Saint Augustine's Falcons Golf Places Third In HBCU Invitational

RALEIGH, North Carolina  – Saint Augustine's University overcame a slow start to finish third among Division II teams in the HBCU College Golf Invitational in Newnan, Ga., over the weekend.

The Falcons moved up two spots from fifth after shooting a second-day score of 322 on Saturday, Sept. 29. They finished the tournament with a two-day score of 661 on the par 72, 6,954-yard Summer Grove Golf Course.

Miles College won the HBCU Invitational with a 607 score followed by Livingstone College with a 628 score. Johnson C. Smith University was fourth with a 666, Lemoyne-Owen College placed fifth with a 669, Paine College finished sixth with a 745 and Morehouse College was seventh with a 751.

Four Falcons placed among the top 20 in the individual standings. Jaylon Lynn (So./Garner, NC) finished 11^th (160) and defending champion Sam Cudjoe (So./Bethel, Trinidad & Tobago) tied for 14^th (164). James Thomas Moore (Jr./Fairfax, VA) tied for 18^th (167) and Daryel Morris (So./Cartersville, GA) tied for 20^th (170).

The trio of Lynn, Cudjoe and Moore each shot under 80 on the second day. Lynn led the way with a 77 followed by Moore with a 78 and Cudjoe with a 79.

Timothy Simpson of Miles shot a 145 two-day score to win the tournament. Tyler Simmons of Miles placed second (149) and Chandler Holcomb of Miles was third (152).

Go to golfstat.com to see the entire results.

Head Coach Julius Wells says the Falcons will likely play in two more tournaments in the fall. Go to saintaugfalcons.com for schedule updates.

SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATION

Chelsea Gilliam Selected as Head Coach for BCU Bowling

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Chelsea Gilliam has been named the new head coach for the Bethune-Cookman University bowling program, announced Monday morning by Bethune-Cookman Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Lynn W. Thompson. While at BCU, she will serve as the lead coordinator ain all facets of the BCU Women's Bowling program.

"I am so happy to have Chelsea [Gilliam] join our family as the new head coach for the bowling program," said Sandra Booker, BCU Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. "The selection and hiring process for a new bowling coach has been a long one. However, we felt that after meeting with Chelsea and spending time with her over the course of the interview process, that she was truly the right fit to lead our program into its next chapter."

Chelsea Gilliam arrives to Bethune-Cookman after spending the previous three years at Youngstown State in Ohio. She joined the Penguins as the school's first-ever bowling coach in September 2015, and she spent the 2015-16 academic year recruiting the first team in school history, and preparing a future schedule. The 2016-17 season served as the first for Youngstown State Bowling as an intercollegiate sport, and Gilliam immediately helped the Penguins in securing status as a Top 25 program.

With just eight freshmen and sophomores on the roster, YSU finished its inaugural season ranked 25th in the final National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) poll. With the Penguins making their top 25 debut at No. 24 in February 2017, the team eventually reached as high as No. 23 just under a month later in March 2017. YSU was the only first-year program to be ranked in the final top 25. Statistically, YSU ranked 21st in the country across all divisions in team scoring average, and its strength of schedule ranked 16th.

"I'm very excited about working at Bethune-Cookman University," said Gilliam. "This is a great opportunity to continue coaching at the Division I level, and at a place that I just felt comfortable being around everyone from the moment I met them. Not to mention, being in Florida allows me to be closer to my family as well. I am just ready to get going."

Gilliam and the Penguins earned 18 wins over teams that were ranked in the final National Tenpin Coaches Association Top 25 Poll during the 2016-17 campaign. The Penguins defeated three teams in the top 10 – No. 5 Sam Houston State on Oct. 29, No. 7 Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 11 and No. 9 Sacred Heart on Jan. 21. Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin both advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The Penguins had 20 wins against teams that were ranked at the time of competition.

For her efforts and the team's success in its first season of competition, Gilliam was one of 10 coaches to be nominated for the NTCA Division I Coach of the Year award.

"Her coaching résumé and pedigree speaks for itself," said Lynn W. Thompson, BCU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "We not only looked at her coaching references and her record, but we looked at how she created a program from scratch, and how she molded into her idea of a Top 25 program. She has all the intangibles of being a top Division I head coach, and that is why we're so proud to have her as our new head coach for Bowling at Bethune-Cookman."

Prior to her stint at Youngstown State, Gilliam served for three years as the head coach of the men's and women's bowling programs at Union College in Kentucky. In 2015, Gilliam led the Bulldogs' men's team to a second consecutive runner-up finish at the Mid-South Conference Tournament. As the head of the women's program, Gilliam was selected the MSC's Women's Co-Head Coach of the Year in 2014.

A native of Pecatonica, Illinois, Gilliam was hired as an assistant coach at Union in the summer of 2012, and she became the interim head coach of the NAIA program just a few months later in September of that same year. She was elevated to the full-time position in May 2013.

Gilliam was a four-year member of the University of Pikeville (Ky.) bowling team, and she was a senior on the 2012 NAIA National Championship squad. On two occasions, she participated in the United States Bowling Congress National Tournament as a student-athlete.

Chelsea Gilliam is a graduate of Pikeville, having earned a bachelor's degrees in mathematics and psychology in 2012. While in high school, Gilliam bowled three (3) 300 games en route to achieving an Illinois state champion medalist award in her junior year

Away from the bowling lanes, Gilliam is also a breast cancer survivor, and she was chosen as a "Fabulous Four" essay contest winner by the USBC in 2015 for sharing her story. The "Fabulous Four" is part of the USBC's "Bowl for the Cure" program, which is a fundraising and breast cancer awareness initiative associated with Susan G. Komen. Having participated in several promotions for Susan G. Komen, she continues to be an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection.

"Bowling season begins today, and I am just ready to get practices going, get the schedule setup and meet the young ladies, most of all," added Gilliam. "I am getting settled in, but like I said, I am just ready to get going. This is all so very exciting and a new challenge being in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)."R

Her duties as head coach begin Monday, October 1.

Bethune-Cookman Bowling on Twitter (@BCUBowling) 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).

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Nuggets win at Talladega; GCAC city rivals are next

TALLADEGA, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana hit .537 — the third-highest percentage in program history — and rolled Monday to a 25-10, 25-14, 25-4 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball victory against Talladega.
     
The Gold Nuggets (15-4, 6-0), on the road for the fourth consecutive match, won for the ninth consecutive time. They'll visit city and GCAC rivals SUNO at 1 p.m. Saturday and Dillard at 6 p.m. Monday.
     
Freshmen led the XULA offense. Marine Angely had nine kills and hit a career-high .563 in 16 attacks, and Elena Duru's eight kills and .636 percentage were career highs.

BOX SCORE
     
The Gold Nuggets set school records for fewest points allowed in a third set — the previous mark was five set three times, including a week ago at Rust — and for fewest attack errors in a match, two. The old mark was three, also set at Rust this past week.
     
Kayla Black and Jaida Dowd had six kills apiece for the Gold Nuggets. Vivica Price-Spraggins served three aces. Beatrice Formilan had 13 digs, and Black had 12.
     
Carlesia Nunnally had six kills for the Lady Tornadoes (9-9, 3-4), who hit minus-.091.
     
XULA scored the final nine points and 18 of the last 20. The Gold Nuggets produced runs of 10-2 in the first set and 12-1 in the second.

XULA volleyball, most consecutive match victories
20 in 2013
13 in 2017
11 in 2015
10 in 2014
9 in 2018 (active)
9 in 2017

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Howard Women’s Soccer Dominates the Pine Bluff Golden Lions in 3-0 Win

HOWARD BISON ATHLETICS
PHOTO BY Yusuf Abdullah

WASHINGTON, D.C.  --  Howard University women's soccer (4-6-1 overall, 2-1-1 SWAC)  shut out the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff Golden Lions (1-4-1 overall, 1-1-1 SWAC) on Sunday afternoon in Greene Stadium. The Bison shut out the Lions, 3-0.

Victoria Thornton put the Bison on the board at the 21 minute mark. In addition to the goal, Thornton totaled three shots and one shot on goal.

Kenya Saunders followed with another goal five minutes later increasing the score to 2-0. Hollie Cartwright was on the assist.

With less than 10 minutes left in the first half, Howard gained an additional point due to an own goal by UAPB.

Aleeya Sawyer tallied four shots with two shots on goal. Kendall Macauly had one shot and one shot on goal. Bayley Carmichael had one shot and one shot on goal.

The Bison outshot the Golden Lions, 16-6. Additionally, Howard had eight corner kicks to the Lions' one. The fouls were high in the game. HU had 14 fouls. UAPB had 13 fouls. The saves were fairly even with HU having six to UAPB's five. Goalkeeper Alayah Hightower played all 90 minutes of the game with no goals allowed.

The Bison will have six road contests ahead before returning to Greene Stadium on Oct. 28 to face Washington Adventist on Senior Night. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.\

BOX SCORE

About Howard University Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETICS COMMUNICATION

Freeman, Crawford Lead SAU To Impressive Finishes At Greensboro Cross Country Invitational

RALEIGH, North Carolina  -- Runners Baron Freeman (Fr./Hampton, VA) and Amanda Crawford (Fr./Brooklyn, NY) stood out for Saint Augustine's University in the Greensboro Cross Country Invitational at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Freeman placed first among Division II runners and second overall in the men's 8K race with a time of 26:47.42. Crawford finished third among Division II runners and 10^th overall in the women's 5K race with a time of 22:02.53.

Led by Freeman, the Falcons placed first among Division II teams and fourth overall out of 10 men's teams with 117 points. Robert Edwards (Fr./Pembroke, Bermuda) was 13^th in 29:39.45, Shaquille Dill(Jr./Pembroke, Bermuda) was 26^th in 31:35.73 and Robert Walker (Fr./Newburgh, NY) was 31^st in 32:25.19. Seventy-six runners competed in the 8K race.

Sparked by Crawford, the Lady Falcons finished second among Division II teams and third overall out of 11 women's teams with 93 points. Shannon Kalawan (So./Westmoreland, Jamaica) placed 15^th in 22:48.58, Florence Fields (So./St. Michaels, Barbados) finished 17^th in 23:00.58 and Nia Erwin-Sherrod (Fr./Philadelphia, PA) was 20^th in 23:38.39. Seventy-seven runners ran in the 5K race.

The Falcons and Lady Falcons will run in the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., on Saturday, Oct. 6. The men's 8K race starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the women's 5K race at 10:05 a.m.

Click HERE for the men and women's results at the Greensboro Invitational.

SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Langston University Marching Pride Band on the Rise

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- The Langston University Band is responsible for providing quality music for the university, the community, and its members. The band is also a laboratory that provides hands on leadership experiences for aspiring band directors and students who seek to enhance their leadership skills, confidence, self-discipline, and people skills.

The band is under the capable leadership of:

Mark G. Gordon, Director of Bands (Bio)
Kalem Graham, Assistant Director of Bands
Taylor M. Byrne, Auxiliary Sponsor

Langston is the only historically black college in Oklahoma.

High School Students, Junior College and Transfers -- For more information, visit: www.langston.edu.

Friday FAMU-BCU Volleyball Match Moved To Daytona Beach

TALLAHASSEE, Florida --This Friday's scheduled Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference volleyball homeopener between FAMU and archrival Bethune-Cookman, has been moved to Moore Gymnasium in Daytona Beach, due to the overwhelming Homeoming Weekend schedule on the FAMU campus.

Start time will be 4:00 p.m. Friday on the Bethune-Cookman campus.

The matchup will be huge as both teams are vying for supremacy in the MEAC's Southern Division, after sharing the 2017 title.

FAMU opened its' 2018 title bid with a weekend sweep of the Carolina Twins, North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central, winning both matches by identical 3-1 scores, to take the early lead in the divisional race.

Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman (7-9, 0-2 MEAC) dropped both their Carolina Swing matches over the weekend, dropping them to fourth in the division.

NEXT HOME ACTION: FAMU will host a three-match set beginning next Friday at 7:00 p.m. (Oct. 12) against Savannah State, followed by a Saturday, Oct. 13 bout against Alabama A&M (12 Noon), and a Sunday, Oct. 14 clash against South Carolina State. (1:00 p.m.).

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

CIAA Holds First-Ever Virtual Media Day On October 5 for 2018-19 Basketball Season

Questions to be Submitted Via Twitter Using @CIAAForLife & #CIAAHoops

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s first African American athletic conference, is changing its playbook for annual media day activities and will host its first-ever virtual press conference on Friday, October 5 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET on the CIAA Sports Network. The virtual media day tips off the basketball season leading to the 2019 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.                 

The new format features a mix of traditional and modern ways to preview the upcoming basketball season, one of the most anticipated sporting events on the CIAA’s calendar as well as one of the biggest NCAA events, drawing sports fans, HBCU alumni and students, as well as attendees from the surrounding community.  
                                                                     

“We’re excited to hold our first-ever Virtual Media Day, incorporating technology and social media into our highly anticipated preview of the CIAA’s biggest championship,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “Our new format allows us to include media beyond the Charlotte area and offers sports fans and the general public a chance to ask questions and interact with their favorite teams.   With the Virtual Media Day and our new ‘Live the Legacy’ campaign we aim to inject a new level of excitement and engagement into the 2019 Basketball Championships.”

On Thursday, October 4, a special Youth Basketball Clinic for children ages 7-13 will be hosted by CIAA coaches and student-athletes on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. On Friday, October 5, the CIAA’s inaugural Virtual Media Day invites members of the press, sports fans and the general public an opportunity to submit questions via Twitter for CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams and the assembled basketball coaches and student-athletes representing the 13 CIAA member schools. Questions can be submitted through Thursday on Twitter by tagging @CIAAForLife and using the hashtag #CIAAHoops. All interviews (listed below), hosted by Stan Lewter, will air live on the conference's new CIAA Sports Network.

Schedule of Interviews on Oct. 5

9:30 a.m.         Lincoln University

9:45 a.m.         Bowie State University

10:00 a.m.       Elizabeth City State University

10:15 a.m.       Chowan University

10:30 a.m.       Virginia Union University

10:45 a.m.       Virginia State University

11:00 a.m.       Fayetteville State University

11:15 a.m.       Shaw University

11:30 a.m.       St. Augustine’s University

11:45 a.m.       Claflin University

12:00 p.m.       Winston-Salem State University

12:15 p.m.       Livingstone University

12:30 p.m.       Johnson C. Smith University

The CIAA recently unveiled its new marketing campaign theme “Live the Legacy” and 2019 logo to launch the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball season. The new campaign showcases the CIAA’s pillars of tradition, leadership, and community, and highlights the annual legendary sports experience.

With the Live the Legacy campaign, the CIAA seeks to attract and engage new fans to its historic conference. Ranked 3^rd among the most attended and anticipated NCAA events, the CIAA Basketball Tournament currently draws over 150,000 fans. The new multi-platform campaign will celebrate the CIAA’s storied past, embrace the present and connect fans to its future.  In addition, the campaign is designed to showcase the CIAA schools, players and coaches, plus fans of the game and the conference’s immersive cultural experience.

Charlotte will host the 2019 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament from February 25 – March 2, 2019 at Bojangles’ Coliseum and Spectrum Center, featuring the conference’s 13-member institutions, including its newest member Claflin University.

For more information about the 2019 CIAA Basketball Tournament please visit, TheCIAA.com.

About the CIAA

Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAA Tournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Bri Funte

CIAA

704-910-2133

bfunte@theciaa.com

Sharon Liggins

LIQUID SOUL For CIAA

818-207-5027

sharon@goliquidsoul.com

Martine Charles

LIQUID SOUL For CIAA                               

206-295-9114                                                          

martine@goliquidsoul.com

CIAA STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS 

Week 7: SWAC Soccer Players of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  – Alabama State forward Birgit Rijinders, Texas Southern defender Brooke Ianiero, and  Howard netminder Alayah Hightower have been recognized by the Southwestern Athletic Conference as soccer players of the week for their efforts during matches played Sept. 28-30.
SWAC Offensive Player of the Week – Rijinders tallied seven total points for the Lady Hornets, who remained unblemished in conference play following victories over Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State. The 5’2 junior led a historic day for Alabama State against the Lady Braves, as she collected a hat trick in a 10-0 rout of Alcorn, the most goals scored in a single game by Alabama State. She also added an assist in the contest.

SWAC Defensive Player of the Week – Ianiero led a tenacious effort by the Lady Tigers’ defense during back-to-back shutout wins over Jackson State and Southern. As a whole, TSU allowed 12 shots combined in the two contests. The 5’7 sophomore made her presence known offensively as well, scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime versus Jackson State, a contest she played every minute of. In all, the Niagara Falls, Ontario native played 181 total minutes.

SWAC Goalkeeper of the Week – Hightower picked up two shutout wins between the pipes for the Bison, as Howard defeated Grambling State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff this past weekend. The junior from Hanover, Md. Faced 21 total shots – 11 on the net – and stopped every attempt. Hightower has four clean sheet matches thus far this season, the most of any netminder in the league.

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Week 5: SWAC Football Players of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  –  Prairie View A&M redshirt junior quarterback Jalen Morton, Prairie View A&M redshirt senior defensive lineman Willie Green, Alcorn State junior kicker Corey McCullough and Alcorn State junior running back De’Shawn Waller were all named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Players of the Week in week five of the season for their outstanding play.

Offensive
Prairie View A&M
Jalen Morton (R-JR, QB, Arlington, Texas)
Morton secured the honor for a second consecutive week after he accounted for 341 yards and three touchdowns in the 22-16 win over Grambling State. Morton completed 23-34 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns (38, 80, 4), and rushed 13 times for 62 yards as PVAMU ended Grambling’s 26-game SWAC winning streak.

Defensive
Prairie View A&M
Willie Green (R-SR, DE, Birmingham, Ala.)
Green made career-high tying eight tackles with career highs in sacks (3.0) and tackles for loss (3.5) with one forced fumble in the Panthers’ 22-16 win over Grambling State.

Specialist
Alcorn State
Corey McCullough (JR, K/P, Louisville, Miss.)
McCullough was perfect for the Braves in field goal attempts to help Alcorn secure a 20-3 victory over Southern on its Homecoming. McCullough drilled 32-yarder in the second quarter and a 22-yarder in the fourth for an insurance tally. McCullough also punted three times in the rain for 109 yards. McCullough remained perfect on the season in field goal attempts.

Newcomer
Alcorn State
De’Shawn Waller (JR, RB, Atlanta, Ga.)
Waller scored the lone offensive touchdown for the Braves in their 20-3 victory over Southern on Saturday on the Jags Homecoming. Alcorn led 3-0 when Waller went high and leaped through the defensive line for a 1-yard score. Waller finished with a career-high 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on a team-high 14 carries.

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

WEEK 5: SIAC Football Players of the Week

ATLANTA, Georgia --McKinley Habersham (Albany State) was named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, while Davoris Thomas (Tuskegee) earned Defensive Player of the Week, released by the league office on Monday.
 
Jordy Andrade (Morehouse) was also tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week alongside Kelvin Murray (Morehouse) who earned Newcomer of the Week.
 
OFFENSIVE – McKinley Habersham, Albany State
Running Back  |  5’9  |  180  |  Savannah, Georgia
 
McKinley Habersham led the charge for the Golden Rams with a season high 140 yards on 15 touches. The first play of the second half came courtesy of Habersham, a 46-yard carry down to the Golden Bears' 26-yard line. After two called timeouts, Albany State sealed the win with a fourth down conversion on a one yard carry by Habersham.
 
DEFENSIVE – Davoris Thomas, Tuskegee
Linebacker  |  5’10  |  195  |  Mobile, Alabama
 
Thomas led Tuskegee's defense with 12 tackles, one tackle for a loss, a forced fumble and a game clinching fumble recovery that halted a late Lane drive in the 4th quarter with 1:07 left to play. The Mobile, Ala. native assisted the Golden Tigers in holding the Dragons scoreless for three quarters and only allowed 69 yards passing. TU's defense surrendered 183 yards of total offense.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS – Jordy Andrade, Morehouse
Punter  |  6’0  |  200  |  Union City, Georgia
 
The Morehouse freshman punter Jordy Andrade (Union City, Ga.) had an outstanding day in the Maroon Tigers come from behind victory over Kentucky State as he gave MHC the field position that they needed in the second half. Andrade finished the day with five punts for 184 yards an average of 36.8 yards per punt including three (3) punts inside the KSU 20 yard line and a long of 48 yards that pinned the Thorobreds deep in their own territory at the three yard line.
 
NEWCOMER – Kelvin Murray, Morehouse
Defensive Back  |  6’1  |  200  |  Orlando, Florida
 
The junior defensive back transfer led the defense in Saturdays come from behind victory over SIAC foe Kentucky State as he finished with three tackles and one key interception that he returned 14-yards to the KSU one yard line which set up the go ahead touchdown for the Maroon Tigers.
 
 OTHER PLAYERS NOMINATED
 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK	Santo Dunn (Morehouse); Danye Washington (Benedict); Roger Thomas (Clark Atlanta)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK	Robert Cummings (Benedict); Coemba Jones (Albany State); Brayce Mckinzie (Lane); Kirey Thompson (Clark Atlanta)
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK	Carlos Saldana (Clark Atlanta); Gabriel Ballinas (Albany State)
NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK	Tyrone Mixon (Clark Atlanta); Kevin Greenhow (Central State)

SIAC STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Thomas Named SIAC Defensive Player Of The Week

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Tuskegee University linebacker Davoris Thomas has been tabbed as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Defensive Player of the Week. The league office made the announcement Monday morning from Atlanta. 

HBCUGameday

Davoris Thomas

Tuskegee- Linebacker  |  5'10  |  195  |  Mobile, Alabama

Thomas led Tuskegee's defense with 12 tackles, one tackle for a loss, a forced fumble and a game clinching fumble recovery that halted a late Lane drive in the 4th quarter with 1:07 left to play. The Mobile, Ala. native assisted the Golden Tigers in holding the Dragons scoreless for three quarters and only allowed 69 yards passing. TU's defense surrendered 183 yards of total offense in the 17-8 win which gave the team its first conference win of the season.

Thomas is the fourth player in five weeks to be recognized by the league office. 

Saturday Tuskegee faces Morehouse College in the 83rd Annual Tuskegee/Morehouse Classic from Columbus, Ga.. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CST and the game can be seen live on ESPN3 with live audio coverage on the Tuskegee Digital Network

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN TIGERS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

FAMU Volleyball Takes First Place in MEAC Southern Division

Lady Rattlers down Aggies and Eagle on North Carolina weekend, taking first place in the MEAC Southern Division. #fangsup @MEACSports @FAMU_1887 pic.twitter.com/7SpK0pnZR6

— FAMU Athletics (@FAMUAthletics) October 1, 2018

MORE TO COME...

The Road to the Championship, HBCU Band Pageantry Week 5

Tennessee State Men's Basketball Holds First Official Practice of 2018-19 Season

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- With the first exhibition game just over a month away, the Tennessee State men’s basketball team held its first official practice of the 2018-19 season on Sunday night at the Gentry Center.

First-year Head Coach Brian “Penny” Collins, donning a Robert Covington Philadelphia 76ers jersey, guided the squad through the first full team workout.

Coming off a 15-15 record in 2017-18, the Tigers open the year with an Oct. 31 home exhibition game versus Tennessee Wesleyan before the season opener on Nov. 10 at Lipscomb. TSU features six returning letterwinners including seniors Armani Chaney and Stokley Chaffee Jr.

PHOTO GALLERY

TSU HEAD COACH BRIAN “PENNY” COLLINS
(thoughts on the first official practice)
“I think our guys’ spirit and energy has been on a high level from the summer all the way through preseason workouts. Tonight’s practice was really no different. They have that same spirit and energy - It was really high. Tonight was different because it’s the first time we practiced over an hour. Now they just need to know how to sustain it and have that energy for an entire practice, which is very similar to how it’s going to be in the game as well.”

(on if he puts a lot of thought behind it being his first official practice as TSU’s head coach)
“I really haven’t because we’ve been together so much. We’ve had over 30 opportunities to be on the court together, so to me, it’s just another day. We did a lot of new stuff today with our guys trying to get game ready. Anytime you’re doing new things, it’s a lot more teaching than playing, so today’s practice was a little choppy because of that.”

(on the focus of practice)
“I think the focus of today was just being able to maintain energy and keep that same energy from the beginning of practice all the way to the end. We’re just getting our bodies and minds ready for the grind and making them understand that it’s not going to be easy this year. We’re not going to be able to just show up and beat people. We have to outwork them in every aspect of the game and overcome adversity.”

(on the area he’s most impressed with his team)
“I think the best thing is that our guys care about each other, and they really want to get better. They’re sponges right now. They want to win, and they want to do something special. They’re playing hard for me. I think that’s the most important thing right now for our guys. I know one thing for sure – when we play a game, they’re going to play extremely hard for me, for themselves and for each other.”

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

FAMU Homecoming Gospel Concert

FAMUTube1887

Published on Sep 27, 2018

Join award-winning artists Fred Hammond, The Walls Group and the FAMU Gospel Choir this #FAMUHomecoming for #TheExperience you will never forget! Tickets available at the FAMU Box Office located at 1800 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32307 (General Admission $20.00, FAMU students $10.00, TCC and FSU students $15.00). General Admission tickets are also available at ticketmaster.com. Additional fees may apply. Tickets are going fast!