Nuggets in final top 25 for 11th time in 12 seasons

NEW ORLEANS — For the fifth consecutive year and the 11th time in the last 12 seasons, Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis is in the final NAIA top 25 of the year.

The Gold Nuggets (8-14) dropped from 17th to 19th in the postseason coaches poll announced Tuesday. Xavier qualified as an at-large selection for the NAIA National Championship at Mobile, Ala., and lost 5-2 to Northwestern Ohio in the opening round May 17.

The top-25 appearance is the Gold Nuggets' 39th in a row dating to May 1, 2012. They've appeared in the top 25 in 84 of the last 94 polls dating to Feb. 25, 2004 (excluded is the 2005-06 season, when Xavier did not field a team).

Georgia Gwinnett, which defeated Lindsey Wilson 5-4 Saturday in the national final, received all 12 first-place votes to become the first unanimous No. 1 this season.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through end of season)
Rank Team Record Points Last

1 Georgia Gwinnett (12) 18-2 312 1
2 Lindsey Wilson 21-5 302 3
3 Auburn Montgomery 21-4 292 2
4 SCAD Savannah 18-2 282 4
5 Brenau 17-7 269 5
6 Cardinal Stritch 19-2 260 6
7 William Woods 19-3 250 10
8 Indiana Wesleyan 33-7 245 8
9 Westmont 10-8 231 7
10 Middle Georgia 15-8 223 9
11 Davenport 25-6 209 12
12 William Carey 12-12 200 13
13 Northwestern Ohio 14-10 187 15
14 LSU-Alexandria 12-7 176 19
15 Olivet Nazarene 14-11 168 16
16 Mobile 12-7 162 23
17 Keiser 11-9 148 14
18 Arizona Christian 17-5 147 11
19 Xavier 8-14 137 17
20 Cumberland 12-9 132 18
21 Lewis-Clark State 8-14 103 20
22 McPherson 13-5 99 22
23 St. Thomas (Fla.) 8-8 96 21
24 Reinhardt 12-5 89 24
25 Georgetown (Ky.) 18-9 68 25

Dropped from rankings: none
Others receiving votes: Marian (Ind.) 43, Missouri Valley 31, Southeastern (Fla.) 25, Milligan 21, Morningside 19, Ottawa 17, Asbury 9, Texas Wesleyan 7, SCAD Atlanta 6, San Diego Christian 6,

 Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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NAIA runner-up Rush climb to No. 2 in postseason poll

NEW ORLEANS — Three days after recording the highest-ever finish by a Xavier University of Louisiana team in an NAIA national tournament, the men's tennis team earned a program-record No. 2 ranking Tuesday in the postseason coaches poll.

The Gold Rush (17-8) won three times this past week in the NAIA National Championship at Mobile, Ala., before losing 5-2 to unbeaten Georgia Gwinnett, which won a third consecutive national title.

Xavier was No. 4 in the preseason, climbed to third in the season's third poll March 1 and remained there through May 9 in the final poll before nationals. The top-25 appearance is Xavier's 77th in a row — the streak began April 4, 2007 — and it's the Gold Rush's 47th consecutive top-10 ranking.
This is the third time in four years that an XU tennis team ranked among the top three in the postseason. The XU women were No. 3 in the final polls of 2013 and 2014.

Georgia Gwinnett was a unanimous No. 1 for the 19th consecutive poll.

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through end of season)
Rank Team Record Points Last

1 Georgia Gwinnett (9) 26-0 219 1
2 Xavier 17-8 212 3
3 Lindsey Wilson 17-4 202 7
4 Dalton State 19-6 201 5
5-tie Northwestern Ohio 16-4 188 4
5-tie Auburn Montgomery 19-5 188 2
7 Keiser 20-4 178 6
8 Coastal Georgia 13-4 170 8
9 William Carey 13-8 160 9
10 Aquinas 23-8 154 10
11 Lewis-Clark State 12-10 148 12
12 Cardinal Stritch 17-8 147 11
13 Westmont 10-9 133 14
14 Cumberlands 13-8 122 18
15 Warner 16-5 120 20
16 Olivet Nazarene 15-9 118 16
17 McPherson 13-6 102 15
18 Reinhardt 14-4 101 13
19 Mobile 11-8 99 17
20 Bethany (Kan.) 13-4 92 19
21 Middle Georgia 11-9 75 21
22 Pikeville 11-5 74 22
23 Campbellsville 14-11 65 23
24 Tennessee Wesleyan 18-4 55 24
25 IU Southeast 16-12 45 25

Dropped from rankings: none
Others receiving votes: Missouri Baptist 35, Marian (Ind.) 33, Southeastern (Fla.) 22, Asbury 10, Cumberland 6, Our Lady of the Lake 5, Hastings 5, Indiana Tech 3, SCAD Atlanta 3

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FAMU baseball coach Shouppe: ‘Those guys gave everything they had’

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s record-setting baseball season is over surprisingly early, and head coach Jamey Shouppe has had some time to look back at a tournament run that started with title aspirations and ended with a loss to Norfolk State.

The Rattlers (31-21) went 1-2 in the double-elimination MEAC tournament, dropping games to Bethune-Cookman and the Spartans on Monday in Salisbury, Md., despite being the No. 1 seed from the conference’s South Division.

After two days of weather delays, FAMU’s bats were uncharacteristically cold in the losses, and Shouppe said the team didn’t play its best defense. The pitching finally came through for the Rattlers, but the team’s typically overpowering hitters couldn’t get timely hits.

FAMU lost to Bethune-Cookman 5-2, then lost to Norfolk State 4-2. The Wildcats went on to win the tournament and will represent the MEAC in an NCAA Regional.

“I was numb after the game,” Shouppe said. “I was numb for the next 24 hours after the game. We went cold, offensively. The bats had kind of carried us for most of the season and we were just flat. Nothing went our way.”

CONTINUE READING

DSU Appoints Dr. James Ammons as New Provost

DR. JAMES AMMONS

DOVER, Delaware -- Delaware State University today announced the appointment of Dr. James H. Ammons as its new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs after months of searching and days of campus interviews with various stakeholders.

Dr. Ammons – a native of Winter Haven, Fla. – is currently a professor of political science at Florida A&M University (FAMU), his alma mater. His career at FAMU spanned two separate tenures totaling 27 years as a tenured professor and executive administrator – including serving as that institution’s president from 2007-2012 and as its provost and vice president of Academic Affairs from 1995-2001.

In between those FAMU tenures, Dr. Ammons was the chancellor at North Carolina Central University from 2001-2007.

Dr. Ammons’ wealth of experience includes leading each institution’s strategic planning process and aligning those outcomes with academic excellence and quality programs. A few highlights in Ammons’ career are the development of 22 new degree programs, increased enrollment and the re-establishment of the FAMU College of Law.

DSU President Harry L. Williams said the faculty, students, Search Committee, Board of Trustees and Administrative Council selected Ammons as their first choice in this search. “I’m excited about the opportunity to bring Ammons into the fold of DSU,” Dr. Williams said. “We are fortunate to have an individual of such great talents and academic experience. I’m particularly enthusiastic that Ammons has the background and experience which will allow him to hit the ground running.”

Dr. Ammons said that he is excited about the opportunity to join the community of scholars at Delaware State University. “It’s an honor to be a part of the academic excellence that is evident at DSU,” he said. “I have worked across the HBCU arena and I am impressed with the magnitude of innovation and student success that is displayed at Delaware State University.”

Dr. Ammons’ number one priority at Delaware State University is to continue to “move the needle” on retention, graduation and gainful employment at DSU. “Together, we will continue to strive to be a model HBCU and a model for higher educational institutions around the world,” the new provost said.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida A&M, a Master of Science in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Government, both from Florida State University.

Dr. Ammons will replace Dr. Alton Thompson, who resigned from the University on March 4. The new provost and vice president of Academic Affairs will begin his post at DSU on July 18th.

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Claflin track coach gets top honor

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Claflin University head track and field coach Lincoln London has been named the 2016 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country NCAA Division II Men’s Outdoor Track & Field South Region Coach of the Year. This is London’s second national honor this season, as he earned the same accolade for the 2016 indoor season.

Sophomore Trisana Fairweather was named the 2016 USTFCCCA NCAA Division II Women’s Outdoor Track & Field South Region Track Athlete of the Year.

The award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.

London, who in his third year leading the Claflin program, coached athletes to NCAA Automatic times in the 400 meters and the 4×400 meter relay. The relay is ranked No. 1 in the South Region and is No. 2 on the national list.

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Bryan Henry: FAMU Ending doesn’t take away from season

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- We always preach to our Florida A&M team how hard the game of baseball is. Baseball is a game of failure, and it’s more about how you handle and respond to that failure that will determine how good of a player or team you are.

Unfortunately, we now have to wait until next season to respond to the way our season ended.

Our season didn’t end the way we wanted it to end, losing to Bethune-Cookman and Norfolk State Monday in the MEAC Tournament. But hey, that’s baseball.

We will not let two games take away from the incredible season we had this year. That would not be fair to the seniors that have helped build up this program. They helped last year’s team reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history and put up a 30 win season this year for the first time in a long time.

CONTINUE READING 

Recruiting Trail: FAMU wastes no time, offers Creek's Bland after spring game

PORT ORANGE, Florida -- Jelani Bland picked an opportune time to turn in a breakout performance.

With several college coaches in attendance, Bland returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown and added a blocked punt and a sack in Spruce Creek's 35-14 loss to Viera. Following the game, Hawks defensive coordinator DJ Mayo said, the rising senior linebacker picked up his first Division I offer from Florida A&M.

"It just shows that hard work does pay off," Bland said after the game Wednesday. "I'm going to keep putting in more work to be the best I can be."

Coaches from Florida, Lehigh and Valdosta State stood along the sidelines in Viera.

Bland (6-foot-1, 188 pounds) could be one of a handful of seniors to monitor when the football season rolls around. Spruce Creek has produced three Division I signees the last two seasons — Collin Olsen (Florida International), Lawrence Edwards (Georgia Southern) and Bradley Osborne (Navy).



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Florida A&M’s Baseball Season Comes to a Close with 4-2 Loss to Norfolk State

SALISBURY, Maryland – Florida A&M (31-21, 19-5 MEAC) got a strong pitching performance from Chase Jarrell, but was unable to get the offense going in a 4-2 loss to Norfolk State (29-20, 19-5 MEAC) on Monday night at the MEAC Baseball Tournament. The offense scattered eight hits, but couldn’t get that timely hit when they needed it most. Jarrell (6-4) pitched six solid innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with four strikeouts and one walk. MEAC Player of the Year Dylan Dillard recorded his eighth home run of the season in his final career at bat in the eighth inning.

Alec Wong (2-for-4) and Dillard (2-for-4) had the only two multi-hit games for the Rattlers against the Spartans. Kendal Weeks came in to pitch the final three innings of relief and allowed just one run on three hits with one strikeout.

NSU scored first with an unearned run in the top of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Brian Beard singled to right with two outs and was able to move to second on a fielding error by Peter Jackson. Beard then came home to score from second as Roger Hall reached on a throwing error to first by AJ Elkins that would have ended the inning.

The Rattlers tied the game at 1-1 with an unearned run in the bottom of the second inning. Ben Ellzey singled to right field with one out and Willis McDaniel was then hit-by-pitch to put runners at first and second. Both runners would move up a base on a groundout to short by Elkins. Ellzey later scored the tying run from third as a failed pickoff attempt at second base from Devin Hemmerich sailed over the shortstop and into center field.

Norfolk State regained the lead for good with another unearned run in the fifth inning for a score of 2-1. Ismael Herrera led off with a single up the middle and went to second as Chase Anderson reached on a fielding error by Jacky Miles, Jr. trying to field a sac bunt attempt. Runners would then advance to second and third on Denathan Duke’s sac bunt back to the pitcher before Herrera scored from third on a groundout to short by Angel Rosario.

The Spartans extended their lead to 3-1 with another run in the sixth inning. Hall doubled to the wall in center field to start the inning and took third on a wild pitch with one out. Alex Mauricio then drove in Hall with an RBI single to right field to give NSU a two run lead.

For FAMU in the eighth inning, Dillard blasted his eighth home run of the season, a solo shot to left field, to bring the Rattlers within one run at 3-2.

Norfolk State added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning in what proved to be the final score of 4-2. Duke’s two-out RBI single that dropped in just past Elkins at shortstop scored Justin Lee from second base for the game’s final run.

NSU’s Devin Hemmerich (5-4) pitched a complete game and threw 148 pitches for the win. Hemmerich allowed two runs (one earned) on eight hits with nine strikeouts and just one walk.

BOX SCORE

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BCU Diamond Cats Advance to MEAC Title Game

SALISBURY, Maryland – Bethune-Cookman scored three runs in the sixth inning en route to a 5-2 victory over in-state rival Florida A&M on Monday afternoon in a winner’s bracket semifinal matchup as part of the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Baseball Championships at A.W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland.

Bethune-Cookman (28-25) trailed 2-1 heading into the top of the sixth inning.

With the bases loaded and one out for the Wildcats, senior right fielder Nathan Bond (Orlando, Fla.) registered a two-run scoring single to left field, allowing Danny Rodriguez (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and Michael Cruz (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) to score on the play.

That gave the Wildcats the lead, 3-2.

After Jameel Edney (West Palm Beach, Fla.) was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat, freshman centerfielder Josten Heron (Miami, Fla.) scored Bond from second courtesy a double down the line in left.

With Bethune-Cookman ahead at 4-2, Wildcats fifth-year head coach Jason Beverlin looked towards senior Clint Clymer (Ormond Beach, Fla.) on the hill to try and shut the door on the win in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively.

In the top of the ninth, freshman second baseman Nate Sterijevski (Clermont, Fla.) lifted his first home run of the season over the wall in left, pushing the Maroon and Gold advantage to 5-2.

In the ninth, B-CU reliever Joseph Calamita (Lake Worth, Fla.) closed the game on the mound and earned his third save of the year, advancing the Wildcats to the title game of the MEAC Baseball Championships for a league-record 11th consecutive season.

The Rattlers got on the board first in the ball game when third baseman Bell Ellzey collected a fielder’s choice RBI to score second baseman Alec Wong from third.

That gave FAMU (31-20) the 1-0 lead.

Bethune-Cookman answered with a run in the top of the fourth inning when freshman first baseman Danny Rodriguez recorded his 10th home run of the season with a solo shot to left center. For Rodriguez, it was his third home run of the MEAC Championships in as many games.

The Rattlers stepped back in front in the bottom of the fifth, using a Jacky Miles, Jr. fielder’s choice RBI to plate Wong for the second time in the contest.

The Rattlers had a chance to score more earlier in the game, but B-CU senior right-hander German Hernandezbounced back to collect three consecutive outs after loading the bases with no outs in the second inning.

The win went to B-CU reliever sophomore Alexis Herrera (Miami, Fla.) to improve his record at 2-0 on the year. Herrera tossed 1.2 innings of relief action, allowing one run on two hits, adding a walk and a strikeout. Failing to factor into the decision, Hernandez worked four innings, allowing one run on six hits, two walks and registering six strikeouts.

Calamita picked up the save with an inning of relief work in the ninth.

The loss went to FAMU starter JoJo Durden, dropping him to 2-3 on the year. He went six full innings for the Rattlers, allowing four runs on eight hits, but added seven strikeouts.

Bethune-Cookman will now wait to see who it will face in Tuesday’s MEAC title game. First pitch for the contest is slated for 1 p.m.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics), Twitter (www.twitter.com/BCUDiamondCats) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/BCUBaseball) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year, via the social media outlets or www.BCUathletics.com.

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Alabama State Baseball Wins SWAC Championship

ESPNU REPLAY: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/player/_/id/2811517/size/condensed

NEW ORLEANS – The Alabama State baseball team completed an unprecedented run by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship with a 7-5 win over defending champion Texas Southern.

Tournament MVP Dillon Cooper capped off a week to remember by going 4-for-5 with two runs scored and four RBI. He hit .714 for the week (10-14), with five doubles, three home runs, nine runs scored and 14 RBI.

Tyler Howe, Yamil Pagan, and Eriq White joined Cooper on the All-Tournament team, as the Hornets (38-15) set a school record for wins while going 28-0 against conference teams this season.

After Diandre Amion and Carlos Ocasio led off the third inning with singles, Cooper's three-run homer to right field on the first pitch gave the Hornets a 3-0 lead.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Alabama State extended the lead in the fifth. Ocasio reached based on an error, Cooper hit a bunt single, andChris Biocic walked to load the bases. A RBI groundout by Ray Hernandez scored Ocasio, and Hunter Allen's double to left field scored Cooper for a 5-0 Hornet lead.

After Texas Southern (24-26) got on the board in the sixth, the Hornets added a run in the home half of the inning. Pagan walked with one out, and advanced to second on a passed ball. After a groundout and Ocasio was hit by a pitch, Cooper nearly homered again, drilling a 1-2 pitch off the top of the right center field wall to score Pagan for a 6-2 ASU lead. The Hornets added a run on a throwing error in the seventh for a 7-2 lead.

Angel Alicea (3-0) got the win, throwing six innings, allowing only four hits and two runs, walking six but striking out a career-high nine batters.

Tyler Howe pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run, striking out three. Joseph Camacho came in to get the final out in the eighth and worked out of trouble in the ninth to get the save.

The Hornets will learn their NCAA Tournament destination during the selection show on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m. on ESPNU.

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MEAC Baseball Tournament Postponed for Second Straight Day

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2016 MEAC Baseball Tournament Updated Bracket

SALISBURY, Maryland -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Baseball Championship tournament schedule has been adjusted and pushed back another day due to inclement weather.

Game 7 between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman, scheduled to occur on Sunday at 12 p.m., will now start on Monday, May 23 at 12 p.m. Game 8 between Coppin State and Norfolk State, scheduled for Sunday at 3:30 p.m., will now follow approximately one hour following the first game. The scheduled 7 p.m. game (Game 9) between the losers of Game 7 and Game 8, will begin approximately one hour after the conclusion of the previous game.

All games are played at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, in Salisbury, Md.

For an up-to-date bracket, please visit www.MEACsports.com.

Fans should refer to the official conference website (www.MEACSports.com), twitter (MEACsports) and or facebook.com at www.facebook.com/MEACsports for up-to-the minute schedule changes, as well as the latest news, live stats, scores and highlights.

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ASU Football adds Charleston Southern to 2016 schedule

Albany State and Chalreston Southern will play on October 8th in Charleston, South Carolina.

ALBANY, Georgia -- The Albany State Golden Rams football program has added a huge addition to its 2016 schedule. Instead of having an open date on Oct. 8, ASU has will play Division I Charleston Southern University in Charleston, S.C. The game with Big South Conference competitors gives the Golden Rams a 10-game slate for the season.

"We're glad to have the opportunity to add Charleston Southern to our schedule," ASU head football coach Dan Land said. "Charleston Southern had great success last year, and they will provide us with some good, solid competition."

During the 2015 season, Charleston Southern finished with a 10-3 overall record and 6-0 league mark in the Big South, winning the conference championship. The Buccaneers earned a spot in the 2015 NCAA FCS Playoffs. They lost in the quarterfinals to Jacksonville State by a 58-38 score.

The Albany State-Charleston Southern game will be played at CSU's Whitfield Stadium Center on Buccaneer Field on Oct. 8. The game time will be determined at a later date.

2016 Albany State Football Schedule (Updated)

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Despite strong start, XULA Rush finish as NAIA runner-up

Results

MOBILE, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana men's tennis built an early lead Saturday before losing 5-2 to Georgia Gwinnett in the final of the NAIA National Championship.
     
The Gold Rush (17-8), ranked and seeded third, finished as national runner-up. This was the first XU team in any sport to reach an NAIA final.
     
The Grizzlies (26-0), a unanimous No. 1 in every coaches poll this season, won their third consecutive NAIA championship and stretched their winning streak to 32. They were 2-0 this season against Xavier.
     
Xavier won 2-of-3 doubles. Tushar Mandlekar and Adam Albrecht of the Gold Rush defeated Gilad Berman and Lachlan McPhee 8-5 on the third court, then Xavier took a 2-0 lead when Kyle Montrel and Karan Salwan won 8-3 on court two against Matias Hatem and Connor Clements, the ITA's third-ranked NAIA doubles team.
     
But Xavier missed a doubles sweep by losing in a tiebreaker on the first court for the second straight day. Thomas Setodji and Kevin Chaouat led 6-4 and 7-6 against the nationally top-ranked tandem of Kevin Konfederak and Jordan Cox, but Konfederak and Cox rallied for a 9-8 (7-3) decision.
     
"We had a realy good start in doubles," Xavier coach Alan Green said. "It would've been nice to have a 3-0 lead, and we had some good opportunities to get that third point, but we didn't. Still we were happy with a 2-1 lead. It was a reversal from the last time we played Georgia Gwinnett."
     
Georgia Gwinnett then won four consecutive times in singles and led in the two unfinished matches. Berman beat Chaouat 6-1, 6-0, Konfederak — the NAIA's No. 1 singles player — defeated Salwan 6-2, 6-4, Clements beat Albrecht 6-0, 6-4 and Hatem clinched with. 6-2, 6-2 decision against Montrel.
     
"Overall, Georgia Gwinnett's guys took it to us," Green said. "At times it seemed like there was nothing we could do to stop them."
     
The Setodji-Cox match did not result in a decision — Cox led 7-6 (7-0), 2-0 — so Setodji, a freshman, ended the season with a 17-0 singles record.
     
"Xavier was outstanding," Georgia Gwinnett coach Chase Hodges said. "We were fortunate."
     
It was the final XU competition for Montrel and Chaouat, both seniors. A third senior,Manav Chakma, did not play.
     
"Even though we didn't get the win, it just felt like we won in some way," Montrel said. "We became a closer team. Next time I think we could get it."
     
The appearance at nationals was the eighth overall and eighth in a row for the XU men. They reached the quarterfinals each of the previous four seasons before breaking through with a quarterfinal victory Thursday against sixth-ranked Keiser and a semifinal victory Friday against seventh-ranked Lindsey Wilson. Xavier's 17 victories match the second-most in a season during Green's coaching tenure.

XU-produced graphic which promoted the Gold Rush appearance in the NAIA championship final.

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XU's Green chosen ITA/NAIA National Coach of the Year

MOBILE, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana's Alan Green was named Monday the Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Association/NAIA Men's National Coach of the Year for 2016.
     
Green, in his 13th year at Xavier, has led the Gold Rush to a 14-7 record and its highest-ever national ranking, third. The Gold Rush are 4-1 against NAIA top-10 opponents and have a school-record five victories against NCAA Division I opponents, including first-time decisions over Nicholls State and Troy.
     
"I'm very surprised to have won this," Green said. "This award wasn't made possible without the team putting in the work and working hard and all the support staff that we have."
     
This is Green's second ITA National Coach of the Year Award. He won with Xavier's women in 2013.
     
Green received his honor at a banquet honoring the 24 men's teams and 24 women's teams which qualified for the NAIA National Championships. The Gold Rush have a first-round bye and will play at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the round of 16 against Bethany (Kan.) or Westmont. The Gold Nuggets will play in the first round at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday against Northwestern Ohio. Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center is the site of all matches, and admission is free.
     
Xavier's three other ITA Region IV (South) recipients — Loic Didavi (Men's Assistant Coach of the Year), Kyle Montrel (Men's Senior Player of the Year) and Charlene Goreau (Women's Rookie of the Year) — were recognized at the banquet. Those awards were announced April 29. Receiving NAIA Champions of Character awards were Sha'Nel Bruins of the Gold Nuggets and Montrel. Bruins also was recognized as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

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Langston University Tabs Elaine Powell as Women's Basketball Head Coach

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University (LU), announced today the appointment of former WNBA player, Elaine Powell as the new head coach for the women's basketball team.

"We are excited about Coach Powell joining the Langston University Athletics Department as she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. She has inherited a program with a longstanding history of excellence and we know from her track record, she will ensure that our legacy is preserved," said Dr. Smith.

Coach Powell joins LU Athletics having previously served as an assistant coach for women's basketball programs at Alabama A&M, Ohio University and Grambling State University. She spent nearly a decade playing in the WNBA, where she earned numerous awards and honors. Under former coach and Detroit Pistons player, Bill Laimbeer, she was a three time WNBA champion with
the Detroit Shock. Prior to her professional basketball career, she was a student athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she was a Kodak All American and finished her career as LSU's 11th all-time leading scorer with 1,163 points. She was the first player in LSU history to be drafted into the WNBA.

"Elaine Powell is a proven leader whose dedication and commitment to excellence has shown in her work while coaching at the NCAA DI level for more than 8 years. Prior to her collegiate coaching career, she was a student athlete at LSU, so she comes from a championship pedigree, which is what we strive for here at Langston University. She has served those institutions admirably, investing a great deal in the student athletes. We look forward to her bringing that same enthusiasm, devotion and student centric approach to our program," said Donnita Drain Rogers, Athletic Director for Langston University.

Coach Powell succeeds Cheryl Miller, who had a record of 49-12 and two NAIA Tournament appearances during her two-year stint.

The Lady Lions finished the 2014-15 season with a 29-4 record, and won the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament Championship over Our Lady of the Lake. The Lady Lions finished the 2015-16 season with a final record of 20-8 and received a third straight bid to the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship tournament in Independence, Missouri. Langston received three selections to the Red River All-Conference team; and two students were named to the NAIA Women's Basketball All-America honorable mention team for their efforts.

"Cheryl Miller has been a tremendous asset to the University's sports program and we appreciate all of her efforts to strengthen our women's basketball team. She was a role model both on and off of the court to the players and entire University community. We wish her well in her future endeavors," said Dr. Smith.

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FAMU Rally Falls Short in 6-4 NCAA Loss To USF

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The FAMU Women’s Softball team battled back valiantly from a 5-0 deficit in the late innings, but came up two runs short Saturday afternoon in a season-ending 6-4 setback to South Florida in the Tallahassee Regional at JoAnne Graf Field.
FAMU (27-30) fell behind 1-0 after the first inning, and USF (45-15) added three runs in the second and one more in the fourth to build a 5-0 advantage.

The Lady Rattlers began their comeback bid in the bottom of the fifth, when Whitney Farris’ single to left center scored Miesha McBride for the first FAMU run. Raven Moseley, who walked, then advanced to second and third on two passed balls, scored from third on a USF wild pitch for a 5-2 score.

The Bulls plated their final run in the top of the sixth to extend their lead to 6-2, but FAMU had one last gasp in the bottom of the seventh, aided by two USF errors, scoring two runs to pull to 6-4.

Moseley scored on an error on Tashayla Irvis’ ground ball, then Alexis Day’s sacrifice fly to right scored Farris for a 6-4 score.

FAMU managed to load the bases with two outs, but Kieifi Myrick grounded back to the pitcher to end the game.

The Lady Rattlers finished with six hits, as Farris, Day, Taylor Rosier, Toni Anderson, McBride and Moseley each had singles. Day, Farris and Irvis each had a run driven in.

Veronica Burse (8-12) took the loss for FAMU, lasting into the second before being lifted for Kenya Pereira. Burse allowed four runs on three hits with two walks in one-and-one-third innings, while Pereira allowed two runs on five hits with one strikeout and one walk in five-and-two-third innings.

COACH WIGGINS POSTGAME: After the game, FAMU head coach Veronica Wiggins addressed the media saying: “I’m very proud of my team and the effort they gave at the end. If we had come out with a little more intensity at the start things might have ended differently. But our players set a goal before the season that they wanted to get to the regionals and compete and I think we accomplished that…. I have six juniors who set a goal to win championships, and I look forward to them providing leadership for us next season.

JUNIOR OUTFIELDER WHITNEY FARRIS: “I think what we can take away from this tournament is that we can play with the best teams, that we are definitely one of the best 64 teams in the country.”

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Texas Southern and Alabama State To Meet in SWAC Championship on ESPNU

First pitch is set for 10:30 a.m. and will air live on ESPNU

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Texas Southern and Alabama State both swept through the 2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament and will meet in the Championship finale on Sunday, May 22 at Wesley Barrow Stadium. First pitch is set for 10:30 a.m. and will air live on ESPNU.

TSU, the defending SWAC Tournament Champions are now 24-25 on the year and enter the title game after defeating Jackson State twice as well as Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the ‘A’ Bracket. In the tournament, Kamren Dukes is pacing the Tigers’ offense, hitting .667 (8-for-12) with a double and three stolen bases. Ryan Lazo is 4-for-11 (.455) with a double, seven RBI, and two stolen bases. Richard Alamo has drawn four walks, tallied four hits, and nabbed five stolen bases in five attempts.

On the hill for the Tigers, Larry Romero, who led the Tigers with a 9-3 record this season, collected the opening round 10-2 win over Jackson State after going eight innings. Romero scattered two runs on eight hits, struck out five and walked two batters.

The Michael Robertson led squad went 13-10 in SWAC West play, coming into the tournament as the three seed out of the division. The Tigers swept all six games against Southern, while splitting with Prairie View A&M, and took two from Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Grambling, who both finished ahead of TSU.

On the season, TSU leads the league and is second in NCAA in stolen bases with 162, while leading the nation averaging 3.38 stolen bases per game. Ryan Lazo has stolen 39 bases for the Tigers this season.

The Hornets head into the title contest with a 37-15 record, defeated Southern and Alcorn State in seven inning contests prior to collecting a second victory from Southern to extend their season playing in the ‘B’ bracket. During the tournament, ASU has been led offensively by Dillon Cooper who has posted .667 average (6-for-9) with two home runs, four doubles and 10 RBI, while drawing four walks and getting hit three times to reach base. SWAC Freshman of the Year Eriq White has reached base all 13 plate appearances in three tournament games, collecting eight hits with two doubles and a home run.

On the hill for the Hornets, three-time SWAC Starting Pitcher of the Year Joseph Camacho and All-SWAC First Team honoree Tyler Howe both picked up their tenth victory of the year. Camacho (10-0) went 4.1, scattering six runs on eight hits, struck out two and walked four in the team’s 27-9 opening round victory over Southern. Howe (10-2) collected the 16-3 victory over the Braves after tossing six of the seven innings. Howe allowed three runs on six hits, struck out eight and walked two.

During the regular season, 2016 SWAC Coach of the Year Mervyl Melendez guided the Hornets to a 24-0 conference record, becoming the first team to post a perfect record in SWAC play since moving to divisional play in 2006. 2016 also marks the third-straight season ASU has captured the regular season title and the Hornets' fourth-straight 30-plus win season. The Hornets lead the SWAC in scoring, averaging 8.8 runs per game with the second-most runs scored this season (447).

The last time the squads faced off was during the 2013 season resulting in a 3-1 decision in favor of the Hornets in the MLB Urban Youth Invitational at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Feb. 24. TSU is looking for the program’s fourth SWAC title while ASU is on the hunt for the squad’s first championship in the program’s history.

Tournament Central

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

The SWAC tops FCS in 2015 football attendance

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference was once again best attended football league in the NCAA Div. I- Football Championship Series (FCS). An improvement by an average of 42 fans, the SWAC averaged 12,823 in attendance at each of its 51 home football contests.

The SWAC outnumbered the Missouri Valley Conference by 1,907 in attendance, despite playing 10 less total games in its league. The Big Sky Conference finished third with an average of 9,977.

In 37 of the last 38 years, the SWAC has been the FCS leader in attendance. This average includes neutral site games such as the Magic City Classic (63,874), the highest single-game attendance figure in 2015, the Bayou Classic (62,507), and the State Fair Classic (51,328). These contests were three of the highest attended games in the country among the FCS level.

Five programs out of the SWAC finished in the top 30 with Southern placing eighth with an average of 18,310. Jackson State was next with a 15th place finish at 13,252, followed by Alcorn State holding down the 18th spot at (12,343). Alabama State finished in 24th (10,290) while Grambling State averaged an attendance of 10,035 at its home contests for the 28th best average among FCS leaders.

The SWAC and the MVC were once again the only two conferences with an average of over 10,000 fans per game with a total attendance average 653,962 and 654,948 respectively.

Alcorn State and Grambling State played in front of the third most attended SWAC Football Championship crowd in league history with 40,352 on hand. That total marked the most since the league moved the game to Houston’s NRG Stadium and the largest audience since 2007.

2015 National Football Collge Attendance

2015 NCAA DIVISION I FCS HOME ATTENDANCE TEAM LEADERS
Rank School G Attendance Average

1. Montana 7 168,975 24,139
2. Jacksonville St. 8 164,781 20,598
3. Yale 4 82,189 20,547
4. James Madison 7 136,483 19,498
5. Montana St. 6 115,032 19,172
6. Liberty 5 94,950 18,990
7. North Dakota St. 9 166,472 18,497
8. Southern U. 4 73,239 18,310 
9. Delaware 6 94,954 15,826
10. South Carolina State 5 78,147 15,629 
11. Florida A&M 4 60,240 15,060 
12. North Carolina A&T 5 74,940 14,988 
13. Youngstown St. 6 89,125 14,854
14. Tennessee State 4 58,481 14,620 
15. Jackson State 5 66,258 13,252

Rank School G Attendance Average 
16. South Dakota St. 6 77,394 12,899
17. Harvard 5 63,994 12,799
18. Alcorn State 5 61,716 12,343 
19. McNeese St. 6 70,150 11,692
20. UNI 6 69,293 11,549
21. Mercer 6 64,150 10692
22. The Citadel 6 64,070 10,678
23. Eastern Ky. 4 41,400 10,350
24. Alabama State 5 51,449 10,290 
25. Chattanooga 6 60,910 10,152
26. Western Caro. 5 50,593 10,119
27. Missouri St. 5 50,182 10,036
28. Grambling 3 30,105 10,035 
29. Eastern Wash. 5 47,886 9,577
30. Lamar 5 46,818 9,364

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Florida A&M athletics secures deal with Nike

MILTON OVERTON JR.
FAMU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s athletic department recently secured a three-year deal with Nike, Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. told the Tallahassee Democrat on Saturday.

Overton said the deal would run concurrent with the MEAC’s current shoe deal with Nike, and that Nike would provide both new uniforms and apparel for the school.

FAMU’s previous apparel deal was with Russell Athletic. That deal was negotiated through the MEAC.

“Most of the conference moved to Nike,” Overton said. “Some of the conference members when to a different apparel company. I won’t necessarily say numbers. What I’ll say it was a 50-percent increase in value from Russell to Nike.”

Overton said at the end of the three-year deal, there will be an option for FAMU to renew. He added new uniforms and fan apparel will be released within the next “two to three weeks.”

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Claflin Eliminated from the 2016 NCAA DII Baseball South Regional by West Georgia

TAMPA, Florida -- The Claflin University baseball team had a much better showing in its second game of the 2016 NCAA Division II Baseball South Regional but fell short, dropping a 7-1 decision to West Georgia in the elimination game. The Panthers, who were competing in it's first-ever NCAA Post-Season tournament, finish 2016 with a 24-29 overall record.

West Georgia (40-15) advanced to play the loser of the Tampa/Delta State matchup on Saturday.

Emanuel Mitchell, who closed out his career at Claflin, was credited with the loss. Turner Edwards picked up the win for West Georgia.

"It was a good experience for us and I'm really proud of my guys," said head coach James Randall. "We played much better today, we [managed] to get back into a rhythm but we just didn't like we are capable. In addition, we had two injuries in the outfield which definitely hurt us today," said Randall.

"I think it would be really helpful if our conference can find a way to have our conference tournament closer to the Regionals. Having 18 days off then coming to the Regionals to face this type of competition is really not giving us too much of a chance," said Randall.

The Panthers came out of the gate much looser with the first half of the game panning out to be a pitcher's duel. After four complete innings, the team had played to a 0-0.

The game entered a one-hour 27 minute rain delay with West Georgia at bat with two outs in the bottom of the fourth.

The Panthers managed to get the third out after the delay but went three-up-three-down in the top of the fifth.

With two on and one out in the bottom of the fifth, West Georgia's Caleb Lopez hit a three-run homer to left field to snap the scoring drought and give the Wolverines a 3-0 advantage heading into the sixth.

Jalen Thompson and Johnny Stevenson had back-to-back singles to left field to lead off the Panthers seventh. Claflin placed three runners on base in the inning but could not manage to score, leaving two stranded to end the inning.

With two outs and one on the bottom of the seventh, a dropped fly ball by the Panthers right fielder allowed West Georgia's fourth run to cross the plate.

After holding Claflin scoreless in the top of the eighth, the Wolverines loaded the bases to start its half of the inning. A pinch hit two RBI single by Tyler Hutch with two outs gave West Georgia the 6-0 advantage. The Wolverines tacked on one additional run in the bottom of the eighth.

Claflin continued to battle in the final inning of the game. After a leadoff strikeout, the Panthers placed its next three batters on base, via a walk, single and hit-by-pitch, to keep their chances alive. Senior Jabari Brown, who stepped into the box with bases loaded and two outs, hit a chipper up the middle for an RBI single to score Stevenson for the Panthers only run of the game.



BOX SCORE

COURTESY CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Claflin Falls to #10 West Florida in the Opening Round of the 2016 NCAA DII South Regional

TAMPA, Florida —The Claflin University Baseball team fell to #10 West Florida, 17-1, in its opening game of the 2016 NCAA Division II South Regional.  The Panthers, (24-28), will face the loser of the Nova Southeastern/West Georgia matchup on Friday at 11 a.m.
 
The Regional, which runs through Monday, May 23, is being contested at the University of Tampa Baseball Field in Tampa, Fla.
 
Elliott Melton led off the game with a single to centerfield for Claflin.  A bunt by Jabari Brown and subsequent pass-ball moved Melton to third with one out but the Panthers could not capitalize.
 
After being held scoreless in the bottom of the first, West Florida (35-15) scored runs in the next eight innings. The Argonauts scored one run in the second, two in each of the third and fourth, one in the fifth, six in the sixth, one in the seventh, and four in the eighth en route to its 17 runs.
 
Elliott Melton scored the Panthers only run of the game off a two-out RBI single to right field by Brown in the top of the sixth.
 
Wendell Ferguson, who allowed five runs in 3.2 innings, was credited with the loss and Gray Dorsey picked up his second win of the season for West Florida.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Fueled by brother’s spirit, SCSU/Citadel star Cooper realizes NFL dreams; Makes Washington Redskins Roster

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A scout unexpectedly poked his head in the door of the Washington Redskins’ team meeting on Saturday requesting Mariel Cooper gather his belongings and follow him. Cooper was one of 33 tryout players at the Redskins’ rookie minicamp vying for two open spots on the team’s 90-man roster. The unexpected summons less than two days into camp induced an uneasy feeling in Cooper as he headed toward the offices of Redskins Park.

The scout led Cooper through the glass double doors adorned with the iconic Redskins logo and up the burgundy staircase. They paused for a moment in front of the team’s three sterling silver Super Bowl trophies.

“Coop,” the scout finally let out with a smile slowly stretching across his face. “Welcome to the Washington Redskins.”

The undersized long shot from Sumter, S.C., undrafted out of The Citadel, had made an NFL team. After Cooper signed his contract, Redskins officials gave him a moment to himself. Cooper leaned low into his leather chair, exhaled deeply and peered out of the office window up to the blue sky that stretched over the practice fields.

“Thank you, Destin,” he whispered. “Keep blessing me, man. I’m going to keep balling for you.”



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