Xavier Openers are Saturday; Green nears coaching milestones

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Coach Alan Green

NEW ORLEANS — Alan Green is on the verge of a pair of coaching milestones as he leads his Xavier University of Louisiana tennis teams into the 2018 spring semester.
     
Green, in his 15th season as coach of the XULA men and women, needs one dual-match victory to reach 200 in his career with the Gold Rush (men) and two victories to reach 200 with the Gold Nuggets. Green's career records: 199-134 with the men and 198-157 with the women.
     
XULA, a perennial NAIA power, will play its first dual matches at 2 p.m. Saturday against NCAA Division I's South Alabama at Mobile, Ala. The home opener for the Rush and Nuggets will be Jan. 28 — one week from Sunday — against city rival Loyola at XULA Tennis Center. Admission is free to all XULA home matches.
     
Both the men's and women's schedules again will feature a heavy dose of NCAA DI teams and ranked NCAA DII and NAIA opponents. Both teams will play defending NAIA champion Georgia Gwinnett during the Grizzly Invitational at Lawrenceville, Ga., Feb. 16-18. The XULA men will play defending NCAA DIII champion Emory during the Grizzly Invitational, and they'll visit last season's NCAA DII champion, West Florida, April 15.
     
he Gold Rush — the NAIA national runner-up in 2016 and 2017 and No. 2 in the 2017 postseason coaches poll — will play nine duals against NCAA DI (Louisiana-Lafayette twice, Abilene Christian, Jackson State, Jacksonville State, South Alabama, Nicholls State, Prairie View A&M, Jackson State), three against top-10 NCAA DII opponents (No. 1 West Florida, No. 4 Valdosta State, No. 10 Embry-Riddle [Fla.]), one against a ranked NCAA DIII opponent (No. 1 Emory) and six against ranked NAIA teams (No. 1 Georgia Gwinnett, No. 3 Keiser, No. 7 William Carey twice, No. 11 Mobile, No. 25 SCAD Atlanta).
     
The Gold Nuggets — ranked No. 1 a combined five times in 2012 and 2013 and No. 10 in the 2017 postseason — will play nine duals against NCAA DI (Louisiana-Lafayette twice, Grambling, Jackson State, Nicholls State, Prairie View A&M, South Alabama, Southern, Southern Miss), two against ranked NCAA DII opponents (No. 5 West Florida, No. 25 Valdosta State) and 11 against ranked NAIA teams (No. 1 Georgia Gwinnett, No. 6 William Carey twice, No. 8 San Diego Christian, No. 9 LSU-Alexandria twice, No. 13 Mobile, No. 14 Cumberlands, No. 15 SCAD Atlanta, No. 16 Arizona Christian, No. 17 Lewis-Clark State).
     
All NAIA team rankings are from the 2017 postseason polls. The first of nine rankings in 2018 will be announced Tuesday.
     
The NAIA National Championships will be played at Mobile, Ala., for the 15th consecutive season. The Gold Rush will attempt to qualify for nationals for the 10th consecutive year and the 10th time overall; the Gold Nuggets will try to qualify for the seventh consecutive year, the 10th time in 11 years and the 12th time overall.
     
Green expects his teams to be well-equipped to handle the demanding schedules. He has eight players with current or previous national or regional ITA rankings during their XULA tenures. The Gold Rush roster includes returning All-Americans Antoine Richard and Catalin Fifea, plus newcomer Samir Chikhaoui, ranked 19th in the NAIA in singles. Richard was third in the 2017 postseason singles rankings; Fifea currently is 42nd. Also back is Pierre Andrieu, who was 12th with Fifea in doubles at the close of 2017.
     
Two-time All-American Charlene Goreau returns for the Gold Nuggets, and she's ranked 23rd nationally. Also back for the XULA women are Yi Chen Pao, No. 50 in singles, and Lacee Ancar, who ranked as high as 12th last year in doubles. Newcomer Manon Bonada is 18th in the South in singles.

2018 XULA Tennis Schedule
Team(s)	Date(s)	Opponent	Site	Time(s)
Both	Jan. 20 (Sat.)	at South Alabama	Mobile, Ala.	2 p.m.
Men	Jan. 27 (Sat.)	at Louisiana-Lafayette  (DH)	Lafayette, La.	10 a.m./2 p.m.
Both	Jan. 28 (Sun.)	LOYOLA (N.O.)	XULA TENNIS CENTER	Noon
Men	Feb. 2 (Fri.)	JACKSONVILLE STATE	XULA TENNIS CENTER	2 p.m.
Women	Feb. 3 (Sat.)	at Louisiana-Lafayette  (DH)	Lafayette, La.	10 a.m./1:30 p.m.
Women	Feb. 8 (Thu.)	at Southern Miss	Hattiesburg, Miss.	2:30 p.m.
Women	Feb. 9 (Fri.)	Grambling	Baton Rouge, La.	3 p.m.
Women	Feb. 10 (Fri.)	LSU-Alexandria	Alexandria, La.	Noon
Both	Feb. 16-18 (Fri.-Sun.)	Grizzly Invitational	Lawrenceville, Ga.	TBA
Both	Feb. 21 (Wed.)	at Nicholls State	Thibodaux, La.	1 p.m.
Men	Feb. 22 (Thu.)	Prairie View A&M	Baton Rouge, La.	2 p.m.
Both	Feb. 23 (Fri.)	at Mobile	Mobile, Ala.	3 p.m.
Both	March 2 (Fri.)	at William Carey	Hattiesburg, Miss.	3 p.m.
Women	March 8 (Thu.)	at Arizona Christian	Phoenix, Ariz.	4 p.m. MST
Women	March 9 (Fri.)	Lewis-Clark State	Phoenix, Ariz.	6:30 p.m. MST
Women	March 10 (Sat.)	Westmont	Phoenix, Ariz.	Noon MST
Women	March 10 (Sat.)	Ottawa (Ariz.)	Phoenix, Ariz.	6 p.m. MST
Women	March 11 (Sun.)	San Diego Christian	Phoenix, Ariz.	Noon MST
Both	March 18 (Sun.)	SCAD ATLANTA	XULA TENNIS CENTER	TBA
Men	March 23 (Fri.)	ABILENE CHRISTIAN	XULA TENNIS CENTER	3 p.m.
Women	March 24 (Sat.)	LSU-ALEXANDRIA	XULA TENNIS CENTER	Noon
Men	March 26 (Mon.)	at Embry-Riddle	Daytona Beach, Fla.	3:30 p.m. EDT
Men	March 27 (Tue.)	Keiser	Orlando, Fla.	1 p.m. EDT
Women	April 6 (Fri.)	SOUTHERN	XULA TENNIS CENTER	3 p.m.
Both	April 8 (Sun.)	JACKSON STATE	XULA TENNIS CENTER	Noon
Both	April 12 (Thu.)	WILLIAM CAREY	XULA TENNIS CENTER	1 p.m.
Both	April 14 (Sat.)	Valdosta State	Pensacola, Fla.	3 p.m.
Both	April 15 (Sun.)	at West Florida	Pensacola, Fla.	Noon
Both	April 16 (Mon.)	LEWIS-CLARK STATE	XULA TENNIS CENTER	10 a.m.
Both	TBA	NAIA Unaffiliated Group Tournament	TBA	TBA
Both	May 15 (Tue.)- May 19 (Sat.)	NAIA National Championships	Mobile, Ala.	TBA
(DH) doubleheader Home matches (in bold and CAPITAL LETTERS) are played at XULA Tennis Center (capacity 200), Xavier University campus, New Orleans TBA — to be announced All times are Central, except where noted Schedule is subject to change Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA  twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold

PSAC and Wolves facing issues after Cheyney drops football program

LOCK HAVEN, Pennsylvania -- When it was announced last month that CheyneyUniversity was discontinuing its football program, Steve Murray was hardly shocked. The commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference saw it coming.

“No, it was not a surprise at all,” he said. “We had some conversations with them back in the middle of the summer about their financial situation — and the realities of it.”

The PSAC announced on Dec. 7 that Cheyney dropped its football program amid the university’s tough financial times. The decision to eliminate the program has sent shockwaves throughout the PSAC, of which IUP is a member.

“We’ve responded and made the schools aware of the situation,” Murray said. “We’re getting the word out and getting information, but it’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination.”

Back in August, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which oversees the 14 state-owned universities, announced it would forgive Cheyney’s more than $30 million in debt if the university can maintain a balanced budget over the next four years. That means Cheyney needed to begin slashing its budget — and the football program was one of the first things to go.

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Hughes, JSU making progress with high school recruits

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Now that he has 11 mid-year juco transfers enrolled in classes, JSU coach Tony Hughes and his staff are making a recruiting push for 15 to 20 high school seniors to complete his 2018 recruiting class.

They're off to a solid start, with verbal commitments from six prospects.

In addition to Louisville defensive back Lakevias Daniel (who has been committed for months), Hughes earlier this week received commitments from Starkville wide receiver Cameron Hines, dual-threat quarterback Chapelle Wade from George Washington Carver High School in Birmingham, Mobile (LeFlore) linebacker Timontre Graham and a pair of offensive linemen: Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Central guard Cameron Beal and Natchez tackle
Cedric Dunbar.

Hines is the headliner here. At 6-foot and 185 pounds, he’s shown the ability to create separation that was missing for JSU’s receiving corps for much of last season. He was the third-most productive receiver in the state as a senior, with 70 catches for 913 yards and 12 touchdowns.

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Grambling State To Play At Northwestern State On Sept. 8

NATCHITOCHES, Louisiana -- Northwestern State athletic director Greg Burke annually needs to find two football games to go along with nine Southland Conference games to fill out a schedule.

His present to first-year NSU head football coach Brad Laird is a season-opening date at Texas A&M on Sept. 1 followed by a home opener against Grambling State the following week. Nine weeks of Southland Conference play fill out the schedule.

“I think it’s an opportunistically challenging schedule,’’ Burke said. “Playing a Power Five, which we’re going to have to do pretty much every year. Got a very high quality FCS (opponent) and then you look at the entire Southland Conference and you see that anything can happen any week. There will be no shortages of challenges with that schedule. But it is also a great opportunity for our program and new leadership.’’

The Demons, 4-7 last season, will likely be heavy underdogs at College Station, Texas, for the first game of the Jimbo Fisher Era.

They will also leave with a $515,000 check for their time.

Burke said playing one Power Five school such as Texas A&M brings in enough guarantee money to keep NSU from having to play two guarantee games.

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TSU's Jordan Reed Signs with KB Trepça in Kosovo

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --Tennessee State University graduate Jordan Reed (Philadelphia, Pa.) inked his first professional basketball contract to play for KB Trepça in Kosovo. Reed is the fifth player who played for TSU during Dana Ford's head coaching tenure to sign a pro deal.

“What a great opportunity for a great young man,” Ford said. “We are very proud of Jordan and all of his accomplishments both on the court as well as off. He will be a fantastic addition to the KB Trepça organization.”

Reed, who graduated from TSU in 2017, suited up for the Tigers during the 2016-17 season after redshirting in 2015-16. Helping TSU post a 17-13 record as a redshirt senior, the Philadelphia, Pa. native put up 8.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in his lone season on the court in Nashville.

JORDAN REED BIO – TSUTIGERS.COM

Last season, Reed reached 1,000 career points at the Division I level including points scored during his first three collegiate seasons at Binghamton University in New York.

Reed, who had two double-doubles for the Tigers in 2016-17, posted a season-high 23 points to go with nine rebounds in TSU’s road win at Middle Tennessee on Nov. 19, 2016.

“I just want to thank everyone on the TSU staff and everyone on campus who had a hand in my success,” Reed said.

• KB Trepça competes in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague.
• Reed joins Tahjere McCall, Keron DeShields, Wayne Martin and Xavier Richards as players who suited up for the Tigers under fourth-year Head Coach Dana Ford before going on to pro careers.
• Wayne Martin is also currently playing professionally in Kosovo.  
• Reed finished his collegiate career with 1,175 career points (three seasons at Binghamton, one at TSU).
• He posted 25 career double-doubles and a total of 59 games with 10 or more points.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Southern notebook: Ladarius Skelton brings missing piece to Southern roster — a dynamic running quarterback

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern coach Dawson Odums said he has finally found the missing ingredient to his offense in junior college transfer quarterback Ladarius Skelton.

Though the Jaguars have consistently ranked among the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s best offenses throughout Odums’ tenure, he said it has been unable to reach its true potential because the threat of a quarterback run has never truly been there unless Southern subbed in its backup.

Skelton is the latest — and most dynamic — addition to a quarterback position group that now includes three players in the classic dual-threat mold.



“Hopefully we can be as explosive or even more explosive than we’ve ever been,” Odums said. “With Dray Joseph and Austin Howard, we didn’t really have great runners back there. Now we’ve got great runners.

“If they can have the decision-making of Dray Joseph or Austin Howard, look out. The sky’s the limit for how good we can be offensively.”

Having an elusive running threat at the quarterback position, Odums said, will not allow opposing defenses to load up the line of scrimmage with defenders, and will give Southern an advantage in terms of numbers.

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Ice freezes out Xavier home doubleheader with William Carey

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Xavier University of Louisiana's home basketball doubleheader with William Carey was not played Wednesday (Jan. 17, 2018) because of icy weather.
     

All XULA activities were shut down for the day. XULA will reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday.
     

It is not known yet if the games will be rescheduled.
     

This is the second straight year that weather affected a William Carey doubleheader at XULA. The schools agreed on a cancellation last season after an EF3 tornado (wind speeds between 136 to 165 mph) hit William Carey's campus in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Jan. 21, 2017. Damages included Carey's basketball facility, Clinton Gym.
     

Next for the Gold Rush and the Gold Nuggets will be a Saturday doubleheader at Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and city rival Dillard. The women's game will tip off at 3 p.m. at Dent Hall, followed by the men at 5. Dillard's visit to XULA will be Feb. 17.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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‘Make it right’: Descendants of slaves demand restitution from Georgetown

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- One-hundred-and-eighty years after Jesuit priests sold slaves to save Georgetown University from financial ruin, a group of descendants is calling for restitution.

The university’s president has apologized for the sale, and the school has taken steps to make amends. But Georgetown owes its existence to the money made from the sale of 272 enslaved people, argued Georgia Goslee, lead counsel for the GU272 Isaac Hawkins Legacy group. And the school is no longer near insolvency, but instead a thriving, elite university with a substantial endowment.

She declined Wednesday at a news conference to name the amount the group proposed to the university in June, but said her clients “do not believe Georgetown has fully atoned for the wealth it unjustly accumulated off the back of unpaid slave labor.”

Asked about the possibility of reparations, a school spokeswoman said Georgetown’s president, John DeGioia, has been clear about the ways the university could most significantly address racial injustice. That includes educational opportunities, perhaps partnerships with historically black universities, or help with college readiness, genealogy, memorials and reunion projects.



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Ex-DSU star Milstead interviews for Hornets football head coaching job

DOVER, Delaware -- Rod Milstead loves Delaware State football.

And whoever is the Hornets’ next coach, the former DSU standout offensive lineman is going to be pulling for them.

But Milstead also hopes he’s the one who gets the chance to put the DelState program back together.

The 48-year-old Milstead said on Wednesday that he has interviewed for the DSU head coaching job that was left open when Kenny Carter was fired on Nov. 20 after three seasons.

“It’s a place that I have gained so much from,” Milstead about his alma mater. “I would just like to come back and share some of my life lessons that I have learned over the years — not only with the game of football but with the game of life.”

The Hornets went just 3-30 over the past three seasons after going 2-9 this past fall. Milstead, however, said he’s not intimidated by the situation.

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Elizabeth City State Vikings Tune-Up Norfolk State 76-67

NORFOLK, Virginia -- For its final nonconference game of the regular season, Norfolk State returned to its CIAA roots .

It was the rockiest of reunions for the Spartans, who fell short yet again against a lower-level opponent.

Shyheld Petteway scored 23 points and Division II Elizabeth City State overcame a 13-point first-half deficit in a 76-67 upset Monday night at Echols Hall.

The Spartans lost for the second straight time and the fifth time in seven games.

And how they did it was especially frustrating for coach Robert Jones.

NSU (3-14) led 33-20 with six minutes left in the first half before the Vikings (6-6) came to life.

ECSU took a 42-39 lead on John Maynor’s 3-pointer from the top of the key just over three minutes into the second half and never trailed again.

The Vikings, who had lost four straight coming in, three times led by as many as 11 points in the second half.

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Fayetteville State Releases 2018 Football Schedule

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- The 2017 CIAA Southern Division Champions, Fayetteville State University, released its 2018 football schedule.

The Broncos, who finished 6-5 overall and 5-2 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, will have an even split schedule with five home and away games.

FSU will open the season on the road in Pennsylvania for a non-conference contest against the Lions of Lincoln University on Saturday, September 1st. In 2015, Fayetteville State won 49-17 for an unblemished 3-0 gridiron record.

The following weekend (Sept. 8), the Broncos will travel to Wingate, NC for a rematch against Wingate University.  The Bulldogs lost 31-0 in the first round of the NCAA Playoffs to West Florida.

On September 15th, Fayetteville State will close out the non-conference portion of the schedule with a home-opener against Benedict College. The Broncos sport a 3-2 series advantage after a 23-17 victory in 2001.

The Broncos 2018 campaign for a fourth CIAA football title will begin on September 22nd with a home game against Elizabeth City State University. FSU will travel back to Murfreesboro, NC on the pursuing weekend (Sept. 29th) to face Chowan University in its final cross-divisional game.

The CIAA Southern Division tilt will start on October 6th at the Durham County Memorial Stadium against Shaw University.  FSU has won the last five contests against the Bears.

Fayetteville State will return to Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium for a contest against Johnson C. Smith University (Oct. 13) before a road trip to Raleigh, NC on October 20th against Saint Augustine’s University.

Homecoming activities will begin on Monday, October 22nd and reach the highlight of the football game against Livingstone College on Saturday the 27th.

The regular season will come to an end on November 3rd with the Rams of Winston-Salem State University visiting the confines of Jeralds Stadiums. Last season, the Broncos defeated WSSU in a dramatic 23-22 victory to claim the Southern Division Title and a trip to the CIAA Championship game.

All game times will be announced at a later date.

2018 FSU Broncos Football Schedule

Sept. 1 at Lincoln (Pa.) Lincoln Univ. PA
Sept. 8 at Wingate Wingate, NC
Sept. 15 Benedict Fayetteville, NC
Sept. 22 Elizabeth City St. Fayetteville, NC
Sept. 29 at Chowan Murfreesboro, NC
Oct. 6 at Shaw Durham, NC
Oct. 13 Johnson C. Smith Fayetteville, NC
Oct. 20 at St. Augustine's Raleigh, NC
Oct. 27 Livingstone (HC) Fayetteville, NC
Nov. 3 Winston-Salem St. Fayetteville, NC

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY BRONCOS SPORTS INFORMATION

Delaware State Hornets Earn #5 Ranking In National Collegiate Equestrian Association Poll

WACO, Texas -- The Delaware State equestrian Flat riders are No. 5 in the country, according to a National Collegiate Equestrian Association poll released today. The NCEA has announced the first set of Event Rankings for 2017-18 collegiate season, as determined by the group’s selection committee.

Delaware State ranks fifth in Equitation on the Flat poll. Among the Hornets’ highlights on the Flat this season was an upset in the event of No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 17. The Hornets won three of the five rides, led by freshman Erin Gordon (Highlands Ranch, Co.) who topped the team with a winning score of 78. Hayley Anderson (sr.; Ne Boston, N.H.) also earned a point on the Flat for the Hornets with a score of 75 vs. UGA. Molly Gara (so.; Chicago, Ill.) captured Delaware State’s third point on the Flat with 73, while DSU’s Zoe Kirsch (fr.; Pittstown, N.J.) posted a solid mark of 76 in the Georgia contest.

Also this season, Anderson was selected as the United Equestrian Conference Flat Rider of the Month for Oct. 2017 after posting a 2-1 record and earning two Most Outstanding Performer awards. She had an average score of 84.33 in the month, including two 90-plus marks. The average victory margin was 10.5 in her two October wins.

