2017 SIAC Football Predicted Order of Finish

ATLANTA, Georgia – Quarterback Johnathan McCrary of Clark Atlanta University was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year along with linebacker Osband Thompson of Tuskegee University who was selected as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, announced Tuesday during media day at the College Football Hall of Fame.

All votes are submitted by SIAC head coaches and sports information directors.

McCrary, a redshirt senior from Decatur, Ga., completed 142-of-256 passes for 1,903 yards and averaged 211.4 yards per game last season. In his first year in the SIAC, McCrary led the league with 14 touchdown passes. In the come-from-behind victory over Morehouse (Oct. 1) he set SIAC single-game highs with 456 passing yards and five touchdowns.

Thompson recorded 137 tackles in 2016 for the Golden Tigers who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Miami, Fla. native totaled 67 solo tackles on the year, including 11.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also forced three fumbles, intercepted one pass, recorded four pass breakups and three quarterback hurries. Thompson was also the 2016 SIAC Defensive Player of the Year and Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Super Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year.

Tuskegee was picked to win the west division with 75 points and 11 first-place votes in the preseason poll. Miles (60) was voted second, ahead of Kentucky State (48), Lane (37), and Central State (21).

Albany State was the preseason favorite in the east division with 65 points and six first-place votes. Fort Valley State earned 55 points followed by Benedict (52), Clark Atlanta (42), and Morehouse (26).

2017 SIAC Preseason Football All-Conference First Team

Johnathon McCrary	Quarterback	Clark Atlanta	Redshirt-Senior	Decatur, Ga.
Ryan Edwards	Tight end	Morehouse	Senior	Atlanta, Ga.
Okechi Ntiasagwe	Wide receiver	Benedict	Junior	Columbia, S.C.
Dre Martin	Wide receiver	Clark Atlanta	Sophomore	LaGrange, Ga.
Marcus Holliday	Running back	Lane	Junior	Memphis, Tenn.
Ger’Kerry Jackson	Running back	Miles	Junior	Montgomery, Ala.
Tedrick Cofield	Offensive lineman	Albany State	Senior	Atlanta, Ga.
Leeward Brown	Offensive lineman	Tuskegee	Senior	Miami, Fla.
Marcus Campbell, Jr.	Offensive lineman	Kentucky State	Junior	Radcliff, Ky.
Justin Brown	Offensive lineman	Benedict	Junior	Marietta, Ga.
Howard Bush	Offensive lineman	Lane	Senior	Mobile, Ala.
Charles Williams	Defensive lineman	Benedict	Senior	Barnwell, S.C.
Rodriguez Jones	Defensive lineman	Kentucky State	Senior	Newport News, Va.
Aaryn Guy	Defensive lineman	Benedict	Junior	Grand Rapids, Mich.
Kaelan Bonds	Defensive lineman	Miles	Senior	Florence, Ala.
David Smith	Linebacker	Morehouse	Senior	Newport News, Va.
Osband Thompson	Linebacker	Tuskegee	Senior	Miami, Fla.
Kendrick Frazier	Linebacker	Benedict	Senior	Charleston, S.C.
Edward Kirkland	Defensive back	Benedict	Senior	Columbia, S.C.
Jonah McCutcheon	Defensive back	Tuskegee	Senior	Mobile, Ala.
Travionte Brown	Defensive back	Benedict	Sophomore	Albany, Ga.
Kenneth Morgan	Defensive back	Clark Atlanta	Sophomore	Milledgeville, Ga.
Nick Christiansen	Kicker	Miles	Senior	Clayton, N.C.
Juan Serna	Punter	Fort Valley State	Senior	Douglasville, Ga.
Ricci Nuckles	Kick returner	Morehouse	Sophomore	Suwanee, Ga.
Deandre Jackson	Punt returner	Clark Atlanta	Senior	Atlanta, Ga.

2017 SIAC Preseason Football All-Conference Second Team

Marcus Reynolds	Quarterback	Lane	Junior	Calhoun, Ga.
Darius Nelson	Tight end	Benedict	Junior	Milledgeville, Ga.
Jules St. Ge	Wide receiver	Kentucky State	Sophomore	Lakeland, Fla.
Javarrius Cheatham	Wide receiver	Tuskegee	Junior	Greenville, Ala.
Jamari Clark	Running back	Fort Valley State	Junior	Stockbridge, Ga.
Lavelle Cloyd	Running back	Kentucky State	Senior	Lexington, Ky.
Darius Thomas	Offensive lineman	Central State	Sophomore	Cincinnati, Ohio
Craig Hinson	Offensive lineman	Benedict	Junior	Hephzibah, Ga.
Christopher Ruffin	Offensive lineman	Miles	Senior	Bessemer, Ala.
Darius Preyer	Offensive lineman	Clark Atlanta	Junior	Montgomery, Ala.
Lowell Richardson	Offensive lineman	Tuskegee	Junior	Miami, Fla.
Antonio Johnson	Defensive lineman	Morehouse	Junior	Birmingham, Ala.
Voris Bryant	Defensive lineman	Morehouse	Senior	Gray, Ga.
Devonte West	Defensive lineman	Fort Valley State	Senior	Largo, Fla.
Mekiye Kingston	Defensive lineman	Clark Atlanta	Junior	Jonesboro, Ga.
Zavondric Shingleton	Linebacker	Albany State	Senior	Millen, Ga.
Anthony Hardy	Linebacker	Miles	Senior	Demopolis, Ala.
Keonte Reynolds	Linebacker	Kentucky State	Junior	Louisville, Ky.
Nick Scott	Defensive back	Albany State	Senior	Ellabell, Ga.
Ryan Luckett	Defensive back	Kentucky State	Senior	Orlando, Fla.
Robert Cummings	Defensive back	Benedict	Sophomore	Macon, Ga.
Kentron James	Defensive back	Fort Valley State	Junior	Tallahassee, Fla.
Carlos Saldana	Kicker	Clark Atlanta	Sophomore	Austell, Ga.
Nick Christiansen	Punter	Miles	Senior	Clayton, N.C.
Deandre Jackson	Kick returner	Clark Atlanta	Senior	Atlanta, Ga.
Ladarrell Pettway	Punt returner	Tuskegee	Redshirt-Sophomore	Spanish Fort, Ala.

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year:
Johnathan McCrary, Clark Atlanta

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year:
Osband Thompson, Tuskegee

COURTESY THE SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Slater wants more than title of Tuskegee AD

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Tuskegee’s new athletic director already has an office at the school.

Tuskegee head football coach Willie Slater takes over for Curtis Campbell, who left to take the same position at Western Oregon.

Tuskegee interim president Dr. Charlotte Morris introduced Slater on Friday, stating that Slater was passionate and goal-oriented.



“He’s had great football teams here,” Morris said. “He is focused on the success of the student-athletes. He’s led with discipline and his players have graduated with honors in the various majors we offer here at Tuskegee University.”

Slater said he was skeptical at first when asked to accept the job.

“Being athletic director was never something I had envisioned,” Slater said. “It was an opportunity that popped up. I didn’t really pursue it, but I was asked. My first response was that I just want to be a good football coach.”

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Tuskegee returns to face Jackson State in 5th Quarter Classic

Tuskegee won last year’s game 20-17. The squad, which finished 9-3, is ranked No. 22 in Division II by Lindy’s Sports College Football Preview magazine.

MOBILE, Alabama -- Each year the Mobile Sports Authority (MSA) releases a report documenting how the athletic events it attracts to Mobile County impact the local economy. During the 2016 fiscal year, MSA had a hand in 35 events, together generating an estimated $25,592,016.

At the top of the list was a new event, the 5th Quarter Classic football game, which brought more than 19,000 fans to Ladd-Peebles Stadium to watch Tuskegee and Florida A&M compete. Thanks to festivals, concerts, a parade and alumni parties, MSA said, the economic impact was $6,480,000, while more than $2 million in scholarship offers went to Mobile-area youth.

Officials with MSA joined with promoter Robert Buck recently to announce the 5th Quarter Classic will return this fall. The Golden Tigers from Tuskegee will be back on Oct. 14, this time to face Jackson State University.

“We’re pleased to once again be hosting the 5th Quarter Classic powered by the Mobile Sports Authority this fall,” said Danny Corte, MSA executive director. “After last year’s successful return to Mobile of a classic-style game, we believe this year’s match-up of Tuskegee and Jackson State will add another exciting chapter to our series as we welcome the teams, officials and fans to our beautiful area in October.



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Restivo returns to be S.C. State defensive coordinator

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- What was old is now new again. Well, not exactly. But, former South Carolina State defensive coordinator Tommy Restivo is now the new defensive coordinator for the Bulldogs.

Don’t let that confuse you.

After two seasons at the post for S.C. State, Restivo left Orangeburg in January of 2016 and took the DC post at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Former South Carolina linebackers coach Kirk Botkin then came to head up the defense for the Bulldogs last season. With Botkin leaving the program this summer, Bulldogs head coach Buddy Pough has turned once again to Restivo to direct the aspect of the S.C. State team that has been its calling card for many decades.

“You always are happy when you can put a piece back in place and don’t have to bring it up to speed with the rest of the program,” Pough said on Friday. “Coach Restivo is familiar with all the intricacies of what we do here at South Carolina State, and he knows the rest of our staff well.

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Nuggets' 2017 schedule includes 10 in a row at home

2017 Schedule Page

NEW ORLEANS — A school-record 10 consecutive home matches are on the 2017 Xavier University of Louisiana volleyball schedule, new coach Pat Kendrick announced Thursday.

The Gold Nuggets, six-time defending Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champion, will open the season Aug. 25-26 with four matches at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Early Bird. Then XULA will play 10 in a row at its Convocation Center, four during the third annual Big Easy Blastoff Sept. 1-2.

NAIA National Championship 2016 qualifiers on the schedule are Madonna (Aug. 25 at UM-Dearborn), Mobile (Aug. 29 in XULA's home opener, then Sept. 26 at Mobile) and Our Lady of the Lake (Sept. 1 in the Big Easy Blastoff). XULA also will play twice — Sept. 7 at home, Oct. 12 away — against Spring Hill, a 27-5 NCAA Division II team a year ago.

The Gold Nuggets will open their GCAC schedule Sept. 9 at home against Tougaloo. The GCAC Tournament will be Nov. 10-11.

There will be five first-time opponents — Trinity International, Madonna and Lawrence Tech at UM-Dearborn and UM-Dearborn and Texas Wesleyan at the Big Easy Blastoff.

This will be XULA's 10th season of intercollegiate volleyball, and the home opener against Mobile will be the Gold Nuggets' 100th match on their campus.

Xavier University of Louisiana
2017 Women's Volleyball Schedule
Aug. 25 (Fri.): Trinity International, 3 p.m. EDT (UM-Dearborn Early Bird, Dearborn, Mich.)
Aug. 25 (Fri.): Madonna, 7 p.m. EDT (UM-Dearborn Early Bird, Dearborn, Mich.)
Aug. 26 (Sat.): Lawrence Tech, 10 a.m. EDT (UM-Dearborn Early Bird, Dearborn, Mich.)
Aug. 26 (Sat.): Fisk, 2 p.m. EDT (UM-Dearborn Early Bird, Dearborn, Mich.)
Aug. 29 (Tue.): MOBILE, 6 p.m.
Sept. 1 (Fri.): OUR LADY OF THE LAKE, 3 p.m. (Big Easy Blastoff)
Sept. 1 (Fri.): RUST, 7 p.m. (Big Easy Blastoff)
Sept. 2 (Sat.): MICHIGAN-DEARBORN, 3 p.m. (Big Easy Blastoff)
Sept. 2 (Sat.): TEXAS WESLEYAN, 7 p.m. (Big Easy Blastoff)
Sept. 5 (Tue.): LOYOLA (N.O.), 6 p.m.
Sept. 7 (Thu.): SPRING HILL, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9 (Sat.): • TOUGALOO, 1 p.m.
Sept. 11 (Mon.): • EDWARD WATERS, 6 p.m.
Sept. 16 (Sat.): • TALLADEGA, 1 p.m.
Sept. 19 (Tue.) at William Carey, 6 p.m.
Sept. 21 (Thu.) • at SUNO, 6 p.m.
Sept. 26 (Tue.) at Mobile, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 28 (Thu.): • DILLARD, 6 p.m.
Oct. 5 (Thu.): WILLIAM CAREY, 6 p.m.
Oct. 7 (Sat.): • PHILANDER SMITH, 1 p.m.
Oct. 12 (Thu.) at Spring Hill, 6 p.m.
Oct. 14 (Sat.) • at Edward Waters, 1 p.m. EDT
Oct. 16 (Mon.) • at Tougaloo, 6 p.m.
Oct. 17 (Tue.) • at Philander Smith, 6 p.m.
Oct. 21 (Sat.) • at Talladega, 1 p.m.
Oct. 26 (Thu.): • SUNO, 6 p.m.
Oct. 31 (Tue.): at Loyola (N.O.), 6 p.m.
Nov. 2 (Thu.) • at Dillard, 6 p.m.
Nov. 10-11 (Fri.-Sat.): Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament, TBA
Nov. 18 (Sat.): NAIA National Championship opening round at campus sites, TBA
Nov. 28-Dec. 2 (Tue.-Sat.): NAIA National Championship final site at Sioux City, Iowa, TBA

Home matches in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS
All times are Central except where noted
Schedules are subject to change

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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P-Rays' Brown (JSU) bearing up in transition to pros

PRINCETON, West Virginia — Princeton Rays outfielder Bryce Brown comes from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a land of unique and world-reknowned regional cuisine, Zydeco music, alligators and hoodoo folk remedies; a place where hot sauce is as ubiquitous a condiment in restaurants as salt, pepper and ketchup is everywhere else.

For many Mercer County residents, Louisiana would seem downright exotic. But if you’re from Baton Rouge, so does Mercer County.

“I like it out here ... All the mountains and stuff. I’ve never seen so many mountains and trees,” said Brown.

“I saw my first black bear the other day out on the road,” he said.

A live bear?

“No. It was dead on the side of the road. I’d never seen a black bear before,” said the 20-year-old Brown, who was picked by Tampa Bay in the 15th round of the 2017 draft.

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2017 SCSU Bulldog football has strong nucleus

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Since the inception of the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, which pits the champion from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference against the Southwestern Athletic Conference champion in a postseason game the week before Christmas in Atlanta, South Carolina State University football fans have been waiting for the Bulldogs to claim a spot in the signature contest kicking off the bowl season.

The S.C. State faithful watched as Bulldog MEAC rival North Carolina A&T claimed an exciting 41-34 win over the SWAC’s Alcorn State two years (2015) ago at the Georgia Dome, and stood by last season (2016) as the SWAC evened the series 1-1 with Grambling’s 10-9 triumph over North Carolina Central in a defensive battle.

“When is our turn?” bemoan the Bulldog faithful, perhaps. S.C. State had high hopes of reaching that coveted game each of the last two seasons, but Coach Buddy Pough and his squad got derailed along the way each time.

Well, what will 2017 bring? Labor Day weekend (Sept. 03) should give S.C. State and its supporters a glimpse of what is to come as Pough and the Bulldogs kick off the 2017 campaign against one-time SWAC kingpin Southern in the annual MEAC-SWAC Challenge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Mississippi SWAC schools among smallest athletic budgets in Division 1

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Mississippi’s SWAC schools have three of the 10 smallest athletic budgets in Division 1, according to a study released Thursday by USA Today.

The study found that among the 347 colleges and universities that compete in the NCAA’s top division, Jackson State ranked 337, Alcorn ranked 341 and Mississippi Valley State spent less than any other school in the country.

More troubling is the revelation that all three schools rank at or near the bottom in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in terms of both spending and revenue.

Records show Jackson State had the seventh-largest budget in the 10-team conference with a total operating budget of $7.6 million.

That’s nearly $1 million more than Alcorn State ($6.75 million), which ranked ninth in the league, and $3.3 million more than Mississippi Valley State ($4.29 million), which was last.

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Southern hopes to hire Roger Cador's replacement by early July; no interviews conducted yet

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern athletic director Roman Banks said he would like to have a new baseball coach hired by early July — and, more specifically, "in the next two to three weeks," he said.

For now, no interviews have been held in the search for Roger Cador's replacement, but Banks said he expects to begin the process sometime next week. Banks previously said he was following no timeline to hire a coach but that he'd prefer to have it done relatively quickly.

Whoever gets the job will be charged with replacing one of college baseball's most influential figures. Cador coached the Jaguars for 33 years.

Cador agreed to stay with the athletic department as the school's director of athletics advancement, a new position that aims to take advantage of his extensive connections and fundraising skills while his replacement gets settled in.

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New Mexico State fills massive hole, signs Texas Southern graduate transfer guard Zach Lofton

ZACH LOFTON
COJRTESY: TEXAS SOUTHERN ATHLETICS

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico – Chris Jans’ finally got a backcourt boost.

New Mexico State’s first year coach stepped into the job already needing to replace the reigning WAC Player of the Year in point guard Ian Baker. He then got a gut punch when breakout junior wing Braxton Huggins (13.7 PPG, 42.0 3P%) transferred to Fresno State.

And that wasn’t all.

Three other guards — Jermaine Haley, Matt Taylor and Jalyn Pennie — also left the program with eligibility left. Taylor and Pennie started at various times in their respective careers in Las Cruces, but Haley may have been the biggest loss, as the redshirt freshman oozed potential.

But the script flipped Monday as Texas Southern graduate transfer guard Zach Lofton committed to New Mexico State. He fills a massive need in terms of both scoring and experience.

n his lone year in Houston, Lofton averaged 16.8 points per game and won the SWAC Player of the Year award. This included a 35-point debut against UT Arlington in November, and a 19-point effort against Arizona later that month.

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Clark Atlanta University Selects First Female Band Director

TOMISHA BROCK

DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY BANDS
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MUSIC
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Clark Atlanta University (CAU) has named Tomisha Brock as Director of University Bands and Assistant Professor of Music. This historic announcement makes Brock the first woman to serve as band director and the first female director in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

“I am truly honored and excited to make history at CAU,” says Brock. “In a male dominated profession, it is a privilege for female directors to show that we are just as qualified, we can compete and produce on a large scale, as with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” she adds. According to the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium, there are only five female band directors serving HBCUs across the nation serving as head director or as assistant/associate director.

Brock recently served as associate director of bands and assistant professor at Mississippi Valley State. Previously she served as director of university bands at Elizabeth City State University. “My goal is to provide holistic education through music, as well as excitement, creativity, and revitalization to the CAU band program,” says the 35-year-old. “Our students will understand the importance of music in their lives and the contributions music education has in creating the ‘total person.’ When students leave my program, they will possess valuable skills that will help market them in their careers wherever they go.”

Brock, who began singing in the church choir at six-years-old and playing the clarinet by age 10, has immersed herself in music her entire life. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Virginia State University and a Master of Music Education degree from Norfolk State University. She is pursuing her PhD in music education at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2016 Brock was named Spectacular Magazine’s 'Woman of the Year’, in the education category.

“Students who are involved in music and the marching band develop solid social skills. It provides them an avenue to express themselves, free from judgment,’ says the Virginia native. “It teaches and enhances the concepts of self-discipline, accountability, and team work.”

To schedule an interview with Tomisha Brock contact TBell@CAU.edu

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Edward Waters Baseball Adds Seven for 2018

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Head Coach Reginald Johnson, II announced the signing of seven student-athletes for his baseball program for the 2018 season. C/OF Juan Loyo, C Karl Morales, C/IF Parker Rook, RHP Hunter Morris, INF/RHP Cody Melton, IF Arnie Ruiz, & IF Latek McNeil will be expected to contribute immediately to a team that had its second consecutive 30+ win season in 2017. 

"I'm very pleased with this year's signing class." said Coach Johnson. "The seven guys we've added are not only quality baseball players, but quality young men that will add to what we have coming back next season."

C/OF Juan Loyo/Caracas, Venezuela/CSA Becas Academy:

Coach Johnson on Loyo: "Juan has great tools and leadership qualities behind the dish. He's also very athletic in the outfield and swings the bat well to all parts of the field."

C Karl Morales/Dundee, FL/Spoon River College (IL):

Coach Johnson on Morales: "He's coming in with college experience behind the dish which is a plus for us. He controls the defense and pitching staff extremely well and we're looking for him to come in and immediately compete and take over the everyday role behind the plate."

C/IF Parker Rook/Orlando, FL/Timber Creek HS:

Superlatives: Rook played a huge role both on the mound and at the plate for the Wolves in 2017 en route to the 2017 FHSAA Class 9A State Baseball Championship. During his senior season, he drove in 20 RBIs and was an All-Metro Conference Honorable Mention selection in 2017. 

Coach Johnson on Rook: "I'm looking for Parker to come in with the winning mentality that he already has and carry it over to the collegiate level."     

RHP Hunter Morris/Orange Park, FL/Ridgeview HS:

Superlatives: Morris had a perfect 5-0 record in his final season for Head Coach John Sgromolo in 2017. He also had a 1.24 ERA in 28.1 innings pitched for the Panthers and had 27 strikeouts. 

Coach Johnson on Morris: "Hunter has three pitches that he commands very well and can be thrown on any count. He does a great job in keeping good hitting teams off balance and I'm looking for him to come in and compete in the rotation as a mid-week starter."

IF/RHP Cody Melton/Jacksonville, FL/University Christian School:

Superlatives: During 2017, Melton had a .440 batting average in 118 plate appearances with just six strikeouts. He helped lead the Fighting Christians the 2017 FHSAA Class 3A State Championship Game, where UC finished as the runner-up. Melton was also named to the 2017 All-First Coast Baseball Team and finished third in the 2017 Mr. Baseball voting for the state of Florida.

Coach Johnson on Melton: "Cody is another guy that we have coming in that just flat out knows how to win. I defintely expect for him to compete for a starting position and he'll also have some innings on the mound. He'll bring great diversity in the lineup being able to hit to all parts of the field and doesn't strikeout much."  

IF Arnie Ruiz/Orlando, FL/Timber Creek HS:

Superlatives: Ruiz joins his fellow State Champion teammate Parker Rook as the newest Tigers on the squad. During his senior season, he had a .330 batting average in 103 plate appearances with 33 runs scored and one homerun. Ruiz was named the Most Valuable Player for the Wolves in 2017, Third-Team All-Area, & an All-Metro Conference Honorable Mention selection. 

Coach Johnson on Ruiz: "He's another great player that we've brought in who knows how to compete. He' is a great defender and a very scrappy hitter that finds a way to get on base."

IF Latek McNeil/Hampton, GA/Dutchtown HS:

Coach Johnson on McNeil: "Latek will come in and immediately compete for the starting spot at second and third base. He has great hands and even greater instincts for the game. I am really excited to see the development of him as a ballplayer. Out of all of the players we have coming in, Latek has the highest ceiling."

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS  

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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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

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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