Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Terry Sims enjoys third stellar NSD class

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida --Bethune-Cookman Football third-year head coach Terry Sims wrapped up another successful National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 1, inside the Signing Day Headquarters at the Michael & Libby Johnson Center for Civic Engagement on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University.
 
Coming off last year's class that saw Bethune-Cookman sign well over 25 players, this year's class always intended to be smaller, but to hit on exactly the key positions in which Sims and the staff needed improvement from the 2016 campaign.
 
"We truly added some exciting additions to an already great Wildcats football team," expressed Sims. "We wanted to go out and hit the key areas that we had injuries from in 2016, as well as some areas we felt needed some more depth. And today, I thought the staff and I did just that with the guys we were able to sign to this 2017 class."
 
Of the 16 signees to the 2017 class, 12 come from the football talent heavy Sunshine State. B-CU was able to secure four student-athletes from South Florida, while landing several more from the west coast, middle of the state and north coast.
 
Additionally, the Wildcats inked two players from the state of California, both on the offensive side of the ball.
 
"I thought the staff did an excellent job evaluating and going out and securing a solid class of athletic and intelligent student-athletes that we are proud to have join us here in Daytona Beach," remarked Sims.
 
In a position breakdown, Bethune-Cookman signed a total of eight players to the defensive side of the ball, while another eight play on the offensive side. Defensively, the Cats were focused up front, as they signed three defensive tackles. Offensively, B-Cu focused on the receivers and running backs.
 
"As we get ready for spring ball soon, this signing class sets the tone for the upcoming 2017 season," said Sims. "Every position will be up for grabs, and we have plenty of guys that want to play each week. So, every single meeting, practice and game will be competitive."
 
For complete bios and the up-to-date list of the 2016 signing class, please click here.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

2017 BETHUNE-COOKMAN WILDCATS FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
PLAYER	POS	HT	WT	HOMETOWN	TIME SIGNED	BIO	VIDEO
Devin James	LB	6-2	235	Port St. Lucie, Fla.	7:08 a.m.	Bio	View
Jonathon Thomas	WR	6-0	195	Port St. Lucie, Fla.	7:10 a.m.	Bio	View
Teaki Fuller	OL	6-3	300	Miami, Fla.	7:12 a.m.	Bio	View
Adul Yates Jr.	WR	6-0	175	St. Petersburg, Fla.	7:51 a.m.	Bio	View
Gerome Howard	DT	6-4	275	Sarasota, Fla.	8:23 a.m.	Bio	View
Uriah Gilbert	DT	6-2	325	Ocala, Fla.	8:53 a.m.	Bio	View
Kris Holt	DT	6-5	285	Baltimore, Md.	9:08 a.m.	Bio	View
Isaac Washington	RB	5-9	190	Cape Coral, Fla.	9:56 a.m.	Bio	View
Titus Curry	LB	6-1	235	Jacksonville, Fla.	10:53 a.m.	Bio	View
Kennedy Ndukwe	SAF	6-0	190	Baltimore, Md.	10:58 a.m.	Bio	View
Marquis Hendrix	LB	6-1	230	Ocala, Fla.	11:21 a.m.	Bio	View
Cedric Jackson	OL	6-2	300	Miami, Fla.	11:43 a.m.	Bio	View
Marquis Wimberly	WR	6-2	205	Upland, Calif.	12:30 p.m.	Bio	View
Keon Jackson	CB	6-2	184	Jacksonville, Fla.	3:19 p.m.	Bio	View
Cecil Fleming	RB	6-2	185	Claremont, Calif.	3:27 p.m.	Bio	View
Dominique Linton	WR	6-2	185	Naples, Fla.	4:33 p.m.	Bio	View

DEVIN JAMES • LB

6-2 • 235 • PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. • TREASURE COAST HS

A very versatile linebacker that can play either spot, but played primarily inside during his high school years at Treasure Coast High… Very athletic with above-average ball skills… Displays good range… High school teammate of B-CU recruit Jonathon Thomas… Rated as a three-star recruit by 247sports… Also received offers from Alabama State, Florida A&M and Florida Atlantic… Helped Treasure Coast High to a 7-4 overall record in 2016, using a 2-1 record against district competition… Averaged just under six tackles per game as a senior… What Sims has to say: “Athletic, physical, very exciting middle linebacker with a nose for the football”

JONATHON THOMAS • WR

6-0 • 195 • PORT ST. LUCIE. • TREASURE COAST HS

Great blocking receiver… Helped Treasure Coast High to a 7-4 overall record in 2016, using a 2-1 record against district competition… Very athletic with great hands… Ability to turn quick passes into points with long, bursting runs… Good job of high pointing the football… Also received offers from Albany, Robert Morris and Stetson… Participated in the Army National Combine… Bench press is 245 pounds, while hi squad is 365 pounds… What Sims has to say: “A very rangy, great hand-eye coordination, exciting young man with the ability toi make plays with the ball in his hands”

TEAKI FULLER  • OL

6-3 • 300 • MIAMI, FLA. • BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HS

Listed as a two-star recruit by 247sports… Served as an offensive guard and tackle throughout high school… Played for legendary South Florida program Booker T. Washington in Miami under veteran head coach Tim "Ice" Harris… Also received offers from Charlotte and Northern Colorado… Helped the Tornadoes to a record of 9-4 overall in 2016, as well as a perfect 3-0- mark in district play… Ranked 17th among offensive line in the state of Florida by MaxPreps… Participant in the Blue-Grey All-American Combine… What Sims has to say: “A road grader; a powerful, young offensive lineman with great hips and great feet and gets on his targets in order to finish blocks”

ADUL YATES JR.  • WR

6-0 • 175 • ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. • ST. PETERSBURG HS

Finished the 2016 season at St. Petersburg High with 522 receiving yards on 29 catches… Quick, speedy receiver that runs routes well… Averaged 18 yards per reception as a senior… That includes 26.1 receiving yards per game… Hauled in nine touchdowns through the air… Attended Northeast High as a junior… In 2015, caught 45 passes for an average of 11.3 receiving yards per game… Also played free safety, hauling in 26 solo tackles on the year… What Sims has to say: “A rangy receiver with great hands and has the ability to make yards after the catch”

GEROME HOWARD  • DT

6-4 • 275 • SARASOTA, FLA. • SARASOTA HS

Long, thick defensive end that has an upside also at defensive tackle… Big, strong, quick and can run well for a bigger player… Tough at the point of attack… Good hips and feet… Can rush off the edge well… Played defensive end and defensive tackle at Sarasota High… Accumulated 27 tackles as a sophomore, using four solo stops against 23 assisted tackles… Pulled down three quarterback sacks during his sophomore year… What Sims has to say: “Talented defensive lineman with speed and quickness; does a great job getting to the ball”

URIAH GILBERT  • DT

6-2 • 325 • OCALA, FLA. • TRINITY CATHOLIC HS

Named First Team Defense for Class 3-A as a junior in 2015… FHSAA First Team All-State Defense as a senior in 2016… Quick, tough at the point of attack with good short area quickness… Two-star recruit by MaxPreps… Finished his senior year with 148 total tackles, including 96 by solo performance… Averaged 4.2 tackles per game… Accumulated 10.5 sacks… Picked up 19 quarterback hurries and forced four fumbles… On the offensive line, he registered four pancake blocks in six games as a tackle… Displays very good footwork for a big man, and plays with good hand use and the ability to dominate most blockers at the point of attack… What Sims has to say: “Displays willingness and effort for long pursuit; has very good footwork and plays well with his hands”

KRIS HOLT  • DT

6-5 • 285 • BALTIMORE, MD. • FORK UNION MILITARY ACADEMY

Played one year at Fork Union Military Academy in 2016… Previously prepped at Dundalk High in his hometown of Baltimore… Helped his team to a 2015 record of 14-2, as well as a 10-1 mark in the region… Ranked as the 24th best defensive lineman in Maryland in the class of 2016 by MaxPreps… Played both defensive end and defensive tackle along the line… Also played basketball at Dundalk High… What Sims has to say: “Big, physical guy that is great at pass rush, as well as stopping the run”

ISAAC WASHINGTON JR.  • RB

5-9 • 190 • CAPE CORAL, FLA. • CAPE CORAL HS

A member of the Cape Coral Seahawks varsity roster since his freshman year in 2013… Midway through his senior year, had established himself at or near the top of several school records… Played in 31 games throughout his career, amassing 3,104 yards and 24 touchdowns (20 rushing TDs) on 474 carries… Accumulated five games of 180 yards or more… Averaged 100.1 yards per game… What Sims has to say: “Has all of the intangibles of a great back; tough, hard runner”

TITUS CURRY  • LB

6-1 • 235 • JACKSONVILLE, FLA. • UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN HS

A stout and thick linebacker that is a strong blitz specialist as well as a cover defender from the linebacker position… Listed as a good football player and hitter… Rated as a three-star recruit by 247sports… Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals… Also received offers from Western Kentucky, Charleston Southern, Florida A&M, FIU, Hawai'i and North Texas… Two-star recruit as graded by Scout… Helped University Christian to an overall record of 10-2 in 2016, while using a 3-0 mark in district play… Averaged 2.8 tackles per game in his senior year… What Sims has to say: “A strong blitzer with upside at middle linebacker; flashes ability to play on perimeter and finish plays in space”

KENNEDY NDUKWE  • SAF

6-0 • 190 • BALTIMORE, MD. • ASA COLLEGE

Junior college transfer from ASA College in Brooklyn, New York… Tracks the ball well in space… Very explosive with a good change of direction… Listed as a playmaker… Good range and closing ability… Has good ball skills and coverage awareness… Prepped at Overlea High in his hometown of Baltimore… Finished the 2016 season at ASA with 24 solo stops against four assisted tackles… Averaged 3.1 tackles per game… Hauled in three interceptions… Returned two picks for touchdowns… Recovered one fumble… What Sims has to say: “Very explosive safety that has great range, play making ability and closing speed”

