Dave Robbins' Virginia Union legacy has passed the test of time

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Almost a decade has passed since Dave Robbins hung up his coaching whistle after making basketball history at Virginia Union University.

Robbins, 74, spends his time on the golf course, traveling with his wife and fishing on a pond on a little farm the couple bought in Amelia County, about 45 miles outside Richmond. He still attends Virginia Union home games, and he keeps up with the game, loves the way U.Va.’s Tony Bennett runs his program and occasionally works on a book that he’s been drafting for several years.

At the annual Virginia Sports Hall of Fame golf tournament and reception held two weeks ago at Staunton’s Ironwood Golf Club, Robbins (Class of 2012) showed up, which was a treat for the impressive gathering.

Most younger-generation basketball fans aren’t familiar with Robbins’ accomplishments. In 1978, he took over a Union program that had never won a CIAA title and never won an NCAA tournament game. It was a controversial hire at the time because Robbins was the first white coach in the CIAA, historically made up of predominantly black colleges and universities.

Nobody complained over the next 30 years as Robbins directed the Panthers to three Division II national championships (1980, 1992, 2005), 14 CIAA championships and 21 NCAA tournament appearances. Along the way, he compiled a record of 713-194 and produced five NBA players: Charles Oakley, Ben Wallace, A.J. English, Terry Davis and Jamie Waller.

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Hines: ASU not leaving the SWAC

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Any rumors of a possible move by Alabama State were dismissed as such by athletic director Melvin Hines during a press conference on Monday.

Several online message boards cited rumors of potential moves by both Alabama State and Alabama A&M to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The MEAC, which is headquartered at Norfolk, Virginia, currently has 11 football-playing members.

Savannah State is scheduled to leave the conference following the 2018 season.

Hines was asked about the rumors during his address which reviewed the 2016-2017 athletic season at ASU.

“They’re just rumors,” Hines said. “We’reC very proud to be a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. We’re excited about what we’re doing and we’ve gone to new heights in the SWAC.”

Current Alabama State head football coach Brian Jenkins won four MEAC titles and was a three-time MEAC Coach of the Year at Bethune-Cookman, where he coached from 2010-2014.

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TSU Women’s Basketball Adds Lenise Stallings to Coaching Staff

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennesssee State University head women's basketball coach Jessica Kern announced the hiring of Lenise Stallings as an assistant coach on Wednesday.

Stallings will work with the guards while also serving as the academic liaison and camp coordinator.

"Coach Stallings is a fantastic addition to our family," commented Kern. "Her stellar experience as a player, ties to Mississippi talent, and keen eye for offense will be key components to our future growth. With her extensive academic background and hunger to grow in this business - we are extremely lucky to have this rising star. A decorated student- athlete at Mississippi Valley State University and a known pure shooter, Coach Stallings will be instrumental in guard development. I look forward to seeing her hunger for the game manifest into a championship spirit for our program."

Stallings comes to TSU after serving on Kern’s staff at Mississippi Valley State University. She helped secure the program’s largest recruiting class and a spot in the top 25 most improved Division I women’s basketball programs.

Prior to her position as assistant coach for MVSU, she served as a graduate assistant with the program from 2014-2016.

As an undergrad, Stallings competed four years with the MVSU women’s basketball team. She played in 124 career games during her collegiate career and helped MVSU to a 2013 appearance in the SWAC Basketball Tournament Championship game. In 2012, she aided her team in earning a SWAC regular season title and a bid to the WNIT.

During her junior and senior campaigns, she led the conference in three-point field goal percentage, shooting just over 40 percent.

A native of Hattiesburg, Miss, Stallings earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2013 and a master’s degree in Bioinformatics in 2016. She has one daughter, Kyia.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU stays committed to baseball program

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The CIAA’s decision to drop baseball is something coach Kevin Ritsche of Winston-Salem State has been bracing for.

When Elizabeth City State dropped its program before the 2014 season, the conference had slipped below the NCAA minimum of six schools sponsoring baseball to qualify for an automatic berth into region play. Even though the CIAA had five baseball programs, the NCAA gave the conference a break over the next three seasons, with the conference champion still getting rewarded with an automatic berth into regional play.

The conference decided to drop the sport because there was no sign of another CIAA school adding baseball to compete with teams already at WSSU, Chowan, Saint Augustine’s, Virginia State and Lincoln (Pa.).

WSSU athletics director Tonia Walker said the school is committed to the sport.

“We will maintain baseball as an independent sport with hopes that the CIAA will increase membership with other schools who play baseball or if current schools add it,” Walker said.

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Horn voted GCAC Athletic Director of Year for 2016-17

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Jason Horn has been voted by his peers the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year for 2016-17.
     
Horn joined XULA March 31, 2014, as director of athletics & recreation. Department highlights since his arrival:

     •  NAIA national runner-up finishes for men's tennis in 2016 and 2017 — the first two in XULA history.
     •  Fifteen GCAC and/or NAIA unaffiliated group championships.
     •  Appearances by each of XULA's nine teams at NAIA National Championship events — 23 total.
     •  Ninety persons representing the department — athletes, managers and staff — received XULA degrees.
     •  Four student-athletes were selected as CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
     •  Men's basketball won the Buffalo Funds Five-Star Champions of Character Team Award in 2015-16.
     •  Community service which includes XULA student-athletes assisting with catastrophic flooding in Baton Rouge, La., this past August and after a tornado in New Orleans East in February.
     •  Average home attendance gains by the Convocation Center's three primary tenants — men's basketball, women's basketall and volleyball.
     •  Horn-negotiated multi-year deals with Ochsner Health System's sports medicine division, apparel provider adidas and website provider SIDEARM Sports.
     
"I cannot imagine one more deserving of this honor that Jason Horn," XULA President Dr. Reynold Verret said. "Through the quality and prudence of his judgment, Mr. Horn keeps first in mind the progress of Xavierites as both scholars and athletes. Xavier is fortunate with Jason Horn as AD."
     
"Congratulations to Mr. Horn on this great honor," XULA Vice President for Student Services Joseph Byrd said. "I knew when we selected him as our AD, we had selected one of the best. Now all of the GCAC knows what we have known for three years. His selection not only brings honor to him but to all athletes and the university community as a whole. We are proud of him."
     
"Mr. Horn is extremely deserving of this award," GCAC Commissioner Steve Martin said. "His intellect, hard work and business acumen are assets to the conference, and he has been a vital part of the GCAC's growth during his tenure at Xavier."
     
XULA is one of 47 colleges listed as a "Best Buy School" in the 2017 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Bishop McNamara grad signs National LOI with Alcorn State

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Illinois -- Since his little league days, Brandon Thomas has always wanted to play baseball at the Division I level. Next season, he'll finally have his chance.

Thomas, a 2015 graduate of Bishop McNamara, has spent his last two baseball seasons pitching for Prairie State College, an NJCAA program in Chicago Heights.  This fall, he'll take his talents to Mississippi after signing a National Letter of Intent to continue his baseball career at Alcorn State University — a Division I program.

"To be completely honest, it was a shock to me," Thomas said. "It's already something I've been working hard towards. I can't really explain the feeling right now. I'm just going to keep trying and keep pushing every day and see what goes on after that."

While a step up in baseball's never-ending talent pool means a better chance of being noticed by Major League Baseball scouts, Thomas says he doesn't have control over what happens next.

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Fobbs: 'Ideal' for SWAC to not play championship game

GRAMBLING, Louisiana — Grambling State head football coach Broderick Fobbs believes the Southwestern Athletic Conference's decision to discontinue the championship game was the right move for the league and his team.

SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp announced Tuesday morning that the league decided to discontinue the title game following the 2017 season, ending the showcase’s 18-year run.

"I think it's something that's probably good for our team and our league," Fobbs said Thursday. "Financially, it's a little difficult at times to add another game, especially when a lot of times we're responsible for getting to that particular game. I think it's a situation where I think it puts us at a disadvantage.

"Being that we play in the Bayou Classic a week after the final week of the season. Then we also have to play in the conference championship game the following week. The team in the East doesn't necessarily have to worry about that. Their season is pretty much two weeks over by the time the conference championship game is played."

The Tigers' annual rivalry showdown with Southern University in New Orleans gives them one more game at the end of the season, giving Fobbs' team one less week to prepare for a team it would meet in the SWAC title contest.

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Stillman Tigers Fills Open Positions, Announces New Conference Affiliation

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama |-- Stillman College president, Dr. Cynthia Warrick, is pleased to announce that Ken Alston will assume the role of Athletic Director for the Tigers beginning July 1st.

Alston has spent the past 10 years in various athletic administration roles. He most recently served as an assistant men's coach at Grambling State University. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Athletic Director for the Washington D.C. Public Schools system. Alston's extensive and diverse background led him to be the ideal candidate to lead the Stillman athletic program into their new era.

"I am very excited to be a part of Stillman College," Alston stated. "Stillman has a rich tradition in education and athletics, and I am here to add to that tradition. I would like to thank our president, Dr. Warrick, for this awesome opportunity. While there is still much work to be done, great things are on the way!"

Dr. Warrick filled another key role in the athletic department, promoting John Teasley to head men's head basketball coach. Teasley has served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons. Prior to coming to Stillman, Teasley was as an assistant coach at Spring Hill College for two years. He has eight years of experience as a head coach at the high school level, including three ACAA state championships and a .893 winning percentage.

Below is a statement from Coach Teasley:
"I would like to start by saying thank you to our new president, Cynthia Warrick, for this incredible opportunity. I feel blessed and honored to be the new head men's basketball coach at Stillman College. I am looking forward to continuing the success that we have built with our men's basketball program over the last three years. This is a dream come true for me and my family and I am very excited to the days ahead.​"

Stillman also received word that the Southern States Athletic Conference Board of Presidents unanimously approved the addition of Stillman College effective July 1, 2018, with competition to begin in all sports during the 2018-19 academic year.

Commissioner Mike Hall stated that they "are very excited to welcome Stillman College into the SSAC for the 18-19 academic year. Dr. Warrick has a great vision for the campus and its growth, and she sees how the athletics department can be a tremendous asset in moving Stillman College forward in the greater Tuscaloosa area. Stillman has a long-standing tradition of winning championships and a very strong alumni base that will fit in well with the SSAC."

Dr. Warrick echoed Commissioner Hall's excitement stating that the college was "honored and thrilled to join the Southern States Athletic Conference. Sincere thanks to the Board of Presidents; we're looking forward to the competition, collegiality, and growth for our athletic programs with the SSAC."

Stillman will continue their membership with the Association of Independent Institutions, and will be eligible for postseason play in the NAIA beginning this upcoming academic year (2017-2018).

STILLMAN COLLEGE TIGER SPORTS INFORMATION

MEAC Players Picked Up in MLB Draft

\NORFOLK, Virginia -- Five players from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) were taken in the late rounds of the 2017 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft on Wednesday, including the reigning conference Player and Pitcher of the Year.

Norfolk State led the conference with two draft picks.

Player	School	Drafted By	Round Drafted
Demetrius Sims	Bethune-Cookman	Miami Marlins	14th
Noah "Cutter" Dyals	North Carolina A&T State	Atlanta Braves	17th
Aubrey McCarty	Florida A&M	Colorado Rockies	26th
Devin Hemmerich	Norfolk State	Los Angeles Dodgers	26th
Alex Mauricio	Norfolk State	New York Yankees	27th

Sims was a First Team All-MEAC selection this past season, helping Bethune-Cookman win its 19th MEAC championship and advance to the first NCAA regional final in school and conference history. He was also a MEAC All-Tournament Team selection.

Dyals was named First Team All-MEAC, coming out of the bullpen to help the Aggies finish second in the MEAC Southern Division this past season -- after being picked to finish last in a preseason poll. He was 6-0 this season with seven saves and an 0.50 ERA.

McCarty was named Second Team All-MEAC as a utility player this past season.

Hemmerich is the reigning MEAC Pitcher of the Year and a First Team All-MEAC selection. He was also named to the MEAC All-Tournament Team, and he became Norfolk State's first Div. I All-American, as named by Collegiate Baseball News, after breaking the school record in both career and single-season strikeouts.

Mauricio is the reigning MEAC Player of the Year and a semifinalist for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year award. He helped the Spartans win their third straight MEAC Northern Division regular-season title and advance to the title round of the MEAC Championship.

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

SWAC to drop football conference championship game after 2017 season to focus on Celebration Bowl

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) today announced that it will forgo its football championship game following the 2017 Toyota SWAC Football Championship.

“With the creation of the Celebration Bowl as a national showcase for HBCU football, the Council of Presidents and Chancellors decided to suspend the championship game format after the 2017 season,” said Commissioner Duer Sharp. “By focusing on the Celebration Bowl, we can continue to grow the AFRCB as an HBCU classic for the teams and fans of both conferences and for HBCU football nationally.”

The championship game will be played on December 2, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The SWAC champion will earn an invitation to play in the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 16, 2017. Established in 2015 and recognized as one of the premier events in HBCU college football, the Celebration Bowl features the champion of the SWAC versus the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champion.

Beginning in 2018, the SWAC football championship title will go to the team with the best regular season conference record. The conference office along with SWAC administrators and coaches will work to solidify a tie-breaker procedure, scheduling and other factors that contribute to dissolving the championship format.

Originally introduced in 1999, the SWAC championship game was originally played at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, for 14 years before moving to Houston in 2013.

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Florida A&M athletics releases annual report

FAMU ATHLETICS ANNUAL REPORT

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M's athletic department on Tuesday released an annual report detailing the department's expenditures and revenues, as well as its future goals.

The biggest goal is one fans have been asking for: $60 million for an improved Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Other priorities for the department are $11 million for a new field house, $3 million for academic scholarships, $500,000 for athletic transportation, $100,000 for a new health and nutrition program and $150,000 for what's being called a "mobile learning initiative."

The athletic department increased its revenue from $7.4 million in the 2015-16 fiscal year to $8.6 million in the 2016-17 fiscal year. During the same time, the department decreased spending from $10.4 million to $8.5 million.

According to the report, "Fiscal year 2018 athletics revenues are projected to increase by 17% to $9.7 million largely due to an increase in men’s and women’s basketball game guarantees, increased revenue from other Olympic sports, increased football revenue from a new FAMU owned classic football game in Tampa and increased philanthropic fundraising."

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Virginia Union Home Football Games To Be Televised

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia Union University's first two home football games will be broadcast live on Comcast channel 206 and Verizon channel 466 though an arrangement with WTVR in Richmond, Va.

Virginia Union's home opener against Newberry College will be broadcast on Saturday, September 9, beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET while the Panthers' game against Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, September 16, will be broadcast live beginning at 6:00 p.m.

"CBS-6 is excited about televising Virginia Union's first two home games of the 2017 Football season," said WTVR President and General Manager Stephen Hayes. "Both the Newberry and the Winston-Salem State games will be broadcast live on WTVR 6.3. We are looking forward to cheering the Panthers on this fall!"

Future home games are also being planned for broadcast, and the games will also be streamed live over the Internet. VUU will have a total of five home football games this season, all to be played at Historic Hovey Field.

VUU PANTHERS 2017 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
9/2/2017 LIU Post Brookville, NY 1:00 p.m.
9/9/2017 Newberry College Richmond, VA 4:00 p.m.
9/16/2017 Winston­Salem State University Richmond, VA 6:00 p.m.
9/23/2017 * Fayetteville State University Richmond, VA 1:00 p.m.
9/30/2017 * St. Augustine's University Raleigh, NC 1:00 p.m.
10/7/2017 * Lincoln University (Pa.) Lincoln University, PA TBA
10/14/2017 * Chowan University Richmond, VA 1:00 p.m.
10/21/2017 * Bowie State University Bowie, MD 1:00 p.m.
10/28/2017 * Elizabeth City State University Richmond, VA 1:00 p.m.
11/4/2017 * Virginia State University Petersburg, VA 2:00 p.m.
11/11/2017 CIAA Championship TBA TBA

VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Benedict College Launches Redesigned Athletic Website

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Benedict College is proud to once again partner with SIDEARM Sports to unveil the latest redesign of its athletics website, BenedictTigers.com, which was re-launched Tuesday. The new site reaffirms the department's commitment to providing Benedict College fans with a top-of-the-line place to find all the latest news and information for all of the Tigers' 13 varsity programs.

"We are very excited to unveil this new look," said Dennis Switzer, Sports Information Director for Benedict College. "It is fresh and exciting and a destination our students and fans will want to return often. We realize that for many people the first point of contact with Benedict College is our website. And therefore we wanted to put our best foot forward."

Switzer worked with the designers and project managers at SIDEARM Sports on the redesign and will be responsible for uploading new content.

The redesign reinforces Benedict College's continued partnership with SIDEARM Sports, an innovative company that powers the websites of more than 750 colleges, universities, athletic conferences and high schools throughout North America. Benedict is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conferece, which became the first collegiate athletic conference to integrate all its members with the same website company.

The newly redesigned BenedictTigers.com keeps all of your favorite aspects of the previous incarnation, while also providing a fresh new look and enhanced features. The new website includes larger photos, easier navigation between pages, quick access to the department's social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

The new BenedictTigers.com site will give Tiger followers a visually appealing, easy-to-use site that provides every bit of information that a Benedict College supporter is looking for. The responsive layout and design to fit the user device on desktop, tablet and mobile so fans will be able to access information easily on the go.

BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Edward Waters Releases 2017 Football Schedule

JACKSONVILLE, Florida --Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Stanley Cromartie has finalized and released the 2017 Edward Waters Tigers football schedule. 

Head Coach Alvin B. Wyatt, Sr. and the Tigers will look to build on the momentum of a strong 2016 finish which saw EWC win three of its last four contests.  The Tigers will be moving to the 20-team Mid-South Conference, the largest college football conference in the country, in 2017 as a football-only member and will have a nine game conference schedule and two non-conference contests.

Edward Waters will be a member of the MSC Sun Division, joining former Sun Conference rivals, Webber International, Warner, Southeastern, Ave Maria and new rival Faulkner, with the winner of the division earning an automatic bid to the NAIA Football Playoffs. A venue for Edward Waters home contests for 2017 will be announced at a later date.

The 2017 slate begins on the road in McKenzie, Tennessee as the Tigers will face new Mid-South Conference opponent Bethel University on August 26th at 1:30pm for the first ever meeting between the two teams. 

After a bye week, September begins with another MSC road contest on the 9th at 6:30pm against another first time opponent, Bluefield College in Bluefield, West Virginia. The Tigers will come home for the first time in 2017 on September 16th against the Phoenix of Cumberland University at 4:30pm, followed by another home date on the 23rd at 4:30pm against the University of the Cumberlands Patriots. 

EWC will wrap up September against MSC Sun Division and longtime foe, Ave Maria on September 30th in Naples, Florida at 12:00pm. This will be the seventh time that the Tigers and Gyrenes will meet on the field, with the series tied 3-3. Edward Waters defeated Ave Maria, 29-19 last season in Jacksonville.

Edward Waters will celebrate Homecoming on October 7th at 3pm against the Glory Eagles of the University of Faith in an exhibition contest. Edward Waters defeated UFaith 45-6 last season and has a 3-0 lead in the all-time series. The Tigers will hit the road once again and return to MSC Sun Division play on October 14th at 1pm in Polk County against the Warriors of Webber International. This is the longest current rivalry for EWC as the Warriors and Tigers have met 12 times on the gridiron, with WIU owning a 9-3 lead in the all-time series. 

Last year's scheduled meeting in Jacksonville was cancelled due to the affects of Hurricane Matthew. EWC will return to Jacksonville on October 21st at 4:30pm against MSC Sun Division opponent Warner University. Warner and EWC have played each other three previous times with the Tigers enjoying a 2-1 series advantage. The Royals picked up their first ever victory over EWC last season in Lake Wales, beating the Tigers 42-21. October will close with the purple and orange stepping out of conference for another exhibition contest on the 28th against the Disciples of the University of God's Chosen. EWC and UGC last played in 2015 with the Tigers demolishing the Disciples, 57-8.

November will feature two MSC Sun Division games to close out the regular season. On the 4th, EWC will play its final home contest of 2017 against the Sun Conference Champion Southeastern University Fire at 4pm in Jacksonville for Senior Day. The Tigers will be looking for their first ever victory over the Fire as they have been unsuccessful in three previous tries. 

The 2017 regular season will close on November 11th at 1:30pm in Alabama's state capital, Montgomery as Edward Waters will take on the Eagles of Faulkner University. This will be the first time the EWC and Faulkner have met since 2007 when the Tigers defeated the Eagles, 28-21 in Montgomery.

2017 Edward Waters Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Time	Location
Aug. 26	*Bethel	1:30pm	McKenzie, TN
Sept. 2	OPEN DATE
Sept. 9	*Bluefield	6:00pm	Bluefield, WV
Sept. 16	*Cumberland	4:30pm	Jacksonville, FL
Sept. 23	*Univ. of the Cumberlands	4:30pm	Jacksonville, FL
Sept. 30	*Ave Maria	12:00pm	Naples, FL
Oct. 7	^Univ. of Faith (Homecoming 2017)	3:00pm	Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 14	*Webber International	1:00pm	Lake Wales, FL
Oct. 21	*Warner	4:30pm	Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 28	^Univ. of God's Chosen	12:00pm	Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 4	*Southeastern	7:00pm	Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 11	*Faulkner	1:30pm	Montgomery, AL

*Mid-South Conference Contest

^Exhibition Contest (Does Not Count Against 2017 Record)

Schedule Subject To Change

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Edward Waters Unveils New Athletics Website

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- -The Edward Waters College Department of Athletics is pleased to unveil its new website for athletics, EWCTigerPride.com.  EWC has partnered with SIDHelp, a leader in college athletics website design based in Montgomery, Alabama, to create a one-of-a-kind website access and inside information on each of the College's 10 varsity sports programs.

"This is something that has been a long time coming for our department." remarked Assistant Sports Information Director, Joshua C. Jackson. "For years, our student-athletes, coaches and fans of Tiger Nation have clamored for a number of years and for this day to finally come around is really exciting for our department and our institution."

Jackson along with Senior Women's Administrator Charmaine Wilson and athletics consultant George Selmont worked closely with the designers and developers at SIDHelp to create a site that best represents Edward Waters Athletics. Jackson along with a select group of students from the Mass Communications Department will be responsible for updating the site on a frequent basis.

"We're pleased to give our Mass Communications students an outlet to display their sports writing skills as well." Jackson said.

SIDHelp manages a large number of fellow Gulf Coast Athletic Conference schools including Dillard, Tougaloo, Philander Smith, and Talladega, as well as several NAIA institutions. "The fact that SIDHelp manages several of our fellow GCAC and NAIA institutions made this a no-brainer for us." remarked Jackson. "They have a track record of producing great work, and we are thrilled to be among their list of clients."

"This is an exciting time to be a part of Tiger Nation!" remarked Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Stanley B. Cromartie. "Our College President, Dr. Nathaniel Glover has challenged us to go from good to GREAT and with the unveiling of our new website, this shows our commitment to taking our program to the next level."

The all-new EWCTigerPride.com also provides easy navigation to the department's social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter and soon will provide an opportunity for Tiger Nation to donate directly to the department, via a "Donate Now" page. The site can not only be easily accessed via desktop or laptop, but can also be accessed for those on-the-go via mobile device or tablet.

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Under-the-radar FCS coaches: NCCU's Jerry Mack

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Sometimes the reason is they work in a smaller conference, sometimes it’s just the presence of a longtime coach in the conference. But the great coaching jobs in recent years in the FCS have gone beyond the likes of James Madison, North Dakota State, Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State.

Here are five under-the-radar coaches who are doing as good a job as any other on the lower half of Division I college football:

Jerry Mack, North Carolina Central – The Eagles only moved to the FCS level in 2010, so they’ve received way more than they could have imagined when hiring Mack after the 2013 season as the third-youngest coach in Division I. He’s 3-for-3 in winning MEAC titles, posting a 24-11 overall mark over that time. The 36-year-old guided the Eagles to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl last December.

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Atlanta Classic, expanded beer sales at Bragg in FAMU's future

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- There are plenty of reasons for Florida A&M football fans to get excited for the 2017 season.  The Rattlers get to open their season at home on national television. Tennessee State is back on the schedule in the newly-minted FAMU Tampa Football Classic. FAMU is coming off its best season in years.

If Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. has his way, 2018 will be even better.  Overton last week said contracts are waiting to be signed to revive the Atlanta Classic for the 2018 season. He’s steadily tried to pick up more classic games for the Rattlers, particularly ones FAMU owns.

A discussion that was supposed to come up during last week’s Board of Trustees meeting, but was tabled, centered on the formation of a nonprofit to make the classics on the Rattlers’ schedule FAMU-owned.  "Now that I've actually got a game, I want to make sure we have a business structure," he said

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CIAA Extends Football Contract in Salem, Announces 2017-18 Championships Schedule

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announces 2017-18 locations and dates for its 14 championships, including the signing of a 3-year contract with Salem, Virginia to host the conference's football championship through 2019. For the 13th consecutive year, the annual men's and women's basketball tournament will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The CIAA's championship season begins in October with cross country and concludes in May with outdoor track & field.

The 2017 CIAA Football Championship will be held at Salem Football Stadium in Salem, Virginia on Saturday, November 11th. Last September, the CIAA and its Board announced the relocation of eight (8) conference championships six weeks prior to the scheduled football championship. The City of Salem has hosted nearly 90 NCAA National Championship events since 1993, including 25 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls. The Division III National Football Championship Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl has been played at Salem Stadium, the site of the upcoming conference championship. Last year's CIAA Football Championship impacted over 300 youth through school visits by football student-athletes while the game attracted nearly 3,500 fans during its first appearance in the new host city.

"The 2016 game was a great experience for local fans and Salem is honored and privileged to host the CIAA football championship for an additional three years," says Salem Mayor Randy Foley. "We have worked extremely hard over the years to earn the name 'Virginia's Championship City' and we're excited that the CIAA will now be an important part of our championship legacy."

The City of Salem will host three additional CIAA events throughout the 2017-18 season. Football Media Day will be held on July 20th at the Sheraton Hotel. Further details, including media registration, will be announced by the conference office on Thursday, June 8th. The 2017 Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships will be hosted at Green Hill Park on October 26th while softball will take place April 30 – May 2, 2018 at Moyer Park.

"The city of Salem did an exceptional job hosting last year's football championship. We were pleased with their support and welcoming spirit to host the competing member institutions, fans, and sponsors," stated CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "We are excited to bring the rich legacy and tradition of CIAA championships to a city known for hosting top NCAA championships and who understands the value of serving its community through athletics. Our priority, annually, is enhancing the student-athlete experience through community impact, leadership programs, and championships. We are confident that the city of Salem will continue to help us grow and expand our championship footprint."

The 2017 football season marks the 125th anniversary of black college football, which began with two CIAA member institutions. On December 27, 1892, Livingstone College hosted Johnson C. Smith University, then named Biddle Memorial Institute, for the first-ever black college football contest. The CIAA will honor its rich football history throughout the season, including the use of a celebratory football championship logo, leading up to the annual Commemorative Classic between Livingstone and Johnson C. Smith on November 4th and the CIAA Football Championship on November 11th.

While many locations remain consistent after a successful 2016-17 championship season, the conference's Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Championship will return to JDL FastTrack in Winston-Salem, North Carolina after a one year hiatus. The return will fulfill the last year of a previously drawn, 3-year contract with the facility. The two-day event will be held February 11-12, 2018.

Teams, alumni, and fans will return to Charlotte from February 27–March 3 for the 2018 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament. Known as the largest basketball championship in NCAA Division II, the event will once again be held in two Queen City venues: Bojangles' Coliseum and Spectrum Center (formerly Time Warner Cable Arena). The CIAA's Fan Housing Program, which ensures the best hotel rates for Charlotte visitors, is now open. Fans may book reservations online via www.ciaatournament.org or by calling 1-844-293-6678.

With the close of the 2016-17 season, the CIAA has discontinued sponsorship of its baseball program. The conference dropped to five teams in 2014 after the departure of the Elizabeth City State University program while the NCAA requires a minimum of six teams for sponsorship. The 2017 Baseball Championship marked the end of the CIAA's grace period, officially concluding conference-wide support of the sport.

2017-18 CIAA Championships

Sport Date Location
Men's & Women's Cross Country October 26, 2017 Green Hill Park | Salem, VA
Football November 11, 2017 Salem Stadium | Salem, VA
Volleyball November 17-19, 2017 Virginia State University Multipurpose Center | Petersburg, VA
Men's & Women's Indoor Track & Field February 11-12, 2018 JDL FastTrack | Winston-Salem, NC
Men's & Women's Basketball February 27-March 3, 2018 Bojangles' Coliseum & Spectrum Center | Charlotte, NC
Women's Bowling March 23-24, 2018 AMF Western Branch Lanes | Chesapeake, VA
Men's Golf April 19-20, 2018 The Crossings Golf Club | Glen Allen, VA
Women's Tennis April 19-21, 2018 Bowie State University | Bowie, MD
Softball April 30-May 2, 2018 Moyer Park | Salem, VA
Men's & Women's Outdoor Track & Field May 4-5, 2018 Bowie State University | Bowie, MD

For more official conference updates, follow the conference on Facebook (The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports) or visit www.theciaa.com.

COURTESY CIAA.COM

Tough, too easy FCS non-conference schedules

DOVER, Delaware -- Delaware State is opening the season upstate against Delaware - a program that's beaten the Hornets seven times by an average of 28 points since they first met 10 years ago.

And that's Delaware State's easiest non-conference game this season.

The Hornets will pick up big paydays when they play at West Virginia and Florida State, but also lopsided defeats in one of the hardest non-conference schedules for an FCS team.

But after a winless 2016 season, the MEAC's Hornets aren't expected to be much better this year, so their difficult non-conference schedule is not going to make an impact on a national scale.

For teams that ranked in or received votes in the final STATS FCS Top 25 last season, it's a bigger deal. Plenty of non-conference schedules stand out - the difficult ones and those that are not tough enough.

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Hughes determined to get new JSU Tigers ready for football, college life

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State coach Tony Hughes is taking steps to ensure as many of his 28 high school freshman signees as possible make it to campus.

The athletic department confirmed Tuesday that 16 freshmen football players and one transfer were already enrolled in summer classes.

"I'd like to see 10 or 11 more in the second session of summer school," Hughes said.

Among the freshmen who are already enrolled are quarterback Tavis Williams, offensive linemen Donovan Runnels and Valanez Hopson, defensive linemen Tyler Casby, Jaiqavius Bell and Mark Smith, tailbacks Keyshawn Harper, Joshua Little and DeAndre Williams, tight ends Trevarious Clark, Kyland Richey and Laquantis Hennington and defensive backs Markel Gladney, Kendrick Paul and Kevin Berthey.

That number also includes Mississippi State transfer Jamoral Graham, a 5-foot-10 cornerback who transferred from Starkville after recording 28 tackles and three interceptions, including a pick-six in Mississippi State's 47-35 win over Massachusetts, as a junior.

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5 JSU Tigers primed for a big season in 2017

JACKSON, Mississippi -- There's no doubt the Tigers have some big shoes to fill before they take the field against TCU on Sept. 2.

And while there is plenty of time for players to step up in Fall camp, there's a handful of players on which Jackson State is already counting.

