TSU Men's Basketball Welcomes Louisiana Tech 6'-9" Transfer Jy'lan Washington

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Smyrna, Tenn. native Jy’lan Washington is the latest addition to the Tennessee State men’s basketball roster, Head Coach Brian “Penny” Collins announced. Washington, who played his first three collegiate seasons at Louisiana Tech, will sit out the 2018-19 season at TSU per NCAA transfer rules before suiting up for the Tigers in 2019-20 in his final year of eligibility.

Washington returns to his home state where he starred for Stewarts Creek High School.

“We are extremely excited to add Jy’lan to the Big Blue family,” Collins said. “He will add a lot of skill, athleticism and experience to our team. I have known Jy’lan since high school and recruited him when I was at ETSU. We are expecting Jy’lan to use this year to sharpen his game and body so that he can continue to help us take this program to the next level.”

Jy’lan Washington  |  6-9  |  Forward  |  One Year of Eligibility Remaining  |  Smyrna, Tenn.  |  Louisiana Tech

• Played first three collegiate seasons (2015-18) at Louisiana Tech out of Conference USA
• Helped the Bulldogs go 63-36 with two postseason appearances (Vegas 16 in 2016; NIT in 2017)
• Played in 97 games with 17 starts in three seasons, averaging 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds per game to go with a total of 50 blocks and 40 steals
• As a junior in 2017-18, posted 5.9 points and 3.5 boards per game in 33 appearances with 14 starts
• Posted career bests for single-game outputs of points (19 vs. UTEP), rebounds (11 vs. Florida Atlantic) and steals (3 vs. UT Tyler) as a junior
• Helping LA Tech reach the NIT as a sophomore, put up 3.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in 2016-17
• As a freshman, averaged 2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds en route to a Vegas 16 berth
• Graduated as the all-time leader in scoring and blocks at Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna, Tenn.
• Averaged 17.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 3.0 blocks per game as a senior in high school
• Named District 7-AAA MVP as well as a Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class AAA all-state member
• Selected as the Daily News Journal Player of the Year
• Named third team all-mid state
• Was a two-time all-district tournament and all-region tournament selection

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Why Florida transfer Kalif Jackson chose Grambling State

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- I want to cause problems in the SWAC.”

Standing 6-foot-4 at a healthy 243 pounds, Kalif Jackson knows he’s uncoverable by opposing linebackers and defensive backs in the SWAC. He was beating SEC linebackers off the line and was too big and strong for corners and safeties at Florida, which wanted him and earned his signature in 2015.

MORE | Grambling signs Florida tight end transfer

A former three-star wide receiver out of Duncan Fletcher High School in Jacksonville, Jackson is a mismatch nightmares for defensive coordinators. And that’s why Grambling State needed him and earned his signature in 2018. The school announced the Florida transfer’s signing Tuesday afternoon.

“I can block, but there’s not going to be a linebacker that can cover me,” Jackson told The News-Star Friday. “And I’m too big for safeties and DBs. I played wide receiver growing up. When I got to Florida, I played receiver. I know the nuances of running routes and I was beating DBs at Florida and some of those guys are now playing in the NFL. If I come in with the right mindset, I won’t be stopped.”

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A new name for A&T's football field: BB&T Stadium

GREENSBORO, North Carolina — So long, Aggie Stadium. Hello, BB&T Stadium.

N.C. A&T has sold the naming rights to its 37-year-old football stadium to the bank based in Winston-Salem for $1.5 million, a gift that amounts to $100,000 per year for 15 years.

The name change, which will include new signage, should take place after July 1, athletics director Earl Hilton said today.

The naming-rights agreement is the first of its kind in the 12-member MEAC, and money from the deal will go toward improving A&T’s sports facilities.

AGGIES NEW FACILITIES PLAN FOR 2018 AND BEYOND

“It’s about resources,” Hilton said. “The direct piece, obviously, is it provides some additional resources for the athletics department so we don’t have to tap into existing coffers or put more on the backs of our students (with fees) to maintain our facilities.”

The dollar amount isn’t huge as naming-rights deals go, but Hilton said it’s fair considering the Aggies play only four or five football home games per season. The stadium also hosts a number of track and field events in the spring and summer, including the New Balance Nationals high school meet Friday through Sunday.

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Florida A&M to Open 2019 Season Against UCF Knights

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University (FAMU) and UCF (University of Central Florida) jointly announced Thursday morning an agreement to open the 2019 football campaign during week one at Spectrum Stadium.

The Rattlers and Knights recently finalized the terms of the deal, which will bring the two Sunshine State powers together for the first time since 1987.



FAMU won the previous encounter 19-14 in Bragg Memorial Stadium, when the Rattlers were members of NCAA Division I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision or FCS) and the Knights were part of NCAA Division Two.

In the decades since that last meeting, UCF has since transitioned to NCAA Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision).

FAMU Director of Athletics John Eason, Ph.D., said, “This is a great season opening matchup between one of the top Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams in UCF and a re-emerging Football Championship Subdivision contender in FAMU. It is a ‘win-win’ for Florida’s football fans, alumni and supporters of both schools.”

The Knights went 13-0 in 2017 and won the American Athletic Conference title with a two-overtime victory over Memphis and defeated Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A bowl. 

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

SWAC Football Media Day '18 rosters announced

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Football Media Day list of student-athletes has been confirmed for those who will be accompanying their head coach at the annual event to answer media inquiries for the upcoming season.

The event is set for Friday, July 13 at the recently refurbished Birmingham-Marriott Hotel in Birmingham, Ala.

SWAC Digital Network commentator Santoria Black will moderate the live coverage in the grand ballroom and will be interviewing head coaches on set. SDN analyst/personality Gaati Werema will be interviewing student-athletes. The event can be seen on the SWAC’s official web site SWAC.org, which will get underway at 10 a.m. CT live on the SWAC Digital Network.

Media members may apply for credentials through this link: https://clients.sportssystems.com/clients/swac/

Credentials may be picked up the day of the event at the entrance of the grand ballroom. Requests will be accepted through Noon on Friday, July 6. There are no guarantees that you will be able to receive a credential after this date. Media outlets and SIDS applying for credentials must fill out the application and include staff that apply. In addition, the individual applying for the entire group must list themselves as attendee too.

The list of head coaches and student-athletes participating in #SWACMD18 include:

Alabama State

Tytus Howard, senior offensive lineman

Devin Santana, senior defensive lineman

Donald Hill-Eley, head coach

Southern

Demerio Houston, senior defensive back

Dennis Craig, redshirt senior tight end

Dawson Odums, head coach

Grambling State

Percy Cargo, senior defensive back

De’Arius Christmas, senior linebacker

Broderick Fobbs, head coach

Arkansas-Pine Bluff

KeShawn Williams, senior running back

Jalen Steward, junior defensive end

Cedric Thomas, head coach

Alabama A&M

Dylan Hamilton-senior safety

Jordan Bentley-junior-running back

Connell Maynor, head coach

Texas Southern

Julian Marcantel, junior linebacker

Brad Woodard, senior running back

Michael Haywood, head coach

Alcorn State

P.J. Simmons, senior running back

Brady Smith, redshirt senior defensive back

Fred McNair, head coach

Mississippi Valley State

Patrick Harbin, senior linebacker

Jett Even, senior quarterback

Vincent Dancy, head coach

Prairie View A&M

Dawonya Tucker, junior running back

Anthony Stubbs, senior linebacker

Eric Dooley, head coach

Jackson State

Romello Shumake, senior wide receiver

Eric Bowie, senior linebacker

Tony Hughes, head coach

SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Quarterback Craig Grant Jr. signs with Savannah State

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Colleton County High School Cougar football quarterback Craig Grant Jr. will continue his career at Savannah State University in the NCAA Division I Championship Subdivision in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Grant hopes to contribute early on for the Tigers at quarterback.

As a four-year varsity starter, Grant will hold multiple records in the history book for Colleton County. He finished his high school career with a record of 5,325 passing yards and 52 touchdowns.

In addition, he holds the record for: Most Touchdown Passes in One Game (six vs. Beaufort High School), Most Touchdowns in a Season (CCHS, 40 touchdowns), Most Passing Touchdowns in a Season (CCHS, 28 touchdowns), Most Passing Yards in a Single Season (CCHS, 2,952 yards), Most Passing Yards in a Single Game (CCHS, 472 yards vs. Beaufort) and Most Individual Total Yards in a Single Season (CCHS, 3,600 total passing and rushing yards).

“Savannah State felt like home,” said Grant. “Everyone just gave me a good feeling while I was visiting the campus. I would like to thank my parents, my family, close friends, coaches and church members for supporting me.”

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NFL forms Campus Connection program with Howard University

L to R: Howard University School of Business Dean Barron Harvey, Ph.D., Ninuola Onatemowo, a senior accounting student from Lagos, Nigeria; Cierra Wells, a senior international business major from Montgomery County, Md., and Associate Dean
Anthony D. Wilbon, Ph.D. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The NFL and Howard University have partnered to launch the Campus Connection program, which is aimed to give students different experiences to prepare them for future careers in professional football administration, the league announced Wednesday.

The program will kick off with the 2018 fall semester as the NFL will have a presence on Howard's campus. The two organization will host an executive lecture series, partner in a student-lab case study class and attend the Howard School of Business Sports & Entertainment Summit, according a release.

The Campus Connection partnership extends the NFL's deal from May 2016 with the MEAC and SWAC, which are two of the prominent Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) athletic conferences. The NFL and the institutions are seeking to increase career opportunities for students and athletic administrators with this partnership.

"Campus Connection is part of our ongoing and continuous commitment to celebrating the impact HBCUs have had on the game of professional football, driving awareness around career opportunities and providing access to the business of sports," Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, said Wednesday.

Students will now benefit from internship programs at the club and league level, integration of HBCU football operation staffs into existing NFL events like the Pro Bowl and networking or mentorship opportunities.

"Howard University and the School of Business are excited about the developing partnership with the National Football League and its potentially beneficial opportunities for both organizations," said Dean Barron Harvey, Ph.D., Howard University School of Business. "This collaboration will bring significant rewards to our faculty and students and provide them with great insight into the business of sports, while also developing skilled management professionals to meet the recruitment needs of the NFL. This NFL partnership has great potential and the School of Business is looking forward to our engagement."

2017-18 CIAA Year-In-Review

ASU to embark on Bahamas tour in August

HEAD COACH LEWIS JACKSON

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State men's basketball team is headed to the Bahamas in August for a six-day tour that will feature games against international competition as well as teambuilding activities prior to the 2018-19 season.

"We are extremely excited about this opportunity," Alabama State head coach Lewis Jackson said. "It gives us an opportunity to get in the gym and practice as a team in July, and it gives the guys a little but more time to find our some more about themselves and about us collectively as a group.

"I know four years ago, we had this opportunity as a group and the guys responded very well throughout the course of the season. With the youth we had last year, just the opportunity to get some early games in August will be tremendous for us. There will be a lot of teams doing the same type of trip, so we will be able to see them play a little but and improve in some areas."

Alabama State will depart for the Bahamas on August 7 and face the Atlantis All-Stars the next Hday, August 8, at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. They will also face the Bahamas All-Stars August 9 at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, before a day off. The Hornets conclude the tour against the CTG Knights on August 10 at the Sir Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

In preparation for the trip, the Hornets will be allowed 10 practices in Montgomery beginning in July.

"It's beneficial for us because we get the guys away from distractions for a few days," Jackson said. "There will be a big group going with us, but the core group of guys that will be playing and coaching that will get an opportunity to bond and find out a little more about each other. We are excited about the opportunity, all of our guys are excited about it and they are here this summer getting a chance to workout. It will be an exciting time, especially the team-building aspect."

The NCAA affords each program the opportunity of traveling outside the United States to face foreign competition once every four years. This will be the second foreign tour for Alabama State to the Bahamas.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University men's basketball, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateMBB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.

GSU's Taylor selected by Diamondbacks in MLB Draft

GRAMBLING, Louisiana (6/6/2018)| Grambling State University senior shortstop Marshawn Taylor was selected on Wednesday in the 28th round with the 849th pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft.

The selection by the Diamondbacks marked the second straight year Grambling State had a player drafted. Tanner Raiburn was selected in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox in the 33rd Round. He was taken with the 1,001st overall pick and was the first Tiger to be drafted since Edwin Drexler was selected in the 2015 MLB Draft in the 38th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Taylor, who spent two seasons in the Black and Gold, earned several accolades, including being named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Player of the Year, Hitter of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in 2017. He is a two-time All-SWAC First Team shortstop and earned All-SWAC Tournament Team honors after Grambling State finished runner-up to Texas Southern in the 2018 Baseball Tournament.

At the plate this season, Taylor batted a team-best 404 in 218 at-bats. He played and started in all 52 games at shortstop, where he tallied 88 hits, including five doubles and three triples. Taylor scored 50 times and drove in 44 runners. The Chicago, Ill. native was extremely patient at the plate by drawing 25 walks and was 20-of-24 in stolen base attempts. Nationally, Taylor ranked fifth in hits per game, seventh in batting average and 14th in toughest to strikeout.

GSU Athletics

✔@GSU_TIGERS

BREAKING: @TaylorGanngg3 has been selected in the @MLBDraft by the @Dbacks gram

4:11 PM - Jun 6, 2018 · Grambling, LA

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For his career, Taylor batted .403 in 422 at-bats, with 170 hits, including 17 doubles and four triples. He scored 100 times and drove in 82 runners. Also, he drew 54 walks and was 36-of-46 in stolen base attempts.

Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.

By: Brian Howard, Sports Information Director
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

PVAMU Williams Drafted In 26th Round By Angels; HS Signee Also Chosen in MLB Draft

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M baseball program had two players selected on day three of the Major League Baseball draft.

Senior pitcher Darrien Williams (6-3, 205; Bryan, Texas) was selected in the 26th round by the Angels of the American League's Western Division. In the 29th round, high school signee Jaylen Smith (5-11, 170; Copperas Cove, Texas) was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies.

"When I arrived in the fall of 2015, I knew I had something special," said Panthers' head baseball coach Auntwan Riggins of Williams. "D-Will pitched and had played right field for us, and led the team in hitting. I knew pitching was always his best opportunity to play at the next level. He understood that, and worked hard to make his dream come true."

Williams is the first PVAMU baseball player since 2009 to be selected in the draft. That year, CF Myrio Richard (9th round, Oakland A's) and C Brandon Whitby (34th round, Colorado Rockies) were selected.

"It's a dream come true," Williams said. "I put God first. I appreciate the support of my family, girlfriend and friends as well as my coaches. This is something I always anticipated."

Williams was a four-year player for the Panthers, and began his career as both an outfielder before also pitching in year two before solely focusing on the mound during his final two years.

"I only pitched at PVAMU for three seasons," Williams said. "I didn't really have a starting role as a pitcher in high school, but I knew that I had the will to pitch. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity. I can't do anything but thank the man above."

As a hitter, he had a career average of .290 with six home runs and 17 RBI. His best year at the plate came as a sophomore in 2016, where hit .350 in 34 starts with five home runs and 13 RBI.

After one relief appearance as a freshman and 12 starts on the mound as a sophomore, Williams became a full-time pitcher in his final two seasons. He made 40 appearances with 34 starts, winning eight times. He struck out 172 hitters in 205.1 innings.

His best statistical year came as a junior in 2017 when he posted a 4-4 record with a 4.41 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 67.1 innings.

This past season, Williams struck out 69 batters in 76 innings with a 2-6 record.

"This opportunity for Darrien means the world to me because I know how hard he worked," said Riggins, who himself played five years of professional baseball in the minor leagues. "He is a great kid with great values. I would like to praise his parents for doing an awesome job in raising this young man."

Smith is a left handed pitcher who also played quarterback at Copperas Cove HS.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATION

Alabama State Hernandez selected by Atlanta in 2018 MLB Draft

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Senior third baseman Ray Hernandez became the latest draftee from Alabama State in the MLB First-Year Player Draft as he was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 29th round Wednesday afternoon.
 
Hernandez, who holds the school record in slugging percentage, doubles and home runs, was the 862nd overall pick in draft.
 
The senior from Orlando (Fla.) was among the nations best in several categories as he led Alabama State to the East Division championship in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) this season. He finished the season hitting .379 with 11 home runs – both team highs for the Hornets – and finished with 45 runs batted in and 46 runs scored. He also connected on 12 doubles and led the team with a .601 slugging percentage as the Hornets made the semifinals of the conference tournament.
 
A two-time all-conference selection for the Hornets, Hernandez finishes his career leading the school with 35 home runs and second in runs batted in with 172. He was also named All-Tournament at the conclusion of the SWAC championship tournament after hitting .471 in five games with three doubles and four runs batted in.
 
Quotable – Alabama State head coach Jose' Vazquez
"I am extremely happy for Ray as he accomplishes another goal that he set forth for himself when he got to Alabama State. Not only does he leave Alabama State with a degree, now he gets to pursue a life-long dream. He will represent Alabama State the way the school should be represented everywhere he goes."

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University baseball, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateBB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.

WSSU's Norris Selected by San Francisco Giants in 19th Round of MLB Draft

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State University junior outfielder Randy Norris was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 19th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft, Wednesday afternoon. Norris was the second pick of the 19th round (556 overall) and became the first WSSU player to be drafted into Major League Baseball.

Norris has had an historic career at Winston-Salem State. He has played three years with the Rams and is currently the team's career leader in hits (231), at-bats (608), and stolen bases (92). He is coming off of a stellar junior season that including finishing the season ranked fourth in the nation with a .437 batting average. He is also tied for ninth in the nation in stolen bases with 34. Last season, Norris led the nation with 47 stolen bases.

During his career, Norris earned several honors, including being named the Claudette Weston WSSU Male Student-Athlete of the Year and the Independent Collegiate Athletic Association (ICAA) Player of the Year. He also earned spots on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-Region Team as well as the Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Region team. He was also a North Carolina Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) College Division All-State team selection along with Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All-Conference honors as well.

Norris becomes the second player from Winston-Salem State University to be drafted since 1985.  For more information on Rams baseball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.  

N.C. A&T Wins Mary McLeod Bethune Award

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – North Carolina A&T won the 2017-18 Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference recently announced.

N.C. A&T finished second to Bethune-Cookman in the Talmadge Layman Hill Men’s All-Sports Award competition, the conference also announced.

In a history-making year, N.C. A&T Athletics made more by winning their first-ever Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award. N.C. A&T Director of Collegiate Athletics, Earl M. Hilton III, was presented a $20,000 check during a reception at the MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C.

MEAC Championships won by women’s basketball, women’s indoor track and field and bowling led the way for women’s varsity sports at N.C. A&T. Points are awarded on a descending basis beginning with 14 points for a championship or first-place finish. The second-place team receives 12 points, the third-place teCam receives 11 points and continues down in descending order.

Tied teams will split the point total by taking the total points and dividing it by the number of the teams (for example two teams tied for first (14+12 = 26) is 13 or three teams tied for first (14+12+11 = 37) is 12.3). In volleyball, bowling, tennis, softball and baseball, points are given based on a regular-season finish among each division. In all other sports are given based on regular-season finish excluding men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf and men’s and women’s track and field which are awarded points based on MEAC championship finish.

N.C. A&T women’s programs finished with 93 points to outlast Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M who finished tied for second with 91 points.



The men were close to making it a clean sweep for Aggieland. They finished with 90.5 points, 1.3 points less than the Wildcats who won the award with 91.8 points.

Conference championships in football, men’s indoor track and field, men’s outdoor track and field and baseball nearly earned the Aggies the top honor. Unlike the Aggies, the Wildcats did not claim any championships but their sports remained consistently near the top of the standings and championships such as golf and track and field.

The Talmadge Layman Hill Award was a two-school race as Florida A&M finished a distant third with 76 points.

“We have a great team of student-athletes, coaches and administrators who work extremely hard every day, and North Carolina A&T State University is reaping the benefits of their dedication,” said Hilton. “Our leadership at the top starting with Chancellor Harold L. Martin has been a tremendous help to us as an athletics department. Winning the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award is a historic moment for North Carolina A&T Athletics. What our athletics department accomplished in 2017-18 is something we can be proud of for many years to come.”

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

New Football Stadium and Convocation Center is in WSSU Future

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Architects have unveiled a long-term vision for Winston-Salem State University’s campus that supports growth and offers enhanced amenities for students.

“The master plan for Winston-Salem State University’s 117-acre campus will provide a roadmap for strategic long-term growth over the next 20 years,” said Constance Mallette, vice chancellor of finance and administration for WSSU. “Guided by the 2016-21 Strategic Plan, this document supports the growth of academic programs and advances the living/learning concept, which focuses on creating facilities that support high-impact teaching practices and enhanced student learning.”

The master plan, which was introduced at the WSSU Board of Trustees meeting on June 8, proposes 1.35-million square feet of new construction, including:

• Four new academic buildings to support science, allied health and graduate programs in the emerging Science District. WSSU would look to acquire space that became vacant last year with the closure of the U.S. 52 entrance ramp at Rams Drive to expand the district.
• The renovation and expansion of Hall Patterson, R.J. Reynolds Center, Hauser Hall of Music, and the Physical Plant (Arts + Visual Studies Department) to support liberal education.
• The construction of two new residence halls and an expansion of Atkins and Martin-Schexnider residence halls.
• Expanded athletics facilities, including a 6,000-seat football stadium, and a 3,000-seat convocation center, both located within the campus core.
• Two proposed multi-tiered parking garages that would support sustainable energy with rooftop solar panels and create more than 1,200 parking spaces.
• A mixed-use North Campus Gateway Center that would provide office space and support the East End Master Plan that is being developed by the city of Winston-Salem.
• A new student success center.
• A renovated library with a new café and social space spilling out to the Pegram Green.

Over the nine-month “visioning process,” which began in June 2017, staff from the global design firm Sasaki Associates met with WSSU administrators, faculty, staff and students to identify opportunities for improvements, she said. They also analyzed overall growth.

Mallette said out of those meetings, five main ideas were incorporated as part of the vision:

• Supporting Liberal Education and Graduation Programs: Support the growth of graduate programs by developing in the Science District, with new buildings as well as social learning spaces.
• Engaging Communities and Enhanced Connectivity: An overhead pedestrian crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Also, two primary accessible routes through the core of campus.
• Environmental Stewardship: Nearly $25 million in utilities and infrastructure improvements – electrical, steam, chilled water, technology – over the next five years.Restore the Core: Enhancing existing open spaces to connect core activities and facilities to make the campus even more memorable.
• Vibrant Campus Life: Creating more on-campus amenities and jobs, especially late night and on weekends, to build more of support system and community on campus.

The plan, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees, was presented by Greg Haven, planner and architect for Sasaki.

WSSU currently has about 5,100 students and nearly 1,000 full- and part-time employees.

The master plan, which cost $450,000, prepares WSSU for 12 percent growth over the next five years. That equals about 650 additional students – 441 undergraduate and 208 graduate students.

The master plan projects future construction totaling $556 million in current dollars. Nothing outlined in the plan currently has funding associated.

A committee of 32 faculty, staff, administrators and students advised on the plan. Sasaki Associates also completed the 2011 master plan.

WSSU updates its master plan at least every 10 years. Since the last master plan seven years ago, WSSU has added nearly 270,000 square feet of new and renovated spaces. Nearly $100 million in construction is underway or planned on campus, including H. Douglas Covington Hall, a new living/learning residence hall that will open in August, and a sciences building. Local and regional projects like the U.S. 52/Research Parkway interchange also occurred since 2011.

About Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Norfolk State sophomore Martha Bissah places 6th at NCAA 800 Meters Final, Earns 1st Team All-American Honors

EUGENE, Oregon  --  Martha Bissah's stellar run through the NCAA track and field postseason culminated Saturday night with a sixth-place finish in the 800 meters at the 2018 NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships, earning the Norfolk State sophomore first-team All-American honors at historic Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.

Bissah clocked a time of 2 minutes, 6.79 seconds in a steady downpour, finishing ahead of higher-seeded athletes Sabrina Southerland from Oregon and Jazmine Fray from Texas A&M to score three points for the Spartans in the team standings. 



By finishing in the top eight at the national championship meet, Bissah earns first-team Division I All-American honors. She becomes just the fourth Spartan women's track and field athlete to earn All-American honors at the Division I level. Long jumper Tianna Goldring, who placed fourth at the 2004 NCAA outdoor meet, was NSU's last first-team All-American prior to Bissah. 

Bissah was the only MEAC women's track athlete to advance to an event final this week.

Bissah's sophomore track season included MEAC outdoor titles in the 800 and 1,500 meters, and a second straight MEAC Indoor Most Outstanding Athlete honor after winning titles in the 800, mile, 3,000 and distance medley relay. She began the academic year by setting a new conference championship record en route to the individual MEAC cross country title last fall.

NSU's Division I Track & Field All-Americans

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Southern announces five-year deal with Under Armour, BSN Sports

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern University Athletics Department has announced that it has entered into a 5-year partnership with Under Armour through BSN SPORTS. The agreement, which will commence on July 1, 2018 is part of BSN SPORTS Collegiate Select program, which aims to make BSN SPORTS a one-stop provider for all collegiate athletic, intramural, club and staff apparel and equipment to all NCAA Divison I, II, III, NJCAA and NAIA schools.

The multi-year deal through Under Armour and BSN Sports, which is scheduled to run through the 2022-23 season, will outfit the Jaguars 15 intercollegiate sports programs with custom uniforms, apparel, footballs and other accessories. Along with serving as the official apparel provider for athletics, Under Armour, BSN Sports and Southern have agreed to service the entire Southern University System, including the Human Jukebox and SU Cheerleaders.

“Through our partnership with Under Armour and BSN Sports, Southern University has successfully partnered with the industry leader in athletic apparel and accessories,” said Roman Banks, Southern University Director of Athletics.

“Under Armour’s mission to be a global leader through innovation coincides with the university’s commitment to excellence. This partnership also allows us to fully expand the brand recognition of Southern University and the Jaguar Nation and we are extremely excited to be apart of the Under Armour and BSN Sports family”

The agreement includes numerous incentives in the form of discounts and rewards along with incentives for on-field achievements and additional marketing and promotional opportunities.

“We are excited to partner with Southern University and Under Armour in elevating the performance and impact of their athletics program. This strategic partnership provides the finest apparel and athletic products to the Jaguar athletic teams and benefits each student athlete representing the community on the athletic field or court” said Todd Northrop – Vice President. “We are proud to be their partner and pleased that we can elevate the student-athlete experience.”

BSN SPORTS Collegiate Select will partner with the company’s key vendors to provide apparel and equipment to colleges and universities across the country.

ABOUT Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour, the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand's innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. The Under Armour Connected Fitness™ platform powers the world's largest digital health and fitness community through a suite of applications: UA Record, MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland. For further information, please visit www.uabiz.com.

ABOUT BSN SPORTS

BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 100,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 2,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.bsnsports.com.

All of Southern's teams out of the APR woods, eligible for postseason in 2018-19

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- He had inherited a mess of a men's basketball program at Southern, thin on talent and coming off the worst three-year stretch in school history.

It was 2012, and Roman Banks — then in his first season as the Jaguars coach — had engineered a remarkable 13-win turnaround, finishing second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

But because of a dangerously low Academic Progress Rate, Banks and the Jaguars couldn't punctuate their season with a trip to the SWAC tournament.

It was the beginning of a stormy time for Southern, whose football, baseball and basketball teams, as well as others, were severely penalized by the NCAA for low APR scores over the next five years.

But at long last, that ugly period at Southern is over.

Next season, all of Southern's athletic teams will be eligible for NCAA postseason play after a comprehensive effort spearheaded by the Athletics Office of Compliance and Student Services.

“It is definitely an exciting time,” said Banks, now the athletic director. “This is the first time since I have been here that all of our teams have met the APR benchmark. Like any athletic success story, the ongoing positive APR reports are the result of a team effort, starting with our student services staff and the coaches who recruit quality student-athletes and emphasize that academics will be a priority at Southern University.”

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Reginald Ruffin named new Director of Athletics at Miles College

COACH REGINALD RUFFIN

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- Miles College has announced that Reginald Ruffin will take the helm of the Golden Bears athletic program. Ruffin has spent the last seven years as head football coach for the Golden Bears and will remain in that position. The change is effective immediately. He replaces Phillip Wallace, Jr., who served as Director of Athletics for the past eight years. Wallace will remain in his position as head women's basketball coach.

"I am truly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead Miles College Athletics under the guidance and leadership of President George T. French, Jr." Ruffin said. "This is a wonderful opportunity for my family. I understand the responsibility I now have to continue to uphold the high standards for excellence for our scholar athletes set by former Athletics Director Phillip Wallace, Jr. I'm looking forward to being part of the world-class tradition of excellence that characterizes the student-athlete experience at Miles College.

"It's a great day for the future of Miles College Athletics."

Ruffin has led one of the most successful eras in Miles College football history. He enters his eighth season as the head football coach for the Golden Bears with two Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships as well as an additional SIAC Championship game appearance. Over seven seasons, Ruffin has won 60 percent of his games, going 45-30 overall.

Coach Ruffin is a 1998 graduate of the University of North Alabama and holds a Master's degree in Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. After graduation from UNA, Ruffin served as athletic director and head football coach at Choctaw County High School in Butler, Ala. He has also had successful assistant coaching stints at North Alabama, West Georgia, and Tuskegee.

His success as a coach and administrator followed one of the most decorated careers a student-athlete has enjoyed at North Alabama. During Ruffin's playing days at the UNA, he became the Lions' second three-time All-American and is the only Lion to be named All-America at two different positions: as a defensive end in 1995 and 1996, and as a linebacker in 1997. A four-year starter, he established a school record with 34 career sacks and the school single-season sack record with 11 in 1994. The Lions went 43-9 during his career and won two Division II National Championships.

The Miles College athletic department saw unprecedented growth under Wallace. In the classroom, the athletic program had a cumulative grade point average over 3.0 for the past eight years. The Golden Bears landed eight student-athletes on the 2017-18 SIAC All-Academic Team with three squads – baseball, women's basketball, and men's golf – each having the top cumulative grade point averages among conference schools in their sport. This year, 32 percent of all Miles student-athletes made either the President's List or the Dean's List. Graduation and retention rates have also been on the rise.

On the field, the Golden Bears won two SIAC titles in football and softball and additional league championships in baseball and men's golf during Wallace's tenure. The athletic department also saw the hiring of new coaches in football, baseball, men's basketball, volleyball, cross country, track and field, and men's golf; two full-time female head coaches, and two full-time athletic trainers. He has put an emphasis on rules education, annually sending Miles coaches and administrators to attend the NCAA Regional Rules Seminar.

Miles is a member of NCAA Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. As Director of Athletics, Ruffin will oversee a program that includes 10 varsity teams: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's golf, women's track and field, softball, and volleyball.

Miles College, founded in 1898, is a premier liberal arts institution located in metropolitan Birmingham within the corporate limits of the City of Fairfield. The noble founders of the institution saw educated leadership as the paramount need in the black community. Miles, which is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and accredited by Commission on Colleges for the awarding of Baccalaureate Degrees, is the only four-year institution in historic Birmingham, Alabama designated as a member of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Miles College is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) higher learning institution. The College is one of only 39 HBCUs to have the designation of a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institution.

MILES COLLEGE GOLDEN BEARS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

A long, silent search for Delaware State Hornets hoop coach

DOVER, Delaware — Four years ago, the doors to a conference room on the fifth floor of Delaware State University’s Administration Building flew open and through them came Keith Walker.

The big reveal at that 2014 press conference to name a new head basketball coach was kept a secret from most. Even the players were not aware of who their coach was going to be until Walker walked through those doors.

Despite being kept in the dark, there was a palpable level of excitement among the players in the room.

Walker was who the players pushed for to be their head coach. He was the interim coach for the final 10 games of the 2014 season and what he did for the team’s morale was one of the main reasons he was given the full-time position.

“What Coach was able to do was to take all of that energy, turn it around and create our dreams again,” said DSU’s athletic director at the time, Candy Young. “We were able to live again. We were able to breathe again. We had a team that we were excited about again.”

And that proved true in Walker’s first year as Delaware State rode a senior-laden team to the MEAC Tournament championship game, finishing one win shy of an NCAA Tournament berth.

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Nuggets' schedule includes visit to 2017 NAIA champion

NEW ORLEANS — Seven matches against NAIA National Championship qualifiers from last season, including an October visit to defending national champion Lindsey Wilson, are among the highlights of the 2018 Xavier University of Louisiana volleyball schedule.
     
Pat Kendrick, who in her first season at XULA was voted the 2017 Louisiana Coach of the Year, announced the schedule Tuesday. It consists of 30 regular-season matches, 12 at home and 14 overall in an expanded Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
     
The Gold Nuggets' matches against 2017 NAIA tourney qualifiers will be:

     •  Aug. 24 — opening day and the second match of the season — against Georgetown (Ky.) in the Mid-South Crossover Tournament at Bowling Green, Ky.
     •  Aug. 25 against Indiana Wesleyan in the Mid-South Crossover.
     •  Aug. 31 against Mobile in XULA's Big Easy Blastoff.
     •  Sept. 1 against Webber International in the Big Easy Blastoff.
     •  Sept. 8 at Mobile in its tournament.
     •  Oct. 12 at Lindsey Wilson, which was 35-0 last season.
     •  Oct. 13 at Campbellsville.
     
"We have put together a well-rounded schedule with a significant number of teams that have played on the national level," Kendrick said. "We also are looking forward to the challenge of defending our GCAC regular-season and tournament titles."
     
XULA will open the season Aug. 24 against Cumberlands and Georgetown in the Mid-South Crossover, then play its first home matches Aug. 31 against Point and Mobile in the Big Easy Blastoff. The GCAC opener will be Sept. 4 at Tougaloo. The Gold Nuggets' two conference city rivals, Dillard and SUNO, will be back-to-back opponents twice, including Sept. 15 (Dillard) and Sept. 17 (SUNO) at XULA's Convocation Center.
     
The GCAC Tournament will be Nov. 9-10, and SUNO's The Castle will be the venue for the second straight year. The Gold Nuggets seek their eighth straight GCAC regular-season and tournament championships.
     
NOTES:  This is the 11th season of XULA volleyball . . . XULA was 23-3 overall, 12-0 GCAC in 2017 . . . Rust will join the GCAC this season, giving the league eight members for the first time since 2014-15 . . . First-time opponents will be Campbellsville, Cumberlands, Indiana Wesleyan, Life, Point and Webber International . . . Alcorn State (Sept. 8 at Mobile's tourney) will be XULA's first NCAA Division I opponent since Mississippi Valley in 2015. The Lady Braves are on the schedule for the first time since 2011 . . . XULA won 82 of its last 84 GCAC regular-season matches, including the last 13.Xavier University of Louisiana 2018 Women's Volleyball Schedule
Aug. 24 (Fri.):  Cumberlands, 4 p.m.  (Mid-South Crossover Tournament, Bowling Green, Ky.)
Aug. 24 (Fri.):  Georgetown (Ky.), 8 p.m.  (Mid-South Crossover Tournament, Bowling Green, Ky.)
Aug. 25 (Sat.):  Pikeville, 10 a.m.  (Mid-South Crossover Tournament, Bowling Green, Ky.)
Aug. 25 (Sat.):  Indiana Wesleyan, 2 p.m.  (Mid-South Crossover Tournament, Bowling Green, Ky.)
Aug. 31 (Fri.):  POINT, 11 a.m.  (Big Easy Blastoff)
Aug. 31 (Fri.):  MOBILE, 7 p.m.  (Big Easy Blastoff)
Sept. 1 (Sat.):  MARTIN METHODIST, 3 p.m.  (Big Easy Blastoff)
Sept. 1 (Sat.):  WEBBER INTERNATIONAL, 7 p.m.  (Big Easy Blastoff)
Sept. 4 (Tue.)  •  at Tougaloo, 6 p.m.
Sept. 7 (Fri.):  Life, 2 p.m.  (University of Mobile Invitational, Mobile, Ala.)
Sept. 7 (Fri.):  William Carey, 6 p.m.  (University of Mobile Invitational, Mobile, Ala.)
Sept. 8 (Sat.):  Alcorn State, 10 a.m.  (University of Mobile Invitational, Mobile, Ala.)
Sept. 8 (Sat.):  at Mobile, 2 p.m.  (University of Mobile Invitational, Mobile, Ala.)
Sept. 11 (Tue.):  LOYOLA (N.O.), 6 p.m.
Sept. 15 (Sat.):  •  DILLARD, 1 p.m.
Sept. 17 (Mon.):  •  SUNO, 6 p.m.
Sept. 22 (Sat.)  •  at Philander Smith, 1 p.m.
Sept. 24 (Mon.)  •  at Rust, 6 p.m.
Sept. 29 (Sat.)  •  at Edward Waters, 1 p.m. EDT
Oct. 1 (Mon.)  •  at Talladega, 6 p.m.
Oct. 6 (Sat.)  •  at SUNO, 1 p.m.
Oct. 8 (Mon.)  •  at Dillard, 6 p.m.
Oct. 12 (Fri.)  at Lindsey Wilson, 5 p.m.
Oct. 13 (Sat.)  Fisk, 10 a.m. EDT (at Campbellsville, Ky.)
Oct. 13 (Sat.)  at Campbellsville, 2 p.m. EDT
Oct. 20 (Sat.):  •  RUST, 1 p.m.
Oct. 22 (Mon.):  •  PHILANDER SMITH, 6 p.m.
Oct. 27 (Sat.):  •  TALLADEGA, 1 p.m.
Oct. 29 (Mon.):  •  EDWARD WATERS, 6 p.m.
Nov. 3 (Sat.):  •  TOUGALOO, 1 p.m.
Nov. 9-10 (Fri.-Sat.):  Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament at SUNO's The Castle, New Orleans, TBA
Nov. 17 (Sat.):  NAIA National Championship opening round at campus sites, TBA
Nov. 27-Dec. 1 (Tue.-Sat.):  NAIA National Championship final site at Sioux City, Iowa, TBA

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

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

South Carolina State sprinter Tyrell Richard continued his remarkable junior season with a 5th-place finish at NCAAs and All-America honors.

EUGENE, Oregon -- South Carolina State sprinter Tyrell Richard culminated his NCAA track and field season Friday with a 5^th place finish in the 400-meters finals at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

The Georgetown junior, who was clocked in a time of 45.10 in the race won by Southern Cal's Michael Norman in a collegiate record time of 43.61, will leave Oregon with All-America honors.

Earlier, in the 400-meter semifinals at Eugene, Richard blazed to a school and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record with a time of 44.70. That mark erased the 32-year old school record of 45.18 set by Malcolm Walters in 1986, as well as the MEAC standard of 45.21 established by Richard himself May 5 at the league's outdoor championship at Greensboro.

Richard is the second Bulldog sprinter this season to perform well against the nation's top collegiate runners. Teammate Demek Kemp culminated the indoor campaign with a third-place finish and a bronze medal at the NCAA Indoor Track Championship in March.

He views his accomplishments with humility and is determined to work hard to bring even more notoriety and acclaim to SC State and his hometown.

"Performing well on a national stage means a great deal to me," Richard said. "It's great to be able to lift your school and hometown to national heights. And, personally, it meant a great deal to me to be able to trim over a half-second off the school record in the 400 meters (in the NCAA semifinals).

"Overall, it's been an amazing year for me, beginning with the indoor season when I set a school record in the 200 meters (20.53). Then, to follow that up with a school and conference record in the 400 meters outdoors is pretty special. I think I still have a lot left in me and hope to get better."

Bulldog head coach Tim Langford lauded Richard's performance in Eugene and agrees with the Bulldog junior that he has the capability to achieve even greater heights.

"Tyrell's performance at the NCAA Track and Field Championship was exceptional," said Langford. "It's a great testimony to any athlete that shows up when the lights come on, when the nation is watching and the pressure is on. I'm happy for him and our program."

Twice during the season, Richard was named the MEAC Track Performer of the Week for his achievements. That resume' has been further strengthened by his latest accomplishments but, there may be even more acclaim waiting for Richard as he and Kemp will both be participating in the Supcoming USA Track and Field Championship June 21-24 at Des Moines, Iowa.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATION