Rush, Nuggets add 3 from France for spring semester

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's tennis program has added three from France for the 2016 spring semester. All are freshmen.
    
The new student-athletes are Thomas Setodji of Domont on the men's team and Charlene Goreau of Toulouse and Tess Guarino of Billere on the women's team.
    
Setodji and Goreau are multiple age-group state champions in singles. Setodji has won three titles, and Goreau has won four.
    
Xavier, whose men are fourth and women 11th in the NAIA preseason team rankings, will play its home opener at 10 a.m. Saturday against city rival Loyola at XU Tennis Center.
    
SCHEDULE UPDATE:  The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will play three ranked NAIA opponents apiece in the Green and Gray Invitational at Lawrenceville, Ga. On Feb. 19 Xavier will play SCAD Savannah, whose men are ranked 21st and women are fourth. The next day Xavier will play the top-ranked men and second-ranked women of host Georgia Gwinnett. On Feb. 21 Xavier will play Cumberland, whose men are 22nd and women are 14th.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Rebuilt Southern baseball team building toward season opener

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern baseball coach Roger Cador has low expectations for his rebuilt team during the early days of preseason practice.

“The first week, we’re going to see if we can get on the field without getting lost,” Cador said only half-kiddingly as the Jaguars prepared for their first practice Friday. “Once we do that, we hope that they can remember the fundamentals we taught them in the fall.”

With 22 newcomers among 33 players, it’s understandable that there would be a steep leaning curve, at least initially.

But Cador thinks the group has a good balance between experience and youth. Four of the top newcomers have college experience, and the pitching staff features seven veterans among its 12 members.

Troy Lewis, a transfer from Delgado Community College, brings that experience as a shortstop and closer. Other newcomers with college experience are two more junior-college transfers — outfielder Dondrayas Harris from Gulf Coast Community College and left-hander Jarrod Jarreau from BRCC — and first baseman/catcher John Pope, a sophomore who sat out last season as a transfer from North Carolina A&T.

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VUU Releases 2016 Football Schedule

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia Union University has released its 2016 Football Season, the university announced on Friday, January 29.

VUU will open the 2016 Football Season when the Panthers face the Pioneers from Long Island University-Post at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, in Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.

The LIU-Post match-up is the first of five home contests for the Panthers, including Homecoming 2016 against Lincoln (Pa.) University at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8.
LIU-Post went to the NCAA Playoffs two years ago.

The Panthers will then travel to Newberry, S.C., to face the Wolves of Newberry College. The Wolves faced North Alabama in the opening round of the 2015 NCAA Playoffs.

"We are extremely excited about the competitiveness that the 2016 football schedule poses," said VUU Head Football Coach Mark James. " Our schedule is filled with perennial division two contenders that we must prepare for. The outcome of the 2016 season will rest solely on the preparation and execution of our 2016 signing class, spring football, and the 2016 football camp. Go Panthers!!!"

VUU will also travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., to face defending CIAA champion Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, September 17, and to Fayetteville State University on Saturday, September 24.

The Panthers return home to face Saint Augustine's University on October 1 with Homecoming the following week.

Virginia Union will also face the defending CIAA Northern Division Champion Bowie State University on October 22 in Hovey Field.

VUU wraps up the 2016 regular season with on November 5 when they face CIAA arch-rival Virginia State University in the Battle of I-95 in Hovey Field.

DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME
SEPT. 3 LIU-POST HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
Sept. 10 at Newberry Newberry, SC TBA
Sept. 17 at Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC TBA
Sept. 24 at Fayetteville State Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m.
OCT. 1 SAINT AUGUSTINE'S* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
OCT. 8 LINCOLN (PA)* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
(HOMECOMING)
OCT. 15 at Chowan* Murfreesboro, NC TBA
OCT. 22 BOWIE STATE* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
OCT. 29 at Elizabeth City State* Elizabeth City, NC TBA
NOV. 5 VIRGINIA STATE* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
NOV. 12 CIAA CHAMPIONSHIP Durham, NC TBA
* = CIAA GAME

COURTESY VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Cy Alexander Resigns As N.C. A&T Head Coach

GREENBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Cy Alexander has resigned his position effective immediately. Associate head coach Jay Joyner will serve as interim for the remainder of the season, Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III announced on Friday.

Joyner will make his Division I head coaching debut on Saturday when the Aggies face Savannah at 4 p.m., at Corbett Sports Center. Alexander will eventually be reassigned to another position associated with development, branding and broadcasting within N.C. A&T’s department of athletics. Alexander will join men’s basketball play-by-play announcer Spencer Turkin on the radio broadcast of Saturday’s game airing on WCOG 104.9 FM/1230 AM.

“I have decided to step away from actively coaching to pursue other interest within athletics,” said Alexander. I look forward to pursuing those interest here at North Carolina A&T State University. “I have a strong love for broadcasting, and I think being able to sharpen my skills on the Aggie basketball broadcasts will assists me in pursuing broadcasting as my next career. My decision to step down was a difficult one, but the last three years of my life have been tumultuous with the passing of my wife and mother. Therefore, I believe this decision was in the best interest of me and my family.

“I first want to say thank you to all the young men I’ve coached here at North Carolina A&T State University for their commitment to the program as well as their respective families who entrusted those young men to my care,” he continued. “Secondly, I want to thank Chancellor Harold L. Martin and Athletics Director Earl Hilton for the opportunity they gave me to become the head coach at North Carolina A&T, and the opportunity they are giving me to pursue my second career. I also want to say thank you to my coaches, managers and every person who has been involved with North Carolina A&T men’s basketball during my tenure.”

Alexander steps away with a career record of 386-386 over 26 seasons of coaching. He was 43-80 in four seasons as the Aggies head man. Over the first 22 games of the 2015-16, the Aggies are 5-17 overall and 2-6 in the MEAC. In Alexander’s first season as head coach N.C. A&T won the 2013 MEAC tournament title and made its first NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance in 18 years. The Aggies went on to beat Liberty 73-72 in the first round of games in Dayton, Ohio to secure the school’s first-ever NCAA tournament win. Eventual national champion Louisville defeated the Aggies in the second round to end N.C. A&T’s season at 20-17. It was the Aggies first 20-win season in 25 years.

Alexander also made coaching stops at Tennessee State (2003-09) and S.C. State (1987-03). As S.C. State head coach he won five MEAC tournament titles. His career also includes six 20-win seasons and 31 MEAC tournament wins, second all-time behind former Coppin State coach Ron “Fang” Mitchell. His six MEAC titles are second to only former N.C. A&T head coach Don Corbett who had seven.

“I respect coach Alexander’s decision,” said Hilton. “I value his contributions to men’s basketball, and I appreciate the service he has rendered to our young men. The masterful job he did in leading our team to the MEAC championship three years ago will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my first championship as an athletics director. I look forward to his continued association and contribution to athletics moving forward.”

Joyner played for Alexander at S.C. State from 1993-96. Before joining Alexander at N.C. A&T as his associate head coach in 2012, Joyner spent three seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at Columbia State Community College (Tenn.). Joyner led the Chargers to a 61-23 record and two Tennessee Community College Athletic Association regular-season titles.

“I first want to thank coach Alexander for all the opportunities he has given me in life, first as a player and then as a professional,” said Joyner. “We as a team have a big challenge ahead of us. We accept this challenge starting with our game against Savannah State on Saturday.”

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Mike Davis, TSU focus on unbeaten SWAC season

TSU COACH MIKE DAVIS

HOUSTON, Texas -- Just a few months ago, the Texas Southern men's basketball team limped into SWAC play with just one win after a loaded non-conference schedule.

Head coach Mike Davis still felt a step forward on the horizon.

"Even though we didn't win but one non-conference game, I felt us getting better because I wasn't focusing on the outcome of the games," Davis said. "If I can keep my guys focused on that, everything can take care of itself."

Everything is taking care of itself tenfold nearing the halfway point with the Tigers (8-11) now 7-0 and alone in first place in the SWAC.

TSU made it seven consecutive wins after a 75-60 triumph over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday and a 78-49 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday. The Tigers haven't lost a game in nearly a month.

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VSU names Justin Harper Interim Head Football Coach

PETERSBURG, Virginia -- Virginia State University (VSU) has named Justin Harper as Interim Head Football Coach. Harper replaces Byron Thweatt, who resigned to accept a position on the James Madison University coaching staff. VSU also announced its search for a permanent head coach.

Harper joined the Trojans' staff in 2015 as wide receivers coach. Before coming to VSU, Harper coached wide receivers and special teams at Lenoir-Rhyne University. During his tenure, Lenoir-Rhyne played in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game.

Harper played collegiately at Virginia Tech, where he totaled 83 receptions for 1,338 yards and nine touchdowns. In Harper's four years, Virginia Tech won ACC championships in 2004 and 2007 and played in the conference title game in 2005. In those four years, Virginia Tech won a school-record 42 games and finished in the Top 10 three times.

In 2008, the Baltimore Ravens drafted Harper in the seventh round. He played three season with the Ravens and also for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League.

In announcing Harper's appointment and coaching search, VSU Athletic Director Peggy Davis expressed appreciation for Thweatt's service. "I want to wish Byron the best in his new endeavor at James Madison University."

COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Tuskegee releases 2016 football schedule

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University athletic department released the 2016 football schedule today, a schedule that features three homes games and three neutral site games.

The Golden Tigers -- the defending HSRN Division II HBCU National Champions and a NCAA Division II playoff quarterfinalist -- will open the season on the road against Clark Atlanta on September 3. They will then face another SIAC opponent in week two, when they take on Albany State in the Third Annual Whitewater Classic held in Phenix City (Alabama) on September 10. 

Tuskegee will face a familiar opponent in week three of the season, but for the first time since 1996, the Golden Tigers will hit the road to face FCS-member Florida A&M University, a former SIAC opponent. The Golden Tigers and Florida A&M have met 44 times in school history, with the Rattlers holding a 27-15-2 advantage in the series. The game will be played in Mobile, Ala. as one of the three neutral site games on September 17. 

The Golden Tigers will make their first appearance at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni against Lane College, in their SIAC West Division opener. The game will be the first of back-to-back home games for Tuskegee, kicking off on September 24. Tuskegee remains at home the following week, facing UNC-Pembroke in non-conference action on October 1. 

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The final neutral site game will take place in Columbus, Georgia at A.J. McClung Memorial Alumni Stadium, when the Golden Tigers face Morehouse College on October 8. It will mark the 81st meeting between the two schools in Columbus, and the 100th meeting overall between the two in which Tuskegee leads the all-time series 70-28-7.

Following a bye week on October 15 – the week usually reserved for Stillman College – the Golden Tigers finish off the season with three consecutive conference games. 

The Golden Tigers will celebrate their 92nd annual homecoming on October 22 against SIAC West Division foe Kentucky State University, before hitting the road for their final two regular season contests of the season. 

