Saturday, December 9, 2017
2017 Celebration Bowl tickets on sale now
ATLANTA, Georgia -- With the college football postseason fast approaching, tickets are now on sale for the third annual Celebration Bowl. As the Bowl season’s opening game, the Celebration Bowl is a championship-style game between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions. The game will be broadcast live on ABC at noon ET on Saturday, Dec. 16, from the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. SportsCenter on the Road will once again air live from the Stadium beginning at 10 a.m.
Establishing itself as a premier bowl game, the Celebration Bowl celebrates the heritage, legacy, pageantry, and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. ESPN works with 100 Black Men of Atlanta to organize the game’s ancillary events which include a youth symposium, robotics showcase, fan experience and more. Each conference has claimed a victory in the event’s first two years, with MEAC Champion North Carolina A&T defeating Alcorn State 2015 and SWAC Champion Grambling State beating North Carolina Central in 2016. Two bowl champions were selected in the 2017 NFL Draft: 2015 Offensive MVP Tarik Cohen (Chicago Bears) and 2016 First Team All-SWAC member Chad Williams (Arizona Cardinals).
Fans can purchase tickets to the Celebration Bowl online at thecelebrationbowl.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Prices range from $50 to $175. A full list of events surrounding the game are available on the event’s website.
For more information, visit www.TheCelebrationBowl.com, and follow the event on Twitter and Facebook.
SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
NCCU Promotes Eastman to Interim Head Football Coach for 2018
DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University promoted Granville Eastman to serve as interim head football coach for the 2018 season on Friday, as Jerry Mack departs NCCU for another coaching position.
"North Carolina Central University is excited about Coach Jerry Mack's new appointment and salute his contributions to our student-athletes and athletics program," said NCCU Chancellor Dr. Johnson Akinleye. "Over the past four years, our football program has experienced tremendous success, including capturing three championships under the leadership of Coach Mack. He and his staff's dedication to our student-athletes and this university has built a nationally-ranked program that has garnered increased exposure for NCCU throughout North Carolina and around the country.
"Granville Eastman is an accomplished coach who has been part of our championship-winning coaching staff," Johnson added. "We are thrilled he accepted our offer to serve in this new role and look forward to the continuity his leadership will bring."
With 24 years of collegiate coaching experience to his credit, Eastman has been an integral part of the Eagles' success during the past four years as the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
"Coach Mack and his staff have achieved significant accomplishments over the past four seasons and have created a championship brand of FCS football at NCCU. I am proud that our student-athletes have developed academically and athletically under the leadership of this group of coaches," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, NCCU Director of Athletics. "I am confident in Coach Eastman's ability to continue leading our program, further our winning culture and ensure the academic and athletic success of our student-athletes at NCCU."
Since joining NCCU in 2014, Eastman has engineered one of the nation's top defensive units. Under his tutelage, the Eagles have ranked among the NCAA Division I-FCS top-10 statistical leaders in tackles for loss, fumbles recovered, red zone defense, turnovers gained, and third-down and fourth-down conversion percentage defense.
"I am so proud and happy for my friend Jerry Mack. I wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter of their journey," said Eastman. "I am most proud of what we have established here at North Carolina Central University. Coach Mack was the architect for designing a football program for success both on and off the field. I consider it an honor and a privilege to carry on the tradition of excellence in his footsteps."
Prior to joining NCCU, Eastman spent nine seasons as the defensive coordinator at Austin Peay State University in Clarkesville, Tennessee. During his 11 total seasons at APSU, he coached defensive backs and linebackers, and also served as special teams coordinator and interim head coach.
Eastman coached four seasons (1999-2002) at Tiffin University in Ohio, including the last three seasons as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, while working with defensive backs and defensive line during his tenure.
A native of Toronto, Canada, Eastman secured his first coaching position at York University in his hometown, where he spent two seasons (1994-95) working with defensive backs.
He then served as a defensive graduate assistant for three seasons (1996-98) at Arkansas State University, earning a master's degree in sociology in 1999.
He has interned with five NFL teams since 2002, lending his services to the Detroit Lions (2002), Arizona Cardinals (2004), Tennessee Titans (2006), Indianapolis Colts (2011) and Minnesota Vikings (2012).
Eastman was a two-time all-city defensive back at Stephen Leacock High School in Toronto before attending Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he was a three-year letterman as a defensive back. Twice Saint Mary's played in national title games while he was there. Eastman earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's University in 1992.
Eastman also volunteers as a coach and mentor with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He is married to the former Lynnette Armstrong. They are the proud parents of two sons - J.R. and Brandon.
The Granville Eastman File
Education:
Saint Mary's University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada), 1992, bachelor's degree/criminology certificate
Arkansas State University, 1999, master's degree in sociology
Collegiate Playing Experience:
Saint Mary's University, defensive back (1989-92)
Coaching Experience:
York University (Toronto, Canada), assistant coach (defensive backs), 1994-95
Arkansas State University, graduate assistant (defense), 1996-98
Tiffin University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 1999
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive line/recruiting coordinator), 2000
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 2001-02
Austin Peay State University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/special teams coordinator), 2003-04
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/outside linebackers/safeties), 2005-06
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/defensive backs), 2007-09
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/linebackers), 2010
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2011-12
- interim head coach, January-March 2013
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/secondary), 2013
North Carolina Central University
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2014-17
- interim head coach, 2018
NCAA Division I-FCS Statistical Rankings – NCCU Team Defense under Defensive Coordinator Granville Eastman
2017: 2nd Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 17th Sacks, 17th Red Zone Defense, 19th Rushing Defense, 19th Defensive Touchdowns
2016: 6th Tackles for Loss, 14th Sacks, 17th Fumbles Recovered
2015: 1st Fourth-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 3rd Tackles for Loss, 8th Red Zone Defense, 10th Fumbles Recovered, 17th Sacks
2014: 2nd Fumbles Recovered, 5th Turnovers Gained, 7th Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 19th Passing Yards Allowed
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
"North Carolina Central University is excited about Coach Jerry Mack's new appointment and salute his contributions to our student-athletes and athletics program," said NCCU Chancellor Dr. Johnson Akinleye. "Over the past four years, our football program has experienced tremendous success, including capturing three championships under the leadership of Coach Mack. He and his staff's dedication to our student-athletes and this university has built a nationally-ranked program that has garnered increased exposure for NCCU throughout North Carolina and around the country.
"Granville Eastman is an accomplished coach who has been part of our championship-winning coaching staff," Johnson added. "We are thrilled he accepted our offer to serve in this new role and look forward to the continuity his leadership will bring."
With 24 years of collegiate coaching experience to his credit, Eastman has been an integral part of the Eagles' success during the past four years as the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
"Coach Mack and his staff have achieved significant accomplishments over the past four seasons and have created a championship brand of FCS football at NCCU. I am proud that our student-athletes have developed academically and athletically under the leadership of this group of coaches," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, NCCU Director of Athletics. "I am confident in Coach Eastman's ability to continue leading our program, further our winning culture and ensure the academic and athletic success of our student-athletes at NCCU."
Since joining NCCU in 2014, Eastman has engineered one of the nation's top defensive units. Under his tutelage, the Eagles have ranked among the NCAA Division I-FCS top-10 statistical leaders in tackles for loss, fumbles recovered, red zone defense, turnovers gained, and third-down and fourth-down conversion percentage defense.
"I am so proud and happy for my friend Jerry Mack. I wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter of their journey," said Eastman. "I am most proud of what we have established here at North Carolina Central University. Coach Mack was the architect for designing a football program for success both on and off the field. I consider it an honor and a privilege to carry on the tradition of excellence in his footsteps."
Prior to joining NCCU, Eastman spent nine seasons as the defensive coordinator at Austin Peay State University in Clarkesville, Tennessee. During his 11 total seasons at APSU, he coached defensive backs and linebackers, and also served as special teams coordinator and interim head coach.
Eastman coached four seasons (1999-2002) at Tiffin University in Ohio, including the last three seasons as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, while working with defensive backs and defensive line during his tenure.
A native of Toronto, Canada, Eastman secured his first coaching position at York University in his hometown, where he spent two seasons (1994-95) working with defensive backs.
He then served as a defensive graduate assistant for three seasons (1996-98) at Arkansas State University, earning a master's degree in sociology in 1999.
He has interned with five NFL teams since 2002, lending his services to the Detroit Lions (2002), Arizona Cardinals (2004), Tennessee Titans (2006), Indianapolis Colts (2011) and Minnesota Vikings (2012).
Eastman was a two-time all-city defensive back at Stephen Leacock High School in Toronto before attending Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he was a three-year letterman as a defensive back. Twice Saint Mary's played in national title games while he was there. Eastman earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's University in 1992.
Eastman also volunteers as a coach and mentor with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He is married to the former Lynnette Armstrong. They are the proud parents of two sons - J.R. and Brandon.
The Granville Eastman File
Education:
Saint Mary's University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada), 1992, bachelor's degree/criminology certificate
Arkansas State University, 1999, master's degree in sociology
Collegiate Playing Experience:
Saint Mary's University, defensive back (1989-92)
Coaching Experience:
York University (Toronto, Canada), assistant coach (defensive backs), 1994-95
Arkansas State University, graduate assistant (defense), 1996-98
Tiffin University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 1999
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive line/recruiting coordinator), 2000
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 2001-02
Austin Peay State University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/special teams coordinator), 2003-04
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/outside linebackers/safeties), 2005-06
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/defensive backs), 2007-09
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/linebackers), 2010
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2011-12
- interim head coach, January-March 2013
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/secondary), 2013
North Carolina Central University
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2014-17
- interim head coach, 2018
NCAA Division I-FCS Statistical Rankings – NCCU Team Defense under Defensive Coordinator Granville Eastman
2017: 2nd Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 17th Sacks, 17th Red Zone Defense, 19th Rushing Defense, 19th Defensive Touchdowns
2016: 6th Tackles for Loss, 14th Sacks, 17th Fumbles Recovered
2015: 1st Fourth-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 3rd Tackles for Loss, 8th Red Zone Defense, 10th Fumbles Recovered, 17th Sacks
2014: 2nd Fumbles Recovered, 5th Turnovers Gained, 7th Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 19th Passing Yards Allowed
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Coach Jerry Mack leaving NC Central for offensive coordinator job at Rice
DURHAM, North Carolina -- N.C. Central football coach Jerry Mack is leaving Durham to become the next offensive coordinator at Rice University in Houston, Texas, Mack said Friday.The Owls earlier this week named former Stanford offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren as their new head coach replacing David Bailiff, who was fired in November after 10 years of leading the program.
Bloomgren and Mack have history, both serving on the staff at Delta State when Mack was a graduate assistant there in 2004-2005. Bloomgren was the offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and special teams coach from March 2005 to February 2007. A chance to coach at the highest level and to coach with his good friend Bloomgren was a chance Mack jumped at.
“I just couldn’t turn down this opportunity for me and my family,” Mack said.
Mack, 37, was named the Eagles 22nd head football coach in 2013. The Memphis, Tenn. native was the third-youngest active Division I coach. In four years in Durham, Mack led the Eagles to a 31-15 record and three consecutive MEAC championships. During the 2016 season, N.C. Central cracked the FCS Top 25 poll for the first time since making the jump to Division I, earning a trip to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl.
CONTINUE READING
Alabama State Names Donald Hill-Ely Head Football Coach
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| HEAD FOOTBALL COACH DONALD HILL-ELEY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY |
"Coach Hill-Eley is a veteran who has already proven his ability to provide the kind of leadership that is needed for the University's football program," said Alabama State University President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. "I would like to thank Interim Athletics Director, Jennifer Williams, and the search committee for their due diligence and thoughtful deliberation in sending the recommendation of Donald Hill-Eley as ASU's next head football coach. In making this announcement, the University's leadership is affirming our commitment to the continued success of ASU's athletics program."
Eley was named to the interim role on October 6 after an 0-5 start to the season, and guided the Hornets to five wins in their final six games including a victory in the Magic City Classic over Alabama A&M and pair of wins on opponents' homecoming weekends. He also guided the Hornets to four road wins to close the season, all in conference play.
He joined the program in 2015 after a one-year stint as the wide receivers coach at Norfolk State and has served in the role of Associate Head Coach during that time. The longtime Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) coach spent 13 seasons at Morgan State (2001-13). After his first season as offensive coordinator, Eley spent the final 12 as head coach and was named 2002 MEAC Coach of the Year. His 59 wins rank third all-time in Bears' history, and he turned around a program who had not had a winning season in 23 consecutive seasons by going 7-5 in his first year at the helm.
Eley also spent four seasons at Hampton (1997-2000) as offensive coordinator and pro liaison, helping the Pirates win an HBCU National Championship, two MEAC titles and the 1999 Heritage Bowl.
He spent four seasons in professional football in the Canadian Football League, first with the Baltimore Stallions (1994-95) as receivers coach before two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts as a guest coach (1996-97). Hill was on the staff of three straight Grey Cup championship teams (1995-97) during his time in the CFL.
Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University football, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateFB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.
ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
FAMU set to hire Prairie View A&M head coach Willie Simmons to lead football program under a 5-year deal
Willie Simmons, the Panthers’ coach for the past three season, was offered and has accepted the same position at Florida A&M and is reportedly expected to officially be announced sometime this weekend.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- A source close to Florida A&M's athletic department confirmed to the Tallahassee Democrat the football team's next head coach will be Prairie View A&M head coach Willie Simmons.
Simmons, 37, has been at the helm of Prairie View A&M for the last three seasons and has compiled a 21-11 record with the Panthers. Praised for overseeing strong offenses, Simmons has put together winning seasons in each of his three years as a head coach.
Before being hired at Prairie View, he was the offensive coordinator at Alcorn State. In 2014, Alcorn State won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title and were No. 2 in the FCS in scoring (44 points per game) with Simmons as the team's offensive coordinator.
The Panthers went 6-5 last season. The Panther's were third in the SWAC in scoring offense (30 points per game) and second in total offense (424.2 yards per game).
Simmons was born in Tallahassee and attended James A. Shanks in Quincy.
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Grambling State OC considered for 2 SWAC head coaching vacancies
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| COACH ERIC DOOLEY COURTESY: GRAMBLING STATE ATHLETICS |
As football season has entered the lull before the bowl season officially starting next Saturday with the Celebration Bowl between GSU, the reigning SWAC champions, and North Carolina A&T, the MEAC champs, kicking things off at 11 a.m. for the HBCU national title, the Tigers' offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Eric Dooley has surfaced as a candidate for two SWAC head coaching openings.
Reported by The Pine Bluff Commercial earlier Friday following a Freedom of Information Act request, Dooley was listed as one of 37 applicants for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff head coaching job. Former coach Monte Coleman was fired from his post Nov. 20 and at the time, UAPB Athletic Director Lonza Hardy Jr. told reporters that he’d like to have his new coach in place before Dec. 14, when the school breaks for the holidays.
Dooley served as offensive coordinator of the Golden Lions under Coleman from 2011-13, playing a part in the team winning the SWAC title during his first season, before joining GSU head coach Broderick Fobbs’ staff in the same position before the 2014 season.
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Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Raynard, Leonard Names 2017 MEAC Offensive, Defensive Player
NEW YORK CITY - North Carolina A&T State quarterback Lamar Raynard and South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard were named the 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively. The players were named officially at the 60th annual National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame press conference on Tuesday morning in New York City live on ESPN3.
This marks the fourth consecutive year a player from North Carolina A&T State has been named offensive player of the year as Raynard passed for a MEAC-best 2,707 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to a 11-0 regular season mark and a berth in the Celebration Bowl. The redshirt junior from High Point, N.C. leads the MEAC in eight (8) statistical categories and shattered the Aggie record books as he broke the North Carolina A&T State single-season school records for touchdowns responsible, passing, total offense, touchdown passes and completions in a season.
Nationally, Raynard ranks third in passing efficiency and yards per pass attempt while ranking 17th in passing yards and second in total offense en route to a 26-0 record as a starter.
Leonard keeps the defensive player of the year trophy in Orangeburg for the fifth straight year as SC State defenders have won the award every year since 2013. The redshirt senior from Lake View, S.C. currently ranks fourth in the FCS with 113 tackles (11.3 per game) and second in solo tackles (7.3 pg). He also picked off two passes and had seven (7) sacks while finishing his career as the all-time leading tackler in SC State football history with 393 tackles. Leonard had six games in 2017 with 12-plus tackles highlighted by a high of 18 versus Morgan State.
MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
This marks the fourth consecutive year a player from North Carolina A&T State has been named offensive player of the year as Raynard passed for a MEAC-best 2,707 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to a 11-0 regular season mark and a berth in the Celebration Bowl. The redshirt junior from High Point, N.C. leads the MEAC in eight (8) statistical categories and shattered the Aggie record books as he broke the North Carolina A&T State single-season school records for touchdowns responsible, passing, total offense, touchdown passes and completions in a season.
Nationally, Raynard ranks third in passing efficiency and yards per pass attempt while ranking 17th in passing yards and second in total offense en route to a 26-0 record as a starter.
Leonard keeps the defensive player of the year trophy in Orangeburg for the fifth straight year as SC State defenders have won the award every year since 2013. The redshirt senior from Lake View, S.C. currently ranks fourth in the FCS with 113 tackles (11.3 per game) and second in solo tackles (7.3 pg). He also picked off two passes and had seven (7) sacks while finishing his career as the all-time leading tackler in SC State football history with 393 tackles. Leonard had six games in 2017 with 12-plus tackles highlighted by a high of 18 versus Morgan State.
MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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