In the summer of 2017, the NCEA Board of Directors approved a change to the National Championship format which includes four Event titles that will be included in the April 2018 NCEA National Championship. The Event titles will be determined through a head-to-head bracket format in each of the four events that comprise a head-to-head in-season meet. The Event rankings are determined by the NCEA Selection Committee and are released to the National Championship. The final set of rankings will be used to seed teams for the Event title competitions in Waco, Texas.

The Delaware State equestrian team will begin the 2018 portion of its schedule on Feb. 9 at South Dakota State. The next home competition is scheduled for March 2-3 against South Carolina and Baylor.

JANUARY 16, 2018 EVENT RANKINGS: EQUITATION ON THE FLAT

1. SMU

2. AUBURN

3. TEXAS A&M

4. FRESNO ST.

5. DELAWARE STATE

6. GEORGIA

7. OKLAHOMA ST.

8. UT-MARTIN

9. SOUTH DAKOTA ST.

10. SOUTH CAROLINA

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Connell Maynor Named Alabama A&M’s Head Football Coach

Head Coach Connell Maynor makes major step-up in Division I football with AAMU Bulldogs --  great facilities, SWAC tradition, Magic City Classic and a real band  -- the AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band! 

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Director of Athletics, Bryan Hicks, has announced the hiring of Connell Maynor as the next head football coach at Alabama A&M University.

Maynor brings an extensive resume to Alabama A&M, with more than two decades of experience, both as a coach and as a player in the intercollegiate and professional ranks. He has been part of 10 championship teams, six as a player and four as a coach.

Maynor comes to "The Hill" after spending four seasons as the head football coach at Hampton University. While at HU, Maynor led the Pirates to a 20-25 record. He guided the Pirates to two winning seasons, including a 6-5 record and a 5-3 mark in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this past season.

Prior to his stint at HU, he posted a 45-6 overall record and a 29-2 mark in the CIAA as head coach at Winston-Salem State University from 2010-13. After inheriting a program that went 1-10, he led the Rams to three straight CIAA championships in four seasons; three straight appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs; two Super Region One titles; an NCAA Semifinal appearance in 2011; and an NCAA Division II National Championship appearance and runner-up title.

The Rams also captured the 2011 and 2012 HBCU National Football Championships.

Prior to his time at WSSU, Maynor spent 10 seasons at Fayetteville State University as both the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. He helped lead Fayetteville State to four CIAA title game appearances and three CIAA championships (2002, 2003, and 2009).

In addition to his collegiate coaching responsibilities, Maynor is a veteran of 12 years in the Arena Football League (AFL) and he served as the Offensive Coordinator for the AFL's Philadelphia Soul from 2006-2008 and helped lead the Soul to the 2008 Arena Bowl XXII World Championship.

"I am really excited about the hiring of Coach Maynor. He is a proven winner and excellent coach, but more importantly, he is a great developer of young men," Hicks said. "I would like to thank Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., Dr. Daniel Wims, the search committee and the Board of Trustees for their continued support of Alabama A&M Athletics."

Maynor received a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration from North Carolina A&T State in 1995.

A press conference to introduce Coach Maynor will be held on Monday, January 22nd at 10:00 am in the Ernest L. Knight Complex on the campus of Alabama A&M University.



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XULA earns first top-25 national ranking of 2017-18

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball returned to the national spotlight Tuesday when it was ranked 22nd in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Top 25 Poll.

The top-25 appearance is the first for the XULA men since the preseason poll of Oct. 25, 2016, when they were 25th. It is the first time since Jan. 19, 2016, that the Gold Rush have been ranked in January.

XULA is 14-4 overall and in first place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference at 3-0 after its 69-55 victory Monday at Talladega. The victory was the eighth in a row for the Gold Rush and the program's longest winning streak since eight in a row Jan. 10-Feb. 5, 2015.

The Gold Rush will play 19th-ranked William Carey at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at XULA's Convocation Center, then visit GCAC and city rival Dillard at 5 p.m. Saturday at Dent Hall.

NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Jan. 14)

RANK PREVIOUS SCHOOL RECORD TOTAL POINTS
1 3 William Penn (Iowa) (4) 16-1 215
2 8 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) (4) 17-0 211
3 4 LSU Shreveport (La.) (1) 16-1 205
4 5 The Master's (Calif.) 18-1 201
T5 7 Columbia (Mo.) 18-1 186
T5 1 Georgetown (Ky.) 17-1 186
7 9 Hope International (Calif.) 18-1 176
8 10 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 16-2 167
9 T12 Central Methodist (Mo.) 17-1 163
10 2 Carroll (Mont.) 16-2 155
11 21 Wayland Baptist (Texas) 12-3 146
12 6 Pikeville (Ky.) 16-2 143
T13 18 Dalton State (Ga.) 13-4 132
T13 17 LSU Alexandria (La.) 14-4 132
15 20 Science & Arts (Okla.) 13-3 123
16 16 Montana Western 14-3 111
17 19 Missouri Baptist 15-3 102
18 T24 Cumberlands (Ky.) 14-3 95
19 T24 William Carey (Miss.) 12-4 88
20 NR Westmont (Calif.) 14-3 86
21 14 Oklahoma City 11-4 81
22 RV Xavier (La.) 13-4 76
23 RV Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) 12-6 65
24 11 Faulkner (Ala.) 13-4 55
25 RV Life (Ga.) 13-5 50
Others Receiving Votes: SAGU (Texas) 33; Vanguard (Calif.) 33; Peru State (Neb.) 24; Langston (Okla.) 17; Montana State-Northern 14; Campbellsville (Ky.) 10; Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) 10; Talladega (Ala.) 3; Texas Wesleyan 3.

Dropped Out: No. 12 (tie) Mid-America Christian (Okla.); No. 15 Campbellsville (Ky.); No. 22 William Jessup (Calif.); No. 23 Arizona Christian

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Rush take sole possession of first place in GCAC

TALLADEGA, Alabama — Jalen David scored a season-high 21 points Monday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana to a 69-55 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Talladega.

The Gold Rush (14-4, 3-0) grabbed sole possession of first place in the GCAC. XULA has won eight straight, its longest streak since since winning eight in a row Jan. 10-Feb. 5, 2015.

David — a 6-foot-4 senior who was second-team all-conference last season — was 8-of-12 from the floor and 4-of-6 from the line. He led the Gold Rush with six rebounds.

"Jalen has played really well these last three games," XULA coach Alfred Williams said. "He has given us leadership as a senior. He settled in tonight and made timely baskets. He was in a good groove and put the team on his back."

Jeff Dixon scored 13 points, 11 in the second half, and had six assists with no turnovers for XULA. Elex Carter blocked three shots.

Arcuas McGhee scored 13 points, all in the second half, and Devonte Dixon had 10 for the Tornadoes (12-6, 3-1), who entered the game with a half-game lead over XULA. Myles Howard had eight assists.

XULA limited Talladega to its second-fewest points at home since Talladega rejoined the NAIA in the summer of 2010. XULA won at Talladega for the first time in five years.

"Elex and Joe (Joseph Williams) played really well. They controlled the boards, didn't foul around the basket, and they finished well around the rim," Williams said. "All the guys were locked in and up for the challenge. Talladega is a very good team. We just wanted them to work for everything that they got. Keep pressure on shooters, making them shoot with a hand up and try to contain off the bounce."

The Gold Rush will play NAIA No. 24 William Carey in a non-conference game at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at XULA's Convocation Center. The next NAIA coaches poll will be revealed Tuesday afternoon.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Talladega surge sends Nuggets to 3rd straight loss

TALLADEGA, Alabama — Nautica Smith and Ja'Nyia McNealy made 3-pointers during a late third-quarter run Monday that helped Talladega earn a 53-45 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana.

The Lady Tornadoes (12-8, 3-1) scored 10 points in 1 minute, 42 seconds to increase their lead from 33-31 to 43-33. McNealy's trey capped the run at 1:19 of the third period.

Essence Wells scored 14 points, Gina Smith grabbed nine rebounds and DeDe Martinez blocked four shots for the Gold Nuggets (7-8, 0-3), who have lost six of their last eight games.

Courtnee Williams scored 12 points, and Sydnee Clark and McNealy had 10 apiece for Talladega, the defending GCAC regular-season and tournament champion. Talladega took sole possession of first place after Tougaloo lost 81-63 at home to Philander Smith.

XULA led 26-24 at halftime.

The Gold Nuggets will play William Carey in a non-conference game at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at XULA's Convocation Center.

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Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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Claflin, Virginia State and Morehouse Ranked in Top 20, NABC Division II Men's Basketball Poll

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- For the first time this season, the Claflin University men's basketball team has broken into the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) NCAA Division II Top 25 Rankings. The Panthers debuted at the #20 spot in the nation in the poll released Tuesday, Jan. 16.

The Virginia State University men's basketball team has secured the 12th spot in the poll with a 15-1 season record. The Trojans (15-1, 5-1 CIAA) have currently secured three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association victories over Winston-Salem State University (78-73), Livingstone College (72-65), and Virginia Union University (82-72).

The undefeated Morehouse College Maroon Tigers (15-0) continue to rise in regional and national polls and in conference standings. With the 75-70 win over Albany State, Saturday, the Maroon Tigers broke the previous mark of 14 consecutive wins, which was last achieved in the 2012-13 season. Morehouse rose to #14 in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches poll – up six spots from #20 last week. This is the first time the Maroon Tigers have cracked the NABC TOP 25 since the 1994-95 Morehouse team climbed to #15.

"This is a testament to the work the guys have put in all season," Claflin head coach Ricky Jackson said. "We appreciate the voters' confidence in us, but there is still a lot of basketball left. I would like to thank our President, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, the Claflin University family -- especially the student body -- and the community for their continued support."

Claflin is ranked 5th in the South Region of the Men's Basketball Division II Media Regional Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA.

In addition, the Panthers are ranked third in NCAA Division II in field goal percentage defense, holding their opponents to 37% shooting, fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 62.3 points per outing and 5th in win-loss percentage at 94.4%.

Claflin will face Morehouse College, who is ranked 14th in the NABC NCAA Division II Top 25 Rankings, this Saturday at 3 p.m. in Atlanta, Ga.

The Maroon Tigers also moved up in both poll conducted by D2SIDA. In the NCAA Division II sports information directors association's poll, Morehouse is ranked at #18, in the national poll, and at #2, in the South Region poll.

The Virginia State University men's basketball team has secured the 2^nd place spot in the D2SIDA Atlantic Men's Basketball Poll released yesterday.

CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY PANTHERS ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Alabama A&M grabs a winner in Coach Connell Maynor; Major upgrade for SWAC

2017/18 HEAD COACH CHANGES
COLLEGE                        NEW COACH          FORMER COACH

Alabama State                   Donald Hill-Eley        Brian Jenkins
Alabama A&M                Connell Maynor        James Spady
Arkansas - Pine Bluff       Cedric Thomas             Monte Coleman
Florida A&M                    Willie Simmons           Alex Wood
Delaware State                                                       Kenny Carter             
Hampton                             Robert Prunty            Connell Maynor
Mississippi Valley State     Vincent Dancy           Rick Comegy

Morgan State                    Ernest T. Jones$          Fred T. Farrier

North Carolina A&T      Sam Washington     Rod Broadway (Retired)

North Carolina Central      Granville Eastman$   Jerry Mack

Prairie View A&M             Eric Dooley              Willie Simmons
Lincoln (Pa.)                                                         Reginald Byarse Jr.
Edward Waters                 Greg Ruffin                 Alvin Wyatt
Virginia Union                  Dr. Alvin Parker         Mark James
Va. U. of Lynchburg         Bobby Rome              Jimmy Joe

 $ Interim for 2018
 *Interim                                                                

TERMINATION OF FOOTBALL PROGRAM
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)

2017/18 ATHLETICS DIRECTOR CHANGES
COLLEGE                          NEW AD                    OLD AD     
1. Florida A&M                   John Eason                   Milton Overton
2. Delaware State                 Mary Hill*                   Louis 'Skip' Perkins                 

HBCU ATHLETIC PROGRAMS ON NCAA PROBATION FOR LACK OF INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL and/or FAILURE TO MONITOR ITS ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

1. Morgan State University, Probation Period End Dec. 18, 2021
2. Southern University and A&M College, Probation End Nov. 15, 2021
3. Howard University, Probation End May 19, 2018
4. Grambling State University, Probation End July 27, 2019
5. Morehouse College, Entire Program, Probation End July 14, 2018
6. Norfolk State University, Probation End June 15, 2018
7. Prairie View A&M University Men's Basketball, Probation End Nov. 20, 2019
8. Fayetteville State University Women's Basketball, Probation End Nov. 13, 2019
9. Mississippi Valley State University, Probation End March 23, 2019
10. Alabama State University Softball, Probation End Oct. 19, 2018
11. Alcorn State University, Probation End Oct. 18, 2018
12. Florida A&M University, Probation End Nov. 19, 2019
13. Central State University (Ohio), Probation End March 3, 2019 
14. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Probation End Aug. 20, 2019                                                  

CONFERENCE CHANGES - 2018/19
COLLEGES                NEW CONFERENCE         OLD CONF.

Hampton                       Big South                                 MEAC
Savannah State             SIAC                                        MEAC
Langston                        SAC                                         RRAC
Texas College                SAC                                         RRAC

Jackson State Men's Basketball Cruise To 6-0 In SWAC

JACKSON, Mississippi — Jeremiah Jefferson poured in nine 3-pointers and finished with 28 points, both career highs, to lead Jackson State to a 79-71 win over Prairie View A&M on Monday night. JSU and Arkansas Pine Bluff remain as the only two undefeated team in SWAC play.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-2 junior, was 9 for 15 from the field and went 1 of 2 at the line. Darius Austin and Julian Daughtry added 13 points apiece for Jackson State (9-10, 6-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) and Treshawn Bolden had 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Prairie View A&M (5-14, 2-3) won the rebounding battle 42-33, but hit just 3 of 22 from 3-point range while Jackson State made 14 of 25 (56 percent).

The Tigers started strong and hung on, scoring the first seven points of the game en route to a 40-33 halftime advantage, then protecting it over the final 20 minutes to remain in sole possession of first place in the SWAC standings.

JD Wallace led Prairie View A&M with 17 points and 12 rebounds, Gary Blackston had 16 points and Dennis Jones 15. The Panthers have lost three straight.

Next Up: The Tigers return to action Saturday, Jan. 20 when JSU hosts Grambling State in SWAC action at the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Former Mississippi Valley WR Julian Stafford Moves From Nebraska Danger To Salina Liberty, Champions Indoor Football League.

JULIAN STAFFORD

SALINA, Kansas -- The Salina Liberty are excited to announce a new addition to their 2018 roster. The Liberty would like to welcome wide receiver Julian Stafford.

Julian Stafford is a 5”10 181LB wide receiver from Memphis, Tennessee. Stafford attended Sheffield High School before going to college where he had an amazing football career while at Mississippi Valley State University. Stafford’s Senior year he was the leading receiver in the SWAC with 6.1 receptions per game and 94.3 receiving yards per game. Stafford finished an impressive season with 67 receptions for 1037 yards and 9 touchdowns. Stafford was also named First Team All-SWAC.

Last year Stafford player for the Nebraska Danger, and is excited to be continuing his indoor football career with the Salina Liberty. Coach Heron O’Neal said, “Stafford is a guy who simply makes plays. He put up good numbers in College and we’re looking for him to be a playmaker for the Liberty this season”.

The Salina Liberty is celebrating its 3rd season in the Champions Indoor Football League. Reserve your Tickets now through the Tony’s Pizza Event Center Box Office open Monday through Friday 8 am till 5 pm or by calling 785-826-7200. Tickets Start at just $9. Get more info at www.SalinaLiberty.com.

Around Our Nation -- 2018 MLK Celebrations & Parades

Ram Ramblings: Maynor heading to the SWAC and Alabama A&M

Coach Maynor eight year overall record is 65-31 as a head coach
Photo courtesy: Hampton University Athletics

NORMAL, Alabama -- Connell Maynor dominated the CIAA when he was head coach of Winston-Salem State, then he had mild success in the MEAC the last four seasons as head coach at Hampton.

Now, Maynor will try another conference, the SWAC.

According to multiple sources Maynor, 48, will be named the head coach at Alabama A&M later today.

Maynor was also in the running for the vacant Delaware State job but going to a new conference could be beneficial.

Maynor and his wife, Meryl, along with their daughter, Nicole, have been living in Kernersville. Nicole, who is a senior in high school, is going to N.C. A&T this fall.

According to sources, Jason Mai and Duane Taylor, who were both on WSSU’s staff when Maynor was coach here, could likely land on Maynor’s staff at Alabama A&M. Both were also on his staff at Hampton.

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No. 16 Virginia State Claims 82-72 Victory Over the Panthers of Virginia Union University

RICHMOND, Virginia -- The Virginia State University men's basketball team (15-1, 5-1 CIAA) claimed an 82-72 victory over the Panthers of Virginia Union to win the 23rd Annual Richmond Freedom Classic tonight at the Richmond Coliseum.

Trey Brown finished with a game-high 25 points on 7-of-16 shots from the field to go along with five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Philip Owens posted a 13-point performance, to go with three rebound and one assist. Cyonte Melvin finished the contest with contributing 12 points.

The Trojans forced 18 Virginia Union turnovers in the contest. The win was also Virginia State's second over Virginia Union in Richmond where the Trojans secured a 74-59 victory last year at the Freedom Classic. Virginia State led by as many as 21 at 42-21 at the half, but Virginia Union (9-9, 4-2 CIAA) continued to fight by adding 51 points in the second half to cut the lead to 11 with 3:08 to go. From there, the Trojans continued to add points to the board ending the game 82-72.

James Paige paced Virginia Union with 21 points on 6-of-18 shooting, while William Jenkins and Todd Hughes added 16 points each. The Trojans started the game strong securing a 21-point advantage over the Panthers, a lead that they held the lead the entire contest.

The Trojans collected a 42-21 halftime advantage, with seven different Trojans scoring in the opening period.

Despite their turnovers, the Panthers managed to stay in the game in the second half due to their free throw shooting, as they connected on 27 of 34 shots in the second half. Virginia Union finished the contest shooting 73 percent from the free throw line. The Trojans finished the contest shooting 83 percent from the free throw line.

FIRST HALF DOMINANCE: Virginia State has scored 25 or more points in the first half of majority
of the games this season, scoring 42 in the first half tonight.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: The Trojans made it their 11th game this season with 15 or more points off turnovers, scoring 19 points off the Panthers' 18 turnovers.

UP NEXT: The Trojans will hit the road as they head to Murfreesboro, N.C. to face the Hawks of Chowan University on Saturday, January 20. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

BOX SCORE

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY TROJANS ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Kerrick Jackson Looks to Bring Southern Baseball Back to Prominence

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Before there was Bethune-Cookman, their dominance in the MEAC, and their ability to punch above their weight against the big boys of college baseball in postseason play, there was Southern University doing the same in the SWAC.

Before there was Mervyl Melendez, a wizard of a coach in not one, but two HBCU conferences as the head coach of Bethune-Cookman and Alabama State, there was Roger Cador as the head coach at Southern.

And before more recent HBCU players such as Hiram Burgos and Peter O’Brien (albeit with a stop at Miami along the way) made their debuts in the major leagues, there was Southern’s Rickie Weeks, who a hit a cool .500/.619/.987 as a junior for Southern and became the first player from an HBCU school to win the Golden Spikes Award. And prior to that, there was Southern’s Fred Lewis, who carved out a nice seven-year major league career, most of which was spent with the San Francisco Giants. And before him, there was Southern’s Trenidad Hubbard, a ten-year MLB veteran. Anyway, you get the idea.

“In that time frame, every black kid wanted to go to Southern,” Michael Coker, Contemporary Reporter for BlackCollegeNines.com, a leading site covering HBCU baseball, told College Baseball Central. “He was getting the cream of the crop…He had a bunch of 30-win seasons and a couple of 40-win seasons. That’s unheard of in HBCU baseball.”

Under Cador’s leadership alone, a period of time that stretched from 1985 to 2017, the Jaguars collected 14 SWAC championships and made 11 trips to the NCAA Tournament.

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