Former Livingstone Blue Bear QB & CIAA Player of the Year Leads Iowa Barnstormers to League Championship Game

Drew Powell (6’3, 220, Livingstone College) earns First Team Selection for the Iowa Barnstormers after leading the IFL in rushing (945) and passing for 34 touchdowns in 2018. 

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Drew Powell made his mark on CIAA football in his career at Livingstone College (2012-15) and continues to be a force as he leads the Iowa Barnstormers, indoor professional football team, to the Indoor Football League's United Bowl Championship game. Powell was named the CIAA's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. In his professional career, he has earned All-IFL first team honors and was named 2018 IFL Most Valuable Player.

In his first season with the team, Powell and the Barnstormers have earned an 11-3 record after recently defeating the Nebraska Danger 48-17 in the United Conference Championship game. This season, the Blue Bear alum has completed 154-of-226 passes for 1,604 yards and 34 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Using his versatility as a threat, Powell also rushed for an IFL-leading 945 yards and 23 touchdowns. Powell's 945 single season rushing yards were second most in IFL history.

The Iowa Barnstormers will host the Sioux Falls Storm in the IFL's United Bowl Championship on Saturday, July 7th at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. While the team entered playoff competition in 2017, the championship appearance is the team's first-ever during their time in the Indoor Football League. The Barnstormers last championship appearance occurred in 1997, during which time the team was a member of the Arena Football League (AFL) and led by legendary NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.

Powell made his rookie debut with the IFL's Sioux Falls Storm in 2017 and has also spent time with the Nebraska Danger. Prior to his professional career, Powell was a four-year letter winner for the Livingstone College Blue Bears. Throughout his time at Livingstone, Powell broke a total of 11 school records (six of which he collected his freshman season) and four CIAA records. Powell is joined on the Barnstormers roster by former Blue Bear coach, Malcolm Nelson, who is now Iowa's defensive line coach and special teams coordinator.

For more information about CIAA football, visit www.theciaa.com or follow the conference on Facebook (The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports).

About the CIAA

Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAATournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

XULA track, cross country begin search for new head coach

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is conducting a national search for a head coach of its men's and women's track and field and cross country programs as a result of the resignation of Joseph Moses.

Moses coached XULA cross country for 13 seasons (2004, 2006-17) and track and field for nine seasons (2010-18).

Moses-coached XULA teams won a combined 27 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference team championships: 11 in women's cross country, 10 in men's cross country and six in women's track and field. This past season XULA won GCAC titles in women's cross country and track and field and finished second in men's cross country and track. XULA in 2018 set a GCAC women's track record for most points at the conference meet (258) and largest winning margin (96). XULA men's track scored in 2018 its most points ever, 123, at the GCAC meet.

"I am proud to have been a part of building the track and cross country programs at Xavier University of Louisiana," Moses said. "I am especially proud of the student-athletes that received both athletic and academic awards here. I am grateful to have worked with other great coaches, and I will miss the Xavier community."

Moses won a combined 37 coach-of-the-year awards at the GCAC and Louisiana levels. He was GCAC Coach of the Year in women's cross country and track this past season and Louisiana Coach of the Year in women's track a year ago.

"We are proud of the accomplishments of coach Moses and his teams, and we thank him for his work and success with the track and cross country programs," said Jason Horn, XULA director of athletics & recreation. "Our track and cross country programs are on a solid foundation and poised to gain additional national recognition and contend for championships on the conference and national levels. Best wishes to coach Moses in the next chapter of his career."

Applicants can apply online at jobs.xula.edu.

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

Norfolk State Alum Daniels to Make NASCAR History at Daytona

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Former Norfolk State University women's basketball player Brehanna Daniels adds another chapter to her legacy as a NASCAR trailblazer this Saturday when she becomes the first African-American female pit crew member to work a race in the Monster Energy series, the sport's top series.

Daniels will change tires for Rick Ware Racing and Ray Black Jr., driver of the No. 51 car, at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Saturday at the Daytona International Speedway. The race will be televised live on NBC beginning at 7 p.m.

