XU's Haywood named preseason GCAC Co-Player of the Year

(CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Claudia Haywood has been chosen preseason Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year in women's volleyball, and the Gold Nuggets are picked to repeat as GCAC champion in 2015.

The GCAC's seven head coaches made the selections.

Haywood, a 5-foot-11 senior middle blocker from Memphis, Tenn., and a graduate of Cordova High School, was first-team All-GCAC and All-GCAC Tournament last season, when she recorded 227 kills and 53 blocks and hit a team-best .300.

Haywood shared preseason Player of the Year with Talladega Carla Novaes, a junior outside hitter.
Teammate Franziska Pirkl joined Haywood on the seven-player preseason All-GCAC team. A 5-9 senior setter from Munich, Germany, and a graduate of Theodolinden Gymnasium, Pirkl produced 1,087 assists, 214 digs, 65 kills, 31 aces and 29 blocks last season. Pirkl has been first-team All-GCAC three times.

Xavier, 20-6 overall and 14-0 in the GCAC in 2014, received 6-of-7 first-place votes and 47 points. SUNO placed second with 39 points and one first-place vote. Dillard was third with 31 points. Xavier won the last four GCAC regular-season and tournament championships and has a 59-match win streak — 48 in the regular season — against GCAC opponents.

"I am very excited for Claudia and Fran to receive their preseason GCAC honors," third-year XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "The competition in our conference is rising, and it is good to see other schools get recognition. We look forward to having more Xavier players on the postseason all-conference team."

Xavier will open its season Aug. 28 — one week from Friday — in the Big Easy Blastoff at XU's Convocation Center. The Gold Nuggets will play NCAA Division I's Mississippi Valley State at 9 a.m. and Mobile at 5 p.m. The Nuggets' GCAC opener will start at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 against Talladega at the Convocation Center. Admission is free to all XU home matches.

GCAC Preseason Voting
All-Conference
Name School Pos. Ht. Yr. Hometown
Chassidy Harris Tougaloo MB 6-1 So. Friendswood, Texas
Claudia Haywood Xavier MB 5-11 Sr. Memphis, Tenn.
Carla Novaes Talladega OH 6-1 Jr. Sao Paulo, Brazil
Franziska Pirkl Xavier S 5-9 Sr. Munich, Germany
Shelby Stewart Dillard MB 6-0 So. Houston, Texas
Astasia Williams Dillard S 5-9 Sr. Baton Rouge, La.
Zyra Wright Philander Smith OH 5-7 Sr. Dallas, Texas

Order of Finish (first-place votes in parentheses)
Rank School Points
1 Xavier (6) 47
2 SUNO (1) 39
3 Dillard 31
4 Philander Smith 27
5 Talladega 21
6 Tougaloo 19
7 Edward Waters 12

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Hampton University Lady Pirates Unveils 2015-16 Basketball Schedule

2015-16 Hampton University women's basketball schedule

HAMPTON, Virginia -- The Hampton University women's basketball program, heading into its seventh season under head coach David Six, has unveiled its 2015-16 schedule -- a slate that includes eight teams that saw postseason play in 2014-15.

"Another challenging schedule," Six said. "We had a challenging schedule last year, and this is more of the same. But I feel like we've shored up some things in the offseason and I think we'll be ready to go and do better. We're looking forward to the challenge."

Six of the teams on Hampton's schedule competed in the NCAA Tournament last season, with two others having competed in the postseason WNIT.

The season will kick off with a five-game road trip, starting on Nov. 13 when the Lady Pirates (19-13, 14-2 MEAC in 2014-15) square off against Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. From there, Hampton will head to Pullman, Washington on Nov. 16 to take on Washington State and Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 19 to take on Oregon.  Iowa State was in the NCAA Tournament last season, while Washington State advanced to the WNIT.

A trip to El Paso, Texas to take on UTEP on Nov. 22 and Austin, Texas on Nov. 25 to take on Texas will round out the trip. Texas advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament last season.

Hampton will make its home debut on Nov. 29, welcoming James Madison to the Convocation Center; the Dukes made it to the NCAA Tournament last season. On Dec. 5, the Lady Pirates will play host to Drexel in a rematch of last season's WNIT first-round affair.

