Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Oakley likes to listen, then he makes his point

Don't let the touch of gray in Charles Oakley's hair lead you to think he's going soft. "Everybody that knows Oak knows how he is. He only knows one way - tough," Charlotte Bobcats center Kwame Brown says. "That's how he played. That's how he is as a man. He's straightforward and in your face."

Oakley might be 47 years old now - eight years removed from his NBA playing career - but the toughness that defined him remains. It's one of the reasons he was called to join coach Paul Silas' staff as an assistant after Larry Brown was fired.

The thick, muscular 6-foot-9 frame that was instantly recognizable to a generation of NBA fans remains.


Videographer: ESNEWS
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TSU men toppled by Mississippi Valley State 89-76

ITTA BENA, Miss. — Terrence Joyner scored 21 points as Mississippi Valley State got off to a sizzling start and held on to beat Texas Southern 89-76 Monday night. The Delta Devils (7-13, 6-1) moved into a tie for the Southwestern Athletic Conference lead with the Tigers (8-10, 6-1) and idle Jackson State.

Mississippi Valley, which averaged 77.5 points in its first six SWAC contests, nearly reached that by intermission, taking a 60-36 halftime lead on 63.9-percent shooting (23 of 36).

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B-CU Wildcats take over 1st in MEAC

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Facing last place Howard on Monday, Bethune-Cookman needed a win to hold onto a share of first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. With a little help, Bethune-Cookman (11-9, 6-1) did one better. The Wildcats won 56-49 in front of a crowd of 800 at the Ocean Center.

And their conference co-leader, Hampton, lost to Florida A&M, giving B-CU sole possession of the top spot in the MEAC.

Photo Gallery

HOWARD WOMEN BREEZE PAST WILDCATS

Daytona Beach, FL – The Howard University women's basketball team defeated Bethune Cookman, 56-42 at the Ocean Center on Mon. Jan. 24.  HU improves 6-14 overall and 3-4 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Bethune Cookman started the game with a jumper from Amanda Hairston. The Lady Wildcats took the lead with an 8-1 run. HU stopped the run with a jumper by Kara Smith at the 16:14 mark to make it 9-3.

Doyle's 27 leads Howard past B-CU

DAYTONA BEACH -- Two days after pulling off a 17-point comeback win, Bethune-Cookman found itself in need of another rally, but it wasn't in the cards against Howard. The Wildcats started strong in the game at the Ocean Center on Monday. But then their offense fell apart in a 56-42 loss.

Down nine at the half (30-21), the Wildcats (9-9, 3-4 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) started the second half with five straight turnovers and didn't score a basket for nearly seven minutes.

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FAMU shocks Hampton

Florida A&M basketball coach Eugene Harris doesn't take off his jacket except on a rare occasion.

Monday night was one of them. With 37.2 seconds on the clock and the Rattlers holding a three-possession lead on the top team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Harris was down to his white shirt and tie. On the other end, Hampton University's head coach Edward Joyner constantly wiped the sweat that had beaded up on his face, as if he knew his team's second conference loss was inevitable.

It reached the boiling point in the Lawson Center when the final buzzer went off with FAMU on top of the Pirates 62-58. Beating Hampton (15-5, 5-2 MEAC) is the biggest upset in the program's history since the team made it to the NCAA Tournament four years ago.



Rattlers Women come up short against Hampton

For 14 minutes, the Florida A&M women's basketball team executed the game plan to perfection Monday night at the Lawson Center. Then, the Rattlers stopped getting rebounds and Hampton University began to find gaping holes in their man-defense.

By the time FAMU gathered itself it didn't have enough time to avoid a 59-47 loss on a night when a win would have made the difference between being in a first-place tie with the Pirates (13-6, 6-1) or where they have fallen to fourth place in the MEAC.

Pirates with a tough road loss at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, FLA – The Hampton University men’s basketball team had its three-game winning streak snapped on Monday night, as the Pirates fell 62-58 to Florida A&M at the Lawson Center.

Junior guard Kwame Morgan II hit a 3-pointer with 36 seconds left to pull Hampton within three, 58-55, before hitting a free throw with 15 seconds left to cut the score to 60-58. Yannick Crowder and Amin Stevens each hit a free throw down the stretch, and junior guard Christopher Tolson missed what would’ve been a game-tying 3-pointer with nine seconds remaining.

Florida A&M upsets Hampton; Pirates' three-game win streak snapped

Florida A&M (7-12, 2-5 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) snapped a three-game Hampton (15-5, 5-2) winning streak with a 62-58 win and knocked the Pirates out of a first-place tie with Bethune-Cookman.

The Pirates' Kwame Morgan hit a 3 with 36 seconds left and a free throw with 15 left to bring the game to 60-58. The Rattlers' Yannick Crowder and Amin Stevens hit one free throw apiece, and the Pirates’ Christopher Tolson missed a game-tying 3 with nine seconds left.

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Monday, January 24, 2011

Paine coach Ronnie Spry resigns

Augusta, Ga-- After 31 years at the helm of the Paine College men's basketball team and as the school's athletic director, today, Ronnie Spry steps down and resigning both positions.

Emotions were running high as Spry made the decision with family and friends on hand. This comes mid-season in the midst of controversy surrounding Spry and the program. You may remember he's has been on administrative leave for nearly a month now and his future had been uncertain. While no one, including spry, will address why exactly he was placed on leave, he's just glad the situation has been resolved.



Paine College Issues Statement On Ron Spry's Indefinite Leave


Augusta, GA -- Paine College athletic director and men's basketball head coach Ron Spry is still awaiting the decision of the college in regards to his indefinite administrative leave from the school. Paine College officials issued a statement Wednesday. WJBF News Channel 6 Sports' Merissa Lynn has more.

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Honda Battle of the Bands 2011 Set to Rock Atlanta



BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Marching 101 to compete Jan. 29 in Atlanta

South Carolina State University's Marching 101 has joined the ranks of the top eight Historically Black College and University marching bands selected to perform at the 2011 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.

Other bands participating in the showcase, set for Jan. 29 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, are Virginia State University's Marching Trojan Explosion, Albany State University's Marching Rams Show Band, Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South, Bethune Cookman University's Marching Wildcats, Clark Atlanta University's Mighty Marching Panthers, Winston-Salem State University's Red Sea of Sound and Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands.

Honda Battle of the Bands 2011 Set to Rock Atlanta

More than 60,000 fans will flock through the gates of Atlanta’s Georgia Dome on January 29th, 2011 to witness the 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, an unparalleled performance and celebration of the nation’s elite marching bands. Renowned Hip-Hop performer and actor “Bow Wow” will join more than 1,800 student musicians and one of Atlanta’s best amateur vocalists to celebrate the music and creativity found at America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

FAMU's Marching 100 won't defend Honda Battle of the Bands title in Atlanta

Has the Marching 100 lost its mojo?  The Marching 100, Florida A&M University's famed marching band, will not be defending its title later this month in the annual Honda Battle of the Bands at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Marching 100, winners of the event last year, didn't receive enough votes to qualify as 2011 finalists.

The voting process is broken down among fans, band directors and university presidents, said Erika Braxton-White, a spokeswoman for Honda. Each band director and university president gets one vote for any band except their own.

"We didn't campaign to participate," said Julian White, Marching 100 band director. He noted that the band wanted to focus this semester primarily on concert band performances.

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WSSU races past Fayetteville State

There were no empty seats at the Gaines Center for Winston-Salem State's showdown with Fayetteville State on Saturday night.

On a night when several past WSSU greats were honored, Lamar Monger stole the show. He scored a career-high 30 points to lead the Rams to a 76-62 victory in front of 3,200. It was as full as the Gaines Center has been since the Rams were last in the CIAA, five years ago.

"We had all these Hall of Famers and our fans here watching, so we couldn't let them down," said forward McIntoche Alcius, who had eight points and five rebounds. "After watching those legends get their jerseys honored and all that (on Friday night) we kind of got excited, so we wanted to play well."

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

SU women beat ASU for fourth straight victory

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Defense, rebounding and strong guard play helped the Southern women’s basketball team in a 50-41 victory at Alabama State on Saturday night, extending the Jaguars’ winning streak to four games. Now, it’s on to Alabama A&M and a showdown for control of the Southwestern Athletic Conference race.

Saturday night in the Dunn-Lover Acadome, for the seventh time in seven conference games, Southern shot below 40 percent from the floor — but the Jaguars, as usual, made sure their 50 points were enough.

Southern (9-8, 6-1) forced 20 turnovers and owned a 33-25 advantage in rebounds against Alabama State (4-13, 1-5). The Lady Hornets got 14 points from Tanika Jackson and 10 points from Erica Henderson, but six of their 11 players went scoreless.

ASU falls short, Moorer or less

Former Central-Hayneville standout Tramayne Moorer returned to the Alabama State lineup for just the second time this season Saturday.

He responded with only the third double-double by a Hornet this season, scoring a team-high 11 points and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds. But it wasn't enough, as the Hornets lost to Southern 64-52 at Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

For Moorer, it's a double dose of frustration. Sidelined for all but one game of his second and third years at ASU with a broken kneecap and a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, he was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA to play this season.

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A throwback page from FAMU Marching 100 history -- the Hundred' greatest hits!

Sixty-five years is a long time to be a dynasty in the music field, and without a doubt, Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band has been more than that and some more.

In the Spring of 1989, the Marching 100 was invited to represent the United States in the French Bicentennial Bastille Day Parade in Paris (Bicentennial of the French Revolution) by Artistic Director Jean Paul Goude.  The FAMU Marching 100 was the sole band from the U.S. invited.

Mr. Goude specifically requested that the Marching 100 play a medley of James Brown music, the Godfather of Soul.  Within this window before the world, Jean Paul Goude wanted the French people and the world to be exposed to Black Music, music based on African rhythms and riffs.  The band had made a lasting impression on Goude ten years earlier, while he lived in New York, and he had seen the Florida A&M band playing at the Super Bowl or some other game at the Orange Bowl. He thought the band was extraordinary and needless to say, it left a lifetime impression on him.

The legendary Dr. William P. Foster stated, "this was a tribute to black music."

The parade was basically about the rights of man, first--representing all countries with a touch of African music. There was an under theme--World Music and world music is based on African music and rhythms.  The Bastille Day Parade would be a global showcase of the impact of African music on the world.

James Brown "influenced pop music like no one had  before and he deserved recognition," said Goude. Folks had made careers off of one riff of James Brown music and he was the "Godfather of Soul" in American music.

Goude, in a documentary explaining why the FAMU Marching 100 was chosen, stated, "Afro-American music is the music that makes the planet dance."  "Florida A&M University Marching 100 does it better than anyone else in the World."












The brilliant music arranger and composer, Mr. Lindsey B. Sarjeant, Assistant Director of Bands, Arranger made the rare transition in 1972 from recent graduate from FAMU (1971) to assistant university music arranger and composer under Mr. Richard Powell, a white guy from Puget Sound, Washington.  Powell was a truly gifted arranger that was a somewhat music pioneer in arranging wonderful black pop music of the day (late 60's -70's era) for the Marching 100. He was also an excellent music composition instructor.

Mr. Sarjeant has been  responsible for the powerful and dynamic, artistic sounds of the internationally famous Florida A&M University Marching 100 for nearly 40 years.  He is an Associate professor at Florida A&M University and serves as Director of Jazz Studies, director of jazz ensembles and arranger for the famous Marching “100” Band, symphonic Band and jazz ensemble. He is a brilliant jazz pianist, composer, jazz lecturer, jazz historian, adjudicator and jazz keyboard clinician.

Video number 9 and 10 are very rare--back in the day with black and white television and video cameras. Studying the Marching 100 performances from 1946 to 2011 is a doctoral thesis in our social, political and economic evolution and black pop music culture.  Like the Godfather of Soul revolutionized pop/soul music to the masses, so did the Marching 100 on the American and World stage.

(beepbeep)

Credits:
1. Videographer: BAGHDAD11B, "JAMES BROWN RIFFS" PART 1: FAMU HOMECOMING 08'
2. Videographer: BAGHDAD11B, "JAMES BROWN RIFFS" PART 2: FAMU HOMECOMING 08'
3. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28, FAMU 1989 Band "Spend The Night"
4. Videographer: FAMU 1996 "Knocks Me Off My Feet"
5. Videographer: hhorns2002, "FAMU 2008 Segment on "CBS Evening News"
6. Videographer: ImmaaBeGaga, "FAMU 2007 Super Bowl performance with PRINCE
7. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28,"Never Would Have Made It 2008 (ATL Classic)" with Minister Genleah "Star" Crawford, former FAMU Marching 100 Trombonist.
8. Videographer: bayshawn, "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, 2007"
9. Videographer: hhorns2002, FAMU Marching 100, "Tribute to Paris" Halftime Show 1989 -- in Paris, France
10. Videographer: TAPEMASTER28, FAMU Marching 100 "Congratulations" - 1989

Sunday, January 23, 2011

NCAA Investigating Texas Southern University Athletics

The investigation is on inconsistent Academic Performance Program data provided to NCAA for the years of 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, found by the present university administration and self-reported.

HOUSTON - FOX 26 Sports has learned the NCAA is investigating the athletics programs at Texas Southern University. The school was formally notified of the investigation on Oct. 18, 2010. The investigation is scheduled to be completed next month according to a letter written by NCAA vice-president of enforcement David Price and sent to TSU president John Rudley.


NCAA Investigating TSU Athletics: MyFoxHOUSTON.com
LINKS:
READ NCAA Letter, Page 1
READ NCAA Letter, Page 2

TSU probe nears end

The NCAA’s investigation into possible violations committed by the Texas Southern athletic department is expected to be completed in February, according to a letter the NCAA sent the school Oct. 18.

The letter, which was obtained through an open records request, was written by NCAA vice president of enforcement David Price and addressed to TSU president John Rudley. It indicated that violations mostly involve those found by the institution and the NCAA during an Academic Performance Program data review.

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Former Redskins Vernon Dean terminated after drug charges

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) -- News out of Pine Bluff  Thursday is linebackers coach Vernon Dean has been terminated.

Pine Bluff police pulled over UAPB linebacker coach Vernon Dean on January 11 around 11- p.m. for turning without a signal and an improper turn.

According to the police report, officers searched Dean's car and found what tested positive to be crack cocaine in the vehicle.



Dean arrived at Pine Bluff in 2010 after spending the 2009 season at Fort Valley State where he coached outside linebackers. The Houston, Texas native spent seven seasons in the NFL tallying 22 interceptions and winning two Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins.

Dean NFL career ended in 1988 with the Seattle Seahawks. Wellington Vernon Dean played college football at San Diego State University and was drafted in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft.

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Delaware State Snaps MSU's Streak, 70-65

DOVER, Del. – Jay Threat hit two free throws and Casey Walker drained a 3-pointer in the final moments to help Delaware State snap the Bears' 3-game winning streak with a 70-65 victory Saturday night before a packed crowd at Memorial Hall.

The Bears (8-8, 4-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) hadn't lost to Delaware State since a 56-53 overtime setback on March 9, 2007 at the semifinals of the MEAC Tournament, during Todd Bozeman's first year at the helm for Morgan State. From there, they went on to win three MEAC regular season titles, two MEAC tournament titles and two NCAA tournament appearances.

The loss also marked the first conference road loss suffered by the Bears since losing to Hampton on Feb. 23, 2009.

DSU men finally beat Morgan State

DOVER, DE -- Trevor Welcher had been the only player on the Delaware State men's basketball team who remembered what it felt like to defeat two-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Morgan State.

That last happened March 9, 2007, in the conference tournament.

Welcher now has plenty of company in what had been an exclusive club after freshman forward Casey Walker drained a pivotal 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to spark Delaware State to a dramatic 60-55 triumph over the Bears on Saturday.

DSU women falter against Morgan State

DOVER, DE -- Things can't get much more frustrating for coach Ed Davis and his Delaware State women's basketball team. The Hornets, who went more than nine minutes without scoring in the first half against Morgan State on Saturday, clawed their way back to within three points with 2:08 left.

That was as close as Delaware State would get as critical turnovers burned the Hornets down the stretch in a 51-44 loss to the Bears in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game. Davis, whose team suffered its third consecutive loss to fall to 5-12 overall, 1-4 in the MEAC, was left searching for answers.

PHOTO GALLERIES
DSU womens basketball

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Hampton 68, Bethune-Cookman 56

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Bethune-Cookman coach Clifford Reed thought his team "lacked passion . . . and toughness" in a disappointing 68-56 loss Saturday to Hampton at Moore Gymnasium.

"There's no excuse for our guys to come out flat and not play hard," Reed said.

Bethune-Cookman fell to 10-9, 5-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference as it lost its first conference game and first game at home this season. In their first home conference game, the Wildcats never led and were only able to tie the score twice. Reed said the home letdown wasn't a surprise.

Hampton rolls to win at Bethune-Cookman, ties for MEAC lead

Charles Funches scored the game’s first nine points on 3-pointers, and Hampton University never trailed during a 68-56 victory Saturday at Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Pirates (15-4, 5-1), who have won three straight games, moved into a tie for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference lead with B-CU's Wildcats (10-9, 5-1), whose five MEAC wins all came on the road.

After leading 34-23 at halftime, the Pirates poured it on. Kwame Morgan scored six points during a 10-3 run, and Wesley Dunning scored four in an 11-3 push to put HU in front 55-32 with 10:52 remaining.

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Southern University's Marching Band Heads to Morocco and Algeria

Southern University Marching Band's drumline will soon be on its way to captivate audiences in the North African countries of Morocco and Algeria. Fourteen members of the famous "Human Jukebox" band will be performing in theaters, a children's center, sporting events, a morning television show and conducting workshops for young drummers, while touring cities in the two countries.

"It seems so unreal. I mean really unreal. It probably won't hit me that we're actually going to Africa until we take off," said Stanley Reed, a junior biology major and bass drummer from Thibodaux.

The Jaguar band's trip comes at the invitation of the U.S. State Department through....

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Videographer: Wayla2010

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Norview grad's return to his roots helps give NSU a boost

Norfolk State athletic director Marty Miller
NORFOLK, VA - Norfolk State forward Chris McEachin has been down this road before, joining a team in need of a midseason spark.

It worked two years ago, when he helped lead Radford to a Big South tournament championship and the NCAA tournament. He hopes lightning strikes twice now that he's at Norfolk State, which hosts North Carolina Central at 6 tonight at Echols Hall.

"I had to sit out the first semester at Radford two years ago, and we were not playing all that well," McEachin said. "I'd like to think I was the X-factor when I came back."

The Highlanders were 3-7 when McEachin, then a sophomore, regained eligibility. They finished that season 21-12, losing to eventual national champion...

Norfolk State moves football game to South Carolina

The Norfolk State-Charleston Southern football game scheduled for Sept. 24 next season has been moved to South Carolina.

The game was originally scheduled to be held at Dick Price Stadium, but the Spartans agreed to move it because Charleston Southern had a scheduling conflict. NSU will play Charleston Southern at home in 2013.

Norfolk State's 2011 Football Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME/RESULT
9/3/2011 Virginia State (Va. Lottery Labor Day Classic) Norfolk, Va.6 p.m.
9/10/2011 West Virginia Morgantown, W.Va. TBA
9/17/2011 * Howard Washington, D.C. TBA
9/24/2011 Charleston Southern Charleston, S.C. TBA
10/1/2011 * South Carolina State Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.
10/8/2011 * Delaware State Dover, Del. TBA
10/15/2011 * Hampton (Battle of the Bay) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.
10/22/2011 * Bethune-Cookman Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.
10/29/2011 * North Carolina A&T (Homecoming/Senior Day) Norfolk, Va. 2 p.m.
11/5/2011 * Savannah State Savannah, Ga. TBA
11/12/2011 * Morgan State Baltimore, Md. TBA

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Legendary Casem, Gorden to discuss SWAC future

College Football Hall of Famer, Marino "The Godfather" Casem
Amidst dwindling budgets, shrinking attendance, crumbling facilities and talk of school closure and consolidation, the future of the Southwestern Athletic Conference has rarely been more uncertain.

Fans are invited to join some of the SWAC ’s best-known figures for an open dialogue Feb. 8, entitled “The Future of the SWAC,” at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in Jackson.

The event is free and open to the public although seating is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the program beginning promptly at 6:30.

Among those committed to attend are Marino Casem and W.C. Gorden, the winningest football coaches at Alcorn State University and Jackson State University, respectively; current Mississippi Valley State University athletic director Donald Ray Sims; current Jackson State golf coach Eddie Payton; and former Mississippi Valley and current Hampton University athletic director Lonza Hardy.

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RELATED LINKS:
W.C. Gorden Banquet & Reception - Edison Hogan (sharpy)'s Photos ..

Kevin Robinson (kevinr316)'s Photos : Photo Keywords : wc gorden

Prairie View hires Mark Orlando as offensive coordinator

PVAMU O.C. Coach Mark Orlando
Bethune-Cookman offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mark Orlando has been hired to fill the same position at Prairie View A&M.

Orlando, a former offensive coordinator at Texas Southern, spent one season at Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats had one of the Football Championship Subdivision's best offenses under his watch, finishing second in scoring (38.17 points per game), 12th in total yards (425.6 per game) and 13th in rushing (212.8 yards per game) en route to a 10-2 finish and share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.

Orlando, who played quarterback at ...

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NOTE: This is a major hire for first year Panthers head coach Heishma Northern and more importantly gives Prairie View a tremendous advantage over Bethune-Cookman for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Florida on September 4, 2011.

Sources say Coach Orlando will be paid $90,000 per year plus bonuses, a major increase over his B-CU salary.

Orlando also holds a "Rattler Card" earning his Master's Degree from Florida A&M University in 1984. He served as a a member of the Florida A&M coaching staff  under head coach Rudy Hubbard, that won the first Division I-AA National Championship in 1981, and served as the Rattlers' offensive coordinator for six seasons, then moved on to Tennessee State University as offensive coordinator for four seasons.

He collaborated with Pete Richardson at Winston-Salem State University in 1991 before moving to Southern University with Coach Richardson where he remained until Richardson was let go in 2009.

This puts Bethune-Cookman in a very precarious position.

Coach Orlando is the architect of the Wildcats "Speedway Offense" and quarterbacks coach of the offense that ranked 12th nationally in the FCS in 2010. His leaving for PV may impact the Wildcats signing of Mr. Florida Football 2011 -- quarterback Quentin Williams, Jefferson High School (Tampa) on February 2, 2011, the first day that high school players can sign binding "National Letters of Intent."

Williams has verbally committed to B-CU, but continues to take visits to other schools.

Losing Coach Orlando is devastating; losing quarterback Quentin Williams will be catastrophic for the Wildcats program that ranked 40th in average home game attendance (7,093 per seven home games) last season. Let's see if second year head coach Brian Jenkins respond like a true champion with a monster hire and the signing of blue chipper Williams.

If you are keeping score, PVAMU 10, B-CU 0 and we are more than seven months away from kickoff.

(beepbeep)

Friday, January 21, 2011

NCCU Announces 2011 Eagles Football Schedule

DURHAM, N.C.- The 2011 North Carolina Central University football schedule, which features five home contests, gives NCCU fans a lot to be excited about this coming season. With a new coaching staff on board, including head coach Henry Frazier III, the Eagles will be competing in their first full Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) schedule with eight total games against conference opponents.

Not only will NCCU have a thrilling first full conference schedule, the Eagles will also have the honor to compete in the NFL Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, where they will participate in the 2011 Cleveland Classic, taking on the Central State University Marauders on Sept. 10.

On Thursday Sept. 1 (7:30 p.m.), the Eagles start their fifth season as a NCAA Division I-FCS competitor against the only NCAA Division I-FBS team on their 2011 schedule, Big East affiliate, Rutgers University. Rutgers finished with a 4-8 overall record in its 2010 season. The Scarlet Knights had their biggest 2010 victory against fellow MEAC member, Norfolk State, with a 30-0 final score.



Rutgers' football opener set for Sept. 1, at home against UNC Central

Rutgers will open its 2011 football season against a MEAC school for the second straight year when North Carolina Central visits Rutgers Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Thursday, Sept. 1, the school announced today. There is currently no TV for the game.

The game against North Carolina Central marks the start of the Labor Day weekend and is the first day of classes for the fall semester at Rutgers.

The Eagles, coming off a 3-8 season, will be under the direction of new head coach Henry Frazier III, who engineered a remarkable turnaround as the head coach at Prairie View A&M, transforming a program that had lost 80 straight games into a winner by the time he left with consecutive 9-1 seasons in 2008 and 2009.

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NCCU 2011 Football Schedule Printable PDF Schedule

DAY DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME/RESULT
Thu. 09/01/2011 Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 09/10/2011 Central State Cleveland, Ohio (Cleveland Brown Stadium)12:00
Sat. 09/17/2011 Elon University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 09/24/2011 Savannah State University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 10/08/2011 South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC 1:30 p.m.
Sat. 10/15/2011 Morgan State University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 4:00 p.m.
Sat. 10/22/2011 Hampton University Hampton, VA 2:00 p.m.
Sat. 10/29/2011 Bethune-Cookman University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 2:00 p.m.
Sat. 11/05/2011 Delaware State University Dover, DE 1:00 p.m.
Sat. 11/12/2011 Florida A&M University O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 2:00 p.m.
Sat. 11/19/2011 North Carolina A&T State University Greensboro, NC 1:30 p.m.

Frazier Announces NCCU Football Coaching Staff

DURHAM, N.C. – Henry Frazier III, who was named North Carolina Central University’s new head football coach on Dec. 16, has announced his coaching staff.

Among the 10 assistant coaches, four rejoin Frazier from his prior coaching position at Prairie View A&M University, including Dwayne Foster (Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator/Offensive Line), Michael Bryant (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks), Roy Jones (Director of Football Operations/Tight Ends) and Lamar Manigo (Wide Receivers).

Four coaches have been retained from last season’s Eagles staff, including Mike McGlinchey (Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs) and Antoine Rivens (Defensive Line), along with former NCCU gridiron student-athletes Jamar Harp (Assistant Offensive Line/Video Coordinator) and Andre George (Assistant Defensive Backs).

Rounding out the staff are John Morgan (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs), who served as defensive coordinator at NCCU in 2007, and Mike Mendenhall (Linebackers/Assistant Special Teams).


Frazier fills out N.C. Central coaching staff

Henry Frazier III, who was hired as the N.C. Central football coach on Dec. 16, has completed his coaching staff. Among the 10 assistant coaches, four rejoin Frazier from his prior coaching position at Prairie View A&M: Dwayne Foster (assistant head coach/recruiting coordinator/offensive Line), Michael Bryant (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks), Roy Jones (director of football operations/tight ends) and Lamar Manigo (wide receivers).

Four coaches have been retained from last season's Eagles staff: Mike McGlinchey (special teams coordinator/running backs) and Antoine Rivens (defensive line), along with former NCCU gridiron student-athletes Jamar Harp (assistant offensive line/video coordinator) and Andre George (assistant defensive backs).

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Local Alcorn fans’ reactions to hiring of Melvin Spears positive

ASU Braves Coach Melvin Spears
NATCHEZ, MS — Alcorn State football fans in Natchez say they are excited to begin a new era of Braves football. Henry Houze, president of the Natchez Chapter of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association, said he’s glad Spears was selected as the new coach.

“He’s a product of our university and has tremendous experience, being out of school for 28 years,” Houze said. “He was a SWAC title and black college national championship (when he coached at Grambling State). He’s a proven winner.”

Spears comes to Alcorn after serving as offensive coordinator at Alabama State for the past two seasons. Houze said Spears’ years of experience in the SWAC will play to his advantage at Alcorn, especially in recruiting athletes to play for the Braves.

Spears' goal: Entertain you

His eyes hidden behind black sunglasses, his body draped in a khaki suit, Melvin Spears gave Alcorn State fans on Wednesday what he hopes to put on the football field this fall: An entertaining show. During a 20-minute voice-raising, fist-pounding speech, Alcorn's new coach didn't hide his brash, sometimes cocky, persona.

In fact, the former Alcorn receiver and Grambling State head coach let his audacious aura take center stage in front of about 100 purple-clad fans - all crammed into a meeting room at the downtown Jackson Marriott hotel.

He was confident - "We're going to win these games," Spears said. He was bold - "Alcornites ... we've always been the best," he said. He was loud - "This is my house! This is our house!" Spears yelled to them.
And, he's prepared to amuse - "Our task is to come in on Saturdays and entertain you. That's what it's all about. It's about showtime," he said.


Videographer: chicagomarchingbands

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LINK: ASU BRAVES SPORTS

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Howard University president announces school's upgraded commitment to athletics

Howard University President Sidney Ribeau stood before a packed conference room at Blackburn Center on Wednesday and made a pronouncement that came as welcome news to Bison fans: Ribeau pledged his commitment to athletics.

The purpose of the gathering was to formally introduce Athletic Director Skip Perkins, who took over on Dec. 6, and the new football coach Gary Harrell, who was hired earlier this month. But the message Ribeau delivered was clear: Howard, which in the past had at best ignored and at worst disdained athletics, is at long last committed to fielding competitive sports programs.

"Let me just say to you without any kind of reservation that we are committed to intercollegiate athletics at Howard University," said Ribeau....


Videographer: SportsGrooveTV

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CIAA Commissioner on record about NAACP boycott threat

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The CIAA isn't going anywhere. That's the word from the head of the tournament after Charlotte's NAACP called for major sporting events to boycott the city it calls a "bastion of racism".

Leon Kerry, commissioner of the CIAA, is very happy with the tournament being held in the Queen City. Kerry posted a statement on their web site Wednesday night which reads, in part: "Charlotte is a great partner and host city for the CIAA Tournament. Charlotte's can do spirit and teamwork has contributed vastly to the growth and success the Tournament has experienced."

The hugely popular tournament is contracted to be in Charlotte until 2014. Kerry also said "since the tournament's move to Charlotte in 2006, the CIAA has generated over $9 million in scholarship dollars for graduating high school students to attend any CIAA school."



CIAA Comment Regarding NAACP Boycott of the City of Charlotte

From the Desk of CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry
Regarding the Proposed NAACP Boycott of the City of Charlotte

January 19, 2011

“Charlotte is a great partner and host city for the CIAA Tournament,” say CIAA Commissioner, Leon Kerry. “Since the Tournament’s move to Charlotte in 2006, the CIAA has generated over $9 million in scholarship dollars for graduating high school students to attend any CIAA school. Through our Education Day event, Charlotte area high school and middle school students have direct access to college admissions counselors to discuss their educational pursuits. Also, in our 2010 CIAA Post-Tournament survey results, 94 percent of our fans recommend the ‘CIAA Charlotte Experience’, which measures the city’s safety, hospitality and friendliness. Charlotte’s can do spirit and teamwork has contributed vastly to the growth and success the Tournament has experienced and it’s evident when the CIAA Board of Directors voted unanimously on November 1, 2010 to renew the CIAA Tournament contract with Charlotte until 2014.”



Civil Rights Group Gains Support For Campaign Against Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte chapter of the NAACP won the support Wednesday of the organization's state leaders for a letter-writing campaign urging major sports organizations not to hold their events in the city.

Kojo Nantambu, president of the Charlotte NAACP, first suggested the campaign Monday during a march to protest Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' decision to hold classes on the holiday which honors Martin Luther King Jr. CMS approved the holiday two years ago as a possible snow make-up day, and the plan was activated after last week's winter storm shut down schools for three days.

Dr. William Barber, president of the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP, said Wednesday...



Local NAACP urges boycott of Charlotte

At a Martin Luther King Jr. Day protest over school policies, the head of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP Monday announced a campaign to urge the CIAA basketball tournament and other groups to boycott the city.

Pledging to "expose Charlotte for the racist bastion it is," NAACP President Kojo Nantambu announced a drive to keep the CIAA, NCAA, PGA "and any other 'A'" from coming to Charlotte. He also said his group would ask the national NAACP to consider asking the Democratic Party not to hold its 2012 convention in Charlotte.

His comments came just before he led about 100 people on a march through uptown to protest the decision by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to hold classes on the King holiday to make up one of three days lost to snow last week.



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Alabama State football: Deal for Barlow is near

The winter recruiting period can be the most challenging time for a head football coach, especially for one working without a contract.

"That's how you lose them," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "I've been asked about that in almost every home visit I've been on. I'm thinking, I know you 18-year-olds aren't reading the newspaper, who's been telling you this?"

Both sides have completed their negotiations to extend Barlow's tenure as the Hornets' head coach, a move which would end any advantage opposing coaches might have in the recruiting field and turn it into an advantage for the Hornets. The paperwork currently is in the hands of Alabama State's attorneys, who are finalizing details on a new contract for the Montgomery native.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

She's Got Game: FAMU Bowling Team On A Roll

Success is a common word used when talking about the FAMU Women's Bowling Team. In the middle of their season, the 9 women squad is continuing their quest to reach their goals. " We are trying to reclaim our division championship title." says coach Sheila Martin.

Most recently the Lady Rattlers finished at the top of the FSU Seminole Bowling Classic, and 4th in the MEAC Southern Division Tournament. These bowlers will compete in two away tournaments before bowling again on their home lanes in the beginning of February. They know in order to keep their 18th national ranking and inprove on it, its going to be a team effort.



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Tyler, Phillips, White, Stewart and Holmes elected to 2011 MEAC Hall of Fame

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today the five members of its' 2011 Hall of Fame Class that will be honored during a brunch on Friday, March 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at the M.C. Benton, Jr. Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

"We are thrilled to recognize another class of remarkable inductees who have made a considerable impact to their communities, institutions and our conference," said Dennis E. Thomas, MEAC Commissioner. "I'd like to applaud the Hall of Fame Class for all of their achievements both athletically and professionally."

The Hall of Fame class will be honored in conjunction with the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament, held March 7-12 at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem.

A limited number of tickets are available for the induction brunch at $30 per seat or $275 per table (10 persons). Tickets can be purchased by calling the MEAC Office at 757-951-2055.

 The MEAC Hall of Fame includes former student-athletes, coaches, university and/or conference administrators as well as special contributors, who have enriched the legacy of the conference since its inception in 1969. Enshrinees were selected by an 11-person committee made up of administrators from member institutions.

The first Hall of Fame class was inducted on May 29, 1981, during a 10-year anniversary banquet in
Greensboro, North Carolina. Since its establishment, the Hall of Fame has enshrined 108 people, including the Class of 2011.

The 2011 MEAC Hall of Fame Inductees are:

Inducted as a Student-Athlete:
Earl Holmes, Florida A&M - Holmes played for the Rattlers from 1992 to 1995, finishing as the school's all-time leader in tackles. Holmes, a three-time All-MEAC First Team selection, holds the school record with 509 total tackles (309 solo). During his senior season, he set school marks for solo tackles (103) and total tackles (171). He captured the NCAA Division I-AA and Black College All-American honors in 1994 and 1995. The 1995 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sheridan Broadcasting Network College Defensive Player of the Year, Holmes was selected in the fourth round of the 1996 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played 10 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Steelers (1996-2001), Cleveland Browns (2002) and Detroit Lions (2003-05) before retiring. Holmes currently serves as the Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers coach at his alma mater.

Stephen Stewart, Coppin State - Stewart guided the Eagles to a 1993 MEAC Tournament title and was named the MEAC Tournament Outstanding Performer in his rookie season. He earned back-to-back MEAC Player of the Year honors (1994, 1995) and helped lead the Eagles to the NCAA Tournament in 1993 and the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 1995. The forward scored 19 points against St. Joseph's in the NIT aiding Coppin State in its first-ever postseason victory. Stewart ranks eighth all-time in scoring at Coppin State with 1,393 points and seventh with 546 rebounds. The 1993 MEAC Rookie of the Year Stewart earned All-MEAC First Team honors in 1994 and 1995. He joins his brother Larry, another former standout at Coppin State, who was inducted in the MEAC Hall of Fame in 2005.

Natalie White, Florida A&M - White played point guard for the Lady Rattlers, helping them to two regular season MEAC titles (1994, 1995) and the 1995 MEAC Tournament crown. During her career, FAMU earned its' first-ever NCAA Tournament bid (1995). White holds the NCAA Division I record as the all-time steals' leader (624) and is second all-time in the school record books in assists (497). She led the nation in steals as a freshman (143), junior (172) and senior (191). The 1995 MEAC Player of the Year White still holds the NCAA record for total steals as freshman. The guard earned All-MEAC First Team honors in 1993-1995. She was also a four-time Black College All-America recipient (1992-95).White currently serves as an Account Executive/Dream Ambassadors Coordinator for the Women's National Basketball Association's (WNBA) Atlanta Dream.

Inducted as a Head Coach:
James Phillips, Morgan State - Phillips guided the Bears to 13 MEAC wrestling championships from 1985-1994. Under his helm, over 75 wrestlers were named All-Americans and two earned NCAA Division II National titles. He earned MEAC Outstanding Coach accolades 12 times and was the only Head Wrestling Coach from a Historical Black College or University (HBCU) to host a NCAA Eastern wrestling regional in 1984. Phillips was also the Head Coach of the Morgan State football team from 1983-84. On the field, Phillips competed as a member of MSU's football team from 1963-65 and played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Phillips retired from Morgan State in 2004 after serving for more than 30 years as an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Sanya Tyler, Howard - became the Lady Bison's first full-time women's basketball coach in 1980. Under her tutelage, the Lady Bison earned five MEAC regular-season titles, nine MEAC tournament titles and eclipsed nearly 300 victories. In her first season at the helm, Howard became the first MEAC women's team to participate in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. In addition to the 1982 NCAA appearance the Bison earned berths in 1996-1998. She was the first MEAC women's basketball coach to have victories over an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent (North Carolina State). The eight-time MEAC Outstanding Coach and 1994 MEAC Coach of the Year coached five MEAC Players of the Year, seven MEAC Outstanding Performers and was the first coach in MEAC history to have a player drafted in the WNBA. Tyler was inducted into Howard University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.


Written By: MEAC Media Relations  Release: 01/19/2011