillard.

Washington comes from Pflugerville High School in Pflugerville, Texas, where she made All-State as well as All-Tournament in the Nancy Walling Classic.

"The first thing you notice when you see her is great size at the guard position," said Lady Bleu Devils assistant coach Norvell Rome. "Her size and ability to shoot the ball is tremendous, and it's a huge plus when you enter college with a body like hers, so she will be able to make a difference on the floor right away defensively, helping to rebound and guard multiple positions as opposed to taking years to physically develop."

Burras attended Helen Cox High School in Harvey, Louisiana, where she averaged 10 points and four rebounds and three blocks per game. Burras' mother is a Dillard alumna and former Lady Bleu Devil who holds various basketball records at Dillard.

Moore comes from Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas, where she made 1st-team All-District, received an Offensive Player of the Year award and landed a spot on the Greater Houston All-Star team.

"I'm really excited to get the season started," said Moore. "I'm ready to meet my teammates and I'm ready to adapt to going to school (college) and being on my own."

(Norvell) Rome says the one word that comes to mind when he thinks of Moore is "versatility."

"She can play the one or the two and she will be able to stretch the floor for us," said Assistant Coach Rome. "It's ironic that we replace firepower from one Shea (Collins) to another Shae (Moore). She knows replacing Collins will not be an easy task and its something she doesn't take lightly but she is up for the challenge, plus her work ethic is second to none," said Rome.

As for Nickerson, she attended West Jefferson High School in Terrytown, Louisiana, where she received Athlete of the Year as well as the Outstanding Athlete Award for basketball and track and field. She was once coached by (Norbert) Rome when she played AAU ball for Angels Basketball so it will be interesting to see how she has developed as she transitions to collegiate hoops.

COURTESY DILLARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

N.C. A&T's Robinson Hires Hudson As An Assistant WBB Coach

Dominque Hudson
Assistant Coach Women's Basketball

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Head coach Tarrell Robinson of the North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team announced the hiring of assistant coach Dominque Hudson on Monday.

Hudson spent the last three seasons at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C. as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

“It brings me great pleasure and excitement to add Domi
nique to our coaching staff,” Robinson stated. “Although she has only been in this profession for three years, she has proven to be an up and coming rising star. She was one of the best high school players (male or female) to play basketball in the state of North Carolina and one of the best in Gardner Webb history.”

Hudson played under head coach Rick Reeves at Gardner-Webb from 2007-11, where she helped lead the Runnin’ Bulldogs to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010-11 and their first-ever WNIT appearance in 2009-10.

During her career at GWU, Hudson received numerous accolades and was a two-time All-Big South first-team selection and a three-time Big South All-Tournament team honoree. In 2011 she was named the Big South Tournament MVP. She still remains GWU’s all-time leader in assists (579) and is fifth in scoring (1,407 points).

"I'm honored to be a part of Coach Robinson’s staff,” Hudson said. “The Lady Aggies have a family atmosphere that made it very easy for me to transition here after spending seven years at Gardner-Webb University. Regarding his coaching skills and personality, coach Robinson is truly one of the best in the business, and I look forward to learning from him."

She ranks first in GWU’s career record book in games played (129), minutes played (3,545) and free throws made (419). Hudson is second in GWU history in most games started (102), third in field goals made (443) and fifth in three-pointers made (102).

“Dominique brings a competitive spirit and winning mentality to our program,” said Robinson. “Already familiar with recruiting in the state of North Carolina, Dominique will use her recruiting ties to help us lure more of our top in-state recruits to Aggieland. She will also assist with the development of our athletes on and off the court. Dominique was involved with a lot of leadership building at Gardener Webb. I feel she will be able to help our student-athletes continue to develop in that area. This is an exciting hire for our program. I think her energy and excitement for this sport will be infectious to us all.”

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

N.C. A&T's Simmons transfers to WSSU

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Jerome Simmons is aware of the rivalry between Winston-Salem State and N.C. A&T.

Simmons, a 6-8 power forward, has transferred from N.C. A&T to WSSU in search of more playing time. As for the chance of him wearing any of his A&T sweat shirts or t-shirts at WSSU – that won’t happen.

“No, I’ll be leaving that stuff behind,” Simmons said.

Simmons, who is 225 pounds and says he is a defensive-minded player, is looking ahead to a new challenge. He’ll have two seasons of eligibility and is the third former Division I player who will join the Rams this season.

The two other Division I players who have committed to WSSU are Reyvon Harris of Niagara and Keith Armstrong of East Carolina. Harris and Armstrong have both graduated and have one season of eligibility remaining.

CONTINUE READING

Jackson State quarterback enjoys Manning camp experience

THIBODAUX, Louisiana  -- Jackson State quarterback LaMontiez Ivy could be one of the most important players in Southwestern Athletic Conference football this season.

Ivy, who was among the nation's best college quarterbacks last season, served as camp counselor at last weekend's 20th anniversary of the Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

It was an experience, Ivy said, that he will never forget.

"The experience at the Manning camp has been fun," Ivy said. "We been coming out here playing and interacting with these kids trying to make them better as well as make their visit better. These are a great group of guys that have the same goal to reach the NFL. But the kids are even better just so energetic and eager to learn. It's an honor to be invited and selected among all the quarterbacks in the country."

Ivy said he was able to learn a lot from the Mannings — Archie, Cooper, Peyton and Eli.

CONTINUE READING

PVAMU bowler Destiny Vélez crowned Miss Puerto Rico 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  – Prairie View A&M University bowler, Destiny Velez, was named Miss Puerto Rico 2015 Saturday, July 11th in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Velez becomes the first student-athlete in Southwestern Athletic Conference history to compete for a Miss America title.

The freshman from Hurst, Texas, entered PVAMU with 13 years of competitive bowling experience. During her first collegiate bowling season, Velez bowled a career-high game of 206 during the SWAC Round Up.

The Panthers went on to win their third consecutive SWAC championship. With a 2015 regular season record of 18-6, the Panthers grabbed a second place conference standing.

"Miss America represents the highest ideals. She is a real combination of beauty, grace and intelligence, artistic and refined. She is a type which the American Girl might well emulate." Those words were spoken by Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce President Frederick Hickman more than 75 years ago, and they still ring true today. Miss America is a role model to young and old alike and a spokesperson, using her title to educate millions of Americans on an issue of importance to herself and society at large.

Today, Miss America travels approximately 20,000 miles a month, changing her location every 18 to 36 hours. She tours the nation reaching out to support her ideals, committed to helping others. Miss America is more than just a title. She is a woman who reflects a tradition of style, sophistication and service.

Preliminary nights for the Miss America 2016 competition will be September 8th through September 10th. The final competition wOill air Sunday, September 13 at 8 p.m. CST, live on ABC. For more information, visit missamerica.org.

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

JSU’s five most important players on offense

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Jackson State offense ranked eighth in both scoring and total offense in 2014.

But there were times, such as a three-game stretch when the offense couldn’t score more than 15 points against Alabama A&M, Alabama State or Texas Southern, when it seemed like the unit would never find a way into the end zone.

However, it followed that up by winning a 34-31 shootout against Alcorn State, the most potent offense in the SWAC and second-highest scoring offense in the FCS.

In order to find some consistency this season, JSU will have to lean on these five important offensive players.

CONTINUE READING

Florida A&M Baseball Reaping Benefits of Success

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Jamey Shouppe wrapped up his second season at the helm of the Florida A&M baseball program this season, and what a season it was.

Shouppe's Rattlers won the MEAC Championship, the program's first since 1994, and made their first ever NCAA Regional Appearance. That success, obviously a crucial point when it comes to recruiting.

Shouppe said while he still makes phone calls to recruits, for the first time, recruits are now making phone calls to him.

"We don't have to spend the first thirty minutes in a conversation, at least in the state of Florida, explaining who FAMU is," he laughed. "We kind of have got back on the map a little bit in terms of baseball. The thing for us is, we can't be satisfied as a coaching staff, and we're not, because we still feel like, you know, the baseball at FAMU is a snap shot of FAMU overall. We're getting better, but we still have a long way to go, as a baseball program and as a University."

CONTINUE READING

Mike Smith named AAMU Bulldogs assistant basketball coach

MIKE SMITH
ASSISTANT MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
AAMU BULLDOGS 

NORMAL, Alabama  -- Matthew "Mike" Smith has joined Alabama A&M as assistant men's basketball coach.

Smith, who was head coach at Lawson State and named Alabama Community College Conference North Division Coach of the Year in 2014, will coach the post players as well as recruiting for the Bulldogs, said A&M men's basketball Head Coach Willie Hayes.

"We needed someone to work with the low post guys and recruiting," said Hayes.

Smith, who played collegiately and graduated from the University of New Orleans, also coached at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Mississippi Valley State, Kennesaw State, Jacksonville State, Centenary College and Southeastern Louisiana.

"I've known Mike for a while," Hayes said. "He won a championship at Valley and has (played professionally) overseas."

A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., Smith received his master's from William Carey University and was selected to participate in the Black Coaches Association/NCAA Achieving Coaching Excellence Program in 2011.

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former FAMU coach listed on 2016 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

COACH RUDY HUBBARD

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- If Rudy Hubbard was a little less proactive, he probably never would have had an opportunity to coach at Florida A&M.

Hubbard had applied for the job before the 1974 season, and was never called for an interview. He waited, and then decided to take some initiative to call the Rattlers and ask, "What about me?"

He traveled from Ohio, where he worked as the first black assistant coach on Ohio State's staff under head coach Woody Hayes, and met with a board meant to decide FAMU's next football coach. He asked for a blackboard — there wasn't one in the room — and didn't sit down while giving a presentation.

Hubbard, now 69 years old, said 15 minutes after his presentation was over, and after all other candidates had been interviewed the previous week, he was hired.

"FAMU gave me the opportunity to be a head coach," he said, adding during his presentation, he drew on interview skills he learned from Woody Hayes.

CONTINUE READING

LaShaunda Jones returns to The Hill to head track, cross country programs

LaShaunda Jones

NORMAL, Alabama -- LaShaunda Jones, Alabama A&M's first Southwestern Athletic Conference track champion, is returning to The Hill to head the Bulldogs' cross country and track and field programs, Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks announced.

Jones has been an assistant coach with the Alabama State men's and women's track and field teams for the past 11 seasons, including the 2015 SWAC champion women's team.

After graduating from A&M in 2001, she was a graduate assistant for the Bulldogs from 2001-02 and an assistant coach from 2002-05. Jones also has master's degrees from A&M and Alabama State.

"Coach Jones brings a wealth of experience as a coach and student-athlete," Hicks said. "She succeeded in the classroom and on the track at Alabama A&M and as a coach.

"Her enthusiasm and of track and field will only enhance our ability to return the track program to the heights it had once achieved."

Jones, an honor student, was the team captain in 2001 and won the SWAC 60-meter indoor championship. She was also named Huntsville Athlete of the Year.

"I'm grateful to Mr. Hicks and (Alabama A&M President) Dr. (Andrew) Hugine for giving me the opportunity to come back home and build the program," Jones said. "I also thank my family and friends for their support while a student-athlete and during my career."

At Alabama State, Jones was a part of 17 SWAC championships and has coached a SWAC MVP. She has also coached numerous Hornet record holders, SWAC indoor and outdoor individual champions and NCAA regional and national qualifiers, along with nationally ranked athletes and relay teams.

"I'm very excited about the future," Jones said. "I'm excited to see the group of student-athletes we have at Alabama A&M.

"I'm ready to get started."

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Jaguars DE Ryan Davis (B-CU)) looking for more this season

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Many inside the Jaguars’ locker room already consider defensive end Ryan Davis a success story, aware of his rise from undrafted free agent to NFL regular.

Davis isn’t one of them — yet.

Three years after entering the league from Bethune-Cookman with concerns about what position he would play, Davis is working to improve upon a better-than-expected 2014 season, in which he had
6 1/2 sacks.

“I think there is still a lot more to be written, if you ask me,” Davis said. “In no way, shape or form am I complacent with where I’m at or what I was able to do in the past.”

The biggest knock on Davis when he was signed by the Jaguars after the 2012 draft was his tweener size — at 260 pounds, he was deemed too big to play outside linebacker, but there was also a question of whether he was too small to play defensive end.


CONTINUE READING

In the FCS Huddle: Offensive POY Watch List highly decorated

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Everywhere you look, there is abundant offensive talent across FCS college football.

And it's usually found settling into an opponent's end zone.

The 2015 season won't be easy on defensive coordinators as nine of the 13 FCS conferences return their offensive player of the year and 12 players who were finalists for national player of the year honors last season are back. They were among the 22 players nominated Monday to the STATS FCS Offensive Player of the Year Watch List, including one from each FCS conference.

The returning finalists included 2014 national player of the year John Robertson of Villanova. The 6-foot-1, 222-pound senior quarterback hopes to build on - if it's possible - a season in which he passed for 35 touchdowns against only three interceptions and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the third straight season while adding another 11 touchdowns.

A concussion kept Robertson on the sideline last December when Villanova was knocked out of the FCS playoff quarterfinals, so he will return this season with some unfinished business on his checklist.  But there are numerous All-American, all-conference, and, well, all-everything to-their-team type of players returning this season. Other 2014 finalists named to the preseason watch list were quarterbacks Jacob Huesman of Chattanooga, Vad Lee of James Madison, Dakota Prukop of Montana State and Alex Ross of Coastal Carolina.  Also returning were running backs Marshaun Coprich of Illinois State, Khairi Dickson of Saint Francis, Chase Edmonds of Fordham, Connor Kacsor of Dayton, Dy'Shawn Mobley of Eastern Kentucky and Herb Walker Jr. of Morgan State, as well as Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

CONTINUE READING

An uneasy truce as FAMU Board of Trustees mulls concerns about president's leadership style

Elmira Mangum, Ph.D.
President
Florida A&M University

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University is on the upswing in many ways: Audits are clean, accreditation appears on solid footing, the marching band has returned without incident after a hazing scandal, and freshmen attending orientation are proudly wearing orange “Class of 2019” T-shirts.

Most incoming students, though, probably are oblivious to problems inside Lee Hall, an iconic building that houses the offices of President Elmira Mangum and university administrators.

Mangum has been on the job a little over a year, but questionable decision-making and a lack of political finesse have strained her relationship with some faculty, FAMU supporters and, most important, the FAMU Board of Trustees. The 13 trustees are preparing Mangum’s first evaluation and, if things don’t improve to their satisfaction, they have the authority to fire her.

Mangum is expected to receive low marks regarding her leadership style, communication and engagement with stakeholder groups when trustees meet July 21.

Among her perceived missteps
:

CONTINUE READING

Melendez Selected To USA Baseball 17U National Team Coaching Staff

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez has been selected to the coaching staff of the USA Baseball 17-and-under National Team Development Program.

The USA Baseball 17U National Team Development Program will be held August 16-21 in Orange, Calif. The National Team Development Program offers identified athletes with an opportunity to connect with USA Baseball to better prepare for a future national team experience. A total of 40 players are scheduled to participate.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to mentor and work with many talented young players during this training," Melendez said. "Wearing the red, white and blue uniform will be very exciting for me."

In four seasons as Hornets' head coach, Melendez has led ASU baseball to three consecutive 30-win seasons, a program first. In leading the program to back-to-back SWAC Eastern Division crowns in 2014 and 2015, Melendez' Hornets were crowned Black blackcollegenines.com this past season. His 119 wins are the highest four-year total in ASU baseball history. Milestones continue to be set yearly, as 2014's 37-win total was the most in program history for the second straight year after 32 victories in 2013. It's the first time ASU baseball has posted four straight 20-win seasons.
College National Champions by

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Former Delaware State Hornets Keep NBA Dreams Alive

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

DOVER, Delaware -- Former Delaware State standouts Kendall Gray (Dover, Del.) and Amere May (So. Haven, Mich.) have taken the first step in their pursuit of National Basketball Association careers.

Gray is currently competing with the Detroit Pistons NBA Summer League team, while May is a member of the Chicago Bulls summer squad. Each is hoping to make a good enough impression during the summer stint to earn a NBA training camp invitation this coming season.

The former Hornet greats drew the attention of NBA teams after eye-popping senior seasons to help lead DSU to the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship game.

Gray was selected as the 2014-15 MEAC Player-of-the-Year and Defensive Player-of-the-Year, joining current NBA standout Kyle O’Quinn (Norfolk State) as the only MEAC players to achieve the feat.

Gray was tops in the MEAC and tied for first among NCAA Division I players in rebounding at 11.8 per game last season. He also led the league and ranked 15th in the nation in blocks at 2.8 per contest.

The national spotlight shined on Gray when he became the first player in recorded NCAA Division I history to reach 30 points and 30 rebounds in a game. He scored a career-high 33 points and grabbed 30 rebounds in the Hornets’ 104-92 victory at Coppin State on Mar. 5.

Gray is Delaware State’s career leader with 305 blocks. He also holds the top three records for blocks in a single season.

May was also a 2014-15 All-MEAC First Team selection. He led the league and ranked fifth among all Div. I players in scoring at 21.0 points per game last season. He tallied 671 points during his senior year, the third-best single season mark in team history.

May also made national headlines with a 48-point performance at St. Francis on Dec. 17, the second highest total in school history and tops in Div. I last season.

He scored 40 points vs. Coppin State on March 5, and poured in 32 in the Hornets’ upset of Wake Forest on Nov. 28.

Emanual Davis (1988-91) in the only Delaware State player to compete in the NBA, logging six seasons between the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks and Seattle Sonics.

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION    

PVAMU To Host 3rd Annual Labor Day Classic Golf Shootout

PVAMU Shootout To Be Held At Cypress Lakes Golf Course, Deadline To Register Is August 21

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M University Department of Athletics is proud to announce the 3rd annual Labor Day Classic Golf Shootout & Meet & Greet at Cypress Lakes Golf Club in Cypress, Texas on Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m.

The shootout is open to the public as golfers can register as an individual or team (foursomes). The cost to play is $80 per person or $320 per team and includes green fees, goody bag, breakfast and lunch. The deadline to register for the annual event will be Friday, August 21.

REGISTRATION LINK

Immediately following the event, a meet and greet with Prairie View A&M head coaches and administrative staff will be held inside the clubhouse. The public is invited to interact with the coaching staff and administrators as they'll outline their plans for the upcoming 2015-16 campaign.

For more information or to inquire about hole sponsorship opportunities, contact the PVAMU Department of Athletics at (936) 261-9100. Cypress Lakes Golf Club is located on the northwest side of Houston at 18700 Cypresswood Drive in Cypress, Texas.

The 31st annual Labor Day Classic will be played on Saturday, Sept. 5 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Chicago State Men’s Basketball to Participate in Second Annual Emerald Coast Classic

Tracy Dildy
 Head Coach (5th season)
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY

CHICAGO, Illinois -- Chicago State University men's basketball head coach Tracy Dildy announced today that the Green and White will participate in the second-annual Emerald Coast Classic, presented by Global Sports.

Third round and championship round games will be played at The Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida, on Thanksgiving weekend.

Joining the Cougars in the tournament field are Alabama State, Chattanooga, Illinois, Iowa State, Jacksonville State, UAB and Virginia Tech.

"Playing in the Emerald Coast Classic gives our student-athletes another chance to compete against some teams that play at the highest level of college basketball," stated Dildy. "This will help prepare us for conference play and it also continues to help improve the prestige of the CSU men's basketball program moving forward."

Chicago State starts the classic on the road with games at Iowa State on Nov. 16th and against Illinois in downstate Springfield on Nov. 23rd.

"Playing at Iowa State and Illinois (in the classic) will give these young men a great college basketball experience," Dildy added.

Following those games, CSU then takes on Jacksonville State at The Arena on Nov. 27th before closing the classic on Nov. 28th against Chattanooga or Alabama State.

The Cougars, who welcome back six letterwinners from last season's squad, will announce the release of their full 2015-16 schedule in the coming weeks.

COURTESY CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Harris-Stowe State University Department of Athletics Signs with Adidas

ST. LOUIS, Missouri -- Harris-Stowe State University is pleased to announce that the Harris-Stowe State University Department of Athletics and Adidas will partner for the next three years under the leadership of the Director of Athletics Jamaal Mayo. With the agreement beginning fall 2015, Adidas will then be the official uniform and apparel provider of Harris-Stowe State University Athletic gear.

This agreement includes new uniforms, apparel, footwear and accessories and will be provided through the partnership Adidas has with Winning Streak Sports of Belleville, Illinois.

Adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to make all athletes better. Adidas is the official uniform, footwear and apparel provider for more than 100 collegiate programs including Miami, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Indiana, N.C. State, Mississippi State, Michigan, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Kansas, Louisville, UCLA, Wisconsin and now Harris-Stowe State University.

"I couldn't be more excited for our student-athletes and Harris-Stowe State University Athletics", said Director of Athletics, Jamaal Mayo. "We appreciate the willingness of Adidas to partner with us and their commitment to Hornet Athletics."

The Department of Athletics is extremely focused on enhancing the collegiate experience for all Harris-Stowe State University students and student-athletes through partnerships such as the one developed with Adidas.

COURTESY HARRIS-STOWE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Xavier's Abbes selected HBCU Female Athlete of the Year

HAMPTON, Virginia — Nour Abbes picked up honor Friday when the Xavier University of Louisiana tennis standout was named HBCU Female Athlete of the Year.
    
The two-time NAIA All-American was honored at a banquet at Hampton University.
    
Abbes, a sophomore from Tunis, Tunisia, and a graduate of Lycée Sportif d'El Menzah, won over two other finalists, Vendula Strakova (volleyball) of Hampton and Tia-Adana Belle (track and field) of Saint Augustine's.
    
Abbes was a finalist for the second consecutive year.
    
Abbes was 29-4 in singles and 21-9 in doubles in 2014-15. She was the NAIA singles champion at the ITA Small College Championships and "Super Bowl" runner-up, and she was the singles champion at the HBCU National Championships. She was No. 2 in the final ITA/NAIA singles rankings.
    
This is the second time in three years that Xavier has the HBCU Female Athlete of the Year. SiMon Franklin (basketball, track and field) won the award in 2013.
    
Xavier also produced finalists for Female Coach of the Year — volleyball's Hannah Lawing — and for National Alumni Association of the Year.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/