CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- For all the jokes and criticisms about MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas over the years, the conference continues to be a leader in HBCU sports management.
The MEAC was the first conference to institute instant replay in football and the first to use wireless headsets.
And when it comes to football luncheons, the conference has it going on.
I admit I’ve never been to a SWAC luncheon, although I’ve watched it on video stream, or the SIAC. The CIAA is not even on the same level.
What is so special about the luncheon? Everything. From the time you walk into the room, there’s an aura that the luncheon is not just some event that’s been put together because the conference office feels obligated, but that it really means something.
The coaches may hate it – they hate eveything – but the student-athletes are treated like royalty and with respect. And so is the media.
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Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Albany State begins football practice
ALBANY, Georgia -- — One by one, Albany State University football players trotted onto the practice field for the start of preseason workouts Monday morning.The heavy morning dew hadn’t completely disappeared before the Rams were hard at work.
Albany State plays its first game at Valdosta State in less than a month, and every day of practice is precious. The first day couldn’t have come soon enough for defensive lineman Grover Stewart, who said losing in last year’s SIAC conference championship game to Miles College left him sour.
“It left a bitter taste in my mouth,” Stewart said. “It feels great to finally get back out here. I’m ready for the season to start. Coach likes to see everybody run and on defense, all we do is run, so everybody was running today.”
The Rams, who finished last season at 6-4, have little time to waste. Three of Albany State’s first four opponents made the NCAA Division II football playoffs last season: Valdosta State, Tuskegee and West Georgia. But the good news is the Rams have a wealth of talent returning.
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FAMU’s Alex Wood encouraged after first week of fall practice
TALLAHASSEE, Florida --Their tenacity and togetherness could be heard all the way from the parking lot.
Florida A&M coach Alex Wood hoped his team would begin fall camp with team unity as a focal point to the 2016 season, and the Rattlers seem to be taking heed after the first week of work on the practice fields.
“We had a terrible season last year,” said returning quarterback Kenny Coleman.
“It’s nice to see guys working hard, being competitive and they’ve bought in. They’ve bought into the system, and I think we’ve got a shot at it this year. (The) guys want to win.”
After a 1-10 campaign, the Rattlers were unable to participate in a spring practice due to APR-related sanctions, making most of their offseason work centered on building their strength and conditioning with new coach Parker Brooks.
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Florida A&M coach Alex Wood hoped his team would begin fall camp with team unity as a focal point to the 2016 season, and the Rattlers seem to be taking heed after the first week of work on the practice fields.
“We had a terrible season last year,” said returning quarterback Kenny Coleman.
“It’s nice to see guys working hard, being competitive and they’ve bought in. They’ve bought into the system, and I think we’ve got a shot at it this year. (The) guys want to win.”
After a 1-10 campaign, the Rattlers were unable to participate in a spring practice due to APR-related sanctions, making most of their offseason work centered on building their strength and conditioning with new coach Parker Brooks.
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Tennessee State Tigers Fall Camp Update Day 5 - Quarterbacks
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The offense continues to get stronger as each day progresses through camp. All three units are starting to gel and are starting to make advances on the defense, which has held the upper hand through the initial days of camp.
At the helm of the offense is redshirt-sophomore O’Shay Ackerman-Carter. Despite missing action due to injuries during his first year of action, Ackerman-Carter was able to throw 11 scoring passes as he completed 110 passes in 190 attempts for 1,279, throwing only five interceptions.
He will return with the starting nod, but will be pushed by Ronald Butler who has seen action in 25 contests – 13 starts - through his first three seasons. Butler is a capable option as he is just 29 pass attempts away from breaking into the TSU Top 10 Career List.
The senior finished 65-of-115 for 813 yards, as he tossed eight scoring passes with seven picks. Butler also ran for 199 yards, including a touchdown. Redshirt-freshmen Michael Hughes and Jeremias Elston supply the depth behind the two veterans.
Rodrick Robinson enters his first season with the Tigers and will look to learn the system.
QUARTERBACKS HT WT YR Gms Played Comp-Att Yards TD INT
O'Shay Ackerman-Carter 6-2 215 R-So. 7 110-190 1,279 11 5
Ronald Butler 6-3 180 Sr. 25 239-424 2,538 20 14
Michael Hughes 6-2 230 R-Fr. RS -- -- -- --
Jeremias Elston 6-0 180 R-Fr. RS -- -- -- --
Rodrick Robinson 6-1 177 Fr. -- -- -- -- --
Redshirt-Freshman Quarterback, Michael Hughes
- On how camp has gone
“I think camp is going well. We all understand what it takes to be great and do well. We know it’s hot and we know everyone in the country is going through it. We’re just coming out every day trying to win the day.”
- On what it has been like working with the other quarterbacks
“We push each other a lot. We are all watching film together. Anytime someone makes mistakes, we get on each other, and we’re just trying to make each other better for the team.”
- On the comradery of the quarterbacks
“It’s great. We are all close friends. We just try to push each other every day.”
Senior Quarterback, Ronald Butler
- On how camp has been going
“It’s been good. The heat has been tough for us, but we have been good about staying hydrated. It’s definitely been a good camp so far. It’s only day five and we’ve been getting a lot of the young guys in there. They’ve been getting acquainted to the offense.”
- On how the young quarterbacks are doing
“The young guys are out here doing a good job. They’re picking it up in the film room and they’re studying up. There are a couple things that the older guys are helping them out with from experience, just little things here and there, but they’re doing really well.”
- On how the quarterbacks work together
“We all push each other. If someone throws a good ball, we’re all patting them on the back. We’re all a team, we’re all a family. We’re just here to lift up our teammates because you never know what will happen. If one goes down, the other one will have to be in the game. We need everyone’s confidence to be up so they can make plays in the game.”
Redshirt-Freshman Quarterback, Jeremias Elston
- On how the first few days of camp have gone
“The first few days of camp have been really good. We’re all studying in the film room and coming out here and getting better. We’ve been working on our footwork. Coach (Jeff) Parker has really been teaching us, and that’s what the first few days are about. We’ve all been learning, teaching, studying and just trying to get better.”
- On leaning on the experience of the older quarterbacks
“Having O’Shay (Ackerman-Carter) and (Ronald) Butler here, they’re both great. Butler being All-Conference one year. Just listening to them and looking at them and figuring out what we need to do to get better, it’s perfect.”
Freshman Quarterback, Rodrick Robinson
- Early thoughts on camp
“Camp started out rough. Things move faster than high school and you have to pick up things faster than you did in high school, but I’ll get the hang of it.”
- On hi
s team rank“It’s like my freshman year of high school. You have to stand behind the guy and wait for your number to be called. I have to prepare myself so I can be ready when coach calls me.”
On the biggest adjustment to make to the college game
“The biggest change is the speed. The defense moves faster, the DBs move faster, the D-line moves faster. Everything is fast. Play calls are a little longer, so basically speed of the game.”
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
JSU's Daniel Williams focused on his leadership role
JACKSON, Mississippi -- When it comes to performing on the field, few Jackson State players have done better than receiver Daniel Williams the past two seasons. The senior receiver has caught 127 passes for 1,806 yards and 16 touchdowns since the start of the 2014 season, which has turned him into one of the SWAC's marquee players.
He's a stellar performer, but first-year coach Tony Hughes and Tigers offensive coordinator Chad Germany asked Williams to play an additional role.
"Coach Hughes and coach Germany wanted me to be a leader since Day 1," Williams said. "And I took on that role."
Now Williams is leading by example on the field, while taking some of JSU's younger receivers under his wing.
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Monday, August 8, 2016
Winston-Salem State gearing up for preseason camp
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Coach Kienus Boulware of Winston-Salem State got serious about his bulging waistline this summer by shedding about 30 pounds thanks to healthy eating and putting in the hours on his bicycle.He’s also serious about the start of preseason football camp later this week.
“We’re excited about it, and I think the guys will be focused especially with the way the season ended for us with that CIAA championship,” said Boulware, who will embark on his third season as head coach.
The Rams were a disappointing 6-5 last season but that sixth victory was a big one — a 17-14 win over Bowie State in the CIAA championship game thanks to a last-second field goal by Will Johnson.
“It’s been an interesting off-season,” Boulware said. “I’ve actually yet to take a vacation so I guess I can rule that out now. It’s pretty exciting to see how we respond coming off that championship seeing how young we were last season.”
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Grambling ushers in new era of quarterbacks
GRAMBLING, Louisiana — Broderick Fobbs had about the closest thing to a set-it-and-forget quarterback during his first two years as Grambling's coach.That's why there's a bit of an eerie feeling around the program in 2016 without Johnathan Williams, the 2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year who totaled 68 touchdowns during his two years as the Tigers' starter, 42 of which came last season during a 9-3 campaign.
"It's a different deal because Johnathan was more of a quiet assassin that played extremely hard and played extremely well and did all the little things the right way," Fobbs said Friday at the start of Grambling's fall camp. "Not that these guys aren't, but they've got a ways to go."
Grambling enters new territory this fall with uncertainty at the position. Junior DeVante Kincade, sophomore Trevon Cherry and redshirt freshman Charles Wright are vying for the starting job during camp.
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Three projections for FAMU football in 2016
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Rattlers began practice on Thursday, and head coach Alex Wood said he’s going to take his time addressing the issues that plagued the team last season. FAMU finished the year 1-10, with the team’s lone victory coming against Del. State on homecoming. Here are three predictions for the Rattlers heading into the 2016 football season:1. FAMU will win four games this year.
Let’s get bold to start these predictions off. The Rattlers don’t have an easy schedule – even if they did, the team won one game last season – but there are some favorable match-ups. Those match-ups could be enough for the Rattlers to quadruple their win total from 2015.
The 5th Quarter Classic is against Tuskegee. Yes, it renews an old rivalry, but Tuskegee is a Division II program. Plus, FAMU will not lose to Savannah State in back-to-back years, and this year the Rattlers get the Tigers in Bragg.
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UMES Notes: Assistant leaves, Myers signs in Italy
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- Trevor Deloach announced on his Twitter account on Sunday, Aug. 7 that he would be leaving the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to become an assistant coach for the South Carolina State University men’s basketball team.
DeLoach was an assistant coach for the Hawks for two seasons under Bobby Collins. DeLoach came to the Hawks after a playing career at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he played three seasons from 2009 to 2012. Initially, Deloach attended the University of South Carolina as a freshman.
He graduated from UNCW in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Deloach was also a graduate assistant coach at UNCW for a season and coached briefly at Division II Lincoln Memorial University before Collins brought him on his staff at UMES.
The South Carolina State Bulldogs finished last season with a 19-15 overall record and a 12-4 record in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs topped the UMES Hawks in both meetings last season.
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Sunday, August 7, 2016
Jackson State's offensive line seeks maturity
JACKSON, Mississippi -- During his tenure at Jackson State, Harold Jackson made people well aware of how young the Tigers' offensive line was.The line has allowed 65 combined sacks the past two seasons, so there's been plenty of growing pains.
Now, under a new coaching staff, the offensive linemen are trying to grow up and mature as players.
"Markus Cook and Christian Marshall are kind of president and vice president of the line," said first-year JSU offensive line coach Matt Jones. "They've taken a leadership role and have kind of gotten (everyone else) on board. They took their lumps when they were young, so they get to recycle their pain. All that stuff that happened when they got beat up on, they use it as a learning experience. They've come a long way now."
Cook, who plays center, started in 2014, while Marshall, who lines up at tackle, received some playing time on a line that allowed 39 sacks in 12 games that season, which led to quarterback LaMontiez Ivy taking a physical pounding from opponents,
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Southern notebook: 'Elated' Demetrius Carter cleared for action in 2016
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Senior linebacker Demetrius Carter has officially been cleared to participate with the Southern football team this season.
Carter was waiting to hear back from the NCAA, who was checking into whether his redshirt he received his freshman year was valid. He was originally seeking a medical redshirt after missing most of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, then had to wait for the NCAA to clear his freshman season redshirt.
He heard with about 30 minutes left in Thursday’s practice that he was cleared, and he was back on the field with his teammates Friday.
The word he used to describe his reaction to the news was “elated.”
“I’ve been through a lot, I worked very hard to get back, busted my (butt) in the weight room, conditioning trying not to get fat, eating the right things — I changed my whole diet — the whole deal,” Carter said.
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Southern has options at offensive tackle; now it just needs to find the right fit
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Don’t ask senior offensive lineman Anthony Mosley about how Southern needs to replace two starters on the offensive line.
He will be quick to point out that the Jaguars actually are bringing back four starters, since tackle Skyler Prol — listed as the starting left tackle on the preseason depth chart — started eight games at right tackle last year.
“We’re good, you know what I’m saying?” Mosley said. “Last year, the year before, usually there are some guys that go down. The (second-stringers) step in, and it doesn’t skip a beat. No matter what, we’re going to be good. We’ve got a great coach teaching us some great technique. We’ve got to buy into the technique and we’ll be good, as always.”
The Jaguars offense is bringing back much of the group that finished fourth in the SWAC in scoring (34.6) and total offense (422.4 yards per game). That includes the line, which features returning starters at all of the interior positions. Two of those linemen — Mosley and center Terrell Lee — were first-teamers on the preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference team.
But there will be change at the tackle positions and, despite Prol’s experience, there will be competition at both spots.
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He will be quick to point out that the Jaguars actually are bringing back four starters, since tackle Skyler Prol — listed as the starting left tackle on the preseason depth chart — started eight games at right tackle last year.
“We’re good, you know what I’m saying?” Mosley said. “Last year, the year before, usually there are some guys that go down. The (second-stringers) step in, and it doesn’t skip a beat. No matter what, we’re going to be good. We’ve got a great coach teaching us some great technique. We’ve got to buy into the technique and we’ll be good, as always.”
The Jaguars offense is bringing back much of the group that finished fourth in the SWAC in scoring (34.6) and total offense (422.4 yards per game). That includes the line, which features returning starters at all of the interior positions. Two of those linemen — Mosley and center Terrell Lee — were first-teamers on the preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference team.
But there will be change at the tackle positions and, despite Prol’s experience, there will be competition at both spots.
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Jackson State Women's Basketball Announces Newest Lady Tigers
JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Jackson State women’s basketball team has just released the names of the 2016-17 Lady Tiger newcomers. Head Coach Surina Dixon has added five new names to the roster: Khadijah Moore, Jon’Nae Vermillion, Miyone Hill, Marneisha Hamer, and Jasmine Cowen.Moore, a forward from Elkhart, Indiana signed with JSU during the early period. She joins the Lady Tigers after playing two seasons at Ancilla College. The former McDonald’s Michiana All-Star MVP averaged 20.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, and 2.2 apg.
Vermillion, forward from Sacramento, Calif., is a transfer from Mt. San Antonio where she was named Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) MVP and CCCAA Female State Athlete of the month for her incredible play. She averages 13.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, and 2.0 apg.
Hill is a point guard from Memphis, Tenn. She played two seasons at Holmes Community College where she helped the Lady Bulldogs reach back-to-back post-season play. She was named to the Second Team All-State and was chosen to play in the MACJC All-Star Game. While at HCC, Hill averaged 9.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 5.4 apg.
Harmer will enter her freshman season with Jackson State. The 6’0 forward graduated from Kirby High School in Memphis, Tenn. Because of her effort, she was named KHS MVP. Harmer averages 21.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, and 2.5 bpg.
Cowen will enter her freshman season with Jackson State. The 6’0 forward from Ramsye High School was named one of the top Alabama Hustlers. She also played with the Alabama Aces in 2016. Cowen averages 7 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.1 apg, and 1.0 bpg.
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TSU Tiger Camp 2016: Day 2
Photo Gallery
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team returned to the upper practice field for day two of Camp 2016.
Day one ended with head coach Rod Reed wanting even more energy. The second practice of the season provided that environment with players pushing their teammates for more attention to detail. The attitude continued through head-to-head matchups between the offense and defense.
The defense for the second straight day seemed to get the better of the offense with a pair of picks, pass breakups and fumble recoveries.
The offense would answer as Ronald Butler rolled out and hit Mazio Rhodes for a 50-yard pass play. Later, Tyler Black hit a large hole created by the line for another large gain, where the running back was stopped only by the whistle to end the play before he had a chance to enter the end zone.
Saturday will mark the first practice with the team wearing shoulder pads. Thursday, the team practiced in shorts and helmets. Friday saw the Big Blue switch to pad less pants to go with helmets.
NOTES: Practice Time Temperature: 84… Quarterbacks Ronald Butler, Michael Hughes and Roderick Robinson took all the snaps during 7-on-7 and full team action… Second of 20 practices for camp; before classes begin… Saturday’s practice is scheduled from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on the Upper Practice Field...
Junior Corner Back, Terrell Bonds
- On Team Expectations
“I am looking for us to be the best at what we do. This year we have no excuses. We have experience; and we have some transfers who can help us out. I am looking forward to a big year for us.”
Junior Linebacker, Joe Johnson
- On Camp Progression
“I feel like we are still getting better, it is just day two and we have a lot to work on but that is what camp is for. We have to take it one game at a time, one play at a time. Everybody has their own job to do if we want to be successful.”
Redshirt-Junior Wide Receiver, Quindell Cousins
- On Offensive Potential
“Day two was good, but we are still just getting back in the groove of things. I think we have an explosive offense and can put up 40 points a game. We have some pieces this year that we have not had in the past.”
Senior, Offensive Lineman - Kevin Kenton
- On Teams Improvement
“I think day two was better than day 1; people got more rust off and the tempo was a lot better. We still have a long way to go but we are headed in the direction. We are pushing for an OVC championship. In order to win we have to be selfless and play as a unit.”
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Tennessee State Tiger Camp 2016: Day 1
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team took to the field for the first time in 2016. The Tigers opened camp in the hopes to returning to their winning ways after a 4-6 season a year ago.
At this point last season, head coach Rod Reed was looking to see who would step in and fill the spots of nine departing starters on defense and over half of the offensive unit. Reed has the luxury this season of flipping the numbers on offense and bringing back eight from the 2015 defensive squad.
The Tigers opened the day with work on special teams before stretching and warming up for the two-hour workout. The Big Blue would then get the opportunity to work with their position coaches for the first time since spring practices.
The energy picked up as the Tigers moved into a 20-play 7-on-7 session, before a 25-play full team tussle. The defense seemed to claim bragging rights of the match-ups on day one.
The Big Blue will return to the practice field on Friday morning in a helmets-only workout for the second consecutive day. The weekend will consist of another workout on Saturday morning and picture day on Sunday.
Photo Gallery
Notes: First practice of the 2016 season under Head Coach Rod Reed… Reed is starting his seventh season at the helm… Only John Merritt (20) and Henry Kean (10) have coached more football seasons at Tennessee State… Practice time temperature: 88… First game is Saturday, Sept. 3 versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 18th John Merritt Classic…
TSU Head Coach Rod Reed
- On Camp Progression
"I think our guys understand where we're trying to get to, and I'm really happy with the overall progress from last spring until now. We've got a long way to go. No doubt about it. This is just the start of this whole thing. We've got 29 practice opportunities, and we've got to get better each day."
- On the Start of Camp
"It's great to see the guys back out here. It's great to be out here with all the coaches doing what we love to do. This time of year, you start to feel the juices flowing and when you first walk on the grass, you say, 'man, here it is again.' It's a great time of year for all of us."
- On the Focus of the Preseason
"We want to improve every day. We want to work on the fundamentals. We have five heat acclimation days, so we want to work on the fundamentals as much as possible. Alignment, assignment, execution."
Offensive Coordinator Jeff Parker
- On Returning to the Practice Field
“I’m very excited about being back out here. Ready to see the young guys improve on a really good spring. Offensively we want to put our guys in the best position for them to be successful whether that is running the ball or throwing it.”
Defensive Coordinator Osita Alaribe
- On Visions for the Defense
“It feels great having a lot of returning guys who have been through a season and have playing experience. I want to see us communicate, get aligned and execute our assignments. Today was about getting our nerves out and getting back in the swing of things.”
TSU Red-Shirt Sophomore Center, Thomas Burton
- On First Practice
“I am looking forward to running the ball this year. We want to run it down somebody’s throat. First day of practice felt great, we came out slow but we have to pick it up tomorrow.”
TSU Junior Defensive End, Latrell Lee
- On the Defense
“Defensively we have so many pieces coming back; I just want to see us be dominant this year.”
TSU Redshirt-Sophomore Safety, Laquarius Cook
- On Belief in the Defense
“I think we can be the best defense in the nation. We have been working hard all summer; and we have a bond together and we communicate effectively.”
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
At this point last season, head coach Rod Reed was looking to see who would step in and fill the spots of nine departing starters on defense and over half of the offensive unit. Reed has the luxury this season of flipping the numbers on offense and bringing back eight from the 2015 defensive squad.
The Tigers opened the day with work on special teams before stretching and warming up for the two-hour workout. The Big Blue would then get the opportunity to work with their position coaches for the first time since spring practices.
The energy picked up as the Tigers moved into a 20-play 7-on-7 session, before a 25-play full team tussle. The defense seemed to claim bragging rights of the match-ups on day one.
The Big Blue will return to the practice field on Friday morning in a helmets-only workout for the second consecutive day. The weekend will consist of another workout on Saturday morning and picture day on Sunday.
Photo Gallery
Notes: First practice of the 2016 season under Head Coach Rod Reed… Reed is starting his seventh season at the helm… Only John Merritt (20) and Henry Kean (10) have coached more football seasons at Tennessee State… Practice time temperature: 88… First game is Saturday, Sept. 3 versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the 18th John Merritt Classic…
TSU Head Coach Rod Reed
- On Camp Progression
"I think our guys understand where we're trying to get to, and I'm really happy with the overall progress from last spring until now. We've got a long way to go. No doubt about it. This is just the start of this whole thing. We've got 29 practice opportunities, and we've got to get better each day."
- On the Start of Camp
"It's great to see the guys back out here. It's great to be out here with all the coaches doing what we love to do. This time of year, you start to feel the juices flowing and when you first walk on the grass, you say, 'man, here it is again.' It's a great time of year for all of us."
- On the Focus of the Preseason
"We want to improve every day. We want to work on the fundamentals. We have five heat acclimation days, so we want to work on the fundamentals as much as possible. Alignment, assignment, execution."
Offensive Coordinator Jeff Parker
- On Returning to the Practice Field
“I’m very excited about being back out here. Ready to see the young guys improve on a really good spring. Offensively we want to put our guys in the best position for them to be successful whether that is running the ball or throwing it.”
Defensive Coordinator Osita Alaribe
- On Visions for the Defense
“It feels great having a lot of returning guys who have been through a season and have playing experience. I want to see us communicate, get aligned and execute our assignments. Today was about getting our nerves out and getting back in the swing of things.”
TSU Red-Shirt Sophomore Center, Thomas Burton
- On First Practice
“I am looking forward to running the ball this year. We want to run it down somebody’s throat. First day of practice felt great, we came out slow but we have to pick it up tomorrow.”
TSU Junior Defensive End, Latrell Lee
- On the Defense
“Defensively we have so many pieces coming back; I just want to see us be dominant this year.”
TSU Redshirt-Sophomore Safety, Laquarius Cook
- On Belief in the Defense
“I think we can be the best defense in the nation. We have been working hard all summer; and we have a bond together and we communicate effectively.”
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Former ECSU Wideout Makes 90-Man Roster One Day Before Training Camp
SEATTLE, Washington -- Former Elizabeth City State University wide receiver Montario Hunter has signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
He will be a part of the 90-man roster when training camp opens at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on Saturday, July 30th. Camp will conclude on Tuesday, August 16th.
Hunter went undrafted out of ECSU but went on to spend rookie mini camp with the New York Jets. He played three seasons with the Vikings, his best coming in 2015 with 21 receptions for 527 yards and five touchdowns, giving him highest yard-per-catch average (25.1) in country in Division II. Hunter had 16 catches for 377 yards and two scores in 2014.
Click here to follow all information on the Seahawks’ 2016 training camp.
Visit www.ecsuvikings.com and follow us on Twitter @ECSUVikings.
Jackson firefighter’s daughter competing in Brazil
JACKSON, Mississippi -- As the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil have officially begun this weekend, there will be a Jackson connection competing during the games this year.
Jackson firefighter Donnie Lewis has a daughter who will compete in women’s track and field for Panama. Her name is Yvette, and Donnie is a proud dad. Yvette will compete in the 100-meter hurdles.
“My wife and I, we’re planning on going down there [next week] to be a part of it a few days and watch her compete,” Donnie said. “This is something Yvette has dreamed about all her life, and we can’t wait for her to compete.”
Yvette is Donnie’s daughter from a previous marriage, so she hasn’t spent much time living in Jackson.
“She came to live with us for a semester when she was in high school,” Donnie said. “She planned on staying longer and went to Jackson Central-Merry, but she wanted to be in a place that had more people and that moved faster. So she went back to live with her mother in Virginia.”
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Jackson firefighter Donnie Lewis has a daughter who will compete in women’s track and field for Panama. Her name is Yvette, and Donnie is a proud dad. Yvette will compete in the 100-meter hurdles.
“My wife and I, we’re planning on going down there [next week] to be a part of it a few days and watch her compete,” Donnie said. “This is something Yvette has dreamed about all her life, and we can’t wait for her to compete.”
Yvette is Donnie’s daughter from a previous marriage, so she hasn’t spent much time living in Jackson.
“She came to live with us for a semester when she was in high school,” Donnie said. “She planned on staying longer and went to Jackson Central-Merry, but she wanted to be in a place that had more people and that moved faster. So she went back to live with her mother in Virginia.”
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Saturday, August 6, 2016
As Redskins cornerback makes it in the NFL, the place that made him is no longer
RICHMOND, Virginia -- — Prime-time NFL games can give a glimpse inside a player’s past. In a three-second clip, the starters introduce themselves to the national audience and mention which school they attended. Most will represent their colleges, some their high or elementary schools, with a sense of pride.
For the past three seasons, Greg Toler, 31, has represented a defunct school. Saint Paul’s College, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Lawrenceville, Va., ceased operations on June 30, 2013. This small school near the Virginia-North Carolina border typically had an enrollment of fewer than 1,000. It gave the Redskins cornerback a chance out of high school, one that altered his future for the better.
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The Arizona Cardinals drafted Greg Toler in 2009 with the 131st overall selection in the fourth round. He became the school’s first NFL draftee, although Redskins Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green finished his degree at Saint Paul’s.
The Washington native’s dream of playing in the NFL likely wouldn’t have come true without the existence of Saint Paul’s, which shut down primarily because of funding. Talent wasn’t the issue for the eight-year veteran. Toler was a cornerback, wide receiver and return specialist at Northwestern High in Hyattsville.
It was his grades that prevented Toler from getting much of a look from bigger colleges; his academics would not have allowed him to qualify.
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For the past three seasons, Greg Toler, 31, has represented a defunct school. Saint Paul’s College, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Lawrenceville, Va., ceased operations on June 30, 2013. This small school near the Virginia-North Carolina border typically had an enrollment of fewer than 1,000. It gave the Redskins cornerback a chance out of high school, one that altered his future for the better.
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The Arizona Cardinals drafted Greg Toler in 2009 with the 131st overall selection in the fourth round. He became the school’s first NFL draftee, although Redskins Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green finished his degree at Saint Paul’s.
The Washington native’s dream of playing in the NFL likely wouldn’t have come true without the existence of Saint Paul’s, which shut down primarily because of funding. Talent wasn’t the issue for the eight-year veteran. Toler was a cornerback, wide receiver and return specialist at Northwestern High in Hyattsville.
It was his grades that prevented Toler from getting much of a look from bigger colleges; his academics would not have allowed him to qualify.
CONTINUE READING
Howard University Bison Kick Off Season With Photo Day
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| COURTESY HOWARD BISON ATHLETICS |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Howard University football team kicked off the 2016 preseason with photo day on Wednesday as players and coaches gathered in Greene Stadium for the event.
The Bison have begun practice as they prepare for the season opener on Saturday, September 3 when they travel to College Park, Md. to take on the Terrapins of the University of Maryland. The kickoff is set for 12 p.m. and will be aired on the Big 10 Network.
It will be the first time that the two schools have met on the gridiron.
Listed below is the 2016 schedule with date, locations and times:
| DATE | OPPONENT | LOCATOIN | TIME |
| 9/03/16 | at University of Maryland | College Park, MD | TBA |
| 9/10/16 | at Rutgers | Piscataway, NJ | TBA |
| 9/17/16 | vs Hampton at RFK Stadium | Wash., DC | 3:30 pm |
| 9/24/16 | at Morgan State | Meadowlands, NJ | TBA |
| 10/01/16 | at Norfolk State | Norfolk, VA | 2 pm |
| 10/08/16 | vs MONMOUTH | Wash., DC | 1 pm |
| 10/15/16 | vs SOUTH CAROLINA STATE | Wash., DC | 1 pm |
| 10/22/16 | vs NORTH CAROLINA A&T | Wash., DC | 1 pm |
| 10/29/16 | at Savannah State | Savannah, GA | 2 pm |
| 11/5/16 | BYE | ||
| 11/12/16 | at North Carolina Central | Durham, NC | 2 pm |
| 11/19/16 | vs DELAWARE STATE | Wash., DC | 1 pm |
Home Games in ALL CAPS
HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Kimberly Miller named Associate Athletics Director of Internal Operations & Compliance at WSCU
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| KIMBERLY MILLER ASSOCIATE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE COURTESY WESTERN STATE COLORADO UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
"I would like to thank Jason Carmichael and the search committee for affording me this opportunity to service the coaches, staff and student-athletes at Western," Miller said. "Western has great traditions, leadership, a strong alumni presence and endless support from the Gunnison community. I am extremely excited to join the Western family."
Miller comes to Western after a stint as an instructor of sport management at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Along with teaching core curriculum in sport management, Miller coordinated the entire sport management program, oversaw the Sport Management Major's Club and was in charge of formulating a more comprehensive curriculum for students.
"Kim's addition to our department is nothing short of a game changer," Western Athletics Director Jason Carmichael said. "Kim has routinely been identified by her peers as an administrator with a huge upside. Kim's work ethic, professionalism, integrity and insatiable desire to grow as an administrator are all huge assists for our department and institution."
Prior to Livingstone, Miller worked at Shaw University as their Assistant Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator from 2006-16. During this time, Miller supervised various men's and women's sports; managed and monitored the athletics department's budget; oversaw all athletic department operations in the Athletic Director's absence; oversaw internal operations, business operations, facilities and special events; assisted in fundraising, ticketing, marketing and promotions; advised the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; negotiated and evaluated all athletic contracts and guarantees. Miller also had many other duties during her decade at Shaw.
Miller also was named the head women's softball coach at Shaw in 2008. A title she held until the end of the 2014 season. As head coach, Miller created the Shaw University Softball Challenge that attracted 40 NCAA Division II women's softball teams over three days, grossing over $30,000 annually with a $500,000 economic impact to the city of Raleigh.
Before Shaw, Miller was the Senior Administrative Assistant at American University. Here she assisted the Associate Athletics Director for Business with departmental budgetary management and reconciliations. Miller also monitored and provided reports on scholarship awards. During her time at American, Miller also served as the liaison to financial aid and admissions, as well as aiding the Associate Athletics Director for External Relations in donor communications and special events.
A year prior, Miller began working with the Charlotte Bobcats – now Hornets – as a Graduate Intern for the Administrative and Basketball Operations Office. Here she assisted with facility relocation logistics, assisted the Director of Human Resources with processing, screening and hiring of employees, and assisted with the 2005 Bobcat Training Camp operations, planning and team travel logistics.
From 2002-05 Miller worked at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference as the Championships and Officiating Assistant. Along with assisting in the planning and management for all championships and special events, Miller assisted with the publication efforts for hosts, participants and local organizing committee championship manuals. Miller served as a liaison to the Conference Coaches Associations and Delegate Assembly Members. Miller was also charged to formulate future conference schedules and the conference fee/penalty payment schedules, as well as assisting the coordination of the conference hall of fame nominations and voting procedures. Not to mention, Miller worked with the coordinators of officials for various sports for invoicing, contracting and dissemination of game assignments.
Miller also has a background in sports information as a Broadcasting/Media Relations Intern at Ohio University and a Sports Information Intern at Bethune-Cookman University.
Miller is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA), the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors (NACDA), Minority Opportunities Athletic Associations (MOAA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Athletic Directors Association (NCAA D2ADA).
In 2001, Miller earned her bachelor's degree in sport management from Winston-Salem State University. She also holds a master's degree in sports studies from High Point University and is expected to earn her doctorate degree of philosophy in education with a specialization in sport management from Northcentral University in 2016.
"We are excited Kim has chosen Western as the next stop on her journey in college athletics," Carmichael remarked. "Personally, I am thrilled to have her as a colleague in the department and as a department, we look forward to beginning the upcoming academic year with Kim in place at such a vital position."
WESTERN STATE COLORADO UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
University of the District of Columbia Announces Hiring of Rodger Colbert as Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach
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| RODGER I. COLBERT HEAD MEN'S LACROSSE UDC FIREBIRDS Courtesy: UDC ATHLETICS |
"Rodger Colbert is an experienced educator who was an outstanding student-athlete on the highest level," Thomas said. "He was instrumental in helping Scott Urick build our men's lacrosse program, and I am confident he will continue the momentum successfully."
Colbert served as a full-time assistant men's lacrosse coach and Defensive Coordinator at UDC the past two seasons, guiding a defensive unit that last year improved its goals allowed per-game average by over three, and assisting in the planning and execution of all practices.
Before UDC, Colbert gained extensive coaching, as well as academic and administrative experience throughout his career. Since Fall 2013, he has served as the Founder and Director of RCDC Lacrosse Prep, Inc. – a non-profit organization partnering with communities to expose quality mentoring and coaching to all potential lacrosse players. In that capacity, he works as the Elective School course leader for 6th and 7th grade students at City Neighbors-Hamilton in Baltimore, MD and as team trainer in the fall and winter for St. Peter's Prep HS in Jersey City, NJ and Moorestown Friends School in Moorestown, NJ.
On the academic side, Colbert served as a Principal Intern, while at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, at Dorchester Academy – a district public school in Boston MA – from 2011 to 2012. He also worked at St. Paul's School – an independent boarding high school in Concord, NH – as the Coordinator of Multicultural Programming (2007-2011) and a Math Instructor (2008-2011).
Colbert has also spent five years working at his high school alma mater – The Peddie School – an independent boarding high school in Hightstown, NJ. There he served as the Assistant Director of Admissions and the Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment.
Colbert also managed to gain a myriad of coaching experience while working at these various high schools. He started out serving as the Defensive Coordinator for the Ridgewood HS Varsity Lacrosse team in Ridgewood, NJ. He helped guide the team to a 16-2 record and a NJ State runner-up finish.
At Peddie, he was a co-coach of the Freshmen/Sophomore Football team (2002-2003), Head Boys' Freshmen Lacrosse Coach (2003), Head Junior Varsity Basketball Coach (2002-03), Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach (2004) and Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach (2004-07). He also coached Varsity Lacrosse from 2008-2011 and was an assistant varsity football and junior varsity basketball coach at St. Paul's.
A former high school and college All-American at The Peddie School (1997) and Georgetown University (2001), Colbert was picked 12th in the 2001 Major League Lacrosse Draft and played for the Bridgeport Barrage, New Jersey Pride and Boston Cannons over a six-year career. He captained three sports teams at Peddie in 1997 and captained the Hoyas Lacrosse team his senior year in 2001.
UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Michelle Wells named new women's basketball coach at Stillman
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| MICHELLE WELL HEAD WOMEN'S BASKETBALL STILLMAN COLLEGE |
"I am excited to promote Coach Wells to the position of head women's basketball coach here at Stillman College," said Jackson. "She understands and promotes our mission as an institution, and an athletic department. Coach Wells possesses all of the coaching qualities that we value at Stillman, and I look forward to seeing her take our women's program to the next level."
Before joining the Stillman, Wells was an assistant coach at Central High School under Jim Holland where the team won the 1996 AHSAA 6A State Championship. Coach Wells is a 1987 graduate of Central High School where she was named All-American and earned a full scholarship to play basketball for the University of Alabama. Wells went on to earn a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in English.
Statement from Coach Wells:
"I am excited to be selected as head coach for the Stillman College Women's basketball program. Though I have served in this capacity before in 2009 I am just as excited today as I was then. We are looking forward to a great season with the players that are returning, as well as the newcomers. This year will shape the path into the future of women's basketball here at Stillman College. As we embark into a new conference, we welcome the competition, as well as the challenge. It is going to exciting and I cannot wait for the season to get started. So, please come out and support your Lady Tigers."
COURTESY STILLMAN COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
Coppin State Announces Derek Carter as Director of Athletics
BALTIMORE, Maryland – Coppin State University President Dr. Maria Thompson announced on Friday, July 29, 2016 the appointment of Mr. Derek Carter to the position of Director of Athletics effective September 1, 2016.Mr. Carter currently serves as Director of Athletics at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD and has served in the same capacity at Delaware State University and Bowie State University. He received his bachelor's degree in Marketing Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a master's degree in Sport Management from University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Interim Athletic Director Mrs. Alecia Shields-Gadson will continue to serve the university as Associate Athletic Director.
For more information on Eagle athletics and recreation please visit www.coppinstatesports.com.
COURTESY COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
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