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NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- While Butch Jones tries to talk prospects into coming to Tennessee at the Vols' first satellite camp June 5 at Tennessee State, Tigers coach Rod Reed will try to persuade Jones to do something he would like.
Make no mistake, Reed also will pitch his program to the 400-500 high school players who are expected to show up at Hale Stadium for what the Vols are calling Tennessee Statement Camp '16.
But at some point, Reed will take advantage of having Jones on his campus and try to talk him into doing something no Vols coach ever has done — play the Tigers.
UT has played other in-state Ohio Valley Conference teams Austin Peay and UT Martin over the past few years, and it will play Tennessee Tech this season.
The Vols also played Chattanooga, another in-state Football Championship Subdivision team, in 2014 and FCS power Montana in 2011.
But the Big Orange and the Big Blue never have played. CONTINUE READING
MURFREESBORO, North Carolina -- The Chowan University athletic department announced LaToya Jones as the Head Women's Basketball Coach on Friday morning.
Jones inherits a program that posted a program-best 20-9 overall record in 2015-16 under former Head Coach Patrick Mashuda. The Hawks made their second appearance in the CIAA Tournament semi-finals this past season while earning their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance with an at-large bid. After twelve seasons with the Chowan Blue and White as an administrator and coach, Mashuda departs on May 31st after accepting an Assistant Coach position at Kent State University.
President Dr. M. Christopher White commented, "We are extremely grateful to Coach Mashuda for his twelve years of service to the University. He came to Chowan at a time when we were really struggling. He was patient and committed to turning the program around, and I'm proud of the success he's had here. We wish him well in his new position. I'm eager to welcome Latoya Jones and her family to Chowan. The women's basketball program is primed for a successful season and I'm excited to see all that we will accomplish with LaToya as coach."
Jones stated, "Chowan University is a place of faith, family and pride. I felt the love for community, athletics, and family when I arrived on campus. Chowan continues to grow as a campus, student body, and in the athletic realm…I am grateful to be part of a thriving University that meets challenges with innovation, opportunity with enthusiasm, and change with embrace."
Vice President/Director of Athletics Ozzie McFarland noted, "I am very excited for the future of our women's basketball program. LaToya is ready to be a head coach. She is a person of incredible character with a wealth of basketball knowledge. Patrick Mashuda left our program in great shape and LaToya Jones is the right person to take leadership of the program and to continue the program's upward trend".
Jones added, "I am looking forward to leading and mentoring a group of young ladies that has thrived on and off the court. I am excited about coaching a team that has been successful and has a tradition of excellence. Coaching is my platform to build relationships that equate to winning on the court and ultimately, in life. Fans can expect to see the Chowan women's basketball team play with purpose, passion, and excitement."
Jones takes the reins of the Chowan women's basketball program after serving at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Spartans before being promoted to Director of Basketball Operations for the 2015-16 season. Jones orchestrated alumni outreach, recruiting, and community service initiatives for the program in that capacity, while working primarily with post players.
Prior to her time at UNCG, Jones gained coaching experience on staff at her alma mater, Gardner-Webb University. The Runnin' Bulldogs posted a 27-36 record during her two seasons as an assistant, highlighted by a 23-11 record in 2010-11. That same season, the Gardner-Webb women's basketball team earned the Big South Conference Tournament crown for the first time in program history and made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Jones began her coaching career at Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. There, she led the Chargers to two state championship appearances including a state title in 2010.
Jones earned a degree in Elementary Education from Gardner-Webb in 2008. As a four-year women's basketball student-athlete, she was named Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic four times and guided the Bulldogs to their first-ever Atlantic Sun Tournament finals appearance in 2006.
The Atlanta, Georgia native assumes the role of Head Women's Basketball Coach on June 1st. She is married to Alex Jones. The two have an infant son, Jeremiah Alexander. COURTESY CHOWAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
The 2016 NCAA D-II National Outdoor Track and Field Champions Courtesy Matt Marriott/NCAA PhotosMatt Marriott | NCAA Photos
BRADENTON, Florida – The Saint Augustine's University track and field program continues to roll along.
The Falcons claimed their fourth straight men's title and the Lady Falcons finished as women national runner-ups on the final day of the 2016 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the IMG Academy Track and Field Stadium on Saturday, May 28.
The title was the 38th for the highly successful program under legendary Head Coach George Williams including their 15th men's outdoor championship. Starting the day with zero points, the Falcons zoomed past their opponents to win in dominating fashion. They scored all 85 points on the final day to rout Tiffin University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville, who both tied for second with 36 points.
"I thought the men would perform well, but I didn't expect them to win like they did," said Williams, who has won the most NCAA track and field championships of any coach regardless of division.
The Lady Falcons nearly captured their fifth national outdoor title. They were edged out by national champion Pittsburg State University 52-51 in the women's division which wasn't decided until the final event. Hillsdale College placed third with 45 points.
"I wish the women had won," Williams said. "We were right there. We gave too many bonuses away. I want all the kids to be winners. The women work hard, so I hate to see them lose by one point like that.
Had the Lady Falcons won, it would have been the first outdoor sweep for Saint Augustine's University since 2001 and the first women's crown since 2002. Still, the finish was the highest for the Lady Falcons in an outdoor meet since 2003 when they placed second.
The Falcons relied on their relay teams and depth to surge ahead Saturday. They had multiple qualifiers in four events – the 100 and 200 dashes, the 800 run and the triple jump. They scored 57 points in those four events and 20 points in the relays to take control.
Burkheart Ellis, Jr. (Sr./Raleigh, NC), the team's most versatile performer, led the way for the Falcons. He gained the 200 national title, finished second in the 100 and was a member of the winning 4x100 relay team.
"I am ecstatic," said Ellis, who has been a member of six national title teams including four outdoor champions. "We've been winning since my freshman year which has been great. To finish off with another championship and finally get the 200 national championship means a lot to me. I've wanted [the 200 title] bad since my freshman year."
Daniel Jamieson (Jr./Windsor, CT) was fourth in the 200, seventh in the 100 and ran on the winning 4x100 squad. Shaquille Dill (Fr./Pembroke, Bermuda) and Immanuel Hutchinson (Sr./San Jacinto, CA) were first and third, respectively, in the 800 and both ran on the winning 4x400 relay. Dill won his national title as a freshman.
Shawn Rowe (Jr./West Palm Beach, FL) finished second in the 400 hurdles and ran on the winning 4x400 relay while Kendall Kee (Sr./Shelby, NC) placed sixth in the 100 and ran on the winning 4x100 relay. David Shaw (Sr./St. Pauls, NC) was second and Jumonne Exeter (So./St. Vincent) placed fourth in the triple jump.
The men served notice that this would be their day in the first running event. The 4x100 team of Brent Arceneaux (Sr./Snellville, GA), Ellis, Kee and Jamieson outran the field in 39.41. When the 100 dash, the 800 run, the triple jump and the 200 dash were completed, the Falcons were ahead 75-36 over TAMU-Kingsville with two events left.
"We wanted to let everybody know we were here," said Jamieson about the 4x100 relay victory. "It set the tone."
The Falcons capped the meet with a convincing victory in the 4x400 relay. The squad of Rowe, Dill, Hutchinson and Khari Herbert, Jr. (Jr./Coral Springs, FL) won by nearly two seconds with a time of 3:05.47.
The Lady Falcons had less depth than the men but got the most out of their seven women qualifiers in the finals. The spectacular Tia-Adana Belle (Jr./St. Michaels, Barbados) provided the spark with plenty of help from Ornella Livingston (Sr./St. Ann, Jamaica).
Belle broke the championship meet record again in winning the 400 hurdles. Her time of 56.13 was one-hundreth of a second better than the previous record time she set two days ago. She finished three seconds ahead of the second-place competitor. Belle was also on the 4x400 squad which placed fourth.
Livingston provided the bulk of the points with a victory in the 100 for a national title and a third-place finish in the 200. She also was on the 4x400 relay team and the 4x100 relay squad which placed fifth.
Shamia Lassiter (Sr./Chesapeake, VA) finished second in the 100 hurdles and also ran on the 4x100 team, which included Shakinah Brooks (Jr./Raleigh, NC) and Leah Barker (So./St. Michaels, Barbados). The 4x400 squad also included Barker and Ade Hunter (So./Philadelphia, PA).
After starting the day with eight points, the Lady Falcons started climbing up the standings. Livingston's third-place finish in the 200 put her team ahead for the first time at 46-42 with three events left.
The Lady Falcons trailed 52-46 with one event left after a victory by Pittsburg State in the high jump. They needed to place third or better in the 4x400 for the national crown but finished fourth. Still, their performance in the meet was one of the best in quite a while for a Lady Falcons' squad.
"After the relay, and I saw we came in fourth, I cried, because to miss it by one point, my mind went crazy," said Belle, who anchored the 4x400 relay. "I was thinking if I did this or that, it wouldn't have happened but I'm content and proud of my girls. It was a long season."
Belle added: "I'm proud at the end of the day. We came in third [in our heat], and finished second [overall]. I'm happy. The team this year was just great, we all put in effort and fought. We lost by one point but that's the best we have done in a while and I'm proud to be apart of this team.?
Each Falcons and Lady Falcons student-athlete who finished eighth or better earned All-America honors.
In the end, Pitt State held off St. Augustine's University by one point, 52 to 51, to claim the national title. SAU entered the final event of the meet, the 4x400m relay, needing to place first or second to claim the championship to itself or place third to share the title with the Gorillas. Instead, the Lady Falcons finished fourth in the race in 3:40.28 as they were edged out of third place by .17 seconds by third-place finishing Academy of Art (Calif.). COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
MIAMI, Florida -- Before Bethune-Cookman, it was Booker T. Washington High School in Miami for Larry Little.
The Wildcat and Miami Dolphin Hall of Famer was honored at his high school alma mater Wednesday as a Hometown Hall of Famer presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company.
The program honors the hometown roots of football’s most famous hero with ceremonies and plaque dedication events. Little’s presentation was the 102nd in the program.
"I'm really honored by it all,” Little said. ‘It’s something that I knew would happen and I’m very excited about it. With the area Booker T. is in, I’m grateful that something like this can go into my high school and be there forever.”
After Booker T. Washington, Little came to Bethune-Cookman, where he was an all-conference defensive tackle during his playing days at from 1964-67.
Undrafted out of college, he spent two seasons with the San Diego Chargers before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 1969.
During his 14 years with the Dolphins, Little’s play on the line spearheaded the NFL’s most punishing rushing attacks of the 1970s. Paving the way for Mercury Morris, Jim Kiick and Larry Csonka, Little helped the Dolphins win consecutive Super Bowls, including the perfect 17-0 season of 1972.
He returned to Bethune-Cookman in 1983 as head coach. During his tenure, the Wildcats won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships in 1984 and 1988. He would coach players that would themselves go on to Hall of Fame status, quarterback J.D. Hall (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), Jeff Parker (B-CU) and Stevie Thomas (Arena Football League).
Little was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. In 1999, he was ranked number 79 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.
Many of Little’s former Bethune-Cookman players and coaches were in attendance Wednesday, as well as former Booker T. Washington players, Dolphins players and coaches and his 96-year old mother, Ida Little.
Little hopes the plaque will inspire future generations.
"As long as if you believe in yourself, you can do anything,” Little said. “I knew what I wanted to be and I never quit.”
COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana's Kailey Williams, Kayla Quincy, Chinyere Jones and Clarke Allen finished eighth Saturday in the women's 1,600-meter relay final and earned All-America honors at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. The Gold Nuggets placed eighth in 3 minutes, 52.43 seconds. It's the second-fastest time in school history. Williams, Quincy, Jones and Allen ran an XU-record 3:49.87 in the preliminaries Friday. This is the third straight season and the fourth time in five years that the XU women earned All-America at this meet. This is the Nuggets' first All-America honor in an outdoor running event. Xavier's other women's All-America in a running event was Katrina Davis (600 meters) during the 2004 indoor season. It was the final collegiate competition for Williams, a senior who earned her bachelor of science degree May 7. Quincy is a junior, Allen is a sophomore, and Jones is a freshman. Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- How can any FAMU alumni, Board member, administrator, faculty, student, or supporter give voice to FAMU’s future without understanding who we are and where we came from? Speaking for myself, it is easy to be well meaning, but lack understanding. This series is presented to link the past with the present and future. I could have cited sources and encouraged others to read the books and articles most pertinent to the subject. I chose instead to summarize history and provide a synopsis of events, failures, and achievements.
There are so many subplots behind these stories. In this summary the plight of Black America in the course of history is greatly illuminated, though from a narrow view. I tried to keep the summaries brief and on point. Still, history isn’t necessarily entertaining and may only be interesting to nerds like me. I encourage those with the wherewithal to read these summaries, to dig deeper and learn more about our history. In the process you will learn more about yourselves and those around you.
A journalist once wrote that it is harder to be ...
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Thomas De Saille Tucker was a native West African originating from Sierra Leone. At the age of 12 missionaries from the Mendi Mission brought him to America. The Mendi Mission was established in Sierra Leone in connection with the Amistad revolt. When the thirty-five surviving Africans returned to the Colony of Sierra Leone, the Amistad Committee instructed the Americans to start a ‘Mendi Mission’ in Sierra Leone.
He later attended Oberlin College in Ohio. Established in 1833, Oberlin College was one of the very first colleges in America to educate women and by 1900 one-third of all African American graduates of predominantly white institutions in the United States had graduated from Oberlin. Many of the early leaders of black colleges received their education at Oberlin. While at Oberlin Tucker took leave in 1862 to teach at a school for freedmen in Virginia.After graduating from Oberlin Tucker achieved a law degree at Straight University in New Orleans. The law school only existed between 1874 and 1886.
According to the American Missionary Journal, by 1982, 35 whites and 15 blacks had graduated from the law department. Straight University later became Straight College and eventually was absorbed by the Dillard University. Not long after receiving a law degree Tucker became a member of the Florida Bar and established his own law partnership in Pensacola, Florida. With the help of former Florida Legislator Thomas Van Renssalaer Gibbs, who saw to the passing of the legislation that established the college, Tucker led the Normal College for Colored Students for 14 years before he was forced to resign. Moving to Maryland he returned to practicing law before his death two years later in 1903.
Francis was deemed an eligible national as he was originally born in Toronto before moving to New York.
SASKATCHEWAN, Canada – The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League have signed former North Carolina A&T wide receiver Kevin Francis (6-foot-5, 210, Brooklyn, N.Y.), the club announced Saturday.
The Roughriders acquired Francis’ rights in the CFL Supplemental Draft by giving up a third-round CFL draft pick.
Francis came into the Aggies 2015 season expected to be a big part of the Aggies offense. He made two receptions in the Aggies opener against Shaw University before leaving the game with what was deemed a season-ending knee injury. Fortunately, the Aggies season was extended because they won a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and a bid to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl played on Dec. 19 against Alcorn State.
It allowed Francis an opportunity to play one more game. His 20-yard reception in the Celebration Bowl game set up an Aggies 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 41-34 victory.
“We had a chance to see Kevin at a workout recently, and I was really impressed with how he tested,” Roughriders general manager and head coach Chris Jones told CFL.ca. “He is a big kid that moves really well and has proven he is capable of excelling on special teams.”
Francis was also impressive on his North Carolina A&T Pro Day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds, he had 10-foot, six-inch broad jump, a 37-inch vertical and he benched press 225 pounds 18 times. Francis was also a track and field standout at N.C. A&T, where he qualified for the 2015 NCAA East Preliminary Round in the 110-meter hurdles. He also participated in the decathlon.
In four seasons on the football field at N.C. A&T, Francis made 17 receptions for 163 yards. He was also an important part of the Aggies special teams throughout his career. He is the second N.C. A&T football player to sign a contract with a major professional football sports franchise this year after cornerback Tony McRae signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL.
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
TAMPA, Florida -- This evening, during the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association’s Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala, President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., announced Shelby R. Chipman, Ph.D., as the new director of the University’s Marching Band and Pep Bands. Chipman is a FAMU alumnus, and currently serves as associate music professor and director of symphonic bands.
“There is no question that FAMU is the home of the most innovative and imitated band program in the world. So, it is only fitting that an innovator and visionary like Dr. Chipman become the next leader to take our program to even greater heights,” Mangum said.
Sylvester Young, Ph.D., who has led the band program since May 2013, has decided to return to the classroom full time. He said he will continue to provide support to the band, but explained that the time is right for Chipman to lead the program.
“There is no one else more qualified to direct this program but Dr. Chipman,” Young said. “He was 100 percent by my side during my tenure, and it is now his time to take the lead. He is going to take this band to a new and higher level. And, I am fortunate to be a part of his team in a minor role, and to watch his training and experience come into fruition.”
Young expressed his satisfaction in the accomplishments of the band and fulfilling his commitment to the University over the last three years.
“Unbeknownst to the public, I said to myself, after coming out of retirement, that I would roll up my sleeves and work with the FAMU band program for three years to rebuild it and to shift the culture,” Young said. “I am proud to say that we were able to restructure the program and grow it to more than 200 members after starting anew. I am also very proud of the students for stepping up to the plate to change the culture and for working together to eradicate hazing. I am happy to say that we have had no incidents since the program was reinstalled.”
Mangum praised Young for the impact he has had in the University’s Music Department.
“FAMU has truly been blessed to have extraordinary men at the helm of its band program since its inception,” she said. “We are sincerely appreciative of the work of Dr. Young in building upon the great legacies of Dr. William P. Foster and Dr. Julian E. White, as well as his tireless efforts to strengthen and restore our beloved band program.”
Earlier today, Chipman said he expressed his gratitude to Young for the leadership he has shown during his tenure and for entrusting him with taking the band program into its next era. He explained that he is grateful to be standing on the shoulders of giants like Young, Foster, and White.
“These great men have driven the bus in terms of standards, innovation, and excellence. I am humbled and honored to be a part of the successes they have achieved and the major performances and innovations that have been undertaken over the years,” Chipman said. “We are going to continue the tradition of being a role model of excellence in musicianship and pageantry. I am looking forward to building upon such a creative legacy and ensuring that the program remains on the cutting edge.”
Chipman said that he is grateful for the students, alumni, and supporters who have helped to make the program a success over the years, and looks forward to working with the entire University community to ensure that the storied legacy of the Marching 100 continues to reach new levels of greatness.
“I am extremely impressed by and indebted to the current and former students who have served and sacrificed to align themselves with our band standards and our motto,” he said. “I am excited to work with our students collaboratively as we push the envelope of innovation in taking our performances out of the box.”
Chipman thanked God, his late mother, wife, son, colleagues, fellow alumni, and the community, for supporting his musical aspirations and work as a music educator over the years and credited them all, in their respective places, with his development as a leader.
When asked what he wanted fans and supporters to know about the future of the band program and the upcoming football season, he said: “Stay tuned… We are planning a special performance and tribute to a legendary musician that will be like no other.”
Former Prince band member, BK Jackson, who is a senior at FAMU, performed a tribute to Prince at the FAMU Spring Commencement Ceremony. He was accompanied by the FAMU Symphonic Band and the piece was arranged by Dr. Lindsey Sarjeant (Chairman, FAMU Music Dept. and University Arranger/Composer), directed by Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of the Symphonic Band. http://www.bkjackson.com
About Shelby R. Chipman, Ph.D.
Chipman is associate professor and director of symphonic bands at FAMU. His responsibilities in the Department of Music include teaching instrumental music, conducting, and coordinating recitals and music interns. Additionally, he assists with the administration of the marching, symphonic, and pep bands.
He is a native of Miami, Fla., where he graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Music Education from FAMU, where he was a conducting student of William P. Foster, Ed.D., and Julian E. White, Ph.D.
Chipman completed his master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, where he studied conducting with Prof. James Keene, and received his doctorate degree from the Florida State University School of Music in music education, where he studied with Dr. Bentley Shellahamer.
Prior to his appointment at FAMU, he taught band in the Miami-Dade County Public School System for 10 years. His band program at Miami Central High School developed into one of the finest band programs in the country.
Dr. Chipman is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), College Band Directors National Conference (CBDNA), FMEA Black Caucus, and Bethel AME Church. He has worked with and trained countless world-renowned musicians over the years.
Chipman is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout the Southeastern United States and currently serves as conductor of the Tallahassee Big Bend Community Orchestra. He is married to Detrick LaShawn, and together they have one son, Israel Armenian Chipman.
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina – Fayetteville State University has announced Ken Spencer as the 18th head men’s basketball coach in the history of the program. Spencer returns to the CIAA conference after a four-year stint coaching on the Division I level.
“We’re excited to have Ken Spencer serve as coach for our men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Anthony Bennett. “He has proven to be an outstanding coach who demonstrates a deep passion for and commitment to the university’s core beliefs, values and ideals, and I am confident he will foster these values in our exceptional student-athletes.”
Spencer will lead the Broncos’ men’s basketball program after a four year stint at South Carolina State University (SCSU) to include serving as associate head coach the past two seasons. He has been responsible for multitude of tasks to include: academics, recruiting, scouting, scheduling, guard development and on-the-floor coaching while at SCSU.
“First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the position of head men’s basketball coach at Fayetteville State University,” declared Spencer. “I would also like to thank Chancellor James A. Anderson, Director of Athletics, Anthony Bennett, and the search committee for entrusting me to lead the men’s basketball program and giving me the opportunity to serve this great institution.”
Prior to joining the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, Spencer was the head men’s basketball coach at CIAA Southern Divisional rival institution, Saint Augustine’s University (2010-12).
Prior to taking over the program at Saint Augustine’s, Spencer spent four seasons at Winston-Salem State University as the associate head coach and was in charge of all aspects of the program, especially recruiting and player development during the Rams’ time in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and their transition to Division I.
“I fully understand what it means to be in this position as well as what it means to the community, city, and to Fayetteville State University alumni near and far,” Spencer continued. “I plan to create an environment that energizes and empowers our student-athletes to represent Fayetteville State University with class and diligently pursue excellence academically, athletically, and socially, while consistently competing for championships.”
Before his stint at WSSU, Spencer built a powerhouse as the head boys’ basketball coach at Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, S.C. In eight seasons, Marlboro County High was 173-51 overall, appeared in three state title games and won the state championship in 2001.
Before becoming a high school coach, Spencer served as a student assistant coach at Pembroke State (1992-93) under Dan Kenney and John Haskins and as a graduate assistant coach at Fayetteville State (1991-92) under Jeff Capel, Sr., who was most recently an assistant coach with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
Spencer was a standout basketball player at UNC Pembroke, finishing his career as the school’s all-time three-point field goal leader. A four-year letterman, Spencer was captain on the UNCP team that won the Carolinas Conference championship during his senior season.
He earned his bachelor's degree in business management from UNC Pembroke in 1991 and returned to UNCP to obtain a physical education degree with teacher certification in 1993. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army after college and served in the Reserves for 10 years. Spencer recently completed his Master’s in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
“Finally, I am forever grateful to my wife, Ellen Spencer; my kids, Kevin and Karmen; and extended family and friends for all of their support,” asserted Spencer.
COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said he always has high expectations for his teams and builds his program around them.
The Hornets set a school record with 38 wins this season, including wins over South Alabama and Tennessee. The win at Tennessee on April 27 was the second over a Southeastern Conference program in three seasons.
Melendez admitted that he wasn’t sure how his team would come together this season, as the Hornets returned only two starters from last year.
“You never know what to expect from a young team,” Melendez said. “You certainly don’t expect them to be so successful at the plate. These kids know what it takes to win and they’ve shown that from the beginning of practice.”
Alabama State became the first team to complete an undefeated season in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. CONTINUE READING
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Brent Kitto and Drew Chatters are Academic All-District for 2015-16 in cross country/track and field. The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), which selects the teams, announced the honors Thursday. Both Kitto and Chatters were honored in College Division District II (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Tennessee). Nominees must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They also must have completed at least one full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility. Kitto, a senior men's distance runner from Chalmette, La., and a graduate of Holy Cross High School, made the team for the second straight year. This is the first year of all-district eligibility for Chatters, a sophomore women's javelin thrower from Lake Charles, La., and a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School. Kitto, a pharmacy major, produced 10 top-10 finishes and seven top-5s during his cross country career, and he was the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion in 2014 at 1,500 meters in outdoor track and field. A member of three honor societies, Kitto has cooked meals for families at Ronald McDonald House and has been a volunteer assistant cross country coach with Holy Cross. Chatters, a biology pre-medical major, is a two-time GCAC champion who holds school and conference-meet records in the javelin. Chatters is secretary of the Minority Association for Prehealth Students, a chemistry drill instructor and a peer dean. She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Premed Honor Society and has more than 50 community service hours. First-team Academic All-District members advance to the Academic All-America® ballot. The College Division Academic All-America® team will be announced June 21. During the past eight years, Xavier has produced 19 Academic All-District selections, all but one on the first team.
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana shattered the school record in the women's 1,600-meter relay Friday and qualified for the final at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. The Gold Nuggets' quartet of Kailey Williams, Kayla Quincy, Chinyere Jones andClarke Allen produced a time of 3 minutes, 49.87 seconds. Xavier ranked seventh out of 21 teams overall and third in a seven-team second heat. Devinn Rolland, Zahri Jackson, Tramaine Shannon and Chartia Hurt set the previous XU mark of 3:54.13 at the LSU Relays in Baton Rouge, La., on March 23, 2013. Carroll (Mont.) led all qualifiers in 3:44.89. Two of Xavier's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rivals — Dillard (3:47.67) and SUNO (3:48.24) — ran 3-4. The 1,600 relay final will start at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana produced a pair of 19th-place finishes Thursday in the women's preliminaries of the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. Kayla Quincy was 19th in the 200-meter dash (25.12 seconds), and the 400 relay team of Chelsea James, Destini Thomas, Alexis Milton and Martina Wright produced the same finish. The Gold Nuggets' relay time was 48.97. Neither Quincy nor the relay team qualified for Saturday's finals. Quincy will compete in the 400 prelims at 3:30 p.m. Friday. At 7:45 p.m., Xavier will compete in the prelims of the women's 1,600 relay. No XU men are competing. The three-day meet will conclude Saturday. Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Head women's basketball coach Semeka Randall has decided not to return for employment at Alabama A&M University, Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks announced.
"We would like to thank Coach Randall for her service to the women's basketball program and wish her much success in her future endeavors," Hicks said.
A search for a new coach will begin immediately, he said.
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
The announcement of the 2018 game completes Auburn’s commitment to play every in-state Division I-AA school in a six-year period (2012-2018). The first ASU-AU matchup will take place on Nov. 17, 2018.
The 2018 game is the first that Auburn has released to the public for that season. The 2021 game is the third. The Tigers have complete non-conference slCONTates for 2017 and games signed in 2019-21.
ASU athletic director Melvin Hines is a former wide receiver at Auburn and graduated with a bachelor's degree in adult education before starting his coaching career in 1997 as a graduate assistant at Louisville.
BRADENTON, Florida – Fantastic hurdler Tia-Adana Belle (Jr./St. George, Barbados) set another record as Saint Augustine's University posted three top qualifying times on the first day of the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at IMG Academy Track and Field Stadium.
Already the NCAA Division II women's 400 hurdles record-holder, Belle snapped the championship meet record in her signature event. Well ahead of her competitors, Belle crossed the finish line in 56.14 seconds, surpassing the old record of 56.38 set by Samantha Elliot of Johnson C. Smith University in 2013. Belle now heads to Saturday's finals to defend her national title in the 400 hurdles.
Her record-breaking run capped an impressive day for the Falcons and Lady Falcons, the nation's top-ranked and third-ranked teams, respectively. The men's 4x100 squad of Brent Arceneaux (Sr./Snellville, GA), Burkheart Ellis, Jr. (Sr./Raleigh, NC), Kendall Kee (Sr./Shelby, NC) and Daniel Jamieson (Sr./Windsor, CT) opened the running portion of the meet by winning the second heat and advancing to Saturday's finals in a top qualifying time of 39.50.
The three-time defending champion Falcons continued to display their speed in the men's 100 dash preliminaries. The trio of Kee, Ellis and Jamieson ran three of the four fastest times to reach Saturday's finals. Kee posted the best time (10.27) in winning the second heat while Jamieson and Ellis ran the third- and fourth-fastest preliminary times, respectively. Jamieson, who won the third heat, barely placed ahead of Ellis, who finished second in the first heat (10.291 seconds to 10.298 seconds).
Several other Falcons ran fast times to qualify for Saturday's finals in their respective events. Shawn Rowe (Jr./West Palm Beach, Fla.) ran the second-best preliminary time (50.41) in the men's 400 hurdles to win the first heat. Ornella Livingston (Sr./St. Ann, Jamaica) won the women's 100 dash second heat in 11.50, which was second-fastest in preliminaries.
The women's 4x100 relay quartet of Shamia Lassiter (Sr./Chesapeake, VA), Leah Barker (So./St. Michaels, Barbados), Shakinah Brooks (Jr./Raleigh, NC) and Livingston had the third-fastest prelim time (45.42).
Brooks and Amenze Uhunmwangho (Sr./Ebo, Nigeria) scored the first points for the Lady Falcons. They both garnered All-America honors after Brooks finished fourth (20-8½) and Uhunmwangho tied for eighth (19-9¾) in the women's long jump.
The championship meet continues Friday, May 27, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the decathlon. The preliminary running events will start at 5:35 p.m.
SALISBURY, Maryland – Tyler Norris and Alex Seibold took a combined no-hitter into the ninth, and a Jameel Edney solo home run keyed Bethune-Cookman’s 1-0 victory over Norfolk State Tuesday in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference baseball tournament championship at A.W. Perdue Stadium.
The Wildcats (29-25) won their 18th conference title overall and third under Head Coach Jason Beverlin. Norfolk State finishes the season 29-21.
“We played with focus and energy all through the tournament," Beverlin said. "They were determined to reach a goal they set in the fall and win a MEAC championship and go to the NCAA Regionals.”
In a classic pitcher’s duel with NSU’s Matt Outman, the MEAC pitcher of the year, Norris threw six innings of no-hit ball before handing it over to Seibold, who continued the no-no until Roger Hall singled up the middle to lead off the ninth.
Seibold (6-4) quickly regrouped, getting a fly out, a strikeout, and catcher Clay Middleton throwing out pinch runner Keith Granger on the steal attempt for the dramatic third out. Norris finished with six strikeouts, Seibold three.
This was Seibold’s second scoreless relief appearance against Norfolk State in the tournament and fifth straight against a MEAC team. He hasn’t been scored on in MEAC play since giving up one run against Florida A&M April 16.
Offensively, the Wildcats squandered opportunities, leaving 10 on bases, including a bases-loaded situation in the sixth.
Edney’s homer – his second against Norfolk State in the tournament and seventh of the year – finally broke the scoreless tie.
Edney and Danny Rodriguez each had two hits for the Wildcats, who have won 21 of their last 25 games against conference opposition after getting swept at Florida A&M in the conference opening series.
Rodriguez, who hit .412 (7-17) in four tournament games, was named the tournament MVP while Beverlin was named Outstanding Coach.
Rodriguez was joined on the All-Tournament team by Norris, Edney and Nathan Bond.
“I said it all tournament that we’re a dangerous team when we play that way [Focused and energized]," Beverlin said. "It was a total team effort surrounded by some outstanding performances from Tyler Norris, Alex Seibold, Danny Rodriguez and Jameel Edney.”
BOX SCORE COURTESY BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida - Starting Wednesday, May 25 at 10 a.m., Bethune-Cookman University Department of Athletics launched its' new brand identity and department wide campaign in the first of a three-day series of releases across all of the B-CU athletics social media platforms.Follow along on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. COURTESY BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- While Butch Jones tries to talk prospects into coming to Tennessee at the Vols' first satellite camp June 5 at Tennessee State, Tigers coach Rod Reed will try to persuade Jones to do something he would like.
