Breaking down the season | Hampton University football preview

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

HAMPTON, Virginia --As a college quarterback, Connell Maynor learned the importance of continuity. Of everyone, pardon the cliché, being on the same page. His first team at Hampton University didn't have that last season, at least not enough. That was to be expected, given the new staff bringing in a new system and no one quite understanding the other.

"It was a learning curve where I had to learn them and they had to learn me," Maynor said. The result: a 3-9 season, the program's worst finish since 1991. The offense was mistake prone, and the defense couldn't stop water. And yet, you could argue at least six of their losses could have gone the other way with better execution and fewer turnovers. That's all behind the Pirates now, and 2015 is here. Maynor feels the learning curve is over now, that he knows his kids and they know what he wants from them.

"It's a night-and-day difference from last year," he said. "I think we can really make some major improvements." A few minute later, he chuckles. "Every coach in America probably feels good about his team right now. On Sept. 5, that's when we'll really find out what we've got."

THE COACH, CONNELL MAYNOR, Sixth year (48-15, 3-9 in one season at HU).


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Season Preview: Norfolk State Spartans

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Coaching transition | Pete Adrian retired after a 10-year run that included the 2011 MEAC championship and an automatic playoff bid. But the Spartans were 11-24 from 2012-14, creating considerable challenges for new head coach Latrell Scott, a former Hampton University tight end who's now worked at six in-state schools.

Balance needed | Norfolk State ranked among the nation's top 10 in every major defensive statistical category last season, among the bottom 15 in every key offensive category. In short, averaging 11.7 points in the era of spread offenses is unacceptable.

Non-conference gantlet | The Spartans didn't win a game outside the MEAC last year, and that's unlikely to change in 2015. Each of Norfolk State's three non-league contests are against Bowl Subdivision opponents: the Big Ten's Rutgers and Conference USA's Old Dominion and Marshall.

THE STANDOUTS

Deon King | Sr. | 6-1 | 235 | LB


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Alcorn State tabs Brian Johnson as new track & field head coach

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State University adds an Olympian and NCAA champion to head their track and field program.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Derek Horne announced the selection of Brian Johnson as the new leader of the Brave's track and field program.

"We are very excited to have Brian join our staff. He is a great recruiter and is a seasoned coach. We look forward to him coming on board and making a positive impact on our track program," said Horne.

Johnson comes to Alcorn State after spending a year on the University Georgia Bulldogs' staff as an assistant coach. Prior to his stint at Georgia, he led the track & field program at Southern University.

A native of Iowa, Louisiana, Johnson led Southern's track and field program from August 2010 to 2014, was an assistant at the school starting in 2003 and a Southern graduate. He coached both the men's and women's Jaguar teams to second-place finishes at the 2014 Southwestern Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships. Johnson also was instrumental in the success of Devin Jenkins, who was a standout runner at Southern. Johnson helped Jenkins capture the 60-meter dash, 100-meter and 200-meter titles at the 2014 SWAC conference meet.

Johnson had an exceptional career at Southern before joining the institution's coaching ranks. He finished third in the long jump at the 2001 and 2002 NCAA Outdoor Championships and was also fifth in the 100-meter (10.46) at the 2002 outdoor nationals, which were in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Then in 2003, Johnson traveled 27 feet, and 2 inches to claim the NCAA indoor championship in the long jump. Soon after his national title, Johnson graduated with a bachelor's degree.

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

UAPB to host NFL Stars a Clinton Presidential Center on Oct. 1

Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Legends and Legacies

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Athletics will host "Legends and Legacies -- An Evening with NFL Stars" on Thursday, October 1 at the Clinton Presidential Center (1200 President Clinton, Ave.) in Little Rock, Ark.

The cost of the event is $250 per ticket, with the proceeds benefitting the UAPB Football Scholarship Fund. Tickets to Legends and Legacies will include a tour of the Clinton Presidential Museum and a reception, starting at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner with the pro football stars at 7:15 p.m.

During the Legends and Legacies event, fans will have a chance interact with NFL greats of the gridiron, including:

•Art Monk – Football Hall-of-Famer with the Washington Redskins (1980-93), New York Jets (1994) and Philadelphia Eagles (1995);
•Keith Jackson – Five-time pro bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles (1988-91), Miami Dolphins (1992-94) and Green Bay Packers (1995-96);
•Jay Novacek – Five-time pro bowler with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals (1985-89) and Dallas Cowboys (1990-95);
•Anthony Jones – Former Washington Redskin (1984-88) and current UAPB offensive coordinator;
•Monte Coleman – Three-time Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins (1979-94) and current UAPB head coach.

For more information, contact the UAPB Office of Development at 870.575.8701/8702.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

Roderick Woods Added to SC State Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE ATHLETICS

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

"Roderick brings a great deal of basketball experience and knowledge to our program and we are excited to have him on the sidelines this season," Robertson said.

Woods comes to SC State after spending 12 years as the head women's basketball coach and athletics director at Clinton Junior College in Rock Hill, S.C.

During his time at Clinton, Woods amassed over 180 victories and coached three Region X Players of the Year (2010, 2012, 2014). His players not only excelled on the court, but they were successful in the classroom as well. Six of Woods' players were named valedictorians of their graduating classes at Clinton.

Prior to coaching on the collegiate level, Woods served as an assistant coach at Lamar High School in Lamar, S.C. from 1999-2001.

During the summers of 1997-2014, Woods spent his time recruiting and leading basketball camps at various institutions including Rutgers University, the University of Connecticut, Eastern Kentucky University, Duke University and the University of Illinois. He also served as the Associate Director of the Nike Girls Basketball Camp at Amherst College.

Woods was an All-Region X First-Team performer at Spartanburg Methodist College. He was a member of the team that advanced to the championship game of the 1992 NJCAA National Championship. Woods then went on to play at Eastern Kentucky University from 1994-1996 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1999.

The Florence, S.C. native is the son Phyllis Evans and the late Al Woods. After the passing of his father, Woods returned to his home where he graduated from Wilson High School in 1991.

Woods is married to Katrina Judge-Woods and they have three children: Oriona (16), Kaiden (6) and Kaelyn (4).

Woods is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in sports administration from American Public University.

The Lady Bulldogs open the 2015-16 season on November 14 when they host Morris College.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU Volleyball Features World Championships Trio

Valentina Carrasco
Freshman - Libero

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – With the 2015 regular season opener just a week away, the Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball program is excited about this year’s prospects thanks to a trio of players who gained some valuable international playing experience this summer.

Two members of the trio are returning veterans: 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year Pamela Soriano, a 5-10 sophomore outside hitter from the Dominican Republic, and 6-3 senior middle blocker Ginna Lopez-Chavez, from Lima, Peru, who was a preseason All-MEAC pick, and a two-time first team All-MEAC selection (2013, 2014), while the third is incoming freshman libero
Valentina Carrasco from Lima, Peru

FAMU head coach Tanio “Tony” Trifonov was excited for his players and more excited for their potential impact on the 2015 Rattler Volleyball team.

“This has been a great experience for our players, and hopefully they will provide the leadership that will help us elevate our play this year through the MEAC Tournament and potentially into the NCAA Tournament as well,” Trifonov said.




World Under 23 Championships duo

The returning FAMU duo of Soriano and Lopez-Chavez played in the FIVB (International Federation for Volleyball) Under 23 World Volleyball Championships in Turkey, which concluded this week, with Soriano, as a member of the bronze medal-winning Dominican Republic National team, and Lopez-Chavez a member of the Peruvian National team.

• Soriano’s Dominican team dropped a five-set heartbreaker in the semifinals to eventual world champion Brazil, but rallied literally and figuratively in the third place match, coming from two sets down to overtake Japan, 3-2 (21-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-16, 15-11) for the bronze.
•  Lopez-Chavez’s Peruvian team finished tied for ninth (9th), but individually, she had an outstanding tournament, finishing #10 overall in blocks among all players, averaging 0.56 blocks per set.

The Under 23 World Championships was the second summer event for Lopez-Chavez, who played for Peru in the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto in July, along with a FAMU Volleyball alum, libero Susan Egoavil.

FAMU freshman in Under 18 Championships

Speaking of the libero position, FAMU’s third international summer competitor was incoming freshman Valentina Carrasco, another in the long line of Lima, Peru natives to wear the Orange and Green.

Carrasco played in the FIVB Under 18 World Championships for Peru, finishing the event ranked as the #5 libero overall in the event.

All three players will be on campus by Sunday, just in time for the start of the 2015 Fall Semester on Monday, August 24, and they’ll have a few days of practice to gear up for next Friday’s season opener in the University of Miami Tournament against Kansas State at 5:00 p.m.

They will face host Miami (12:30 p.m.) and Illinois State (5:30 p.m.) on Saturday, August 29.

FAMU opens at home Friday, September 11 against Xavier (Ohio) University in the FAMU-FSU Tournament at 7:00 p.m. in the Al Lawson Center.

For more information on the FAMU Volleyball Team and all other Rattler sports teams, go to www.FAMUAthletics.com.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Pullard Leads SC State to 5-1 Win over Southern University

TIERRA PULLARD
COURTESY: SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

EDINBURG, Texas – Sophomore midfielder Tierra Pullard scored a career-high three goals to lead the South Carolina State women's soccer team to a 5-1 win over Southern University on Friday afternoon in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Tournament.

Pullard scored the first goal of the match in the 11^th minute on an assist from sophomore defender Alexandria Trujillo to give SC State (1-0) a 1-0 lead. Southern (0-1) got on the board 15 minutes later on a goal by Jami Blackston to tie the match at 1-1.

In the second period, the Lady Bulldogs exploded for four goals. Freshman midfielder Justine Zepeda got things started with an unassisted goal in the 56^th minute. In the next three minutes, SC State got scores from Pullard and freshman forward Cortney Welch to go up 4-1. Pullard's final goal of the day ended the scoring and gave the Lady Bulldogs their third straight 1-0 start under head coach Sandy Burris.

Senior goalkeeper Hailey Austin picked up the win. She allowed one goal and had three saves in 90 minutes.

The Lady Bulldogs return to action on Sunday in the UTRGV Tournament when they take on Incarnate Word at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Live stats are available at www.sidearmstats.come.utrgv/wsoc.

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SCSU's Ashley Walker signs on as Wiley head women's basketball coach

ASHLEY WALKER
HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
WILEY COLLEGE LADY WILDCATS

MARSHALL, Texas --  Wiley College Acting Athletic Director/Vice President of Student Affairs Joseph Morale announced the hiring of Ashley Walker as the new head women's basketball coach. Walker replaces Courtney Pruitt, who led the Lady Wildcats for four seasons.

"I would like to thank Dr. Morale and the Wiley College Administration for the amazing opportunity to be the head women's basketball coach at Wiley College," Walker said. "Wiley is a great college with rich tradition and values and I am excited to be a part of that. It also helps that it's much closer to home for me."

Walker spent the last three seasons as an assistant at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C. While at SC State, she helped the team to an impressive 20-9 record in her first season and coached two-time All-MEAC performer Kourtney Williams, who finished her career as the seventh all-time leading scorer in school history.

Prior to SC State, Walker spent seven seasons (2005-2012) as an assistant coach at Angelina College in Lufkin, Tex. During her time there, the team went 135-81. Walker, a Bryan, Texas, native, played two years at Angelina College after leaving Bryan High School as a highly sought-after recruit. In the 1999-2000 season, she was part of the team that broke the program record for wins in a season with a 24-7 mark. Her success at the junior college level led to a scholarship at Texas Wesleyan University, where she played for another two seasons before receiving her Bachelor of Science in exercise of sports studies in 2005.

Upon graduating, Walker returned to Angelina College as an assistant to head coach Bryan Coleman. At Angelina, the team set a school-record with 26 wins in the 2009-10 season. She helped coach three National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Americans, two Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-Americans and two freshmen of the year. Additionally, the 2006-07 team earned Academic All-American honors. Several of Walker's Lady Roadrunner players went on to play Division I basketball.

COURTESY RED RIVER ATHLETICS CONFERENCE MEDIA RELATIONS

Montavon named as KSU's sports information director

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Kentucky State University's Interim Athletic Director, Harry Stinson III, is pleased to announce the addition of Matt Montavon as the school's Sports Information Director.

Having served in both sports journalism and in intercollegiate athletic settings, Montavon brings with him more than 10 years of experience in various roles in athletic communications.

Montavon will oversee all sports information and communications efforts for each of Kentucky State's 13 sports, while managing all content on the athletics website and social media platforms. He also is responsible for overseeing live statistic and video streams of home sporting events, and will serve as a liaison with the media, opposing schools, and conference and national offices.

"Matt is an excellent addition to our staff," said Stinson. "His knowledge of the local media, his media relations background and his knowledge of social media platforms will ensure the story of KSU is told. Sports Information is a critical part of any athletic department and we are excited to have a true gem working with us."

Montavon comes to Kentucky State after four years at Division III Centre College in Danville, Ky., where he also filled the role of sports information director. While at Centre, Montavon managed sports information efforts for the department's 23 varsity sports, served as host site media coordinator for 14 conference or NCAA Tournaments, and was a co-creator of the department's weekly highlight show, the ColonelCast.

"I am extremely excited to be a part of the Kentucky State family," said Montavon. "I'd like to thank Harry Stinson and President Burse for the opportunity, and I'm looking forward to telling the stories of the talented student athletes we have here at KSU."

Prior to making the transition to collegiate sports information, Montavon spent five years as sports writer and editor at the Ledger Independent in Maysville, Ky., where he covered Ohio and Kentucky high sports, as well as regional college and pro teams.

Montavon holds a degree in sport management from Shawnee State University, where he was a four-year member of the cross country team and worked in the sports information office.

Montavon has two children, Emmy and Carter, and resides in Danville, Ky.

COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

KSU adds Olympian Torri Edwards to Staff

FRANKFORT, Kentucky – Kentucky State University's Interim Athletic Director, Harry Stinson III, is pleased to announce the addition of Torri Edwards as the school's Head Men's and Women's Track and Field and Cross Country coach.

Edwards brings a world class background as a sprinter, having competed at the highest levels of track and field for more than a decade. A two-time Olympian, Edwards reached the 100-meter final in 2008, where she recorded a career-best time of 10.78. Edwards also won a 100-meter World Championship in 2003, and ranked No. 3 in the world and No. 2 in the United States in the same event in 2007.

"Any time you are able to add a person at the top of their craft, a true teacher and mentor to your staff, you are well on your way to success," Stinson said. "To add someone like Torri Edwards to our staff continues to push our program to greater heights. An Olympian with coaching experience at the Division I and II level is an excellent addition to our well rounded staff. I'm excited to see our student athletes have the opportunity to learn from Coach Edwards and put them in position to be SIAC Champions and NCAA championship qualifiers."

Edwards transitioned into coaching in 2010, beginning at the high school level. From there she moved on to assistant coaching jobs at Riverside Community College, Cal Poly Pomona and most recently, the University of Kentucky.

Edwards attended the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology in 2005.

COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bended Knees: The Story of the Marching 100

College Football Preview: The Lincoln University Lions

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Success has been elusive for the Division II Lincoln University football team since they revived their football program for the 2008 season, following a nearly 50-year hiatus. The Lions have not won more than three games in any season and last year they went just 1-9.

But Lincoln, who plays in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, is hoping to take steps in the right direction here in 2015 and they will do so under the watchful eye of interim head coach Herb Pickens.

“Camp’s been a grind, man,” Pickens tells KYW Newsradio. “But it’s been exciting.”


Pickens says right now the strength of the team looks to be the defense.

“We’re having a lot of success up front and on the back end with our secondary,” Pickens says. “Pleasant surprise at a few spots at the linebacker position. So definitely the defense has jumped out and taken the lead of the team.”

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Kerrick Trial: Family Of Jonathan Ferrell Speaks After Mistrial Announcement

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The family of Jonathan Ferrell speaks to the media after a mistrial was announced in the trial against CMPD Officer Randall 'Wes' Kerrick.

Kerrick shot and killed Ferrell in 2013. Kerrick was charged with manslaughter.

Ferrell, 24, wrecked his car in east Charlotte and after wrecking, Ferrell went to a nearby home. The woman inside called 911, saying Ferrell was trying to force his way into her home.

Investigators say Officer Wes Kerrick was one of three police officers who responded. Officers say once on scene, Ferrell charged at them and refused to listen to their orders to stop.



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Southern plans to scrimmage with better effort

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern football team finished preseason camp last Saturday with a scrimmage that didn’t feature the type of effort coach Dawson Odums was looking for.

The Jaguars say they plan to show improvement in that area when they scrimmage again Saturday morning at the Louisiana Leadership Institute.

“I think overall they’re going to be more excited,” Odums said. “I think they understand that that’s part of our makeup and that’s our motto — to play with energy and passion. Any time we get off the bus that’s something we’ve got to have in our lunch box that we’re always going to be carrying with us and I think we had it in spurts but not to my liking.

“I think we’re going to do better at that and it will be interesting to see how we do with that on Saturday.”

Odums and his assistants pointed to examples where effort was lacking as they reviewed tape of last week’s scrimmage.



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Sapakoff: James Robinson’s ‘rigorous’ car pulling workout will lift S.C. State

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The routine was the same most days this June and July. James Robinson pulled his car into the parking lot at Goose Creek’s Sedgefield Middle School and put it in neutral.

One of the most difficult workouts in college football began as S.C. State’s senior defensive end stepped outside into the steamy heat.

Robinson pushed the car for 40 yards. He pulled the thing back over the asphalt with ropes. Sometimes fellow Goose Creek High School graduates stopped by to join in, or watch.



“I pushed myself to my limits,” said Robinson, who is 6-4, 230. “Pushing the car uphill, bear crawling with the car. I just went hard. It was rigorous.”

Desperate times call for creative preseason measures. A heavily slashed S.C. State budget finally was approved June 30 after months of cost-cutting following a February vote in which a Statehouse subcommittee voted to close South Carolina’s only state-funded historically black university. S.C. State’s summer football program, allowing players to live on campus and workout, was among the casualties.

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Mike Jones remains Southern’s deep threat

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- When Southern wide receiver Mike Jones catches touchdown passes, they tend to come in groups.

Jones showed off that habit, as well as his knack for big gainers once again in the Jaguars scrimmage Saturday. On the first play, he caught a 99-yard touchdown pass from Austin Howard. He later caught a 5-yard scoring pass from Deonte Shorts, and, in between, he and Howard teamed for a 45-yard pass that set up another score.

That performance was reminiscent of games Jones has had each of his two seasons.

In last season’s Bayou Classic, he caught three passes for 130 yards, including touchdowns of 45 and 55 yards as Southern won 52-45 to win its second consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference West division title.

Two years ago in a 31-28 victory at Alabama State, Jones caught five passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. The scoring plays covered 68, 74 and 13 yards.

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Southern APR data submission meets NCAA approval

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern has cleared its first hurdle in academically certifying its student-athletes to the NCAA’s satisfaction.

The Jaguars received notice from the NCAA earlier this week that the Academic Progress Rates data they submitted last week were complete and met NCAA requirements.

The submission of the forms is normally a routine matter, but Southern’s submission of unusable data in the past led to an 18-month NCAA postseason ban for all Jaguars programs, which was lifted May 15.

So as a result of Southern’s probationary status, the NCAA had to approve the submission before the university could proceed with supplying Academic Performance Program information by Sept. 28, a deadline which must be met by all NCAA members. That information will be used to evaluate the student-athletes’ Academic Progress Rates’ for the 2014-15 academic year in all 15 Jaguars athletics programs.

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Cobbs Creek mural illustrates talent of Johnny Sample (UMES)

 
Johnny Sample, a Northampton, Va., native was a five-sport athlete in college
 at Maryland State (UMES) starring in track and field, baseball, gymnastics
 and basketball.
COURTESY: artbynathaniellee
 

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- Johnny Sample had a big impact in the sports world.  A tremendous football and tennis player, he also was a great sportscaster for radio station WHAT for many years. A special event is scheduled to illustrate Sample's talents in each one of these areas.

On Saturday, Aug. 29 there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Johnny Sample Memorial Mural at Cobbs Creek Community Center, 280 S. 63rd St. The dedication ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. The Sample family, Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, Mural Arts executive director Jane Golden and artist Nathaniel Lee are expected to attend. Sample's mural was made possible thanks to the city of Philadelphia and was created in collaboration with the Sample family and in partnership with the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

It's a great location for the mural. Sample resided in West Philadelphia and was very active in the Cobbs Creek community.


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South Carolina State University's Marching 101 will pay tribute to band’s biggest fan

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South Carolina State University’s Marching 101 band will perform Sept. 6 during the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- At an HBCU, halftime isn’t a break in the action. It’s just the beginning. While the football players demonstrate agility with high-flying catches, spectacular runs and hard-hitting tackles, marching band members work tirelessly to perfect their craft of high-flying drum majors, spectacular blends of passion through music, and the hard-hitting but unique and unmistakable sound of the marching band.

South Carolina State University’s “101’’ started humbly in 1918, a simple regimental band performing military drills and assisting with music at Sunday schools and wherever else it was needed. The band slowly but steadily evolved from a service band to a part of the school’s Department of Music, to a prominent band whose name rings from coast to coast.

The 101 makes appearances across the country, from bowl parades to NFL games. The band has made its mark, winning Atlanta’s annual Honda Battle of the Bands competition in 2011 and 2014.

So acclaimed is the band’s reputation, the 101 was featured last October in the VH1 movie “Drumline: A New Beat.” The character Dr. James Lee from the original film was inspired by former South Carolina State band directors.

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Prairie View A&M Football: Day 13 & Meet Willie Mack Garza

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Head coach Willie Simmons recaps day 13 and we also meet new PVAMU linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Willie Mack Garza.



COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Laquanda Dawkins Named ECSU Women's Basketball Coach

Veteran Coach Brings Over 15 Years of Collegiate
Experience to ECSU

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- Elizabeth City State University announced the hiring of Laquanda Dawkins as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program.

“I am elated to be here at ECSU and look forward to leading the women's basketball program. ECSU aspires to be the kind of place you prefer to be; a rich academic legacy that produces scholar students to make a difference in our society. It's an honor to be working with great people. I would like to thank Chancellor Stacey Franklin Jones, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vann Newkirk and Athletics Director, Derrick Johnson for having confidence in me to lead and build a legacy within the women's basketball program”

“Coach Dawkins is a gifted coach whose track record of success is a testament to her energy and commitment to student-athletes”, says ECSU Athletic Director Derrick Johnson. “I am sure that her presence and leadership will create momentum and a new energy in ECSU women’s basketball.” Coach Dawkins earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education, exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1999 and later received a Master of Science in physical education at Florida International University in 2006.

Dawkins played as a member of the Tar Heels from 1995-99. The Tar Heels won three Atlantic Coast Conference championships during Dawkins’ tenure. She was also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll and received the Coach’s Award for her efforts during the 1998-99 season.

Dawkins comes to ECSU after a one year stint as an assistant coach at Tennessee Tech University.

Before the year at TTU, she was the head women’s basketball coach at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU), a NAIA Division I University where she also served as the department's Champions of Character liaison. SPSU, a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) was undefeated (15-0) at home during the 2013-14 season and posted an impressive 26-1 on their home court in her final two years as the head coach. SPSU ranked Number 29 nationally in the 2014 NAIA Division I coaches' poll and made their four trips in the last five years to the NAIA Division I national tournament Dawkins guided Southern Poly to three NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship appearances in her four seasons and compiled a 83-43 overall record.

During her tenure at SPSU, Dawkins coached three NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball All-Americans, an All-America Honorable Mention, several SSAC Player of the week honorees, a SSAC Defensive Player of the Year, multiple All-SSAC conference team members and four SSAC Champions of Character team honorees.

From 2006-2010, Coach Dawkins was the recruiting coordinator at Winthrop University. Her hard work as a recruiter and coach paid dividends for the Eagles with one of their best seasons in school history, an appearance in the 2009 Women's National Invitation Tournament.

In 2007-08, Winthrop had its best start in school history as an NCAA Division I program and established a school record for wins (20) in a season at any level. Also when Dawkins was with the Eagles, they finished above .500 in conference play for the first time and appeared in three straight semifinal games of the conference tournament.

For three seasons (2003-2006), she was the recruiting coordinator at Florida International University. In her three seasons there, Florida International compiled 48 wins and the 2005-06 team, behind the firepower of first-team all-conference selection Lasma Jekabsone, advanced to the semifinals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and made a fifth appearance in the WNIT.

Fresh off her playing career and graduation from Chapel Hill, Dawkins assisted the coaching staffs at Gardner-Webb at the University of Iowa. The Hawkeyes, with Dawkins on staff, Big Ten Conference Tournament title in 2001.

Dawkins is also a 2008 graduate of the NCAA Black Coaches & Administrators Achieving Coaching Excellence (ACE) Program and is an active member of the Black Coaches Association and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.

Originally from of Shelby, N.C., Dawkins, who broke David Thompson's 20-year old scoring record to become Crest Senior High School’s all-time leading scorer, had her high school jersey (#23) retired.

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18th Annual Down East Viking Football Classic Tickets On Sale

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Dillard University Athletic Director selected as 2015 NACWAA Administrator of the Year

Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes has been selected as the 2015 Administrator of the

 Year by the NACWAA.

Courtesy: DILLARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

KANSAS CITY, Missouri --  Dillard University's Director of Athletics Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes has been selected as the 2015 Administrator of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA). "I am humbled by this honor," said Barnes.  "I also appreciate my colleagues who nominated me and the opportunity that Dillard University has given me to serve and lead the athletics department."

As Athletic Director (AD) at Dillard University, Barnes has distinguished herself as an outstanding professional, community servant and mentor.  She assumed the leadership role in Dillard's athletic department in 2006.  She is currently the President of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) and also serves on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' (NAIA) Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors and is chair for the NAIA's Conduct and Ethics Committee.

"Dr. Barnes is not just a leader at Dillard," said Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University.  "She is a leader for our conference and for athletics nationally.  Her energy and initiative have been great, and we are proud of her accomplishments."

Within the last school year, Barnes has been selected as one of Girl Scout Louisiana East's 2014 Women of Distinction, along with Gayle Benson, Mionne LaShe Gooch and Sally-Ann Roberts.  Barnes was named one of New Orleans Magazine's "People to Watch Class of 2014" and GCAC AD of the Year twice, most recently in the 2013-14 school year.


"This award is not only about the influence that women have in athletics, but their impact in the community as well," said Barnes.  "I have strived to be a servant leader.  My hope is that Dillard students and the entire NAIA will reap the benefits of my efforts," Barnes added.  "To receive this honor going into my 10th year as the Athletic Director at Dillard University, which is synonymous with the 10th year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, makes this award even special to me."

Recent initiatives by Barnes and her staff include launching a new logo and website as well as iPhone and Android applications for the Dillard University athletics department.

The NACWAA is the premier leadership organization that empowers, develops, assists, celebrates, affirms, involves and honors women working in college sports and beyond.  NACWAA takes a proactive role in advancing women into positions of influence and powerfully shapes the landscape of women leaders.

COURTESY DILLARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

2015 GCAC volleyball tournament headed to Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas and Philander Smith College will host the 2015 GCAC
Volleyball Championship from Nov. 12-14.

COURTESY GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

New Orleans, Louisiana – The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced the site for the 2015 GCAC Volleyball Championship following at the conclusion of a meeting of the conference's executive committee.

The site award was initially approved by a vote of the conference's athletic directors earlier this month.

The 2015 GCAC Volleyball Championship will be played in Little Rock, Ark., and hosted by Philander Smith College from November 12-14. This will be the first time that Philander Smith has hosted a conference championship event since the 2012 Men's and Women's Basketball Championships.

The winner of the tournament will receive the GCAC's automatic bid to the NAIA Volleyball Tournament which begins November 21, 2015. Last year, top-seeded Xavier represented the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference in the NAIA national tournament after defeating SUNO in the finals at the Xavier University Convocation Center in New Orleans.

Hotel Accommodations

The Clarion Hotel Medical Center-Midtown has been selected as the official host hotel of the 2015 GCAC Volleyball Championship. Located ten minutes from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, the Clarion Hotel Medical Center-Midtown gives teams and fans alike easy access to tournament action and the sights of Little Rock.

For booking information, please contact David Nelson at (501) 748-4706 or via email at dnelson@clarionlr.com.

COURTESY GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEDIA RELATIONS 

Edward Waters hosts Tiger football media day

JACKSONVILLE, Florida –The Edward Waters College Department of Athletics held their annual Tiger Football Media Day Tuesday, August 18th. Head Coach Alvin Wyatt and the 2015 Tiger football team held a press conference in the Adams-Jenkins Sports and Music Complex multipurpose room where they discussed the upcoming season.

"This is one of the toughest schedules ever played in our football program's history. We know it won't be easy, but with consistent dedication from our athletes and unwavering support from the community we can succeed," said Wyatt.

The 2015 line-up includes three home games and seven away games including the "Jacksonville Football Classic" against the Jacksonville University Dolphins October 17^th at 1:00 p.m. This game will be televised on ESPN3.

This is the second year the Tigers will be playing in the Sun Conference. The team opens their season against the University of Faith at home August 22^nd at 7:30 p.m. This year's homecoming game will be played against Concordia College on October 24^th at 3:00 p.m.

The Sun Conference, formerly the Florida Sun Conference, is heading into its 23rd season of competition and continues to be one of the most athletic intercollegiate conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

All of the Tiger home games will be played at Stanton College Preparatory High School at 1149 W. 13^th Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32209.


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