‘Love somebody’ is message at funeral for FAMU grad

MELBOURNE, Florida -- Love served as the theme during the celebration of a life lost in an act of hatred.

Friends, family, co-workers and clergy challenged about 1,000 mourners filling the sanctuary of New Shiloh Christian Center in Melbourne to emulate Antonio Davon Brown and show love for one another.

“My brother was a genuine person,” said James Hickey, older brother of the 30-year-old Brown, who was among 49 people killed June 12 when a gunman opened fire in an Orlando nightclub. “He had a kind heart, and a loving soul, and he never met a stranger.”

Like others who spoke at the service, Hickey described Brown, who grew up in Port St. John, as having a bold sense of humor and a joy for living.



“It’s always sad to say goodbye,” he said, “but his legacy will live forever.”

Then he proffered a challenge: “To honor my brother, love somebody. Because that’s what he did.”

Before the service, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, accompanied by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, met privately with Brown’s mother, Rosetta Evans, and other members of Brown’s immediate family.

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TSU Football Season Tickets Go on Sale July 1

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Season tickets for the 2016 Tennessee State football season will go on sale Friday, July 1. Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the TSU Ticket Office (615-963-5841).

The season-ticket package includes four home games with optional seating on or near the 50-yard line.

The Big Blue Tigers open the season on Saturday, September 3 against Arkansas Pine Bluff in the 18th annual John A. Merritt Classic. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m. in Nissan Stadium.

TSU will return to action on Oct. 1 against UT Martin for the Hale Stadium opener before hosting Eastern Kentucky in the Homecoming game on Oct. 15 at Nissan Stadium.

The Tigers close out the home schedule on Saturday, Nov. 12 versus Tennessee Tech on Senior Day at Hale Stadium.

Season tickets are $70 and season parking passes are $30. Fans can purchase one parking pass per season ticket. Discounted prices for kids under 12, young alumni and TSU faculty/staff are also available.

Ticket Information

Season Ticket Price - $70

TSU Faculty/Staff Price - $60

Young Alumni (Must be listed among TSU graduates from 2012-2016) $50

Kids 12 and under - $50 (Must specify at time of purchase)

2016 Football Single Game Tickets

Single game tickets for the John Merritt Classic will go on sale July 15 while single tickets for the rest of the games will begin Sept. 6. All tickets will increase by $5 on game day.

Single Game Tickets at Nissan Stadium – Range from $15 - $40

Single Game Ticket at Hale Stadium - $15

For season tickets, call (615.963.5841) or visit the TSU Ticket Office.

FULL SCHEDULE

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Ball State Men’s Basketball Adds MEAC Big Man DouDou Gueye

DouDou Gueye

MUNCIE, Indiana -- The Ball State men's basketball program has signed post player DouDou Gueye to scholarship papers as a graduate transfer.

The 6-foot-10 Gueye, who spent the past two seasons at South Carolina State, will have one year of eligibility for the Cardinals in 2016-17.

“DouDou is a hard worker gifted with great size,” Ball State coach James Whitford said. “As a graduate student, he will bring some valuable experience to our front court.  DouDou is also an outstanding student and person, and he will be an asset to both our team and our campus at large. We are excited to have him join our program.”

Gueye (full name pronounced Doo-doo GUY-yay) played in all 34 games and made 18 starts last season for a South Carolina State team that reached the finals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament and competed in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT).

A native of Dakar, Senegal, Gueye began his career at Western Nebraska Community College, where he played for two seasons before moving on to South Carolina State. He missed the 2014-15 campaign as a medical redshirt and then returned to the court last season.

While in Senegal, he attended SEEDS Academy, a high-level academic and basketball boarding school. As a youth, he took part in the Basketball Without Borders Africa program, an instructional camp organized by the NBA in conjunction with FIBA.

Gueye joins Kyle Mallers (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll HS), Zach Hollywood (Bradley, Ill./Bradley-Bourbonnais HS) and transfer Jontrell Walker (Aurora, Ill./Incarnate Word) in Ball State’s incoming scholarship class for the 2016-17 season. Walker will sit out the season as an undergraduate Division I transfer.XC

The Cardinals finished the 2015-16 campaign with a 21-14 record and shared the Mid-American Conference West Division championship with a 10-8 league mark. They went on to reach the quarterfinals of the CIT. The team’s improvement from a 7-23 record the year before marked the nation’s fourth-largest turnaround.

COURTESY BALL STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU Athletics Is Seeking "The New Voice Of Bragg"

FAMU Seeking New Announcer For Football Game Day

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – FAMU Athletics announces today that it is searching for “The New Voice of Bragg.” Longtime veteran stadium announcer Kenneth Jones, who just completed his 30th season behind the mic in the stadium, has stepped down. In filling the void, FAMU Athletics’ new Rattler Productions department has crafted a unique way to replace him. The search will take on the form of a reality show that has been picked up by Fox Sports-I.

FAMU athletic director, Milton Overton, commends Jones on his service to FAMU Athletics. “We owe a great deal of gratitude to Kenneth for his service to FAMU Athletics. He considered retiring last season, but I personally spoke with him to ask him to do one final year. He was an integral part of the fabric of FAMU game day and will be sorely missed,” Overton said.

The game day announcer, will be selected from the pool of applicants and rolled into three half hour shows. Director of Rattler Productions, Vaughn Wilson, will direct the series. It will be produced by Wilson and student intern Morgan Culler, with additional interns co-producing the series.

Applications for the position of Bragg Stadium Announcer will be accepted in the FAMU Sports Information/ Rattler Productions office between June 20 and July 1. The address is: Rattler Productions, 1835 Wahnish Way, Suite #204, Tallahassee, Fla. 32307. APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN OFFICE (Not postmarked) BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON JULY 1. The only requirements are that individuals exceed the age of 17 and have some knowledge of football. Applicants will receive invitations to the initial show via email. The initial show will detail the selection process and narrow the selection down to the top 10 applicants. The second show will narrow the selection down to just three contestants. The final show will result in the revealing of the New Voice of Bragg.

For any additional information, please send an email to Vaughn.wilson@famu.edu

Applicant Bio Form

Video release agreement

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Hits & Misses: NSU's athletics pay price for chaos

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State University spent years in chaos – financial, administrative, academic – that only began to substantively clear with the hiring of President Eddie Moore Jr.

On Thursday, the school found out that its sports teams were also victims of the administrative mayhem.

“Norfolk State’s athletic department has been placed on two years’ probation and will have a total of 97 wins – including its 2011 MEAC football championship – vacated across six sports because of athlete certification violations,” wrote Pilot sportswriter David Hall.

The penalties, announced by the NCAA and the school, appear to stem from the same kind of missing administrative oversight that helped imperil the school’s accreditation, beginning in 2013.

Last December, after two years of corrective work by Moore and a new team across multiple areas of the university, NSU’s accreditation was restored.

The violation at NSU wasn’t the kind of severe transgression that carries long-term penalties or postseason bans; indeed, the school’s institutional confession and its own efforts to reform have earned administrators an invitation to teach other colleges how to avoid similar mistakes.

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Langston Football Unveils 2016 Slate

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- Langston University head football coach Quinton Morgan has announced the team's 2016 schedule; the 2016 slate includes 10 total contests with four at home.

"We are excited about the 2016 schedule and are working hard to prepare our team for the upcoming season," said first-year head coach Quinton Morgan.

The season kicks off with the second annual LU Classic as the Lions square off against NCAA DII Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.

Langston's home slate includes a pair of non-conference opponents in different venues; the Lions' September 10th game against Bethany College will be played at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, Okla. and the September 17th match against NCAA DII Lane College will serve as the Black Wall Street Classic on the campus of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Okla.

The Lions host Central States Football League (CSFL) opponents Bacone College (Oct. 15) and Lyon College (Nov. 5) at home at the W.E. Anderson Stadium.

The Lions have a total of six road contests beginning with Lincoln University (Sept. 3) followed by NCAA DIII McMurry University (Sept. 24), Arizona Christian (Oct. 1), Southwestern Assemblies of God (Oct. 22), Texas College (Oct. 29) and Wayland Baptist (Nov. 12).

Langston finished the 2015 season at 7-3 overall and 5-1 in the Central States Football League.

To view the full schedule, dates and times, click here.

COURTESY LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Todd Day named Philander Smith Head Men's Basketball Coach

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Philander Smith College has tapped a former first-round NBA Draft pick and the Arkansas Razorbacks’ all-time leading scorer to lead its Men’s Basketball Program. PSC President Dr. Roderick L. Smothers announced today that Todd Day, Sr., is the new Men’s Head Coach. Day takes over from former Head Coach Thurlon “Sam” Weaver who resigned in April.

A four- year letterman at the University of Arkansas from 1989-1992, Day was coached by the legendary Nolan Richardson. As a Razorback, Day broke records, was an All-American, led the team to an SEC title and a NCAA Final Four appearance, and to this day holds the title of all-time leading scorer. In 1992, he was selected in the first round (8th pick) of the NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. His NBA career also includes stints with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Day embarked on a coaching career in 2007, and has since coached on the junior high, high school, and semi-pro levels. More recently, Day, who is a native of Memphis, Tenn., was head coach at Memphis Academy of Health and Sciences, and spent two seasons as head coach at his high school alma mater, Memphis’ Hamilton High. Additionally, he has experience as an assistant coach with “Team Penny,” the Memphis-based AAU team founded by former NBA star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.



“I felt like coaching on the college level at Philander Smith College was a natural next step in my career,” said Day. “Little Rock is like my second home, and it feels good to be able to come back and play a significant role in this community.” Day, inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, is married to Brenda Swinton-Day, who is from Little Rock.

The new coach is inheriting a competitive program. The Panthers have had three consecutive NAIA national tournament appearances and won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference championship during the 2012–2013 season. “Todd Day brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences to the Men’s Basketball program at Philander Smith College. The game of basketball has taken him all over the world, so he enjoys a unique perspective that will benefit our student-athletes and serve to strengthen our athletic program,” said President Smothers.

As he looks ahead to the upcoming season, Day says players and fans can expect a fast-paced and energetic style of basketball that will be exciting to watch. “I set my goals high, and all I can say is, I plan to win.”

Philander Smith is a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference of the NAIA.

COURTESY PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE ATHLETICES MEDIA RELATIONS

Former VUU football center now Roanoke’s new mayor

ROANOKE, Virginia -- Sherman Lea has gone from the center of the football action at Virginia Union University to the center of the political arena in Roanoke, where he is now the mayor elect.

The 63-year-old Danville area native will be sworn in as mayor June 27. He will officially take office on July 1.

Area football fans may recall Lea as the starting center on Coach Willard Bailey’s 1973 CIAA championship football team that posted an overall 9-1 record, including 9-0 in the CIAA.



“I remember Sherman as someone who was determined to get the job done. He was an excellent center,” recalled Coach Bailey.

“I’ll be there for his (installation) ceremony and I plan to take a group of his former teammates. We’re very proud and wouldn’t miss it.”

The Panthers’ 1973 CIAA title was the first since 1923. The team featured two eventual NFL starters — offensive guard Herb Scott, who went on to play with the Dallas Cowboys, and defensive back Anthony Leonard of the San Francisco 49ers.

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Dual-threat quarterback leads Alcorn State

This is the fifth piece of a 12-part series previewing Arkansas' 2016 football opponents.

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State is coming off a 9-4 year capped by a 41-34 loss to North Carolina A&T in the Celebration Bowl, which is also known as the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) National Championship.

The Braves went 7-2 in the FCS Southwestern Athletic Conference, winning the east division of the league. They defeated Grambling State, which was undefeated in SWAC play, 49-21 in the conference championship game to win their second consecutive SWAC championship.

2016 outlook

Alcorn State plays SWAC powerhouse Grambling State on the road the week prior to traveling to Little Rock to play Arkansas at War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 1. The following week, the Braves travel to Alabama A&M, a fellow SWAC East division member.

Because Alcorn State is an FCS school, it is not included in ESPN’s Football Power Index. The Braves were also not included in Athlon Sports’ preseason FCS top 25.

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Savannah State AD says school seeing results of APR scores

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- The Savannah State football team will be able to hold 10 spring practices and a spring game next season for the first time in three years, but the men’s basketball team will be ineligible for the 2016-17 postseason as a result of NCAA sanctions handed down to the university last week.

The sanctions stem from the latest Academic Progress Rate scores for the 2014-15 academic year, which were released Wednesday by the NCAA. The APR is based on data collected annually from each institution and accounts for the eligibility and retention of every student-athlete for each academic term.

The football team posted a 2014-15 APR of 918, which is 51 points higher than the previous year and raises SSU’s multi-year APR from 854 to 866. The multi-year APR is the average APR a school posts over a four-year period. Each team at a university must earn a multi-year APR of 930 to avoid penalties.

The APR report released by the NCAA states that the Tigers would face being banned from a third straight spring season, but a Savannah State spokesman said Monday that penalty was waived as a reward for the progress the school has made.

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Clemson 2016 opponent preview: S.C. State solid among its peers, but Tigers unbeaten by FCS foes

COURTESY SCSU ATHLETICS

CLEMSON, South Carolina — Last year, Clemson hit the Big 3-0. (Did you get them a Hallmark card?)

The way Dabo Swinney wants to construct his non-conference schedule works like this: one game vs. South Carolina, one game vs. another high-profile opponent usually from the SEC or Notre Dame, one game vs. a mid-major FBS opponent, and one FCS game in which the Tigers pay off a lower-division squad to lose by many, many touchdowns.

With this plan, Clemson has beaten at least one FCS team each of the last nine years, and holds a 30-0 record against the Football Championship Subdivision members. In all of Division I football, Clemson has the most wins against FCS opponents without a loss.

It’s a slightly impressive distinction; on the one hand, the number is inflated by Clemson’s annual commitment to devote one home game per year to the in-state FCS programs on a rotating basis, and frankly, the deck is stacked for good FBS teams not to lose to even the most competitive of FCS visitors. (Other power programs like Oklahoma State, Auburn, Baylor, Florida State, Texas A&M and Georgia have at least 15 FCS victories without a defeat.) On the other hand, the Tigers have never slipped up where several colleagues have, so credit is due for that.

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NSU Releases NCAA Infractions Report

NCAA Release  |  NCAA Infractions Report  |  NCAA PSA Letter

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State University (NSU) received notice from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Committee on Infractions of its final decision that the institution did not correctly apply/administer the progress-toward-degree process in certifying a number of student-athletes for competition. The NCAA determined that the infraction was the result of an administrative mistake and not any form of unethical behavior.

NSU discovered the violations after the presentation of its official findings at the conclusion of the 2012-13 Academic Performance Program (APP) data review. Thereafter, the institution self-reported the violations to the NCAA, implemented corrective actions and self-imposed penalties. The NCAA accepted the institution's self-imposed penalties, but also, proposed a two-year period of probation and the vacation of contests in which the ineligible student-athletes competed. The NCAA did not impose any postseason bans on any sports programs.

The case involved inadvertent violations of the NCAA's progress-toward-degree certification legislation that resulted in 48 ineligible student-athletes being allowed to compete in athletic contests from 2008-09 through 2010-11 academic years. Although the academic transcripts were used by the Registrar's Office to certify the student-athletes, the NCAA determined that the academic departments are responsible for determining the courses approved for degree applicable credits, and for completing all academic documents in a timely manner for the Registrar's Office to certify eligibility of student-athletes.

The violations occurred in 13 sports – baseball, women's bowling, men's cross country, women's cross country, football, softball, men's tennis, women's tennis, men's indoor track, women's indoor track, men's outdoor track, women's outdoor track and women's volleyball.

In 2013, the institution implemented administrative procedures to correct the progress-toward-degree process. As a result of the corrections, a record number of student-athletes have earned 3.0 or higher grade point averages, the Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores have increased significantly, and the graduation success rate continues to improve.

"The decision by the NCAA will serve as a catalyst to strengthen the institution's administrative procedures in certifying student-athletes for competition. The administrative and academic departments recognize the importance of their roles in adhering to NCAA regulations and performing their duties in a timely manner. Because of the new and improved processes and the academic success of the student-athletes, the institution has identified a model to improve the retention and graduation rates of all students," said President Eddie N. Moore, Jr.

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Norfolk State failed to monitor its eligibility certification process

Download the Norfolk State Public Infractions Decision

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Norfolk State University failed to monitor its eligibility certification process, which resulted in improper certifications for student-athletes, according to a decision issued by a Division I Committee on Infractions panel. The university incorrectly applied NCAA progress-toward-degree requirements over the course of four years, resulting in 48 student-athletes competing and receiving travel expenses while ineligible.

This case was resolved through the summary disposition process, a cooperative effort where the involved parties collectively submit the case to the Committee on Infractions in written form. The NCAA enforcement staff and the university must agree to the facts and overall level of the case in order to use this process instead of a formal hearing.

The panel found the university did not monitor its eligibility certification process when it did not establish the proper systems and safeguards to ensure that student-athlete certification met NCAA eligibility standards.

The violations involved student-athletes in the following programs: football, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s tennis, women’s basketball, men’s track, women’s track, softball, bowling, men’s tennis and baseball.

Penalties and corrective measures include the following:

Public reprimand and censure for the university.

Two years of probation for the university from June 16, 2016, to June, 15, 2018.

A vacation of records in which student-athletes participated while ineligible. After the release of the public report, the university will identify the games affected.

Scholarship reductions during the 2014-15 academic year, self-imposed by the university:
Three scholarships for the football program.

One scholarship for each of the men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s tennis and women’s basketball programs.

Half a scholarship for each of the men’s track, women’s track, softball, bowling, men’s tennis and baseball programs.

A $5,000 fine (self-imposed by the university).

Members of the Committee on Infractions are drawn from NCAA membership and members of the public. The members of the panel who reviewed this case are Michael F. Adams, chancellor, Pepperdine University; Carol Cartwright, president emeritus at Kent State University; Gregory Christopher, athletics director at Xavier University; Jack Ford, legal analyst for CBS News; Joseph Novak, former head football coach at Northern Illinois University; Larry Parkinson, director of enforcement for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and Gregory Sankey, chief hearing officer, chair of the Committee on Infractions and commissioner of the Southeastern Conference.

NCAA PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS

BCU's Clay Middleton Drafted by Texas Rangers

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- For the second time in as many days, Bethune-Cookman Baseball saw a catcher selected in the 2016 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, as redshirt junior Clay Middleton was taken in the 22nd round on Saturday afternoon by the Texas Rangers. Middleton follows classmate Michael Cruz as the second B-CU draft choice, as Cruz was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the seventh round on Friday.

Clay Middleton, a 6-foot, 205-pound catcher from Oviedo, Florida, finished the 2016 season second on the Bethune-Cookman roster in batting average, hitting at a .335 clip on the campaign. The Hagerty High alum earned a spot on the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) First Team, in addition to helping the Wildcats to their league-leading 18th conference title and a berth in the NCAA Gainesville [Fla.] Regional.

Middleton was the 669th overall selection in this year’s MLB Draft.

Cruz and Middleton join the 2014 MLB Draft class of former Wildcats Keith Zuniga, Montana Durapau and John Sever as players that have served head coach Jason Beverlin, recently completing his fifth year at the helm in Daytona Beach.

In 2016, Middleton played and started in 47 games, most of them coming behind the dish for the Maroon and Gold. He collected 56 hits, adding 31 RBI’s, three home runs and scoring 25 runs. He fielded at a .983 clip, recording 204 putouts and 30 assists.

Across his three-year career, Middleton batted .261 in 138 career games. He added 114 hits and three home runs, all of the latter coming in 2016.

In 2014, Middleton made eight appearances starting behind the dish for the Wildcats before an injury sidelined him for the season, using a medical hardship waiver and a season to rehabilitate. He would go on to earn a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA.

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

Riders release ASU's Cyrus after hamstring injury

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- No wonder Malcolm Cyrus' name didn't show up in Saturday's box score.

The former Alabama State star said he injured his hamstring during training camp for Saskatchewan in the Canadian Football League as the Roughriders released him last month.

Saskatchewan opened preseason action Saturday with a 28-16 loss to B.C. Lions.

"It's disappointing because I didn't get to practice but half a day and knowing it came from a hamstring pull," Cyrus said. "But I'm confident that I'll be back next year. It's just the wait that's going to hurt me."

With his speed, moves and shiftiness, Cyrus seemed ideal for the CFL as he has the skill set to take advantage of the wide CFL playing field. The CFL field is 10 yards longer and nearly 13 yards wider than a NFL field.

Cyrus was hoping to get healthy and re-sign with the CFL team, but said he's being sent home. Cyrus pulled his hamstring the first day of camp last month.

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5 most difficult schedules in the SWAC in 2016

JACKSON, Mississippi -- SWAC teams face their share of challenging road games every season.

That's no different this year as conference teams will travel to play strong programs such as Arizona, Auburn, Arkansas and Texas A&M.

Those games highlight some pretty tough schedules, which led The Clarion-Ledger to examine the five most difficult schedules in the SWAC for the 2016 season.

5. Prairie View A&M: The Panthers aren't ducking anyone with their non-conference schedule. They'll face Texas A&M and Rice this season. Much like Alabama A&M's schedule, the rest of the road games aren't too tough, but Prairie View A&M's non-conference opponents are enough to place it on this list.

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XU Athletics website earns 2nd place in NAIA contest

ED CASSIERE

DALLAS, Texas — Xavier University of Louisiana's Ed Cassiere received two awards Monday, including a second place, in the 2015-16 NAIA-SIDA Publications and Media Contest.

Cassiere received a runner-up award for the website xulagold.com and seventh place in winter sports publications for XU's men's basketball media guide.

Cassiere was honored during the NAIA-SIDA Convention, a one-day event and part of the 2016 College Sports Information Directors of America Convention.

Cassiere — who in July will begin his 11th year as Xavier's SID and his 24th as a fulltime college sports publicist — has received 24 NAIA awards the past eight years, including five firsts.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold

Tuskegee ranked in a pair of Division II preseason polls

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- With just 82 days before the college football season opens across the country, preseason polls are beginning to be released by several national publications.

Tuskegee, fresh off a quarterfinal appearance in the 2015 NCAA Division II playoffs, has made an appearance in two publications that have been released in the last month.

The Golden Tigers, 10-3 a season ago, are ranked 13th in The Sporting News preseason poll. They are the second-highest rated team from region, behind West Georgia who is ranked third in the preseason poll. The Golden Tigers are ranked one spot ahead of North Alabama - who they defeated in the second round of the playoffs – and two spots ahead of the first round opponent from a season ago, Catawba.

The Sporting News also released its preseason All-American team with Tuskegee junior safety Jonah McCutcheon earning First Team honors.

Meanwhile, Tuskegee also makes an appearance in Lindy's Sports Preseason Top 25. The Golden Tigers are ranked 10th by Lindy's to open the season, five spots behind fellow region opponent West Georgia (fifth). They are ranked just ahead of North Alabama and Valdosta State in the poll.

Tuskegee opens the season on September 3 against Clark
Atlanta on the road. Tickets will go on sale in July in the Tuskegee University athletic ticket office for the home games.

For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter/Snapchat/Instagram (@MyTUAthletics), and like us on Facebook.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tuskegee Ratliff named ASWA Small College Athlete of the Year

 Jewell Ratliff 

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Jewell Ratliff made a name for himself during the 2015 season, topping each performance with another for the record books throughout the record-breaking season for the Tuskegee University football team.

Six months after playing his final collegiate game in the NCAA Division II playoffs, Ratliff was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Small College Athlete of Year this weekend.

The award joins a long list of awards won by Ratliff this season, as the senior was one of a handful of student-athletes who was named to all of the major Division II All-American teams.

"I just want to thank everyone who voted for me," Ratliff said. "Although this award has my name on it, I know it would have been hard for me to get without my teammates. Those were my brothers out there playing and we always made sure we laid it on the line for Tuskegee."

Ratliff earned accolades on 10 different All-American Teams. He earned honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press Little All-America Team, BOXTOROW, D2football.com, D2CCA, Don Hansen, Football Gazette, HERO Sports, SBN Black College Football All-American and USA College Football.

The New Orleans native was also named the SIAC Player and Defensive Player of the Year this season, recording 148 total tackles. The total was the highest recorded by a Golden Tiger since Jerome Hawkins recorded 168 in 1977.

The total by the Cliff Harris award finalist – award given to the best defensive player in small college football - is the also the fourth highest total by a Golden Tiger since 1973.

For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter/Snapchat/Instagram (@MyTUAthletics) and like us on Facebook.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Morgan State Jailah Mason Finishes 11th At NCAA Championship; Olympic Trials Are Next

EUGENE, Oregon -- The 2016 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships came to an end on Saturday at historic Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon, and Morgan State's Jailah Mason would finish tied for 11th-place in the high jump.

Mason, who was making her second straight NCAA Outdoor appearance and third consecutive NCAA championship run, would end up jumping a height of 5'10" (1.78m) to finish in a four-way tie for 11th-place. She would fail to clear the ensuing height of 5'11.50" (1.82m) to end her championship run.

A native of Sterling, Mich., Mason, who entered the championships ranked seventh in the nation, would earn second-team All-American honors for her efforts. Earlier this season she placed seventh during at the indoor championship and took home first-team All-American accolades.

Despite the collegiate season coming to a close, Mason's sophomore season has yet to end. In less than three weeks, Mason will return to Oregon and Hayward Field to compete in the USA Olympic team trials scheduled for July 1-10.

Mason achieved the Olympic qualifying standard (1.85m) earlie
r this year when she jumped 1.86m (6'1.25") at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor championships to set both a new school and MEAC high jump record.

Results

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU AD Overton ‘proud’ of fundraising efforts in first year at the helm

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- It’s been nearly a year since Milton Overton Jr. was named Florida A&M’s athletic director.

In that time, he’s made several quality-of-life improvements within the department – like hiring an leadership team to oversee various sports – and wholesale changes like shifting (and firing) certain personnel. He also reacquired game-day parking from the Rattler Boosters.

In a 13-page Power Point presentation that was part of documents given to the university’s Board of Trustees, Overton outlined his first year at the helm of the department and provided details on his future goals.

Overton said FAMU’s athletic department is “trending up,” especially from a financial standpoint. The report shows a projected increase in athletic revenue – from $3.5 million in 2015-16 to $5.7 million in 2016-17.

Revenue generated by the department would account for 64 percent of the overall budget.

CONTINUE READING

Time for Rutgers football home opener vs. Howard announced

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey -- The first Rutgers football home game in the Chris Ash era is slated for high noon.

The Big Ten Network announced its television schedule for the first three weeks of the 2016 college football season, and the Scarlet Knights' Sept. 10 affair against Howard was set for a 12 p.m. (EST) kickoff.

In addition, Big Ten TV administration commissioner Mark Rudner announced on Twitter that Rutgers' Sept. 17 home game against New Mexico is also slated for 12 p.m. and will air on ESPNews.

Rudner said times and TV information for Big Ten games on Sept. 24 won't be determined until Sept. 12 at the earliest, which means the info on Rutgers' clash versus Iowa that day won't be known until two games into the season.

Rutgers' home opener will come one week after Ash makes his head coaching debut in a 2 p.m. clash at Washington. The Bison open the week before the Rutgers trip against another Big Ten foe, remaining in the D.C. area to play at Maryland on Sept. 3.

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Maryland Football: Season opener to kickoff at noon against Howard

COLLEGE PARK, Maryland -- The Maryland football team is set to begin the D.J. Durkin era in less than three months.

The Terrapins will take the field against Howard on Sept. 3 for a noon kickoff, according to a press release. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

Maryland has never faced Howard despite the schools being separated by only six miles. The Terps have been victorious in their last six season openers, which have included wins against Florida International, James Madison, and Richmond over the past three seasons.

The matchup with Howard gets the Durkin era started with a relatively easy challenge. The Bison finished the 2015 season with a 1-10 record with their only triumph being a 55-9 rout of Savannah State on Halloween.

Howard plays in the MEAC conference and hasn’t had a winning season since going 6-5 back in 2004.

After facing Howard, Maryland will travel to Miami for a matchup with Florida International. The game will be played on Fri., Sept. 9 and will take place under the lights as kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

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W. Eric Thomas: Bad parents and struggling colleges

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- THE GOVERNMENT of each state controls education in that state; this is true for K-12 as well as higher education. The states each have a system of public universities; that makes the state in a sense the owner of these institutions. Ownership means you can do what you choose to with that system. It’s yours.

Two universities in the Carolinas are experiencing especially rocky times, and they happen to be historically black schools.

Elizabeth City State University and South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C. are public institutions, essentially owned by the states.

At the root of ECSU’s problems is declining enrollment. This has caused severe budget reductions necessitating cuts in student services, closure of buildings, elimination of academic programs, and the most severe — faculty and staff layoffs.

The declining enrollment is no accident or happenstance; it is a direct result of state policies. The Board of Governors of the UNC system raised admissions requirements and requirements for continued enrollment knowing it would adversely affect the historically black college and universities in the state. The institution most affected is ECSU. The state knew this would happen.

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Virginia State University's Deshauna Barber Crowned Miss USA

PETERSBURG, Virginia -- Virginia State University is proud to congratulate graduate Deshauna Barber. On Sunday night, Miss Barber was crowned MISS USA 2016. The NC native graduated from the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at Virginia State University in 2011 with a degree in Business Management and is an IT Business Analyst at the Department of Commerce in Washington D.C. In addition, Deshauna is a Company Commander in the United States Army Reserve. She represented the District of Columbia in the Miss USA Pageant.

“We are exceedingly proud to have a Trojan represent the USA in this capacity,” says VSU President Dr. Makola Abdullah. “Deshauna exemplifies scholarship, leadership, and inner strength. She is a role model for all students.”

Miss Barber beat out 50 other women to claim the title of MISS USA 2016. She secured her position as a top three finalist when she answered a question about the Pentagon's recent decision to open up all combat jobs to women. "As a woman in the United States Army, I think it was an amazing job by our government to allow women to integrate into every branch of the military," said Barber. "We are just as tough as men. As a commander of my unit, I'm powerful, I am dedicated, and it is important that we recognize that gender does not limit us in the United States Army.”

In the final question, to secure the title, Miss Barber was asked to describe what it means to be Confidently Beautiful. "To me confidently beautiful means understanding that it's not always about your appearance. It's not always about who you're around and how they feel you look, where they feel you come from or your economic background," Deshauna explained. "Serving in the military has taught me that being confidently beautiful is about being able to earn respect from people regardless of what you look like. As a woman in the military, people associate beauty with weakness and they learn very quickly that I'm extremely strong, and although I'm small, I'm powerful and confidently beautiful is being myself and being very happy with who I've become."

CONGRATULATIONS Fellow Trojan DESHAUNA BARBER, MISS USA 2016.