Optimistic Raeburn prepares for first season at SSU football’s helm

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Erik Raeburn hears what everyone says.

When Savannah State University’s new head football coach meets them, it isn’t long before he hears it.

“You’ve got a tough job ahead of you.”

But Raeburn isn’t one for pessimism, especially if it starts to taint his players.

That’s one of the main differences Raeburn has noticed between SSU and Wabash College in Indiana, where Raeburn spent seven seasons as a head coach before being hired in March to try to get the Tigers out of the mud and off the ground. The team has won just five games in the past six seasons.

“(The fans are) not as optimistic ... maybe they’re too pessimistic about the football program,” Raeburn said. “I don’t want the players to feel that way. I guess because we haven’t had much success in recent years, people don’t have much faith that we can get things turned around, which is fine, as long as it doesn’t start filtering into our team.”

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Former FAMU Marching 100 G.Star Swain Makes National TV Singing Debut

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- This year's Fourth of July celebration could go down as one of the most reflective in history as our country searches for the security that once defined America.

Just four months away from what is expected to be one of the most contentious and divisive elections ever for the president of the United States and only a few weeks from being stunned by the worst mass shooting in history — near Disney World, no less — we, the people, remain on edge.

Perhaps that is why a powerful, soulful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, performed impromptu by Tallahassee’s Star Swain at the Lincoln Memorial, has been viewed more than 33 million times online and placed her in demand for appearances in national news and entertainment outlets.

Think about it: A simple, yet stirring, gospel-tinged performance of this country’s most revered patriotic verse is being shared by millions through a social media network usually reserved for promoting the latest single by Beyonce, Beiber and Swift.

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Grambling State's Nigel Ribeiro Out to Prove His Coach is No Fool

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- If the night is darkest just before the dawn, then Grambling State would've seen a dramatic turnaround following its 0-28 season four years ago. But college basketball doesn't work like that, and the Tigers' program was in as rough shape as ever when Shawn Walker took over two years later.

"I don't know what the outcome is going to be next year," Walker told the Monroe, La.-based News Star last summer following an inaugural 2-27 season in 2014-15. "You'll have a story that says Shawn Walker is foolish or what this man was really selling is starting to come to fruition. One of them two things is going to happen."

So, is Walker foolish or not? The Tigers won just four games against Division I teams last year, and slogged through an 11-game SWAC losing streak. But don't rush to put the dunce cap on him. There were positives for the wayward program. Grambling State snapped a 36-game losing streak against D-I opponents, and won its most SWAC games in five years. Most importantly, Walker might have found a young player to headline his immense rebuilding effort.

Nigel Ribeiro had big plans when he signed with Walker and the Tigers. Before the season, he told the News Star that he and fellow commits Mike Bethea and Javier Roper would be the ones to lead the program to unseen places.

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Minority Collegiate Golf Championship Is Growing the Game

MIAMI,  Florida -- The PGA Tour remains exceedingly white, and I'm not talking about the ice-cream-man pants favored by many of the lodge brothers these days. The players and their caddies, the broadcasters and their bosses, officials and reporters and fans—it's a sea of white. The Tour—and you could say the same of the USGA and the PGA of America—looks nothing like the broad rush of humanity scurrying through the Orlando airport during spring break. It looks like 1958.

And then I paid a short visit to the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship in early May, a 30-year-old event that has been run by the PGA of America since 2006. What a joy, to walk the flat fairways of the PGA Golf Club, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and see scores of young black, white, Asian and Latino golfers carrying their own bags and grinding out pars. Maybe it's because I spend too much time at Tour events and private clubs, but it just felt good to ask an African American woman—a coach in a cart, visor on, ready for action—directions to the 10th tee. It felt like progress.

The championship gives young minority golfers, most of them good but not great, a national competition in which to play. If that makes it an affirmative-action tournament, so be it.

For the purposes of the competition, the PGA of America identifies five minority groups: African American, Hispanic American, Native or Alaskan American, Asian or Pacific Island American and Middle Eastern/North African. Of the 145 players, men and women, in the field this year, roughly 60 percent of them fell into one of those five groups. Most of the rest were white kids playing for golf teams at historically black colleges and universities. There are also two individual competitions for minority male and female golfers from non-HBCU teams.

It's not an easy event to get your arms around. The minority classifications are really part of an accounting exercise that justifies the use of the word "minority" in the championship name. This year, Bethune-Cookman, an historically black university in Daytona Beach, won both the men's Division I team title and the women's team title. Of the 10 Bethune-Cookman players, only three were members of PGA-sanctioned minority groups. But three others were self-described mixed-race Britons for whom there was no box to check, except other.

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FMU Hires Florentino Burgos as New Baseball Coach

MIAMI, Florida -- Florida Memorial University Director of Athletics Robert Smith has completed the search for a new Men's Baseball coach at FMU with the hiring of Florentino Burgos to lead the Lions into the 2017 season and beyond.

Burgos most recently served as the head coach at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School for the past eight years. He was responsible for evaluating players, practice planning and managing the team. In addition, Burgos owns and operates Tropics Baseball, which organizes fall baseball leagues.

"We are excited to bring Coach Burgos on board to lead our Lions baseball program. Burgos is widely known and respected in the baseball community. His energy and enthusiasm mixed with his focus on player development will help elevate our program to the next level," Smith said.

Burgos is a native of Miami Dade County and played collegiately at Florida International University. Following his collegiate career, he was signed by the Kalamazoo Kings. He later returned to South Florida, where he was the head coach at North Miami Beach Senior High and RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities).

As a collegiate baseball player, Burgos was an All-Regional Team selection and NCAA D1 Regional Champion. Burgos inherits a program that returns the majority of its players. He and the Lions will open play in February of 2017.

COURTESY FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCAA helps WSSU athletes get their degrees

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Danisha Wiggins, a former track and cross country athlete at Winston-Salem State, said that without a financial grant from the NCAA to help her finish her degree requirements it’s doubtful she would still be in school.

But for Wiggins and Michael Douglas, a former football player for the Rams, the NCAA is helping both pay for their final few classes, allowing them to get their college degrees. It might not be a lot of money considering the billion-dollar business that is the NCAA, but to Wiggins, it means a lot.

“My mom doesn’t have a high-paying job so when I graduated Parkland it was all on me,” said Wiggins, 23, who hopes to be a kindergarten teacher. “So this is just a blessing because without the NCAA’s help I would have had to take out a bunch of loans. It would have been a lot tougher.”

Wiggins, who works a 40-hour job at A Child’s World Learning Center in downtown Winston-Salem, has a 3.8 GPA and is two classes and a teaching internship away from graduation. Her eligibility ended this spring after four outstanding seasons on the track team where she helped the Rams to two CIAA indoor championships.

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Florida Memorial University Athletics Department 2015-2016 Recap

• Maximiliano Schendfeld Named NAIA All-American Honorable Mention
• Matias Ledesma, Hernan Luis Liporace, Martin Magni, Marco Perreta, Julio Vera, Jose Vidal Bazterric and Lucas Vigliaccio Named Daktronics-NAIA Men's Soccer Scholar-Athletes 
• Fourteen Men's Soccer Named to Academic All-Conference Team
• Seven Lions Highlight Men's Soccer All-Conference Team
• Arns Carrenard Named to CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team
• Men's Soccer Upset Third Top 25 Team
• Men's Soccer Receives First Top 25 Ranking in Program History
• Four Teams Named NAIA Scholar-Teams (Men's Soccer 3.71,Women's Soccer 3.49,Women's Cross Country 3.26,Women's Outdoor Track & Field 3.16)
• Four Women's Soccer Named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes (Hohebeth Vega,Leilani Bellieni, Camila Scobina and Cindy Rosero)
• Six Women's Soccer Named to Academic All-Conference Team
• Natasha James Named 2015 Daktronics-NAIA Volleyball Scholar-Athlete
• Natasha James Named to Academic All-Sun Conference Team
• Arasay Guerra Named Honorable Mention All-Sun Conference
• Samuel Dorismond Named to Second All-Conference Team
• Corion Knight Captures All-American Honors at NAIA Indoor Track Championships
• Men's Basketball Upsets Lynn 76 to 67
• Ashley Henry Named to Sun Conference All-Defensive Team
• Ashley Henry Named Sun Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week
• Cesar Temes Named 2016 Daktronics-NAIA Baseball Scholar-Athlete
• Coach Louis Zarzabal Nominated for NAIA Coach of Character Award
• Corion Knight Locks Down National Champion Title as FMU Men's T&F Finish 20th Overall
• Corion Knight National Long Jump Champion
• Corion Knight Wins a National Title in Men's Long Jump and All-American Honors in Men's High Jump
• Corion Knight, Eunique Byrd and Brittany Starling Named Men's & Women's Field Athlete of the Week
• Five Lions Named to Academic All-Conference Track & Field Team
• Corion Knight Broke The Sun Conference Meet Record with a Mark of 7'2 1/4 ( 2.19 meters) in the High Jump
• Corion Knight 7th at FSU Seminole Invitational in the Long Jump and 2nd in the Men's High Jump
• Corion Knight Won the High Jump at USF Invitational
• Corion Knight Won the High Jump at Miami Hurricane Invitational with a Leap of 6.10.75 and Won the Men's Long Jump in 23.11m
• Corion Knight was Named Sun Conference Men's Field Athlete of the Week Five Times this Season
• Corion Knight's Winning Jump at the NAIA Championship was 25' 1 3/4" (7.66 meters)
• Corion Knight Four Time All American

COURTESY FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Claflin's Brown Signs Professional Women’s Basketball Contract with Club Badel 1862

Orangeburg, South Carolina  --  Former Claflin University women's basketball player Shaniece Brown signs a professional contract to play with Club Badel 1862 located in Macedonia. Club Badel is one of 11 teams that play in the MŽRKL international women's basketball league.

The contract is for the 2016-17 season.

Brown, a 5-4, guard from Rochester, N.Y., led Claflin in scoring the past two seasons and was named to the SIAC Second team all-conference in 2016.

"This has always been a dream of mine, to play professional basketball and now I have my chance," said Brown. "I'm very excited and truly blessed for this opportunity. I just want to pave the way for others who follow me and to show them to never give up on their dream."

During the 2015-16 season she averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 assists while shooting 85.7 percent from the charity stripe. She finished the season ranked 42nd in the nation in free-throw percentage and was ranked 2nd in free-throw percentage, 5th in assists and 10th in scoring, in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

"I am extremely happy for Shaniece," head coach Deont'a McChester said. "She deserves this opportunity; she has represented our program and university with high character on and off the court. Every coach wants to see their athletes live there dreams and I am very blessed to help Shaniece with hers." McChester continued, "My assistant coach Nanyamka Moore helped develop Shaniece to think and work like a professional and her impact can't go unnoticed."

Brown is the first Claflin player under coach McChester tutelage to sign a professional contract.

COURTESY CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Please join us Tuesday to welcome Xavier's new head men's basketball coach

The event will start Tuesday, July 5 at 1:30 p.m. at XU Convocation Center, 7900 Stroelitz St., New Orleans LA 70125.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Clark Atlanta to be Featured in 2016 NCAA Division II Showcase

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- NCAA Division II today announced 18 of the 22 regular season football games that will be carried on ESPN3, WatchESPN and the American Sports Network, after the division entered a three-year agreement in 2015 to deliver DII athletics events.

The 22-game Division II Football Showcase is once again three times as many televised football games for Division II, compared to seven televised games in each of the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Clark Atlanta will host Tuskegee on Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m. in a rematch of the 2015 season opener that CAU lost on the road. The Panthers will be appearing in a televised game for the second time in two seasons.

Of the 22-game slate announced by the NCAA, 18 games have been predetermined. An additional four flex games (two per network) will be finalized later in the football season and played November 5 and November 12. The flex games are expected to highlight premier and pivotal matchups.

However, fans won't need to wait long to watch exciting Division II football. The 36 teams highlighted in the current 2016 TV schedule combined for 272 wins and just 121 losses for a .692 winning percentage. Of those teams, 17 appeared in the Division II playoffs and 14 finished the season ranked in the top 25 of the American Football Coaches Association Division II poll.

ABOUT ESPN3
ESPN3 is ESPN's live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices through WatchESPN. The network is currently available nationwide at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. It is also available at no cost to U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN SPORTS NETWORK
The American Sports Network is part of the Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country. Including pending transactions, the company owns, operates and/or provides services to 173 television stations in 81 markets, broadcasting 484 channels and having affiliations with all the major networks. Sinclair is the leading local news provider in the country, as well as a producer of live sports content. Sinclair's content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the- air, multi-channel video program distributors and digital platforms. The company regularly uses its website as a key source of company information which can be accessed at SBGI.net. ASN, which launched in August 2014, produced 250 college events in nine sports in its first year and plans to air nearly 400 events when the 2015-16 academic year is over. ASN launched a 24/7 channel in nine markets in January and it has increased that total to 21 by June 5.


FULL SCHEDULE (all times are EST)

Thursday, Sept. 1 (9 pm) – CSU-Pueblo at Colorado School of Mines (ESPN3)
Saturday, Sept. 3 (7 pm) – Tuskegee University at Clark Atlanta University (ASN)
Saturday, Sept. 10 (7 pm) – SW Minnesota St. Univ. at Northern St. Univ. (ESPN3)
Saturday, Sept. 10 (7 pm) – Henderson State Univ. at East Central Univ. (ASN)
Saturday, Sept. 17 (7 pm) – Valdosta State Univ. at Univ. of North Alabama (ASN)
Sat., Sept. 17 at (8 pm) – W. Texas A&M at Univ. of Texas-Permian Basin (ESPN3)
Saturday, Sept. 24 (3 pm) – Central State vs. Kentucky State (ESPN3)
Saturday, Sept. 24 (3:30 pm) – Ashland University at Ferris State University (ASN)
Saturday, Oct. 1 (6 pm) – Catawba College at Newberry College (ESPN3)
Saturday, Oct. 1 (7 pm) – Florida Tech at University of West Florida (ASN)
Saturday, Oct. 8 at (12 noon) – Glenville State College at Shepherd University (ASN)
Saturday, Oct. 8 (8 pm) – Midwestern State Univ. at Texas A&M-Commerce (ESPN3)
Saturday, Oct. 15 (6 pm) – University of New Haven at Stonehill College (ESPN3)
Saturday, Oct. 15 (7 pm) – Kutztown University at East Stroudsburg Univ. (ASN)
Saturday, Oct. 22 (1 pm) – Bowie State Univ. at Virginia Union Univ. (ESPN3)
Saturday, Oct. 22 (3:30 pm) – Humboldt State at Western Oregon (ASN)
Saturday, Oct. 29 (3:30 pm) – Pittsburg State at Northwest Missouri State (ASN)
Saturday, Oct. 29 (6 pm) – William Jewell College at Univ. of Indianapolis (ESPN3)
Saturday, Nov. 5 – TBD
Saturday, Nov. 12 – TBD

COURTESY CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Clark Atlanta University Suspends Men's Track and Field

ATLANTA, Georgia -- After reviewing the impact on the institution and the department of athletics, Clark Atlanta University has opted to suspend Men's Track and Field. The resulting reduction will bring the number of sponsored sports at CAU to 10 - four men's and six women's sports.

"For the next few years, Clark Atlanta University has suspended the Men's Track program after evaluating the entire athletic program" stated CAU Athletics Director J. Lin Dawson. "Suspending or reducing a varsity sport is not an easy decision. The decision to right size the department was based on resources, competitiveness, gender equity, and facilities."

The men's cross country team and women's running sports will not be affected and will continue to compete.

"Several young men will be impacted. These young men give their hearts and souls in representing Clark Atlanta University. The Men's Cross Country program is still a varsity supported sport at CAU."

"We will continue fundraising efforts to install a new track and to create a sustainable competitive program. While the Men's Track program is suspended, although a small consolation, the University will work to provide opportunities for young men to run unattached at several meets where CAU competes."

Clark Atlanta University had 3,500 students for the 2015-16 school year with roughly 74% of the enrollment base as female students.

COURTESY CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former Jackson State tennis coach acted unethically, failed to monitor program

JACKSON, Mississippi -- A former Jackson State University men’s tennis head coach violated NCAA ethical conduct rules when he allowed an ineligible student-athlete to compete under an eligible student-athlete’s name, according to a decision issued by a Division I Committee on Infractions panel.

Download the Jackson State Public Infractions Decision

The former coach also failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance within the tennis program. He provided impermissible benefits to a prospect during recruitment and later permitted the same student-athlete, who was a nonqualifer upon enrollment, to practice and compete.

The director of compliance notified the former coach that the student-athlete was a nonqualifer when the recruit enrolled and therefore was ineligible for practice and competition. Despite knowing that, the former coach allowed the student-athlete to practice with the team. The former coach also allowed the student-athlete to receive travel-related expenses on two occasions, contrary to NCAA rules.

The former coach provided the student-athlete with impermissible recruiting benefits when he was a prospect. The panel determined those actions were a Level III violation, or isolated in nature.

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, the involved individual 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.

Penalties and corrective measures include the following:

Public reprimand and censure for the university.

One year of probation for the university from July 1, 2016, to June, 30, 2017.

A two-year show-cause order for the former coach from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018. During that period, if he is hired at an NCAA member school, he is prohibited from all coaching and recruiting duties.

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

A $5,000 fine.

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, 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.

COURTESY NCAA PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS

Wagner College hoop transfers find home in MEAC

STATEN ISLAND, New York -- Following Wagner College's 23-11 season, guard Aaren Edmead and forward Japhet Kadji announced their intentions to transfer.

They did, and now the two sophomores have reportedly landed in the same place.

The two will have to sit out next season for the Aggies, who were 10-22 overall and 7-9 in the MEAC last year.

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W-S Prep athlete heads to Fayetteville State with scholarship

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Former Winston-Salem Prep Academy player Kala Robinson grew up being a cheerleader. As she watched her older sister play basketball her focus changed.

Robinson has signed her letter of intent to play basketball for the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University.

The 5’9” Robinson said her favorite aspect of playing basketball is playing as a team and sharing the ball. Her favorite player is Camille Little of the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA. Little is from Winston-Salem and played at Carver High School before becoming a star player for the UNC Tar Heels.

“I was really overwhelmed and I was really happy because it was proof all of my hard work paid off,” said Robinson of her scholarship.

With her height, Robinson says at the high school level she was able to overpower smaller guards and her shooting touch and speed enabled her to out maneuver forwards. “In high school when girls guarded me, it would be a mismatch because I was usually stronger than them,” Robinson said. “I need to get stronger for the next level because when I went to an open gym at Fayetteville State, those girls were really strong.”

Kala Robinson’s father, Alvin Robinson, was very happy for his daughter and the success she had on the court.

“I’m proud of her. She always wanted to go to a CIAA school because of the hype of the conference,” said Alvin Robinson. “I am more proud of the fact she is able to live her dream and not the dream of my wife and I.”

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Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Names Inaugural Class: Dr. Dick Barnett, Travis Grant, Bob Hopkins, Earl Monroe, Willis Reed, Clarence Gaines and John McLendon Makes Slate

EVANSVILLE, Indiana -- It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that Small College Basketball announces the inaugural Hall of Fame Class of inductees into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame.

The 2016 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Fans may purchase tickets/tables to the Hall of Fame Induction through the following link, www.HoFClassic.com, or by calling 812-421-2212.
​
Players

Dr. Dick Barnett (Tennessee A&I)
Bevo Francis (Rio Grande)
John Ebeling (Florida Southern)
Travis Grant (Kentucky State)
Bob Hopkins (Grambling)
Lucious Jackson (Pan American College)
Phil Jackson (North Dakota)
Earl Monroe (Winston-Salem State)
Willis Reed (Grambling)
John Rinka (Kenyon)
Jerry Sloan (Evansville)

Coaches

Clarence Gaines (Winston-Salem State)
Arad McCutchan (Evansville)
John McLendon (North Carolina College, Hampton, Tennessee State, Kentucky State, Cleveland State)

READ BIO AND MORE HERE

Ram Ramblings: Monroe, Gaines heading to Small College Hall of Fame

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- If you are going to have college basketball hall of fame dedicated to the small colleges and universities, Big House Gaines and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe are two of the initial inductees that make sense.

The Small College Basketball Hall of Fame, a new hall of fame that will be in Evansville, Indiana has been started.

The induction ceremony will be held Nov. 17 at the Ford Center.

Gaines, who died in April of 2005, guided WSSU to 828 wins in a 47-year career that included a national championship.

Monroe, 71, played at WSSU in the late 1960s and went on to become one of the all-time greats in the NBA.

“I’m just reading the e-mail as you called,” Monroe said by telephone today from New York. “I had no idea or any inkling that this was going to happen but it’s exciting for all of us who went to small colleges.”

Monroe was especially happy that Gaines, one of his mentors, is recognized for his contributions to basketball.

“It’s absolutely terrific that coach Gaines is going in as well and you can’t forget John McLendon also going in,” Monroe said about McLendon, the former N.C. Central coach.

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Wood excited for upcoming season, Rattlers in summer phase of program

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Just like last year, Florida A&M head coach Alex Wood has a strong focus on academics in the summer phase of his program.

Veteran Rattlers have been in summer school since May 9 while also participating in summer workouts. Wood said freshmen reported on June 21 and started class on Monday after going through a team orientation.

Wood, in his second year as head coach, said his players are understanding the expectations he placed on them – they aren’t going anywhere any time soon.

“It’s a new year,” Wood said. “We’re undefeated. That’s what I’m excited about. It’s a new team and I like these guys’ attitudes. They’re working at it. I like the way they’re coming together as a team and working well together. I’m excited about that aspect.

“It’s always a work in progress as we go. This is our second year. I think kids understand last year wasn’t just something we did because it was our first year, that’s the program. It was that way last year and it’ll be that way this year – doesn’t matter if we won no games or one game or ten games. That’s the program and that’s how we’ll go.”

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FAMU Mourns the Loss of Former Interim Athletics Director Joseph Ramsey

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) community is extremely saddened by the loss of former FAMU track star and chair of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Joseph Ramsey, Ph.D. Ramsey received his master’s degree in physical education from FAMU and a doctorate in administration of athletics and physical education from Florida State University (FSU).

A longtime supporter of the University and true Rattler, Ramsey provided years of tireless service to FAMU through various teaching and administrative roles, including serving the Athletics Department as its former interim director.

President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., said the untimely passing of Joseph Ramsey is a tremendous loss to the FAMU community.

“Joseph Ramsey’s unconditional love for FAMU was shown through his years of service on behalf of FAMU students and our athletics programs,” Mangum said. “A person like Ramsey cannot be replaced, and he will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his fa
mily, friends, and loved ones from FAMU and beyond during this time of mourning.”

Details of funeral arrangements will be announced as they are made available.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS 

John Stallworth, Robert Brazile & Harlon Hill proved it's where you finish, not where you start

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- There's more to football in this state than Auburn and Alabama.

Consequently, there's more to The 100 — AL.com's list of the top football players in state history — than former Tigers and Crimson Tide stars. Three players who earned spots in the top half of the list are proof that it doesn't matter where you start, but where you finish.

Harlon Hill stayed in his hometown of Florence for college football, but was so successful there and in the professional ranks that a national award was named for him. Robert Brazile's route took him from Mobile to Jackson State, sparking a career as one of most feared defenders in the NFL.



John Stallworth left Tuscaloosa for Alabama A&M, and eventually wound up a four-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer. Hill is No. 36 on The 100, while Brazile is No. 25 and Stallworth No. 23.

Hill was born May 4, 1932, in Killen, hard up against the Alabama-Tennessee line. After starring at Lauderdale County High School, he enrolled at what was then Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama) in the early 1950s.

Hill was an NAIA All-American end as a senior in 1953, and scored 19 touchdowns in his career despite catching just 53 passes in a run-oriented offense. An opposing coach tipped off a Chicago Bears scout about Hill, and the Bears drafted him in the 15th round in 1954.

CONTINUE READING 

Life on the field: Longtime JSU coach Bob Braddy to be inducted into National College Baseball Hall Of Fame

Tickets for the 2016 induction are available on the Hall of Fame's website at www.collegebaseballhall.org.

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Growing up in Florence, Mississippi, Bob Braddy looked forward to Saturdays.

R.T. Braddy Sr., being a church deacon, wouldn’t let his children play ball on Sundays and, in a family with eight boys and six girls, work and chores consumed weekdays.

That left Saturday afternoons for baseball.

The neighborhood kids would clean up cow manure from the pasture, cut up a car tire for the pitching rubber and fashion bases by filling cloth grain sacks with dirt. The catcher had a mask, but no chest protector, no shin guards, no other equipment, so a “pigtail” would set up shop 30 or 40 feet behind him.

“He would get the ball and get it back to the catcher,” Bob Braddy said. “That was like a designated player. It was a second catcher.”

Retrieving pitches wasn’t the only group effort.

“The park was surrounded by trees,” Braddy said. “If someone hit a fly ball into the woods, you would see guys scatter like ants into the woods, trying to find the ball.”

From such humble beginnings, Braddy made a life from the game. Coaching Jackson State from 1973-2000, Braddy went 824-546, setting the coaching victories record for the Southwestern Athletic Conference, winning 12 SWAC titles and taking three teams to the NCAA tournament.

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HU's Johnson named MEAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Hampton University guard Reginald Johnson, Jr. has been named the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Male Student-Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced.

Johnson is the first Hampton student-athlete to receive the honor.

"I would like to congratulate Reginald Johnson, Jr.," MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas said. "He's had an absolutely phenomenal career at Hampton University, not only as a student-athlete, but academically and in extracurricular activities as well. I wish him continued success and I would like to thank all the people who had a positive influence on Reginald."

In two seasons with the Pirates, Johnson helped the program win back-to-back MEAC Tournament titles and make consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. This past season, Johnson was named First Team All-MEAC and the MEAC Tournament's Most Outstanding Player, ranking second in the conference in scoring with 18.1 points per game.

He had two 30-point games on the season, including a career-high 35 points at Northern Arizona on Dec. 2. He also had 30 points against Washington Adventist.

Johnson was also third in the MEAC in steals and sixth in assists. Johnson averaged 19.3 points and 8.3 assists per game in the MEAC Tournament, and he dished out a MEAC Tournament record-tying 13 assists in the quarterfinals against Morgan State.



Johnson was also named a BoxToRow All-American and Second Team All-State by the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID).

In addition to his on-court excellence, Johnson graduated this past May with a degree in sports management, boasting a 3.18 GPA.

He also has been a pillar in the community, volunteering at local elementary schools in Hampton and Newport News, Va. He also participated in Jump Rope for Heart, Read Across America, and the annual Pirates Leading Area Youth Day.

In addition, he worked in the Department of Athletics as a marketing representative.

The Male Student-Athlete of the Year honor is provided to the student-athlete who has excelled academically and athletically and is in his final season of intercollegiate athletic eligibility and competition under MEAC and NCAA regulations for the sport in which the student-athlete was nominated.

Each of the MEAC's 13-member institutions may nominate one male student-athlete for the honor. The honoree is selected by a committee of five conference Athletic Directors that use a combination of the following criteria in selection of the award: service of leadership, academic achievement and athletics excellence.



COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Tuskegee, North Carolina A&T in preseason football rankings

TUSKEGEE,Alabama -- With just 66 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, its second straight playoff appearance, 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 Football Annual preseason NCAA Div. II poll. They are the second-highest rated team from region, behind West Georgia who is ranked third in the preseason poll and the only HBCU team in the Preseason Top 25. 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.

North Carolina A&T, who finished in a three-way tie with North Carolina Central and Bethune-Cookman for the 2015 MEAC title and defeated SWAC champion Alcorn State in the inaugural Celebration Bowl, is the only HBCU team in the preseason FCS poll. The Aggies are ranked 22nd nationally. The Sporting News also released its preseason Div. II and FCS All-American teams. Johnson C. Smith junior defensive back Carlo Thomas, who led the nation in interceptions, and Tuskegee junior safety Jonah McCutcheon earned first team Div. II honors.

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JCSU Athletics Celebrates the Retirement of Head Tennis Coach James Cuthbertson

JCSU Athletics Celebrates the Career of Head Tennis Coach James Cuthbertson at Retirement Reception

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Friends of the Johnson C. Smith University tennis programs gathered on Tuesday afternoon, June 28^th to celebrate the career of longtime tennis coach James Cuthbertson at a retirement reception held at JCSU's Faculty House. Cuthbertson will retire effective July 29, 2016.

Cuthbertson has led the JCSU tennis programs for the past 18 years, compiling a 245-212 record at the helm of the men's team and a 164-207 mark as the women's head coach. Under Cuthbertson's guidance, JCSU won six consecutive CIAA men's titles from 1999-2004.

"Coach Cuthbertson has been a constant for JCSU and is well known around the area for his love of the game and his coaching ability," said JCSU athletic director Stephen Joyner, Sr. "We wish him well in his retirement."

In addition to his coaching duties, Cuthbertson has served JCSU in several roles, including the disability services coordinator and as sports information director.

COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SIAC to host Football Media Day in Montgomery

To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE

ATLANTA – 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.

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 THE SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Southern's A.W. Mumford Stadium unveils new field turf

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- A welcomed, new addition awaits the Southern University football program and their passionate fanbase when they enter A.W. Mumford Stadium on Sept. 17 for the 2016 home opener against Alabama State.

Construction to install a new state-of-the-art synthetic playing surface is nearing the final phase ahead of the project's July 18 scheduled completion date. The new field turf is a part of several University initiatives which will be highlighted during the Million Dollar March kickoff event Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. in the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse. The event, hosted by the Southern University System Foundation, is reserved for all Foundation donors and corporate sponsors.

“The installation of a turf field aligns with the University’s aim to shape a standard of excellence in our athletic endeavors," said SU System President Dr. Ray L. Belton. "We are pleased to bring the project to fruition with the support of the Southern University System Foundation and the longstanding contributions of the Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

We are also grateful for the partnerships with SMG and UBU Sports, Incorporated that allows us to achieve this much-needed improvement to A.W. Mumford Stadium.”

The Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) partnered with the Southern University Athletics Department for the installation of the NFL-grade synthetic turf field at A.W. Mumford Stadium. The project was made possible by a joint venture between Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the Southern University System Foundation, SMG (Louisiana Superdome Management Company) and UBU Sports, Incorporated.

"Southern University and SU Athletics remains committed to providing our student-athletes with a first-rate college experience," said Roman Banks, SU Interim Athletics Director. "Through the support of the Southern University System Foundation, the installation of this state-of-the-art playing surface at A.W. Mumford Stadium addresses any player safety and gameday logistic concerns while offering our coaching staff a powerful recruiting tool which also reasserts the SU athletic brand."

UBU Sports, Incorporated, located in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a leading brand of indoor and outdoor synthetic turf surfaces for use in a variety of sporting events, including football, baseball, field hockey, soccer, rugby and lacrosse. Teams that currently play on UBU, Incorporated fields include the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, the New York Giants and New York Jets at Met Life Stadium, the University of Houston at TDECU Stadium, Tulane Green Wave - which host Southern on Sept. 10 - at Yulman Stadium, and the Houston Texans practice fields.

2016 Season Tickets are on sale now at the SU Ticket Office located in the service entrance of the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Fans are encouraged to contact the ticket office at 225-771-3171 for more details.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS