Johnson C. Smith women beat Virginia State to win first CIAA title since 2009

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Steve Joyner Jr. delivered on his pledge to make J.C. Smith women’s basketball relevant again.

The Golden Bulls, the South Division’s top seed, wore down North No. 3 Virginia State 68-59 for the CIAA title Saturday at Spectrum Center, winning the school’s first championship since 2009 and earning an automatic berth in the Division II national tournament. As has been the case throughout the tournament, J.C. Smith’s (22-7) bench came up big, outscoring Virginia State’s reserves 47-14.

“I think our depth was the difference-maker,” said Joyner, who became the first person to earn a CIAA title as a player and coach and joined his dad Steve Sr. as the first relatives to win league titles as coaches. “I think they got tired in the second half because of the tempo we forced them to play, and that was the deciding factor.”

The best of the reserves was ...

CONTINUE READING

FAMU Walks-Off Again, Winning 6-5 in the 11th over GW

COURTESY: FAMU ATHLETICS

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The FAMU Rattlers (4-2) won in walk-off fashion for the second straight day, downing George Washington (2-5) by a score of 6-5 in 11 innings. The Rattlers trailed for the majority of the ball game, but they showed their resiliency once again in the late innings, rallying in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game, and walking off with the win in the eleventh.

John Capra led off the final inning with a one out single down the right field line. Brian Davis and Ben Ellzey both walked, loading the bases for freshman pinch-hitter, Eric Blanc Jr., who hit a chopper up the first base line, allowing Capra to beat the throw home and score the game’s winning run, sending the FAMU faithful off in celebration.

Trailing 5-4, FAMU rallied to tie the score and send the game to extra innings in the bottom of the ninth. Reese reached on an error and then Capra singled up the middle. Brian Davis then came through with the game tying RBI on a line drive single to left center field, scoring pinch-runner Malachi Mitchell from second.

John Capra, Ben Ellzey, and Brian Davis led the way at the plate for the Rattlers. Capra recorded four hits for the second time this season and contributed with a run scored and an RBI. Ellzey extended his hitting streak to 27 games, finishing the day 2-for-3 with three walks and his first home run of the season. Davis was 1-for-3 with two RBI, a run scored, and two walks.

Jamie Grant (2-0) picked up his second win of the season, throwing two scoreless innings of relief, allowing only one hit. Thomas Nicoll (3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 K) also pitched well on the afternoon.

The Rattlers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning courtesy of a two out double off the bat of sophomore Willis McDaniel. Brian Davis walked with one out, and Ben Ellzey singled to right field, placing runners on first and second. McDaniel then drove in the game’s first run on an RBI double, scoring Davis from second.

George Washington answered back in the top of the second inning with a two out double of their own. Matt Cosentino, who reached on a single through the right side, was running on the pitch and scored all the way from first base on a double by Brandon Chapman, tying the game at 1-1.

A pair of free passes came back to bite FAMU starter Ryan Anderson in the top of the third inning as George Washington jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Kashi led off the inning with a walk, and with two outs Mark Osis was hit by a pitch. The next batter for the Colonials, Bobby Campbell, homered to left field, scoring three runs.

Ben Ellzey trimmed the George Washington lead to two, on his homerun to left field in the bottom of the third inning.

Florida A&M battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, forcing the Colonials to make three pitching changes in the inning. Ty Russ got things started, drawing a one out walk. Garrett Wilkinson then singled through the left side, and Kaycee Reese followed with a walk to load the bases for Capra, who smoked a line drive single to left field, scoring the first run of the inning. Brian Davis then tied the game at 4-4 with a sacrifice fly to center field.

The Colonials regained the lead at 5-4 in the top of the eighth thanks to three consecutive two-out singles. With runners on first and second, Robbie Metz delivered a single to right field, scoring Osis from second.

In the end, the Rattlers had too much fight, as they gutted out another win, stealing the second game, and clinching the series from the George Washington Colonials.

Ryan Anderson did not factor into the decision, but finished the day with six innings pitched, allowing six hits and four runs with four strikeouts.

George Washington reliever John Greeley (0-1) suffered the loss giving up one run on one hit and two walks in 1.1 innings pitched.

Florida A&M and George Washington will play the final game of the three-game series tomorrow at 11:00 AM at Moore-Kittles Field.

As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @BaseballFAMU and on Facebook. Live Stats are also available on the baseball schedule page of FAMUAthletics.com.

BOX SCORE

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Stewart joins XU sports medicine staff

NIA STEWART

NEW ORLEANS — Nia Stewart has joined the Xavier University of Louisiana sports medicine staff as an athletic trainer. She will work primarily with XULA teams in volleyball, women's basketball and men's and women's tennis, plus the spirit groups.

The XULA trainer positions are part of the partnership between XULA Athletics and Ochsner Health System's sports medicine division. XULA's other athletic trainer is Mark Armour, a member of the staff since July 2015.

Stewart has been an Ochsner athletic trainer since August 2015. Before that she served two seasons as an intern athletic trainer with the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League.

Stewart's certifications are NASE Level II Certified Speed Specialist, Louisiana Licensed Athletic Trainer, NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer and American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers.

"Nia will be a great addition to our sports medicine team. The management team at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute is the 'best of the best' and has provided us with several very qualified candidates," said XULA Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Horn. "Athletic trainers are a vital part of our operation, and Nia has great experience plus she has the insight of being a former student-athlete. We look forward to her working with several of our teams and spirit groups."

Stewart received her bachelor's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, where she was a four-year letterwinner in women's track and field, set school records indoors in the 55- and 60-meter dashes and was a Southland Conference runner-up in the long jump. Stewart received her master's degree in exercise science and health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.

Stewart replaces Allison Wood, who departed XULA in January to become head athletic trainer of the Los Angeles Dodgers' two teams in the Dominican Summer League.

XULA teams compete in the NAIA as a member of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Pat Kendrick named Xavier head volleyball coach

PAT KENDRICK

NEW ORLEANS — Pat Kendrick, a successful NCAA Division I head coach with nearly 500 career victories, is the new head coach of women's volleyball at Xavier University of Louisiana, effective March 1.
     
XULA Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Horn announced the hiring of Kendrick Thursday. Kendrick — who won 467 matches in 30 seasons (1985-2014) at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. — replaces Hannah Lawing, who resigned in December after four seasons.
     
"Xavier University has a great academic reputation, and the volleyball teams have been quite successful in conference," Kendrick said. "I want to bring Xavier to the point where it's a nationally recognized volleyball program to go with its nationally recognized academic programs.
     
"Through my experiences with George Mason and USA Volleyball programs, I know the game and training players, match strategy and recruiting. I know how to get players to work hard and find success on and off the court."
     
Kendrick was Virginia Tech's director of volleyball operations the past two seasons.
     
Kendrick's George Mason teams won eight Colonial Athletic Association championships and qualified seven times for the NCAA Tournament. Eight of her teams reached 20 victories, and two of those eight reached 30.
     
Kendrick is an eight-time CAA Coach of the Year. She was named state coach of the year by the Virginia Sports Information Directors six times. Her career record at Mason was 467-439.
     
"Our coaching opportunity had many great candidates from across the country show interest. We are extremely thrilled to gain a coach with the experience of Coach Kendrick," Horn said. "We were seeking someone who understands the mission of Xavier University and the potential we have with our program to build a national contender here in New Orleans.
     
"The search committee was very impressed with the preparation, planning and presentation of Coach Kendrick during the interview process. She is a proven winner, she looks forward to being a part of the development of and graduating our student-athletes, and many of her values and philosophies for the game mirror the Xavier mission."
     
Opponents from current P5 conferences that George Mason defeated during Kendrick's tenure included Arkansas, Baylor, Boston College, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, NC State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington and West Virginia.
     
Kendrick coached six student-athletes to a total of 10 CAA Player of the Year awards, including three-time winner Aline Pereira. Kendrick has coached six CAA Rookie of the Year honorees and two CAA Setters of the Year. Five times under Kendrick, student-athletes were named CoSIDA Academic All-America.
     
Kendrick has served since 1994 as a USA Volleyball Cadre (instructor) for the coaches accreditation program. She coached numerous USA Volleyball High Performance, Olympic Festival and Junior National teams. She coached the East to a silver medal at the 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival in San Antonio. Kendrick served four years on the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Rules Committee, and she was a voter on the American Volleyball Coaches Association's top 25 poll.
     
Kendrick is a George Mason graduate, was a standout hurdler on the track team and was inducted to the school's hall of fame for that sport in 1991. Kendrick was an volleyball assistant coach at Mason for two seasons with the women and one season with the men before ascending to the top women's position.
     
XULA enters 2017 as a six-time defending regular-season and tournament champion in the NAIA's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. The Gold Nuggets were eliminated in the NAIA National Championship opening round each of the past six seasons. XULA was 16-17 overall, 11-1 in the GCAC in 2016.

What They're Saying About Pat Kendrick

Russ Rose, Penn State Women's Head Coach
     
"Pat Kendrick will be a great addition to Xavier and the NAIA. She will bring great energy and experience to the position. She is a terrific recruiter, and she has a positive outlook. I expect great things from her."

Fred Chao, Former George Mason Men's Head Coach and Virginia Tech Women's Assistant Coach
     
"Pat has a lot of experience that covers all levels of volleyball. Not just the women's game, but also the men's. Her content knowledge is good. She really cares about her players, which is what sets her apart from others. These days the nurturing part is sometimes lacking in sport. Pat can nurture while also maintaining leadership. She is like family to me."

Doug Beal, Retired CEO of USA Volleyball
     
"I congratulate Xavier for hiring Pat. She has terrific experiences at college, but also with USA Volleyball in the High Performance Program over many years, working and nurturing some of the top talent in our country. Pat is a player's coach and cares deeply about each student-athlete. She knows the game at a high level, can communicate that knowledge and I'm sure she will help Xavier reach new levels of success with the program. Congrats on getting a great coach and a great person."

Dottie Hampton, South Carolina Assistant Coach
     
"I am so excited for PK and this new opportunity. She has been such a great teacher and mentor to me over the years. I know she will do great things at Xavier. Her knowledge of the game is so great. Xavier is so lucky to have a head coach like Pat Kendrick. I think she will be awesome at Xavier."

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Former Southern star Lenard Tillery humbled by nomination for inaugural Black College Football Player of the Year award

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Former Southern running back Lenard Tillery, the Southwestern Conference all-time leading rusher and Southern single-season rushing king, has one more shot at history.

Tillery is one of four players up for the inaugural Black College Football Player of the Year award. The winner will be announced in Atlanta at Saturday’s Black College Football Hall of Fame ceremony.

He said just being there in the presence of some all-time HBCU greats, like former Southern star Aeneas Williams, is humbling.



If he were to beat out Grambling quarterback DeVante Kincade, North Carolina Central quarterback Malcolm Bell and North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen to win the award itself?

Well, Tillery sounds like he already has the humility part down.

“To win the award would be great, just to show the season we had as a team and the job the offensive line did this year,” Tillery said. “It would be big for me, it would be big for Southern and it would be big for a lot of my teammates."

CONTINUE READING

Former UVa coach London has next challenge at MEAC member Howard

ROANOKE, Virginia -- Involved with Maryland’s football preparations this past year, associate head coach Mike London wasn’t paying close tabs to developments at Howard University, a nearby FCS program.

At the time that Howard was parting company with six-year head coach Gary Harrell, the Maryland staff was preparing for its final regular-season game against Rutgers with a bowl bid on the line.

The Terrapins beat Rutgers and got an invitation to play Boston College in the Quick Lane Bowl on Dec. 26. Then, after a short break, London and the other coaches hit the road to recruit.



“I was in Detroit somewhere,” said London, who was the head coach at Virginia from 2010-15. “I got a phone call from the [Howard] athletic director, Kery Davis. He had just finished his first year here.”

London learned after the fact that Davis was a former executive at HBO, where he had put together boxing deals and other showbiz extravaganzas.

“He called and said, ‘Hey, listen, we’re going to be looking for a coach to take our program to another level,’ ” London, 56, said. “He said, ‘It’s a school that’s got a gCeat academic reputation and we’re for guys who’ve had success at those places.’ ”

CONTINUE READING

Gold Rush defeat No. 22 Talladega in double overtime

NEW ORLEANS — Leland Alexander's free throw with 3.9 seconds remaining in the second overtime Monday lifted Xavier University of Louisiana to a 77-76 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against NAIA No. 22 Talladega.

Alexander was fouled as he attempted to catch an alley-oop pass from Donovan Armstrong at the rim. Alexander made the first free throw, but a lane violation voided his second attempt. Marcus Brown missed a 30-footer for the Tornadoes as time expired.

Armstrong, a freshman point guard, scored a career-high 24 points and made 13-of-18 free throws. Innocent Kukulu scored 14 points for XULA (10-18. 6-5), and Seth Jackson and Jalen David had 10 apiece.

Jordan Washington, No. 2 in NAIA Division I scoring average, had 26 points for the Tornadoes (20-9, 6-5). Brown scored 14.

Talladega scored the first 14 points — the Gold Rush did not score until the sixth minute — and led XULA 33-25 at halftime. The Gold Rush trailed until taking a 62-61 lead with 11 seconds remaining on Armstrong's basket after rebounding his missed free throw. Brown forced overtime by making 1-of-2 free throws with two seconds remaining.

Armstrong's two free throws with 27 seconds remaining in the first overtime tied the score at 70, then the Gold Rush extended the game when Elex Carter blocked a Keynan Gardner-Willis shot on the final possession of that period.

Some statistics were identical. Both teams were 25-of-57 from the floor (43.9 percent), both made 22 free throws, and both had 15 assists. Talladega was plus-5 in turnovers, and the Gold Rush outrebounded the Tornadoes 42-30.

XULA defeated Talladega for the second time in their last nine meetings. The Gold Rush avenged a 90-76 road loss to the Tornadoes from three weeks earlier. It was the first Gold Rush this victory in 12 attempts this season against ranked opponents.

"We've been putting in the time. The time and the effort to get better every day," XULA coach Alfred Williams said. "That game was just a testament to us believing in the process and continuing to work through our situation. Guys stepped up in a big way. We need guys to step up and produce like they're capable of doing."

Kukulu made four 3-pointers, all after halftime, to set a XULA freshman season record with 49 made treys. Percy Bland (1988-89) held the previous mark of 48.

XULA is 3-0 in overtime this season, all in conference games. It was XULA's first multiple-overtime game since March 8, 2014, and its first victory in a multiple-overtime game since Jan. 29, 2004.

XULA seniors Jackson and Wesley Pluviose-Philip were honored in a pregame ceremony.

XULA will close its regular season in a GCAC game at 5 p.m. Saturday at Tougaloo. The GCAC Tournament will begin March 3 in New Orleans, with XULA playing host to the semifinals March 4 and the finals March 5.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Lady Tornadoes win at XULA, repeat as GCAC champion

NEW ORLEANS — Adriana Anderson scored the winning points with 2:43 remaining, then Talladega shut out Xavier University of Louisiana in its final four possessions to earn a 56-54 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory Monday.

The Lady Tornadoes (19-8, 10-1) clinched their second consecutive GCAC regular-season championship.

The Gold Nuggets (16-12, 5-6) did not score after Maya Trench's basket at 3:44 gave them a 54-52 lead. Talladega then scored on its next two possessions, then pitched the defensive shutout to beat XULA for the second time this season and the fifth time in their last six meetings.

XULA missed twice from the floor in the final 26 seconds, and Sashanique Youngblood stole the ball from the Gold Nuggets' Ireyon Keith with two seconds remaining.

Tajanee Wells had 15 points and eight rebounds for Talladega. Tasheba Henry scored 12 points, and Sydnee Clark had 10.

Kelsee Singleton, one of three honored in a halftime senior ceremony, had 10 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots for XULA. Mikayla Bates had eight points and seven rebounds.

XULA led 17-16 after one quarter, but Talladega led 35-23 at halftime after opening the second period with 14 consecutive points.

Talladega outshot XULA 34.9 to 29 percent from the floor.

XULA also honored seniors Kelsey Joseph and Bianca Brown in their final regular-season home game.

The Gold Nuggets will close their regular season in a GCAC game at 3 p.m. Saturday at Tougaloo. The GCAC Tournament will begin March 3 in New Orleans, with XULA playing host to the semifinals March 4 and the finals March 5.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

New Head Coach Brings A Whole New Ballgame To Clark Atlanta

ATLANTA, Georgia -- As the buzzer sounded Darrell Walker casually made his way over to the scorer’s table at L.S. Epps Gymnasium and took the microphone. The first-year men’s head basketball coach at Clark Atlanta University had just engineered his Panthers to a 71-66 victory over AUC rival Morehouse College.

“We need you for every game just like this, come on out and see us now,” said Walker before joining his team in a huddle at half court. The Panthers walked off the court victorious and Walker had his first victory over Morehouse College. The two teams will meet again in less than a week, on Thursday, February 13, and the circumstances could not be urgent for Walker and his team.

The Panthers are 14-9 overall and more importantly 8-4 in the SIAC East Division. Two games behind first place Benedict College, a game and a half behind Claflin University and only a half game behind third place Fort Valley State University, Clark Atlanta has to take every game as serious as they do their annual pair of games against Morehouse (currently in fifth place in the seven team SIAC East, two games behind Clark Atlanta).

From this point on Walker’s first season as a college basketball coach is going to anything but smooth, anything but a walk in the park, a simple season of college basketball. Walker has the Panthers playing their best basketball in a decade and by the look of the student section at Epps-where the Panthers are 9-3 thus far this season-during the Morehouse game, the rest of the Atlanta University Center and Atlanta is starting to take notice, also.

CONTINUE READING

Brackets Set for 2017 CIAA Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) releases its 2017 Women's and Men's Championship Brackets. The single-elimination tournament will be held in two venues this year: Bojangles' Coliseum February 21-22 and Spectrum Center February 23-25. The final championship contests will tipoff at 4:00 p.m. for the women with the men to follow at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25.

The Northern Division of the women's side concluded the regular season with a three-way tie for the Division Title. Chowan University, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University all finished the season with a 7-3 division record. While the teams will be awarded Co-Northern Division Champions, the conference utilizes the following tiebreaker protocol to determine tournament bracket seeds: head-to-head competition, point differential, and conference record.

While Hawks split victories with the Trojans, Virginia State was downed twice by the Lady Panthers of Virginia Union. However, Chowan defeated Virginia Union in both meetings this season. Therefore, Chowan is awarded the No. 1 seed with No. 2 Virginia Union and No. 3 Virginia State to follow.

Bowie State University won their final regular season game for a 6-4 division record and No. 4 rank going in to the tournament. Lincoln (PA) University and Elizabeth City State University round out the North at No. 5 and 6, respectively.

In the women's Southern Division, Johnson C. Smith University clinched the title despite today's loss versus Shaw University. The No. 2 ranking fell to a three-way tie with Livingstone College, Winston-Salem State University, and Shaw University holding a 6-4 division record. After the tiebreaker protocol is applied, Livingstone takes the No. 2 with Winston-Salem State and Shaw to follow. The Blue Bears defeated the Rams in both regular season matchups and tops Shaw due to point differential. Livingstone won 88-73 (+15) while Shaw won 63-60 (+3). Winston-Salem State and Shaw also split victories in the regular season and tied in point differential. Winston-Salem State won 65-59 (+6) and Shaw won 66-60 (+6). When conference records are taken in to account, the Rams (9-7) sit atop of the Lady Bears (8-8).

The remainder of the Southern Division is held by No. 5 Fayetteville State University and No. 6 Saint Augustine's University.

Tuesday's Women's Tournament contests are as follows: 10:00 a.m. Bowie State vs. Fayetteville State, 12:10 p.m. Virginia State vs. Saint Augustine's, 2:20 p.m. Shaw vs. Lincoln (PA), and 4:30 p.m. Wisnton-Salem State vs. Elizabeth City State. In the quarterfinals, Livingstone will await the winner of Virginia State & Saint Augustine's for a 10:00 a.m. tipoff on Wednesday while Chowan will await their opponent between Shaw & Lincoln (PA) for their 12:10 p.m. contest. The winner between Winston-Salem State & Elizabeth City State will advance to face Virginia Union at 2:20 p.m. and Johnson C. Smith will play the winner between Bowie State & Fayetteville State at 4:30 p.m.

The men's Northern Division came down to the wire, but was clinched by Virginia Union. The Panthers ended the regular season with an 8-2 record, a tie with Virginia State. In head-to-head competition, both teams won one game each. Virginia Union won 90-71 (+19) while Virginia State won 74-59 (+15). Number 3 was secured by Chowan after today's overtime victory over VUU. Bowie State, Lincoln (PA), and Elizabeth City State round out the bottom three spots.

The Shaw Bears sit atop of the South as the Division Champion with an 8-2 record in division contests. Livingstone and Winston-Salem State faced-off today for the No. 2 seed. WSSU took the victory to tie LC at 6-4 and make a split mark in head-to-head contests. However, Livingstone holds on to No. 2 due to point differential. The Blue Bears won 101-96 (+5) while the Rams won 78-74 (+4). The Broncos of Fayetteville State earned No. 4 atop the tied Johnson C. Smith and Saint Augustine's teams. JCSU defeated SAU twice for the advantage.

Tuesday's Men's Tournament contests are as follows: 6:40 p.m. Lincoln (PA) vs. Saint Augustine's and 8:50 p.m. Johnson C. Smith versus Elizabeth City State. Games will continue on Wednesday evening with Fayetteville State versus the winner of Lincoln (PA) & Saint Augustine's at 6:40 p.m. and Bowie State versus the winner of Johnson C. Smith and Elizabeth City State at 8:50 p.m. Thursday, February 23 encompasses a full slate of men's games starting at 1:00 p.m. with Livingstone and Chowan. The Shaw Bears will play at 3:00 p.m., Virginia Union at 7:00 p.m., and Virginia State versus Winston-Salem State at 9:00 p.m.

For more information regarding the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit ciaatournament.org. Follow the CIAA on social media via Facebook (TheCIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), Instagram (@CIAASports), or download the CIAA mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

CIAA Announces 2017 All-Conference Basketball Teams

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), with its Men's and Women's Basketball Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association, announces the 2017 Men's & Women's All-CIAA First Team and All-Rookie honorees. These outstanding student-athletes will be formally recognized today during the annual Tip-Off Awards Luncheon.

Virginia State University garnered three men's honorees with Elijah Moore, Richard Granberry, and Kevin Williams. Several teams warranted two selections each including Saint Augustine's University with Quincy January and Anthony Gaskins, Shaw University's Joshua Cassady and Benji Bell, and Chowan University's Jeremy Smith and Marco Haskins. William Crandell of Winston-Salem State University, Ray Anderson of Virginia Union University, and David Duncan of Livingstone College complete the All-Conference roster.

On the women's side, the VUU Lady Panthers led the way with four honorees in Lady Walker, Alexis Johnson, Brittany Jackson, and Jayda Luckie. Virginia State's Taylor Daniels and Nandi Taylor, Chowan's Jordan Payne (Chowan), Johnson C. Smith's Blaire Thomas, Fayetteville State's Yakima Clifton, Winston-Salem State's Kandace Tate, Bowie State's Kyah Proctor, and Livingstone's Zena Lovette rounded out the 12-team list.

The Men's All-Rookie Team includes Robert Colon (Winston-Salem State), Josh Bryant (Fayetteville State), Roger Ray (Livingstone), John Maynor (Elizabeth City State), and David Belle (Bowie State).

The women's All-Rookie team consists of Malia Rivers (Johnson C. Smith), Kaaliya Williams (Saint Augustine), Mariah Coker (Chowan), Kyaja Williams (Bowie State) and Shantel Bennett (Fayetteville State).

Men's Front Court
#1 Quincy January Saint Augustine's
#20 Elijah Moore Virginia State
#32 Richard Granberry Virginia State
#10 Jeremy Smith Chowan
#22 William Crandell Winston-Salem State
#15 David Duncan Livingstone
#13 Joshua Cassady Shaw

Men's Back Court
#3 Ray Anderson Virginia Union
#1 Benji Bell Shaw
#3 Kevin Williams Virginia State
#0 Anthony Gaskins Saint Augustine's
#3 Marco Haskins Chowan

Women's Front Court
#20 Lady Walker Virginia Union
#15 Jordan Payne Chowan
#23 Alexis Johnson Virginia Union
#42 Blaire Thomas Johnson C. Smith
#3 Kandace Tate Winston-Salem State
#32 Taylor Daniels Virginia State

Women's Back Court
#3 Kyah Proctor Bowie State
#3 Brittany Jackson Virginia Union
#10 Zena Lovette Livingstone
#1 Nandi Taylor Virginia State
#0 Jayda Luckie Virginia Union

Men's All-Rookie Team
#20 Josh Bryant Fayetteville State
#4 Roger Ray Livingstone
#1 Robert Colon Winston-Salem State
#20 John Maynor Elizabeth City State
#11 David Belle Bowie State

Women's All-Rookie Team
#1 Malia Rivers Johnson C. Smith
#5 Mariah Coker Chowan
#30 Kaaliya Williams Saint Augustine's
#14 Shantel Bennett Fayetteville State
#10 Kyaja Williams Bowie State

CIAA Player, Rookie, and Coach of the Year honors will be announced during today's Tip-Off Luncheon.

For more information regarding the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit ciaatournament.org. Follow the CIAA on social media via Facebook (TheCIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), Instagram (@CIAASports), or download the CIAA mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Jeter's 'football journey' leads to CIAA Hall of Fame

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Golf is DeWayne Jeter's game now.

Check that.

Golf is his addiction.

If the temperature's above freezing, chances are he's strolling out of his home along the fifth hole at Kiln Creek and hitting some balls or playing a round.

Even Jeter's timeshares, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Massanutten, are geared toward golf. And at 78 he carries a single-digit handicap, so don't try to hustle him.

But the sport of Jeter's youth was football. It was football that took him from Duquesne High School near Pittsburgh to Virginia State University, and it's football taking him to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Hall of Fame.

Jeter and the other members of this year's class will be inducted Friday in Charlotte, N.C., in conjunction with the CIAA's renowned basketball tournament.

CONTINUE READING

South Carolina State Announces 2017 Football Schedule

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State will play 11-games during the 2017 football campaign, the University announced Monday. The Bulldog slate includes five road games and six home contests to be played at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Three non-conference contests, including a fourth trip to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, and eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contests make up the 2017 schedule.



SC State opens the campaign Sunday, Sept. 3, against Southern in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Baton Rouge, La. Coach Buddy Pough's team will be making its fourth appearance in the game, which previously was played in Orlando, Fla, before being moved to campus sites last year. The Bulldogs have posted a 3-0 record in the game with wins over Alabama State (27-14) in 2005, Grambling (34-31) in 2009 and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (35-7) in 2015.

"I'm very excited about the six home games we have this upcoming season, it will give our fans a chance to see us play," said head coach Buddy Pough. "When you look at the schedule we have our work cut out for us we play some talented teams."

Other non-conference contests include Charleston Southern, Sept. 9, in the home opener at O.C. Dawson Stadium and Johnson C. Smith, Sept. 16 (Business and Industry Day), also in Orangeburg.

The Bulldogs begin MEAC play on the road Sept. 23 against the reigning MEAC Champion North Carolina Central Eagles in Durham, NC, and then return home for two more league games -- North Carolina A&T State (Former Student-Athlete Appreciation/Greek Day) Sept. 30, and Morgan State (Youth/ROTC/Military Appreciation Day) Oct. 7.

Pough's team will follow its two-game home stand with back-to-back road games at Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach Oct. 14, and Delaware State at Dover, Del. Oct. 21.

SC State hosts Howard and first-year head coach Mike London in its Homecoming game Oct. 28, followed by a bye week Nov. 4. The Bulldogs close out their home schedule Nov. 11 against Hampton (Senior Appreciation/High School Band Day) before facing Savannah State on the road Nov. 18 in the regular-season finale at Savannah, Ga.

Pough's team finished the 2016 season 5-6 overall and tied for third at the MEAC at 5-3.


2017 S.C. State Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
9/3/2017 Southern University (MEAC/SWAC Challenge) Baton Rouge, LA
9/9/2017 Charleston Southern University Orangeburg, SC ­6 p.m.
9/16/2017 Johnson C. Smith University Orangenburg, SC ­ 6 p.m. 
9/23/2017 North Carolina Central University Durham, NC
9/30/2017 North Carolina A&T State University Orangeburg, SC ­ 6 p.m.
10/7/2017 Morgan State University Orangeburg, SC ­ 2 p.m.
10/14/2017 Bethune­Cookman University Daytona Beach, FL
10/21/2017 Delaware State University Dover, DE
10/28/2017 Howard University (Homecoming) Orangeburg, SC ­1:30 p.m. 
11/11/2017 Hampton University Orangeburg, SC ­1:30 p.m. 
11/18/2017 Savannah State University Savannah, GA

Home Games are in bold

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

New Orleans UYA hosts Urban Invitational

NEW ORLEANS -- For the fourth consecutive year, MLB's Urban Invitational was hosted at the Urban Youth Academy in New Orleans. Saturday began with Play Ball, a youth-oriented program rooted in teaching baseball's fundamentals, then featured a six-team, round-robin tournament, featuring Alcorn State's 11-3 win over Prairie View A&M, and Grambling State's 11-5 win against Southern University.

In Saturday's other Invitational matchup at the University of New Orleans' Maestri Field, UNO captured an 8-5 win over the University of Illinois-Chicago during the weekend set, televised on MLB Network.

"You see the passion and energy from these teams, with the way that they play and how excited they are to be here, playing on MLB Network," said Del Matthews, MLB senior director of baseball development. "This is fun. This is what it is all about."

The goal for MLB's expanding youth-oriented initiatives -- a primary focus for MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred -- is to keep baseball pertinent in the lives of its pupils. To Matthews and Darrell Miller, vice president youth and facility development for Major League Baseball, that is what Saturday was actually all about.

"Keep playing," Miller said. "Make sure baseball is a part of their life. It doesn't have to be all of their life, it doesn't have to be all they do. But if it's a part of their life, that's valuable to us."

CONTINUE READING

Influence of Grambling coach remains strong

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling State University is a small college in north Louisiana. Despite the size, it’s home to legendary figures in the sporting world.

None bigger than Eddie Robinson.

It’s been almost ten years since Coach Eddie Robinson passed away, nearly 20 since he last coached a game. But as the year’s pass, his legend grows. It’s because of how he lived.

“There’s no question. It is alive and well” said former Grambling State University football player Lee Fobbs.

Jim Crow laws influenced whom Robinson recruited and what teams his squad could play. During a time of institutionalized discrimination Robinson excelled.

“It’s pretty amazing that someone could start with so little and make so much” said GSU President Rick Gallot.

Robinson was hired in 1941 by Ralph W.E. Jones, to coach players just a few years younger than he was.

CONTINUE READING

Catholic High's Tre Square reconnects Southern football with recruiting hotbed

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- It’s about a 20-minute drive from Catholic High’s campus in Baton Rouge’s garden district to A.W. Mumford Stadium — give or take a few minutes, depending on traffic.

Over the years, the Bears produced some of the best football talent to come out of the capital from former NFL pro bowler Warrick Dunn to current LSU running back Derrius Guice.

But in Catholic senior defensive end Tre Square’s lifetime, the Jaguars struggled to find players willing to make the less than 9-mile trip across town.

The last Catholic Bear to suit up for the Jaguars was tight end Brian Washington in the early 2000s.

Washington signed with Southern in 2002, eventually rising to take a starting spot. He was a part of Southern’s most recent Black National Championship team in 2003.

Square doesn’t remember much of Washington’s career, but he was there.

CONTINUE READING

Roger Cador won't leave until Southern baseball is back on its feet, but he knows the end is getting closer

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Roger Cador won’t die in a Southern uniform. He simply refuses.

After 32 years at the helm of Southern baseball, Cador watched the program grow out of a stolen grocery basket filled with nothing but a few dirty uniforms and a handful of used balls to become one of the most successful historically black college programs in the country.

In 1987, Southern became the first HBCU to win a game in the NCAA tournament. In 2003, Rickie Weeks won the the Golden Spikes Award, given annually to the nation’s top amateur player.

Cador is a legend in the baseball community, but all things come to an end. Cador just hopes it’s on his own terms, whenever that may be.

“I’m not looking to die (in this position),” he said. “Now, I may go out tomorrow and die, but that’s not my goal. My goal is not to die in this program. And I’m not going to hold over this program and make them think it’s my program. I want that to be known. I have no plan of dying in this program.”

Cador has been open about his exit strategy. The Jaguars are struggling to get out from under the NCAA’s thumb after the lack of institutional control ruling it handed down last year. In preparation for the ruling, Cador purged his roster before the start of last season, which helped limit the number of scholarships the Jaguars lost.

CONTINUE READING

2017 MEAC Basketball Tournament Ticket Books on Sale Now

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Ticket books are on sale now for the highly-anticipated 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. This year’s tournament gets underway March 6-11 at the Norfolk (Va.) Scope Arena.

Each ticket book contains nine tickets, one for each session, which provides entrance for one (1) person to attend all 23 men’s and women’s games including the championship finals on Saturday, March 11 beginning with the men’s game at 1 p.m. and the women’s title game at 3 p.m.



Ticket books are available for purchase at all 13 member institutions, the Scope Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, the MEAC Administrative Office and online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling the MEAC at (757) 951-2055 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Ticket books for general admission are available for $140 plus handling fees. Senior and student prices are also available with proper identification for $106.50. Floor seating is also available for weekly packages.

Fans interested in sitting within their university’s fan block are encouraged to contact their institution’s ticket office directly.

For more information about the 2017 MEAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament visit www.MEAChoops.com.

Session 1 - Monday, March 6 - 5 games - 11 a.m.
Session 2 - Tuesday, March 7 - 4 games - 12 p.m.
Session 3 - Wednesday, March 8 - 2 games - 12 p.m.
Session 4 - Wednesday, March 8 - 2 games - 6 p.m.
Session 5 - Thursday, March 9 - 2 games - 12 p.m.
Session 6 - Thursday, March 9 - 2 games - 6 p.m.
Session 7 - Friday, March 10 - 2 games - 12 p.m.
Session 8 - Friday, March 10 - 2 games - 6 p.m.
Session 9 - Saturdays, March 10 - 2 games - 1 p.m.

About the MEAC Tournament

The MEAC Basketball Tournament is a single elimination championship playoff that involves Division I historically black colleges and universities located across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Hampton, Howard, Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State, and South Carolina State.

The tournament games are played at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Virginia. Both the men’s and women’s champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Tournament. The North Carolina A&T State University Aggies and the Hampton Pirates won the 2016 women’s and men’s titles, respectively and received bids to the NCAA Tournament.

MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

2017 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament

North Carolina A&T State Women's Track Captures First Indoor Title In School History

WATCH ESPN3 BROADCAST

FINALS RESULTS

LANDOVER, Maryland -- North Carolina A&T State captured its first-ever MEAC women’s indoor championship, tallying 145 points and finishing well ahead of runner-up Florida A&M (94), third-place Hampton (73.5) and fourth-place Norfolk State (72).

Aggies coach Duane Ross was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Coach.

Martha Bissah of Norfolk State was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Runner on the women’s side after adding two more titles to her ledger on Saturday, taking gold in the women’s mile with a time of 4:53.48 and the 3,000-meter run with a 10:13.70.

These titles came in addition to the 800 and distance medley titles she won on Friday.

Morgan Knight of North Carolina A&T State defended her title in the women’s pole vault, leaping 3.52 meters (11 feet, 6.5 inches). It was the first of six event titles on the day for the Lady Aggies; in other field action, Most Outstanding Field Performer Anisa Toppin won the women’s triple jump with a mark of 12.73 meters (41 feet, 9.25 inches).

India Brown gave North Carolina A&T State the women’s 200 title with a time of 24.08, and her teammate Tori Ray won the women’s 400 in 55.77.

Kayla White ran an 8.36 to win gold in the women’s 60-meter hurdles.

The Lady Aggies also took gold in the 4x400m relay, as Ray, Brown, Asya Macon and Taliyah Townsend turned in a time of 3:46.63.

Bethune-Cookman’s Catoria Sirmon won the women’s shot put with a mark of 15.22 meters (49 feet, 11.25 inches).

Shenel Crooke of Morgan State won the 60m dash with a time of 7.41.

COURTESY MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Florida A&M Rattlers Upset Maryland, 5-1

GAINESVILLE, Florida – The FAMU Softball Team (1-8) snapped an early season slide here Saturday morning, knocking off Big Ten foe University of Maryland, 5-1 in their third game of the 2017 Aquafina Softball Invitational at KSP Stadium.

Senior pitcher Kenya Pereira (1-3) went the distance against the Terps (0-8), allowing one run on five hits, striking out three against no walks in seven innings of work.

Pereira scored FAMU’s first run in the top of the second, drawing a leadoff walk, eventually scoring from third on a fielding error for a 1-0 lead.

Maryland tied the game in the bottom of the third at 1-1, but FAMU clinched their first win with a four-run top of the seventh.

Shakayla Nixon scored from second on a Taylor Rosier RBI single for a 2-1 FAMU lead. Tashayla Irvis scored from third on a RBI fielder’s choice grounder by Amber Fullwood for a 3-1 lead.

Rosier scored from third on a fielder’s choice grounder by Jamesia Stoudamire for a 4-1 edge, then Fullwood tallied when Toni Anderson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for the 5-1 final.

Whtiney Farris led FAMU with three hits, with Rosier and Miesha McBride each finishing with two hits, and Nachelle Watson and Irvis each adding a hit apiece.

FAMU was slated to play FIU at 3:45 p.m. Saturday evening, and close their appearance in the event Sunday morning against Northwestern (La.) State at 9:00.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

North Carolina A&T State Men's Track Wins First Indoor Title In 21 Years

LANDOVER, Maryland -- The North Carolina A&T State men’s indoor track and field team sprinted to its first title in 21 years after claiming the 2017 MEAC Indoor Championship.

Only 10.5 points separated four teams entering Saturday’s finals on the men’s side with Norfolk State sitting atop the ledger. Maryland Eastern Shore’s Khalil Rmidi Kinini won the mile run in a time of 4:14.86 but Hampton jumped to the top after claiming third, fourth and fifth in the event.

Because of the mile, North Carolina A&T State dropped to fourth but things would change in an instant once the sprints started as Dajuan Harding posted the top and a personal indoor-best time (47.75) in the 400 to claim the title. Hampton’s Charles Graham claimed the 60-meter hurdles as he clocked 7.95 but A&T racked up 15 points and moved to third after placing second, fourth and seventh in the event.

WATCH ESPN3 BROADCAST
FINALS RESULTS

The Aggies blew the meet open once the 60-meter dash commenced as Christopher Belcher (6.65), Rodney Rowe (6.76), Joel Thomas (6.78) and Caleb Gabriel (6.79) finished 1-2-3-4 to total 29 points and move atop the standings with 83.5 points. Belcher returned to the track several minutes later in the 200 and picked up his second individual title as he finished the race with a season-best run of 21.38. Belcher had a tough race as he held off fellow teammates Rowe and Gabriel down the stretch. With the lead comfortably in tow, the Aggies brought the crowd to its feet after posting the top time in the mile relay (3:16.91).

Howard’s Robert Mercer won his fourth MEAC pole vault title and his first since 2015 after posting a mark of 14-06. Christopher Lee of Norfolk State won his second consecutive indoor shot put title (55-3) after a tight battle with Hampton’s Sulaiman Fared. Michael Tiller of Bethune-Cookman closed out his career as a three-time MEAC indoor triple jump champion with a jump of 52-08.75 while Rmidi Kinini also went out in style with his third consecutive 3,000-meter run championship.

The Aggies, which ended Bethune-Cookman’s two-year MEAC Indoor Championship run, won their first MEAC Championship since 1996 behind the strength of 146.5 points. Norfolk State finished as the runner-up with 96 points followed by Hampton’s 91 points. Rmidi Kinini won Most Outstanding Runner for the third straight year while Coppin State’s Steven Thomas was named Most Outstanding Field Performer.

MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Four HBCUs to compete in the 10th annual Urban Invitational at the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy

NEW ORLEANS -- Four Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) will compete at the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy (MLBYA) in the 10th annual Urban Invitational, which is being hosted in New Orleans for the fourth consecutive year from Friday, February 17th to Sunday, February 19th.

Alcorn State University (Alcorn, Mississippi), Grambling State University (Grambling, Louisiana), Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas), and Southern University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) are returning to Major League Baseball's round-robin collegiate baseball tournament designed to highlight HBCUs and their baseball programs. This will be Southern University's 10th Urban Invitational, making them the only school to have participated in every tournament. Grambling State will make its sixth appearance, with both Prairie View A&M and Alcorn State University making their third appearance each.

The four HBCU teams will be joined by teams from the University of New Orleans and the University Illinois at Chicago, which will be making its tournament debut, with additional games throughout the weekend being played at Maestri Field at Privateer Park, the home of the University of New Orleans baseball team.

The games played by the four HBCU teams on Saturday, February 18th will air LIVE from the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy on MLB Network and MLB.com, with play-by-play from Scott Braun and analysis from former All-Star Outfielder Cliff Floyd. Southern University will wear Negro League uniforms in commemoration of Black History Month. Below is the tournament schedule:

Date, Time, Teams, Location
Feb. 17, 11:00a.m., UIC vs. Prairie View A&M, New Orleans MLBYA
Feb. 17, 2:00p.m., UIC vs. Prairie View A&M, New Orleans MLBYA
Feb. 17, 5:00p.m., Grambling State vs. Alcorn State, New Orleans MLBYA
Feb. 17, 6:00p.m., Southern vs. UNO, University of New Orleans

Date, Time, Teams, Location
Feb. 18, 1:00p.m., UIC vs. UNO, University of New Orleans
Feb. 18, 2:00p.m.*, Alcorn State vs. Prairie View A&M, New Orleans MLBYA
Feb. 18, 6:00p.m.*, Grambling State vs. Southern, New Orleans MLBYA

Date, Time, Teams, Location
Feb. 19, 12:00p.m., UIC vs. Grambling State, New Orleans MLBYA
Feb. 19, 1:00p.m., Prairie View A&M vs. UNO, University of New Orleans
Feb. 19, 3:00p.m., Alcorn State vs. Southern, New Orleans MLBYA

*These games will air LIVE on MLB Network and MLB.com.

In addition to tournament play, the New Orleans MLBYA will host youth-focused events before games on Saturday, February 18th. A PLAY BALL event will take place at 11:30 a.m., followed by regional trials for the Scotts MLB Pitch, Hit and Run and the Jr. Home Run Derby skills competitions beginning at approximately 3:00 p.m. The PLAY BALL initiative is proudly supported by MLB sponsors Chevrolet and Scotts.

Former Major Leaguers, including pitcher Marvin Freeman, catcher Lenny Webster and manager Jerry Manuel, as well as Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Sims, will attend various portions of the Urban Invitational, particularly the youth events throughout Saturday. Freeman (Jackson State) and Webster (Grambling State) are both HBCU alums. Manuel is a Youth Programs Consultant for MLB.

HBCUs have long offered quality educational and athletic programs and have a proud tradition of attracting outstanding baseball players. Baseball Hall of Famers Lou Brock (Southern University) and Andre Dawson (Florida A&M) played in HBCU baseball programs. In 2015, Earl Burl III, who played for Alcorn State University and was the first player to be drafted out of the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy, was selected. During the 2016 Draft, Tyree Thompson, became the second player to be drafted out of the New Orleans Academy.

MLB's youth initiatives will be well-represented at the 2017 Urban Invitational as 12 players on this year's rosters are alumni of MLB Youth Academies, RBI programs or MLB Development Camps, such as the Breakthrough Series. At least one White Sox A.C.E and RBI program alumni will be represented on each HBCU team in the tournament, six of whom have participated in the Breakthrough Series (BTS): Tyler Laux (BTS), Tyler Gordon (BTS), and Andrew Garcia (BTS) from Prairie View A&M; Reggie Johnson (BTS) and Robert Fletcher II (BTS) from Alcorn State; Marshawn Taylor (BTS) and Nick Wheeler from Grambling State; and Justin Freeman, son of Marvin Freeman, from Southern University. Southern University has two other RBI alumni in J'Markus George (Atlanta Metro RBI) and Niko Hayes-Saltare (Miami Marlins RBI). The Breakthrough Series will have eight total alumni, with three coming out of Southern University, three out of Prairie View, one out of Alcorn State and one player out of Grambling State.

MLB PRESS RELEASE

Around the FCS: NCAA Approves Liberty's Waiver Request for FBS Reclassification Process

LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Liberty University received notification today (Feb. 16, 2017) that the NCAA has approved its request to enter into the Football Bowl Subdivision reclassification process.
Liberty University submitted the waiver with the NCAA in January, requesting relief to enter into the two-year FBS reclassification process without an invitation to join a FBS conference.

The NCAA academic and membership affairs staff approved the request after seeking feedback from the NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee, the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee and the NCAA office of legal affairs.

The NCAA waiver approval was based upon Liberty providing substantial information demonstrating its readiness to begin the reclassification process, Liberty's ability to follow current FBS institutions who have demonstrated viability without a conference affiliation and the university's ability to satisfy FBS requirements.



Starting with the 2017-18 academic year, Liberty's football program will begin the two-year FBS reclassification process.

Liberty will compete as a FBS independent during the 2018 season, which includes having three FBS home games. The football program will be bowl eligible starting with the 2019 season and will be required to play at least five home FBS opponents.

History of Liberty University Athletics and its Football Program:
Liberty fielded its first athletics program during the 1972-73 academic year (men's basketball) and played its first season of football in 1973.

Liberty quickly climbed the collegiate athletics ranks, moving from the NCCAA level (National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association) to gaining full NCAA Division I status in 1988.

Liberty's football program joined the Big South Conference in 2002 and has won eight conference titles (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016).

Liberty made its first-ever NCAA FCS Playoff appearance in 2014 where the Flames advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

"Today is truly historic for Liberty University. This university aspired to compete at the highest levels of NCAA competition and began working toward that dream and vision from the day of its founding in 1971. We are deeply grateful to NCAA leadership and staff for considering this request and for acknowledging Liberty's readiness and the appropriateness of Liberty now moving to FBS football status as an independent. Congratulations to Athletics Director, Ian McCaw and Coach Turner Gill! We are grateful to have had the assistance of Dennis Coleman and his colleagues of Ropes & Gray to help navigate the NCAA process over the last year."

Jerry Falwell, Liberty University President
"This is a very exciting day for Liberty Athletics and our football program. We are grateful for President Falwell's vision and leadership in spearheading Liberty's move to FBS football. We look forward to continuing our upward trajectory of success and meeting the level of competition in FBS."

Ian McCaw, Liberty University Director of Athletics
"This is truly a blessed day from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for allowing the vision of our late founder Jerry Falwell, Sr., along with the hard work of President Jerry Falwell to come to fruition! It gives our university great national exposure to build Champions for Christ!"

Turner Gill, Liberty University Head Football Coach
Support The Flames Move to FBS - Join the Flames Club Today!

Fans can support Liberty Football and enjoy special game-day privileges by joining the Flames Club. The Flames Club exists to underwrite Liberty Athletics' three-fold mission to train Champions for Christ, provide a world-class student-athlete experience and win with integrity.

Flames Club membership starts at just $60 and members can enjoy preferred parking, seating and pregame hospitality benefits, based upon membership level. All seats at Williams Stadium other than general admission bleacher seats require membership in the Flames Club.

For more information about red reserved bench-back seats, blue premium chair-back seats, or club seats, call the Flames Club at 434-582-CLUB (2582), email FlamesClub@liberty.edu, or visit www.LibertyFlames.com/FlamesClub.

Season tickets are available to purchase now, while renewal statements will be mailed to 2016 season ticket holders in March. Prices for season tickets will remain the same as last year. Fans can fill out the attached order form below for Season Tickets and submit it to tickets@liberty.edu, or order to Flames Ticket Office at (434) 592-SEAT (7328) for more information.

2017 Football Ticket Order Form

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

Rush, Nuggets defeat ranked teams at Grizzly Invitational

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia -- The men's and women's tennis teams of Xavier University of Louisiana earned their first victories of the season against ranked opponents on the opening day of the Grizzly Invitational Friday.

The Gold Rush, ranked second in the NAIA, defeated No. 3 Keiser 5-2. The Gold Nuggets, ranked 19th, beat No. 25 Cumberlands 5-3.

The XULA men also defeated Cumberlands 6-1. The XULA women lost 5-2 to ninth-ranked Keiser.

The XULA men beat a top-3 team for the first time in their history and won for the 18th time in their last 26 duals against top-10 opponents. Antoine Richard and Moses Micheal won in doubles and singles for the Gold Rush. Richard rallied from a 4-1 second-set deficit to defeat Bastien Song 7-5, 7-5 at No. 1 singles and clinch the dual.

"Today's match against Keiser was the real deal. That team is so talented and very deep," XULA coach Alan Green said. "Our guys just stepped up and played like some grown men. I was very proud of our effort."

The Gold Nuggets clinched against Cumberlands when Lacee Ancar won 7-5, 6-3 against Denee Lyttle at No. 4 singles. Charlene Goreau and Brandi Nelson won in doubles and singles.

Against the Cumberland men, Pierre Andrieu clinched at No. 5 singles when he beat Dev Sivam 6-3, 6-4.

The Gold Nuggets (2-4) will play NAIA No. 7 Indiana Wesleyan at 5 p.m. EST Saturday. The Gold Rush (4-2) will travel to Atlanta to play Emory, ranked second in NCAA Division III, in a non-Grizzly Invitational dual at 6 p.m.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold