Saint Augustine's University Sweeps CIAA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships

The Legendary George Williams Picks Up Another Coaching Honor

BOWIE, Maryland  --  Saint Augustine's University swept the men's and women's titles at the CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Bowie State University on Sunday.

The outdoor sweep is the first for the Falcons and Lady Falcons since the 2015 season. They swept both men's and women's indoor and outdoor conference titles in the same year for the first time since 2010.

Saint Augustine's University claimed its 21st straight men's outdoor conference crown and 38th in 40 seasons after entering the day trailing by 25 points to Virginia State University in the two-day meet. The Falcons finished the meet outscoring Virginia State 202-189 for the championship. Virginia Union University was third with 78 points followed by Lincoln (Pa.) University (61), Johnson C. Smith University (47), Livingstone College (37) and Bowie State University (35).

Saint Augustine's University won its 15^th women's title in 22 seasons and first since 2015 after starting the day in fourth place. The Lady Falcons outdistanced themselves from second-place Virginia State University 157-115. Bowie State University was third with 87.5 points followed by Shaw University (83), Winston-Salem State University (77.5), Johnson C. Smith University (38), Livingstone College (35) and Lincoln (Pa.) University (20).

Magaly Tshipopo of Saint Augustine's won Women's Field MVP. She swept the long jump, high jump and triple jump.

Brandon Valentine-Parris of Saint Augustine earned Men's Track MVP honors and Justin Williams took Men's Field MVP. Valentine-Parris won the 200 and 400 dashes and was a member of the winning 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. Williams won the triple jump and finished third in the long jump, tied for fourth in the high jump and placed fourth in the pole vault and javelin throw.

The SAU winners in the men's events were Shaquille Dill of Saint Augustine's (800 run, 1500 run), Dakarai Hightower of Saint Augustine's (high jump), Najair Jackson of Saint Augustine's (javelin throw), Valentine-Parris of Saint Augustine's (200 dash, 400 dash), Williams of Saint Augustine's (triple jump) and Damere Gilbert of Saint Augustine's (100 dash). Saint Augustine's won the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

The SAU winners in the women's events were Tshipopo of Saint Augustine's (high jump, long jump, triple jump), Shakera Hall of Saint Augustine's (100 hurdles), Shannon Kalawan of Saint Augustine's (400 dash) and Amanda Crawford of Saint Augustine's (200 dash),  Saint Augustine's won the 4x100 relay.

SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY FALCONS SPORTS INFORMATION

Albany State Golden Rams Crowned SIAC Baseball Champions

ALBANY, Georgia -- The Albany State University Golden Rams left little doubt from the first pitch of Sunday's SIAC Baseball Championship.

The Golden Rams opened the first inning with a 12-0 scoring outburst and coasted to a 19-2 victory to claim the 2018 SIAC Baseball Championship in a shortened seven innings. This represents the Rams' tenth conference title in school history, their first since 2015.

Tyler Wilcher went the distance in the championship game, striking out six while allowing two earned runs. With the game all but decided, the Thorobreds narrowly avoided a shutout with runs in the bottom of the sixth courtesy of a 2RBI single from Cameron Starks.

Nic Griggs finished the afternoon a home run short of hitting for the cycle and Tyler Morris was the named the tournament's most valuable player. Michael Reddick, Trey McMillan and Riliani Familia were also tabbed for the 2018 All-Tournament Team.

The Thorobreds expended three on their pitching staff in the top of the first to try and slow ASU's early momentum. KSU trailed by only one (1-0), but three consecutive bases loaded walks gave ASU a 4-0 lead and prompted the Thorobred's first pitching change of the inning. With the bases loaded, KSU's Eric Anderson hit the first batter he faced Chasen Roulhac, granting him first base and moving the score to 5-0.

Kelvin Wimbish then doubled to left center, sending Lawrence Hyde and Kelvin Dodson across home plate and Riliani Familia drove two more in with a single up the middle. Two more doubles scored two more runs for ASU and Kentucky State was forced again to call to the the bullpen this time to send Joe Crisp to the mound. Crisp gave up a single to Tyler Morris and after an RBI SAC bunt from Ryan McClendon, got Dodson to foul out to third base. After Hyde reached on a walk, the inning mercifully came to a close as Roulhac popped up to short.

ASU padded their lead with a five run fifth inning. It began with an RBI triple from Griggs and two batters later, McClendon sent Griggs home with an RBI double to left field. A KSU error led Tyler Morris home and Roulhac's single to right drove in two more for a 17-0 advantage.

BOX SCORE

In their final at bat, Familia plated Hyde with a single to left field and a bases loaded walk from Vashawn Phillips, the Thorobreds fourth pitcher of the day, accounted for the final point spread.

The Golden Rams (28-16) will now await next week's NCAA Division II Playoff pairings as they receive an automatic berth as the conference champions.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN RAMS SPORTS INFORMATION

Kupferberg, Howard Bison Volleyball Unveil 2018 Schedule

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Coach Shaun Kupferberg and the Howard University Women's Volleyball team unveiled its 2018 schedule, including trips to Texas and New Jersey while hosting perennial powerhouses inside Burr Gymnasium. The announcement came Thursday evening.
 
"We are very excited about our upcoming schedule," Kupferberg stated. "Our seniors get a chance to travel home with our trips to Texas and New Jersey, that will be great for them and their families. We also get a chance to host three of the top teams in the country in our home gym."
 
Witchita State (Aug. 26) and Power Five foes Stanford (Aug. 27) and Penn State (Sept. 14) headline the Bison's 2018 campaign as all three programs reached the NCAA Tournament.
 
Witchita State went undefeated in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and has emerged as one of the nation's elite while the Cardinals and Nittany Lions are women's volleyball's bluebloods, each with a record seven national championships. A year ago, Stanford and Penn State advanced to the NCAA Semifinals.
 
Before meeting the Shockers and Cardinals, Howard opens its new season with crosstown rival George Washington inside The Burr (Aug. 24), followed by a quick trip to Fairfax, Va. for a date against George Mason (Aug. 25).
 
On Aug. 31-Sept. 1, several Bison return to the Lone Star State for a three-match tourney, hosted by Lamar.
 
Before taking on the Nittany Lions, Howard goes to Piscataway, N.J. where they will face Rutgers (Sept. 7), Navy (Sept. 7), and Tulane (Sept. 8).
 
Howard stays in The District for a pair of tough matches against American (Sept. 15) and Buffalo (Sept. 15) at Bender Arena, followed by two home contests versus UMBC (Sept. 18) and North Carolina A&T State (Sept. 23).
 
On Sept. 25, HU closes out the large portion of the nonconference slate at Loyola (Md.).
 
"Playing a strong out of conference schedule will help our team get back to the NCAA Tournament," Kupferberg stated. "We have a good range of matches with quality opponents throughout the first few weeks. These contests are great measuring sticks of how competitive we are and the progress we need to make throughout the year to be ready in December."
 
Howard opens league play hosting Morgan State (Sept. 28) and Coppin State (Sept. 30).
 
HU starts October with a three-match road swing at Delaware State (Oct. 5), Maryland Eastern Shore (Oct. 7), and Norfolk State (Oct. 12).
 
After meeting Bethune-Cookman (Oct. 21), the Bison finish its road slate against Morgan State (Oct. 26) and Coppin State (Oct. 28).
 
In November, Howard concludes its regular season with a three-match home stand versus Delaware State (Nov. 2), Maryland Eastern Shore (Nov. 4), and Norfolk State (Nov. 9).
 
On Nov. 16-18, Howard Athletics hosts the 2018 MEAC Championships inside The Burr where Coach Kupferberg and the Bison seek their fourth straight conference title, 11thoverall in program history.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

Howard University Athletics
2018 Women's Volleyball Schedule

AUG 24 (FRI) / 7PM VS GEORGE WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
AUG 25 (SAT) / 5PM AT GEORGE MASON FAIRFAX, VA
AUG 26 (SUN) / 3PM VS WICHITA STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
AUG 27 (MON) / 7PM VS STANFORD WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
AUG 31 (FRI) / 10AM VS TEXAS SOUTHERN BEAUMONT, TX
AUG 31 (FRI) / 7PM AT LAMAR BEAUMONT, TX
SEP 1 (SAT) / 11AM VS SOUTHERN BEAUMONT, TX
SEP 7 (FRI) / 10:30AM AT RUTGERS PISCATAWAY, NJ
SEP 7 (FRI) / 7PM VS NAVY PISCATAWAY, NJ
SEP 8 (SAT) / 11AM VS TULANE PISCATAWAY, NJ
SEP 14 (FRI) / 7PM VS PENN STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
SEP 15 (SAT) / TBA AT AMERICAN WASHINGTON, D.C.
SEP 15 (SAT) / TBA VS BUFFALO WASHINGTON, D.C.
SEP 18 (TUE) / 7PM VS UMBC WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
SEP 23 (SUN) / 3PM VS NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
SEP 25 (TUE) / 7PM AT LOYOLA (MD.) BALTIMORE, MD
SEP 28 (FRI) / 7PM VS MORGAN STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
SEP 30 (SUN) / 3PM VS COPPIN STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
OCT 5 (FRI) / 7PM AT DELAWARE STATE DOVER, DE
OCT 7 (SUN) / 3PM AT MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE PRINCESS ANNE, MD
OCT 12 (FRI) / 7PM AT NORFOLK STATE NORFOLK, VA
OCT 21 (SUN) / 3PM VS BETHUNE-COOKMAN WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
OCT 26 (FRI) / 7PM AT MORGAN STATE BALTIMORE, MD
OCT 28 (SUN) / AT COPPIN STATE BALTIMORE, MD
NOV 2 (FRI) / 7PM VS DELAWARE STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
NOV 4 (SUN) / 3PM VS MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM
NOV 9 (FRI) / 7PM VS NORFOLK STATE WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM

MEAC CHAMPIONSHIPS
NOV 16 (FRI) - NOV 18 (SUN) VS MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
WASHINGTON, D.C. / BURR GYMNASIUM

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