Ed Cassiere is NAIA recipient of 2016-17 AVCA media award

ED CASSIERE
ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Ed Cassiere is the recipient of a Grant Burger Media Award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association for his coverage of the Gold Nuggets in 2016-17.

The AVCA cited Cassiere, XULA's assistant athletic director for communications, as the NAIA recipient and one of 10 finalists for the overall award won by Vinnie Lopes, creator of the website Off the Block, which covers the men's game in NCAA Division I and II.

Other college publicists who were overall finalists were Michelle Traversie of Minnesota, Doug Self of Southwestern Oklahoma, Ira Thor of New Jersey City University and Roy Allen of Seward County (Kan.) Community College.

"In the short amount of time I have been the head coach at Xavier University of Louisiana, I have found Ed to be tireless when it comes to getting out news about XULA Athletics," Pat Kendrick said. "No story is too small. When we recently signed our first 2017 recruits, Ed personally contacted them to get their individual stories."

Cassiere has publicized XULA volleyball since its restart in 2010. From 2011-16 he covered teams that won six consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and earned six straight automatic bids to the NAIA National Championship.

The AVCA Grant Burger Media Award recognizes members of the media who advance the sport of volleyball through consistent coverage in all mediums. It is named in honor of former AVCA Director of Sports Information and Associate Director Grant Burger, whose hard work, innovative mind, knowledge and enthusiasm from 1988-92 took the areas of media relations and publications at the AVCA to a higher level and increased awareness of the sport nationwide.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Tuskegee University appoints Slater as athletics director

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Tuskegee University has appointed Willie Slater as the institution’s athletics director, effective July 1. Slater, who has nearly 40 years athletics and coaching experience, will remain the university’s head football coach.

“Coach Slater has demonstrated his leadership skills on the field, and I look forward to him bringing that same level of success and excellence to the duties of Tuskegee University’s athletics director,” said Dr. Charlotte Morris, the university’s interim president.

COACH WILLIE SLATER
ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

As athletics director, Slater will advance the university's NCAA Division II athletic program by overseeing budgeting, compliance, operations, student-athlete recruitment, and professional staffing and development. He also will report to the Office of the President.

“I am excited to lead the athletics programs of one of the nation’s most historic institutions in the country, and I am extremely grateful to Dr. Morris and the Board of Trustees for this opportunity,” Slater said. “I am quite familiar with Tuskegee athletics, so I understand the expectation of excellence this position demands and I look forward to working with our coaches, students and administrators so that we can do something great here.”

This fall, Slater begins his 12th season as Tuskegee’s head football coach — his 39th season coaching. His coaching record at Tuskegee is 101-27, which ranks him second all-time in wins at the university. He is known widely for being the first head coach in school history to earn a bid in the NCAA Division II Playoffs, which occurred following the 2013 season. One season later, in 2014, the Golden Tigers made a historical run that reached the quarterfinals (the Super 2 Region championship game) against West Georgia. The team finished with a 10-3 record overall and second in the SIAC West Division. Under Slater’s guidance, the team has made a total of four playoff appearances.

His coaching accolades include being named the 2012 SIAC Coach of the Year by The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C., and the 2007 National Coach of the Year by the Sheridan Broadcasting Network — a year in which he led Tuskegee to a perfect 12-0 record and the HBCU title. Additionally, Slater has been tabbed as the SIAC Coach of the Year five times (2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2014).

Slater’s career includes 33 years of coaching at the collegiate level, and 18 years as an offensive coordinator at multiple levels. He joined the Tuskegee staff as the head coach in 2006 after serving as the offensive coordinator at Temple University in 2005 under Bobby Wallace. His first stop as a full-time collegiate coach came Troy University (1983-90), where he served as the running backs coach under Chan Gailey (1983-84). In total, he spent eight seasons with the Trojans, also working as the quarterbacks and running backs coach. After leaving Troy University and before coaching at Temple, Slater had in-state coaching stints at the University of West Alabama, University of North Alabama and Jacksonville State University.

Tuskegee University will host a news conference on Friday, July 7 to introduce Coach Willie Slater as its new athletics director. The news conference will begin at 10 a.m. in Logan Hall. Only media representatives with proper credentials will be permitted.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

CIAA Kicks off 125 Years Of Black College Football Celebration

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The 2017 football season marks the 125th anniversary of the first recorded black college football game, which began with two CIAA member institutions. The CIAA will honor its rich football history throughout the season via the conference's 125th anniversary social media campaign. The campaign will highlight consequential moments in CIAA football history from former and current member institutions, records, statistics, and share the stories of CIAA student-athletes who excelled both on and off the field. The celebration will also be displayed using a celebratory football championship logo.

In a snowstorm on December 27, 1892, Johnson C. Smith University, then named Biddle University, traveled for two days by horse and buggy to Salisbury, North Carolina to play against Livingstone College for the first-ever black college football contest. The Golden Bulls defeated the Blue Bears 5-0 after a disputed Livingstone touchdown was called back by the official. Every year, the two schools come together to celebrate this Commemorative Classic and this year we celebrate 125 years!

The CIAA will kick off the 2017 football season with its annual Football Media Day on Thursday, July 20th in Salem, Virginia. Each of the CIAA's twelve head football coaches, accompanied by two student-athletes, will take the stage for discussion regarding their football program, athletes, and the season schedule as teams anticipate the conference championship.



The historic Commemorative Classic between the Golden Bulls and Blue Bears will take place on November 4th at Livingstone's Alumni Memorial Football Stadium. The CIAA will host its annual Football Championship on November 11th at Salem Football Stadium and feature the CIAA Northern and Southern Division Champions.

For the first look at all celebratory CIAA football information and events related to the 125th anniversary campaign please visit TheCIAA.com.

Help us celebrate by using the 125th anniversary official hashtags on all social media platforms #CIAAFB and #HBCU125.

For live coverage, updates, and an opportunity to participate in the celebration, follow the CIAA on social media via Facebook (The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports).

About the CIAA

Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAATournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Arkansas football season predictions: Razorbacks vs. Florida A&M

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — July is here, which means we can all officially talk Arkansas football without any backlash.

We are still almost two months away from the start of the season, though. And while that is disappointing, we also are to the point where we can perceive a stronger vibe on the Razorbacks and their opponents. Fall camp remains and things will change between now and then, but a basic idea of how teams will perform exists.

With that in mind, SEC Country is bringing you summertime predictions. On weekdays over the next two-plus weeks, we will preview each opponent on the Arkansas schedule. Each piece will include opponent previews and predictions from each of our writers.

Kicking things off is Florida A&M.



Florida A&M Rattlers

Mid-Eastern Athletic

Coach: Alex Wood (third season, 5-17 overall)

Last season: 4-7 overall, 4-4 in MEAC (tied for fifth)

Plays Arkansas: Aug. 31, 7 p.m., at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock

CONTINUE READING

ASU Football completes coaching staff

ALBANY, Georgia -- Albany State head football coach Gabe Giardina has completed the program's football staff. The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon.

"I am extremely excited to be at full strength with the coaching staff," Giardina said. "Everyone is very excited to be a part of the Golden Ram Family. These guys have hit the ground running and are doing a great job of emphasizing the family environment that we are creating within our staff and in the locker room.

"The fastest four months in football just got a great kick into another gear having all these new faces and energy around."

On defense, Cory Peoples will serve as the program's defensive coordinator. Peoples spent three seasons as the defensive backs coach at Charleston Southern University. He played collegiately for the University of South Carolina (2001-2005) under head coach Lou Holtz.

"I had the pleasure of working alongside Cory for two seasons at Charleston Southern," Giardina said. "He was a vital part in making us into a Top 10 defense at the FCS level in 2015.

"His vision for player development falls in line with all the things that we want our defense to be about. He develops guys fundamentally and will do a great job of having our guys play hard.

"From a schematic point of view, Cory has been influenced by coaches from all different levels. He has had multiple NFL internship opportunities as well as FCS and NCAA Division II experience to draw from as he creates the next chapter of "Dirty Blue Defense.""

Joining Peoples as defensive coaches will be Collins Ukwu, Darius Buck and Nick Reveiz.

Ukwu will be the team's defensive line coach. He comes to ASU from Georgia State University where he was a defensive graduate assistant. He originally joined GSU in 2015 as a football operations intern. Ukwu played football at the University of Kentucky (2009-2012) and was a three-year starter at defensive end.

"Collins worked with the defensive line, under Trent Miles and saw Georgia State go to its first ever bowl game," Giardina continued. "He is an energetic, young coach with passion for developing young people both on and off the field.

"In addition to playing at the University of Kentucky, he also had opportunities with both the Minnesota Vikings and Montreal Alouettes. He is a great communicator and teacher."

Buck will assume the coaching duties for the safeties. He coached that position for two years as a graduate assistant at the University of South Alabama. Before going to USA, he was an assistant coach at Jones County Community College. Buck played football at Southwest Mississippi Community College (2008-2010) and Murray State University (2011-2012)

"Darius comes highly recommended by multiple people in my inner circle of coaching friends," Giardina said. "He is detailed and demanding and has already displayed a great knowledge of secondary play and player development.

"He already shows a wonderful ability to connect with young people and gets the most out of their ability."

Reveiz will be the program's linebackers coach after a four-year stint with NCAA Division II perennial power Carson-Newman University. He spent his first two seasons at CNU coaching running backs. Reveiz played for the University of Tennessee (2006-2010) and was a three-time Academic All-SEC selection and team captain.

"Under the late Ken Sparks, Nick has been mentored by one of college football's best program builders," Giardina said. "He also had a brief stint in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nick embodies what it means to get the most out of young people and is a tenacious recruiter."

On the offensive side of the ball, Adam Hollifield (offensive line), Sean Lampkin (wide receivers) and Adam Miller (quarterbacks) will join offensive coordinator Isaac Newland.

Hollifield spent the last two seasons at Texas State University as a graduate assistant coach. He worked with the offensive line in 2016 after serving on the defensive staff in his first year. A native of Hoover, Ala., Hollifield played collegiately at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (2005-2008) before injuries ended his 2007 and 2008 seasons.

"Adam got his job by communicating his teaching and coaching progression the best out of several very good offensive line candidates," Giardina said. "He has a great ability for taking the complex and making it simple.

"Adam also has spent time under long time Georgia offensive line coaches Neil Calloway and Will Friend during his time at UAB. He understands the type of culture that must exist up front in order for us to be successful."

Lampkin was a member of the Charleston Southern coaching staff for three seasons before arriving at Albany State, serving as the video coordinator and assistant wide receivers coach. He played collegiately at Brevard College (2012-2014) and South Carolina State University.

"I have worked with Sean for the last four years at Charleston Southern," Giardina said. "Sean worked really hard as the assistant wide receivers coach under Willy Korn. He has a great understanding of our offense and the type of play making mentality we need on the perimeter.

"Sean is the son of high school coach Will Lampkin and has been shown the type of character and integrity it takes to coach and influence young people his whole life."

Miller played football at Johns Carroll University (2008-2011) and was an offensive graduate assistant for Florida International University in 2016. From 2012-2016, he served as the head coach and director of football at Coral Springs Charter School.

"Adam was a head high school coach in Miami, Florida at the age of 23," Giardina said. "He has a great energy and presence about him and will do a fantastic job teaching and mentoring our quarterbacks. Adam's creativity and passion will be great assets to our program."

For more information about Albany State Football, contact Stan McCormick at (229) 420-7013 or  stanley.mccormick@asurams.edu.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Men's Basketball Announces 2017-18 Recruiting Class

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The North Carolina Central University men's basketball program has announced a recruiting class of eight student-athletes that will join the team for the 2017-18 season.

Those coming to NCCU are: Jibri Blount (Cleveland State), Zacarry Douglas (Cal State-Northridge), Reggie Gardner (Loomis Chaffee), Brandon Goldsmith (Walters State), Alston Jones (Daytona State), Larry McKnight (Palm Beach State), Jordan Perkins (Greensboro Day), and Dominique Reid (Polk State). Perkins and Gardner will join the program as freshmen, while Blount will have to sit a year due to NCAA transfer rules.

"We are excited about our 2017-18 recruiting class," head coach LeVelle Moton said. "We feel as if we've filled our vacancies with a great group of student-athletes that can hopefully contribute from day one. Not only are they great basketball players, but better people. We feel like this recruiting class will continue to add value to our program as we attempt to sustain the standards that were established by the great student-athletes before them."

Douglas joins the Eagles after beginning his career at Cal State-Northridge where he played two seasons. The 6-8 forward played 24 games with one start in his sophomore season, averaging 5.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. During that season he put up a career-high 15 points against Loyola Marymount and collected 11 rebounds during the same game for a double-double in one of his four times leading the Matadors in boards.

"Zacarry's Division-I experience will be beneficial to a team that will rely on his leadership," said Moton. "He's an athlete who's able to knock down mid-range jumpers as well as rebound at a high level."

Gardner played his high school ball at DeMatha alongside current NBA first overall draft pick Markelle Fultz before playing a year at Loomis Chaffee prep school in Connecticut. During his senior year at DeMatha the 6-3 guard helped his squad to an Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament championship with 23 points in the title game. He was also named Class A Second Team All-New England by the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council after his time at Loomis Chaffee.

"Reggie is a natural scorer from the legendary DeMatha High School," Moton said. "He will provide great perimeter play and be the knockdown shooter that's needed to stretch the defense on this level."

Goldsmith is a local product from Millbrook High School, and he comes to NCCU after playing two seasons at Walters State. With the Senators, he averaged 14 points, five rebounds and three assists per game at the guard position at a height of 6-4. In his sophomore season, he helped push his team to the District VII Championship, where the Senators finished as runners-up. He was named to the All-Tournament team as well as First Team All-Conference. While at Millbrook he was a two-time All-Cap-8 selection and averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game.

"Brandon is a Raleigh kid that shoots it well and slashes to the bucket," said Moton. "He has won at a high level in high school and his length and ability to score will fill a much needed void from last year's perimeter play."

Jones competed for two years at Daytona State College where he played 59 total games and started 44 under current Bethune-Cookman head coach Ryan Ridder. He had his best season this past campaign as he averaged 14.1 points per game and shot 49.1 percent from the floor as a guard. At a height of 6-0, Jones put in a team-high 19 points in a Mid-Florida Conference championship-clinching game in the regular season, and chipped in 16 points in an opening round win in the District VIII tournament.

"Alston is a dynamite leader, and a fearless competitor, and that will bring a necessary toughness that's needed to compete on the Division-I level," Moton said. "He's able to get anywhere on the court and I look forward to seeing him flourish in our system."

McKnight joins the Eagles from Palm Beach State after starting his collegiate career at Wofford. Last season with the Panthers, McKnight played 30 games and started 21, averaging 13.3 points with 3.9 rebounds per game. The 6-3 guard had his strongest game of the season with a season-high 29-point outburst in the season opener against Baltimore City, along with a season-high five assists and four steals.

"Larry is a super-athletic scoring guard that is capable of scoring on all three levels," said Moton.

Perkins is coming off of a championship season of his own, after winning the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A State Championship with Greensboro Day School. The Bengals went on to compete at the DICK's National Tournament, where the 6-2 guard put in 14 points while going 3-for-5 from the perimeter in a quarterfinal upset over IMG Academy on the national stage.

"Jordan is a natural-born winner," Moton said. "He's won at a high level and his Greensboro Day School team made history behind his leadership at the point guard position. We are excited to have him lead us in the future."

Reid comes to Durham after playing a year at Polk State, and he began his career at Niagara. At Polk State, Reid played 25 games and started 19, averaging 14.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per outing. During his last season, he pulled down nine double-doubles with highs of 23 points and 17 rebounds. In his redshirt-freshman season at Niagara, the 6-8 forward was third on the team in scoring with 9.8 points per game, and second in rebounding with 5.9 per contest over 30 appearances and 13 starts.

"Dominique is an experienced post player that not only competed at a high level, but was really successful while at Niagara," said Moton. "He provides length and depth to our frontline."

Blount played his first two years of college ball at Cleveland State, where he totaled 59 games with 14 starts. Over two seasons, the 6-7 forward averaged 4.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. During his freshman year, he made career marks of 15 points at UIC, and 11 rebounds at Northern Kentucky.

"The family name says it all for him," Moton said. "His ability to stretch the defense and create off the dribble from the forward position will provide us with a triple threat."

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Frederick Summers takes over as Talladega College men's basketball coach

TALLADEGA, Alabama -- Frederick Summers was named the new men's basketball coach at Talladega College on Wednesday.

Summers comes to TC after leading Concordia College in Selma to the USCAA national men's basketball championship this past season.

"I am honored and pleased to be named the next head men's basketball coach at Talladega College," Summers said in a press release. "I want to thank President Dr. (Billy C.) Hawkins, Director of Athletics Kevin Herod, Assistant Athletic Director Demond Walker and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sharon Whittaker-Davis for the opportunity to join this amazing family.

"I am excited about the challenge that Dr. Hawkins has for the basketball program, and under his leadership, the decision to become a Tornado was not only an easy choice but the right choice and fit for me and my family. We will work extremely hard to continue the tradition of excellence on and off the court in everything we do. I am more than excited to call Talladega my home."

Summers replaces Matt Cross, who was hired as the women's basketball at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Cross is the all-time winningest coach in TC history.

TALLADEGA COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Harry Stinson Named Lincoln University Athletics Director

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania – Lincoln University Interim President Richard Green announced today the hiring of Harry O. Stinson III as the institution's athletics director.

President Green emphasized the thorough recruitment and selection process, pointing out that, "Harry Stinson was chosen from an applicant pool of nearly 100 highly qualified applicants."

"He brings extensive administrative and academic experience to the position. We are looking forward to major growth and development to the Lincoln University program for student athletes," Green said.

Stinson replaces Anthony Plá who has served as the interim director of Athletics since September 2016. Plá will remain on staff as the assistant director of Athletics for facilities and head baseball coach.

Stinson comes to Lincoln with more than 12 years of experience as a professional administrator in collegiate athletics with expertise in university relations, strategic planning, external relations, development, compliance, event management, and business operations. At the collegiate level, he has served as head coach of the Kentucky State University golf team and interim coach of KSU Baseball.

"I am humbled and honored to be appointed athletic director and to join the Lincoln University family," Stinson said. "I am excited to become a part of this community, engaging alumni and strengthening the Lincoln Lion brand."

"Lincoln University has a storied history academically and athletically, and I am looking forward to building upon that tradition and providing resources and support to showcase our university, our staff, and most importantly our student athletes' academic and athletic achievements."

"Being champions on and off the playing surface within the CIAA and nationally is an expectation. Serving our community is an expectation. Enhancing the overall student experience at Lincoln University is an expectation, and I am looking forward to getting started to fulfill these expectations."

Stinson has served as associate director of athletics at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, since October 2015, where he was responsible for the development and management of the athletic department's $1.9 million operating budget and $650,000 in scholarship budget. In this role Harry also oversaw compliance, handled sport supervision for nine of CSU's 10 sports, managed game day operations, and ran the day to day operations of the athletic department.

Prior to Central State, Stinson served as the interim athletic director at Kentucky State University. In addition to his responsibilities as interim athletic director, Stinson also handled external operations and compliance for the athletic department as well as head men's golf coach. Stinson was responsible for certifying student-athletes for competition, managing and monitoring all areas of athletics compliance and supervising all game day operations. He also served as the sport administrator for all 13 sports and oversaw athletic training and sports information during his tenure at KSU.

Prior to his arrival at KSU in December 2009, Stinson served as the director of championships, communications and marketing at the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for nearly five years. He also served as Interim Commissioner during 2008-09. Stinson began his athletic career as a coach at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, coaching track and field, basketball and football. He also worked in Basketball Operations at the Amateur Athletic Union, as a League Administrator at the World Boxing League, and as director of Operations at the Georgia World Games Sports Commission.

Stinson is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and was a track and field student athlete at Florida State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in human sciences in 2002 and a master's degree in sport administration from Georgia State University in 2005. He also holds a professional certification in athlete development from the University of Pennsylvania. Stinson is also a graduate of several NCAA programming including the NCAA Pathways Program (2012) and the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females (2009). He has one daughter, Laila.

Stinson is a member of several NCAA committees including serving as the chairman of the NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions, serving on the NCAA Eligibility Center Advisory Board and the NCAA Golf Regional Advisory Committee. Stinson also is a member of many professional organizations including the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, National Association for Athletic Compliance Division II Committee, and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Board of Directors.

THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Davis Named Full-Time Head Coach Of MSU Lady Bears

HEAD COACH EDWARD DAVIS JR.
MORGAN STATE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Morgan State University has officially removed the interim tag off of Edward Davis Jr., who effective immediately, will assume the full-time position as Morgan State's head women's basketball coach, as announced by Director of Athletics Edward Scott on Friday.

"We are excited to have Coach Davis lead our women's basketball program into the future," said Scott. "I've had the opportunity to watch Coach Davis in action last season and was thoroughly impressed by his ability to teach and motivate our student-athletes. Ed is a proven winner at every level of college basketball and brings a wealth of experience to the sideline. We very much look forward to watching our women's basketball program grow on and off the court under his leadership."

"It's an honor and a privilege to be able to coach on the Division I college atmosphere," said Davis, who is 48 wins shy of reaching 400 career coaching victories. "Thank you to President David Wilson and our Director of Athletics, Edward Scott for affording me this opportunity. I thoroughly appreciate the opportunity to lead the Morgan State Lady Bears to the highest plateau that they can achieve, and that's winning a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship!"

Since taking over as interim coach last June, Davis guided the 2016-17 Lady Bears to a 9-21 overall record and a 7-9 league mark. After dropping its first eight MEAC contests, Morgan State went 7-1 under Davis during the second half of the league slate, including a season-long five-game winning streak to finish ninth in the league standings.

"I feel that a lot of pieces are in place to have a great season this year, especially with the hard work of the staff to bring in more impact players," said Davis. "My job as head coach will be to academically and athletically uphold the high standards of the Morgan State University tradition."

Davis, who is entering his sixth overall season at Morgan State, originally joined the Lady Bears' staff in 2012 as an assistant coach after spending 12 seasons at the helm at Delaware State University.

While at Delaware State, Davis compiled a 178-182 career mark, becoming the program's all-time winningest coach. Davis recorded four 20-plus win seasons (the only ones in school history) and in 2007 he guided the Lady Hornets to their first MEAC title with a victory over Morgan State. During his time at Delaware State, Davis guided the Lady Hornets to a NCAA Tournament berth, five MEAC Championship appearances and a MEAC regular season co-championship.

Davis guided the program to new heights in his fourth season, recording a school-record 21 wins and capturing a share of the 2003-04 MEAC regular season title for the first time ever. The Lady Hornets would go a perfect 11-0 at home that season, including a win over then Big East member, West Virginia. DSU would advance to the MEAC title game and Davis would be named MEAC Coach of the Year.

One that always stressed defense, Davis saw his 2004-05 DSU team set a national record for scoring defense by becoming the first Division I women's team to hold opponents to less than 50 points per game, allowing 49.6 per contest.

Prior to taking over at Delaware State, Davis began his successful coaching career on the collegiate level at Bowie State University. In his eight years at the helm of the Lady Bulldogs, Davis had only one losing season, while building a dynasty at BSU and turning it into one of the top Division II programs in the country.

Davis recorded a 165-61 record, five 20-win seasons, captured three straight Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) titles and reached the NCAA Tournament three times. He would earn CIAA Coach of the Year honors in 1995 and CIAA Tournament Outstanding Coach accolades in 1997, '98 and '99.

His 1995-96 and 1998-99 teams each advanced to the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA Tournament and the 1995-96 squad ranked first among all Division II teams in scoring defense. A year later BSU put together a 28-game winning streak en route to a 29-2 overall mark and the 1997-98 squad was ranked as high as six in the Division II polls.

A native of Washington, D.C., Davis was a four-year letter winner on the West Virginia State College men's basketball team that set NCAA and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics scoring records in the late 1960s and early 70s.

Davis holds a master's in education from Howard University and a bachelor's in education from West Virginia State. He was inducted into the West Virginia State Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2008 and the Bowie State Hall of Fame in 2014.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Donte' Jackson Announced as Grambling State's Men''s Basketball Coach

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling State University Director of Athletics Paul Bryant officially announced the hiring of, and signed, Donte' Jackson as the next GSU head men's basketball coach during a Wednesday morning news conference.

Jackson officially signed his contract in front of a small crowd of media members, athletics staff and his family in the office of GSU President Rick Gallot.

Photo Gallery

"We're excited today to sign this contract," Gallot said. "The future of Grambling and Grambling basketball is bright. And of course, whenever Willis Reed says that you have a great coach, then you have to be a great coach."

Bryant welcomed Jackson to the department by giving him an official Grambling State pin and baseball cap. He said, "This is a great day for our athletics department and our men's basketball program. We have a leader who will be an example for our young men in the classroom as well as on the playing surfaces and in the community."

"I'm elated," said Jackson when he addressed the crowd. "This is an opportunity I've always dreamed of…and I will give my all. I want to thank [President Gallot] for the opportunity to lead the program and for you entrusting the program into my hands. And I want to thank [Mr. Bryant] for just giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Grambling family."

Prior to GSU, Jackson spent three seasons as the head men's basketball coach at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. During his time there, he went 66-21 overall and won the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament, where they defeated West Georgia in the first round.

At the end of the 2015-16 season, he was named the SIAC Coach of the Year, as well as BOXTOROW National Coach of the Year. In his last year at Stillman, he also served as Stillman's interim director of athletics, in addition to maintaining his role as head men's basketball coach.

Prior to Stillman, Jackson led the men's basketball program at Central State University (CSU) in Wilberforce, Ohio, for four seasons. He took over the program in 2010 after serving as an assistant coach at CSU for seven seasons.

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native graduated from CSU in 2003 with a bachelor's of science in education, and in 2008, he earned a master's of science in educational leadership. He was a three-year letter winner on the Marauder basketball team and earned all-conference and all-region honors during the 2001-02 season.

He led the Marauders to the NAIA Division I National Tournament and a Sweet Sixteen appearance with a 24-8 record during 1999-2000 season. Jackson capped his stellar career by being selected as the recipient of the John W. Garland President's Award, presented annually to a student-athlete who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through academic and athletic achievements.

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU Deputy AD Elliott Charles leaves for Clemson

ELLIOTT CHARLES
COURTESY: FAMU ATHLETICS

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M Deputy Athletic Director
Elliot Charles is now on Clemson's staff, FAMU's athletic department confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

Charles' last day was Friday. He was hired at FAMU in January of 2016.

Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. is now looking for a new second-in-command. He met with the department Tuesday to discuss Elliott's departure, and no progress has been made on the search yet.

Overton praised Charles' work while at FAMU. He said he hopes to have a new deputy in place before September.

"This is a great opportunity for him," Overton said. "I’ve been working with that guy for a long time. He’s known as an expert in compliance. It’s one of those great opportunities and his family. He’s got a young family, he's trying to grow his family and they offered him a lot more money.

"There are some people who believe if you come to an HBCU, you can’t advance any further. I want anyone who comes to FAMU to know that we’re going to do great things and you’re going to have great opportunities."

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Alcorn's Horne leading candidate in ULM AD search

DEREK HORNE
COURTESY: FAMU ATHLETICS

MONROE, Louisiana -- Alcorn State athletic director Derek Horne is the leading candidate for the same position at ULM.

ULM has scheduled a Wednesday interview with Horne, who arrived in Monroe on Tuesday.

ULM President Nick Bruno, special assistant to the president Ron Hogan and former ULM and Southern Miss athletic director Richard Giannini are running the search along with an appointed search committee.

Alcorn has won two SWAC football championships, three football division titles and a tennis championship. The school also had 10 student-athletes earn first-team All-SWAC recognition since Horne was hired in 2014.

Men’s basketball coach Montez Robinson, a Horne hire, has guided the Braves from a six-win team to 33 wins in two seasons.

Alcorn signed Horne to a three-year extension in 2016.

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MEAC Announces 2017 Weeknight Football Television Schedule

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) today announced its weeknight television schedule for the 2017 football season. This year's ledger features a pair of Thursday night games and one Friday night contest live on ESPNU.

The defending MEAC Champion North Carolina Central University Eagles will host the first Thursday night contest of the season as they'll welcome South Carolina State University to Durham, N.C. on Sept. 21. The contest marks the conference opener for both teams and its first matchup on the gridiron since 2014.

Florida A&M returns to the Thursday night lineup for the first time since 2015 as they'll host North Carolina Central in Tallahassee, Fla. on Sept. 28. Last season's fourth quarter rally by NCCU marked the first time in series history that NCCU has won consecutive contests against the Rattlers.

MEAC football will be featured under the Friday night lights for the first time since 2015 as Morgan State heads to Orangeburg, S.C. to square off against the South Carolina State Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 6. Both teams last met in 2014 with Morgan State claiming a 24-21 win during the final minute in Baltimore. Morgan State will make its first appearance in Orangeburg and Oliver C. Dawson Stadium since 2013.

The entire 2017 MEAC Football TV schedule will be announced at a later date.


2017 MEAC ESPNU Weeknight Football Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 21 South Carolina State at North Carolina Central 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28 North Carolina Central at Florida A&M 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 6 Morgan State at South Carolina State 7:30 p.m.

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU's game against NCCU rescheduled, now on ESPNU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M's second home game of the season has been rescheduled and is now part of the MEAC's ESPNU lineup.

The Rattlers will play North Carolina Central at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, a Thursday, instead of Sept. 30. The game is now part of the MEAC's ESPNU Weeknight Football Schedule.

This is the latest revision to FAMU's football schedule. The Rattlers' game against Arkansas was moved up and is now scheduled for August 31 -- another Thursday.

This is the first time since 2015 FAMU has been a part o the MEAC's Weeknight Football lineup.

Several of FAMU's games will be broadcast on ESPN networks this season. The season opener against Texas Southern, the Arkansas game and the Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman will all be on television.

RATTLERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2017-18

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XULA wins Thomas Howell Cup for 6th time in 7 years

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has won the 2016-17 Thomas Howell Cup, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference's all-sports award, said the GCAC in a Friday announcement.
     
It's the sixth time that XULA won the award, all in the last seven years.
     
\The Thomas Howell Cup, named for the GCAC's longtime commissioner, is awarded annually to the school with the most points based on order of finish in various sports. XULA was boosted by GCAC championships in men's cross country, women's cross country, women's volleyball (regular season and tournament), and women's outdoor track and field.
     
"Xavier is proud to take control of the Thomas Howell Cup once again," said XULA Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Horn. "Not only did our student-athletes and coaches have another outstanding year, we produced our largest group of graduates in the last 12 years. The athletics department strives daily to live up to our motto: 'Win. Grow. Graduate.' "
     
The conference did not announce point totals or standings for the Howell Cup, but unofficial scoring by XULA Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Ed Cassierehad XULA with 37 1/2 points. In the seven GCAC championship sports — men's and women's cross country, women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball and men's and women's outdoor track and field — XULA scored 33 1/2 of a possible 41 points.
     
Although XULA won GCAC volleyball regular-season and tournament championships for the sixth consecutive year, the university was credited with all-sports points only for its regular-season standing. The GCAC also applied that method in men's and women's basketball.
     
Dillard, the 2015-16 Howell Cup winner, and Edward Waters tied for second place in Cassiere's unofficial scoring with 30 points apiece. Talladega was fourth with 24 1/2 points, followed by SUNO with 17, Tougaloo with 13 and Philander Smith with 11.
     
"This honor is another testament to Xavier's commitment to excellence, dedication and hard work not only in the classroom, but in everything we do," said XULA Vice President for Student Services Joseph Byrd, "and athletics is no exception. It is because of the vision of our president, Dr. Reynold Verret, our athletic director, Mr. Jason Horn, our coaches and especially our students that we are again recognized for greatness. We are pleased to be honored."
     
In addition to the conference titles, XULA highlights for the past year included:

     •  7-of-9 teams represented at NAIA National Championship appearances — volleyball, men's cross country, women's cross country, men;'s tennis, women's tennis, men's track and field (individual athlete) and women's track and field (individual athletes).

     •  Nine student-athletes earned NAIA All-America: Catalin Fifea, Moses Micheal, Antoine Richard and Karan Salwan in men's tennis, Charlene Goreau in women's tennis and Clarke Allen, Ry-Anne Riley, Tramaine Shannon and Ariane Williams in women's track and field.

     •  Two CoSIDA Academic All-Americans: Salwan and Drew Chatters (women's track and field).

     •  Department GPA increased from 2015-16 to 2016-17.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Nuggets sign 2; recruiting class increases to 6

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Thursday the signing of Vivica Price-Spraggins of Chicago and Whitney Young Magnet High School and Kayla Black of Magnolia, Texas, and Houston's St. Pius X High School to athletic scholarships for volleyball.
     
The Gold Nuggets have signed six for the 2017 season, which will begin in August. XULA won the last six Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and earned six consecutive automatic bids during that time to the NAIA National Championship.
     
Price-Spraggins is a 5-foot-11 middle blocker/right-side hitter. She helped Whitney Young's Dolphins in 2016 go 24-12, win a regional playoff and advance to sectionals. Price-Spraggins hit .402 as a senior with 105 kills, 47 blocks, 22 aces and 53 digs.
     
Price-Spraggins played five years of club ball — first with Club Kace, then with Chicago Elite. She was a starter for a bronze-medal-winning team at 2016 nationals.
     
Black, a 5-9 outside hitter, helped St. Pius in 2016 reach the Class 6A quarterfinals of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools playoffs. She was second-team all-state as a senior and junior. Black was her team's MVP in 2016.
     
Black has nine years of club experience, most recently with Willowbrook but also with Waves and Revolution. She was a starter for a Waves team that placed eighth in nationals in 15s.
     
Black's paternal grandfather is former NFL player and executive James "Shack" Harris, a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the first African-American quarterback to start and win an NFL playoff game (1974: Los Angeles 19, Washington 10).
     
Price-Spraggins will major in early elementary education, and Black will be a biology/pre-medical major with plans to pursue a career in pediatric cardiology.

2017-18 XULA Volleyball Signees
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Yr.*	Hometown	High School
Ariel Bell #	OH	5-7	Fr.	White Castle, La.	White Castle
Kayla Black	OH	5-9	Fr.	Magnolia, Texas	St. Pius X
Jaida Dowd	OH	5-8	Fr.	Aurora, Ill.	Metea Valley
Eva Le Guillou	S	5-9	Fr.	Velizy-Villacoublay, France	Emmanuel Mounier
Vivica Price-Spraggins	MB/RS	5-11	Fr.	Chicago, Ill.	Whitney Young Magnet
Lauryn Taylor	RS/OH	5-9	Fr.	Sairburn, Ga.	Booker T. Washington
* XULA athletic classification in 2017-18 # also will compete in track and field Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA  twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold

Suspension of golf programs leaves JSU players in limbo

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Keelin Floyd is headed into her senior year at Jackson State, and while her scholarship is still good, she’s not going to get to play the game she loves.

Floyd, a member of the soon-to-be-suspended women’s golf program at JSU, said Sunday she’s upset at the department’s decision to cut the programs for budgetary reasons.

JSU athletic director Wheeler Brown said Thursday he is still trying to find a way to save the programs, but Floyd said he informed her two weeks ago the decision to suspend the programs has already been made.

Brown said the department will honor the existing scholarships, but with only one year of school and one year of eligibility left, Floyd finds herself in a veritable no-man’s land when it comes to transfer possibilities.

“It’s my senior year, and I want to play in the SWAC,” she said. “I only have a year of eligibility left, and I’d have to take two years of school to get the same degree I can get at JSU in one.”

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NCA&T Belcher Makes US team, Signs Pro Contract With Nike

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Another North Carolina A&T student-athlete is turning pro in 2017. Christopher Belcher came out in a North Carolina A&T track and field uniform for his semifinal 100-meter dash race at the 2017 USATF Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday. When he came out for the final, the A&T was gone, and he was uniformed completely in Nike.

Belcher, who had one more year of eligibility for indoor track and field, signed a professional contract Nike on Friday, thereby ending his collegiate career as an Aggie. The good news didn't stop there, Belcher also finished third in the U.S. 100m final to earn a prestigious spot on the United States Track and Field team along with Olympian Justin Gatlin and NCAA 100-meter champion Christian Coleman out of the University of Tennessee.

Belcher, who has developed into one of the best sprinters in the world, continued that ascent on Friday through two qualifying races that made him a member of the U.S. national team. There were two semifinal 100m heats. To make Friday's final, Belcher needed to finish in the top-4 of his heat. To make the U.S. team he needed to place in the top-3. With interlocking A&T logo across his chest, Belcher placed fourth in his heat and eighth overall with a time of 10.22. It was close to his slowest time of the season, nearly matching the 10.24 he ran on April 8.

“He had a bad race,” said North Carolina A&T director of track and field programs Duane Ross. Ross said he simply told his star sprinter to fix it. Belcher not only fixed his technique, he changed uniforms. In the two hours between races, Belcher signed with Nike to make the obvious official, he was not going to return to A&T for his final year of indoor track and field. In his new Nike outfit, Belcher ran a 10.06 to finish third behind Coleman's 9.98 and Gatlin's 9.95. The trio will represent the US in London, Aug. 4-13 at the IAAF World Championships.

“We knew it was coming,” said Ross about Belcher signing with Nike. “He is going to have a nice career. He is still going to train in Greensboro, and he is going to finish school, so this is an exciting time for him, for our program and for the entire North Carolina A&T University family. Chris is a prime example of coming in, doing what is asked of you and working hard until you see the types of results you want to see. You still have to work hard. It's not only about talent.”

Belcher turned a lot of eyes toward him when he ran a wind-aided 9.99 at N.C. A&T's Irwin Belk Track on April 15. He carried that over to the MEAC outdoor championships in May when he won three conference gold medals (100m, 200m, 4x100) to help the N.C. A&T men's track and field team win their first conference title in 21 years. A month later, Belcher clocked a 9.93 in a semifinal heat at the NCAA championships in Eugene, Ore., to become a first-team All-American. His 9.93 is still the third-fastest time in the world this year.

Belcher also earned first-team All-America honors in the 200m and 4x1. The 20.01 he ran at the NCAA championships is the sixth-fastest time in the world in the 200m this year. The 38.48 ran by Belcher and his 4x1 teammates at the NCAA championships (semifinal heat) is the eighth-fastest time in the world this year.

It has been a banner year for Aggies turning pro. Tarik Cohen was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears in April. Cutter Dyals was taken in the 17th round of the major league baseball draft in June by the Atlanta Braves.

MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Alcorn shifts football game with Alabama State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alcorn State University football program will face Alabama State in a nationally televised game on ESPNU with the kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the ASU Football Stadium.

The game was originally scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 but was untelevised.

"Anytime you get a chance to play a nationally televised game it is great, not only the football program, but also for publicity of Alcorn State University. It's great exposure for both schools and the conference," said Alcorn head coach Fred McNair.

It marks the second straight season that the Braves and the Hornets will play on an ESPN Network game. Last year, Alcorn defeated ASU 21-18 on ESPN3 at home on Sept. 10, 2016.

The Braves are 22-18 all-time against the Hornets with a combined score of 899-868 (+31). Alcorn is looking to defeat ASU for the fourth year in a row after winning 31-14 in 2015 and 33-7 in 2014.

The Braves have gone undefeated against SWAC East Division opponents in back-to-back years and have won three consecutive SWAC East Division titles.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SAU's Jeffries Wins USTFCCCA National Communications Honor

RALEIGH, North Carolina  – Sports Information Director Anthony Jeffries of Saint Augustine's University was selected the NCAA Division II national winner of the Excellence in Communications Award on Monday, June 19 for his outstanding track and field coverage for the 2016-17 season. The honor was announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Jeffries was one of three honorees picked by the USTFCCCA communications staff after a nomination process. The other recipients are Jared Prescott of the University of Tennessee (NCAA Division I) and Alex Keil of Illinois College (NCAA Division III). The award highlights athletics communications representatives at conferences and/or schools who have committed to outstanding coverage and support of collegiate track and field. To read more about the honorees, click HERE.

Jeffries, in his 11th season at Saint Augustine's University, received the award for promoting the internationally renowned Saint Augustine's University track and field program led by legendary Athletic Director and Head Coach George Williams, who has won the most NCAA track and field championships (39) of any coach, regardless of division.

"I am very proud and elated to be recognized by the USTFCCCA on a national level," Jeffries said. "I would like to thank Coach Williams who has supported me over the years. His teams provide plenty of material to promote."

Marketing for this season began in the summer of 2016 for Jeffries, who helped the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show set up an interview with Coach Williams. The track and field team and Coach Williams were also featured prominently on ESPN.com's The Undefeated website. In August 2016, Jeffries wrote an article about the George Williams Exhibit at the City of Raleigh Museum which appeared on the website of Track & Field News, which bills itself as the bible of the sport.

In addition to writing numerous articles during the indoor and outdoor seasons, Jeffries placed photographs and videos on social media during the 2017 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Bradenton, Fla. which were well-received by the public. The more popular videos were the Falcons receiving their fifth straight men's outdoor national title while confetti poured on them and Tia-Adana Belle (Sr./St. George, Barbados) breaking the Division II record for her third consecutive 400-meter hurdles crown.

His championship recaps were published on several websites including NCAA.com. He also was a member of the CIAA Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Committees, providing recaps for the conference as well as the university during the CIAA championships.

The accolade is the third in the profession for Jeffries, who was the 2008 and 2012 CIAA Sports Information Director of the Year. A Raleigh, N.C. native, Jeffries covers 14 sports for the athletic program at Saint Augustine's University.

SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION