SWAC expands TV football schedule

The SWAC added four television listings to this season’s slate: Alcorn State at Grambling on Sept. 6 on ESPN Classic, Grambling at Northwestern State on Sept. 13 on the Southland Conference TV Network, Jackson State vs. Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic on Sept. 13 on SportSouth and Texas Southern at Texas State on Oct. 4 on the Southland Network.

The Nov. 20 matchup between Grambling State and Texas Southern has moved to the Alamodome in San Antonio. The kickoff time remains at 8 p.m. and the game will be televised live on ESPNU.

Also, the conference revealed Southern’s home game with Florida A&M on Oct. 18 will be televised on a tape-delayed basis. The game starts at 6 p.m. but will be televised at 9:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

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Two Hornets on All-SWAC first team

BIRMINGHAM -- When Alabama State football coach Reggie Barlow began making preparations to attend this year's Southwestern Athletic Conference media day, he found himself facing a tough choice: Who would he take?

It's customary for coaches to take along two players to the preseasonmedia events -- one offensive representative and one defensive representative. Finding a defensive rep was no problem. The Hornets have a roster stacked with recognizable -- and in some cases feared -- defensive players.

The offensive rep, however, was a bit more troublesome. ASU doesn't have an experienced quarterback or running back returning, none of the returning wideouts were particularly dominant last season and the offensive line still has big question marks.

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Norfolk State's Bell takes deal, avoids jail time

Former football player will receive probation after pulling kitchen knife

Former Penn State football player Christopher Bell accepted a plea deal offered by the commonwealth Tuesday, avoiding jail time for an April incident during which police say he threatened a teammate with a knife.

Bell pleaded guilty to one count of terroristic threats -- a first-degree misdemeanor and his most serious charge -- while his charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and harassment were dismissed, Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said yesterday.

Bell will receive two years probation at the request of the commonwealth, but he could face added community service or fines imposed by Centre County Judge Bradley Lunsford at his Aug. 29 sentencing, Madeira said.

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TSU has offense for title run

Healthy Heffner holds hopes for Tigers

Tennessee State Coach James Webster drew laughter from the crowd and a bit of fear from opposing coaches while fielding questions at the Ohio Valley Conference Football Media Day at LP Field on Tuesday. Webster made a bold prediction when the subject turned toward the health of senior quarterback Antonio Heffner, who suffered a broken ankle against Eastern Kentucky in the seventh game of the season last year.

"A healthy Antonio?" Webster pondered. "Well, that's an OVC championship." Webster might not be too far off about the potential of his talented dual threat quarterback. Prior to his injury, Heffner led the conference in passing (212.3 yards per game) and total offense (260.4 yards per game). In his seven games in 2007, Heffner managed to complete 96 of 171 passes for 1,486 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 337 yards and three touchdowns on just 94 carries.

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Nine Southern University players on All-SWAC

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A year ago at this time, Bryant Lee was preparing for a preseason camp battle with Warren Matthews to see who would be Southern’s starting quarterback. Now, Lee is the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s preseason offensive player of the year. Winning the starting job wasn’t a stretch, because Lee finished the 2006 season as the starter. Then a redshirt freshman, he was Southern’s MVP of the Bayou Classic

After holding off Matthews in the preseason, Lee went on to become a second-team All-SWAC pick last season. Despite ankle and knee injuries and ultimately a broken thumb, he threw for 2,326 yards and 23 touchdowns, with just four interceptions and a 65.7 completion percentage. He also ran for 274 yards and four more TDs.

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Jackson State, Grambling are top picks again in SWAC

BIRMINGHAM — If the preseason poll is correct, fans of the Southwestern Athletic Conference can expect a repeat of last year's championship game featuring Jackson State and Grambling.

But, while coaches admit it's a great honor to be chosen as the favorites, they are not putting much stock in it. "The game is decided on the field, always has been and always will be," said Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow. "Preseason polls and honors are great, but you have to work hard between the lines week in and week out."

Jackson State was selected by league coaches, sports information directors and selected media members to claim the Eastern Division title, receiving 105 points and an overwhelming 17 first-place points. Jackson State was followed by Alabama A&M with 92 points and five first-place votes, Mississippi Valley State (51), Alabama State (49) and Alcorn State (33).

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Former FAMU coach hired to DSU football staff

Dover, DE - Delaware State University Head Football Coach Al Lavan has announced the appointment of Renato Diaz as running backs coach for the Hornets.

Diaz, who has more than 12 years of college coaching experience, most recently served as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Florida A&M the past three years, under former head coach Rubin Carter.

“Coach Diaz brings a wealth of coaching and administrative experience, in addition to familiarity with the conference, to our staff,” Lavan said. “He has enjoyed success at every stop in his career, and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber join our team.”

During the 2007 season, Diaz was credited with the success of Florida A&M freshman tailback Philip Sylvester, who was named MEAC Rookie-of-the-Year after rushing for nearly 900 yards and leading the league in all-purpose yards (164.3 ypg).

“Coach Lavan is doing a tremendous job at Delaware State, and I’m honored to join his staff,” Diaz said. “I’m extremely impressed with the university, and its commitment to its teams. I’m looking forward to working with the staff to continue the success the Hornets have enjoyed the last few years.”

Diaz began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Fla. (1996-1998), where he was an assistant to the offensive coordinator.

Photo: Coach Diaz and the entire Rattlers football staff of head coach Rubin Carter was fired by incoming A.D. William "Bill" Hayes in January 2008.

In 1998, Diaz was promoted to tight ends coach for USF, and also served as coordinator for recruiting and special teams. That season, the Bulls led the nation in total punt return yards and was seventh in net punting, limiting opponents to 2.1 yards per return. During the 1999 season, South Florida was eighth in the nation in net punting and 12th in kickoff returns.

Diaz also served as running backs coach at Columbia University in New York during the 2000 season. At Columbia, Diaz coached Johnathan Reese, the school's first 1,000 yard rusher, who was an All-Ivy League First Team selection after leading the conference with 1,330 yards rushing.

From 2001 to ’03, Diaz was running backs coach at Florida International University. FIU’s Rashod Smith was a Division I-AA All-Independent First Team selection at running back in 2001.

In the summer of 2003, Diaz did a brief stint with the NFL’s New York Jets during training camp, working with the offensive staff in all phases of preparation for the season.

Diaz was running backs coach and special teams consultant at Widener University in Chester, Pa. in 2004. That season, the Division III Pioneers were 11th in the nation in kickoff returns (23.3 ypr).

Diaz earned a bachelors in geology from South Florida in 1983. He is also a 2005 graduate of the NCAA Advanced Coaches Academy.

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations

McBride under microscope at Eagles camp

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — One of just four receivers in camp so far, Shaheer McBride knows every play in which he's involved gets noticed – especially the ones he'd like to forget. The former Delaware State receiver made a nice catch in traffic across the middle in 7-on-7 drills in today's morning session of training camp, but had the ball jarred from his grip after he came crashing to the ground.

"You gotta squeeze it," barked coach Andy Reid as McBride ran back to the huddle. Reid later praised McBride during his press conference, but the dropped pass still lingered for the Chester, Pa., native. "You can't just be able to process it and be done with it.," McBride admitted. "Someone tells you that they'd be lying to you."

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All-American Vasquez hired as FAMU's special-teams coach

What was just an idea for former FAMU kicker Juan Vasquez is now a reality after several years of volunteering as a special-teams coach. "After a while of being successful, I started thinking, 'Wow, I could really do this for a living,'" Vasquez said Tuesday. "What a better way to do something that you like to do as a livelihood."

He got his opportunity to do nothing but coach for a living when head coach Joe Taylor hired him as kicking coach. An official announcement of his hire was delayed until the process was recently completed. "This is a dream come true," he said. "I didn't know this would really happen, and I want to thank coach Taylor for giving me the opportunity. I've put in a lot of hard work, but you never know when the opportunity is going to come."

Coach Vasquez has been successful in mentoring former Rattlers All-American kicker, Wesley Taylor, #20.

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SWAC Q&A: First-year commissioner Duer Sharp talks league’s future

As the Southwestern Athletic Conference holds football media day, we check in with first-year commissioner Duer Sharp. A former interim athletic director at Grambling, Sharp previously served as the SWAC’s assistant commissioner and had a previous tenure in the Big Ten Conference. He replaced Robert Vowels in January.

Question: Any surprises so far?
Answer: Coming from the Big Ten to the SWAC, you see that we have a long way to go. You are in here early, and you work late. But we feel like we’ve made a lot of advances. It took some time, but we’re partnered with corporate sponsors now like Russell and State Farm. If we continue to work with member institutions as a team, and the conference office stays ahead of the curve, we can continue to have a voice.

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A&M Jones at ease entering 7th year

A&M coach confident as season nears

BIRMINGHAM - There was a time when Alabama A&M football coach Anthony Jones was a little apprehensive about dealing with the media. He was in a new position. He was in a new city. And he didn't know how the media would treat him. "Dealing with the media is just like any other type of relationship," Jones said. "There has to be a level of trust involved. Over the years, the level of trust has heightened and increased."

As a result, Jones, now entering his seventh season at A&M, has become somewhat of a media darling. "The longer you do something the more comfortable you're going to become," he said. "I didn't want to come out when I first got here and make a bunch of statements because I had a bunch of new players and some new coaches that I had never been in the fire with and we had to grow together.

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Leon's McSayles to play for ex-FAMU head coach

Photo: Miles College head football coach, William "Billy" Joe

In college football recruiting, courting the student-athlete's parents can be just as important as wooing the student-athlete. Take cornerback Jared McSayles, for example. The recent Tallahassee Leon High graduate will head to Miles College in Birmingham, Ala. to attend school and play football. At Miles, he will play under first-year head coach Billy Joe, who was inducted into Florida A&M University's Hall of Fame last year.

McSayles, 18, cites two major factors in his decision to select the NCAA Division II school in Alabama:

Hearing from the Miles coaching staff that he would receive the opportunity to play college football as a freshman;

His mother's comfort with the Miles coaching staff.

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WSSU's Hayes, Titans agree to contract

Defensive end William Hayes, a fourth-round draft pick of the Tennessee Titans and a former star at Winston-Salem State, has agreed to a four-year contract. Hayes, a High Point native and the first Rams' draft pick since 1993, was hoping to be signed before training camp for the Titans opens on Saturday. Hayes will report to training camp on Friday.

"I'm actually signing (on Tuesday) but the deal is done," Hayes said Monday afternoon just as he was about to work out at Winston-Salem State with former teammate, Jason Holman. "I guess my celebration is I'm working out to get ready for the start of camp."

Hayes, 23, said that the details of the contract have been hammered out over the last few days. He didn't know how much the deal was worth but it's believed to be a total package of...

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Bethune Cookman's Ash finishes 3rd in 110m hurdles

TOLUCA, Mexico -- Bethune-Cookman rising sophomore Ronnie Ash finished third in the 110-meter hurdles at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Under-23 Track & Field Championships.

The 19-year-old All-American finished in 13.72 seconds behind winner and fellow American Jason Richardson. Ash, who is recovering from a strained hamstring, also finished third to Richardson, who attends the University of South Carolina, in last month's NCAA Track and Field Championships.

"I'm happy with him coming off the aches and pains," B-CU track and field coach Garfield Ellenwood said. "He hadn't actually raced since the NCAAs. It's been a great year for him."

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JSU's Gorden reaches top with Hall of Fame induction

SOUTH BEND, IND. — They showed W.C. Gorden around Notre Dame Stadium this weekend. He took a long look at Touchdown Jesus. Stood in the stadium Knute Rockne built. Strolled in the grass where guys like Paul Hornung, Joe Theismann and Tim Brown became legends.

Like any lifelong football man, Gorden was emotionally moved. After all, the history of the Fighting Irish is maybe the most celebrated in the sport. Some of the greatest football games on Earth were played in this very spot. But don't get things misconstrued. Even though Gorden was impressed by the sights of South Bend, he was far from jealous. In fact, the 78-year-old is more than comfortable with the career path sent his way.

"I've already been to the mountaintop," said Gorden with a grin. "I've been the coach of Jackson State University's football team."

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Southern QB ready to get back in the flow

Southern quarterback Bryant Lee is ready to get going — really going — for the first time since late November. Held out of contact drills during spring practices after breaking a thumb in the Bayou Classic, the junior will join his teammates in returning to campus July 31. The Jaguars start practice Aug. 2.

“I’m ready to get back into the flow of it now,” Lee said. Now that the thumb is good, SU, 8-3 last season, needs Lee to get back where he was — and continue to improve. “We’re taking it one step at a time,” Lee said. “(SU strength and conditioning coach Thomas Hall) has us working extra hard in the weight room. And as players we’re taking it as a responsibility for us to get the job done.”

SU lost wide receiver Gerard Landry and running back Darren Coates, who completed their careers last season. As the top playmaker returning, Lee is a key piece in SU’s success or failure.

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Q&A: ASU men's basketball coach Lewis Jackson: Hornets coach endures tumultuous offseason

The life of a college basketball coach -- even one in the middle of the offseason -- is rarely a walk in the park. If you doubt that, spend a few minutes with Alabama State head coach Lewis Jackson. Since his team's season ended with a shocking upset loss to Jackson State and a trip to face Arizona State in the National Invitation Tournament, Jackson and his assistants have endured the death of a player, the signing of four highly-touted new players and the departure of their most promising young stars.

They've also spent weeks on the road recruiting and some time working on next season's schedule. Jackson, who was still out recruiting, took a little time this week to talk to the Montgomery Advertiser about all of it.

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Tennessee State offense not a problem

Offensively, the Tigers return 10 of 12 starters, including the OVC's leading passer, senior quarterback Antonio Heffner. Heffner completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,486 yards and 10 touchdowns before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in the seventh game of the season.

One of Heffner's favorite targets, senior receiver Chris Johnson, grabbed 41 passes for 740 yards and four touchdowns last year. He'll be a key part of the Tigers' effort to end an eight-year OVC title drought. "We always had the pieces, but we didn't have the mental toughness to do what we needed to do," Johnson said. "But now since we have matured, we believe we can break a lot of school records and we'll make a deep playoff run."

Photo: TSU QB Antonio Heffner is back for his senior campaign to lead the big blue Tigers.

TSU travels to Normal, Ala., for its first test of the season against Alabama A&M. The Tigers then return to LP Field to face Southern in the 10th annual John Merritt Classic, a game that honors the Tigers' late coach and helps raise scholarship money for TSU students.

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Quarterback to transfer to Tennessee State from Missouri

Dominic Grooms, a backup quarterback last season for Missouri, is transferring to Tennessee State. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound native of Tampa, Fla., said he wanted to be closer to home and since he is transferring to a Football Championship Subdivision team, he will be eligible to play this fall.

"There wasn't a problem (at Missouri) at all," Grooms told the St. Petersburg Times. "I had to get closer to home. I feel like being closer to home is best for the family. And I have some other family (in Nashville). That kind of makes it more of a home-like situation."

He was listed third on Missouri's depth chart this past spring behind Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel and Chase Patton.

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Here is what Mizzo had to say about Grooms...

2007 SEASON: Did not see playing time but was a valuable member of the offense throughout the year in practice, and spent the entire season as the team's No. 3 signal caller depth-wise.-+

2006 SEASON: Redshirted in his first season in the program, working as part of the practice squad.

HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter at QB who was rated as the No. 24 dual-threat QB in the nation, according to Rivals ... Had a very successful senior season, that saw him compile 1,600 yards and 16 TDs passing, and he added 512 yards and 8 TDs on the ground ... Transferred to Middleton High School for his senior year, and he led the Tigers to a 7-4 record in 2005 and to the 4A quarterfinals ... Played his first three years of ball at Tampa Bay Tech, where he exploded on the scene as a sophomore, when he threw for 1,928 yards and 18 TDs, and ran for 382 yards and 3 TDs ... Missed 5 games due to a foot injury as a junior, but still amassed 1,010 yards passing and 6 TDs, and ran for 212 yards and 2 TDs ... Started his first game late in the year as a freshman at Tampa Bay Tech and had 492 yards passing (3 TDs) and 120 yards rushing (1 TD) ... Also competed in track at Middleton ... High school coach - Harry Hubbard.

PERSONAL: Mother - Vicki Grooms ... Chose Mizzou over South Florida, North Carolina State, Clemson, North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Bowling Green, among others ...

TSU center leaves to be closer to family

Photo: James Craft, Jr., is a native of Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia and a graduate of Mercerburg Academy.

James Craft, a 7-foot center, has decided to leave the Tennessee State men's basketball team and transfer to Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho. Craft spent only one season at TSU after transferring from Wright State in 2005-06. He sat out the 2006-07 season and then started four games for the Tigers last season.

Craft, who will be a junior this season, played in 25 games and averaged 7.5 minutes per game. He averaged 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds while blocking 11 shots. TSU Coach Cy Alexander said Craft left so he could be closer to his fiancée, who lives in Oregon. It wasn't anything against TSU or anything negative against James," Alexander said. "He wanted to be closer to his family and I applaud him for that and wish him the best in what he is trying to do."

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SWAC to hold Luncheon and Media Day

The SWAC will hold its annual Kickoff Luncheon & Media Day on Tuesday, July 22 at 9 a.m. The media activities will be held at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame while the luncheon will take place at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in downtown Birmingham.

The speaker for the luncheon is former Southern University and National Football League standout Aeneas Williams. During his senior season at Southern, he tied the NCAA Division I-AA record for interceptions. He went on to the NFL as a member of the Arizona Cardinals in 1991. In his rookie season, he tied the League record for interceptions. Over his career he accumulated a staggering 12 defensive touchdowns (nine interceptions and three fumbles) and 55 career interceptions.

Limited tickets are available to the public for $30 and can be obtained by contacting the Conference Office at (205) 251-7573.

SSU basketball player arrested on charges of theft

Photo: SSU star player Patrice "Nikki" Robinson.

Savannah State University women's basketball player Patrice "Nikki" Robinson, the Tigers' leading rebounder and shot-blocker last season, was arrested July 9 on a charge of theft by deception. Robinson, 24, a former Swainsboro High School star and the Savannah Morning News 2002 Player of the Year, is accused of stealing clothing valued at $114.02 from her employer, Goody's Family Clothing in Swainsboro.

Swainsboro Police Department Cpl. Craig Morris wrote in an incident report that Ellen Palmer, manager of the store at 664 South Main St., is the complainant. According to the police report, the "complainant stated that the offender (employee) stole merchandise by ringing items up and then voiding the transactions."

Robinson was arrested July 9 and released the same day. "I was told not to say anything about it," Robinson said Friday from her home in Swainsboro. Palmer said she, too, has been advised not to talk about the incident.

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READ COMPANION STORY ON "NIKKI ROBINSON": http://meacswacsports.blogspot.com/2008/02/heres-to-you-savannah-state-ms-robinson.html

HU's Vernon Bryant signs St. Louis Rams contract

HAMPTON, VA — Vernon Bryant, a graduate of Southampton High School and Hampton University, has signed a contract with the National Football League's St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent. Bryant graduated from HAMPTON UNIVERSITY in May with a bachelor's degree in sports management. Even before graduation, he was a member of the St. Louis Rams. He was approached by the Rams after April's NFL draft.

"They contacted me about 10 minutes after the draft. They called and said come on down as a free agent," Bryant said. Bryant has already attended mini-camp to familiarize himself with the plays and has been playing defensive tackle and special teams. The Rams' full training camp opens on July 25.

In 2007, Bryant, a 6-2, 285-pound defensive tackle, played in 11 games and started nine games for HU. He made 47 tackles, including nine in Hampton's final game against Southern Illinois University. During the season he also had nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, and recovered a fumble. He was ranked 45 out of 148 defensive tackles coming out of college this year by www.nfldraftscout.com.

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New Joe at FAMU

Photo: FAMU Head Football Coach Joe Taylor (Mark's Digital Photography)

Joe Taylor is three victories shy of 200 as a college football coach.

The question is whether it will take his entire debut season at Florida A&M to reach the milestone. Taylor has endured only two losing seasons in a quarter-century, the past 16 at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Hampton University. His 136-49-1 record with the Pirates helped him earn eight MEAC championships and league coach of the year honors three times in the past four years.

FAMU is relying on Taylor, who was serving Friday on an NCAA committee in Indianapolis that conflicted with the Florida Sports Writers Association media conference at the Marriott Waterside, to restore a winning tradition in Tallahassee. The Rattlers are coming off a 3-8 season and haven't won a conference title since 2001. Bethune-Cookman coach Alvin Wyatt figures it's only a matter of time.

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Grambling athletic director Mathieu bidding farewell to Tigers

GRAMBLING — Grambling State athletic director Troy Mathieu has submitted his resignation and will leave on July 31 for another job. In a phone interview with the Associated Press, Mathieu said his new job would be in athletics administration but did not want to elaborate because he did not want to pre-empt a formal announcement by his next employer.

"I'm moving on to another professional challenge," said Mathieu, who took the Grambling job in 2006 and has hired seven current coaches. "I'm appreciative of having had the opportunity to serve at Grambling over the past two years and I wish the university continued success. During my tenure at Grambling we had the opportunity to hire some outstanding coaches."

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Lewis a pioneer on, off CU court

Former Buff set for induction into school's athletic Hall

Excerpts:

Today's players and coaches have it easy on the road compared to Billy Lewis' experiences away from the friendly confines of Colorado University Balch Fieldhouse. Lewis, the first black basketball player in CU history, experienced blatant racism during his college career from 1956-60.

On Oct. 17, Lewis will be enshrined into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame with eight other legends, including Frank Clarke, the first black football player in school history, and Claude Walton, the first black letter winner at CU.

After graduating from CU in 1960, Lewis married JoKatherine Holliman, the first black woman on CU's homecoming court. He earned his Juris Doctor of Law degree from Howard University in Washington D.C. and had a very successful legal career that included becoming the first black corporate attorney at IBM in 1964 and opening a private law practice in Denver from 1966 to 1979 with partner Morris Cole.

Lewis then moved back to Washington D.C. where he served as the general counsel of the District of Columbia Board of Election and Ethics for 15 years. "When I took retirement from District government they researched my career and ...

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TSU receives NCAA probation for infractions in softball, tennis

The NCAA came down hard on Texas Southern University on Wednesday, placing the athletic program on four years' probation for major violations in softball and men's and women's tennis. The NCAA's Committee on Infractions banned TSU's softball program from postseason play in 2009, suspended the already-dropped tennis programs, and disallowed victories in softball and tennis.

Former tennis coach Alberto Rojo Jimenez, the 2006 Southwestern Athletic Conference coach of the year, and former softball coach Yolanda Sinegal also received NCAA sanctions. The two coaches can seek employment with other schools but would have to appear before the Committee on Infractions. Jimenez's sanctions are for four years, Sinegal's for three.

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N.C. A&T football coach Fobbs adds 4 to his staff

N.C. A&T football coach Lee Fobbs announced the hiring of four new assistants, including two new coordinators. John McKenzie is the first offensive coordinator Fobbs has hired to his staff. Fobbs served as the Aggies' offensive coordinator during his first two seasons.

Tayrone Odums, a former defensive coordinator at Clark Atlanta, will take over as the Aggies' defensive coordinator. Myron Jackson, a former standout at tight end at Florida State, will coach the defensive line. Rounding out the staff will be Chris Robinson, a recent Bethune-Cookman graduate who will coach outside linebackers.

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FAMU launches new athletic website

Photo by Mark's Digital Photography

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida A&M University Athletics, in cooperation with the Rattler Boosters, Inc., on Thursday launched its' new athletic website, http://www.famurattlersports.com/.

The internet site will offer a general home page for the 18-sport Rattler Athletic program, with dedicated pages for each sport, featuring stories, rosters, statistics and results.

In addition, easy access to sports schedules, ticket information and other items of interest can be had via the site's home page.

Check It Out:
www.FAMURattlerSports.com

FAMUan Nate Jacobs - KEEP MARCHING - featuring FAMU Marching 100

TSU to name LSU's Wells-Broughton women's basketball coach

Texas Southern University will name LSU assistant Yolanda Wells-Broughton as its new women's basketball coach at a 2 p.m. news conference today. Wells-Broughton will replace Surina Dixon, who was hired in March but was relieved of her duties last month.

Wells-Broughton, a native of Houston, coached at LSU this past season, helping the Tigers reach the Final Four and being instrumental in their having one of the top recruiting classes in the nation. Wells-Broughton previously served as an assistant at TCU. The Horned Frogs were 63-33 during her time in Fort Worth.

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Spillman might transfer to Tennessee State

Tennessee State football coach James Webster said yesterday that former University of Louisville wide receiver JaJuan Spillman is interested in transferring to his program.

Spillman, whom U of L dismissed after his arrest on drug and gun charges this month, would be eligible to play immediately at Tennessee State -- an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) program in the Ohio Valley Conference. If he transfers to another Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) team, he would have to sit out a year.

Spillman could not be reached for comment. Webster said it was premature to say that Spillman, who is 5 feet 9 and 180 pounds, will attend the Nashville school.

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Would John Merritt, Jake Gaither, Billy Joe or Eddie Robinson consider transferring in a player with Spillman history of drug use and guns? I don't recall they ever had a player on their team with this type of history--two arrests in 18 months, driving under the influence, toting a conceiled weapon and driving without insurance. Case closed! Let him go play JUCO or Division III football with the non-scholarship players until he proves he can function successfully at an upper tier university. Just say no, TSU! Spillman caught nine passes for 64 yards last season and his strength is as a KR. Don't waste your valuable scholarship on this 5-7/162 pound cowboy!

-beepbeep

Southern University's Mumford expansion set for '09

Southern fans have been complaining about Mumford Stadium for awhile, and now they're finally seeing results.

View Video Clip: Click blog title.

B-CU names women's basketball coach

DAYTONA BEACH -- Bethune-Cookman's new women's basketball coach is anxious to hit the court and start working with her new players. Hitting the road can wait.

Vanessa Blair-Inge, who was the head coach for nine seasons at Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, Maryland, takes over a B-CU team that has had little success on the court during the past four seasons but returns 13 players, including nine rising sophomores. The Wildcats signed one player, center Chelsea Gordon from Fort Myers Dunbar, for next season and expect to have just two more spots available for 2009-10.

"Our biggest class will be in 2011," said Inge, who was on campus Tuesday. But that doesn't mean it will take her that long to assemble her own team. "This is my team," she said. "This is the here and now. These players are here and ready to play for Bethune-Cookman. And my job is to serve the university. These are my players."

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Blair-Inge is the first and only person in league history to have been named both Player of the Year and Coach of the Year in the Northeast Conference (NEC). Garnering two NEC Player of the Year awards, NEC Player of the Decade (1985-1995) and NEC Coach of the Year (1998-99), Blair-Inge holds three of the highest honors given to a player or coach in the NEC. In the Spring 2003, Inge was honored for her dedication to Mount St. Mary's University and its athletic department by being inducted into the Mount's Sports Hall of Fame.

She is married to former Mount St. Mary's star basketball player and assistant women's coach Riley Inge.

-beepbeep

Southern University making summer news

The lull in the Southern University sports year is on the verge of ending. Next month, football players will be on campus and Brian Johnson will be making long jumps in the Beijing Olympics. The full-on gumbo will be ladled hot and heavy later. Here’s a little summertime shrimp-and-corn soup to tide Jaguars fans over for now.

• Friday, in cool, hip and beautiful San Francisco, the Giants host the Milwaukee Brewers and leading off for both teams will be two former Southern players: Fred Lewis with the Giants and second baseman Rickie Weeks with the Brewers.

Both players arrived with little fanfare, Weeks as a freshman in 2001 and Lewis as a junior-college transfer in ’02, his only season at SU.

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Documentary: The Saint Augustine Marching 100 - A Band Reborn

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a New Orleans, male, Catholic, African American, high school marching band must rebuild to continue its proud legacy.

Much of SU offseason work done off campus

Southern University strength and conditioning coach Thomas Hall said he spends between an hour and an hour-and-a-half most weekday nights calling football players to keep up with the progress of their summer workouts. The reason? A reduction in scholarship money available for student-athletes to attend summer school has sliced into the number of players who usually participate in voluntary conditioning sessions.

File photo: Southern University QB Bryant Lee.

Because of the cutback, more than half the team is away from campus this summer. As a result, Hall calls to check on the progress of those players. “I know the guys are working out,” Hall said. “These guys, I can count on.”

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2008 SWAC - MEAC Television Schedule

2008 SWAC TELEVISION SCHEDULE

August
30 Prairie View vs. Texas Southern (Houston) 7 p.m. ESPNU
31 Jackson State vs. Hampton (Orlando) 1 p.m. ESPN2

September
18 Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State 6:30 p.m. ESPNU
25 Miss. Valley State at Alabama State 7 p.m. ESPNU

October
18 Florida A&M at Southern 7 p.m. ESPNU
25 Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State (Birmingham, Ala.) 2:30 p.m. ESPNU

November
20 Grambling at Texas Southern 8 p.m. ESPNU
22 Jackson State vs. Alcorn State (Jackson, Miss.) 1 p.m. ESPNU
29 Grambling vs. Southern (New Orleans) 1 p.m. NBC

December
13 SWAC Championship Game (Birmingham, Ala.) 1 p.m. ESPN Classic




2008 MEAC Television Schedule

August
31 Hampton v. Jackson State ESPN2 2 p.m. Live
(MEAC/SWAC Challenge)

September
4 Florida A&M @ Delaware State ESPNU 7:30 p.m. Live
13 North Carolina A&T @ Norfolk St. ESPNU 4 p.m. TBD (taped delayed)
27 Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State at Atlanta, GA, FoxSports South TV 3 p.m. Live (Atlanta Football Classic)

October
9 Winston-Salem State @ Florida A&M ESPNU 7:30 p.m. Live

November
1 South Carolina State @ Delaware State ESPNU 1:00 p.m. TBD (taped delayed)
6 Howard @ South Carolina State ESPNU 7:30 p.m. Live
8 Bethune-Cookman @ Hampton ESPNU 2 p.m. TBD (taped delayed)
15 Delaware State @ Norfolk State ESPNU 1 p.m. TBD (taped delayed)
22 Bethune-Cookman v. Florida A&M ESPN Classic 2 p.m. Live
(Florida Classic)

All times Eastern Time Zone

NSU Announces 2008-09 Track & Field Recruiting Class

NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University men’s track and field coach Kenneth Giles announced Friday the addition of 11 athletes to his program, which has won the last three MEAC indoor and outdoor titles.

Giles signed an array of accomplished sprinters, hurdles, middle distance specialists and throwers who he feels will help NSU remain among the top track programs on the East Coast. The recruiting class includes two national champions and five state champions.

Leading the list of sprinters to join the Spartans is Sean Holston (Fairfax, Va./Robert E. Lee HS). Holston, a 2007 high school graduate who originally signed with Florida State, has enrolled at NSU and plans to join the track team this season. He won the 200 and 400 meters at the 2007 Nike Indoor National Championships. Holston clocked a meet-record time of 47.12 seconds in the 400, the seventh-fastest time ever run by a U.S. high school athlete. He went on to run a PR of 46.47 outdoors last year at the Southern Track Classic.

Holston, the 2007 Virginia (VHSL) outdoor champion in the 200 and 400, has also run personal-best times of 21.07 in the 200 and 10.59 in the 100. ,

“Sean could be the next Chris Brown for us,” Giles said, referring to the NSU All-American and current Olympian for the Bahamas. “Simply put, Sean is one of the top recruits we’ve ever had here.”

Sean Holston may re-write the MEAC record book before his career is over at NSU. In the 200 meter race on this clip, Spartans signee Thomas Speller finishes second to Holston for a 1-2 finish. Look out MEAC!


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Kids work with former MVP Steve McNair

A chance to learn some life lessons and brush up on some football skills, all while brushing shoulders with a local legend, brought some 700 youngsters out on a scorching-hot morning. The 10th annual Steve Air McNair Football Camp drew a large, enthusiastic crowd Friday to the University of Southern Mississippi campus, where the focus was on more than just football.

"We have a lot of people here talking about alcohol, drugs and crime," McNair said. "We touch a little of everything to try to get kids on the right track. It's about life. You can't succeed on the field if your life is not on track. Football comes second to that."

This is the first year the camp, which was free of charge, has come to the USM campus, after previously being held at Gulf Coast Community College, Alcorn State and in Nashville, Tenn., where McNair played for the Tennessee Titans.

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Sneak Peek: Clemson vs S.C. State Football

Photo: Running back Will Ford will be tough to stop by opponents in 2008, including Clemson and Central Florida.

S.C. State offense vs. Clemson defense

The Bulldogs have put up some impressive offensive numbers under sixth-year coach Buddy Pough. A big reason this team is knocking on the door to its first playoff trip in over two decades is an offense that's considered among the best in the MEAC. The Bulldogs finished second in scoring offense last year, averaging 26.7 points per game. They averaged 264 yards rushing per game, and all-conference tailback Will Ford returns.

At quarterback, S.C. State will enter the season with a quarterback battle between Malcolm Long and DeWain Clark. Long was Cleve McCoy's backup last season, but Clark's performance in the spring game (21-of-27 passing, 160 yards, two touchdowns) demonstrated that Long won't secure the starting spot easily. Ford will have some company — and competition — in the backfield. Tailback Anthony Campbell, a transfer from Auburn, had 15 carries for 133 yards in the spring game.

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Teacher, artist, coach, Mann

Excerpts:

Alvis Mann, who warned a generation of Hampton High football players not to get "snuck on," was explaining how one day you look up and three-and-a-half decades have whizzed past and suddenly you're bearing down on 60. Next thing you know, it's a long and happy marriage and two grown daughters. It's double-figure state championships and more Peninsula District titles and playoff appearances than you can count. It's an immense role in the bonafide dynasty that is Hampton Crabbers football.

Mann, who graduated from Hampton University with a degree in art education, will tell you that he loves color. The almost caricature-like figures of Ernie Barnes, the "Porch People" series by A.B. Jackson, the scenes of Barclay Sheaks. He has a long list of influences and artists he admires. How much time do you have?

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Langford signed, Favre-to-Miami rumors escalate

Photo: Former Hampton University All-American Kendall Langford inks multi-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. (Mark's Digital Photography)

Seven down, two to go for the Dolphins’ 2008 rookie class. While many teams are struggling to sign any of their draft picks, the Dolphins moved one step closer on Friday to having all of theirs under contract by the opening of training camp on July 26.

The Dolphins inked defensive end Kendall Langford, the team’s third-round pick, to a multi-year contract today, the team announced. The 6-foot-6, 287-pound Langford was the No. 66 pick in April’s draft out of Hampton University and is expected to fit the Dolphins’ 3-4 defensive scheme. With two weeks to go before players are expected to report, the Dolphins are hoping to sign their two second-round picks, defensive end Phillip Merling and quarterback Chad Henne.


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SCSU players say happy early birthday to Willie Jeffries this weekend

SANTEE - By sheer coincidence, Willie Jeffries shares the same January 6 birthdate with another coaching legend, Lou Holtz. Over the next two days, however, the South Carolina State coaching great will celebrate his “birthday” six months in advance. Along with former players, close friends and his wife, Mary, Jeffries will be feted as part of a birthday party weekend taking place at Santee Resort.

Following brunch and a round of golf Saturday morning, the celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. where Jeffries will get roasted by his former players, including Greg Holden and team captains from the two periods he coached at SCSU (1973-78; 1989-2001), and receive special recognition. For event co-organizer John Alford, who played on the 1976 Bulldog team which won the Black College National Championship, Jeffries remains more than just a head coach.

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Lakewood hires B-CU alumnus Cory Moore as football coach

Cory Moore is going home. Returning to his alma mater, Moore was named head football coach at St. Petersburg, Florida
Lakewood High School, the school where he first found success as a running back from 1991 to 1994, athletic director Javan Turner announced Friday.

"It's a dream come true," said Moore, 32. "The opportunity to come back to the school where I played and to be the head coach. It's a great school with so much history." Moore beat out 15 other finalists. He replaces Otis Dixon, who resigned last month to take a job in the insurance business. The decision came down to Moore, Gibbs assistant Dave Cleppe and Largo assistant Jeremy Frioud, according to Turner.

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Jackson State's Shasta Averyhardt ousted in semis of Michigan Women's Amateur Golf Championship

EAST LANSING, Michigan — For the first time in four years, the championship match of the Michigan Women's Amateur Golf Championship doesn't include a Flint-area player. Flint's Shasta Averyhardt and Grand Blanc's Ashley Bauer both bowed out of the state's premier amateur event for women in today's semifinals at Walnut Hills Country Club.

Averyhardt, who finished second a year ago, was beaten 1 up in 21 holes by Stephany Fleet of DeWitt while defending champion Laura Bavaird of Grosse Ile eliminated Bauer 1 up. Averyhardt and Bauer were both making their second appearance in the final four. Bauer lost in last year's semifinals to Averyhardt, who fell in the championship match when Bavaird rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff.

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ASU's Bosh joins NBA summer league team

Alabama State senior forward Joel Bosh has been named to the Toronto Raptors' summer league team. Bosh, a two-year starter, played an integral role as the Hornets ran away with the SWAC regular season title last season. "This is a well-deserved opportunity for Joel," said Lewis Jackson, ASU's head basketball coach. "He spent a lot of time in the offseason working on ball handling and shooting. And now it's paying off."

Bosh averaged 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, while also leading ASU in steals. It was that defensive prowess that Jackson pointed to as one of Bosh's greatest assets. Bosh's older brother Chris is an NBA All-Star with the Raptors and a member of the United States Olympic basketball team that will be competing in Bejing, China, next month.



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TSU, Southern renew rivalry at Merritt Classic

Tennessee State fans and alumni are finally getting the game they want to see. The Tigers will take on old rival Southern University in the John Merritt Classic on Sept. 6 at LP Field. And make no mistake, it will be a battle — during the game and at halftime.

The schools’ competition between the football teams and the marching bands was a point of emphasis on Thursday at the annual news conference promoting the John Merritt Classic. “I don’t know who’s going to win the game, but I know who’s going to have the best halftime show,” said Southern athletic director Greg LaFleur to the good-natured jeers of the TSU fans and alums in attendance.

TSU athletic director Teresa Phillips then grabbed the microphone, saying, “We’re going to have to get a police escort for him.” This is the 10th year of the game that honors the legendary TSU coach, but it is the first game the Tigers will take on the Jaguars in the classic. The game will also be the teams’ first meeting since 1991.



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Stepping Up: Highly touted JSU QB recruit ready for fall challenge

Calvin Britt calls it the "man-step." It's the moment a teenager makes a life-changing decision based on his own belief in what's best for himself. It's that first time he steps out of the comfort zone provided by parents or friends and accepts the risks and rewards of making an adult decision all on his own.

"We all have got to take that man-step," Calvin said.

Calvin watched his son, Domonick, step forward on Feb. 6 when he signed a letter of intent to play football at Jackson State. Domonick (pronounced Dom-oh-neek) was the star quarterback for Ohio powerhouse Trotwood-Madison and was offered scholarships by West Virginia, Illinois and Pittsburgh - and that was before things got interesting.

QB Domonick Britt, #2--2007 Trotwood-Madison Rams Highlights


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Justin Higgins ready to continue quarterbacking dominance at Grambling

Any football fan that saw Justin Higgins in a Rayville uniform over the past three years knows he is a playmaker. Whether Higgins was throwing the ball downfield to the Hornets’ prized receivers or taking the ball and barreling through the line, the three and a half-year high school starter could change the momentum of any game.

Grambling — where Higgins signed a national letter of intent in February — has no doubt Higgins can continue that dominance on the field. There is just one gray area hanging overhead. Higgins finished his immaculate high school career with a torn ACL in the second round playoff loss to E.D. White last November.

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Southern University adds RV site near stadium

NEW ORLEANS — In addition to the ongoing expansion of A.W. Mumford Stadium, Southern University President Ralph Slaughter said Thursday, construction also has begun for a new recreational vehicle parking area.

The lot would add 62 RV spots to more than make up for the loss of some parking from the stadium expansion, Slaughter said. The new lot will be across the street from Mumford near the school of nursing.

“We have to have that lot ready before football season starts,” Slaughter said, when asked why parking construction began before notifying the Southern Board of Supervisors on Thursday.

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