Langston Lions Enters 2018 as Preseason SAC Football Favorite

FORT WORTH, Texas – Langston tops the first Sooner Athletic Conference preseason football coaches' poll ever.`

Conference coaches also named preseason award winners. Southwestern Assemblies of God quarterback C.J. Collins became the preseason SAC offensive player of the year.Oklahoma Panhandle State linebacker Nate Leithead has been tabbed preseason league defensive player of the year, while Lyon kicker-punter Ignacio Gomez snared preseason special teams player of the year.
 

Collins, a senior from Bosqueville, Texas, produced 2,840 yards and 26 touchdowns passing last year for the Lions. He ranked 15th in the NAIA in passing yardage to grab league player of the year.

Leithead, a junior from Colorado Springs, Colo., picked up 69 tackles, 32 solo tackles, 2½ sacks and an interception for the Aggies to snag all-league acclaim. Gomez, a junior from Wilmer, Texas, connected on 9-of-12 field-goal attempts and 37-of-39 extra-point attempts while averaging 39.5 yards on punts to make the all-league team.

Langston comes off a 10-1 season where the Lions went unbeaten until the NAIA Championship Series and won the Central States Football League championship. Langston collected seven of the possible nine first-place votes to total 63 points in the poll and enter the year as the preseason conference favorite. Jaylen Lowe, a senior quarterback from Collinsville, Okla., had 1,116 yards and 11 TDs through the air for Langston to be league athlete of the year in 2017.
 

Arizona Christian took the second spot in the poll with 51 points while garnering a first-place vote. The Firestorm finished 7-3 last season after winning the previous two league titles. Southwestern Assemblies of God tied for the second slot after also tallying 51 points and a first-place vote. SAGU turned in an 8-3 mark last year.

Panhandle State finished fourth in the poll with 46 points, while Lyon and Wayland Baptist were knotted for fifth at 30 points. Ottawa-Arizona enters its first year of playing football at seventh in the preseason SAC poll. League coaches predicted Texas College to finish eighth, and Texas Wesleyan took ninth in the poll.  

This year marks the inaugural football season for the SAC, whose member schools have amassed an NAIA-best 106 national championships in 14 sports throughout its 40-year history. The first game of 2018 featuring an SAC member happens Thursday, Aug. 23, when Southwestern Assemblies of God visits Evangel (Mo.) for an ESPN3-broadcasted bout. The first ever SAC contest is set for Saturday, Sept. 8, when Ottawa-Arizona visits Langston.

Sooner Athletic Conference

2018 Football Coaches' Preseason Poll

No.	Team (First-place votes)	Points
1.	Langston (7)	63
T2.	Arizona Christian (1)	51
T2.	Southwestern Assemblies of God (1)	51
4.	Oklahoma Panhandle State	46
T5.	Lyon	30
T5.	Wayland Baptist	30
7.	Ottawa-Arizona	22
8.	Texas College	16
9.	Texas Wesleyan	15

NOTE: Votes were cast by each of the nine head coaches. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: C.J. Collins, QB, Southwestern Assemblies of God

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Nate Leithead, LB, Panhandle State

Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year: Ignacio Gomez, P/K, Lyon

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY LIONS ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Five Individuals, One Team To Enter Lincoln Hall of Fame

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  -- A dominant national champion team, two of the finest basketball players to suit up for the Blue Tigers, one of the top quarterbacks in program history, a record-setting wide receiver and a long-time LU staff member comprise the 2018 six-member Lincoln Athletic Hall of Fame class, which will be enshrined in a special ceremony on Friday, Oct. 5.

Joining the Lincoln Athletic Hall of Fame this year are the 2005 women's outdoor track & field team; basketball players Terrence Hamilton and Vince Humphrey; football player and athletic trainer Oliver P. Sellers; and football players Ron Stuart and Michael J. West. All six honorees will be inducted in a ceremony at the Scruggs University Center Ballroom on LU's campus on Friday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. CT. The class will also be recognized during Lincoln's Homecoming football game against Quincy on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 2:00 p.m. CT.

"The legacy that these inductees left behind at Lincoln University is remarkable," said John Moseley, Lincoln's Director of Athletics. "We look forward to celebrating their entrance into the Lincoln University Athletic Hall of Fame during our Homecoming festivities this fall."

The 2005 women's track & field team turned in one of the most dominating performances in the history of the NCAA Division II outdoor championships, becoming the first program ever to win a national title by scoring more than twice as many points as the next-closest competitor. Highlighted by four victories at the national meet, the Blue Tigers scored 108 points to win the championship over California State-Bakersfield, which finished as the runner-up after scoring 53 points. Lincoln was led by Shandria Brown, who won individual titles in both the 100m and the 200m, and teamed with Simmy George, Carla Thomas and Karen Robinson to win the the championship in the 4x100m relay. Kelly Marshall also was an individual winner, taking the crown in the 800m. Lincoln turned in 16 total All-American performances en route to winning its third-straight national title in outdoor track & field and the fourth national championship in Blue Tiger history.

A two-time all-conference and all-district honoree, Terrence Hamilton led the MIAA in rebounding in 1987-88. Hamilton earned All-MIAA second team honors that season before being named to the all-conference first team the following season, and was a National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District V second team selection both years. One of just nine Blue Tigers ever to tally at least 1,000 points and 500 rebounds, Hamilton is currently 13th in program history in points (1,229) and 10th all-time in rebounding (652). Hamilton was named a captain in two of his three seasons at Lincoln and earned four MIAA Player of the Week accolades while averaging 16.6 points for his career, including over 18 points per game his final two years.

Following his career at Lincoln, Hamilton enjoyed a stellar professional career in Australia, averaging 30.1 points per game for the Adelaide Buffalos and 26.7 points per game as a member of the West Sydney Steamers. Hamilton returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach for the men's basketball team from 1991-93, and served as the head coach of the women's basketball team from 1993-96. He later pursued a career as a high school coach, leading teams to two district championships, a pair of sectional championships and three trips to the state tournament, including leading Normandy High to a state runner-up finish in 2013.

Another phenomenal basketball player, Vince Humphrey is the only Blue Tiger ever to finish with over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds for his career. Lincoln's all-time leader in rebounding with 1,033, Humphrey scored 1,340 points to rank eighth in program history and led LU to 76 wins from 1972-76. Humphrey earned All-MIAA honorable mention accolades in 1974, was an all-league second team honoree in 1975 and made the all-conference first team in 1976 while additionally being named to the MIAA All-Tournament team that season.

The MIAA's single-season rebounding leader in 1975-76, Humphrey was also the first Blue Tiger ever to earn an all-district award, as he was named to the NABC All-District V second team that season. Humphrey, who led LU to the 1974-75 MIAA regular season championship, averaged a double-double for his playing career with 13.5 points and 10.4 rebounds, the latter of which is the fifth-best average in program history. Humphrey also ranks seventh among all Lincoln players with 610 career made field goals, and appeared in 99 games, tied for the fifth-most in program history.

A former football player and a long-time beloved member of the Lincoln University Athletic Department, Oliver P. Sellers followed legendary coach Dwight T. Reed from Louisville Municipal to Lincoln in 1949 and became a critical member of the Blue Tiger family. Sellers was the starting guard on the 1951 and 1952 football teams which compiled a combined record of 15-2-1, including the first-ever undefeated season in Lincoln history in 1952. In 1951, Sellers was named as an All-Midwestern Conference honorable mention. Following his playing career, Sellers served as the sole athletic trainer at Lincoln from 1959-1975, where he made an indelible impact on hundreds of LU student-athletes.

The quarterback and kicker for the Blue Tigers from 1966-69, Ron Stuart led Lincoln to a 23-12-1 record. Despite playing in an era when Lincoln ran the ball far more often than it passed, Stuart threw for 2,454 yards, which still ranks as the sixth-most in LU's career history. Stuart was the program's total offense leader in 1968 and 1969, compiling 930 yards and 920 yards, respectively, and was the Blue Tigers' leading scorer with 44 points in 1968. In 1970, Stuart became the first-ever recipient of the Jefferson City Jaycees Outstanding Athlete Award, and was a Dean's List student as well as an ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Stuart served with the United States Army for more than 24 years, retiring with the rank of colonel in 1995. In 1994, he was inducted into the Lincoln University ROTC Hall of Fame.

One of the top wide receivers in Lincoln history, Michael J. West signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers following a stellar four-year career at LU from 1974-77. During that time, West caught 72 passes for 1,422 yards, with his yardage total ranking fourth all-time among Blue Tigers. In 1977, West was selected to the All-MIAA first team after tying the conference's single-season record with nine touchdowns. That season, he also tied the MIAA's single-game record with a three-touchdown performance against Southwest Missouri. In 1976, West was named an All-American honorable mention by the Associated Press, and his three-touchdown game remains a Lincoln record to this day.

The Lincoln Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 2008 and will now be comprised of 76 members. Inductees are nominated by their peers and voted upon by a select panel of Lincoln administrators and alumni. A minimum of five years must pass before any athlete, coach, team or administrator is eligible for the Hall of Fame. Athletes must have earned a minimum of two varsity letters at Lincoln while coaches and administrators must have been on the LU staff for a minimum of five years. Qualifications are based mainly upon the nominees' performance at Lincoln, although accomplishments post-graduation may also be considered.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
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2017-18 CIAA Year-In-Review

Tuskegee University 2018 Volleyball Schedule Released

FULL SCHEDULE

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Tuskegee University second-year head coach Janay Yancey released the 2018 volleyball schedule Wednesday afternoon, featuring five tournaments.

"The early start gives us more time to gel and get acclimated with each other", head coach Janay Yancey said. "I like this schedule because a lot of teams we will face are in our regional rankings, which means we get a chance to face some really good competition that will hopefully springboard us into conference play", Yancey stated.

Just like last year, Tuskegee will open the season away from home. On August 25, they will travel to Livingston (Ala.) to square off with the University of West Alabama. Six days later, the Golden Tigers will come closer to home and complete in the annual Warhawk Invitational hosted by Auburn-Montgomery in Montgomery (Ala.) August 31 in a two-day tournament.

The busiest month by far comes in September which features 16 matches in a 30-day span. Albany State is the team's home opener on Sept. 4 with a 6 p.m. start time. TU will host one other opponent that month inside "Chappie James Arena" when Spring Hill College comes to town on Sept. 21. That match will also get underway at 6 p.m.

The Golden Tigers will participate in a pair of Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Clusters Sept. 14-15 and again on Oct. 12-13 before hosting rival Miles College Oct.19, one day prior to football's 94th Homecoming.

The 2018 season concludes Nov. 5-7 in Birmingham at the SIAC Volleyball Tournament inside the Birmingham CrossPlex.

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Another look at offensive UDFA players at Redskins Training Camp, RB/KR Martez Carter - Grambling State

WASHINGTON, D.C. — His sophomore year, after working hard and proving his skills, No. 40 became No. 4 — a running back who returned kicks with such explosiveness and versatility on the field that he turned heads and caused fans to wonder who the new kid was.

He became known as one of the most exciting players to watch in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and Mr. Excitement has lived up to his name since.

Despite his smaller size at 5-foot-7 and 193 pounds, Carter is a threat in both the run and receiving games. He added 449 yards and two touchdowns through the air during his senior season. He was also a significant contributor on special teams throughout his career at Grambling State.



How would he fit with the Redskins?

The Redskins have a deep backfield for now with Chris Thompson, Derrius Guice and Samaje Perine all locks to make the roster. I expect them to add a 4th running back to the group and it will probably be a player who is a good threat in the passing game.

My favorite to take the 4th spot is Carter. He will be a good understudy to Thompson as a third down running back. Even more importantly, Carter will be a great threat in the return game. If Carter is not kept on the Redskins’ 53 man roster, I think another team will pick him up and add him to their roster.

Washington fans will already be aware of the strong connection that the Redskins have to Grambling State through Doug Williams, who not only led Grambling to 36 wins as a 4-year starter at QB, but also spent 9 years as the head coach of Grambling’s football team, most recently in 2013, just prior to joining the Redskins front office as a personnel executive. Doug is also a Louisiana native with strong ties to the area; I sense that he may have had a lot to do with getting Carter into Redskins training camp.

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Benedict Softball Wins Three National Statistical Champion Awards

COLUMBIA, South Carolina  –  For the second year in the row, the NCAA has crowned the Benedict College softball team as the Division II national statistical champions in runs scored per game and stolen bases per game.

In addition to the team awards, senior outfielder Brianna Billie was named the national statistical champion in stolen bases per game.

The Lady Tigers averaged 9.97 runs per game, beating out Colorado Mesa University, which averaged 9.58 runs per game. They scored a season-high 26 runs against Livingstone, which ranked 11th most in Division II last season.

Benedict averaged 6.03 stolen bases per game, easily outdistancing second-place Montevallo College, which averaged 3.79 stolen bases per game. Benedict owned three of the top five highest single-game stolen base games this season in Division II. Their 17 stolen bases against Livingstone ranked third, and they also recorded 16 stolen bases in two other games.

Billie averaged 1.49 stolen bases per game for the Lady Tigers, beating out Darbi Duke from the University of Montevallo, who averaged 1.26 stolen bases per game.

The Lady Tigers, under the direction of Loraine Dunbar, went 23-15 overall for the 2017 season.

BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Benedict Baseball Team Leads NCAA In Stolen Bases For 7th Time In 9 Years

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- The Benedict College baseball team has been named the NCAA Division II national statistical leader in stolen bases per game for the seventh time in the last nine years.

The Tigers averaged 4.19 stolen bases per game during the 2018 season, topping Chestnut Hill (Pa.) College, which averaged 3.25 stolen bases per game.

Benedict finished with 155 stolen bases in 37 games, the third-highest total in Division II. National champion Augustana (S.D.) had 169 total stolen bases, but played 61 games. St. Thomas Aquinas had 161 stolen bases in 54 games.

Benedict's 4.19 per game average was the highest of any NCAA team this season, beating out Division III's Plymouth St. (4.00) and Division I's Fordham (3.17).

Benedict's 11 stolen bases against Morris ranked tied for sixth-most in a single game last season, while the 10 stolen bases against Lincoln (Pa.) ranked tied for ninth.

The Tigers led NCAA Division II in stolen bases per game for six consecutive seasons, from 2010 through 2015, before finishing second each of the past two years.

The Tigers, under the direction of Selwyn Young, went 17-20 overall last season.

BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

SWAC announces 2017-18 All-Academic Team

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced the 2017-18 All-Academic Team, recognizing over 1,400 student-athletes from the conference's 10 member institutions for their exceptional effort in the classroom.

For the second straight year, the total amount of honorees within the league rose by at least 10 percent, further exhibiting the SWAC’s commitment to academic achievement. Additionally, eight of the 10 member institutions raised their total number of all-academic honorees: Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Alcorn State, Grambling State, Mississippi Valley State, Prairie View A&M, Southern University and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

FULL ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

In order to qualify for the team, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Jackson State had the most all-academic selections with 162. Alabama State’s women’s tennis team posted the highest team GPA among women’s teams within the league, accumulating a combined 3.722 GPA to edge Alcorn State’s women’s tennis team (3.72). The Braves men’s tennis team posted a 3.62 GPA, highest among all men’s teams in the SWAC.

In addition to the league having nearly 200 more students to garner All-Academic honors than last year, every member institution had at least 100 student-athletes garner a 3.0 or better during the 2017-18 academic year.

After Jackson State, Alabama State University notched a total of 161 all-academic team members, followed by Alabama A&M (155), Prairie View (147), Alcorn State (142) and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (135). Texas Southern saw 134 students earn All-Academic consideration.

Southern University nearly doubled its total honorees from last year, with 129 students achieving at least a 3.0 compared to 66 last year. Rounding out the results were Mississippi Valley (122) and Grambling State (121).

Put into effect in 2003 as part of an ambitious academic reform effort in Division I, the Academic Progress Rate (APR) holds institutions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term.

Currently, teams must maintain a four-year average APR of 930 or a two-year average APR of 940 average to participate in NCAA championships. In 2015-16 and beyond, teams must keep a four-year average APR of 930 to compete in championships.

While the APR is intended as an incentive-based approach, it does come with a progression of penalties for teams that under-perform academically over time.

The All-Academic Team is representative of the SWAC’s progress, with the increases in training and focus shift towards the academic success of its student-athletes.

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FAMU DB coaching trio form 'No Fly Zone' coverage

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Today's brand of football caters to the offense with a heavy emphasis on passing.

To counter this, teams must incorporate sound coverage in the secondary in order to produce favorable results.

Florida A&M's defensive playbook is complete with packages to offset multiple spread formations.

The brain trust charged with orchestrating the Rattlers' secondary is Brandon Sharp, Kenneth Gilstrap II and FAMU Hall of Famer, Billy Rolle.

This members of this three-prong coaching machine have different personalities and backgrounds. However, they combine as a unit to teach and put players in position to excel.

Sharp is a native of Jacksonville, where he helped Bolles High School win the state championship as a senior. His role with the Rattlers includes overseeing the nickelbacks and safeties.

After graduating in 2003, he enrolled at ...

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Kentucky State taps power five school for ‘historic’ athletic director hire

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Etienne M. Thomas has big plans for Kentucky State University athletics.

Considering where she came from that comes as no surprise.

Thomas was named KSU’s new director of athletics on Friday, a hire the school is calling historic. Thomas comes to Frankfort from Kansas University, where she was associate athletics director for student life.

“This is historic,” school president M. Christopher Brown II said. “Not just for Kentucky State University, but we’ve been talking to the NCAA and they’re double-checking, as well as the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). This will be the first time that any of the nation’s historically black colleges and universities has recruited an athletic director from one of the power five conferences.”

In her role at Kansas, Thomas monitored, communicated with and advocated for student-athletes in the housing and university student code hearing proceedings, as well as partnered with the sexual assault prevention and education center to provide education, empowerment and prevention of sexual assault.

She previously served in athletics and compliance administrative positions at North Carolina Central, San Jose State, Howard and Saint Paul’s College.

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FAMU Football Tickets for the Troy Game On Sale Now

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Rattler Fans, let's sit together at the Troy game and make a whole lot of disrupting noise. We'll need it to beat those Trojans. Get your tickets at the FAMU Ticket Office (850)599-3141. A limited number of seats are available in the FAMU sections.

Alcorn State Wins Best Multi-Sports Media Guide in the Nation

Click here to view for the men, and click here for the women.

LORMAN, Mississippi -- The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced the winners of its 2017-18 publication contest, and the Alcorn State University Basketball Media Guide won Best in the Nation for the Multi-Sport Guides – University Division.

The media guide combined men's and women's basketball into one book. It was honored as the top multi-sport guide in the country by a selected CoSIDA panel and was announced at the annual CoSIDA convention in Washington, D.C. on June 28.

The media guide was created by Alcorn assistant athletic director for sports information Robbie Kleinmuntz and assistant director of sports information Pierce Yarberry. Design assistance was provided by Stacey Springfield, senior graphic designer.

Some of the key features of the guide included a career record book, single season and game records, year-by-year team schedules and results, all-time All-Conference honorees and all-time head coach information. The guide was first started in July 2016 and published in Nov. 2017.

Men's and women's basketball were two of eight record books restored at Alcorn since July 2016. Other sports include football, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer and women's track & field. Record books for each sport are available online at alcornsports.com. A single book with each sport included is in production for 2018-19.

Click here to view for the men, and click here for the women.

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Davis Joins Alcorn Men's Basketball Staff as Assistant Coach

LORMAN, Mississippi -- After four seasons as head coach at Armstrong State University, Evans Davis was named assistant coach with the Alcorn State University men's basketball program, announced by head coach Montez Robinson.

Davis spent eight seasons total at Armstrong, including four seasons as assistant coach before moving up to head coach. He was at the helm when Armstrong athletics ceased to continue after the University merged with Georgia Southern.

"First off, I want to thank God for this marvelous opportunity to work with Coach Robinson. I'm looking forward to doing all I can to help him get this program to where he envisions it, and to win championships. I'm excited to be here and can't wait for the season to get underway," Davis said.

In 2015-16, Davis coached the Pirates to a 10-9 record in the Peach Belt Conference. The team led the league in assists and assist:turnover ratio, while ranking second in the league in three-point field goal percentage. Armstrong was considered one of the conference's most dangerous offensive teams during Davis' tenure.

Prior to Armstrong, Davis served as an assistant coach for North Florida for three years. He went to North Florida after working as both an assistant and then the head coach at Truett McConnell. Davis began his collegiate coaching career at Mercer as a graduate assistant for the women's program.

Davis and Robinson worked together previously as assistant coaches at Truett McConnell.

"I'm really excited to have Coach Davis on the staff. I've known him for a long time and he's been coaching basketball for nearly two decades," Robinson said. "Coach Davis is someone I really respect. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the program and he'll have an emphasis on making our post play better."

As a student-athlete, Davis played two seasons at Truett McConnell before becoming a standout at Mercer. During his two-year career at Mercer, he averaged 10.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

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Catchings clinic filled to capacity at XULA Convo Center

NEW ORLEANS — As Tamika Catchings finished the photos and autographs that followed the latest stop on her Legacy Tour Basketball Clinic, she said she plans to bring her event back to Xavier University of Louisiana next summer.

XULA and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation were the local sponsors of the Legacy Tour Clinic, a second-year event that Catchings — a legendary player for the University of Tennessee, USA Basketball and the WNBA's Indiana Fever — brought to every WNBA city in 2017 and to new destinations this year such as New Orleans, Tampa, Fla., Sunnyvale, Calif., Knoxville, Tenn., and Fort Wayne, Ind.

The two-hour free clinic was filled to capacity Thursday with local youth. Assisting Catchings with drills and games on the floor of the Convocation Center were XULA student-athletes and coaches.

The clinics evolved from Catchings's annual summer camp in Indianapolis. "The coolest thing with these clinics is going to different cities and seeing the different talent," she said.

"One of the biggest differences from last year is being able to have more student-athletes from local colleges involved," Catchings added. "It's great to see young kids interact with the student-athletes, and I'm sure some are seeing Xavier University for the first time. So that can go a long way to help support Xavier."

Catchings emphasized four things: have fun, hustle, listen and never say, "I can't." She also urged every clinic participant to write down a goal and tape that paper to a bathroom mirror. For those whose goal is to play professional basketball, she advised them to include a second goal.

"Amazing time today," Catchings wrote on her Twitter page. "Great group with lots of talent!"

Facebook Photos   •   WGNO-TV Coverage

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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CIAA title game returns to Salem, Virginia

SALEM, Virginia -- The CIAA championship game returns to Salem this fall, and that's not all volleyball, cross country, and softball title games will all be contested in Virginia's championship city. The football title game is set for November 10th at Salem stadium.

"I'm excited that we're able to have it here where we can go, watch the game and then go watch volleyball and two weeks prior we'll have cross country. What a delight to be in a community that embraces sports and values and understands relationships and partnerships," CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams said.

"We are Virginia's championship city, So sport is a big deal to us so this is just another in a long line of events that we host throughout the year," Salem Mayor Randy Foley said.

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E. Todd Moore Named Alcorn Lady Braves Assistant Coach

LORMAN, Mississippi -- The Alcorn State University women's basketball program and head coach Courtney Pruitt announced the hiring of E. Todd Moore as assistant coach on Wednesday.

"I'm excited about Coach Moore. He's a veteran in the game that has coached on every level," said Pruitt. "His enthusiasm will definitely encourage, energize, and elevate our players to a level in which Alcorn has not seen before."

Moore comes to the Reservation from Texas, where he worked with A-Game Athletes, Inc. (2017-18) in Dallas and Xtreme Heat Sports (2016-17) in Houston. Moore coached area youth and student-athletes of a variety of ages by developing their skills through camps, one-on-one training and group sessions. Additionally, he volunteered with the Dallas Mavericks G-League team, the Texas Legends, as an assistant coach during the 2015-16 season under head coach Nick Van Exel.

Before moving to Texas, he was an assistant coach at South Carolina State during the 2014-15 season. The team finished with a 16-12 record overall and a 9-7 mark in the MEAC. Other NCAA DI experience includes assistant coaching stints at Savannah State (2011-12), Cincinnati (2009-2011), and Morgan State (1994-95).

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for this opportunity because without him, this would not have been possible," said Moore. "I'd also like to thank Coach Pruitt for bringing me on and I am blessed and humbled to be able to work with her and the Lady Braves basketball program."

Moore spent the 2007-08 season as coach and director of player development at Apex Academies, a prep school and training center in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Prior to that, he spent two seasons as the varsity girl's coach at Potter's House Christian Academy (2005-06) and Esprit de Corps Center for Learning (2006-07), both in Jacksonville, Florida.

Moore started his coaching career at Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. as an assistant boys' basketball coach. While there, he worked with eight Division I signees and two future NBA players. He coached NBA All-Star Rasheed Wallace to USA Today National Player of the Year honors in 1992-93 when the school went 31-0, was ranked No. 1 in the nation, and won what was dubbed by USA Today a mythical national championship.

After his time at Morgan State, the Philadelphia native spent the next two years at Howard Community College before accepting the head boys' A.A.U. coaching job in Columbia, Maryland. He coached nine years in that role, won a pair of Maryland state championships, and made two appearances in the national tournament in Florida. He also coached current NBA star Carmelo Anthony at the Mount Royal Recreation Center in Baltimore.

Moore was a men's assistant coach at Dundalk Community College (1997-00), Benedict College (2001-02), and at his alma mater Edward Waters College (2002-03). While at Dundalk, his efforts helped the team to a 77-20 record, the 1999 Maryland JUCO Conference Championship title, the 2000 Region XX Tournament title, and the 2000 NJCAA Division II National Tournament title. In 2000, Dundalk finished second at the Maryland JUCO Championship.

After playing prep ball at New Mexico Military Academy, he played at EWC from 1983-85 and earned his Bachelor of Business degree in organizational management in 2005.

Moore is the father of three children, daughters Brittany and Tyanaese and son T.J.

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Coppin State Volleyball Wraps Up Recruiting Class with Utah’s Aislynn Weaver

BALTIMORE, Maryland – Coppin State volleyball head coach Tim Walsh announced the completion of his 2018 recruiting class with the signing of Aislynn Weaver from Roosevelt, Utah, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon.  Weaver is the 11th incoming freshman to commit to play for the Eagles in the 2018 s  eason.
 
"Aislynn is a great addition to the incoming class," said Walsh.  "Her experience as a setter, as well as libero/D/S adds additional depth to the Eagles roster.  Aislynn is a vocal player who knows the game very well. She also has a great court sense, and from that, she is able to move the ball around and set from pin to pin."
 
A 5-foot-7 setter, Weaver led Union High School to the State Semifinals as a senior in 2017 before winning the third-place match.  Earning 3A First Team All-State honors, Weaver quarterbacked the Cougars' offense with 658 assists, coming out to 8.3 per set, while also coming up big on defense with 165 digs.  Named the Union High School Top Female Senior Athlete, Weaver, a three-sport athlete, also showcased an impressive serve with 47 aces and was named Academic All-Region 10.
 
The Eagles open the 2018 season at the UNC Asheville Invitational where they will take on the host Bulldogs on August 24 with matches against Appalachian State and The Citadel the following afternoon.

Coppin State Volleyball 2018 Recruiting Class

Name	Ht.	Pos.	Hometown / High School
Khala Cameron	5-7	DS/OH	Austintown, Ohio / Austintown Fitch HS
Jordan Celestine	5-11	MB	Stockbridge, Ga. / Dutchtown HS
Miajavon Coleman	5-11	OH/MH	San Antonio, Texas / Brenna HS
DeMia Goddard	5-7	DS/OH	Fort Washington, Md. / Bishop McNamara HS
Lauryn Harrell	5-10	MH/RS	Gilbert, Ariz. / Higley HS
Rebekka Hauri	5-7	L/DS	Berne, Switzerland / Gymnasium Hofwil
Macy Havill	5-10	OH	Gainesville, Va. / Battlefield HS
Sydney Hicks	5-10	OH/RS	Ashburn, Va. / Rock Ridge HS
Chelsie Kolibar	5-4	L/DS	Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada / Lethbridge Collegiate Institute
Brianna Lang	5-8	S	Atlanta, Ga. / Riverwood International Charter School
Aislynn Weaver	5-7	S	Roosevelt, Utah / Union HS

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TSU's Darreon Reddick to Begin Pro Career with BC Olimpi

DARREON REDDICK BIO – TSUTIGERS.COM

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Tennessee State University alumnus Darreon Reddick (Belleville, Ill.) will continue his basketball career after signing his first professional contract with BC Olimpi overseas in Georgia.

“TSU means a lot to me and it always will,” Reddick said. “My four years there turned me into a better person off the court. Also due to great coaches and players I’ve been around, I’ve become a way better player in my four years at TSU. The opportunity to go pro is a blessing. It has always been a dream of mine growing up, and I’m excited to be able to play the game I love at the professional level.”

Reddick, who graduated in the spring of 2018, played in 121 games in a TSU uniform with 103 starts. The four-year starter finished with 895 points, 327 rebounds and 169 assists during his time in Nashville. He helped guide the Tigers to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in 2016 and a 52-39 record in his final three seasons.

• BC Olimpi competes in the Georgia Superleague.
• The graduate of Belleville East High School in Illinois scored in double figures 42 times during his collegiate career.
• During his senior season in 2017-18, Reddick served as a team captain while posting 7.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
• Reddick produced some of his top offensive performances against TSU’s toughest opponents. In a 2015 matchup versus Murray State featuring future NBA player Cameron Payne, Reddick dropped a career-high 25 points.
• He went on to score 20 points at Kansas, 14 at Duke and 12 at Vanderbilt.
• Reddick is the latest to join the professional ranks from TSU in recent years.
• Since the conclusion of the 2015-16 season, Reddick, Tahjere McCall, Keron DeShields, Wayne Martin, Xavier Richards and Jordan Reed all signed their first pro deals. 
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Hampton Athletics Release Women's Basketball 2018-19 Non-Conference Schedule

HAMPTON, Virginia -- The Hampton University women's basketball team will once again feature a slate highlighted by major Division I opponents as the 2018-19 non-conference schedule was released.

Hampton will open the season on the road at Florida Atlantic on November 7 before returning home on Friday, November 16 to face Tennessee-Chattanooga.

The season opener will mark the third time that the Lady Pirates has faced off with Florida Atlantic, as FAU has won the first two contests. The game will end a 23-year hiatus between the two squads, who most recently played in 1995.

Similar to FAU, Hampton has faced off with Tennessee-Chattanooga twice as well, dropping both contests. The two teams met last season in Chattanooga on December 28, a 64-52 loss for the Lady Pirates.

The Chattanooga matchup will start a long four-game home stand for the Lady Pirates. HU plays host to James Madison University for an intra-state battle on November 20. The Lady Pirates have squared off with the Dukes six times in program history, most recently coming in the 2016-17 season. Hampton's lone win in the series came back in the 2010-11 campaign, a 69-64 triumph.

Eight days later, Samford University ventures to Hampton Roads to take on the Lady Pirates. Hampton will wrap up a home-and-home with the Bulldogs this season after falling to Samford in the inaugural matchup between the schools last season.

Elon caps off the spurt of home games, traveling to HU on Sunday, December 2. This will be the first time the Lady Pirates have hosted Elon, winning on a neutral site in 2001 before falling to the Phoenix on their home court last season.

Hampton takes to the road for a Wednesday contest at ACC-opponent N.C. State on December 5. This will be the second-ever matchup between the two schools. The Wolfpack defeated HU 81-56 in Raleigh during the 2016-17 season.

The Lady Pirates welcome Mid-Atlantic Christian University to town on Saturday, December 15 for a 4 p.m. tip-off. It will be the first-ever contest between the two schools. MACU is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The Mustangs went 9-20 last season and are located out of Elizabeth City, N.C.

HU heads to the airport for a holiday trip out west, competing in the New Mexico Tournament on December 19-20 with opponents to still be announced.

Hampton wraps up the non-conference slate with a pair of road contests against Ivy League opponents. The Lady Pirates travel to Cornell on December 29, then Columbia on January 2 before venturing home for the remainder of the Big South schedule.

Hampton has never faced Cornell prior to this season. The Lady Pirates will be facing Columbia for the second time in program history, defeating the Lions at home last season by a score of 60-58.

The Big South schedule will be released later this summer.

For more information on Hampton University women's basketball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

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NCCU Women’s Basketball Adds Two Assistant Coaches

 Trisha Stafford-Odom 

DURHAM, North Carolina — Second-year head coach Trisha Stafford-Odom has announced the appointment of Ron Woodard and Jason Harris as assistant coaches for the North Carolina Central University women's basketball program.

Woodard and Harris bring nearly a combined 50 years of coaching experience to the Eagles, joining Stafford-Odom and second-year assistant coach Tynesha Lewis.

Ron Woodard

Woodard is returning to NCCU and is bringing over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience to the program. He previously was with the Eagles in a variety of roles from 1998 to 2001, including part of the NCCU men's basketball coaching staff that won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1989.

"The great fortune I have to add the veteran savvy of Ron Woodard to my staff is rewarding," said Stafford-Odom. "He is an energetic soul who has mastered the art of shaping perspective for the good of growth and maturation. Ron is wise, unselfish, and focused on teaching the defensive philosophies and adjustments necessary to win. Working primarily with the posts, I am relying on Ron to help assess talent as well as increase the IQ of our team play."

Woodard has accumulated over a dozen years' worth of head coaching experience since leaving Durham. Woodard posted a winning record in 11 seasons as the men's basketball head coach at Claflin University before moving over to the women's bench as an interim head coach at Elizabeth City State University for one season.

In his time at Claflin, Woodard guided the Panthers from the NAIA to NCAA Division II ranks with a cumulative winning record, including an NCAA record of 121-93 (.565). He won the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in 2005 before making the transition and winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season title in 2009. The SIAC Coach of the Year posted the best record for any HBCU program in 2007-08 with a 24-2 mark.

Woodard, who last coached at Virginia University of Lynchburg for two seasons and posted a 44-6 record with the Dragons' men's basketball program, immediately began his career of mentoring student-athletes at his alma mater once he graduated from fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member institution Norfolk State University in 1981. Woodard was a graduate assistant for the Spartans' basketball team while serving as a football staff assistant until 1985.

Woodard graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education in 1981 and continued his education at NSU until completing a Master of Arts degree in curriculum development and supervision administration in 1986. He then spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Kentucky State University before going to NCCU for the first time.

In his first 13 years at NCCU, Woodard started as an assistant coach with the men's basketball team from 1988-95 before being promoted to associate head coach from 1995-2000 and eventually assistant athletic director from 2000-01. He also served as an instructor while enjoying success on the court, including five NCAA DII postseason appearances (1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1997). The Eagles won regional twice to advance to the Elite Eight both times and eventually winning the title in 1989.

Jason Harris

Harris comes to NCCU as a successful high school teacher and coach. He has spent the past four years as the head varsity coach at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he was named coach of the year and set a new program record for most wins for girls' basketball in school history.

"Jason arrives with a wealth of basketball knowledge and structure," said Stafford-Odom. "NC Central women's basketball will hugely benefit from his close affiliations with quality players and programs in the northeast and throughout the globe. Jason's choice to bring his passion, experience, and gifted skill development capabilities to us, will immediately elevate our level of play. His training craftiness is a commodity and he has proven to be successful with creating a winning culture."

In 17 years at the prep level, Harris gained a lot of experience and connections throughout the east coast having coached in Virginia, Maryland and Florida after attending college in New York City.

Harris started his career at Falls Church High School in Virginia from 2001-02, before moving on to stints at Montrose Christian School in Maryland from 2002-03, Montverde Academy in Florida from 2003-05 and Westminster School in Virginia from 2005-14 before going to Bishop Ireton in 2014.

The founder of the Premier Sports Performance Academy has taught as a physical education instructor for 12 years and served as an assistant director of athletics for two years at Montverde. Harris has been the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Premier Sports Performance Academy since 2006 and served as a coach for its under-16 elite team for over a decade.

Harris graduated from Fordham University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. He was a four-year letter winner and two-year captain for the Rams. Harris was named one of Dick Vitale's Top 5 Long Distance Shooters in the nation in 2000.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

North Carolina A&T Aggies Achieve Summer Baseball League Success

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The North Carolina A&T baseball program, the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions, has nine players participating in various summer baseball leagues around the country including the Coastal Plain League, Northwoods League, Florida Collegiate League, Carolina Virginia Collegiate and Liga de Béisbol Superior Doble A (Puerto Rico).

Three Aggies are playing in the Coastal Plain League this summer. Infielder Zach McLean (5-10, 200, So., High Point, NC) and catcher Ryne Stanley (6-0, 190, R-So., High Point, NC) both play for the High Point Thomasville Hi Toms while RHP Leon Davidson (6-0, 215, So., Huntersville, NC) suits up for the Asheboro Copperheads.

McLean appeared in 20 games and produced 13 RBI and scored 12 runs. He was voted a starter for the National League Team in the All-Star Game on July 9 where he went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. In his first season with the Aggies, McLean was named the conference tournament Most Outstanding Player compiling a 1.250 slugging percentage with 11 RBI and three home runs.

“This is the second consecutive year that we have had a CPL All-Star, so really proud of the work Zach is putting in,” said N.C. A&T head coach Ben Hall. “Playing in the Coastal Plain League is a great proving ground for guys to hit with wood and continue to get at-bats off high-level of pitching.”

In the Northwoods League, RHP Leon Hunter (6-3, 220, Jr., Garner, NC) plays for the Madison Mallards while outfielder Dawnoven Smith (6-1, 215, Jr., Jacksonville, N.C.) plays for the Waterloo Bucks. Hunter made 26 appearances on the mound for the Aggies in 2018 to rank fourth in the conference. Smith was a first team all-conference selection finishing 2017 leading the conference in doubles, doubles per game, runs per game and slugging percentage.

Rounding out the summer league placement are LHP Ethan Chavis (6-0, 200, Fr., Pembroke, NC) and RHP Roberto Negron (6-3, 230, Jr., Toa Alta, Puerto Rico). Chavis participates in the Florida Collegiate League for the Leesburg Lighting after starting six games for the Aggies as a true freshman tossing 26 innings and fanning 16 batters in 12 appearances. Negron plays for Liga de Beisbol Superior Doble A (Puerto Rico) for the Bravos de Cidra. He made 13 appearances in 2018 for N.C. A&T tossing 12 innings and striking out 11.

In addition, two incoming freshmen for the 2019 season are also playing summer ball this season in the Carolina Virginia Collegiate League. RHP Jeremiah Foster and Gianni Smith both play for the Kernersville Bulldogs.

“Summer ball is an important aspect to the overall gro
wth of our players,” said Hall. “It gives them another season worth of game opportunities. It gives pitchers more innings to face hitters and our position players another season worth of at-bats with wood. It is always neat for our players to get to experience a different part of the country and teammates from all over the college baseball world.”

The Aggies made their second ever appearance in the NCAA tournament thanks to a 27-13 record over their last 40 games prior to the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional. They swept their way through the MEAC tournament with three straight wins. They also claimed the MEAC Southern Division title, broke the school record for wins (32) and the school record for conference wins (16) in 2018.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bowie State named CIAA favorite

BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie State was named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association favorite in a poll of coaches and sports information directors, while defending champion Virginia State was chosen as the runner-up overall and to Bowie in the Northern Division. Virginia Union was predicted fifth overall and third in the division.

Fayetteville State was named the Southern Division favorite and was picked third overall. Two former Hampton High teammates made the Preseason All-CIAA offensive line: Fayetteville State's Tyreek Bailey, a 6-foot-2, 305-pound senior, and Virginia State's Frank Ball, a 6-3, 280-pound redshirt junior.

Last season's Offensive Player of the Year (Bowie State quarterback Amir Hall), Defensive Player of the Year (Virginia Union back Sterling Hammond) and Special Teams Player of the Year (Bowie State kicker Gene Carson) are returning.

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FSU favored to win CIAA South football crown

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State’s football team has been chosen as the preseason favorite to win the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Southern Division.

The Broncos were ranked third overall behind Bowie State and Virginia State in the CIAA’s overall poll. FSU beat out Winston-Salem State for the Southern Division honors. The rankings, and the preseason all-conference teams, were announced Wednesday, one day ahead of the league’s media day in Salem, Virginia.

The Broncos began the 2017 season with a 1-4 record, then rallied to win five in a row. They claimed the Southern crown in the regular-season finale at Winston-Salem State, edging the Rams 23-22, then lost 49-12 to Virginia State in the CIAA championship game. FSU finished 6-5 overall and 4-2 in CIAA regular-season action.

“Two years ago we had a plan, and it’s just nice to see that coaches around the league are starting to see that plan’s been effective by picking us to win the South,” third-year FSU head coach Richard Hayes Jr. said. “Now have to believe in ourselves and make it happen on the football field.

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Florida A&M Football Is Taking Advantage of the Summer Grind

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- We are less than two months out from the start of the 2018 season for the Florida A&M football team. Tickets are being sold, the new field turf is coming along, and the guys are getting after it.

Seven a.m. That's how early the Rattlers are clocking in, many every single day. They lift Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and put in time on the field as well.

This team has new energy and a new focus. They are in search of their first winning season since 2011, and it's obvious everyone has bought in.

"This time right here is make or break you really," said offensive lineman Andre Regis. "This time right here shows if you ready to be a championship contender, you know if you want to go losing. It's on us as a team. We have to put in the work, we have to do what we have to do to make that happen."

"There is something different about us this year," added strength and conditioning coach Parker Brooks. "Attendance is almost 100 percent. Everything just seems to be turned up a notch, we come to work every day, uh we are outworking everybody, anybody who thinks they are outworking don't see us working, they haven't seen us work."

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Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Blue Frame Technology Launch CIAA Sports Network

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announces the conference office and all 13 of its member institutions have partnered with Blue Frame Technology to create the all-new CIAA Sports Network. The partnership will enable all 13 schools to stream their game broadcasts to one platform provided by Blue Frame, beginning with the 2018-19 athletic season. Additionally, the CIAA will provide video coverage of its championship events along with other original content.

"We are excited to partner with Blue Frame to allow our institutions to produce high quality broadcasts for fans to enjoy," said Senior Associate Commissioner Suzette McQueen. "We see this as an excellent opportunity to tell our own story. It's a great recruiting tool and allows family and friends to cheer on their loved ones from near or far. The strength of our membership together will hopefully provide revenue opportunities in the future to ensure long-term growth of the network."

The new partnership will allow fans to watch their favorite CIAA teams live. The conference along with each school will have their own dedicated video portal/web page where fans can easily access live and archived footage. In addition to online access, fans can also watch the action live on their televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku streaming devices.

"BlueFrame is ecstatic to work with the CIAA and it's member schools to capitalize on our unique technology to provide a high quality network that will highlight their student athletes." said Josh Braun, Director of Sales and Customer Service of BlueFrame Technology. "It will be a great opportunity for both BlueFrame and the CIAA to elevate the CIAA Sports Network to a level that will be attractive for both fans and advertisers."

In the first year of the conference-wide streaming initiative, the 13 member institutions will broadcast a limited schedule of home games in football and volleyball with the goal of providing coverage of all regular season men's and women's conference basketball games.

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.

About BlueFrame Technology

BlueFrame Technology is the only end-to-end live streaming technology provider specialized for the sports market. Founded in June 2015, BlueFrame now has over 450 customers servicing over 100,000 live broadcasts. BlueFrame services all levels of sports organizations with the majority of our clients in the collegiate sports market. In the Division II space, BlueFrame currently provides digital networks for the GLVC, MIAA, ECC, MEC, CACC, and CIAA. For more information, visit www.blueframetech.com.

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