Howard University Athletics Announces Victoria Tyson as Softball Head Coach

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University Director of Athletics Kery Davis has announced the hiring of Victoria Tyson as the new head coach of the softball program.

Tyson comes to Howard from the University of Maryland College Park where she was the pitching coach.

"We are excited to welcome Victoria Tyson to the Bison program. She is a rising star in softball coaching circles with a demonstrated ability to recruit and teach the game at the highest levels," commented Davis. "She comes from a softball family and has learned the game from some of the best softball coaches in the country. She is now ready to lead our team not only on the field but in the classroom."

This year Tyson was named an assistant coach for the Chicago Bandits franchise of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. In this position she produced two undefeated pitchers in the NPF league. Additionally, the team had the second lowest staff ERA posted in franchise history.

At Maryland she assisted in leading the Terps to their first Big 10 appearance since 2015. Under her guidance the Terps' pitchers led the team to its first back to back conference series win.

Before Tyson joined the Terrapin staff she led Cal State Fullerton to two straight NCAA Regional appearances and two Big West Conference Championships. The pitchers she coached at Fullerton pitched 46 complete games with 24 shutouts. She had two of her pitchers go on that year to win Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year and Pitcher of the Year.

Tyson's added experience includes being assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman University where she spearheaded scouting reports on opponents, served as the recruiting coordinator and was the primary pitching coach training the 2015 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year.

During her time on the softball team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln she was a scholarship student-athlete and letter winner. Tyson played three years of softball where she trained under pitching coach Lori Sippel. She appeared in the 2009 NCAA Regional for the Cornhuskers and made 47 starts in 2010. She pitched her first two seasons as a Cornhusker and went on to become a team captain in 2011.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications Studies in 2012.

Brittany Bell Surratt, Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations
HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON SPORTS INFORMATION

GAME NOTES: #NCCU Football vs. Edward Waters

THE GAME
Edward Waters College "Tigers" vs. North Carolina Central University "Eagles" 

THE KICKOFF
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Kickoff at 2:00 p.m.

THE SITE
O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium (10,000 capacity / Mondoturf) - Durham, N.C.

THE RECORDS
N.C. Central (3-4 overall, 2-2 MEAC); Edward Waters (4-5, 2-3 Mid-South)

MEDIA COVERAGE
Audio: NCCU Sports Network "GameCentral" at NCCUEaglePride.com (internet stream). Broadcast starts at 1:40 p.m. (Carter Woodiel, play-by-play).
Video: ESPN3 (WatchESPN).

• GAME NOTES PDF
• PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

QUICK HITS
• Saturday will be NCCU's homecoming game.
• The Eagles have a 63-19-2 record (.762 winning percentage) on homecoming since 1931, including four consecutive victories.
• NCCU leads the series against Edward Waters 4-0. The Eagles have out-scored the Tigers 169-33 in the prior four contests, all played in Durham, N.C.
• NCCU is coming off a 28-13 road loss at Delaware State, ending a five-game win streak in the series with the Hornets.
• After winning back-to-back games to begin the month of October, Edward Waters has dropped its last two contests.
• First-year Edward Waters head coach Greg Ruffin joined the Tigers after spending the 2017 season as the tight ends coach at Bethune-Cookman University.
• NCCU leads the conference and ranks 35th in the NCAA Division I-FCS in tackles for loss with an average of 7.0 per game.
• NCCU tops the MEAC and ranks eighth in the nation in third-down conversion percentage defense (.286).
• NCCU boasts the top red-zone offense in the MEAC, scoring 92.0 percent of the time. The Eagles are 23-of-25 inside the 20-yard line, with 14 touchdowns and nine field goals.
• NCCU senior defensive lineman Darius Royster already has more tackles for loss than last season's team leaders (Roderick Harris and Antonio Brown with 8.5). Royster owns 10.5 takedowns behind the line of scrimmage (3rd in MEAC, 20th in FCS) and three forced fumbles (1st in MEAC, 4th in FCS).
• NCCU senior safety Davanta Reynolds, the Preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the STATS FCS Preseason All-America Team (Second Team), ranks third in the MEAC with 58 tackles (8.3 per game).
• Since the start of the 2012 season, NCCU has scored 38 touchdowns on defense and special teams, including three defensive scores last year and two this season.
• NCCU is under the direction of first-year head coach Granville Eastman, who accepted the interim role after Jerry Mack left to be the offensive coordinator at Rice.
• NCCU returns just nine starters (6 offense, 3 defense), but boasts nine members of the Preseason All-MEAC Team: First Team - DB Davanta Reynolds, RB Isaiah Totten, OL Nick Leverett, DL Kawuan Cox; Second Team - TE Josh McCoy, OL Andrew Dale, DL Randy Anyanwu; Third Team - WR Xavier McKoy, and DB De'Mario Evans.

ABOUT NCCU FOOTBALL
NCCU won three consecutive MEAC championships from 2014-16, and represented the MEAC in the 2016 Celebration Bowl versus Grambling in the Georgia Dome.
NCCU Recent Records:
2017: 7-4 overall, 5-3 MEAC
2016: 9-3 overall, 8-0 MEAC – MEAC champions
2015: 8-3 overall, 7-1 MEAC – MEAC co-champions
2014: 7-5 overall, 6-2 MEAC – MEAC co-champions

ABOUT EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE
Located in Jacksonville, Fla., Edward Waters College was founded in 1866 and currently enrolls more than 800 students. The Tigers compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as members of the Mid-South Conference.

THE SERIES
This will be the fifth football meeting between North Carolina Central University and Edward Waters College. NCCU has out-scored the Tigers 169-33 in the prior four contests, all played in Durham, N.C.

Oct. 30, 2010 NCCU 20, EWC 7 (Homecoming)
Sept. 29, 2001 NCCU 45, EWC 0
Aug. 27, 2005 NCCU 70, EWC 12
Nov. 1, 2008 NCCU 34, EWC 14 (Homecoming)

LAST WEEK
Delaware State 28, NCCU 13 (Dover, Del.) - Delaware State celebrated homecoming by rushing for 273 yards and two touchdowns during a 28-13 upset victory over NCCU on Oct. 27 at Alumni Stadium. The win was the first of the season for Delaware State (1-7, 1-4 MEAC) and snaps a five-game losing skid in the series with NCCU, dating back to 2010. NCCU's lone touchdown was a 24-yard run by sophomore quarterback Chauncey Caldwell early in the second quarter. He left the contest with 1:38 remaining in the first half due to an injury. Redshirt freshman kicker Adam Lippy accounted for the rest of the scoring for the Eagles with a pair of field goals and an extra-point conversion. Sophomore running back Isaiah Totten rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries, and sophomore receiver Nique Martin collected six receptions for 87 yards for NCCU. Defensively, senior safety Davanta Reynolds registered nine tackles, including an assisted stop for a loss, and his second interception of the season. Linemen Randy Anyanwu and Carl Isaac contributed seven takedowns apiece.

Southeastern University 44, Edward Waters 0 (Lakeland, Fla.) - After kicking a field goal in the first quarter, Southeastern University scored six touchdowns in the second and third quarters to cruise to a 44-0 win over Edward Waters. Southeastern amassed 393 yards of total offense, including 252 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, while holding Edward Waters to 158 total yards with 45 yards passing.

THE COACHES
NCCU: Granville Eastman (Saint Mary's, 1992) is in his first season as a college head coach. With 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to his credit, Eastman joined the NCCU staff in January 2014, serving as assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach until his promotion to interim head coach on Dec. 8, 2017. Prior to joining NCCU, Eastman spent nine seasons (2005-13) as the defensive coordinator at Austin Peay State University in Clarkesville, Tennessee. During his 11 total seasons at APSU, he coached defensive backs and linebackers, and also served as special teams coordinator (2003-04) and interim head coach (winter 2013). Eastman coached four seasons (1999-2002) at Tiffin University in Ohio, including the last three seasons as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, while working with defensive backs and defensive line during his tenure. A native of Toronto, Canada, Eastman secured his first coaching position at York University in his hometown, where he spent two seasons (1994-95) working with defensive backs. He then served as a defensive graduate assistant for three seasons (1996-98) at Arkansas State University, earning a master's degree in sociology in 1999. Eastman was a two-time all-city defensive back at Stephen Leacock High School in Toronto before attending Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he was a three-year letterman as a defensive back. Twice Saint Mary's played in national title games while he was there. Eastman earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's University in 1992.

Edward Waters: On December 14, 2017, Greg Ruffin (Lane College) was officially hired as the 14th head football coach in the history of the Edward Waters College football program. His 20-plus years of experience in turning programs around as a head coach at the Division II and NAIA levels and a position coach in at the FCS level made him the perfect selection for EWC. Ruffin joined Edward Waters after spending the 2017 season at Bethune-Cookman University as the tight ends coach. Ruffin's last head coaching job was at fellow NAIA HBCU Texas College in 2016. However, prior to his stint at Texas College, Ruffin was head coach for Paine College in the school's resurgence of football in 2013, after the program was dormant for more than 50 years.

EAGLES TURN DEFENSE, SPECIAL TEAMS INTO POINTS
Since the start of the 2012 season, the Eagles have demonstrated a knack for finding the end zone when the offense is off the field. In the past 76 games, NCCU has scored 38 touchdowns on defense and special teams, including two this season, three in 2017, three in 2016, six in 2015, five in 2014, nine in 2013 and 10 in 2012. In that time, the Eagles have made trips to the end zone on 14 punt returns, six kickoff returns, three blocked field goal returns, 11 interceptions and four fumble recoveries. 

LEVERETT RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
NCCU offensive lineman Nick Leverett is one of only 22 college football players selected for distinguished recognition on the 2018 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, as announced by Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association. The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has been one of the most esteemed honors in college football for more than 25 years, celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of college football student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. A native of Concord, North Carolina, Leverett is a two-time All-MEAC offensive lineman and team captain, a three-year graduate with a degree in criminal justice and a 3.37 overall grade point average, a campus leader, and an active participant in community service. Two other NCCU football student-athletes have earned distinction on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® in recent years, Jordan Reid (current NCCU running backs coach) in 2013 and Carl Jones in 2016.

NINE NCCU EAGLES VOTED TO PRESEASON ALL-MEAC TEAMS
Nine NCCU Eagles were voted to the Preseason All-MEAC Football Teams. Earning All-MEAC First Team honors for NCCU are Preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year senior defensive back Davanta Reynolds, sophomore running back Isaiah Totten, junior offensive lineman Nick Leverett, and junior defensive lineman Kawuan Cox. Three NCCU Eagles on the Preseason All-MEAC Second Team are senior tight end Josh McCoy, sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Dale, and senior defensive lineman Randy Anyanwu. Receiving Preseason All-MEAC Third Team honors are junior wide receiver Xavier McKoy and senior defensive back De'Mario Evans.

THREE NCCU EAGLES ON HBCU PLAYER OF THE YEAR WATCH LIST
Three NCCU Eagles – senior safety Davanta Reynolds, sophomore running back Isaiah Totten and freshman running back Jamal Currie-Elliott - are among the 52 student-athletes from 25 different HBCUs to be named to the 2018 Watch List for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award, the Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced Wednesday. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University. The winner of the 2018 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be honored with the Deacon Jones Trophy during the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which takes place on Feb. 16, 2019 in Atlanta. Four finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 29.

LONG SNAPPER SCHLECKER EARNS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA HONOR
NCCU senior long snapper Erik Schlecker was named to the HERO Sports 2018 FCS Preseason All-American Team. A native of Sunrise, Florida, Schlecker earned a spot on the FCS Preseason All-American Third Team for achieving a 99 percent success rate on his snaps with only one errant snap in the past two seasons at NCCU. The transfer from ASA College also boasts a snap time average of 0.75 seconds. To his credit, each NCCU teammate Schlecker has snapped for during the 2016 and 2017 seasons – two placekickers and a punter – has garnered all-conference recognition.

ABOUT NCCU FOOTBALL
North Carolina Central University is in its eighth season of full NCAA Division I (FCS) athletics competition as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Eagles have won 13 conference championships as members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (1953, 1954, 1956, 1961, 1963, 1980, 2005, 2006) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (1972, 1973, 2014, 2015, 2016), and have made three appearances in the NCAA playoffs (1988, 2005, 2006). The Eagles won back-to-back football conference championships and a Black College National Championship in their final two years in the Division II ranks (2005 and 2006) before starting the transition to Division I in 2007. During its storied gridiron tradition, NCCU has produced 140 all-conference selections (first team), 67 all-Americans, 41 NFL draft picks, 13 conference championships and two Black College National Championships (1954, 2006). Two Eagles have represented NCCU on the National Football League's grandest stage - the Super Bowl. The first NCCU Eagle to make a Super Bowl appearance was Richard Sligh, who was a reserve tackle with the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 14, 1968. Sligh, who holds the distinction as the tallest player in NFL history (7'0"), played at NCCU from 1962-64 and was later drafted by the Raiders in the 10th round of the 1967 NFL draft. On Jan. 24, 1982, former NCCU Eagle Louis Breeden was a starting cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI against the San Francisco 49ers. Earlier in the season (Nov. 8, 1981), Breeden intercepted a pass thrown by San Diego Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts and returned it a team-record 102 yards for a touchdown. The following year, he was selected as a First-Team All-Pro. He completed his 10-year NFL career with 33 interceptions for 558 return yards and two touchdowns. The first Eagle selected in the NFL Draft was Matt Boone, who was taken by the Giants with the eighth pick in the 18th round in 1956. The latest Eagle announced during the NFL Draft was Ryan Smith, who was chosen by the Buccaneers in the fourth round in 2016. NCCU's highest draft pick was Doug Wilkerson, who was selected in the first round with the 14th overall pick of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Oilers. The Eagles have also had three second-round NFL draft picks, including Robert Massey in 1989 by the Saints, Charles Smith in 1975 by the Broncos and Chuck Hinton in 1962 by the Browns. HBCU football pioneer John Brown, who represented NCCU (then North Carolina College) on the gridiron in the 1940s, was one of the first to play professional football out of a historically black college or university. Brown shares the honor with Ezzret Anderson of Kentucky State and Elmore Harris of Morgan State, who all began their professional football careers in 1947. Brown and Anderson were teammates on the Los Angeles Dons, while Harris was a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. According to NCCU records, Brown was the first of the three to sign a professional football contract. He played center and linebacker with the Dons from 1947-49, before moving to the Canadian Football League.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY EAGLES SPORTS INFORMATION

Second Half Surge Pushes Rattlers Past EWC, 62-57

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The FAMU Men's Basketball team opened the 2018-19 campaign Thursday night with a come-from-behind 62-57 exhibition win over visiting Edward Waters (Fla.) College of Jacksonville at the Al Lawson Center.

FAMU rode a 34-24 second half surge to overcome the Tigers' 33-28 halftime lead.

Setting the pace for the Rattlers were the trio of Bryce Moragne, who led with 18 points, followed by Justin Ravenel with 15 and M.J. Randolph with 10 points. Rod Melton and Kamron Reaves led the Rattlers in rebounding with seven boards apiece.

Markel Williams led the Tigers with 16 points, followed by Will Ibeh with a double double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Jontavius Littles added 10 points for the Tigers.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Rattlers open their regular season slate on Tuesday on the road against the Jacksonville University Dolphins. Start time will be 7:00 p.m.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLERS' SPORTS INFORMATION

MEAC Set to Host Women in Athletics Workshop

Information Flyer | Registration Form

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host the Women in Athletics Professional Development Workshop “Empowering the Pipeline” on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 10-11, 2018, at the Omni at CNN Center in Atlanta, Ga. in conjunction with the week of activities leading up to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl.

Sponsored by Coca-Cola, this workshop is for women who are interested in becoming an athletic administrator or looking to improve their careers in athletic administration, and it will serve as a tremendous professional development and networking opportunity.

“The Women in Athletics workshop continues the MEAC’s mission of providing opportunities and positive experiences for women who aspire to have a career in athletic administration,” MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas said. “I encourage all to attend what will be an informative networking opportunity.”

The MEAC has plenty of progressive, talented innovators and thinkers presenting – including, but not limited to: Natara Holloway of the NFL; Angel Brown of iHeart Media; Dr. Katrice Albert, Executive Vice President of Inclusion and Human Resources with the NCAA; Jennifer Williams, Director of Athletics at Alabama State University; Sherie Cornish Gordon, Director of Athletics at Albany State University and various MEAC Senior Woman Administrators.

“This workshop has diverse speakers from collegiate and professional sports to corporate America who will share their experiences and advice for women to improve themselves professionally and personally,” Sonja O. Stills, MEAC Senior Associate Commissioner and Senior Woman Administrator, said.

“Coca Cola continues to integrate an initiative to unite and empower women through their partnership with the MEAC," Allie Butler, Marketing Asset Manager-Colleges and Universities for Coca-Cola, said. "We are so excited to be a part of the 2018 Women’s Professional Development Workshop, 'Empowering the Pipeline.' It is important to support events that equip women with the business skills to face and overcome barriers to reach success.”

This workshop, heading into its 10th year, is open to students, coaches, athletic staff members, conference office staff, or any woman interested in advancing in the field of athletics.

Registration closes Monday, Dec. 3. For more information, contact Stills at stillss@themeac.com.

About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) begins its 48th year of intercollegiate competition heading into the 2018-19 academic school year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is made up of 12 outstanding historically black institutions across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Savannah State University and South Carolina State University.

MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

SWAC Championship moving could cost Birmingham millions in lost economic impact

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship (SWAC) announced it was moving it's football conference championship game away from Birmingham's Legion Field because of a potential scheduling conflict with the UAB football team. The move could cost the City of Birmingham millions in lost economic impact.

SWAC commissioner Dr. Charles McLelland estimated the game would ...

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Alabama State Volleyball Hands Alabama A&M 1st Conference Loss

First conference loss of 2018 for the Bulldogs; Lady Hornets clinch No. 2 seed

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama | The moment was never too big. Not for this Alabama State volleyball team. Despite relinquishing a two set lead, the Lady Hornets displayed an aura of calm amidst the chaos in the final set and gave Alabama A&M its first conference loss of 2018 with a dramatic five-set (25-19, 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 15-8) victory in front of a raucous crowd at T.M. Elmore Gymnasium.

"We have been in these moments before and it didn't overwhelm our team tonight," Alabama State head coach Penny Lucas-White said. "There were some calls down the stretch that could have gone the other way and maybe we could have won in three or four sets, but, having to go to five, we came out really strong and made a statement. That statement is that this Alabama State team is who they are, and who they are is who they have always been. They are winners."

With one regular-season contest remaining, the Lady Hornets (18-17, 15-2 SWAC) are assured the No. 2 seed at the conference tournament while the Lady Bulldogs (20-13, 16-1) clinched the regular-season title and the No. 1 seed despite tonight's loss. This is due to the game differential tie-breaker. AAMU defeated ASU in four games during its victory earlier in the season, while ASU needed five games to beat AAMU tonight, rendering the result of the final regular season SWAC contest inconsequential to the final standings.

BOX SCORE

Junior Bayle' Bennett led the charge with 18 kills and five blocks and now has 902 career-kills. Taira Cottingham supplemented the Lady Hornets with a pivotal third hitter and put down 11-of-17 attacks (.471) in addition to four blocks. Krysta Medearis spiked home 15 attacks, Kori Kutsch grabbed another double-double (43 assists, 12 digs) and Alabama State dominated statistically, outhitting Alabama A&M (.289 - .171) and swatting 12 blocks to just four for the Bulldogs.

Both teams exchanged the lead multiple times in the opening frame as Payten Clark (seven total blocks) swatted back three Bulldogs' attacks and Cottingham put down three early kills to force a 10-10 tie. After falling behind 13-16, Lucas-White used a timeout that ignited a 5-0 run, with senior Candace Martin making her presence known, sandwiching a kill and block around an Alabama A&M error. Alabama State dominated the stanza from that point forward as Medearis capped the frame with an emphatic spike. The Lady Hornets outhit Alabama A&M .280 - .000 in the opener and amassed five blocks to the Bulldogs' one. Medearis (four kills), Cottingham (three) and Kutsch (10 assists) starred for Alabama State. The dropped set was the first for Alabama A&M in seven matches.

The Lady Hornets carried the momentum in to the initial stages of the second set, building a 14-9 lead behind a complete-team effort as numerous players got in on the action. Following a Maya Evans' service ace to trim the Lady Hornets' lead down to 19-17, Medearis hammered back-to-back kills to spark a thunderous 6-0 run to win the stanza, capped by two service aces from senior Kayla Torres. Alabama State once again dominated the stat sheet, hitting a stout .385 to the Bulldogs' .261. Medearis picked up four additional kills while Kutsch assisted on ten attacks. The Lady Hornets also committed just one service error and picked up four aces in the set.

Alabama A&M grabbed the opening point of a set for the first time in the third frame before the Lady Hornets built on an early 8-3 lead. The hosts would not go down without a fight, using a 7-1 run to regain the lead. Following a 13-12 Alabama A&M lead, tense moments followed with four lead changes and six ties as the teams edged to a 25-25 tie. The Lady Hornets lost a golden opportunity with the chance at set point on two occasions before dropping the match, 27-25. Bennett put down six kills in the stanza and for the first time the Bulldogs outhit Alabama State (.211 - .114).

An Alabama A&M error gave the Lady Hornets an early 3-2 lead in the fourth set; however, the advantage was short-lived when the Lady Bulldogs used two runs (5-0 and 4-1) to grab a 17-13 lead and force a Lady Hornets timeout. Bennett grabbed a late block and kill as Alabama State once again used their veteran moxie to force another Bulldogs' timeout at 21-23. Despite a heroic effort and outhitting Alabama A&M by .200 percentage points (.400 - .200), the Bulldogs won the set and overcame five blocks from a contingent of Lady Hornets.

Kutsch propelled a 5-0 run in the deciding fifth set to force an early timeout and Bennett and Medearis continued the onslaught with four points sandwiched around a Bulldogs' error, stretching the Lady Hornets lead out to 10-3. With a cool and loose confidence indicative of the entire match, Martin calmly spiked two late kills before an Alabama A&M error gave Alabama State the match.

The Lady Hornets will play their final regular-season conference match Monday, November 5, at Jackson State before closing out the season at home on November, 7 against Florida A&M.

Follow the Lady Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State volleyball, follow the Lady Hornets on social media at @BamaStateVB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State Athletics at BamaStateSports.com.

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Hall of Fame Ceremony to remain in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Though the 2018 Toyota SWAC Football Championship has relocated to the campus of the highest-ranking divisional champion, the 2018 Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame reception will remain in Birmingham.

Seven of the league’s most integral contributors – Alcorn State’s Dave Washington, Jr., Alabama State's Larry Watkins, Grambling State's Ralph A. Garr, Sr., Jackson State’s Eric Strothers, Prairie View A&M's Nathaniel Gross, Southern's Roger Cador, and longtime league administrator Lonza Hardy – are set to be enshrined on Nov. 30 at The Sheraton in Birmingham, Ala. The induction ceremony begins with a reception at 6 p.m.

The newest members of the Hall of Fame were selected from a list of nominees who were submitted by his or her respective institution. The nominees were then elected for induction by the selection committee from members appointed by SWAC Presidents and Chancellors.



The SWAC Hall of Fame induction ceremony has been held as a marquee event as part the lead-up to the Toyota SWAC Football Championship game. To date, 239 esteemed individuals have received the conference's highest honor in recognition of their accomplishments within the conference and the indelible mark made on the league's rich history.

SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Gold Nuggets clinch tie for GCAC regular-season title

NEW ORLEANS — Four Xavier University of Louisiana players combined for 32 kills and a .410 hitting percentage Thursday and helped the Gold Nuggets score a 25-13, 25-18, 25-8 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball victory against Tougaloo.
     
The Gold Nuggets (23-6, 13-0), clinched a tie for the GCAC regular-season championship — their eighth in a row. They'll win the title outright with a victory against Tougaloo in the regular-season finale at 1 p.m. Sunday in Tougaloo, Miss. If Tougaloo wins, XULA and the Lady Bulldogs will share the championship.
     
The GCAC Tournament will be Nov. 9-10 at SUNO. Winner of that event will earn the GCAC's automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship tournament, which will begin Nov. 17.
     
Kayla Black had nine kills and hit .353 for XULA. Elena Duru had eight kills and hit .462, Vivica Price-Spraggins had eight kills and hit .389, and Jaida Dowd had seven kills and hit .462.
     
The Gold Nuggets encountered drama only in the second set, where they rallied from 10-5 and 14-10 deficits. XULA opened the match with a 15-4 run and earned its fifth consecutive victory after scoring 11 of the final 12 points.

BOX SCORE
     
"We controlled the ball better at the end of the second set," XULA head coach Pat Kendrick said. "and made fewer unforced errors, which gave us an opportunity to come back."
     
Carolyne Edwards had five kills, eight digs and three blocks for the Lady Bulldogs (18-13, 12-1), who are 0-17 all-time against XULA.
     
Other XULA contributors were Angele McClain with five kills and two blocks, Taylor Ducros with 13 digs, and Marine Angely with three kills and seven digs. Eva Le Guillou had 23 assists, and Tiffany Phillipshad 14. Le Guillou and Beatrice Formilan served two aces apiece.
     
XULA outhit Tougaloo .315 to minus-.116 and had advantages of 42-13 in kills, 6-3 in aces and 42-33 in digs.
    
"We played fairly steady throughout the match," Kendrick said. "We're looking forward to playing them again on Sunday."

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
XULAgold.com
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Gold Rush beat Carver; next is No. 10 William Carey

NEW ORLEANS — Rayshawn Mart scored a career-high 22 points Thursday to lead NAIA No. 23 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 79-62 men's basketball victory against Carver.
     
The Gold Rush (3-0) won for the 23rd consecutive time in a home opener. Attendance was 1,204, XULA's most for a home opener since the 2012 debut of the Convocation Center.
     
XULA will play host to NAIA No. 10 William Carey at 7 p.m. Monday.
     
Mart, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year last season, was 9-of-14 from the floor and tied a career high by making 3-of-4 3-pointers. He had five steals to match a career high, and he grabbed seven rebounds.
     
Ed Carter was 7-of-9 from the floor and scored a season-high 16 points for XULA, Ahmed 

Coulibalyscored 10, and William Loyd had eight points and nine rebounds. Coulibaly made a pair of 3-pointers and is 6-of-6 from long range in the last two games.
     
Coulibaly and Donovan Armstrong had three steals apiece.

BOX SCORE
     
Rayford Washington scored 14 points, Antonio Gardner 12 and Tyler Thornton 11 for the Cougars (0-2), a National Christian College Athletic Association member from Atlanta. Carver is 0-11 all-time against XULA.
     
Gardner grabbed eight rebounds, and Merdy Mongozi blocked six shots.
     
XULA led wire-to-wire, 40-20 at halftime and 48-22 when Coulibaly made a 3 with 18:11 remaining. Carver rallied to trail by nine points twice in the final six minutes, then the Gold Rush ended the game on a 12-4 run.
     
"We made 11 3's for the second straight game, which I liked," XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. "We won the rebounding war and forced (Carver) into 19 turnovers. Second half we lost some focus — we did that for the third straight game — but that will be corrected. Defensively when we lock in, we can be special."
     
XULA outshot Carver 45.1 to 41.2 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Cougars 39-31.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
XULAgold.com
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Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Announced

ATLANTA, Georgia  -- The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced its 10th Class today – the Class of 2019. Seven inductees were selected from a list of 25 Finalists who had been determi
ned earlier by the BCFHOF Selection Committee.

The Class of 2019 includes Emerson Boozer (Maryland Eastern Shore), Hugh Douglas (Central State), Rich “Tombstone” Jackson (Southern), Frank Lewis (Grambling State), Timmy Newsome (Winston-Salem State), John Taylor (Delaware State) as player inductees, and Coach Arnett “Ace” Mumford (Jarvis Christian College, Bishop College, Texas College and Southern University).

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we congratulate the Class of 2019,” said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee Doug Williams. “To be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in its first 10 years is quite an honor. Just take a look at those historical names.”

Votes were tallied from the 12-member Selection Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, commentators and historians, as well as former NFL General Managers and executives, and from previous BCFHOF inductees to determine the Inductees.

The Class of 2019 will be honored at the 10th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons on February 16, 2019. The Induction Ceremony takes place at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Inductees will also be recognized at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on December 15th. For more information please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.

EMERSON BOOZER (Player)
Running Back … University of Maryland Eastern Shore (1962-1965) … Two-time First Team All-American … SWAC Hall of Fame … Selected by the New York Jets in 6th round of the 1966 AFL Draft … Also selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 7th round of the 1966 NFL Draft … Jets (1966-1975) … 10 seasons … Two-time AFL All-Star … All-AFL (1967) … Led league in rushing touchdowns (1967) … Won an AFL Championship (1968) and Super Bowl III … Member of the New York Jets Ring of Honor and the College Football Hall of Fame … Born on July 4, 1943 in Augusta, Georgia.

HUGH DOUGLAS (Player)
Defensive End … Central State University (1992-1994) … A two-time NAIA Division I All-American … Made 42 sacks in 32 games in a three-year collegiate career … Led his team to an NAIA national championship in 1992 … Selected by the New York Jets with the 16th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft … NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1995) … Jets (1995-1997) … Philadelphia Eagles (1998-2002; 2004) … Jacksonville Jaguars (2003) … Three-time Pro Bowl Selection … Two-time First Team All-Pro … Born on August 23, 1971 in Mansfield, Ohio.

RICH “TOMBSTONE” JACKSON (Player)
Defensive End … Southern University (1962-1965) … Was a standout on both sides of the football and on the track team, where he won the NAIA Shot-Put competition in 1962 … Still holds the Louisiana collegiate record for Shot-Put (58’ 1”) … Undrafted free agent … Oakland Raiders (1966) … Denver Broncos (1967-1972) … Cleveland Browns (1972) … Seven seasons … Three-time Pro Bowl Selection … Three-time First Team All-Pro … Finished career as the Broncos all-time leader in sacks … Inaugural member of the Broncos Ring of Fame … Born July 22, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

FRANK LEWIS (Player)Wide Receiver
Wide Receiver … Grambling State University (1967-1970) … Helped Grambling to the 1968 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title … In 1969, led Grambling in rushing and receiving yards … Scored 42 total touchdowns in college … Three-time All-SWAC at receiver … Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1st Round of the 1971 NFL Draft (8th overall pick) … Steelers (1971-1977) … Buffalo Bills (1978-1983) … 13 seasons … Pro Bowl selection (1981) … Two-time Super Bowl Champion … Born July 4, 1947 in Houma, Louisiana.

TIMMY NEWSOME (Player)
Running Back … Winston-Salem State University (1976-1979) … Led the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in rushing and scoring three seasons … Three-time CIAA Offensive Player of the Year … Two-time Division II All-American … Under head coach Bill Hayes, Newsome led the Rams to undefeated seasons in 1978 and 1979 … Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 6th Round of the 1980 NFL Draft … Cowboys (1980-1988) … CIAA Hall of Fame … Winston-Salem State University Athletic Hall of Fame … Born May 17, 1958 in Ahoskie, North Carolina.

JOHN TAYLOR (Player)
Wide Receiver … Delaware State University (1983-1985) … Scored 42 touchdowns at Delaware State, including 15 his senior season, both Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) records … Holds MEAC record for most career points (254) … MEAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1985 … Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 3rd Round of the 1986 NFL Draft … 49ers (1987-1995) … Two-time Pro Bowl Selection … Three-time Super Bowl Champion … NFL 1980s All-Decade Team … Delaware Sports Hall of Fame … Born March 31, 1962 in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey.

ARNETT “ACE” MUMFORD (Coach)
Jarvis Christian College (1924-1926), Bishop College (1927-1929), Texas College (1931-1935), Southern University (1936-1961) … Led the Southern Jaguars football team to five black national championships … All-time winningest football coach at Southern … Won or shared 11 SWAC Championships at Southern … Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001 … Also coached Southern to the 1941 black national championship in basketball … Retired with a record of 195-104-2 … Born November 26, 1898 … Died April 28, 1962.

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SIAC Cross Country Championships Race To Rock Hill

ROCK HILL, South Carolina – A champion will be crowed this Friday as thirteen Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) teams head to Rock Hill, S.C. for the 2018 SIAC Cross Country Championship race.

The men will run an 8K at 8:00 a.m. and the women will take the field for their 5K at 9:00 a.m.

In last year’s competition, Morehouse College claimed their 22nd men’s champions title in 24 years and finished with a team score of 42 points. Six of seven Morehouse runners finished in the top 20, including three student-athletes who placed in the top 10.

On the women’s side, Albany State clinched the women’s championship title as they had four runners in the top 10 which includes Channelle Wong, Aaliyah Howard, Lauryn Wilson and Shanya Washington.

After the completion of each race, the top 10 individuals will be named to the SIAC All-Conference team.

The SIAC Cross Country Championship will take place Friday, Nov. 2 at Winthrop University Coliseum on the campus of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C.

The two championship teams (one men, one women) will represent the conference in the 2018 NCAA Fall Festival which is slated for Nov. 17 or Nov. 18.

For more information on the 2018 SIAC Cross Country Championship, click here.

SIAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. Linda Person Appointed VSU Faculty Athletics Representative

ETTRICK, Virginia -- Dr. Linda Person department chair and Associate Professor of the Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport Management has been appointed faculty athletics representative.

Person replaces Dr. Corey Davis as the (FAR).

"Virginia State University and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association set high academic standards for student-athletes, and faculty oversight is one key to meeting and maintaining those standards," said Peggy Davis, Athletics Director.

The faculty athletics representative (FAR) plays an important role on college campuses, providing oversight of the academic integrity of the athletics program and serving as an advocate for student-athlete well-being.

Dr. Person earned her bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Virginia State University and master's degree in education and doctoral degree in pedagogy from Virginia Tech. She currently holds American Red Cross Instructor Trainer, Water Safety, Driver Education, First Aid and Lifeguard Tennis Specialist certifications. Linda was inducted in the VSU Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. In addition, she served as a member of the coaching staff for the past (23) years. She most recently served as the Head Women's Tennis Coach. She was named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tennis Coach of the Year seven times (2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017).

Under her leadership the Women's Tennis team were named Divisional Champions nine times (1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017). In 2008, the women's tennis program claimed the CIAA Championship Title and advanced to National Collegiate Athletic Association Regionals two consecutive years (2008, 2009).

"I am delighted to be appointed as a faculty athletics representative for Virginia State University. I'm looking forward to working with Peggy Davis and the athletic staff to assure the academic integrity of our athletics program and support the academic goals of our student-athletes," Person said.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

CIAA Invites Fans to Live the Legacy at the 2019 Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament

Tickets on Sale Nov. 1 at Ticketmaster

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®), the nation’s first African-American athletic conference, will host the 2019 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament in Charlotte, NC, February 25 – March 2, 2019. Ranked 3rd among the most attended and anticipated NCAA events, the CIAA Basketball Tournament currently draws over 150,000 fans.

The tournament will feature the conference’s 13-member institutions, including its newest member Claflin University. This year’s 24-game bracket will begin at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Monday evening, Feb. 25, to accommodate a new round of games and will conclude with the highly-anticipated championship semi-finals and finals at the Spectrum Center on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2.

Tickets for the 2019 tournament go on sale Thursday, Nov. 1 at Ticketmaster.com. All-Session 24-game packages start at $200 and include all men’s and women’s games beginning Monday, February 25 – Wednesday, February 27th at Bojangles’ Coliseum and at the Spectrum Center from Thursday, February 28 to Saturday, March 2nd. Single-session tickets will go on sale in early February. The CIAA Tournament will again offer both open seating options to get close to the action as well as reserved sections in center court, Founder’s Level and Courtside. Proceeds from all ticket sales support scholarships for students attending CIAA member schools.

As part of its 2019 “Live the Legacy” campaign, the CIAA is offering a variety of ticket packages to suit a variety of budgets. On sale Nov. 1-22, the 1912 Legacy Package includes 3 hotel nights for the price of 2 nights with an all-session pass. More packages will be announced throughout the season.

Single and multi-day 16, 18 and 22 seat suites are also available to sororities, fraternities, businesses, and for family and friend reunions at the Spectrum Center at approximately
$90 per person. To reserve a suite, contact the CIAA Office at (704) 910-2133. Additional ticket package sales and information can be found at www.ciaatournament.org.

For the best available lodging rates at more than 25 hotels in the Uptown Charlotte area, tournament attendees are encouraged to utilize Conference Direct, the CIAA’s hotel booking partner. Lodging options are within a short walk, Lynx rail stop, or quick car ride to Bojangles’ Coliseum, Spectrum Center, Charlotte Convention Center, and the EpiCentre where official CIAA events will be hosted. Hotel reservations can be made online at www.ciaatournament.org or via phone at 844-293-6678 on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In 2018, the CIAA Basketball Tournament brought over 150,000 fans to Charlotte during the week of competition with an economic impact of $50.5 million. Since 2000, the CIAA has generated more than $650 million in economic impact and an average of $500 million in the state of North Carolina.

Special “Live the Legacy” Ticket Packages, Single and Multi-Day Suites Available To Businesses, Fans and Families At CIAA Rates on First Come, First Served Basis

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 CIAATournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA)
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles’ Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand, ‘Charlotte’s got a lot.' For more information, visit charlottesgotalot.com.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS