Gold Rush No. 4 in poll after rare late-April drop

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana made a rare late-April drop in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Tuesday. The Gold Rush dropped ftom third to fourth.
     
It was the first time since 2011 that the Gold Rush (11-11) dropped in the final April poll. The next poll will be announced May 7, the same day that the NAIA announces the 24 men's teams and 24 women's teams that qualified for the national tournament. The XULA men, who will not compete in a conference or unaffiliated group tournament, are expected to receive a bid for the 10th consecutive year.
     
XULA was the national runner-up in 2016 and 2017.
     
On the positive side of the poll, this is XULA's 93rd consecutive appearance in the top 25 — that's the longest active streak in NAIA men's tennis. The top-10 appearance is the Gold Rush's 63rd in a row.
     
NAIA tournament brackets will be revealed May 8, and the first round will begin May 15 at Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala. This year the men will play the afternoon matches. The championship finals are scheduled for May 19.
     
If the XULA men are one of the top eight seeds, they would receive a first-round bye and play their first match at nationals May 16 in the round of 16. The Gold Rush earned byes six of the last seven years and each of the last three.
 

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through April 22)

RANK	PREVIOUS	SCHOOL	RECORD	POINTS
1	1	Georgia Gwinnett [13]	23-0	343
2	2	Keiser (Fla.)	14-6	332
3	4	Lindsey Wilson (Ky.)	13-0	317
4	3	Xavier (La.)	11-11	310
5	14	William Carey (Miss.)	12-3	294
6	6	William Woods (Mo.)	12-6	281
7	7	Cumberland (Tenn.)	21-2	279
8	5	Mobile (Ala.)	19-2	271
9	8	Cardinal Stritch (Wis.)	11-4	260
10	9	Campbellsville (Ky.)	13-6	227
10	11	Arizona Christian	18-6	227
12	10	Northwestern Ohio	11-5	225
13	12	Middle Georgia State	10-4	214
14	15	Reinhardt (Ga.)	16-3	212
15	16	Westmont (Calif.)	8-9	195
16	20	Tennessee Wesleyan	11-4	170
17	13	San Diego Christian (Calif.)	8-7	166
18	17	Union (Ky.)	13-5	153
19	18	Asbury (Ky.)	13-1	135
20	21	Lawrence Tech (Mich.)	19-4	125
21	19	Coastal Georgia	11-7	124
22	22	Indiana Wesleyan	27-8	105
23	24	Point (Ga.)	15-8	91
24	23	McPherson (Kan.)	12-3	89
24	RV	Cumberlands (Ky.)	7-12	89

Dropped from the Top 25: St. Thomas (Fla.)

Others Receiving Votes: St. Thomas (Fla.) 50; Texas A&M-Texarkana 50; Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 28; Loyola (La.) 28; Bethany (Kan.) 25; Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.) 23; Aquinas (Mich.) 16; Judson (Ill.) 12; Hastings (Neb.) 5; Bluefield (Va.) 4; Missouri Valley 3; Marian (Ind.) 3

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Southern women's basketball coach Sandy Pugh in talks to become next coach at Prairie View

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern women's basketball coach Sandy Pugh may be elsewhere in the Southwestern Athletic Conference next season.

Pugh had not resigned from Southern as of Tuesday night but has spoken with Prairie View about the open job there.

Prairie View expects to name a new women's basketball coach in the next two weeks, the school confirmed Tuesday.

When reached for confirmation Tuesday night, athletic director Roman Banks said neither he nor Southern has been informed of a resignation, but SU expects talks between Pugh and Prairie View to
"come together" quickly in coming days. Talks began last week after Southern granted permission, Banks said.

Pugh did not immediately respond to The Advocate when reached for comment.

Pugh, the 2017-18 SWAC Coach of the Year, just finished her 18th season at Southern, having guided the Jaguars to an outright regular-season championship, the No. 1 overall seed in the SWAC tournament and a 14-4 record against the conference last season.

This season marked the fourth time in five years Southern earned at least a share of the regular-season title. The Jaguars became the first SWAC women’s basketball team to win an outright regular-season crown since Southern also accomplished the feat in 2013.

CONTINUE READING

Southern expected to sign deal with Under Armour to be school's official apparel, equipment provider

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University will have a new look by the start of fall.

Southern is expected to announce an exclusive deal with Under Armour in the coming weeks to become the Jaguars’ official apparel and equipment provider, athletic director Roman Banks said.

The deal has not been signed as of Tuesday afternoon with both sides working out contract details, but Banks said the university looks forward to a partnership with Under Armour.

Banks was unable to give further specifics about the pending deal, but is hopeful to make the official announcement soon with a debut news conference later next month.

While the deal is primarily centered on the athletics department, Banks said Under Armour is also expected to be the official apparel provider for the whole university, providing fans the opportunity to purchase official merchandise such as shirts, polos and authentic game jerseys. Southern athletics will also have access to all of Under Armour products.

“I knew that, with a chance, I could get an apparel company to buy into the history and the legacy of Southern University athletics and its fans, Jaguar Nation, and what they bring to the table,” Banks said. “I think a lot of times, it’s not about the money exchanged on the spot, but it’s the value. I think Southern has shown we have a great value.”

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DSU mourns passing of former head football coach Al Lavan

DOVER, Delaware — Delaware State University Athletics is mourning the death of former Hornet head football coach Alton “Al” Lavan, who died early Monday in Colorado.

Lavan was DSU’s head football coach for seven seasons, from 2004-10, posting an overall record of 41-37 and a 34-21 mark in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

In 2007, Lavan led the Hornets to a 10-2 overall record and the school’s first MEAC championship in 16 years with a perfect 8-0 league mark, the second team in conference history to achieve the feat. The 10 overall wins still stand as a team record.

With the conference title, Delaware State earned a trip to the NCAA playoffs for the first time, matching up against Delaware in the first-ever meeting between the state’s two Division I programs.

Delaware State rose as high as 10th in the ‘07 Football Championship Subdivision national rankings and finished the season at No. 15 in the Sports Network poll and 16th in the ESPN Coaches poll. The American Sports Wire selected the Hornets as its 2007 Black College National Champions, while DSU was second in the final Sheridan Broadcast Network HBCU poll.

Lavan was selected as the 2007 Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C., Coach-of-the-Year and finished second in the voting for the national FCS top coach award.

In 2006, Lavan led the Hornets to an 8-3 record, finishing second in the MEAC standings with a 6-2 conference mark. The team received national attention, garnering a No. 23 ranking heading into the final regular-season game. The national ranking was DSU’s first since the 1992 season. During his second season as DSU head coach in 2005, Lavan guided Delaware State to a 7-4 overall record (6-2 MEAC). Finishing No. 2 in the MEAC standings that season, DSU registered a perfect home record (5-0) for the first time since 1985.

Lavan coached the Hornets to a 4-3 MEAC record in 2004, giving DSU a winning conference mark for the first time in four years.

Prior to accepting the Delaware State position, he served two seasons as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University. Lavan was promoted to assistant head coach for the 2003 football season. Upon the late-season firing of then-head coach Jeff Woodruff, he was named as interim head coach. After taking over the 1-8 football team, Eastern Michigan won two of its final three games under Lavan.

In more than 18 years as a NFL assistant, Lavan’s resume’ includes stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs.

A member of NFL Hall-of-Fame coach Tom Landry’s staff with the Dallas Cowboys, Lavan served as running backs for greats Tony Dorsett and Herschel Walker during his time with the Cowboys.

He was a member of George Seifert’s 1990 Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff.

Lavan’s collegiate coaching tenure also included stops at Colorado State, Louisville, Iowa State, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and Washington.

A college standout at Colorado State, Lavan played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons before his career was cut short due to injury.

He was inducted into the Delaware State University Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 2013.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be released by Lavan's family.

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Henry: Simmons enjoys homecoming, gets to work

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- At the 11-minute mark in the second quarter, the public address announcer at Bragg-Memorial Stadium urged the crowd to welcome Willie Simmons home.

Not that anyone needed to be asked, but applause and cheers erupted in orange and green unison.

‘Ray-Ray’ is home.

Now the heavy lifting starts, though Simmons couldn’t have scripted Saturday’s spring game any better.

Even before the crowd of 7,622 settled in, the Rattlers’ offense struck for a 75-yard touchdown against the defense on the game’s first play, compliments of quarterback Ryan Stanley to electric receiver Chad Hunter.

From that moment, FAMU’s future was on display under Simmons.

This could be fun.

The Tallahassee native and former Quincy Shanks star quarterback couldn’t help but smile when he looked into the stands before the game.

He posed for photographs, shook the hands of well-wishers and hugged family and friends.

CONTINUE READING

FAMU Orange & Green Game Had All The Excitement

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M Orange and Green game answered several questions about this Spring’s 15 days of practice. The offense proved that it has picked up a good portion of Willie Simmons’ offense, while the defense showed that it will be the leaders of the team with a veteran squad of players that demonstrated their ability to dominate and make plays. Though everyone came to see the game, it was the biggest formal welcome back to the Big Bend of Willie Simmons to date.

“I thought today was a very productive day. I wanted to see the guys get out there and compete on both sides of the ball. Doing an offense versus defense scrimmage is always a little dicey with the scoring systems, so it was good seeing the game being close…competitive game. Defense was making plays indicative of their scores of tackles-for-loss, interceptions, three-and-outs…things of that nature gave them their points. Offense was able to put some drives together. Guys made some really good individual plays. It was a good scrimmage, a great culmination of 15 productive days of spring ball,” Simmons said.

SPRING GAME PHOTO ALBUM


A bevy of family, friends, classmates and other associates packed together on the west side of the stadium, including Simmons’ wife Shaia and their children. It was a family affair as fans of all ages congregated in Bragg Stadium.

Ryan Stanley distanced himself as the Rattlers’ starting quarterback. With an offense based on options on virtually every play, Stanley has adapted well to the new freedoms the playbook offers. He wasted no time in the game, hitting Chad Hunter on a 75-yard bomb on the first play from scrimmage to ignite the 7,622 in attendance. They would connect again on another drive where Hunter made a diving catch in the end zone on a perfectly placed pass outside the reach of defenders.

Stanley was pleased with the team’s adaptation of the wide-open offense Simmons and staff have implemented. “It’s a really fun offense to play in. It allows us to use our playmakers. Chad was doing what Chad does, which is make plays. I think he’s one of the best, not just in our conference,” Stanley said. Dock Luckie also got into the act, hauling in a TD pass in the scrimmage.

Simmons was aggressive with installing his offense. “ We installed 90-percent of the offense this Spring. It was aggressive, but they absorbed most of it and they can build on it in the offseason,” Simmons said.

Tahj Tolbert is showing improvement in evolving into the backup signal caller. DJ Phillips and Mack Green, formerly a defensive back, also got snaps under center in the game.

Devin Bowers and Bishop Bonnett carried the load in the backfield. Ricky Henrilus was held out of the game with a tweaked ankle, but was very animated and involved in the game from the sideline.

While defensive standouts Terry Jefferson and Jabril Hazly led the defense, there was a point in the game where the defensive line totally dominated the line of scrimmage. Jefferson said their success depends on the men up front. “We can’t be successful as a defense without the guys up front. The game is controlled there. They allow us to fly around and do what we need to do, but it’s not possible if a team controls the line of scrimmage. It was a total team effort,” Jefferson said.

A very responsive crowd was in attendance looking to see what the 2018 season might bring. The north parking lot at Bragg Stadium was filled with tailgaters and revelers hoping to get a glimpse of the Rattlers’ glorious past. FAMU Sports Hall of Famer Ken Riley drove up from Bartow to deliver the pre-game speech. He and FAMU Director of Athletics John Eason played together under legendary head coach Jake Gaither. Also in attendance was former ESPN and Fox Sports anchor Fred Hickman.

The game was a jumbalaya of alumni, friends, fans and students. The FAMU Student Government Association commandeered the north end zone for a tailgate with free food, bounce houses, ice cream and DJs. Popular radio DJs, DJ Dap and DJ E-Zone, kept the sounds going between the action and the Marching “100” pep band playing.

While the Marching “100” was there, they conceded halftime to the Greek student organizations. The “Divine 9,” HBCU Greek organizations performed at midfield, strolling to their theme songs.

“This was a really great turnout. The atmosphere was amazing. I’m really encouraged about the direction we’re headed in and looking forward to a great offseason and hopefully continue to build in our quest to win a MEAC championship,” Simmons concluded.

FAMU Orange & Green Game 2018

Quick Facts

• Today marked the first look at new head coach Willie Simmons at the helm of the Rattlers
• Announced attendance was 7,622
• FAMU quarterback Ryan Stanley passed for over 200 yards, including a strike of 75 yards to Chad Hunter
• FAMU receiver Chad Hunter caught passes for over 150 yards, including a touchdown
• Bishop Bonnett was the team’s leading rusher with 60+ yards
• Safety Terry Jefferson, Vandrick Verdier and Jabril Hazly were the leading tacklers for FAMU
• McKinley Horton grabbed two picks on the defensive end. Chris Jerry also got an interception.
• Bishop Bonnett was also the team’s leading return man with
• Quarterbacks Tahj Tolbert, DJ Phillips and Mack Green (converted from DB) all got snaps in today’s scrimmage.
• Chad Hunter (2) Dock Luckie, Devin Bowers all scored touchdowns

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLERS SPORTS INFORMATION 

North Carolina A&T;s Thomas Wins 100 Meters At Duke

DURHAM, North Carolina – The North Carolina A&T’s track and field teams competed at the Duke Invitational and combined for 16 top-10 finishes at Morris Williams Stadium. The Aggie men’s track and field team won the 100-meter invite and tallied three personal records and three season bests. The Aggie women produced six personal records and two season bests.

Senior sprinter Joel Thomas (10.51) won the 100 and freshman Michael Bell (10.76) placed third. In the 110-meter hurdles, sophomore Robert Miller (14.16) finished second with his top time of the outdoor season. Miller is tied for fourth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Senior TeQuille Jackson finished the 110mh in 15.14 for a seventh-place finish after running 14.63 in the preliminaries. Freshman Chase (52.65) ran a personal-best 52.65 to finish third in the 400mh. He is now fourth in the conference in the event.

DUKE INVITATIONAL RESULTS

Senior Corey Aiken (1:51.67) ran his fastest time of the season in the 800 meters to place 18th. In the 3000-meter steeplechase, sophomore Daquan Maddox (9:57.18) clocked a personal record to finish 16th. Senior Hakeem Mustafaa (9:58.83) ran a season-best 9:58.83 to finish 19th. Maddox and Mustafaa rank seventh and eighth in the MEAC.

In the field events, senior Nehemiah Lipford leaped 6-feet, 7-inches to place ninth while Bell placed ninth in the long jump at 22-feet, 2 ½ inches. Senior Aaron Deane jumped 44-feet, 5 ½ inches to finish 10th in the triple jump.

Junior Kennedy Thorne was the top finisher on the women’s side at Duke. Thorne was the runner-up in the 400mh by running a personal-record 59.77 to move into second in the MEAC rankings. Sophomore Sun-Sara Williams posted two personal records in the 400m and 200m events. Williams was fourth in the 400 (54.40) and sixth in the 200 (23.34).

Freshman Payton Russell also broke her personal record in the 400 at 55.61. Sophomore Jade Smith (15.06) came in fourth in the 100mh and sophomore Kristoni Barnes ran a personal-record 2:08.80 to place 10th in the 800. She ranks second in the conference. Senior Morgan Knight tied her personal best in the pole vault with a mark of 12-feet, 5-inches to finish seventh. Freshman Royce Johnson was ninth in the long jump at 18-feet, 2 ½ inches.

The Aggies will have competitors at the LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge, La., April 27-28 before returning to N.C. A&T’s Irwin Belk Track for the MEAC Outdoor Championships, May 3-5.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State University makes history in Selma bringing spring practice to Memorial Stadium

SELMA, Alabama -- Alabama State University head football coach Donald Hill-Eley picked a perfect day to bring his football team to Selma to wrap up their third week of spring practice.

For the first time, a Division I collegiate football program had a full practice at Memorial Stadium that was free and open to the public.

Alumni, fans and local high school kids came out to watch the Hornets go through position drills and scrimmage.



Sam Johnson, ASU class of 1976 and father of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, was in the stands to watch his alma mater practice.

“This is a big step forward just to see this satellite camp brought to Selma,” he said. “I’m so proud of what we’re doing at Alabama State now. The historically black colleges need to have an anchor and be promoted. You get the chance to see a different side of these historically black colleges. It’s great exposure, makes an impact and is a great recruiting tool.”

Between Michael’s high school games at Dallas County, college games at Georgia Tech and professional games in the NFL, Sam hasn’t seen his Hornets play in more than 20 years.

“I remember when we were back in the SIAC, and in that particular time, we were dominating the SIAC,” he said. “The greatest competition I think we had was Alabama A&M. The great Magic City Classic. Boy, that was something to look forward to.”

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Meet-record 258 points propel Nuggets to GCAC repeat

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana repeated Saturday as women's team champion of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium, winning six events on day two and scoring a meet-record 258 points.

XULA's men scored 123 points — nearly twice as many they had the previous two years combined— and finished second.

  The Gold Nuggets' individual champions were Taylor Price in the 5,000-meter run (22 minutes, 37.48 seconds), Raven Davis in the 100 hurdles (15.33), Maliya Vaughan in the 3,000 steeplechase (13:20.61), Ry-Anne Riley in the long jump (5.48 meters/17 feet, 11 3/4 inches), Alysia Terry in the triple jump (11.38 meters/37 feet, 4 inches) and Calah Williamsin the discus (34.75 meters/114 feet).
     
The XULA women won eight titles overall. On Friday Price won the 10,000, and Tamia Scott won the javelin. Price (5,000) and Riley were repeat champions.
     
Meeting B-qualifying standards for the NAIA National Championships were Justyce Riggs (24.89) and Riley (25.00) in the 200. Riggs's time is the the fastest by a XULA woman in four years.
     
The Nuggets' 400 relay team of Martina Latting, Alexis Milton, Riggs and Riley finished second in a school-record 46.45.
     
Christopher August won his second individual men's title of the meet, the 5,000 (17:35.86). August teamed with Damoy Boyd, Ammiel Williams and Oji Wells for the 3,200 relay title (8:38.32). August won the 10,000 Friday.
     
XULA's Joseph Moses was voted GCAC Women's Coach of the Year by his peers. The Gold Nuggets have won five of the last six GCAC titles.
     
The league coaches voted Terry a share of GCAC Women's Field Athlete of the Year with Ellexsie Haughton of Edward Waters.
     
The Gold Nuggets beat the previous GCAC women's record of 218 points by Dillard in 2012. XULA's previous high was 213 points in 2014. XULA's 96-point winning margin also was the largest by a GCAC women's team. The previous high winning margin was Dillard's 76 in 2012, and XULA's previous best was 72 in 2004.
     
SUNO was second in women's points with 162.
     
Edward Waters scored a men's meet-record 304 points to win its fourth consecutive title.
     
XULA will compete in three weeks in a last-chance meet at William Carey (Hattiesburg, Miss.), then travel to Gulf Shores, Ala., for NAIA nationals May 24-26.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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XULA wins three events on opening day of GCAC meet

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana won 3-of-6 events Friday in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium.
     
Tamia Scott won the women's javelin (36.59 meters/120 feet), Taylor Price won the women's 10,000-meter run (49 minutes, 2.92 seconds), and Christopher August won the men's 10K (35:35.57).
     
XULA produced a pair of seconds — Evan Simmons in the men's hammer (29.49 meters/96 feet, 9 inches) and Hajjia Mohammed in the women's 10K (50:39.55).
     
Edward Waters (42 points) and the Gold Nuggets (34) were the only women's teams to score. Edward Waters leads the men with 64 points, followed by XULA with 20, Dillard with four and Philander Smith with two. SUNO also is competing.
     
Scott produced a XULA PR and dethroned teammate Drew Chatters, who was seeking to become the fourth woman to win the same GCAC individual event four times. Chatters, competing for the only time this season, placed third with 35.61 meters/116 feet, 10 inches.
     
Simmons became the first Gold Rush athlete in 14 years to score in the hammer at the GCAC meet.
     
The men's and women's 10Ks made their debut at this event, so August and Price were credited with meet records. Including cross country, the victory was August's third at the conference level and Price's fourth.
     
The meet will resume at 10 a.m. Saturday with the high jump, long jump and shot put. Running events will start at 10:15 a.m. The final event, the 1,600 relay for women and men, is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Admission is free. XULA seeks to repeat as women's team champion.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Three takeaways from Florida A&M's spring game

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s Orange and Green Spring Game got started with a bang.

On the first play from scrimmage, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Chad Hunter – a former Rickards standout -- got the 7,622 fans in Bragg Memorial Stadium on their feet.

Hunter got behind the Orange defense on a skinny post route and then outran the defense to the end zone for a 75-yard touchdown from returning starting quarterback Ryan Stanley.

It was his first touchdown of the day.

Hunter added another touchdown on an 11-yard catch on a diving reception in the back of the end zone on the next possession.

“That’s my guy. That’s a playmaker, and that’s what playmakers got to do. My job as a quarterback is just to get the ball in his hands... Chad’s definitely one of the best in this conference or otherwise.”

Hunter certainly proved that he had playmaking ability last season -- he was FAMU’s leading receiver in 2017 with 571 yards and six touchdowns – and it doesn’t look like he’s going to be taking a step back this year.

CONTINUE READING

2-day GCAC Championships begin Friday at Tad Gormley

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's women have a title to defend, and the men will try to climb in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium.
     
Admission is free to the meet, which has start times of 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. The final event, the 1,600-meter relay for women and men, is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Saturday. Tad Gormley Stadium is in City Park, about three miles from the XULA campus.
     
For the first time the GCAC will contest this event over two days. Friday's events will be the hammer, javelin and 10,000-meter run. The latter event is making its GCAC meet debut.
     
XULA's Gold Nuggets seek their fifth women's team title in six years. They outscored Edward Waters 183-177 for last year's championship.
     
The Gold Nuggets have the GCAC's top time or distance this season in six events:Brianna Pace in the 800-meter run (2 minutes, 25.18 seconds), Raven Davis in the 100 hurdles (15.26), Ireyon Keith in the long jump (5.49 meters/18 feet, one-quarter inch), Alysia Terry in the triple jump (11.59 meters/38 feet, one-quarter inch), Calah Williams in the discus (35.90 meters/117 feet, 9 inches) and the 3,200 relay team of Pace, Maliya Vaughan, Taylor Price and Clarke Allen (10:05.15). Returning champions for the XULA women are Price in the 1,500 and 5,000, Drew Chatters in the javelin and Ry-Anne Riley in the long jump.
     
Chatters, the school and conference meet record holder in her event, will attempt to become the fourth woman to win the same GCAC individual event four times.
     
Three of the four Nuggets from last year's GCAC-champion 400 relay team — Martina Latting, Alexis Milton and Riley — also return, and they'll be joined by Justyce Riggs. Their time of 46.66 from five weeks ago is a XULA record and No. 3 in the NAIA this year.
     
Price will not defend either of her titles. She'll run in the 10,000, 800 and 3,200 relay.
     
XULA's men scored 83 points at the 2015 GCAC meet but dipped to 30 points in 2016 and scored 34 a year ago. Three Gold Rush freshmen — Damoy Boyd in the 1,500 (4:16.89), Brandon Matthews in the triple jump (14.31 meters/46 feet, 11 1/2 inches) and Edward Angel in the high jump (2.07 meters/6 feet, 9 1/2 inches) — have the GCAC's best marks this season. Returning to defend his triple jump title is Keairez Coleman.
     
Matthews's and Angel's performances already have qualified them for next month's NAIA National Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala. The Nuggets' NAIA qualifiers are Terry in the triple jump, Latting, Milton and Riggs in the 100, Kayla Quincy and Ariane Williams in the 400, the 400 relay and the 1,600 relay team of Janelle Jones, Quincy, Riley and Williams.
     
Angel and Edward Waters sophomore Farrin Brownlowe (2.03 meters/6 feet, 8 inches) rank 3-9 nationally in the high jump. Brownlowe is the defending GCAC champion.
     
XULA's women are 23rd in this week's NAIA Outdoor National Team Computer Rankings, which are complied by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The Gold Nuggets were 15th the previous week.
     
Edward Waters seeks its fourth consecutive GCAC men's team title and sixth in seven years. The Tigers scored a meet-record 303 points a year ago.
     
The meet schedule:

Friday, April 20
Field Events
4 p.m.	Men's Hammer (women to follow)
4 p.m.	Women's Javelin (men to follow)
Track Event (in meters)
6:45 p.m.	Women's 10,000 (men to follow)
Saturday, April 21
Field Events
10 a.m.	Men's High Jump (women to follow)
10 a.m.	Women's Long Jump (men to follow)
10 a.m.	Women's Shot Put (men to follow)
1:45 p.m.	Men's Discus (women to follow)
1:45 p.m.	Women's Triple Jump (men to follow)
1:45 p.m.	Men's Pole Vault (women to follow)
Track Events (in meters)
10:15 a.m.	3,000 Steeplechase Women/Men
10:55 a.m.	National Anthem
11 a.m.	400 Relay Women/Men
11:20 a.m.	1,500 Women/Men
11:50 a.m.	100 Hurdles Women
Noon	110 Hurdles Men
12:15 p.m.	400 Women/Men
12:45 p.m.	3,200 Relay Women/Men
1 p.m.	Break
2 p.m.	100 Women/Men
2:20 p.m.	400 Hurdles Women/Men
2:45 p.m.	800 Women/Men
3:15 p.m.	200 Women/Men
3:30 p.m.	5,000 Women/Men
4:45 p.m.	1,600 Relay Women/Men

GCAC Championships Team Scoring
Men
Year	Champion	Points		Runner-up	Points
2004	XULA	92		SUNO	24
2011	Dillard	161 1/2		Edward Waters	136
2012	Edward Waters	217		Dillard	192
2013	Edward Waters	212		Dillard	188
2014	Dillard	178		Edward Waters	153
2015	Edward Waters	156		Dillard	121
2016	Edward Waters	200		Dillard	166
2017	Edward Waters	303		Dillard	149
Women
Year	Champion	Points		Runner-up	Points
2004	XULA	82		SUNO	10
2011	XULA	138 1/2		Dillard	133
2012	Dillard	218		(tie) Edward Waters, SUNO	142
2013	XULA	184		Edward Waters	175
2014	XULA	213		Dillard	168
2015	XULA	202		Edward Waters	158
2016	Dillard	176		SUNO	159
2017	XULA	183		Edward Waters	177

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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