These are the results you get when you continue to uphold the standard of #eXcellence! #TheEdvocate ranked #XULA as one of the top Catholic institutions of higher learning in #America and one of the #top schools in the south! Congratulations #xula fam! https://t.co/xQvv200suV pic.twitter.com/2rpSpaeU3p
— Xavier Univ. of LA (@XULA1925) May 10, 2019
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Friday, May 10, 2019
These are the results you get when you continue to uphold the standard of Excellence!!
XULA, USC launch physical therapy partnership
NEW ORLEANS — The physical therapy profession has a diversity problem. Even as the U.S. population grows ever more diverse, the profession's racial demographics have remained relatively unchanged. Today, nearly 80 percent of all practicing physical therapists are white, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
That's a problem the University of Southern California's Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and Xavier University of Louisiana aim to tackle, thanks to a new partnership between one of the nation's top-ranked physical therapy programs and one of the nation's top historically black colleges. The partnership is designed to create a pipeline for XULA students to complete their prerequisite courses, gain valuable hands-on experience and develop mentoring relationships with their future USC faculty members.
"We ultimately want our profession to represent our patient population in every facet," said Instructor of Clinical Physical Therapy Terry Richardson, a 2008 XULA graduate and Gold Rush tennis standout who helped forge the unique partnership. "We specifically wanted to partner with XULA because they have been No. 1 in the U.S. for placing African American students in health professional schools for well over 20 years. We're looking for creative, innovative ways to bring greater diversity to physical therapy,"
Richardson serves as a faculty adviser for the Physical Therapy Multicultural Leadership Alliance at USC.
Last summer, Xavier senior Keairez Coleman, a biology major from Harrisville, Miss., and Mendanhall High School, helped pave the way for the then-prototypical partnership by attending a summer program at USC as a McNair Scholar, a federal program designed to increase the number of graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. Coleman, who competed in track and field at XULA, has been accepted into USC's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, beginning this fall.
Coleman has since passed the program baton to another XULA student, Adili Rikondjia, a junior psychology/premed major from Inglewood, Calif., and Culver City High School and a member of the XULA volleyball team. Rikondja will head to USC for an eight-week visit this summer, helping to further flesh out the fledgling program. Eventually the two schools hope to enroll 5-7 students in the program each year.
"My hope is that, thanks to this partnership, more Xavier students will include physical therapy while thinking about careers in health care," said Xavier Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Anne McCall. "In the process, they will further diversify this important profession and help us fulfill our mission of contributing to a more just and humane society."
Under the new program, XULA students can apply to USC's Early Assurance Program (EAP) during the spring of their sophomore year. To be eligible, they must be committed to a physical therapy career, and have at least a 3.2 overall and science GPA. USC invites the most qualified candidates to interview on campus the summer before their junior year, taking into consideration their academic performance, background, diverse experiences and perspectives, leadership potential, maturity, strong letters of support and a passion for service. Once accepted, the students will begin receiving mentorship and individualized attention from USC faculty members to help them maintain academic success and become leaders in their field. They will also be offered summer opportunities to gain research and clinical experience.
"This partnership will create room for learning opportunities that can't be found in a textbook," said Richardson, "which is why partnerships like these are so important in higher education."
After graduating from Xavier, EAP students will be admitted to USC's DPT program as long as they have maintained their 3.2 GPA, finished all the program's prerequisite courses, and completed a minimum of 150 hours of clinical experience in a physical therapy setting.
Like Coleman before her, Rikondjia hopes to be yet another building block for the program.
"I hope to serve as a role model for other Xavier students interested in the field," said Rikondjia. "I have two mentees at Xavier who will be eligible in 2020 to be part of the actual first class to participate in the program. It means the world to me to know that I have paved the way for other deserving students."
Rikondjia first became interested in physical therapy after suffering an ankle injury during volleyball practice in high school. Thanks to treatment she received at Kaiser Permanente, she was back out on the court a year later, getting recruited by colleges.
After high school, Rikondjia found herself back at Kaiser Permanente, this time working in the Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program.
"It was meaningful to shadow and learn from the same physical therapists who rehabilitated me back to good health," she said. "I appreciated their empathy, wide realm of knowledge and enthusiastic attitudes toward their profession."
It was during this internship that Rikondjia received advice from a trailblazer: Renee Rommero, the first African American to graduate from USC's post-professional doctor of physical therapy program.
"On my last day, she told me that I had the potential to accomplish anything I set my mind to," Rikondjia said. "Representation is important. When I finish school, I hope that my presence in the field will inspire other minorities to pursue physical therapy as a profession."
By XULA Institutional Advancement
Mississippi state champion is Gold Nuggets' 1st signee
Bashir, a left-hander, was the 2018 Mississippi Tennis Association Female Player of the Year. She received four of a possible five stars at tennisrecruiting.net and has a Univeral Tennis Rating of 9.
"I'm really looking forward to Lailaa joining us next year," 16th-year coach Alan Green said. "She's had an extensive junior career where she's played a ton of national tournaments. Her experience will help her transition to college tennis, and I believe she will make an immediate impact for the Nuggets. We are very fortunate to get her."
Bashir won individual championships in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools four straight years — including a doubles title this season with Emory Laseter — and helped the Lady Raiders win four consecutive state team titles. Bashir was a member of the Jackson Clarion Ledger newspaper's all-state team each of the past three seasons.
Bashir has won approximately 50 age-group singles and doubles championships, including a Southern Closed singles title in 2011.
XULA, an NAIA national semifinalist four of the last six seasons, will play Wednesday in Mobile, Ala., as the No. 3 seed in the round of 16 at the national tournament.
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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UAB’s 2019 season opener vs. Alabama State at Legion Field will kick at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 29.
2019 ALABAMA STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE🚨 SCHEDULE ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨— UAB Football (@UAB_FB) May 10, 2019
UAB’s 2019 season opener vs. Alabama State at Legion Field will kick at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 29. pic.twitter.com/9wnLcLaow1
2019 UAB FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Angel qualifies for NAIA nationals in men's high jump
Angel, an All-American in this event a year ago, became the ninth from XULA this season and the second on the men's team to qualify for the NAIA National Outdoor Championships May 23-25 at Gulf Shores, Ala.
Angel, the school record holder at 2.07 meters/6-9 1/2, finished second in the event.
XULA competed in eight events but produced no other qualifying marks. Alexis Williamswon the women's 800-meter run in 2 minutes, 28.86 seconds, and Ky'Reon McBridefinished the women's 400 in 59.14. Both times were their bests at XULA.
XULA's previous qualifiers for nationals were Shalysa Wray (100, 200, 400, 400 relay, 1,600 relay), Ariel Ford (100, 200, 400, 1,600 relay), Alexis Milton (100, 400 relay), Raven Riley (1,600 relay), Williams (1,600 relay), Raven Davis (400 relay) and Justyce Riggs (400 relay) from the women's team, and Brandon Matthews (triple jump) on the men's.
Here are all XULA results from the William Carey Last Chance meet:
Women
400: Ky'Reon McBride, 7th in 59.14
800: Alexis Williams, 1st in 2:28.86; Ky'Reon McBride, did not finish
Men
100: Jordan Ashmore, 7th in 11.59
200: Jordan Ashmore, 7th in 23.35
800: Kadeem Burton, 2nd in 1:59.66
Discus: Evan Simmons, 3rd in 39.08 meters (128 feet, 2 inches)
High Jump: Edward Angel, 2nd in 2.02 meters (6 feet, 7 1/2 inches)
Triple Jump: Brandon Matthews, 4th in 13.74 meters (45 feet, 1 inch)
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Lady Braves Bow Out of SWAC Championships Friday
Lady Braves Bow Out of SWAC Championships Friday https://t.co/u7LTCW8UmJ
— Alcorn Sports (@BRAVESSPORTS) May 11, 2019
Watch the Big South OTF Championship award ceremony LIVE! Hampton University Win Men and Women OTF Championships
Watch the #BigSouthOTF Championship award ceremony LIVE!! 👀🏆 https://t.co/myxlqQosWW
— Big South Conference (@BigSouthSports) May 11, 2019
The FINAL rankings on the women's side of the Big South OTF championships!!
The FINAL rankings on the women's side of the #BigSouthOTF championships!!@HamptonUTrack takes home the hardware!! 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/467fkpDtyE
— Big South Conference (@BigSouthSports) May 11, 2019
Big South Conference: The men's title belongs to Hampton U. Track!!
The men's title belongs to @HamptonUTrack!! 👑🏆
— Big South Conference (@BigSouthSports) May 11, 2019
Here's where every team fell at the end of the men's #BigSouthOTF Championship!! 👀 pic.twitter.com/XUIwIruAtD
The Blue Tigers are in third after day one of the PGA Works Championship!
The Blue Tigers are in third after day one of the @PGAWorks Championship! https://t.co/pY3klBKJoA#TrueBlue #miaamg pic.twitter.com/3Ar1zE6dAa
— Lincoln Athletics (@GoBlueTigers) May 11, 2019
Nationally-Ranked Saint Augustine's Track & Field Heads To Mount Olive Final Qualifier Sunday
Nationally-Ranked Saint Augustine's Track & Field Heads To Mount Olive Final Qualifier Sunday @CIAAForLife @HBCUGameday @SAU_News @USTFCCCA https://t.co/E7t3bNoyOQ
— SAU Athletics (@SAUFalcons) May 10, 2019
LSU transfer signs with Grambling State
"He's a physical freak."@GSU_TIGERS picked up a huge get in #LSU transfer @DantriezeS. A look at his versatility and where he projects to help the G-Men. Also see what Scott had to say about joining Grambling. @GramFanatics #GramFamhttps://t.co/GHGiQNZIDX
— Cory Diaz (@CoryDiaz_TNS) May 9, 2019
Tuskegee to recognize 44 student-athletes at Saturday's commencement
Tuskegee to recognize 44 student-athletes at Saturday's commencement https://t.co/EnP4TiqXGg
— Tuskegee Athletics (@MyTUAthletics) May 10, 2019
Viking Nation Mourns the Loss of Mr. Randy Jones '96
NSU Athletics would like to send its condolences to the family and friends of former Spartan SID Randy Jones, who passed away earlier this week. Randy was the long-time radio play-by-play voice of @ECSUVikings https://t.co/vK2YkzwD26
— NSU Athletics (@NSUSpartans) May 10, 2019
Junior Rattlers Football Camp! Tallahassee, Leon and surrounding counties, Big Bend area: June 3-6 is our football camp for rising 1st through 8th graders! 8am-5pm.
Junior Rattlers Football Camp! Tallahassee, Leon and surrounding counties, Big Bend area: June 3-6 is our football camp for rising 1st through 8th graders! 8am-5pm. Come have fun and learn the fundamentals of football with @HCWillieSimmons and @FamuFootball staff! #2020Venom pic.twitter.com/Sjyd3tFGxq— Coach Henry (@CoachHen501) May 10, 2019
PVAMU Softball defeats the #1 seed Alabama A&M (East)
#pvamusoftball defeats the #1 seed Alabama A&M (East). Stay tuned for the next game as they face Alabama State tentatively at 3 p.m. today. pic.twitter.com/4Qrh2AX8N1
— PVAMU Panthers (@PVAMUPanthers) May 10, 2019
Catch coach Keith Shumate on this week's @boxtorow with Donal Ware at 7 AM ET Saturday on Sirius XM channel 141
📻 Catch coach Keith Shumate on this week's @boxtorow with Donal Ware at 7 AM ET Saturday on Sirius XM channel 141. Replay is Tuesday/Thursday at 8 AM and Saturday at 9 AM On channel 142.
— Norfolk State Baseball (@SpartanBSB) May 10, 2019
Norfolk State Ward Voted to Academic All-District Baseball Team
Ward Voted to Academic All-District Baseball Team https://t.co/akUQEhM9Ld
— NSU Athletics (@NSUSpartans) May 10, 2019
2019 NCCU Summer Camps
Camp is officially one month away! Make sure to sign your child up for an unforgettable event! Link for registration forms and additional information: https://t.co/3brnV2FOIW
— NCCU Men's Bball (@NCCU_MBB) May 10, 2019
🏀🦅 pic.twitter.com/uhF2lWuuOw
Believing in greatness: Larry Robinson
“I think it’s important for every student – and any person – to hear: you can be anything you want to be or, more importantly, you can do anything that you’ve worked hard enough for. I heard that and it stuck with me.” - President @LRobinsonFAMU, Ph.D. https://t.co/3WbxCv96MA
— FloridaA&MUniversity (@FAMU_1887) May 10, 2019
52 Grambling State Student-Athletes Earn Degrees at Spring Commencement
52 Student-Athletes Earn Degrees at Spring Commencement https://t.co/mOeG03T98r
— GSU Athletics (@GSU_TIGERS) May 10, 2019
Jones Announces Addition of 4 to 2019 NSU Basketball Recruiting Class
4 new players are in the fold for @NSU_BBALL, as forwards Spirit Ricks and Nyzaiah Chambers, forward/center Efstratios Kalogerias and small forward Daryl Anderson Jr. have signed NLIs to join the Spartans next year
— NSU Athletics (@NSUSpartans) May 10, 2019
📰 Read more 👇https://t.co/AYNTrmeTXv
WATCH: Former TSU Tigers QB Jay Christophe, #3, getting a tryout with the Houston Texans
Former @TXSOTigers QB Jay Christophe, #3, getting a tryout with the #Texans pic.twitter.com/B2xEzfF4in
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) May 10, 2019
WATCH: Dear NCCU,
Dear NCCU,
— N.C. Central Univ. (@NCCU) May 10, 2019
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.
.
Sincerely, #NCCU19 pic.twitter.com/Ca9prLbdyb
Howard Track & Field Geared Up for the 2019 IC4A/ECAC Outdoor Championships
.@HUTrackandField Geared Up for the 2019 IC4A/@ECACSports Outdoor Championships #BleedBlue #BeTheStandard #MEACTF #ECACSports https://t.co/RVX1uBBBQC
— Howard Athletics (@HUBisonSports) May 10, 2019