Hampton's first MEAC game will be on Dec. 7 at Morgan State.

The Lady Pirates will then head to Columbia, S.C. on Dec. 16 to take on nationally-ranked South Carolina – which was a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament last season. South Carolina finished the 2014-15 season ranked No. 3 in both the AP and USA Today coaches polls.

A home game against Lehigh on Dec. 20 will close out the pre-holiday portion of the schedule.

Hampton will be in Miami, Fla. on Dec. 28-29, competing in the Florida International Tournament for the second straight season in a field that includes host FIU, Wake Forest, and Rhode Island. The Lady Pirates won the tournament last season, beating Bowling Green and Auburn in the process.

The Lady Pirates will then head to DeLand, Fla. to take on Stetson on New Year's Day, before heading to Princeton, N.J. on Jan. 3. Princeton went undefeated in the regular season last season before falling in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Princeton finished last season ranked No. 13 in the AP poll and No. 15 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

Conference play will begin in earnest on Jan. 9, when the Lady Pirates play host to Bethune-Cookman, before Florida A&M comes to the Convocation Center on Jan. 11.

On Jan. 16, the Lady Pirates will head to Greensboro, N.C. to take on North Carolina A&T; it will be Hampton's first trip to Greensboro since the 2010-11 season. Hampton will follow that on Jan. 18 with a trip to Durham, N.C. to take on North Carolina Central.

Hampton will return to the Convocation Center on Jan. 23, taking on defending MEAC Tournament champion Savannah State to kick off a three-game homestand. South Carolina State will pay the Lady Pirates a visit on Jan. 25, with rival Norfolk State coming to Hampton on Jan. 30.

On Feb. 6, the Lady Pirates will be in Princess Anne, Md. to take on Maryland Eastern Shore, before heading to Washington, D.C. on Feb. 8 to face rival Howard.

After playing host to Morgan State on Feb. 15, the Lady Pirates will hit the road again on Feb. 20, heading to Dover, Del. to take on Delaware State – led by former Lady Pirates assistant coach Barbara Burgess – before going to Baltimore, Md. on Feb. 22 to square off against Coppin State.

Howard will come to the Convocation Center on Feb. 27, before the Lady Pirates hold their home finale on Feb. 29 against Delaware State.

The regular season wraps up on March 3, when Hampton hits the road to take on Norfolk State.

The 2016 MEAC Basketball Championships will be held March 7-12 at Norfolk Scope.

Dates and times are subject to change.

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

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS  

Will Packer — Straight outta FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Will Packer was a student at Florida A&M University when the group N.W.A. polarized the nation with gritty street stories and in-your-face lyrics.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, fans loved them. Packer did, too, popping cassette tapes and bobbing his head to songs like “Straight Outta Compton,” “Express Yourself” and “(Bleep) the Police.”

Dubbed as the world’s Most Dangerous Group, N.W.A. was feared by mainstream America. The media, FBI and local law enforcement viewed the group with suspicion. As N.W.A’s popularity grew, so did calls to censor lyrics laced with gang violence and misogyny.



Two decades and over a dozen films later, Packer is part of the story. A rags-to-rap riches story.

The 1996 FAMU graduate, entrepreneur and filmmaker is one of the executive producers for “Straight Outta Compton” — a critical and commercial hit that raked in $60.2 million in its opening weekend, earning more than twice what it cost to produce on the way to becoming the fifth-highest August opener in history.

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Medical issues behind, SCSU Bulldog duo looking for big season

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- College football fans may think the players they cheer for have few problems from season to season, other than maybe how much they work out and how they schedule their date nights around those workouts.

That’s simply not the case in most instances. Some players go through serious adversity with their health, making them appreciate even more the opportunity to play the sport they love.

At South Carolina State, Darius Leonard and Jalen “Scoot” Simmons are two examples of collegiate football players who have come through trying times physically and emerged as standout players and leaders on their team.

Leonard is a redshirt sophomore linebacker from Lake View who played so well in 2014 that he was named Rookie of the Year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. He led the team in tackles with 87 total and 54 of them solo stops.

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All sides need to remember that FAMU comes first

 FAMU BOT Letter

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Every era has its own shape and its own momentum, but fundamental truths about great leadership qualities do not change with the times.

The current situation at Florida A&M University reminds me of my first experience with crisis management during my first year at FAMU in 1966.

The leap from student to director of sports information immediately following graduation — and working with giants like President B. L. Perry, Jr., Coach Jake Gaither and director of bands William P. Foster — created its own form of shock and awe.

All three were commanding leaders — authoritative, brilliant and forceful with powerful egos to match their considerable accomplishments. Sometimes their egos clashed, and many times I was a witness to ...

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Arizona Cardinals rookie Rodney Gunter (Delaware State) has ‘no other choice than to be great’

GLENDALE, Arizona – Next.  Man.  Up.

It’s the mantra the Arizona Cardinals lived by a year ago, and really ever since head coach Bruce Arians arrived in 2013.

The motto was dusted off on Thursday when it was announced starting nose tackle Corey Peters would be lost for the season with a torn Achilles.

“You just hate it for him,” cornerback Jerraud Powers said, “but as a football team in the NFL, injuries, you expect it, you deal with it and you just move on.”

Rookie Rodney Gunter will get the first opportunity to fill Peters’ spot along the defensive line.  The Cardinals drafted the 6-foot-5, 305 pound defensive end in the fourth round, 116^th overall, out of Delaware State.



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Alabama State, South Alabama set to play in 2018

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- South Alabama is the latest in-state FBS school to add Alabama State to its future schedule.

The Jaguars will play the Hornets in 2018 for the first time ever. The game is scheduled for Oct. 13 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. South Alabama will play another SWAC school, Alabama A&M, in 2017.

Adding Alabama State completes South Alabama's non-conference schedule that includes Oklahoma State, Memphis and Louisiana Tech.

The Jaguars, who closed out last season with a 33-28 loss to Bowling Green in the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery to finish 6-7, open the 2015 season Sept. 5 against Gardner-Webb.

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Shot at SWAC title game rejuvenates TSU program

HOUSTON, Texas -- When Amir Bloom was a freshman at Texas Southern, the Tigers were one year removed from winning the 2010 SWAC football championship, their first conference title in 42 years.

The joy and momentum of that title quickly abated when the NCAA found TSU, under a former coach, guilty of massive violations, including academic fraud and illicit benefits. The punishment resulted in the football team's not being eligible for the SWAC championship until the 2015 season.

Now the Tigers have something extra to play for. And based on what fourth-year TSU head coach Darrell Asberry and several star players said Wednesday during the school's media day, there is more spirit and energy among the team.

"It feels great to have the handcuffs off," Asberry said. "Our football team is going to be very competitive."



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VIDEO: FAMU AD Milton Overton Addresses the Quarterback 220 Club

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University athletic director Milton Overton addressed the Quarterback 220 Club on Wednesday. In his address, he spoke of his vision for FAMU Athletics.



COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU running backs looking to bounce back after sub-par 2014

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M head coach Alex Wood is implementing a run-first offense for 2015, meaning the Rattlers’ ground game will have to improve dramatically to thrive in the new scheme.

The Rattlers were second-to-last in the MEAC — and 112th in FCS football — in running the ball last season, and the team scored just five touchdowns on the ground. Only the Robert Morris Colonials (1-10) had fewer rushing touchdowns (4).

No FAMU running back scored a rushing touchdown last season.

Gerald Hearns, who led the team in rushing last season with 475 yards, said FAMU has a formidable stable of running backs. Hearns, a sophomore, stood out during FAMU’s first fall scrimmage on Saturday, especially when he took a screen 63 yards for a touchdown.



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Central State University's Thomas living up to the family name

ZACH THOMAS
Courtesy: CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
(CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

WILBERFORCE, Ohio — The uninitiated might think that when Zach Thomas showed up at the annual Thomas Family Reunion this past July 4th weekend at a Gahanna park just outside Columbus, he had headline status because of his sports resume.

After all, the Central State senior tight end will become a four-year starter when he takes the field in the Marauders’ season opener Sept. 5 at Alderson Broaddus. After each of his three previous seasons he has received some kind of all-conference honors and this year he’s been named the preseason All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) first team tight end.

But anyone who's ever sat beneath the Thomas family tree knows the shade it can throw when it comes to sporting accomplishment.

"Everybody in the family has a story to tell and they're all great ones," Vaughn Thomas, Zach's dad and a former Wisconsin Badgers defensive back, said with a laugh Wednesday afternoon as he spoke by phone from Honolulu, Hawaii where he works for the federal government.

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Former Northwestern State, pro standout joins Gold Rush coaching staff

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Tuesday the hiring of Tyronn Mitchell as men's basketball assistant coach.

Mitchell, 33, replaces Alfred Williams, who left Xavier in July after six seasons to become the head coach at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Mo.

Mitchell was an assistant coach at Baton Rouge (La.) Community College this past season. He was a standout point guard at Northwestern State University from 2002-06 and played seven years professionally in Europe.

"We are excited to welcome Tyronn Mitchell to the Xavier family," said 13th-year head coach Dannton Jackson. "He has great experience not only as a player at Northwestern State and overseas professionally, but also as a coach at Baton Rouge Community College. We're very familiar with each other. I have spent time on the road recruiting with him. We've scrimmaged against each other and signed some of the BRCC players. We look forward to having Tyronn on our staff."

A native of New Iberia, La., Mitchell was a four-year starter at Northwestern State and is the Demons' career leader with 264 steals. Mitchell was All-Southland Conference second team as a senior and contributed five points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals in the Demons' 64-63 upset of third-seeded Iowa in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. Northwestern State trailed the Hawkeyes by 17 points with 8 1/2 minutes remaining and won on Jermaine Wallace's corner 3-pointer with five-tenths of a second remaining. Mitchell was in the lineup during the winning shot.

That comeback for the "Demons of Destiny" was named the greatest in Southland men's basketball history in a 2013 fan poll to celebrate the conference's 50th anniversary.

Mitchell is fourth at Northwestern State with 509 career assists. His four-year totals included 822 points, 365 rebounds and 97 made 3-pointers, and he was selected to the Demons' modern era "Fab 50" (1976-2012).

Mitchell played professionally in Romania from 2006-13. He ended his career on a high note, helping his team finish second in that country's national tournament.

"Xavier has a nice family atmosphere," Mitchell said. "I look forward to working with Dannton Jackson, a coach who has 10 20-win seasons at Xavier. I hope to instill in the young men I coach here the leadership skills and mental toughness I was able to acquire as a player. Being from Louisiana, I can help with in-state recruiting. There are diamonds in the rough in this state, particularly in the rural areas. I think I can go out and get them."

As a sophomore at New Iberia Senior High School, Mitchell was a starter on a team that reached the semifinals of the Class 5A state playoffs. He then spent his junior and senior years at Marine Military Academy Prep School in Harlingen, Texas, where he was a standout in basketball and football.

Xavier was 24-10 in 2014-15, finished second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament runner-up and ranked 21st in the postseason poll. The Gold Rush have the NAIA's longest active streak of top-25 appearances, 50, and qualified for the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship each of the past five seasons.

What They're Saying About Tyronn Mitchell

Mike McConathy, Northwestern State University Head Coach
"What a great opportunity for Tyronn to go to work for such an accomplished coach in Dannton Jackson at a truly prestigious university. Tyronn's leadership ability as a player is second to none that I've ever coached. He's a fierce competitor and one of the greatest locker room leaders I've ever known. He made sure players were doing what they needed to do off the floor, as well as on the court, in a competitive nature, and that breeds success in a program. I feel strongly he will carry that forward as he coaches young men. He will be a great influence on them in basketball and in life."

Eric Wilson, Baton Rouge Community College Head Coach
"It was a pleasure working with Coach Mitchell. He is a family man that is dedicated to helping young men. I want to thank him for all that he has done for the program here at Baton Rouge Community College. He will be sorely missed but we are excited for the opportunity that he has ahead of him. Xavier is getting an assistant coach that is great on the court and great off the court helping kids academically. We want to wish him all the best in the future."

Mark Slessinger, University of New Orleans Head Coach
"In my 20 years of college coaching, Tyronn Mitchell was one of the most dymanic leaders I have worked with. He has an incredible feel for the game. Xavier has signed a young superstar in the making. He has a great feel for talent and is able to relate to young men, especially those from Louisiana, and develop them. I am excited for Tyronn to work with Dannton Jackson at Xavier. Dannton will be an excellent mentor and help Tyronn progress in this business."


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Brett Richardson Named Alcorn State Baseball Head Coach

BRET RICHARDSON
HEAD BASEBALL COACH
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES
COURTESY: ALCORN STATE ATHLETICS

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State University's search for a new baseball Head Coach ended with a seasoned coach, with extensive college coaching experience, recently as the assistant baseball coach at Florida A&M.

Director of Athletics Derek Horne announced the selection of Brett Richardson, a Tallahassee, Florida native, as the new leader of the Brave's baseball program.

"We are excited to have Coach Richardson join our staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our student-athletes. We have an experienced team returning and look forward to him stepping in and shaping our baseball team into a competitive program."

Brett Richardson comes to the Reservation after spending 19 years on the coaching staff of the Rattler Baseball program.

The personable Richardson's ties to the FAMU Diamond Program began during his playing days in the early 1990s as a catcher on the Rattlers' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title winners in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

After spending five seasons as an assistant baseball coach at Tallahassee Lincoln High School (1992 to 1997), Richardson returned to FAMU to begin his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant under head coach Joe Durant in August of 1998.

Richardson eventually was promoted to full-time status in 2000, combining the duties of pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, with his various responsibilities as an assistant coach.

His years of experience in all aspects of managing the Rattler Baseball program and his growth as a leader was noticed by the FAMU administration, which tabbed him Interim Head Coach in May of 2010. Richardson led the Rattlers to their first MEAC Tournament appearance.

Richardson's vast array of responsibilities included the development of the Rattler hitters and catchers; coaching third base during games; assisting in recruiting; overseeing the academic eligibility process for team members, along with vital administrative duties.

When FAMU appointed Jamey Shouppe as its new head baseball coach in June of 2013, Richardson became the logical choice as Assistant Coach with his years of service to the program.

"Brett has given so much to the program at FAMU, and he is such a special, special man, who I am so happy to have on the staff," an elated Shouppe said moments after the Rattlers clinched the 2015 MEAC title.

Richardson holds a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from FAMU (1997), and also holds a master's degree in education (sports and leisure management) from FAMU (2001)

Braves fans are encouraged to log on to alcornsports.com for the latest news, scores and updates on Alcorn State athletics. Fans can also access the latest information on Alcorn State athletics through social media by following @BRAVESSPORTS on Twitter, @alcornstatesports on Instagram or liking the Facebook page at Facebook.com/AlcornStateSports.


COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

VSU gears up for football season with new coach

CHESTERFIELD, Virginia ­— Returning for the first day of practice last Monday, the Virginia State University football Trojans possess a keen determination for the pursuit of a repeat Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship and beyond.

Boasting the number two slot in the CIAA preseason rankings, out of 12, VSU jumped into the preseason with a bang this week under the newfound leadership of head coach Byron Thweatt.

Formerly an assistant coach at the University of Richmond, and a Matoaca High School graduate, Thweatt said that he has transitioned smoothly and comfortably into the role after previous head coach Latrell Scott took his talents to Norfolk State University.

In just two seasons, Scott helped the Trojans to grab their first CIAA title since 1996 with a win over Winston-Salem State in 2014, and Thweatt intends to elevate the team on a national scale.

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After their dramatic turnaround, Grambling eyes even more in 2015

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling’s turnaround last season caught everyone outside the program by surprise.

The Tigers were perhaps the most improved team in the Football Championship Subdivision, taking Southern to the wire in the race for the Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division title, finishing 7-2 and 7-5 overall. That came after a disastrous 1-10 season in 2013 that led to Grambling being picked last in the West.

Did the Tigers catch lightning in a bottle? Hardly, said coach Broderick Fobbs, who engineered the turnaround in his first season.

“I thought we underachieved last year, to be honest,” he said. “I thought what we had in us was greater.”

Fobbs’ colleagues and the SWAC sports information directors seem to ...

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HU women's soccer hits the ground running in debut season

HAMPTON, Virginia   -- From the start, way back when in 2013, it was the expressed goal. An auspicious one, to be sure. But maybe, in another five or 10 years, it would become reality.

No one, not even the biggest optimist of the bunch, expected to be here only two years later.

This past May, Hampton University announced the addition of women's soccer to its varsity sports effective the fall of 2015. That gave everyone — the coaches and players on HU's club team along with administrators and staff — three months to prepare.

The Pirates' first match will be Friday against Canisius on Christopher Newport's home field. It will be HU's only "home" game this season. The remaining nine, as well as a four-team tournament of independents, will be on the road.

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Pace Joins the SC State Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

COACH ALEXIS PACE
Courtesy : UWG Athletics

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina --  South Carolina State head women's basketball coach Doug Robertson announced the hiring of Alexis Pace as an assistant coach for the Lady Bulldog program.

"We are happy to have Alexis join our coaching staff," Robertson said. "She is a young, talented coach who will bring a lot to our program."

Pace spent the last four seasons as the assistant women's basketball coach at her alma mater, the University of West Georgia. She began her career as the graduate assistant at UWG during the 2010-11 season.

Pace was a four-year player on the UWG women's basketball team. She played in a total of 106 career games, and played her role solidly on several strong squads throughout her career. During her senior season, Pace was second on the Cin thleand averaged 2.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 25 minutes per game.

Pace is a native of Griffin, Ga. and played basketball at Griffin High School. While there, she earned several all-region honors and Atlanta Tip-Off Club honorable mentions.  She averaged 13 points and 12 rebounds throughout her career.

Pace earned her Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from the University of West Georgia, graduating in 2010.  She completed her Master's degree in Teaching Secondary English in 2014.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Cheretta Stevenson Tabbed As SC State Head Softball Coach

COACH CHERETTA STEVENSO
Courtesy: SCSU ATHLETICS

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The South Carolina State department of athletics has named Cheretta Stevenson the new head softball coach. Stevenson brings a wealth of knowledge of the game both as a player and as a coach.

“Cheretta brings a wealth of experience to the Bulldog family. Her commitment to excellence made her the perfect choice for this department,” said S.C. State Director of Athletics Paul A. Bryant. “I am excited to support her as she embark on her collegiate head coaching career.”

She formerly served as the head softball coach at Fairfield Central High School from 2013-15, where she was named Region Coach of the Year. Several of her players have gone on to receive Division I scholarships.

Prior to that, Stevenson spent two seasons at Winston-Salem State (2011-13) as an assistant softball/pitching coach. During her tenure, WSSU claimed the CIAA crown in 2012.

Before joining the WSSU coaching staff, Stevenson spent seven seasons as the head softball coach at her alma mater Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina. In addition to her duties as head coach of the Hornets softball team, she also was the head coach of the Hornets volleyball team and earned Region Coach of the Years honors as well.

A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Stevenson enjoyed a solid playing career with the Aggies where she was one of the top players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

She was the first player in school history to earn first-team All-MEAC honors after a tremendous freshman season for the Aggies. For her efforts, she was also named the team MVP and Rookie of the Year in addition to several tournament and conference weekly honors. She finished the season with a 3.04 ERA. Also a solid hitter, she finished the season with 103 strikeouts and five complete game shutouts. She also had a great 2003 season with 83 strikeouts and a 4.14 ERA and a 13-11 record.

Her great career began at Ridge View High School, where she began playing in seventh grade. She earned six letters in softball as well as four letters in basketball, and two letters in tennis. During her senior year, she played at Lower Richland High School. During her high school career, she earned both all-state and all-region honors.

Stevenson, a native of Columbia, earned her bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology and audiology, and her master's of art in teaching (learning disability). She is the proud mother of a 16-year-old daughter, Dyna’sha “Pinky” Stevenson.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern sets its sights on another title shot — and another win, like in 2013

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern football team’s goal for this season is twofold but simple: Get back to the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game ... and win it.

The Jaguars are seeking their third consecutive trip to the title game, having won their first SWAC title in 10 years in 2013 before losing to Alcorn State 38-24 in last year’s title game.

“In 2013, we all felt how it was to win it, and then last year, we all felt how it was to lose it,” senior linebacker Daniel Brown said. “We all know that winning is better than losing any day, so it’s motivation enough that we didn’t capture the prize like we were supposed to.”

The loss in the title game rarely leaves the Jaguars’ minds.

“That’s all we remember (from last season),” quarterback Deonte Shorts said.

But as an added reminder, the players’ workout shirts are inscribed with the word “remember” and the score of the title game.

CONTINUE READING

Austin Howard embraces his role as Southern’s starting quarterback

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- It was just minutes before Southern’s Southwestern Athletic Conference opener last season when freshman quarterback Austin Howard learned he was about to make his first college start.

He had played a few series in relief of Deonte Shorts in the first three games but, as kickoff at Prairie View neared, Shorts’ sore elbow hadn’t responded well enough to treatment to allow him to play.



“I knew right then I had to buckle my chinstrap and do what I had to do,” Howard said. “I wasn’t a freshman anymore. I was the quarterback at Southern University. If you would have told me two minutes or two hours or two days before the game, it wouldn’t have mattered. I’m just a real competitor. When I go out there, I’m just like, ‘I’m here now; there’s no turning back.’ ”

The Jaguars’ running game and defense made things relatively easy for Howard, who played efficiently (8-of-15 passing, 108 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions) in a 34-24 victory that started Southern on its way to a second consecutive SWAC West Division title.

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From the Rucker League to Edison Tech. With a Ph.D. in between from Jackson State

HARLEM, New York -- Jason Willis's basketball players at Edison Tech probably don't know the full accomplishments of their assistant coach. Right now Jason is more concerned that his Inventors make practice on time and work hard in the classroom.

I met Jason while writing a post on the basketball game at Cobb's Hill, including a compassion between the Rucker League in Harlem. Rochester’s own street ball Rucker League.

And we have a bonifide NYC streetballer in our midst. Jason describes playing and coaching from '05 to '10 for Primetime (with Head Coach James Ryan), serving losses to the likes of "Crossing Guard," "AO," "Headache," "Homicide," and "Bone Collector." Jason--or Dr. J as I like to call him, given his Ph.D.--played/coached in the NIKE, Classic Rucker (Medger Evers University in Brooklyn), EBC (Entertainment Basketball Classic) Rucker on 155th in Harlem, Dykman, 145th Street and many more, all of which drove his passion for the game.

But what's more impressive about Jason is his remarkable dedication to success on the hardwood floor and the lecture hall. Having graduated from Division III SUNY-Brockport with a double major in African-American Studies and Sociology, Jason received the PROMPT Fellowship at Southern Illinois University for an M.A. in Sociology.

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SWAC preview: Alcorn State seeks repeat in balanced league

LORMAN, Mississippi -- It’s your turn, Alcorn State.

The Braves won their first conference championship in 20 years when they beat Southern 38-24 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game last December.

That outcome denied the Jaguars a second consecutive SWAC championship, which would have been a rare accomplishment. No SWAC champion has repeated since Grambling won the most recent of three consecutive titles in 2002.



The past six SWAC championships have been won by six different programs. Alcorn and Southern were preceded by Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2012), Grambling (2011), Texas Southern (2010) and Prairie View (2009). Grambling won in 2008.

So Alcorn will try to repeat, and the Braves were picked first in the East Division in the conference’s preseason poll.

“This league, I say it every year: There’s a lot of parity,” Braves coach Jay Hopson said. “I don’t just say that. People that know me know I speak what I feel. Two years ago, we were ranked last. I think the preseason rankings, they don’t really mean anything. You take it with a grain of salt. It’s a competitive league.”

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Jackson State kickoff time against Southern moved up

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State announced the kickoff time for its game at Southern on Sept. 19 has been moved up from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate a request by ESPN, which will broadcast the game live on ESPN3 and tape delayed on ESPNU, on Monday.

As of now, the contest is the lone JSU game on the SWAC television schedule.

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CIAA Tournament Economic Impact Rises; Charlotte Becomes New Headquarters for CIAA Office

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, produced an economic impact of $55.6 million in 2015 in spite of inclement weather. This figure is an increase of 19 percent from 2014.

Hotel occupancy also showed an increase from 2014 with a combined growth in Uptown Charlotte and overall Mecklenburg County hotels of 5.4 percent in 2015; according to the 2015 CIAA Basketball Tournament Economic Impact Study conducted by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA).

“The CIAA Tournament contributes $30 million in direct visitor spending to Charlotte’s economy annually. Not only does the tournament boost the city’s economic base, but it also contributes to Charlotte’s reputation as a rising destination that embraces diverse audiences and offers a plethora of intellectual, cultural, social and recreational opportunities. The CIAA’s relocation to Charlotte is yet another example of the city’s appeal as a great place to live and work,” say CIAA Board of Directors Chairman and President of Johnson C. Smith University, Dr. Ronald L. Carter.

Fans can now purchase tickets and book hotel rooms for the 2016 CIAA Tournament, which will be held at the Time Warner Cable Arena, February 23-27, by visiting CIAATournament.org. Hotels can also be reserved by calling 1 (844) 293-6678 on Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The newly designed website was re-launched to provide fans with an interactive experience and centralized hub for all news and official game and event information related to the annual tournament.

The CIAA established a new partnership with ConferenceDirect, a global meeting solutions company, to assist in improving the fan housing program, which was first introduced during last year’s tournament. The partnership was formed as a result of evaluating feedback shared in a survey the CIAA distributed to its fans shortly after the conclusion of the tournament. The CIAA listened and worked tirelessly through the new partnership with ConferenceDirect to provide individual incentives for fans who book through the housing program such as; discounts on room rates, special amenities, networking due to centralized location of available hotel options, reduced travel time and cost by providing access to hotels in close proximity of official tournament events, and guaranteed room reservations with a customer service team advocating for the fans if a problem arises with their hotel.

“We gauged the thoughts of our fans on areas we could improve their tournament experience. After evaluating the results, we found that customer service and communication with the housing program to be the main takeaway,” said CIAA Commissioner, Jacqie McWilliams.  “The conference reviewed several housing management companies and elected to move forward with ConferenceDirect, as they seemed to best fit our current needs for a fan base of our size and their overall industry experience.”

The CIAA officially opened their headquarters in Charlotte after last year’s announcement to move from Hampton, Virginia. The office is located at Two Piedmont Town Center in the Southpark area of Charlotte.  With 8 out of 12 member-institutions located in North Carolina, as well as 15 of their 16 championships and key sponsors, accessibility was a key factor in the decision to move to the Queen City.

“It’s been months in the making, but we’re so pleased to welcome the CIAA headquarters to the Charlotte region,” says Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Tom Murray. “We know that having Commissioner McWilliams and her team based here will help to enhance the tournament experience in the years to come. I have no doubt that our business leaders and the community as a whole will welcome them with the southern hospitality we’re so well-known for.”

For more information about the CIAA Conference visit TheCIAA.com. For more information on how to purchase tickets and book your hotels to the 2016 CIAA Tournament visit, CIAATournament.org.


About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 16 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAATournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

About ConferenceDirect
Headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices located in Las Vegas, Toronto and Charlotte - ConferenceDirect is a full-service global meetings solution company whose portfolio of services includes: Site Selection & Contract Negotiation, Conference Management, Event Hotel Bookings, Registration Services, Mobile App Technology and Strategic Meetings Management Programs. Our 325+ Associates manage over 9,800 meetings, conferences and events annually for more than 2,500 customers. For more information, visit ConferenceDirect at www.conferencedirect.com.

 

Morgan State receiver Andrew King's work in community earns him Good Works Team nomination

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Morgan State football coach Lee Hull likens Andrew King favorably to former Terp and current San Francisco 49er Torrey Smith, and it's not just because they're both wide receivers.

Like Smith, King is committed to making contributions off the field. Smith was nominated the Ravens' representative for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award last December for his self-named foundation beginning a reading initiative, giving 447 students in Baltimore-area schools access to more than 700 books and electronic readers, as well as a place to read them.

King, a redshirt senior who led the Bears in catches (42), receiving yards (508) and receiving touchdowns (six), helped the team capture a share of its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in 35 years last season and a berth in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. He has visited area elementary schools to talk to students about the lives of student-athletes.

King, a Columbia (Maryland) native who graduated from Atholton High School, also joined an effort organized by Hull to clean streets in neighborhoods close to Morgan State's campus and has volunteered at the program's youth football camp the past two summers.

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