LU Football Players Report on Monday August 6 to Begin Pre-Season Camp

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania -- Lincoln University football players will report for training camp on Monday August 6, 2018.   The team will take the field for the first time on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Lions Stadium following the completion of the student-athlete physicals.  
 
Preseason camp is scheduled for the entire month of August. The season opener is Sept. 1 at home against Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division Champion Fayetteville State University.  The non-conference game against the Broncos will kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
 
The Lions, led by first-year coach Josh Dean, are hoping to improve upon last year's 0-10 record.
 
At the CIAA Football Media Day in July, the Lions were picked to finish sixth in the Northern Division and 12th overall among the 12 conference schools, the same position they were picked to finish last season.   They return 35 lettermen including All-CIAA honorable mention strong safety Deion Miller (Sayreville, N.J./Jersey Coast Academy); starting quarterback  Vincent Espinoza (Madera, Calif./Madera (West Hills)); wide receiver Carlos Croslin (Baltimore, Md./Frederick Douglass (Gllobe Tech) ) and running back Justin Johnson (Etters, Pa./Red Land).
 

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS INFORMATION

WVSU Football Receives Highest MEC Preseason Ranking Ever

INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- The West Virginia State University football team has been picked to end up fifth in the MEC this season by a vote of the conference coaches.

Though it may not be the respect the Yellow Jackets feel they should have earned with last season's fourth place league finish this marks their highest ranking in the pre-season poll in the five-plus year history of the Mountain East Conference.

Entering last season WVSU was voted 10th. The Jackets were eighth in the 2016 poll, ninth in 2015, 11th in 2014, and 10th prior to the league's first season in 2013.

The Yellow Jackets finished the 2017 campaign with a 6-5 overall record and were 5-5 in MEC play.

Offensively WVSU returns leading rusher Calil Wilkins who rolled to 834 yards on the ground as a freshman in nine games last fall. Austin Hensley is expected to take over at quarterback after showing flashes of great play in relief the last two years and Tyrell Henderson will be looking to haul in several of his passes. Henderson had 34 receptions in eight games a year ago and led the squad in yards per catch at 13.2.

Defensively the Jackets return second leading tackler Moises Valcarcel who finished with 55 solo tackles last season and assisted on 29 others.

The full poll is below.

The Yellow Jackets open the season on Thursday, August 30, at the University of Charleston.

Watch live streaming of MEC Football Media Day at 1 p.m. today on the Mountain East website at: www.mountaineast.org

2018 MEC Preseason Poll
1. Shepherd (6) -- 94

2. Fairmont State (3) -- 88

3. Notre Dame (1) -- 87

4. Charleston (1) -- 63

5. West Virginia State -- 61

6. West Liberty -- 45

7. UVa-Wise -- 44

8. West Virginia Wesleyan -- 42

9. Glenville State -- 35

10. Urbana -- 34

11. Concord -- 12

() indicates first-place votes

* Coaches not able to vote for own team

WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

EWC BOU Selected to Represent Puerto Rico in International Baseball Event

VIERA, Florida -- It will be a special summer for EWC softball player Kariam Bou. She is among 20 women that have been selected to represent Puerto Rico in the 2018 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's Baseball World Cup. The 12-team, group stage/round-robin event will take place August 22-31 at the USSAA Space Coast Complex in Viera, Florida.

Bou, a first baseman on the Lady Tiger softball squad, completed her freshman season in 2018 and helped lead the team to their second straight appearance in the Association of Independent Institutions (A. I. I.) Softball Championships. She will be a first basemen/pitcher on the Puerto Rico squad for the World Cup.

The unranked Puerto Rican squad will begin Pool A play on August 22nd, at 7:00pm against the third ranked United States. For more information on the event including broadcasting details, log on to www.wbsc.org.

Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters College Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWCAthletics (Twitter), /EWCSports (Facebook) and @EWCAthletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters athletics at EWCTigerPride.com.

Edward Waters Women's Basketball Adds Todd Triplett as Assistant Coach

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- After an historic end to the 2017-18 season for the Lady Tiger basketball team, Head Coach Charmaine Wilson made change to her coaching staff, hiring Todd Triplett as her new Assistant Coach.

"We are extremely blessed to have someone of Coach Triplett's caliber join us here at Edward Waters." said Coach Wilson. "His basketball acumen and pedigree as a player and as a coach is something that I'm confident will definitely help us get over the top in the GCAC."

Triplett comes to Edward Waters from Clark Atlanta University where he spent four seasons as the Associate Head Coach for the Men's Basketball team and Strength and Conditioning Coach. In two of his four years at Clark Atlanta, Triplett helped lead the Panthers to berths in the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament.

He also has experience as a head coach, coaching the Orlando Aces of the American Basketball Association as well as being a head coach for the NBA sanctioned Global Hoop Summit in Las Vegas.

In addition to his coaching career at CAU, Triplett added coaching stints at Bethune-Cookman and Brevard Community College.

As a player, the Atlanta native had a storied career at Redan High School before taking his talents to Morris Brown College. After his college playing days, Triplett then had an eight-year stint overseas, playing in Iceland and coaching in Luxembourg.

Triplett is the son of former legendary Head Men's Basketball Coach at Florida A&M University, Ajac Triplett, who coached six seasons in Tallahassee and led the Rattlers to several SIAC Championships.

Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters College Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWCAthletics (Twitter), /EWCSports (Facebook) and @EWCAthletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters athletics at EWCTigerPride.com.

Coach Travis Everhart returns to FVSU

Fort Valley, Georgia -- Travis Everhart makes his return to the Fort Valley State University football program after spending the 2017 campaign at West Virginia State University as the Assistant Head Coach, Co-Offensive Coordinator, and Offensive Line Coach. Everhart will serve as the Associate Head Coach, Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach going into his 20th year of coaching which has been spread throughout every level of football.

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY WILDCATS SPORTS INFORMATION

Tickets on sale for FAMU Game

Jake Gaither Classic/FAMU vs FVSU

FORT VALLEY, Georgia  -- Football tickets are available for purchase for the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) vs. Fort Valley State University game in Tallahassee, FL on September 1, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $30.00 at the FVSU cashier's office. The cashier's office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets will be available for purchase until August 17, 2018 at noon. For more information, please contact the cashier's office at (478) 825-6522.

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY WILDCATS SPORTS INFORMATION

CAU Football Players Report For Beginning of Fall Practice

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The beginning of "The Year of the Panther" had its unofficial start today when Clark Atlanta University football players began checking in for the beginning of fall practice for the 2018 season.

Players filled out paperwork, took care of admissions and other things all students deal with, and moved into residence halls on campus. It all put a big smile on CAU head football coach Kevin Ramsey's face.

"Although the rain is here, it's still an exciting day. It's the start of a new year, creating new memories," Ramsey said. "We feel this will be The Year of the Panther," and we are feeling good about seeing the guys all bright-faced, their parents excited as they drop their kids off. We rejoice in that excitement."

In the coming days the 70-plus players will be taking physicals, getting issued equipment and meeting with coaches and players as they get ready for the 2018 season. Their first official practice is on Sunday, Aug. 5.

"We're pleased with the number of guys that we've got coming in," Ramsey said. "We just feel really good. We have a good core of student-athletes and we look forward to creating some great memories this year."

The Panthers kick off the 2018 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 when they visit Mississippi College. After a visit to Central State on Sept. 8, CAU opens their home season on Sept. 15 when they host Tuskegee at Panther Stadium.

2018 CAU Football Season Tickets Now On Sale 

Preparing for what Clark Atlanta University Head Football Coach Kevin Ramsey and Athletic Director J Lin Dawson are calling "The Year of the Panther," it's time for Panther fans to purchase season tickets for what promising to be an exciting 2018 CAU football season.

Season tickets are $55 and can be purchased at https://1591.thankyou4caring.org/football-tickets-2018-season.

The Panthers have five home games this season: Sept. 15 against 2017 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions Tuskegee; Sept. 29 against Allen; the Oct. 13 Homecoming game against Benedict; Oct. 27 against Miles; and Nov. 3 against Atlanta University Center rival Morehouse.

Ramsey's Panthers return four Preseason All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference pics in wide receiver Johnathan Sanders, defensive back Quantavious Singletary, kicker Carlos Saldana, and offensive lineman Jah-Mai Davidson.

But the CAU sidelines also has some exciting new things. Ramsey's new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach is College Football Hall of Famer Willie "Satellite" Totten, the legendary Mississippi Valley State University quarterback who lit up offenses in the 1980s with NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Now a veteran head and assistant coach, Totten promises to bring an exciting brand of fast-paced offense to Panther Stadium.

Those Panther points will light up a new, state-of-the-art video board that was installed this summer at Panther Stadium. The CAU fan experience will be enhanced by exciting video and colorful graphics each Saturday this season.

The Panthers kickoff the 2018 season on Aug. 30 at Mississippi College.

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY PANTHERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama A&M Football Opens Fall Camp

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — As he walked between the rows of players stretching on the turf, Alabama A&M strength and conditioning coach Lonnie Brown did not hide his enthusiasm.

Brown's booming voice echoed throughout Louis Crews Stadium, and Alabama A&M's players enthusiastically responded.

This was a moment everyone involved with Alabama A&M's football program had been looking forward to since February, when Connell Maynor was hired as the Bulldogs' new head football coach.

The Maynor era of Alabama A&M football officially began Friday morning as the Bulldogs took the field at Louis Crews Stadium for first practice of fall camp.



"These next few weeks are extremely important," Maynor said. "The work we do now will determine the type of success our team has when the season begins. Our coaches and players are excited to be out here and getting this process underway."

Alabama A&M opened camp with 105 players on the roster.

The players practiced in shells on Friday. The first practice in full pads is scheduled for Tuesday — the fourth practice of camp.

Even though Alabama A&M returns multiple starters on both offense and defense, a prominent theme for fall camp is competition for playing time. Since the new coaching staff's arrival in February, Alabama A&M has added six junior college and Division I transfers to the program.

Those competitions are now underway.

"Every player has an opportunity to show our coaches what they can do," Maynor said. "Every spot is up for grabs. It's up to the players to earn it."

Alabama A&M continues practice on Saturday. Camp resumes on Monday. Practices begin at 10:30 a.m.

Practices are open to the public. Spectators are asked to watch from outside the fence at the field. When practices are held at Louis Crews Stadium, spectators must stay outside the track.

Alabama A&M hosts Miles on Sept. 1 in the Louis Crews Classic to open the season.

Maynor was pleased with the results from the first day.

"It was a good first practice," he said. "But even though this was a good starting point, we still have a lot of work to do. We have to continue to improve every single day."

PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Saturday, Aug. 4 (Shells)
Monday, Aug. 6 (Shells)
Tuesday, Aug. 7 (Full Pads)
Wednesday, Aug. 8 (Full Pads)
Thursday, Aug. 9 (Shells)
Friday, Aug. 10 (Helmets)
Saturday, Aug. 11 (Scrimmage)

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Delaware State Hornets Begin 2018 Preseason Grid Camp

DOVER, Delaware -- The dark clouds over Alumni Stadium failed to dampen the enthusiasm at Delaware State’s initial 2018 preseason practice. After warm-up and instructions from first-year head coach Rod Milstead, the session consisted of position drills, 7-on-7 plays and special teams work.

The Hornets have scheduled preseason scrimmages on Aug. 11th, 18th and 25th at Alumni Stadium.

DSU’s 2018 opener is Sep. 1 at FBS Buffalo. The Hornets will play their home opener against defending MEAC and Celebration Bowl champ North Carolina A&T on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.

DELAWARE STATE 2018 FOOTBALL PREVIEW


New head coach Rod Milstead, a former Hornet All-America offensive lineman and National Football league player, takes over a program that’s posted a 5-40 record in the last four seasons.

Despite a late start in recruiting after being hired in February, Milstead believes there enough talent on his young squad to show improvement in the 2018 season.

The Hornets return two thousand-yard quarterbacks from last season. Keenan Black (jr.), the starter in the last five games, was ninth in the MEAC in passing average (129.9 ypg) and pass efficiency (116.2 rating) after completing 82-of-173 passes (47.4%) for 1169 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2017. Jack McDaniels (so.), the starter in the first six games, connected on 95-of-175 throws (54.3%) for 1139 yards and three TDs as a true freshman a year ago.

The DSU running game should be bolstered by the return of Mike Waters (r-so.), who sat out the seven games due to a knee injury in 2017. Waters was an All-MEAC Third Team pick after rushing for a team freshman record 820 yards and five touchdowns in 2016.

Brycen Alleyne (sr.), a 2018 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team selection with more than a thousand career rushing yards, will team with Waters to give the Hornets a formidable backfield duo.

Milstead believes Delaware State’s stable of wide receivers will also pose a challenge for opposing defenses.Taronn Selby (sr.) is the returning team leader with 35 receptions for 521 yards in 2017, while Trey Gross (so.) hauled in 27 passes for 428 yards and seven touchdowns after bring inserted into the starting line-up in week six last season. Kwannah Kollie (so.) averaged 20.1 yards on 16 catches last season.Selby, Gross and Kollie each had 100-yard receiving games in 2017.

The DSU offensive line is relatively young and untested, although guard Liki Seu (so.), along with tackles Matthew Derks (so.) an Kaiden Crawford (r-so.) gained valuable experience in their first full collegiate seasons last year. The Hornets are also believe the return of center Cade Pedro (r-so.) should help. Pedro, a 2017 Preseason All-MEAC Second Team selection, is expected to be fully recovered when the season begins after missing the last seven games due to a knee injury a year ago.

The Hornet defense is led by 2018 Preseason All-MEAC players Keyjuan Selby (sr.) at cornerback and inside linebacker Brian Cavicante (jr.) Selby was second in the MEAC in passes defended (1.18 pg) and the team leader with two interceptions last season. Cavicante (jr.) was second on the Hornets with 74 tackles stops (32 unassisted) a year ago.

Safety Jahad Niebauer (jr.) was the team leader with 78 tackles (45 solo), while inside linebacker Alexander Lozano (so.) emerged as a leader on the defense after recording 34 tackles, including a team-high three sacks in 2017.

Up front, seniors Caleb Hebron (end) and Jacob Jones (nose) are expected to lead the way. Hebron had 18 tackles and blocked two kicks, while Jones collected 14 tackles, one for a safety, last season.

The 2018 Hornets also feature one of the nation’s top punters. Fidel Romo-Martinez (jr.), a 2018 All-MEAC First and HERO Sports Preseason Third Team All-America selection, was tops in the league and fourth among all FCS punters with a 44.8 yard average in 2017. He had 24 kicks of 50-or-more yards and 17 that landed inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATION

Prairie View Panthers End Saturday Practice With Scrimmage

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M University football team ended Saturday's practice with a controlled scrimmage at Panther Stadium.

Coverage of Panthers Training Camp on pvpanthers.com is sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance. Texas Farm Bureau Members get free tickets to Panther home athletics contests by showing proof of membership at the PVAMU Ticket Office. Panther Nation can visit the local Texas Farm Bureau Agent in Waller to become a member today.

First-year PVAMU head coach Eric Dooley has set a high bar for his program and his players. While there were big plays made on both sides of the football, Dooley is looking for more from his team.

"I didn't like what I saw because I know what I expect," Dooley said. "We have a long way to go and a short time to get there, but the thing I'm pleased about is that we will get there. We have to correct some things, and come out next week and get better."

Dooley and his staff got to see a lot of players in action in game situations, adding to the evaluation process as the Panthers' season opener at Rice is only three weeks away on Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.

"We wanted to look at as many guys as we could," said Dooley. "Each day we practice, it gets closer to the first game. I wanted to make sure this week and in this scrimmage we zeroed in on some things that are needed. We'll start cutting down on some of the reps because we have some guys who need more reps going forward."

The Panthers will practice Sunday at 4 p.m. to conclude the weekend.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

#Football Matters to MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas

Blast from the past: Southern's 2013 wide receiver coach returns to the Bluff for deep group

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Randall Menard was devastated when he found out
Chris Coleman would no longer be his wide receivers coach at Southern.

Menard, then a sophomore, came into the program at the same time as Coleman in 2013. The two won a championship together and went to another before Coleman ventured out of Baton Rouge for three years.

It almost feels like fate Coleman should come back to coach the Jaguars in Menard’s sixth and final season.

“Knowing he came back and I came back, it was great. It was like a sign,” Menard said. “We don’t know the result yet but we’re going to find out.”

Coleman only left the Jaguars in 2014 to be closer to his family and watch his son play his final few years of high school football.

Returning to Southern was not something he planned or thought would be an option.

But when his old position became available again, like Menard, Coleman thought it was meant to be.

CONTINUE READING

Auburn hires former Alabama State AD Monique Holland

AUBURN, Alabama — Monique Holland has been named Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Experience at Auburn, Director of Athletics Allen Greene announced Friday. Holland, who spent the previous nine years as Executive Senior Associate AD for Administration and the Senior Woman Administrator at SMU, has previously served as a Division I Athletics Director and was an Academic All-American basketball player at Alabama State.
 
At Auburn, Holland will have oversight of sport administration, AuburnYOU (the Athletics Career Network and Life Skills Programs), sports performance (strength & conditioning, athletic training, sports nutritionist and sports psychologist) and academics. Holland will also be Auburn's Deputy Title IX coordinator and Senior Woman Administrator.
 
"I'm extremely humbled by the opportunity to support the student-athletes in being successful in all facets of their lives and adding value to the amazing team of administrators at Auburn University," Holland said. "Allen and my values align and I appreciate most that he has proven to be a student-athlete centered leader in each of his previous roles. I would like to thank Allen, President Leath and the Auburn administration for allowing me to join them in making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes, coaches and the Auburn Family.   I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to Rick Hart for his leadership during my time at SMU."
 
Holland has over 20 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics as a coach and athletic administrator. At SMU, Holland served as Chair of the Sport Administrators' group, offering oversight, guidance and support in coordination with the appropriate NCAA, AAC and University officials.
 
As the Executive Sr. Associate AD for Administration, Holland was responsible for providing regular updates to the Director of Athletics regarding the administration of SMU's 17 sports programs, including but not limited to initiatives and activities related to student-athlete welfare, personnel, compliance, finance, equity and Title IX. In addition, Holland had administrative oversight of Business Operations, Internal Controls, Human Resources and Sports Performance.

"Monique is a highly accomplished and respected administrator who will bring immediate value to Auburn Athletics," Greene said. "Her unique combination as a former student-athlete and her professional experience make Monique a perfect fit to handle this broad role. She understands the needs of our student-athletes on a personal level and also has experience supporting coaches and staff across the entire spectrum of the academic and athletics operation. A professional with Monique's background is hard to find and we are fortunate that she's joining the Auburn Family."
 
At SMU, Holland had direct sport oversight of the men's and women's basketball, cross country and track and field programs. She was responsible for hiring first time head women's basketball coach Travis Mays, who in his first season led the program to the third round of the NIT.
 
She also chaired the Athletics Diversity Council and, as the department's Title IX coordinator, was responsible for all gender equity matters. In addition, Holland also served as the University's Deputy Title IX Coordinator and served on various campus committees and task forces.
 
In her role as the SWA, Holland served as the Chair of the SWA group and Olympic sport liaison to the conference office, while also serving on the awards subcommittee, the championship committee for volleyball and the strategic planning committee. She has also served on the Athletic Director's Executive Committee. Prior to the 2011-12 academic year, Holland was also responsible for all NCAA Compliance at SMU.

Prior to arriving at SMU, Holland was the Athletics Director at Alabama State University. In her role as AD, Holland oversaw all 18 of ASU's intercollegiate sports and represented the SWAC on the NCAA Division I Championships/Sports Management Cabinet. Holland was instrumental in creating the department's policy and procedures manual and strategic plan.

Prior to being named ASU's AD, Holland led the Hornets' NCAA rules education and compliance program, holding the position of Associate AD/SWA. She served as the liaison to the SWAC Women's Basketball Coaches and Compliance groups.

Before ASU, Holland spent two-and-a-half years on Georgia State University's senior management team. She was appointed as SWA prior to her departure. While at GSU, Holland oversaw compliance, facilities and game day operations, and had sport oversight over volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and men's soccer.

Prior to working at Georgia State University, Holland served as the Assistant Director of Membership Services for the NCAA, where she served as a liaison to Peer Review Teams and NCAA institutions for Division I Athletics Certifications. Holland also served on various waiver teams.

Holland's career also includes stops at Clayton State University as its Assistant AD and SWA, and at Georgia Tech, as both an Assistant Director of Compliance and an assistant women's basketball coach.

Holland has a wide variety of experience on the national level as a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Women Leaders in College Sports (WLICS), and the Minority Opportunities of Athletic Administrators (MOAA). She is also a graduate of NACWAA HERS, Women Leaders Executive Institute, Sports Management Institute, and Division I-A Institute. In June 2018, Holland graduated from the prestigious NCAA Pathway Program.

Holland holds a master's degree in sports administration from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation from Alabama State University, where she was an academic All-American and standout student-athlete for the Lady Hornets' basketball program.

COURTESY: AUBURN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

The FAMU Marching "100" 2018 Band Camp

S.C. State Opens Up First Day of Preseason Drills

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State conducted its first day of preseason practice Thursday (Aug. 3rd) morning in a two-hour workout session, with approximately over 110 players in attendance at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.

Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough who is entering his 17th season at the helm, was very optimistic and excited about opening drills on day one for his team.

"It's that time of year where I always get the feeling and excitement when players return for fall camp," said Pough. "We have a lot of new faces in players and coaches but you can feel the enthusiasm and high energy from both which makes practices run more smoothly."

Pough stated, "We have about 50 players on roster that are freshman and sophomores and will more likely get a chance to play early on to see if they can help this team. Our new coaches are adapting well but I knew they would most of these guys been around football their entire life."

Pough added five new additions to the coaching staff including offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bennett Swygert, offensive line coach Na'Shan Goddard, tight ends and fullback coach Corey Jenkins, wide receivers coach Fred Farrier and secondary coach veteran Keith Jones.

When asked about the preseason predictions Pough said, "I don't get involved in preseason predictions never have during my career. I am more concerned about winning one game at a time and the end result after the season."

Six (6) players received All-MEAC Preseason honors, while the Bulldogs were picked to finish 7th in the MEAC conference race.

The Bulldogs will conduct most of its practices in the morning and early afternoon session with the second on Saturday (Aug. 4th ), beginning at 2:30 p.m. in helmets, followed by a morning practice on (Aug. 6th) at 9:30 a.m. in helmets and shells and afternoon on Tuesday (Aug. 7th ) at 2:30 p.m.

SC State will hold its Media/Picture Day on Saturday, Aug. 11, beginning at 9 a.m. The annual "Meet the Players Day/Fan Fest," hosted by The S.T.A.T.E Club, is set for Saturday, Aug. 25th from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. School supplies will be given away by Bulldog coaches and players to the first 120 kids. More details will be available on these events at a later date.

South Carolina State opens the 2018 campaign on the road against Georgia Southern in the season-opener in Statesboro, GA on Sept. 1st. Kickoff is 6 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN+.

Season tickets and single-game tickets for SC State's five home games are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Ticket Office on campus. For more information on how you can purchase your season tickets visit www.scsuathletics.com or call (803) 536-8579.

Goree named Kentucky State’s volleyball coach

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Kentucky State University officials announced the addition of an experienced volleyball head coach Thursday.

DiShondra Goree, three-time Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) volleyball coach of the year, will take the helm of Kentucky State’s volleyball program.

“I’m very excited for this new chapter,” Goree said. “I look forward to meeting and working with my team. I am ready to uphold the high standards and expectations of becoming a Thorobred.”

Goree spent the past five seasons at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, as the volleyball head coach. During the 2017-18 season, Goree led Shaw to a 27-5 overall record, an undefeated record at home, a second consecutive CIAA Southern Division title, a 15-1 conference record and runner-up in the CIAA.

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Tickets for the Southern Heritage Classic Available for Purchase

#BigBlueRising

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tickets for the 29th Southern Heritage Classic are on sale now in the TSU Ticket Office.

The annual event, featuring a match-up between Tennessee State and Jackson State, is Saturday, Sept. 8 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m.

Tickets may also be purchased on Ticketmaster.com.

Southern Heritage Classic Ticket Information
Saturday, September 8 | Memphis, TN | Liberty Bowl | 6PM CT
End Zone - $23
Sideline - $38
Chair backs- $53

The TSU Ticket Office is Located on the 1st Floor of the Gentry Center on the main campus. Call the TSU Ticket Office for more information.



TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Tennessee State Football Camp Opens on Aug. 3

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The 2018 Tennessee State football squad will open camp on Friday, Aug. 3 in Hale Stadium. The Tigers will spend the first two days in helmets before putting the shoulder pads on during the third practice which is set for Monday, Aug. 6.

The Big Blue returns eight starters on offense from 2017 and five on defense, including three of the four starters in the backfield which finished second in the nation allowing just 146.5 yards through the air. Head coach Rod Reed enters his ninth season at the helm and has amassed the third most wins in program, behind John Merritt and Henry Kean.

The Tigers will kick off the season on Sept. 1, as the host Bethune-Cookman in the John Merritt Classic at Nissan Stadium. TSU will follow up with their annual matchup with Jackson State in Memphis at the Southern Heritage Classic before facing Hampton for the first time in 34 years.

All practices are open to the media and the public. Practice times are subject to change.

Social Media: #BigBlueRising
Twitter: @TSU_Tigers | Instagram: @TSUTigers
Facebook: Tennessee State University Tigers

Friday, Aug. 3	Practice (Helmets)	4:00-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 4	Practice (Helmets)	4:00-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 5	Team Pictures	Closed to the Public
Monday, Aug. 6	Practice (Shells)	4:00-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 7	Practice (Full)	4:00-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 8	Practice (Full)	4:00-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 9	Practice (Full)	4:00-6:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 10	Practice (Full)	9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 11	Scrimmage	9:15-11:15 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 12	DAY OFF
Monday, Aug. 13	Practice (Full)	9:15-11:45 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 14	Practice (Full)	9:15-11:45 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 15	TSU Freshmen Move-In
Thursday, Aug. 16	Practice (Full)	9:15-11:45 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 17	Practice (Full)	9:15-11:45 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 18	Scrimmage	9:15-11:15 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 19	DAY OFF
Monday, Aug. 20	CLASSES BEGIN
	Practice (Full)	7:45-9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 21	Practice (Full)	4:00-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 22	Practice (Full)	4:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 23	Practice (Full)	4:00-6:00 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 24	SENIOR LUNCHEON	11:00 a.m.
	Millenium Maxwell House
	Practice (Full)	4:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 25	FAN DAY	12:30 p.m.
	MOCK GAME	5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 26	DAY OFF
Monday, Aug. 27	GAME WEEK

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATION

The Tuskegee Way Released

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University department of athletics launched its 2018-19 commercial Monday afternoon. The audio version of the :30 spot will debut Saturday, Sept. 1 on the Tuskegee Digital Network when the Golden Tigers trave to Montgomery and face Alabama State. The video rendition makes its first appearance via live video stream Saturday, Sept. 22 during TU's home opener against Missouri S&T.

The commercial was put in place to fill inventory for all basketball, baseball, football, softball and volleyball events throughout the athletic season of the Golden Tigers.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATION

Freshman Four-Star RB Oregon Transfer Jamal Elliott Returns to Hometown North Carolina Central University Eagles

DURHAM, North Carolina -- Jamal Elliott, a four-star running back out of Hillside High School (Durham, N.C.) who committed to the Oregon Ducks, is among the 93 football student-athletes that reported to North Carolina Central University's preseason camp on Thursday (Aug. 2).

Elliott was ranked as the No. 12 running back prospect in the nation and the 11th overall player in the state according to 247Sports.com. He graduated from Hillside and attended the University of Oregon in the spring semester before deciding to transfer.

As a high school junior in 2016, the 5-10, 180-pound running back averaged 8.2 yards per rush and 136.8 ground yards per contest with nine touchdowns in just five games for Hillside. His senior season was shortened due to an injury after just three games, as he finished with 126 rushing yards and a touchdown on 38 carries, along with 13 receptions for 164 yards and two scores, according to HighSchoolOT.com.

The NCCU Eagles, under the direction of first-year head coach Granville Eastman, will hit the field for their first practice of the 2018 campaign on Saturday (Aug. 4).

NCCU opens the season on Sunday, Sept. 2 against Prairie View A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta. The contest will be televised live on ESPN2 at 12 noon.



NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State Men's Basketball Recruiting Roundup

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Magic City Classic Tickets on Sale for Current Season Ticket Holders

HUNTSVILLE- Magic City Classic tickets are now available for current season ticket holders ONLY at the Alabama A&M University ticket office located at the Louis Crews Stadium. All group ticket request must be submitted to the ticket office and will be processed within 2-3 business days.

For more information, please contact the ticket office at 256-372-4700 or via email at aamutix@aamu.edu

Alabama State Hornets opens camp August 3

MONTGOMERY, Alabama| Alabama State looks to build on the momentum from the 2017 season when they won five of their last six games under then-interim head coach Donald Hill-Eley as they open fall camp Friday, August 3.

Eley, who was named head coach following the season, leads the Hornets into his first fall camp and he returns the majority of the top defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) - returning nine players who started multiple games. The Hornets led the conference in both scoring defense and total defense, and had a trio of players named second team preseason all-conference in Jeffrey Hill (defensive back), Darr
on Johnson(linebacker) and Christian Clark (defensive line). Meanwhile, they return 10 players on the offensive side of the ball that started multiple games including a pair of preseason all-conference second team selections in Darryl Pearson, Jr. (quarterback) and Tytus Howard(offensive line).

The Hornets 61 players who went through practices and games last season under Eley - including the 19 players who return with starting experience.

"The first few days of camp we are trying to create the identity of Alabama State," Eley said. "We are not working towards Tuskegee, we are not working towards anyone on our schedule, we are just working on us. We want to be able to block, tackle, run and pass effectively, and defend the pass and run. We are going against our base in camp on offense, defense and special teams making sure our guys understand the foundation of who we are as a program. We won't move into the opponent until after the two days off late in camp and school has started, and we won't move into Tuskegee until the last two weeks before the contest."

Alabama State is a step ahead at this point in the year than they have been in year's past, having the majority of their players on campus this summer going through a workout regime to prepare them for camp and the start of the 2018 season.

"I think going forward with the way the NCAA has changed the calendar with only having 11 days of training camp before classes, and five of those being acclimation days, it should be a prerequisite that if you are going to have a winning program you have your guys on campus," Eley said. "If not you are going to lose out. It is still a 28-day window before your first contest, but there is no longer a time frame of a two-week or three-week period of two-a-days before school where you have the guy's focus. You will see dividends in our program that has benefitted from having them here this summer. For those that didn't stay the summer, and you go through and look who was and who wasn't there in the summer as far as programs, you will see how the summers have benefitted.

Not only was it important that the team was on campus this summer, but it also gave Eley more time with his new staff to prepare for the upcoming season. Most of the staff remains intact from last season with the addition of four new coaches to the staff.

"The crew has to be together before the visitors take the ship," Eley said. "You can't have people coming to the Alabama State program and the crew (the coaches and staff) have to be on the same page. We have to understand the philosophy of the program, the tradition and what is important to our program. We have to understand our schemes. And then we have to take those things and filter them down to our players."

Alabama State opens the season at home against Tuskegee September 1 in the Labor Day Classic, with kick set for 5 pm. Season tickets and single game tickets are now sale for the 2018 season. The Hornets play four home games during the campaign with Jackson State, Texas Southern and Mississippi Valley State joining Tuskegee. Several options are available for fans this season, including a Young Alumni package and group rates. For more information, call (334) 229-4551 or visit BamaStateSports.com.

Things to Know about Fall Camp
All practices for the Hornets will be open this fall beginning Friday. All weekday practices are scheduled to begin at 2 pm, with Saturday practices scheduled for 9 am. If there are changes made to the practice schedule, it will be posted on BamaStateSports.com and on social media.

All fans are asked to go directly to the stands located on the south side of the Football Complex. No fans will be allowed on the field, or on the track during practices as other teams in the fall will be going through conditioning drills during the same time. Fans are also reminded that no live streaming or recording of practices is allowed at any time.

Quotable from Eley
Moving forward, preparation for year after getting the job full time
"Right now it is only tested through theory of what happened in the past in my previous position of a head coach," Eley said. "The goods and bads were taken from that, and from other dialogues from other programs in the same settings. The true test happens when you play the game and you are able to see the benefit of that. Anytime you see a program with as many people as we have, you are constantly making changes. There is no true rubric, it constantly changes. We have things in place to help us win, and to win championships but there is always change."

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

Rattlers use conditioning test to enhance mental, physical durability

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Day 1 of fall camp at Florida A&M dealt with logistics and informative discussions to set the tone of the season.

For the second day of practice, the Rattlers focused on conditioning to create a solid foundation for mental and physical durability.

Overcast skies and a saturated practice field set the backdrop for a series of timed 110s (110-yard sprints). This grueling sprint drill equated to a mile in length.


Players were divided into groups from skilled positions to big linemen as they ran from sideline to sideline.

As time progressed, so did the level of fatigue for the players. However, the constant reminder echoed from the coaching staff was to overcome the mindset of weariness.

"One thing we talk about is adversity comes in all forms. We get to choose how we respond," said coach Willie Simmons.

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Smith 'eyes' FAMU linebackers disrupting offensive flow

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Speed and power are prerequisites for playing the linebacker position.

However, the men under Ryan Smith's watch at Florida A&M are adding maximum visual awareness as a mandatory component to execute their tasks on the field.

Smitty Rock, as he's affectionately known by coaches and players, incorporates the equal usage of eyes with brawn to execute the plays on defense. This allows linebackers to immediately recognize a set and fire off to the spot for contact.


"The days of running to an area and stopping are over. We do match coverage where we try to find who's in our area and pick him up immediately," Smith said.

He adopted this superior optical approach while coaching high school and college ball.

Smith is a student of the game who has studied under some of the sport's most intellectual professors.

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