PVAMU McClelland to Take Over TSU Athletics Program

Photo: TSU new athletic director, Charles McClelland.

HOUSTON -- Texas Southern University will name Prairie View A and M athletics director Charles McClelland as TSU's new athletics director at a news conference Thursday.

"I am excited about accepting the athletics director's job at Texas Southern but I am not going to make any further comment until the news conference tomorrow," McClelland said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

Texas Southern had been searching for a new A.D. since firing Alois Blackwell in February. Prairie View A and M President George Wright told FOX 26 McClelland officially resigned from the school Wednesday morning.


CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Spotlight: Ex-Raider/Grambling Tiger now playing All-Pro as Texas grape grower

Photo: Former pro football player Alphonse Dotson now grows coveted grapes at his Certenberg Vineyards (Photo by Dutch Rall).

Former Grambling State University All-American defensive tackle Alphonse A. Dotson hopes to open winery

VOCA, Texas — As he strides through his vineyard wearing a wide-brimmed hat and tan coveralls, the years fall away so easily from Alphonse Dotson that, even at age 65, one can picture him lining up at defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders. While nearly 40 years have passed since Dotson was tossing aside blockers, he remains an imposing figure — the result of 70-hour work weeks tending some of the most prized grapes in Texas.

His broad grin and outstretched hand belie his fearsome football image as he greets visitors to his 83-acre vineyard northwest of Austin. His handshake, which threatens, but doesn't crush, reveals the calluses that come from hard work.

Here, at Certenberg Vineyards, Dotson's grapevines — some 1,800 plants in all — have produced what some say are the best cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay grapes in the Texas Hill Country. Wine is hot in Texas and the wine coming out of the Hill Country is winning numerous awards. In January, Saveur magazine included Dotson and the vineyard in its 10th annual list of 100 favorites in the world of food.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Dotson not only grow the best wine grapes in Texas, but has produced a line of great football players in his family. His son is defensive tackle Santana N. Dotson who was NFL Rookie of the Year in 1992 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played in two Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers. He was a Super Bowl champion winning Super Bowl (XXXI) with the Packers and ended a 10 year career playing with the Washington Redskins in 2002.

Dotson's grandson is Alonzo Dotson ... nephew of Santana Dotson. Alonzo is an Oklahoma senior DE that is preparing for the NFL draft.

-beepbeep

ASU Hogan almost back to his old self

Even at a little under 6 feet, Alabama State senior linebacker John Hogan is hard to overlook. He's one of those guys you just don't miss. Whether it be on the playing field with 80 other guys dressed exactly the same or strolling around campus with hundreds of other students, when Hogan is around, people know it -- for a variety of reasons.

First of all, his voice is unmistakable. It's loud, it's attention-getting and it's constant. Then, there's his hair, which is often flying in a dozen different directions. There's also the friendly smile that's always in place and the confident demeanor that tends to draw people to him. Add it all up and John Hogan might just be the hardest guy to overlook on the ASU campus.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Southern Jaguars hurting with Nicholls up next

Southern’s baseball team is on a roll, but limping badly as the Jaguars head into a midweek road game at Nicholls State. SU and the Colonels take the diamond at Ray Didier Field in Thibodaux at 6:30 p.m. today.

“We’re limping pretty darn bad right now,” Jaguars coach Roger Cador said. “But we’ve played relatively well despite our physical condition.” That condition hit the SU pitching corps hard over the weekend when starters Chase Richard and Jarrett Maloy went down with injuries. Richard suffered an arm injury that a team doctor said could cause him to miss a couple of weeks.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

FAMU Walk-ons working to impress

Photo: #3 Former FAMU Rattler WR Willie Hayward, Miami Jackson Senior High School, Miami, FL. , vs. WSSU Rams in last season's Circle City Classic.

Aja Hayward heard the voices. They were telling him to play receiver like his older brother, Willie. He refused, deciding to play safety instead.

Willie is no longer a Rattler, leaving at the end of last season with legacy as one of the best receivers to play at FAMU in the last two seasons. Now it's Aja's turn to try to make become a Rattler as a walk-on, the same route that his brother took to join the team.

It has not been an easy quest through the first two and a half weeks of spring practice, though. FAMU has plenty of experience in the secondary, but Aja isn't backing down as one of a handful of players who are trying to earn their keep without scholarships.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Former FAMU's Hicks moves to Eugene, Oregon with hopes of regaining spot among 800’s elite

Photo: Miami, Florida native Kevin Hicks; Career Highlights: 2005 USA Indoor champion; 3rd at 2005 USA Outdoors; 2nd at NCAA Outdoors.

Three years ago, Kevin Hicks was one of the rising stars in U.S. track and field.

The Florida A&M sophomore won the NCAA indoor title in the 800 meters, took second at the NCAA outdoor meet with a time of 1 minute, 44.94 seconds, and placed third at the U.S. outdoor championships to earn a trip to Helsinki for the 2005 World Championships. The future looked bright for Hicks.

He was ranked third in the U.S. in the 800 by Track & Field News, and his exploits were being compared to the school’s two former Olympians — the late Bob Hayes (1964) and Rey Robinson (1972), the present FAMU coach.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Collegiate, professional athletics akin to slavery

Blacks sold like cattle to white schools looking for brawn, not brains

The situation of black male athletes in America is an interesting one. In one sense, they are heroes - to their communities and the nation - but in another sense, they are comparable to slaves. No, I did not just call black male athletes, slaves. I said the situation is comparable.

Imagine it this way: The predominantly white institution is the plantation, the white head coach is the slave master and the black athlete is the slave. The crops being reaped: Money, prestige and reputation.

It is generally known that there are more black athletes competing on national collegiate and professional teams than there are owners and coaches of these teams.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Will it be 1st and 10 or 9 to 5?

Photo: With a 2007 FAMU degree earned in public management, former Rattlers defensive back Carlos Rolle pursues NFL dream.

Athletes weigh in on the probability of going pro after collegiate careers

When it comes to college football, each player's goal varies. While some see themselves going pro, others are content with their athletic careers ending upon graduation.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association estimates that out of the 56,500 students playing football in America, only 2 percent will play professionally. "You have a better chance at becoming a rocket scientist than going to the NFL," said Joe Taylor. "So you better go to class."

Taylor, the new head coach of Florida A&M University's football team, said he doesn't want anyone on his team...

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Ashley Hampton completes stellar prep career with mom along for the ride

Florida A&M University's incoming recruit Ashley Hampton named Ocala Star-Banner 2008 Girls Basketball Player of the Year, same award her Mom won in 1987.

OCALA, FL — It was one of those seasons you dream about as a little kid. Leading your tiny school to the big time with your mother and coach along for the ride. St. John Lutheran forward Ashley Hampton made it all a reality in 2008, willing her Saints to the private school's first-ever final four and filling her scrapbook along the way.

She did it with sheer talent - Hampton's 25.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.1 steals and 3.7 assists per game compare favorably to any player in the state. She did it with leadership - setting a standard for her teammates while never developing the ego that can easily haunt a star.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

More importantly, Ashley carries a 4.4 grade point average and plans to major in Pharmacy at FAMU. She will soon join a family legacy that have had seven other family members attend and graduate from Florida A&M.

Howard University Announces 2008 Football Schedule

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Howard University will open the 2008 season with a home game against the Hoyas of Georgetown University. It will mark the first time that the two schools have met on the gridiron. That match-up will take place in Greene Stadium.

The Bison will follow with a road game at Hampton, VA against the Pirates of Hampton University on September 13. Howard will then return home for a MEAC showdown with rival Florida A&M University on September 20.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TTILE.

The following is the complete 2008 schedule:

Sept. 6 vs GEORGETOWN Wash., DC 1 pm
13 at Hampton University Hampton, VA TBA
20 vs FLORIDA A&M Wash., DC 1 pm
27 vs Savannah State Miami, FL TBA
Oct. 4 at Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC TBA
11 OPEN
18 vs MORGAN STATE Wash., DC 1 pm$
25 at North Carolina A&T Greensboro, NC TBA
Nov. 1 vs NORFOLK STATE Wash., DC 1 pm
8 at South Carolina State Orangeburg, SC TBA
15 at Bethune-Cookman Daytona Beach, FL TBA
22 vs DELAWARE STATE Wash., DC 1 pm
HOME GAME IN UPPER CASE
$ Homecoming

Howard University Showtime Marching Band

ASU Hornet coaches hope reinforcements are on the way

Photo: ASU Hornets head coach Reggie Barlow.

As Alabama State's final week of spring practice opened on Monday, the guys in charge were not very happy. There was a lot of yelling, a lot of running after practice and some very frank comments from the head coach.

"When we came into the spring, we had our eyes on the players we thought would step up and step out," ASU coach Reggie Barlow said. "So far, some of those guys haven't played as well as we think they can. We were looking for the five-to-eight guys who would take that next step and be big contributors, and we've had only a couple of guys to do that."

The lack of productivity has the coaching staff eyeing the arrival of several transfers and junior college signees expected ...

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Grambling State Tailgating: Possibly the Best in the SWAC

Grambling/I-20 Classic Tailgating and Band 2007

Rattler head coach, Taylor: Battle is FAMU's starting QB

Photo: #8, Eddie Battle is No. 1 on the Rattlers quarterback depth chart, followed by Robert Love and Tobias Lee.

Although Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor didn't hesitate to call redshirt sophomore Eddie Battle his No. 1 quarterback after Monday's spring practice, Taylor was just as quick to point out that Robert Love is right on his heels. Battle's leadership and ability to make quick decisions are what led Taylor to name Battle the number one guy, for now.

"Eddie is just a good manager, he's a good decision maker and he takes over the huddle," Taylor said. "He has a lot of authority. He's really moved forward, but Love is right there with him."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

SCSU defense frustrated in Sunday's scrimmage

Photo: SCSU LB Tony White.

South Carolina State University head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough praised his team's defense for its performance in Friday's practice, but in Sunday's scrimmage there wasn't much praise being handed out to anyone on the defensive side of the ball.

On the bright side, the South Carolina State offense -- especially the second unit against Brooks and the Bulldogs' first-team defense -- looked good. Actually, it was Malcolm Long and the Bulldogs' first-team offense that got the ball rolling, mounting an 11-play scrimmage opening drive that was capped by a short touchdown pass from Long to tight end Octavius Darby.

While Long and the starters remained consistent throughout the scrimmage, backup quarterback DeWain Clark and the second team offense were explosive. After turning the ball over on four downs on its first possession, Clark and the second-team were backed up and given the ball again. On the third play of that series, Clark connected with tight end Sean Lampkin over the middle for a 60-yard touchdown. Shortly after, Clark tossed another touchdown, this one 40 yards, to receiver Semaj Moody.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Alabama State Hornets' schedule hits another snag

Alabama State's 2008 football schedule isn't quite so final. Athletic director Ron Dickerson said Saturday morning that it appears as if the game against Concordia College won't happen, leaving ASU with just 11 total games and only three games in Montgomery.

"(Concordia officials) told us they could get out of a game on that date and it now appears as if they can't," Dickerson said. "We're still looking, still working, but for now, we're going to go with an 11-game schedule. Hopefully, we can work out something soon. But right now, it's 11 games."

If Dickerson and ASU officials are unable to fill that Sept. 13 spot on the schedule....

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

QB surprise emerges from ASU scrimmage

Photo: Sophomore QB Brandon Dowdell, 6-3/190, Opelika, AL, had a break-out scrimmage on Saturday for the Hornets.

Reggie Barlow studied the forecast almost as closely as he did his playbook late Friday night. The ASU head football coach knew that Saturday morning's scheduled scrimmage -- the last before the Black & Gold game -- was vital to his team staying on track in preparing for the fall.

After considering pushing back the time, or canceling it altogether, Barlow and the Hornets boarded the buses and made the quick trek to Cramton Bowl for a spirited scrimmage that featured big plays from and unlikely source.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

DSU's Franklin qualifies for track regionals

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Delaware State's Nekisha Franklin qualified for the NCAA outdoor regional championships by finishing fourth in the 200-meter dash at the Florida Relays this weekend with a time of 23.72 seconds.

For the Delaware State men, Larrone Moore qualified for regionals in the 100 (10.50) and 200 (21.23).

The DSU team of Moore, Lee Barnes, Andre Easton and Donte Holmes won the sprint medley relay in 3:20.32. The 4x200 team of Moore, Easton, Barnes and Duke Mack set a school record (1:24.50) and finished third.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Southern routs Jackson State, 20-5

James Armstrong hit for the cycle, driving in seven runs and scoring five as Southern completed a sweep of Jackson State with a 20-5 rout Sunday in Jackson, Miss. The game was called after eight innings because of darkness.

Southern’s Victor Franklin was 3-for-5 with a home run, two doubles and three RBIs as the Jaguars improved to 14-11 on the season. “We swung the bat well and pitched well until (starter) Jarrett Maloy got hurt,” Southern coach Roger Cador said. “It just doesn’t make any sense that we have all these kids hurt. It’s unfortunate.”

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

BCU Wildcats sweeps North Carolina A&T

Daytona Beach, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman University pitcher Eric Thomas was phenomenal on the mound as he helped the Wildcats cruise to a 7-1 victory in baseball action over North Carolina A&T State University in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference match-up at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Fla. The game was broadcast live on ESPNU.

The MEAC regular season title is still undetermined as of yet, but the Wildcats of B-CU (19-11, 6-0 MEAC) made a claim that they want to be one of the teams in the hunt at the end. Their sweep of the second-ranked team in the league--North Carolina A&T, proved that point exactly this weekend.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Bethune Cookman shut down the A&T Aggies in game one, 18-6; and 10-7 in the second game on Saturday. Phenomenal weekend for the baseball Wildcats of BCU.

Second scrimmage in the books for SSU

Photo: #22 Running Back Antwan Edwards.

Mother Nature dumped a different element - rain - on Savannah State's football team Saturday morning. But wet conditions were a delight to SSU first-year head coach Robby Wells, whose Tigers conducted their second scrimmage of spring practice at 10 a.m.

Although it was a pleasant 72 degrees, handling a wet football and maintaining footing presented challenges similar to those SSU faced for three weeks at 5:30 a.m. practices when it was 35 degrees.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK ON BLOG TITLE.

UAPB Golden Lions split double header with Prairie View

The opening pitch was perhaps a symbolic gesture of the type of day it was going to be for Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The Golden Lions booted a routine grounder by Rashad White to open the day, and Prairie View A&M went on to take advantage of five UAPB miscues in an 8-2 victory in the opening game a three-game Southwestern Athletic Conference series on Saturday at Regional Park.

UAPB came back in the second game of the doubleheader to defeat Prairie View 9-5.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

JSU players respond when called out

Photo: JSU head football coach Rick Comegy.

Jackson State football coach Rick Comegy had been blunt with his team leading into Saturday's Blue and White spring game. He wasn't happy with the performance of some players and Comegy told them they could be playing for their roster spot.

He admitted that three or four players made the team during the scrimmage.

"Some guys stepped up that had to step up," Comegy said. "There were some guys that we were going to get rid of that I don't think we can get rid of now. They showed me all they needed was some time.

"I learned today that you can be a little too fast about making decisions. All it took was three hours today to find out who could play and who couldn't play."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Jackson State's Tigers retooled offense lagging behind defense

The Jackson State football coaches held a draft to create two teams for the Blue and White spring game on Saturday. It was the only way to be fair.

Both defenses, not surprisingly, owned the day as the Blue squad held on for a 16-10 victory inside Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. "The defense is going to dominate," senior linebacker Marcellus Speaks said. "Our offense isn't going to get anything against us. But after practicing against us, they're going go out and beat everybody else in the country."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Transfer quarterback impressive in spring drills for NSU

Photo: Norfolk State University head football coach Pete Adrian.

Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian is only five days into spring football practice, but after the team's first scrimmage on Saturday morning, he knew this much.

Expect big things this fall from quarterback Dennis Brown and running back DeAngelo Branche. Both have impressed in drills along with redshirt freshman receiver Josh Reamon. Brown, a transfer from the University of Connecticut, completed a pair of passes to Reamon, one on a deep route and another on a sideline comeback in the scrimmage.

"Dennis is looking very sharp and runs the offense very well," Adrian said. "We're running a lot more with our quarterback now."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Trail Blazer: Tennessee State's Olympian - Hampton U. Track Coach Mamie Rallins

TSU Olympian shares her story: Mamie Rallins was first black woman to coach at the Ohio State University.

The first black woman to coach at Ohio State University will share her story of coaching and Olympic prowess with area youth this April.

Mamie Rallins, who now lives in Port Clinton, Ohio will give a motivational speech at a luncheon at noon April 27 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Genoa.

Rallins began running as a teenager living in Chicago. "At the age of 15, I started running track for a track club, because we did not have track and field in the high schools in the '50s," she said.

Rallins competed in the Mayor Daley Youth Foundation Track Club, and placed second in the 80-meter hurdles during the 1967 Pan American Games. She went to the Olympics in Mexico City the next year.

Mamie Rallins holds an Olympic torch used during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta in front of an Olympic banner that hangs on the wall in her home. (Jonathon Bird/News-Messenger).

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Coach Rallins is a very humble person. There is much that she accomplished that is not stated in this story.

Rallins Bio from Sept. 2, 1997 (provided by Onnidan's Black College Sports Online):

Prior to Hampton University, Rallins served as Head Women's Track & Field/Cross Country Coach for 18 years (1976-94) at Ohio State University. During that time she coached 60 Big Ten indoor/outdoor champions, 24 All Americans, nine Olympic trial qualifiers and one Olympian. She also served as assistant athletic director for three years.

Coach Rallins also had success on the national and international ranks serving as Head Coach of the U.S. Indoor World Championship team in 1987. She also served as assistant coach of the USA Olympic Games in 1996, 1995 World University Games, 1981 USA vs. USSR Meet and the World University Games in 1979.

Rallins stated, "I'm really pleased to be at Hampton because of being able to give something back to a historical black university. I feel I have something to offer the young ladies, especially with my background and the success I received when the opportunities were given to me.

The Chicago, Illinois native is a 1976 graduate of Tennessee State University, where she enjoyed a successful collegiate career. Prior to joining the Tigerbells at TSU, she was a member of the Mayor Daley Youth Foundation Track Club and placed 2nd in the 80 meter hurdles at the 1967 Pan American Games and made the 1968 USA Olympic Team.

In 1969 she was the number one 100-meter hurdler in the world.

Rallins entered TSU in 1971 and continued her success making the 1972 USA Olympic Team. Rallins was a two-time Olympian (1968 and 1972). She was an All-American in 1972, 1973 and 1974 in the 100-meter hurdles. She was under the tutelage of Coach Edward Temple at Tennessee State University.

As coach, Rallins steered the Hampton University Lady Pirates to two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championships including indoor and outdoor track and field. She also coached two HU student-athletes who qualified for the 2002 NCAA Track and Field Championships, one of whom earn All-American status in the 400-meter hurdles.

BCU vs. North Carolina A&T Baseball on ESPNU Today

B-CU and N.C. A&T to play on ESPNU Today at 2 PM.

Bethune-Cookman will host North Carolina A&T State University on Sunday at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in front of a nationally television audience. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU at 2 p.m. in Daytona Beach.

Despite injury, Southern’s Lee gains confidence

Photo: Southern University Jaguars Second Team, All-Southwestern Athletic Conference quarterback Bryant Lee.

Bryant Lee, Year Two. Lee, preparing for his junior year, is coming off a wildly successful first season as Southern’s No. 1 quarterback.

Now, despite being limited in spring practice as his broken right thumb continues to heal, he’s working on adding to the foundation of last season, when he helped SU break a run of two losing seasons with an 8-3 finish.

“I’ve got a lot more confidence,” Lee said.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Southern Jaguars claim pair of wins

Make it three in a row for the Southern University baseball team. The Jaguars beat Jackson State, 3-1, and Chicago State, 8-3, on Saturday afternoon at Lee-Hines Field. Southern (13-11) had beaten Chicago State 9-2 on Friday night.

On Saturday, freshmen pitchers Chase Richard and Kyle Wahl turned in strong performances for the Jaguars. “Both of our freshmen did good jobs,” Southern coach Roger Cador said. “It’s promising when you have freshmen come through for you.”

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

FAMU coach Taylor not expecting to remember everyone

FAMU coach already seeing some separation

There are some names that Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor won't even try to remember. Then there are those that he won't ever forget, even if it's just the first or last names.

"Some guys are not going to play," Taylor said bluntly. "When 10 guys do their job and the ball gets to you, you've got to catch it. If you call yourself a team player, that's what a team player does."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

DSU Land's list of accolades grows

He used to be called "Fast Land," or sometimes "Little Land," nicknames that sprouted from his 5-foot-9, 195-pound frame. But these days, John Land, a onetime standout football player in the college and professional ranks, goes by only one nickname.

Big Daddy.

It's what Land, 64, is called by his four grandkids -- Kayla, Kimmi, Jackson and Riley -- and spending time with his grandkids is how Land now uses his free time. He regularly plays Uno with Kayla (she's "Little Nut," following her mother, Denise Woods, who was "Peanut") and younger sister Kimmi, who is "Munchkin."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Casey Printers mania grips CFL Tiger-Cats fans

Former Florida A&M University quarterback Casey Printers is the CFL highest paid player and the starting QB for the Hamilton Tiger- Cats.

The new face of the Hamilton Tiger-Cat franchise has filled soup bowls for the poor, built houses for the homeless, phoned season-ticket subscribers and yesterday drove the lane to score points in a charity basketball game.

Actually scoring points is what Casey and his sunshine band of Ticat promotional, media and community staff have been doing a lot of. During and after a Cops and Cats charity basketball tilt yesterday against the Hillfield-Strathallan Trojans, quarterback Casey Printers was mobbed by throngs of smiling school kids.

Printers said he has a few more trips to Hamilton planned from his home in Houston before camp.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Printers transferred to FAMU in 2002, from Texas Christian University where he led the Horned Frogs to three straight BCS bowl games. He was attracted to playing in FAMU's high powered 'Gulf Coast Offense' under legendary Coach William "Billy Joe."

After graduating from FAMU, Printers signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, where he rose from third-string quarterback in 2003, to be named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2004 season, leading the Lions toward an appearance in the 92nd Grey Cup. The CFL MVP threw for 5,088 yards, 36 touchdowns in 2004.

Printers left Canada in 2006, and signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL. He spent the 2006/07 seasons on the Chiefs practice squad, never getting activated to play in a regular season game.

In September 2007, the Tiger-Cats put an offer on the table that lured Printers back to the CFL. Printers said good bye to Herm Edwards and the K.C. Chiefs practice/developmental squad, and then signed a three contract worth $500,000 per season that includes an option for a fourth year and makes him the highest-paid player in the league.

Casey Printers and Quinn Gray (Houston Texans) are the only FAMU quarterbacks currently playing at the major level of professional football. Both played under Coach Billy Joe and his famous Gulf Coast Offense.

Casey is 26 years old and a native of DeSoto, Texas.

Website: http://www.ticats.ca/

-beepbeep

Obama Honors King on the Campaign Trail

Southern knocks off Chicago State

Talbot throttles Jaguars in 9-2 victory

Southern University had six strong innings out of freshman pitcher Jordan Talbot and broke away with four runs in the third inning to beat Chicago State 9-2 Friday night at Lee-Hines Field.

Talbot (1-0) made his second appearance his longest of the season. He picked up his first career victory allowing two runs and five hits, while striking out five.

“Jordan and (Joesph) Hughes threw the ball well,” SU coach Roger Cador said. “We really needed it because we still have 27 innings to play this weekend with three more nine-inning games.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Washington Redskins Sign (former HU) Wide Receiver Mathis

The Washington Redskins signed wide receiver Jerome Mathis, the team announced yesterday. Mathis, a member of the Houston Texans his first three seasons in the NFL, appeared in three games in 2007 before a leg injury ended his season.

As a rookie in the 2005 season, Mathis, 24, finished second in the NFL in kickoff returns with a 28.6-yard average. He scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns and went to the Pro Bowl. In his career, Mathis has six receptions for 80 yards (a 13.3-yard average) with one touchdown.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Mathis, a wide receiver/kick returner was taken in the 2005 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick 114 by the Houston, Texans. The Petersburg, Virginia native is 5-11/191.

ASU Hornets set to scrimmage today

With the possibility of inclement weather on the way, and with a scrimmage set for this morning at 9 a.m., the Alabama State football team went light Friday afternoon. Instead of their usual full-scale practice, the Hornets went with a brief walk through at Cramton Bowl.

The walk through was in preparation for this morning's scrimmage, which Barlow said would focus primarily on game situations, particularly on the game management by the coaches.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Alabama State Hornets releases 2008 Football Schedule

*08-30: @Florida A&M
* 09-06: @Bethune-Cookman
* 09-13: Concordia
* 09-20: @UAB
* 09-27: Mississippi Valley St.
* 10-04: OPEN
* 10-11: @Prairie View A&M
* 10-18: @Grambling
* 10-25: Alabama A&M#
* 11-01: @Alcorn St.
* 11-08: Jackson St.
* 11-15: Southern *
* 11-22: OPEN
* 11-26: Tuskegee%
#Birmingham, Magic City Classic
*Mobile, Gulf Coast Classic
%Turkey Day Classic

SCSU football to scrimmage this morning

On the eve of his team's second scrimmage of the spring, South Carolina State head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough had a little to smile about Friday night. Of course, he had a little to frown about to. "It was a pretty good day by the defense," Pough said. But, a good day for the defense often means a bad day for the offense.

"The offense was a little bit ugly," he said with a sigh.

At least there was a reason for that. The Bulldogs were without lineman Nygel Pearson who was busy handing out report cards at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. The big, fifth-year senior, is practicing teaching at the school. While the Bulldogs practiced he met parents. So, South Carolina State was short a lineman before Johnny Culbreath took a knee to the thigh that ended his practice.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

South Carolina State University Marching 101 Band @ Nov. 2007 LowCountry Classic, Charleston, S.C.

Alabama State discussed future games with TSU Coles

Alabama State's 2008 football schedule is almost set. Finally. Athletic director Ron Dickerson's strange, and often frustrating, quest to fill the school's 12-game schedule lacks only the signatures of Southern University and Concordia College officials on contracts.

Those contracts would see ASU and Southern meet in the Gulf Coast Classic for the next four years and would bring Concordia to Montgomery for the Hornets' home-opener on Sept. 13.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Spotlight: Greek Life at Hampton University

How do Black Greeks feel about their stereotypes?

Nevada transfer makes presence felt at Jackson State

Photo: Jackson State Tigers No. 1 free safety, Sergio Villasenor, transfer from University of Nevada.

Blue & White Game: Today, 1:30 p.m., Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium

Rick Comegy kept seeing the same face around the football offices, but it wasn't a familiar one. That's a little strange for the head football coach. Comegy finally decided to say something. "One day he walked out and he looked like a baseball player to me," Comegy remembered with a smile.

"I said, 'How's baseball?' Coach (James) Woody said, 'Man, he's one of our players.'" That player turned out to be Nevada transfer Sergio Villasenor - who's currently listed on the depth chart as the No. 1 free safety.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

FAMU Rattlers remain undefeated in MEAC

Photo: Dr. Carl B. Gooman is in his 11th season as the FAMU Men's Tennis Coach and has guided the Rattlers to eight MEAC championships.

Men's tennis able to take care of B-CU.

Paul Paige didn't need a lot of motivation, although he was playing the No. 6 spot for FAMU's men's tennis team. Just playing Bethune-Cookman University was enough motivation Friday afternoon.

He fought off a couple of service breaks to put down Kristofer Martin 6-2, 6-3 to help secure a 6-1 victory over the Wildcats. FAMU, 9-10 overall, remains the only undefeated team in the Southern Division of the MEAC standings with its third straight conference win.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Weather changes plans for UAPB Golden Lions

File Photo: UAPB Golden Girls 2007 at JSU Homecoming.

Just as the Arkansas-Pine Bluff football team was getting back into football mode this week, Mother Nature’s method of madness has a way of scuttling plans.

UAPB head coach Monte Coleman called off Wednesday’s practice due to unfavorable field conditions at Old Pumphrey Stadium due to the weather. Although the Golden Lions returned to the field Thursday to practice for the second time this spring, Friday was UAPB’s scheduled day off, therefore they did not practice to make up for Wednesday. UAPB players lifted weights on Wednesday and Friday.

“It’s put a damper on us, as far as on paper,” Coleman said. “But the attitudes of the players and coaches are a blessing in disguise.”

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

UAPB M4 Marching Band and Golden Girls 2007

BCU Baseball to host nationally televised game on Sunday, April 6

Wildcats will have Greek Spirit Day at Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Daytona Beach, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman University baseball will host North Carolina A&T State University on Sunday, Apr. 6 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in front of a nationally-television audience as the game will be broadcast live on ESPNU at 2 p.m. in Daytona Beach, Fla.

This will mark the first-ever live televised game at Jackie Robinson Ballpark for the Wildcats. These same two teams met last season on ESPNU in Greensboro, N.C. where the entire nation saw the Aggies defeat the Wildcats by a score of 14-11 in one of the best contests for both teams of the year.

















Photo: Home of BCU Baseball, Jackie Robinson Baseball Park, Daytona Beach, FL.

Bethune-Cookman will be having an array of events during the day, including Greek Spirit Day at the ballpark. Every fraternity and sorority at B-CU is invited to attend and wear their Greek paraphernalia. The first 100 students wearing their fraternity and/or sorority paraphernalia will be able to receive a hot dog and soda compliments of the B-CU Athletic Department.

Once again, the game is slated for a 2 p.m. first pitch time, and all tickets are just $5. All faculty/staff and students with current valid ID are admitted free.

For more information on the event and local television listings, please call the B-CU Office of Sports Information at (386) 481-2206.

Bethune Cookman coach on track to better things

Photo: Bethune Cooman University head track and field coach Garfield Ellenwood.

The odds were not in Garfield Ellenwood's favor.

Those who fall off the mountain don't usually climb back up. But Ellenwood, Bethune-Cookman's track and field coach, just needed to find the right path.

He thought it was football. In 1993, Ohio State offered a scholarship to the star receiver at Ben Franklin High in Rochester, N.Y. But he blew it.

"I had some trouble throughout high school, but toward the end it got really bad," Ellenwood said. "I was in the street doing things I had no business doing. I got in fights in school. I got suspended. I actually got sent to alternative school right after football for two months. I was able to get back into my high school and graduate. But a lot of the offers got taken away."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Harvey named men's basketball coach at Texas Southern

Photo: Texas Southern University Tigers head basketball coach Tony Harvey.

Tony Harvey was officially named Texas Southern's men's basketball head coach on Friday morning, and the former Missouri assistant promised that, with time, he would be able to restore the Tigers' program to its glory days under the man he replaced, Robert Moreland.

"Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will this program," said Harvey. "But no one -- and I mean no one -- will outwork me and my staff when it comes to making TSU a quality program."

Harvey signed a five-year contract with the school. Financial terms of the deal were still be finalized.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Tennessee State football defensive coordinator and backfield coaches named

Photo: Tennessee State University head football coach James Webster.

Tennessee State Sports Information

Tennessee State University head football coach James Webster has elevated Rod Reed to defensive coordinator, adds Lee Calland and John Parker to the Tigers’ defensive coaching staff for the 2008 season.

Rod Reed, a TSU graduate and former All-American, presently serves as linebackers coach, will begin his sixth season on the Tigers’ staff. Reed returns to the defensive coordinator’s position he held in his first year at TSU. During that stint the Tigers led the Ohio Valley Conference in total defense for the first time in school history.

A keen recruiter, Reed is responsible for bringing several key players into the TSU program. Reed counts Javarris Williams, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Shaun Richardson among his recruits. He has also coached All-American and professional player Jamie Landrom (Jacksonville Jaguars).

Lee Calland joins the Tigers’ staff as a defensive backs (safeties) coach. Calland a former NFL defensive back with the Minnesota Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defenses. He has served stints on the coaching staffs of the London Monarchs (WFL), Southern University, Fort Valley State (GA) and Morris Brown College.

John Parker will coach the corner backs at TSU. Parker is the former head coach and defensive coordinator at Cumberland (TN) University and Cheney (PA) University; he has served stints on the staffs with the River City Rage (AFLII), East Tennessee State and Minnesota-Morris.

Defection, injuries take toll on Southern's LBs

First, Southern University’s defense suffered a blow when the Jaguars lost emerging eagle linebacker Brian Lewis, who left the program this semester.

Then, a rash of injuries throughout the linebacking corps further complicated matters as SU tries to adjust during spring practice.

Eagle Corey Ray (back), okie Johnathan Malveaux (pectoral muscle) and okie D.J. Bolton (knee surgery) aren’t expected back this spring. Of those, Ray practiced some before getting injured Saturday. Meanwhile, eagle Allan Baugh (knee) isn’t expected back until next week.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Injuries force Southern's Cador to look at reserves

Photo: Southern University catcher Michael Thomas tags out LSU runner at home plate.

Though the Southern baseball schedule is awfully busy, as the Jaguars get ready to play an unusual, four-game, out-of-division weekend set, this is also the last time SU can rest some players.

That’s important, because SU’s roster continues to nurse a host of injuries as the Jaguars keep an eye on being strong for the second round of divisional play and then the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament in May.

Southern (10-11) hosts Chicago State (3-22) at 6 p.m. today and stages a doubleheader of two nine-inning games Saturday, first playing Eastern Division leader Jackson State (18-12) at noon and then Chicago State at 4 p.m., at Lee-Hines Field.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

South Carolina State to host Bulldog Golf Classic

By SCSU Sports Information

South Carolina State men's golf team will host the two-day Bulldog Golf Classic Saturday and Sunday (April 5-6) at the Hillcrest Golf Course in Orangeburg. The event, in its sixth year, returns to the Par 72, 6,722-yard course where it was played the first four years before being conducted at the Orangeburg Country Club last year.

The competition gets underway at 8 a.m. Saturday when 18 holes will be played. The final 18 holes will be played Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m.

Nine teams, including the host Bulldogs, will be participating in the tournament, which will have a practice round on Friday. This year's field is the largest since the inception of the event.

Other participating teams are Bethune-Cookman, the 2005 and 2006 champion, Charleston Southern, 2007 winner Florida A&M, Hampton, High Point, Savannah State, St. Augustine and Winston-Salem State.

Coach Richard Arrington's Bulldogs have been the runner-ups each of the last two years.

Documentary: Grambling State University Tigers Band