Sunday, January 30, 2011

NCCU Eagles notch win No. 10 at expense of FAMU

DURHAM -- N.C. Central has figured out how to win close games, but the Eagles have had to build huge leads in two of their three most recent victories to do it. On Saturday, NCCU built a 15-point halftime lead before holding on for a 61-59 win over Florida A&M at McDougald-McLendon Gym that wasn't secured until the Rattlers missed a shot at the buzzer.

The victory gives the Eagles their first 10-win season since moving up to the Division I level. C.J. Wilkerson finished with 18 points, including a pair of free throws that gave the Eagles a five-point lead with under a minute to play.


Videographer: NCCUEagles; Hear Postgame comments from junior forward Nick Chasten (Raleigh, N.C.) and Head Coach LeVelle Moton following NCCU's 61-59 victory over conference foe Florida A&M. NCCU has won three-in-a-row and will take on league leading Bethune-Cookman on Monday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. from McDougald-McLendon Gym.

LAST-SECOND SHOT LIFTS FLORIDA A&M PAST NCCU LADY EAGLES, 63-62

DURHAM, N.C. - After fighting back from a nine-point second-half deficit, the Lady Eagles of North Carolina Central University led by one point at the 49 second mark until Florida A&M scoring leader Antonia Bennett hit a last-second layup to seal a Lady Rattlers 63-62 victory on Saturday, Jan. 29 in McDougald-McLendon Gym.

NCCU began the second half with a score of 26-32, Bennett, who finished with 31 points, quickly paced FAMU to a nine-point deficit. Senior Jori Nwachukwu, who netted 16 points in the last 20 minutes of play, quickly led NCCU on an 8-1 run for the first tie of the half.

From the 14:30 mark until to the 8:17 point, FAMU would regain the lead, pulling away by as many as six points. With sophomore J’Mia Pollock on the line sinking one of her two free throws, the contest became a point-for-point battle.


Videographer: NCCUEagles; Hear Comments from NCCU Head Coach Joli Robinson as the Lady Eagles fell 63-62 to Florida A&M in heartbreaking fashion.

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Bethune-Cookman 61, South Carolina State 60

Another day, another close loss for the South Carolina State men's basketball team. All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference guard C.J. Reed hit two free throws with 22.6 seconds left and Khalif Toombs missed a jumper with four seconds left to give Bethune-Cookman a 61-60 victory over the Bulldogs.

Reed finished with 17 points and Stanley Elliott added 11 to lead the Wildcats (12-9, 7-1), who own a two-game lead in the conference standings. It was the fifth loss this season by four or less points for the Bulldogs (5-15, 1-6), who have lost six straight games and dropped to 5-4 at home this season.

With Howard's win over Maryland-Eastern Shore, both teams and S.C. State are tied for last place in the win column.

Bethune-Cookman 64, South Carolina State 55

Home cooking was not enough to stem the South Carolina State women's basketball team's slump Saturday at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

Despite a season-high 20 points from Whitney Wiley and 14 points and five assists from Tiara Knotts, another lax second-half effort on defense resulted in the Lady Bulldogs' fifth consecutive loss.

Trailing 27-22 at halftime, the Lady Bulldogs were outscored 37-33 in the second half. In the last three games, S.C. State (6-11, 2-5) has allowed an average of 45.3 points in the second half.

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Grambling State Releases 2011 Football Schedule

Grambling State Signs Two-Year Football Agreement to Play ULM

MONROE, LA ---In a press conference held January 28, 2011 in Monroe, Louisiana officials announced the two year agreement in which Grambling State and ULM would once again meet on the gridiron.

"Both games will be played at ULM’s Malone Stadium in 2011 and 2013. Our fans are excited to keep the rivalry going. We anticipate record numbers that will eclipse the 30,000 plus crowd that attended in 2007,” stated J Lin Dawson, Director of Athletics at Grambling State University.

“Playing sister institutions within the University of Louisiana System make sense. As athletic administrators, we must look for creative ways in which we can grow our revenue and contain cost. This is a good deal for both universities. As the visiting team, Grambling will make just over $300,000 for each game with very few expenses."

2011 GSU Tigers Football Schedule

9/03 Port City Classic, Shreveport, La. (TBD)
9/10 at University of Lousiana-Monroe, Monroe, La.
9/17 at Alabama State University, Montgomery, Al.
9/24 Alabama A&M University (HOME)
10/1 at Prairie View A&M University (State Fair Classic - Dallas, Tx)
10/8 Open
10/15 at Alcorn State University, Lorman, Ms.
10/22 Mississippi Valley State University (HOME)
10/29 at University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff (Memorial Stadium, Little Rock)
11/05 at Jackson State University, Jackson, Ms.
11/12 Texas Southern (HOME)
11/19 Open
11/26 Southern (Bayou Classic - New Orleans, La.)

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RELATED LINKS: GSUTigers.com

SU catcher Ourso doesn’t plan to waste opportunity

Halfway through his college baseball career, Southern University catcher Clint Ourso realized he hadn’t gotten anywhere. A season at LSU-Eunice in 2009 finished with respectable numbers, but his sophomore campaign at New Orleans left a lot to be desired.

So when the UNO administration shifted the ground underneath its athletic department, announcing all programs would begin transitioning to NCAA Division III, Ourso saw an opportunity. “With two years left, I felt like I had to make a change,” said Ourso, whose junior season officially began Friday when he and his SU teammates began practice for the 2011 season.

Fourth Urban Invitational to begin Feb. 25

The Urban Invitational is back for the 2011 season, and for the first time, three Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be showcased.

In its fourth year, the Invitational -- set up by Major League Baseball's first Urban Youth Academy, in Compton, Calif. -- will run from Feb. 25-27, with HBCUs Southern University (in Louisiana) and Bethune-Cookman (Daytona Beach, Fla.) returning, and Grambling State University (Louisiana) joining the fold. Also playing in the collegiate round-robin tournament is the University of California Irvine, a first-time participant.

The Invitational, presented by the U.S. Army, gives HBCUs a chance to play on a national stage, something that rarely happens. This year they'll get that exposure once again, as MLB Network will air both games on Day 2, which is a Saturday.

SU Video: Urban Invitational: Sat. Gm 1


2011 MLB URBAN INVITATIONAL
Date Time (PT) Matchup Venue
2/25 6:30 p.m. Southern v. UC Irvine UC Irvine
2/25 6 p.m. B-CU v. Grambling UYA
2/26 1 p.m. UC Irvine v. B-CU* UYA
2/26 5 p.m. Grambling v. Southern* UYA
2/27 1 p.m. Grambling v. UC Irvine UC Irvine
2/27 1 p.m. Southern v. B-CU UYA
* broadcast on MLB Network @ Pacific Time

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Paine sacks its golf coach

Coach Hoover Johnson
Paine College continues its shake-up within its sports department. Golf coach Hoover Johnson, who helped rebuild the program after the team was kept from going to the national championship tournament, was let go by the school this week.

Brandon Brown, Paine's vice president for institutional advancement, said Friday that the school does not comment on personnel matters. "I know a lot of folks question the practice the institution takes with its personnel matters," he said. "We're looking to protect the interests of the institution as well as the former employee."

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READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Spry steps down as Paine coach
Changes abound on Paine College camp
Fired Paine employee reports theft of watches

Woods, Mississippi Valley Devils beat SWAC drum after singing gym blues

Coach Sean Woods makes sure you get it correct. The Mississippi Valley State basketball team didn't have the luxury of practicing in a high school gym. "Middle school," he said. "A middle school gym."

Heading into tonight's Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown with Jackson State, the Delta Devils have come quite a ways. Their basketball arena floor is no longer a bubbling, waterlogged mess. They no longer practice in that middle school gym. They don't play "home" games at county civic centers any more. And, they aren't thought of as a middle-of-the-pack team.

Picked to finish seventh in the 10-team conference before the season, Valley (7-13) is 6-1 in the league, tied atop the standings with Jackson State (10-9) and Texas Southern (8-10).

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Credits:
1. Videographer: AChicfmnc - MVSU Cor-J Cox goes airborne...
2. Videographer: AndyL168 - MVSU Satin Dolls in Action...
3. Videographer: AndyL168 - MVSU 3-D Dancers in Action...

WSSU's Maynor turns down offer from North Carolina A&T

Connell Maynor of Winston-Salem State has turned down an offer to be the next football coach at N.C. A&T.

Maynor, who led the Rams to an 8-2 record this past season, had his first interview with A&T officials last week but wasn't offered the job. That all changed on Friday when Rod Broadway, the coach at Grambling State, turned down an offer from A&T.  Maynor was asked back to campus at A&T on Friday afternoon and was offered the job.

"They offered it to me and, after considering it, I had to say no," said Maynor, 42, who is a 1995 graduate of N.C. A&T, where he was an All-MEAC quarterback. "The timing just wasn't right and in the best interest of myself and my family, I couldn't take the job."

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ULM and Grambling State Sign Two-Year Football Agreement

MONROE, La. - The game which produced the largest on-campus collegiate football crowd in north Louisiana history will feature a second and third installment over the next three years. ULM will host Grambling State on Sept. 10, 2011, and Sept. 7, 2013, in Malone Stadium, ULM Director of Athletics Bobby Staub announced Friday afternoon in a press conference at the Monroe Convention Center.

"We're excited about our two-game series with Grambling State University," Staub said. "Our 2007 contest was an overwhelming success and provided an electric atmosphere for fans of both schools as well our student-athletes."

The first meeting between the two schools drew 30,101 fans to ULM's Malone Stadium on Nov. 20, 2007. The game established a new precedent for Football Bowl Subdivision schools in Louisiana as ULM became the first such institution to play Grambling in football - the Warhawks defeated the Tigers 28-14.


Videographer: RayHigginsTV

"For our football team and our fan base, this is a wonderful opportunity to renew a series that is significant due to the proximity of the two schools," ULM head coach Todd Berry said. "A lot of our players know guys on their team which always makes the game more interesting. The first time ULM and Grambling played the game had a great atmosphere and we are excited to bring that kind of environment back to Malone Stadium."

Three of ULM's four non-conference games for the upcoming season are now in place. The Warhawks open the season at Florida State on Sept. 3 and travel to Iowa on Sept. 24.

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Courtesy: ulmwarhawks.com           Release: 01/28/2011

Hunt on the rise for FAMU track

FAMU Coach Wayne Angel
Florida A&M men's track coach Wayne Angel made a bold statement Thursday afternoon about long jumper Leon Hunt. "I think the sky is the limit for him" Angel said. Specifically, Angel was referring to Hunt becoming the Rattlers' first track and field All-American since 2005, winning a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and possibly qualifying for next year's Olympics.

That's lofty, but Hunt gave the first-year FAMU coach reason last weekend to be that optimistic. Hunt jumped 25.5 feet last weekend at the Blue Raider Invitational in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The jump landed Hunt in the NCAA's national top 15 rankings at No. 11. It was his career best and now Hunt is aiming to clear another foot, which will put him within range of achieving 26 feet and joining the national elites.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Redman goes from CIAA title game to Super Bowl XLV

Running back Isaac Redman of the Pittsburgh Steelers has traveled from the CIAA to the Super Bowl, a journey not many players make. Redman is the career rushing leader at Bowie State and had championship-game experience in college, playing in a 2005 CIAA title-game loss to N.C. Central. His next title game will be Super Bowl XLV on Feb. 6, against the Green Bay Packers.


Videographer: foxsports

"I would say it's a little bit of a larger stage," joked Coach Damon Wilson of Bowie State, who was an assistant when Redman played there. "But that kid deserves it because he worked his tail off to get where he is, and all of us here at Bowie State couldn't be prouder."

Redman, who ran for 3,300 yards in college, signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and spent last season on the practice squad. This season he played in every game as Rashard Mendenhall's backup, rushing for 247 yards on 52 carries (4.8 ypc) and catching nine passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.


Videographer: bsulb33

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Southern Jaguars quarterbacks coach White leaves for Howard University Bison

Coach Ted White
The Southern University football program will have at least one change to its coaching staff this season. Quarterbacks coach Ted White, a former Glen Oaks High School standout, has left Southern to become offensive coordinator at Howard, his alma mater.

“He asked me if I minded that, and I said no,” SU coach Stump Mitchell said. “I would never try to prevent someone from advancing their career.”

Southern’s passing game was hot and cold last season as the Jaguars finished 2-9, posting their worst record in school history. SU ranked fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference at 218.5 yards per game, but its completion percentage (47) was eighth in the 10-team league.

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Broadway spurns A&T; will remain Grambling's football coach

Updated: 1/28/2011, 6:45 p.m.

Rod Broadway will not be N.C. A&T's next head football coach.

In a conference call Friday morning, Broadway told the Grambling State University President's Executive Committee he will stay with the Tigers.
At noon, Broadway attended a kickoff news conference in Monroe, La., to announce a new two-year series between Grambling and Louisiana-Monroe.

Broadway remains Grambling State coach

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Grambling State announced on Friday that Rod Broadway will remain as its head football coach after he had been a leading candidate for the opening at North Carolina A&T.

Published reports said Broadway would become North Carolina A&T's head coach and Grambling State took down bios of Broadway and the rest of the football coaches from its official athletic website.

But on Friday morning, Grambling State said in an email that Broadway had announced to Grambling State University President's Executive Committee that he would remain at the Southwestern Athletic Conference university.

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Grambling's Rod Broadway nears departure

Excerpt:
GRAMBLING — Grambling State head football coach Rod Broadway appears to be on his way to taking the same position at North Carolina A&T University.

“Right now, Rod Broadway is still our head football coach and I think he is mulling over an offer that has been extended by (North Carolina) A&T. That’s as much as I know,’’ Dawson said. “It’s really about him deciding what’s best for him and his family at this point.”

“I know there has been (an offer made). That’s where it is,” Dawson said. “He’s one of the best coaches in America. If it’s not A&T this year, somebody else will come.

Broadway reported to be leaving Grambling; players not yet informed of coach's status

Rod Broadway is reported to be leaving his post as head football coach at Grambling State to take the same position at North Carolina A&T.

Broadway and the rest of his coaching staff’s names were removed from the official Grambling athletics website, GSUTigers.com, on Thursday, and The Triangle Tribune (Durham, N.C.) cited “reliable sources” that Broadway had taken the job.

Neither North Carolina A&T nor Grambling has released an official statement on the matter.

Bonitta Best - SPORTS FLASH!

UPDATE: I talked to coach Broadway earlier today. He said the "deal isn't done yet." Stay tuned.

According to reliable sources, Grambling State football coach Rod Broadway is the new coach at N.C. A&T.  Broadway led the Tigers to a black college national championship and several SWAC championships.

Interestingly, his name is already off the roster on the Grambling website. Before Grambling, Broadway led N.C. Central to back-to-back CIAA titles and a black college national title. He and current NCCU coach Henry Frazier had a nice rivalry going in the SWAC and that is sure to continue now that both are together again in the MEAC.

Reports: Rod Broadway Could Be Heading To NC A&T

Greensboro, NC - The rumor mill is churning this afternoon. Unconfirmed reports out of Louisiana tell WFMY News 2 Sports that Grambling State's head football coach Rod Broadway is heading to NC A&T. Reports say it could be announced by this weekend.

Broadway has roots in the Tar Heel state. He coached at NC Central and played defensive lineman at UNC. The Grambling State Head Coach has won three conference championships, including two at NC Central and one at Grambling State.

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Videographer: IveryIveryProduction: North Carolina A&T State University played North Carolina Central University for the first time in 10 years. This was a Classic battle for the ages.

Videographer: NCCUEagles

Grambling's Rod Broadway: Dialing Up North Carolina A&T?

Excerpt:
The Broadway show has taken it's final curtain call at Grambling, according to the Triangle Tribune in Durham, North Carolina. The paper reports Grambling head coach, Rod Broadway has agreed to accept the head coaching post at North Carolina A&T.

If Broadway does leave the G-men, the timing couldn't be much worse. Signing day is six days away and tomorrow, UL-Monroe and Grambling are expected to announce the two schools, located thirty-five miles apart, will meet next year on the gridiron for just the second time in history. The first meeting took place in 2007 in front of a record crowd at Malone Sadium.

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SSU’s Davenport remains a one-man coaching staff



SSU’s Davenport remains a one-man coaching staff

With National Signing Day eight days away (Feb. 2), Savannah State University’s football program remains a one-man coaching staff. Steve Davenport, formerly the running backs coach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, was hired Jan. 7 to replace Julius Dixon, the Tigers’ interim head coach since Jan. 28, 2010.

Davenport has not hired any assistant coaches, SSU sports information director Opio Mashariki said in an e-mail Sunday in response to an inquiry from the Savannah Morning News.

SSU gets verbal from Duluth LB

Justin Dixon, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound linebacker at Duluth High School, has verbally committed to play football at Savannah State University, the Gwinnett Daily Post reported.

Dixon, Duluth’s leading tackler the past two seasons, was named to the All-Region 7-AAAAA second team last season as a linebacker. He made 98 tackles, including two sacks, last season. As a junior, Dixon made 120 tackles, including two sacks.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

New Mexico defends recruiting policies after Addison re-commits to B-CU

Bethune-Cookman University Head Coach Brian Jenkins
Following what his coach characterized as a disastrous flirtation with the University of New Mexico, Spoto three-way star Nick Addison has reaffirmed his commitment to Bethune-Cookman.

Spartans coach Dale Caparaso confirmed Addison's re-commitment Thursday. Addison, who committed to B-CU last fall, re-opened his recruitment and visited New Mexico last weekend, but Caparaso said the Lobos rescinded their offer after Addison and his mother made the cross-country flight to Albuquerque.

"They brought him out there and knew they were going to pull the scholarship," Caparaso said in a text message to the Times. "New Mexico paid for his trip. His mother paid for her trip. Pretty poor way of doing business. We all were shocked."

Spoto's Addison Commits To Bethune-Cookman After New Mexico Debacle

Dominic “Nic” Addison, arguably the most athletically gifted player in Hillsborough County prep football will play for Bethune-Cookman University next fall. He informed me that he will head to Daytona Beach this weekend for a face-to-face visit with Wildcat head coach Brian Jenkins where he will confirm his commitment to them. The 6’3” 180-pound dual threat Spoto High senior can do it all on the gridiron. He completed 24 TD passes as the Spartan QB last season but will be a shutdown cornerback, the position he prefers, at BCU. He ended his high school career with seven interceptions, including one plus a fumble recovery versus state power Plant, but most teams did not dare throw in his direction.

Click here for Addison's 2009 highlights 
Videographer: bigcountypreps.com

Spoto's Nick Addison re-opening his recruiting

Spoto two-way football standout Nick Addison, who committed to Division I-AA Bethune-Cookman just before Thanksgiving, is apparently opening up his recruiting again.

Addison, a Times' all-Suncoast first-team selection, said Friday evening that he is planning an official visit to New Mexico on Jan. 21. It is his only scheduled official visit. He said the Lobos are recruiting him as an athlete, so he might play cornerback or even wide receiver at New Mexico.

The 6-foot-3 senior emerged as a lockdown cornerback last season, but thrived this fall as Spoto's starting quarterback, throwing for 2,410 and 24 touchdowns, second-most in the bay area to Jefferson quarterback Florida Mr. Football Quentin Williams, who has committed to Bethune-Cookman.

Spoto's Addison a threat on both sides of the field

Ole Miss, Washington State and Iowa State have offered Addison scholarships and are recruiting him at cornerback.

RIVERVIEW, FL - Spoto senior Nick Addison is the type of player that can change the outcome of a football game, on both sides of the field. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he can throw, run, catch, defend and dish out punishing hits. Too bad Spoto can't clone more of him. In his last three games, he's put on quite a show.

In Friday's season opener against Wharton, a 37-10 victory, Addison finished the night with 300 total yards and five touchdowns. He threw for 239 passing yards with four touchdowns on plays of 4, 77, 9 and 35 yards and rushed for 61 yards with a touchdown.

Pick a position, any position, and Spoto's Addison can conquer it

RIVERVIEW, FL — Given Nick Addison’s ability to light up the scoreboard at quarterback, shut down opposing receivers at cornerback, and return kickoffs and punts, Spoto coach Dale Caparaso was already convinced his do-it-all senior could fill any need the Spartans had.

But last Thursday, while Spoto was going through its usual walkthrough on the field, Addison managed to again leave his coach bewildered. Rather than stand back and watch the second-team offense, the senior grabbed a ball, holder and center, went to the other side of the field and started nailing 40-yard field goals.

“Son, why didn’t you tell us you could do this?” Caparaso asked. “Coach,” Addison responded, “you didn’t ask.”

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Football, baseball and basketball star Ron Davis III set sights on colleges as National Signing Day Approaches


Videographer: rdavis1906

It's never too early to start setting goals and Ron Davis (dad) has the right ideal to get Ronald Davis III exposed to GSU Tigers fever. Watch, as the Grambling State University Marching Band serves as background to the exploits of a possible future Tigers 3-Sports superstar. The kid has talent and is well worth the long wait.

National signing day is February 2, 2011.  Tune in to read the latest on the bumper crop of talented student-athletes expected to sign National Letters of Intent with the CIAA, SIAC, SWAC and MEAC programs.

Grambling excited for its first Urban Invitational

James Cooper isn't even 30 years old, and he has only been the head baseball coach at Grambling State University for one full season. But he has already experienced some of the difficulties that come with trying to recruit the best baseball talent to a small college.

Twice he has seen an athlete essentially commit to his program, only to be spurned. One of those players went instead to Louisiana State, which guaranteed the recruit a walk-on spot.

And he has seen potential recruits turn down baseball for basketball and football elsewhere. That has happened at least four times.

Grambling State University Head Baseball Coach James Cooper















URBAN INVITATIONAL SCHEDULE
Date  Time   Game
2/25 6:30 p.m. Southern vs. UC Irvine UC Irvine
2/25 6 p.m. B-CU vs. Grambling UYA
2/26 1 p.m. UC Irvine v.s B-CU* UYA
2/26 5 p.m. Grambling vs. Southern* UYA
2/27 1:05 p.m. Grambling vs. UC Irvine UC Irvine
2/27 1 p.m. Southern vs. B-CU UYA
* Broadcast on MLB Network
All times PT

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FAMU near top of list for Eastside's Powell

Offers are on the table from Bowling Green, Towson State, North Carolina A&T, and Marshall in addition to one from FAMU.

On the drive to Tallahassee for a visit at Florida A&M, the potential of becoming a Rattler football player wasn't in Eastside linebacker Darius Powell's plans. The trip was just part of what recruits do during the weeks leading up to National Signing Day.

While driving back home to Gainesville, Mike Powell realized that his son had added FAMU to the list of schools that he's seriously considering.

“Everybody knows that he is really, really interested,” Mike Powell said Wednesday, stopping short of officially disclosing his son's intentions to play football at FAMU. “Now FAMU is as strong as anyone that he is considering.”


Videographer: kissimmee352

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Fort Valley State University Releases 2011 Football Schedule

Fort Valley, GA - The Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will face one of its most challenging seasons with the announcement of its' 2011 football schedule. The rigorous campaign includes trips to two of the most popular Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the nation, Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune Cookman University (BCU).

This year's meeting between FVSU and FAMU will be the first since the Wildcats upset the Rattlers (19-14) in Tallahassee in 1984. When FVSU travels to...

Fla. A&M, Delta St. and Bethune Cookman highlight FVSU's 2011 football schedule

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) enters the 2011 football campaign with an exponentially more difficult schedule on paper with the addition of two teams from the always-tough Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Bethune Cookman and Florida A&M.

Both Bethune Cookman and FAMU finished with identical 7 and 1 conference records in 2010 and pose a serious challenge for the upcoming season.

Wildcats in for a "Wild' ride in 2011 Football Season

Fort Valley, GA – The Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will face one of its most challenging seasons with the announcement of its’ 2011 football schedule. The rigorous campaign includes trips to two of the most popular Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the nation, Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune Cookman University (BCU).

This year’s meeting between FVSU and FAMU will be the first since the Wildcats upset the Rattlers (19-14) in Tallahassee in 1984. When FVSU travels to Daytona Beach to meet the Wildcats of BCU, they will be playing the defending co-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions. BCU shared the 2010 title with FAMU and South Carolina State University. The last time FVSU and BCU played was in 1964.

The 2011 schedule also features a bout between the FVSU Wildcats and region opponent, the Statesmen of Delta State University of the Gulf South Conference. The match up will be played at Wildcat Stadium and is the first between the two schools since the Wildcats defeated the Statesmen in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Division II Playoffs.

The start of the 2011 also marks the beginning of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) transition to an East/West Divisional format with the winner of each division competing for the conference title on November 12th in Columbus, Ga.

As a member of the East division, FVSU will play seven conference games in 2011.

Conference match ups include away games at Clark Atlanta University, Benedict College, and Kentucky State University. Home, conference contests include visits to Wildcat Stadium by Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, and Stillman College. The October 22nd game against Stillman College has been designated as Homecoming 2011 for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats will conclude the regular season on November 5th in the 22nd Annual Fountain City Classic when they meet the Golden Rams of Albany State University at McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Ga.



“Talk about a challenging schedule! This is about as demanding as they come,” said third-year FVSU Head Coach Donald Pittman. “The combination of two FCS schools, a region opponent who made last year’s NCAA playoffs, and an always tough conference schedule, provides us with an opportunity to show just how competitive FVSU football can truly be. While challenging, we embrace the chance for a real breakout season for Wildcats Football. From start to finish, this will be an exciting year for the Wildcats.”

Those wishing to reserve tickets for the 2011 season can contact the FVSU Cashier's Office at 478-825-6433 or go to the following link on FVSU's website: http://www.wildcatticketoffice.com.

2011 FVSU Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT CONFERENCE GAME HOME / AWAY LOCATION TIME
9/3/2011 Florida A&M University A Tallahassee, FL 6 p.m.
9/10/2011 Delta State University H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
9/17/2011 Clark Atlanta University * A Atlanta, GA 2 p.m.
9/24/2011 Benedict College * A Columbus, SC 6 p.m.
10/1/2011 Tuskegee University * H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
10/8/2011 Kentucky State University * A Frankfort, KY 1 p.m.
10/15/2011 Bethune Cookman University A Daytona Beach, FL TBA
10/22/2011 Stillman College (Homecoming) * H Fort Valley, GA 2 p.m.
10/29/2011 Morehouse College(Senior Day)* * H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
11/5/2011 Albany State (22nd Annual Fountain City Classic)*N Columbus, GA 2 p.m.
11/12/2011 SIAC Championship * N TBA TBA

By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
LINK: FVSUSPORTS


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Nansemond River Warrior now sprints for Norfolk State Spartans

James Taylor won seven individual state track crowns and two state titles on Nansemond River relay teams. He made Virginia prep sports history as a Warrior senior becoming the first athlete to win four individual state championships in the same indoor meet.

Two things off the track slowed him down for a year, the SAT and NCAA rules. Taylor missed one year from the Norfolk State track team for being academically ineligible.

“Academically ineligible” sounds bad. It sounds as though it’s something a young person might not rebound from, academically or athletically.

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Videographer: sixerthree

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Jackson State QB's recovery is 'going well'

Quarterback Casey Therriault's recovery from a broken collarbone is "going well," Jackson State coach Rick Comegy said.

A right-handed thrower, Therriault broke his right collarbone in the second quarter of JSU's season-ending win over Alcorn State. Comegy said his quarterback is no longer wearing an arm sling and should participate in spring practice. "We're going to be very careful with him," Comegy said.

Therriault finished with the second most passing yards in the Football Championship Subdivision last season and a school record-tying 31 touchdowns.



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Former Michigan quarterback Forcier headed to S.C. State?

Trading in the maize and blue for garnet and white. That is apparently what South Carolina State is hoping former University of Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier will consider as he mulls his future options. According to ESPN.com and The Sporting News, the sophomore mentioned the Orangeburg university among eight schools he is examining as transfer options.

S.C. State, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Florida A&M and Montana were the three Football Championship Subdivision schools Forcier mentioned as destinations. He also told the news outlet that Football Bowl Subdivision schools Miami, Washington, Baylor, San Diego State, New Mexico and Middle Tennessee State are also under consideration, although enrolling there would require him to sit out a year.



Tate Forcier Transfer Options Include Miami, Washington, Florida A&M and South Carolina State

Former Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tate Forcier, who infamously sent out multiple tweets to announce he was transferring from the school, has announced a list that could include his next landing spot. Forcier is considering a wide range of schools that includes Washington, Miami, New Mexico, San Diego State, Middle Tennessee State and Baylor. Plus he is considering a few FCS schools in Montana, South Carolina State and Florida A&M.

Forcier is planning on looking for his next school immediately:

Tate Forcier mulls next move

Former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier said Tuesday that Miami, Washington, Baylor, San Diego State, Middle Tennessee State and New Mexico are among the FBS schools he is considering transferring to. Forcier said he is also considering lower-division schools such as Montana, South Carolina State and Florida A&M.

"I'm really just looking for the best situation and the best opportunity," Forcier said. "I have a few schools at all levels that I'm interested in. I'm going to set up all my visits as early as possible because all the schools are already wanting me to come visit starting this weekend."

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MEAC to use some instant replay

Norfolk, VA  - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will institute instant replay during its 2011 football games broadcast on the ESPN family of networks.

After the season, the MEAC will evaluate the replay system's effectiveness and future implementation.

Pough gets wish - MEAC to experiment with instant replay

When asked in 2007 about the possibility of instant replay being used by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in football games, S.C. State head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough was an immediate supporter

"We need in this league more than anybody," he said. "The lower level leagues, supposedly those of us in the Football Championship Subdivision style probably need it more than the big leagues.

"Now whether or not we can afford it or not, I don't know. But we need it BAD!!!"

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

'BIG SPOON': Former SHS player to showcase his football talent in all-star game

AAMU's  Frank "Big Spoon" Kearse
Frank "Big Spoon" Kearse's ability to make the best of situations could result in an NFL job.

A 6-foot-5, 310-pound senior defensive tackle at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Kearse got his nickname as a freshman because Justin Harper, a junior defensive tackle at the time, noticed Kearse ate all of his meals with a spoon.

"I didn't really know the campus and the cafeteria and stuff like that, and the first thing I always saw when I went in the cafeteria was the spoons," Kearse said during a telephone interview last week. "There were forks on the other side, but I never knew about the other side. My teammates noticed that I ate everything with a spoon for the first couple of months after I got here."

A&M's Kearse Named to NFL Players Association Game, formerly the Texas vs. The Nation Game

NORMAL, AL – Defensive lineman Frank Kearse was recently named to the Texas versus the Nation All-Star football contest to be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 5, 2011.

Kearse complied four memorable years on “The Hill”. The 6-5, 325 pound, defensive tackle amassed 122 tackles, five passes defended, three forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered, a block kick, 44 games played, 7 sacks for 35 yards and 2 interceptions.

The Savannah, Georgia native participated in the Russell Athletic HBCU bowl which was played in Atlanta, Georgia on December 18, 2010 in the Georgia Dome. Before the start of the 2010 season Kearse was named to the 2010 Preseason All-SWAC first team, 2010.

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Winston-Salem subdues Brevard

Winston-Salem State took a break from its CIAA schedule Monday night but couldn't completely coast against Brevard at the Gaines Center.

The Rams (13-3) had their inside game working and hit enough from the outside to carve out a 77-64 victory. It was their third game in five days, but they showed no signs of fatigue.

"It was a hard game, and it's hard just playing a team that's not in your conference," said center Paul Davis, who finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. "It was a different style of play, and they aren't as fast as most CIAA teams, but they shoot the ball really well…. We played a good team tonight."

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AMTRAK STEPS UP AS TITLE SPONSOR OF 2011 CIAA STEPSHOW CAMPUS TOUR

Amtrak sponsors multi-city tour and continues sponsorship of CIAA Tournament Stepshow at Charlotte Convention Center

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Amtrak is the proud title sponsor of the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Stepshow Campus Tour visiting 13 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) campuses throughout Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia, January 18-27, 2011. The tour will end at the 2011 CIAA Tournament Stepshow at the Charlotte Convention Center on March 4, 2011 where Amtrak is also a sponsor.

"Amtrak is excited to serve as title sponsor of the CIAA Stepshow Campus Tour," said Sharon Gilbert, Amtrak Field Marketing Manager for North and South Carolina. "Combined with our continued sponsorship of the CIAA Stepshow at the Convention Center, Amtrak shows its commitment to the advancement of the HBCU community. Plus, this is fun!"

Campus stops will include music, entertainment, games, prizes and give-a-ways to the CIAA Tournament and Stepshow. Amtrak will visit the following 13 CIAA-affiliated HBCU campuses:

Elizabeth City State University / Fayetteville State

Saint Augustine College / Shaw University / Livingstone College

Johnson C. Smith University / Saint Paul's College / Virginia State University

Virginia Union University / Bowie State University / Chowan University

Lincoln University / Winston Salem State University



During the Stepshow on March 4, attendees will also get a chance to play an Amtrak mobile trivia game on the Convention Center's jumbotron for a free trip on Amtrak.

For more information about the tour, stepshow and tickets please visit www.earthquakeproductions.net. Visit Amtrak's African American microsite, MyBlackJourney.com for more information on Amtrak's work in the African American community.

About Amtrak:
Amtrak is America's Railroads, the nation's intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator. A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains - at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) - that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies. Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010. Enjoy the journeysm at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Amtrak.