Tuskegee travels north to face a pair of SIAC West Division opponents beginning with Central State University on October 29, and closing out the regular season on the road against Miles College on November 5. 

Kickoff times will be announced at a later date. 

For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter @MyTUAthletics and like us on Facebook. To view the full 2016 schedule, visit the Golden Tiger Sports website.

 

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Announces 2016 Football Schedule

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M Director of Athletics Milton Overton, released FAMU’s 2016 football schedule today. The slate includes four home games in the historic Bragg Memorial Stadium. The schedule also includes a familiar opening day opponent in Miami Gardens, Fla., against the University of Miami Hurricanes.

This year, an old foe will return after a 20-year absence from competition. FAMU will face the Tigers of Tuskegee University in Mobile, Ala. on Sept. 17. The revitalization of one of FAMU’s traditional foes dates back to their first meeting in 1908. The last time the Rattlers faced Tuskegee was in 1996, with FAMU’s famed “Gulf Coast” offense posting a 56-0 routing of the Tigers.

According to Overton, the schedule will provide an opportunity for Rattler fans to enjoy the action and the spirit of FAMU. In addition to FAMU having four home games, adjustments to the schedule made in response to last year’s fan survey allow for only the Oct. 1 home contest against Savannah State to take place on the same day as a Florida State home football game.

“We listened to our constituents, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of FAMU,” Overton said. “We are making every effort to ensure that attending football games at Bragg Stadium are more affordable, the fan experience is improved and we put customer service at a premium. In that vein, 2016 football ticket pricing will not increase.

The FAMU Department of Athletics has developed new season ticket packages and an annual athletics giving initiative. These new initiatives will be rolled out in early to mid February.

“This initiative launches our four-year athletics strategic plan to repair one of six critical support pillars needed in the process of building a championship department of athletics. Repairing the fracture in the financial pillar helps move FAMU Athletics from a traditional transactional giving revenue model to supporting a 21st century intercollegiate athletes business model,” Overton said.

Participation in the” Investing in Champions Athletics Annual Giving Program” from season ticket packages and donations, will earn Rattler donors the opportunity to purchase premium seating at all ticketed athletic events throughout the year, including the Florida Classic.


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The Full Slate:

Sept. 3 – University of Miami (Miami Gardens, Fla./Sun Life Stadium)

The Rattlers open the season in South Florida against the Miami Hurricanes. FAMU opened the series against the Canes with a 16-13 win in 1979, but since have failed to hold the Hurricanes close. The Rattlers last faced the Canes in 2014, dropping the contest 41-7. This game will have heightened visibility, as it will mark the first game for new head coach Mark Richt. FAMU coach Alex Wood and Richt face off for the first time in opposing orange and green teams. Ironically, Richt was a member of the 1979 Canes, while Wood is a former Miami Hurricanes assistant coach.

Sept. 10 – Coastal Carolina (Conway, S.C./Brooks Stadium)

The Rattlers head up to the Eastern coast of South Carolina for a first-ever trip to play the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina. The Rattlers fell 48-3 to CCU in their only prior meeting, in 2014 at Bragg Stadium.

Sept. 17 – Tuskegee University (Mobile, Ala./Ladd-Peebles Stadium)

Renewing the second oldest rivalry in the history of FAMU football, the Rattlers will meet the Tigers in Mobile, Ala. for a showdown on the Gulf Coast. The first meeting between the two schools in 1908 marked just the second loss in school history. The Rattlers have rebounded nicely holding a 29-16-1 overall record against TU.

Sept. 24 – South Carolina State (Tallahassee, Fla./Bragg Stadium)

The Rattlers open home and MEAC play with a visit from the Bulldogs of South Carolina State. Predicted again to be one of the top teams in the MEAC, veteran coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough and his Bulldogs will kickoff FAMU’s four-game home slate for the 2016 season.

Oct.1 – Savannah State (Tallahassee, Fla. /Bragg Stadium)

After FAMU’s first-ever loss to the Tigers of Savannah State last season, Coach Wood and his crew have a mission to atone for last season’s lapse in Savannah, Ga. The second half of a back-to-back home stand, the Rattlers will face the Tigers in the lone game that runs concurrent with a home game at FSU.

Oct. 8 – North Carolina Central (Durham, N.C./O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium)

After a 27-24 loss to the Eagles of NCCU in Bragg Stadium last season, the Rattlers return to Durham after a five-year absence. The Eagles are coming off a season where 13 players earned All-MEAC honors.

Oct.15 – Delaware State (Dover, Del./Alumni Stadium)

The lone win for the Rattlers last season came on homecoming against the Hornets of Delaware State. The Hornets look to return the favor as the Rattlers will play in the Hornets’ homecoming.

Oct. 22 – Hampton (Tallahassee, Fla./Bragg Stadium)

The Rattlers welcome in the Pirates of Hampton University for the 2016 homecoming game. Last season, the Rattlers were upended in a sluggish performance in a rain-filled 33-0 shutout loss in Hampton.

Oct. 29 – North Carolina A&T (Greensboro, N.C./Aggie Stadium)

The Rattlers travel to Greensboro, N.C. to face the 2015 HBCU National Champion North Carolina A&T Aggies. Armed with senior All-MEAC running back Tarik Cohen, coach Rod Broadway and his team look to continue toward the rebirth of “Aggie Pride.” The Rattlers, however, have avoided allowing Cohen to rack up the monstrous yards over the past two seasons. With an expected improved offense, this could turn into a key game for the season for both teams.

Nov. 5 – Open Week

Nov. 12 – Morgan State (Tallahassee, Fla./Bragg Stadium)

The Rattlers welcome in the Bears of MSU for the final home game of 2016. MSU defeated a sluggish Rattler offense 21-7 last season in Baltimore, but FAMU will play inspired on Senior Day, as they look to close out the home schedule with a win.

Nov. 19 – Bethune-Cookman (Orlando, Fla./Orlando Citrus Bowl)

All bets are off in the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic. In one of the biggest weekends in HBCU football, the Rattlers will again face the Wildcats in Orlando for state bragging rights. The Cats have bested the Rattlers for a record five years in a row, but even in a down year like last season, the game was close down to the wire. Coach Alex Wood and his staff have a year of the classic under their belt and look to prepare the team for the magnitude of one of the longest standing rivalries in college football.


COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Fayetteville State Football Releases the 2016 Schedule

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- The Fayetteville State University Department of Athletics has announced the 2016 football schedule. This year's schedule features five games away and at home, including the season opener against Chowan University on September 3rd being played in Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium.

To view the entire 2016 schedule click here

Last season, the Broncos finished third in the CIAA Southern Division at 4-6 overall and 4-3 in the CIAA.  FSU will kick off the 2016 season at home on Saturday, September 3rd in a non-conference contest versus Chowan University at 6:00 p.m. In the following week, The Broncos will travel to Pembroke, NC for the annual "Two Rivers Classic" against UNC Pembroke on September 10th.  Fayetteville State will remain on the road for their third contest of the season against Division I Elon University out of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Elon finished the 2015 season with a 4-7 overall record, including losses to Wake Forest and North Carolina A&T State.

FSU will return home to begin CIAA cross-divisional play versus Virginia Union University on September 24th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Jeralds Stadium.  The Broncos will begin the month of October on the road against Northern Division champions Bowie State University. Fayetteville State will clash with BSU on October 1st inside Bulldogs Stadium in Bowie, MD. This will be the first matchup against Bowie State since the 2010 season.

The quest for the CIAA Southern Division crown begins on October 8th against Shaw University. Fayetteville State will travel to Durham County Memorial Stadium for their divisional showdown with the Bears.  The Broncos annual “Ball in Pink” game to awareness about breast cancer and preventive measures will take place on October 15th against Johnson C. Smith University. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m. in Jeralds Stadium; fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of the initiative.

The following week, Fayetteville State returns to the Raleigh-Durham area to matchup against Saint Augustine’s University on October 22nd. Game time and stadium location have yet to be determined. The 2016 FSU Homecoming is scheduled for October 29th at 1:30 p.m. against Livingstone College.

Fayetteville State will close out the regular season at home on November 5th against the defending CIAA champion Winston-Salem State University. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.  The 2016 CIAA Football Championship will take place on November 12th at a site to be determined.

COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Dillard Bleu Devils crack NAIA top-25 for 1st time since 2003-04 season

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (excerpts taken from www.naia.org) — Dillard is freshly ranked in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for the first time since the 2003-04 season back on Jan. 27, 2004 (No. 18). The Bleu Devils have won four out of their last five, including an 84-74 triumph over then-No. 8 Talladega (Ala.) on Jan. 23 in the NAIA Game of the Week.

"It feels good to start accomplishing what we came here to do," said assistant coach Edward Newton. "The hard work is beginning to pay off. When you have leaders in place that support your program, it makes things that much easier."

As a team, Dillard (12-6, 4-1 GCAC) is ranked in the top 10 in NAIA in several categories:

Number two in the nation in Division 1 in offensive rebounds per game (17.27)

Number four in the nation in Division 1 in assists per game (18.22)

Number four in the nation in Division 1 in total rebounds per game (45.77)

Number seven in the nation in Division 1 in total rebound margin (9.38)

Click here  to see a full list of NAIA rankings for the Bleu Devils.

As of today, the Dillard Bleu Devils basketball team is one of two teams ranked in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Talladega College currently sits at number nine in the NAIA.

Dillard takes a break from GCAC action and will travel to Tyler to face Texas College on Wednesday, January 27. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

For a complete listing of NAIA top-25 teams, click here.

COURTESY DILLARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Gold Rush streak of top-25 appearances ends at 55

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's best-in-the-nation streak of 55 consecutive appearances in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll ended Tuesday. The Gold Rush, 21st a week ago, are among "others receiving votes" and 28th overall.
    
Xavier is 15-8 after a 62-58 overtime home loss Monday to Talladega, which dropped from eighth to ninth nationally.
    
This is the first time since Dec. 5, 2011, that the Gold Rush are not in the top 25. Xavier's highest ranking during the streak was 11th on Jan. 22, 2013, and Feb. 5, 2013.
    
Pikeville is No. 1 for the third consecutive week but received 8-of-10 first-place votes after being unanimous a week ago. No. 2 LSU-Alexandria and No. 5 Georgetown (Ky.) received the other first-place votes.
    
 Xavier will visit city rival SUNO at 7:30 p.m. Monday. The next Gold Rush home game will start at 5 p.m. Feb. 6 — one week from Saturday — against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic at the Convocation Center. Tickets are on sale at the XU athletic offices in room 322 of the Convocation Center Annex at the corner of Washington Avenue and Fern Street. Dillard, co-leader in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference with Talladega, is No. 24 this week — the Bleu Devils' first top-25 appearance since Jan. 27, 2004.
    
Dillard is the fifth GCAC men's team to reach the top 25 this season.

NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
1. Pikeville
2. LSU-Alexandria
3. Lewis-Clark State
4. Columbia (Mo.)
5. Georgetown (Ky.)
6. William Penn
7. (tie) Mid-America Christian
7. (tie) Hope International
9. Talladega
10. Arizona Christian
11. Biola
12. Texas Wesleyan
13. Langston
14. Carroll (Mont.)
15. Westmont
16. Park
17. Freed-Hardeman
18. Campbellsville
19. William Carey
20. Southwestern Assemblies of God
21. Peru State
22. Our Lady of the Lake
23. MidAmerica Nazarene
24. Dillard
25. (tie) William Woods
25. (tie) Montana Western

Others receiving votes:
Mobile
Xavier
Avila
Middle Georgia
Lindsey Wilson
Cumberlands
LSU-Shreveport
William Jessup

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Reginald Ruffin, Miles College grab Oak Mountain center

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- Justice Hammond has a knack for creating rushing lanes.

Hammond showcased this skill during his high school career at Oak Mountain, earning All-State honors as a junior and senior.

Now, he's aiming bring his blocks to Miles College. Hammond recently committed to the Fairfield-based program.

"I chose Miles so I could so have stay close to home and play with some really good athletes and even better coaches," Hammond said.

Miles was Hammond's lone offer.

He believes other colleges were turned off by his lack of height. He's 5-11. The ideal height for centers is about 6-2, Hammond said.

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Local businesses contribute to FAMU baseball field repairs

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The improvements to Florida A&M’s Moore-Kittles Field keep coming – even though money is scarce for the university’s MEAC-champion baseball program.

Head coach Jamey Shouppe recently was dismayed to discover the field was unplayable due to a right-field drainage issue that would cost about $30,000 to fix. The Rattlers are scheduled to open the season at home on Feb. 19 against Marshall, but Shouppe said the money wasn’t in the budget to remedy the field.

He was told if he couldn’t find a way to fix the issue, he’d have to find somewhere else to play.

“With all of the things we have going on, with the wall and the netting and clubhouse, we found out the field is not playable because of drainage in the right field,” Shouppe said. “There wasn’t money in the budget available to spend getting the field ready.”

The solution came in the form of donations from several FAMU baseball benefactors. Shouppe said with their help, the cost of the project went from $30,000 to $6,000. The field will be ready for opening day, along with the new concrete wall and netting Shouppe is already having installed.

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Hampton University Mourns the Loss of Former Track Coach Steven Lewis

HAMPTON, Virginia -- The Hampton University Department of Athletics mourns the loss of former men's track & field coach Steven Lewis, who passed away on Saturday. He was 72.

"Coach Lewis was one of the top coaches at the high school level, as well as collegiate level, that I looked up to and wanted to be like," Maurice Pierce, Hampton's Director of Track & Field, said. "He was a legend in track & field, especially in the Tidewater area."

"When Coach Lewis' name was brought up while we were in search of a new men's track & field coach, it quickly became apparent what a legend he was in the sport," Lonza Hardy, who was Director of Athletics at Hampton when Lewis was hired, said. "We were happy to recruit him, and even happier when he decided to accept the Hampton job.

"He was a great coach and an even better person, and his loss is tremendous, not just for the student-athletes he coached, but for the world of track & field as a whole."

Lewis served as head coach of the men's track & field program for four seasons, taking over prior to the 2008-09 campaign. During his tenure, Lewis coached 13 individual MEAC champions and 63 student-athletes who earned All-MEAC honors.

In addition, he coached sprinter Reggie Dixon, who was an All-American in the 60-meter dash in 2011.

Dixon qualified for the NCAA Championships on six separate occasions. In 2009, he qualified for the indoor 200-meter dash, as well as the outdoor 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash. In 2012, Dixon finished fourth in the 60-meter dash at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Later that year, he qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in both the 100- and 200-meter dash. The Pirates also reached NCAA qualification in the outdoor 4x400-meter relay that season.

In cross country, David Kimani was an All-MEAC honoree in 2009 and 2010.

Lewis coached the Pirates to second-place finishes in the 2010 and 2011 MEAC Indoor Championships, as well as the 2009 MEAC Outdoor Championships. In his final season, 2012, the Pirates finished third in the MEAC Outdoor Championships.

Prior to his tenure at Hampton, Lewis spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Delaware State.

Prior to his work at Delaware State, Lewis spent 2002-05 as an assistant coach with the women's team at Eastern Michigan. While at Eastern Michigan, Lewis coached sprints, hurdles, jumps and combined events, while also recruiting and advising student-athletes. He coached four All-Americans, one NCAA regional champion, and saw Eastern Michigan finish 16th in the 2005 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Lewis arrived at the University of Pittsburgh in 1982, where he spent 20 years as head coach for both the men's and women's teams. His Panther squads won five Big East conference titles, and in 1998 Pitt's women's track & field team finished third in the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Throughout his career at Pitt, Lewis coached 11 individual NCAA champions and 67 All-Americans. Forty men and 95 women won Big East individual championships under Lewis' direction.

Before moving to Pitt, Lewis coached track & field at Menchville High School in Newport News, Va. Lewis coached 34 All-Americans at Menchville while winning 12 indoor and outdoor state championships. Four athletes set national records during Lewis' tenure at Menchville.

His 11 years at Menchville – 1970-1981 – came after three years coaching track in Mathews County. Lewis coached at Mathews County High School from 1968-69 after coaching at Thomas Hunter High School for two years prior.

Lewis also coached basketball, baseball and football at both Thomas Hunter and Mathews County.

He has since been inducted into the Newport News Track Hall of Fame.

In his high school career, Lewis has coached 11 district champions in track & field, as well as 11 state champions. His dual meet record is 132-18, and Lewis also boasts 10 regional championships on his track & field resume. Lewis also coached four district and two regional champions in cross country.

Lewis graduated from Virginia State College – now Norfolk State Uni

"He was a great man who touched a lot of souls," Pierce said. "I learned a lot from him and he will be truly missed."
versity – in 1964, receiving a B.S. in physical education. He was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. and graduated from Wingate High School.

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Mike Haywood has second chance at coaching thanks to Texas Southern University

HOUSTON, Texas -- Say what you will about his past, but Mike Haywood doesn't see his return to college football as a shot at redemption.

Five years after being fired by the University of Pittsburgh following a highly publicized domestic violence arrest two weeks into his head coaching tenure, Haywood is back on the sideline in the same position at Texas Southern, where he was hired Dec. 3.



Haywood will be tasked with leading an FCS program seeking reclamation of its own after a five-season slide precipitated at least in part by significant NCAA sanctions, It's easy -- and perhaps obvious -- to draw parallels between the respective roads back to prominence for both the Tigers and their new coach, but Haywood insists his personal standing is as good as ever and believes the same will soon be true of his new team.

"There was a bump in the road in my life, and when you've only had one bump in the road in your life, I don't think it's about restoring reputation," Haywood told FOX Sports earlier this month of his first coaching job since the incident. "You can go around the city of Houston or go around the country, and people will give you the same opinion of me -- East Coast, West Coast, North or South. I just think it's a great opportunity for us to work well together to bring a winning team back to Texas Southern University."

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Jackson State lands Three-Star QB Commit

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State has fallen on hard times the past two seasons, posting an 8-15 record.

North Pike quarterback Juwan Adams still sees the potential the Tigers' program possesses, now under the watch of Tony Hughes.

It was so enticing that Adams, a three-star prospect according to 247 Sports' Composite Ranking, verbally committed to JSU on Tuesday night and gave Hughes the highest-rated prospect of his recruiting class thus far.

"Being able to come in with the new coaching staff and hopefully change the tide in Jackson, that ultimately led to my decision," Adams said.

Adams also had offers from Louisiana Tech, Louisville, Memphis and Troy. Adams, who is listed at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, passed for 3,368 yards, 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for 912 yards and 11 scores as a senior.

The Tigers offered Adams at the beginning of January, and he took his official visit two weekends ago. His relationship with Hughes goes back further than that.

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Fourth Annual PVAMU Signing Day, Schedule Release Set For Wednesday, Feb. 3 In Houston

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M University Department of Athletics will host its fourth annual football signing class and 2016 football schedule release reception on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. The reception will take place at the Prairie View A&M College Of Nursing in Houston.

Head football coach Willie Simmons and his coaching staff will be available as they'll recap their second football signing class in addition to discussing other changes the program has in store as the Panthers prepare to usher in a new era with the unveiling of its new football stadium and athletic administration building during the fall. In addition to the football staff, Prairie View A&M Athletic Director Ashley Robinson will reveal the 2016 Panther football schedule and season ticket pricing options.

The event is open to the public and free of charge.


ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN


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Rimm Resigns As Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Smith Named Interim

BYRON SMITH
INTERIM HEAD COACH MEN'S BASKETBALL
PVAMU PANTHERS

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Veteran coach Byron Rimm II has resigned from his position as head basketball coach at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). Assistant coach Byron Smith has been named interim head coach, effective immediately.

“Coach Rimm has represented Prairie View A&M University with class and professionalism during his tenure as head basketball coach,” said PVAMU Athletic Director Ashley Robinson. “He genuinely cared for his student-athletes and he went to great lengths to ensure that they would receive the total experience of being a Division I student-athlete on-and-off the court. This was not an easy decision, but sometimes we need to make tough decisions to move the program forward. I wish Coach Rimm well in his future endeavors.”

Rimm started his long career with the men’s PVAMU basketball program as an assistant coach during the 2005-06 season. He was elevated to head coach prior to the 2006-07 season and earned accolades when he became the first head coach since 2002 to make consecutive SWAC Tournament Championship Game appearances in 2013 and 2014. Under his leadership, the Panthers would go on to make seven SWAC Tournament appearances.

Rimm ranks third at PVAMU for all-time victories with 115 in 10 seasons. His ledger includes wins over teams from respected conferences such as the American Athletic Conference and Conference USA. Several of Rimm’s players are currently playing professionally in leagues ranging from the NBA D-League to overseas.

Always interested in developing his student athletes to perform well inside the classroom and on the court, Rimm made news in 2013 when the University’s annual Academic Progress Report (APR) submitted to the NCAA showed that PVAMU’s men’s basketball program posted the top score among men’s basketball teams in the SWAC. In fact, the team posted its highest APR in program history with a score of 944.

About Interim Head Coach Byron Smith
Byron Smith is in his third year on the PVAMU staff and has international experience coaching all levels of basketball. He has served as head coach of the Harlem Globetrotters and was an assistant coach at Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University and McClennan Community College. The Bossier City, La. native was a standout player at the University of Houston from 1989-91, twice earning All-Southwest Conference honors under Coach Pat Foster. Prior to joining the team at the University of Houston, Smith was an all-conference player at Tyler Junior College from 1988-89 and played at Northwestern State from 1987-88.

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Nuggets fall to 24th in national coaches poll

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana fell from 20th to 24th Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
    
The Gold Nuggets, 14-8 after a 62-55 home loss Monday to Talladega, have dropped 11 places in the past two weeks. Their next game starts at 5:30 p.m. Monday at SUNO.
    
