Southern Jaguars Releases 2017 Football Schedule

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University football will make their third appearance in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge before facing two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents during the Jaguars 2017 schedule, officials announced Friday.

Southern welcomes South Carolina State - and a nationally televised audience - to Baton Rouge and A.W. Mumford Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 3. in the 11th installment of the ESPN Events sponsored game. The Jaguars hold the distinction of being the only SWAC school to win in the 10-year history of the challenge, claiming wins over Florida A&M in 2007 in Birmingham, Ala. and Delaware State in 2010 in Orlando.

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge features teams from two prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) on the opening weekend of the college football season and is aired on an ESPN network. Prior to the 2016 game, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge originated as a neutral site game at historic Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. before relocating to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

SU head coach Dawson Odums and former Alcorn State head coach Jay Hobson reunite on the gridiron when the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, 2016 New Orleans Bowl champions, host the Jaguars on September 9 in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Following their first-ever meeting with Southern Miss, Southern heads to the Alamodome for the inaugural meeting against UT-San Antonio led by former LSU assistant coach and current Roadrunners' head coach Frank Wilson. In his first season, Wilson guided the Roadrunners to a Gildan New Mexico Bowl berth before losing to New Mexico 23-20 on Dec. 17.

Southern returns to the state of Mississippi to open the SWAC's new 7-game format against 3-time SWAC eastern division champ Alcorn State on Sept. 23 before NCAA Division II member Fort Valley State closes the Jaguars' nonconference schedule at Mumford Stadium on Sept. 30.

The league office elected to implement a 4-2-1 schedule format which requires conference teams to play four opponents within their division, two permanent cross-divisional foes and one team rotating yearly as a part of the conference slate.

The Jaguars, who finished 8-3, 8-1 in SWAC play - last season and reeled off eight straight wins, host Alabama A&M for homecoming on Oct. 7, then observe their first bye week off the season on Oct. 14.

Archrival Jackson State awaits SU following the off week on Oct. 21 in Jackson, Miss. before the Jaguars tangle with Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the road Oct. 28.

The month of November opens with a pair of Texas schools when Southern salutes their 2017 senior class in the home finale against Prairie View A&M on Nov. 4. After the Texas Southern game on Nov. 11 in Houston, Southern entertains one final bye week before looking to snap a two-game losing skid to Grambling State in the 44th annual Bayou Classic in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Nov. 25.

Teams on Southern's 11-game schedule compiled a 59-68 record in 2016.

For more information on Southern University Athletics log on to Gojagsports.com for the latest news, scores, and updates. Fans can also access the latest information on SU Athletics through social media by following @SoutherUsports on Twitter and Instagram or liking the SU Athletics Facebook page at Facebook.com/Southern Jaguars.

DATE	OPPONENT	LOCATION	TIME (CT)
2017 MEAC/SWAC Challenge
Sun, Sep 03	South Carolina State	A.W. Mumford Stadium	TBA
Sat, Sep 09	Southern Miss	Hattiesburg, Miss.	TBA
Sat, Sep 16	Texas-San Antonio	San Antonio, Texas | Alamodome	TBA
Sat, Sep 23	Alcorn State	Lorman, Miss.	TBA
Sat, Sep 30	Fort Valley State	A.W. Mumford Stadium	TBA
Sat, Oct 07	Alabama A&M *	A.W. Mumford Stadium	TBA
Sat, Oct 21	Jackson State	Jackson, Miss.	TBA
Sat, Oct 28	UAPB	Pine Bluff, Ark.	TBA
Sat, Nov 04	Prairie View A&M *	A.W. Mumford Stadium	TBA
Sat, Nov 11	Texas Southern	Houston, Texas | BBVA Compass	TBA
Sat, Nov 25	vs. Grambling State	New Orleans, La. | Mercedes-Benz Superdome	TBA

* Conference Games

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

UAPB Rallies Past Morgan State for 53-44 Win

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Women's Basketball team picked up their third win of the season with the Lady Lions defeating Morgan State, 53-44 here Wednesday night at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente Arena.

UAPB jumped out to a 7-3 lead to open up the first quarter, capped off by a Destiny Brewton jumper with 4:58 remaining.

MSU used an 8-0 run to take a 11-7 lead into the second quarter of play, capped off by a Janessa Fauntroy free throw with 32 seconds left in the period.

In the second period of play, UAPB outscored MSU 11-8 to tie the contest at 19-19 on a Faith Ohanta jumper with 1:45 remaining.

The Lady Lions went into the break with 23-21 lead at the half.

MSU outscored UAPB, 13-10 to take a 34-33 lead into the fourth quarter of play.

The Lady Lions opened the fourth quarter with a 13-7 run to take a 46-41 lead with 2:50 left to go in the contest, capped off by a Brewton free throw with 2:50 to go in the contest. UAPB closed out the contest with a 7-3 run to hold on for the 53-44 win.

UAPB finished the contest shooting 40.0 percent (18-of-45), while MSU shot 30.0 percent (18-of-60).

MSU (2-8) had three Lady Bears to finish with 10 points each in Braennan Farrar, Zuri White and Tykyrah Williams. White led MSU on the boards with eight.

UAPB (3-7) had a pair of Lady Lions to finish in double-figures with Brewton scoring a team high 12 points and Niya Head adding 11. Both Malaik
Muhammad and Ohanta finished with five rebounds each to lead the Lady Lions on the boards. Also Brewton finished with a team high five assists.

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TSU Lady Tigers end 2016 on high note with 70-62 win at FIU

MIAMI, Florida – The Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University went into their Christmas break on a high note Wednesday after defeating Florida International 70-62.

Sophomore post Artavia Ford recorded her second double-double of the season, scoring 25 points and pulling in 10 rebounds to lead Texas Southern (6-5), which ended a three-game losing skid. Ford shot 10-of-17 from the field.

The Lady Tigers scored seven unanswered points late in the fourth quarter to break a 56-56 tie and pull away from their hosts. TSU had led by as many as 10 points in the first half, but saw a nine-point lead evaporate late in the third quarter.

Joyce Kennerson tallied 17 points, five assists and two steals for the Lady Tigers, who concluded the non-conference portion of their schedule with the win. TSU returns to action Jan. 2 when they visit Alcorn State to open Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

Kristian Hudson scored 18 points to lead FIU (1-8). Kiandre'a Pound chipped in 12 points for the Panthers.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Texas Southern seized control of the game early with an 11-2 run between the 8:04 and 1:48 marks of the first quarter to take a 17-7 lead. Kennerson scored the last six points of the run, while FIU collectively shot 1-of-7 and committed four turnovers during that span.

FIU cut into TSU's lead in the latter stages of the second period with a 7-2 run that cut the visitors' advantage to 32-28 with less than a minute remaining before halftime. A 3-pointer by Makenna Pouengue with 34 seconds left in the period gave the Lady Tigers a 35-28 halftime lead.

The Panthers completely erased TSU's lead with nine unanswered points between the 6:54 and 3:51 marks of the third quarter, as Amari Hawkins' fast-break layup tied the game at 42. In all, FIU would outscore Texas Southern 18-7 over the final seven minutes of the quarter, with TSU's Breasia McElrath cutting the deficit to 51-49 with 14 seconds remaining in the period.

After the teams exchanged baskets over the first portion of the final quarter, Ford helped the Lady Panthers pull away with seven unanswered points between the 5:27 and 2:17 marks of the period. Ford knocked down two jump shots and all three free throws she took; the run ended with a layup off a Kennerson assist while getting fouled.

As FIU was forced to foul as time wound down, Kennerson scored six of the team's final seven points.

KEY POINTS:
• Texas Southern improved to 2-4 all-time against FIU, and claimed their first-ever win over the Panthers in Miami; the Lady Tigers' only other win over FIU took place in Houston in 1987.
• The game marked the first time the teams had met since the 1992-93 season.
• Head coach Johnetta Hayes-Perry improved to 6-4 against Conference USA opponents in her coaching career.
• The Lady Tigers improved to 2-1 against Conference USA opponents this season; TSU opened the season with an 89-68 win at UTEP.
• Kaitlyn Palmer scored eight points for Texas Southern, while McElrath added seven points and seven rebounds.
• TSU's Chynna Ewing handed out five assists to go along with four points.

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XULA's Perry is state's top freshman; Tomasoni honored

NEW ORLEANS — Amanda Perry became the first volleyball student-athlete from Xavier University of Louisiana to earn a major state award when she was named Freshman of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association late Wednesday.

Perry and teammate Juliana Tomasoni both were chosen second-team All-Louisiana. Perry tied for second in voting for Libero of the Year, and Tomasoni was runner-up for Newcomer of the Year.

An LSWA panel of college sports publicists selected the honorees.

Perry — from Bolingbrook, Ill., a graduate of Bolingbrook High School and a former club player with Sports Performance — set XULA season records with 529 digs, 4.64 digs per set and 19 consecutive matches with double-figure digs. She reached double-figure digs in 29-of-33 matches.

Tomasoni — a junior outside hitter/defensive specialist from Nova Trento, Brazil, and a graduate of Francisco Mazzola in her home country and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M — led the Gold Nuggets with 345 kills, 27 aces and 14 double-doubles and was second with a .242 hitting percentage and 391 digs. She produced a XULA-match-record 25 kills during the opening weekend of the season.

The XULA honorees helped the Gold Nuggets win Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and qualify for the NAIA National Championship. All three milestones were XULA's sixth in a row. Perry and Tomasoni won a slew of GCAC honors this year, including Defender of the Year for Perry and Newcomer of the Year and tournament MVP for Tomasoni.

For the fourth time in as many seasons, XULA's Hannah Lawing was runner-up for Coach of the Year. This time she lost in a 6-5 vote to Tulane's Jim Barnes. Lawing resigned earlier this month to pursue non-coaching opportunities.

2016 All-Louisiana Women's Volleyball Team
FIRST TEAM
Justine Bowers, junior, Tulane
Tiara Gibson, senior, LSU
Tea Juric, senior, Tulane
Marta Monne, junior, Louisiana Tech
Sarah Ray, junior, Tulane
Stacey Reilly, junior, Louisiana-Lafayette
Libero: Bridget Justis, senior, McNeese State

SECOND TEAM
Alexandria Aguilera, sophomore, McNeese State
Chanelle Gardner, senior, Louisiana-Lafayette
Allison Hartmann, sophomore, Loyola
Angela Papach, senior, Louisiana Tech
Gina Tillis, junior, LSU
Juliana Tomasoni, junior, XULA
Libero: (tie) Kaylie McHugh, freshman, Tulane; Amanda Perry, freshman, XULA

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sarah Ray, Tulane
Voting: Ray 9, Reilly 2
LIBERO OF THE YEAR: Bridget Justis, McNeese State
Voting: Justis 5, McHugh 2, Perry 2, Lala Avies (Louisiana Tech) 2
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Justine Bowers, Tulane
Voting: Bowers 7, Tomasoni 4
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Amanda Perry, XULA
Voting: Perry 6, McHugh 3, Jordan Yauch (New Orleans) 1, Tyler Beckham (Loyola) 1
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jim Barnes, Tulane
Voting: Barnes 6, Hannah Lawing (XULA) 5

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Xavier's Flickinger steps down as FAR; Hammer to succeed her

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Sister Grace Mary Flickinger, S.B.S., who achieved National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame status for her service on the local, regional, and national level while serving as Xavier University of Louisiana's faculty athletics representative (FAR), is stepping down from that position after 36 years according to XU President Reynold Verret.

Flickinger, a member of the XULA biology faculty since 1968, continues as a professor in the Department of Biology. Verret has appointed Dr. Elliott Hammer, a longtime member of the Department of Psychology, as Flickinger's successor as FAR.

"Sister Grace Mary has admirably served Xavier University of Louisiana, our athletics department, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC), and the NAIA with untiring devotion in this important position," Verret said. "We are grateful for her many decades of service, her passion and devotion to our student-athletes, and the integral role she has played in the progress of athletics at Xavier."

In the structure of the NAIA, faculty representatives oversee the welfare of the student-athlete, certify eligibility, and ensure the emphasis of academics in university athletics. In the GCAC, the vote of faculty representatives is a crucial step toward ratification of new policies and procedures. Xavier currently fields intercollegiate teams in men's and women's basketball, cross country, track and field, and tennis, as well as women's volleyball.

A New Jersey native, Flickinger has been a member of XULA's biology department since 1968 and joined XU's athletics committee in 1981. A few years later, she took on responsibilities as academic counselor for athletics at the request of former men's basketball coach Denny Alexander. She also has served the GCAC as president for two terms (1990-91 and 1995-99), vice president, faculty athletics representative, and on its eligibility and executive committees. On the national level she chaired the NAIA's Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives.

Flickinger was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1998, and in 2007 she received the NAIA's Wally Schwartz Award for her work as a faculty athletics representative. Flickinger, who also served for several years as coordinator of advising, has been a longtime proponent of one-on-one advising and nurturing of all students, not only for their smooth transition to Xavier as freshmen but also for their persistence and degree completion, as well as their spiritual growth. Having earned a reputation as tough, but fair, she remains is a favorite among alumni.

"It's time that someone else gets trained in this position," Flickinger said. "It's a good job. It takes a lot of work and a lot of time. But the rewards are better than any time you put into it."

Hammer, who has served at Xavier for 16 years (including seven as chair of the Psychology Department), will assume the duties of FAR this spring. His honors include the Visionary Leader Award and Model Institutions of Excellence mentor award, both from Xavier. Since 2006 he has been the holder of the John D. LaFarge Endowed Professorship in Social Justice.

"Advising students has always been one of my favorite parts of my job, so I'm really looking forward to working more closely with student-athletes to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals," Hammer said.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Grambling Hands Southeastern Louisiana First Home Loss

HAMMOND, Louisiana – Southeastern Louisiana junior guard Taylin Underwood scored a game-high 25 points, but it was not enough as Grambling pulled away for an 87-71 victory in non-conference women's basketball action.

Grambling (2-9) snapped an eight-game losing streak and handed SLU (2-8) its first home loss of 2016-17. The Lady Tigers finished with 18 offensive rebounds and held a 21-5 advantage on second chance points, which accounted for their margin of victory.

"Give Grambling credit for the way they crashed the offensive boards," Southeastern head coach Errol Gauff said. "Their ability to take advantage of second chance opportunities was one of the biggest differences in the game. When we get back from the break, we have to focus on executing better on offense. We shot the ball well today, but Grambling forced us into too many turnovers."

Underwood was one of three Lady Lions in double figures, along with senior forward Chey Stewart (11 points) and freshman guard Charlie Dugas (10 points). Sophomore guard Ashailee Brailey and senior guard Bre Warren led Southeastern with four assists each, while Underwood grabbed a team-high six rebounds. Sophomore Jaclyn Scholvin finished with a game-high three steals to lead SLU.

Shakyla Hill topped a balanced Grambling effort with 24 points and a game-high eight rebounds. Hill was joined in double figures by teammates Jazmin Boyd (20 points), Monisha Neal (15 points) and Jazmine Torian (13 points). Torian also led GSU with four assists, while Boyd and Takerra Parsons recorded three steals apiece as Grambling forced 24 SLU turnovers.

A couple of free throws by Underwood gave Southeastern a 15-9 lead with 4:23 left in the opening quarter. Grambling answered with a 10-0 run, but a three by freshman guard Courtney Dawsey helped SLU knot the game up at 19-19 at the end of the quarter.

The game was tied for the final time with 5:10 remaining in the second quarter after a Dugas layup. Grambling would then hold the Lady Lions scoreless for the next four minutes and went into halftime with a 38-33 lead.

Grambling scored the first five points of the third quarter to stretch the lead to 10. Southeastern gradually chipped away at the lead and pulled within five on a pair of free throws by Underwood that cut the lead to 52-47 with 4:35 left in the third quarter.

GSU answered with a 7-0 run, as a pair of Kiana Jones free throws put the Lady Tigers up, 59-47, with 2:47 left in the third quarter. Despite Underwood scoring 15 points in the period, SLU ended the third quarter with a 65-55 deficit.

After a jumper by Warren cut the lead to eight on the opening possession of the fourth quarter, Hill scored seven straight points to give GSU a 72-57 advantage with 7:21 left in the contest. SLU would get no closer than nine the rest of the way, as the lead ballooned to as many as 18 down the stretch.

Southeastern will take a week off for Christmas before closing their non-conference schedule on Wednesday, Dec. 28 with a 6 p.m. (CST) contest at Florida. The game will air on SEC Network+ and can be heard in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9), online at www.LionSports.net/listenlive and via the TuneIn Radio app.

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Howard Charge Back For 71-68 Win Over Fairleigh Dickinson

HACKENSACK, New Jersey – The Howard women's basketball team battled back from a seven-point deficit to take down Fairleigh Dickinson, 71-68, in the Rothman Center during a Thursday matinee.

With the win, HU improves to 3-8 on the season – including 3-1 against Northeast Conference opponents – while FDU drops to 2-9.

Rookie Imani Bryant poured in a career-high 19 points, just barely missing out on a double-double with nine rebounds. She was 9-of-12 on the afternoon and tallied six blocks.

Redshirt junior Erin Blaine came out with 14 points and 7 boards, while redshirt senior Te'Shya Heslip notched 11 points, seven assists and three steals. Heslip wrote her name in the program's history books as she joined the exclusive 1,000-point club.

Senior Jasmine Hill didn't miss at the charity stripe as she went a perfect 6-for-6 on her way to 10 points. Classmate Sydni Johnson added nine points and five boards.

Howard held FDU to a 37.1 field goal percentage (23-62) and connected on 48.9 percent (23-47) of its shots. The Bison also made 25 of their 34 attempts at the free throw line for a 73.5 percent rate.

HU dominated the Knights down low, outscoring the home team 44-26 in the paint. The Bison put up 25 points off of FDU's 26 turnovers and got 19 points from the bench.

The Bison got off to a quick start, leading by as many as seven points, 17-10, midway through the first quarter. FDU began to settle in as the period wore on to tie the score twice before getting a 25-23 edge at the end of one.

Howard tied the game early in the second quarter, but saw the Knights get out to their largest advantage of the matchup, 35-28, with five minutes left in the half. Thanks to a trio of tallies in the paint, the Bison were able to cut into the deficit and head into the locker room down by four, 39-35.

HU picked up right where it left off to open the second half as it dashed away on a 14-3 run to regain the lead, 49-42, at the 3:54 mark. The Knights clawed their way back as the two teams exchanged points at the free throw line, leaving Howard with a slight 55-54 edge going into the last 10 minutes.

The final period was a back and forth battle that featured three ties and six lead changes. After a three-pointer put FDU up, 64-61, Heslip sank both free throws and Bryant laid the ball in to give the upper hand back to the Bison, 65-64, with 1:41 left to play. Heslip followed that up with a steal that led to an and-one conversion for her 1,000th point and Howard was able to hold off the Knights to come away victorious, 71-68.

The Knights werBOe led by 12 points and nine rebounds from Brianna Thomas as well as 12 points from Kiana Brown. Courtney Blankenship and Peniel M'Bikata earned 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Howard will step onto the court in Burr Gymnasium for the final time in 2016 when it hosts Vermont on Friday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m.

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Chicago State Claims 74-65 Win Over SE Missouri at Las Vegas Classic

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Chicago State men's basketball snapped a five-game losing streak here this afternoon after claiming a 74-65 victory over Southeast Missouri State in the third contest for both teams in the 2016 Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic at Orleans Arena.

The win also marked the 50th for seventh-year head coach Tracy Dildy as he surpassed former CSU bench boss Bob Hallberg as the school's all-time leader in Division I career coaching victories.

The Green and White took an early 5-0 advantage on a three-pointer from junior Montana Byrd (Chicago, Ill./Mount Carmel) at the 16:51 mark of the first half. SEMO later snapped a 16-16 tie with an 8-4 scoring drive in two minutes to gain a 24-20 lead with 5:11 to go in the stanza following a layup from Antonius Cleveland. CSU then bounced back as it posted a 16-6 run in the final four minutes that included five points from sophomore Fred Sims, Jr. (Chicago, Ill./North Lawndale) to head into halftime with a 36-30 leading margin.

In the first two-plus minutes of the second half, the Redhawks scored eight of the next 10 points to even the score at 38-38 that concluded with a three-point play by Denzel Mahoney at 17:26. After Daniel Simmons drained a three-pointer at the 11:17 mark to tie the game at 51-51, the Cougars would go on to outscore SEMO by a 23-14 margin in the final 10 minutes to earn the victory.

CSU (4-9) had three players score in double figures for the game with senior Trayvon Palmer (Milwaukee, Wis./Brown Deer) recording his fifth double-double of the season as he tallied 18 points and tied a season high with 15 rebounds. Palmer shot 7-of-11 from the field and 4-of-5 at the free throw line.

Junior Deionte Simmons (Detroit, Mich./Lewisville (Texas)) scored a season-best 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field and Sims, Jr. also finished with 17 points and posted six boards for the Green and White.

Cleveland led Southeast Missouri (4-9) with a game-high 26 points while shooting 12-of-16 from the free throw line and 6-of-11 from the field.

The Cougars will face the winner of the Troy-Cornell contest in their final contest of the Las Vegas Classic tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

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Florida State adds Delaware State to 2017 football schedule

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida State Seminoles have added the Delaware State Hornets to their 2017 football schedule, FSU announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

Florida State will host Delaware State at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Nov. 18, 2017. Per a report by 247Sports, FSU will pay Delaware State a $475,000 guarantee for the game.

Delaware State is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in the Football Championship Subdivison (FCS). The Hornets finished the 2016 season 0-11 overall and 0-8 in MEAC play.

The addition of Delaware State tentatively completes Florida State’s non-conference schedule for the 2017 season.

FSU is slated to open the 2017 season on Sept. 2 against Alabama in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. The Seminoles also host ULM on Sept. 9 and travel to face arch-rival Florida on Nov. 25.

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Grambling State Football lands another 4-Star Ole Miss transfer

Christian Morris, who will report to Grambling upon graduating from Ole Miss in May 2017 has two years of eligibility remaining.

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The rich get richer at Grambling.

Almost a year after landing a high profile recruit from Ole Miss, Grambling's football program went back to the Southeastern Conference well to secure a commitment from a former four-star recruit when offensive tackle Christian Morris announced Monday on Twitter he is committed to Grambling.

Christian Morris ‏@CMo_7uno  4h4 hours ago

Committed to Grambling ! #GramFam

Morris is the former teammate of quarterback DeVante Kincade, who transferred from Ole Miss to Grambling last year. Kincade was recently named the 2016 Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and he helped Grambling win an HBCU national championship over the weekend.

"DeVante played a huge factor in my decision making and as well as winning the SWAC championship," Morris told The News-Star on Monday night. "That really just blew my mind over and made me want to come to Grambling."

Grambling's win Saturday in the Celebration Bowl sealed the deal for Morris, who will report to Grambling upon graduating from Ole Miss in May. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

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Six SWAC Standouts Garner AFCA All-America Honors

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Southern running back Lenard Tillery and wide receiver Willie Quinn, Texas Southern kicker Eric Medina, Jackson State defensive end/linebacker Javancy Jones, Grambling State wide receiver Chad Williams and Alabama State linebacker Kourtney Berry have been named to the American Football Coaches Association 2016 Coaches' FCS All-America team.

The announcement was made earlier today. Medina is the AFCA first-team pick at kicker, and Tillery, Quinn, Jones, Berry and Williams all received second-team consideration at their respective positions except for Quinn, who was a second-team choice as an all-purpose player.

Each player was also a first-team All-SWAC choice at their respective positions, with Quinn doubling up first-team All-SWAC nods at wide receiver and return specialist and Jones taking first team all-league honors at defensive end and second team honors at linebacker. Medina also earned first-team All-SWAC honors in multiple positions this year (kicker and punter).

Tilley rushed for a league-leading 1,665 yards and 13 scores on his way to becoming the all-time leading rusher in SWAC history. He led the conference in rushing by more than 400 yards.

Williams hit the SWAC triple crown in receiving as he led all players in catches (90), yards (1337) and touchdowns (11). He was the only player to crack 1,000 receiving yards and average 100 yards or better per contest.

Quinn tied Williams for the league lead in touchdown grabs, catching 63 balls for 955 yards. Quinn added another 697 yards in the return game as he accounted for 1682 total yards of offense, good for No. 4 in the conference.

Medina was 15-of-16 in field goals, and scored 72 points. The LaPorte, Texas native also averaged 42.1 yards per punt on his 36 attempts.

Jones, who was a second-team AFCA All-American at defensive end, posted 82 tackles (fourth-highest in the league) and four sacks with 19.5 tackles for loss. The latter figure was second in the conference.

Berry, a three-time All-SWAC first-teamer, made 66 total stops in his last hurrah for Alabama State, which put him in the top 10 ranks for tackles.
SWAC Football.

FULL AFCA COACHES FCS ALL-AMERICA TEAM


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Celebration Bowl promotes leadership, heritage and opportunity

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Intense and exhilarating are words some of the 31,096 spectators used to describe the second Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl Dec. 17 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Southwestern Athletic Conference champions Grambling State University defeated North Carolina Central University, champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, 10-9 to win the first game of this year’s college bowl season.

The Air Force Reserve has served as the title sponsor of the bowl game since its inception in 2015. Its commercials and advertisements before and during the game reached a broad national audience.

The expanded reach from attendees of the game, viewers of ABC’s live broadcast, consumers of ESPN’s coverage and perusers of social media allowed an opportunity to showcase the more than 70,000 Citizen Airmen who are part of the communities they serve. They study in colleges and universities, support local community programs, maintain civilian careers, and make an impact each and every day.

“The Air Force Reserve believes inclusion inspires excellence,” said Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command. “We’re here to honor the legacy of our culture of diversity.

“The fusion of our varied and rich cultures generates a resilient force for freedom and forges a unique bond between the Reserve, families and communities,” she said.

The diversity and inclusion Miller referred to was reflected in various events leading up to and including game day from not Conly the SWAC and MEAC coaches and players, but also their supporters.



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Michael Strahan, Elvin Bethea among SWAC, MEAC greats to be honored before Super Bowl LI

HOUSTON,Texas -- Members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame that attended historically black colleges and universities, including Michael Strahan of Texas Southern, Ken Houston of Prairie View A&M and former Oilers great Elvin Bethea, will be recognized at NRG Stadium prior to Super Bowl LI as part of the NFL's new alliance with the Southwestern Athletic Conference and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Houston, who played for the Oilers from 1967-72 as part of a 14-year NFL career, and Strahan, who played for the Giants team that won Super Bowl XLII, will be among the former SWAC players who will be honored on the field prior to the Feb. 5 championship game. Bethea, who played from the Oilers from 1968-83, attended college at North Carolina A&T.

Former Chiefs defensive back Emmitt Thomas of Angleton, who attended Bishop College, also will be among the group of honorees that includes Super Bowl veterans such as Jerry Rice, Art Shell, Mel Blount and Willie Davis and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams.

The Super Bowl recognition is part of the new NFL/HBCU alliance known as the Strength of HBCUs, Impacting Pro Football Since 1948, which commenced at Saturday's Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. The relationship included a football careers forum for SWAC and MEAC athletic administrators.



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NFL Celebrates Hall of Famers Who Attended HBCUs

CANTON, Ohio -- The National Football League and Historically Black Colleges and Universities have shared a long rich tradition together, which have produced the greatest legends to have ever played the game.

In fact, ten percent of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is comprised of NFL Legends who attended HBCUs.

That’s why it was so appropriate in May of 2016 that the NFL partnered with the MEAC and SWAC to develop and strength their relationship for future endeavors.



The partnership is put in place to celebrate and honor the history and impact that HBCUs have had on the game. Another key component of the partnership, is to increase career opportunities for students and football administrators at these institutions.

During December 15-16, a special conference was held at the NFL headquarters that focused on career and character development. Conference goers from the MEAC and SWAC had the unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the NFL from some of the league’s best NFL and Club executives.

The 2016 Celebration Bowl served as the kick off to the league’s enriched partnership with the MEAC and SWAC. The conclusion of the well celebrated partnership will close at Super Bowl LI with a special celebration of Pro Football Hall of Fame players that attended HBCUs.

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Southern basketball notebook: Tre'lun Banks has no time to celebrate his graduation; no decision yet on suspended players

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Skipping college graduation for basketball is becoming a bit of a Banks family tradition.

Like his father, Roman, did for his graduation, Southern senior point guard Tre’lun Banks skipped Friday’s ceremony in which he would have received his diploma in favor of attending the Jaguars’ morning practice sessions.

Banks earned his degree in 31/2 years. He could have graduated last spring but put it off until December so he could play his senior season.

“It’s big when you graduate. Everybody wants to walk, but I feel like we had so much going on,” Banks said. “I feel like this team is in need, especially with a lot of players being gone and with me being a senior leader, there was just too much that needed to be done.”

Roman Banks, Southern's coach, said it was his son's decision to pass on his graduation ceremony. Roman skipped his at Northwestern State to continue his preparation for a run at a professional career.

“(Tre’lun) wanted to make sure he finished, but he wanted to be out here,” Roman said. “It was his decision. His mom wanted to see him walk, but that wasn’t in his plan.”

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S.C. State's Pough: 2016 was rough, but Bulldogs have building blocks for 2017

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The South Carolina State Bulldogs football team made it a goal before this season to reach Saturday’s Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.

That dream and winning a conference title to get there wasn’t realized, though, as 2016 turned out to be a tough roller-coaster type season, resulting in a disappointing 5-6 record.

Instead of playing this weekend, the Bulldogs instead saw N.C. Central represent the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Eagles — a team the Bulldogs didn’t face in MEAC play — dropped a 10-9 game to Grambling State, kicking off the college bowl season.

As S.C. State head coach Buddy Pough and his team look back to assess how things turned out — what went wrong and what went right — now is also a good time to look to the future of the program.

This Bulldogs season played out as follows: three straight “money” games that resulted in losses to FBS teams at Central Florida, Louisiana Tech and Clemson to start the season, then three straight wins in MEAC play, followed by three straight losses in MEAC play, before finishing the season with back-to-back wins in MEAC play.

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NCCU Eagles Lasso McNeese State

LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana – North Carolina Central University got back in the winning column with a 74-66 win over McNeese State University on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Burton Coliseum.

The lead went back and forth between both sides in the first half, but NCCU (7-5) went to the half trailing by one to McNeese (3-6), 36-35. Although the Eagles trailed at the break, NCCU was able to outscore the Cowboys in the second half to pick up its first win of the year after being behind at the intermission.

Patrick Cole (Newark, N.J.) went over 20 points for the sixth time this year with 21, and Del'vin Dickerson (Houston, Texas) was close to a double-double with 10 rebounds and nine points. Dajuan Graf (Charlotte, N.C.) pushed out a joint game-high six assists along with 12 points to help the Eagles as well.

Jarren Greenwood (Houston, Texas) led the Cowboys with 15 points and six assists, and Stephen Ugochukwu (Lewisville, Texas) collected a game-high 11 rebounds with eight points.

The Eagles have some time off before returning to the hardwood on Dec. 28 against Truett McConnell at home at McDougald-McLendon Arena.

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NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Grambling fends off wild North Carolina Central comeback

ATLANTA, Georgia -- First, Quentin Atkinson did the spectacular.

Then he did the unthinkable.

North Carolina Central’s senior wide receiver made one of the best catches of the game, drifting in the end zone before falling to his knees and hauling in a 39-yard pass from Malcolm Bell late in the fourth quarter. Only then he went to celebrate, snatched off his helmet and drew a flag. A few moments later, the long extra point was blocked and the comeback fell short as Grambling State survived the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, 10-9, winning the HBCU national championship in the process.

The irony of it all, losing the Celebration Bowl because of an excessive celebration.

It didn’t matter that North Carolina Central kept reigning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Devante Kincade in check.

It didn’t matter that North Carolina Central held an offense that ranked in the top five of the FCS and averaged 41 points per game to one field goal and one touchdown.



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Excessive celebration penalty leads to Grambling winning Celebration Bowl and 15th HBCU national title

ATLANTA, Georgia -- It seems mildly appropriate that the Celebration Bowl may have been decided in part by an excessive celebration penalty. North Carolina Central wide receiver Quentin Atkinson caught a 39-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone late in the second half to bring the MEAC champion Eagles within one point of SWAC champion Grambling, but Atkinson removed his helmet while celebrating the potentially-game-tying touchdown, which pushed the extra point attempt back 15 yards. Grambling blocked the extra point attempt and then proceeded to recover an onside kick attempt to essentially wrap up a Celebration Bowl victory to lay claim to an HBCU national championship.

Grambling trailed NC Central 3-0 at halftime but came back strong in the second half. A 32-yard touchdown run by game MVP Martez Carter in the third quarter gave the Tigers a 7-3 lead, and a 26-yard field goal by Jonathan Wallace later in the quarter extended the lead to 10-3. With Grambling’s defense clamping down on the Eagles in the second half (four three-and-outs, turnover on downs, fumble recovery, interception), Grambling looked poised to secure the win. But the Eagles had one last series in them, resulting in the Atkinson touchdown catch from Malcolm Bell.

The play of the game was actually called back by a holding penalty. Grambling wide receiver Verlan Hunter climbed the ladder to come down with a fantastic one-handed catch, but the effort was negated by a penalty. Regardless, Hunter showed he has some elevation to his game.



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2016 Celebration Bowl Amped Up: Grambling State World Famed vs. North Carolina Central Sound Machine

Vaughan, Moses earn All-Louisiana major recognition

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana picked up two major awards late Tuesday on the 2016 All-Louisiana women's cross country team: Maliya Vaughan was chosen Newcomer of the Year, and Joseph Moses was named Coach of the Year.

A Louisiana Sports Writers Association panel of college sports publicists selected the women's and men's teams.

Vaughan also earned honorable mention, as did teammate Taylor Price. On the men's team, XULA's Christopher August received honorable mention.

Vaughan, a sophomore from Elk Grove, Calif., and a graduate of West Campus High School, had best times of 19 minutes, 17.7 seconds for 5,000 meters and 26:44.9 for 6,000 meters in her first season of collegiate cross country. She was the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference individual runner-up.

Moses, in his 12th season at XULA, won the Louisiana women's coaching award for the sixth time, which extends the state record in this sport. He coached the Gold Nuggets to their 10th consecutive GCAC women's team championship and their sixth automatic bid in nine years to the NAIA National Championships.

Price, a freshman from Missouri City, Texas, and a graduate of Ridge Point High School, was the GCAC individual champion and had best times of 18:07.5 (school record) for 5K and 25:42.23 for 6K. Price tied the GCAC women's season record with six Runner of the Week awards

August, a senior from Spring, Texas, and a graduate of Klein Collins High School, was the GCAC individual men's champion and led XULA to the team title. August was all-conference for the fourth straight year and produced best times of 28:28.80 for 8K and 15:41.6 for 5K. August tied the GCAC men's season record with six Runner of the Week awards.

XULA distance runners will compete next in outdoor track and field. The first meet will be in early March.

2016 All-Louisiana Women's Cross Country Team
Katja Woelfl, junior, McNeese State
Emma Newton, junior, Tulane
Ruby Stauber, freshman, LSU
Clarissa Smith, junior, Southeastern Louisiana
Courtney Musgrove, senior, Louisiana-Lafayette
Allison Smegal, junior, McNeese State
McKenzie Mellius, freshman, Tulane

Runner of the Year: Katja Woelfl, McNeese State
Newcomer of the Year: Maliya Vaughan, XULA
Freshman of the Year: Ruby Stauber, LSU
Coach of the Year: Joseph Moses, XULA

Honorable Mention: Taylor Price, XULA; Erin Wrozek, Northwestern State; Lauren Bartles, Tulane; Kaitlin Fleming, Louisiana-Monroe; Maliya Vaughan, XULA; Inogen Hull, McNeese State; Kacie Kaufman, Louisiana Tech

2016 All-Louisiana Men's Cross Country Team
Emmanuel Rotich, sophomore, Tulane
Stanley Limoh, freshman, Louisiana-Lafayette
Dajour Braxton, sophomore, LSU
Enrique Soto, senior, McNeese State
Beau Robinson, junior, Louisiana-Lafayette
Nathan Jones, junior, McNeese State
Jacob Daigle, freshman, McNeese State

Runner of the Year: Emmanuel Rotich, Tulane
Newcomer of the Year: no nominees
Freshman of the Year: Stanley Limoh, Louisiana-Lafayette
Coach of the Year: (tie) Lon Badeaux, Louisiana-Lafayette; Eric Peterson, Tulane

Honorable Mention: Matt Rice, Louisiana-Lafayette; Josh Wilkins, Northwestern State; Clayton O'Callaghan, New Orleans; Devyn Keith, Tulane; Anthony Rizzi, Loyola; Christopher August, XULA; Moses Aloiloi, Tulane; Joshua Cheruyot, Tulane; Luke Betts, McNeese

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Wolf Pack win 72-53 to complete season sweep of Rush

NEW ORLEANS — Johnny Griffin, one of four Loyola double-figure scorers, produced 15 of his 21 points in the second half Friday in the Wolf Pack's 72-53 men's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at Loyola's First NBC Court.

The Wolf Pack (9-2), ranked 22nd in NAIA Division I, won for the seventh consecutive time and completed a two-game season sweep of the Gold Rush (3-6).

Griffin missed his first four attempts from the floor, then went 8-of-9 in the final 26 minutes. He grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots.

Eric Brown scored 14 points for Loyola, and Nick Parker and Ethan Turner had 13 apiece. Brown made four 3-pointers, and Turner made three.

Freshman guard Donovan Armstrong scored 12 points for XULA. Armstrong made 6-of-8 from the floor and reached double figures for the second consecutive game. Jalen David and Lucas Martin-Julien scored seven points apiece for the Gold Rush, and Leland Alexander grabbed a game-high seven rebounds.

Wesley Pluviose-Philip (two points, three rebounds) and Elex Carter (four points, one rebound, one block) made their season debuts in this game, and freshmen Monte Lambert (six points, two rebounds, one block, one steal) and Khalil McCoy (one point) made their XULA debuts. Pluviose-Philip, Lambert and McCoy missed the first eight games because of injuries.

Loyola outshot the Gold Rush 45.1 to 40.7 percent from the floor and had a 37-32 rebound advantage. XULA's one made 3-pointer, eight made free throws and three assists were season lows.

"Loyola competed at a high level for 40 minutes, and we did not," XULA coach Alfred Williams said.

In the teams' other meeting this season, Loyola won 78-76 at XULA on a basket in the final 30 seconds.

XULA is 0-4 this season against ranked opponents. The Gold Rush will play NAIA No. 6 Carroll (Mont.) at 7 p.m. Monday at XULA's Convocation Center.

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Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Bates, Brown help XULA Nuggets beat No. 1 Concordia (Ala.)

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana got career scoring highs from Mikayla Bates and Bianca Brown and defeated Concordia (Ala.) 58-54 in women's basketball Thursday.

Bates, a sophomore guard, had a game-high 16 points, 10 in the first half, and grabbed a season-high five rebounds. Brown, a senior forward/center, scored 12 points. Both had a pair of steals.

The Gold Nuggets (7-6) trailed 16-11 after one quarter, then outscored the Lady Hornets (10-3) in each of the final three periods. Concordia is ranked No. 1 in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Bates and Brown shot a combined 75 percent from the floor (12-of-16). They produced on an afternoon when their teammates shot a combined 18.5 percent (10-of-54).

"Mikayla Bates had an outstanding game," XULA coach Bo Browder said. "I'm proud of her because she works so hard, and it looks like the hard work is finally paying off.

"Bianca Brown is a very good post player who finishes well around the bucket. We're going to need her to play well the rest of the season."

XULA's largest deficit was 19-11 in the 13th minute, but it rallied for a halftime tie at 24 with Bates scoring the final basket. Brown's basket at 1:09 capped her 4-for-4 third quarter and put the Gold Nuggets ahead to stay, 43-41. It was the 14th lead change.

But the Gold Nuggets never pulled away. Concordia missed three straight free throws while trailing 50-48, and the Lady Hornets failed to force overtime when Carshava Sutton missed a driving shot in the lane with 12 seconds remaining. Aliyah Bell grabbed that rebound — her XULA-best eighth of the game — and Brown capped the scoring with a pair of free throws with 3.1 seconds to play.

Three XULA freshmen also contributed to the victory. Maya Trench had eight assists, one fewer than her career best, and Rosie Davis had a career-best five assists. Dasha Pitre's seven points, six rebounds and 14 minutes were career highs.

Lashanique Youngblood had 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a game-high four steals for Concordia. Sutton had nine points and eight rebounds, and Shuntavia Harris had eight points and eight rebounds.

Concordia outshot XULA 40 to 31.4 percent from the floor. XULA was plus-nine in turnovers,
committing 14 and gaining 23, and made a season-high 90.9 percent of its free throws (10-of-11).

The Gold Nuggets will break for Christmas, then travel to Dallas for games at Dallas Christian (Dec. 31 at 11 a.m.) and Paul Quinn (Jan. 2 at 2 p.m.). Times and opponents on this trip have been updated since the publication of schedule cards and posters.

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