Friday, February 11, 2011

Jefferson 2B Muniz commits to Bethune-Cookman

Jefferson second baseman Einar Muniz has committed to Bethune-Cookman University, Jefferson coach Pop Cuesta confirmed Thursday.

The 5-foot-3, 140-pound Muniz is small in stature, but has been one of the Dragons' top players. As a junior he hit .358 and struck out just five times in 81 at bats. He also made just three errors in the field in 28 games last year.



BCU Wildcats Pre-Season Pick to Repeat as MEAC Baseball Champs; O'Brien Named Pre-Season POTY, Four Named All-MEAC

NORFOLK, Va. - The votes are in and it's the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats getting the pre-season nod to be Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions in the 2011 season, officials from the MEAC announced. The Wildcats are seeking their sixth consecutive MEAC title in 2011 under the guidance of 2010 MEAC Coach of the Year Mervyl Melendez. The Wildcats received a unanimous decision in the vote by the league's sports information directors and head coaches.

But the pre-season honors don't end there for the defending champions; B-CU junior catcher, recently tabbed as the #18 player in America by College Baseball Today, was selected as the MEAC's pre-season Player of the Year. O'Brien won final MEAC Player of the Year award last season.

oining O'Brien in recognition on the pre-season All-MEAC team, the 'Cats filled three other spots on the team. Pitcher Ali Simpson, first baseman Ryan Durrence, and outfielder DJ Leonard all earned pre-season accolades.

Joining the Wildcats on the Preseason Team is pre-season Pitcher of the Year Esterlin Paulino (NCAT), along with Ryan Shook (NSU), Marquis Riley (NCAT), Chris Joyce (NSU), Xavier Macklin (NCAT), John Lynch (NSU) and Bryan Chaikowsky (UMES).

The Wildcats set off their season on Friday, February 18th, as Alabama A&M travels to Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The first pitch of the 2011 B-CU season is set to be thrown at 6:00 p.m.

2011 MEAC Preseason Baseball Predictions
As voted on by the conference’s Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors
(First Place Votes in Parenthesis)

Team …................................. Points
1. Bethune-Cookman (14) .............. 196
2. North Carolina A&T ….................. 134
3. Norfolk State …........................... 128
4. Delaware State ........................... 100
5. Florida A&M ……........................... 60
6. Maryland Eastern Shore ................ 46
7. Coppin State .................................36


2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Preseason All-Conference Awards
As voted on by the conference’s Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors

Player of the Year: Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman
Pitcher of the Year: Esterlin Paulino, North Carolina A&T

Pos Name School Cl. Ht. Wt. Hometown
P Ali Simpson Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-2 170 Campbell River, British Columbia
P Esterlin Paulino North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-6 147 Santo Domingo
RP Ryan Shook Norfolk State Jr. 6-2 185 Virginia Beach, Va.
C Peter O’Brien Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-3 215 Miami Gardens, Fla.
1B Ryan Durrence Bethune-Cookman Sr. 6-2 230 Jacksonville, Fla.
2B Marquis Riley North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-10 190 Efland, N.C.
3B Chris Joyce Norfolk State Sr. 6-1 195 Chesapeake, Va.
OF DJ Leonard Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-0 180 West Palm Beach, Fla.
OF Xavier Macklin North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-11 195 Rocky Mount, North Carolina
OF John Lynch Norfolk State Sr. 6-2 215 Newport News, Va.
DH Bryan Chaikowsky Maryland E. Shore Sr. 6-2 210 Bethlehem, Pa.

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CIAA ticket sales ahead of 2010 pace

Demand for tickets to the 66th annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament is running ahead of last year’s pace. With former members Lincoln (Pa.) and Winston-Salem State universities rejoining the league, ticket sales are up, according to CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry. The men's and women's tournaments will take place Feb. 28-March 5 at Time Warner Cable Arena – their sixth year in Charlotte.

The CIAA consists of 13 schools – 12 of them historically black colleges and universities – from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Charlotte organizers and league officials have agreed to an extension of the tournament through 2014, the first time a host site has secured the event for nine straight years.

“Ticket sales are strong,” CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry said at a press conference Feb. 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. “Almost $2 million in ticket sales, that’s up from last year. What makes the CIAA go and what makes this great is the community, and the connection we have with the city.”

The tournament concludes March 5 with the women's final at 5 p.m. and the men’s final televised on ESPNU at 8 p.m. TV One will broadcast the men’s quarterfinals and the semifinal rounds.

CIAA alumni may buy tickets from their respective schools; the general public can buy them online at www.ciaatournament.org or Time Warner Cable Arena box office.



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CIAA Releases 2011 Class of Honorees: John B. McLendon Hall of Fame

HAMPTON, VA – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) welcomes seven individuals as its 2011 class of inductees into the John B. McLendon, Jr. Hall of Fame. The honorees will officially be enshrined on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Charlotte Convention Center at 11:00am- as part of the CIAA Tournament’s week of events.

This year’s class is filled with star-power, exceptional talent and inspiring dedication to the conference through corporate support.

Anita Cooper Epps led the Lady Pirates Basketball Team to two Virginia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (VAIAW) state championships; a CIAA tournament title, and to two appearances in the NCAA Division II national tournament. At the end of the 1986 season, Epps was named Kodak first team All-American and the American Women's Sports Foundation's Regional Player of the Year. She was voted to the All-CIAA team for the second time, captured Kodak All-District III honors and was named to the first team All-America by the Black College Sports Information Directors Association and made the National Association for Women's Sports All-America team. She currently holds the Hampton University career field goal record with a percentage of .542, is second in career field goals with 762 and is third in the Hampton University record book for career scoring with 1,795 points.

Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson spent 30 years coaching the nationally recognized Virginia State University “Woo-Woos” Cheering Squad. Setting the standard for HBCU cheering programs, the Woo Woos and Dr. Johnson have been featured on the BET television network, Urban Sports Network, ESPN and have had numerous appearances on locally based television stations. In the 1990's the squad performed at a boxing match staged by the legendary promoter Don King. In 1999, the Mayor of the City of Petersburg established “Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson Day”. Johnson is noted as the first female athletic director in VSU history and coached the VSU softball team to win its first CIAA Softball Championship. In the conference she was the first president and founder of the CIAA Cheerleader Coaches Association. She is 2003 inductee of the VSU Wall of Fame.



Gregory Hines is a four- year starter and men’s basketball letterman (1979-1983) for Hampton University. He is the university's second all-time scorer with 1,967 points and rebounder (1,254). Hines is ranked in the Top 30 of CIAA All-time career scorers and is 11th in CIAA career rebounding. He has been named as a three time All-American; CIAA Rookie of the Year (1980); CIAA MVP (1982), and is a member of both the 1982 and 1983 CIAA Championship teams. Even after his years as a Pirate, Mr. Hines continued to excel in his sport as an NBA draft choice for the Golden State Warriors. His professional sports career spanned for more than 12 years and included playing in Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, and Israel. Gregory Hines was inducted into the Hampton University Hall of Fame in 2009.

Charlie Neal began his broadcasting career over 30 years ago as a radio disc jockey before turning to television as a sportscaster, working for several affiliates in the Detroit, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. markets. In 1980, Charlie Neal commentated the first nationally televised regular season CIAA Basketball game and became the television voice and face of Black College Sports. Neal and Black Entertainment Television (BET) provided a platform to bring the CIAA into American homes. Neal became a part of the CIAA by serving as an emcee for tip-off banquets and refereeing CIAA All-Star games.

Yancey Thigpen was named to the All-CIAA Football teams of 1989 and 1990. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 4th round of the 1991 NFL Draft. After being drafted, he spent six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1992-97); breaking and recording several records which are still unbroken today. As a Steeler, he was a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams before emerging as one of the best receivers in the NFL. This two-time Pro Bowl honoree and most sought after free agent wide receiver, signed with the Tennessee Oilers; becoming the highest paid wide receiver in the league. Thigpen spent the next three years with the Oilers, assisting them in reaching the Super Bowl. Yancey Thigpen retired after the 2000 season with 313 career receptions for 5,081 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for four yards, returned two punts for 30 yards and gained 188 yards on eight kickoff returns.

