PVAMU Volleyball Kicks off 2018 Campaign at HBU Tournament

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The Prairie View A&M University volleyball team opens the 2018 season this weekend with three matches at the Houston Baptist Tournament.

The Lady Panthers take on host team Houston Baptist Friday, at 12:30, then square off against UT Rio Grande Valley also on Friday for a 3:30 p.m. match up. They will finish the weekend against Louisiana Tech on Saturday at noon.

"I am so excited about starting the season," said head PVAMU volleyball coach TaCho Tyler. "We had a scrimmage on Monday and it was really good to see the girls play against someone else other than themselves. I can honestly say that in the majority of the scrimmage they were able to apply everything that we have been going over in camp and applied it into game like situations."

Houston Baptist recorded a 21-10 record in 2017 and finished tied for third in the Southland Conference with a 11-5 record. UTRGV finished last season with a 17-12 overall record and a second place finish in the Western Athletic Conference, while Louisiana Tech out of Conference-USA finished 2017 with a 7-21 mark.

"I am really excited to play against competition like Houston Baptist, UTRGV and La. Tech, which are good competitors that will get us ready for SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference)," Tyler said. "I'm real excited to see everything unfold and it's going to be a really exciting season."

PVAMU will look to rebound off a successful 2017 season that saw them finish with an 8-19 record, including a 7-11 mark and a seventh place finish in the SWAC. The team did however, make it to the semifinals,?falling to cross town rivals Texas Southern 3-1.

The task of climbing up the ranks of the SWAC will be a challenge as many teams will be in the running for the top spot in the conference. This season's preseason poll has placed the Lady Panthers fifth in the rankings. Despite the ranking, Tyler is confident the team will compete in every match.

"Our defense has been what it has always been," Tyler said. "Our setters are looking a lot better and we have a whole lot of hitters in the fold and I am really excited to see them hitting a lot of balls. We're hoping for some early success to build on."

With just two seniors on this year's squad, Tyler will look to them to provide some solid leadership for 14 newcomers. The group will be led by SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and All-SWAC First Teamer Christen Augustine.

"I feel that Christy who is a senior will definitely be the leader on the floor," Tyler said. "I call her the silent killer, because you know her presence on the floor even though she doesn't need to say very much. However, she takes such command in the back row, that everyone around her just wants to play better. The way she goes 100 percent makes the rest of the team do the same. I am excited to see us dig a lot of balls as well."

Junior college transfers Jaylan Thomas will play a vocal roll on the floor along with CeTara Carter, who gets the team super hyped when she's on the floor. Kaelyn Yeoman will be the player on the side line who has been the voice for the team.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

The return of St. Ge at Kentucky State University

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Kentucky State’s football team got some good news with quarterback Jules St. Ge’s return.

Now the Thorobreds are looking for more players to join their squad.

St. Ge was the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s Freshman of the Year two years ago when KSU played in the SIAC championship game.

After sitting out last season, St. Ge is back, along with Paul Campbell and Michael Simpson, who played quarterback last year.



That leaves KSU in good shape at the quarterback position.

“Other than that, we’re very, very thin,” KSU head coach John L. Smith said. “We have to stay healthy. We have about half the kids we had a year ago.

“We didn’t sign a single kid. Our funds were frozen. We have to stay healthy, so we’re adapting at camp.”

Smith and his staff are on the lookout for walk-ons to bolster the roster.

“We’d like to have between 90 and 100 kids so we don’t have to go against each other, that we can have a scout team.”

The Thorobreds have 73 players out now, and Smith expects more once school starts. One returning player is redshirt junior defensive lineman Chris Roberts, a graduate of Franklin County.

A&T Volleyball Looks Forward to 2018 After Encouraging 2017

Aggies Open 2018 Season in Georgia

North Carolina A&T (0-0) vs. Alabama A&M (0-0); Alabama St. (0-0); Jackson St. (0-0)

Date(s):Friday-Saturday, Aug. 24-25, 2018

Time(s):11 a.m.; 4 p.m.; 11 a.m.

Facility: LakePoint Champions Center (Cartersville, Ga.)

AGGIES OVERVIEW: The 2018 N.C. A&T women’s volleyball season gets underway this weekend as the Aggies head south for the ISTAP College Cup Tournament. N.C. A&T will face three teams from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), taking on Alabama A&M and Alabama State on Friday before facing Jackson State on Saturday.

Sophomore Edie Brewer was named preseason All-MEAC. Brewer is one of six returners on this year’s N.C. A&T squad. She is coming off a season in which she led the team with 6.0 assists and 2.15 digs per game while compiling 45 service aces ranking No. 17 in the nation in aces per set and No. 35 in total service aces. Brewer recorded 27 double-figure assist matches with nine 25-plus assist performances. She also tallied six double-figure dig matches to go along with six double-doubles in her freshman season.

N.C. A&T was picked to finish third in the preseason conference Southern Division poll with 103 points receiving four first-place votes. Those four first-place votes show a lot of confidence in the Aggies six-player N.C. A&T recruiting class consists of transfer middle blocker MakaylahElliot out of UNC Pembroke. Freshmen Lily Walton and Shaylynn Hall will join Elliot as new middle blockers to the team.

Junior defensive specialist Tiara Wilkins and freshman DS Andrea Laboy-Rivera along with freshman right-side hitter Mackenzie Richards will also look to play a significant role. But N.C. A&T’s veterans will play a major role in the Aggies quest to capture the divisional and tournament titles. Outside hitters Christa Wilson (Jr.) and Courteney Pitt (So.) are returning starters. Fatima Shabazz sat out last season but will play middle blocker this season. Senior setter Megan Wiggins, junior outside hitter Leila Haynesworth and sophomore defensive specialists KaiyahHaley and Milanna Morgan round out the returners.

ALABAMA A&M BULLDOGS: Alabama A&M returns nine letterwinners that went 14-20 and finished second in the SWAC with a 14-4 mark. The Bulldogs fell in the quarterfinal round of the conference tournament losing in straight sets to Prairie View. AAMU averaged 12.5 kills, 1.4 aces, 13.9 digs and 2.1 blocks per set a year ago posting a .223 hitting percentage. Terra Brooks led the team in attacks last season averaging 2.58 kps ranking eighth in the conference. She was also ranked seventh in the league with 30 service aces. Meredith Sieck led the SWAC averaging 8.04 assists per set and ranked fifth in the conference with 32 service aces. The Bulldogs are 5-1 all-time against the Aggies, but N.C. A&T won for the first time against Alabama A&M last August winning in straight sets.

ALABAMA STATE HORNETS: Alabama State returns nine letterwinners from last year’s team that won the SWAC regular season posting a perfect 18-0 mark in conference play with a 28-11 overall record. The Hornets captured their fourth SWAC tournament title in five years defeating Texas Southern in four sets. ASU averaged 12.5 kills, 1.4 aces, 13.9 digs and 2.1 blocks per set a year ago posting a .223 hitting percentage. Bayle’ Bennett averaged 2.35 kills and 2.20 digs as the top returner. Krysta Medearis is the second leading returner with 1.99 kps and Payten Clark is third at 1.60 kps. Clark is the top block returner with 118 and Candace Martin had 94 total blocks. The Aggies are 1-4 all-time against the Hornets losing three consecutive matches with their only victory against ASU on Sept. 6, 2013 winning in five sets.

JACKSON STATE TIGERS: Jackson State returns 11 from last season’s squad which went 8-26 and finished eighth in the SWAC with a 7-11 mark. The Tigers were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the SWAC Tournament losing to Alabama St. in four sets. JSU averaged 10.0 kills, 1.1 aces, 12.9 digs and 1.5 blocks per set a year ago, posting a .118 hitting percentage. JSU returns their leaders in kills (Alexandra Burney – 2.28 kps), digs (Tyler Moorer - 3.19 dps), assists (Sapphire Simpson – 4.66 aps), service aces (Sapphire Simpson – 26) and blocks (Dayjah Stewart – 80). The Aggies are 2-0 against the Tigers. The teams last met on Aug. 27, 2016with A&T winning in straight sets.

NEWS AND NOTES:

• Junior Christa Wilson is 27 kills away from 200 for her career and senior Megan Wiggins is six digs away from 100 for her career
• The Aggies posted their most regular season wins in 2017 under eighth-year head coach Hal Clifton enjoying one of their best seasons in recent years going 14-14 (6-4 MEAC)
• N.C. A&T finished the year ranked seventh in the nation in aces per set, 25thin opponent hitting percentage and 37thin team service aces. In all three categories, they ranked second amongst the MEAC.\

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

S.C. State Bulldogs Releases Depth Chart Ahead In Week 1 Versus Georgia Southern

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough announced the release of its 2018 Football two deep Thursday.

The Bulldogs released their depth chart ahead in preparation for next week's season-opener versus Georgia Southern, Saturday, Sept. 1^st in Statesboro, GA , at Allen E. Paulson Stadium . Kickoff is 6 p.m. and will televised live on ESPN+.

Here is the full two-deep, from Preseason All-MEAC selection senior defensive back Alex Brown spearheading the defense all the way down to the new group of specialists for the 2018 season.

Please note that the 2018 Bulldog Depth Chart is subject to change.

2018 SC State Depth Chart Week #1 (Georgia Southern)

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACK
#5            Tyrece Nick (So., 6-0, 170)
#9            Dewann Ford, Jr. (r-Jr., 6-2, 180)
 
RUNNING BACK
#18          Datron James (r-So., 5-10, 201)
# 32         Jarius Jenkins (r-So., 5-11      200)
 
TIGHT END (H)
#48           Austin Ruger (r-Sr., 6-3, 240)
# 88         Trae Churn  (r-So.,6-5, 220)
 
WIDE RECEIVER (X)
 # 1          De'Montrez Burroughs (Jr., 6-2, 200)
# 84         Rodriques Thomas  (r-Fr., 6-3, 185)
 
WIDE RECEIVER (Y)
#4            Tra' Quan Dubose (r-Jr., 5-10, 170)
#16          Will Vereen (r-Fr., 5-11, 198)
 
WIDE RECEIVER (Z) 
#82          Quan Caldwell (r-Sr., 5-11, 180)
#21          Jermaine Baxley (r-Sr.,6-3, 210)
 
LEFT TACKLE
#58          Malik Mickle (r-Sr., 6-3, 285)
#72           Tison Gray (r-Fr., 6-4, 300)
 
 LEFT GUARD
#56          Robbie Stephenson (Sr., 6-4, 290)
#78          Pat McNeil (r-So., 6-1, 97)
 
CENTER
#50          Michael Terry (r-Jr., 6-0, 290)
# 70         Terrell Vaughn (r-Jr., 5-11, 260)
               
RIGHT GUARD
#52          Jalen Page (So., 6-2, 285)
# 71         John Guthrie (r-Fr., 6-3, 300)
 
RIGHT TACKLE
# 73         Alex Taylor (r-Jr., 6-9, 305)
# 64         Francois McFall (r-So, 6-4, 315)
 
DEFENSE

DE (Fox)
# 95         Cordell Brown (Sr., 6-2, 230)
#57          Jemetre Blair (r-So., 6-1, 225)
 
DT
#76          Paul McKiever (r-Jr, 6-4, 290)
#91          Rod Perry (r-Jr., 6-2, 310)
 
NT
#97          Tyrell Goodwin (Jr., 6-0, 265)
#86          Demingus Wilson (r-So., 6-4, 280)
 
DE (Joker)
# 35         Damu Ford (r-Sr., 5-11, 240)
#98          Bruce Johnson (Sr., 6-2, 225)
 
WLB
#45          Lane Jones (Jr., 6-2, 230)
#28          Johnell Brown (r-Jr., 6-3, 190)
 
MIKE
#13          Jarrod Jones (Jr., 5-11, 240)
#46          Cornelius Walker (Jr., 6-1, 212)
 
NICKEL
#26          Jayden Brunson (Fr., 5-10   192)         
# 8           Khaliq Anthony (r-Jr., 6-1, 182)
 
BC
#30          Alex Brown (r-Sr., 6-0, 170)
#22          Xzavien Burson (r-Fr.,5-11, 180)
 
FREE SAFETY
#12          Jaylen Evans (r-Fr., 6-0, 177)
#4            Duane Nichols (r-Fr., 6-1, 210)
 
STRONG SAFETY
# 33         Chris Adams (Grad., 6-0, 190)
# 36         Scott Robinson (Fr., 6-0, 175)
 
FC
#14          Decobie Durant (r-So., 5-11, 175)
#19          Kendall Moultrie     (Fr., 5-11, 170)
 
SPECIAL TEAMS

LONG SNAPPER
# 59         Caleb Brown (Fr., 6-4, 205)
#47          Joshua Pringle (Fr., 5-10, 190)
 
HOLDER
#17         Jerome Pettiway(r-Sr.,6-4,220)
#19          Bobby Gentile (r-So., 5-10, 170)
 
PUNTER
# 45         Cliff Benjamin, Jr. (r-So., 6-1, 170)
#17         Jerome Pettiway(r-Sr.,6-4,220)
 
KICKER
#41           Dillon Bredesen (Fr., 5-10, 160)
#42          Austin Kemp (Fr., 6-1, 173)

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

London, Howard Bison Football Want More in 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With the 125th season of Howard University Football approaching, Coach Mike London and the Bison seek to take the next step and win their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title since 1993.
 
After a successful 2017 campaign, HU refuses to be satisfied; thus, this year's battle cry and motto #WeWantMore. A year ago, the Bison finished 7-4 overall and 6-2 in league play, including a 43-40 victory at Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) foe UNLV.
 
"We're looking to improve our performance in different areas," said London on his expectations. "We're looking to improve our football IQ and reduce penalties. With young guys developing, we want them to show progress as we continue to build the program."  
 
Despite losing several key players due to graduation, Coach London and his superb staff has filled voids with several outstanding prospects while adding depth to various positions. Although last year's resurgence was magnificent, many believe this season's version will be even better; hence, the program's other motto #MissionPossible2.0.
 
Offense
 
Second-year offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Brennan Marion returns six starters from last year's explosive offense, led by All-MEAC wide receivers Kyle Anthony (Miramar, Fla.) and Jequez Ezzard (College Park, Ga.) and 2017 MEAC Rookie of the Year quarterback Caylin Newton (Atlanta).
 
"We have a pretty good team this year," said Ezzard, who recently was named to the 2018 BOXTOROW HBCU Preseason All-America Team. "The focus this season is a championship. We're coming for it."
 
Last season, the Bison averaged nearly 30 points per game while displaying the league's top balanced offense.  On the ground, Howard led the conference in rushing (215.5 ypg) and finished second in air behind reigning MEAC champions North Carolina A&T State (230.5 ypg).
 
This season, Howard added more weapons for the second-year signal caller with the additions of wide receivers, three-star prospect A'Jae Boyd (Pittsburgh, Calif.) and Tayshaun Porter (Newport News, Va.).
 
"We're looking to take advantage with our talented wide receivers and quarterback," London stated. "Offensively, we realize that their skillsets allow us to be successful."
 
After losing three OL starters from last year's club, HU addressed the OL with talented prospects during the early signing period, who averaged 6'3" and 300 pounds.
 
Howard's key losses include running back Dezmond Wortham (Frisco, Texas) and All-MEAC First Team selections Anthony Philyaw (Los Angeles) and Gerald Wright (Miami).
 
Defense
 
A year ago, second-year defensive coordinator and 2019 College Football Hall of Fame finalist Vince Brown played several freshmen during the 2017 season; thus, watching the defense battle through growing pains.
 
"Defensively, we had a lot of young players play last year that might not be household names yet," London added. "We've also added young players on the roster competing for starting jobs."
 
Howard returns seven starters from last season, including All-MEAC selection defensive back Bryan Cook (Cincinnati). Cook headlines an exciting secondary, which features sophomores Tye Freeland(Petersburg, Va.) and D.C. native Aaron Walker. With the addition of three-star prospect defensive back Jalen Smith (Virginia Beach, Va.) from Ocean Lakes H.S. (Va.), HU's secondary will create challenges for opposing teams' air attack.
 
"I expect us to communicate and trust each other," said Cook on his expectations. "We're going to complete, play our game, make plays, and have fun doing it. I am going to do whatever it takes to help this team."
 
Last season, second-year pass rusher Aaron Motley (Highland Springs, Va.) led the squad with five sacks while registering 39 tackles (35 solo), six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles despite missing three games. Senior Isaiah Fludd (Richmond, Va.) and junior Tyler Fuller (Manuel, Texas) also return to the DL, along with highly recruited Jayde Pierre (Sterling, Va.), who ranks No. 27 in HERO Sports 2018 recruiting class.
 
The unit's biggest losses come in the linebacker core, losing last year's leading tackler Devin Rollins(Miami) and the versatile Elijah Anglin (Detroit). Despite their departures, Howard has an experienced set of veterans ready to fill those holes, led by seniors Marcellus Allison (Durham, N.C.), David Lee(Miramar, Fla.) and Dominique Smith (Cincinnati). Two-star prospect Jomier Augustine (Suwanee, Ga.) provides more depth to the front seven.
 
Upcoming Season
 
Howard's 11-game regular season slate features five home contests at Greene Stadium and two matchups against FBS opponents: at Ohio (Sept. 1); at Kent State (Sept. 8). On Sept. 15, the Bison host Savannah State in their home opener before traveling to Indianapolis for the 35th Circle City Classic against Bethune-Cookman (Sept. 22).
 
Other notable games include Howard University Homecoming versus South Carolina State (Oct. 27), followed by long-time rival Florida A&M (Nov. 3).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information

HOWARD BISON ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Trevor Callarman Named UMES Hawks Head Volleyball Coach

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — Following a nationwide search, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Athletics stayed very close to home when filling its vacant head volleyball coaching position. Trevor Callarman — who has been serving in the role on an interim basis — has been named the head coach for the Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball team through the 2019 season.

“We are very happy that Trevor is taking the reins of the volleyball program.” Director of Athletics Keith Davidson said. “Over the summer, he has become the leader of this team, and we are confident he can continue to deliver the great results that our volleyball program has historically achieved.”

An assistant for the 2017 season, Callarman ascends to the position after serving in an interim capacity following the departure of Toby Rens in January.

“I’m very excited to lead this team this fall.” Callarman said. “After being on campus for a year and experiencing success, I’m ready to dedicate myself — with hard work and high energy — to our plan of bringing the MEAC title back to The Shore.”

This is Callarman’s first collegiate head coaching job, retroactive to the interim post over the past eight months. His duties included spring practice and scrimmages, recruiting five new student athletes for this season as well as completing the upcoming season schedule and countless other responsibilities. He also led the school’s annual Nike Volleyball Camp this past July.

He helped guide the Hawks to a 27-9 record last season with a MEAC Northern Division title and an appearance at the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

“I’m fortunate to inherit a great program with a sustained culture.” said Callarman. “I have developed a bond with the team. We’ve worked a lot to instill core values and live by them. We are focusing on who we are, how we push ourselves to the next level, and not settling.”

The Hawk volleyball program has certainly sustained a nearly two-decade long period of achievement. This includes MEAC Championships in 2011 and 2012, two trips to the NCAA Tournament, six national statistical awards in aces per set, numerous conference player of the year honors, and an average of nearly 20 victories a season dating back to 2002.

The team has also achieved in the classroom frequently ranking among the athletic program’s top grade point averages year-after-year.

The team he has built for this fall will consist of eight returning players and five newcomers that will play 25 regular season matches.

“I am confident in the team that’s been assembled here and we will hold ourselves to a high standard of play and high level of expectation,” Callarman said.

Callarman came to Maryland Eastern Shore with more than 10 years of experience on the sidelines and 15 on the court, working and playing the volleyball circuit in his native Texas. Prior to his time in Princess Anne, his stops included a stint with Texas State University and the head men’s club coach for the University of Texas at Austin.

He also worked with Austin Performance Volleyball, where as head coach he led the club team to numerous top 25 AAU finishes. He also worked in the development of a beach program and assisted with summer camps. Players who worked with the program went on to have collegiate careers at Texas, TCU and North Carolina, among others.

Along with his coaching positions, Callarman competes in the USAV Open Championships annually. Earlier this summer his team placed second at nationals in the Men’s BB division.

The 2018 season kicks off in Chicago Friday (Aug. 24) as the Hawks travel to the UIC Invitational. Their first match will be against Central Michigan, followed by host UIC and Bryant on Saturday (Aug. 25).

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Edward Waters Greg Ruffin Makes Appearance on Local Radio

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- In his continued quest to promote Edward Waters Football, head football coach Greg Ruffin made an appearance on 1010XL/92.5 FM Jacksonville Sports Talk Radio on Tuesday morning.

Ruffin appeared on the "The Drill" with Dan Hicken, Jeff Prosser, Lauren Brooks, & Steve "Beef" Bute and spoke about the changes that have been made to the program since he was hired in December of 2017, the prospects for the 2018 season, and the future of Tiger football under his leadership.

The head coach also appeared on a podcast following the morning show and spoke with host Tom Champion and went further in-depth about the program. The podcast interview can be heard at https://soundcloud.com/user-145697181/new-edward-waters-college-football-coach-greg-ruffin.

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.

AAMU Bulldogs Kickoff Luncheon set for Aug. 29

HUNTSVILLE. Alabama – The annual Alabama A&M University Football Kickoff Luncheon has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Knight Center.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin at noon.

The luncheon will feature Head Coach Connell Maynor with a preview of the upcoming season and special introductions from members of the Bulldogs football team.

The Bulldog football coaching staff will also be on hand while the A&M cheerleaders and the Marching Maroon and White will add to the atmosphere.

Reserved tables, which include seats for eight guests, are $110. Individual tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the door.

The Bulldogs open the 2018 season against Miles College on Saturday, Sept. 1, at Louis Crews Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

Season tickets and individual game tickets are still available for purchase online at Louis Crews Stadium and at the ticket website.

Follow the Bulldogs
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M University football, follow us on social media at @AAMUFB (Twitter), /Alabama A&M Bulldogs (Facebook), and @Alabama A&M Football (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama A&M athletics at aamusports.com.

Alabama A&M Elevates Lora to Head Baseball Coach

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — The search for Alabama A&M's baseball coach is complete.

Alabama A&M announced on Thursday that Manny Lora has been hired as the Bulldogs' new head baseball coach.

"We are really excited to have Manny Lora as our new baseball coach," Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks said. "Manny is a bright up-and-coming coach in collegiate baseball. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and a high baseball IQ to our program, and he will serve our baseball program and student-athletes well.

"He is an asset to our program."

Lora, a Miami native, spent the past three seasons at Alabama A&M working under former coach Mitch Hill as the team's pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

Before making the transition to coaching, Lora played for Alabama A&M as a relief pitcher from 2010-14, recording 151 strikeouts in 54 appearances.

"I want to thank our president, Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., and our Athletic Director, Bryan Hicks, for trusting me to lead our program," Lora said. "Being a former player, this program here at A&M is important to me.

"I have always envisioned myself leading young men to achieve and dominate both in the classroom and on the field."

The foundation of Lora's strategic plan for Alabama A&M's future focuses on recruiting and player development. He also plans to continue Alabama A&M's recent trend of playing a strong non-conference schedule to help prepare the Bulldogs for anything they might face during league play.

"There's a lot of potential here," Lora said. "Right now, we're focused on recruiting and bringing in players who can build on the foundation we've established.

"I'm excited about what's ahead — establishing a program with a vision that's ultimate goal is to win championships."

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

No Tiller, no problem: For first time in recent memory, Southern fields a veteran defensive line

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana --Jaron Johnson wants to make one thing clear: just because Aaron Tiller is gone doesn’t mean Southern’s defensive line is hopeless.

For four years Tiller was the anchor of the Jaguars’ defensive front. He totaled 169 career tackles, including 30 sacks, and forced nine fumbles. At 6 foot 1, 256 pounds, he was their most physical presence and powerful voice in the locker room.

His absence after graduation is certainly a void to be filled. Even Johnson will freely admit to that.



But don’t mistake a lack of Tiller for a lack of talent.

“First of all, Aaron Tiller did a lot but it was never just one guy,” Johnson said. “Since he’s gone, we’ve had to come together as a unit. This is what we’re going to do and this is how we’re going to do it. We’re not going to dwell on losing Aaron Tiller.”

Two years ago Tiller was the sole leader in a group of freshmen and sophomores gaining experience by getting thrown into the fire.

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Reviving the Legacy of FAMU's Jake Gaither

Eley Meets With the Media in Advance of Labor Day Classic

MONTGOMERY, Alabama --  With just 10 days remaining before the kickoff of the 2018 season with the second annual Labor Day Classic, Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley met with the media at ASU Stadium Wednesday morning.

Eley was joined by Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater to discuss the game and preparations that have taken place over the last two weeks for both teams. The Golden Tigers defeated Alabama State 14-6 last season, but this will be the first meeting with Tuskegee for Eley who was named head coach after a 5-1 run as the interim coach last season.

Kick set for the contest is set for 5 pm, and can be seen on Amazon Fire and Facebook courtesy of HBCU Gameday. Season tickets and single game tickets are on 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.

Grambling looks to add alcohol sales to home football, basketball games

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- More than football may be on tap inside Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium this fall.

Grambling State is looking to join its neighbors ULM and Louisiana Tech, fellow SWAC member Prairie View A&M and more than 50 Football Bowl Subdivision institutions, that sale alcohol on-campus at sporting events. The permit application to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana has been spearheaded by Aramark, GSU’s campus food and beverage partner who handles its concessions at athletic events.

If approved, fans would be able to purchase beer, and potentially other types of alcoholic drinks, while attending Grambling games at The Hole and inside Fredrick Hobdy Assembly Center that houses its women’s and men’s basketball and volleyball team.

“We’ve had several requests the last couple of years to consider bringing alcohol sales to our athletic events,” GSU President Rick Gallot told The News-Star Tuesday.

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FAMU Marching “100” Receives Prestigious Invite to 2019 Rose Bowl Parade

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TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s (FAMU) world- renowned “Marching 100” is heading to the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in 2019. The University’s band has received an invitation to participate in this Rose Bowl-connected event in Pasadena, California.

“The Marching “100" has mesmerized audiences around the globe for more than 70 years. Throughout its history, the internationally acclaimed band has performed in multiple high-profile events including the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, 's and the 1989 French Bicentennial Celebration in Paris, France, and the inaugurations of two U.S. President’s.

As one of the most famous and recognized New Year's Day events in the nation, an opportunity to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade provides a unique platform to entertain millions of viewers on one of the most recognized stages in the world. This marks FAMU’s first appearance in the parade.

 FAMU Interim President Dr. Larry Robinson says, “It is an opportunity to give countless viewers exposure to a University that continues to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of many of America’s best and brightest young men and women,” said FAMU’s Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Congratulations to Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman, his team, and our student-musicians for their leadership in taking the band to the next level.”

Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman added that, “Our students continue to be recognized for excellence, hard work and their dedication to being the best in musicianship, performance and academics.  We look forward to this exciting opportunity and putting on an unforgettable show.””

Tournament of Roses parade officials say they chose FAMU because of the exceptional talent, dedication and showmanship.  Sixty million people will view the parade world-wide and as many as 700,000 people will watch the performance in-person.

The band has already started its fundraising efforts to finance the trip. Supporters can contribute by contacting the FAMU Foundation office at 850-412-5755 or Band Director Dr. Shelby Chipman at 850-599-3024.

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FAMU's Marching 100‏ @THEMARCHING100

The Road Starts NOW! Please donate to the “Road to Pasadena” Campaign by texting famurising to 41444! Please support the Marching “100” as it embarks on fundraising for the Tournament of Roses Parade! We appreciate your support!

10:57 AM - 25 May 2018

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