Alabama State to host HBCU Football Coaches Symposium this weekend

MONTGOMERY, Alabama | Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley will host the inaugural HBCU Coaches Symposium beginning August 10 at the Houston J. Markham Football Complex, featuring hall of fame coaches from HBCU football past.

"The HBCU Symposium is a situation where we get to bring in some legends from the HBCU ranks," Eley said. "These are guys that have won HBCU national championships and undefeated seasons. To have all those guys in town at one time around our practice, our program and our city is an honor. I am looking forward to sitting around and talking about who beat who, and get some good ol' wisdom from the group."

The group will arrive in Montgomery Friday, August 10 to meet the team before watching practice Saturday, August 11. During that time, fans will have a chance to interact with their favorite coach in attendance, before the group will tour Montgomery and have a "Night of Jazz" at Brins Wings beginning at 7:30 pm.

Among those who will be in attendance will be a pair of former Hornet coaches including Houston Markham and Marino Casem. Markham, whose name is on the building at the football complex posted a 65-50-5 record during his tenure at Alabama State as head coach of the Hornets. He led the Hornets to the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 1991. Markham's 1991 team went 11-0-1, finishing the season with a 36-13 win over North Carolina A&T in the Alamo Heritage Bowl and winning the Black College Football National Championship. He is a member of the halls of fame at three SWAC schools (Alcorn, ASU and Jackson). Meanwhile, Casem served as the head coach at Alabama State in 1963-64, followed by a stint at Alcorn State (1966-1986) before retiring to become the athletic director at Southern. He was named the Pittsburgh Courier National Black Coach of the Year seven times, SWAC Coach of the Year seven times, and was named to the SWAC Hall of Fame (1992) and Alcorn State Hall of Fame (1993). He was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Jerome Harper, who served at Fayetteville State as the head coach from 1992-96; meanwhile Pete Richardson embarked into a steadfast 30 plus year coaching career in the late 1970s, starting out in the high school football ranks in Dayton, Ohio, before moving up to Division II (NCAA) football in 1979 as he joined the coaching staff at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1988 Richardson became the head coach of the Winston-Salem State University Rams. He served from 1988 to 1992, where he compiled a win-loss record of 41-14-1, winning three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference championships (1988, 1990, 1991) and led the Rams to two appearances in the Division II football playoffs in 1990 and 1991. During his career, he was named the Black Coaches Association's Coach of the Year once, was a five-time SWAC Coach of the Year, Atlanta's 100% Wrong Club's Coach of the Year five times, Washington D.C.'s Pigskin Club's Coach of the Year three times, the Kodak Region IV Coach of the Year once and the Sheridan Broadcasting Network's Coach of the Year twice.

Bill Hayes and Joe Taylor will also be in attendance this weekend in Montgomery. Hayes retired as the athletic director at Winston-Salem State University in 2014. Hayes served as the head football coach at Winston-Salem State from 1976 to 1987 and at North Carolina A&T State University from 1988 to 2003, compiling a career college football record of 195–104–2. In 27 seasons as a head coach. Taylor, who coached Eley as a quarterback before giving him his first coaching job, had his last coaching job was as the head football coach at Florida A&M University from 2008 to November 2012. Before that, he was the head football coach at Hampton University from 1992 to 2007 where he compiled a 136–49–1 record (.734) and won four black college football national championships (1995, 2004, 2005 and 2006) and eight conference titles. He was also the head coach at Virginia Union University from 1984 to 1991 where he won one conference title on his way to an overall record of 60–19–3 (.750). At his retirement in the 2012 football season, Taylor ranked tied for 33rd in all-time coaching victories and tied for 3rd in all-time wins at HBCU programs, in both cases tied with Ace Mumford.

Waverly Tillar, Willie Jeffries and Willard Bailey will also join the group this weekend at the Houston Markham Football Complex. Tillar spent 13 seasons at Elizabeth City State, compiling a 69-68 record, finishing in 2015. During his time his team captured a CIAA Eastern Division title, the Vikings also reached the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2006 and 2011 and Tillar was a two-time CIAA Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2008 and guided the Vikings to back-to-back CIAA Northern Division crowns in 2011 and 2012. Jeffries served as the head football coach at South Carolina State University for 19 seasons in two stints, five seasons at Wichita State University, and five seasons at Howard University. Jeffries was the first African American head coach of a NCAA Division I-A football program at a predominantly white college when he coached Wichita State. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Meanwhile Bailey was a head football coach for a total of 40 seasons. He served as head coach at Virginia Union University (1971–1983 and 1995–2003), Norfolk State (1984–1992), Saint Paul's College, Virginia (2005–2010) and Virginia University of Lynchburg (2011–2013). Bailey has compiled a record of 238 wins, 168 losses, and 7 ties. As a coach in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Bailey has won seven conference championships, six with Virginia Union and one with Norfolk State.[3] His Virginia Union Panther football teams made 5 straight appearances in the Division II football playoffs in 1979,1980,1981,1982, and 1983, while his Norfolk State Spartan football team made one appearance in the Division II football playoffs in 1984.

W.C. Gorden served as the head coach at Jackson State University from 1976 to 1991, compiling a record of 119–48–5. Gorden joined the Jackson State football staff as an assistant coach in 1966. He was named interim head coaching during the 1976 season after the firing of Robert Hill. His appointment as head coach was made permanent following the 1976 season. Gorden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2008, and will be one of the coaches in attendance. The final head coach in attendance will be former Alcorn State coach Cordell Jones, who coached both Steve McNair and Donald Driver for the Braves.

The event will move venues each year around HBCU football, next year visiting South Carolina State,

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.

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Magic City Classic Tickets go on sale WednesdayMON

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State and Alabama A&M do not face each other until the final Saturday of October, however, tickets for the Magic City Classic go on sale this week.

Tickets for the 77th annual McDonald's Magic City Classic go on sale via BamaStateSports.com on Wednesday, August 8, and are available by calling 334-229-4551 or stopping by the ticket office located at ASU Stadium.

Alabama State claimed the win last season when Darryl Pearson, Jr. hit Chett LeVay in the back end zone to extend the Hornets lead to 21-9 late in the contest. After Alabama A&M scored to trim the deficit to 21-16 and recovered the onside kick, the Hornets defense was able to hold firm and pick up a 21-16 victory. Overall, Alabama A&M leads the overall series 40-38 with three ties - includes games outside of the Magic City Classic; however, Alabama State has won five of the last nine contests.

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.

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Destiny Betts Signs Pro Contract With French Team Bookmark and Share

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Former Benedict College women's basketball standout Destiny Betts has signed a professional contract to play for Douvres Basket Coeur de Nacre in Douvres-la-Délivrande, France.

Betts, the 2016-17 SIAC women's basketball Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, helped lead the Lady Tigers to two SIAC tournament championships and three trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Douvres Basket Coeur de Nacre, translated to Dover Basketball Mother of Pearl, competes in the FFBB, the French Federation of Basketball.

"I am so thankful to Coach (James) Rice," Betts said. "If it wasn't for Coach Rice, I wouldn't have this opportunity. He kept pushing me to be the best player I could be."

Betts will report to the team next month and the season begins in October.

BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

SWAC reveals All-SWAC Preseason Volleyball Teams

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Two-time defending champion Alabama State has been selected as the preseason favorite for the upcoming Southwestern Athletic Conference volleyball season, as the league announced preseason honors today.

The Lady Hornets, who seek their third-straight championship, were chosen as favorites in a vote conducted by the conference’s sports information directors and head coaches. Alabama State, who finished 28-11 (18-0 SWAC) last season and is currently riding a 42-match win streak against conference opposition, tallied 155 total points and 12 first-place votes, beating out 2017 finalist Texas Southern (129 points).

Alabama A&M was selected to finish third (117 points). Arkansas-Pine Bluff racked up 93 points, good for fourth. Prairie View A&M (85), Grambling State (82), Southern (81) and Jackson State (76) followed. Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State rounded out the standings with 32 and 30 points, respectively.

Additionally, Texas Southern middle blocker/hitter Kirby Anderson and Prairie View A&M libero Christen Augustine nabbed preseason individual honors. Anderson was selected as the preseason offensive player of the year, and Augustine – the 2017 SWAC Libero of the Year – earned preseason defensive player of the year honors.

Anderson, a 2017 first-team All-SWAC player and a member of the 2018 preseason first-team, posted 227 kills to just 71 errors, notching an impressive .335 attack percentage, which is tops among returning players with qualifying standard minimums. The senior from Duncanville, Texas averaged 2.23 kills per set, and was a dynamic force on the defensive end as well, posting 130 total blocks. She is one of three Lady Tigers to garner preseason honors.

Augustine, also a first-team selection for the 2018 preseason volleyball team, led the conference in digs per set (4.43) last season, ranking fourth in the league with 440 total digs in anchoring the back end of the Lady Panthers’ defense and posting 20 matches with at least 10 or more digs.
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Listed below are all selections for the 2018 Preseason All-SWAC Volleyball Teams.

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 
Kirby Anderson, MB/MH, Texas Southern

PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Christen Augustine, DS, Prairie View A&M

2018 PRESEASON ALL-SWAC FIRST TEAM
OH – Bayle’ Bennett, Alabama State
OH – Lisa Casimie, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
RS – Kevreion Ward, Grambling State
RS – Paige Hall, Southern
MB/MH – Kirby Anderson, Texas Southern
MB/MH – Payten Clark, Alabama State
S – Kori Kutsch, Alabama State
S – Asia Howard, Texas Southern
DS/L – Christen Augustine, Prairie View A&M

2018 PRESEASON ALL-SWAC SECOND TEAM
OH – Krysta Medearis, Alabama State
OH – Alexis Austin, Texas Southern
RS – Tess Reynolds, Grambling State
RS – Singryd Valadares, Alcorn State
MB/MH – Candace Martin, Alabama State
MB/MH – Arabella Hall, Southern
S – Meredith Sieck, Alabama A&M
S – Britney Sahlmann, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
DS/L – Erineka Mollere, Grambling State

COURTESY: SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Coppin Women’s Tennis Earns NCAA Public Recognition Award

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Coppin State's women's tennis program was the recipient of the NCAA Public Recognition Award, it was announced by the NCAA on Wednesday morning. This honor is bestowed on teams with an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports in the 2016-17 academic year.

This is the fourth time that the Coppin State women's tennis program, led by head coach Ebonye Jones, has received this award with the latest coming in the 2011-12 season.

"My focus is to work on building the total student-athlete, which includes excelling on and off the court," said Jones. "This award proves that our student-athletes have bought into that philosophy and I am extremely proud of their accomplishments in the classroom.

The APR, or Academic Progress Rate, 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.

The APR is calculated as follows:

• Each student-athlete receiving athletically related financial aid earns one point for staying in school and one point for being academically eligible.
• A team's total points are divided by points possible and then multiplied by 1,000 to equal the team's Academic Progress Rate.
• In addition to a team's current-year APR, its rolling four-year APR is also used to determine accountability.

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Coppin State Baseball Receives 2017-18 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The 2018 season was a historic one for the Coppin State baseball team and more accolades were bestowed upon it on Wednesday as the Eagles received an American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Team Academic Excellence Award.

"This National Award means a lot because the academic piece is such an important element of what Coppin Baseball is about," said head coach Sherman Reed. "The guys really compete for top grades as academic success solidifies their employment opportunities when the last ball is thrown."

Coppin was one of nearly 300 programs across all college levels and high school teams to receive the honor, which goes to teams that posted over a 3.0 grade-point average for the entire 2017-18 academic year. Coppin was one of just 46 NCAA Division I teams to receive the Team Academic Excellence Award.

This past season, the Eagles won their first MEAC Northern Division title in 22 years after going a program-best 18-4 in conference play. Coppin also matched a single-season record with 21 victories and went on to defeat Florida A&M in the MEAC Tournament.

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Jordan Jones might have the upper hand in Grambling RB race

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling's offense is one of the most potent in college football let alone the SWAC, but it's a mystery on who will step up and lead the Tigers attack.

One of the starting spots up for grabs is running back where a former tight end may have the upper hand.

Frisco, TX, native Jordan Jones is listed at 6'2", 260 lbs. and the redshirt junior looks every bit like a runner that can bring the pain.

He did it at times catching the ball for the G-Men last season and as he switches to carrying it full-time his play-making ability should become a factor when the ball is in the air.

"CONTINUE READING

JSU's Brazile Takes Rightful Place in Pro Football Hall of Fame

CANTON, Ohio. – Jackson State University legend Robert Brazile took his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Brazile, the seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker from the Houston Oilers, referenced knocks and phone calls, which is how men up for induction find out they’ve been chosen for the Hall. As a Senior Category choice, Brazile found out via a phone call last year that he was a finalist, and then in February, Hall president David Baker knocked on his hotel room door in Minneapolis to tell him he’d finally been chosen for the Hall.



“When they knocked on my door, all of my dreams came true. After all these years, I’m at home,” Brazile said.

Known as “Dr. Doom” during his playing days, Brazile was presented by his father, Robert Brazile Sr. When the two unveiled Brazile Jr.’s bronze bust, which featured the mutton-chop sideburns he’d worn during his playing days in the late 1970s and early 80s, Brazile Jr. gave it a kiss.

Brazile remembered his father knocking on the bathroom door when he was a child, telling him to get out of the bathtub, and the phone call he got while at Jackson State in Mississippi, letting him know the Oilers had made him the sixth pick in the 1975 draft.

He joked that his children were probably wondering which phone call he would mention, but he didn’t embarrass them.



Instead, after naming each of his children and their spouses, he said, “I’m so glad you trusted me enough to call me for anything. Never stop calling me, because I love y’all so much.”

Brazile is the fourth Jackson State football alum to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He joins Walter Payton, Lem Barney, and Jackie Slater.

Parts of this article courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

Courtesy: JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Bluefield State Big Blues Women's Basketball Announces 2018-2019 Signing Class

sBLUEFIELD, West Virginia -- Bluefield State women's basketball head coach Ryan Bailey announced the last four members of the 2018 recruiting class. "These four young ladies come ready to make the commitment to help carry out the vision and mission we have set for the women's basketball program. They are great additions to the other young ladies who made that same commitment just a few months ago."

The group of four consist of one recent high school grad, one Junior College transfer, and two NCAA Division II transfers (one of which will look very familiar to those around Bluefield). They are Jemiah Brittnum (Chester, VA), Natori Nesbit (Capitol Heights, MD), Jia Coppola (Bluefield, WV), and Tenisha Hopkins (Sandusky, OH).

Jemiah Brittnum, 5'7", Guard

Jemiah joins the Big Blues Family after completing her high school career at Thomas Dale High School (Chester, VA). If that looks familiar, it is because in early April, her high school teammate Kylah Webb, signed with the Big Blues. While at Thomas Dale, Jemiah led her team in steals, free throw percentage, averaged 8.0 points per game, and 2.1 assists per game.

Natori Nesbit, 5'9", Forward/Guard

Natori comes to Bluefield State after spending the last two seasons as a member of the Skipjacks at Chesapeake College (JUCO) in North East, MD. This past season Natori started 25 of 27 games for the Skipjacks and averaged 7.0 points per game and 4.7 rebounds. Natori will have 2 seasons of eligibility left with the Big Blues.

Jia Coppola, 5'10", Forward

Jia is one of the two NCAA Div. II transfer making her way the Big Blues. Having redshirted last season at cross county Concord University, Jia has all four years of eligibility to don the Navy and Gold. No stranger to those in the city of Bluefield as she graduated from Bluefield High School in 2017. A 1000 point scorer in high school, Jia was also named 1^st team all-State as a senior while helping lead her team to the State Championship game that same season. Her play did not go un-noticed as she was named the Pocahontas Coal Association-Cole Chevrolet/Bluefield Daily Telegraph Player of the Year.

Tenisha Hopkins, 6'0", Forward

The other of the NCAA Div. II transfers, Tenisha last played in the 2016-2017 season for Alderson Broaddus University. A native of Sandusky, Ohio, Tenisha will have to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules, but will be ready to go with two years of eligibility in the 2019-2020 season. During her time at Alderson Broaddus, Tenisha saw action in 12 games, starting 6, and averaged 4.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.

The first group of  Big Blues signees consisted of eight young ladies who hail from 3 different states (West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina). They will consist of seven high school graduates and one junior college transfer. They will cover all five positions on the floor and range in height from 5'8" to 6'1".  They are Dani Janutolo (Bluefield, WV), Kara Sandy (Bud, WV), Holly Toller (Logan, WV), Alexus Tucker (Raleigh, NC), Kylah Webb (Chester, VA), Hayleigh Whited (Richlands, VA), Tyeisha Williams (Eden, NC), and Madison Wilcox (Lavalette, WV).

Dani Janutolo, 5'11", Guard

Dani played her senior year of basketball at Tazewell High School (Tazewell, VA) after playing her first three years at Bluefield High School. Dani was a first team All-State selection her senior year while also reaching the 1000 point scoring plateau. During her first three years of high school while at Bluefield, Dani was named to the All-State team every year. She was also a key piece in their State runner-up finish in her junior year. This past season, the first team All-District and All-Region player averaged 19.0 points a game and was selected to play in the Virginia vs. Tennessee all-star game.

Kara Sandy, 6'0", Guard

Kara comes to Bluefield State after a very successful high school career at Wyoming East H.S. (WV) that saw her win a State Championship during her sophomore year and State runner-up her senior year. Kara who is also the Valedictorian of her class, was named to the All-State teams her freshman, sophomore, and senior seasons. This past season, Kara led her team in scoring averaging 16.2 points a game, while also averaging 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. She was named to the State All-tournament team her freshman, sophomore, and senior seasons.

Holly Toller, 6'1", Post

Holly will join the Big Blues after finishing up her high school career the past two seasons at Logan High School (WV). She spent her first two years attending and playing at Scott H.S. (WV). An All-State performer her senior year, Holly averaged 18.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks a game this past year. The two time All-Cardinal Conference stand-out, also led her team to the Elite Eight in the State this past season. The Honor Society student will be graduating with honors.

Alexus Tucker, 5'8", Guard

Alexus Tucker, who was tabbed as one of the top prospects from North Carolina by ESPN Hoopgurlz and Dan Olson (Collegiate Girls Basketball Report), comes to Bluefield State from Millbrook High School (Raleigh, NC). Alexus was a member of the State Championship team her sophomore year and State runner-up her junior year of high school. The National Honor Society and All-Conference student-athlete averaged 10.4 points, 6.2 assists, 2.3 steals, and 5.4 rebounds a game during her senior campaign.

Kylah Webb, 6'1", Post

Kylah joins the Big Blues women's basketball program after playing her high school years at Thomas Dale High School (Chester, VA). Having missed both her sophomore and junior years due to ACL injuries, Kylah was only able to play her freshman and senior years. During her senior year, where she was awarded with the Return to Sender (most blocks) and senior team awards, averaged 9.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game this year.

Hayleigh Whited, 5'10", Forward

Hayleigh, who was named All-Region her senior year, played her high school days at nearby Richlands High School (Richlands, VA). The honor roll student was also named All-Conference while helping Richlands to State play-offs. Her senior year she averaged 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots per game.

Tyeisha Williams, 5'8", Guard

Tyeisha is the lone junior college transfer of the group of eight signees. Having played her high school ball at the Carlisle School (Martinsville, VA), played her freshman stanza at Patrick Henry Community College. The All-State performer in high school, helped lead PHCC this season while posting averages of 13 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

Madison Wilcox, 5'10", Forward

Madison will be coming to Bluefield State via Wayne High School (W.V.). The All-State performer her senior year and 2-time All-Cardinal Conference player averaged a double-double over the past two years. Playing a big part in the rebuilding process at Wayne, she helped lead them to the West Virginia State Final Four this past season. The honor roll student will leave Wayne High School with an average of 11.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.5 blocks during her 4 year career.

BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

ASU Hornets raise money to help fund recovery for Tuskegee linebacker

MONTGOMERY, Alabama | Alabama State and Tuskegee put their football rivalry aside Friday, the opening day of camp for the Hornets, as head coach Donald Hill-Eley and Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater met in Montgomery.

Eley presented the Golden Tigers $1,500 raised by the program and the Heritage Barber Shop this week to go towards the fund for injured Tuskegee linebacker Jabari Bailey. On July 11, Memphis-area news outlets reported that Bailey, who was scheduled to join the Golden Tigers football team for football camp this summer, sustained a career-ending injury. His "Good Samaritan" act of helping a friend whose car left him stranded on the side of the road resulted in Bailey being struck by another car. The impact of the crash pinned Bailey between the two cars, instantly severing one of his legs.

GOFUNDME ACCOUNT CREATED TO SUPPORT TUSKEGEE'S FOOTBALL PLAYER JABARI BAILEY RECOVERY

NCAA rules permit Tuskegee to pay directly for Jabari's actual and necessary expenses related to him and his family. This GoFundMe account extends beyond that scope of covering rehabilitation and any other related expenses. The GoFundMe effort is in compliance with NCAA rules and allows all fans, donors and supporters to contribute to these particular expenses.

"We are going to compete with them. We are going to play them hard just like any other game, but when it comes to one of our guys that is down, whether it Alabama State or Tuskegee we are going to support our kids," Eley explained. "My heart just goes out to that program and the family."

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.

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Alabama State Hornets close out day two of Fall Camp

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Alabama State wrapped up its second day of Fall Camp Sunday Morning at the Houston Markham Football Complex amid sweltering conditions, as the players continue to adjust to the ebb and flow of the #EleyEra practice schedule.

"The energy was great again today," Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "The thing about day two of camp is that the players understand the structure and what periods we are going to and what we are doing. They see the plan and they see what we are trying to accomplish in the drills, and I thought they came with a lot of energy today."

"We have to beat the heat and find a way to get things done in the heat, and I thought they did a good job of that."



The Hornets are utilizing the time during camp to work on all three phases of the game, notably special teams. The unit was recognized during the preseason, as sophomore running back George Golden was tabbed as a member of the All-SWAC second team as a return specialist after bursting on the scene as a true freshman. Long snapper Dylan Renaker, and place kicker Hunter Hanson also bring a veteran presence to the unit.

"In camp you have to work your special teams," Eley said. "Once the seasons starts you don't have as much time, and once school starts we will have time restrictions, so you have to get all of those things done now. Special teams has a lot of phases so we have to work on that now so it can be crisp and we can maintain through the season."

After closing the 2017 season with an impressive 5-1 mark, Alabama State takes aim at 2018 with a roster that boasts a plethora of experience that the coaching staff is aiming to blend with a crop of talented newcomers.

"These first few days are all about conditioning and learning," Eley said. "We are conditioning the body and trying to learn as much as we can and lay the foundations on offense, defense and special teams so that once we start preparation during the season we will build off of those foundations."

The Hornets return to the field tomorrow morning at 9 am as the team will continue the newly minted NCAA five day acclimation period through Wednesday, practicing in shorts and helmets before transitioning to full pads on Friday.

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.

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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.

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Alcorn Braves Kicks-Off First Practice of Fall Camp

LORMAN, Mississippi – Third-year head coach Fred McNair and his staff were on the practice field Friday with over 100 student-athletes as the Alcorn State University football program began preseason training camp.

Click here to view the photo gallery on the Alcorn State Sports Facebook page.

The Braves are 29 days away from their season-opener at Georgia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 12:30 p.m. (EST) at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Tickets are on sale for $30 in Section 130 and can be reserved by calling the Alcorn ticket office at 601-877-6822 or 6818 or 6823.

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3-3-5 Defense Take Hold Early in Jackson State Tigers Fall Camp

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The days of three yards and a cloud of dust and grinding out yards on the ground to the goal line has been replaced with the modern spread offense that exists at all levels of football across the country.

The spread offense revolution has forced defenses to adapt and change their schemes to keep up with, and most importantly, stop the offenses from lighting up the scoreboard.

Jackson State and its defensive coordinator, John Hendrick, have turned to the 3-3-5 to obstruct opposing offenses. In 2016 and 2017 the Tigers installed portions of the 3-3-5, but plan to primarily use the defensive scheme in 2018.

“At the beginning of last year, it was a change-up defense. We decided to primarily use it in the backend of the schedule last season due to attrition and injuries,” Hendrick said. “When we primarily used the defense last season, it became evident that it would work for our team.”

Hendrick was on the defensive staff at Mississippi State in the mid-90s that created and first used the 3-3-5. The scheme was revealed November 16, 1996, versus No. 8-ranked Alabama, which the Bulldogs won 17-16. MSU then sported one of the best defenses in the country for the rest of the decade.

“I really believe in this defense. We will match-up well with the rest of the teams in the conference that play basketball on grass,” added Hendrick. “When we play a team that uses a power attack, we’ll be able to adjust. The 3-3-5 suits our defense and most importantly, it’s great for the team.”

Senior linebacker Eric Bowie is pleased to see how the defensive unit has progressed in the 3-3-5 since the end of spring drills.

“We have all bought into the 3-3-5 and are taking ownership of it,” Bowie said. “This defense really allows us to be aggressive and play fast. It’s fun to play in.”

Junior cornerback Ryan Theyard echoed Bowie’s remarks.

“As a defense, we are becoming comfortable with the 3-3-5,” Theyard said. “The past two days have been great and we have faith in our coaching staff to put us in the right positions to make plays and be successful.”

JSU head coach Tony Hughes is pleased to see the 3-3-5 defense take hold.

“The 3-3-5 will allow us to really utilize our team speed,” Hughes said. “It will play to our strengths and our defense has bought into the system and continue to work hard to learn the ins and outs of it.”

The Tigers are scheduled to be off on Sunday and return to practice and will wear shoulder pads for the first time on Monday.

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Alcorn Continues Strong Partnership with Magnolia Bluffs Casino-Hotel

LORMAN, Mississippi – Magnolia Bluffs Casino-Hotel renewed its corporate sponsorship with Alcorn State University worth $75,000 over three years.

"We're excited that we can help make an impact on both sides of the spectrum through athletics and academics at Alcorn," said Magnolia Bluffs President Kevin Preston. "The way we've done it the last several years has worked. Through utilizing the casino and hotel internships and the hospitality programs, students are able to gain valuable experience and continue to feed through us to gain employment experience."

Under the new deal, Magnolia Bluffs will continue sponsorship and promotional rights through 2021. Promotional activities will be held during athletic competitions including halftime of basketball games. Additionally, the hotel provides competitive rates for fans, officials and visiting teams traveling to Alcorn.

"We are proud to have Magnolia Bluffs as a partner. This renewed sponsorship will help us continue to compete at a high-level athletically, and also assist the athletic department in enhancing the student-athletes experience," said director of athletics Derek Horne. "Magnolia Bluffs has proven to be committed to the long-term success of our students."

Magnolia Bluffs has consistently hired Alcorn alums over the years.

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Texas Southern Tigers Football wraps up first two days of training camp

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Texas Southern Tigers Football team took the field for the first two practice sessions of preseason training camp on Friday and Saturday.

"The first days of camp have gone really well," said TSU head coach Michael Haywood. "There's several guys out here that displayed good athletic ability and attention to detail which is mainly what we're able to see when we're out here in only helmets."

The Tigers will have Sunday off before returning to the practice field on Monday for an evening practice session under the lights of Alexander Durley Stadium.

"Over the course of the next few practices we'll want to continue to improve our craft," said Haywood.

Texas Southern fans looking to join the #TigerTakeDown and become new season ticket holders can do so now with new season tickets still available for purchase for a limited time. Season ticket information is available here: 2018 TSU Football Season Tickets (PDF).

2018 season tickets for the Tigers five-game home slate start as low as $80 with any seat not sold to season ticket holders in 2017 available for purchase. A complete map of the 2018 season ticket price breakdown can be found here: 2018 Season Ticket Map (PDF).

Texas Southern will host UT-Permian Basin (Sept. 1), Alabama A&M (Oct. 6), Grambling State (Oct. 13), Miss. Valley State HC (Oct. 27), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Nov. 17) at BBVA Compass Stadium.

For more information please call (713) 313-4355 or visit us online at tsusports.com.

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For complete coverage of Texas Southern Athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @TXSOTigers (Twitter), Texas Southern University Athletics (Facebook), @TXSOTigers (Instagram) or visit the official home of Texas Southern Athletics at tsusports.com.

Tennessee State Tiger Camp 2018: Day 2

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Day Two Photo Album

Junior Wide Receiver Chris Rowland

-On second practice of fall camp
“Practice went good. There are a few things we need to work on, on the offensive side of the ball. Defense looked good. When it comes down to it, everyone is out here making plays. There are potholes along the way, you know, it’s fall camp. There are going to be some bumps and bruises, but I think in each pothole there is going to be a spring to spring us forward. We just have to keep working hard and stay with each other.”

-On how coach would describe him
“Explosive. If my coach were to describe me, he’d say I’m hard-working. I’m going to keep at it. I’m going to do my job – that’s the most important thing. Whatever I need to do, I’m going to do. No questions asked.”

-On improvements
“Better conditioning. I have to be in better shape. I’ve got to be able to run up-and-down the field. That’s one of the main things. You see guys catching cramps out here because we’re not in shape. We’re going to get there. We’ve got three weeks left in camp. We’ve got a long way, but we’re going to get there.”

Junior Safety Shakur Jackson-On defense’s work on day two
“The defense did well. We have areas where we need to clean up some stuff – having perfect execution, on top of our moves… but overall we’re getting better day by day.”

-On individual improvements
“I still think I need to work on conditioning so that I can play every rep as hard as I can, as well as perfecting the little things – like playing the ball better, making zone turns, rerouting number two and things like that.”

-On how teammates would describe him
“Tough. Physical. Hardworking.”

On best joke
“Knock, knock. Who’s there? Me.”

-On ultimate goal for the season
“The ultimate goal is to win the national championship, of course. Before that, win the OVC championship, and just be as great as we can as a team.”

Sophomore Linebacker James Green-On defense’s work on day two
“I think this is the best day so far. I believe that we were all on one page today. We really got out there. We were all running to the ball, running on and off the field and giving a lot of energy.”

-On leadership roles
“I feel like my place right now is to make sure that everyone is on one accord, bring that energy. Sometimes, we might not start off fast, but I feel like I can be that person to start off fast, keep everyone consistent and on the same page.”

-Highlight of the day
“The best highlight would be the energy of the team.”

Junior Running Back Sabree Curtis-On offense’s work on day two
“The offense came out with a high energy and executed. We just have to clean up the small mishaps. I think everyone came out, had fun and competed.”

-On how the offense can improve
“We definitely need to get into the playbooks, get into the film and know our assignments.”

-On highlight of practice
“Everyone came out and competed. We had fun.”

-On how Offensive Coordinator Parker would describe him
“Parker would describe me as an explosive player. I like to come out and help my teammates. I’m hardworking, and there for whenever they need me.”

-On Nashville
“My favorite thing to do in Nashville is to go bowling, and my go-to place to eat is MacDougals and
Monell’s.”



TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATION

Albany State Rams’ first practice leaves head coach Gabe Giardina optimistic

ALBANY, Georgia — Last year, Albany State’s first official practice didn’t go quite how Gabe Giardina planned. Inclement weather forced the Rams to call it a day much earlier than it expected.

This year, when the rain came down yet again during the first practice, Giardina and company, who return a more experienced roster, simply migrated to gym to finish what they started.

That’s pretty much the theme of the season for the Rams as they look to adjust and adapt while navigating a strong SIAC schedule.

After practice Friday, Giardina sat down to discuss the upcoming season.

You’re in your second year and were able to evaluate the spring scrimmage and summer workouts. How are you feeling about the team to start this season?

After being hired last summer, Giardina and his staff were forced to hit the ground running. He, along with the team, adopted a learn-as-you-go attitude. This year, everyone’s had time tCo digest everything, and Giardina said they looked good in the first practice.

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Storms Shorten Second Day of B-CU #CatsCamp 2018

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida – Bethune-Cookman Football waited on a passing storm Friday as the second day of #CatsCamp 2018 was shortened due to severe weather around the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.

A large cell in and around the Volusia County area forced the second day of #CatsCamp to begin more than 45 minutes after the original 2:30 p.m. start time.



"This is where we learn who really wants to be here, Coach," remarked Assistant Coach Will Glover to fellow assistant Darrin Hayes.
 
That was the end of a conversation beginning with the fact many of the players would be hot and tired while waiting in the nearby adjacent locker rooms at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex. They players waited for over an hour while the large cell passed through the Volusia County area, though it produced little to no rain over the complex.
 
"Good," expressed Head Coach Terry Sims. "That's good for them. They can use the time to bond and think about what they will do when they get out here today."
 
It took the team little time to get down to business as eight periods were cut from the day's session, as the team went through just 22 periods.
 
After looking slower than usual on Thursday, the defense was back into high gear on Friday, with several defense backs scurrying to make plays in 7-on-7 drills. The linebackers, under the direction of veteran Defensive Coordinator Charles "Yogi" Jones, were cutting through the line for stops on the running backs. And the defensive line seemed to be winning the battle up front early-on.
 
The offense quickly turned things around with the quarterbacks seemingly settling down under center.
 
"You look at the first day and see who's hungry to be here, and how far you have to go," said Sims afterwards. "You look at the second day and see who wants to step up and fight through the soreness from day one and become a leader on day two."
 
Sims and a few of his assistants and select student-athletes will participate in a "Back to School" backpack giveaway on Saturday at Daisy Stocking Park in Daytona Beach beginning at 9 a.m. Practice for the Wildcats and the third day of #CatsCamp 2018 will begin later at 2:30 p.m., back at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.
 


The Wildcats open the season Saturday, Sept. 1, in Nashville, Tennessee against the Tennessee State Tigers inside Nissan Stadium at 6 p.m. (CST).
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

S.C. State Lady Bulldog Volleyball Releases 2018 Schedule

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — South Carolina State University volleyball team announces the 2018 schedule Thursday that features nine home matches under second-year head coach Monique Lee.
 
Twelve (12) of the first fourteen (14) matches are on the road for the Lady Bulldogs. SC State opens the season in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge August 24^th -25^th at the Lake Point Champion Center in Atlanta, GA.
 
SCSU takes on Jackson University in the season-opener on Aug. 24^th, followed by doubleheader with Alabama A&M and Alabama State on Aug. 25^th to close out the tournament. The Lady Bulldogs return home for a non-conference matchup with Charleston Southern on Aug. 30^th in Orangeburg, before heading down to Charleston, SC to take on College of Charleston on Sept. 4^th.
 
South Carolina State then will play its second of four tournaments in Maryland at the UMES Tournament in Princess Anne, MD Sept. 7^th -8^th, beginning with the Hampton on Sept.7^th and host UMES and St. Francis Brooklyn on Sept. 8^th, before heading to Buie Creek, NC to battle Campbell University on Sept. 11^th.
 
The Lady Bulldogs head to North Carolina to participate in the UNC Wilmington Classic in Wilmington, NC Sept. 14^th -15^th against host UNCW (Sept.14^th), Western Carolina and Charleston Southern on Sept.15^th. SCSU then returns home to host The Citadel on Sept.18^th, before heading back north for the MEAC North/South Challenge in Baltimore, MD versus Delaware State and Coppin State on Sept. 21^st followed by Norfolk State and Morgan State on Sept. 22^nd both in doubleheaders. in S
 
South Carolina State next three matches remain on the road against USC-Upstate on Sept. 26^th   in Spartanburg, SC, Savannah State on Sept. 28^th   in Savannah, GA and Gardner-Webb on Oct. 2^nd in Boiling Springs, NC.
 
Coach Lee's team return home for a three-game stint hosting N.C. A&T State on Oct. 5^th, North Carolina Central on Oct.7^th and Presbyterian College on Oct. 9^th, before heading to the sunshine state with MEAC showdowns with Bethune-Cookman on Oct.12^th in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Florida A&M on Oct. 14^th in Tallahassee.
 
SCSU closes out the month of October in Orangeburg hosting Georgia Southern on Oct. 16^th and Savannah State on Oct. 28^th, followed by a trip to Greensboro, NC and Durham to take on North Carolina A&T State on Nov. 2^nd and NCCU on Nov. 4^th.

The Lady Bulldogs finish the regular season with the final two matches at home with Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 9 , and Florida A&M on Nov. 11 for the final regular season match.
 
The MEAC Championship will be held in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 16-18.

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.

Observations from the first day of Jackson State's training camp

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The first practice of Jackson State’s fall camp is in the books.

The Tigers practiced for 2.5 hours under cloudy skies Friday afternoon following a delayed start due to lightning in the area.

Here’s a handful of observations from the first day.

1. Friday had that feel of that first day back at school following a summer break. Guys were still catching up as the team headed for the practice field. The players also got an extra 30 minutes of down-time when a thunderstorm rolled in just as they were finishing up pre-practice stretching.
2. There are a ton of wide receivers on this 2018 roster. Too many to count, in fact, without the benefit of an updated preseason roster, which should come soon. One guy who is easy to pick out, however, is former Provine standout Carle Ollie. It looks like the red-shirt sophomore has put on about 10-15 pounds of muscle, and that’s helped him grow into his 6-foot-4 frame.
3. All four Jackson State quarterbacks saw some action Friday, and there appears to be a pecking order. Juco transfer Derrick Ponder got most of the reps with the first string, and he and last year’s backup Jarrad Hayes received all the work in the team portion of practice (which was more like a game of 7-on-7). Sophomore Tavis Williams played sparingly. He and freshman Jack Strouse participated in passing drills but did not take live snaps against the defense.

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B-CU Cats Camp 2018 Opens in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida -- Under the direction of Head Coach Terry Sims, Bethune-Cookman Football opened its 2018 #CatsCamp on Thursday afternoon at the New Smyrna Beach Athletic Complex in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This is the first time BCU has worked out in New Smyrna Beach since 2014 – a year in which the Cats shared a piece of their third consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title, while Terry Sims was the associate head coach on that particular squad.

"I feel really, really good," expressed a smiling Terry Sims, now embarking upon his fourth year at the helm of the Daytona Beach based program. "When you come into camp, you want to see the guys in condition after the summer with individual workouts, and you want to see them ready to get right to work. That's what I was looking for today, and that's what we got from just about everyone."

Amidst temperatures in the upper-80's and absolutely no shade with just partly cloudy skies, the Wildcats worked out for a total of 30 periods on the first day of #CatsCamp. Winds came onto the field from the nearby ocean ranging between 15-20 miles per hour, affecting several media members during on-camera interviews, as well as Facebook Live from the CatEye Network team.
 
The practice session began with the defense huddling around veteran Defensive Coordinator Charles "Yogi" Jones as he instructed the linebackers and defensive line on new formations and positioning. Jones went directly into teaching and positioning for the younger student-athletes, and expected the returning letterwinners to assist in showing the newer players where to be in certain situations.
 
Defensively, Bethune-Cookman welcomes back a host of players from a season ago, including the return of redshirt senior defensive lineman Kevin Thompson, who missed almost all of the 2017 season with an upper-extremity injury.
 
"It feels good to be back out here, and I am just ready to get on the field," said Thompson. "When you're on the sidelines, you see so many things that make you study the game more, and just in a different way. I feel like I see things now that I never saw before after watching it while I was injured. Now, I just want to get out there and make plays with my teammates."
 
Offensively, while it appeared BCU lost a lot from a season ago, namely receivers Frank Brownand Jawill Davis – the latter of which is performing well at the New York Giants camp, Bethune-Cookman will be leaning on second-year Offensive Coordinator Allen Suber to pick up right where the offense left off in 2017.
 
On Thursday, returning quarterbacks Jabari Dunham and Akevious Williams each shared snaps under center alongside freshmen Kyle Smith (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Devin Black (Ruskin, Fla.). Both of the freshmen signed with the #NewBreed Class of 2018 in the spring.
 
"We have so many guys fighting for the quarterback spot, as well as so many other positions on offense, that it's going to be fun watching that side of the ball throughout camp," commented Sims. "If someone asked me now who was starting on that side of the ball, I may not have a single name for them. That's how competitive it will be here over the next few weeks leading into the first game against Tennessee State."
 
Several newcomers were seen chasing down passes from each of the quarterbacks, while the running backs learned from assistant coach carl Franks about blocking and their own routes in both the passing and running game.
 
While the first day didn't exactly highlight particular players, the offense was smoother and seemed to have a flow of everything despite so many new faces to that side of the ball. It's generally the defense that moves faster than the offense with grasping everything, but the offense seemed to have little difficulty with Suber's plays on day one.
 
BCU continues #CatsCamp 2018 on Friday back at the New Smyrna Beach Athletic Complex. A time for practice will be posted later this evening via social media.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

Rattlers overjoyed to resume action on the practice field

TALLAHASSEE, Floida -- After sitting through multi-hour meetings on Wednesday, followed by an intense physical conditioning test 24 hours later, the Florida A&M Rattlers were excited to hit the field for an official practice.

Friday afternoon, their wish was granted.

The ear-piercing sound of Willie Simmons' whistle echoing through the air at 2:30 p.m. ushered in the dawn of Rattler football for the 2018 season.


Decked in their green practice jerseys and orange helmets with white coverings, the players charged out for the first day of football workouts.

"This is a day we've been waiting for for a long time," quarterback Ryan Stanley said.

"All through the summer, we've been waiting to get the helmets on and compete against each other. The time's finally here. We're back on the grind and it just feels great. Overall, both sides of the ball did some good things today. But we still got some work to do."

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SCSU FB Preseason: Pough Likes Excitement from Young Players

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The Bulldogs conducted their second day of preseason practice Saturday (Aug.4th) afternoon in an almost three-hour session at O.C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.

"We are just on day two still in the installation phase trying to get some of these young guys acclimated to the system, said head coach Buddy Pough. "It does run smoothly because most of the guys were here this summer so the process isn't that difficult."

"The best part about preseason is the players came back in better shape this year than previous," said Pough. "We still have our ups and downs because we are younger than the teams in the past at skill positions. The enthusiasm I am seeing from these young guys overshadow how young we are, so hopefully we can develop them over the next month in a player that can help us during the season."

When you look at South Carolina State this season in certain key areas the youth is definitely there in Pough's team.

In at special teams the Bulldogs are expected to better than previous years with two freshman kickers in Austin Kemp and Dillon Bredesen. At punter Preseason All-MEAC punter redshirt sophomore Cliff Benjamin, Jr and veteran punter redshirt senior Jerome Pettiway both are expected to play key roles if SC State is to be successful in their kicking game this upcoming 2018 season.

The Bulldogs will be off Sunday before returning to the field in morning practice on Monday (Aug. 6th) at 9:30 a.m. in helmets , followed by an afternoon workout on Tuesday (Aug. 7th ) at 2:30 p.m. in shells.

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.

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