Sunday, June 21, 2009

MEAC/SWAC/OVC Sports: This Week in Review

Southwestern Athletic Conference
SWAC to return to 9-game league schedule in '10 The Southwestern Athletic Conference will revert to using a nine-game league schedule starting in the 2010 football season, one of several changes announced Friday. The SWAC council of presidents voted to add the extra conference games through at least the 2013 season. “Overall, some teams were finding it difficult to fill out the rest of the schedule,” SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said. “It was hard for some of our teams. Either people didn’t want to play them, or the payout wasn’t what they thought it would be.”

Since the SWAC expanded to 10 teams in 1999, the conference has flip-flopped between playing seven league games and nine league games. That first year, in ’99, then-commissioner Rudy Washington decided in August that only a team’s four divisional games would count. From 2000-04, seven games counted, but some SWAC teams opted to play each other in extra games that did not count in the conference standings. Then, from 2005-07, all nine games counted. Last season, the SWAC switched back to seven. “That’s the other advantage (of going to nine games),” Sharp said. “You can get a true champion.”

South Carolina State University
SCSU men's hoops loses assistant coach Kyle Perry Brandon (Kyle) Perry was more than just South Carolina State men’s basketball coach Tim Carter’s top assistant. The Gallatin, Tennessee native’s recruiting skills in luring the likes of former Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year guard Carrio Bennett, Defensive Player of the Year Jason Johnson and College of Charleston transfer Josh Jackson helped turn around the program’s fortunes in two years. As Carter looks to improve on S.C. State’s first winning season in three years, he now finds himself having to replace the lone remaining assistant from his arrival.

On Monday, University of South Carolina-Upstate head coach Eddie Payne announced Perry’s hiring to a similar position. Perry, 31, will serve as Upstate’s recruiting coordinator and will serve in all aspects of the program, including scouting and floor coaching. “Kyle Perry is an outstanding person,” Payne said. “He has a lot of the things you look for in an assistant coach. He has great character and work ethic as well as the results. He’s an exceptionally good recruiter and he has proven that on a number of different jobs, including his last one at S.C. State. Carter would only cite “personal reasons” for the reason of Perry’s departure. During his two seasons with the Bulldogs, Perry’s responsibilities included recruiting, scheduling, scouting and on-the-floor coaching. After the Bulldogs went 13-20 during Perry’s first year, they posted a 17-13 overall record last year and finished second in the league with a 10-6 record. S.C. State would advance to the MEAC Tournament semifinals for the first time in four years before losing to Norfolk State.

Howard University
Homecoming Change: Georgetown University officials have rescheduled the 70th Homecoming Game, which will now take place Sept. 26 versus Howard Bison. Due to a series of academic conflicts, Homecoming was originally scheduled late in the season (Nov. 14) against Richmond, which would not only have pitted the Hoyas against the pre-season #1 ranked team in I-AA but would likely involve much colder temperatures and the possibility of a conflict with an early season basketball game. The earlier date, which coincides with Alumni Association events that weekend, should serve to bring more fans to Washington in September, as well as the possibility of a significant turnout from Howard fans across town.

The game should also be considerably more competitive than Richmond. The Bison were 1-10 last season and will play games with Rutgers and Florida A&M on the road before the Sept. 26 game at the Multi-Sport Field. In the first meeting between the schools, Georgetown upset Howard in the 2008 season opener, 12-7. http://www.hoyasaxa.com/sports/football.htm

Savannah State University
SSU Ready For MEAC Visit: Walter Moore--As Savannah State University gears up for a visit from officials from the Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), this writer sat down with Dr. Earl Yarbrough (SSU president), Dr. Claud Flythe (SSU vice president of administration) and Bart Bellairs (SSU athletics director) last week to ask questions about SSU's preparation for the upcoming visit.

1- What will conference affiliation do for SSU? YARBROUGH- “Rivalries will be developed and teams will have a chance to compete for conference championships. It also gives SSU a chance to support the program. It’s hard to get motivated with no title to play for.” FLYTHE- “It helps level the student playing field. It gives students the opportunity to compete with peer institutions. Being independent does not offer the same opportunity. It also helps the alumni base connect with their peers. Many SSU alumni work with and socialize with alumni from FAMU, Bethune and SC State. It will also help with the traveling costs and will allow our students to stay close to home.” BELLAIRS- “It puts you in line with great academic institutions.”...

Delaware State University
When Football Goes Green We've all seen it, we've definitely all heard it. The latest trend these days is to "go green." It's a campaign that is simply inescapable. We're all supposed to live green, breathe green, drive green, eat green ... you get the picture. However, to "go green" in college football is to go for the dollar signs. One idea, playing neutral site games to get a large payout, aren't entirely a bad idea. For example, Alabama/Virginia Tech in Atlanta is a great way to kick off the football year. But what happens when a school chooses to lose a game, a conference game, for money?

Delaware State has done just that, agreeing to actually forfeit their MEAC matchup with North Carolina A&T for a trip to the Big House to play Michigan on Oct. 17th. This is when "going green" goes horribly wrong. We've entered a dangerous stage in collegiate athletics. The goal (or what used to be the goal, anyways) for collegiate athletes was to compete for championships. It wasn't about the money, it was about the trophies at the end of the season. Money was left out of the picture. With Delaware State's move, the new goal has been set. It's all about getting as much money as possible. Forget title banners and trophies; just send the Hornets up to Ann Arbor as a rent-a-win (let's face it, App. State isn't the norm), get the check, and if the team doesn't make the FCS playoffs, oh well! How sad is this?

I understand why Delaware State wants to go to Ann Arbor. Located in Dover, DSU is a small school with an enrollment of just over 3,000. The Hornets drew 6,000 fans just twice last season, and in a 27-26 lost to Winston-Salem State, drew just 891 fans. Playing in front of over 100,000 in maize and blue would be quite the experience for DSU. But forfeit a conference game? That's where things just get messy.

Florida A&M University
Lincoln's Aaron Smith signs to play baseball at FAMU For recent Lincoln High alum Aaron Smith, signing a baseball scholarship with Florida A&M University meant more than just pitching on the Division I level. In attending FAMU, the 6-foot-1 right-hander is following in the footsteps of his parents, grandparents and aunts.

























"The university is very important to my family," Smith said. "Everyone in my family went there, and I wanted to be a part of that." Smith moved to Tallahassee from Pensacola in 2007. As a junior, he maintained a 2.28 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 29 innings. This past spring, Smith was used mostly in late-inning relief, posting a 2.89 ERA in 261/3 innings. Smith's arsenal includes a fastball, curveball, changeup and slider.

RETROSPECT: FAMU Marching 100 Continues to Raise the Bar on Musicianship. What's amazing about the FAMU Marching 100 is they are several graduate school thesis within themselves. The more you study them, the more you realize they are in a class by themselves when it comes to musicianship. Regardless of the type of music played, the Marching 100 plays it to perfection with power, in both musical style and interpretation. Take for example the old standard marches--who does it better? View in HQ and enjoy the enthusiam of this great band--414 musicians strong playing the Thunder and Blazes March and Bennetts Triumphant March at the Florida Classic. Then, view the Hundred at work on the Patch under the baton of conductor, Dr. Julian E. White.








Winston Salem State University
Football Schedule Change: Winston-Salem State's football game against Florida A&M at Bowman Gray Stadium has been added to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference television package and rescheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10. Kickoff will be at 7:30, with coverage on ESPNU. The game originally was scheduled Sept. 12. It will be the first live broadcast of a WSSU game from Bowman Gray since Oct. 25, 2003, when the Rams defeated N.C. Central 47-0.

Alabama A&M University
New A&M assistant no stranger to SWAC John McKenzie had great success as a player in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. He starred at quarterback at Jackson State in the 1980s, leading the Tigers to three conference titles while throwing for more than 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns en route to earning All-SWAC honors on two occasions. He later had success as a coach in the league, first at Alabama State - helping the Hornets not only win the SWAC, but also a black college national championship - and also was successful at his alma mater and Alcorn State. So when he was let go at North Carolina A&T last season, McKenzie looked for an opportunity to return to the conference.

He found it at Alabama A&M, where he was recently named the Bulldogs' receivers coach. McKenzie replaces Roger Totten, who left to become an assistant at Alabama State in January.
"I'm familiar with the SWAC," McKenzie said Tuesday. "I played in the league and coached in the league. I know the players and the different areas. It's a little easier for me to adapt. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference was a great experience, but there's a different philosophy there as far as what they're trying to get done football-wise.

Southern University

Services today for Southern's Thomas Funeral services for Southern track and field coach Johnny Thomas are today. Viewing is at 9 a.m. today at the Living Faith Christian Center, 6375 Winbourne Ave. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Thomas, 68, died June 13. Thomas, who coached the men’s and women’s track and cross country teams, won 45 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships at SU.

Read Related Articles: Keys: Thomas' way made impact at Southern

The Mets signed pitcher Emary Frederick out of Southern University prior to the 2007 season. Frederick is a native of Deltona, Florida.

Paying debts with Mets Daytona Beach, FL--Emary Frederick plays professional baseball for a living. While Class A doesn't provide much of a living, the DeLand High graduate realizes things could be worse. "I'm very content with my situation right now. Things could be better or they could be a lot worse. Not very many guys that I played with have this opportunity," said Frederick, a relief pitcher for the St. Lucie Mets, who is in town playing the Daytona Cubs this week. "It's a choice. I could talk about settling, but the reason I'm here is it's a choice. If I put in my time now, hopefully I can relax later."

Frederick, a side-arming right-hander, pitched in a 5-4 loss to the Cubs on Monday night and will be on the mound again Thursday night when the two teams close out a four-game series.
Despite a 2-4 record, the reliever is having his best professional season to date with a 3.45 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 20 games (28 2/3 innings). "To me he's made some good progress," said Phil Regan, pitching coach for the St. Lucie Mets. "He's got tremendous sink on the ball and I think, in my opinion, he's got a good major-league sinker. It sinks that well."

At 25, it's hard for Frederick to not get a little anxious. Younger players are drafted with huge signing bonuses that move up the ladder quicker. "I feel like it's going kind of slow thus far. It's only my third year as a professional, but I'm 25. I definitely thought I'd be farther along by now," Frederick said. "It's tough. It's definitely a jump up from college and the SWAC conference.

"The fact that Frederick is playing pro ball is a blessing in and of itself. After a good, but not great, college career at Southern University, Frederick signed a free-agent contract in his home dugout after being seen at Scout Day on the Baton Rouge, La., campus. Two years ago he was sent to the Class A Savannah Sand Gnats, where he posted a 2-0 record and struck out 50 in 32 games despite sitting out 45 days with a impingement in his throwing shoulder. Last year he moved up to high Class A St. Lucie, where he went 2-5 and struck out 52 batters, while improving his ERA to 4.47.

Norfolk State University
Miller signs with NSU through June 2014 Marty Miller has signed on for another five years as Norfolk State's athletic director, agreeing to a contract extension through June 2014, the school announced Thursday. Miller has been AD since December 2004. A 1969 graduate, he's been a coach or administrator at his alma mater since 1972. He coached the Spartans' baseball team to 718 wins in 32 years. NSU has won the past five MEAC men's all-sports awards. "We have made significant accomplishments in enabling our athletic programs to become more competitive," Miller said. "But we are seeking to become major players on a national level."

North Carolina A&T State University

Hill adds regional, national honors North Carolina A&T softball standout Ryanne Hill added a pair of honors to her resume. The sophomore from Charlotte (Independence High) was named third-team all-America by Easton Sports Inc. and the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association voted her to the all-state team. Hill was named MEAC player of the year last month and all-Southeast Region by the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association. “She has a very good work ethic and her academics are excellent,’’ said A&T head softball coach Mamie Jones. “She is a true student-athlete. She is constantly in the books, and she works tirelessly in making herself an excellent softball player.”

Hill led the MEAC in runs batted in and doubles (15). She also ranked second in the MEAC in hits (60) and total bases (96). In two years at A&T, Hill has a .340 batting average with 83 RBIs and 11 home runs in 94 games.

Jackson State University
ULL's Rogers fill out staff University Louisiana-Lafayette head coach Errol Rogers has added former Jackson State University recruiting coordinator and assistant Tomekia Reed. She will replace Paula Lee, who resigned to pursue other opportunities after a 3-27 season. Reed had coached at Jackson State for the past three seasons. She worked with the team's post players, including the 2006-07 Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year in forward Shelita Burns, and was its academic liaison. In 2006-07, JSU won the SWAC regular season championship and earned a WNIT berth. The following season the Tigers clinched the SWAC Tournament crown for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Reed received an associate degree from Hinds (Miss.) Community College before going to Southern Miss and Georgia Southwestern State University. She earned her bachelor's degree from GSSU. "She carries herself the right way, has a great knowledge of the game and is an intelligent young lady," Rogers said. "She's recruited in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Jackson State recruited across the country, so she has plenty of experience in recruiting.
"I think she's going to be a very good recruiter, someone who can relate with the kids and someone who knows her X's and O's."


CIAA/SIAC Special Feature
ARIZONA CARDINALS Reels in Fourth-Rounder from Saint Paul's College (Va.)
The Arizona Cardinals have signed fourth-round pick CB Greg Toler to a three-year, $1.5 million deal which includes a signing bonus of $316,000, a league source told Scout.com.

"I never took my grades seriously like I should have." "My coaches kept telling me that education's first, that you'll never be a student-athlete unless you're a good student." At the end of his senior high school season, Toler was ineligible to attend high school all-star games.

Toler (6-0, 193) earned All-CIAA and Little All-American first-team honors as well as being named Virginia small school Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2008 after collecting a career-high 51 tackles (37 solos), seven interceptions, and three blocked kicks. The first player from Saint Paul’s ever to be drafted, Toler set school records with 16 interceptions and 38 passes defensed during his four seasons.

The Washington, DC native finished his collegiate career with 161 tackles (101 solos), 16 interceptions, 38 passes defensed, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 40 starts at Saint Paul’s. Despite being only a Division II standout and also not being invited to the NFL combine, Toler gained buzz around the NFL before the draft after making a bunch of visits to various teams and conducting strong personal workouts. Toler should have a good chance to make the team as a fourth cornerback or better based on the lack of current depth at the position.

The Cardinals have released WR Justin Brown. Brown signed with the team as a rookie free agent out of Hampton University on April 27.

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National Football League: NFL Draft 2009 - Greg Toler
From Small St. Paul's, Greg Toler's Big Draft-Day Dream Comes True ...
How super is this sleeper? Toler says watch on Sundays - NFL ...

Monday, June 15, 2009

Bill Laimbeer quits Shock gig; Rick Mahorn (Hamptonite) named new coach

Head Coach, Rick Mahorn, WNBA Detroit Shock

Former Pistons star Bill Laimbeer resigned as the head coach and general manager of the defending WNBA champion Shock this afternoon, following an immensely successful 6 1/2-year run. Rick Mahorn (Hampton University) was promoted to head coach and Cheryl Reeve was promoted to assistant coach/general manager. It is believed that Laimbeer’s long-term aspiration is to become an NBA head coach. The Shock is 1-2 this season.

“It’s disappointing that Bill has decided to step down as head coach and general manager of the Detroit Shock,” Shock president Tom Wilson said in a released statement. “But at the same time, Bill led the Shock to three WNBA championships and a league-record 27 postseason victories during his seven-year tenure. We thank him for his guidance and dedication to the franchise and our organization.”

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The Rick Mahorn Story...

  • Derrick (Rick) Allen Mahorn, born 9/21/1958 in Hartford, Connecticut.
  • Played high school ball at Weaver H.S. in Hartford, CT., but didn't start for the basketball team until his senior year. Received more scholarship offers as a tightend and defensive end playing for the Weaver football team.
  • Played college basketball at Hampton University as a 6'10 center/power forward.
  • Rick graduated with a degree in business administration and became the most successful basketball player in the history of Hampton University.
  • First player from Hampton University ever drafted by the NBA.
  • Drafted in 2nd round, 35th overall, 1980Washington Bullets (Washington Wizards).
  • Pro career --1980–1999; Played for: Washington Bullets (19801985); Detroit Pistons (19851989); Philadelphia 76ers (19891991); Virtus Roma (1991–1992); New Jersey Nets (19921996); Detroit Pistons (19961998); and Philadelphia 76ers (1999).
  • In 1981, Mahorn picked up his first NBA nickname playing for the Washington Bullets. Teamed with Jeff Ruland 6'11", 275-pound, they formed an intimidating inside tandem; one that Boston Celtics announcer Johnny Most dubbed "McFilthy" [Ruland] and "McNasty" [Mahorn].
  • Mahorn won his only NBA championship (1989) with the Pistons and served as one of the team leaders of the Detroit Bad Boys teams of the late 1980s.
  • Known as the master of intimidation, Mahorn shelled out $11,000 in fines for rough play in 1989 and was the baddest of the Bad Boys in NBA Detroit.
  • 1989-91-- teamed with superstar Charles Barkley to form the top-rebounding duo of "Thump N' Bump."
  • Served as assistant coach under former teammate Bill Laimbeer with the WNBA's Detroit Shock for five seasons.
  • Won WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008 as an assistant coach to Bill Laimbeer, with Cheryl Reeve, former George Washington University women assistant coach.
  • 6/15/2009, Mahorn became head coach of the WNBA's Detroit Shock with a head coaching resume limited to 22 games in the CBA.

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Bill Laimbeer resigns as Shock coach; Mahorn takes over
Laimbeer shocks the Detroit Shock
Laimbeer resigns, Mahorn ascends - and more WNBA news
Shock coach Bill Laimbeer steps down, Rick Mahorn takes over
Shock coach/GM Laimbeer resigns

Pennsylvania All-star game stretching

Now in its ninth year, the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association East West All-Star Game continually broadens its horizons. Game alumni like Mike Cox, Bruce Gradkowski and Shaheer McBride (Delaware State - Philadephia Eagles) have gone on to play in the NFL. Ray Ventrone even made a tackle in the Super Bowl for the New England Patriots.

Strong Vincent's Deonte Flemings (red/black in photo) lost only one game in his senior season-- at the PIAA Class AAA semifinals. The 5-10/170 Vincent is a triple threat athlete--running QB, WR and lock down cornerback. Flemings is a Grambling State Tiger signee.

Unless there is a change in plans in the next few months, Erie Strong Vincent's Deonte Flemings will expand the game's scope to a new frontier: Louisiana. Flemings, one of 68 high school seniors who arrived at the Blair County Convention Center Sunday morning to begin preparations for this year's East West Game, has signed a letter-of-intent with the legendary Grambling State Tigers. Although he'll spend a few months at North Carolina Tech Preparatory School in Charlotte, should he fulfill his commitment to Grambling, he'd be the first player from the game to play his college ball in Louisiana and the Southwestern Athletic Conference. He'd also be making one of the farthest trips to a college of anyone to have competed in the game. This year's contest will be held at Mansion Park on Friday at 6 p.m.

That its talent would now be reaching the SWAC is a feather in the cap of the game and the talent in Pennsylvania. SWAC schools have produced Walter Payton (Jackson State) and Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State), the NFL's former all-time leading rusher and all-time leading receiver. Grambling is the most-storied football power in the conference, turning out four Pro Football Hall of Famers under the late Eddie Robinson, whom Penn State's Joe Paterno surpassed to become Division I college football's all-time winningest coach. That list doesn't even include No. 1 overall draft pick and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Doug Williams.

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Strong Vincent players getting set for college - Western PA ...
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Sunday, June 14, 2009

It’ll take more than coaching to keep S.C. State ahead

Florida A&M’s new $26 million Teaching Gymnasium, which will hold 9,639 fans: "There’s been plenty of talk in recruiting circles that FAMU’s new building helped dissuade potential Bulldog men’s basketball recruits from coming to Orangeburg."

There’s one common belief among all college head coaches, regardless of the sport.

When trying to recruit a high school prospect, a winning tradition and geography are high selling points. However, the quality of the facilities is more than often the deal maker or deal breaker. Take a look at the most successful Division I college football programs this decade (Florida, Southern Cal, Ohio State). In almost all cases, the facilities are second to none. The same is true even in the lower divisions in which former three-time defending Football Championship Subdivision champion Appalachian State can raise $32 million toward an athletic-enhancement campaign that already has produced three facilities.

Truly, the adage “if you build it, (they) will come” is as true in college sports as it was in the movie “Field of Dreams.” In the case of South Carolina State head coaches like Oliver “Buddy” Pough (football) and Hardeep Judge (tennis), renovations to their facilities have only further bolstered their proven ability to produce winning teams without the advantages of state-of-the-art athletics facilities.

FAMU's Teaching Gym Basketball Court

It’s no secret that S.C. State has managed to overcome a distinct disadvantage among its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference brethren when it comes to location and facilities. Out of the nine conference schools competing in football (not including Winston-Salem State, which remains non-eligible for MEAC title play), S.C. State has the smallest population and most rural setting:

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READ RELATED ARTICLES:
S.C. State football season tickets now available to public
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MEAC/SWAC/OVC Sports: This Week in Review

Morgan State University
Sriking Fear - By Jeff Glatzer, Football.com: Coaches love a defensive lineman with a nasty streak. That's exactly what defensive end Justin Lawrence from Morgan State of the MEAC conference play's with. This quick, powerful fifth-year senior has the mental make-up to be a fierce competitor. At 6-1, 280 pounds, Lawrence displays tremendous athleticism, earning him a selection to the All-MEAC first team in 2008. He also led the team in tackles for loss (17 for 82 yards), in sacks (8 for 60 yards lost), and forced fumbles (four).

Justin Lawrence #36 of the Morgan State Bears has the quickness and power to take over tackles and harass quarterbacks, especially cross-town rival Towson State.

Already a feared pass rusher, his strength has made him an excellent run stuffer at the nose position in 3-4 alignments. He has a tremendous motor in the trenches and is a very intelligent football player. He reads and defines his keys quickly as he reacts to the ball carrier and the quarterback. Off the field, Lawrence is a soft-spoken, friendly guy. He has a calm demeanor which translates well onto the field in pressure situations. When he peers across the line, anticipating what the tackles are going to do, he does so with a calm confidence. Film study is very important part of his game, helping to maintain his edge over the opponents.

Grambling State University
The First Annual Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame Induction
: Grambling State University (GSU) has spawned many great athletes who have made a significant impact on the world of sports. These extraordinary sports legends have set many records that still stand to this day. The Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame spearheaded by James “Shack” Harris (former NFL Pro Bowl MVP) and Doug Williams (former Super Bowl MVP) is committed to ensuring that these legends, their memories and accomplishments are cemented into historical posterity.

On July 18th 2009, the first group of 25 legends will be inducted into the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame at the Monroe Civic Center in Monroe, Louisiana. The 25 inductees are; Willis Reed (Basketball), Tommy Agee (Baseball), Ernie Ladd (Football/Wrestling), Henry Dyer (Football), Ralph Garr (Baseball), Charlie Hardnett (Basketball), Robert Hopkins (Basketball), Lane Howell (Football), Stone Johnson (Football/Track), Willie Joseph (Football), Leglian “Boots” Moore (Football), Bo Murray (Football), Helen Richards-Smith (Basketball), Richard Stebbins (Track), Hershell West (Basketball), Willie Young (Football), Tank Younger (Football), Ralph W.E. Jones (College President and Coach), Eddie G. Robinson (Coach), Collie Nicholson (Sports Information Officer), Fred C. Hobdy (Coach), Willie Brown (Football), Buck Buchanan (Football), Willie Davis (Football) and Charlie Joiner (Football).

James "Shack" Harris and Doug Williams

The induction ceremonies will also be broadcast live and will be available to fans and alumni worldwide on Pay per View. For details visit www.gramblingsportshof.com.




Delaware State University
DSU's Murray, Holmes earn All-American honors: Delaware State University freshman Leslie Murray has earned All-America recognition after finishing sixth in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2009 NCAA National Track & Field Championships. Murray was clocked at 49.91 seconds in the championship race of the NCAA 400-meter hurdles Friday evening at the University of Arkansas. A native of Beltsville, Md., and U.S. Virgin Islands, Murray set a DSU record in the 400 hurdles with a time of 49.83 seconds in the NCAA championship semi-finals on Thursday.

All-American MEAC 400 meter hurdles champion, Leslie Murray

The 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion in the 400-meter hurdles, Murray is Delaware State's first track & field All-America since the NCAA adopted its current championship format in 2000. Murray's sixth place finish in the 400-meter hurdle final also earned three points for Delaware State in the NCAA team standings, the first for the Hornets in the national championship competition.

Donte Holmes also attained All-America status for his performance at the 2009 NCAA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Holmes, a sophomore, was 11th in the semi-finals of the NCAA championship 800-meter run with a time of 1:47.61 last Thursday. He reached the semi-finals with a time of 1:48.05 in the preliminaries the day before. The 2009 MEAC 800-meter champion, Holmes has competed in the NCAA nationals in each of the last two years.

Southern University
Ex-Southern track coach Thomas dies: Johnny Thomas, whose SU men’s and women’s teams won 45 Southwestern Athletic Conference titles in 23 years, died Friday morning after a battle with prostate cancer, leaving many of his former athletes to recall how many lives he had impacted. Funeral arrangements for Thomas are pending, SU sports information director Kevin Manns said.

Pin Tales: Dartmouth High (Mass.) senior heading South on bowling scholarship: It's official. Kate McConnell signed her letter of intent to attend Southern University next fall. She will be attending on a partial bowling scholarship that will pay at least three quarters of her tuition. She's excited. "I"ve been e-mailing every NCAA Division I college bowling coach for the past year," she said, "and got a reply from Southern."

She met the coach last year in Detroit when she bowled (she later dropped out due to an injury) for the Junior Gold Team USA. "I was invited down to Baton Rouge (where the university is located)," she said, "and I liked what I saw." In the meantime, the 18-year-old Dartmouth High School (Massachusetts) senior is looking forward to her second trip to Junior Gold Nationals this July in Indianapolis.

"I have higher hopes this year," said McConnell, "I should be healthy and I'm more mature and I'll give it my best shot." She's been bowling since she was five years old and now bowls in the Wonderbowl Classic Junior League, the A.M. Junior League and the Junior Travel League. She carries a 180 average and has a career-high 268 game and 660 series. Once past the nationals, she can look forward to her trip down to her new school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Savannah State University
SSU names offensive coordinator: Eddie Johnson, who coached Savannah State's wide receivers last season, has been promoted to offensive coordinator, SSU head coach Robby Wells said. Johnson, 40, is in his second season with the program. He also served as the Tigers' strength and conditioning coach last season. In addition to being the offensive coordinator, Johnson will be the quarterbacks coach. He fills the void left by Alan Hall, who resigned in March to become Winston-Salem (N.C.) State's offensive coordinator. Johnson is a native of Cincinnati and a 1993 graduate of Georgetown (Ky.) University. He came to SSU from NCAA Division II Newberry (S.C.) College, where he was the defensive backs coach from 2005-07.

SSU 2009 Football Game Canceled: Because of a scheduling conflict, the football game between Savannah State and North Greenville has been canceled. The teams were supposed to have met October 10 in Savannah. North Greenville will play Samford in a Thursday night game Oct. 8. SSU will not schedule another opponent and will play a 10-game schedule.



Denver Broncos To Honor Shannon Sharpe: The Denver Broncos will honor former tight end Shannon Sharpe by placing him in the Ring of Honor. The ceremony will take place September 20 at halftime of the Denver 2009 home opener against the Cleveland Browns. The Savannah State grad played 12 seasons with the Broncos.

Jenkins' Mahany signs to SSU Baseball: Jenkins senior Chris Mahany wanted to play college baseball and he also wanted to stay close to home. Wednesday he got his wish granted on both fronts as he signed a national letter of intent to continue his career at the next level at Savannah State. "I would say that's probably their best athletic program, their baseball program," Mahany said. "I got a chance to meet the coach and he seems like a pretty cool guy and I should have a fun time over there." In his senior season, the 5-foot-9 Mahany hit .413 with 21 RBIs with five doubles, a triple and a home run in helping the Warriors to a 22-5 record and a Region 3-AAAAA championship. "My strengths, this year, I would say my hitting," Mahany said. "My hitting was real good and my arm, throwing from the outfield, is probably my strong point."

Prairie View A&M University
Cooper-Dyke to be inducted: Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is among the six 2009 inductees to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. An exhibit honoring Sonja Hogg, Jennifer Azzi, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Jennifer Gillom, Jill Hutchison and Ora Washington was unveiled Friday. The class was to be celebrated at a ceremony Saturday night in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Cooper-Dyke won a gold medal in the 1988 Olympics. She was a national champion at Southern California in 1983 and 1984 and a four-time WNBA champion with the Houston Comets. She was the first WNBA player to reach 2,500 points. Cooper-Dyke now coaches at Prairie View A&M. "The players of today don't necessarily see the game the way I saw it," Cooper-Dyke said. "The opportunities that we have now -- 20, 30, 40 years ago they just weren't there."

Bethune Cookman University
Simpson named to NCAA Div. 1 All-American Freshman Team: Courier-Islander, Canada --Campbell River's Ali Simpson, from Bethune Cookman University Wildcats, was honoured last week being named to Louisville Slugger Baseball America - 2009 NCAA Division 1 "All-American" Freshman Team. Last month Simpson was named Rookie of The Year in the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference and to the first team All-MEAC honour squad. Simpson and his teammates won their fourth straight MEAC championship ending the year 32-28 with two heart-breaking 8-7 losses in the Gainesville NCAA Division 1 Regional tournament.

The game highlight of the season for Simpson was a 5-2 win over the Miami Hurricanes. The No. 15 Nationally ranked Hurricanes were limited to four hits in 8 1/3 innings by Simpson. On the season, Simpson was 9-2 with a 3.23 ERA, striking out 79 batters in 75 1/3 innings. Simpson allowed 68 hits and only 14 extra base hits through the season ending with seven straight wins and a no-decision at NCAA Regional's last month.



Interview with Bethune-Cookman University All-American and 110 Meter Hurdles NATIONAL CHAMPION, Ronnie Ash at5th Pepsi Florida Relays4/3-4/09.

NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship: The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats men were tied for 23rd with Arizona in the final team standings as the four-day meet concluded Saturday on the John McDonnell Field at the University of Arkansas. The 'cats sophomore sensation All-American, Ronnie Ash smoked the field in the 110-meters hurdles for a first place finish and the national title at a personal best 13.27 seconds at Saturday's finals. Ash also won the indoor title in the event in March. Ash's indoor-outdoor sprint hurdle sweep is just the 14th in NCAA history, the last time coming in 2006 by Tennessee's Aries Merritt.

As a freshman, Ash finished third in the 110 hurdles at last year's outdoor championships behind Jason Richardson, the winner from South Carolina. On Saturday, Ash blew away the Gamecock with his personal-best 13.27 seconds, which also eclipsed Richardson's NCAA-best time of the season. Jason Richardson came in second in 13.49.

In the 200 meters, senior Joel Redhead finished in 8th place with a time of 21.15, ahead of Florida's Jeremy Hall 9th place finish at 21.30 seconds. His semifinal time of 20.49 would have been good enough to beat the 20.55 Charles Clark of Florida State put up to win the final. Redhead accomplishments on the national stage earned him All-American honors on Saturday.

South Carolina State University
South Carolina football to pay out more than $1.2M: South Carolina will pay out more than $1.2 million in guarantees to home football opponents this season, including $800,000 to Florida Atlantic. The payouts were detailed in the athletic department's 2009-10 budget Thursday. South Carolina will pay South Carolina State $230,000 for its Oct. 3 visit this fall. The Gamecock athletic department will also pay $250,000 to Clemson for its annual rivalry game on Nov. 28. South Carolina receives a similar amount when the game is played at Clemson's Memorial Stadium. A season ago, South Carolina paid out $1.18 million in such guarantees.

Alabama State University
RETROSPECT: The Alabama State University Marching Hornets and Stingettes:
Rivalry weekend took on a new meaning when the Alabama State University Marching Hornets came to Tallahassee, Florida to open the 2008 season at Bragg Memorial Stadium and re-new its long time rivalry with FAMU. With the electrifying performance of the Stingettes, this was one of the best performances by a visiting band in Bragg Stadium history. The FAMU Marching 100... as usual, won the half-time competition, but the event overall was worth the price of admission for the fans of HBCU football and bands. Alabama State went on to stomp their SWAC band competition with one of the best ASU bands of the decade. Check those Honey Bees! A-S-U! A-S-U! Go Hornets!



SPECIAL FEATURE: Saint Augustine College Wins D-II Men's National Track Championship.

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Saint Augustine’s College claimed the 4x400 relay in the last event to knock off seven-time defending champion Abilene Christian University and win the men’s national crown Saturday, May 23 at the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Angelo State University.

The Falcons scored 94 points to beat Abilene Christian, which scored 86. Adams State University was third with 75 and Lincoln (Mo.) University was fourth with 53. In the women’s division, the Lady Falcons placed fifth with 38 points. Lincoln (Mo.) gained the women’s crown with 85, edging Angelo State University with 82. The Falcons won their 10th outdoor men’s title and 31st overall under acclaimed head coach George Williams. This is their first outdoor men’s crown since 2001 when they beat Abilene Christian. Either Saint Augustine’s College or Abilene Christian has won the men’s championship since 1982.

The legendary and Olympic icon, George "Pup" Williams has won 25 NCAA Division II titles during his tenure and has received 90 Coach of the Year honors. His scholarship athletes at St. Augustine's have achieved a 95 percent graduation rate with his CIAA dynasty.

The Falcons, who practiced without a track on campus this season, also won the 2009 Division II national indoor men’s championship in March. They swept both indoor and outdoor men’s national crowns for the first time since 2001. “This is one of the most amazing championships that we’ve won,” Williams said. “We didn’t have a track and the talent pool wasn’t there like in the past but everything paid off.”

Both teams were tied at 84 points heading into the last event, setting the stage for a dramatic finish similar to 1994 when the Falcons won by one point over ACU, 118-117. But the Falcons outran the Wildcats in the 4x400 relay to take the crown. The foursome of Alvin Miles (Sr./Kingsville, Texas), Randy Curry (Sr./Atlanta, Ga.), Antonio Abney (Soph./Willingboro, N.J.) and Rashaud Johnston (Sr./St. Louis, Mo.) finished first in 3:06.90 while the Wildcats were seventh.

Miles replaced an injured Scott, who along with the other Falcon trio set the Division II national mark in the 4x400 (3:02.10) at the Penn Relays in April. Saint Augustine’s College also produced three individual national champions at the championship meet. Scott became the first Falcon since 1998 to win the men’s 400 dash. Scott beat Dane Hyatt of Lincoln (Mo.) University 45.41 to 45.77 Saturday for his first outdoor 400 title. Ledford Green of Johnson C. Smith University was third in 46.26.

Angelique Smith (Fr./Union City, Calif.) won her first outdoor title when she defeated Kim Prather of Abilene Christian in the women’s 400 dash Saturday. Smith edged Prather across the finish line 54.43 to 54.44.

On Thursday, Joe Kindred (Sr./Fuquay-Varina, N.C.) became a two-time winner in the men’s high jump. Kindred leaped 7-2.25 to defeat Oliver Harsanyi of Western State, who jumped 7-1. Chris Copeland (Fr./Suffolk, Va.) of the Falcons took third at 6-11.75. Kindred, named Division II national and regional outdoor male field athlete of the year, also placed second in the men’s triple jump and third in the men’s long jump.

Barbara Pierre (Jr./Winter Haven, Fla.) placed second Saturday in the women’s 100 dash, snapping her two-year title run in the event. Samoy Hackett of Lincoln (Mo.) was the winner, tying the Division II national record of 11.18 Saturday which Pierre set two days ago in the qualifying round. Pierre ran a time of 11.22 in the finals. She also placed second in the 200. Ramon Gittens (Soph./St. Michael, Barbados) was second Saturday in the men’s 100 dash, finishing in 10.18. Kawayne Fisher of Lincoln (Mo.) won the race in 10.15.

--Courtesy of Saint Augustine Athletics

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Saturday, June 13, 2009

Date changed for SU-Texas Southern football game

Southern’s football schedule has changed again. Texas Southern, in accepting a proposal from ESPNU, has moved its home game against the Jaguars to Dec. 5 — one week after the Bayou Classic and one week before the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game. The TSU game was originally scheduled for Oct. 10. Southern will have a bye that week instead.

The decision to move the game was made solely by TSU, Athletic Director Charles McClelland said.

“We got inquiries to move the game, and we were able to put it on national television,” McClelland said. “And there was financial benefit to both universities.” McClelland said both schools will receive a payout of more than $100,000, but declined to give an exact figure.

According to SU records, this would be the first time the Jaguars played a conference game between the Bayou Classic and the SWAC Championship Game, which began in 1999. In fact, this will be the Jaguars’ first regular-season game after the Bayou Classic since 1979, when they finished with back-to-back wins against Grambling and Alabama State. “I’m not pleased with it,” SU coach Pete Richardson said of the change. “I was informed that it would probably happen a few days ago. It could have an impact on the conference championship.

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In transition, NCCU turns back clock

Head Coach LeVelle Moton, a North Carolina Central grad, is a former high school coach with plenty of recruiting ties in the Raleigh-Durham area.

The tornado never did touch down, despite the threats of a visit causing one heck of a windstorm. And now that John Wall has moved on, LeVelle Moton can get down to the business of building a basketball program.

Wall, the nation's most-coveted recruit this spring, told a North Carolina newspaper in late April that he was going to visit North Carolina Central to see what a historically black university had to offer. Wall never visited the campus, but for a brief moment the Eagles were caught in the whirlwind that is big-time recruiting, a pretty heady experience for a school still trying to secure itself a spot in a Division I conference. "I couldn't believe the magnitude of it," said Moton, who has known Wall, a North Carolina native, since he was a kid competing at Moton's basketball camps. "It was every day. It made Rome is Burning. It was crazy."

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Saskatchewan Roughriders' training camp: Battle in trenches heated for MEAC stars

Defensive lineman Stevie Baggs (90) and offensive lineman Andrae Townsel have been doing battle at training camp. Baggs and Townsel both played in the MEAC. Baggs, 27, played with the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and was a three-time all-American. Townsel, 25, played with the Howard University Bison and was an all-MEAC honorable mention in his senior year.

The trenches have already produced some memorable battles during the early days of the Saskatchewan Roughriders' training camp. Some of the more impressive tussles have featured veteran defensive end Stevie Baggs and rookie offensive tackle Andrae Townsel. One can barely step into Mosaic Stadium without hearing that the two have engaged in another epic struggle during one-on-one drills.

"The battles on the field are as intense as they get,'' Townsel said Tuesday after the Riders completed the third day of training camp. "It's almost like game preparations but it's all love. There isn't anything personal. They get it all on film and afterwards we walk to the sideline and tell the guy, 'Good rep, good rep.' ''

From the safety of the sidelines, it doesn't look like a lot of affection is being shown when the offensive and defensive linemen collide in one-on-one drills. It's an intense 20-second battle of wills. "We're just trying to make each other better,'' said Townsel. "He's making me a better offensive tackle and I'm making him a better defensive end.'' Townsel has the size advantage. The native of Detroit is 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds. Baggs, who hails from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is 6-foot-1 and 241 pounds. It's about Townsel's might versus the speed of Baggs. The collisions and skirmishes after the contact are must-see viewing during training camp.

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NSU football schedule includes first visit by William & Mary

Seven home games, including visits from Hampton, William and Mary and defending MEAC champion South Carolina State, highlight the Norfolk State football schedule finalized Tuesday. The Spartans, who played just five home games last year, will play five of their first six at Dick Price Stadium this season, beginning with the annual Labor Day Classic against Virginia State on Sept. 5. They'll play just four road games.

"Last year, we had to kind of pay the piper," coach Pete Adrian said. "This year, we hopefully can get the reward." The Spartans play four straight at home from Sept. 19 to Oct. 17, beginning with a first-ever visit from William and Mary. They'll face the toughest part of their conference schedule next, with home games against Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State and Hampton.

QB Dennis Brown and the Spartans prepare for '09 MEAC title run.

NSU Spartans 2009 Football Schedule
Date Opponent
9/5/09 Virginia State (Virginia Lottery Labor Day Classic), Norfolk, Va., 6 p.m.
9/12/09 *North Carolina A&T, Greensboro, N.C., TBA
9/19/09 William & Mary, Norfolk, Va., 6 p.m.
9/26/09 *Bethune-Cookman (Fish Bowl Classic), Norfolk, Va., 4 p.m.
10/10/09 *South Carolina State, Norfolk, Va., 1 p.m.
10/17/09 *Hampton (Battle of the Bay), Norfolk, Va. , 1 p.m.
10/24/09 *Florida A&M, Tallahassee, Fla., 3 p.m.
10/31/09 *Howard (Homecoming), Norfolk, Va., 1 p.m.
11/7/09 *Morgan State, Baltimore, Md., 4 p.m.
11/14/09 *Delaware State, Dover, Del., 1 p.m.
11/21/09 *Winston-Salem State, Norfolk, Va.


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Southern U. moves JSU game to Jackson for $$$

Saying the school can make more money playing in Jackson than in Baton Rouge, Southern University officials have moved the Jaguars' Oct. 3 home game against Jackson State to 60,492-seat Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The two SWAC East division rivals play yearly, alternating sites, but the chance to sell 40,000 or more tickets in Jackson outweighed the home-field advantage that comes with 28,000-seat A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge.
























"You can't measure (home-field advantage)," said Southern athletic director Greg LaFleur, whose school is facing stiff budget cuts and recently eliminated its women's golf and men's tennis teams. "I can't worry about the part I can't measure. "But we can count cheeks in the seats." The schools have a verbal agreement, but nothing has been signed. While cash is the primary factor in the decision, how the money will be shared has not been solidified.

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Mebane returns to Carolina as N.C. State assistant

RALEIGH, N.C. -- In his fifth year at Hampton University, Walter Mebane led the Lady Pirates to the MEAC tournament final. Hampton lost to N.C. A&T and coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs, Mebane's former boss. For his accomplishment, he was abruptly released. Now Mebane, a Durham native, is back home after being hired as an assistant coach at N.C. State under new coach Kellie Harper. Mebane recently talk to The Tribune about his latest career move.

Tribune: Were you surprised by your dismissal?

Mebane: Very. We were coming off one of our better seasons in the conference and also we got to the championship game with three freshmen, a junior and a sophomore. We had made some steady progression the year before and now had a turnaround this year, so I thought we had the program moving in a positive direction. I felt we could get back to the championship again next year Unfortunately that didn't happen. But I try not to look back, and I firmly believe that God closes one door and opens up another, and I just pray that He doesn't keep me in the hallway.

From Archives: Cox 11 Interview with HU Lady Pirates basketball coach Walter Mebane and forward Chinyere Ukoh (11/10/08).


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Monday, June 8, 2009

MEAC/SWAC/OVC Sports: This Week in Review

Kirsten Stallings, a 6-0 junior forward from Memphis, Tenn. Ridgeway HS has transferred from FAMU to Augusta State University, Columbus, GA.








University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Mishayla Truttman of Gresham graduated in three years from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Spanish. In addition to graduating with a 4.0 grade point average, she was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Softball Team and received the MEAC First Team All-Conference award. Mishayla is the daughter of Paul and Marguerite Truttman and a 2006 graduate of Gresham High School. She plans to attend law school.

Hampton University
The Saskatchewan Roughriders, CFL have signed receiver and kick returner Jeremy Gilchrist, the team announced on Wednesday. Gilchrist, at 5'10 and 174 pounds, spent two seasons at Hampton University after transferring there from Virginia Tech. The Riders said they felt it was necessary to add some depth to their roster to take part of the load off their bigger players. Gilchrist had 40 catches for 544 yard and two touchdowns in his senior year, averaging 15.6 yards on punt returns with three touchdowns. The 23-year-old was a first-team all-conference player in 2007 and made the second-team All-MEAC in 2008. Financial details of the contract were not released.

Hampton University's Jeremy Gilchrist will get pro football opportunity with the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders.

South Carolina State University
S.C. State Bulldogs builds on ‘08 success with early top 20 ranking for ‘09: Going undefeated in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play and a strong first-round showing in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs in 2008 more than earned South Carolina State long-sought respect nationally.At season’s end, the Bulldogs finished with their highest season-ending rankings in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs since 1997. They were ranked as high as 12th in FCS Coaches Poll and 13th in both the Sports Network and Any Given Saturday.com season-ending poll. Based on the new AGS poll, it appears national observers still hold S.C. State in high regard. The AGS Web site ranked the Bulldogs 17th in its sixth annual preseason poll, the highest showing for any historically black college and university.

Gamezone: S.C. State creates paid area for tailgating: Bulldog football fans are going to need a ticket if they want to get close to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on game days this fall. South Carolina State University is implementing a policy establishing a “Gamezone” surrounding the stadium where patrons will have to pay for parking and must have a ticket to gain entry. President Dr. George Cooper said the zone will generate revenue for the university during tight financial times. In addition, he believes it will cut down on loitering and get more fans into the stands. Board Chairman Lumus Byrd said more fans need to go inside the stadium, which has the capacity to hold 24,500 people, instead of tailgating. “The program is well funded but poorly supported. We have to start running this like a business,” he said.

A fenced-in perimeter will be placed around the zone. It will extend from the Chestnut Street side of campus to the end of Mitchell and Felton Fields.Five kiosks are going to be outside of the zone where tickets can be purchased. Special parking passes for the zone must be purchased in advance. Cars entering from Russell and Magnolia streets will be charged $5 to park on campus.

Florida A&M University
Derrick Shaw has been named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America team, it was announced Wednesday by Collegiate Baseball. Shaw made the team as one of the best designated hitters in the nation. Derrick Shaw, Florida A&M — A first team MEAC selection, Shaw hit .366 with 9 doubles, 42 RBIs and 9 stolen bases.

Jarquella Woods, a 5-2 sophomore guard from Columbus, Georgia/Hardaway HS has transferred from FAMU to Augusta State University, located in her hometown.








Augusta State University (NCAA Division II-Peach Belt Conference) head women’s basketball coach Tes Sobomehin announced the addition of a pair of Division I transfers to the Lady Jaguar program. Kirsten Stallings, a 6-0 forward from Memphis, Tenn., and Jarquella Woods, a 5-2 point guard from Columbus, Ga., come to ASU from Florida A&M. Stallings will have one year of eligibility remaining while Woods will have two years of eligibility left. Stallings, who spent three seasons at FAMU, played in 28 games and made one start for the Lady Rattlers as a junior in 2008-09. She averaged 8.7 minutes, 1.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 36.4 percent from the field. “Woods, who prepped at Hardaway High in Columbus, Ga., played two seasons in the Lady Rattler program. As a sophomore, she appeared in 30 games, making five starts and averaging 2.9 points and 1.3 assists per game. She shot 31.9 percent from the field, including 30.5 percent from 3-point range. student and we are glad to have her join the family.” The Lady Jags return four starters and seven letter winners from the 2008-09 squad, including all-conference performer Jasmine Godwin.

Nunnally among seven to enter the FAMU athletics: Four-time All-American football player Jacquay Nunnally is among the newest class of inductees to the Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame. The group of seven will be enshrined as the Hall's 34th induction class during ceremonies on Sept. 4 at the Civic Center. Nunnally, a receiver who played from 1997-2000 and who still reigns as the NCAA Division I FCS career pass receiving leader with 318 regular-season receptions.



















Rattlers last Four-time All-American, Jacquay Nunnally,#85 will be inducted into FAMU Athletics Hall of Fame. Nunnally played for Coach William "Billy" Joe in his legendary "Gulf Coast Offense" that destroyed 1-AA defenses.

Joining Nunnally is two-time All-America left tackle Terry Beauford (1989, 1990), who played several seasons in the National Football League (Green Bay, San Diego) and his FAMU teammate, quarterback Antoine "Tony" Ezell (1988-91), who was the first Rattler quarterback to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a season and who finished his career with 6,620 yards — the third-highest total in school history. Also slated for induction is basketball star Aldwin Ware (1984-88), a Black College All-American in 1988, who led NCAA Division I in steals with 142, helping lead the Rattlers to a 22-8 finish and a berth in the finals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.

Leon "Tex' Collier (1956-59), a strapping 6-foot-9 two-way tackle for the FAMU Football team, who also played forward for the Rattler Basketball team. Collier played on the 1957 and 1958 basketball conference title winners, three football conference championship teams (1956, 1957, 1958) and the 1957 national championship football team.

FAMU finds its punter in a waiter: Just a few months ago, Branden Holdren was serving meals to customers at a Jacksonville restaurant. In two months, he's expected to be kicking punts on special teams for FAMU's football team. Holdren can thank his former Jacksonville First Coast High School teammate Trevor Platt for making the pitch that gives him the chance he didn't get coming out of high school last year. Holdren is getting the shot at becoming the Rattlers starting punter after Troy Walker, who had an impressive spring, became academically ineligible. Up to then, he had the job locked down following Will Platt's unexpected withdrawal from classes. Holdren, 6-foot-2, 210, is expected to report to preseason camp on Aug. 10 for the opening of two-a-days drills.

Alabama State University
Alabama State's SWAC opener against Mississippi Valley State will be played at Chicago's Soldier Field and its season-ending game with traditional rival Tuskegee University will kick off two hours later than normal to accommodate a national television audience. The Sept. 26 game against MVSU has been moved to Chicago's Soldier Field as the Hornets and Delta Devils participate in the 10th annual Chicago Football Classic. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. ASU's Nov. 26 season-ending contest against Tuskegee will be televised live on ESPNU. The Hornets and Tigers will kick off the Turkey Day Classic at 3 p.m. from historic Cramton Bowl. HORNETS' 2009 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Practice field renovation now under way at ASU: Alabama State University has started work to replace the sod on its football practice field with artificial turf, the first phase of a planned $7 million renovation of the football complex. The $600,000 practice field project should be completed by the end of July. “This is a great improvement over the existing grass field because the synthetic field material will allow the team to practice year round, and is identical to the type of surface our team plays on throughout the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” said Kippy Tate, ASU’s vice president for buildings and grounds. Tate and ASU President William Harris were present Friday morning as a fleet of earth-moving equipment converged on ASU to scoop up all the old sod and dirt in preparation for the installation of the new synthetic field material.

Tennessee State University
John Jones, a linebacker who played the past two seasons at Florida, is transferring to Tennessee State. The 6-foot-2, 219-pound Sarasota, Fla., native played in 11 games last season and recorded 18 tackles, including a career-high seven against The Citadel. He had four tackles against South Carolina. As a freshman, Jones played in nine games, though most of his action came on special teams. Jones said he was seeking the opportunity for more playing time and consulted with his friend Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie about playing at TSU. Rodgers-Cromartie is a former TSU cornerback who also is from Sarasota (Booker High School) and a NFL 1st round draft choice. As a high school senior, Jones was rated eighth nationally among middle linebackers by Scout.com and 26th by Rivals.com. He also started at wide receiver in high school. Along with Florida, Jones was recruited by Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Michigan.

Alcorn State University
Brenda T. Square, chief of staff and executive assistant to Alcorn State President George E. Ross, has been named the school’s interim athletics director. Square replaces Darren Hamilton, who left Alcorn to become athletic director at Livingstone College in North Carolina. Square was hired in 2008 to serve as Ross’ chief of staff and executive assistant.

Jackson State University
Jackson State has earned the Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup Award for all-sports competition in the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the third consecutive year and the women’s Barbara Jacket/Sadie Magee sports award for the fourth consecutive year. On the men’s side, Grambling claimed the C.D. Henry sports award. JSU totaled 160 points by winning conference titles in men’s and women’s golf, women’s tennis and women’s outdoor track. Jackson State had second-place finishes in football, men’s basketball, men’s outdoor track, women’s cross country, women’s soccer and women’s indoor track, and third-place finishes in volleyball, bowling and softball and tied for third in men’s tennis. In the all-sports competition, Grambling finished second (153.5 points) and Alabama State third (136.5 points). In women’s competition, Jackson State’s 96 points led all schools. Grambling (82 points) was second and Southern (78 points) third.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Hundreds Gather to Remember Beloved PVAMU Band Director

Video: Hundreds Gather to Remember Beloved Band Director

A different kind of athlete, calls the football field at Prairie View A&M University home. An athlete with a high step, and a bold drum line Varian Howard knows all too well. Howard says he would not have developed a love, for PVAMU band at an early age, if it hadn't have been for one man. "He was definitely a father and friend. Some of his teachings I hold dear to me to this day," says former PVAMU band member, Varian Howard.

Howard, along with hundreds of others returned to Prairie View A&M University to remember band director, George W. Edwards. The man affectionately known as "Prof Edwards" died May 28th after suffering injuries in a traffic accident. Friday, memories brought tears and smiles to the faces of many, as memories of discipline fill the hearts of others. "He taught us how to walk, talk, and act like royalty, cause he accepted nothing less" says Howard.

It's the type of expectation, Howard saw first hand in the seventh grade, while attending PVAMU's band practice. He says at that time he not only learned band principles, but meaningful life lessons. "As far as music, I mean your education, he was a very positive influence on me" says former PVAMU band member, Ernest Biggers. Biggers performed under Edwards direction more than 10 years ago.


"George Edwards will go down as one of the 7-8 top black college band directors of the last 60 years," said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News and HBCU band historian. "He is in the conversation with William P. Foster at FAMU; Isaac Griggs at Southern; Frank Greer at Tennessee State; Conrad Hutchinson at Grambling; and Eddie Ellis at Morris Brown & South Carolina State.

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SWAC Likely to Move Back to Nine-Game Conference Schedule

Three summers ago, the athletic directors of all 10 Southwestern Athletic Conference schools agreed to move to a seven-game conference football schedule, rather than the nine-game schedule that had previously been used. The thinking was the creation of more nonconference openings would allow SWAC schools, which compete in the Football Championship Subdivision, to schedule games with schools from the Football Bowl Subdivision, games which usually come with a sizable payout.

But as the annual SWAC meetings wrapped up Friday in Birmingham, Ala., conference athletic directors have decided the experiment is over, and think the possibility of the paid games have been more trouble than they’re worth. “(Schools) wanted the opportunity to make more money” said UAPB athletic director Skip Perkins by phone from Birmingham. “Grambling (State), Southern and Jackson State were getting those games anyway, everyone else was having problems.”

The change back to the nine-game schedule, which was used up until last season, was approved by athletic directors and now only needs to be approved by the SWAC’s Council of Presidents and Chancellors Friday night before becoming official, the results of which were not known as of press time. If approved, the nine-game conference schedule would be reinstated for the 2010 season.

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Saturday, June 6, 2009

MVSU basketball inks eight for 2009-2010

Help is on its way for Coach Sean Woods and the MVSU Delta Devils (7-11 SWAC, Overall 7-25) with first signing class.

ITTA BENA - The Mississippi Valley State Department of Athletics announced that it has signed eight student-athletes for the 2009-2010 season of Delta Devils' men's basketball. “This is where the revitalization and rebuild of our program begins,” said MVSU head coach Sean Woods. “We worked hard during the recruiting period and the players we signed should become important pieces of the program when they join us in the fall.”

Entering his second year as head coach, Woods - along with his staff - will be hoping that the eight signees will make immediate and intense impacts on the team. Along with the signees and an experienced group of returning players, Mississippi Valley State is in the midst of not only retooling, but restoring the pride and legacy known as Delta Devil basketball.

Below are the initial signees for the class of 2009-10:

Jason Sabb 6-foot-3 guard, Angelina Junior College in Lufkin, Texas.
Darian Donald 6-foot-5 forward from East Mississippi Community College.
Chris Hamblin 6-foot-6 forward, Western Nebraska Junior College.
Mark Holmes 6-foot-6 combo forward from Guerin College Prep School in Illinois.
Ricky Lamb 6-foot-6 combo player from Raines High School, Jacksonville,Florida.
Michael Mayo 6-foot-3 guard from Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona.
D'Angelo Jackson 6-foot-1 point guard from Arkansas-Fort Smith Community College.
Jason Holmes 6-foot-9 post player from Conchise College.

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Sunday, May 31, 2009

Taylor tries to beat B-CU in own backyard

DELAND, FL — Florida A&M football coach Joe Taylor came right into the backyard of Bethune-Cookman University and caused quite a stir with the help of an audience of FAMU fans Saturday morning. Taylor, who is preparing for his second season as the Rattlers' head coach, fielded questions from the audience. It was apparent that beating B-CU in recruiting in the tiny town is a priority for most of those in the group that makes up FAMU's Volusia County Alumni Association.

Getting the best of the qualified players in the small town — nestled between Orlando and Daytona — is part of his mission, Taylor told the gathering at Chisholm Community Center. "There are lots of schools in Florida that have tremendous athletes off the beaten-path," Taylor said afterward. "There is another college in this area (B-CU) that's recruiting in this area, but we just came to make sure that we talk to the alumni and let them know what kind of program we run."

Taylor will do just that during the next six weeks, as he makes the rounds throughout Florida and other parts of the country to inform FAMU fans on the upcoming season. The appearance in Volusia county was the third of seven stops on Taylor's summer tour.

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