Here's five Tigers who are primed for a big season in 2017.

No other player had the kind of breakout performance in the spring game like Lyles did.

The red-shirt sophomore completed an efficient 23 of 26 passes for 237 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Blue team past the White team 41-38.

With the departure of Jarin Morikawa, who decided to forego his senior season after suffering another concussion in the spring game, the quarterback race appears to be Lyles’ to lose.

Although he played sparingly last season, he’s a guy who brings athleticism — something the Tiger offense lacked last season — at that position.

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McCullum Signs Two to Florida A&M Rattler Hoops Squad

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida A&M head basketball coach Robert McCullum wasted no time preparing for the 2017-18 season. Today FAMU Athletics announced the signing of two players to the Rattler basketball squad.

Forward Darian Jones is a transfer from Tulane University. Jones will come in as a sophomore after playing sparingly for the Green Wave last season. Out of high school, Jones averaged a double-double. He earned All-District honors while also averaging three blocks per game.

McCullum welcomes Jones' athleticism to the squad. “We're elated to add Darian (DJ) Jones a 6'9”, transfer from Tulane University, and Kamron Reaves, 6'1 from Champaign, IL.

DJ, played sparingly last season at Tulane as he lacked the physical strength and weight necessary to play in the AAC. But what he doesn't lack is athleticism. His ability to run & jump sets him apart from most players his size and is what attracted him to the Tulane coaching staff. He averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks as a high school senior. He was named 1st Team All District, 2nd Team All Region, and Honorable Mention All-State. In addition to “DJ's” athleticism, his versatility and tremendous upside is what gets me so excited. We can play him in different positions on both ends of the court making us much more effective offensively and defensively. He plans to major in engineering, and is the younger brother of the Golden State Warriors 2016 1st Round draft pick Damian Jones who played collegiately at Vanderbilt,” McCullum said.



Point guard Kamron Reaves will be a true freshman from Champaign, IL. Reaves' speed and ability to move the basketball are two of his top qualities. The 6'0” one guard could see action this season.

McCullum felt the team could use the assistance of a pure point guard with great distribution skills.

“Kamron is a point guard who thinks ‘pass first,' understanding the importance of getting his teammates involved, where the ball should go and why.  He's very good in transition at advancing the ball via the pass as opposed to over dribbling. His ability to see the floor, and get the ball to open teammates sets him apart. While he thinks pass first, he's very comfortable shooting the three-pointer as he had three games with four three-pointers, and a season high of six in a win vs crosstown rival Champaign Central. Kamron played off the ball his senior year at Centennial high school after transferring across town from Central HS. He averaged 13 points, four assists per game scoring 20 or more six times with a season high of 30 in the first round of the district tournament. He was named to both the All-Conference and All-Area Teams.

Kamron more than held his own last summer at the prestigious Pangos All-American Camp in Cerritos, CA. The camp featured 15 of the nation's top 40 rising seniors, and 40 of the Top 100 players in the 2017 class. Clark Francis of Hoop Scoop Scouting Service rated Kamron the 14th best point guard out of the 24 that made up the 120 player camp,” McCullum said.

McCullum, whose contract was approved by the FAMU Board of Trustees on yesterday, will enter his first campaign this Fall as head coach of the Rattlers. His team will be built on the success of senior Desmond Williams, who is the lead returning player.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

B-CU's Tiller Finishes 12th At NCAA Championship

EUGENE, Oregon – Bethune-Cookman senior Michael Tiller concluded a champion's career Friday night with a 12th place finish in the triple jump at the NCAA Track and Field Championship at storied Haywood Field.

The five-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion improved on his first jump of 51 feet, two and three-quarters inches with a final attempt of 51 feet, seven and a quarter inches, but did not qualify for the finals.

His 12th place finish was the highest for a Bethune-Cookman athlete at the NCAA meet since 2016 Olympian Ronnie Ash won the 110 hurdles in 2009.

"That puts him in great company and among the elite," Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Donald Cooper said of Tiller. "I'm very proud of what was a solid effort here and even prouder of a great college career."

Tiller scratched on his second attempt, and Cooper thought that contributed to him not being able to deliver a third jump that would have advanced him into the finals.

"He needed a 52 (feet)," Cooper said. "The foul put him into a tentative mode."

Tiller appreciated the opportunity to compete in his first national championship.

"To be able to be here felt pretty good," Tiller said.
Tiller will now focus on the USA Track and Field championships in Sacramento June 23-25, 2017 for a chance to qualify for the IAAF World Championships.

"Hopefully, he'll have the one jump in him," Cooper said.

Florida's KeAndre Bates won the event with a leap of 55 feet.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Five A&T Aggies Earn Second-Team All-American Nods

EUGENE, Oregon – The North Carolina A&T women's track and field team did not have anyone making through to Saturday's finals on Thursday at Historic Hayward Field, but they did earn two second-team All-American recognitions to complete their experience at the 2017 NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships.

N.C. A&T's women started their afternoon by coming one spot shy of qualifying for the final of the 4x100 meter relay. The team of freshmen Tori Ray and Taliyah Townsend and junior India Brown and sophomore Kayla White finished ninth in 44.41 to earn second-team All-American honors. The top-8 teams qualify for the finals. The Aggies could have lowered their school record run of 44.01 they set two weeks ago at the NCAA East Preliminary Round, they would have bested Kansas State's eighth place finish of 44.27.



“There was a bad exchange between our second and third legs,” said Duane Ross, the Aggies director of track and field programs, about the exchange between Brown (No. 2) and Townsend (No. 3). “That completely took us of the race. Those are the type of little mistakes you can't afford when you're going against the best in the country. But they're young. They will get another chance.”

White will also come away with second-team honors in the 100-meter hurdles. She completed the second heat in 13.29 to finish fourth in the heat and 13th overall. Two weeks prior she ran a 12.94 which would have easily qualified her on Thursday.

“When you come here, you have to run your (personal record) to make sure you're in the finals,” said Ross. “I can't pinpoint what it was with Kayla today. She just didn't seem to have the same pop she normally has.”

Ross said the same of Brown after she finished seventh in the second heat and 18th overall in 11.49 in the 100 meters. But not even Brown's PR of 11.34 would have qualified her for Saturday's final. Brown later ran a 23.43 to finish seventh in her heat and 18th overall.

“This group of young women are young. India is the only one who has been here before,” said Duane Ross, the Aggies director of track and field programs. “It is just something we have to look back on and where we went wrong in terms of preparation. I know they can do better. What I like is they're not pleased. I don't think they looked bad. They executed, but it just wasn't there today. They know today was just not their day.”

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Belcher, NCA&T Aggies Make History at NCAA Nationals

EUGENE, Oregon – North Carolina A&T senior sprinter Christopher Belcher wasn't nervous. He wasn't intimated. He even described himself as ready to go before his three event finals Friday at the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships at Historic Hayward Field. He was just running against some of the best athletes in the world.

That may have been easy to forget after Belcher's terrific performance Wednesday when he qualified for the three national finals with a 38.48 as a part of the 4x100 meter relay, a 9.93 in the 100 meters and a 20.01 in the 200m. Friday wasn't Wednesday but Belcher helped the Aggies reach the award podium twice with top-3 placements. Along with freshman Jaylen Mitchell, senior Caleb Gabriel and sophomore Rodney Rowe, Belcher helped the 4x1 team finish third nationally in 38.57.

Approximately 45 minutes later Belcher placed third in the 100m final in 10.19. After another approximate 45-minute layoff, Belcher finished fifth in the 200m final in 20.66. Belcher walked away from NCAA nationals with three first-team All-American honors. He has four for his career after earning second-team All-American honors in 2016 with the 4x1 team. He is the first Aggie to come away with multiple All-American honors from the NCAA championships.

NCAA FINALS RESULTS



“Today was a struggle, but I am so blessed to be here,” said a winded Belcher after his third event on Friday. “It's not easy to get here. Being here means the world to me. To come out here and race the best in the country, it doesn't get any better than this. I wasn't even nervous today. I already know I'm going to see the best in the world. Coming into these big events I was always nervous with the bubble guts all the time. Today, I was ready to go.”

As a team, the Aggies finished tied for 14th nationally with 16 points, the highest finish ever for an historically black college or university. N.C. A&T finished tied for third among non-Power 5 conference schools (ACC, Big 10, Pac-12, Big 12, SEC). Florida took home the team national championship. The Aggies may have gone higher, but sophomore triple jumper Lasheon Strozier fouled on all four of his jumps Friday.

“We made history this week and I'm proud of that,” said director of track and field programs Duane Ross. “There are more than 250 Division I track and field teams in America. To finish where we finished is a true achievement. I'm proud of these guys.”

The 4x1 team ran their second-fastest time of the season, finishing behind NCAA champion Houston and second-place finisher Auburn. The Aggies had a good first exchange between Mitchell and Belcher as the Aggies came out of the first split in sixth place. Belcher helped the Aggies make up some ground, but the exchange between him and Gabriel wasn't as smooth. When Gabriel gave the baton to Rowe to run the anchor the Aggies were a part of the pack. But Rowe ran past runners from Texas A&M and Texas to make one last effort to win the national title. But Rowe, who completed his split in 9.5 seconds, ran out of track as Houston crossed in 38.34 and Auburn crossed in 38.48.

"We've come a long way when you think about it," said Gabriel, who ran the third leg. "We didn't even make the final last year and this year we're No. 3 team in the country. It still hurts because we wanted to win it. We came in really feeling like we had a chance to win it."

N.C. A&T's third-place finish in an NCAA 4x1 final is the best in school history, surpassing the 2001 team of Timothy Walls, Theo Wilds, Gerald Wright and Titus Haywood who finished fifth in 39.48. "We could have run a better race. I'm sure there are a lot of the things to critique. But at the end of the day we have to be happy with the progress we've made," said Gabriel. "The good news is, the program is good enough to get back here and do better."

Belcher's chief competition in the 100m was Tennessee's Christian Coleman who ran an NCAA record 9.82 on Wednesday. Coleman jumped out to an early start on Belcher and won the national championship in 10.04. Houston's Cameron Burrell came in second in 10.12. Coleman won the 200m as well (20.25).

“He is the best starter in the world, so I definitely didn't get out the way I wanted to,” said Belcher about the 100m race. “He is a talented guy. I know what I did wrong. We're going to go out there and fix whatever needs to be fixed and get ready for U.S. championships.”

The next step for Belcher, who solidified himself as an Aggie legend this week, is the USATF Outdoor Championships at Sacramento State in California June 22-25.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION