SIAC Announces 2018 Football Preseason Honors

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Running back Justin Hardy of Miles College was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year along with linebacker Davoris Thomas of Tuskegee University who was selected as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, announced Tuesday during media day at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Ga.

All votes are submitted by SIAC head coaches and sports information directors.

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Justin Hardy, Running back
Miles College

Hardy, a senior from Homewood, Ala., led the SIAC last season in total rushing yards (1,197), yards per game (119.7), rushing touchdowns (12), total touchdowns (13), and scoring (78 points). He was ninth in Division II in rushing yards and had six 100-yard games and four games with more than 165 yards, including a 210-yard, three-touchdown effort against Central State.

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Davoris Thomas, Linebacker
Tuskegee University

Thomas, a junior from Mobile, Ala., finished the season with 80 tackles (44 solo, 36 assist), which included five and a half tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and four quarterback hurries. In conference, Thomas managed 7.2 tackles per game, which placed him at No. 13 in conference for tackles. The junior linebacker recorded three sacks on the season for the Golden Tigers to claim the conference championship title.

Preseason Rankings
In the East Division, Albany State is anticipated to capture the Eastern Division Championship title as they had seven first-place picks. With two first place votes, Benedict was voted ahead of defending Eastern Division Champs, Fort Valley State, who had one first place vote. Morehouse and Clark Atlanta round out the eastern division.

In the West Division, defending SIAC Champions, Tuskegee, is anticipated to top the West as they received six first place votes. Miles is picked to finish second with three first place votes. With one first place vote, Kentucky State is predicted to finish third above Central State and Lane who rounds out the western division.

Football Preseason Rankings by Division
East Division
1. Albany State (7)
2. Benedict (2)
3. Fort Valley State (1)
4. Morehouse
5. Clark Atlanta

West Division
1. Tuskegee (6)
2. Miles (3)
3. Kentucky State (1)
4. Central State
5. Lane

*First place votes in parenthesis.

2018 SIAC Football – Preseason Team

First Team

Jamarcus Ezell	Quarterback	Tuskegee	Demopolis, Al
Joseph Castellanos	Tight End	Kentucky State	North Brunswick, N.J.
Javarrius Cheatham	Wide Receiver	Tuskegee	Greenville, Al
Mike Green	Wide Receiver	Albany State	Albany, GA
Justin Hardy	Running Back	Miles	Homewood, AL
Brett Sylve	Running Back	Kentucky State	Hammond, LA.
Jamie Glenn	Offensive Lineman	Albany State	Snellville, GA
Jean Cyriaque	Offensive Lineman	Morehouse	Durham, N.C.
Justin Brown	Offensive Lineman	Benedict	Marietta, Ga
Darrius Hicks	Offensive Lineman	Fort Valley State	Camilla, Ga
Lowell Richardson	Offensive Lineman	Tuskegee	Miami, Fl.
Antonio Johnson	Defensive Lineman	Morehouse	Birmingham, Al
Marquel Shelton	Defensive Lineman	Miles	Bessemer, Al.
Terrance Leatherwood	Defensive Lineman	Tuskegee	Northport, Al
Charles Williams	Defensive Lineman	Benedict	Barnwell, S.C
David Brown	Linebacker	Fort Valley State	Ellenwood, GA.
Davoris Thomas	Linebacker	Tuskegee	Mobile, Ala.
Xavier George	Linebacker	Benedict	Jacksonville, Fla.
Aaron Dore	Defensive Back	Fort Valley State	McDonough, GA.
Darnell Hill	Defensive Back	Tuskegee	Miami, Fl.
Cameron Young	Defensive Back	Fort Valley State	Eastman, Ga
Travionte Brown	Defensive Back	Benedict	Albany, GA
Dalton Hall	Kicker	Tuskegee	Hartsville, South Carolina.
Gabriel Ballinas	Punter	Albany State	Guadeloupe, Mexico
Brett Sylve	Kick Returner	Kentucky State	Hammond, La.
Lorenzo Smothers	Punt Returner	Fort Valley State	Buena Vista, Ga

   
Second Team

Slade Jarmon	Quarterback	Fort Valley State	Pensacola, Fl
Ryan Edwards	Tight End	Morehouse	Atlanta, Ga
Johnathon Sanders	Wide Receiver	Clark Atlanta	East Point, Ga
Amyr Smith	Wide Receiver	Morehouse	Atlanta, Ga
Terraris Saffold	Running Back	Central State	Hayneville, AL.
McKinley Habersham	Running Back	Albany State	Savannah, Ga
Marcus Campbell	Offensive Lineman	Kentucky State	Radcliff, Ky.
Roger Womack	Offensive Lineman	Miles	Birmingham, Ala.
Craig Hinson	Offensive Lineman	Benedict	Hephzibah, Ga
Rochelin Romain	Offensive Lineman	Tuskegee	Pompano Beach, Fl.
Jah-Mai Davidson	Offensive Lineman	Clark Atlanta	Snellville, GA.
Demetrius Harris	Defensive Lineman	Fort Valley State	Decatur, Ga
Kamari Jones-Hunter	Defensive Lineman	Morehouse	New York, NY
Bundrea Conway	Defensive Lineman	Morehouse	Lansing, MI
Kali James	Defensive Lineman	Tuskegee	Stockbridge, GA.
Austin Stephens	Linebacker	Miles	Mumford, Ala.
Kailen Abrams	Linebacker	Central State	Detroit, Mi.
Kevin Dawson	Linebacker	Tuskegee	Tallahassee, Fl
Quantavious Singletary	Defensive Back	Clark Atlanta	Moultrie, Ga.
Nicco Whigham	Defensive Back	Fort Valley State	North Lauderdale, Fl.
Jaylin Boyd	Defensive Back	Albany State	Fairburn, Ga
Macaiah Page	Defensive Back	Morehouse	Upper Marlboro, MD
Carlos Saldana	Kicker	Clark Atlanta	Austell, Ga.
Vincente Luis Juan-Pena	Punter	Lane	Temple City, Ga
Lorenzo Smothers	Kick Returner	Fort Valley State	Buena Vista, GA
Brett Sylve	Punt Returner	Kentucky State	Hammond, La.

SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

ASU's O'Leary Makes History as Female Pit Crew Member at NASCAR Cup Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- For the first time in the history of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition, two females were a part of the same pit crew team in the same race which included former Alcorn State University softball student-athlete Breanna O'Leary.

O'Leary and Brehanna Daniels, who are currently roommates in Charlotte, North Carolina, were a part of a five-member pit crew for the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing team of driver Ray Black Jr. on Saturday, July 7. O'Leary changed the rear tires, while Daniels changed the front tires during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

Black Jr. finished 16th out of 40 in the race.

Both women were recruited for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development program in 2016 after finishing as student-athletes in collegiate athletics. Daniels was a women's basketball player at Norfolk State University.

"I take a lot of pride in being a female pit crew member. To make history with another female, especially my roommate, is pretty cool. The race was really exciting and a lot of fun," O'Leary said. "When I was at Alcorn, I never, ever thought of being a pit crew member. It wasn't until NASCAR Drive for Diversity came to campus and put on their tryout. It presented an opportunity for me and I ran with it."

The Daytona race was the third of O'Leary's career and the second of 2018. She also was on the pit crew of the No. 51 team for the June 10 premier-series race at Michigan International Speedway.

O'Leary played two seasons for the Lady Braves in 2013-14. Upon graduation, she pursued a career as a strength & conditioning coach before being recruited by the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development program.

O'Leary said she hopes to make it to Alcorn's homecoming football game on Oct. 6. It would be her first homecoming since she was a student.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Two HBCU Women Change NASCAR While Changing Tires

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- — It’s not too often that a gaggle of reporters and fans jostle for position at pit row in a Nascar race just to watch a tire changer. Then again, it’s not too often that the tire changer is a woman. And it had never been an African-American woman.

Brehanna Daniels was beaming after working her first pit stop during Saturday night’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, saying that she was nervous, that she didn’t want to mess up and that she wasn’t used to feeling the eyes of so many people observing what she does.

She understood why, though. She knew the magnitude of what she was doing, why it was more than just changing tires, and why a sliver of spotlight shined on her.

“It feels great,” she said, as fellow team members and friends of Nascar driver Ray Black Jr. high-fived and fist-pumped her with racecars still motoring around the track. “It’s breaking down barriers, opening doors for other people who look like me.”

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New workout app giving B-CU football team added edge during summer months

COACH CORLISS FINGERS

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — Bethune-Cookman strength and conditioning coach Corliss Fingers is approaching her 25th season in the business, and after stops at North Carolina, Maryland and Southern University along the way, still admits the summer months are the most stressful time of year.

“It can be hard because everyone is just spread out,” said Fingers. “I can remember when I was at Carolina and Maryland, I used to do ‘Wednesday wake-ups.’ So every Wednesday during the summer, I would call everyone. I’d take the whole day and call them to ask how their workouts were going. It was tedious, because you may not get everyone, they may not return your call, or, they may lie to you.”

Thanks to an old friend, Fingers hasn’t had to make a single wake-up call this summer — her fourth at B-CU. Instead, she just turns on her computer.

“It’s a peace of mind,” she admitted, “knowing that they can still train, wherever they’re at, and I can still have some sort of say-so in what they’re doing.”

Fingers and the Wildcat football team are one of only five Division I football programs in the country using Volt Athletics this summer — an app that essentially makes tailored-made workouts available right at your fingertips. Michigan, USC, Clemson and Washington are also using the app.

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Patrick Gayle Named Albany State University Men's Basketball Coach

ALBANY, Georgia -- Albany State University (ASU) announced at a press conference on Tuesday that Patrick Gayle has been named the head men's basketball coach. Gayle is a coaching veteran that brings over a decade of experience as both a head and assistant coach at the NAIA and high school levels.
 
Gayle was selected from a pool of over 100 applicants and after a national search and was chosen as the seventh men's basketball coach in ASU history. He is set to begin his duties immediately.
 
"We are excited to announce Patrick Gayle as our head men's basketball coach at the Albany State University," said Athletics Director Sherie Gordon. "Coach Gayle is a high-energy leader committed to being a part of our university and the city of Albany. He has a tremendous basketball pedigree and a strong track record of recruiting, developing and mentoring high-quality student-athletes. He has a relentless work ethic, passion for the game and clear vision of how to build a program that is capable of competing at the highest levels in the conference and region.  I look forward to our student-athletes, fans, donors and alumni getting to know Coach Gayle and his family."  
 
"We are happy to welcome Coach Gayle to Albany State University", says Interim President Marion Fedrick. "Through hard work and a strong commitment to excellence, our program will continue to improve, and we are confident that his expertise will take our basketball program to new heights."
 
"My family and I are excited to be a part of the Albany State University family and community and we look forward to working closely with the alumni, student-body, faculty, and staff to produce a program that all can be proud," says Gayle.
 
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Gayle joins the staff at Albany State after a successful thirteen year run as an assistant and most recently, the head coach at St. Thomas University in Miami, Gardens Florida. From 2008-2012 he was an assistant before being promoted in July of 2012 where he went on to compile an overall record of 125-51 over six seasons as the head coach. In his first three years at the helm of the program, Gayle guided the Bobcats to the NAIA Division II Tournament advancing to the Sweet 16 in twice (2013, 2014). He was twice named Sun Conference Coach of the Year after leading the Bobcats to Sun Conference Regular Season titles during the 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 seasons. Gayle has also had success against NCAA Division II competition with a 6-3 record during his time at St. Thomas including a win over Florida Southern, who would go on to win the National Championship later that year.
 
His team also made history during the 2013-2014 season as they set a new school record for wins (26). During his tenure at St. Thomas, his program produced twelve All-Conference players, three All-Defensive team honorees, six NAIA All-Americans and three Dean's List Student-Athletes. Gayle's efforts were acknowledged by his peers as he was recently honored as the 2018 St. Thomas University Staff Member of the Year.
 
His other coaching stints include Tiffin University (Tiffin, Ohio), Creekside High School (Fairburn, Georgia) and Nova High School (Davie, Florida)
 
Gayle has also spent six year of his life in academia as an educator at both the middle and high school levels. During his time as the STEM Math Lead Teacher at Margate Middle School (Margate, Florida) he designed and developed a curriculum in Civil and Mechanical Engineering for grades 6th-8th.
 
He earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Memphis in 2002 and completed his Master's in Business Administration in 2007 from Tiffin University. Gayle and his wife Sherida have four children Sanai, Asaya, Solomon and Asahel.
 
Albany State University Head Men's Basketball Coaches*

NAME                                                   YEARS
Robert Rainey                                      1958-1972
Oliver Jones                                         1972-2000
Anthony Webb                                      2000-2001
John I. Davis                                         2001-2006
Christopher Cameron                           2006-2015
Michael Moore                                      2015-2018
Patrick Gayle                                        2018-
 
*Source NCAA Career Statistics Site
 
Patrick Gayle Coaching Career (At a Glance)
 
Head Coach                       St. Thomas University                  2012-2018
Assistant Coach                 St. Thomas University                  2008-2012
Assistant Coach                 Tiffin University                             2007-2008
Assistant Coach                 Creekside High School                 2006-2007
Assistant Coach                  Nova High School                        2005-2006

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATONS

Construction in full swing for field turf installation at Bragg

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Fans and students alike are used to hearing loud sounds echoing from Bragg Memorial Stadium.

However, this time around, the bone-jarring hits and symphonic tunes of the Marching 100 normally associated with the famed venue, have been replaced by the clatter of pick-up trucks and drilling.

Immediately following last month's announcement to install field turf, contractors began the process of uprooting every square inch of grass.

The replacement field is being supplied by AstroTurf and features their patented RootZone 3D3 fibers. This is the same surface at Camping World Stadium (Orlando), Boone Pickens Stadium (Oklahoma State) and Alumni Stadium (Boston College).

"Having Florida A&M jump on board with AstroTurf is huge for both parties," said Wes Allen, Gulf Coast regional sales manager with AstroTurf.

"It's good for the university to have a top-notch facility. It will help in recruiting and bring other events to the university for exposure and generate revenue. For me, I'm happy to be able to say FAMU has our turf in the Panhandle. Anyone in North Florida that wants to see a good turf, there's one they can check out."

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Q&A with Alabama State football coach Donald Hill-Eley

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Donald Hill-Eley is getting ready for his first full season as Alabama State football coach.

Hill-Eley led the Hornets to a 5-1 record after taking over for former coach Brian Jenkins, who was fired last October after posing a 10-17 record in two-plus seasons.

ASU is coming off back-to-back losing seasons following six consecutive winning seasons.

Hill-Eley spent 12 seasons as head coach at Morgan State from 2002-13, winning 59 games and earning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference coach of the year honors in 2002.

With preseason camp around the corner and the Labor Day Classic against Tuskegee just weeks away, the Advertiser spent a few minutes with Hill-Eley following Monday's news conference to talk about the upcoming season.

The season is fast approaching. How has the program progressed since you took over last fall?

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Clark Atlanta University Women’s Assistant Basketball Coach Tony Bailey Named Acting Head Coach

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Clark Atlanta University assistant women's basketball coach Tony Bailey has been named acting head coach for the Lady Panthers while head coach Yolanda Moore remains on an official leave of absence.

Bailey was Moore's lead assistant during a 2017-2018 season in which the Lady Panthers won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division regular season title and the SIAC Women's Basketball Tournament championship. The Lady Panthers earned an NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament bid and finished the season with a 20-9 record.

Before coming to CAU, Bailey spent three seasons as an assistant women's basketball coach at his alma mater, the University of West Georgia. A native of Villa Rica, Ga., Bailey was a national NJCAA All-American and All-Region player for East Central Community College (MS) from 1991-1992 before going to Murray State University and then the University of West Georgia. At West Georgia, Bailey was the nation's third-leading scorer, averaging 25.2 points per game and helping West Georgia to a conference championship and an NCAA tournament appearance in 1994.

Bailey earned his bachelor's degree in sport management and psychology from West Georgia and his master's degree in sport management with a concentration in Athletic Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU's Kyle O'Quinn on Signing with the Pacers

CIAA Announces Bid Process for 2021 Tournament Host City

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors Tournament Sub-Committee has formally launched the bidding process to identify the next host location of the annual CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament for 2021.

The sub-committee made bid specifications available this week to prospective tournament hosts and plans to announce the host city in December 2018. The selected city will serve as the official tournament location for a three-year term, from 2021-2023. The CIAA Tournament has been hosted in Charlotte since 2006 and will continue its existing agreement with the city through 2020.

"The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and the city of Charlotte have been a great host for the CIAA Basketball Tournament. Over the past 13 years both the CIAA tournament and Charlotte have grown and benefited from the relationship," said CIAA Board Chair and Fayetteville State University President Dr. James A. Anderson. "The Board believes it makes good business sense to re-evaluate the location and amenities for the future of the tournament. Being mindful of the footprint of the CIAA institutions in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and now South Carolina, it's important to review all possible/potential locations to identify what's best for our student-athletes, alumni, and fans."



Prospective bid cities are asked to submit a declaration of intent to bid, including a draft budget, hotel rates, and confirmation of adherence to the CIAA's bid specifications by September 9, 2018. When evaluating prospective hosts, the committee will review each city's competition venue, lodging and transportation, ability to create an advertising-free or "clean" zone to protect sponsors, and to prevent ambush marketing within that footprint. The region's overall commitment to the annual event, including a provision for scholarship dollars to be distributed to member institutions, will weigh heavily in the decision.

Venues must hold a minimum of 8,000-10,000 fans and host cities or regions must be able to provide at least 6,000 full-service hotel rooms within reasonable proximity to the competition venue.

"The selection of the future CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament site is in alignment with site selections for all CIAA championships. The conference's Board sees this as a great opportunity to open the tournament experience to other markets and to forge new alliances," said Jacqie McWilliams, CIAA Commissioner. "Charlotte has been a great home for us and we look forward to continuing our partnership. Our future includes writing a new chapter in our tournament's history, with a goal of creating exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our student-athletes, coaches, alumni, sponsors, and fans."

In 2018, the CIAA Basketball Tournament brought over 140,000 fans to Charlotte during the week of competition with an economic impact of $50.5 million. Since 2000, the CIAA has generated more than $650 million in economic impact and an average of $500 million in the state of North Carolina.

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.

Future is bright for FAMU with Simmons, "Sunshine" leading offense

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Bragg Stadium Cam

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- With the future for Florida A&M football looking as bright as it is, it's only fitting they call their quarterback "Sunshine."

Incoming junior signal caller Ryan Stanley dazzled in his sophomore campaign, passing for 2,190 yards and 16 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.

Even working behind a somewhat depleted offensive line, Stanley posted those numbers while throwing just seven interceptions and being sacked nine times.

Heading into 2018, he'll look to replicitae his performance from last season, and then some.

Stanley now takes on a whole new responsibility; learning a whole new playbook. With new head coach Willie Simmons implementing a spread offense that'll be quick and, if all goes will, will be able to score at will, this could prove to be a truly breakout year for the Rattlers' signal caller.

For Simmons and FAMU fans, "Sunshine," especially with his escapability from trouble in the pocket and the ability to make plays with his legs as well as his arms, could be just what is needed for wins in 2018.

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Joyner Announces New Additions to Aggies 2018-19 Roster

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T men’s basketball is coming off their first 20-win season in five years and their first undefeated season at home in 30 years. They will try to keep the program’s momentum going with 10 new players heading into the 2018-19 season.

Fourth-year head coach Jay Joyner announced his 2018-19 recruiting class on Monday. It includes four players coming straight from the high school ranks, two junior college transfers, three graduate transfers and one Division I transfer who sat out last season.

In November, the Aggies added prep standouts Ed Ferguson (6-foot-5, 190-pound, G/F, Saint Francis Academy, Baltimore, Md.) and Tyrone Lyons (6-6, 180, G/F, St. Anthony’s HS, Amityville, N.Y.). Joyner also added Webster Filmore (6-6, 200, F, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, Charlotte, N.C.) and Travon Mayo (6-5, 190, G/F, Piedmont Classical HS, Greensboro, N.C.)

Junior College transfers Ronald Jackson, Jr. (6-8, 205, PF, Hillsborough JC, C.C. Ellison HS, Killeen, Texas) and Andre Jackson (6-4, 175, G, Manatee-Sarasota JC, East Stroudsburg HS, Charlotte, N.C.) will look to make an immediate impact during the 2018-19 season.

Devin Haygood (6-8, 175, F, Youngstown State, Lincoln HS, Ypsilanti, Mich.), Terry Harris (6-6, 215, G/F, Eastern Michigan, Half Hollow Hills West HS, Dix Hills, N.Y.) and Nelson Nweke (6-9, 235, C, Arkansas State, Grandview HS, Grandview, Mo.) will look to have a one-year impact in Aggieland. Quavius Copeland (6-1, 178, PG, Middle Tennessee State, Greenville, S.C.) transferred to N.C. A&T last season and sat out per NCAA rules addressing Division I transfers.

Four players from the 2017-18 season where the Aggies finished 20-15 return to the roster. Aaren Edmead (5-10, 165, R-Sr., G, Deer Park, N.Y.) will serve as the Aggies returning leading scorer at 9.6 points per game. He will be joined by 2017-18 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference all-rookie team member Kameron Langley (6-2, 205, So., PG, Greensboro, N.C.), D'Andre Johnson (6-10, 225, So., Washington, D.C.), Milik Gantz (6-3, 180, Sr., G, Harrisburg, Pa.) and Amari Hamilton (6-1, 165, R-Sr., G, Durham, N.C.).

“I’m really excited about the new members of our basketball program,” said Joyner. “We were able to add some talented young men. I believe they will help the returning players build upon last year’s success. I look forward to having them on campus so we can get to work.”

Ferguson was a part one state championship team, three Catholic League championships and three region championships. He was ranked as one of the top players in the city of Baltimore. Lyons hails from one of the most famous high schools for boys basketball in the country, St. Anthony’s. During his career, he was named second-team All-Long Island. He helped St. Anthony’s win a Catholic League title and was considered a Top-25 player in the area. He averaged 14.3 points and made the Long Island All-Star Game.

Filmore had a solid senior season in high school where he averaged 9.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Mayo finished off a solid high school career by averaging 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He also averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds as a junior.

Jackson, Jr. had a superb sophomore junior college season where he averaged 13.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He shot 49 percent from the field, 33 percent from 3-point and 83 percent from the line. He scored a season-high 22 points three times last season. He led the Florida College System Activities Athletic Association in rebounding. Jackson Jr., finished the season with National Junior College Athletic Association Region 8 All-State and All-Suncoast Conference honors.

Jackson comes to Greensboro with a reputation as a scorer. He was the second-leading scorer in the FCSAA at 21.2 points per game last season. He scored 30 or more points twice during the 2017-18 season including 37 points against St. Petersburg on Jan. 24 and 32 points against Hillsborough on Feb. 14. Jackson finished the season with National Junior College Athletic Association Region 8 All-State and All-Suncoast Conference honors.

The Aggies final four additions have loads of experience. Haygood was an all-conference and all-state performer before signing with Youngstown State in 2015. He was a three-year letterman for the Penguins where he averaged 5.4 points and 3.5 rebounds. He shot 55.5 percent from the floor. Harris entered Houston Baptist in 2014 after earning a starting spot on the varsity squad at Half Hollow Hills West High School as an eighth grader. He averaged 25.3 points and 11.0 rebounds as a high school senior. After two years at Houston Baptist, he transferred to Eastern Michigan. In his one season at Eastern Michigan in 2017-18, he averaged 2.7 points in 15 games played.

Nweke was a first-team all-conference performer in high school before attending Seminole State junior college in 2014. As a sophomore, Nweke earned all-region honors by averaging 15.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting 69.8 percent from the floor. He led the NJCAA Division I Region II level in field goal percentage and rebounding. Nweke signed with the Arkansas State Red Wolves out of Seminole State in 2016 where he played 21 games during the 2016-17 season.

Copeland also has vast collegiate experience. Copeland played in 65 games over two seasons at Middle Tennessee State and averaged 3.0 points and shot 42 percent from the floor. He transferred to MTSU after playing one season at Gulf Coast State junior college.

Joyner looks to take his mostly new roster to further the Aggies’ success after they reached the MEAC tournament semifinals and earned a postseason bid to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State looks to make history in 2018-2019

NSU's Kyle O’Quinn signs with Pacers as Knicks think young

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Kyle O’Quinn Era is over in New York.

The Queens product agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Pacers, an NBA source confirmed. The Knicks’ burly backup center got a small raise after opting out of his Knicks contract that would have paid him $4.25 million next season.

According to a source, the Knicks stayed in close contact as they could have re-signed him and gone over the cap. They are set with their three centers — Enes Kanter, Luke Kornet and Mitchell Robinson. But Knicks brass liked O’Quinn’s outsized personality in keeping players loose during his three seasons.

O’Quinn expected a bigger package to leave his hometown team, but finally gets a real shot at advancing to the playoffs. In O’Quinn’s six seasons, he has never made the postseason — with Orlando or the Knicks. He is said to be close with Indiana’s Victor Oladipo from their Orlando days.

Kornet became the NBA’s second two-way G-League contract player to sign to a main roster, officially signing his one-year, $1.6 million pact.

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Bethune-Cookman's Lynn Thompson is now the nation's longest-tenured Division I Athletic Director

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Earlier this month, longtime University of Utah Athletic Director Chris Hill retired after 31 years, making Thompson the longest actively tenured athletics director at the NCAA Division I level. Thompson, who almost looks as though he could still suit up for the Wildcats football team, has been at B-CU for 27 years.

“I can still remember the press release when I started,” he said. “It said I was one of the youngest Division I ADs in America. I was 33.”

A Daytona Beach native and product of Mainland High, Thompson was also a quarterback and punter for the Wildcats, and graduated from then Bethune-Cookman College in 1980. When he took over as the school’s athletic director in ’91, Thompson admitted to leaning on a pair of legends — former AD Tank Johnson and longtime coach/AD Cy McClairen — in the early years.

“It was a great situation for me,” he said. “To this day, we are still living off the interest of what those guys put into this program.”



It didn’t take long for Thompson to find his own voice. Just a few years after taking over at B-CU, he became the first African American to be named Chairman of the NCAA baseball rules committee.

“I went to the first couple meetings and played golf with the rest of the membership,” Thompson said.

“Originally, I was just the representative for the conference. After we got through we were sitting there having dinner, and one of the members pulled me aside and said they were going to nominate me to be the new Chair. I was from the smallest school there, and he said it didn’t matter, because I had what it took to do it. They told me that my voice mattered.”

One of Thompson’s strongest advocates over the past two decades has been MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas, who was the athletic director at Hampton University for 12 years before taking over the conference in 2001.

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Former CIAA/LC QB Drew Powell leads Iowa Barnstormers Over Sioux Falls Storm for Indoor Football League Championship

DES MOINES, Iowa -- After 18 seasons, the Iowa Barnstormers can finally hang a championship banner high in the rafters of Wells Fargo Arena.

The ‘Stormers were firing on all cylinders most of Saturday night during the Indoor Football League title game, or the United Bowl, and took care of the Sioux Falls Storm with a thrilling 42-38 win in Des Moines.

Their championship banner will join existing division and conference champions banners, in addition to the Kurt Warner Hall of Fame one.

How sweet it is.

“All this stuff that’s going on, it’s going to pass by. Some people might not know who the Iowa Barnstormers 2018 team was, but when you come in this arena and you look up at that rafter, it goes down in history,” Iowa quarterback Drew Powell said.” So for me to go down in history with these guys — you can’t even make up dreams like this. I’m just thankful.”

Powell, the recently named IFL MVP, led the 'Stormers down the field in less than 3 minutes for what proved the be an exhilarating game-winning drive. It was capped by a bruising and dramatic Jamal Tyler touchdown run.
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The Barnstormers were down 38-35 heading into the final drive. Tyler’s go-ahead touchdown came with just 13 seconds left in the game.

“Jamal has been incredible this whole season. That last touchdown was determination and that’s the story of his whole career with us,” Iowa coach Dixie Wooten said.

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SIDE NOTES
Assistant Coach Nelson returned to the Iowa Barnstormers staff for his second season as the Defensive Line Coach and Special Teams Coordinator.  While coaching at Livingstone College, Nelson earned the opportunity to coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011 as part of the Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship. With the Steelers, Nelson was able to gain experience as a special teams coach.  Coach Nelson served as the running backs coach, video coordinator and director of football operations at Livingstone.  Nelson is an alum of Clemson.

HBCU Players on the IFL Champion Barnstormers include:

# Name Position Height Weight Date of Birth College
2 Drew Powell QB 6' 3" 220 lbs 12/08/1994 Livingstone College
5 Sheldon Augustine WR 5' 10" 181 lbs 04/30/1990 Langston University
77 Brandon Haskin OL 6' 4" 315 lbs 02/26/1990 Tennessee State

The  Barnstormers most famous player was Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner (2017) and is the only person inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Arena Football Hall of Fame (2011).  Warner played for the 'Stormers in 1995–1997.

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Colts Linebacker Darius Leonard Wants To Be A Role Model

LAKEVIEW, South Carolina — It's never too early to leave an impression and impact your hometown. That's what former SC State linebacker Darius Leonard did on Friday.

The Lakeview native was in back in his hometown to put on his first annual Maniac Day. There was a little bit of everything for the kids. Games, flag football, free food and even some fireworks.


Darius was a second pick by the Colts and finished his career in Orangeburg as a two time MEAC Defensive Player of the year, All-American and the program's leaders tackler.

He loves the fact that he can be an example in his small hometown and be an inspiration to the kids you know his journey from SC State to the NFL. It was full circle moment for Darius.

"It means a lot especially because I started playing football out here so I wanted to start my first Maniac Day out here," Darius said.

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Former SC State Bulldog And Raider Is All In On John Gruden

BLACKVILLE, South Carolina — Defensive Back Antonio Hamilton who played at South Carolina State is coming back from a torn meniscus for the Oakland Raiders.

He's been working like crazy since the end of last year to be at peak form because this offseason the Raiders brought back their revered head coach Jon Gruden who left the game for a long time to become an analyst. Now he's back and Antonio says the Raiders are already a different organization. They aren't messing around.



"Everybody on the new coaching staff-all they want to do is win. John Gruden. He's an amazing guy. He's super enthused about the game like he loves the game and all he wants to do is win," Antonio said. "He wants to figure out whose the best players that he can put out there on the field and he's going to give everybody an equal opportunity to get out on that field and play and he just wants to win. He wants to compete at a very high level. That's John."

For Antonio, who was an ALL-MEAC performer for the Bulldogs, knows what he needs to do in order to catch John's eye and be a fixture for the Raiders this season. It's easier said than done but he's determined.

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College football's talking season has arrived

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana -- The games won't begin until Labor Day weekend, but that doesn't mean athletes, coaches, fans and media can't start talking about college football.  The conference media days which once were held in late July keep creeping up on the calendars, ever closer to the Fourth of July. They get underway on Friday with the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day.  Here is what to expect from talking season in college football.

SWAC
When: Friday
Where: Birmingham, Alabama
View: SWAC Digital Network July 13, 11 a.m. EST

What to expect:  Grambling has won the last two SWAC football championships and despite losing quarterback DeVante Kincade and running back Martez Carter, the Tigers will likely be picked to win a third consecutive SWAC championship because of the talent G, SU has amassed.

"The challenge for us,'' GSU coach Broderick Fobbs said, "is to acquire as much talent as we possibly can.  "It's an endurance race. If you're going to win in December and be champions, you have to have enough bodies who can play significant snaps for you.''

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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