Fayetteville State Football Schedule Set for the 2016 Season

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina - The Fayetteville State University Department of Athletics has announced the 2016 football schedule. This year's schedule features five games on the road and five at home to include hosting a televised game to be broadcast on ASPiRE TV Network for the regular season conclusion against divisional rival and defending CIAA champions Winston-Salem State University on November 5th at 2:00 p.m.

HOME SCHEDULE

September 3rd (6:00 PM) vs. Chowan – 1000 BRONCOS Appreciation

September 24th (6:00 PM) vs. Virginia Union – Military Appreciation

October 15th (1:00 PM) vs. Johnson C. Smith – “Ball in Pink”

October 29th (1:30 PM) vs. Livingstone – HOMECOMING

November 5th (2:00 PM) vs. Winston-Salem State – Televised Game by Urban Sports and Entertainment

AWAY SCHEDULE

September 10th (7:00 PM) at UNC Pembroke – Two Rivers Classic

September 17th (6:00 PM) at Elon

October 1st (6:00 PM) at Bowie State

October 8th (1:00 PM) at Shaw

October 22nd (1:00 PM) at Saint Augustine’s

Last season, the Broncos finished third in the CIAA Southern Division at 4-6 overall and 4-3 in the CIAA.

FSU will kick off the 2016 season at home on Saturday, September 3rd in a non-conference contest versus Chowan University at 6:00 p.m. inside Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium. In the following week, the Broncos will travel to Pembroke, NC for the annual "Two Rivers Classic" against UNC Pembroke on September 10th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Grace P. Johnson Stadium for the “Two Rivers Classic.”

Fayetteville State will remain on the road for their third contest of the season against Division I Elon University out of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Elon finished the 2015 season with a 4-7 overall record, including losses to Wake Forest and North Carolina A&T State.

FSU will return home to begin CIAA cross-divisional play versus Virginia Union University on September 24th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Jeralds Stadium.

The Broncos will begin the month of October on the road against Northern Division champions Bowie State University. Fayetteville State will clash with BSU on October 1st inside Bulldogs Stadium in Bowie, MD at 6:00 p.m. This will be the first matchup against Bowie State since the 2010 season.

The quest for the CIAA Southern Division crown begins on October 8th against Shaw University. Fayetteville State will travel to Durham County Memorial Stadium for a 1:00 p.m. divisional showdown with the Bears.

The Broncos annual “Ball in Pink” game to awareness about breast cancer and preventive measures will take place on October 15th against Johnson C. Smith University. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m. in Jeralds Stadium; fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of the initiative.

As the season progresses, Fayetteville State returns to the Raleigh-Durham area to matchup against Saint Augustine’s University on October 22nd. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m. although stadium location has yet to be determined.

The 2016 FSU Homecoming is scheduled for October 29th at 1:30 p.m. against Livingstone College.

Fayetteville State will close out the regular season with a nationally televised contest at home on November 5th against the defending CIAA champion Winston-Salem State University. In their 2015 matchup, the Rams closed out the regular season with a two-point victory over the Broncos. The FSU football program has since taken new leadership with head coach Richard Hayes, Jr., former WSSU defensive coordinator. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium.

The conference schedule will conclude with a television broadcast of the 2016 CIAA Football Championship on November 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. The Northern Division and Southern Division Champions will faceoff for the title at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, NC. The championship contest will air live on ASPiRE.

CIAA Regional Television Network is produced by Urban Sports & Entertainment Group.

COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FVSU President Accepts Resignation of Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Joshua Murfree

Dr. Joshua Murfree

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (June 24)
-- Today President Paul Jones accepted the resignation of Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Joshua Murfree.

"We are most appreciative of his accomplishments and loyalty to the institution and department during his tenure, and his upbeat personality and positive attitude will be missed," Jones said.

"Moving forward, we look to not only build upon the strong athletic success the teams have had in competition over the past few years, but also to placing major emphasis on compliance and fundraising," he said. "It is vital to Fort Valley State's infrastructure that our student athletes not only win on the field, in the classroom and in life after athletics, but also that we attract funding for scholarships that support our students in their academic degree pursuit(s)."

The university will name an acting athletics director within the next few days and will immediately begin a search for a permanent replacement as well. Dr. Murfree will remain at the institution until the end of July to assist with the transition.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Murfree and wishing him well in all of his future endeavors.

WVSU Drops 'Interim' Tag From Nate Burton's Athletic Director Title

Nate Burton 

INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- Nate Burton now owns a more streamlined job title — and Burton couldn’t be happier.

Outgoing West Virginia State President Brian Hemphill, who becomes the new president at Radford University in July, removed the “interim” tag from Burton’s role as the Yellow Jackets’ athletic director. The Charleston Catholic graduate is now WVSU’s full-fledged AD.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “It truly is amazing to be part of this athletic department. I’m honored, I’m humbled and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”

State named Burton, who came to WVSU as the school’s director of development in September 2014, interim AD in January, after then-AD Sean Loyd stepped down to focus his energies as the Yellow Jackets’ head baseball coach. Loyd had been West Virginia State’s athletic director since 2008.

In the short term, Burton said he’d like to see each of State’s student-athletes carry at least a 3.0 grade-point average, to positively impact the surrounding community, and to compete for Mountain East Conference and NCAA titles.

CONTINUE READING

Looking at Week One of FCS versus FBS in 2016

HOUSTON, Texas  -- As has become tradition in the first week of college football, many FBS teams will start their campaign at home with a money game against FCS teams.

Last season, we divided all 107 FCS vs FBS games into five tiers. The results were interesting with at least one upset from each tier. Here's the five tiers

Tier 1 - Very Possible.
Tier 2 - Eyebrow Raiser
Tier 3 - If The Ball Bounces Right
Tier 4 - Doubtful But Possible
Tier 5 - Good Grief.

This season, the number of FCS vs FBS games is at 110. So instead of putting all of those into tiers, we're gonna break it down into sections with individual game analysis. For now, we'll look at the 46 such contests of Week 1.

Hampton at Old Dominion - The battle of the 757 returns. The Pirates could give the Monarchs fits. Tier 3

Alabama State at UTSA - The Roadrunners are bringing in a new coach in Frank Wilson, but this shouldn't be too difficult. Tier 4

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Former Alcorn State WR Tollette George killed in New Orleans

Tollette George

Tonka graduated from Alcorn in May 2016 and was a member of the Braves football team for five years.

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – Former Alcorn State wide receiver Tollette George was shot and killed late Friday night in New Orleans.

George reportedly lived near where the shooting took place in Algiers. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported George’s family said he was the second fatal shooting victim in Algiers on Friday. On Saturday morning, the SWAC released a statement on George’s death.

George, also known as “Tonka,” finished his Alcorn career in 2015 after catching 22 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. In the inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, George had six catches for 63 yards two touchdowns (one receiving and one passing). He played five years for the Braves and led the team in receptions in 2013. He graduated from Alcorn in May.

Below is a press release from the New Orleans Police Department:

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XU legend Janice Joseph to enter state hall of fame

NEW ORLEANS — Janice Joseph-Richard will be inducted posthumously Saturday into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame for a variety of accomplishments, but none more impressive than her brilliant coaching tenure with Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball.

Six seasons (1992-98), 159 victories, 34 losses, 26.5 victories per season and a winning percentage of .824. Those are the basics, and they are outstanding. But dig deeper into the numbers, and these gems emerge:

• Her final five teams won Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships.
• She won her final 38 games at The Barn and her final 28 games against GCAC opponents.
• Her final XU team (1997-98) was the first of two GCAC teams to win all 18 regular-season conference games, then three straight in the tournament. The Gold Nuggets' average winning margin in those 21 games that season was 24.5 points. There were no single-digit victories, and there were six decisions of 30 or more points. The other GCAC team to make the 18-0, 3-0 run — the XU women of 2009-10 — won by an average of 13.5 points.

• She is the only GCAC basketball coach to win in the first round four consecutive years at the NAIA Division I National Championship.

Known as Janice Joseph during her XU tenure, she departed the school in the spring of 1998 to marry for the second time. She then returned to coaching a year later at San Jose State where she jump-started a perennially losing program. After leaving the Spartans because of her health — she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2006 — she resurfaced a year later at her alma mater, Louisiana College, where she coached three more seasons, including a 24-3 record in her final season, 2009-10.

Joseph-Richard died Dec. 1, 2010, at age 46 after her lengthy cancer battle. Her 16-year record as a collegiate head coach was 307-163.

As a player at Louisiana College, Joseph-Richard was an American Women's Sports Federation two-time first-team NAIA All-American and was All-GCAC four times, the last three unanimously. She collected more than 2,300 points and 700 assists at LC and as a senior (1985-86) set the GCAC season record of 283 assists. She led the GCAC in scoring and assists each of her final two seasons. Her final season she led the Lady Wildcats to third place in the NAIA Division I National Championship.

Ten other new members will be inducted Saturday. The banquet, which is sold out, will start at 6 p.m. at the Natchitoches Events Center, 243 miles northwest of the XU campus.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Savannah State Student Heads to 2016 Olympics

This is a video that was conducted by a group of students from the SSU Media High summer camp and it is about Burkina Faso's Olympic swimmer Thierry Sawadogo

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State Student Thierry Sawadogo is heading to the 2016 Olympics being held in Rio De Janero, Brazil later this summer.

The freshman athlete will be competing in swimming for Burkina Faso, a small country in West Africa.

“Here in America from 10 months ago I’ve improved my spots with my coach Joe Witt,” says Sawadogo.