MARQUIS HENDRIX  • LB

6-1 • 230 • OCALA, FLA. • COFFEYVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Played at the outside linebacker position for Coffeyville Community College… Prepped at Trinity Catholic High in his hometown of Ocala, Florida… Originally signed with Boise State out of high school… Rated as a three-star recruit by Scout.com coming out of high school… Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals, and as a three-star by 247sports… Also received offers from Appalachian State, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee State and Texas State… Rated as the No. 21 middle linebacker in the South and No. 10 in Florida per Scout.com… Three-time first team all-county honoree, also garnering second team all-state honors as a senior… Recorded 129 tackles and three quarterbacks sacks during his final prep campaign… What Sims has to say: “Very aggressive linebacker that has great football instinct with a nose for the football”

CEDRIC JACKSON  • OL

6-2 • 300 • MIAMI, FLA. • NORLAND HS

Prepped at Norland High School in his hometown of Miami… Spent time all across the offensive line in a variety of positions… Played primarily at offensive guard… Also received interest from Howard, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Louisville… Powerful and flexible as a drive blocker… Picked up double-digit pancake blocks for the second consecutive year in 2016… What Sims has to say: “Great run blocker as well as pass blocker; well-rounded offensive lineman”

MARQUIS WIMBERLY  • WR

6-2 • 205 • UPLAND, CALIF. • CHAFFEY COLLEGE

Prepped at Norland High School in his hometown of Miami… Spent time all across the offensive line in a variety of positions… Played primarily at offensive guard… Also received interest from Howard, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Louisville… Powerful and flexible as a drive blocker… Picked up double-digit pancake blocks for the second consecutive year in 2016… What Sims has to say: “Fast and very athletic receiver that plays the position very aggressively”

KEON JACKSON  • CB

6-2 • 184 • JACKSONVILLE, FLA. • MANDARIN HS

Two-star recruit as ranked by Scout.com… Speedy cornerback with size… Can play man coverage… Rangy with a good change of direction for his size… Helped his team to a 6-2 record in 2017, as well as a 3-1 mark in district play… Rated No. 99 in the state of Florida… Squats 315 pounds, while cleaning at 185 pounds… Also played wide receiver in high school… What Sims has to say: “Long, athletic cornerback with a lot of explosiveness; good speed and size”

CECIL FLEMING  • RB

6-2 • 185 • CLAREMONT, CALIF. • CHAFFEY COLLEGE

Powerful young running back that brings west coast flare to the program… Prepped at Claremont High in Claremont, California… Spent the previous year at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California… As a senior in high school, rushed for 1,235 yards and 10 touchdowns… Picked up 15 total touchdowns on the year… Averaged 7.31 yards per rush, while maintaining an average of 137.2 yards per game… Runs a time of 4.43 in the 40 yard dash… What Sims has to say: “An exciting football player that can play running back and receiver; a dominating force with the ball in his hands”

DOMINIQUE LINTON  • WR

6-2 • 185 • NAPLES, FLA. • PALMETTO RIDGE HS

Listed as a playmaker… Runs routes well… Has good speed and burst quickness… Listed as No. 9 on The Big 15 list of Southwest Florida recruits, as noted by the News-Press… Also recruited by Kentucky… Participated in track, running the 100 and 200m, as well as competing in the long jump… Finished the 2016 campaign with 578 yards receiving and nine touchdowns during a season where the Bears produced 28 points per game and the program's first winning season since 2007… BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

WSSU signs 5 in latest football recruiting class

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State went with quality instead of quantity in its latest football recruiting class.

Headlining the five players who have signed is running back Josh Wilhite, a former player at Wake Forest. Wilhite, who is 5-10 and 190 pounds, is from Fresno, Texas, and originally signed with the Deacons in 2012.

Wilhite redshirted in 2012 and then played his one and only season for the Deacons in 2013, which was coach Jim Grobe’s last as Wake Forest’s head coach.



“He played for Independence Community College in 2015 but then went back to Wake Forest to work on his academics,” said Ryan McManus, the quarterbacks’ coach of the Rams and a former quarterback for the Deacons. “He’s been in Winston for awhile, and he wants to play again, so he’ll have two years of eligibility.”

In Wilhite’s only season at Wake Forest he played in eight games, rushing 22 times for 75 yards and a touchdown.

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Terry Sims Announces Staff Changes for BCU Football

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman Football third year head coach Terry Sims announced changes to the B-CU Football staff on Monday, Jan. 30. The changes include the addition of two coaches, as well as three coaches changing positions/titles. Greg Ruffin will join the Wildcats as the new tight ends coach, while former Bethune-Cookman standou

 Allen Suber returns to the coaching staff as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and associate head coach.

"We made some necessary changes on our staff recently, and they were needed in order for us to continuing moving forward," said Sims, the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. "It was necessary to continue to mold and build these young men in this program. And needed in order to continue playing at the pace that we need in order to win a conference championship."

A 1995 graduate of Lane College (Tenn.), Greg Ruffin is no stranger to the collegiate coaching ranks. He has been a head coach at three institutions on the Division II level of athletics, and been a consistent and aggressive recruiter that has brought positive results everywhere in which he has served.

Most recently, he served as head coach at Texas College before his arrival to Daytona Beach. However, prior to his stint at Texas College, Ruffin was head coach for Paine College in the school's resurgence of football in 2013, after the program was dormant for more than 50 years. He served in that capacity for one season before the program was eventually suspended due to financial troubles at the college.

Ruffin also spent time in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) at a pair of schools, most recently Texas Southern. With the TSU program, he served as the recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach during the 2012 campaign. Prior to TSU, he served six seasons at Jackson State, helping the Tigers win the 2007 SWAC title and collect a runner-up finish in 2009. In his duties at JSU, Ruffin served as the recruiting coordinator and running backs coach. Ruffin came to JSU from Tuskegee where he served as running backs coach under Rick Comegy, who ultimately accepted the head coaching position at JSU and brought Ruffin along with him.

"Greg Ruffin brings a great wealth of knowledge of the game, of offense and just of running quality programs," commented Sims. "I think he will certainly help us out in those areas, and I think he will definitely add some fire to us in the area of recruiting as well."

For the first time since 2012, Bethune-Cookman has a new offensive coordinator. Following the 2016 season, veteran coach and offensive coordinator Jim Pry announced his plans for retirement. After spending two years as receivers coach at Alabama State, Allen Suber – second all-time in Bethune-Cookman history for career rushing yards (2,897) and fifth in passing yards (4,917), returns to his alma mater as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Suber, an All-MEAC performer under center for the Wildcats from 2000-03, was the 2002 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, while helping the Wildcats to the 2002 MEAC title – the first of its kind for the Maroon and Gold since 1988.

While at Alabama State, Suber helped the Hornets receivers in a variety of areas. In 2016, the receiving core amassed 1,824 yards through the air, while the duo of Willis White (36 rec., 337 yds.) and Nygel Lee (26 rec., 357 yds.) finished in the top 15 of the SWAC in receptions per game. White would go on to finish 10th in the league in that category. The Tampa native and former professional footballer is no stranger to life as an offensive coordinator, having served in that area at Treasure Coast High School from 2008-09.

He also served as an offensive coordinator for the HBCU All-Star Game (HBCU Spirit of America Bowl) in January 2017.

"Allen Suber possesses a great offensive mind; is very energetic; and a very detail-oriented football coach," expressed Sims. "He is a guy that I think is ready to take the reins of an offense and go. I am excited to have him here, and excited to have an opportunity to work with him."

Other changes for the Wildcats include assistant coach Aashon Larkins being named recruiting coordinator, in addition to his duties as special teams coordinator. Assistant coach Lawal McCray will oversee the offensive line after serving as tight ends coach the previous two seasons under Sims, and additionally serve as run game coordinator for the Wildcats. Lastly, Charles "Yogi" Jones moves to Assistant Head Coach, while continuing to serve as the program's defensive coordinator.

"It is a great feeling to finally have everyone in and for the staff to be complete," ended Sims. "They are meeting. They are putting plans together for spring practice. And they are continuing to get us ready for the 2017 football season here at Bethune-Cookman University."

Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

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Gold Nuggets cool off, lose in overtime at Talladega

TALLADEGA, Alabama — For the second consecutive Monday, Xavier University of Louisiana lost a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball game in overtime and on the road. GCAC leader Talladega rallied from an 18-point first-half deficit and defeated the Gold Nuggets 75-66.
Sashanique Washington's basket for the Lady Tornadoes (14-7, 5-0) with one second remaining in regulation tied the score at 65, then Talladega outscored XULA 10-1 in the extra period.

It was the best of times and the worst of times for the Gold Nuggets (13-7, 4-2), whose 50 points were their most in the first half of a road game in eight years. But they followed that with their fewest points after halftime in 30 years.

Tajanee Wells scored 18 points, Tasheba Henry and Youngblood had 16 apiece, and Jasmine Lee-Stackhouse scored 11 for Talladega. Wells made 4-of-5 3-pointers, Lee-Stackhouse grabbed eight rebounds, and Henry scored six points in overtime, including the first four.

XULA finished with no double-figure scorers for the first time this season. Mikayla Bates (3-of-3 3-pointers in the first half) and Ireyon Keith scored nine points apiece. Gina Smith grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, and Kelsee Singleton — whose 3-pointer at the buzzer beat Dillard on Saturday — blocked five shots to tie her career high.

The Gold Nuggets shot 60.6 percent from the floor to build a 50-35 halftime lead, but they were 4-of-29 from the floor — 1-of-16 on 3-pointers — in the final 25 minutes. They scored their only overtime point when Brittany Thomas made the first of two free throws with 55 seconds remaining. Those were the only overtime free throws for XULA, which missed seven freebies in the second half. In overtime the Gold Nuggets were 0-of-9 from the floor, including six from behind the arc.

Jalyn Hodge made 1-of-2 free throws with 29 seconds remaining in the first quarter to give XULA its largest lead, 30-12.

XULA is 0-4 in overtime games this season. In its last 12 games against NAIA opponents, XULA is 8-0-4 in regulation.

A victory would have given the Gold Nuggets sole possession of first place in the GCAC. Instead they remained in second place, but now they're tied with Dillard, which was idle. XULA will travel to Jacksonville, Fla., to play fourth-place Edward Waters at 3 p.m. EST Saturday.

BOX SCORE

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Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets defeat Loyola, both by 9-0

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana dropped only two sets in 18 matches Sunday and rolled to 9-0 men's and women's tennis victories at home against city rival Loyola.
     
Every player on the active rosters earned at least one victory. Winning in doubles and singles were Catalin Fifea, Karan Salwan, Tushar Mandlekar and Pierre Andrieu of the Gold Rush (1-2) and Charlene Goreau, Emma Kranendonk, Brandi Nelson, Sha'Nel Bruins and Dasia Harris of the Gold Nuggets (1-0).
     
Also winning were Adam Albrecht and Oran Reznick in men's singles, the men's doubles team of Moses Michael and Antoine Richard, Lacee Ancar in women's doubles and Lyndsey Clark in women's singles.
    
Fifea clinched the men's dual with a 6-3, 6-3 victory against Steven Le at No. 1 singles. Salwan, the NAIA's third-rated singles player nationally, defeated Galileo Cabrales 6-0, 6-2.
     
Kranendonk clinched the women's dual at No. 2 singles with a 6-1, 6-4 victory against Nadja Ochsner. Goreau, No. 30 nationally in singles, won 6-2, 6-0 against Koral Martinez. Ancar and Kranendonk, No. 10 in the South in NAIA doubles, won 8-4 against Martinez and Ochsner.
     
Nelson and Bruins both posted 6-0, 6-0 singles victories — Nelson against Mirando Cano and Bruins against Margaret Adams.
     
"It's always good, no matter what, to get your first win," 14th-year coach Alan Green said.
     
The XULA men extended their home win streak, which began in 2015, to 14. They were 7-0 at home last season.
     
Both Loyola teams are 1-1.
     
Next for XULA will be an 11 a.m. Saturday women's dual at South Alabama. The next Gold Rush dual will start at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at home against Nicholls State.

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Once headed for ODU, Richmond running back commits to Norfolk State

NORFOLK, Virginia -- After a mutual parting of the ways with Old Dominion, a 240-pound, all-region running back from Richmond said he will play football for Norfolk State.

Shedrick McCall, who rushed
for 2,280 yards and 38 touchdowns at L.C. Bird High in Chesterfield County last season, committed to ODU in June. However, his father, also named Shedrick McCall, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that ODU coaches and his son agreed he should go elsewhere.

McCall’s father said his son wants to remain a running back and doesn’t want to redshirt next season. ODU would not guarantee where he would play or that he won’t redshirt.

ODU returns every running back on its roster, and traditionally tries to redshirt all of its freshmen. The
Monarchs recruited McCall as a prospective H back and tight end.

McCall reopened his recruiting on Saturday and quickly drew offers from several schools, including Howard. But Sunday afternoon, he tweeted that he had committed to Norfolk State.

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ASU still plays Grambling after SWAC schedule switch

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State doesn't have to face the team that handed it its worst loss in 54 years this upcoming season.

That’s a byproduct the SWAC going back to playing seven conference games.

So the Hornets won’t play Southern, which has won its last four against them that includes a 64-6 demolishing last season, but must face the defending SWAC champions again.

The Hornets drew Grambling as well as Prairie View and Texas Southern as their three SWAC West crossover games for the 2017 season. ASU plays Grambling and Prairie View at home, but has lost its last two against the Tigers and its last three against the Panthers.

Alabama State also plays at Texas Southern, which also defeated ASU last season. So that means ASU won’t play Southern and Arkansas Pine Bluff, a team it has defeated four straight years.

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Martin playing in Portugal; latest UMES Hawk to go pro

PRINESS ANNE, Maryland -- Devin Martin didn’t know what or where Portugal was, but by last Wednesday he knew it was a country that had pro basketball, and some team was going to pay him to play there.

“I just knew that it was in Europe,” Martin said with a laugh. “I got the call from the coach and the president and they flew me in. They gave me the opportunity and I just took it.”

The former University of Maryland Eastern Shore guard has had an eventful past few days.

He signed his first pro contract, with Sampaense Basket, on Jan. 25. The next day, he traveled from his home in Baltimore to Coimbra, a city in Portugal.

By Sunday, he was playing in his first pro game. He played 16 minutes in his debut with Sampaense Basket, tallying nine points, four rebounds and three steals in the team’s second win of the season.

“It was a really quick process,” Martin said. “My coach didn’t want to run me too much, because I just got here and I’m still trying to adjust to the time difference, but it was good.”

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At Savannah State, ex-Hoya Horace Broadnax speeds things up

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When he was a player under legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr., Horace Broadnax was a part of teams known for their ruthless defense. You had to earn points against those Hoyas — during their tournament run to the 1984 NCAA title, they allowed more than 50 just once, in the championship game against Houston, which had a pretty good center named Hakeem Olajuwon.

Those Hoyas also had a pretty good center in Patrick Ewing. Broadnax was the backup point guard, and thus was intimately familiar with Thompson’s defensive principles.

Broadnax would soon follow Thompson into coaching, leveraging those strict defensive tenets into three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference coach of the year awards, including most recently in 2011-12 at Savannah State, directing the Tigers to the National Invitational Tournament for the first time in program history.

This past offseason, Broadnax decided to scrap the defense-first approach, at least temporarily. In its place, he installed a frenetic attack built around spreading out an opponent and taking the quickest uncontested shot available, preferably a three-pointer in transition.

After what Broadnax described as a rough go to the start the season, his players have taken to the offensive overhaul in recent weeks, with Savannah State on a five-game winning streak. Included in that run was a 73-70 victory over Howard on Saturday at Burr Gymnasium to keep the Tigers (9-12, 6-2) in the hunt for the MEAC regular season title.



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Tuskegee Golden Tigers 2016 Year in Review

Albany State Men’s Golf releases 2017 schedule

ALBANY, Georgia -- The first official men's golf season in Albany State history is ready to commence this spring. ASU head men's golf coach Gary Hilton released the 2017 schedule on Thursday. After generating the Golden Rams' first golf team, Hilton believes the six-match slate will be a memorable one for the institution.

"Building a team from scratch has definitely had its obstacles, but I believe we have put together a team of very hardworking players to start a successful program for the future," Hilton said. "We brought in three junior college players that have experience in college golf and three local players that will make an immediate impact.

"We were waiting for several players to transfer in during the Christmas break before beginning our inaugural season. The schedule consists of six regular season tournaments and postseason, two of which will be against NCAA DI competition."

Albany State will open its historic season on Feb. 12-14 in Brunswick, Ga. The Golden Rams will participate in the College of Coastal Georgia Winter Invitational. ASU will then travel to Savannah, Ga. to compete in the Armstrong State University Invitational on Feb. 26-28.

In March, Albany State will contend in two matches in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. On March 5-7, ASU will vie in the Butler Collegiate Tournament before competing in the Bulldog Florida Invitational on March 8-9. The team will close out the month on March 27-29 in the University of North Alabama Invitational in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Albany State will host is first match with the Hurricane Invitational on April 2-4. The event will take place at the Doublegate Country Club in Albany, Ga.

After the regular season, the Golden Rams' golf team will continue it momentous run in the postseason. ASU will compete for is first SIAC championship on Monday, April 17-19. The site will be determined at a later date.

"When preparing the schedule, I wanted to set a precedent for the future of our program by playing a very difficult schedule against some of the best competition."

ASU 2017 GOLF SCHEDULE
DATE EVENT HOST LOCATION 

2/12-14/2017 College of Coastal Georgia Winter Invitational-Sea Island Golf Club Retreat Course Brunswick, Georgia

2/26/2017 Armstrong State University Invitational-Savannah Quarters CC Savannah, Georgia

3/5-7/2017 Butler Collegiate Tournament-Jacksonville Beach CC Jacksonville Beach, Florida

3/8-9/2017 Bulldog Florida Invitational-Windsor Parke GC Jacksonville, Beach, Florida

3/27-29/2017 University of North Alabama Division II Spring Review Ford City Alabama

4/2-4/2017 Hurricane Invitational-Doublegate CC Albany, Georgia

For more information regarding the Albany State men's golf program, contact Coach Hilton at (229) 317-6833 and james.hilton@asurams.edu.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Gold Rush fall to Dillard in Crosstown Classic

NEW ORLEANS — Jalen McGaughy's fifth consecutive double-double, 22 points and 12 rebounds, led NAIA No. 14 Dillard in a 104-71 men's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana in the Crosstown Classic before 3,191 fans at XULA's Convocation Center.

McGaughy, a 6-foot-10 junior, also blocked eight shots, five in the first half, and had three steals. He made all three of his 3-point attempts and is 13-of-19 from behind the arc in his last six games.

The Gold Rush (7-13, 3-2 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) opened the game with consecutive 3-pointers and led 8-2 in the third minute. But the Bleu Devils (15-5, 6-0) answered with runs of 7-0, 9-0 and 12-0 to take a 48-28 halftime lead.

"Dillard beat us in transition, they beat us at the free-throw line, they beat us in rebounds," XULA coach Alfred Williams said. "We've got to keep working to get better."

Quinton Jackson scored 20 points, Demetric Austin 16, Dennis Hightower 12 and Patrick Thompson 10 for Dillard. Hightower and Montrey Thomas had eight assists apiece, and Jackson had seven.
Mike Williams scored 23 points and Jalen David 11 for the Gold Rush. XULA made 12 3-pointers, its most in a game since February 2008. Williams made four treys to match his career high, and Jerry Gibson made a career-best 3-of-3.

Dillard outshot XULA 54.4 to 30.4 percent from the floor and made 22-of-25 free throws to XULA's 17-of-21. The Bleu Devils had a 49-29 rebound advantage.

The winning margin was the largest in the longtime series since 1969. Dillard scored its biggest-ever victory margin against the Gold Rush at XULA. The previous best was 23 points in 1960.

Attendance was the second largest in the five-year history of the Convocation Center.

XULA will travel to NAIA No. 15 Talladega for a 7:30 p.m. GCAC game Monday. The Gold Rush and Philander Smith are tied for second in the conference, and Talladega is a half-game behind at 2-2.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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XU Singleton's 3 at the buzzer beats Lady Bleu Devils

NEW ORLEANS — Kelsee Singleton, a career 17-percent shooter from 3-point range for Xavier University of Louisiana prior to Saturday, beat those odds and Dillard with one memorable shot.
     
The fifth-year senior center swished a trey at the buzzer to give the Gold Nuggets a 68-66 women's basketball victory against the Lady Bleu Devils in the Crosstown Classic at XULA's Convocation Center.
     
On an inbounds play that started on the XULA baseline with 2.4 seconds remaining, Mikayla Bates passed to Singleton, who beat the clock with her second 3-pointer of the game — her fifth of the season — and her first winning shot for XULA (13-7, 4-1 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference).
     
"I was wide open on the wing and called for it," Singleton said, "and I just felt really confident when it left my hand."
     
Bates' assist was her career-high seventh of the game.
     
Singleton's basket was one of two 3-pointers in the closing moments. With 8.2 seconds remaining, Alyssa Washington swished a three from the top of the key to give Dillard (12-6, 4-2) a 66-65 lead.
     
On Xavier's final possession, Adriiana Jackson nearly clinched a victory for Dillard with a back-tip as XULA guard Brittany Jackson frantically dribbled up court. But the loose ball rolled out of bounds in the corner next to the XULA bench, and the referees ruled that Dillard last touched the ball. One more opportunity awaited the Gold Nuggets.
    
"Dillard left Kelsee open for two seconds, and that's all she needed," XULA coach Bo Browder said. "I was happy to see Kelsee knock down that shot. She's a first-class young lady, a hard worker, and she's a senior. Seniors are supposed to make those kinds of plays for you."
     
XULA, winning for the seventh time in eight games and the seventh straight time at home, also got career highs of 17 points from Ireyon Keith and 13 from Jalyn Hodge. Jayla Nichols and Maya Trench scored eight points apiece, with Nichols grabbing a team-best eight rebounds and Trench producing a game-high four steals to become the first XULA freshman in eight seasons to reach 50.
     
Jackson scored a season-high 22 points for Dillard — she was 7-of-8 from the floor — Keona Favis and Shaelynn Moore scored 11 apiece, and Washington had nine points and nine rebounds. Moore and Washington entered averaging a combined 31.7 points per game, and Browder said he was proud of his defense for holding those two below their averages.
     
"It wasn't our best game," Browder said, "but it showed that we had played a lot of tough games this year. We weren't giving in."
     
XULA replaced Dillard as the GCAC's second-place team. If the Gold Nuggets can win Monday at Talladega, they'll ascend to first place by a half-game over the Lady Tornadoes.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Hilton named first men's golf coach in ASU history

HEAD COACH GARY HILTON

ALBANY, Georgia -- Gary Hilton is entering his first season as the head men's golf coach at Albany State University, which will be the program's inaugural season. Previously, Hilton led the Darton State College men's golf program from 2013-2016.

Hilton is also a former Darton State College golfer. He played for the Cavaliers from 2000-2002 and was a two-time team captain. During his playing days, Hilton helped begin the long winning streak of 15 straight Region XVII Golf Championships. He was on the school's first team to qualify for the NJCAA National Championships and was an all-region selection during his sophomore year. Hilton continued his collegiate golf career at Georgia Southwestern State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

During his tenure as Darton head coach, Hilton guided the Cavalier golf program to 13 tournament wins, including three Region XVII Championships and the 2014 District IV Championship. Hilton was named Region XVII Coach of the Year in all three of his seasons at Darton State College and District Coach of the year in 2014 during his first season at the helm.
In his first three seasons, Hilton's Cavalier golf teams finished the seasons nationally-ranked.

Hilton's program also produced student-athletes who were successful both academically and athletically. He coached three PING All-Americans, nine All-Region XVII selections & two national all-academic selections. Under Hilton's guidance, the Cavalier golf team continually sent student-athletes to the four-year colleges and universities at Division I, II, and II and NAIA levels.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

West Virginia State University Names John Pennington Head Football Coach

INSTITUTE, West Virginia — After a nationwide search, West Virginia State University (WVSU) today (1/27/17) announced the hiring of John Pennington as the school's new Head Football Coach.

Pennington has served as the Yellow Jackets' Offensive Coordinator for the past two seasons and was the offensive line and special teams coach in 2010. He has been the interim head coach since December.

"I am appreciative that John Pennington will take the lead as the Head Coach for the Yellow Jackets football team," said WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins. "His leadership as offensive coordinator and history within athletics will provide a direct impact to our student-athletes as they excel in football, but also in the classroom."

Under Pennington's direction, WVSU moved from next to last in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) in total offense in 2014 to third in 2016. The Yellow Jackets led the conference in passing in 2015 and were second in 2016 when starting quarterback Matt Kinnick missed several games due to an injury.

WVSU averaged 13.1 points per game in 2014 and saw that increase to 30.5 in Pennington's first season as offensive coordinator.

"I'm extremely honored and grateful to be the next Head Football Coach at West Virginia State," Pennington said. "I want to thank President Jenkins, Nate Burton, and the search committee for giving me this great opportunity." 

A Charleston native, Pennington was a star football and baseball player at George Washington High School and played wide receiver for West Virginia University.

 "Since becoming the Interim Head Coach, I have been blown away by the pride and passion of our alumni, faculty, and fans," he said. "We are going to build a Championship Program that develops young men into extraordinary leaders." 

"I am blessed to be able to stay home, raise my family here, and have a positive impact on the community I was raised in.  Go State!"

He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at West Virginia Wesleyan in 2005. Pennington then spent two seasons in Montgomery coaching defensive backs, offensive linemen, and ran the strength and conditioning program.

Pennington has also served as the Offensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach of the semi-pro West Virginia Lightning football team based in Charleston. During his time with the Lightning, the team won two United States Football Association championships.

From February 2011 until coming to Institute he had been on the staff at Concord University. There he held a variety of positions including Special Teams Coordinator, Head Strength Coach, Wide Receivers Coach and Director of Football Operations.

"I am looking forward to seeing what our young men can accomplish on the field, in the classroom, and in the community under Coach Pennington," WVSU Athletic Director Nate Burton said. "After a nationwide search it became obvious that he was the right person for the job."

The Yellow Jackets posted a 3-8 record in 2016 but ended the season winning their final two games. The program returns eight starters on offense and 10 on defense for the 2017 season.

Among the offensive players who can return are record-setting quarterback Matt Kinnick, top receiver Quinton Gray, and leading rushers Juwan Etheredge and Dionta Brown. The defensive leaders coming back include linebacker Trent Williamson, defensive back Kevin Coffie, and linebacker Kaylan Striggle.

Pennington resides in Charleston with his wife Andrea and their children, Nolan, 5, Levi, 2, and newborn Ava.

Pennington replaces Jon Anderson, who returned to the University of Sioux Falls as the Head Football Coach.  Anderson came to WVSU from Sioux Falls, where he served as Defensive Coordinator.
 
Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook and Twitter @WVStateU.

WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Carter, DSU set for rough football slate vs. W. Va., Fla. State

DOVER, Delaware — Kenny Carter knows exactly what he’s getting into.

He’s the one who put this schedule together, after all.

So one year after getting crushed 79-0 by Missouri — a game in which 10 minutes were taken off the clock in the second half because it was so lopsided — the Delaware State football team is doubling down in 2017.

This year the Hornets are going to face two major-college programs.

On Sept. 16, DelState — which went 0-11 in 2016 — will play at West Virginia. Then, on Nov. 18, the Hornets will finish the season with a game at Florida State.

Both teams finished last year ranked in the top-20 in the national polls.

“I’m excited about it,” said Carter, who is entering his third season as DSU’s coach. “I like the way we have it structured. You always want to play up a level as much as you can. It doesn’t matter what our record was last year. We had a lot of young players who will be good players and this is a way to test them.”

CONTINUE READING

Howard University football to face UNLV in 2017 season opener

Howard Bison On the Road September 16 as new Head Coach Mike London faces his former team the Richmond Spiders.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- The UNLV football team will open the 2017 season against Howard University on Sept. 2 at Sam Boyd Stadium, the university announced Tuesday.

“We’re excited to face a program with a long history and proud tradition,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “They have a new coaching staff so I know they’ll be fired up and so will we, and we’re excited to open the year at home.”

It’s the first meeting between UNLV and Howard, a historically black college (HBCU) in Washington, D.C. The Bisons are led by first-year coach Mike London, a former head coach at Virginia.

This is the second season of a three-year partnership between UNLV and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to have the Rebels open against a HBCU opponent. Last season, UNLV defeated Jackson State 63-13.

“Last year’s first game in this partnership with the LVCVA saw Jackson State come in for a memorable season opener that drew a lot of new fans to our stadium, and we know that Howard University will do the same this fall,” UNLV athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy said. “This series does a great job in helping the LVCVA promote our community and program, and we can’t wait to kick off the season against the Bisons.”

Howard’s “Showtime” marching band will make the trip to Las Vegas and will “appear at another event in the community as well as at the stadium for a halftime show.”

CONTINUE READING

Honda Battle of the Bands 2017 Showcase Rocks Atlanta

Wilson Central's Ray Coggins commits to TSU

LEBANON, Tennessee -- Wilson Central senior defensive back Ray Coggins has committed to play football at Tennessee State University.

Coggins announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday morning, posting from his account, “It’s been a long and tough journey but I finally found a place to call home at Tennessee State University.”

Coggins, who had previously committed to Eastern Kentucky in early July, is a three-star prospect and the state’s 48th-ranked prospect according to 247Sports.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Coggins tallied 22 tackles and an interception as a senior last season, helping lead the Wildcats to an 8-3 record — their best regular-season finish since 2011.

CONTINUE READING

XU Wednesday doubleheader with William Carey canceled

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana and William Carey University have mutally agreed to cancel their Wednesday (Feb. 1) basketball doubleheader.

William Carey's campus in Hattiesburg, Miss., was struck this past Saturday (Jan. 21) by an EF3 tornado (wind speeds between 136 to 165 mph). Campus damages included Carey's basketball facility, Clinton Gym.

"We are keeping William Carey and the Hattiesburg community in our thoughts and prayers as they repair and rebuild," XULA Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Horn said. "At this point we have not decided if we will replace Carey with other opponents."

XULA's next games will be Saturday in the Crosstown Classic against Dillard at the Convocation Center. The women's game will tip off at 3 p.m., with the men to start at 5.



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