Florida A&M University 2018 Marching 100 Summer Band Camp

MARCHING "100" SUMMER BAND CAMP
Targeted Audience: Grade Levels 7th - 12th
July 7 - 14, 2018

The Marching “100” Summer Band Camp is one of the most comprehensive band camps in the country. This band camp offers middle and high school students the opportunity to improve their music proficiency, improve their marching concepts, play in small chamber groups, as well as perform concert band and jazz ensemble music. We have an excellent auxiliary staff that instructs our color guard, dancers, twirlers and drum majors.

Every student should bring his/her own instrument. Unless, he/she plays a large drum i.e. bass drum or quads and does not have the ability to transport them. Please contact Dr. Shaylor James, Professor of Percussion at (850) 561-2391 to reserve an instrument. (We have a limited number of instruments for loan).

Be a part of the internationally famous Florida A&M University Marching Band Programs for grade levels 7th-12th. A special invitation is extended to middle school students who will be entering a high school band fall 2018.

Learn from the FAMU band staff, Marching 100 members, and visiting directors. Over 100 of the band's present members have volunteered their time and effort in order to make this the best summer band camp in the country!

Band Director Professional Development Sessions include: band operations, student leadership, learning how to chart shows for your band, and effective rehearsal techniques (please bring instrument).

Director Professional Development Registration - TBA soon.

Dates:
July 7 - 14, 2018
Cost:
$550 Residential (staying on campus)
$400 Non-Residential (staying off campus)

Deposit Due:
June 8, 2018 ($100.00)
non-refundable per student payable at time of registration
Balance Due: June 22, 2018
Refunds/Cancellation Deadline: June 29, 2018 (No refunds after June 29, 2018​)
Registration Deadline:
June 8, 2018

Please contact Eric Williams at 850-412-7366 or eric.williams@famu.edu for Group Registration information.

NO ON-SITE REGISTRATIONS OR PAYMENTS

Registration and on-line full or partial payments
are available by using VISA or MasterCard
debit or credit cards only.

Photo: 2017 Band Camp Attendees (Click on above image to see higher resolution of image) Space is limited and reserved on a first-come first-serve basis. Sign up now to reserve your spot! Please share this registration site with other band members.

How to donate to the Marching "100" Band Camp or give a Band Camp Scholarship

1. Click on http://www.famu.edu/  

2. Click on Giving to FAMU

3. Click on Schools & Colleges

4. Click on College of Social Sciences, Arts, & Humanities

5. Enter $ amount

6. Click on dropdown and choose FAMU Marching "100"

7. Click add donation

8. Choose one-time-gift

9. In the comment box type: Summer Band Camp Scholarship or Summer Band Camp Donation

10. Complete the Billing and Payment Information Sections

11. Click "Donate Now"

» CLICK HERE for more information or to register

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

• CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A BAND CAMP SCHOLARSHIP
• View Scholarship Descriptions
• Make a Donation to the Band Camp

Registration for 2018 TSU Athletics Summer Camps Now Open

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State University athletics hosts a variety of camps throughout the summer. Why not learn from some of the best in intercollegiate athletics. Every Big Blue coach and staff member takes pride in their instruction and will provide your child with a great experience. This year, camps are available for basketball, football and volleyball. 

All campers must complete the medical authorization form in order to participate in a TSU Sports Camp. Click here for the form.

Check out the list of upcoming camps for the summer:

FOOTBALLProspect Camp 1 - with Ohio State University

Date: Thursday, June 7
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Registration: 7:30 a.m.    .
Location: TSU Indoor Practice Facility – Nashville, TN
Ages: 15-18
Cost:  Pre- Registration $35  Registration- $50
Sign-up: Registration Form
Contact: Natasha Plant (nplant@tnstate.edu; (615) 963-7562)

Prospect Camp 2 -with University of Tennessee
Date: Saturday, June 9
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Registration: 7:30 a.m.    .
Location: TSU Indoor Practice Facility – Nashville, TN
Ages: 15-18
Cost:  Pre- Registration $35  Registration- $50
Sign-up: Registration Form
Contact: Natasha Plant (nplant@tnstate.edu; (615) 963-7562)

7 on 7 & OL/DL Big MAN Camp
Date: Saturday, July 21
Time: 9 a.m.
Registration: 7:30 a.m.
Location: TSU Indoor Practice Facility – Nashville, TN
Ages: 15-18
Cost: $200 for 7-on- 7 Team /  OL & DL Campers $35
Sign-up: Registration Form
Contact: Natasha Plant (nplant@tnstate.edu; (615) 963-7562)

Lil Tiger’s Camp
Date: Friday, June 1
Time: 9 a.m.
Registration: 7:45 a.m.
Location: TSU Indoor Practice Facility – Nashville, TN
Ages: 6-14
Cost: $25
Sign-up: Registration Form
Contact: Natasha Plant (nplant@tnstate.edu; (615) 963-7562)

WOMEN'S BASKETBALLJessica Kern Foundation Team Basketball Camp Date: June 15-16, 2018  
Time: 10 a.m. (First game begins) 
Registration: Begins 8:30 a.m. June 15th; continues throughout the day 
Location: Gentry Center 
Ages: 9th grade and up 
Cost: $100 per team..$15 per player after 10
Sign-up: Registration Form 
Contact: Assistant Coach Lenise Stallings (lstalli2@tnstate.edu ; (601) 310-3970)

Jessica Kern Foundation Individual Elite Camp 
Date: August 4, 2018  
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Registration:  8 a.m. (August 4) 
Location: Gentry Center 
Ages: 13-18 
Cost: $55
Sign-up: Registration Form 
Contact: Assistant Coach Lenise Stallings (lstalli2@tnstate.edu ; (601) 310-3970)

VOLLEYBALL 2018 – Youth All- Skills Camp - GIRLS
Date: July 16
July 16- Time: 9:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m. 
Location: TSU Kean Hall – Nashville, TN
Ages: 6-11
Cost: $50
Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 15, 2018
Late registration: $75  
CONTACT: Vicmari Prospero (Phone: 615-963-1361; Email: vprospero@tnstate.edu), Tuamafa Reilly, (Phone: 615-963-5003; Email: treilly@tnstate.edu)
Sign-up: Registration Form

2018 – Basic Skills Camp - GIRLS
Date: July 17-18
July 17- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
July 18- Time: 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Location: TSU Kean Hall – Nashville, TN
Ages: 12-18
Cost: $150
Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 15, 2018
Late registration: $200 
CONTACT: Vicmari Prospero (Phone: 615-963-1361; Email: vprospero@tnstate.edu), Tuamafa Reilly, (Phone: 615-963-5003; Email: treilly@tnstate.edu)
Sign-up: Registration Form

2018 – Positional Camp - GIRLS
Date: July 19-20
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: TSU Kean Hall – Nashville, TN
Ages: 12-18
Cost: $150
Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 15, 2018
Late registration: $200 
CONTACT: Vicmari Prospero (Phone: 615-963-1361; Email: vprospero@tnstate.edu), Tuamafa Reilly, (Phone: 615-963-5003; Email: treilly@tnstate.edu)
Sign-up: Registration Form

MEN'S BASKETBALLTennessee State Men's Basketball Skills Camp
Date: June 19
Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Gentry Center
Ages: BOYS - 9-13
Cost: $60
CONTACT: Janna Eichelberger (Phone: 615-963-4931; Email: JEichelb@tnstate.edu)
Sign-up:  Registration Form  -OR- Email Janna Eichelberger (JEichelb@tnstate.edu)

Brian "Penny" Collins Basketball Elite Camp
Date: June 23
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Gentry Center
Ages: BOYS - Rising 9th-12th Graders
Cost: $60
CONTACT: Janna Eichelberger (Phone: 615-963-4931; Email: JEichelb@tnstate.edu)
Sign-up:  Registration Form  -OR- Email Janna Eichelberger (JEichelb@tnstate.edu)

SOFTBALL2018 Prospect Camp
Dates: June 5 and July 17
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Tennessee State University Tiger Field
Ages: 12-18
Cost: $100 per day
Sign-up: Registration WebsiteContact: Tyler Sadler jsadler1@tnstate.edu ; 615-364-3797

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU Women Narrowly Win MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship

Dr. Darlene Moore

GREENSBORO, North Carolina --A strong Thursday and Friday, and a late push on Saturday, propelled Florida A&M to the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Track & Field championship by the slimmest of margins at the Irwin Belk Track. 

The Lady Rattlers tallied 179.5 points, winning its third title in four years and its 12th overall, edging out the host team Aggies by half a point, as A&T finished with 179.0 points.  FAMU’s Dr. Darlene Moore was named the meet’s Outstanding Coach, and the Lady Rattlers’ Taylor Gorum was named the Outstanding Field Performer.  

2018 MEAC OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN'S STATS

The Lady Rattlers came into the day with a sizeable lead 113.5 to 51.5 over Bethune-Cookman after Friday’s  standout performances in the field events and distance races, scoring 105.5 points i9n the field events alone.

But the defending champion Aggies, who stood fourth after Friday’s session with 35 points, continued their recent trend in the final day of competition, scoring 144 points on Saturday, briefly overtaking FAMU after the 200-meter dash.  

But FAMU answered immediately in the 5,000-meter run to take an insurmountable lead, 179.5 to 169 heading into the 4x400-meter relay, as the trio of Emmax Kiplagat (3rd, 17:50.78), Nancy Murgor (4th, 18:15.48) and Naomi Tanui (7th, 19:08.59) combined for 13 points.  The Aggies’ 4x100-meter relay squad ran a 44.38 to take gold in the final event, but it was not enough to overhaul FAMU.

FAMU’s Taylor Gorum was clutch in the field scoring 23 points, winning the discus (51.69), placing second in the shot put (14.42 meters), and fourth in the hammer throw (46.87 meters).

Brittany Corbett of Florida A&M won the javelin throw with a distance of 144 feet, three inches (43.96 meters).   Rounding out the top five in the team standings were Bethune-Cookman in third with 120.5 points, Hampton with 119 and Norfolk State with 68.   

ALL MEAC TRACK FIRST TEAM Kayla White, NCAT (100m, 200m, 100h, 4x100), Asia Joe, B-CU (400m), Martha Bissah, NSU (800m, 1,500m), Lea Tshikaya ,B-CU (400h), Tori Ray, NCAT (4x100, 4x400), India Brown, NCAT (4x100), Jadzia Beasley, NCAT (4x100), Sun-Sara Williams, NCAT (4x400), Payton Russell, NCAT (4x400), Nia Lundy, NCAT (4x400), Nancy Murgor, FAMU (Steeple), Faith Keitany, HAM (5,000m), Janet Okeago, HAM (10,000m), Quamecha Morrison, B-CU (HJ), Morgan Knight, NCAT (Pole), Monae’ Nichols, B-CU (LJ), Anisa Toppin, NCAT (TJ), Taylor Gorum, FAMU (Discus), Loren James, NCAT (Shot), Onnika Scott, FAMU (Hammer), Brittany Corbett, FAMU (Javelin), Ed’Quisha Alvin, FAMU (Hept) 

ALL MEAC TRACK SECOND TEAM Bethany White, NCCU (100m, 200m), Annastacia Barham, MSU (400m, 4x400), Madeleine Akobundu, NCAT (100h), Kristoni Barnes, NCAT (800m), Eusila Chepkemei, HAM (1,500m), Autumn Smith, HAM (400h), Quamecha Morrison, B-CU (4x100), Sade Tardiel-McCreath, B-CU (4x100), Jonina Brinson, B-CU (4x100), Monae’ Nichols, B-CU (4x100), Valencia McDowell, MSU (4x400), Infinnatie Rowe, MSU (4x400), Brittany Meads, MSU (4x400), Camille Martin, NCAT (Steeple), Janet Okeago, HAM (5,000m), Emmax Kiplagat, FAMU (10,000m), Nazah Reddick, NCAT (HJ), Jazmyn Dennis, FAMU (Pole), Madeleine Akobundu, NCAT (LJ), Bhrandi Crenshaw, NCCU (TJ), Corneisha Mitchell, HAM (Discus), Taylor Gorum, FAMU (Shot), Imani Abraham, NCAT (Hammer), Kayla Key, HAM (Javelin), Faleesha Dowe, DSU (Hept). 

ALL MEAC TRACK THIRD TEAM India Brown, NCAT (100m, 200m), Nia Bundy, NCAT (400m), TeJyrica Robinson, NCAT (100h), G’Jasmyne Butler, NCAT (800m), Candice Higgins, NSU (1,500m), Uchechi Onuoha, HOW (400h), Taejah Robertson, NSU (4x100), Tyrika Lee, NSU (4x100), T’nai Wells, NSU (4x100), Kiara Grant, NSU (4x100), Asia Joe, B-CU (4x400), Lea Tshikaya, B-CU (4x400), Tatyana Hodnett, B-CU (4x400), Monae’ Nichols, B-CU (4x400), Pollyanna Velasco, HAM (Steeple), Emmax Kiplagat, FAMU (5,000m), Nancy Murgor, FAMU (10,000m), Ed’Quisha Alvin, FAMU (HJ), Cheyenne Brooks, FAMU (Pole), Dominique Cleggett, HOW (LJ), Tiara Corbett, FAMU (TJ), Jasmyn Hall, MSU (Discus), Kiyanna Thomas, HAM (Shot), Akassja White, B-CU (Hammer), Kyra Hayes, HAM (Javelin), Kaitlin Scott, HAM (Hept).

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS SPORTS INFORMATION

Home Team Wins MEAC Men's Track and Field Championship

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The North Carolina A&T men’s track and field team led Bethune-Cookman by only one point going into the final event of the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships at N.C. A&T’s Irwin Belk Track on Saturday. That last event was the 4x400 meter relay.

For the third straight outdoor championship, the Aggies won the 4x400. This time they won it record-breaking fashion as junior Justin Hamilton, freshman Trevor Stewart, senior Dajuan Harding and junior Michael Dickson shattered the conference record by running a 3:04.75.

The win gave the Aggies the 2018 MEAC outdoor title with 153 points. It was the second straight MEAC outdoor title for N.C. A&T, marking the first time the men have gone back-to-back since winning the MEAC two years in a row in 1994 and ‘95. The Aggie men have won four straight MEAC track and field titles after winning indoor in 2017, outdoor in 2017, indoor in 2018 and outdoor in 2018. N.C. A&T Athletics now has won MEAC titles in football, women's basketball, bowling, men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field and men's outdoor track and field in 2017-18. 

“We take a lot of pride in that 4x4,” said N.C. A&T director of track and field programs, Duane Ross. “It doesn’t matter how many events the guys have on them leading into that event, we always want to put the cherry on top of a championship by winning the 4x4.”

B-CU finished second in the 4x4 with a time of 3:06.51.

“We knew Bethune-Cookman was coming in here to win,” said Ross. “We knew it was not going to be a blowout like it was indoor. But we also knew we had the 4x4 in our back pocket. My guys are resilient. I've got some closers on this team that refuse to stop. This victory is just an example of how hard they work.”

B-CU finished second with 150 points followed by Hampton (131), Florida A&M (65) and Morgan State (60). N.C. A&T trailed B-CU by 52 points on Saturday after the 11th event was scored. The Aggies then entered their sweet spot – the sprints. Freshman Michael Bell, senior Joel Thomas, Dickson and junior Rodney Rowe combined to run a 39.42. Dickson added 10 more points to the Aggies totals by winning the 110-meter hurdles in 13.59. Three other Aggies scored 13 more points in the event as sophomore Robert Miller finished third (14.01), senior Todd Townsend placed fourth (14.12) and senior TeQuille Jackson (14.37) finished seventh.

In the 100 meters, the Aggies had three men score led by Rowe who clocked a 10.30 to finish second behind Coppin State’s Joseph Amoah’s 10.23. Thomas finished fourth (10.41) for five points and Bell came in fifth (10.60) for four points. N.C. A&T also got help when Kareem Fair who is ranked second in the MEAC in the 100m, was disqualified for a false start.

It evened the playing field a bit for the Aggies who were without injured sophomore sprinter JaylanMitchell who has the No. 1 100m time in the nation (10.00).

“We preach constantly that in championship-settings anything can go wrong, you just have to be prepared,” said Ross. “We were down by something like 50 points so we had our work cut out for us. You take the breaks when you can get them.”

Rowe got his revenge on Amoah when he sprinted by him over the final 50 meters of the 200m to win the title in 20.42 (2.6 wind-aided). Rowe finally broke through as the 200m champion after finishing second the past two seasons. Stewart (20.78), Hamilton (20.83) and Dickson (21.16) also scored by finishing fourth, fifth and seventh.

The Aggies led 143-140 over the Wildcats going into the 5000m. The Wildcats scored two points in the event, leading to the Aggies must-win situation.  

“I don’t want to speak it too soon.  I don’t want to mention that word dynasty. But that's what we're after,” said Ross. “We talk to our team all the time about leaving a legacy. In anything we do, we need to leave it better than how we find it. I'm extremely proud to do this back-to-back. It speaks volumes about the culture we have created as a program. My staff and I have built something these kids will remember 10-15 years from now.”

N.C. A&T will now turn its attention to the 2018 NCAA Division I East Preliminary Round at USF Track and Field Stadium in Tampa, Fla., May 24-26. The Aggies are expected to have Mitchell back over the next three weeks. 

I did a lot of praying on it. I talked to my mentors and they agreed with me, so I decided to sit him out this weekend," said Ross. "I had to think about the big picture and right now big picture is regionals and nationals. It ended up being a good decision because we won the title, but I was ready to live with the decision either way."

2018 MEAC MEN'S TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP STATS

North Carolina A&T Men’s Track and Field All-MEAC

First-Team: 4x100 (39.42), 4x400 (3:04.75); Derrick Wheeler (hammer throw, 173-feet, 7-inches); Michael Bell (4x100); Joel Thomas (4x100); Michael Dickson (4x100, 110mh, 13.59, 4x400); Rodney Rowe (4x100); Justin Hamilton (4x400); Trevor Stewart (4x400); Dajuan Harding (4x400).

Second-Team: Aaron Wilkerson (shot put, 51-feet, 10 ½ inches); Lasheon Strozier (triple jump, 49-feet, 3-inches); Trevor Stewart (400m, 45.71); Rodney Rowe (100m, 10.30).

Third-Team: Robert Miller (110mh, 14.01).

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Chowan Hawks Crowned Back-to-Back CIAA Softball Champions

SALEM, Virginia – The Hawks of Chowan University were crowned back-to-back Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Champions after a perfect 4-0 tournament appearance and 8-0 victory over the Broncos of Fayetteville State University in the final championship contest.

In what could have been the first of two championship games, Chowan delivered the first blow in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 4-0 lead. Kris Neal began the excitement with a lead-off single to left field and later a double by Haley Cooper advanced Neal to third before scoring off a Fayetteville State throwing error. Lindsey Stigler doubled to score Cooper while Brittany Parson reached on another FSU error. To finish off the inning Donya Salman extended the lead to 4-0 on a two RBI single up the middle.

In the second, Halee Knowles recorded the Broncos only hit in the contest, but the Broncos were unable to get the momentum going.

The Hawks picked up their fifth run in to the bottom of the second to push their lead to 5-0. With one out, Neal drew a one-out walk and Cooper picked up a single. Stigler then marked an RBI, scoring Neal on a ground out to shortstop.

In the third inning of the competition both teams presented tough defensive plays, leaving the score 5-0.

In the top of the fourth inning the Broncos were unable to put runs on the board, but the Hawks added the three runs needed to put the run-rule into effect for the following inning. Miranda Glover drew a walk and Haley Cooper brought her home with an infield single. Lindsey Stigler hit a bomb home run over left field to close out the inning.

The Hawks' defense was solid getting three quick outs in the fifth to preserve their fate. Chowan earns their 4th CIAA Championship title since 2010 with the 8-0 victory over Fayetteville State.

Hawks pitcher and the 2018 CIAA Softball Championship MVP Shannon Buchanan had a one-hitter for the game while only walking three batters and striking out four. Meanwhile, teammate Lindsey Stigler led the team's batting effors with 4 RBIs on three at-bats.

For the Broncos, Ashlyn Zook stood the mound allowing 7 hits while walking only 2 batters and striking out three Hawks. 

The Hawks of Chowan await their regional bid, announced via NCAA Selection Show on Monday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.NCAA.com.

• Photos
 
• Box Score

CIAA Softball Championship All-Tournament Team 

Ashlyn Zook | FSU

Shi-Cara Goins | FSU

Marley Parker | SAU

Francis Perry | SU

Nicoleen Ochoa | BSU

Shontel Linette | VUU

Sam Gibbs | WSSU

HaLee Knowles | FSU

Kiana Rogers | SU

Tamiera Sanchez | SAU

Tia Robinson | WSSU

MVP: Shannon Buchanan | CU

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Student-Athletes Celebrate Graduation - May 5, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --- Tennessee State University celebrated this year’s graduating class on Saturday with the 2018 Spring Commencement Ceremony at the Gentry Center.

TSU enjoyed another successful year in the classroom with a total of 37 seniors from the athletic department hearing their name called as part of Saturday’s ceremony for those graduating in May or with expected summer graduations. Combined with the graduates from the winter ceremony, Tennessee State Athletics had 52 graduates during the 2017-18 academic year.

“It brings me great joy to see our student-athletes accomplish great things academically,” TSU Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services Jeremy Perry said. “College graduation is a huge milestone and to see the hard work of our senior athletes come to fruition is priceless.”

Among TSU’s graduates this spring are NFL hopefuls, team and individual Ohio Valley Conference Champions and NCAA National Qualifiers.

Nationally recognized motivational speaker Dr. Eric Thomas served as the undergraduate commencement speaker on Saturday.

PHOTO GALLERY

MEN’S BASKETBALL
Ken’Darrius Hamilton
Christian Mekowulu
Samson Oyediran
Darreon Reddick
Delano Spencer

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Maxine Beard
Lauren Elliott
Tia Wooten

FOOTBALL
Terrell Bonds
Tyrell Doss
Lakhalon Holland
Joseph Johnson
Marvin Maddox
Jason Morrow
Dell Porter

MEN’S GOLF 
Jermey Fultz
Kody Rendleman

SOFTBALL
Kasey Cox
Whitney Ennis
Rea Sylvester-Former SA

MEN’S TENNIS 
Grant Maddox-Former SA
Shashank Nautiyal

WOMEN’S TENNIS
Phyllicia Hemphill-Former SA

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD 
Jemarruse Amos
Zyhir Baker-Elam-Former SA
David Jones
Jontue McDowell
James Stewart

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELDHannah Alsup
Cyra Beard
Daimer Gordon
Christian Pryor
Kayla Pryor

VOLLEYBALL 
Cherlie Adorno-DeJesus
Samantha BeltranT
Alexis Johnson
Katora Roberts

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

OVC Men's and Women's Basketball Championships to Return to Evansville in 2019 and 2020

EVANSVILLE, Indiana -- The Ohio Valley Conference Board of Presidents have voted to award the 2019 and 2020 OVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships to the Evansville Sports Corporation for the event to be held at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

The event was held for the first time in Evansville this year, the first time the Championship was held outside of Nashville since 2002.

The date of the 2019 OVC Basketball Championship is March 6-9 while the 2020 Championship will be held March 4-7.

“After thorough and thoughtful consideration, the OVC membership decided to award the 2019 and 2020 OVC Basketball Championships to the City of Evansville based on a number of factors, including outstanding local leadership, the success of this past year’s championships, and the quality of the Ford Center,” said OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. “We are delighted to again have the opportunity to work with our partners in Evansville and are excited to start building on the terrific foundation that was laid with the 2018 OVC Basketball Championships.”

The Ford Center, which opened in 2011, is an 11,000-seat arena located in the core of Evansville’s downtown district. The 290,000-square foot facility serves as home of Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League and the University of Evansville men’s basketball team. The Ford Center also serves as host to numerous sporting events and concerts on an annual basis.

Evansville is the third-largest city in the state of Indiana with a population of nearly 120,000 in the city limit and 300,000 people in the metropolitan area.

#BigBlueRising

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Florida A&M Rattlers and Southern Jaguars to Renew Football Rivalry

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- One of the longest standing non-conference rivalries in Black College Football history will be renewed in September of 2019, as the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers will take to the field against the Southern University Jaguars of Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the first time since 2012.

FAMU and Southern jointly announced the initial home-and-home agreement on Wednesday, which begins with a date in venerable Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, September 21, 2019, followed by the return date at A.W. “Ace” Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge on September 12, 2020.

FAMU and Southern have met four times on the gridiron since the yearly series was suspended in 2001, once in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge in 2007 and twice in the Atlanta Football Classic in 2011 and 2012. The last meeting between the Jaguars and the Rattlers on the schools’ respective campuses occurred in 2008, when FAMU edged Southern 52-49 in a high scoring road win in Baton Rouge, La.

FAMU Athletic Director John Eason, Ph.D., said, “The two-year, home-and-home agreement with Southern University is a ‘“win-win’”for both schools. We are excited about the opportunity of playing one of the most recognized football programs among HBCUs. It represents our efforts to ignite our fan base with games they want to see.”

Southern Athletic Director Roman Banks said, “The renewal of this rivalry represents the best of both schools and will spark high interest among our respective fans. This one is a ‘no-brainer.’ Southern and FAMU should play each other and we’re extremely excited about this development.”

The two universities began their football rivalry in 1941, and while FAMU enjoys a slight edge in the meetings at 33-26-1, the record is just one part of the rich legacy that these two programs share.

The pair combined have won 22 Black College National Football championships, FAMU won 12 and Southern won 10. Both teams rank in the Top 20 all-time among NCAA Division I FCS programs in winning percentage, each having won more than 64 percent of their games since the 1920s.

Both schools have also produced their share of star athletes and coaches who occupy the Pro Football, College Football and Black College Football Halls of Fame.

The honor roll of stellar luminaries is headed by players such as FAMU’s Bob Hayes, Ken Riley, and Willie Galimore, along with Southern greats Mel Blount, Isiah “Butch” Robertson and Aeneas Williams, as well as legendary coaches A.S. “Jake” Gaither of FAMU, and Arnett “Ace” Mumford of Southern.

FAMU and Southern are also among the perennial attendance leaders in Division I FCS, with both ranking in either the Top 10 or Top 20 over the past decade or more.



In fact, FAMU has ranked third in the FCS in home attendance in each of the past two seasons, while Southern has turned in a pair of Top 15 finishes in average home attendance in 2016 and 2017.

Of course this long-standing Black college rivalry would not be complete without the musical complement of two of the greatest marching bands in America – FAMU’s world famous Marching “100” and Southern University’s “Human Jukebox.”

The fans bases of both schools have longed for this rivalry to be renewed, and they will get their wish come September 21, 2019.

Vaughn Wilson

Director of Rattler Productions
Florida A&M University Athletics

Christopher Jones

Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations

Southern University And A&M College

Ram Ramblings: Hayes fulfills dream with induction into N.C. Sports Hall of Fame

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- When Bill Hayes was coaching football there was a scowl on his face most of the time because he was in his element.

Now that Hayes has been out of coaching for a few years he doesn’t where that sideline scowl anymore.

“I smile a lot more these days, and why not?” Hayes said Thursday morning, the day before he will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Hayes, 74, who has lived in Winston-Salem his entire coaching career going back to his days at North Forsyth, had quite a time cutting his speech he will give on Friday at the induction ceremony in Raleigh.

“They gave me only four minutes but I think I got it nailed down pretty good,” Hayes said. “If I don’t mention any names then I think I’ll be OK.”

Hayes, the all-time winningest coach in N.C. A&T history, is also the second winningest coach in Winston-Salem State history. His 195-104-2 record in 27 seasons as a coach only tells half the story about his career.

Hayes not only was a good coach on the field, he cared about his players off the field. And the countless stories of what he did for his former players is something he is proud of.



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Michael Reddick’s arm sends Albany State baseball to SIAC title game

ALBANY, Georgia — Michael Reddick and his Albany State teammates were a little miffed when the SIAC all-conference baseball team was released Wednesday.

Of the six top awards the conference issued, five went to representatives from Miles, the Western Division regular-season champion. Albany State, the Eastern division regular-season champion, was shut out.

With Reddick, the Albany State staff ace, going up against SIAC Starting Pitcher of the Year Dylan Johnson for a spot in the championship round of the SIAC Tournament, he felt he had something to prove.

The effort Reddick came up with was nothing short of a gem of a performance. The sophomore from Lee County had a complete game four-hitter, striking out seven and walking one in an 8-3 victory.

“We were a little upset with the awards the other night,” Reddick said. “We had been playing just as well. We wanted to take them on. Everybody was hyped up for this game.”

Albany State earned a spot in Sunday’s 2 p.m. SIAC championship game against the winner of Saturday’s late Miles-Kentucky State contest. The Golden Rams will have two chances to win the title, with a second game at 6 p.m. should they lose the first championship game.

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Atlanta loses costly $20 Million land dispute to Clark Atlanta University

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The City of Atlanta has lost its final bid in a university land dispute that may cost taxpayers more than $20 million.

This month, the state Supreme Court ruled against the city, requiring it to return 13 acres of premium property that sits near Mercedes-Benz Stadium to its rightful owner, Clark Atlanta University.

The move ends a four-year legal battle with CAU, which sued the city several years ago, and records reveal costly expenditures and demands related to the sale.

Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, acquired the land in 2014 in a $14 million transaction with a bankrupt Morris Brown College. The school used the money to dig out of financial woes, while the city began major development plans, including the new stadium.

But a portion of the purchase was in question from the start. A 1940 deed outlined Morris Brown’s obligation to return the 13 acres around the historic Gaines Hall and Herndon Stadium back to Clark Atlanta because the land was no longer being used for educational purposes.

In an October 2017 interview, then-Mayor Kasim Reed told Channel 2 investigative reporter Nicole Carr that the city wasn’t convinced the deed was valid.

“You know there were differing opinions at the time,” Reed said. “It wasn’t as clear that a letter agreement would be binding over all of those years.”

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HU signs 5-year deal with Under Armour

HAMPTON, Virginia -- For the last few years, Hampton University has had a relationship with Under Armour it wanted to take further.

But due to the Pirates’ membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which has a shoe deal with Nike, that couldn’t happen.

When it becomes an official member of the Big South on July 1, HU can make that change. Also on that date, Hampton will become a full-fledged, head-to-toe, partner with Under Armour.

HU announced the five-year arrangement Friday. The Baltimore-based company will provide uniforms and equipment for all 17 of the Pirates’ varsity sports.

“We’ve been working on it for a while,” HU athletic director Eugene Marshall said. “We’ve had a partial relationship with them. Under Armour has been really good to us with lacrosse and women’s soccer (sports the MEAC does not sponsor).

“Once we left the MEAC, we were able to negotiate an excellent multi-year deal that will have us representing Under Armour from head-to-toe for a long time. This allows us to compete at a different level.”

For years, Marshall said, MEAC teams were contracted to wear Russell Athletic apparel and Nike shoes. Recently, the conference began allowing its members to choose its own company for uniforms but remained contracted with Nike for shoes through 2020.

Hampton and Howard chose Under Armour for apparel but, as MEAC members, continued wearing Nike footwear.

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