OHS grad Cayla William to Savannah State for track

KISSIMMEE, Florida -- Two-event Orange Belt Conference track champion Cayla William will continue her career at Savannah State University in Georgia.

The Osceola Lady Kowboys sprinter won the 100 and 400 meters championships at the OBC meet and she also competed for the school’s relay teams under Coach Eric Pinellas.

She also went to the state meet as a member of the regional champion 4×100 relay with teammates Sadae Davidson, Nydaiyah Pickett and Talyssa Gatlin, continuing Osceola’s tradition of track excellence.


4 Osceola HS (Kissimmee) 49.64 49.632 1) Davidson, Sadae 10 2) William, Cayla 12 3) Pickett, Nydaiyah 11 4) Gatlin, Talyssa 11

“Probably running the relays with my teammates is what I’ll remember the most,” she said during a signing ceremony at the OHS gym.

At Savannah State, she will be a sprinter in the 200 and 400 events under head coach Ted Whitaker, she said.

William considered other offers, but she liked that Savannah State showed continued interest and pursued her.

“My coach (Pinellas) got in touch with them and they were persistent,” she said.
Pinellas said that William worked hard for her opportunity.

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Vazquez Named Alabama State Head Baseball Coach

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Jose' Vazquez has been named Alabama State head baseball coach, Athletic Director Melvin Hines announced today.
 
Vazquez will be formally introduced at a 1 p.m. press conference Thursday at the ASU Stadium Club Lounge.
 
Vazquez has spent 14 seasons as an assistant baseball coach, the last six as Associate Head Coach. In addition to the day-to-day duties of the Alabama State baseball program, Vazquez has coached Hornet hitters and outfielders and is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation.
 
Vazquez, named the 2013 Assistant Coach of the Year by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association, has helped Alabama State post a Top 60 recruiting class each year, as rated by Perfect Game, the largest amateur baseball scouting service in the nation.
 
He has played in an integral role in the rise of Alabama State baseball into a championship program. Vazquez helped the Hornets land C Richard Gonzalez and OF Richard Amion in the 2011 signing class, both of whom would go on to earn Freshman All-America accolades in 2012. Those two players, along with another 2011 signee in SS Emmanuel Marrero, would prove to be cornerstone pieces of the ASU program, leading the team to 89 wins from 2012-14. All three players were selected in the 2014 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

In 2015, two other freshmen from the initial signing class, RHPs Armando Ruiz and Michael Estevez, along with 2012 signing class pitcher Jorge Pantoja, were drafted for signed to pro contracts.
 
This past season, RHP Angel Alicea was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, and three-time SWAC Pitcher of the Year Joseph Camacho signed a free agent contract with the Oakland A's. Alabama State has had nine players earn a chance to play professional baseball, with six players drafted, all in the last three seasons.

In 2016, the Hornets set a school record with 64 home runs as Alabama State baseball won a school record 38 games, including an unprecedented 24-0 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, in winning the first SWAC Championship in program history and earning ASU first berth to the Division I NCAA Baseball Tournament.
 
Prior to Alabama State, Vazquez spent the previous nine seasons as assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman, with 2011 his first as Associate Head Coach. Vazquez played a prominent role in the programs' success, bringing in players that posted a staggering 100-4 MEAC record over the final six seasons, all ending in conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Playing under former ASU head coach Mervyl Melendez at B-CU, Vazquez earned all-conference honors as a catcher in his only season with the Wildcats, transferring there for his senior season in 2002. As a starter, Vazquez helped post the best record in school history (39-22), including the programs' only NCAA Regional victory over Florida International. Vazquez then joined the coaching ranks, first as a student in 2003 and, upon graduating, a full-time assistant.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS 

Westover’s Bryshea Jackson signs with Savannah State

Two-sport standout wants to run track & field and play basketball

ALBANY. Georgia — Bryshea Jackson admitted she stayed up late Tuesday night responding to all the congratulatory social media posts, texts and emails she received after signing with Savannah State.

The Westover High School two-sport standout signed a track & field scholarship with the Division I Tigers Tuesday afternoon. But the best part about signing with the school is she will be able to play both sports.

“I’m up for the challenge,” she said.

Jackson won the region title in the triple jump three times during her high school career and placed fifth at the Georgia High School Association state track & field meet this past season.

She was also a four-year starter for the Lady Patriots’ basketball team, helping them finish second in Region 1-AAAA and make the first round of the state tournament.

Jackson led the team in scoring at 14 points per game and also averaged 10 rebounds. She said it was on a basketball visit where the track & field coach also expressed interest.

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Lincoln Legends overcame enormous obstacles to make history

Florida A&M's  3-time Super Bowl winner Henry Lawrence says Lincoln helped prepare him for his pro career.  Lawrence played for the NFL Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders for 13 seasons as an offensive tackle earning 2 Pro Bowl appearances.   He was selected in the 1974 NFL draft in Round 1/Pick 19.  Video by Alan Dell

MANATEE, Florida -- The 2016 college football season will mark the 50th anniversary of Ray Bellamy’s signing with the University of Miami.

A historic moment changed the landscape of college football in the country forever. With his signature, Bellamy became the first African-American to play football for a major college program in the Southeastern United States.

In a short time, it opened the floodgates for talented black athletes to play college football on the highest level in the only area of the country left that was closed to them.

Some may wonder how Lincoln, a small all-black high school nestled in the migrant farm area of Manatee County in those days, became the epicenter of a movement that would forever alter the landscape of college football.

In the coming weeks, the Bradenton Herald will highlight some of the people who helped put the school on the map.

It’s impossible to write about everyone, but Lincoln, devoid of the amenities that the all-white schools had at the time, showed a remarkable resiliency and wherewithal to conquer enormous odds.

Ray Bellamy is the face of this movement, but he will tell you, it was a collective effort. The coaches and teachers and current and former players at Lincoln had a camaraderie and dedication to each other that enabled them to succeed despite numerous roadblocks. They had a true brotherhood in every sense of the word.

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FAMU's Waite Bellamy transformed himself from football standout to basketball great

BRADENTON, Florida -- Waite Bellamy was destined to be a standout football player, but he did what many people would consider the unthinkable. He fell in love with basketball and switched sports.

A highly touted center and offensive tackle on Lincoln’s successful football team during his sophomore and junior years, Bellamy decided he couldn’t turn away from his true passion, though he admits the transition was not easy.

Bellamy (no relation to Lincoln great Ray Bellamy) turned himself into one of the greatest basketball players to ever come out of Manatee County. Some even consider him a step above Clifford Rozier, the county’s only first-round NBA draft pick.



Bellamy also was an excellent student and president of the Lincoln student body when he walked the through the graduation line in 1959.

Ray Bellamy, who broke the color barriers for major college football players in the southeast in 1966, said Waite Bellamy was one of those guys who made it happen.

“He was also captain of the football team and student body president. You don’t do things like breaking down those barriers alone. It takes a lot of people,” Ray Bellamy said. “He was an excellent student and set an example for all of us both in the classroom and in athletics. He was an inspiration for me.”

Waite Bellamy went to Florida A&M, where the coaches gave him the choice of playing football or basketball. At 6-feet-4 and possessing a variety of skills, he chose the latter, which arguably turned out to be the right decision.

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JSU Tinsley and Jobadwana heading to Rio

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Former Jackson State sprinter Anaso Jobadwana is Rio bound after qualifying to compete in the 200 meter dash at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Jobodwana, who joins fellow Tiger alum Michael Tinsley as JSU standouts who are heading to Brazil, will compete in his second-straight Olympiad and will represent his home country of South Africa. In 2012 during the London Olympics, the then-sophomore posted an eighth-place result in the 200m finals, along with a time of 20.27 seconds.

Since then, Jobdwana has bettered his personal record in the 200m, most recently claiming the bronze medal during the 2015 IAAF World Championships at Beijing. His time of 19.87 seconds during the race currently stands as the South African record for best mark in the event.



Jackson State University's track and field star, Michael Tinsley is Rio bound after finishing third in the 400 meter hurdles finals Sunday evening during the 2016 US Olympic Trials. Tinsley posted a time of 48.82. Tinsley, who won the 400 meter hurdles silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics while setting a personal best time of 47.91, makes his second straight trip to the Olympics.

Tinsley, who won the 2012 Olympic Trails, posted a semifinal win (49.15) on Saturday.​ He followed up his London Olympics silver medal with a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.

While at Jackson State, the Little Rock, Arkansas native became the first track and field Tiger to win an NCAA Division I title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2006.

In addition to Tinsley, JSU's Anaso Jobodwana is also headed to Rio to represent his homeland of South Africa in his second straight Olympics. In the 2012 Olympics, at age 20, Jobodwana recorded a personal best time of 20.27 in the 200 meter dash semifinals. The time was just 0.09 behind Usain Bolt, before finishing in eighth place in the finals.
​
COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

It Seems Like Marquette Basketball Will Play Howard In The 2K Classic

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin -- The Marquette athletic department has been slowly (or, if you prefer S-L-O-W-L-Y) releasing the men’s basketball non-conference schedule since July 5th. The plan, apparently, was to announce MU’s home games as part of the 2K Classic as they popped up, but ESPN apparently holds the right to announce the bracket for the event.

Well, someone forgot to tell Howard University.

During the day on Monday, the Bison released their entire 2016-17 schedule, all the way down to the MEAC conference tournament in March. As a part of that release, they included a road trip to Marquette on Monday, November 14th, which would be the home opener for the Golden Eagles.

I can’t prove this now, though. Someone over in Washington, D.C., realized that there’s an embargo on the 2K Classic games and if you check out the press release now or the schedule page, there’s no mention of their contests against Marquette or their subsequent trip to Michigan.

Well, almost no mention. Whomever they put in charge of editing the page forgot that the statement from head coach Kevin Nickelberry mentioned the games.

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2016 Steelers Roster, 90 in 90 Days: Javon Hargrave another rookie vying for significant playing time

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania -- As training camp draws closer the 90 day series shifts it’s attention to an explosive rookie interior linemen

Player: Javon Hargrave

Position: Interior Line

School: South Carolina State

Overview:
The selection of Javan Hargrave and his potential of sliding into the NT position for the Steelers is a real embodiment of the shifting nature of their defensive philosophy. It seems like a sign that the days of Casey Hampton and Vince Wilfork type 2 gap, block eating monsters have ended, for now. Enter Hargrave who played his college ball at South Carolina State as an accomplished pass rusher who put up some eye popping numbers including tying and FBS record with six in a single game.

Granted, stepping into the NFL from the MEAC conference will be a major challenge, but after 2015 where Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt really led the charge much of the time on the pass rush it will be interesting to see how he fits into the game plan.

While it seems unlikely that Hargrave will win a starting spot coming out of camp it’s more than plausible for him to see time subbing in on obvious passing downs and replacing for Tuitt or Heyward when they need breaks.

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2016-17 NSU Basketball Schedule Announced

2016-17 Men's Basketball Schedule

NORFOLK, Virginia – Head coach Robert Jones and the Norfolk State men's basketball program officially announced their full 2016-17 schedule on Tuesday. NSU will host four non-conference games in the early part of the season and play six of its first nine MEAC games at home as well.

The Spartans play two teams from the SEC, one from the Big Ten and one from the Big East as part of their non-conference schedule. Overall, four of Norfolk State's opponents competed in the NCAA tournament last year.

"This year's schedule is as tough as it gets," said Jones. "We will be tested early and often by some of the top high- and mid-majors in the country. This schedule is also a product of recent success during a five-year span. It is becoming more and more difficult to schedule like opponents, thus the level of competition willing to play us has increased."

The Spartans host Shenandoah University and renew one of their longest rivalries with Elizabeth City State to highlight their early home schedule. NSU also welcomes Northern Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky to Joseph Echols Hall before diving into conference play. In addition, the Spartans will play an open exhibition game at Virginia State on Nov. 5 in Petersburg.

"Renewing these two old rivalries with Virginia State and Elizabeth City State is something we thought would be good for the fans," stated Jones. "Despite it being an exhibition against the Trojans, we know everyone will be chomping at the bit for that game. Exposing our players to a hostile environment before the season starts against the defending CIAA champion, a Division I caliber team in my opinion, will pay dividends down the road for us."

The regular season starts off with a Friday night contest at Mississippi State on Nov. 11. NSU's busy opening week includes the home games with Shenandoah on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. and Elizabeth City State on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. The Spartans then hit the road for a week straight, competing at Vanderbilt on Nov. 18 and at Butler on Nov. 21 – both NCAA tournament participants last year – as part of the 2016 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational.

Following the game against the Bulldogs, NSU will fly out to Las Vegas for two games at Orleans Arena on Nov. 24 and 25. On its side of the bracket, Norfolk State plays Bucknell on Thanksgiving and then either Sacred Heart or Northern Colorado on day 2.

"We are extremely excited to be invited to this tournament," Jones continued. "It is an honor for this program and university to face the likes of SEC-member Vanderbilt, a very tough Butler team that could possibly be top 25, as well as top mid-majors in Bucknell, who competed in the NIT last year, and Northern Colorado and Sacred Heart."

NSU will close out the opening month of the season with a contest at Loyola Chicago on Nov. 30. The Spartans then return home to host Northern Kentucky on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m., followed by road games at Niagara on Dec. 10 and at Evansville on Dec. 14, the latter of whom did not go to the postseason last year but nevertheless finished 25-9 overall and as the runner-up in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.

The last non-conference home contest takes place on Dec. 19 against Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. NSU then closes out non-conference play with a game at NCAA participant Purdue on Dec. 21 and at Bowling Green on Dec. 30.

"It will be a difficult challenge facing Mississippi State in the season opener, a team that has a top 10 recruiting class in the nation and a future Hall of Fame coach in Ben Howland," added Jones. "Purdue was one of the best teams in a strong Big Ten conference last year, and of course Northern Kentucky, Evansville, Bowling Green, Loyola and Niagara will be extremely tough as well."

Six of the Spartans' first nine MEAC games will be at home this year, all in the month of January. NSU will thus play just twice at home after Feb. 1, closing out the regular season with five of seven games on the road. Of the program's eight home MEAC games, six will take place on Saturdays this year.

The MEAC schedule begins with a game at Morgan State on Jan. 4, followed by a home weekend against Savannah State on Jan. 7 and South Carolina State on Jan. 9. The Spartans stay in Echols for a contest against North Carolina Central on Jan. 14 before traveling to Delaware State to play the Hornets two days later on Jan. 16.

The Battle of the Bay against Hampton will be held on Jan. 21 at Echols Hall, and again NSU will hit the road for a Monday game, this time at Coppin State on Jan. 23. To close out the month, the Spartans host Bethune-Cookman on Jan. 28 and North Carolina A&T on Jan. 30.

They make the return trip to South Carolina State and Savannah State on Feb. 4 and 6, respectively, to begin the second part of the MEAC season. The following weekend, the Spartans host UMES on Feb. 11 before making another long weekend trip to Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 18 and 20, respectively. The last NSU home game occurs on Feb. 25 against Howard, and like Savannah State, S.C. State and B-CU, NSU will also play Hampton twice this season. The second of those two matchups against the Pirates will be on Feb. 27 at Hampton.

Following the conclusion of the regular season in the second Battle of the Bay, NSU will compete in the MEAC tournament, scheduled to run from March 6-11 at Scope Arena in Norfolk.

"This year the MEAC schedule will be extremely balanced and of course as difficult as it always is," said Jones. "Our challenging non-conference schedule will really help us grow as a team and get prepared for the rigors of 16 conference games."

NSU was one of four teams in the MEAC to compete in the postseason last year, joining Hampton (NCAA) and S.C. State and Savannah State. The Spartans joined the latter two schools in competing in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

The Spartans will welcome eight newcomers to this year's team, including three Division I transfers, and return six players from last year's squad. NSU finished 12-4 and in second place in the MEAC as well as 17-17 overall in 2015-16.

Mike Bello, Asst. SID
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FAMU Lady Rattlers Sign Seven Recruits For 2016-17

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida A&M Women’s basketball coach Ledawn Gibson announced recently the signing of seven new players for the 2016-2017 season.

The septet of newcomers include Kennedy Burks (5’11 G/F Grand Prairie, TX, Jamella Smith (5’10 G Chapel Hill, NC) , Ny’Asia Davis (6’3 C Starke, FL) , Dy’Manee Royal (6’0 F Savannah ,GA ) , Ecenur Yurdakul (5’7 PG, Eyup, Turkey), Shakeyrra Morrison (6’0 G/F, and DI transfer Taylor Darks (5’11 W Cincinnati, OH) .

"We are rebuilding this year after losing 72% of our scoring in Khadejra Young and Olivia Antilla, but my staff and I have done a remarkable job in selecting the kind of student athletes we need here at Florida A&M University. I am EXCITED to introduce the new additions to the Orange and Green family.”

Ecenur “E” Yurdakul- 5-7 PG/G

Yurdakul is a 5-7 point guard from St. Fair Community College.

The Istanbul, Turkey, native helped the Lady Roadrunners to a 22-8 record and a Region 16 tournament championship in her one season in Sedalia. Yurdakul shot a team-high 82.6 percent from the free-throw line. Yurdakul missed six games in the second half of the season due to injury, but battled her way back to contribute for SFCC.

GIBSON ON YURDAKUL: “Yurdakul enters FAMU with a lot of experience playing basketball on the international level. While in Turkey she had the opportunity to play against some of the best basketball players in the world. She will play the point guard position but also has the ability to stretch the defense by hitting 3pt shots.”

Shakerrya Morrison- 6-0 G/F

She played high school ball at East Wake High School in North Carolina and Junior College at East Central Community

College and was coached by Crandel Porter.



GIBSON ON MORRISON: “Morrison is a high energy aggressive player. She is a great defender and relentless rebounder who will make an immediate impact on this program. She’s been sitting out a year but there is no doubt she will give us all she has to give.”

Jamella Smith- 5-10 G

At Pensacola State College Smith averaged 13 pts, 4 rbs. A tar heel native with many different accolades, the most memorable is when she led her high school team to an undefeated record (32-0 season).



GIBSON ON SMITH: “She possesses a scorer’s mentality with the ability to perform for us in 3 different positions. She’s a rebounding taller guard who doesn’t mind getting gritty with the post players.”

Kennedy Burks- 5-11 SG

Played for Mansfield Lake Ridge High school averaging 12.4 pts, 5 rbs.



GIBSON ON BURKS: “Burks is a long athletic guard that can score in multiple ways and play multiple different positions. Although she is a freshman, she will be expected to develop beyond her years. Which is fine because she has the ability to do so.”

Ny’Asia Davis- 6-3 C

The 6’3 center played for Bradford High School where she averaged 16 pts and 12 rebs.

GIBSON ON DAVIS: “Davis is a very physical post player that can finish around the rim. Davis has great hands, great court vision for a post player and is relentless on the glass. She will add the extra GURTH that we’ve needed over the years.”

Dy’Manee Royal- 6-1 Forward

The Beach senior led the Bulldogs (18-4) with 12.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. The 6-foot forward also participates on the Bulldog volleyball and track and field teams.

GIBSON ON ROYAL: “Royal is a player that likes to get up and down the court. She is an aggressive defender and rebounder that has a very high motor. For her size and position, she has unique scoring capabilities. She is a native of Savannah Ga and wishes to show the conference what Ga has to offer.”

Taylor Darks 5’11 W

Darks appeared in a total of 18 games as a freshman. She was a standout at Walnut Hills High School. She is a two-time All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) first team selection, ECC player of the year averaging 16.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Ranked the No.88 guard ESPNW and led her team in scoring. Per NCAA transfer rules, Darks will sit out the 2016-2017 season.

GIBSON ON DARKS: “Darks is a high energy caliber player who could've also obtained a track scholarship because of her athletic abilities. She is the type of player that just keeps going and going and going! She is an over achiever, not just on the court but also in the classroom and we are excited to see her mature in this upcoming year.”

In addition to a seven-woman recruiting class, the Rattlers also return eight players from the 2015-2016 squad, headed key veterans Victoria Nguyen and Alicia McCray.

Redshirt guard Florence Outtara, a 5’10 G (Tiassale, Ivory Coast), who sat out last season, is also scheduled to play.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Most important JSU Tigers: No. 10 Keontre Anderson

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Seven months have passed since Jackson State ended its 2015 season against in-state rival Alcorn State.

The Tigers will kick off the 2016 regular season in less than two months, and will open training camp in about three weeks. Not to mention, SWAC Media Day is this Friday.

In preparation for that, The Clarion-Ledger will count down the 10 most important Tigers in 2016.

This list isn't ranking JSU's best players or most talented, but the importance of the role they'll play this fall.

In 2015: As a sophomore, Anderson was the third defensive end in JSU’s defensive line rotation last season, behind standouts Javancy Jones and Teddrick Terrell.

Anderson started plenty of games, though, and recorded 46 tackles, with 10.5 of those coming for a loss. He finished fourth on the team with four sacks, but led the Tigers with 13 quarterback hurries.

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North Caddo’s Williams makes college choice -- JSU

VIVIAN, Louisiana -- As one of the driving forces behind North Caddo’s run to three consecutive LHSAA Class 2A state basketball titles, Sumer Williams opted to wait a while before choosing a college.

She made that decision recently when she inked with Jackson State in a ceremony at the school.

“I went over there for a visit, watched them practice and I felt like it was a perfect fit for me,” Williams told The Times. “I like the campus, the coaches and what they were about as a program.”



The Times All-City selection and Times Best of Preps honoree averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds this past season for coach Sandra Dennis. Williams was also coached by Rickey Evans and Angela Channell, who was her counselor for four years.

“Sumer is a hard worker both on the court and in the classroom. She is a very determined young lady who has yet to reach her full potential athletically, so she has the chance to offer some depth in multiple positions,” Channell said. With a coaching staff similar to what she's experienced in high school and an opportunity to continue to develop as a player, she will be an asset in any position at Jackson State.”

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Morgan State Bears to face Howard University Bison under the lights in Beltway Showdown

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- It's official!

Morgan State's football program will not only have its first home night game since 2010, but it will also mark the Bears first home matchup against the Howard Bison in seven years.

The Bears will open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play when they host Beltway rival on Sept. 24 at Hughes Stadium. The actual kickoff time is set for 7 p.m.

Morgan State defeated the Bison in their last outing during a 21-13 victory at the 18th annual Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field. Redshirt senior quarterback Moses Skillon threw two touchdowns and MSU's offense compiled 419 yards against the Bison to help post the Bears first win of the 2015 season.

Lamont Brown III was named the Chicago Football Classic MVP. The redshirt junior led the Bears on the ground with 11 carries for 75 yards (6.8 avg).

The Bears lead the series against Howard with an overall record of 40-33-3. Morgan State has won 9 of the last 11 meetings against the Bison since 2005, including a stretch of 7-straight from 2005 to 2011.

The last time the Bears hosted Howard at Hughes Stadium was on October 15, 2009 in an ESPNU televised contest. Morgan State put its defense on display for the country as the Bears knocked off Howard 14-7. Devan James led the Bears on the ground with 103 yards on 22 carries and Carlton Jackson completed 10-of-28 passes for 150 yards, including a pair of touchdown passes.

Morgan State opens its 2016 season with a home-opener against
Holy Cross on Sept. 3 before traveling to take on Marshall on Sept. 10. The Bears 2016 schedule features five home games in Hughes Stadium, including a meeting with MEAC co-champion Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 5 in Baltimore.

Fans can keep up-to-date with all MSU Athletics via twitter at Twitter.com/MorganStBears. You can also become a fan of the Bears on Facebook at Facebook.com/MorganStateBears.



2016 MSU FOOTBALL TICKETS CAN BE YOURS! For ticket information click here.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

The STORM Experience: PVAMU High School Band Camp 2016

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The 2016 PVAMU High School Band Camp, this is the 1st High School camp under the administration of Dr. Zachery. Huge thanks to Prairie View A&M University for allowing us to bring it back. Storm members, Sodexo, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma and everyone else for the help provided.

The Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm under the direction of Dr. Tim Zachery. Follow The Storm's social media pages for updates and information!

Here is our brand new website, everything from history, directors, auditions, scholarships, contact information is on there, make sure you check it out. http://www.pvmarchingstorm.com,

Former Southern star Jose De Leon rising from 24th-round pick to top prospect

Deceptive fastball, knock-out changeup keeping hitters at bay

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma -- For a pitcher selected in the 24th round from Southern University in 2013, Jose De Leon finds himself being handled like a high-pick bonus baby by the Los Angeles Dodgers of late.

De Leon had an ankle sprain in March that was considered minor, yet he went through extended spring training and didn’t make his Triple-A debut with Oklahoma City until May 4. He “felt something” in his right, pitching shoulder after a start, was placed on the disabled list on May 16 and wasn’t activated until June 7.

“He was just another guy in the organization who could pitch when he was drafted,” Oklahoma City pitching coach Matt Herges. “He made himself into ‘the guy.’ It made us say, ‘OK, we have something here. Let’s keep him healthy.’ So really, it’s just him getting the innings under his belt to where he can handle a major league work load.”

Stunningly, De Leon has become the No. 2 prospect in the Los Angeles organization. The top prospect — Julio Urias, the No. 1 pitching prospect in baseball — is already with the Dodgers, having been called up May 27.

De Leon said his rise began during his second professional season, in 2015. He’d done well in his first year in the Rookie League and Class A. But the next year, in Advanced A with Rancho Cucamunga, he had a 1.67 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 37.2 innings in going 4-1. Promoted to the Double A Tulsa Drillers, he struck out 105 in 76.2 innings over 16 games with a 3.64 ERA.



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Hanson’s John Guienze the 2 inks with Southern University

NEW IBERIA, Louisiana -- A baseball showcase held May 25 at Southern University proved to be just that for Hanson graduate John Guienze — a chance to showcase his baseball talents and earn an invitation to play for the Jaguars.

“Me and my mom decided to go (to the showcase),” Guienze said this week after signing a letter of intent to play baseball at SU. “I was a pitcher there and I did fairly well. The coach pulled me aside and told me he wanted me to be a part of the team.”

Though he took a little time to make up his mind, Guienze said that after a vacation he took a visit to the north Baton Rouge campus and liked what he saw, including a nice new indoor practice facility that’s under construction.



“I think it’s a real good place for John,” Hanson head baseball coach Ryan Stoute said. “I was excited when things came full circle for him. He has a chance to play at a Division I school. Southern wins the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) year in and year out, and they have a chance to be in the playoffs every year.”

Guienze had visited Centenary College in Shreveport the week before the showcase at Southern, and liked the campus there as well. But he felt Southern was a better place for him, he said, not least becaCONuse it’s closer to home — less than two hours away from home as opposed to nearly four hours away.

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Former B-CU Wildcat Ronnie Ash Earns a Trip to the 2016 Olympics

EUGENE, Oregon -- A year ago, Ronnie Ash qualified on the Hayward Field track for the IAAF World Championships, then was disqualified in his first race in Beijing on a controversial ruling. When he finished running the 110-meter hurdle final Saturday afternoon in the U.S. Olympic Trials, he called it “a redemption race.” What he can truly call it is a trip to the Olympics.

After posting the best time in the qualifying and semifinal round of the hurdles, Ash finished second with a 13.21 in the final and promptly added Olympic qualifier to his growing résumé. In the photo finish of the race, Ash got second by .001 seconds.

A former OU All-American, Ash earned the honors in the indoor 60 hurdles and outdoor 110 hurdles in 2010, his only year as a Sooner. He owns the school records in the 60 hurdles (7.55) and the 110 hurdles (13.19) and won Big 12 titles in both of those events. Ash transferred to OU from Bethune Cookman.

In addition to his trip to the IAAF World in Beijing last August, Ash has a bronze and a gold medal from the NACAC Under-23 Championships and a silver medal from the IAAF Continental Cup.

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Stillman will retain baseball and softball

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- After what was thought to be the final seasons for the Stillman College baseball and softball programs, Stillman athletic director Donte Jackson has announced that the school will retain both programs and continue play next season.

“We looked at softball and baseball as two of the traditional sports that have always been here at Stillman College, and two of the traditional sports that we’ve had a lot of success with,” Jackson said. “So in our efforts to boost enrollment, it was a good to retain softball and baseball.”

In December, Stillman announced the move from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in NCAA division II to the Gulf South Athletic Conference in the NAIA. Stillman made the move to drop all of its athletic programs except men’s and women’s basketball following the 2015-2016 school year. With the new addition of junior varsity teams for both the softball and baseball teams, Stillman will have the financial capabilities to keep both varsity teams.

Rumblings of both the baseball and softball programs being retained began in the late spring, especially after both finished well in the SIAC conference with limited rosters. The softball team finished 14-10 in the conference, while the baseball team finished with 16-5 conference record and made it to the conference championship game.

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Jackson 'ecstatic' with new opportunity at Kentucky State

BLUEFIELD, West Virginia — It has been a productive few weeks for Jamaal Jackson. It started with the city of Cleveland finally winning a championship and followed with him being offered his dream job.

It promises to get even better in the near future.

“The last four to six weeks have been great. I am from Ohio and my father is in Cleveland so me and him went to Game 6 of the Cavs series (with the Golden State Warriors) together where they won,” Jackson said. “Then on Sunday on Father’s Day we spent the day together and watched them win the NBA championship.

“Then our basketball camp (at Bluefield State) was really successful. We had a lot of kids there that did a great job and then this happened and then my anniversary is around the corner and my birthday is around the corner so I am on Cloud 9.

For good reason. Jackson has been hired as the new men’s basketball coach at Kentucky State, which is where he graduated from in 2004 and later continued on as an assistant coach through 2008.

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New book tells story of HBCU legends of the American Football League

University of Mississippi professor and author Charles K. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree from Stillman College, an historically black college in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, before completing his graduate studies at Ohio State.

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- Buck Buchanan, a mountain of a man, was at the top of his class in 1963.

The star defensive tackle from Grambling State was selected No. 1 overall in the American Football League draft that year by the Kansas City Chiefs. He became the first black player from any college — HBCU or predominantly white — to accomplish that feat.

Buchanan, 6-foot-7, 245 pounds at the time, captured the eye of progressive Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt and head coach Hank Stram during a time when selecting players from HBCUs that high in a draft was a foreign concept.

But this was the fledgling AFL — the new kid with new ideas on the new block that went toe-to-toe with the more traditional and staid NFL. The year 1963 was a bellwether time in U.S. history.

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated that year in Dallas. A volatile climate of national racial issues was on the frontburner — from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic March on Washington to the assassination of highly respected NAACP leader Medgar Evers to the four black girls killed in the horrific church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. Civil rights marches, especially in the South, were as common as hit records from Motown.

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Local stars Manning, Eave inducted into GSU Hall of Fame

GRAMBLING, Louisiana — Billy Manning stopped for a brief moment from shaking hands and looked around a room of more than 200 people.

The West Monroe native couldn't help but notice the legendary ensemble and cast of characters Saturday at Grambling's assembly center that had strong enough credentials to start their own NFL, MLB or NBA team.

The group, eloquently known as the Grambling Legends, looked on as Manning and 10 others were inducted as part of the 2016 Grambling Hall of Fame class.



"Got some legends in this room, some great legends — Willis Reed, Shack Harris, Doug Williams. I'm just happy to be a part of it," said Manning, who played football and later coached football at Grambling. "I ain't getting no younger so coming back is a good time."

Manning was one of two local stars honored at the eighth annual event on Grambling's campus, joining Bastrop's Gary Eave, who excelled for Grambling's baseball team in the 1980s.

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Virginia State Trojans Basketball Signs Granberry and Corum

ETTRICK, Virginia -- After tallying several accolades during the 2015-16 season, to include the 2016 CIAA Men's Basketball Championship Title, Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. has begun the process of adding A1 talent to his team.

A transfer from Neosho Country Community College in Chanute, KS, Richard Granberry is a 6-8 forward from Chester, PA. Last season, Granberry was a key player for his team in regular and post season play, earning him a spot on the All-KJCCC (Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference) and All-Region 1st Team. Along with averaging 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, Granberry helped make history for the Neosho Country Panthers by advancing to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) National Tournament.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how well Granberry's talent jells with the returners," said Coach Blow. "He is accustomed to being a team player, which helps in not only securing baskets but executing plays."

Coach Blow has also signed true freshman Andrew Corum, a Middleburg, VA native from Middleburg Academy. Last season, the 6-6 forward averaged 12 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Tallying several player of the game honors and the 2014-15 VISAA (Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association) D-III Player of the Year Award, Corum will help solidify the Trojans 2016-17 roster. "Corum has fresh talent that will assist us in playing great basketball this season," said Coach Blow. "The overall objective is to focus on one game at a time and work smart on the court. Corum will surely help the Trojans do just that!"



Both student-athletes will also bring academic and community service enrichment to men's basketball and VSU Athletics as the Trojans continue to build academic and athletic champions.

"These two gentlemen are well rounded and will be a great addition to the team and the department," said Coach Blow. "After losing three seniors from last seasonCs championship team, Granberry and Corum will add depth to our 2016-17 roster."

For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

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From Player to Hall of Famer: ‘Cy’ McClairen retires after 55 years of service to Bethune-Cookman University Athletics

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- When it comes to history, legacy and tradition at Bethune-Cookman University, only the school’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, ranks higher than 85-year-old Jack “Cy’’ McClairen.

The longtime Wildcat retired on June 30 after 55 years of service with the institution serving in various capacities.

A small get together was held for him at B-CU’s Center for Civic Engagement last week with both current and former staff, faculty and alumni in attendance.

“It’s just time. I figured it’s time that I take my butt home,” quipped McClairen.

During his time at Bethune-Cookman, he touched many lives.

“I came back to coach football but ended up coaching basketball and being athletic director. I met regular students. I got in contact with not just athletes but students. I decided to use this to influence all students to get an education. I talked with them and let them know the position that they are in, they can do something for their lives,” McClairen told the Daytona Times last week about his long tenure at Bethune-Cookman.



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Bluefield State Coach Jackson Accepts Job at Kentucky State

Head Men's Basketball Coach Jamaal Jackson 

BLUEFIELD, West Virginia -- The Big Blues Athletic Department has announced that Head Men's Basketball Coach Jamaal Jackson has left Bluefield State College to become the Head Coach at Kentucky State University. Kentucky State is a Division II institution located in Frankfurt, KY and plays out of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

Coach Jackson moves on from Bluefield State after 5 seasons of dedicated service. While here he coached the team to their highest win total during the 2014-2015 since 1995-1996. He also coached the 2015-2016 ECAC Rookie of the Year while at Bluefield State. The Department spokesperson says, "While we are saddened to see Coach Jackson leave, it is always great to see someone get the opportunity to coach at their Alma Mater. We wish him all the best at Kentucky State."

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Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of Bands Poised to Lead FAMU Music to New Era of Perfectionism

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