Richard Franklin, Coca-Cola’s then African-American Consumer Marketing Manager, managed its corporate sponsor relationship with Commissioner Leon Kerry for a span of 18+ years. In 1998, he was involved in securing the first HBCU Conference $2 million dollar sponsorship commitment with the CIAA. He was also able to secure the first tournament visit of a Fortune 500 company president with the tournament participation of Coca-Cola Company President Jack Stahl. In 2003, he was instrumental in renewing the commitment for $3 million dollars and five more years. Under his guidance, Coca-Cola initiated numerous marketing programs such as the Ball Boy/Ball Girl program, the Slam Dunk Competition, the CIAA Step Show, High School Day sponsorship, the men's and women's tournament championship awards presentation, the Big House Gaines Men's Commemorative Championship Trophy and the Football Championship MVP trophies and hospitality tent.

James Morgan holds the CIAA Basketball Career rebounding record with 1,741rebounds (1967-70). While starring at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), he was a member of the CIAA’s first undefeated regular season basketball team in 1969-70, with a regular season record of 29-0. Morgan was named to the All-CIAA team in 1970 and the CIAA All-Tournament Team 1969 and 1970, where he was second in the NAIA in rebounds during the 1967-68 season (23.3). He played in the NAIA quarter finals in 1970 and was a 7th round draft pick for the Seattle Supersonics; but played in the Continental Basketball Association. Morgan was inducted into the UMES Hall of Fame in 1984.



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Howard Volleyball Inks Four

Alexis Skinner
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Howard Volleyball Head Coach, Dawn Barnes has announced the signing of four student-athletes during early signing period. Alexis Skinner, Meagan Lagerlef, Assata Conway, and Stephanie “Teppi” Shultis will join the Lady Bison in the fall of 2011.

“I look for them to make our gym more competitive and bringing back the rich tradition Howard Volleyball once had,” said Barnes.

Skinner is a 5-7 outside hitter from Thomas Johnson High School. The Frederick, MD native led her team to the Maryland 4A State finals with a record of 15-4 this past season. She is a two-time first team All-Gazette selection, and a Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention. Skinner led her team in offense – boasting 163 kills, 104 digs and 32 aces as the team captain. She is also a leader in the classroom, maintaining a 3.25 GPA.

“Skinner is a competitor whose natural athleticism and versatility will allow her to play a couple of positions for us,” commented Barnes. “I am excited to see her future development in our program.”

Meagan Lagerlef
Lagerlef is a 5-10 outside hitter and defensive specialist from James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, MD. She is a four-time letter winner, a two-time first team All-Gazette selection, and a 2010 All-Met Honorable Mention. The Montgomery County Senior All-Star is a member of the nationally ranked Metro-American 18U Travel Team. Lagerlef maintains a 3.64 GPA and is a recipient of the Motion Scholar Athlete award.

“Lagerlef will bring a fierce and competitive edge into our gym. She is very athletic and explosive, and her tough mentality and work ethic will be a great addition to our program,” said Barnes.

Assata Conway
Conway is a 6-2 middle blocker from Westside High School in Missouri City, TX. She is a two-time first team All-District selection. She has also lettered in basketball and track, and maintains a 3.2 GPA.

“Conway has a huge upside and I am looking for her to make great strides as she prepares to play at this level,” commented Barnes. “Her natural athleticism and blocking ability will definitely add depth to our middle blocker position.”

Shultis is a 6-2 right side hitter and setter from Richmond High School. The Annadale, VA native served as team captain and received team MVP and Coach’s Award following her senior season. She is also a 2010 second-team All-District selection.

“I am expecting great things out of Teppi right away in the setter position,” said Barnes. “She is going to help us on the right side with her blocking abilities. Teppi will add a great deal of poise, intensity, and game savvy to this program. She has the opportunity to become one of the more poised setters to ever play at Howard.”

by Jamilah Corbitt
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Howard University


Videographer: meazteam1; Howard Athletics Volleyball Finale Home Game Fall 2010

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Where Are They Now? MEAC player of the year to make D-League debut

For Reggie Holmes, father might prove to know best in this situation, too.

After finishing his career as Morgan State's all-time leading scorer with 2,051 points last season, Holmes ended up going overseas to play in Morocco. His father, Mark, thought Reggie should have tried something else instead.

"He wanted me to go to the D-League from the jump," Holmes said. "I was like, 'Nah!' and he said, 'You're grown now.' "

With things not going to his full liking overseas, Holmes, 23, has decided to give his dad's suggestion a shot. Holmes will make his D-League debut for the Erie BayHawks in their 7 p.m. game today against the New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-18) at Tullio Arena. OK, Dad, he'll give this a shot.

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TODAY'S BAYHAWKS GAME
New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-18) at Erie BayHawks (20-9)
Today, 7 p.m., at Tullio Arena.
On the air: WFNN-AM/1330; www.nba.com/dleague

The Erie BayHawks are the NBA Development League Affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors. The NBA Development League is the official minor league of the NBA.

MEAC Tourney To Stay in Winston-Salem Through 2012

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced a one-year extension for the City of Winston-Salem (NC) to host the annual men's and women's basketball tournament through 2012.

Mayor Allen Joines of the City of Winston-Salem and MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas made the official announcement during a press conference held in the main lobby of the Coliseum.

"The MEAC is extremely elated to extend our partnership with the City of Winston-Salem," said MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas. "Special thanks to Mayor Joines and the City Council, Bucky Dames, Jocelyn Johnson, the Steering Committee and others for their efforts in extending this great partnership and providing the support needed to make the MEAC Basketball Tournament a tremendous success."


The City of Winston-Salem has hosted the men's and women's Division I basketball tournament in 2009 and 2010. The 2011 Tournament is scheduled for March 7-12 and will be played at the Joel Coliseum.

Ticket books for the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament can be purchased at all 13 MEAC university ticket offices, Joel Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, the MEAC Office and online at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling the MEAC at (757) 951-2055 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information about the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament including brackets, ancillary events, tickets and travel information, log on to www.MEAChoops.com.

About the MEAC Basketball Tournament

The MEAC Basketball Tournament is a single elimination championship playoff that involves Division I historically black colleges and universities located across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Hampton, Howard, Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State, and South Carolina State. A bonus game featuring the men's teams from North Carolina Central and Savannah State will also highlight championship day.

The tournament is played at the Joel Coliseum. Both the men's and women's champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Written By: MEAC Media Relations Release: 02/09/2011

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Prairie View Bowling Places Second At FAMU Classic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Prairie View A&M bowling team returned to the lanes this past weekend and put forth a strong showing as they finished second in the FAMU Classic.

Prairie View A&M jumped out to a 4-1 record in Baker Set after the first day of tournament play as they beat Alabama State (702-600), Jackson State (720-664), Florida A&M (692-641) and Florida State (729-696). Their lone loss came at the hands of Sam Houston State as the No. 5 ranked team in the nation defeated them 674 to 629.

After a solid opening day, day two wasn’t as successful for the Lady Panthers in team format as they began with a heartbreaking two-pin loss to Sam Houston State (918-916). The Lady Panthers bounced back with wins over Alabama State (880-736) and FAMU (789-786) before dropping the last two matches to Florida State (1001-837) and Jackson State (822-773) for a 2-3 mark.

Going into the third and final day of competition, the Lady Panthers were seeded second overall and began bracket competition against top-seeded Sam Houston State. Playing in a 4-of-7 Baker format, the Lady Panthers fell 4-2 to SHSU and dropped into the loser’s bracket. Prairie View A&M bounced back and knocked off FAMU 4-2 and advanced to the championship match versus Sam Houston State once again. Unfortunately, the Lady Panthers couldn’t overcome their nemesis as SHSU defeated them 4-2 to win the championship.

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WSSU Peay following in footsteps of his parents

Maybe William Peay should be a history major.

Peay, a freshman basketball player at Winston-Salem State, probably knows more about the history of WSSU than anybody on campus. Peay, a former star at Reagan, has been deeply schooled in WSSU's storied history. His parents, William and Brenda, are 1974 graduates of WSSU and have been active boosters for many years.

"It's amazing," Peay said. "I didn't know I'd wind up here but I always wanted to come; and so when I got the chance, I was ecstatic with the opportunity."

There aren't a lot of young players who dream of one day putting on the WSSU uniform. But Peay is different. If his mother and father weren't regaling him with tales of their time in school — when Big House Gaines ruled the CIAA in basketball and Bill Hayes ruled the CIAA in football — his godfather, Devaldean Penn, was telling him one of his countless stories.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG