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MILTON OVERTON DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- New FAMU Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. has hit the ground running, and has already made plans to make his official start on Aug. 3 as smooth as possible.
Overton on Monday said he's going to release a football-heavy survey within the next two weeks to gauge where Rattler Nation wants the athletic department to go.
"I want people to understand, what I want to be about is a collective vision and making sure we listen," he said via phone.
"We want to respond to all of our constituents. The survey is going to go out to everyone. I want to hear from everyone.
"People want to see change. I get it. I understand it. I've got to make sure everyone has some input. The survey is going to be 75 percent about football. The other 25 percent is going to ask, 'What do you want from your athletic department?' That's going out to everyone who matters, and everyone matters."
KEN LUCUS ASSISTANT HEAD COACH MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Running backs coach Ken Lucas has been promoted to assistant head coach, announced today by Morgan State head football coach Lee Hull.
"Coach Lucas has done a fantastic job in his first year," said Hull. "His experience as a college coach and head coach in high school brings a wealth of knowledge to our program."
Morgan State's ground attack flourished in 2014 and helped lead the Bears to its first MEAC Championship since 1979, including its first ever appearance in the NCAA Division I Playoffs. The Bears completed the season ranked second in the MEAC with 208.5 rushing yards per game (ranked No. 26 in FCS) and produced 29 rushing TDs, the second most in the MEAC ¾ and the most for the Bears since 2004.
The unit was led by sophomore Herb Walker Jr., who produced a school single-season rushing record with 1,408 yards (ranked No. 14 in FCS), averaged 117.3 yards per game (ranked No. 12 in FCS) and accounted for 15 touchdowns (13 rushing). Walker, who also posted a school single game record of 271 rushing yards (ranked No. 5 in FCS), capped the season being named to the All-MEAC first team.
Prior to joining the Bears, Lucas spent seven seasons as the head coach at Annapolis Christian School (AACS). Previous to AACS, he spent six seasons as head coach at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C.
Lucas was an assistant coach at Georgetown University (1997-2000), was head coach at Archbishop Carroll High School (1995-96), and was the Assistant Director of Sports and Coaches' Education for D.C. Special Olympics from 1990-95.
Lucas graduated in 1988 from the University of Delaware, where he was a three-year letterman for the Blue Hens and was named an Associated Press All-American 1986-1987.
The Bears will open their 2015 season on Sept. 5 at Air Force. MSU's home-opener at Hughes Stadium will be on Sept. 19 against Virginia-Lynchburg.
COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Dr. Freddie Vaughns Will Be Remembered for His Dedication to Promoting Student Success
BOWIE, Maryland -- Dr. Freddie Vaughns, assistant vice president for academic affairs, assistant professor of child and adolescent studies, and faculty athletic representative at Bowie State University, has died.
“Dr. Vaughns was a beloved administrator and faculty member who will be deeply missed by the Bowie State University community,” said President Mickey L. Burnim. “He worked tirelessly to promote student success and graduation. He always demonstrated his passion for his work in his interactions with all members of the university community.”
As assistant vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Vaughns worked closely with the provost on student concerns ranging from academic difficulties to retention and graduation efforts. He was also tenured faculty in the child and adolescent studies program.
Many first-time students know Dr. Vaughns as the head of the Bulldog Academy, a summer program for incoming freshmen that is designed to ease their transition into college.
Earlier this year, Dr. Vaughns was honored by the White House as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Champion of Change, along with 10 other HBCU administrators and faculty. The award recognizes their outstanding work to cultivate a rich learning environment and build initiatives to promote post-baccalaureate success.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of one of our CIAA family members, Dr. Freddie Vaughns. Dr. Vaughns' extensive work and commitment to support the Conference, his passion for students, his sense of humor and his love of the CIAA will be missed and can never be replaced," said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "Our prayers are in abundance for the Vaughns and Bowie State University family."
Dr. Vaughns served instrumental roles in the CIAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Association and its’ symposiums; along with appointments on numerous CIAA and NCAA committees. On the campus of Bowie State University, Dr. Vaughns was also the assistant vice president for academic affairs and assistant professor of child and adolescent studies.
Information about the funeral arrangements will be announced.
COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS
LAFAYETTE, Louisiana -- Drew Moore is transferring to Texas Southern after having spent his freshman year at Louisiana-Lafayette.
The former University Lab standout was on his way to Houston on Sunday, father Tony Moore confirmed.
"Drew decided he wanted to explore his options after recovering from quad injury last summer," Tony said. "Texas Southern immediately expressed interest and we felt this was the right time for a transition."
Drew Moore, a former all-district performer for the Cubs, will be immediately eligible and maintain four years of eligibility after missing his lone season with the Ragin' Cajuns with the injury.
The 6-foot-3, 265-pound lineman expects to push for a starting role at center this fall for the SWAC program.
Ritz to pay refunds to consumers who paid extra charge, donate $75,000 for CIAA scholarships
Raleigh, North Carolina -- The Ritz-Carlton will pay refunds to consumers, fund college scholarships and clearly notify customers about any future special service fees under an agreement announced today between the Ritz, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Office of Attorney General Roy Cooper.
“Being upfront with consumers about fees is always the best way to do business,” Cooper said.
Consumers who visited the Lobby Lounge at the Ritz in Charlotte during the CIAA Basketball Tournament in late February, 2015 complained that an extra service charge was unexpectedly added to their bills. Following complaints from consumers, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division launched an investigation into the charge. Today’s agreement resolves that investigation.
About the agreement
Under the agreement, the Ritz will:
• Pay refunds to consumers who paid the service charge.
• Notify customers if a special service charge will be applied to their bill by disclosing the fee in writing in the menu and having servers remind customers about the charge.
• Donate $75,000 to the CIAA Scholarship Fund.
• Pay $5,000 to the NC Department of Justice for consumer protection efforts.
How to claim refunds
Eligible consumers have 90 days to apply to get money back. Consumers who believe they are eligible for a refund should take the following steps: • File a consumer complaint with the Consumer Protection Division online at ncdoj.gov, call 1-877-5-NO- SCAM toll-free within North Carolina to request a complaint form in the mail, or send a letter requesting a refund to:
Consumer Protection
Attorney General's Office
Mail Service Center 9001
Raleigh, NC 27699-9001
• Include a copy of your bill, credit card or bank statement, or some other record that indicates the amount of service charge paid.
The Attorney General’s Office will forward all requests for refunds to the Ritz. Consumers who have previously filed a complaint with the Attorney General about Ritz service charges do not need to file a new complaint.
“I encourage consumers to apply immediately if they believe they’re due a refund,” Cooper said. Release date: 7/6/2015, North Carolina Department of Justice, Office of Consumer Protection
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Second-year Tuskegee University head men's basketball coach Jerry Dunn announced the addition of six student-athletes for the 2015-16 basketball season this week. This group will join Joshua Culver, who joined the Golden Tigers during the early signing period.
Joshua Culver, 6'-9 1/2, Freshman Forward, Berkmar High School (Lilburn, Ga.)
I am impressed with his skill set and inside presence that he brings to our team," said Head Coach Jerry Dunn. "He is a big guy that has great hands, runs the floor very well and likes playing inside. More important, Josh is a high character young man and a great teammate."
Austin Cherry, 6-2, Freshman, Combo Guard, Hoover High School (Birmingham, Ala.)
As a senior, Cherry averaged 19 points per game, three assists and five rebounds per game. An Honorable Mention pick for the Birmingham All-Area team, led Hoover in the state championship game with 14 points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes of play. He was selected as the Class 7A AHSAA State Tournament Most Valuable Player in the Final Four.
"Austin can play both guard positions as well as score the basketball with consistency," Dunn said. "He brings experience at a high level as he was the MVP of his state championship team."
Andrew Jimenez, 5-11, Sophomore, Point Guard, Barton College (Kennesaw, Ga.)
Jimenez played in 19 games last season at Barton College, shooting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the free throw line. The sophomore guard, a product of Kennesaw Mountain High School, will be eligible immediately for the Golden Tigers. As a senior at Kennesaw Mountain High School, Jimenez averaged 21 points and four assists per game, while shooting 45 percent from the floor.
"Andrew is a heady lead guard who is a pass-first player," Dunn said. "He makes others better, but is a capable scorer and competitor."
James Eads, 6-4, Freshman, Guard/Forward, Edgewater High School (Orlando, Fla.)
During his senior season, Eads played in 30 games for Edgewater High School, averaging 15 points per game. He also averaged 1.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The incoming freshman connected on 50 (156-of-313) percent of his shots from the floor, and connected on 16 3-pointers during his senior season.
"James is explosive and skilled," Dunn said. "He can play multiple positions that will help us and is tough, tough competitor."
Thomas Massey, 6-9, Freshman, Forward/Center, Shiloh High School (Snellville, Ga.)
Massey comes to Tuskegee with four years of eligibility remaining after sitting out last season.
"Thomas is a skilled big man with a huge upside," Dunn said. "He is capable of scoring in the paint or from the perimeter, and he is just scratching the surface of his potential."
DANIEL ROACH 6-6 FRESHMAN FORWARD
Daniel Roach, 6-6, Freshman, Forward, Collins Hill High School (Suwannee, Ga.)
Roach ended his prep career by averaging 12.7 point per game for Collins Hill High School. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 steals, to go along with one block and one steal per game as senior.
"Daniel is a multiple position player who is still growing," Dunn said. "He is a skilled player that has great potential, with his best years ahead of him."
CHRIS STEELE 6-2 FRESHMAN GUARD
Chris Steele, 6-2, Freshman, Guard, St. Francis High School (Alpharetta, Ga.)
Steele averaged six points per game as senior, while playing in 32 games and leading his team to a state championship. He connected on 45 (68-of-152) percent of his field goal attempts, while also connecting on 38 (31-of-82) percent of his 3-point attempts.
"Chris is a good shot maker who can score the ball in a variety of ways," Dunn said. "He is a good teammate who understands how to play the game of basketball. Chris will bring the leadership and determination to win from his senior season as he helped lead his team to the state championship."
Tuskegee (15-13, 11-8 SIAC) is coming off of a quarterfinal appearance in the SIAC Tournament last season, and will return six players from last season to go along with the seven signees for 2015-16.
For more information and up-to-the minute updates, follow Tuskegee Athletics on Twitter @MyTUAthletics, or like us on Facebook.
INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- Former West Virginia State University (WVSU) pitching star Tyler Thompson has signed a Minor League baseball contract with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association of Independent Baseball.
Thompson saw his first action for the RedHawks Thursday, July 2.
This year's Mountain East Conference tournament MVP tossed two innings of scoreless relief allowing just one hit while striking out two as the North Dakota based RedHawks defeated Gary, Indiana, 3-1.
Thompson finished his WVSU career with a record of 25-6 and struck out 221 batters in 203.2 innings while playing an important role on conference champion teams in 2014 and 2015.