Talladega, the leader in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, dropped from 19th to 20th. This is the Lady Tornadoes' fourth consecutive top-25 appearance. Xavier has been in all six top 25s this season.
    
Campbellsville received 7-of-9 first-place votes and is No. 1 for the second straight week. No. 2 Westmont and No. 6 Columbia (Mo.) received the other first-place votes.
    
The only ranked opponent remaining on the Gold Nuggets' regular-season schedule is city rival Loyola, which climbed from 24th to 23rd. Xavier will visit Loyola at 7 p.m. Feb. 17.
    
The Gold Nuggets' next home game will start at 3 p.m. Feb. 6 — one week from Saturday — against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic at the Convocation Center. Tickets are on sale at the XU athletic offices in room 322 of the Convocation Center Annex at the corner of Washington Avenue and Fern Street.

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
1. Campbellsville
2. Westmont
3. Our Lady of the Lake
4. Bethel (Tenn.)
5. Shawnee State
6. Columbia (Mo.)
7. Lyon
8. Vanguard
9. MidAmerica Nazarene
10. Carroll (Mont.)
11. Freed-Hardeman
12. The Master's
13. Lewis-Clark State
14. Oklahoma City
15. Montana State-Northern
16. Central Methodist
17. Pikeville
18. (tie) Langston
18. (tie) Benedictine
20. Talladega
21. Wayland Baptist
22. Lindsey Wilson
23. Loyola
24. Xavier
25. Great Falls

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XU 11th, in preseason top 25 for 10th time in 11 years

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana was 11th Tuesday in the 2016 NAIA Women's Tennis Preseason Top 25 Poll.
    
The Gold Nuggets are in the preseason top 25 for the fourth consecutive year and the 10th time in 11 seasons. Although Xavier's streak of 25 consecutive appearances in the top 10 ended, it's the Nuggets' 31st straight appearance in the top 25 and 28th straight time in the top 15.
    
Defending champion Auburn Montgomery received 11-of-12 first-place votes and is preseason No. 1 for the 13th time in 16 seasons. Second-ranked Georgia Gwinnett, the 2014 champion, received the other first-place vote.
    
Already announced XU opponents in the top 25 are No. 6 William Carey (Feb. 6 at Xavier, March 4 at Hattiesburg, Miss.) and No. 12 Northwestern Ohio (March 29 at Xavier).
    
The Gold Nuggets, a semifinalist at the NAIA National Championship in 2013 and 2014, will open their spring schedule at 10 a.m. Saturday against city rival Loyola at XU Tennis Center. The XU men will play their home opener against Loyola at the same time.
    
Xavier returns six letterwomen from 2015.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll
1. Auburn Montgomery
2. Georgia Gwinnett
3. Lindsey Wilson
4. SCAD Savannah
5. Cardinal Stritch
6. William Carey
7. Brenau
8. Keiser
9. Westmont
10. Arizona Christian
11. Xavier
12. Northwestern Ohio
13. Lewis-Clark State
14. Cumberland
15. Olivet Nazarene
16. Indiana Wesleyan
17. Davenport
18. McPherson
19. Southeastern (Fla.)
20. Coastal Georgia
21. SCAD Atlanta
22. Evangel
23. Marian (Ind.)
24. Campbellsville
25. Ottawa

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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No. 4 NAIA ranking is best in Xavier Gold Rush history

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's tennis was No. 4 Tuesday — its highest NAIA ranking ever — in the first national coaches poll of 2016.
    
The Gold Rush were 13-8 a year ago and reached the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championship for the fourth consecutive year. Xavier returns five lettermen, led by three-year All-American Kyle Montrel. He and newcomer Karan Salwan are in the top 10 of the ITA's NAIA preseason singles rankings.
    
The previous best ranking by a Gold Rush team was fifth three times in 2013, including the postseason poll. Xavier was sixth in the final seven polls of 2015.
    
The XU men are in the top 25 for the 69th consecutive time — that streak began April 4, 2007 — and in the top 10 for the 39th consecutive time. Additional streaks are 60 straight appearances in the top 20 and 45 times in a row in the top 15.
    
Two-time defending champion Georgia Gwinnett received all 12 first-place votes. Auburn Montgomery is second, and Lindsey Wilson is third. Already announced XU opponents in the top 25 are No. 5 Northwestern Ohio (March 29 at Xavier) and No. 7 William Carey (Feb. 6 at Xavier, March 4 at Hattiesburg, Miss.).
    
The Gold Rush, 0-2 after a pair of losses Jan. 18 at Louisiana-Lafayette, will play city rival Loyola at 10 a.m. Saturday at XU Tennis Center. Xavier's women will open their spring schedule against Loyola at the same site and time. Admission is free to all XU home tennis events.

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll
1. Georgia Gwinnett
2. Auburn Montgomery
3. Lindsey Wilson
4. Xavier
5. Northwestern Ohio
6. San Diego Christian
7. William Carey
8. Coastal Georgia
9. Dalton State
10. McPherson
11. Keiser
12. Reinhardt
13. Bethany (Kan.)
14. Campbellsville
15. Westmont
16. Graceland
17. Cardinal Stritch
18. Olivet Nazarene
19. Asbury
20. Lewis-Clark State
21. SCAD Savannah
22. Cumberland
23. Aquinas
24. Marian (Ind.)
25. Tennessee Wesleyan

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Shaw University Sheldon Saddler to Participate in NFL Reginonal Combine

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Shaw University senior offensive lineman Sheldon Saddler (Kannapolis, NC) has been invited to participate in the 2016 National Football League Regional Combine on March 5, 2016 at the Minnesota Vikings Winter Park practice facility.

Saddler anchored the Bears offensive line with 2500 total yards on the season, while earning CIAA Offensive Lineman during week 9 for Shaw.

The regional combines serve as a supplement to the NFL's National Scouting Combine and provide an opportunity for current draft-eligible players to display their skills before NFL talent evaluators. The NFL's national, week-long combine starts Feb. 23 in Indianapolis.

The regional combines are only open to players who played college football during the 2015 season. Players are tested and evaluated by experienced NFL scouting personnel, and measurements, combine results and videos are compiled and entered into a database available to all 32 NFL clubs.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw football team and its 11 varsity sport teams, visit shawbears.com.

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Dan Mullen: I haven't spoken to Hopson about an offer

STARKVILLE, Mississippi -- Dan Mullen vehemently denied a report Tuesday night that linked him to offering a position to Alcorn State coach Jay Hopson.

"I haven't talked to Jay Hopson," Mullen said. "I haven't offered anyone a contract. We're going to wait until after signing day."

FootballScoop.com first reported the offer. A source SWAC league source also told the Clarion-Ledger of a potential offer.

Mullen said Thursday night that he had yet to even narrow a list of candidates down to finalists. His primary concern for the next eight days is National Signing Day.

Hopson, a Vicksburg native, has been at ...
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Alabama A&M banned from postseason in all sports for 2016-17

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Alabama A&M has been banned from the postseason in all sports for the 2016-17 school year and the athletic department placed on probation for one year, the school announced today.

The punishments came after an NCAA review of Alabama A&M's Academic Performance Program data, the school said in a press release. The NCAA determined that documentation submitted by the school was insufficient to verify the Academic Performance Rate and academic eligibility of student-athletes for the 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years.

Alabama A&M's probation period began Jan. 18.

The NCAA implemented APRs in 2003. As described on the NCAA website, it "holds institutions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term."

Teams must have a 930 four-year average APR to take part in NCAA championships. Only two of Alabama A&M's 16 athletic programs - softball and men's golf - scored lower than 930 for the most recent results released by the NCAA (the period that ended with the 2013-14 school year).

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AAMU PRESS RELEASE...

NORMAL, Alabama -- During a review of Alabama A&M University's Academic Performance Program (APP) data by the NCAA Division I Committee on Academics Subcommittee on Data, subcommittee members determined the documentation submitted was insufficient to verify the Academic Performance Rate (APR) and the academic eligibility of student-athletes for the 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 academic years.

The NCAA is providing Alabama A&M University with additional time to resubmit the necessary documentation. In the meantime, effective January 18, 2016, the NCAA has placed AAMU athletics on one year probation and the AAMU athletic programs are ineligible for postseason competition beginning this fall (2016-17 championships).

"This is not a sanction. The post-season ban potentially can be lifted prior to the 2016-17 fall sports championships if the university corrects and re-submits the necessary data by August 15, 2016," said Bryan Hicks, Director of Athletics. "We are collaboratively working with the NCAA Division I Committee on Academics Subcommittee on Data, the Compliance Group and university administration to ensure each concern and question is fully addressed. We have also engaged a company with expertise in compliance certification, one that has assisted other SWAC institutions in a similar manner."

As required, all student-athletes were notified of the NCAA ruling and how it would apply to them. The Department of Athletics, the university Registrar's Office, faculty and staff and President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. are committed to resolving the issues revealed by the NCAA Division I Committee on Academics Subcommittee on Data as quickly as possible.

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Biloxi Shuckers to host exhibition game with Jackson State on April 4

BILOXI, Mississippi -- The Biloxi Shuckers today announced an exhibition game which will take place at MGM Park on Monday, April 4 between the Shuckers and Jackson State University.

The 6:40 pm game will be the second exhibition game for the Shuckers during the preseason, which includes the matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, April 2. The game will be nine innings in length with both teams pitching for themselves and using wood bats.

The Jackson State Tigers are located in Jackson, MS and a member of the NCAA Division 1 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The baseball program began in 1957 accruing a 1,313-914-6 record with their last NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014. The Tigers return four starters and 11 letter-winners from last season's 32-25 squad that finished second in the SWAC's Eastern Division.

Head Coach Omar Johnson enters his 10^th season at Jackson State and has amassed a 301-198 (.604) coaching record for the Tigers.

"This is a great opportunity for our kids to see baseball at the highest level - against Double-A professional players," said Johnson. "(Playing at MGM Park) will be the first time many of our kids have had a chance to play on a pro field, and they are excited about the challenge. It's just a great opportunity for our program."

This will be the second of three contests for Jackson State at the home of the Shuckers this season, as the Tigers will face Southern University on March 1 and take on Alcorn State on April 15 at MGM Park.

Tickets for the exhibition game will be general admission, with Biloxi Shuckers Season Ticket and Suite holders receiving free admission to the game. All plan holders will receive additional information regarding this game in the very near future. Tickets will be $7 for the general public.

Season Tickets, Shmini Plans, which feature 18-game and 10-game plans that include the best games at MGM Park in 2016, Flex Plans and Group Tickets are available for the 2016 season by calling 228-233-3465.

About the Biloxi Shuckers:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and a member of the Southern League. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit biloxishuckers.com, follow the club on Twitter (@biloxishuckers), Instagram (@officialbiloxishuckers) or like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/biloxishuckers).

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