Eason maintains profitability of FAMU's athletic budget

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The job title on Dr. John Eason's business card reads Florida A&M University athletics director.

However, the reality of his position is a multi-purpose role with duties ranging from mentor to mediator.

Perhaps the most important task he performs is working as a financial manager.

Keeping the department's budget operating in the black with sustainable profit margins is his top priority. Throughout his brief tenure, Eason has preached the key to increased revenue centers on improved facilities.

"We want to grow the university. I wanted to take a look at our facilities and try to upgrade them," Eason said.

"One of the things was the football fieldhouse. In baseball, we were able to get a new scoreboard. I've spent time on all the facilities. A lot of times, you focus strictly on football. I wanted to make sure I was an athletics director that not only focused on football but all of our venues and making sure their top-notched."

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S.C. State Release 2018-19 Men's Basketball Schedule

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State men's head basketball coach Murray Garvin has announced the release of the 2018-19 Bulldog schedule, a slate that includes just 11 home games and 17 non-conference opponents, including a foreign tour to Canada where the Bulldogs will play three exhibitions games in Quebec.

"Again we have another challenging out of conference schedule for the upcoming season, which is highlighted by participating in the Buckeye Basketball Classic, "said Garvin. "We also have several regional games versus teams from South Carolina (Charleston Southern, College of Charleston and Presbyterian).

"Our non-conference schedule includes games versus teams from the M.A.C., ACC, Atlantic Sun, American, Big Ten and Big South, continued Garvin. "This should prepare us for a very tough Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) slate that starts with the Aggies from NC A&T coming to Orangeburg in January."

During the preseason the Bulldogs will participate in their second foreign tour under Garvin, when they travel to Quebec, Canada for exhibition play Aug. 5th -9th against Queens University, Laval University and Concordia University.

South Carolina State officially opens its season at home on Nov. 6th against Brevard College at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, before embarking on an eight-game road swing, beginning with University of Tulsa on Nov. 10th in Tulsa, OK, followed by Charleston Southern Nov. 13th in Charleston.

Garvin's team then travels to the Midwest to play in The Buckeye Basketball Classic, with contests against Cleveland State Nov. 16th in Cleveland, OH, Ohio State Nov. 18th in Columbus, OH, and IPFW Nov. 20th in Fort Wayne, IN before heading back down south to Birmingham, AL with a contest against Samford on Nov. 25th.

After the Thanksgiving holiday break, the Bulldogs take on intrastate rival College of Charleston Nov. 28th in Charleston, SC, before heading to the Sunshine state for a showdown against the Dolphins of Jacksonville University on Dec. 1st.

The Bulldogs return home to host neighboring Voorhees College on Dec. 6, before beginning a five-game road swing, starting with ACC foe Virginia Tech on Dec. 9th in Blacksburg, VA and Liberty on Dec. 11th in Lynchburg, VA.

SCSU returns to the Palmetto state for a game against USC-Upstate on Dec. 15th, before traveling to Ohio to close out the holiday break against Miami of Ohio in Oxford Dec. 20th and University of Cincinnati Dec. 22nd.

South Carolina State hosts Presbyterian in non-conference play Jan. 2, before beginning MEAC play in Orangeburg against league rival North Carolina A& State Jan. 5th. MEAC play heats up as the Bulldogs hit the road for a trip to Baltimore MD for battles against Morgan State Jan. 12th and Coppin State Jan. 14th.

The Bulldogs return home to host Howard Jan. 19th and Norfolk State Jan. 21st, before heading to Savannah, GA to battle the Tigers of Savannah State Jan. 26th. A northern swing follows against Maryland Eastern Shore Feb. 2 and Delaware State Feb. 4, closing out a long regular season of travel for SCSU.

Garvin and the Bulldogs get a chance to play in front of their home crowd late in the conference schedule with a four-game MEAC home stand, beginning with Morgan State Feb. 9, followed by Coppin State Feb. 11th, Bethune-Cookman Feb. 16th and Florida A&M Feb. 18th.

The Bulldogs close out their regular road season with a three-game MEAC swing at Greensboro and Durham, NC, respectively, against North Carolina A&T Feb. 23, NCCU Feb. 25 and at Daytona Beach, Fla. against the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman March 2nd.

SC State closes out the regular season at home Mar. 7th against Savannah State.

The 2019 MEAC Basketball Tournament will be held March 11th -16th at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

For more information on SC State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Broderick Fobbs encouraged by Grambling's depth

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- All sides of the ball were on display at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium Friday night as Grambling State begins their journey for a three-peat as SWAC Champions.

The high profile names on offense like quarterback DeVante Kincade and running back Martez Carter no longer roam the sidelines, but head coach Broderick Fobbs believes GSU has plenty of talent to compete with anybody this season.

"We lost more the year before last than this past year, but we lost two significant guys. We lost a quarterback that's an All-American and a running back that's an All-American, but if you really look at our team last year we replaced our entire receiver corps and then we replace four out of five offensive linemen.

"So this year, you're really just replacing two guys, but those two guys were very significant for you so it's not a matter of us replacing a lot more, I think it's replacing and trying to do things by committee."

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Edward Waters to host 2019 GCAC Basketball Championships

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- For the first time since 2013, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Basketball Championships will return to Florida's First Coast as Edward Waters College has been selected as the host institution for the 37th edition of the conference's showcase event.

All eight of the conference's men's & women's basketball teams will compete for conference supremacy and a berth in the 2019 NAIA Division I Basketball Tournament. The Championships will take place March 1-March 3, 2019 at both the Adams-Jenkins Community Sports & Music Complex and the newly acquired James Weldon Johnson Basketball Gymnasium.



This will be the third time in conference & school history that the Championships have been held in Jacksonville as Edward Waters hosted the 2012 and 2013 events.

"We are pleased that the membership of the GCAC has selected our institution to host this year's Championships." remarked Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Stanley B. Cromartie."It is a great time at Edward Waters with all of the positive changes around our city and our campus and we are excited to welcome the GCAC's best back to Jacksonville and EWC to showcase it all."

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.

Allen University Names Tatjana Matthews as Head Softball Coach

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Athletic Director Chad Washington announces the hiring of Tatjana Matthews to take over the Lady Yellow Jacket softball program.

Coach Matthews comes to Allen University from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS where she was the head softball coach for the past year. MUW is currently a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). At MUW, she finished with a winning record of 21-19 in there first year of existence qualifying for the USCAA World Series and finishing fifth place. Prior, to her starting the program at MUW Coach Slawson-Matthews was assistant coach for three years and a head coach for one year at AAC conference foe Columbia College. She also has been the head coach at University of South Carolina-Salkahatchee and an assistant at North Carolina A&T.

"Coach Matthews and I share the same vision for Allen-putting together a competitive team, competing for a Conference Championship, and eventually for a National Championship," Yellow Jackets Athletic Director, Chad Washington, said in a statement. "Coach Matthews is very familiar with the Appalachian Athletic Conference softball and how competitive it is on day to day basis and brings plenty of coaching experience to the softball program." stated Athletic Director Chad Washington.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach the softball team here at Allen University," Matthews said. "Allen has a tremendous tradition in athletics, and I am looking forward to building on the excellent foundation that is in place in athletics and in the classroom. I know firsthand, the energy level that faithful Allen student and alumni have is second to none.

"She would like to thank President McNealey, Athletic Director Mr. Washington, for the opportunity to lead the softball Program."

ALLEN UNIVERSITY YELLOW JACKETS SPORTS INFORMATION

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