According to SSU Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations Opio Mashariki, Sawadogo is not the first Olympian to come from SSU.

Former student Pa Modou Gai represented Gambia in the 2000 Olympic games in track and field. Former student Amara Jones represented the Bahamas in the 2012 Olympics in track and field also.

Due to SSU not having a swim team or an Olympic pool, Sawadogo has been training with the Savannah Swim Team at the Chatham County Aquatic Center.

“It is a bit hard for my parents to help me because I am here for my studies and my sport so it costs a lot of money, I’d like to get some help like a scholarship,” he said.

Athletic Director Sterling Steward says “budgets” are the primary reason why SSU and other schools in the MEAC fail to have swim teams.

Despite the obstacles, Sawadogo remains hopeful in competing this summer and for his future.

“Its more of a big experience for me, I’m still a young swimmer my level is not like the big swimmers of the world,” says Sawadogo.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps who will be competing in his last Olympics is one swimmer Sawadogo looks up to.

“I met him in Barcelona of 2013, I took a picture with him,” he said.

Some students although unaware that a SSU student was competing in the Olympics, are excited for what this could mean for their school.

Student Malaysia Bacon says, “ We already have enough different students receiving various accolades, and helping build the name of the university, so for one of our students to be going to the Olympics, that’s great.”

She goes on to say, “ They are just building more exposure for our school so one day we’ll be up there with Duke or something.”

Sawadogo will be leaving in late July for the Olympics and will not return until October just in time to pick up mini semesters for the fall semester.

By Asha Gilbert
THE TIGERS ROAR.COM

Battle of the Bands return to Memorial Stadium in August 2016

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- One of the biggest black-college band competitions in the Southeast is coming back to Charlotte.

The fourth annual black college band showcase will take the field August 27 at Memorial Stadium. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on Saturday. Advance tickets can be bought at www.crowntickets.com or by calling 1-888-547-6478.

On football Saturdays, HBCU football games give way to the halftime pageantry of bands, which show off intricate marching styles, musicianship and choreography. At Battle of the Bands, the entire program is devoted to elaborate shows, which encourage crowd participation.

North Carolina schools committed to participate are N.C. A&T State, Winston-Salem State and N.C. Central universities. Tennessee State and Bethune-Cookman universities have been confirmed, as has Talladega College, a perennial crowd favorite.

HBCU bands in North Carolina can be traced to A&T, which formed its first ensemble in 1918 with 50 musicians. They are known for their integration of intricate marching formations and cadences that set them apart from the military corps-style processions typically executed at historically white schools.



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Decatur's Godwin will continue hoops career at UMES

BERLIN, Maryland -- It always seemed certain that Dayona Godwin would play college basketball.

The question was, where would she play?

The dynamic guard decided earlier this week to accept an academic scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Stephen Decatur High’s all-time leading girls scorer will play Division I college basketball and she’ll stay on the Lower Shore to do it.

Godwin, who had a 3.75 GPA at Decatur, said she will study criminal justice at UMES.

“It felt like a great fit from the start,” Godwin said. “I would go to some of the open gyms and I could just connect with girls like we have been playing together for years. Another reason is when I went on campus the first time, I liked the atmosphere and instantly felt like I was a part of the family.”

And, with UMES being just a 35-mile ride away from Decatur, Godwin’s family, friends and fans will be able to see her play in maroon and gray fairly often.

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Big Man on Campus: Laron Smith Ready for Basketball Block Party

AUBURN, Alabama - It has the opportunity to be a match made in hoops heaven.

A basketball coach, Bruce Pearl, in need of a big man to block shots and rebound.

A student-athlete, LaRon Smith, in need of an opportunity to display his talents to a larger audience.

"When I came here, Coach Pearl said he needed a shot blocker," Smith says. "A person who could rebound, run the floor. Those are my specialties. So, he's going to put me where I'm comfortable at this level, so now I can showcase what I was doing at the past levels, on the highest level."



But not everyone believed Auburn would be the best fit for Smith, a 6-foot-9 graduate transfer from Bethune-Cookman.

"When I said I was considering Auburn, a lot of people said, `Oh, you're going to play backup to the other bigs. You're not ready for that level. It's a whole different type of competition. I don't know if you want to go there and fail. It's your last year.'

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Legendary JSU Golf Coach Eddie Payton Retires

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Eddie Payton, Jackson State University's head golf coach, has retired from the position after leading the Tigers and Lady Tigers programs for 30 years.

During his tenure the trailblazing men's golf team won 25 conference championships and eight National Minority titles. In 1995 the Tigers made history by becoming the first HBCU to compete in the NCAA Men's National Golf Championships.

"Following my professional football career, it was an honor and privilege to return to my alma mater as head golf coach," said Payton. "It was an opportunity for me to give back to the University that had given me so much."

Payton helped start the women's golf program in 1994 and the Lady Tigers went on to win 16 SWAC titles. The Lady Tigers program also holds a special place in history by becoming the first women's team from an HBCU to compete in the NCAA National Golf Championship in 1999.

"My goal when I returned to coach golf at JSU, was to win a National Title. Unfortunately we came up short. But it was not from a lack of trying."

90 percent of Payton's golfers graduated and program has received the NCAA's Public Recognition Award three times (men's golf in 2013-14 and women's golf in 2009-10 and 2010-11).

Tim O'Neal, AJ Montecinos, Shasta Averyhardt and Clay Myers are some of the standouts who went on to have professional golf careers during Payton's tenure.

Payton's retirement begins July 1. Jackson State will hold an official retirement party for Payton at a later date.



COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

XULA's Cassiere earns 2 CoSIDA district firsts for writing

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Ed Cassiere has received two more awards for his work, this time in the College Sports Information Directors of America Fred Stabley Jr. Writing Contest.
     
Cassiere received first place in District 6 (Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) in the categories of event and season preview/recap. The event was a women's tennis dual match against Oklahoma Baptist in the second round of the 2015 NAIA National Championship. The other winner was a men's basketball preview of the 2015-16 season.
     
Of the 59 district-winning entries nationwide, Cassiere was the only one from a Louisiana school, and he was the only NAIA entrant with more than one victory. CoSIDA's writing contest includes entries from the NAIA, all three NCAA divisions and community colleges.
     
Cassiere this past week received second place in the NAIA for website and seventh place in winter publications.
     
Cassiere in July will begin his 11th year as Xavier's SID and his 25th as a fulltime college sports publicist. The Shreveport, La., native previously worked at the University of New Orleans and at Louisiana-Lafayette.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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MEAC Football Press Luncheon Kicks Off July 29

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host the annual Football Press Luncheon, Friday, July 29 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel (235 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510/ (757) 627-4200).  MEAC head football coaches and two student-athletes from each team will be on hand to offer an inside view on the upcoming 2016 football season. 

A limited number of tickets are available to the public for the press luncheon and can be purchased by calling Natiara Satsatin at (757) 951-2055 or satsatinn@themeac.com.  Tickets are $30 per seat or $300 per table (10 persons) and must be purchased by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 22. 

Media members may obtain a credential for the luncheon and/or one-on-one interviews by completing an application found on www.MEACSports.com.  One-on-one interviews will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

The 2016 MEAC football season kicks off on Thursday, September 1 as Delaware State visits Delaware in a non-conference game.

Bethune-Cookman will compete against Alcorn State in the 12^th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge also on Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, September 4.  Details and ticket information can be found on www.meacswacchallenge.com.

For more information about the MEAC, log on to www.MEACsports.com.

Click the link to access the credential application:

Click the link to purchase tickets:

Southern Heritage Classic tickets on sale Friday for JSU, TSU showdown

MEMPHIS, Tennessee -- Are you ready for some football?

Tickets to the 27th Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx went on sale June 10th. More than 50,000 fans from Jackson State University and Tennessee State University will gather Sept. 8-10 in the River City to witness a lively longstanding football rivalry.

Even if you’re not a football fanatic, there will be a plethora of exciting entertainment that includes a parade, fashion show, golf tournament and not one but two star-studded concerts. Of course, there will be plenty of tailgating.

“The Fun Never Stops” is the theme for 2016, and no one has more fun than JSU Tigers and supporters. Many look forward to the Southern Heritage Classic, and founder Fred Jones is no different.

“We hope to repeat the nice weather of last year and bring out, even more, fans. The classic is dedicated to presenting quality events that allow people to enjoy themselves while supporting these two wonderful universities and the local economy. It’s not uncommon for some of the events to sell out, so the earlier individuals purchase their tickets the better,” Jones said.

Tickets can be purchased at Jackson State Athletics Ticket Office at 601-979-2420; jsutigers.com; and Ticketmaster outlets at ticketmaster.com



THE HAPPENINGS

The JSU vs. TSU football game weekend is one of the most thrilling productions of the year.

Sept. 8: Attendees will be treated to the Grammy Award-winning vocals of Stephanie Mills and comedian Jammin Jay Lamont. The concert will be at the Orpheum Theatre at 8 p.m.

Sept. 9: Everyone should slide into his or her best all-white apparel and join the funky R&B band MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly for the Classic Music Festival’s “All White Friday” at the Landers Center at 8 p.m. Neo-soul artist KEM will also hit the stage, and Jammin Jay Lamont returns as host.

Sept. 10: JSU and TSU supporters will swarm the parking lot of Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium for one of the most monumental tailgating enterprises ever held in the soulful South. Expect cool giveaways from classic sponsors, in addition to vast quantities of food and an endless supply of enjoyment and camaraderie.

The climax begins at 6 p.m. when JSU and TSU face off to determine the “baddest” football team in the land. Expect a routinely amazing halftime performance from the No. 1 ranked HBCU Band for 2015 — JSU’s Sonic Boom of the South followed by TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands. After the game, the highly anticipated and fiery battle of the bands will bring the evening to a close. For those who still have energy, Memphis nightlife is always ready to shake things up.



LODGING

The host hotel for 2016 is the Sheraton Memphis Downtown. For a listing of other suggested hotels, visit southernheritageclassic.com/events/hotels.

MISSION

The Southern Heritage Classic (SHC) provides an annual cultural celebration as the premier sports and entertainment event in Memphis, helping to create a strong economic impact and promote higher education. Each year, the teams’ participation allows them to earn dollars to support their institutions of higher learning. Since the classic began in 1990, JSU and TSU have earned more than $10 million collectively. Students, alumni, and fans see the importance of the classic and don’t mind coming year after year to support the event while enjoying themselves. It’s also become a welcomed tradition for many people who make the classic a part of their family reunion, class reunions, and other important gatherings. Additionally, the classic brings tourism dollars to Memphis. A 2014 study conducted by the University of Memphis revealed that each year $21 million is pumped into the local economy.

SPONSORS

SHC is sponsored by FedEx and other major supporters such as AutoZone, Allstate Insurance, Nike, Carrier Corporation, Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office and Coors Light.

Jones said he considers it a blessing to be able to host the event each year.

“I don’t take the success the classic has had lightly. Jackson State and Tennessee State are wonderful schools to work with, and we are all grateful for the dedicated individuals who return to Memphis year after year and bring new friends with them. I appreciate their support,” he said.

SWAC Coach of the Year Domond resigns as GSU women's hoops coach

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The 2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year won't be on the sidelines for Grambling in 2017.

Nadine Domond has resigned from her post as Grambling women's basketball coach after just two seasons and is expected to join the staff at Rutgers as an assistant coach.

Domond submitted her resignation letter June 17, according to HBCU Sports, which came about six weeks before her contract was set to expire. Domond and men's coach Shawn Walker both agreed to one-year, $120,000 deals last year that run through July 29, 2016. Grambling, which is without a permanent athletic director, had yet to approach Domond or Walker about new contracts.

HBCU Sports first reported the news Thursday.

For a coach who always mentioned changing the culture at Grambling and starting a rebirth of the Lady Tigers' program, Domond leaves on a high note after orchestrating a noteworthy turnaround in 2016. Domond gets a chance to reunite with her mentor at Rutgers in Vivian Stringer, who coached Domond at Iowa in the 1990s.

CONTINUE READING 

Taking the FAMU Marching 100 to new acclaim

Dr. Shelby Chipman
Director
Florida A&M University Marching 100

Miami native Shelby Chipman named director

MIAMI, Florida -- The announcement caught some fans by surprise. But the alumni of Florida A&M’s famed Marching 100 say the selection of Shelby Chipman as the new director is more than music to their ears.

Chipman, a Miami native and longtime musician, has taken the reigns as head of the uber popular band. He becomes just the fourth director in the band’s modern history, following in the footsteps of legends William P. Foster and Julian White. And, he also is the first South Floridian to lead that prestigious program.

Chipman’s first on-field performance will be Labor Day weekend in South Florida when the FAMU Rattlers will face the University of Miami Hurricanes. But even before that, Chipman will return home late July to help groom another generation of budding bandsmen at the annual band camp, sponsored by the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida.

And South Florida band heads already are savoring the idea of seeing the Chipman-led Marching 100.

“We’re getting lots of calls … with Dr. Chipman having been a student in the band. Alumni are excited,” said Miranda Albury, an alumna who operates the HBCU Shuttle transportation service. “When they come to Miami the stands are going to be filled.”

CONTINUE READING

FAMU Marching "100" Summer Band Camp 2016

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Marching “100” Summer Band Camp is one of the most comprehensive band camps in the country. This band camp offers middle and high school students the opportunity to improve their music proficiency, improve their marching concepts, play in small chamber groups as well as perform solo/ensembles. We have an excellent auxiliary staff that instructs our color guard, dancers, twirlers and drum majors.

Be a part of the internationally famous Florida A&M University Marching Band Programs for grade levels 9th-12th. A special invitation is extended to middle school students who will be entering a high school band in the fall 2016. Emphasis is placed on developing music and marching skill.

Learn from the FAMU band staff, alumni and visiting directors. Over 100 of the band's present members have volunteered their time and effort in order to make this the best summer band camp in the country!

Dates:
July 09 - 16, 2016
Deposit Due:
June 24, 2016 ($100.00) non-refundable per student
Balance Due: June 24, 2016
Refunds/Cancellation Deadline: June 24, 2016 (No refunds after June 24, 2016)
Registration Deadline:
June 24, 2016

MORE INFORMATION

Group Registrations: Please contact Eric Williams at 850-599-3474 or eric.williams@famu.edu .
No on-site registration

REGISTER for MARCHING "100" SUMMER BAND CAMP

Registration and on-line full or partial payments are available by using VISA or MasterCard debit or credit cards only.

2016 SWAC Football Media Day Roster announced

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Head coaches accompanied by a pair of student-athletes from all 10 Southwestern Athletic Conference schools will share in the 2016 SWAC Football Media Day.

The annual event is set for July 15 at the Birmingham - Marriott in Birmingham, Ala.

Dee Jackson and Robert Williamson will moderate the live coverage which will get underway at 10:00 a.m. CT live on the SWAC Digital Network.

SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at NRG Park Nina Jackson, Coordinator of Football Officials Harold Mitchell, Executive Director of the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl John Grant and other guest will be in attendance and available to the media upon request.

The SWAC’s official website, swac.org, will carry continuous coverage of MD16 via online video and audio broadcast stream.

The list of head coaches and student-athletes participating in SWAC Football Media Day include:

Alabama A&M
James Spady - Head Coach
DeAngel "Tuttie" Ballard (QB • 6‐0 • 200 • Sr. • Macon, Miss.)
Averee Giles (DL • 6‐0 • 345 • jr. • Lilburn, Ga.)

Alabama State
Brian Jenkins - Head Coach
Kourtney Berry (LB• 6-0• 215• Merrillville, Ind.)
Kerry Williams (OL• 6-2• 295• Gaffney, S.C.

Alcorn State
Fred McNair - Head Coach
Lenorris Footman (QB • 6‐0 • 181 • So. • Monticello, Fla.)
Michael Hurns (LB • 6-2 • 194 • Jr. • Cleveland, Miss.

Grambling State
Broderick Fobbs - Head Coach
Justin Miller (OL• 6-4• 305• Sr.• Ruston, La.)
Guy Stallwortth (S• 6-1• 205• Sr.• Gulfport, Miss.)

Jackson State
Tony Hughes - Head Coach
LaMontiez Ivy (QB• 6-3• 225• SR• East St. Louis, Ill.)
Javancy Jones (6-2• 230• SR• Macon, Miss.)

Mississippi Valley State
Rick Comegy - Head Coach
Booker Chambers (WR • 5-9 • 175 • Greenwood, Miss.)
Alvin Soloman (OL • 6-2 • 305 • Bessemer, Ala.)

Prairie View A&M
Willie Simmons - Prairie View A&M
Trey Green (QB• 6-3 • 220• Sr. • Beaumont, Texas)
Marquice O'Leary (Rov • 5-11 • 200 • Sr. • Fontana, Calif.)

Southern
Dawson Odums - Head Coach
Aaron Tiller (DE • 6-1 • 237 • Jr.• Columbus, Ohio)
Lenard Tiller (RB • 5-10• 186 • Sr. • Baton Rouge, La.

Texas Southern
Mike Haywood - Head Coach
Jay Christophe (QB • 6‐4 • 205 • Sr. • Addis, La.)
Jarius Moore (LB • 6-5 • 220 • Sr. • (Houston, Texas)

Arkansas‐Pine Bluff
Monte Coleman - Head Coach
Nolan Sorenson (QB • 6-4 • 220 • Jr. • Clovis, Calif.)
David White (DB • 6-2 • 180 • R-Jr. • Baton Rouge, La.)

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

See the Point and Drive® Documentary in Atlanta at Morehouse Friday, June 24th!

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Trinity Christian's Cameron Campbell commits to Lincoln U.(Pa.)

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania -- Trinity Christian graduate Cameron Campbell, a 6-foot-3 guard, committed to Division II Lincoln (Pa.) University of the CIAA on Tuesday night.

He chose Lincoln over fellow CIAA member Virginia Union and Concordia College, an HBCU in Selma, Alabama.

In May, Lincoln hired former NBA player Doug Overton, 46, to coach the Lions, who went 9-20 last season. His son, Miles, started his college career at Wake Forest before transferring to Drexel in the family's hometown of Philadelphia.

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VSU Trojan Football Names Sanders as Defensive Coordinator

PETERSBURG, Virginia -- As Virginia State University Trojan Football prepares for the 2016 season under the leadership of new head coach Reggie Barlow, the program has added depth to their coaching staff with the addition of Defensive Coordinator Dwone Sanders.

"Sanders is a guy who has a wealth of knowledge and experience," said Coach Barlow. "He coached me in college and left a lasting impression, so I have always wanted to work with him since then. Sanders has been a head coach and knows the profession. I am glad he is here to lead our defense."

Prior to his arrival to VSU, Sanders was Langston University's head football coach from 2012-2015 and their defensive coordinator from 2011-2012.

In the early 2000's, Sanders served as the defensive coordinator and head coach at several high schools to include Miller-McCoy Academy, Booker T. Washington High School and George Washington High School.

After coaching the secondary at Utah State University for a single season in 1995, Sanders ventured to Alabama State University where he served three years as the Co-defensive coordinator. During his time at Alabama State, Sanders coached VSU's current head football coach Reggie Barlow.

In 1992, Sanders entered the collegiate coaching arena as the linebackers coach at Southeast Missouri State. After getting his first initial coaching position fresh out of college as the linebackers coach at Buras High School in 1990, Sanders served as a graduate assistant at Penn State in
State College Pennsylvania.

The New Orleans native graduated from McNeese State University in 1990. He also received his master degree in urban education from Southern University in 2005.

"I was honored by the invitation from Coach Barlow to be a part of this fine football staff," said Sanders. Coach Barlow and I go way back, so I know his growth and passion for the game and the development of the student-athletes. I believe in Coach Barlow's vision and direction for this team because we are inclined to do great things here at VSU. I am excited to be a Trojan as we work toward being one team with one dream."

The 2016 VSU Trojan Football season officially kicks-off on September 3 at Lenoir-Rhyne.

For more information on VSU Trojans football, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

CIAA Football Media Day Set to Open 2016 Season

Charlotte, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) will kick off the 2016 football season with its annual Football Media Day on Thursday, July 21st at 9:00 a.m. at the Marriott - Research Triangle Park in Durham, North Carolina.

Each of the CIAA's twelve head football coaches, accompanied by select student-athletes, will take the stage for discussion regarding their football program, athletes, and season schedule as teams anticipate the conference championship. This season's circuit will feature extended sessions for Q&A dialog between head coaches, student-athletes, and media. CIAA Football Media Day will open at 9:00 a.m. and close with remarks from Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams at 11:10 a.m.

This year, five new head coaches will be welcomed to the conference: Reggie Barlow of Virginia State, Tim Chavous of St. Augustine's, Richard Hayes, Jr. of Fayetteville State, Adrian Jones of Shaw, and Earnest Wilson III of Elizabeth City State.

Media interested in attending the Media Day circuit must RSVP via theciaa.com. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, July 13.

The 2016 CIAA football season will open on Saturday, September 3rd with the CIAA Football Championship scheduled for November 12, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina. The nationally televised championship game will be played at Durham County Memorial Stadium and feature the CIAA Northern and Southern Division champions.

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

SIAC to host Football Media Day in Montgomery

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) will host the annual Football Media Day on Wednesday, July 20 at the Doubletree by Hilton Montgomery Downtown (120 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104). Head football coaches and two student-athletes from each team will be available to offer an up close and personal look on the upcoming 2016 football season.

This year the SIAC will have a limited number of tickets available to the public for the press luncheon portion of the Media Day. Tickets can be purchased by calling Taunita Stephenson at (404)221-1041 or stephenson@thesiac.com. Tickets are $40 per seat or $300 per table (10 persons) and must be purchased by Friday, July 15.c

Media members may obtain a credential for the luncheon and/or one-on-one interviews by completing an application found on www.thesiac.com. One-on-one interviews will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. Ballroom.

COURTESY SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Randall Named Women's Basketball Assistant Coach

DAYTON, Ohio -- Wright State head women's basketball coach Katrina Merriweather announced Wednesday the addition of Semeka Randall as an assistant coach.

Randall joins the Raider staff after serving as the head coach at Alabama A&M the past three seasons.

Under her guidance in 2014-15, the Lady Bulldogs led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in free-throw shooting, making 449 of 652 attempts for a .689 percentage. Senior point guard Brittney Strickland, who was named second team All-SWAC, was the league's top free-throw shooter, making 134 of 158 attempts for a .848 percentage.

Before coming to Alabama A&M, Randall was the head coach for five years at Ohio University from 2008-12. Under her guidance, several players received All-MAC honors. Randall was also an assistant coach at West Virginia from 2007-08, at Michigan State from 2005-07 and at Cleveland State from 2002-03. During her tenure at Michigan State, the Spartans played for the national championship in 2005, advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2006 and made it to the NCAA second round in 2007.

"Semeka’s reputation, love for the game, tenacity, and pedigree made her an immediate frontrunner for our recruiting coordinator position," said Merriweather. "She brings valuable experience and we share similar beliefs about the student-athlete experience and development. I am confident that her energy will bring the best out of our kids and challenge them to reach their personal best."

A standout guard at Tennessee from 1998-2001, Randall earned Kodak All-America First Team honors in 1999 and 2000. She was an integral part of Tennessee’s 1998 NCAA Championship team that went 39-0, averaging 15.9 points a game while earning honorable mention All-America recognition.

In addition to her All-America honors, she was named the Women’s Basketball Journal’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000, First Team All-Southeast­ern Conference in 1999 and 2000, Second Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman Team in 1998, and was on the NCAA Mideast Regional All-Tournament team in 1998 and 2000.

Randall scored 1,915 points during her career at Tennessee (13.7 ppg) and added 716 rebounds (5.1 rpg), 286 steals and 236 assists. She ranks fifth on the Lady Vols’ career charts in both points and steals, and third in free throws made (439). Tennessee posted a record of 134-10 during her four-year career, including championship appearances in 1998 and 2000. During the summer of 1998, Randall was the leading scorer for the gold medal-winning USA Jones Cup team.

Randall was the first player chosen in the second round (17th overall) of the 2001 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm. She started 30 of 32 games as a rookie, averaging a career-best 9.4 points. She averaged 5.8 points during her 123-game WNBA career, including 55 starts.

In 2001-02, Randall started all 16 games at point guard and averaged 19 points while playing for the Israeli Professional Basketball League. She played in the Greek Professional Basketball League in 2002-03, again starting all 16 games for her squad. In 2003, she was a member of the Tennessee Fury of the National Women’s Basketball League, averaging 12.2 points as a shooting guard.

In 2004, she completed her four-year WNBA career which included stops in Seattle (2001-02), Utah (2002) and San Antonio (2003-04).

Prior to her exemplary playing career at Tennessee and in the professional ranks, Randall was an accomplished basketball player in high school. She was Parade Magazine’s Player of the Year and a First Team All-American in 1997 while starring at Trinity High School in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She was Ohio’s Miss Basketball in 1996 and 1997, a member of the 1996 and 1997 USA Junior World Championship Qualifying Teams, the MVP of the Ohio state basketball tournament in 1994 and 1996 and the Gatorade Circle of Champions Midwest Player of the Year in 1997. She was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame on May 17, 2008.

Randall graduated from Tennessee in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications.

COURTESY WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

XU's Kitto selected second-team Academic All-America

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Brent Kitto has been selected second-team Academic All-America in men's track and field/cross country by the College Sports Information Directors of America. CoSIDA announced the honor Tuesday for its college division: student-athletes from NAIA, Canadian and two-year institutions.
     
Kitto, a pharmacy major from Chalmette, La., and a graduate of Holy Cross High School, will graduate from Xavier next May. He has a 3.58 GPA. He competed for Xavier the past three seasons and was All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference twice in cross country (2013 and 2014) and twice in outdoor track and field (2014 and 2015). He was the 2014 GCAC outdoor track champion in the 1,500-meter run.
     
Beginning in 2008-09, seven XU student-athletes have earned a combined 11 berths on CoSIDA Academic All-America teams. Six of those student-athletes have competed in track and field and/or cross country. CoSIDA has sponsored the Academic All-America program since 1952.
     
"I loved to run in high school and knew I wanted to pursue it in college," Kitto said. "It's been challenging to be an athlete and in pharmacy school. Succeeding is all about time management and work ethic."
     
On Monday, Kitto and approximately 140 fourth-year pharmacy classmates — the P4s — began their series of clinical rotations. The P4s will apply their acquired knowledge in seven six-week rotations. They'll practice pharmacy in groups of two or three with a College of Pharmacy faculty member in each group to assist and guide. Kitto's first rotation is at NOELA Community Health Center in New Orleans East. Kitto will have four additional clinical rotations, one rotation at a hospital and another at a retail site.
     
"It's hands-on experience," Kitto said.
     
The rotations follow a three-semester course, Disease State Management. To be ready for P4 rotations, do well in DSM.
     
"The DSM course is the most challenging one in pharmacy school because it's the summation of all the information we have learned up to that point," Kitto said. "The course requires that we combine knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the body, pathophysiology of disease states, and pharmacology of drugs in order to deliver the best possible treatment. It's also the most rewarding course because it allows us to make that connection with everything we have learned."

Xavier's All-Time List of Academic All-Americans (chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America)
Year	Name	Sport	Team
2008-09	Joe Drexler-Dreis	Men's Track and Field/Cross Country	Second Team
2011-12	Matt Pieri	Men's Track and Field/Cross Country	Second Team
2011-12	Javon Mead	Men's Track and Field/Cross Country	Third Team
2012-13	Taylor Reuther	Women's Volleyball	Third Team
2012-13	Matt Pieri	Men's Track and Field/Cross Country	Second Team
2012-13	Javon Mead	Men's Track and Field/Cross Country	Third Team
2012-13	Catherine Fakler	Women's Track and Field/Cross Country	Second Team
2012-13	Devinn Rolland	Women's Track and Field/Cross Country	Second Team
2014-15	Catherine Fakler	Women's Track and Field/Cross Country	First Team
2014-15	Devinn Rolland	Women's Track and Field/Cross Country	First Team
2015-16	Brent Kitto	Men's Track and Field/Cross Country	Second Team

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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