Daniels, who played for the Spartans from 2014-16, broke two barriers last year. The former NASCAR Drive for Diversity pit crew recruit became the first African American female to pit a national car racing series event last April for an Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) race in Nashville, Tennessee. In June 2017, she became the first to pit at a NASCAR national series event when she worked a truck series race in Dover, Delaware.



This week, she works the sport's top circuit for the first time at the famed Daytona International Speedway. In fact, Daniels will be one of two females to pit the race, another NASCAR first. Former Alcorn State softball player Breanna O'Leary, another Drive for Diversity recruit, will change tires on the same team as Daniels on Saturday. O'Leary will be working her third Monster Energy race this year. The two, who are roommates, will be just the fifth and sixth female Drive for Diversity alums to reach NASCAR's highest level.

"It's hard to believe I've only been changing tires for two years and now I'm here at the Monster Energy Series level," Daniels said in a NASCAR press release. "What I'm doing in NASCAR is so much bigger than me. It's been so rewarding to be part of history while at the same time inspiring others to take on challenges they thought might not be possible."

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Howard Bison London Promote Dowling to Cornerback Coach

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Head Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team promoted former NFL defensive back Ras-I Dowling as its new cornerback coach after spending last year as a defensive quality control coach.
 
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the HU football family," Dowling stated. "I am excited to be coaching the cornerbacks and share my knowledge and experience with these young men. I hope to lead by example in all areas to help the players reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field."
 
After being drafted as the highest defensive back in University of Virginia (UVA) history, Dowling played five seasons in the NFL. In 2011, the Virginia native was selected by head coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots with the 33rd overall pick in the NFL Draft.
 
In his five-year career, Dowling was a member of two Super Bowl teams: 2011 New England Patriots and 2015 Carolina Panthers. He also spent time with the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders.
 
"I'm excited about the opportunity to add Ras-I [Dowling] to our staff," said London. "I know him well and I have seen his development from a college student-athlete to an NFL draft pick, father and husband. He is a great addition to an already outstanding staff."
 
During his time at UVA, he was under Coach London's tutelage where he earned multiple awards. In 2010, the three-time All-ACC honoree made the league's First Team while reaching All-American status. Dowling was a team captain and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
 
Dowling received a full athletic scholarship to play football at Virginia after being a three-sport student-athlete (football, basketball, and track & field) throughout his high school career.
 
Dowling was born in North Charleston, South Carolina, but moved to Chesapeake, Virginia at an early age where he played both sides of the ball at Deep Creek High School. As a senior, he recorded 60 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back. As a receiver, he had 14 receptions for 255 yards and four touchdowns.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

Augusta U. O’Keefe Inks Two New Jaguars For 2018-19

AUGUSTA, Georgia -- Augusta University head men's golf coach and director of golf Jack O'Keefe announced the addition of incoming freshmen Viktor Lindgren and Alex van Wyk who will compete for the Jaguars in 2018-19.

Name: Alex van Wyk
Year: Freshman
Height: 5-9
Hometown / Previous School: George, South Africa / Glenwood House School

Name: Viktor Lindgren
Year: Freshman
Height: 6-0
Hometown / Previous School: Stockholm, Sweden / Celsius National School of Golf

"I am excited to have two top notch players joining our program this fall," O'Keefe said. "Alex and Viktor have a lot of tournament experience on the big stage of international golf, both in their home countries and around the world. We look for both of these young men to come in and contribute immediately. They will bring youth and talent to our already young team. I am excited to get them on campus and see them in action."

Alex van Wyk is an incoming freshman from George, South Africa in the Western Provence where he went to the Glenwood House School. He lettered in golf for all four years and was named the player of the year every season. Van Wyk led his team to a runner-up finish in the 2017 High School Nationals under Coach Val Holland. He plans to study business at Augusta University.

Viktor Lindgren is another new freshman from Stockholm, Sweden. He attended the Celsius National School of Golf in Uppsala, Sweden and lettered in golf for three years. Lindgren was runner-up at the Greg Norman Junior Invitational and had had nine top-10 finishes. He helped his team take second at the National School Championship during his time. Lindgren also plans to study business at Augusta University.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics / on Twitter at @AugustaJags and on Instagram @augustajags.

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AUGUSTA  UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

2018 SIAC Football Media Day

2018 SIAC Football Media Day 
Tuesday, July 10 
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

#SIACMD18

School	Representative	Links
Albany State	Gabe Giardina, Head Coach	Athletics Website ASU Twitter
	Jaylin Boyd
	Jamie Glenn
Benedict	Mike White, Head Coach	Athletic Website BC Twitter
	Justin Brown
	Amari Andrews
Central State	Cedric Pearl, Head Coach	Athletic Website CSU Twitter
	Kailen Abrams
	Darius Thomas
Clark Atlanta	Kevin Ramsey, Head Coach	Athletic Website CAU Twitter
	Willie Totten, Coach
	Josh Banks
	Breante Glover
Fort Valley State	Kevin Porter, Head Coach	Athletic Website FVSU Twitter
	Slade Jarman
	Lorenzo Smothers
Kentucky State	John L. Smith	Athletic Website KYSU Twitter
	Matthew Bizmana
	Marcus Campebll
Lane	Derrick Burroughs, Head Coach	Athletic Website LC Twitter
	Vyron Brown, Coach
	Fred Manuel, Coach
	Jacoby Jones, Coach
	Christopher Patterson, Coach
	Omauri Hampton
	Cameron Brown
Miles	Reginald Ruffin, Head Coach	Athletic Website Miles Twitter
	Austin Stephens
	Justin Hardy
Morehouse	Rich Freeman, Head Coach	Athletic Website Morehouse Twitter
	George Copeland, Coach
	Amyr Smith
	Antonio Johnson
Tuskegee	Willie Slater, Head Coach	Athletic Website Tuskegee Twitter
	Jamarcus Ezell
	Kali James

Nine Football Game Times Set; New Season Ticket Sales Begin July 2

2018 PVAMU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Game times for nine contests in the inaugural season of the Eric Dooley era of Prairie View A&M University football have been set for the 2018 season.

The Panthers will open the season just over two months from now on Aug. 25 in a 6 p.m. game at Rice. On Sept. 2, Prairie View A&M's matchup vs. North Carolina Central in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge will kickoff at 11 a.m. CT / Noon ET in Atlanta.

PVAMU will open conference play on Sept. 22 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6 p.m. before the annual State Fair Classic Showdown against Grambling State on Sept. 29 at 4 p.m.

Prairie View A&M will play four of the final five games of the season at Panther Stadium, beginning on Oct. 13 with a 5 p.m. kickoff vs. Southern. The 2018 homecoming contest is on Oct. 27 when PVAMU will host Alcorn at 2 p.m.

Prairie View A&M will play at Jackson State on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. before returning home for the final two games of the regular season. The Panthers will host Alabama St. on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. before hosting Texas Southern on Nov. 24 also at 1 p.m.

Game times for the Sept. 8 game at Sam Houston and the Sept. 15 game at UNLV are TBA.

NEW SEASON TICKET SALES BEGIN JULY 2; FANS COULD WIN GREAT PANTHER EXPERIENCES: New season ticket sales for the 2018 Prairie View A&M football season begin Monday, July 2.

Season ticket information is available online at pvpanthers.com/tickets, with tickets available for purchase on the link starting on July 2 as well or by calling 936.261.3970. If you qualify for a discount as an NAA Life Member and/or Foundation Student Challenge, you will need to call the box office to process your order.

The earlier fans makes a new season ticket purchase, the more chances to win a great Panther Football experience:

• Renew by July 3, 2018 to be eligible to win a drawing to win season ticket upgrade (one winner will be chosen)
• Renew by July 6, 2018 to be eligible to win a drawing to win gameday concession vouchers (three winners will be chosen)
• Renew by July 13, 2018 to be eligible to win a drawing to win two tickets to any road game of your choice (Rice, North Carolina Central, Sam Houston, UNLV, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Grambling, Jackson St.) – 5 winners will be chosen.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Robinson, Wells-Kilbert, McClellan Join JSU Administrative Staff

JACKSON, Mississippi – The Jackson State University Division of Athletics welcomed three additions to its administrative staff on Monday.

Ashley Robinson, who was introduced at a June 5 press conference, assumes the Vice President and Director of Athletics role. The Jackson native previously served as director of athletics at Prairie View A&M University beginning in June 2013, and became vice president and director of athletics at Prairie View in November 2016.

Robinson is currently chairman of the SWAC’s Athletic Directors Committee and will also take up the mantle of vice president of the Football Championship Subdivision Advisory Committee later this summer.

Tanya Wells-Kilbert assumes the Associate Athletic Director for Fiscal Management position. Wells-Kilbert comes from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She served as the interim athletic director and senior women’s administrator.

She brings 25 years of coaching and athletics administrative experience and has served as a member of the SWAC Task Force for more than eight years.

Hakim McClellan joins the department and will assume the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance role. McClellan comes from Prairie View A&M and worked as the Athletic Academic Advisor for the men’s baseball, women’s basketball, soccer, and track & field teams. In July of 2016, he was named as PVAMU’s first Certification Officer in the Office of the Registrar.

As the Certification Officer, McClellan was responsible for the certification of all student-athletes for practice, competition and other university certifications. He served as a liaison between the office of Athletic Compliance & Academic Advising and campus academic offices.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF ATHLETICS

.Montgomery Appointed Head Softball Coach at JSU

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Jackson State University Division of Athletics is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Montgomery as Head Softball Coach.

Montgomery comes to JSU from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. In his lone season he led the Golden Lions to a 19-28 overall mark and an 11-6 record in conference play. He led UAPB to an upset of No. 1-seed Alcorn State University and guided the Golden Lions to the quarterfinals of the 2018 SWAC Softball Tournament.

The veteran of the softball diamond brings over 15 years of experience to the JSU softball program.

Montgomery began his coaching career at Alcorn State in when he was named head softball in August of 2005. In his tenure at ALCN, the Lady Braves ranked sixth in doubles in 2006 in the NCAA. Also that season, ALCN made their first ever Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament finals appearance. The Lady Braves made five SWAC Softball Tournament appearances from 2005 to 2012.

Under tutelage of Montgomery, the Lady Braves won their first ever SWAC Softball Tournament and made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2010. Also that season, Alcorn State had two players to receive post season accolades as one was named the SWAC Player of the Year and the other was named the SWAC Tournament Most Valuable Player.

In January of 2013, Montgomery was named the associate head coach at Alabama State in Montgomery, Ala. He help lead the Lady Hornets to their first ever SWAC Softball Tournament Championship game in 2013.

In November of 2013, Montgomery was named the Director of Player Development at Southern California Preps in Woodland Hills, Calif., where he help prep USA Prep elite players for the national qualifying events.

The Atlanta, Ga., native holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2005 and a Masters in Guidance Education in 2007, both from Alcorn State.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF ATHLETICS

Jackson and Simmons bring local flair, potent offense to FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Throughout the late 1990s, Alex Jackson and Willie Simmons were the talk of the town across the Big Bend.

The star offensive lineman and quarterback made headlines on a weekly basis mowing down the opposition at Shanks High School in Quincy.

Since graduation, the two went their separate ways to compete on the collegiate level.

While their athletic journeys took them down different paths, they remained in close contact with each other.


Their bond evolved from a personal to a working relationship when they paired on the sideline at Prairie View A&M in 2015. Simmons led as head coach with Jackson as offensive coordinator.

This united front has returned in the region of which it was forged, the Big Bend, to bring a Quincy vibe to Tallahassee.

In 2018, Jackson will sport the headset as offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Florida A&M.

CONTINUE READING

Grambling State Larry Wright Hall of Fame career spans two continents

NATCHITOCHES, Louisiana -- Growing up as one of nine kids in a single parent household in Monroe, Grambling's Larry Wright never had it easy. Due to an age-out rule in Louisiana, he was forced to play his senior season of high school basketball in the nation's capital from a connection through his head coach.

"Well it was totally different from Monroe, Louisiana. You know the White House is in Washington, D.C. We have some white houses in Monroe," he said to a room full of laughter.

Wright's childhood heroes like Willis Reed and Herschel West played at Grambling, where Wright's career was highly successful including a SWAC Player of the Year and tournament title in 1976. The Washington Bullets came calling after that and in his second season with the franchise, Hall of Famer Wes Unseld had a message for the young star with the team on the cusp of a championship.

"He said, 'I'll do anything short of murder to win this championship.' He said, 'because I don't have many more left in me' and when he made that statement he looked at me," Wright explained with a smile. "And I said to Wes, I said, 'Hey, big fella, I'm on your team.'"

Following his stint with the Bullets, then the Pistons, Europe came calling.

"They had a guy overseas by the name of Mike D'Antoni, who coaches for the Houston Rockets now. He was the top American guard over there and they needed somebody to compete against Mike D'Antoni."

With four kids to support, the decision was easy.

CONTINUE READING

TSU Football Senior Kick-off Luncheon Set for August 24

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football Senior Kick-Off Luncheon will be held on Friday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. in the Millennium Maxwell Hotel.

The annual event occurs eight days before Tennessee State opens the 2018 season versus Bethune Cookman in the 20th annual John Merritt Classic on Saturday, Sept. 1 in Nissan Stadium.

TSU will celebrate 11 seniors during the luncheon that also serves as a fundraiser for the Tiger program.

Big Blue supporters can purchase tickets for the fundraiser for only $65. A special rate of $50 is available for TSU faculty and staff members. Seats are limited and requests must be made by Thursday, Aug. 23.

For more information, please contact Natasha Plant (615-963-7562) in the football office.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Southern University paralyzed football player closer to new home - with help from a former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Building a new home is always fraught with doubts and delays. Building a new home for Devon Gales, the Southern University player paralyzed during a game at Georgia nearly three years ago, has at times seemingly bordered on the hopeless.

But now, more tangible than hope, there is a plot of land in Jackson County, just north of Atlanta, on which a home may finally rise.

As the group taking on the challenge to build a wheelchair-accessible home for Gales and his family struggled for months to find a lot that was both affordable and suitable, there came a breakthrough last week.

Turned out, all it took was a phone call to a former Georgia linebacker.



They got around to asking Whit Marshall – UGA Class of ’96 – if he could do something. It took him about two seconds to answer. Have the Gales family come out to the subdivision that the Marshall family company is building out and pick a lot, he said. Any lot. And Paran Homes would donate it to the cause.

Mike Elrod, the North Georgia builder who has volunteered to manage the Build for Devon project, was stunned by Marshall’s offer.

“I was in my truck, good thing I was parked,” Elrod said. “When I saw it was Whit calling, I pulled over and parked. His first words were, ‘Whatever you need. I’m all in.’

“It was tremendous. It was a blessing.”

CONTINUE READING

Barbara Oliveira Named Alcorn State Head Tennis Coach

LORMAN, Mississippi-- A new era begins for the Alcorn State University tennis program as Barbara Oliveira accepted the position as head coach, announced by director of athletics Derek Horne.

Oliveira comes to Alcorn after a two-year stint as assistant coach at the University of West Alabama where she helped turn around both the men's and women's programs. Oliveira assisted the men to a 16-5 (9-2 GSC) record this past year, while the women were 15-5 (9-3 GSC).

In her first season with the Tigers, Oliveira earned ITA Division II South Region Men's assistant coach of the year. She also coached the women to a 16-7 (8-2 GSC) record.

"I'm really excited for this head coaching opportunity. I look forward to the challenge of building a team myself and getting it to the top of the league. The goal is to win championships for both the men's and women's programs," Oliveira said. "I can't wait to represent Alcorn and get started."

Oliveira played collegiately on nationally ranked teams at the University of West Florida and Seminole State College in Oklahoma. She was a two-time GSC Player of the Year and All-American at West Florida in 2010 and 2012.

At Seminole, she was ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation and No. 2 in the region in both singles and doubles. Oliveira earned Regional Player of the Year and an All-America honors.

In her native country of Brazil, Oliveira won several state and national tournaments in both singles and doubles while playing Juniors for Belo Horizonte. Oliveira was ranked No. 1 in the nation and No. 348 in the world in Juniors. She had a career-high women's pro WTA rank of 1069.

"Coach Oliveira is a tennis standout that has been very successful as an internationally ranked player, collegiate student-athlete and coach. She's experienced winning at several different levels of the game, and we are proud to have her take over one of our most decorated programs," Horne said.

Oliveira earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics from West Florida in 2012 and her Master's degree in Business Administration from West Alabama in 2018.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

NBPA, SWAC and SIAC Present 2nd Annual Top 50 Camp

ATLANTA, Georgia — The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) are pleased to announce their continued partnership in hosting the 2nd annual Top 50 Basketball Camp. The Camp will take place July 27th-29th on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.

Twenty-five of the best players from each conference will be featured at the camp in a model similar to the NBPA’s Top 100 Camp. Players will receive on-court skill development from current and retired NBA players as well as participate in leadership and life skills development sessions off the court.

“We are thrilled to continue this collaboration with the SWAC and SIAC as it provides a unique opportunity for our members to share their knowledge and life experiences directly with these student-athletes,” said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts.

The camp also aims to cultivate and create coaching and talent pipelines for current and retired NBA players exploring the transition into careers in intercollegiate athletics.

“The Conference is excited about the continued partnership with the NBPA and the SIAC to put on the Top 50 camp,” said SWAC Interim Commissioner Edgar Gantt.

“This camp allows our men’s basketball student-athletes the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge of the game of basketball at the highest level. The camp also offers lifelong educational opportunities that campers can take with them to be positive impactful leaders on campus, in their communities and most important in life.”

In addition to skill development and on-court drills, the camp will include a series of highly-competitive scrimmages and games, giving the players the opportunity to showcase their talent against the best of their neighboring conference.

“We are extremely pleased to contribute this unique partnership with the NBPA. Like last year, we expect the NBPA Top 50 Camp to continue to provide incredibly valuable professional and life-skill development opportunities to our SIAC student-athletes as well as deepen a symbiotic relationship between HBCUs and former NBA players who for years have been accorded critically important ‘first-chance’ coaching opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Gregory Moore, Commissioner of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

Camp participants and coaches will be announced at a later date.

Media members interested in covering the camp are asked to contact Elle Hagedorn (elle.hagedorn@nbpa.com, 212-655-0896), Peter Holehan (p.holehan@swac.org, 205-241-3468), or Tyler Williams (williams@thesiac.com, 404-221-1041)

ABOUT THE NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals — on and off the court.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, or counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities.

In addition, the NBPA provides a forum for players to participate in union activities — from executive leadership roles, to team representative positions, global community outreach initiatives. The NBPA offers each NBA player the opportunity to get involved in the democratic institution that was created for, continues to exist for and is run by them.

ABOUT THE SWAC

The Southwestern Athletic Conference is a Division I athletic conference located in Birmingham, Alabama, consisting of 10 first-class universities (Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Alcorn State University, Grambling State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University and A&M College, Texas Southern University and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff). Founded in 1920, The SWAC sponsors eighteen sports, eight for men and ten for women. For more information, visit www.swac.org.

ABOUT THE SIAC

The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and includes fourteen member institutions (Albany State University, Benedict College, Central State University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University). The SIAC sponsors six women’s sports and seven men’s sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II.

Kennedy Takes Reins as SHC Men's Basketball Head Coach

MOBILE, Alabama -- Spring Hill College (SHC) announced on Tuesday that Craig Kennedy has been named head men's basketball coach. Kennedy is a 38-year coaching and teaching veteran who has coached at Troy University, Georgia Southern University, Auburn University and the University of Winnipeg. Most recently, Kennedy has served as an Assistant Athletic Director for the Badgers since 2015.

"I am pleased that Craig has accepted the opportunity to step in and take over our men's basketball program," said SHC Director of Athletics Jim Hall. "Our men's basketball team is a program that is poised to take significant steps forward in the coming years. Craig brings a tremendous amount of high-level coaching combined with regional and national recruiting experience to the position that I am confident will enable the continued growth of the program."

"Craig is first and foremost an educator and our players can look forward to benefiting from Craig's passion, coaching and mentoring both on and off the court," Hall added. "His understanding of our campus and athletic department culture combined with his knowledge of our current players will allow him to hit the ground running during summer recruiting and fall workouts."

Kennedy got his coaching start in his native Canada as an assistant women's basketball coach with the University of Winnipeg where the program won three Canadian University National Championships and compiling a 101-2 record. Those teams also tied the UCLA men's basketball record of 88 consecutive wins during that span. Kennedy concluded his time at the University of Winnipeg by serving as the interim head coach and leading the team to a Top Ten finish after the team graduated 97% of its offense from the previous season. Four players from that team went on to play professionally overseas prior to the founding of the WNBA.

Kennedy was also the interim head coach at Trinity Western University (TWU) guiding the Spartans to a third place conference finish and a No. 13 national ranking. Both accolades marked the best finishes for the women's basketball team in TWU history. The team set six new school records, and Kennedy was rewarded for his hard work as the runner-up for the 1993 BCCAA Coach of the Year award.

Following a successful coaching career in Canada, Kennedy moved to Auburn, Ala., in 1996 where he coached at Lee-Scott Academy taking the boys team to consecutive AISA Final Fours. Kennedy also coached for two years at the world renowned Five Star Basketball Camp as well as Don Meyer's Lipscomb Basketball Camp.

In 2000, Kennedy was hired as the Director of Basketball Operations at Auburn University before becoming the assistant coach for the Lady Tigers under Coach Joe Ciampi. Auburn won the 2003 WNIT championship defeating Baylor in Waco, Texas. In 2004, the Lady Tigers earned a bid to the NCAA tournament where they defeated North Carolina State by 25 before falling to Connecticut who went on to win the National Championship. Five players from that team went on to play professionally. Nicole Louden and Natasha Brackett pursued careers overseas while three post players with whom he directly worked in Marita Payne, Mandisa Stevenson and LeCoe Willingham went on to the WNBA.

"God has blessed me with the opportunity to coach here at Spring Hill College as the next men's basketball coach," said Kennedy. "I want to thank Jim Hall for this tremendous opportunity. I would not be here without Gord Mushey and Wayne Williams who gave me my start in coaching many years ago. I have been fortunate to have had some great mentors and friends in coaching such as Tom Kendall at Winnipeg, Joe Ciampi at Auburn and Michael Murphy at Troy, all of whom set a high standard for a head coach."

"[Former SHC head and assistant men's basketball coaches] Aaron Niven and Brian Murphy did a great job in recruiting fine student-athletes to SHC and I intend to continue bringing in good people who are serious student-athletes," Kennedy said. "As a team, we are excited to be members of the first full-fledged NCAA Division II men's basketball team here at Spring Hill and we look forward to this upcoming season."

Upon the retirement of Auburn head coach Joe Ciampi in 2004, Kennedy moved from Auburn to Georgia Southern University (GSU) where, as associate head coach, he recruited Ashley Melson GSU's first ever member of the SoCon All-Rookie Team and then recruited Carolyn Whitney who was named the school's first-ever conference Rookie of the Year. Kennedy also coached shooting guard Tiffany Brown who played professionally overseas.

Following his time at GSU, he spent the next six years (2006-12) at Troy University where he worked with Australian Amy Lewis who went on to play in the WNBA. Kennedy recruited Ashley Beverly Kelley for the Trojans who would became Troy's all-time leading scorer, and worked with Sarah McAppion who won the 3-on-3 Asia Cup Championship in 2017 for her native Australia.

Kennedy was active off the court while at Troy, teaching in the Institute of Leadership Development, the Sports Management program, as well as online classes, working with the school's first-year reading initiative, regularly guest speaking at the HOBY Leadership conference. He was also responsible for managing the Track & Field venue for the Special Olympics.

Kennedy holds a Bachelor of Education in American History from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Science in Sports Management from Troy. He is the father of two children who both received full academic scholarships to college. Melissa graduated from Auburn where she majored in Fashion Merchandising and Hunter played football at Troy and is majoring in Sports Management.

"Craig is an outstanding person and tireless worker who I know will care about our players and strive to develop them in the Jesuit tradition as men in service to others," Hall said. "I am convinced he is the right person to continue our emphasis on academic and personal achievement while striving to win Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships."

SPRING HILL COLLEGE BADGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Women's Tennis Adds Illinois State Champions Madison and Mackenzie Beckham

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Coach Monroe Walker has announced the addition of Madison and Mackenzie Beckham to the 2018-19 women's tennis roster. Hailing from Chicago, the Beckham twins helped Whitney Young High become the first Chicago Public School to hold a state title in women's tennis. After leading their team to the state championship as seniors, both Madison and Mackenzie were named First Team All-State.

"I'm excited to add Madison and Mackenzie to our fall class," said Walker. "Both come from a good coaching background and they have all the confidence and desire one needs for this level. They will make an impact as freshman this upcoming season."

Mackenzie Beckham | 5-4 | Incoming Freshman | Chicago, Ill. | Whitney Young High School

In their second year of high school, the Beckham's moved to Chicago and began playing at Whitney Young Magnet High School. Mackenzie played No. 1 and Madison at No. 2, running up scores of 21-1 and 22-3, respectively. After such a competitive season, both were named to First Team All-City and Second Team All-State.

Madison Beckham | 5-6 | Incoming Freshman | Chicago, Ill.  |  Whitney Young High School

As freshman at High Tech High in San Diego, California, the twins led the Storm to its first conference championship, leading to the school's first CIF state tournament appearance.

Madison and Mackenzie will join the roster of eight veterans, leading way for a competitive fall.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Alabama State to hold press conference Monday, July 9

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will hold a press conference Monday, July 9 in the ASU Stadium Club Lounge beginning at 1 pm.

The press conference will be open to members of the media, Alabama State faculty/staff, students, alumni and the Capital City community; and it will also be streamed live via the Hornet Sports Network on BamaStateSports.com.

Alabama State Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jennifer Lynne Williams, will deliver her "State of the Department" address before setting the stage for the 2018-19 athletic year. Immediately following the event, Williams and members of the Alabama State University coaching staff will be available to answer any questions from the media.

Following the press conference, an official press release will be made available.

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ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Golden Bears Women's Basketball adds three

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- Miles women's basketball coach Phillip Wallace, Jr. has added three new student-athletes to his roster for the 2018-19 season. Forward Mya Milner and guards Amya Bryant and Je'Keria Strickland will don the Lady Bears purple and gold in hopes of helping the team make a big push for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in the upcoming year.

"We wanted to bring in players who could strengthen our group of young veterans," Wallace said. "Each of them have the skills to be major contributors for us this season and into the future. We can't wait to get them in the gym and watch them go to work."

Milner is 5-foot-11 and played last season at Division I Alabama State. She averaged 5.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in 17 games for the Lady Hornets as a freshman. She scored in double figures four times, including a 17-point performance against nationally-ranked Tennessee. Milner played her prep ball at Carver High in Columbus, Ga., where she earned All-City honors as a junior and senior.

Bryant and Strickland will both enter as freshman. Bryant, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 assists at Leon High in Tallahassee, Fla. She was a Second Team All-Big Bend pick as a senior after earning Third Team honors as a junior. Strickland is a 5-foot-4 guard that averaged 10.4 points per game at Newnan (Ga.) High last season. She earned Second Team All-Region honors as a junior and was a First Team All-County selection as a senior.

MILES COLLEGE GOLDEN BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

VUU To Open 2018-19 Men's Basketball Season at Duke

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia Union University's men's basketball team will open the 2018-19 season with an exhibition against Duke University on October 23 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.

Duke traditionally opens their men's basketball season with exhibition games against the reigning CIAA Champion and the reigning NCAA Division II Champion. On Tuesday, October 23, defending CIAA winner Virginia Union is the opponent, while last year's Division-II national champ, Ferris State University, comes to Durham on Saturday, October 27. Tip times and broadcast information for the exhibition games will be announced at a later date.

Virginia Union last met Duke on October 25, 2008, in an exhibition match-up prior to the 2008-09 regular season.

VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION