Holt Joins ASU Women's Basketball Coaching Staff

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson most definitely has done some changing to her back-to-back championship team, by adding a little more expertise to her coaching staff with bringing in veteran coach Dexter Holt as a new assistant.

Holt just completed his fifth season as an assistant men's basketball coach at Alabama A&M University and his 16th season overall as a full-time assistant coach with the Bulldogs. He has more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience with Alabama A&M - 11 seasons with women's basketball and 11 seasons with the men's team in some capacity.

"I am excited with the hiring of Dexter," said Freeman-Jackson. "I have been observing him as a coach for so many years when he was with the women's team over at Alabama A&M. He's a class act he had an opportunity once he left with the women's team to join us, but he decided to stay at AAMU and join the men's team as an assistant coach and that's where I got him from. Dexter had been with the men's team for about five years and I have been watching his professionalism, especially when he's on the road recruiting. He knows his job and I think he will fit right in the scheme of things of what we are doing as far as our quest to continue to win championships here at Alabama State."

Holt is no stranger to the SWAC as his bio reads. He began his career in 1993 on then-men's Head Coach Vann Pettaway's staff as a student assistant. Those teams won three consecutive regional championships and went to three consecutive NCAA Elite Eight appearances (1993-1996).

"One thing I know for sure is that Coach Holt is already accustomed to the SWAC and winning," Freeman-Jackson said. "With him coming from a sister school this will be an easy transition for him as well as for us."

In 2000, then-Alabama A&M women's Head Coach Press Parham sought the up-and-coming young coach to become part of his coaching staff as a full-time assistant. Holt went on to become the top assistant for Parham's final two seasons.

Holt was so dedicated to the university that, in 2002, under a new head coach that she decided to keep him on her staff as her top assistant. Their personalities fit well and the program flourished under their leadership as the team finished .500 or better six out of nine seasons, including several top five SWAC finishes.

During his coaching career with the women's team, Holt recruited and developed many All-SWAC performers as well as two SWAC Players of the Year. Some of those players were guards and they led the SWAC in scoring three consecutive years (2009, 2010, and 2011). Holt is well-respected throughout the Southeast as being a great recruiter. He recruited several state Players of the Year and several under-the-radar players who developed into All-SWAC performers.

"Between Coach Harris (Associate Head Coach of ASU women's team) and Dexter I know that we will be brining in some top notch guards," said Freeman-Jackson. "That's one thing that I am most impressed with about Dexter, when he was at AAMU they have always had great guards and I feel like in the next couple of years that we will have much better guards in place. He can really recruit some guards and I feel like he's a great hire for us."

Athletically, Holt was a standout outside shooter in his playing days at Lee High School in Huntsville, AL, under legendary Head Coach Jerry Dugan and at Snead State Community College where he played for Gid Riddle and Craig Roden. After leaving Snead, Holt decided to work on his dream of coaching so he came back to his hometown, received his degree in 1996 at AAMU and then joined the staff. Holt has always been a person who will go out of his way to help other programs at the university, such as football, volleyball etc.

Dexter and Tabatha, his wife of 17 years, are the proud parents of Diamond Samoan and Dexter Jr. "DJ".

"I am very excited about joining the Lady Hornets it's an easy transition for me coming from Alabama A&M," said Holt. "Of course everyone knows about the rivalry, but this is an awesome experience as well as opportunity for me as a coach and my family."

"I look forward to being part of Coach Freeman-Jackson's staff. I have admired her from a far for a while and I am excited to be working with her and the other members of the staff. She has been around the SWAC for some time and her winning mind-set is one of the reasons why I am here.

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Margaret Richards Named Women's Head Basketball Coach at Alabama A&M

MARGARET RICHARDS

NORMAL, Alabama -- Alabama A&M Director of Athletics, Bryan Hicks, has announced the hiring of Margaret Richards as the Lady Bulldogs head women's basketball coach.

"We are excited to have Margaret Richards as our new Head Women's Basketball Coach. Margaret is a rising star in women's basketball," said Hicks. "Her leadership skills, and her enthusiastic approach to the game of women's basketball will serve our program well. She is recognized as an excellent, relentless and proven recruiter, and we are glad to have her leading our women's basketball program."

Richards comes to The Hill after one season at Clemson. Prior to that, she was head coach at St. Augustine College (2008-10); assistant coach at North Texas (2010-11); assistant coach at Weber State (2011-12); and assistant coach at Western Kentucky (2012-15).

"I would like to first thank God for this wonderful opportunity. I would also like to thank President Dr. Andrew Hugine and Athletic Director Bryan Hicks for selecting me to lead their women's basketball program," said Richards. "I'm truly looking forward to being a part of the Bulldog family and community. This is such an amazing honor and opportunity and I plan to put in the work, time and energy to enhance the program on the court and in the classroom."

While at Western Kentucky, Richards helped guide the Hilltoppers to two NCAA Tournament appearances, two Conference USA tournament titles and one conference regular-season title. WKU won 20-plus games all three seasons she was there, including a 30-5 record in 2014-15. At St. Augustine, the team won the CIAA Western Division title in 2010.

She was a four-year letter-winner at the University of Nebraska and ranked among the nation's top 25 scorers in her senior season. Richards received her degree in communication studies from Nebraska in 2003.

A native of Louisville, Ky., Richards was an all-state honoree at Louisville Central High School, averaging 35.5 points per game as a senior.

A press conference/meet and greet will be held Monday, June 6 at 11 am in the Clyde Foster Multi-Purpose Room in the school of business on the campus of Alabama A&M University.

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Big Success = Big Upgrades For Florida A&M Baseball

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- College baseball teams kick off Regional play this weekend, but for Florida A&M, the season came to a close when they fell in the MEAC Tournament.

This year was no slouch for the Rattlers, as they boasted their best finish in regular season MEAC play ever, and because of their success, the future is looking even better.

"Athletics are the window a lot of people see a University through, and that window's looking pretty good right now," said head coach Jamey Shouppe.

That window to Moore-Kittles field hasn't looked better, as big success translates to big support, which means the Rattlers are getting some much needed updates. Those updates range from from special seating for boosters, to a locker room, and Shouppe has bigger ideas in the works.

"We're hoping to put a grandstand in, have a covered place that people can actually buy a season ticket," he said. "We're hoping to get a new scoreboard up. One thing we've said from day one is the money that's contributed to FAMU baseball is not my money, it's not the coaches money, but it's money that we'll use to upgrade these facilities."

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B-CU And FAMU Selected as the 2016 All-Sports Award Winners

NAPLES, Florida – Bethune-Cookman University swept both the Mary McLeod Bethune and Talmadge Layman Hill awards, announced at a special dinner ceremony during the annual Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) summer meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida. The sweep was the first time a single institution has swept at least a share of both awards since Hampton in 2004.

Bethune-Cookman won its third consecutive Talmadge Layman Hill Men’s Award, while the Wildcats shared the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s Award with Florida A&M. For B-CU, it was the first time the Maroon and Gold has ever won the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s Award in school history.

“What a tremendous moment for our program,” expressed Lynn. W. Thompson, B-CU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “These awards validate the shared vision and commitment of our university and the great work of every student-athlete, coach and administrator.”

The All-Sports Award are indicators of the overall strengths of the conference’s men’s and women’s athletic programs. Each institution was presented with a $20,000 check during a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida on Wednesday evening.

“I would like to congratulate Bethune-Cookman University including President Dr. Edison Jackson, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lynn Thompson, and the administrators, coaches, student-athletes and support staff for winning the 2016 Talmadge Layman Hill Award and sharing the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award,” said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas.

“I also extend congratulations to Florida A&M University and President Dr. Elmira Mangum, Director of Athletics Milton Overton and all of the outstanding individuals including staff, coaches and student-athletes who were involved in the women’s programs sharing the Mary McLeod Bethune Award.”

Coaches present at the awards ceremony from Bethune-Cookman was head football coach Terry Sims, head women’s basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, and director of track & field Donald Cooper. B-CU Associate Athletic Directors Sandra Booker and Robert “Tony” O’Neal were also present, alongside Assistant Athletic Director Reginald Thomas and Faculty Athletics Representative Carla Lester.

Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M totaled 92.8 points to share top honors in the All-Sports tally. The Rattlers won conference titles in Cross Country and Outdoor Track and Field, while the Wildcats had top finishes in Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis and Softball.

North Carolina A&T State took third place with 86 points to edge out Hampton University with 85.5 who finished fourth and Maryland Eastern Shore took fifth with 77.5 points.

On the men’s side Bethune-Cookman continues to strengthen its programs, totaling 94.6 points for its third straight overall All-Sports trophy. The Wildcats earned a share of the football title and finished first in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field along with a second place finish in Golf.

North Carolina A&T State took second on the men’s side with 74.3 points to edge out Norfolk State who was third with 74 points. Hampton finished fourth (70) and North Carolina Central (62.3) rounded out the top five finishers.

Points are awarded in a descending order beginning with 14 points for champions or first place regular season finishes. The second place team receives 12 points. Tied teams split the point total.

“The Wildcats Nation should be proud of this history-making accomplishment,” continued Thompson.

The Mary McLeod Bethune and Talmadge Layman Hill Awards

The Mary McLeod Bethune Award, named after the founder of Bethune-Cookman College, awards the top overall women’s athletic program during the course of one full academic year. The first Mary McLeod Bethune award was giving in 1987 to Delaware State University. Hampton leads all MEAC schools with 14 Women’s Awards. The men’s All-Sports Award is named after the late Talmadge Layman Hill, a former player and coach at Morgan State, and former Chairman of the MEAC Steering and Planning Committee, as well as the conference’s first President. Howard University was the recipient of the first Talmadge Layman Hill Award in 1972. South Carolina State holds the men’s record with 11 awards from 1973-84.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics), Twitter (www.twitter.com/BCUathletics) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/BCUathletics) 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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FAMU's Rudy Hubbard and MVSU's Vincent Brown lead HBCU stars on 2017 ballot for College Football Hall of Fame

COACH RUDY HUBBARD (Aug. 24, 1984) WITH FAMU FOOTBALL PLAYER
Courtesy:  Deborah Thomas Collection

IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the names on the 2017 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, including 75 players and six coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 95 players and 29 coaches from the divisional ranks.

“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the ballot when you think that more than 5.12 million people have played college football,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First-Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of only 1,500 individuals who are even eligible to be on the ballot, so being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to ever have played the game, and we are proud to announce their names. We look forward to announcing the 2017 Hall of Fame Class on the Friday before the College Football Playoff National Championship in Tampa.”

The ballot was emailed this week to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Courts, which deliberate and select the class. The FBS Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, and the Divisional Honors Court, chaired by former Marshall head coach, longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel, include an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media.

“Having a ballot and a voice in the selection of the inductees is one of the most cherished NFF member benefits,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 Hall of Fame inductee from Mississippi. “There is no group more knowledgeable or passionate about college football than our membership, and the tradition of the ballot helps us engage them in the lofty responsibility of selecting those who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in our sport.”



The announcement of the 2017 Class will be made Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. The city is serving as the host for the CFP National Championship, which will be played Jan. 9 at Raymond James Stadium. Some of the inductees will be on site at the press conference to represent the class and share their thoughts on the announcement. The Jan. 6 announcement will be televised live, and specific viewing information will be available as the date draws near. Inductees will also participate in the pregame festivities and the coin toss on Jan. 9.

Coach Rudy Hubbard, who led Florida A&M to Division I-AA national championships in 1977 and 1978, was named to the ballot for the second straight year.  When Hubbard is inducted in the Hall, he will join Rattlers legends -- Coach Jake Gaither (1975), Tyrone McGriff (1996), Willie Galimore (1999) and Coach Billy Joe (2007) in college football immortality.

It is strange that Black College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Bob Hayes is not on the short list for enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame.  Hayes is one of the greatest athletes ever from Florida A&M and is the only man to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl.

A coach becomes eligible three full seasons after retirement or immediately following retirement provided he is at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible at 75 years of age. He must have been a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage.

Listed on the ballot are the following coaches and players that made their hall of fame mark on the gridiron at Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU):

Rudy Hubbard-Florida A&M (1974-85)-Captured back-to-back national championships, 1977 and 1978, including the inaugural NCAA Division I-AA National Title in 1978…Led A&M to back-to-back SIAC championships.

Joe Taylor-Howard (1983), Virginia Union (1984-91), Hampton (1992-07), Florida A&M (2008-12)-Winningest coach in Hampton history (74%), leading Pirates to four Black College National Championships…Led teams to 10 conference titles and 10 playoff appearances throughout career…Four-time MEAC Coach of the Year.

Dwight Reed-Lincoln (Mo.) (1949-71)-Teams won three conference titles…Coached 93 All-Americans in four sports…The football stadium at Lincoln University was named for him.

Vincent Brown, Mississippi Valley State-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-American, leading the NCAA in tackles in 1986 and 1987…Set NCAA All-Divisions record with 570 career tackles…Three-time All-SWAC selection who led MVSU in tackles his last three seasons.

Parnell Dickinson, Mississippi Valley State-Quarterback-1975 First Team All-American and Pittsburgh Courier National Player of the Year…Four-time All-SWAC selection and conference Player of the Year as a senior…Finished career as SWAC’s all-time leader in total offense (7,442 yards).

Billy Thompson, Maryland Eastern Shore-Defensive Back-1968 First Team All-America selection…Four-year letterman, who was named team MVP as a senior…Three-time CIAA All-Conference selection…1984 UMES Hall of Fame inductee.

William Dillon, Virginia Union-Free Safety-Three-time First Team All-America selection (1980-82)…Tallied 16 interceptions in 1983…1983 Black College Player of the Year…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection and Player of the Year (1981-82).

About The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include FootballMatters.org, the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, The William V. Campbell Trophy presented by Fidelity Investments, annual scholarships of more than $1.3 million and a series of initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Herff Jones, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, PrimeSport, the Sports Business Journal and Under Armour. Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org.

Bruins earns XU's 6th NAIA Scholar award of 2015-16

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Sha'Nel Bruins has been named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete in women's tennis.

Bruins — a junior accounting major from Colfax, La., and a graduate of Grant High School — is among 107 from 53 schools in this sport to receive the NAIA honor this season. Bruins is the only representative from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference or Louisiana.

To qualify for Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, student-athletes are nominated by their institution, must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status.

Bruins is the fifth XU student-athlete of 2015-16 to be named NAIA Scholar-Athlete. The others were Brent Kitto — a double recipient in men's cross country and track and field — and Jodi Hill, Kayla Jones and Franziska Pirkl in women's volleyball. Sixteen student-athletes from eight XU sports have earned 30 NAIA Scholar-Athlete awards, all in the last 14 seasons. During the past two seasons, 10 from Xavier have received 17 of those awards.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: Summation of Life & Leadership of FAMU's Past Presidents, Series Part 4: J.R.E. Lee [1924-1944]

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- J.R.E. Lee was born in 1864 to John and Mary Lee in Sequin, Texas, prior to the end of the Civil War. John and Mary pinned their hopes on J.R.E getting a strong education. To that end he attended elementary school in Sequin and as a young adult became broadly educated. Lee was a brilliant student. At the age of 19 he entered Bishop College in Marshall, Texas as a second year student.

Two years later he was appointed Student Assistant to the Academic Faculty. In 1889 he became only the third person in the college’s 10-year history to receive an A.B. degree, graduating with high honors. Gaining valuable experience that would one day help him in his future role at FAMC, Lee taught for two years at a public school and thereafter was appointed Dean of Men and Professor of Latin and Mathematics at Bishop College.

In 1901 he accepted a teaching position at Tuskegee Institute and after serving two years he became the Professor of Mathematics at Benedict College. In 1805 he returned to Tuskegee and for the next ten years served as the Director of the Academic Department. From 1915 to 1921 he was principal of Lincoln High School in Kansas, City, Missouri. His final stop before coming to FAMC was as Extension Secretary of the National Urban League, a position he held from 1921 to 1924.

Lee was appointed to FAMC at the recommendation of Jackson T. Davis, Secretary of the General Education Board, a philanthropic organization established by John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Davis himself was a reputable individual who dedicated his life to the education and betterment of Africans in the African content and African Americans. He helped steer the Rockefeller Foundation and the Jeanes Foundation, both of which contributed millions toward educating blacks. He also helped to establish the United Negro College Fund.

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FAMU's "Marching 100" Celebrates 70 Years

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University's marching band reached a milestone Wednesday. "The Marching 100" celebrated its 70th anniversary.

The band also recently welcomed a new director.

Dr. Shelby Chipman says he's "blessed" to lead this group, which has been a hallmark at the university now for seven decades.

"The Marching 100" was founded on June 1, 1946, under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster.



The band grew over the years, making a number of national and international performances, including Super Bowl appearances and the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Chipman says his time marching with the band as a student was special.

"Those were great times," he said, "and I never thought being here as a young pup, trying out for 'The Marching 100' in 1982 would lend itself to me being in the position I am."

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10 most intriguing SWAC games of 2016

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Only three months stand between now and the start of the college football season for the SWAC.

Jackson State will be the first conference team to strap up the pads when it hits the road to face UNLV on Sept. 1.

With football season getting closer and closer, The Clarion-Ledger has decided to take a look at the 10 most intriguing SWAC conference games coming up this fall.

1. Alcorn State at Grambling, Sept. 24: Defending SWAC champion Alcorn State lost coach Jay Hopson, and conference runner-up Grambling lost quarterback Johnathan Williams, who was the conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. Despite the losses, these two programs will likely be projected to be in the SWAC title game in December, so this game could serve as an early preview.

2. Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling, at Dallas, Oct. 1: In terms of offensive fireworks, the State Fair Classic provided plenty when the Tigers beat the Panthers 70-54 last season. It could be more of the same this season if Prairie View A&M, which went 8-2 last season, finds a replacement for standout running back Johnta' Hebert.

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Seminoles should take ASU seriously

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Here’s the other side of Alabama State’s historic 28-0 SWAC championship run that led to a first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament – 10-15.

That’s how the Hornets fared in their remaining 25 games this season.

So Florida State could look at that latter number and take ASU (38-15) lightly Friday, but that might not be a wise move for the top-seeded Seminoles (37-20) in the Tallahassee Regional.

Last season, ASU had Florida State down by two runs heading into bottom of the seventh inning before surrendering three runs in an 8-7 loss in Tallahassee. That’s even more reason for the Seminoles to take the Hornets seriously, but ASU suffered lopsided losses at Auburn this season.

The Tigers outscored ASU, 22-2, in the two games. Power 5 programs are expected to beat schools from smaller conferences, but Auburn won just 22 games this season. If ASU couldn’t hang with one of the SEC’s worst teams, the chances of it knocking off one of the ACC’s best teams aren’t good.

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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: Summation of Life & Leadership of FAMU's Past Presidents, Series Part 3: William H.A. Howard, Acting [1922-1924]

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- In 1872, William H. A. Howard was born in Columbus, Georgia. Howard graduated from the Georgia Industrial School (now Savannah State University) and taught there under the direction of Nathan B. Young. Recruited by President Young to teach at FAMC, Howard had a stellar 20-year career becoming Dean of Mechanical Arts and innovator of FAMC’s military training program. By all accounts Howard was a loyal friend to Nathan B. Young before being selected by the Board of Control to take over as acting president.

Synopsis

Though it appears that Howard was completely loyal to Young, rumors spread that he undermined Young before taking the job. Teachers resigned from their positions, and until advised otherwise by Young the alumni association pushed to have him return.

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Xavier's Kitto repeats as Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Brent Kitto earned his second postseason academic honor in five days when he was announced Monday as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete in men's track and field.

Kitto, a senior distance runner for the Gold Rush in 2016, is a repeat recipient of the award. A pharmacy major from Chalmette, La., and a graduate of Holy Cross School, Kitto is among 301 from 104 schools in men's track and field to receive the NAIA honor this season. Kitto is the only representative of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference or Louisiana.

To qualify for Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, student-athletes are nominated by their institution, must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status.

Kitto was announced Thursday as Academic All-District 2 by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He will learn June 21 if he made the Academic All-America® team.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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COUNT TO 100: “Point and Drive” Documentary Comes to FAMU

WATCH IN 720p HD, WIDE SCREEN

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Get in step with the FAMU Marching 100 during a screening of the marching band’s documentary “Point and Drive” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the FAMU Band Rehearsal Hall, 206 Foster-Tanner Music Building on campus. It will kick off with a splashy red carpet arrival at 6:30 p.m., and the screening will be followed by a discussion with producer-director Brandi Mitchell, FAMU alum. The doc focuses on the legendary William P. Foster, who ran the band during its glory days from 1946 to 1998. Tickets at the door are $25 general public, $15 college students and $10 for members of the Marching 100. For more, visit www.pointanddrivemovie.com.



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N.C. State, East Carolina Transfers Among 3 New Norfolk State Spartan Football Recruits

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State head football coach Latrell Scott continued to enhance his incoming recruiting class with the addition of three more players, including a pair of Division I FBS transfers. Scott announced Tuesday the signing of three North Carolina natives: N.C. State transfer defensive tackle Deshaywn Middleton, East Carolina transfer defensive back Cody Purdie and high school athlete Johnathan Spencer.

Middleton (6-2, 305) will have three seasons of eligibility remaining at NSU after spending two seasons, including a redshirt year, at N.C. State. Middleton redshirted the 2014 season for the Wolfpack and did not see any game action in 2015.



A native of Winston-Salem, N.C. and a product of Parkland High School, Middleton was rated a three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247 Sports coming out of high school. Scout, Rivals and ESPN all ranked him among the top 100 high school defensive tackles nationally in the class of 2014. Middleton was a first-team All-Piedmont Triad Conference selection and an All-Northwest honoree at Parkland. He registered six sacks and 30 tackles despite being limited to 4.5 games as a senior. Middleton recorded 45 tackles, 15 sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior.

"We expect Deshaywn to be able to make an immediate impact along our revamped defensive line," Scott said. "We feel he will fit well into the scheme we want to run and he has the talent to be a big difference maker for us in the MEAC."



Purdie (5-11, 190) will have two years of eligibility left after playing in four games each of the last two seasons at ECU. Purdie made one tackle in four games last season, and notched a pair of stops in four games as a true freshman in 2014.

A native of New Bern, N.C., Purdie was a standout defensive player and running back at New Bern High School. A two-star recruit according to 247 Sports, Purdie helped lead New Bern to the North Carolina state 4A title as a junior, logging 143 tackles, 20 for loss, and 10 sacks as a linebacker that season. He made his biggest contributions as a senior at the running back position, rushing for a team-high 1,317 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"Cody has good speed and is a physical defensive back. He'll get a look at corner and safety for us after playing both positions at ECU," Scott said. "He was a two-way starter on a state championship team in high school, which speaks to his athleticism."



Spencer (5-11, 180) was a standout defensive back, receiver and special teams player at Middle Creek High School in Apex, N.C. Spencer was a first-team All-Southwest Wake Athletic Conference performer at both defensive back and receiver. He was chosen as conference Offensive Player of the Year and was also chosen Co-Special Teams Player of the Year as a return specialist. Spencer led Middle Creek to a 14-1 record, the conference championship and an appearance in the state 4A semifinals. He had two touchdowns covering at least 90 yards in one game last fall, recording a 95-yard TD reception and a 100-yard interception return for a score in a game against Cary High School.

"Johnathan is a dynamic athlete," Scott said. "He has the ability to be a two-way player for us and has the potential to help us in the return game, as well."

Middleton, Purdie and Spencer join an incoming recruiting class
that now stands at 22 players as of Tuesday.

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Lincoln BlueTigers McCarthy Wins National Title in 100M Hurdles!

CHRISDALE MCCARTHY
5-9" FRESHMAN
HOMETOWN: ST. CATHERINE JAMAICA
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY 
NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPION - 100m HURDLES

BRADENTON, Florida -- Chrisdale McCarthy won the national title in the 100m hurdles, highlighting Lincoln's performance at the 2016 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The three-day meet, hosted by the University of Tampa and IMG Academy, was held from Thursday through Saturday (May 26-28).

McCarthy captured the national title in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.49. Two other Blue Tigers turned in individual All-American performances, with Jhevere Hall taking third in the 800m (2:05.98) and Kimberly Bailey placing seventh in the 200m (24.01). Earlier this week, Diana Cauldwell also earned All-American honors in both the triple jump and the long jump.

The highlight of Saturday for the Lincoln men came in the 4x100m relay, as the foursome of Roberto Smith, Miguel Barton,Roger Blake and Stephen Rose took second with a time of 39.77. Sedeekie Edie also competed in the triple jump on Saturday, finishing 16th with a distance of 14.66m.

The Lincoln women finished with 25 points and came in 10th place overall out of 59 programs. The LU men scored eight points and tied for 29th out of 69 programs. A total of eight Blue Tigers earned first team All-American honors this week.

Complete 2016 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship Results

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY BLUE TIGERS ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

SWAC Champion Alabama State Hornets To Face Florida State In Tallahassee Regional

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The 2016 SWAC Champion Alabama State baseball team will face Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional Friday at 5 p.m. CT.

The Hornets (38-15), the fourth-seed in the region, will face top-seeded Florida State (37-20) in one of two opening round games on Friday at Dick Howser Stadium/Mike Martin Field. #2-seed Southern Miss (40-18) will face #3-seed South Alabama (40-20) at 11 a.m. Friday in the double elimination tournament. Every Hornets game will be broadcast live on bamastatesports.com, with Friday's game also video streamed live on ESPN3.com.

This will be the second straight year the Hornets and Seminoles will play on the baseball diamond. FSU defeated Alabama State 8-7 on March 25 in Tallahassee.



"Going to a place that we are familiar with definitely gives us an advantage," said Alabama State head coach Mervyl Melendez, who makes his 12th NCAA Tournament appearance and sixth in the Tallahassee Regional. "We know the environment, as we played there last year. We played very well against Florida State. Traditionally, we have played very well against them, but we don't want to just play well. We want to win. South Alabama has a very good team. We're not familiar with Southern Miss, although we know they are a very good team. We're going down their thinking about ourselves, and the things we need to do to win."

Tickets for the 2016 NCAA Baseball Tallahassee Regional will go on sale to the public at 2 p.m. CT today at www.seminoles.com. Phone and walk-up orders begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning by calling 888-378-6653 or visiting the main Seminole Ticket Office located at Doak Campbell Stadium, University Center C.

Regional tournament passes are available for $55 for reserved seats and $40 for general admission seats. Individual game tickets will go on-sale beginning Friday, June 3. Individual game prices are $18 for reserved (if available) and $12 for adult general admission and $8 for youth general admission (ages 5-18). Children aged 4 and under are free with a paying adult.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

B-CU Wildcats Draws No. 1 Florida in NCAA Tournament Opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — It was announced during the NCAA Baseball Selection Show on Monday, May 30, that Bethune-Cookman will travel to the Gainesville [Fla.] Regional for its appearance in the 2016 Division I Baseball Championship. Joining the Wildcats in the Regional will be host Florida, Connecticut and Georgia Tech with action taking place at McKethan Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.

Bethune-Cookman (29-25) earned the automatic qualification to the NCAA Baseball Championships after winning its 18th Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title. For the Wildcats, this will mark the program’s 15th appearance in an NCAA Regional, not including three (3) NCAA play-in appearances. It also marks the fifth time in school history that Bethune-Cookman will travel to the Gainesville [Fla.] Regional, with the last being a visit in 2012 – the first NCAA postseason appearance under current head coach Jason Beverlin.

The Wildcats enter the weekend having won their last six games, as well as seven of their last 10 overall. Included in the three losses on the spin were decisions at top-ranked Florida (May 3) and third-ranked Miami (May 10). Bethune-Cookman enters having also won seven of their last eight series overall, with the lone exception being a three-game setback at Ohio State (April 1-3).



Bethune-Cookman will open the Gainesville [Fla.] Regional against the No. 1 national seed and host Florida Gators. Under the direction of head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, the top-seeded Gators enter the weekend with a record of 47-13, and finished as runner-up at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships over the weekend in Hoover, Alabama.

First pitch for the Wildcats and Gators is scheduled for Friday, June 3, at 6 p.m.

For ticket information, please visit FloridaGators.com.

Second-seeded Georgia Tech (36-23) will meet third-seeded UConn (37-23) earlier in the day at 1 p.m. The Yellow Jackets earned an at-large bid to the tournament, while the Huskies won the American Athletic Conference Tournament to earn an automatic bid.

The Regional continues through Sunday, with a final game to be played Monday night, if necessary. The winner of the Gainesville [Fla.] Regional will meet the winner from the Tallahassee [Fla.] Regional the following weekend in a Super Regional, best-of-three series. The eight Super Regional winners advance to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

The top eight national seeds are Florida, Louisville, Miami, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Mississippi State, Clemson and LSU.

Each of the 16 Regionals features four teams, playing a double-elimination format. The Regionals are scheduled to be conducted from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1 (if necessary). Selection of the eight Super Regional Hosts will be announced on www.NCAA.com/cws, Monday, June 1 at approximately 11 p.m. (ET).

The 70th Men's College World Series begins play Saturday, June 18, at the TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska.



2016 NCAA Gainesville Regional Schedule

Friday, June 3
Game 1: 1 p.m. - No. 3 UConn vs. No. 2 Georgia Tech (ESPN3)
Game 2: 6 p.m. - No. 4 Bethune-Cookman vs. No. 1 FLORIDA (SEC Network)

Saturday, June 4
Game 3: TBA - Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (SEC Network/ESPN3)
Game 4: TBA - Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 (SEC Network/ESPN3)

Sunday, June 5
Game 5: TBA - Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 (SEC Network/ESPN3)
Game 6: TBA - Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5 (SEC Network/ESPN3)

Monday, June 6
Game 7: (if necessary) – TBA - Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6 (SEC Network/ESPN3)

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.

COURTESY BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

JCSU Women's 4x400 Team Wins NCAA Championship

BRADENTON, Florida -- The Johnson C. Smith University women's 4x400m relay team captured the NCAA Title in the final race of the third and final day at the IMG Academy Stadium in Bradenton, Florida on Saturday night.

The team of Crystal Campbell (St. Catherine, Jamaica), Fellan Ferguson (Trelawny, Jamaica), Domenique Julius-Williams (Oshawa, Ontario), and Tovea Jenkins (St. James, Jamaica) were able to outdistance the second-place team from Shorter by nearly three seconds on their way to the title.

In other events, JCSU's women claimed two second-place finishes when Ferguson posted a 2:04.46 in the 800m and Jenkins claimed second in the 400m with a 52.42.  Teammate
Kendra Clarke (Edmonton, Alberta) came in fourth in the 400m with a 53.30.  Mayah Edwards (Kingston, Jamaica) finished in 5^th place with an 11.79 in the 100m

In the lone field event for JCSU, recent graduate LaTondra Morrow (Charlotte, N.C.) finished 11^th by jumping to a 1.67m height.

On the men's side, Patrick Campbell (St. Elizabeth, Jamaica) and Kyle Robinson (Levelland, Tex.) finished in 5^th and 8^th place, respectively, in the 400m hurdles.  Campbell posted a 52.01 while Robinson ran to a 54.35.  Teammate Joshua Cunningham (Toronto, Ontario) claimed a 5^th place finish in the 400m with a 46.23.

In the 4x400m relay, the JCSU team of Campbell, Cunningham, Waynee Hyman (Warwick, N.Y.) and Robinson posted a 5^th place time of 46.23 to round out the men's competition.

As a team, the JCSU men finished tied for 21^st place with 12 team points.  The JCSU women finished in a tie for 6^th place with 35 team points.

St. Augustine's won the men's team title while Pittsburg St. claimed the women's team title.

NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, May 26-28, 2016
Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)

JCSU Participant Schedule/Results

Event	Name	Prelim Results/Event Time	Finals Event Time (Sat)
Men's 400m Hurdles	Patrick Campbell	6th, 51.79 (Q)	5th, 52.01
Men's 400m Hurdles	Kyle Robinson	7th, 51.92 (Q)	8th, 54.35
Men's 400m	Joshua Cunningham Waynee Hyman	10th, 47.10 (Q) 8th, 46.90 (DNQ)	5th, 46.23
Men's 200m	Waynee Hyman	9th, 21.16 (DNQ)	N/A
Men's 4x400	Campbell, Cunningham, Hyman, Robinson	7th, 3:10.29 (Q)	6th, 3:09.84
Women's 100m	Mayah Edwards Trudy-Ann Richards	8th, 11.83 (Q) 21st, 12.69 (DNQ)	5th, 11.79
Women's 400m	Kendra Clarke Tovea Jenkins	4th, 53.95 (Q) 2nd, 53.41 (Q)	4th, 53.30 2nd, 52.42
Women's 800	Fellan Ferguson Domenique Julius-Williams	2nd, 2:08.41 (Q) 10th, 2:10.62	2nd, 2:04.46
Women's High Jump	LaTondra Morrow		11th, 1.67m
Women's 4x100	Campbell, Quince, Edwards, Richards	9th, 46.18 (DNQ)	N/A
Women's 4x400	Julius-Williams, Clarke, Ferguson, Jenkins	1st,  3:37.89 (Q)	1st, 3:35.42

 
COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: Summation of Life & Leadership of FAMU's Past Presidents, Series Part 2: Nathan B. Young [1901-1922]

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Nathan B. Young was born to Susan Smith, an African American who escaped slavery when Young was just three years old. She settled in a home of her own in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and married Frank Young. Nathan assumed Frank’s surname. Susan was determined that Nathan receive a good education. Nathan Young received a teacher’s diploma from Talladega College before attending Oberlin College earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1888 and a Master of Arts degree in 1891. Late in his career, Talladega College and Selma University would award Young honorary degrees of Doctors of Letters.

In 1892, Booker T. Washington employed Young to teach at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Young stayed at Tuskegee for five years and served as the head of the academic department until conflict developed between Young and Washington over Washington’s emphasis on vocational training. In 1897, Young accepted the position of Director of Teacher Training at Georgia State Industrial College (now Savannah State University). While Young worked at the Georgia State Industrial College he became frustrated with the school’s board of directors’ efforts to limit black education to vocational training. Like FAMU’s first president, Thomas De Saille Tucker, Nathan Young believed in literacy.

At every stop he sought to balance the vocational education programs with liberal arts programs. This continuously placed him at odds with those who sought to limit the education of blacks to vocational training. Even after his days at FAMC, Young faced a similar situation as President of Lincoln University in Missouri. There, his emphasis on literacy led to him being fired, rehired, and not long thereafter resigning in 1931.

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Stillman Tigers Dontavius Wright Wins NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships 400 Meter Race

BRADENTON, Florida -- Dontavius Wright just won the NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in the 400 Meter with a time of 45.44! #ncaad2tf.

Claflin University Trisana Fairweather Wins 200 Meters at Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships

BRADENTON, Florida — Trisana Fairweather ran a 23.21 en route to capturing the 200 meter title at the 2016 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships.  Fairweather finished third in the 100 meters with a time of 11.51 to earn Divison II Outdoor All-American status in both events.  She was also a 2016 Division II Indoor Track All-American for her third place finish in the 200 meters.
 
The women's 4x100 meter relay consisting of Aliyah Miller, Makayla Jackson, Brenay Brown and Fairweather which finished fourth with a time of 45.60 (45.51 prelims) also earned All-American status.
 
The men's 4x400 meter relay team of Nicholas Williams, You'shi Kirkland, Brandon Valentine-Parris and Odou Hazelearned its All-American status with a fourth place finish in a time of 3:08.42
 
The 2016 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships were contested Thursday-Saturday, May 26-28, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

COURTESY CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tuscaloosa valedictorian with 4.56 GPA, millions of dollars in scholarships shamed online; Will Attend Florida A&M University

Filer will attend Florida A&M University in the fall on a full scholarship.  Her father also attended FAMU and was valedictorian at his high school. 

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Days after Mari Filer graduated as Central High School’s valedictorian, she’s still receiving college acceptance letters.

So far, she’s been accepted to more than 40 colleges and universities. She has a 4.56 GPA and has earned nearly $3 million in scholarships.

“I spent a lot of my time working. You just know when it’s time to work to get it done,” Filer said.

Hours after she graduated, she posted her accomplishments on Twitter and Facebook.

“I started getting like thousands of likes by the minute and it was just crazy,” Filer said.

Filer received a lot of congratulations but some are shaming her saying she’s a fraud.

“A few people were like you can’t get above a 4.0 GPA. She’s lying. $2.8 million in scholarships? I don’t believe that for one minute. One man was like, ‘Where is she going to school? Mars University?’” Filer said.

The teen is taking her 24 college credits to Florida A&M University, where she has a full ride.

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High risk, high reward: New Bern native Shawn Best transferring to JUCO from North Carolina A&T, re-opens recruitment

SHAWN BEST #76

NEW BERN, North Carolina -- Shawn Best knows the risk he’s taking. But like he has most of his life, the 6-foot-6, 322-pound offensive lineman is looking forward to proving doubters wrong.

The former New Bern High standout is transferring from North Carolina A&T to Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona. He will play a season of junior college football and re-open his recruitment – and work for a scholarship at a Division-I program for the 2017 class.

“I’m very determined. There are a lot of people who have their opinions of me now because I am transferring,” said Best. “I’m taking a big risk by leaving A&T, but I’m working to better my pastures. “I’m looking forward to proving them wrong.”

His decision is already paying dividends. Best has already received an offer from Iowa State and Idaho, and has heard from others. He leaves for Arizona on June 29. After Best plays a season at Arizona Western, he will have two more seasons of eligibility at another school.

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SUNO Women Earn Two National Championships, Finish 4th Overall

Complete Meet Results

GULF SHORES, Alabama -- Southern University at New Orleans had its most successful trip to the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in more than two decades, finishing fourth overall and producing two national champions.

The Lady Knights were led by senior Orenthia Bennett, who captured the women's 400 meter crown. Bennett was also a member of the national champion 4x400 meter relay team, along with freshman Shantae Green, sophomore Shadae Hylton, and senior Leonie Robinson.

SUNO's women compiled six top-five finishes overall, with Hylton taking third place in the 400 meters,sophomore Oshin Brooks-Gillings finishing fourth in the 100 meters, Green ran fifth in the 400 meter hurdles, and the team of sophomore Chantal Pennie, Hylton, Brooks-Gillings, and Robinson finished second in the 4x100 meter relay.

"This was an outstanding team effort", said SUNO head coach Yhann Plummer. "The team was excited to finish fourth, but they felt like they could have done even better. We left a few points out there on the track this weekend, but overall I can't be anything but proud of the work that they put in this entire season and here at the national championships."

The SUNO men's team produced three All-Americans. Freshman Danielle Richards came in fifth in the 400 meters and senior Chad Thomas finished sixth in the 400 meter hurdles. Alex Saunders was the team's top performer, earning a third place finish in the men's 800 meter run.

"We're going to lose some great athletes and leaders in people like Orenthia (Bennett) and Chad (Thomas), but I think the future is very bright for SUNO track. We'll be back next year and we'll build on this. Right now I'm just excited for our team and our university."

SUNO Outdoor Track & Field All-Americans

Women
Athlete	Yr.	Event
Orenthia Bennett	Sr.	400m*, 4x400m relay*
Oshin Brooks-Gillings	So.	100m, 4x100m relay
Shantae Green	Fr.	400m hurdles, 4x400m relay*
Shadae Hylton	So.	400m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay*
Chantal Pennie	So.	4x100m relay
Leonie Robinson	Sr.	4x100m relay, 4x400m relay*
Men
Athlete	Yr.	Event
Danielle Richards	Fr.	400m
Alex Saunders	Jr.	800m
Chad Thomas	Sr.	400m hurdles

*National Champion

COURTESY GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEDIA RELATIONS