Morgan State University Choir: A World-Class Vocal Ensemble!

Compiled by beepbeep, MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street

Photo: Morgan State University Choir: "Wherever it traveled, Dr. Carter insisted that the chorus perform at least one song in the language of the country it visited. In Prague, Czech residents greeted the singers in the streets with chants of "Morgan, Morgan, Morgan!"

We are amazed by the tremendous talent and high level of achievement that exists in organizations within the MEAC and SWAC institutions. We are not speaking about football championships, but cultural achievements like the Morgan State University Choir concert winning three Emmy Awards for Maryland Public Television. This was some time ago, but their performance is still electrifying today.

We saw this show for the fourth time this afternoon and each time we hear MSU Choir, we get the same feelings of pride as we do in viewing the FAMU Marching 100, the Fisk Jubilee Singers or the Morehouse Glee Club.

Morgan State University has one of the nation's most respected and lauded choral ensembles. Known for their consistency of excellent performances, the Choir probably does more annual appearances with major orchestras of the United States than any other university choir.

The late Dr. Nathan W. Carter, Jr., who was an internationally renowned teacher of vocal music, directed the choir for 34 years until his death in 2004, at age 68. He was chairman of Morgan's Department of Fine Arts and director of the university's performing arts series. He also led a fundraising drive for the school's $40 million performing arts center, which opened in 2001.

The organizations are now under the baton of Dr. Eric Conway, who is a highly accomplished pianist, conductor and chairperson of the MSU Department of Fine Arts. He has served as Associate Conductor and principal accompanist for the Morgan State University Choir for the past twenty years under the leadership of the late Nathan Carter.

"We preach not only music, but learning good work habits, discipline, responsibility," Dr. Carter told the Baltimore Sun in 2000. "We expect them to be punctual and to look sharp."

Photo: Conductor Dr. Eric Conway and the Morgan State University Choir.

Background history:

The Morgan State University Choir, led for more than three decades by the late Dr. Nathan Carter, the celebrated conductor, composer, and arranger, is one of the nation’s most prestigious university choral ensembles. The choral forces of the critically acclaimed choir include the University Choir, which is over 140 voices strong, and The Morgan Singers – approximately 40 voices.

While classical, gospel, and contemporary popular music comprise the choir’s repertoire, the choir is noted for its emphasis on preserving the heritage of the spiritual, especially in the historic practices of performance. The Morgan State University Choir has performed for audiences throughout the United States and all over the world – including the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Canada, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Their most recent overseas appearance was in St. Petersburg, Russia at the invitation of Maestro Yuri Temirkanov, music director and conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

In Russia, the Choir performed in the 5th International Festival Arts Square to enthusiastic receptions by their Russian audiences. The Choir has appeared at the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall on numerous occasions – performing and premiering works such as John Corigiliano’s “Poem On His Birthday,” “Too Hot to Handel” arranged by Broadway composers, Bob Christianson and Gray Anderson; and Hannibal Lokumbe’s “African Portraits,” led by music director, Leonard Slatkin, as part of the Kennedy Center’s African Festival.

One of the Choir’s most historic moments came with the opportunity to sing under the baton of Robert Shaw, conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and joined by Jessye Norman and others in Carnegie Hall’s One Hundredth Birthday Tribute to Marian Anderson.

A major milestone and historical movement occurred in the 1996-1997 season with the sounds of the “Silver Anniversary” concert being broadcast into households throughout the state of Maryland. The concert won three Emmy Awards for Maryland Public Television (MPT). MPT continues to air this hallmark performance during select sections of their membership drives.

Known for their consistency of excellent performances, the Choir probably does more annual appearances with major orchestras of the United States than any other university choir.

For example, season 1998-1999 included performances with the National Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Buffalo Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, and the Knoxville Symphony. During the 1999-2000 season, the Choir was featured with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in a (then) newly commissioned work for the millennium, “All Rise,” by Wynton Marsalis.

The Choir reprised “All Rise” in Prague, in October 2000 and recorded it with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; the Los Angeles Philharmonic; and in 2003, the Choir recorded it in Paris.

In December 2003 the Choir performed “African Portraits” with the Baltimore Symphony at the Gala Concert for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.

In their May 2004 issue, Reader’s Digest named the Morgan State University Choir “the Best College Choir in the U.S.’ in its list of “America’s 100 Best.”

Dr. Nathan Carter, Jr. tribute can be read at: http://www.msuchoir.org/page7/page7.html

Dr. Eric Conway bio can be read at: http://www.msuchoir.org/page2/page2.html

Morgan State University Choir - "What A Mighty God We Serve", Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor



Morgan State University Choir - "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor.


Morgan State University Choir - "Ezekiel Saw The Wheel," Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor


Morgan State University Choir ministers with "Jesus Christ Is The Way" with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor.


The Morgan State University Choir performs "We Shall Walk Through The Valley in Peace," with Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor. This arrangement is by the choir's late great director, Dr. Nathan M. Carter.


The Morgan State University Choir performs "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor. This arrangement is by the choir's late great director, Dr. Nathan M. Carter. Soloist: Andrea Albert.

MEAC/SWAC Sports Clipboard

Compiled by beepbeep

Photo: Texas Southern University new head football coach Johnnie Cole.

Texas Southern University

Texas Southern University athletic director Alois Blackwell announced the hiring of 46 year old Johnnie Cole as the Tigers new head football coach. Cole was the head football coach at Lane College (Jackson, Tennessee) of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC) - Division II and compiled a three year record of 15-16 for the Dragons. He is also a former Texas Southern quarterback (1982-86) and graduated with a B.S. degree in civil engineering.

Cole replaces Steve Wilson (4-38 record) who was terminated after game nine of the 2007 season. He has signed a five year contract at $130,000 per year.

At Lane College, his teams went 0-10 (2005), 8-3 (2006) and 7-3 (2007). Cole was named SIAC Coach of the Year in 2006.

Cole does have a checkered past with the NCAA Infractions Committee.

Cole was fired from Alabama State University before the 2003 season with this brother L.C. Cole. L.C. was the Hornets' head coach and Johnnie was the offensive coordinator from 2000 to just before the 2003 season, when they were fired by the school for alleged NCAA rules infractions. The Coles have denied the claims against them and ASU's case is still being investigated by the NCAA enforcement staff.

In 1999, Cole was banned from the coaching staff at Tennessee State University where he served as offensive coordinator. After a 17 month investigation concluded there were several NCAA rules violations and Tennessee State was hit with self-imposed sanctions by the NCAA. Cole moved on to Alabama State in 2000-03. Thereafter, he served as a wide receiver coach at Arizona Western College (2004) before being hired at Lane.

"We needed someone who could effectively maximize our team's potential and take the TSU football program to the next level and based on his success at Lane College, we believe Johnnie Cole is that person," athletic director Alois Blackwell said. Cole was able to give Lane its first winning season in 12 years and first consecutive winning record in 24 years.

The Texas Southern University Tigers are currently on a 14 game losing streak. Mr. Blackwell indicated that eight candidates applied for the position.

Earlier this week, Johnnie Cole told the Montgomery Advertiser that he would offer L.C. Cole the defensive coordinator's position at TSU. His brother served as his defensive coordinator at Lane College for a season. L.C. is currently the head coach at Sidney Lanier High School, Montgomery, Alabama.

Johnnie Cole has the third best career-passing mark at Texas Southern with 4,247 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Florida A&M University

Florida A&M University is planning renovations and upgrades to Bragg Memorial Stadium. Based on information contained in the September 27, 2007 Board of Governors, State University System of Florida legislative report, FAMU has requested approval of $35 million dollars in Stadium upgrade, new field house, sky-boxes and seating expansions. The funding source is to come from Rattlers athletics.
See: http://www.flbog.org/bog/meetings/2007_09_27/034.xls

Florida A&M University Volleyball was defeated by #23 ranked Oklahoma in the first round of the NCAA volleyball tournament 3-1 (30-25, 32-30, 29-31, 30-14). The Lady Rattlers team of eight players put up a great fight before fading in the later part of each match due to a lack of depth. FAMU team has only two seniors, Iva Lakic and Hannah Uckelmann, that were instrumental in continuing the Rattlers streak of 99 consecutive MEAC matches won, eight MEAC championships in the past nine years and seven consecutive MEAC championships. The MEAC champions end their season with an 18-8 record.

Former Aggie athletic director DeLores "Dee" Todd-- first women appointed as A.D. in N.C. A&T sports history and first female to serve as an Assistant Commissioner in the 50-year history of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

North Carolina A&T State University

The North Carolina A&T State University Aggies have initiated a national search for a new athletic director. DeLores "Dee" Todd was removed from the position of athletic director on November 29, 2007, by Chancellor Stanley F. Battle, who told her he had reassigned her to an unspecified job in the university's School of Education. Todd is a 27-year veteran of college athletics administration and is primarily responsible for the hiring of Coach Lee Fobbs (0-27) as head football coach. Chancellor Battle, who took over as chancellor July 1, did not offer a specific reason for her reassignment.

The university plans to reduce Todd's annual salary from $135,106 to $120,000 on the reassignment. She initially signed a five year contract agreement starting at the lower figure. Lee Fobbs is in the second year of a guaranteed four year contract paying him $165,000 per season.

An issued statement by the chancellor said, "This decision was made in the best interests of the athletics program. The university expresses our appreciation for Ms. Todd's services and contributions during her tenure as athletics director."

Todd graduated with honors from Winston-Salem State University in 1972 with a degree in Health and Physical Education, and received her Masters Degree in Human Relations and Psychotherapy from Governor’s State University in Park Forest, Illinois in 1981.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State senior corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, has been selected to play in the East-West Shrine game in Houston on Jan. 19 and in the Senior Bowl All-Star game in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 26.

Rodgers-Cromartie returned two interceptions for touchdowns spanning 69 and 71 yards, and finished the season with 11 pass breakups, 37 tackles and 1,016 all-purpose yards to earn first-team All-OVC honors this season.

Additionally, he is the reigning Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Champion in the 60-yard dash, the long jump (25'-00.75") and the high jump.

He is projected as an early second-round NFL draft pick next April.

*******
The TSU Tigers volleyball team was eliminated by 9th ranked University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team (27-5) 3-0 (20-14) 30-26, 30-14 and 30-17) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday. The Tigers end the season with a record of 19-15.

Alabama A&M University

Alabama A&M University Volleyball seventh berth into the NCAA Tournament in the last eight years came to an end Friday as No. 8 UCLA swept the Bulldogs 30-9, 30-14, 30-13 at Jervey Gymnasium on the Clemson University campus. The SWAC champions Bulldogs finished the season with a 15-10 record.

FAMU Rattlers fall to Oklahoma 3-1 in NCAA Tournament

GAINESVILLE, FL - The Oklahoma volleyball became the first team in the country to advance to the NCAA Second Round as it beat Florida A&M, 3-1 (30-25, 32-30, 29-31, 30-14), in opening-round action Thursday night in the Gainesville Sub-Regional.

Oklahoma and Florida A&M kicked off the NCAA Tournament as it was the first match played in the 64-team field with the Gainesville Sub-Regional beginning first round action on Thursday and all other sub-regionals opening on Friday.

The win advanced OU to the second round against the winner of the Florida vs. College of Charleston match which was set for Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. (CST). OU's second round match will begin at 6 p.m. (CST) on Friday with the winner advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 next week, which will also be held in Gainesville.

"It is always great to advance to the second round in the NCAA Tournament," head coach Santiago Restrepo said. "I thought it was a very interesting match as far as defense was concerned because we matched up very evenly on that side of the ball. I was also pleased offensively as we had four different players with double-digit kills which means setter Julie Chester did a good job distributing the ball."

The Sooners offense was the difference in the match as it recorded a .241 hitting percentage compared to FAMU's .096 clip. The other factor in the match was OU's blocking as the Sooners out blocked the Rattlers, 13.5 to five.

Senior outside hitter Mariana Blum led the Oklahoma offense with 21 kills while sophomore Bridget Laplante followed with 15. Blum and Laplante also tallied double-doubles as it marked Blum's 18th of the season and Laplante's 15th. Adding to the OU offense was Anna Stadel with 13 kills and Francie Ekwerekwu with 12 kills.

Senior Hannah Sharp had her best defensive outing of her career as she collected a career-high 31 digs and became the first Sooner to collect 30 digs in a match all season.

Four different Sooners were stellar in the front as Ekwerekwu and Blum recorded five block assists and a solo block each. Stadel also added five block assists and freshman Chrissy Disarro came in and gave a boost to the defense with five block assists. Disarro, a middle blocker, filled in for opposite hitter Sarah Weiland who left the match early in the first game due to an illness.

The Rattlers jumped out to a 4-1 lead to open the first frame, but the Sooners went on a 5-1 run to take the lead at 6-5. The two squads continued to battle it out back and forth as OU took the 15-14 lead prior to the media timeout. The Sooners put together a 4-1 run to take the 19-15 lead after the break and forced the Rattlers to call a timeout. While OU didn't let go of its lead, FAMU threatened as it closed the gap at 24-22. However, the Sooners went on a 3-1 run to take the four-point lead. The Sooners went on to claim the first frame, 30-25.

Blum led OU's offensive effort in the first frame as the Sooners recorded a .220 hitting percentage behind Blum's six kills while Stadel added four kills. Sharp led the back-row defensive effort with eight digs as the Sooners held the Rattlers to a .098 clip. Stadel also added two block assists to lead the OU defense up front.

The Sooners offense came out strong in the second frame as they opened the second game with a 7-3 lead, forcing the Rattlers to call an early time out. Oklahoma stretched its lead to 15-8, but the Rattlers went on a 5-0 run to cut the gap at 15-13. However, the Sooners maintained their composure and held on to the lead as they lead 17-15 and went on a 7-2 run to take the 23-17 lead. The Rattlers wouldn't go away as they tied the match up at 28-28, marking the first tie since 2-2 to open the game. The tie forced the Sooners to call their first timeout of the game and the Rattlers followed that with a kill to take the 29-28 lead.

However, OU battled back as well with an Ekwerekwu kill and Chrissy Disarro and Blum teamed up for a block assist to give OU the 30-29 advantage. FAMU followed that with a setter dump to tie the match up and OU responded with back-to back kills by Blum to give OU the 32-30 win in frame two and the 2-0 advantage in the match.

Blum was once again the offensive leader in the second frame as she notched seven kills on a .312 hitting percentage while Laplante added five kills. Ekwerekwu led the squad to three team blocks with a solo block and a block assist.

Oklahoma opened the third set with a 2-1 lead, but had to play catch up from there as the Rattlers led 15-12 before the media timeout was called. OU used a 5-2 run to even up the score at 17-17 and the two teams continued to trade points and tied it up again at 21-21. After tying it up again at 23-23, OU took the lead at 24-23 and held on to it until the Rattlers tied it up again at 28-28. The Rattlers took the momentum after taking the 29-28 lead with a kill and forcing an OU timeout. Blum came back with a kill to tie the game again, but FAMU responded with a kill to take the lead at 30-29. The Rattlers added another kill to take game three and force a game four.

The Sooners opened the fourth frame with momentum and a large lead as it held the 15-6 advantage before the media timeout was called. However, the Oklahoma offense rolled in the fourth frame as it dominated the match, 30-14, and closed out the frame with a 5-0 run. The Sooner offense was much more steady in the final game as it tallied a .412 hitting percentage.

The winner of Friday night's match will advance to Regionals in Gainesville, Fla., the following weekend (Dec. 7-8) against the four-team pod hosted by Texas in Austin. That four-team field includes No. 4 overall seed Texas, LSU, New Mexico State and Texas State.


Volleyball Box Score
Florida A&M vs #21 Oklahoma (Nov 29, 2007 at Gainesville, Fla.)

Florida A&M ATTACK SET SERVE SRVDEF BLOCK GEN
## Name GP K E TA PCT A SA SE REDIGBS BA BEBHEPOINTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CORZO,Cinthya....... 4 0 2 8 -.250 1 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0.0
9 GOMEZ,Maria......... 4 6 3 22 .136 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 6.5
10 MANZO,Zaira......... 4 3 3 12 .000 55 1 2 0 13 0 1 0 2 4.5
12 UCKELMANN,Hannah.... 4 9 1 25 .320 0 0 0 0 7 0 2 0 0 10.0
15 BLAZESKI,Jovana..... 4 18 15 58 .052 2 0 1 0 13 1 1 0 1 19.5
16 LAKIC,Iva........... 4 27 18 92 .098 0 0 0 0 14 1 1 0 1 28.5
6 PENNICK,Chelsa...... 2 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
7 EGOAVIL,Susan....... 4 0 0 1 .000 3 0 2 1 27 0 0 0 0 0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals.............. 4 63 42 218 .096 61 1 5 1 94 2 6 0 4 69.0

TEAM ATTACK PER GAME TOTAL TEAM BLOCKS: 5.0
Game K E TA Pct
1 14 9 51 .098 GAME SCORES 1 2 3 4 TEAM RECORDS
2 15 9 57 .105 Florida A&M......... (1) 25 30 31 14 18-8
3 24 13 64 .172 Oklahoma............ (3) 30 32 29 30 22-9
4 10 11 46 -.022

Oklahoma ATTACK SET SERVE SRVDEF BLOCK GEN
## Name GP K E TA PCT A SA SE REDIGBS BA BEBHEPOINTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Chester, Julie...... 4 2 0 6 .333 62 0 3 0 11 0 1 0 1 2.5
3 Stadel, Anna........ 4 13 6 29 .241 0 1 1 0 2 0 5 0 0 16.5
6 Weiland, Sarah...... 2 3 1 9 .222 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.0
9 Laplante, Bridget... 4 15 1 52 .269 0 0 1 0 17 1 0 0 0 16.0
11 Ekwerekwu, Francie.. 4 12 4 38 .211 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 1 0 15.5
13 Blum, Mariana....... 4 21 6 53 .283 3 0 6 0 19 1 5 0 0 24.5
5 Barnes, Lacy........ 4 0 0 0 .000 0 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 0 0.0
12 Disarro, Chrissy.... 3 3 3 12 .000 1 0 0 0 1 0 5 1 1 5.5
14 Sharp, Hannah....... 4 0 0 0 .000 0 0 1 1 31 0 0 0 0 0.0
15 Harbster, Taylor.... 1 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals.............. 4 69 21 199 .241 67 1 13 1 89 3 21 2 2 83.5

TEAM ATTACK PER GAME TOTAL TEAM BLOCKS: 13.5
Game K E TA Pct
1 17 6 50 .220 Site: Gainesville, Fla. (O'Connell Center)
2 21 7 60 .233 Date: Nov 29, 2007 Attend: Time: 2:10
3 15 6 55 .164 Referees: Mike Carter, Kim Wisham
4 16 2 34 .412 NCAA Gainesville Sub-Regional Match 1

1 2 3 4 Total
Tie scores 8 5 12 2 27
Lead changes 5 3 4 1 13


---------------------
Blogger's Comments:

It appears that FAMU is expecting a miracle from Coach Tanio Trifonov to get the Lady Rattlers past Round One of the NCAA Tournament. Clearly, the Rattlers are undermanned with eight players, whereas, all the non-MEAC teams are stocked with 14-15 scholarship players. The Rattlers are MEAC champions and well respected by the major volleyball programs, but the lack of depth is the Rattlers significant weakness. FAMU and coach Tony has the potential of winning a national championship in volleyball, if only the number of scholarships are increased from 7-8 to a realistic number like 12-15.

Although FAMU has won 99 consecutive matches in the conference, seven straight MEAC championships and eight championships in the last nine years, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is closing ground on the Rattlers with a 24-4 record in '07. The Hawks lost the '07 MEAC championship to FAMU by a score of 3-1 and have a roster of 12 American players (only one senior) and an associate head coach.

Jovana Blazeski deserves the iron lady award as she has played with a twisted knee (in MEAC championship games) and a torn ACL in her left knee. Not only is the Rattlers squad stocked with the MEAC Coach of the year, Tony Trifonov, MEAC Rookie of the Year, Jovana Blazeski and the MEAC outstanding tournament player, Iva Lakic, but All MEAC tournament players Lakic and sophomore setter Ziara Monzo. Only Hannah Uckelmann and Iva Lakic are seniors, which makes the accomplishments of the volleyball team amazing considering its youth and numbers.

Volleyball could become a self-supporting sport with a visionary athletic director that will aggressively promote the sport. FAMU has an international market available in TLH and cross-over fans at the other school that has shown an interest in the sport. But, Coach Tony needs help in the form of more scholarship players if FAMU expects to advance beyond round one. This team should be built to defeat the UF Gators, if our expectations are for a national championship. Otherwise, without some minor upgrades, we will be battling for the #2 position in the MEAC and will be sitting at home like UMES come NCAA Tournament time next season.

How about an early season volleyball tournament next year with Alabama A&M University (SWAC), Tennessee State University (OVC) and University of Maryland Eastern Shore? AAMU and TSU won their respective conferences this season and may provide a higher level of competition and fan interest in TLH than Mercer or North Florida.

Tonight, fatigue won first and Oklahoma was able to capitalize on our lack of bench strength.

The Lady Rattlers end with 18-8 for 2007.

Great job Coach Tony and Lady Rattlers. Thanks a million!!!

Battle of Bands: 2007 Bayou Classic - Grambling vs. Southern U.

Grambling State University Tigers Marching Band - Half-Time


Southern University Jaguars Human Jukebox and Dancing Dolls - Half-Time


Southern University Jaguars Human Jukebox and Grambling State - Battle of Bands Show


Southern University Jaguars Human Jukebox and Grambling State University Tigers Band Highlights


Grambling State University Tigers Pre-Game Show


Southern University Jaguars Human Jukebox Band


Grambling State University Tigers Band


Southern University Jaguars Human Jukebox and Dancing Dolls


Southern University Jaguars Human Jukebox

Battle of Bands: James Madison vs. Southern University

by beepbeep

Reality--this has never happened in the same stadium, but it could in the near future as MEAC and SWAC teams attempt to upgrade regular season football schedules with playoff experienced Football Championship Subdivision teams. What if Southern University Jaguars football had to face James Madison University Dukes in a national ESPN televised game. What could one expect from the half-time Battle of the Bands show?

Here is a preview of what could happen and the level of competition one could expect from the Dukes. You will be surprised by the level of musicality, precision marching and showmanship. With contrasting styles--who wins this titanic battle--the Human Juke Box or the 1994 Sudler Trophy winning 366-piece Royal Dukes Band?

Note: Florida A&M University (1985) is the only HBCU that has won the Sudler Trophy as the country's top college band. The prestigious award was first given in 1982 and previous winners have been Michigan, Illinois, Ohio State, FAMU, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan State, Kansas, UCLA----you get the picture! The Sudler Trophy, it should be understood is to the world of marching bands what the Heisman Trophy is to that of football. In other words, the Human Jukebox is in for a battle...

James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes Band




Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band and Dancing Dolls

MEAC/SWAC Sports Clipboard

Compiled by beepbeep

The Southern University Board of Supervisors approved a new three-year, $200,000 annual contract for football coach Pete Richardson. Richardson is 121-52 in 15 seasons at Southern and 163-70-1 in 20 seasons overall, including five seasons at Winston-Salem State University. His current contract is set to expire on December 31. Richardson will continue to be paid $200,000 annually, which is one of the best salaries in the Football Championship Subdivision...

Photo: Southern University Dancing Dolls 2007.

Southern University (7-3, 5-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference) plays No. 16 Grambling State University (8-2, 8-0) in Bayou Classic XXXIV at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Superdome. Richardson is 12-2 in the Bayou Classic…

A Judge has issued an arrest warrant for Jackson State University's Jimmy Oliver, starting quarterback for the Tigers. Oliver apparently missed a Court date that hopefully will not land him in jail for 21 days and a fine for failure to appear. Magee Mississippi police arrested Oliver last month and he was charged with driving with a suspended license and possession of marijuana. JSU football coach Rick Comegy said he does not expect his quarterback to face any jail time after the case is reopened next week. The Tigers are scheduled to play Grambling State University in the SWAC Championship game in Birmingham on December 15…

NBC will air a half-hour special, “Every Man a Tiger: The Eddie Robinson Story,” presented commercial-free by State Farm and narrated by Andre Braugher, at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. A trailer can be viewed at www.nbcsports.com. This show is prior to the XXXIV Bayou Classic with Grambling State University and Southern University…

Photo: Tennessee State University Sophisticated Ladies 2007 .

Tennessee State won its first Ohio Valley Conference volleyball tournament championship Saturday in Jacksonville, Alabama beating Morehead State 30-24, 30-17, 29-31, 26-30, 15-12 to earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Tigers 17-6, will learn of their pairing on November 25 on the NCAA selection show at 7 p.m. on ESPNU...

Morgan State Bears improved to 3-1 as they beat American University 62-54 in their men basketball home opener Tuesday night. Jamar Smith scored 16 points and had three blocks for Morgan…

Hampton University defensive end Kendall Langford, 6-6, 295 pounds will play in the East-West Shrine Game set for January 19, 2008 in Houston, Texas...

Hampton University defensive end Marcus Dixon, 6-4, 295 pounds has been selected to play in the Hula Bowl, a college football all-star game NFL scouts use to evaluate draft prospects. Dixon will play for the East Squad in the game on January 12, 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He led the Pirates this season with 16 tackles for loss, including a team-high six sacks. Dixon has started at defensive end for the Hampton since midway through his freshman season…

Photo: Alcorn State University Golden Girls 2007.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker and former Hampton University standout Justin Durant has endowed an athletics scholarship at Hampton University. In the 2007 NFL draft, Durant was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 16th pick of the second round and the 48th overall, making him the highest selection in Hampton University history and highest paid rookie from HU with a four-year $3.4 million contract, including $1.72 million in guarantees. Durant said that he simply wants to give back…

Delaware State University could not contain running back Omar Cuff, as University of Delaware beat Delaware State 44-7 today in the first-round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. This was the first ever meeting between the two schools in football, located 45 minutes apart. Cuff ran for a school record 288 yards and four touchdowns against the Hornets before a Delaware Stadium record crowd of 19,765. The MEAC Champions Hornets ends the season at 10-2. UD advances at 9-3 to face the winner of #1 seed Northern Iowa and New Hampshire…

Florida A & M University Lady Rattlers ended their regular season in Volleyball in falling 3-0 (30-20, 30-28, 30-28) to the University of South Florida on Wednesday. The MEAC champions are 18-7 on the season and await their next opponent in the NCAA Tournament. FAMU won their seventh Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Title in a row and their eighth in nine seasons. The NCAA selection show is scheduled for 8p.m. Sunday on ESPNU...

Photo: University of Arkansas Pine Bluff M4 - Golden Girls.


--beepbeep

Southern and Norfolk State leads in football home attendance

by beepbeep

The best barometer to gauge how well a football program is doing on the gridiron and in its marketing program is to check the NCAA FCS data on both accumulated attendance and average game attendance at the home stadium.

This past season, a mercurial rise in fan participation was shown by Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University and Tennessee State University. No one can successfully debate the point that the primary objective of sports marketing is to put fans in the stadium and arena seats and get sponsors.

Florida A&M University president Dr. James Ammons drove this point home with the firing of head football coach Rubin Carter and the resignation of athletic director Nelson Townsend, on Tuesday of this week. "In an environment like a college or university, athletics plays a big role in the institution," Ammons said. "There are many, many stakeholders with the university. We had an assessment on where we were. We sat down and looked at all of the data in terms of attendance and support for the program. There were a number of markers that we used and in the end we decided on the decision we made."

We are certain that a similar process took place at Texas Southern University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Alcorn State University and other universities that are dismissing poorly performing coaching and athletic administrative staffs.

"We all know that the football program is the economic engine that drives the athletic program," Ammons said. "It is the money generator. For the overall athletic program to be successful the football program has to be successful."

That's just the way it is at FAMU, TxSO, UAPB or at any MEAC or SWAC school. A coach must first graduate his players and win. Then, football and basketball must generate revenue to operate the entire athletic programs with ticket sales, sponsorships, fundraising and development rights. That's the bottom line, today.

A few of the MEAC and SWAC schools showed improvement and the data attendance numbers shows who are growing their marketing programs in this one element of analyses. North Carolina A&T State University continues to go against the grain in proving that a strong marketing program can overcome an 0-27 losing record in football. We find it amazing that the Aggies have shown no appreciable drop in attendance numbers since their losing streak started in 2005. In fact, it has been the opposite with a rise in attendance for the Aggies.

The NCAA data in a nutshell illustrates what a strong athletic marketing can do for a schools with effective athletic administrators and top leaders.

Here is how the FCS HBCUs stacked up for 2007 in home attendance:

1. Southern University, ranked #6 in FCS; 18,913 average attendance; 5 home games, 78.81 accumulated percentage of stadium capacity. Record: 7-3* (* game w/Grambling on 11/24/07).

2. Norfolk State University, ranked #7 in FCS; 17,220 average attendance; 6 home games, 62.17% of stadium capacity. Record: 8-3

3. Tennessee State University (OVC), ranked #8 in FCS; 16,278 average attendance; 4 home games, 24.17% of stadium capacity. Record: 5-6

4. Jackson State University, ranked #11 in FCS; 16,100 average attendance; 6 home games, 25.75% of stadium capacity. Record: 7-4* (* in SWAC championship game w/Grambling).

5. Florida A&M University, ranked #12 in FCS; 15,193 average attendance; 4 home games, 59.58% of stadium capacity. Record: 3-8

6. North Carolina A&T, ranked #15 in FCS; 14,245 average attendance; 5 home games, 67.83% of stadium capacity. Record: 0-11* (27 game losing streak)

7. South Carolina State, ranked #19 in FCS; 13,206 average attendance; 4 home games, 60.03% of stadium capacity. Record: 7-4

8. Arkansas Pine Bluff, ranked #24 in FCS; 12,542 average attendance; 3 home games,
209.04% of stadium capacity. Record: 4-7

9. Grambling State, ranked #25 in FCS; 12,448 average attendance; 3 home games, 63.51% of stadium capacity. Record: *8-2 (has Southern and SWAC championship game w/Jackson State remaining to play).

10. Alabama State, ranked #28 FCS; 11,138 average attendance; 4 home games, 45.28% of stadium capacity. Record: 5-6

11. Prairie View, ranked #48 FCS; 7750 average attendance; 3 home games, 129.17% of stadium capacity. Record: 7-3.

**Winston Salem State (not ranked by NCAA due to provisional/reclassifying Division I FCS). 13,302 average attendance; 4 home games, 73.90% of stadium capacity. Record: 6-5

By data alone, Winston Salem State University would be ranked at #7 in all of the FCS class and 4th in the MEAC data standings.

Without going into great numerical details, here are the significant changes from 2006 to 2007:

a. Jackson State University dropped from FCS position #4 with 20,314 average to #11 with 16,100 average home attendance, moving from a 6-5 record to 7-4 and the SWAC championship game.

b. Southern remained in the #6 FCS position with home attendance rising from 16,453 to 18,913, moving from a 5-6 to *7-3 record in 2007.

c. FAMU dropped from FCS #7 position with home attendance falling from 15,916 to 15,193, moving from a 7-4 to 3-8 record.

d. SCSU dropped from FCS #13 position to #19, with attendance falling from 14,594 to 13,206 with a 7-4 record for both seasons.

e. Alcorn State ranked #14 FCS position with 13,318 in 2006, fell to #68 FCS with average attendance of 6,086 per game, moving from a 6-5 to a 3-8 record.

f. Grambling State ranked #15 FCS with 13,229 fell to #25 FCS with 12,448 in 2007, moving from a 3-8 record to *8-2.

g. Tennessee State ranked #19 FCS with 12,570 climbed to #8 FCS with 16,278.

h. Norfolk State ranked #23 FCS with 11,982 climbed to #7 with 17,220, moving from a 4-7 to 8-3 record.

i. North Carolina A&T ranked #25 FCS in 2006 with 11,596 climbed to #15 FCS with 14,245 home attendance for 5 home games in each season. Aggies record is 0-22 over two year period.

--beepbeep

Norfolk State football home attendance tops in MEAC

by beepbeep, MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street

Norfolk State University is tops in HBCU football for accumulated home attendance in 2007. The Spartans are ranked #7 in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision ("FCS"), formerly called Division 1-AA, with 103,320 accumulated attendance for six home games. NSU average game attendance was 17,220.

Their home facility, William "Dick" Price Stadium has a seating capacity of 30,000 and was built in 1997. It is recognized as one of the largest sports and entertainment venues in the Hampton Roads region and one of the 10 largest Division I FCS football stadiums in terms of capacity. Dick Price Stadium is one of the best facilities in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) along with the football facilities at North Carolina A&T State University and South Carolina State University.

Norfolk State completed their first winning season at the Division I level in 2007, with an 8-3 (7-2 MEAC) record and finished tied with South Carolina State University for second place in the standings. The Spartans moved from the Division II, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1997 to the MEAC.

Last year, Norfolk State finished 8th in the conference with a 4-7 (1-7 MEAC) record and #23 in accumulated home attendance with 83,871 for seven home games. The average attendance in 2006 was 11,982 per game.

The Spartans increased their home attendance 5,238 fans per game from 2006 to 2007 and doubled its wins from 4 to 8. For NSU, a winning record translated into over an estimated $550,000 in additional revenue for home games. The Spartans also played their first Division I FBC game this season at Rutgers University (lost 59-0) and netted $275,000 for their athletic budget.

The university's president Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers would like to see NSU continue to play I-A opponents – Kentucky is on the football team’s schedule next fall – because she likes the experience it offers the students, the student-athletes and the financial gain it provides. The Kentucky game will net Norfolk State $275,000 for the athletic budget in 2008.

Dr. Meyers is passionate about both academics and college football. She served previously as Dean, College of Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University and earned her PhD from the School of Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Both institutions have exceptional legacies in academics and championship football.

So, it's not difficult to see the vision Dr. Meyers has for Norfolk State University.

Norfolk State’s president, Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers eschews the president’s box at Dick Price Stadium for a seat in the stands near loyal Spartans fans.

Currently, Spartans Coach Pete Adrian is a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of Year Award and his team just missed getting an at-large invitation to the FCS Division I Playoffs for the national championship.

Not bad for a coach in his third season at NSU who went 4-7, 4-7 and 8-3 for a 16-17 record. Adrian was signed to a two year contract extension in September 2007, by athletic director Marty L. Miller that will keep him the Spartans coach until 2010.

NSU second largest home crowd was against former CIAA Division II rival Virginia State University in the season opener. The Spartans won 33-7 with 26,970 fans that was the third largest crowd in Dick Price Stadium history. It was also the 20th ranked highest attended game in the FCS for 2007.

Marty Miller has stated, "we've been pleased with the progress that has been made in our football program, both athletically and academically."

"The football program is moving in the right direction and we are happy with the improvement in attendance and with the caliber of student athlete that Coach Adrian has recruited."

The success of Norfolk State University athletics was initiated under the superb leadership of Dr. Marie V. McDemmond. She stepped down as president on June 30, 2005 due to serious health issues after serving eight years as president of Virginia's largest historically Black university. In 1997, Dr. McDemmond became the first woman to lead NSU and the first African-American woman to serve as president of a four-year college in Virginia. She was instrumental in the hiring of Pete Adrian, who at the time was a top assistant coach at Bethune Cookman University.

Using her background in fiscal management, Dr. McDemmond laid the foundation for NSU successful Division I athletic programs.

Norfolk State head football Coach Pete Adrian has taken the Spartans to new heights in winning and consistent fan support.

What's more amazing is Norfolk State home football attendance out-performed long time established Division I programs at Jackson State, Grambling State University, James Madison, Montana State, Northern Iowa, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State, McNeese State, Texas State, South Carolina State, Harvard and Florida A&M University, just to name a few.

A brief synopsis of the Spartans achievements can be summarized as follows:

Norfolk State University - Ranked #10 in the FCS in 2006 with seven home games, 83,871 accumulated attendance, with per game average of 11,982. The accumulated percent of stadium capacity was 39.94 percent.

In 2007, NSU is the highest ranking HBCU and is ranked at #7 in the FCS with 103,320 accumulated attendance, a 23.78 percent increase over the previous season. The per game average is 17,220, a 43.71 percent increase over the previous season or 5,238 more fans per game. The accumulated percent of stadium capacity was 62.17.

What a difference a 4-7 record (2006) makes compared to 8-3 in 2007 at NSU.

The NCAA accumulated attendance reports indicate that the SWAC and MEAC ranks at the top of Division I FCS football conferences in attendance. The SWAC had the highest accumulated attendance at 824,740 or 15,561 per game in 2006. This was a change in average of 5,034 fans.

The Southern conference held the #2 position last season.

The MEAC held the #3 ranking with 599,871 attendance, 11,997 average, with a change in average of 2,030. Overall, attendance is rising in the FCS with MEAC teams like Norfolk State, Winston Salem State University and N.C. A&T leading the way.

The Spartans are scheduled to play at Kentucky in 2008. They were beat 59-0 at #5 ranked Rutgers in 2007, but look forward to more games with 1-A BCS programs.

By comparison, Florida A&M University, which has been the premier brand in HBCU sports for half of a century, was ranked #22 in 2006 in the FCS with 63,663 accumulated attendance with four home games. The per game average was 15,916 with the accumulated percent of stadium capacity at 62.41 percent.

FAMU fell to #25 in the FCS with 60,773 accumulated attendance in four home games this past season. The per game average decreased to 15,193 per game and the accumulated percentage of stadium capacity fell to 59.58 percent for the four home games. The Rattlers lost approximately 723 fans per game average or 2.83 percent of accumulated percent of stadium capacity per game.

Not surprisingly, FAMU's new president Dr. James Ammons swiftly dumped head football coach Rubin Carter (16-17) and his entire staff, along with athletic director Nelson Townsend in order to move the Rattlers in a new direction. Like NSU, Ammons takes a bottom-line approach to athletics--making certain that the student in student-athlete comes first. And then, too, you have to win. It's no secret, the Spartans and Rattlers leaders are striving for the very highest success in both academics and athletic programs. And that's the way it should be at all HBCUs.

The upward trend in attendance were exhibited in both teams neutral site or Classic games. The Battle of the Bay Classic game, which is played between Norfolk State and Hampton University was the #62 highest attended game in last year. The game attendance was 18,157 at Hampton.

The Classic was the highest attended game played at Dick Price Stadium this season and was ranked #17 in the FCS with 27,756 fans in attendance. Fan participate increased 9,599 or a 59.9 percent uptick over the previous year game. This is the only classic game played by Norfolk State University.

FAMU played three "money games,"
i.e., Atlanta Classic, Circle City Classic and the Florida Classic. The football Rattlers and their famous Marching 100 Band usually attract over 197,000 fans to these three football games.

The Florida Classic, played between Florida A&M and Bethune Cookman University in Orlando, Florida each season has been the #1 ranked attended game in the FCS Division I for the past five years. This is a rivalry of major proportions with statewide bragging and recruit rights at stake.

Both institutions earns over $1.2 million each from this one game which is a tremendous help for each athletic department budget.

This year, the Florida Classic lost its #1 positioning in the FCS highest game attendance ranking as fan participation dipped from 71,216 to 65,367. This was a decrease of 5,849 ticket sales or an 8.22 percent decrease in overall attendance.

The Magic City Classic, played in Birmingham between Alabama A&M and Alabama State University now holds the distinction as the top attendance holder with 68,593 in attendance.

The Florida Classic is now ranked #2 and may slide further this weekend a the conclusion of the Bayou Classic in New Orleans with Grambling State University (8-2) and Southern University (7-3) of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

What we can conclude from this data is that winning in football and other major sports have a direct impact to high fan participation, corporate sponsorships, alumni donations, prestige, recognition, increased enrollment, expanded gift giving and growing endowments. College football is the major economic engine for both the institution, the local business community and the athletic department.

Five years ago, Florida A&M University and North Carolina A&T State University were the models of success in the MEAC and HBCU sports. No more--as that baton has been taken by Norfolk State both on the football field and in the spectator stands.

No doubt, Norfolk University is moving in a very positive direction--the right direction--and the NCAA attendance data and financial results shows that their strategic plans are working efficiently and effectively.

The Spartans athletic program provides an excellent model worthy of further study by other FCS programs that are not competitive financially nor athletically. Norfolk State athletics are clearly built on a solid foundation addressing all the needs of the university stakeholders and is a valuable asset to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

2007 Norfolk State University Spartans Legion Marching Band and Hot Ice Dancers -- Half-Time Show at North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C.



-beepbeep

Battle of Bands: Grambling State vs. Jackson State

Part I: Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South 2007


Part II, Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band 2007

FAMU begins hiring process for new athletics director and head football coach

Audio of Florida A&M University President Dr. James Ammons press conference - November 20, 2007, including questions and answers with press corps.

Audio Link: http://tallahassee.com/assets/mp3/CD921311120.MP3

FAMU president released the following statements today involving the termination of the Rattlers athletic director and head football coach.

Press Release: November 20, 2007

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons said today he would begin the hiring process for a new Athletic Director and Head Coach.

Athletic Director Nelson Townsend resigned today and will be on administrative leave with pay until February 12, 2008, his last day of employment. Head Football Coach Rubin Carter, received a "notice of non-reappointment and employment separation." He has been placed on administrative leave with pay. His last day of employment is April 22, 2008.

Ammons said that he would fill the positions by the end of the year. He announced to the staff in the athletics department this morning that Allen Bogan, an assistant professor and former assistant football coach, would serve as interim until a permanent director is hired.

"I am appreciative of tremendous work Mr. Townsend and Coach Carter have done during the period when we were working to address the NCAA sanctions," said Ammons. "We want to move in a new direction with the athletics program. I'm moving forward with the hiring process."

Townsend began his tenure at FAMU in January 2006 as the athletics director. He has had more than 30 years of experience in athletics and education. He previously served as director of athletics at FAMU from 1986-1987. He also served as athletic director at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware State University and the University of Buffalo.

Carter was appointed head coach in July 2005. He was an All-American defensive lineman at the University of Miami in 1974 and had a 12-year career in the National Football League with the Denver Broncos. Prior to coming to FAMU, Carter had more than 18 years of professional and collegiate coaching experience.


Compiled by beepbeep

FAMU AD Nelson Townsend and Coach Rubin Carter era ends...

Florida A&M University president Dr. James Ammons has made it official with the immediate departure of athletic director Nelson Townsend and head football coach Rubin Carter. Mr. Townsend submitted his letter of resignation this morning in response to the request of the university president.

Dr. Ammons named professor Allen Bogan, a former Rattlers football coach, as interim athletic director.

Rubin Carter has refused to resign as the university will have to buy out his $250,000 contract. The president has informed Carter that the university will be moving in a new direction. All of Coach Carter's assistant coaches have been given letters indicating that they will be paid until February 2008, but they will not be retained.

The FAMU president will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. today to discuss the matter.

Pictorial view of Carter 2007 3-8 season...

2007 Battle of Bands: SU Human Jukebox vs. UAPB M4

Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band


University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4)

2007 Battle of Bands: SCSU vs. NCAT

Lowcountry Classic 2007 Half-Time Shows

South Carolina State University Marching 101


North Carolina A&T State University Blue & Gold Marching Machine

2007 Florida Classic: Battle of the Bands - FAMU vs. BCU

Florida A&M University Marching 100

Florida Classic Halftime FAMU 2007


Bethune Cookman University Wildcats

Florida Classic Halftime BCU 2007


Florida A&M University Marching 100 - Concert Selection


Bethune Cookman University Wildcats - Concert Selection


Florida A&M University Marching 100



Bethune Cookman University Wildcats



Florida A&M University Marching 100

FAMU, UAPB and Alcorn State clean athletic house

Compiled by beepbeep

Florida A&M University president Dr. James Ammons did what was expected this afternoon to move the Rattlers athletic program to the championship level. Head football Coach Rubin Carter was fired! His boss, athletic director Nelson Townsend was fired! Both were hired under the administration of former interim president Castell Bryant.

Carter leaves Florida A&M with a 16-17 record, including 3-8, 2-7 MEAC in 2007. In his final game for the Rattlers, FAMU was blasted by Bethune Cookman University (5-6, 3-6 MEAC) 34-7 before a Florida Classic crowd of 65,367.

More details will follow as they are released by the University.

Alcorn State University head football coach Dr. Johnny Thomas was fired this afternoon, and the university announced in a press release that a search for a replacement will begin immediately. Thomas had a 48-61 record in 10 years as the Braves coach and ended 2007 with a 2-8 season. Dr. Thomas has been offered other non-coaching options at the university. He served as an assistant professor of health and physical education at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, prior to returning to his alma mater in 1998 to head the football program.

The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff fired head football coach Maurice "Mo" Forte today and named current defensive coordinator Monte Coleman as the permanent head coach. In four seasons, Forte held a 21-22 record with the Golden Lions and 69-89-1 overall in a 14 year career. The Golden Lions finished 4-7 this season, but were the SWAC-West Division Champions in 2006, with an 8-4 record.

The 50 year old Coleman is a Pine Bluff native who played professional football for the Washington Redskins for 16 seasons (1979-94). As an All-Pro linebacker, Coleman played in four Super Bowls, winning three; and 216 games which is second most in Washington Redskin history. Athletic director Skip Perkins indicated that UAPB and Coleman were working out the details of a five year contract.

Coleman has been on the Golden Lions staff for four seasons, serving the last two as defensive coordinator. He is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas.

UAPB will open next season at home on August 30, 2008, against the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

FAMU's Carter and Townsend, UAPB's Mo Forte, and Alcorn State's Dr. Johnny Thomas officially joins Texas Southern Steven Wilson, 4-38 as coaches/administrators released from the MEAC/SWAC in 2007.

Head Coach Lee Fobbs is 0-22 in his second season at North Carolina A&T State University and the school has a 27 game losing streak dating back to 2005. Mississippi Valley State University Willie Totten is 25-41 and just completed a 3-8, 2-7 SWAC season. We expect some action to be taken on their futures in the coming weeks.

Prairie View A&M University announced this afternoon that Henry Frazier III has received a four year contract extension for leading the Panthers to their best record in 41 years. PVAMU finished 7-3, 6-3 SWAC, with signature victories over Jackson State University and Alabama A&M University with both battling for an East Division position in the SWAC championship game. The Panthers finished their season in second place in the West Division of the SWAC behind Grambling State University.

Road to the FCS Crown: Delaware State Hornets vs. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens

by beepbeep

Photo: Delaware State University Head Football Coach Al Lavan moves the 2007 MEAC Champion Hornets (10-1) into the NCAA FCS Playoffs for the first time in school history at University of Delaware (8-3).

The road to the 2007 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Crown starts with a historic game with Delaware State University Hornets playing at the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens on Black Friday. This is to no one's surprise especially understanding the power of the NCAA and ESPN television in their pursuit of revenue and viewership ratings.

No, this is not a story about Black verses White, but about an over-hyped made for ESPN television game on the Day After Thanksgiving (Black Friday) or Blitz Day. It's all about Blue and Gold or the Red and Black and its ability to unify a tiny State for a few hours and maybe develop a new understanding and respect for each other.

The NCAA Executives with an eye on protecting its image and product, did what the University of Delaware athletic director Edgar Johnson refused to do for the past twenty years--schedule the game to start a good football rivalry. It's unfortunate that it took outside forces of the NCAA to do what is natural for two Division I teams in a very small State to do, which is just play the game for the benefit of your fans.

University of Delaware is located in Newark; Delaware State University is in Dover, which is only 49 miles and about 45 minutes apart. Both are NCAA FCS Division I and play in the Colonial Athletic Conference and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, respectively. In other words, they play Division I-AA football, not major college ball.

The network desire to see Delaware State play University of Delaware on blitz day comes at the expense of other FCS teams that sports more than a 7-3 record against same division competition, like University of Delaware. If you want to talk about strength of schedule, you cannot speak Delaware name in that conversation with Division II, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Chester University taking up permanent residence on the UD Blue Hens home schedule.

Delaware's 8-3 record has been inflated for 39 years with this annual home date with the West Chester Golden Rams. UD leads the series 36-3, with all games being played at the Blue Hens home stadium. This is nothing more than an annual "money game" for West Chester who plays in the weakest D-II league in America with teams named Lock Haven (1-10), Cheyney (1-10), Clarion (0-11), Shippenburg (3-8) or East Stroudsburg (3-6), just to name a few and their 2007 records.

We see no difference with Norfolk State University (8-3, 6-2 MEAC) playing CIAA Virginia State University (4-6); or Georgia Southern (7-4, 4-3 SO), Elon (7-4, 4-3 SO), or Citadel (7-4, 4-3 SO) being left out of the mix by the eight man NCAA selection committee. Georgia Southern had quality road wins over Southern Conference co-champions Appalachian State and Wofford, who made the elite field. One could debate that Villanova is a better 5-3 conference team than UD, as they beat the Hens last week and so did New Hampshire (7-4, 4-4 CAA), who's in, and Villanova is not.

This season, Delaware beat: Monmouth (4-6, 3-3 NEC), William and Mary (4-7, 2-6 CAA), Rhode Island (3-8, 2-6 CAA), Towson (3-8, 1-7 CAA), Northeastern (3-8, 2-6 CAA), James Madison (8-3, 6-2 CAA), Navy (I-A Indep. 7-4) and West Chester (Div. II, 9-3 PSAC). On the loss side of the schedule, UD dropped games to Richmond (9-2, 7-1 CAA), Villanova (7-4, 5-3 CAA) and New Hampshire (7-4, 4-4 CAA).

So, where is that strength of schedule that the NCAA committee was viewing for Delaware to be included in this affair? In ten inter-divisional games, the combined record of UD opponents were 55-54, excluding the D-II foe West Chester.

We see absolutely no reason that Al Lavan and the Hornets will not crush Delaware in this contest. UD should be well rested after playing only five games of equal division and strength, no difference than Delaware State playing Norfolk State, Hampton, South Carolina State, Winston Salem State in the MEAC and Kent State in the Mid-American Conference.

After 83 years of avoidance, the Blue Hens are now forced (by the NCAA selection committee) to do the right thing in the spirit of sportsmanship, fellowship, fairness and face the Hornets on the gridiron. This has been a long time coming and after this game, hopefully the UD leadership will understand the term, football rivalry.

Before everyone puts tremendous pressure on 18-22 year old college football players, we have a few words of advice for the Delaware State Hornets and their few pro prospects.

First, win this game for yourselves and the opportunity to move to Round 2. Then, win it for your coaches, alma mater and the fans that have supported your program. Thirdly, win it for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and every doubter that says DSU doesn't measure up to the University of Delaware. Finally, win it for the principles of fairness, equality and---the NCAA selection committee that continues to stack the deck against every other NCAA conference that doesn't have CAA in its name.

With FIVE Colonial Athletic Conference teams that make up 31 percent of the championship field, how can the NCAA selection committee be so bold and reckless in this process?

Let's just play the game and every year hereafter, Delaware!


FCS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

First Round

Friday
• Delaware St. (10-1) at Delaware (8-3), 1:30 p.m. Televised: ESPN HD

Saturday
• Fordham (8-3) at Massachusetts (9-2), Noon
• New Hampshire (7-4) at Northern Iowa (11-0), 7:35 p.m.
• James Madison (8-3) at Appalachian State (9-2), TBA
• Eastern Illinois (8-3) at Southern Illinois (10-1), TBA
• Eastern Washington (8-3) at McNeese State (11-0), TBA
• Wofford (8-3) at Montana (11-0), TBA
• Eastern Kentucky (9-2) at Richmond (9-2), TBA

Quarterfinals

Saturday, Dec. 1
• Delaware State-Delaware winner vs. New Hampshire-Northern Iowa winner, TBA
• Fordham-Massachusetts winner vs. Eastern Illinois-Southern Illinois winner, TBA
• James Madison-Appalachian State winner vs. Eastern Washington-McNeese State winner, TBA
• Eastern Kentucky-Richmond winner vs. Wofford-Montana winner, TBA

Semifinals

Friday Dec. 7 or Saturday, Dec. 8

Championship

Friday, Dec. 14
At Finley Stadium/Davenport Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., 8 p.m.