CIAA athletes train with the U.S. Navy SEALs

If you know how to swim, raise your hand. Most of the 36 black college football players gathered around the indoor pool at Little Creek on Saturday lifted their hands in response to the SEAL's directive.

"When we say 'swim,' " Master Chief Shawn Johnson added, "we mean, 'If we put you in that pool right now, could you tread water for five minutes?' " The young men looked at one another. All but four hands dropped. "That's OK," Johnson said. "We can work with that."

Minutes later, the Chowan University athletes were in the water, practicing the sidestroke, navigating obstacles and learning how to use their clothes as flotation devices.

They were among hundreds of athletes from a dozen colleges in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association who have signed on to train with the SEALs this month at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

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OT David Mims has worked out for Chiefs, Lions, Ravens

David Mims is expected to be drafted in
the 5th or 6th Round of the 2011 NFL Draft

Virginia Union offensive tackle David Mims has worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
He has also visited the Ravens this month.

The imposing lineman is 6-foot-8 and 331 pounds after playing at nearly 350 pounds for the majority of his career. Mims bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times at his Pro Day workout, running the 40-yard dash in 5.32 seconds. He registered a 4.8 20-yard shuttle, an 8.1 on the three-cone drill, an 8-6 broad jump and a 27-inch vertical leap. Mims' workout numbers are superior or equal to many of the top tackle prospects.

The Division II All-American and All-CIAA selection is an imposing blocker who displays a mean streak. Although he played left tackle in college, Mims is regarded as a classic right tackle for the next level.

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VISIT: VIRIGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY
VISIT: VUUSPORTS

Howard University Gospel Choir - Spring Break 2011 Tour

The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Don't Wait til the Battle is Over" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: Clifton Ross, III



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Going up Yonder" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: Kristen Taylor



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Jesus Christ is the Way" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: LaJoyce Denson



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Expect the Great" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].

Soloist: Clifton Ross, III



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Be Grateful" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].

Soloist: Jazzmen Johnson



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Be Transformed" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Changed" during our Spring 2011 Concert at Cramton Auditorium [Howard University Main Campus]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Guest Soloist: Christina Miles

Lincoln University (Pa.) Kern named ninth head women's basketball coach

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. (April 14, 2011) — Lincoln University is pleased to announce Jessica Kern as the new head coach of the women's basketball program. She becomes the ninth head coach in the history of the program and the first full-time female coach.

Kern comes to Lincoln University as a highly decorated professional women's basketball player and collegiate standout. This past season, she served as the assistant women's coach and media specialist at NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

LU Head Basketball Coach Jessica Kern

“It is a pleasure to welcome Jessica to our team and introduce her as our new head women's basketball coach,” said Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee. “Jessica's athletic background and experiences will bring a wealth of knowledge to our women's basketball program. Her career path exemplifies a commitment to excellence and she is a role model for our young women.”

At the University of UW-M, which is a member of the Horizon League, she assisted in scouting, aided in recruiting and broke down film. The Lady Panthers finished 12-18 and advanced to the league's quarterfinals in the postseason tournament.

“I am extremely grateful to President Nelson, Mrs. Ford-Kee and the selection committee for considering and choosing me as the new head women's basketball coach,” Kern said. “Education, hard work and discipline have played a substantial influence in my success thus far in my career. I look forward to instilling these qualities into such a special group of young women and am excited to begin this new chapter in my career.”

Prior to her time in Milwaukee, Kern assisted for two seasons at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs, a Division I school and member of the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC). Her personalized individual-approach served the Lady Lions well. Posting a 12-19 record, she helped propel them to their most victories and highest conference tournament finish in 12 years. As the conditioning coordinator and individual skill developer, she assisted Lady Lion standouts Ciara Shields and Arica Green to All-SWAC recognitions as well as Shay Holmes to Newcomer of the Year status.

Kern's career path toward collegiate basketball coaching was unconventional to say the least. After earning a roster spot on the Penn State women's basketball program, she participated in track and field where she was a two-time All-Academic and All-Big Ten performer. A two-time captain and a 2002 graduate with degrees in communications and sociology, Kern returned to basketball and played professionally in Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and Poland from 2003-2010. While in Switzerland, she led her team with a 25.1 scoring average. A crowd favorite in Poland, Kern ran basketball clinics and gave motivational speeches at the local “University” school.

In the off-seasons from 2002-2007 she taught at various Milwaukee High Schools and aided the girls' basketball and track & field teams. Her 2007 Vincent High School junior varsity squad posted a 20-0 record, and her conditioning program and individualized skill development was a catalyst in Vincent achieving a State Championship. Spare time saw her establishing various basketball camps for girls in underserviced neighborhoods. Continuing her history with running camps, Kern successfully orchestrated the “Lady Lions” First Team Basketball Camp in the summer of 2009.

During the summer of 2007, her coaching career took a huge leap forward as she was appointed the head coach of the Arkansas Lady Ballers in the Women's Blue Chip Basketball League, a 20-team national semi-pro women's league. Kern's up tempo style, infectious enthusiasm and motivation propelled the Ballers to a victory over the Canadian national team, a regional championship and the national championship in held in Memphis, Tenn.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisc., Kern was one of the most decorated scholar/athletes in Milwaukee City Conference history. She received 11 Varsity Letters (3-Basketball, 4-Volleyball, 4-Track & Field) and Captained in each sport for multiple years. Her basketball teams played in the State Finals four times, winning the State Title in both her freshmen and sophomore years. In addition, she was an 11-time Individual Conference Champion in Track & Field, a 3-Time All Conference performer in Volleyball and a finalist for the State's Scholar/Athlete Award.

Kisha Middleton remains on staff as the program's top assistant.

By Chris Weeden, Lincoln University Director of Sports Information and Marketing
VISIT: LINCOLN UNIVERSITY (Pa.)
VISIT: LULIONS

Howard Lady Bison Split Doubleheader with Hampton

HAMPTON, VA. – The Lady Bison softball team faced off against MEAC rival Hampton and traded wins in the doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. Howard (13-22, 4-4 MEAC) dropped a close game to Hampton (11-26, 4-4 MEAC) in game one, 9-7, but stole the second game, to beat the Lady Pirates, 6-1.

In the first game Howard got off to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and scored another duo of runs in the third. Hampton caught up with the Lady Bison and grossed four runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game.

Howard bolted three runs in the fifth courtesy of Samantha Gatson who ignited a 3-run homer. The Lady Pirates matched Howard again with a home run of their own that brought in two runs and scored their third run of the inning on a wild pitch.

Gatson took over the pitching reigns following the Pirate homer from Carly Martin. Martin – the reigning MEAC Pitcher of the Week – struck out four batters, walked two and allowed ten hits before leaving the game.

Howard remained scoreless the remainder of the game, helping Hampton to secure the win following their two runs scored in the bottom of the sixth.

Gatson struck out two batters, walked one and kept the Pirates hitless. Meanwhile at the plate, Rebecca Kirshner led the Bison with three hits.

Game two proved to hold a different atmosphere as Emily Johnson set the tone of the game with a leadoff home run. The Lady Bison went on to outhit Hampton 11-2.

Johnson finished the game with the most hits (3) while Marissa Coats and Christine Sborz added two hits each. Coats led the team with four RBI.

Gatson made her second appearance of the day, striking out three batters and allowed one walk.
The Howard softball team will resume play on April 30 and will play host to MEAC opponent Morgan State. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more updates on the Lady Bison softball team.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard's Cox, Lackey Split 10 Goals in Final Road Game

DETROIT, MICH. – The Howard lacrosse team dropped to Detroit Mercy 20-14 in their final road game of the regular season. The Lady Bison (3-10, 0-7 NLC) was led by their top-two leading scorers – Desiree Cox andCourtland Lackey – who grossed 10 of HU's 14 goals, splitting five scores a piece.

Lackey was first to score for the Bison after the Titans (3-10, 2-5 NLC) jumped off to a 4-0 lead in the first ten minutes of play. Detroit would score two back-to-back goals before the Lady Bison rallied a trio of goals byChastity Dailey, Lackey and Cox, shortening Detroit's lead, 6-4.

Cox led another offensive attack in the final six minutes, giving HU it's first two goals in a late 4-0 run and put Howard within one goal of tying Detroit, who at this point led 9-8. Both NLC opponents traded goals until the final seconds of the half and HU trailed two goals as Detroit held the 11-9 advantage.


Videographer: HUReaction; Drew Hall Step Team - HU RestFest 2011

Although Detroit outshot the Bison 26-12 and doubled HU in groundballs (20-10), solid defensive play by Howard goalkeeperAmber Meeks helped to keep the game close as she finished the half with eight saves compared to the Titans who were held to zero.

Howard nearly matched Detroit in draw controls in the first period with 10 while the Titans finished with 11. Ashley Footesacked five draw controls in the game to lead the team. She also finished first on the team in groundballs with four and was one of five Bison to cause a turnover.

In the second half, the scoring frenzy slowed on both sides, HU was outscored by Detroit however, 5-9.

Detroit got off to another 4-0 lead before Cox chimed in with a Bison goal. Cox would score again and Lackey also scored twice in the final half. Ashley Lawrence scored Howard's 14th and final goal of the game before Detroit went on to score three more before time expired.

The Lady Bison lacrosse team will return to Greene Stadium for their season finale on Wednesday, April 20 against Fresno State at 7 p.m. For more information on the Howard lacrosse team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

South Alabama Jaguars dominate XU Gold Nuggets in 9-0 victory

NEW ORLEANS -- South Alabama ended its losing streak and extended Xavier University of Louisiana's with a 9-0 women's tennis decision Saturday at Tulane's Goldring Stadium. The match was scored under NAIA rules.

The Jaguars (2-11) had lost eight consecutive duals. The Gold Nuggets (3-16) have lost five straight and 14 of their last 15. It was Xavier's eighth loss of the season against an NCAA Division I opponent.

South Alabama picked up default victories at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles and dropped just eight games in seven completed matches. The closest match was at No. 2 doubles, where Alina Volman and Jess Courtnell defeated sisters Melissa and Nicole DeLoach 8-4.

Chané Hines teamed with Katie Welch for an 8-0 doubles victory over Amber Brown and Carmen Nelson at No. 1, then Hines beat Nicole DeLoach 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3 singles. Welch defeated Brown 6-1, 6-0 at No 1 singles.

Bridgette Gale clinched the dual with her 6-1, 6-0 victory over Ashley McGill at No. 5 singles.

South Alabama will remain in the city and play at Tulane at 1 p.m. Sunday. Xavier will close its regular season with a 4 p.m. Tuesday dual against Southeastern Louisiana at City Park Tennis Center, then travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., for an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournament April 29-30.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS