Southern lineman Chinyoung excited about playing again after tough 2007

Ramon Chinyoung gazed at his shiny, new No. 61 jersey and unfurled the purest smile of satisfaction Saturday. In his hands was all he had missed. In his hands was all he worked to regain. In his hands was his place and pride restored and the promise of a season to come. Gold numbers on a field of navy blue. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had this on,” Chinyoung said.

Chinyoung’s sophomore season ended during last season’s preseason camp. The Southern center was ruled academically ineligible after attending a summer school class he didn’t need. He never got to wear the game jersey. He’ll be back in the jersey this season. “My No. 1 thing with being back is I’m going to be play with a vengeance,” Chinyoung said at the team’s picture/media day.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

S. C. State Bulldogs get first scrimmage action in

Flashes of lightning dominated the evening skies hovering above Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Thursday night. Friday night, a different kind of “aerial show” much closer to the ground drew curious and fascinated eyes in attendance for South Carolina State’s first preseason scrimmage.

Providing the theatrics was new starting quarterback Malcolm Long and the first-team offense. For most of the first half of the scrimmage, the former South Carolina “Mr. Football” had his way with the second-team defense in leading the offense to scores on three of its first four drives.

“Malcolm’s got a good grasp with what’s going on and where to go with the ball,” S.C. State quarterbacks coach Kevin Magouirk said. “He’s a smart player which is something that we’re lucky to have.” Long was accurate much of the evening and looked as throwing long downfield as he did completing passes on short routes. Even the dropped passes were on target.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Prairie View A&M football: Q&A with RB Donald Babers

Babers enters this season atop the depth chart at running back after rushing for a team-leading 482 yards with five touchdowns in 2007. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Babers was mostly sidelined with a ankle injury down the the stretch last season.

Here's a transcript of the interview:

RT: Donald, you were a part of the group that brought Prairie View its first winning season since 1976, but heading into this year, expectations are much different. You're expected to be good. How does it feel now knowing that you have those kinds of expectations placed on you?

DB: Well, you know a lot of people thought it was a fluke that we had a winning season. We know that we have a good team now because we believe in ourselves. We believe that nobody but Prairie View can beat us. I believe that we can actually compete against anybody in the country, even a Division I-A school.

Former Rattler Gray feeling more comfortable with Colts offense

Former Jaguars starter has several strengths

Finally, the incomprehensible is beginning to make sense.

Finally, the Xs and Os of the Indianapolis Colts offense, along with all the complex variables, are coming into focus for veteran quarterback Quinn Gray. "It's always a learning process," Gray said as he prepared for tonight's preseason game at Carolina. "It's working out now where I'm a little more comfortable being in (meetings) as opposed to when I first got here and my mind was racing a thousand miles an hour.

Former Florida A&M's quarterback Quinn Gray got size (6-3, 254), a strong arm, mobility and experience.

"It was like looking down at Chinese arithmetic. Now, I can look at a script and know where every body's going to be. Now, it's coming along real well."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Former ASU QB throws well for Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS -- There were questions surrounding former Alabama State quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, the third-year pro who is entering his second season as Minnesota's starter after an erratic debut. He showed fine command of the offense in his three series of the preseason opener against Seattle, completing 8 of 11 passes for 118 yards and a score.

With Adrian Peterson being used only as a decoy, the Vikings called passes on the first 11 plays Jackson was under center. He threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to new fullback Thomas Tapeh and hooked up with new receiver Bernard Berrian twice for 43 yards.

"We feel very comfortable with our running game, but we wanted to get our pass game a fresh start," Jackson said. "I feel good. I feel real comfortable."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Day 1 of football practice good for Rattlers

Coach Joe Taylor was all about the basics, down to the Rattlers' activity on the sidelines Friday. "We just need to be a little bit more focused," Taylor said following walk-through practice. "You've got to get better every day. We've got to practice our focus; I just heard too much chatter."
























Sophomore running back Philip Sylvester (#30) re-defined his physique during the summer as he added nine pounds of sculpted muscle to his 5-foot-10 frame, putting him at 192, with 4.39 speed in the 40 yard dash (archive photo).

But Taylor gave all three units of his team high marks overall, saying that his first-line players were ahead of schedule. It was the second day of activity without pads for the Rattlers since they began preparation for the season-opener on Aug. 30 against Alabama State at Bragg Stadium. The humid afternoon was mostly about fundamental and knocking off the rust of being away from the field since spring practice.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Ex-FSU coach gives FAMU early pep talk

Darrell Mudra barely took a breath between stories that he told Thursday night during a 30-minute talk intended to help Florida A&M football players zone in on the upcoming season. When he didn't quote from the Bible or great philosophers, Mudra spoke of his own experiences that included his brief tenure as head football coach at Florida State. He took the players through the highs and lows of his career that spanned more than three decades.

"I don't know how much it will help, but those were all of the things that helped us to win a lot of football games," said Mudra following the talk inside the Rattlers' locker room. "I just hope that I helped Joe a little bit because he means a lot to me. "We are going to be following them and I expect great things. I think this will be a new era in Florida A&M football."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

A&M's Jones sees good, bad

Bulldogs coach wishes team was further ahead

Anthony Jones stood and applauded Alabama A&M's offense early on during Thursday's practice. A few minutes later, Jones voiced his displeasure as the unit failed to execute. He does the same thing when he watches film. One minute, Jones is happy. The next, he's somewhat perplexed.

Such is life for the Bulldogs' head football coach. "We've still got a lot of work to do," Jones said Thursday after his team's first week of practice. "We've got a lot of new faces that we're trying to get ready to play college football for the first time. A lot of them are guys that have been in our program, but they haven't been in the fire yet. We're making progress toward our goal, but it's slower than I would like for it to be."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Southern looking for toughness from LBs

Southern defensive coordinator Terrence Graves has returned to the unit he’s coached most year after year — linebackers — and he didn’t bring any softness to his return. “I’m doing a lot of hard coaching with the older guys,” Graves said. “They’ve been around too long not to do the little things. We’re harping on the little things (as a coaching staff).”

In order for Southern to contend for its first Southwestern Athletic Conference title since 2003, Graves has to get the most from his guys.He has to have junior drop (outside) linebacker Gary Chatman get even better after a monster first season: 57 tackles, including four sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

For South Carolina State, erosion of fan base and support is a serious issue

It was just like old times for John Alford. The former South Carolina State defensive tackle, popularly known as “Scrap Iron,” was back in familiar surroundings at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Lined up on the field with some of his former teammates. Alford was among the former Bulldog greats being honored during the Morgan State game last November as part of the school’s Centennial Celebration.

From the pre-game ceremony to the dramatic ending on Terrence Smith’s one-handed end zone catch in an overtime victory, the day brought back memories of great Bulldog days in the past for Alford. As he looked around the stadium and noticed the mostly empty seats, however, Alford was snapped back into reality.

“Where are the fans?” he remembered. “Where’s the community support?”

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Unweathered: UAPB can't stop the rain; rain doesn't stop practice

Even Arkansas-Pine Bluff coach Monte Coleman couldn’t stop mother nature. The man who made a living stopping NFL running backs couldn’t stop the rain. With his team fully entrenched in a practice Wednesday afternoon, the skies opened up. Rain and lightning poured out and the Golden Lions were forced inside. UAPB doesn’t have an indoor practice facilty, so the Golden Lions were forced to halt practice until the inclement weather subsided.

But Coleman, UAPB’s first-year head coach and fifth-year defensive coordinator, refused to blame it on the rain.

“The weather is part of it,” the former Washington Redskin said. “If we had a game, we would have to be out in it. (The weather) is not going to hinder us. We got 100 percent when we stepped on that practice field.”

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

ASU to ask for leniency from NCAA

ASU Hornets interim athletic director Ron Dickerson

Excerpt:

Alabama State University officials will plead for mercy today when they go before the NCAA infractions committee.The eight-person committee will include four attorneys, two law school professors, University of Miami athletic director Paul Dee and Mid-East Athletic Conference commissioner Dennis Thomas. Josephine Potuto, a law professor from the University of Nebraska, will serve as the chairman.

The decision on whether Cole committed major rules violations is important for ASU because the school has $250,000 on the line -- the amount left on Cole's contract when ASU fired him in 2003 for allegedly committing several major violations. If he is cleared of the final three violations against him -- the school accused him of more than 14 violations -- Cole would be due the $250,000.

READ ENTIRE STORY, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Jericho to broadcast FAMU football

Florida A&M University announced today it has signed a contract with the Black College Sports Network, a division of Jericho Broadcast Networks, Inc. This makes Jericho the official broadcaster of Rattler sports for radio, television and the Internet.

In all likelihood it also means that Keith Miles, the voice of the Rattlers for more than two decades, is out. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but Jericho will provide radio and Internet video coverage of all FAMU football games, as well as most basketball games and other sports events.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Mitchell talks Coppin's 2008 recruiting class

Guard Tywain McKee (Mark's Digital Photography)

Last season Fang Mitchell led the Coppin State men’s basketball team to one of the more improbable seasons in NCAA history. The Eagles suffered through a 20-loss season before catching fire down the stretch, winning 12 of their last 13 games, including an upset of Morgan State in the MEAC championship, which earned the team an NCAA tournament berth. It was the first time a 20-loss team made the tournament.

This season, Mitchell returns the team’s leading scorer Tywain McKee, to the roster. But Mitchell must replace the other four starters, all of whom graduated.

Mitchell will look to his 2008 recruiting class to help make up for that lost production. The Eagles are bringing in four freshmen this season: Loch Raven shooting guard Jordan Lee, Mount St. Joseph point guard Justin McCoy, Milwaukee Custer guard Michael Harper and Philadelphia North Catholic guard Lenny Young.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

ShootAround: Coppin State proves it's not the start, but the finish that counts

Tywain McKee will return to CSU for a second senior season (Prop. 48) to lead the Eagles (Mark's Digital Photography).

Going into the 2008 MEAC tournament, Coppin State was the longest of long shots. With a 12-20 overall record and a No. 7 seed, the Eagles were figured by few to have any chance of lasting more than a game or two. One Web site's formula put Coppin's chances of making the NCAA tournament at just 3 percent.

But speculative statistical algorithms are no match for March math. The Eagles won four games in five days, all in the final seconds, against the best teams in the league. All top-three seeds went down to defeat to the MEAC's mighty underdogs, as Coppin went from lost cause to the Big Dance, earning a spot in the NCAA play-in game.

CONTINUE READING, VIEW PRE-SEASON MEAC PREVIEWS--CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Putting on pads brings out beast in JSU defense

Jackson State took the football field in shoulder pads for the first time of preseason camp Wednesday. And the defense was more than appreciative.

The unit looked like it couldn't wait to hit someone despite orders not to tackle to the ground - to just wrap up. Those instructions never really set in as running backs and wide receivers were popped repeatedly throughout the day. Defensive end Sam Washington and outside linebacker Ryan Rich had the hits of the day during an inside running drill.

"Defensively, if you're not striking somebody, practice is not the same," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "Defense always has that extra flow about them when they think they're going to hit somebody and do their craft."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Former Delaware State coach dies of cancer

Photo: Coach Jeff Battle, husband to Joyce Battle.

Joyce Battle, the wife of Associate Head Coach Jeff Battle of the Wake Forest University men's basketball program, died yesterday of breast cancer at age 44.

The cancer was first diagnosed more than eight years ago, before Jeff Battle left his job as assistant coach at Xavier to accompany Coach Skip Prosser to Wake Forest in April 2001. After Prosser died July 26, 2007, Battle remained at Wake Forest as an assistant to Coach Dino Gaudio.

Joyce Battle was a standout point guard at Fayetteville State University and later an assistant coach at Delaware State University, where she met Jeff Battle. She coached the couple's son, Jordan, 14, in youth basketball. Most recently, she taught and coached basketball at a middle school in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Jeff Battle, known nationally as one of college basketball's top assistant coaches, begins his eighth season at Wake Forest as associate head coach and his 24th season overall in the coaching profession. He served as an assistant coach at Delaware State University for three seasons (1991-93) before advancing to Loyola, Xavier and Wake Forest.

FRANK DISCUSSION: Grambling's Broadway pushes Warren to improve

#23 GSU Tigers RB Frank Warren had an outstanding Freshman season rushing for a team high 901 yards.

Grambling coach Rod Broadway’s insistence that “last year doesn’t matter” extends beyond the Tigers’ up-in-the-air quarterback competition. The sentiment holds true for the entire team.

Sophomore Frank Warren burst onto the scene last year at Grambling as a true freshman, rushing for a team-high 901 net yards and five touchdowns, good for third in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. With another 99 yards he would have become Grambling’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Brad Hill in 2001, and just the second Tigers running back to achieve the feat since 1993.

None of that seems to concern Broadway...

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

In it to win it: New SCSU President encourages fans to support all Bulldog athletics

SCSU President Dr. George E. Cooper

New South Carolina State President George Cooper looks like someone with an extensive athletic background. He has a slender but imposing 6-2 frame similar to a sprinter and starts his day at 5 a.m. by sauntering around the track at the Lorry H. Dawkins Track and Field Facility.

Ask about Cooper and his athletic prowess, however, and it’s considerably on the modest side. “I’m the non-athlete in my family,” he said. “As a youngster, I swam in the intramural leagues in Tallahassee, Fla. I was second and third and didn’t win. I’ve been an avid racquetball player. A, B class racquetball player. Played in some state tournaments there.

“For the last 2 1/2 years, I’ve been an avid golfer and I plan to go on the Senior PGA circuit sometime in the next few months. That’s my aspiration. I don’t play that well.”

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

S.C. State dons full gear

By SCSU Sports Information

South Carolina State worked out in full pads for the first time Wednesday during its 9 a.m. drill that lasted a little over two hours. The Bulldogs did not have live hitting in the workout.

“We had a really good practice,” said Pough. “It was our first day in full pads and I thought the players moved around pretty good. We got a ways to go yet, but all-in-all, I think we are moving forward a little each day. Enthusiasm and the intensity level remain high.”

The Bulldogs added another phase of the kicking game during Wednesday’s drill, giving attention to kickoffs for the first time, according to Pough. “We devoted some time to kickoffs,” said Pough, “taking a look at both our kickers to see which one is consistent and which has the stronger leg. It’s early, but I think we will do well in that department.” Pough noted that his team also emphasized some situational drills in the team’s offensive and defensive passing game.

SC State begins alternating two-a-day workouts Thursday, with an 8:30 a.m. practice and a 7 p.m. evening session. The Bulldogs will hold their annual “Press Day” Friday, beginning at 9 a.m., and conduct their first scrimmage that evening, beginning at 7 o’clock.

NCCU Eagles eager to fly

N.C. Central begins second season as FCS program

DURHAM - Coach Mose Rison walked out to N.C. Central's practice field late Monday evening, thinking he would arrive ahead of players for the first preseason football practice. It was 8:40 p.m., almost an hour before practice was scheduled to begin under the new practice facility lights. Players buzzed about as if they had discovered gold buried in the end zone.

Eagles head football coach Mose Rison is preparing for a strong second season at the NCAA FCS Division I level.

"They were juiced," Rison said on Tuesday evening before the team's second practice, which was open to the media and just as euphoric. Added sophomore running back Tim Shankle: "It was a lot of smiles on people's faces."

A new season has arrived for the Eagles, and Rison and his players are ecstatic about their second year as an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) program.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

AAMU Bulldogs' defensive tackles taking committee approach

But Askew hopes someone steps up to "be the big dog"

Every few plays, Renaldo Askew jogs his 6-foot-2, 266-pound frame off the field to talk with Alabama A&M defensive line coach Ben Blacknall. It's a common theme for Askew and the rest of the defensive tackles. The unit hasn't been dominant since All-Southwestern Athletic Conference tackle Kevin Lockhart finished his career two years ago. Blacknall's job is to make sure progress is being made, and that's why he's in constant contact with his players.

"If we're going to be successful on defense," Blacknall said, "our tackles have to play well." Askew and Whitney Garrett, the lone senior, are the current starters. Frank Kearse and Marcus Powe will also see a lot of playing time. Askew said the group has gotten Blacknall's message. "There's a lot of pressure on us," he said. "Every day. Every practice. Every meeting. We've got to stay together and do what we've got to do."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Southern University: Hungry Jaguars

Receivers ready to step into starting roles

Southern wide receivers coach Eric Dooley describes his group as hungry. They ought to be. “The next guy has to step up. They’re feeding off the opportunity to play,” Dooley said. The Jaguars have 12 wide receivers in preseason camp, and only two of them caught balls last season.

Del Roberts, 5-9/190, Wide Receiver/Punt Returner, Tallahassee, FL/UNC.

Those two are senior Del Roberts (42 catches, 474 yards, two touchdowns) and junior Juamorris Stewart (23 catches, 237 yards, one TD). Though neither has put together a dominant season, the roommates were on the preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference teams, with Roberts, a former North Carolina transfer, on the first team and Stewart, a former Southern Miss transfer, on the second team.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

FAMU kickers have big cleats to fill

This season, for the first time since 2004, someone other than Wesley Taylor will be kicking the football for the Florida A&M football team. After handling all kicking duties for the Rattlers the past three seasons, the three-time All-MEAC kicker/punter graduated, leaving a void in the special teams unit for first-year coach Joe Taylor.

But after Wednesday's afternoon practice solely spent on the special-teams unit, Taylor was left pleased with the state of his kicking game.

South Florida transfer Trevor Scott, the lone transfer to FAMU in the offseason, did well kicking but didn't fare as well punting the ball. Enter incoming freshman William Platt. Platt showed enough strength in his leg to get the praise of his head coach on the team's second day of practice.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Southern: Running backs coming on strong

Jaguars RB Brian Threat

Southern University junior running back Brian Threat, who took a financial accounting exam Monday at Pensacola (Fla.) Junior College, reported to camp and took a physical Tuesday. Threat is expected back at practice today. He said he was able to take the final exam early, as the class concludes Friday. He said he didn’t want to miss anymore practice.

Threat (45 carries, 172 yards, two touchdowns) and senior Kendrick Smith (38 carries, 161 yards) are the most veteran running backs in camp as the team replaces All-Southwestern Athletic Conference second-teamer Darren Coates. “It helps as far as experience-wise, but the younger guys are picking it up,” SU coach Pete Richardson said.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Alabama State Hornets' QB battle heats up

Anthony Speight or Reid Herchenbach?

That's the question that will dog the Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow and offensive coordinator Ben Noonan over the next couple of weeks, as they attempt to name a starting quarterback. And they're already preparing themselves for a tough decision.

"We're going to chart everything," Barlow said. "Everything those two do will be charted, and I'm talking about in both individual and team drills. All of it. When we make a decision, we want to have the stats to support it. We think it's going to be that close."

There seems to be little doubt that Herchenbach and Speight are the top two choices for the position. In just four days of practice this fall, they've separated themselves from second-year QBs Devin Dominquez and Brandon Dowdell.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Ex-Grambling State University A.D. to Lead D.C. Athletics

D.C. Public Schools has named Troy Mathieu, a former athletic director at Grambling State University, its new director of athletics. Prior to arriving at Grambling in 2006, Mathieu spent nine years as the assistant superintendent for athletics for the Dallas Independent School District, which oversees about three times as many students as DCPS.

Mathieu, 44, said he accepted the position "primarily because of the challenge of it. . . . It's a very similar situation to 1997 when we started in Dallas, and they hadn't invested back into the system. That prepared me to take on this challenge."

Mathieu's appointment ends a lengthy search that has kept DCPS athletics in limbo for nearly a year. He replaces Allen Chin, who reached an agreement to step down in February, six months after he learned that D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee did not intend to keep him. Chin headed DCPS athletics for 17 years.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Talkative transfer takes aim at JSU Tigers' tailback role

Tigers Running Back Bloi-Dei Dorzan

Juco product Bloi-Dei Dorzan 1 of 5 newcomers vying for key starting spot in Jackson State backfield

The Lackawanna Community College pipeline is alive and well at Jackson State. Sometimes the connection works better than others. Dennis Coit has blossomed into a can't-live-without defensive tackle from the Pennsylvania school.

Quarterback A.J. McKenna quit, then came back, then quit again before ever playing a regular-season game. Oliver McNeil is somewhere in the middle as he fights for a starting spot in the secondary this season. Newcomer Bloi-Dei Dorzan hopes to follow Coit's lead heading into his first season with the Tigers. And there's plenty of opportunity to do so.

Dorzan is one of five tailbacks brought in to compete for the vacancy left by the departure of Erik Haw, Lavarius Giles and Cody Hull.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

DSU releases 2008/09 men's basketball schedule

DOVER, DE – Twenty-three teams from nine different conferences highlight the 2008-09 Delaware State Men’s Basketball slate as announced by Head Coach Greg Jackson, today. Featuring 10 teams which reached postseason play during the 2007-08 season, the 2008-09 schedule will pit the Hornets against three teams ranked in last season’s final Top 25 (Connecticut, Notre Dame, West Virginia) as well as three former NCAA Division I Champions (Kentucky, Connecticut, Maryland).

"Once again, Coach Jackson and his staff have put together a tremendous schedule," said DSU Director of Athletics Rick Costello. "The opportunity for our student-athletes to play some of the premier programs in the NCAA will only make our program stronger."

"This is one of our toughest schedules to date," said Jackson. "This year’s schedule is going to give our program the best shot at grabbing a fourth regular season MEAC Championship over the past five years. We are going to play some of the top programs in the nation with teams like UConn, Maryland and Kentucky – all of which have won national championships.

We’ve got an exciting home schedule with a number of tough MEAC foes and an exciting and challenging road schedule that rivals any program’s in the nation. We look forward to the challenge and I know it will be fun for our fans and players alike."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

DSU 2008/09 Men's Basketball Schedule

Nov. 14-15, Hornet Classic, (Delaware State University, Wilmington University, Cheyney University, Coppin State)
Nov. 17, at Lehigh
Nov. 19 , at Dayton
Nov. 22, at Kentucky
Nov. 25, at West Virginia
Nov. 28, vs. Oakland (in Las Vegas), 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 29. vs. Longwood/Southeast Missouri (in Las Vegas)

Dec. 1, at UConn
Dec. 4, vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore*
Dec. 6, at Richmond
Dec. 12, at Maryland
Dec. 14, at Rutgers
Dec. 20, at Notre Dame

Jan. 10, vs. South Carolina State*
Jan. 12, vs. Winston-Salem State
Jan. 17, at Norfolk State*
Jan. 19, at North Carolina A&T*
Jan. 24, vs. Bethune-Cookman*
Jan. 26, vs. Florida A&M*
Jan. 31, vs. Coppin State*

Feb. 2, vs. Morgan State*
Feb. 7, at Hampton*
Feb. 9, at Howard*
Feb. 14, vs. Norfolk State*
Feb. 16, vs. North Carolina A&T*
Feb. 21, at Bethune-Cookman*
Feb. 23, at Florida A&M*
Feb. 28, at Morgan State*

March 5, at Maryland-Eastern Shore*
March 9-14, MEAC Basketball Tournament , Winston-Salem, N.C.

* MEAC games

FAMU names Carrington new swim coach

Douglas Carrington, the assistant swim coach at Florida A&M for the past four years, has been named the head coach. Carrington was a member of the swim team at FAMU and a team captain. The 26-year-old native of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., replaces E. Newton Jackson, who had been interim swim coach. “This is a dream to me,” Carrington said. “I get the opportunity to provide the same environment when I was an athlete.

“It’s an opportunity for me to do positive things with our university — a great opportunity for me to give back.” Clifton Huff, special assistant to Athletic Director William Hayes, said what he liked most about Carrington is the “solid” relationship he has with the athletes.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Alabama A&M notebook: Bulldogs top running back carted off with bad ankle

Running back Ulysses Banks, who was named to the All-SWAC preseason team, sustained an ankle injury early on in Tuesday's practice and had to be carted off the field. Banks, who rushed for almost 900 yards and nine touchdowns, while hauling in 20 passes for 285 yards and two more scores, was injured during the Oklahoma drills which feature two defensive players against three offensive players.

#17 AAMU Bulldogs RB Ulysses Banks, 5-8/172, sophomore, Birmingham, AL/Parker H.S.

A&M coach Anthony Jones said Banks would be given ample time to recover. "We don't think it's serious, but it's serious enough that we're going to hold him out a couple of days," Jones said. With Banks out, Anthony Green and Ray Hudson will get the bulk of the work at running back.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Former TSU lineman found dead in his apartment

Courtesy Tennessee State University Athletics

Qudus Adeboyejo, 23, a former offensive lineman for the Tennessee State University Tigers, was found in his off campus apartment Monday evening by his roommate. Adeboyejo was immediately rushed to St. Thomas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“Qudus was a hard working, dedicated young man. Students, faculty staff and administrators will miss him. He was a valued member of the TSU Tigers Football Team,” said Head Football Coach James Webster.

Adeboyejo, a Matteson, Illinois native, was scheduled to graduate from TSU in December 2008. He was majoring in human performance and sports science with a concentration in physical sciences.

“It is devastating anytime society is faced with the loss of a promising young life. Qudus was part of the TSU family. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends,” said Athletics Director Teresa Phillips.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Mr. Adeboyejo was a graduate of Rich Central High School (Olympia Fields, IL), located in Cook County, a part of the Chicago Metro Area.

UAPB Golden Lions hold first practice

While Monte Coleman wasn’t in a hurry Monday, he wanted his team to be. In UAPB’s first practice of the season, Coleman, the team’s defensive coordinator and first-year head coach, was looking for one main component from his players: hustle. On a day to test his players conditioning and get his players implemented into the grind of football, Coleman was looking for those who would bust it from drill to drill.

“That’s about all I was looking for,” Coleman said. “We’re going to make mistakes. The young guys don’t know the plays, but they can hustle.”

That’s exactly what the Golden Lions did in the morning practice. Starting at 8:15 Monday morning, UAPB’s first session of the season was a conditioning test. Each player had to run 20 100-yard dashes. On the squad of more than 80-players not one person passed out our quit running. Every player completed it.

UAPB M4 Marching Band


CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

A&M unit in good hands

Receiving trio has Bulldogs looking to go to the air

Thomas Harris led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in receiving yards per game last season. Rashad Johnson had only 17 catches, but four of them went for touchdowns, including a 65-yarder, one of the longest in the league. Gerald Stockdale not only caught three touchdown passes, but also threw another one.

Meet Alabama A&M's wide receivers.

Their names aren't of the household variety, but their talent, according to A&M receivers coach Roger Totten, is unlimited. "We feel like we have three of the best receivers in the conference," said Totten, who made a huge impact after coming over from Mississippi Valley State last season. "If we can find two more, we may have the best group in the league."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Assistant coach vows: N.C. A&T's offense won't be boring

GREENSBORO -- To some observers, the football principles of new N.C. A&T coordinator John McKenzie replicate the West Coast offense. Others might call it a spread. Still others invoke the name of Dan Henning. Confused? Well, good. That's sort of the point. "We'll take one play and run it six or eight ways," said McKenzie, who became head coach Lee Fobbs' first offensive coordinator at A&T this spring.

People in motion, myriad forms of deception and play-calling balance are the goals, all of which signal opportunity for as many players as possible. McKenzie, who directed the offense at Alcorn State for the past seven seasons, vows it won't be boring. "Sounds good to me as a receiver," said senior Chaz Dawson. "We like the system. We feel we can move up and down the field."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Veteran offense has NCCU coaching staff confident

DURHAM -- Mose Rison already was optimistic about his N.C. Central football team before he directed the Eagles' first open preseason practice. And after Tuesday's two-hour workout -- on a hot afternoon during which the Eagles were happy to see a few clouds -- the second-year head coach seemed even happier.

The enthusiasm seems contagious around a program that is coming off its fourth straight winning season. "I was talking to the coaches before last night's [9:30 p.m.] workout, and we thought the guys would probably show up a little early," said Rison, who has 90 players including 57 scholarship players in camp. "But at 8:40, the whole team was there. "The kids showed a whole lot of energy today. It was just outstanding. We've got a ways to go, but right now there are a lot of things we can build on."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

SCSU Series: Changing the culture

Though coaching different sports, Glad Bugariu and Doug Robertson have plenty in common. Both arrived at South Carolina State University from successful coaching stints at NCAA Division II programs. Bugariu led the Belmont Abbey College women’s soccer team to back-to-back conference titles while Robertson posted 100 victories in five basketball seasons at Shaw University.

Each also had a moment in their careers when they looked at the respective programs at S.C. State and were attracted by an opportunity to vastly improve the product.“I really think there’s potential here,” Bugariu said. “There’s always potential here. We have scholarship money. The budget’s okay, there’s potential. In that respect, there are certain things that appealed to me.”

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Former NFL star talks at JSU about life after football

NFL Hall of Famer Gene Washington

Gene Washington, the NFL's director of football operations, met with members of the Jackson State football team Tuesday as part of the NCAA's Champs Life Skills program.
JSU officials said they requested the Tuscaloosa native and former NFL star.

Washington used the much publicized Brett Favre situation as an example of how hard life is after their playing days are over. "He just can't give it up," Washington said in reference to Favre passing on a reported $20 million to stay retired.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Former FAMU Willie Johnson named assistant coach at Radford University

Excerpt:

Johnson joins the Radford University staff after two years as a graduate assistant/jumps coach for the Marshall University women's team, where he guided two All-Conference USA performers and three school record holders. In May, Johnson earned his Master's Degree in athletic administration from Marshall.

The Orlando, Florida native excelled as a collegiate triple jumper at both Florida A&M University and Florida State University. As a Seminole, Johnson was a two-time NCAA All-American (2003-04), and earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference accolades three times in the outdoor triple jump (2003-05) and once in the indoor triple jump (2004).

At FAMU, he was an All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honoree in the indoor and outdoor triple jump (2002). Johnson earned a B.S. in physical education at FSU in 2005.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

FAMU coach evaluates Rattlers' fitness

You can't teach speed.

Philip Sylvester proved that with an exclamation point Tuesday morning during Florida A&M's first official preseason football practice. The sophomore speedster was the first Rattler to break the 4.4-second barrier in 40-yard sprints, drawing appreciative reactions from teammates and coaches.

What was even more impressive was that Sylvester, FAMU's leading rusher in 2007, began with an awkward stance and got off to a wobbly start. "That young man is truly special," head coach Joe Taylor marveled. "Who knows what time he's really capable of?"

Philip Sylvester should again lead the MEAC in All-Purpose yards in 2008.

The Rattlers had their first team meeting Monday evening. They will spend this week easing into the preseason in anticipation of the Aug. 30 season opener, at home against Alabama State.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE

Fierce Competitor: Sprinter Dix eyes medal

Excerpt:

Washington Dix, a former sprinter at Bethune-Cookman University and a longtime (Florida) prep track coach, recognized something special in his youngest son from his first organized race. Walter was 7 at the time. And he lost. "He was standing there crying," Washington Dix recalled after Anthony Gaines, who went on to play football and run track at South Florida, bested Walter. "I said, ‘Hey. It's time to get busy with this kid; he really wants to win.'"

"When I was younger, I used to cry a lot when I lost," Walter said. "I don't know why I hate to lose so much." "When he ran 9.93 with no wind in Sacramento at the NCAAs," Boldon said, "he became world-class that day, in my eyes." "Walt is one of those special people who's the total package." In the eyes of sponsors, too. Dix was offered millions to leave school and turn professional, but he wanted to finish his degree in social science and help FSU go for a third straight national title. He did both.

Coral Springs, Florida native Walter Dix is heading to Beijing in search of a gold medal in the Summer Olympic Games. The former Florida State Seminole will run in the 100 and 200 meters.

Walter Dix - 200m FINAL U.S. Olympic Track Trials 2008

Olympian Walter Dix Press Conference - Part I

Olympian Walter Dix Press Conference - Part II


CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Plenty of New Faces at Grambling

This time last year, there were a lot of question marks surrounding the Grambling State football team entering the season as the Tigers learned a new offensive system under then first-year offensive coordinator James Spady. Those questions were immediately erased as the Tigers had a successful season on the gridiron as several players set career highs on the field en route to an appearance in the 2007 SWAC Championship Game. As the 2008 season approaches, Spady and his offensive staff once again face a new set of questions as Grambling enters the season looking to replace several key playmakers that departed after the 2007 campaign.

Beginning his second season at the helm of the Tiger offense, Spady cited familiarity with his players as one of the biggest assets entering the season. “I have a different feel for our team this year as last year I didn’t know what a lot of the players were capable of,” he said. “I have a real good feel of what we have returning and that makes it easier to work in the new players we brought in.”

Getting into Coach Spady's head--2007 Interview with the Offensive Coordinator


CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Southern shuffles two to tight end

Jaguars offensive coordinator, Mark Orlando

A year ago, Southern moved a senior tight end to left tackle at the start of preseason camp and got a huge return on the move. This time, the Jaguars are hoping the reverse pays off. Because of a lack of tight ends and greatly improved depth among offensive linemen, two linemen — senior Rafael Louis and freshman Leslie Davis — got looks Monday at tight end.

“We’re in dire need of tight end now,” Southern offensive coordinator Mark Orlando said. The two most veteran tight ends aren’t available. Senior Evan Alexander is out after having knee surgery and there’s no guarantee he’ll play this season. Senior fullback/tight end Antuanya Antoine has yet to return from an internship.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Prairie View elevates its play, goals

PVAMU returns 10 veterans to a stingy defense that averaged 15.2 points per contest in 2007, third lowest in the Football Championship Subdivision (1-AA).

Work left for Prairie View

Nearly nine months after finishing their first winning season since 1976, the Prairie View A&M Panthers got their 2008 fall camp under way with a practice Monday night. The coaches, the drills and most of the faces were the same from last season, but the camp’s theme was significantly different.

Last year, the Panthers’ theme was to “dig deep,” something they did well down the stretch, winning five of their last six games to finish 7-3. But with a squad that returns nine starters on offense, 10 on defense and two on special teams, the Panthers plan to take care of “unfinished business” this season. Prairie View coach Henry Frazier III believes this year’s team can elevate the program to a higher level.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

After the NSU sidelines, Branche eager to make up for lost time

NORFOLK, VA - DeAngelo Branche compared climbing the stadium stairs repeatedly in Tuesday's humid conditions to a walk in the park. "Just like when I was a kid," said the Norfolk State running back, smiling big as sweat dripped from his shoulder-length dreads.

It's unlikely all of Branche's teammates shared his enthusiasm, but Tuesday was not just any first day of practice for the Spartan sophomore. It was another step toward the reward he covets: suiting up Aug. 30, the day after he turns 21, for NSU's opener against Virginia State.

Expect Branche, limited by academic issues to a scout-team role last year, to start at running back. "I'm telling everybody - the coaches, the players - when they ask if I'm ready this year, that I'm coming back with a vengeance," said Branche, with one tattoo that reads "No pain" painted down his right arm and another, "No gain," scribbled down his left.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

MVSU Football Team Reports to Campus

Delta Devils head football coach Willie Totten.

Itta Bena, Miss. --- By end of day yesterday 85 student-athletes had reported to camp as the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils football team reported to began fall conditioning and practice. With five more expected players who had received clearance for late arrival expected over the weekend, there should be a total of 90 student-athletes aboard.

"Guys came in really excited," said head coach Willie Totten. "Now we're just ready to test them and get them on the field." In this morning's work out, the team went through time tests on the track which included 40-yard dash and vertical and broad jumps. They also hit the iron in the weight room working out at 225 lbs on the bench and inclines.

On the track freshman Gerard Hall (5-9, 189, DB, Memphis, TN) turned in a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, while redshirt freshman Paul Cox, Jr. (6-5, 190, WR, Patterson, LA) had a 4.41. Running backs Johey Hargrett (6-0, 265, SR, Chicago, IL) and Ronald Brewer (5-10, 205, R-SO, Memphis), 2008 Preseason All-SWAC, each ran a 4.5.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Tennessee State University Athletics Unveils new Big Blue Sports Network

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information.
Logo Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics.

Affiliates in Nashville, Columbia and Jackson

Tennessee State University Athletics announced yesterday the creation of a new Big Blue Sports Network with radio affiliates in Nashville, Columbia and Jackson. The network will greatly expand the coverage area for Tiger football and men’s basketball broadcasts throughout middle and west Tennessee, while reaching into southern Kentucky and northern Mississippi.

The TSU athletic broadcast rights were recently awarded to B2C Media. The company is co-owned by Danny Clay and TSU alumnus Fred Beasley. “We are excited to partner with TSU Athletics and to know that Tiger fans all over the state of Tennessee will be able to enjoy the excitement of the Big Blue broadcasts on their radio,” said Beasley.

The Big Blue Sports Network will consist of flagship station, WVOL 1470 AM in Nashville, WMRB 910 AM in Columbia and WOJG- 94.7 FM in Bolivar/Jackson.

WVOL served as the home for Tiger broadcasts for more than 30 years and will see the Big Blue return to their airwaves for the first time since 1998. “This is a great day for WVOL,” said TSU alumnus John Heidelberg, the owner and general manager of WVOL. “Many unforgettable moments in Tiger history were broadcast on WVOL and we are thrilled to serve as the flagship station for the new network.”

For the first time ever, Tiger broadcasts will be available on the air in Columbia on WMRB 910 AM. "I am excited about having the Tennessee State University Big Blue Sports Network on the radio here in Maury County because it allows WMRB listeners to experience the excitement of Tiger pride,” said Rev. Trent Ogilvie President of WMRB 910 AM.

WOJG 94.7 FM will take TSU broadcasts into west Tennessee for the first time ever as well. The 6,000 watt FM station’s coverage area includes 10 west Tennessee counties and four counties in northern Mississippi.

“Tennessee State has a tremendous following in west Tennessee and we know that our listeners are going to be excited to know that they can hear the games right here on WOJG,” said State Representative Johnny Shaw, owner of WOJG.

The entire 12 game TSU football schedule will be broadcast on the Big Blue Sports Network beginning with the Tigers season opener on August 30 at Alabama A&M. The TSU basketball game broadcast schedule will be released at a later date.

In addition to the game broadcasts, Tiger Talk with Coach James Webster will also be carried on the network. The one hour weekly coach’s call-in show will air every Tuesday night at 6:00 PM, beginning August 26. Barry Gresham, TSU Associate Athletic Director for Broadcasting and Sales, will return for his fourth season as the play-by-play voice of Tiger football. He will also serve as host of Tiger Talk. Albert Dawson will begin his 18th season as analyst and statistician for the Tiger broadcasts.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

JSU cranks it up under Comegy's watchful eye

The Jackson State football team kicked off its first practice of the 2008 season Monday with an hour and a half evening practice, starting at 7:45 p.m. The players wore helmets and shorts. The workout mainly concentrated on special teams work, but also contained a good amount of individual drills.

"Just want to get them out there thinking football," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "See how quickly they adjust. ... See the thinking process, especially the younger guys. "There's always talent evaluation, but you can't really tell. ... This at least gives us an inkling."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Alabama A&M's Moore wants to put poor season behind him

Cornerback who lost starting job is on the rebound

Frank Moore was one of the big surprises in the Southwestern Athletic Conference two years ago - a walk-on defensive back who finished with a league-high six interceptions as the Bulldogs captured their first SWAC championship. But in 2007, the 5-foot-9, 170-pounder couldn't duplicate his success. In fact, Moore played so poorly that he ended up losing his job to Maurice Thomas early in the season and finished the year with just 10 tackles. He had no interceptions.

"I got the big head," Moore said Tuesday after practice. "I feel like I could have still made some plays. I didn't have any problems on the field. My problems were off the field." Said Defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns: "I don't know what happened between his sophomore and junior year. Frank was terrific for us in 2006 when we won the championship. Last year, he wasn't the same kid. He didn't play well at all last year.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

Young NCCU Eagles to face tough schedule

DURHAM -- The good news is they're going to have plenty of size and talent. The other news is they're young, and they're going to be facing the toughest overall schedule in school history. Those are the challenges that await Mose Rison's N.C. Central football team as the Eagles open preseason practice this week.

The Eagles -- all 90 of them, including 39 players who have never stepped onto the field in an NCCU uniform -- reported to campus Sunday and will have their first practice tonight at 9:30 p.m. That one will be closed to the public. They'll have their first public workout on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, beginning preparation for their Aug. 31 opener against visiting Fayetteville State.

"We've got so many new guys, we're going to take that first session to show them how to practice," said Rison, who went 6-4 in his first season at the helm in 2007.

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

North Carolina Central University Marching Sound Machine


2008 NCCU Football Schedule

Date Opponent / Event Location / Time

08/31/08 vs. Fayetteville State Durham, NC 4:00 p.m. ET
09/06/08 at James Madison Harrisonburg, VA 6:00 p.m. ET
09/13/08 at Morgan State Baltimore, MD 4:00 p.m. ET
09/20/08 at Central Connecticut State New Britain, CT 1:00 p.m. ET
10/04/08 vs. N. Carolina A&T Charlotte, NC (Memorial Stadium) 5:00 p.m. ET
10/11/08 at Presbyterian Clinton, SC 1:30 p.m. ET
10/18/08 at Coastal Carolina Conway, SC 7:00 p.m. ET
11/01/08 vs. Edward Waters (HC) Durham, NC 1:30 p.m. ET
11/08/08 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA 4:00 p.m. PT
11/15/08 vs. Winston-Salem State Durham, NC 1:30 p.m. ET