Friday, July 13, 2018

MEAC Football Press Luncheon Set for July 27

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host the annual Football Press Luncheon, Friday, July 27, at the Hilton Norfolk The Main hotel (100 E. Main Street, Norfolk, Va. 23510/ (757) 763-6200). MEAC head football coaches and two student-athletes from each team will be on hand to offer an inside view on the upcoming 2018 football season.

A limited number of tickets are available to the public for the press luncheon and can be purchased by calling the MEAC Office at (757) 951-2055. Tickets are $30 per seat or $300 per table (10 persons) and must be purchased by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20 in order to obtain the special rate.

Media members may obtain a credential for the luncheon and/or one-on-one interviews by completing an application found on http://www.sportssystems.com/meac. One-on-one interviews will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

The 2018 season will kick off on Saturday, Aug. 25 with the ESPN FCS Kickoff featuring defending MEAC champion North Carolina A&T State and Jacksonville State in Montgomery, Ala.

North Carolina Central will travel to Atlanta, Ga. to face Prairie View A&M in the 14th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, Sept. 2 at 12 p.m. Details and ticket information can be found on www.meacswacchallenge.com.

For more information about the MEAC, log on to www.MEACsports.com.

Nuggets acquire their tallest-ever student-athlete



NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has the tallest student-athlete in its volleyball history after the signing of 6-foot-4 right side/middle blocker Elena Duru of Morro d'Alba, Italy.  Duru, who will major in chemistry at XULA, helped her club team finish second in Italy's B2 league. Duru's previous school was Liceo Scientifico Enrico Medi.
     

"Elena will look to be a force at the net," XULA coach Pat Kendrick said.
     

Duru is the 10th 6-footer in the XULA program. The Gold Nuggets' previous tallest players were Sierra Lyons and Ruby Hunt-Thompson, both 6-1. Also 6-1 is 2018-19 signee Jordan Johnson.
     

Duru shares the distinction of tallest XULA female athlete of the Title IX era with Simone Johnson, who played basketball during the 2010-11 season.
     

Xavier University of Louisiana women's volleyballThe Gold Nuggets will open their 11th season Aug. 24 in the Mid-South Crossover Tournament at Bowling Green, Ky., against Cumberlands at 4 p.m. and Georgetown (Ky.) at 8 p.m. The first home date will be Aug. 31 with matches against Point at 11 a.m. and Mobile at 7 p.m. in the Big Easy Blastoff at the Convocation Center. XULA won the last seven Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and earned seven consecutive automatic bids during that time to the NAIA National Championship.
     
XULA was 23-3 overall and 12-0 in the GCAC in 2017 and became the first Louisiana university to not lose a set in conference play.


2018-19 XULA Volleyball Signees 

NamePos.Ht.Yr.*HometownHigh School (Previous College)
Marine AngelyOH5-11Fr.Sivry, FranceLycee Arthur Varoquaux
Damilola DadaRS/MB5-9Fr.Grand Prairie, TexasMansfield Summit
Elena DuruRS/MB6-4Fr.Morro d'Alba, ItalyLiceo Scientifico Enrico Medi
Beatrice FormilanL5-10Fr.Santorso, ItalyLiceo Scientifico Tron
Jordan JohnsonMB6-1Fr.Kansas City, Mo.Liberty
Angele McClainMB/RS5-8So.New Orleans, La.Newman (Spring Hill)

* XULA athletic classification in 2018-19

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

www.facebook.com/xulagold 

2018 SWAC Media Day



Notebook: Eric Dooley makes debut at SWAC media day; Southern to alter helmets with new jerseys

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- No matter where he goes, Eric Dooley can’t bring himself to leave the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

The first-year head coach at Prairie View knows the league better than just about anyone currently in its ranks after spending two decades as an assistant coach at three schools, including 13 at Southern and three at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Dooley spent the past four years conducting the explosive Grambling offense, which ranked first or second in the SWAC in scoring each of the past three seasons, bringing the Tigers to three consecutive SWAC championship games.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see the conference and, actually, I’ve only ever been in the West my whole career in the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” Dooley said. “But I’m happy. I’m excited about it. The conference is good and continuing to grow.”

Dooley said it’s never uncomfortable coaching against his former schools because whatever team he works for at the moment is the one where all his loyalties lie.

His former boss, Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs, wishes Dooley well.

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5 things to know from the 2018 SWAC football media day

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The 2018 SWAC football season is unofficially underway following the 2018 SWAC Football Media Day here at the Birmingham Marriott.

The event drew media from five different states the conference represents and gave coaches an opportunity to talk about their teams and the league as a whole.

Here are five things you need to know from the event.

The championship is back

The big news coming out of this week is that the SWAC Championship Game is officially back on, set for Dec. 1 here at Legion Field.

The league had announced plans to abandon the championship game, which was held in Birmingham until 2012 before moving to the NRG Stadium in Houston the past five years.

The Birmingham brass "really stepped up" to make the deal happen, according to SWAC interim commissioner Edgar Gantt.

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SWAC Football All-Conference Preseason Teams Released

SWAC FOOTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE PRESEASON TEAMS RELEASEDBIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference released its 2018 SWAC Preseason Teams Friday with two-time defending SWAC Champion and Celebration Bowl representative Grambling State being tabbed for the most individual honors with 15 overall selections including 10 First Team nods. 
 
The Tigers have built a reputation of success under head coach Broderick Fobbs, who has led the team to a 39-11 mark in four seasons at the helm.  

The teams were announced during SWAC Football Media Day at the recently refurbished Birmingham Marriott after ballots were cast by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors.

49 players were named to this year’s preseason teams, with several returning players that earned SWAC All-Conference honors based upon carryover from the 2017 season. Should a player that was named to the first team in the postseason awards not return, the second-team player for that position was elevated to the first team. Players were ranked in their position based upon the number of votes received.  Ballots required voters to rank their selections in order. 

After providing one of the most efficient work rates in the nation and aiding Alcorn State to a fourth straight SWAC East Division title, senior P.J. Simmons was the voters’ choice for the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year award.  In 2017, the running back made the most of his split work with teammate and All-SWAC First Team selection De’Lance Turner as Simmons averaged 8.6 yards per carry to total 80 carries for 687 yards and seven touchdowns.

Grambling State De’Arius Christmas was tabbed as the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year after ranking among the best in the conference in several categories including tackles (88), tackles for a loss (17.5), sacks (4.5) and forced fumbles (two).  The senior linebacker was a two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Week in 2017 and realized a breakout performance during the 2016 SWAC Football Championship when he was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player in the Tigers’ 27-20 SWAC Championship victory against Alcorn State after recording 12 tackles and a sack. 

Alcorn State had the second most selections with 11 including four first teamers.  Prairie View A&M received the third most amount of selections with seven (two first team selections) Alabama State followed with six selections (all on second team) while Arkansas-Pine Bluff garnered four selections including three first teamers.  Alabama A&M secured three spots, Southern and Mississippi Valley State each had two representatives while Texas Southern had one selection.  Jackson State did not receive any selections. 

Joining Simmons on the preseason first-team offense were: Alcorn State quarterback Noah Johnson, Arkansas-Pine Bluff running back KeShawn Williams, offensive linemen Mustaffa Ibrahim (Alcorn State), Jeremiah Abby (Southern), William Waddell and Kyle Davis (both of Grambling State) and Corbin Finlayson (Prairie View A&M), wide receivers Quinn McElfresh (Mississippi Valley State) and Darrell Clark (Grambling State) and tight end Jordan Jones (Grambling State). 

Joining Christmas on the preseason first-team defense were: a trio of defensive linemen from Grambling State in Linwood Banks, La’Allan Clark and Brandon Varner as well as Alabama A&M DL Vernon Moland, linebackers Patrick Harbin (Mississippi Valley State) and Trae Ferrell (Alcorn State), and defensive backs Dylan Hamilton (Alabama A&M), Andre Augustine (Southern), Ju’Anthony Parker (Prairie View A&M) and Percy Cargo (Grambling State).

Kicker Marc Orozco (Grambling State), punter Jamie Gillan (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and return specialist Williams (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) were each tabbed as first team selections for special teams.  Williams was the lone player in the conference to double as a first team selection for two positions; running back and return specialist.

The standings order of finish remained the same from the previous season. 

East Division four-time defending champion Alcorn State totaled 95 points as it was named the preseason favorite to win the East once again. Alabama State was selected to finish in second with 72 points, Jackson State received 55 points, followed by Alabama A&M (51) and Mississippi Valley State (27).

In the West Division, reigning two-time SWAC champion Grambling State was chosen as the overall favorite after amassing a conference-best 96 points in the voting.  Southern was selected second after it received 78 points. Prairie View A&M followed in third place with 65 points while Texas Southern (31) and Arkansas Pine Bluff (30) rounded out the order of predicted finish.

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year:  P.J. Simmons (RB) – Alcorn State
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: De’Arius Christmas (LB) – Grambling State

2018 Preseason All-SWAC Football Team

FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QBNoah JohnsonAlcorn State
RBP.J. SimmonsAlcorn State
RBKeShawn WilliamsArkansas-Pine Bluff
OLMustaffa IbrahimAlcorn State
OLJeremiah Abby Southern
OLWilliam WaddellGrambling State
OLKyle DavisGrambling State
OLCorbin FinlaysonPrairie View A&M
WRQuinn McElfreshMississippi Valley State
WRDarrell ClarkGrambling State
TEJordan JonesGrambling State
 
DEFENSE
DLLinwood BanksGrambling State
DLLa’Allan Clark Grambling State
DLBrandon VarnerGrambling State
DLVernon MolandAlabama A&M
LBPatrick HarbinMississippi Valley State
LBTrae FerrellAlcorn State
LBDe’Arius ChristmasGrambling State
DBDylan HamiltonAlabama A&M
DBAndre AugustineSouthern
DBJu’Anthony ParkerPrairie View A&M
DBPercy CargoGrambling State
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
KMarc OrozcoGrambling State
PJamie GillanArkansas-Pine Bluff
RSKeShawn WilliamsArkansas-Pine Bluff
 
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QBDarryl Pearson Jr.Alabama State
RBJordan BentleyAlabama A&M
RBDawonya TuckerPrairie View A&M
OLDeonte BrooksAlcorn State
OLKevin HallAlcorn State
OLRoderick SmithPrairie View A&M
OLJimmy WhiteTexas Southern
OLTytus HowardAlabama State
WRQuintin GuiceGrambling State
WRMarkcus HardyPrairie View A&M
TEZarrian HolcombePrairie View A&M
 
DEFENSE
 DLAnfernee MullinsGrambling State
 DLSterling ShippyAlcorn State
 DLKevin AgeeArkansas-Pine Bluff
 DLChristian ClarkAlabama State
 LBDe’Andre HoguesGrambling State
 LBMalcolm WilliamsGrambling State
 LBSolomon Muhammad (tie)
Darron Johnson
Alcorn State
Alabama State
 DBReggie StubblefieldPrairie View A&M
 DBJeffrey HillAlabama State
 DBBrady SmithAlcorn State
 DBDedrick ShyGrambling State
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
KCorey McCulloughAlcorn State
PCorey McCulloughAlcorn State
RSGeorge GoldenAlabama State

2018 Eastern Division Predicted Order of Finish

SchoolPoints
Alcorn State95
Alabama State72
Jackson State55
Alabama A&M51
Mississippi Valley State27

2018 Western Division Predicted Order of Finish

SchoolPoints
Grambling State96
Southern78
Prairie View A&M65
Texas Southern31
Arkansas-Pine Bluff30
 

By Peter Holehan
SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Looking In on the Marching 100 High School Summer Band Camp




FAMU's Stanley mentors young QB waiting in the wings



TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- As the leader of Florida A&M's football team, quarterback Ryan Stanley wears several hats while serving in this prestigious role.

For some, he's a soundboard for teammates airing out their grievances. For others, he's the engineer to build upon for productivity on offense.

The redshirt junior from Pembroke Pines' Flanagan High also stands as a mentor and de facto assistant coach for quarterbacks learning under him.

Perhaps the person eating the most from this bountiful table of football wisdom is redshirt freshman D.J. Phillips.

The southpaw from Rickards High is currently second on the FAMU depth chart. As a result, he's first in line to receive the knowledge from coach Willie Simmons and Stanley.

"Being the quarterback makes you the face of the team. Guys look up to you in everything you do," said Stanley.



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Thursday, July 12, 2018

Clark Atlanta’s coach and SIAC Women’s Coach of the Year Yolanda Moore complains of toxic environment for women

Yolanda Moore
YOLANDA MOORE
Courtesy: CAU Athletics
ATLANTA, Georgia -- Clark Atlanta University’s women’s basketball head coach Yolanda Moore has released a statement in opposition to a release shared from the university regarding her “leave of absence.” Moore and other women coaches at Clark Atlanta have filed numerous complaints with Debra Hoyt, Clark Atlanta’s director of human resources.

The women have complained that the university’s athletic director James Linwood Dawson Jr. has created a toxic environment that heavily discriminates against women and female athletics.

Further, the complaints reveal, female athletics teams have lost scholarships and have not been treated equally like the male sports at Clark Atlanta University.

“The unfair treatment of the female student-athletes and the coaches neeUd justice,” Moore said. “We have been treated unfairly and we have made all of these complaints to (Human Resources) and the university’s President (Ronald A. Jackson). Yet, nothing has been done.”

Earlier this week, on July 9, Clark Atlanta University’s athletic department distributed a news release that revealed ...

CONTINUE READING

FAMU holds Marching 100 Summer Band Camp



TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University marching band has been working all week long at their Marching 100 Summer Band Camp.

Band members' hard work has been recognized on the national stage, with an invitation to perform at the 2019 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, Ca.

FAMU Band Director Shelby Chipman is proud of how far they have come.

"We've existed since 1946 and we continue to electrify audiences and have so many outstanding alum who graduated and went on to be very successful," said Chipman. "The virtues embedded within our band motto such as character, leadership and musicianship and dedication are just some of the attributes that some of the students that we teach emphasize to they will be outstanding students and citizens when they leave."



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Alcorn State Lady Braves Releases 2018 Schedule

Joeli Warren-Smith, Alondra Rivera Modesto, and Omone DaviesLORMAN, Mississippi -- The Alcorn State volleyball program announced its 2018 schedule Thursday morning, which includes 10 home matches with a pair of tri-matches at the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

The schedule also features tournaments at Southern Miss and Incarnate Word, and two regular season SWAC Round-Ups.

"The schedule this year will be very competitive," said head coach Chelsey Lucas, who enters her third season. "I'm excited because this year we get to compete with great talent and I'm looking forward to the girls competing together as a team. The team has come a long way, even though they are fairly young. My expectations will remain very high because they can only get better and I'm ecstatic to go through this growing process with them."

After an intrasquad Purple vs. White scrimmage on Aug. 20, the Lady Braves begin their season at the Southern Miss Classic Aug. 24-25, then play their home opener versus Wiley College on Aug. 28.

September sees Alcorn hosting William Carey and Mississippi College for a tri-match (Sept. 6) before a road contest at Tougaloo (Sept. 10) and a trip to San Antonio, Texas to compete in the Incarnate Word Cardinals Classic (Sept. 13-15).

SWAC play starts Sept. 21-23 as Southern hosts the first Round-Up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Purple and Gold then welcome Alabama A&M and Alabama State to the Reservation for matches on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, respectively.

The team follows road trips to Jackson State (Oct. 4) and Miss. Valley State (Oct. 8) with a home match against Talladega College (Oct.12) and a tri-match with SUNO and Lane College (Oct. 16).

AAMU will host the second SWAC Round-Up of the season on Oct. 19-21. Alcorn then returns to Huntsville, Ala. for an Oct. 28 meeting with the Lady Bulldogs followed by an Oct. 29 visit with the Lady Hornets.

The Lady Braves wrap up the regular season and league play at home against JSU (Nov. 1) and MVSU (Nov. 5).

The 2018 SWAC Championship Tournament is scheduled for Nov. 16-18 at JSU's Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. The top eight teams in the final standings will qualify for the tournament.

Click here to see the full schedule.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Grambling reels in reigning top SWAC coach to take over softball program

Nakeya Hall
NAKEVA HALL
Courtesy: AAMU Athletics
GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling State softball program hasn’t boasted a SWAC Coach of the Year in quite some time.

It added one Thursday. And during the offseason no less.

GSU Athletic Director Paul Bryant confirmed to The News-Star Thursday the hiring of Nakeya Hall as the next Lady Tigers softball coach. Hall is the reigning top coach in the SWAC after leading Alabama A&M to its first 20-win season in 10 years in 2017 at 21 and a share of the East Division title.

“One thing we were trying to do is we wanted to find a person that was the best fit for Grambling,” Bryant said. “To get interest from someone like coach Hall is a big deal for us. It shows that the brand of Grambling transcends a lot of things.

“She was the SWAC Coach of the Year last year and for her to want to come to Grambling, duplicate that, I was thankful we were able to get coach Hall.”

CONTINUE READING 

SWAC Announces Partnership with City of Birmingham

Football and Basketball Championships to return to the Magic City

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference is pleased to
announce a partnership with the City of Birmingham that will bring its two most high-profile championship events back to the Magic City.

With the agreement, the 2018 Toyota SWAC Football Championship returns home to Legion Field, and the Bill Harris Arena – located adjacent to the Birmingham Crossplex -- will host the 2019 SWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament.

“I’m grateful to Mayor Randall Woodfin and City of Birmingham on this renewed partnership to bring the SWAC football and basketball championships back to the Magic City,” Interim Commissioner Edgar Gantt said. “Birmingham is a city rich in sports tradition, particularly with SWAC football, and the city has made many improvements to its sports infrastructure here in Birmingham. This next year will play an important part as the SWAC prepares for its centennial celebration.”

Legion Field served as the initial site for the SWAC Football Championship from 1999 to 2012. It also hosts the annual Magic City Classic between Alabama State and Alabama A&M, which consistently ranks as the highest-attended HBCU football classic in the country.

Birmingham served as the home of the SWAC Basketball tournament during the mid-2000s, with Bill Harris Arena hosting the event as recently as 2009 before the tournament moved to what is now known as Legacy Arena for the following year. The Bill Harris Arena has hosted numerous state, conference and national championship events as well.

“Birmingham is fully committed to the SWAC, its institutions, leadership, alumni, and student-athletes. As home of the SWAC headquarters, we are proud of the role Birmingham has played as the founding site of the SWAC football championship game and as a longtime destination for the SWAC basketball tournament. We look forward to again hosting SWAC fans­ for these premiere events,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said.

The SWAC Football Championship game will be held on Dec. 1, and the SWAC Basketball Tournament will take place March 13-16.

SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

New Winston-Salem State License Plates Hit the road

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) license plates are getting a Ram remake.

After 20 years, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has unveiled a new look for WSSU's plates that features the fierce new Ram logo.

The plate was approved in June and can now be ordered through the DMV's website.

The specialty plates cost $25 and are available in two background formats. For each WSSU license plate issued, $15 goes to the university.

"Winston-Salem State University alumni, faculty, staff and friends are eligible to purchase these specialty license plates," said Isaac Moore, director of alumni engagement at WSSU. "The purchase of every plate allows you to not only showcase Ram pride wherever you drive, but also helps to provide financial support to WSSU that aids in its mission to educate students."

WSSU became the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in North Carolina to have a collegiate license plate, a version with the previous Ram logo, in 1998.

In August 2017, WSSU unveiled its fierce new Ram logo after nearly a year of surveys and focus groups of students, alumni, coaches and administrators.

Over the past year, the new logo has been seen on billboards around Winston-Salem, on campuswide signage, on T-shirts and other merchandise, and on the field at Bowman Gray Stadium. Hero Sports, a national sports website, called the logo "devastatingly awesome."

Ram History
The Ram has been the mascot of Winston-Salem State since 1932. According to accounts, Theodore Hayes, a basketball player on the first collegiate team of any kind at the university, came up with the name. In 1978, Amon – inspired by the West African deity – was chosen as mascot's name. WSSU's previous Ram dated back to the mid-1990s and was designed primarily for use in print.

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.

Circle City Classic Tickets Are On Sale Now!


WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Following Howard University's home opener against Savannah State University (Saturday, Sept. 15) the Bison Football squad will venture to Indianapolis, Ind., to participate in the 35th Circle City Classic® against the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats. The two clubs will meet on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. This will mark 20 years since both schools played each other in the Circle City Classic®.  In 1998, Howard beat B-CU by a score of 32-25 inside the RCA Dome.

"The Circle City Classic is a premier event in college football. We have fond memories of playing in this game in the 90's and look forward to the competition next year," said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University. "This longstanding classic has a history of showcasing universities on a national scale. We know the game will prove to be an exciting experience for our student athletes, fans and alumni." 

"The 2017 football season was an incredible opening season for Head Coach Mike London," exclaimed Howard University Director of Athletics, Kery Davis.  "Next year represents the 125th Anniversary of Howard University football.  What better way to celebrate this milestone than to participate in the 35th edition of the prestigious Circle City Classic®.  Howard's return to the Classic after a 20 year hiatus will be a great highlight for our student-athletes, the Howard University Showtime Marching Band, perspective students, alumni and the rest of the Bison nation," added Davis.

Howard and B-CU's most recent matchup occurred on September 23, 2017.  With less than one minute remaining in the 4thquarter, Howard freshman quarterback Caylin Newton ran a 5-yard touchdown, winning the game 26-24.  This was the first time Howard beat B-CU at home since 1996.  Both football teams have the same record going into the 2018 season.  They both have an overall record of 7-4 with a conference record of 6-2.

Purchase Your Tickets

"We are excited about this year's teams that helped shape the legacy and heritage of the 35th Circle City Classic®.  Both prestigious universities have outstanding academic and athletic programs, an enthusiastic alumni base and two of the most entertaining and sought after marching bands in the country," said IBE President & CEO Tanya Bell.

"The longevity of Circle City Classic® speaks to the importance of this event in the city's landscape," said Chris Gahl, senior vice president with Visit Indy. "We feel confident having these two prestigious teams participate in the weekend's activities will not only generate additional tourism spending, it will also bring in business executives capable of racing back to Indy with their convention or corporate meeting. That's very appealing from a tourism standpoint," added Gahl.

Tickets are available for purchase through the HU Athletic website: www.HUBison.com. The $75.00 ticket purchase includes seating on the 50-yard line behind the Bison football team, a commemorative 125th hat, access to the "Blue and White" Fan Fest and a $10.00 donation to Howard Athletics.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

NCCU Football Adds Turner as Tight Ends Coach

Bobby Turner 2018DURHAM, North Carolina  – Bobby Turner, who was a defensive assistant on the North Carolina Central University football staff during the 2016 conference championship season, has returned as the new tight ends coach, NCCU football head coach Granville Eastman announced on Monday.

"It is great to have Bobby back on our staff," said Eastman. "He is a hard and tireless worker who will bring great energy and enthusiasm to our program. I welcome his servant leadership style and his ability to be a mentor to our young men."

Turner served as a graduate assistant and video coordinator at NCCU from 2014-16 under head coach Jerry Mack. After earning his master's degree in athletic administration from NCCU, he accepted another graduate assistant position at Bowling Green State University in 2017, working with the defensive line.

During the spring of 2018, Turner worked as linebackers and special teams coach at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

A native of Cartersville, Georgia, Turner graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in health and human performance. Due to injury, Turner's playing career was cut short and he began student coaching with the offensive staff, as well as assisting with video operations.

Turner replaces three-year NCCU coach Carl Funderburk, who has retired from coaching.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS