Jefferson second baseman Einar Muniz has committed to Bethune-Cookman University, Jefferson coach Pop Cuesta confirmed Thursday.
The 5-foot-3, 140-pound Muniz is small in stature, but has been one of the Dragons' top players. As a junior he hit .358 and struck out just five times in 81 at bats. He also made just three errors in the field in 28 games last year.
BCU Wildcats Pre-Season Pick to Repeat as MEAC Baseball Champs; O'Brien Named Pre-Season POTY, Four Named All-MEAC
NORFOLK, Va. - The votes are in and it's the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats getting the pre-season nod to be Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions in the 2011 season, officials from the MEAC announced. The Wildcats are seeking their sixth consecutive MEAC title in 2011 under the guidance of 2010 MEAC Coach of the Year Mervyl Melendez. The Wildcats received a unanimous decision in the vote by the league's sports information directors and head coaches.
But the pre-season honors don't end there for the defending champions; B-CU junior catcher, recently tabbed as the #18 player in America by College Baseball Today, was selected as the MEAC's pre-season Player of the Year. O'Brien won final MEAC Player of the Year award last season.
oining O'Brien in recognition on the pre-season All-MEAC team, the 'Cats filled three other spots on the team. Pitcher Ali Simpson, first baseman Ryan Durrence, and outfielder DJ Leonard all earned pre-season accolades.
Joining the Wildcats on the Preseason Team is pre-season Pitcher of the Year Esterlin Paulino (NCAT), along with Ryan Shook (NSU), Marquis Riley (NCAT), Chris Joyce (NSU), Xavier Macklin (NCAT), John Lynch (NSU) and Bryan Chaikowsky (UMES).
The Wildcats set off their season on Friday, February 18th, as Alabama A&M travels to Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The first pitch of the 2011 B-CU season is set to be thrown at 6:00 p.m.
2011 MEAC Preseason Baseball Predictions
As voted on by the conference’s Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors
(First Place Votes in Parenthesis)
Team …................................. Points
1. Bethune-Cookman (14) .............. 196
2. North Carolina A&T ….................. 134
3. Norfolk State …........................... 128
4. Delaware State ........................... 100
5. Florida A&M ……........................... 60
6. Maryland Eastern Shore ................ 46
7. Coppin State .................................36
2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Baseball Preseason All-Conference Awards
As voted on by the conference’s Head Coaches and Sports Information Directors
Player of the Year: Peter O’Brien, Bethune-Cookman
Pitcher of the Year: Esterlin Paulino, North Carolina A&T
Pos Name School Cl. Ht. Wt. Hometown
P Ali Simpson Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-2 170 Campbell River, British Columbia
P Esterlin Paulino North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-6 147 Santo Domingo
RP Ryan Shook Norfolk State Jr. 6-2 185 Virginia Beach, Va.
C Peter O’Brien Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-3 215 Miami Gardens, Fla.
1B Ryan Durrence Bethune-Cookman Sr. 6-2 230 Jacksonville, Fla.
2B Marquis Riley North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-10 190 Efland, N.C.
3B Chris Joyce Norfolk State Sr. 6-1 195 Chesapeake, Va.
OF DJ Leonard Bethune-Cookman Jr. 6-0 180 West Palm Beach, Fla.
OF Xavier Macklin North Carolina A&T Jr. 5-11 195 Rocky Mount, North Carolina
OF John Lynch Norfolk State Sr. 6-2 215 Newport News, Va.
DH Bryan Chaikowsky Maryland E. Shore Sr. 6-2 210 Bethlehem, Pa.
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Friday, February 11, 2011
CIAA ticket sales ahead of 2010 pace
Demand for tickets to the 66th annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament is running ahead of last year’s pace. With former members Lincoln (Pa.) and Winston-Salem State universities rejoining the league, ticket sales are up, according to CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry. The men's and women's tournaments will take place Feb. 28-March 5 at Time Warner Cable Arena – their sixth year in Charlotte.
The CIAA consists of 13 schools – 12 of them historically black colleges and universities – from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Charlotte organizers and league officials have agreed to an extension of the tournament through 2014, the first time a host site has secured the event for nine straight years.
“Ticket sales are strong,” CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry said at a press conference Feb. 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. “Almost $2 million in ticket sales, that’s up from last year. What makes the CIAA go and what makes this great is the community, and the connection we have with the city.”
The tournament concludes March 5 with the women's final at 5 p.m. and the men’s final televised on ESPNU at 8 p.m. TV One will broadcast the men’s quarterfinals and the semifinal rounds.
CIAA alumni may buy tickets from their respective schools; the general public can buy them online at www.ciaatournament.org or Time Warner Cable Arena box office.
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CIAA Releases 2011 Class of Honorees: John B. McLendon Hall of Fame
HAMPTON, VA – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) welcomes seven individuals as its 2011 class of inductees into the John B. McLendon, Jr. Hall of Fame. The honorees will officially be enshrined on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Charlotte Convention Center at 11:00am- as part of the CIAA Tournament’s week of events.
This year’s class is filled with star-power, exceptional talent and inspiring dedication to the conference through corporate support.
Anita Cooper Epps led the Lady Pirates Basketball Team to two Virginia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (VAIAW) state championships; a CIAA tournament title, and to two appearances in the NCAA Division II national tournament. At the end of the 1986 season, Epps was named Kodak first team All-American and the American Women's Sports Foundation's Regional Player of the Year. She was voted to the All-CIAA team for the second time, captured Kodak All-District III honors and was named to the first team All-America by the Black College Sports Information Directors Association and made the National Association for Women's Sports All-America team. She currently holds the Hampton University career field goal record with a percentage of .542, is second in career field goals with 762 and is third in the Hampton University record book for career scoring with 1,795 points.
Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson spent 30 years coaching the nationally recognized Virginia State University “Woo-Woos” Cheering Squad. Setting the standard for HBCU cheering programs, the Woo Woos and Dr. Johnson have been featured on the BET television network, Urban Sports Network, ESPN and have had numerous appearances on locally based television stations. In the 1990's the squad performed at a boxing match staged by the legendary promoter Don King. In 1999, the Mayor of the City of Petersburg established “Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson Day”. Johnson is noted as the first female athletic director in VSU history and coached the VSU softball team to win its first CIAA Softball Championship. In the conference she was the first president and founder of the CIAA Cheerleader Coaches Association. She is 2003 inductee of the VSU Wall of Fame.
Gregory Hines is a four- year starter and men’s basketball letterman (1979-1983) for Hampton University. He is the university's second all-time scorer with 1,967 points and rebounder (1,254). Hines is ranked in the Top 30 of CIAA All-time career scorers and is 11th in CIAA career rebounding. He has been named as a three time All-American; CIAA Rookie of the Year (1980); CIAA MVP (1982), and is a member of both the 1982 and 1983 CIAA Championship teams. Even after his years as a Pirate, Mr. Hines continued to excel in his sport as an NBA draft choice for the Golden State Warriors. His professional sports career spanned for more than 12 years and included playing in Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, and Israel. Gregory Hines was inducted into the Hampton University Hall of Fame in 2009.
Charlie Neal began his broadcasting career over 30 years ago as a radio disc jockey before turning to television as a sportscaster, working for several affiliates in the Detroit, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. markets. In 1980, Charlie Neal commentated the first nationally televised regular season CIAA Basketball game and became the television voice and face of Black College Sports. Neal and Black Entertainment Television (BET) provided a platform to bring the CIAA into American homes. Neal became a part of the CIAA by serving as an emcee for tip-off banquets and refereeing CIAA All-Star games.
Yancey Thigpen was named to the All-CIAA Football teams of 1989 and 1990. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 4th round of the 1991 NFL Draft. After being drafted, he spent six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1992-97); breaking and recording several records which are still unbroken today. As a Steeler, he was a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams before emerging as one of the best receivers in the NFL. This two-time Pro Bowl honoree and most sought after free agent wide receiver, signed with the Tennessee Oilers; becoming the highest paid wide receiver in the league. Thigpen spent the next three years with the Oilers, assisting them in reaching the Super Bowl. Yancey Thigpen retired after the 2000 season with 313 career receptions for 5,081 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for four yards, returned two punts for 30 yards and gained 188 yards on eight kickoff returns.
Richard Franklin, Coca-Cola’s then African-American Consumer Marketing Manager, managed its corporate sponsor relationship with Commissioner Leon Kerry for a span of 18+ years. In 1998, he was involved in securing the first HBCU Conference $2 million dollar sponsorship commitment with the CIAA. He was also able to secure the first tournament visit of a Fortune 500 company president with the tournament participation of Coca-Cola Company President Jack Stahl. In 2003, he was instrumental in renewing the commitment for $3 million dollars and five more years. Under his guidance, Coca-Cola initiated numerous marketing programs such as the Ball Boy/Ball Girl program, the Slam Dunk Competition, the CIAA Step Show, High School Day sponsorship, the men's and women's tournament championship awards presentation, the Big House Gaines Men's Commemorative Championship Trophy and the Football Championship MVP trophies and hospitality tent.
James Morgan holds the CIAA Basketball Career rebounding record with 1,741rebounds (1967-70). While starring at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), he was a member of the CIAA’s first undefeated regular season basketball team in 1969-70, with a regular season record of 29-0. Morgan was named to the All-CIAA team in 1970 and the CIAA All-Tournament Team 1969 and 1970, where he was second in the NAIA in rebounds during the 1967-68 season (23.3). He played in the NAIA quarter finals in 1970 and was a 7th round draft pick for the Seattle Supersonics; but played in the Continental Basketball Association. Morgan was inducted into the UMES Hall of Fame in 1984.
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The CIAA consists of 13 schools – 12 of them historically black colleges and universities – from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Charlotte organizers and league officials have agreed to an extension of the tournament through 2014, the first time a host site has secured the event for nine straight years.
“Ticket sales are strong,” CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry said at a press conference Feb. 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. “Almost $2 million in ticket sales, that’s up from last year. What makes the CIAA go and what makes this great is the community, and the connection we have with the city.”
The tournament concludes March 5 with the women's final at 5 p.m. and the men’s final televised on ESPNU at 8 p.m. TV One will broadcast the men’s quarterfinals and the semifinal rounds.
CIAA alumni may buy tickets from their respective schools; the general public can buy them online at www.ciaatournament.org or Time Warner Cable Arena box office.
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CIAA Releases 2011 Class of Honorees: John B. McLendon Hall of Fame
HAMPTON, VA – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) welcomes seven individuals as its 2011 class of inductees into the John B. McLendon, Jr. Hall of Fame. The honorees will officially be enshrined on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Charlotte Convention Center at 11:00am- as part of the CIAA Tournament’s week of events.
This year’s class is filled with star-power, exceptional talent and inspiring dedication to the conference through corporate support.
Anita Cooper Epps led the Lady Pirates Basketball Team to two Virginia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (VAIAW) state championships; a CIAA tournament title, and to two appearances in the NCAA Division II national tournament. At the end of the 1986 season, Epps was named Kodak first team All-American and the American Women's Sports Foundation's Regional Player of the Year. She was voted to the All-CIAA team for the second time, captured Kodak All-District III honors and was named to the first team All-America by the Black College Sports Information Directors Association and made the National Association for Women's Sports All-America team. She currently holds the Hampton University career field goal record with a percentage of .542, is second in career field goals with 762 and is third in the Hampton University record book for career scoring with 1,795 points.
Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson spent 30 years coaching the nationally recognized Virginia State University “Woo-Woos” Cheering Squad. Setting the standard for HBCU cheering programs, the Woo Woos and Dr. Johnson have been featured on the BET television network, Urban Sports Network, ESPN and have had numerous appearances on locally based television stations. In the 1990's the squad performed at a boxing match staged by the legendary promoter Don King. In 1999, the Mayor of the City of Petersburg established “Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson Day”. Johnson is noted as the first female athletic director in VSU history and coached the VSU softball team to win its first CIAA Softball Championship. In the conference she was the first president and founder of the CIAA Cheerleader Coaches Association. She is 2003 inductee of the VSU Wall of Fame.
Gregory Hines is a four- year starter and men’s basketball letterman (1979-1983) for Hampton University. He is the university's second all-time scorer with 1,967 points and rebounder (1,254). Hines is ranked in the Top 30 of CIAA All-time career scorers and is 11th in CIAA career rebounding. He has been named as a three time All-American; CIAA Rookie of the Year (1980); CIAA MVP (1982), and is a member of both the 1982 and 1983 CIAA Championship teams. Even after his years as a Pirate, Mr. Hines continued to excel in his sport as an NBA draft choice for the Golden State Warriors. His professional sports career spanned for more than 12 years and included playing in Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico, and Israel. Gregory Hines was inducted into the Hampton University Hall of Fame in 2009.
Charlie Neal began his broadcasting career over 30 years ago as a radio disc jockey before turning to television as a sportscaster, working for several affiliates in the Detroit, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. markets. In 1980, Charlie Neal commentated the first nationally televised regular season CIAA Basketball game and became the television voice and face of Black College Sports. Neal and Black Entertainment Television (BET) provided a platform to bring the CIAA into American homes. Neal became a part of the CIAA by serving as an emcee for tip-off banquets and refereeing CIAA All-Star games.
Yancey Thigpen was named to the All-CIAA Football teams of 1989 and 1990. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the 4th round of the 1991 NFL Draft. After being drafted, he spent six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1992-97); breaking and recording several records which are still unbroken today. As a Steeler, he was a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams before emerging as one of the best receivers in the NFL. This two-time Pro Bowl honoree and most sought after free agent wide receiver, signed with the Tennessee Oilers; becoming the highest paid wide receiver in the league. Thigpen spent the next three years with the Oilers, assisting them in reaching the Super Bowl. Yancey Thigpen retired after the 2000 season with 313 career receptions for 5,081 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for four yards, returned two punts for 30 yards and gained 188 yards on eight kickoff returns.
Richard Franklin, Coca-Cola’s then African-American Consumer Marketing Manager, managed its corporate sponsor relationship with Commissioner Leon Kerry for a span of 18+ years. In 1998, he was involved in securing the first HBCU Conference $2 million dollar sponsorship commitment with the CIAA. He was also able to secure the first tournament visit of a Fortune 500 company president with the tournament participation of Coca-Cola Company President Jack Stahl. In 2003, he was instrumental in renewing the commitment for $3 million dollars and five more years. Under his guidance, Coca-Cola initiated numerous marketing programs such as the Ball Boy/Ball Girl program, the Slam Dunk Competition, the CIAA Step Show, High School Day sponsorship, the men's and women's tournament championship awards presentation, the Big House Gaines Men's Commemorative Championship Trophy and the Football Championship MVP trophies and hospitality tent.
James Morgan holds the CIAA Basketball Career rebounding record with 1,741rebounds (1967-70). While starring at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), he was a member of the CIAA’s first undefeated regular season basketball team in 1969-70, with a regular season record of 29-0. Morgan was named to the All-CIAA team in 1970 and the CIAA All-Tournament Team 1969 and 1970, where he was second in the NAIA in rebounds during the 1967-68 season (23.3). He played in the NAIA quarter finals in 1970 and was a 7th round draft pick for the Seattle Supersonics; but played in the Continental Basketball Association. Morgan was inducted into the UMES Hall of Fame in 1984.
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Howard Volleyball Inks Four
 |
| Alexis Skinner |
“I look for them to make our gym more competitive and bringing back the rich tradition Howard Volleyball once had,” said Barnes.
Skinner is a 5-7 outside hitter from Thomas Johnson High School. The Frederick, MD native led her team to the Maryland 4A State finals with a record of 15-4 this past season. She is a two-time first team All-Gazette selection, and a Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention. Skinner led her team in offense – boasting 163 kills, 104 digs and 32 aces as the team captain. She is also a leader in the classroom, maintaining a 3.25 GPA.
“Skinner is a competitor whose natural athleticism and versatility will allow her to play a couple of positions for us,” commented Barnes. “I am excited to see her future development in our program.”
 |
| Meagan Lagerlef |
“Lagerlef will bring a fierce and competitive edge into our gym. She is very athletic and explosive, and her tough mentality and work ethic will be a great addition to our program,” said Barnes.
 |
| Assata Conway |
“Conway has a huge upside and I am looking for her to make great strides as she prepares to play at this level,” commented Barnes. “Her natural athleticism and blocking ability will definitely add depth to our middle blocker position.”
Shultis is a 6-2 right side hitter and setter from Richmond High School. The Annadale, VA native served as team captain and received team MVP and Coach’s Award following her senior season. She is also a 2010 second-team All-District selection.
“I am expecting great things out of Teppi right away in the setter position,” said Barnes. “She is going to help us on the right side with her blocking abilities. Teppi will add a great deal of poise, intensity, and game savvy to this program. She has the opportunity to become one of the more poised setters to ever play at Howard.”
by Jamilah Corbitt
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Howard University
Videographer: meazteam1; Howard Athletics Volleyball Finale Home Game Fall 2010
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Where Are They Now? MEAC player of the year to make D-League debut
For Reggie Holmes, father might prove to know best in this situation, too.After finishing his career as Morgan State's all-time leading scorer with 2,051 points last season, Holmes ended up going overseas to play in Morocco. His father, Mark, thought Reggie should have tried something else instead.
"He wanted me to go to the D-League from the jump," Holmes said. "I was like, 'Nah!' and he said, 'You're grown now.' "
With things not going to his full liking overseas, Holmes, 23, has decided to give his dad's suggestion a shot. Holmes will make his D-League debut for the Erie BayHawks in their 7 p.m. game today against the New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-18) at Tullio Arena. OK, Dad, he'll give this a shot.
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TODAY'S BAYHAWKS GAME
New Mexico Thunderbirds (14-18) at Erie BayHawks (20-9)
Today, 7 p.m., at Tullio Arena.
On the air: WFNN-AM/1330; www.nba.com/dleague
The Erie BayHawks are the NBA Development League Affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors. The NBA Development League is the official minor league of the NBA.
MEAC Tourney To Stay in Winston-Salem Through 2012
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced a one-year extension for the City of Winston-Salem (NC) to host the annual men's and women's basketball tournament through 2012.
Mayor Allen Joines of the City of Winston-Salem and MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas made the official announcement during a press conference held in the main lobby of the Coliseum.
"The MEAC is extremely elated to extend our partnership with the City of Winston-Salem," said MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas. "Special thanks to Mayor Joines and the City Council, Bucky Dames, Jocelyn Johnson, the Steering Committee and others for their efforts in extending this great partnership and providing the support needed to make the MEAC Basketball Tournament a tremendous success."
The City of Winston-Salem has hosted the men's and women's Division I basketball tournament in 2009 and 2010. The 2011 Tournament is scheduled for March 7-12 and will be played at the Joel Coliseum.
Ticket books for the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament can be purchased at all 13 MEAC university ticket offices, Joel Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, the MEAC Office and online at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling the MEAC at (757) 951-2055 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information about the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament including brackets, ancillary events, tickets and travel information, log on to www.MEAChoops.com.
About the MEAC Basketball Tournament
The MEAC Basketball Tournament is a single elimination championship playoff that involves Division I historically black colleges and universities located across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Hampton, Howard, Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State, and South Carolina State. A bonus game featuring the men's teams from North Carolina Central and Savannah State will also highlight championship day.
The tournament is played at the Joel Coliseum. Both the men's and women's champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Written By: MEAC Media Relations Release: 02/09/2011
Mayor Allen Joines of the City of Winston-Salem and MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas made the official announcement during a press conference held in the main lobby of the Coliseum.
"The MEAC is extremely elated to extend our partnership with the City of Winston-Salem," said MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas. "Special thanks to Mayor Joines and the City Council, Bucky Dames, Jocelyn Johnson, the Steering Committee and others for their efforts in extending this great partnership and providing the support needed to make the MEAC Basketball Tournament a tremendous success."
The City of Winston-Salem has hosted the men's and women's Division I basketball tournament in 2009 and 2010. The 2011 Tournament is scheduled for March 7-12 and will be played at the Joel Coliseum.
Ticket books for the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament can be purchased at all 13 MEAC university ticket offices, Joel Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, the MEAC Office and online at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available by calling the MEAC at (757) 951-2055 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information about the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament including brackets, ancillary events, tickets and travel information, log on to www.MEAChoops.com.
About the MEAC Basketball Tournament
The MEAC Basketball Tournament is a single elimination championship playoff that involves Division I historically black colleges and universities located across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Hampton, Howard, Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State, and South Carolina State. A bonus game featuring the men's teams from North Carolina Central and Savannah State will also highlight championship day.
The tournament is played at the Joel Coliseum. Both the men's and women's champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Written By: MEAC Media Relations Release: 02/09/2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Prairie View Bowling Places Second At FAMU Classic
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Prairie View A&M bowling team returned to the lanes this past weekend and put forth a strong showing as they finished second in the FAMU Classic.Prairie View A&M jumped out to a 4-1 record in Baker Set after the first day of tournament play as they beat Alabama State (702-600), Jackson State (720-664), Florida A&M (692-641) and Florida State (729-696). Their lone loss came at the hands of Sam Houston State as the No. 5 ranked team in the nation defeated them 674 to 629.
After a solid opening day, day two wasn’t as successful for the Lady Panthers in team format as they began with a heartbreaking two-pin loss to Sam Houston State (918-916). The Lady Panthers bounced back with wins over Alabama State (880-736) and FAMU (789-786) before dropping the last two matches to Florida State (1001-837) and Jackson State (822-773) for a 2-3 mark.
Going into the third and final day of competition, the Lady Panthers were seeded second overall and began bracket competition against top-seeded Sam Houston State. Playing in a 4-of-7 Baker format, the Lady Panthers fell 4-2 to SHSU and dropped into the loser’s bracket. Prairie View A&M bounced back and knocked off FAMU 4-2 and advanced to the championship match versus Sam Houston State once again. Unfortunately, the Lady Panthers couldn’t overcome their nemesis as SHSU defeated them 4-2 to win the championship.
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WSSU Peay following in footsteps of his parents
Maybe William Peay should be a history major.Peay, a freshman basketball player at Winston-Salem State, probably knows more about the history of WSSU than anybody on campus. Peay, a former star at Reagan, has been deeply schooled in WSSU's storied history. His parents, William and Brenda, are 1974 graduates of WSSU and have been active boosters for many years.
"It's amazing," Peay said. "I didn't know I'd wind up here but I always wanted to come; and so when I got the chance, I was ecstatic with the opportunity."
There aren't a lot of young players who dream of one day putting on the WSSU uniform. But Peay is different. If his mother and father weren't regaling him with tales of their time in school — when Big House Gaines ruled the CIAA in basketball and Bill Hayes ruled the CIAA in football — his godfather, Devaldean Penn, was telling him one of his countless stories.
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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG
ASU women's hoops escapes Clark Atlanta in OT, set for FVSU showdown
ATLANTA, Ga. — Whew ... that was a close one.That was the reaction of Albany State women’s basketball coach Robert Skinner on Tuesday night after his Lady Rams narrowly pulled out a key SIAC win against Clark Atlanta on the road, 84-78, in overtime, to maintain its top spot in the conference race. Albany State is 12-4 and is tied with Fort Valley for first, and as long as FVSU takes care of business at home on Thursday against Claflin, it will set up a showdown for the regular-season SIAC title Saturday at HPER when the two teams meet for the second time this season.
“We got pushed to the limit (Tuesday night),” Skinner said. “No one’s going to make it easy on us.”
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Randall, Claflin Panthers hungry for SIAC Baseball title
Claflin head baseball coach James Randall couldn't help but to think about what could have been. With his team just two games away from the 2010 SIAC Baseball Tournament's championship game, the Panthers saw their quest to be the conference's best team dashed at the hands of eventual champion Stillman College. Now that the season is here, Randall and his squad are ready to set their sights on a title run once again."Our mindset going in is to win our conference championship," Randall said. "From day one, our goal is to put ourselves in a position to win the conference championship."
Led by preseason All-SIAC selections Julius McDougal, Donald Smith, Leonard Williams and Fedor Herrera, the Panthers return a number of players from their 2010 campaign in hopes of winning a title and earning a bid in the NCAA Division II Championship tournament.
Claflin falls to USC Beaufort in opener of 2011 season
Tuesday proved to be a long day for James Randall. The Claflin University head baseball coach arrived at historic Mirmow Field at 3:30 a.m. to work on a soggy infield, ensuring that the surface was playable for his team and the visiting USC Beaufort Sandsharks. About 15 hours later, Randall's hands were tied as he could only watch as the Sandsharks capitalized on critical infield miscues, handing his Panthers a season-opening 9-3 loss.
Claflin (0-1) wasted no time taking a 1-0 lead when Chauncey Davis, who reached thanks to a leadoff walk, scored on a sacrifice fly by Randolph Brown in the bottom of the first inning.
USC Beaufort (1-0) responded in the top of the second with two runs of their own. After reaching on a 1-out walk and stealing second, Keifer Youmans tied the game 1-1 on an RBI double by Brett Martin. Two batters later, David O'Neal drove in Martin on a single, giving the Sandsharks a 2-1 lead.
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Claflin University 2011 Baseball Schedule
Panthers Baseball Roster Profiles (.pdf)
OPPONENT DATE DAY GAME TIME SITE
USC-BEAUFORT FEB. 8 TUESDAY S 2:00 PM HOME
BREWTON-PARKER FEB. 12 SATURDAY D/H 1:00 PM HOME
COKER COLLEGE FEB. 15 TUESDAY S 2:30 PM HARTSVILLE, SC
DAVIS & ELKINS FEB. 19 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM HOME
DAVIS & ELKINS FEB. 20 SUNDAY S 2:00 PM HOME
SAVANNAH STATE FEB. 23 WEDNESDAY S 2:00 PM SAVANNAH, GA
PAINE COLLEGE FEB. 25 FRIDAY S 1:00 PM HOME
VOORHEES COLLEGE MAR. 2 WEDNESDAY D/H 12:00 PM DENMARK, SC
USC-BEAUFORT MAR. 8 TUESDAY S 4:00 PM BLUFFTON, SC
PAINE COLLEGE MAR. 12 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM AUGUSTA, GA
PAINE COLLEGE MAR. 13 SUNDAY S 1:00 PM AUGUSTA, GA
ELIZABETH CITY ST. MAR. 15 TUESDAY D/H 1:00 PM HOME
ST. AUGUSTINE'S MAR. 16 WEDNESDAY S 5:00 PM HOME
ALBANY STATE MAR. 19 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM ALBANY, GA
ALBANY STATE MAR. 20 SUNDAY S 1:00 PM ALBANY, GA
ST. AUGUSTINE'S MAR. 23 WEDNESDAY D/H 2:00 PM RALEIGH, NC
TUSKEGEE MAR. 26 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM TUSKEGEE, AL
TUSKEGEE MAR. 27 SUNDAY S 1:00 PM TUSKEGEE, AL
MORRIS COLLEGE MAR. 30 WEDNESDAY S 5:00 PM HOME
STILLMAN COLLEGE APR. 2 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM HOME
STILLMAN COLLEGE APR. 2 SUNDAY S 1:00 PM HOME
MORRIS COLLEGE APR. 5 TUESDAY S 5:00 PM SUMTER, SC
CLARK-ATLANTA APR. 9 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM ATLANTA, GA
CLARK-ATLANTA APR. 10 SUNDAY S 1:00 PM ATLANTA, GA
COKER COLLEGE APR. 12 TUESDAY S 6:00 PM HOME
MOREHOUSE APR. 16 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM HOME
MOREHOUSE APR. 17 SUNDAY S 1:00 PM HOME
VOORHEES COLLEGE APR. 19 TUESDAY D/H 4:00 PM HOME
BENEDICT COLLEGE APR. 23 SATURDAY D/H 12:00 PM HOME
BENEDICT COLLEGE APR. 24 SUNDAY S 1:00 PM HOME
SIAC TOURNAMENT APR. 27-30 WEDNESDAY TBA ALBANY, GA
Videographer: Checkpoint2010; prod. by: Racardo Davis
Florida A&M's Leon Hunt has his eyes set on the 2012 Olympics
Leon Hunt has his eyes set on the 2012 Olympics. But before he punches his ticket for London, the St. Croix, Virgin Islands native wants to be the best college long jumper in the country.He set a personal best last weekend at the Niswonger Invitational track meet at East Tennessee University when he leaped 7.75 meters (25 feet, 4 inches). The Florida A&M University senior won the event and is nationally ranked in the top 15 of all NCAA indoor long jump athletes.
"The rankings are updated almost every week, so you never know what's going to happen," Hunt said Monday after a workout in Tallahassee, Fla. "But I've been pretty happy with what I've done so far this indoor season."
According to USVI track and field team coach Wallace Williams, Hunt's leap last weekend set a territory record for the indoor long jump. Hunt set the previous record in 2009 and also holds the outdoor long jump record.
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CLICK LINK FOR INFO -- February 17-19, 2011 MEAC Track and Field Championships in Landover, Maryland.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Hunt on the rise for FAMU track
FAMU track teams show promise at UNC Classic
Howard University swim team moving tradition forward
Hidden one floor beneath a college gymnasium, tucked at the end of a hallway and through two sets of heavy double doors, Matt Salerno checked his stopwatch and shouted time results to swimmers crisscrossing a small, six-lane pool whose very existence is unknown to even some students at Howard University.
As one of three historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to field a swimming and diving team, Howard faces a number of challenges - lack of recognition, for one, but also in recruiting, resources, competitiveness and its role in the continued expansion of a sport across racial boundaries. But despite those issues, many on the team believe they are on the right path toward forming a competitive program over the next few years - and one that can continue to break down barriers.
"I don't even know if they know how much of an inspiration they are to many black swimmers or African American swimmers or divers," Salerno said. "That they're doing something that's 1 in 50. And I think when they look back on it, they'll feel a lot of pride for their accomplishments."
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions Football Releases 2011 Schedule
The Golden Lions will open their 2011 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 3rd at the Delta Classic 4 Literacy in Little Rock against Langston University. Arkansas-Pine Bluff will then get set to open Southwestern Athletic Conference play at home against Alcorn State on September 10th.
After facing the Braves, the Golden Lions will compete in their first road outing of the year as they travel to face Prairie View A&M (Sept. 17th) before traveling to St. Louis to participate in the Gateway Classic on September 24th against Clark Atlanta.
UAPB will take on SWAC East foes Alabama A&M and Jackson State on October 1st and October 8th in Huntsville, Ala. and Jackson, Miss. respectively. The Golden Lions will then host the Southern Jaguars on October 15th.
The following week Arkansas-Pine Bluff will have a bye followed by a meeting with the Grambling State Tigers at Golden Lions Stadium (Oct. 29th). Homecoming 2011 has been slated for November 5th as the Golden Lions will take the field against the Alabama State Hornets.
The Golden Lions last road game of the season will take place on Nov. 12th versus Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena, Miss. UAPB’s home finale will take place the next week on November 19th against Texas Southern (Senior Day).
Videographer: bleuismOMG; UAPB M4 at in Shreveport, 1/2011.
UAPB Golden Lions 2011 Football Schedule
September 3 Langston University Little Rock 5:00pm Delta Classic 4 Literacy
September 10 Alcorn State University * Home 6:00pm
September 17 Prairie View A&M Univ. * Away TBA
September 24 Clark Atlanta University St. Louis, MO 3:00pm Gateway Classic
October 1 Alabama A&M University * Away TBA
October 8 Jackson State University * Away TBA
October 15 Southern University * Home 6:00pm
October 22 OPEN
October 29 Grambling State University * Home 2:00pm
November 5 Alabama State University * Home 2:00pm Homecoming
November 12 Mississippi Valley State* Away TBA
November 19 Texas Southern University * Home 2:00pm Senior Day
(*) Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference Game
Head Football Coach Monte Coleman
Printable 2011 Football Schedule
by UAPB Media Relations
Videographer: bleuismOMG; UAPB in Shreveport Jan. 2011 "Power"
Maxey, Tigers rip Jags, set up SWAC showdown
Grant Maxey scored 20 points and had 14 rebounds and Jackson State rebounded from Saturday's loss at rival Alcorn State with a 72-43 whipping at Southern University on Monday night.
"Every one's a big win for us," JSU coach Tevester Anderson said on his postgame radio interview. "You need big wins when you're competing for a championship."
With Mississippi Valley State's loss Monday, the Tigers (13-10, 9-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) now hold sole possession of second place in the conference standings with a home showdown against SWAC-leading Texas Southern set for Saturday.
"It should be a big game. I hope our fans will come out," Anderson said. "We'll be competing for first place. They win, they'll take a two- game lead."
SU back in top gear; Jaguars ride big 2nd half to run over Jackson State
The slump is over. The streak lives. And the Southern women’s basketball team may be close to reaching its full potential — just in time for the stretch run.
Locked in a tight game against Jackson State on Monday night, the Jaguars used a sharp, timely second-half run to pull away for a 72-55 victory inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center, extending their winning streak to eight games and maintaining their grip on first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings.
But it wasn’t just that Southern (13-8, 10-1) put an opponent away. It was how the Jaguars did it, using the talents of four seniors to stretch out their advantage. Leading 52-46 with less than six minutes remaining, the Jaguars went on a 16-0 run.
Videographer: tarentulami; Southern University Drumline performs in Algeria.
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"Every one's a big win for us," JSU coach Tevester Anderson said on his postgame radio interview. "You need big wins when you're competing for a championship."
With Mississippi Valley State's loss Monday, the Tigers (13-10, 9-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) now hold sole possession of second place in the conference standings with a home showdown against SWAC-leading Texas Southern set for Saturday.
"It should be a big game. I hope our fans will come out," Anderson said. "We'll be competing for first place. They win, they'll take a two- game lead."
SU back in top gear; Jaguars ride big 2nd half to run over Jackson State
The slump is over. The streak lives. And the Southern women’s basketball team may be close to reaching its full potential — just in time for the stretch run.
Locked in a tight game against Jackson State on Monday night, the Jaguars used a sharp, timely second-half run to pull away for a 72-55 victory inside the F.G. Clark Activity Center, extending their winning streak to eight games and maintaining their grip on first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings.
But it wasn’t just that Southern (13-8, 10-1) put an opponent away. It was how the Jaguars did it, using the talents of four seniors to stretch out their advantage. Leading 52-46 with less than six minutes remaining, the Jaguars went on a 16-0 run.
Videographer: tarentulami; Southern University Drumline performs in Algeria.
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FAMU guard McKelton scores her 1,000th point in win over Coppin State
With 46.9 left on the clock Monday night, Tameka McKelton walked to the free-throw line. She seemed relaxed. She hit the two shots. They were mere formality as the Florida A&M women's basketball team was about to wrap up a 73-62 victory over Coppin State University.
More importantly, the foul shots were McKelton's 20th and 21st points of the night as she became the first junior in a decade to score 1,000 career points at FAMU. The night's work at the Lawson Center was enough to give McKelton a career total of 1,011 points on a night that she obviously was pressured more by the probability of the milestone than anything that the Eagles did defensively.
FAMU protects home floor vs. Coppin State
Florida A&M might want to put up a sign outside the Lawson Center that lets visiting teams know that they're likely to come out of the place nicknamed the snake pit with a loss. Or so it seems.
Coppin State University became the sixth team to find out that the Rattlers are very protective when it comes to their home court. FAMU used the long ball in the second half to build a 14-point cushion then held off a late surge by the Eagles for a 60-58 victory.
The Eagles became the second consecutive team of the top three in the MEAC standings to stumble...
Videographer: atomicdog1983; FAMU vs. MSU, 2/5/11.
Grandmother should inspire FAMU fans to pack Lawson Center
His men's basketball team had just taken down Morgan State University, the team that the rest of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference had been looking up to for the past two seasons. Florida A&M head basketball coach Eugene Harris couldn't help feeling a little proud Saturday night. FAMU had won its eighth game in the Lawson Center for an 8-1 home record.
So you're feeling real good about this, eh coach? "Our motto is we're going to defend to the end," seems a good enough response. It was a beauty to watch. Just like Harris said, every player on the floor brought some hustle. Larry Jackson matched up tough against the Bears' two big men. Yannick Crowder was swatting rejections all over the place.
Let Harris tell it for those who weren't there.
PHOTO GALLERY: FAMU vs. Coppin State
Videographer: cvc318; SCSU VS. FAMU-- HALFTIME
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More importantly, the foul shots were McKelton's 20th and 21st points of the night as she became the first junior in a decade to score 1,000 career points at FAMU. The night's work at the Lawson Center was enough to give McKelton a career total of 1,011 points on a night that she obviously was pressured more by the probability of the milestone than anything that the Eagles did defensively.
FAMU protects home floor vs. Coppin State
Florida A&M might want to put up a sign outside the Lawson Center that lets visiting teams know that they're likely to come out of the place nicknamed the snake pit with a loss. Or so it seems.
Coppin State University became the sixth team to find out that the Rattlers are very protective when it comes to their home court. FAMU used the long ball in the second half to build a 14-point cushion then held off a late surge by the Eagles for a 60-58 victory.
The Eagles became the second consecutive team of the top three in the MEAC standings to stumble...
Videographer: atomicdog1983; FAMU vs. MSU, 2/5/11.
Grandmother should inspire FAMU fans to pack Lawson Center
His men's basketball team had just taken down Morgan State University, the team that the rest of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference had been looking up to for the past two seasons. Florida A&M head basketball coach Eugene Harris couldn't help feeling a little proud Saturday night. FAMU had won its eighth game in the Lawson Center for an 8-1 home record.
So you're feeling real good about this, eh coach? "Our motto is we're going to defend to the end," seems a good enough response. It was a beauty to watch. Just like Harris said, every player on the floor brought some hustle. Larry Jackson matched up tough against the Bears' two big men. Yannick Crowder was swatting rejections all over the place.
Let Harris tell it for those who weren't there.
PHOTO GALLERY: FAMU vs. Coppin State
Videographer: cvc318; SCSU VS. FAMU-- HALFTIME
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HU Bison Bulldoze through S.C. State Bulldogs for Fifth Straight Win
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In its largest margin of victory on the season, the Howard Bison overtook fellow MEAC opponent South Carolina State, 59-25, extending its winning streak to five-straight games. Cheyenne Curley-Payne got the Bison (10-14, 6-4 MEAC) rolling with three crisp shots behind the arc to immediately put HU up, 15-3.“Cheyenne hit big shots for us,” Bison assistant head coach Brian Johnson said. “We had good execution of our plays and in our defense. We made key stops and we scored which resulted in great execution tonight.”
With a little over five minutes into the game, Bison threat Tamoria Holmes temporarily left the game with a shoulder injury. She would return later in the half where she quickly converted back-to-back field-goals, including a three-pointer and a layup on a breakaway steal to push up the Bison, 32-5. Holmes finished with 10 points after the first 20 minutes.
Offensively, the Bison would break away to a 36-7 lead going into halftime as the Bulldogs (2-8, 6-14 MEAC) failed to convert shots and recorded a mere five offensive rebounds.
The Bison outpaced the Eagles in rebounding, 23-11, as HU capitalized on 14 defensive rebounds. Howard would score six of its first half points on second chances, whereas the Bulldogs were limited to none. South Carolina State’s Tiara Knotts, however, would attempt to bring her team up late in the game after landing three baskets from behind the arc, closing the scoring gap, 54-23.
Holmes, Curley-Payne, and MEAC leading-scorer Saadia Doyle would return to the game in attempt to slow down the Eagles’ momentum. The dynamic trio powered forward with an impressive Bison defense until the close of the game, holding SCSU to 18 points in the second stint. In their noteworthy defensive stance, the Bison tallied 14 assists, three blocks, 12 steals and a season high of 44 total rebounds.
Curley-Payne dominated with 12 rebounds (three offensive, nine defensive) in the conference win. Meanwhile, Doyle finished with 12 points in the game, leaving her 103 points shy of the monumental 1,000 point mark. Tasia Majors made an appearance in the second half and recorded her first points in her collegiate career.
“Minutes are valuable for preparing for tournaments,” Johnson said. “We try to give everybody at least two to three minutes, here and there. As for today’s game, we were focused on playing hard against a team that beat us twice and knocked us out of the tournament last year. We made sure we won and Cheyenne helped with key shots early on.”
In the final stretch of the regular season, every game is crucial for the Bison. Entering in Monday’s battle with South Carolina State, the Bison were locked in a five-way tie for third place in the conference and look to stay on pace to break higher the conference ranks as they hit the road to take on North Carolina A&T on Sat. Feb. 12.
“Our focus was to win the home games, and we accomplished that,” Curley-Payne said. “Now we have to take the confidence we build with us on the road.”
by Jamilah Corbitt
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Howard University
Jackson State Athletic Director Retires
Jackson State University announces that Athletics Director Robert Braddy has retired.“The entire Jackson State University family joins me in thanking Coach Braddy for his more than 30 years of service to this university,” said Carolyn Meyers, university president. “I know that all who know him join the university in wishing him and his family well.”
Braddy, affectionately known as “Coach,” started his retirement February 1.
Having served as athletics director for five years, Braddy previously served as the Tigers’ baseball coach for 28 years. A 1964 JSU graduate, Braddy also served as the university’s interim director of athletics in 2000. Under his leadership, the JSU athletics programs have won 17 SWAC titles and captured the Commissioner’s Cup (the James Frank Award) four times, as well the men’s and women’s all sports awards.
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Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Bowl: Former Bethune-Cookman player Nick Collins has interception return in Packers win
Nick Collins etched his name into the Green Bay Packers history books on Sunday when he helped his team beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Super Bowl XLV.
Collins, a former Bethune-Cookman University player from Cross City, Florida (Dixie County High School), intercepted a first-quarter pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. The score put the Packers up 14-0 at the time.
Collins, who also had four solo tackles and a pass deflection, was one of 13 players with Florida ties on the Steelers or Packers. That included Steelers rookie All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey (Florida/Lakeland HS). Pouncey was injured in the AFC championship game and did not play. His absence was noticeable, as the Packers successfully put pressure on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger with a variety of blitz packages.
Videographer: SBSuperBowl; Collins ran for 37 yard touchdown, scoring on the 13th interception return in Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl XLV: Nick Collins, Jarrett Bush, Clay Matthews force turnovers that vault Packers to win
ARLINGTON, Tex. - For all the hype swirling about the star quarterbacks, the Packers' defense made the three most pivotal plays of Super Bowl XLV. Dom Capers' unit intercepted Ben Roethlisberger twice in the first quarter and forced a game-changing fumble in the fourth to help the Pack win its fourth Lombardi Trophy.
"You can't turn the ball over," Steelers wideout Hines Ward said. "You can't do it at this stage of the game for the Super Bowl."
Aaron Rodgers converted the Steelers turnovers into three TDs to help prevent Pittsburgh from winning its seventh title.
The Packers got help from Jets castoff Howard Green, who forced the first mistake of the night. Green, who was released by Gang Green in October for being overweight, forced Roethlisberger into an errant throw in the first quarter with pressure up the middle. Green hit Roethlisberger, whose underthrown pass was intercepted by Nick Collins. The safety weaved through traffic before leaping into the end zone for a 14-0 lead.
Videographer: akaGameBoy; Nick Collins post-game interview.
Super Bowl XLV: Packers' Collins weaves way into spotlight with interception return
ARLINGTON, Texas — Throughout the week, Nick Collins was the forgotten free safety in Super Bowl XLV. While the Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu garnered the lion's share of the attention for his flowing locks, friendly demeanor, big-play reputation and newly minted NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, Collins, the Green Bay Packers' six-year veteran, quietly went about his business.
Once the Super Bowl rolled around, however, it was Collins, not Polamalu, who made the biggest defensive play of the game. He gave the Packers a 14-0 lead when he intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown, a critical play in their 31-25 victory over the Steelers on Sunday.
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Collins, a former Bethune-Cookman University player from Cross City, Florida (Dixie County High School), intercepted a first-quarter pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. The score put the Packers up 14-0 at the time.
Collins, who also had four solo tackles and a pass deflection, was one of 13 players with Florida ties on the Steelers or Packers. That included Steelers rookie All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey (Florida/Lakeland HS). Pouncey was injured in the AFC championship game and did not play. His absence was noticeable, as the Packers successfully put pressure on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger with a variety of blitz packages.
Videographer: SBSuperBowl; Collins ran for 37 yard touchdown, scoring on the 13th interception return in Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl XLV: Nick Collins, Jarrett Bush, Clay Matthews force turnovers that vault Packers to win
ARLINGTON, Tex. - For all the hype swirling about the star quarterbacks, the Packers' defense made the three most pivotal plays of Super Bowl XLV. Dom Capers' unit intercepted Ben Roethlisberger twice in the first quarter and forced a game-changing fumble in the fourth to help the Pack win its fourth Lombardi Trophy.
"You can't turn the ball over," Steelers wideout Hines Ward said. "You can't do it at this stage of the game for the Super Bowl."
Aaron Rodgers converted the Steelers turnovers into three TDs to help prevent Pittsburgh from winning its seventh title.
The Packers got help from Jets castoff Howard Green, who forced the first mistake of the night. Green, who was released by Gang Green in October for being overweight, forced Roethlisberger into an errant throw in the first quarter with pressure up the middle. Green hit Roethlisberger, whose underthrown pass was intercepted by Nick Collins. The safety weaved through traffic before leaping into the end zone for a 14-0 lead.
Videographer: akaGameBoy; Nick Collins post-game interview.
Super Bowl XLV: Packers' Collins weaves way into spotlight with interception return
ARLINGTON, Texas — Throughout the week, Nick Collins was the forgotten free safety in Super Bowl XLV. While the Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu garnered the lion's share of the attention for his flowing locks, friendly demeanor, big-play reputation and newly minted NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, Collins, the Green Bay Packers' six-year veteran, quietly went about his business.
Once the Super Bowl rolled around, however, it was Collins, not Polamalu, who made the biggest defensive play of the game. He gave the Packers a 14-0 lead when he intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown, a critical play in their 31-25 victory over the Steelers on Sunday.
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Super Bowl: Prairie View A&M Marching Storm has its moments on World Stage before 100 million viewers
Super entertainers had their moments -- both good and bad
Excerpt:
Finally, somebody found a more entertaining use for Cowboys Stadium's gigantic video board than punting footballs into it.
The Black Eyed Peas, who were lowered onto the Super Bowl stage from the massive HD scoreboard, delivered a 15-minute halftime performance layered with spectacle and studded with guest stars. The Peas are frequently derided for being pop music aimed at the lowest common denominator -- and make no mistake: the songs comprising the set list were not artistic gems -- but the quartet did exactly what a Super Bowl halftime show should -- it entertained.
The setlist spanned most of BEP's more recent career; current hits like "The Time (Dirty Bit)" were blended with older hits like "Pump It" (which featured the Prairie View A&M University marching band).
Videographer: BBellidos
Black Eyed Peas delivered, but Slash's performance wasted
Excerpt:
ARLINGTON, TX — One should never expect art during a Super Bowl halftime show. A barely 15-minute mini-concert in the middle of a football field surrounded by the cacophonous spectacle of a gargantuan, glass-and-metal stadium is not the ideal setting for musical revelations.
So anybody complaining about the Black Eyed Peas’ 13-minute gig Sunday night sandwiched between the two halves of the biggest sporting event in the country needs to realize that will.i.am, Fergie , Apl.de.ap and Taboo dished out exactly what made them famous in the first place.
That field was mighty busy during the show, what with the 60 members of the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm marching band doing its thing and a slew of dancers on the platform with the Peas as well as on the surrounding Astro turf.
Former PV Marching Storm Drum Major Smith Makes Career Mark at Super Bowl
Super Bowl XLV will be much more than a high-profile football game in Texas for PVAMU alumnus and Fort Worth native Jimmy R.O. Smith. The 2003 graduate will have a hand in choreographing the event’s half-time show.
Smith will assist in orchestrating the show, which will be headlined by the Black Eyed Peas. Smith’s close proximity to the production has also opened the door for 60 members of the PVAMU Marching Band to participate in the show.
I was asked by a friend and a driving force in the industry, Fatima Robinson, to assist her with this elaborate piece of work that I feel could possibly be my largest one to date,” Smith said. “She hired me earlier in my career as a member of Eddie Murphy's band in feature film ‘Dreamgirls’ and now she’s bringing me on to assist her in one of her largest projects.”
Smith credits his years at PVAMU in helping him to shape his character. After serving as drum major in the PVAMU’s award-winning Marching Storm, he ventured to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of a career in entertainment. Fast forward and Smith has choreographed, danced and produced alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. He has appeared in major motion pictures such as “Stomp the Yard” and “Burlesque” and has toured with top notch artists like Keri Hilson, Jennifer Lopez and Fergie.
READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.
Excerpt:
Finally, somebody found a more entertaining use for Cowboys Stadium's gigantic video board than punting footballs into it.
The Black Eyed Peas, who were lowered onto the Super Bowl stage from the massive HD scoreboard, delivered a 15-minute halftime performance layered with spectacle and studded with guest stars. The Peas are frequently derided for being pop music aimed at the lowest common denominator -- and make no mistake: the songs comprising the set list were not artistic gems -- but the quartet did exactly what a Super Bowl halftime show should -- it entertained.
The setlist spanned most of BEP's more recent career; current hits like "The Time (Dirty Bit)" were blended with older hits like "Pump It" (which featured the Prairie View A&M University marching band).
Videographer: BBellidos
Black Eyed Peas delivered, but Slash's performance wasted
Excerpt:
ARLINGTON, TX — One should never expect art during a Super Bowl halftime show. A barely 15-minute mini-concert in the middle of a football field surrounded by the cacophonous spectacle of a gargantuan, glass-and-metal stadium is not the ideal setting for musical revelations.
So anybody complaining about the Black Eyed Peas’ 13-minute gig Sunday night sandwiched between the two halves of the biggest sporting event in the country needs to realize that will.i.am, Fergie , Apl.de.ap and Taboo dished out exactly what made them famous in the first place.
That field was mighty busy during the show, what with the 60 members of the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm marching band doing its thing and a slew of dancers on the platform with the Peas as well as on the surrounding Astro turf.
Former PV Marching Storm Drum Major Smith Makes Career Mark at Super Bowl
 |
| Jimmy R.O. Smith |
Smith will assist in orchestrating the show, which will be headlined by the Black Eyed Peas. Smith’s close proximity to the production has also opened the door for 60 members of the PVAMU Marching Band to participate in the show.
I was asked by a friend and a driving force in the industry, Fatima Robinson, to assist her with this elaborate piece of work that I feel could possibly be my largest one to date,” Smith said. “She hired me earlier in my career as a member of Eddie Murphy's band in feature film ‘Dreamgirls’ and now she’s bringing me on to assist her in one of her largest projects.”
Smith credits his years at PVAMU in helping him to shape his character. After serving as drum major in the PVAMU’s award-winning Marching Storm, he ventured to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of a career in entertainment. Fast forward and Smith has choreographed, danced and produced alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. He has appeared in major motion pictures such as “Stomp the Yard” and “Burlesque” and has toured with top notch artists like Keri Hilson, Jennifer Lopez and Fergie.
READ MORE, CLICK EACH TITLE.
Coppin State Upends First-Place Bethune-Cookman on Road
Tony Gallo missed all five of his shots in regulation, but made up for it with all eight of his points in overtime as Coppin State upset Bethune-Cookman in overtime, 90-79, in a MEAC contest at Moore Gym in Daytona Beach Saturday.Gallo went 0-5 in regulation, but outscored BCU 7-1 in the first two minutes of the extra period, part of a 19-8 drubbing in overtime for the Eagles (11-10, 6-3).
C.J. Reed scored a career-high 34 points for the Wildcats (13-10, 7-2), who fell a half-game behind Hampton (18-5, 8-2) for the MEAC lead. Reed sent the game into overtime when he nailed his sixth three-pointer of the game just before the buzzer.
Coppin State Tops Bethune-Cookman 90-79 in Overtime
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Akeem Ellis and Tony Gallo combined to score 15 of Coppin State’s 19 points in overtime leading the Eagles to a 90-79 victory over Bethune-Cookman in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game on Saturday in Moore Gymnasium.
Led by Ellis and Gallo, Coppin State outscored the Wildcats 19-8 in the extra session to win for the fifth time in the last six games. The Eagles improved to 11-10 overall and 6-3 in the MEAC. Bethune-Cookman, which entered the contest in first place in the MEAC, fell to 13-10 overall and 7-2 in league play.
Eagles Win for Sixth Time in Last Eight Games
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Shawntae Payne led five players in double figures with 14 points and Coppin State used a strong second half shooting performance to defeat Bethune-Cookman 76-57 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game on Saturday in Moore Gymnasium.
Coppin State (8-12, 5-4 MEAC) shot 57.7 percent from the floor in the second half to pull away from the Wildcats. The Eagles won for the sixth time in their last eight games and moved over the .500 mark in conference play at 5-4.
Payne was 6-of-13 from the floor to lead the Eagles, while Leola Spotwood and Larrisa Carter each added 13 points for Coppin State. CSU also received 11 points each from Ashle Craig and Kyra Coleman.
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Sunday, February 6, 2011
Houston Dynamo/Texas Southern Tigers break ground on new downtown stadium
Texas Southern University President Dr. John M. Rudley
“One of our major initiatives was to bring a state-of-the-art stadium to Texas Southern University athletics. This new stadium has helped us reach that goal. It also gives us one of the best facilities in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. It’s a huge boost to the overall athletic program.”
Videographer: Khou.com
The Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer broke ground on February 5, 2011 on their $95 million dollar, 22,000-seat soccer stadium in downtown Houston's East End. Dignitaries such as AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke, Dynamo equity partner Oscar de la Hoya, MLS President Mark Abbott, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett participated in the groundbreaking festivities, while Dynamo all-time leading scorer Brian Ching kicked a ceremonial first goal on the stadium site.
Excavation of the site and construction of the stadium is expected to begin shortly, and the Dynamo hope to play their first game in the new stadium by mid-2012. The stadium is located in downtown Houston, within walking distance of Minute Maid Park, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and the Toyota Center. In addition to soccer games, the new stadium will host Texas Southern University football, concerts, boxing matches, and more.
The stadium will be operated by the Dynamo and leased from the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. It is located closer to downtown than any other American stadium built for soccer and will be easily accessible to fans from the entire Houston area.
AEG Facilities, the world's largest venue manager, will manage the stadium on behalf of the Dynamo. The stadium will be included in AEG Facilities' worldwide network of more than 100 elite venues across five continents.
Renowned architectural firm Populous designed the stadium, which will be constructed by Houston-based Manhattan Construction and overseen by the ICON Venue Group. Additional companies working on the site are landscape architect Clark Condon, structural engineer Walter P. Moore, and civil engineer WGA, all companies based in Houston.
RELATED LINK: DYNAMO STADIUM 2012
“One of our major initiatives was to bring a state-of-the-art stadium to Texas Southern University athletics. This new stadium has helped us reach that goal. It also gives us one of the best facilities in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. It’s a huge boost to the overall athletic program.”
Videographer: Khou.com
The Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer broke ground on February 5, 2011 on their $95 million dollar, 22,000-seat soccer stadium in downtown Houston's East End. Dignitaries such as AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke, Dynamo equity partner Oscar de la Hoya, MLS President Mark Abbott, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett participated in the groundbreaking festivities, while Dynamo all-time leading scorer Brian Ching kicked a ceremonial first goal on the stadium site.
Excavation of the site and construction of the stadium is expected to begin shortly, and the Dynamo hope to play their first game in the new stadium by mid-2012. The stadium is located in downtown Houston, within walking distance of Minute Maid Park, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and the Toyota Center. In addition to soccer games, the new stadium will host Texas Southern University football, concerts, boxing matches, and more.
The stadium will be operated by the Dynamo and leased from the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. It is located closer to downtown than any other American stadium built for soccer and will be easily accessible to fans from the entire Houston area.
AEG Facilities, the world's largest venue manager, will manage the stadium on behalf of the Dynamo. The stadium will be included in AEG Facilities' worldwide network of more than 100 elite venues across five continents.
Renowned architectural firm Populous designed the stadium, which will be constructed by Houston-based Manhattan Construction and overseen by the ICON Venue Group. Additional companies working on the site are landscape architect Clark Condon, structural engineer Walter P. Moore, and civil engineer WGA, all companies based in Houston.
RELATED LINK: DYNAMO STADIUM 2012
TSU sitting pretty after ugly victory over PVAMU
Texas Southern survived an ugly contest to claim another victory over rival Prairie View A&M.
The Tigers’ prize? Sole possession of first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
TSU rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit and benefited from a slew of Prairie View miscues in the closing minutes to capture a 63-58 victory before an energetic crowd of 5,578 Saturday night at the H&PE arena.
The Tigers (11-10, 9-1 SWAC) shot better from the field (40.7 percent) than it did from the free throw line (39.4 percent), but the Panthers were equally as bad. Prairie View (6-17, 3-7) shot only 36.5 percent from the field and made only eight of 24 free throws (33.3 percent) en route to suffering its fifth loss in the last six games.
TSU rallies by Prairie View to claim 1st place in SWAC
HOUSTON—Travele Jones snagged his third double-double of the season, scoring a game-high 20 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, to lead Texas Southern past Prairie View 63-58 on Saturday night.
After shooting just 25.9 percent from the field in the first half, the Tigers (11-10, 9-1 Southwestern) came back in the second to hit 55.6 percent. Jones made two free throws with 6:47 remaining to put Texas Southern ahead for good. The Tigers led by as many as seven points down the stretch.
Lady Panthers Open Round Two of SWAC Play With Win Over TSU
HOUSTON - The Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers claimed their fourth straight victory defeating rival Texas Southern 43-38 on Saturday evening at HP&E Arena. The Lady Panthers stormed out to a 15-8 lead to kickoff the first half before the Lady Tigers crawled back via a 9-3 run cutting the deficit to 18-17 at the 6:37 mark.
Texas Southern continued to chip away at the lead and earned their first lead of the contest with Jasmine Cannon’s slashing drive to the basket that gave the Lady Tigers a 19-18 advantage in the closing five minutes of the period. However, Prairie View wouldn’t trail long as they turned up the heat defensively holding Texas Southern scoreless the remainder of the half as sophomore guard Latia Williams nailed a string of jumpers which ignited a 6-0 spurt en route to a 24-19 edge at the half.
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The Tigers’ prize? Sole possession of first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
TSU rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit and benefited from a slew of Prairie View miscues in the closing minutes to capture a 63-58 victory before an energetic crowd of 5,578 Saturday night at the H&PE arena.
The Tigers (11-10, 9-1 SWAC) shot better from the field (40.7 percent) than it did from the free throw line (39.4 percent), but the Panthers were equally as bad. Prairie View (6-17, 3-7) shot only 36.5 percent from the field and made only eight of 24 free throws (33.3 percent) en route to suffering its fifth loss in the last six games.
TSU rallies by Prairie View to claim 1st place in SWAC
HOUSTON—Travele Jones snagged his third double-double of the season, scoring a game-high 20 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, to lead Texas Southern past Prairie View 63-58 on Saturday night.
After shooting just 25.9 percent from the field in the first half, the Tigers (11-10, 9-1 Southwestern) came back in the second to hit 55.6 percent. Jones made two free throws with 6:47 remaining to put Texas Southern ahead for good. The Tigers led by as many as seven points down the stretch.
Lady Panthers Open Round Two of SWAC Play With Win Over TSU
HOUSTON - The Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers claimed their fourth straight victory defeating rival Texas Southern 43-38 on Saturday evening at HP&E Arena. The Lady Panthers stormed out to a 15-8 lead to kickoff the first half before the Lady Tigers crawled back via a 9-3 run cutting the deficit to 18-17 at the 6:37 mark.
Texas Southern continued to chip away at the lead and earned their first lead of the contest with Jasmine Cannon’s slashing drive to the basket that gave the Lady Tigers a 19-18 advantage in the closing five minutes of the period. However, Prairie View wouldn’t trail long as they turned up the heat defensively holding Texas Southern scoreless the remainder of the half as sophomore guard Latia Williams nailed a string of jumpers which ignited a 6-0 spurt en route to a 24-19 edge at the half.
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Military man to head Paine College golf
After taking a devastating shot to the nose, Herman Belton Jr. decided his basketball career was over. The military man found a new sport when his cousin in the Air Force invited him to hit balls at a driving range. Belton hit his borrowed 7-iron farther than his cousin's 6-iron.After 20 years of playing the sport, Belton's now a plus-1 handicap. "I just love the game," he said. At a Friday news conference, Belton was introduced as the new head golf coach at Paine College. He took pictures with his players and spoke with the media at Jones Creek Golf Club.
Belton last coached the South Carolina State men's golf team in the 2009-10 season before the school dropped the program because of financial difficulties. He said friends called him and recommended him for the Paine job after the school fired Hoover Johnson last week.
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A RECORD FOR THE AGES
Perry's double-double, Jenkins' 17 assists propel MEAC-leading Hampton past S.C. State
The MEAC-leading Hampton University women's basketball team beat South Carolina State 77-57 Saturday at the Convocation Center as Quanneisha Perry had 25 points and 16 rebounds.
HU's Jericka Jenkins had 17 assists — second only in school history to Jackie Wyche’s 20 in 1986 against Virginia Union. Choicetta McMillian scored a career-high 22, hitting six 3-pointers. Sophomore Keiara Avant scored a career-high 11 points, and junior Sherena Abercrumbia tied her career high with eight.
Pirates win third in a row
Videographer: wvec.com
HAMPTON– The Hampton University men’s basketball team picked up its third straight win Saturday night, beating South Carolina State 64-53 at the HU Convocation Center.
Junior guard Kwame Morgan led the Pirates with 14 points – going 7-for-9 from the free throw line – while junior guard Darrion Pellum added 12 points and sophomore forward Koron Reed scored a career-high 10 points, all in the first half.
Junior forward Danny Agbelese pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds and blocked three shots. Pellum added a team-high five assists.
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HU's Jericka Jenkins had 17 assists — second only in school history to Jackie Wyche’s 20 in 1986 against Virginia Union. Choicetta McMillian scored a career-high 22, hitting six 3-pointers. Sophomore Keiara Avant scored a career-high 11 points, and junior Sherena Abercrumbia tied her career high with eight.
Pirates win third in a row
Videographer: wvec.com
HAMPTON– The Hampton University men’s basketball team picked up its third straight win Saturday night, beating South Carolina State 64-53 at the HU Convocation Center.
Junior guard Kwame Morgan led the Pirates with 14 points – going 7-for-9 from the free throw line – while junior guard Darrion Pellum added 12 points and sophomore forward Koron Reed scored a career-high 10 points, all in the first half.
Junior forward Danny Agbelese pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds and blocked three shots. Pellum added a team-high five assists.
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CIAA Basketball: Livingstone 81, Winston-Salem State 73
WINSTON-SALEM — The Livingstone men’s basketball team pulled off a big road upset Saturday against Winston-Salem State 81-73.
With the victory, James Stinson’s Blue Bears (12-5, 7-3 CIAA) improved to 3-1 in the division and move into a tie with the Rams for first place in the Southern Division at 3-1. The Rams (15-4) came into the contest as the fourth-ranked team in the latest NCAA Atlantic Region rankings.
Donte Durant had his best offensive output of the season, leading the Blue Bears with 18 points. Darius Cox fell just short of a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds while Quentin Redfern added 13 points with 11 of them coming at the charity stripe.
Rams lose to Blue Bears 81-73
Winston-Salem State failed to answer the bell against Livingstone on Saturday night at the Gaines Center. Playing their sixth straight home game the Rams thought they could turn it on whenever they needed to but that wasn’t the case as the Blue Bears won 81-73. It was the Blue Bears first victory at the Gaines Center since the 1997-98 season.
“We can’t just flip a switch,” said guard Shelton Carter of the Rams, who was one of many who struggled and scored just seven points. “We need to defend better and not just in spurts – we need to do that the entire 40 minutes.”
The Rams (15-4, 3-1) finally flipped the switch late but...
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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG; Fayetteville State vs. Winston-Salem State 1/28/11
With the victory, James Stinson’s Blue Bears (12-5, 7-3 CIAA) improved to 3-1 in the division and move into a tie with the Rams for first place in the Southern Division at 3-1. The Rams (15-4) came into the contest as the fourth-ranked team in the latest NCAA Atlantic Region rankings.
Donte Durant had his best offensive output of the season, leading the Blue Bears with 18 points. Darius Cox fell just short of a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds while Quentin Redfern added 13 points with 11 of them coming at the charity stripe.
Rams lose to Blue Bears 81-73
Winston-Salem State failed to answer the bell against Livingstone on Saturday night at the Gaines Center. Playing their sixth straight home game the Rams thought they could turn it on whenever they needed to but that wasn’t the case as the Blue Bears won 81-73. It was the Blue Bears first victory at the Gaines Center since the 1997-98 season.
“We can’t just flip a switch,” said guard Shelton Carter of the Rams, who was one of many who struggled and scored just seven points. “We need to defend better and not just in spurts – we need to do that the entire 40 minutes.”
The Rams (15-4, 3-1) finally flipped the switch late but...
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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG; Fayetteville State vs. Winston-Salem State 1/28/11
Alcorn beats rival Jackson State 81-75
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| ASU Braves Coach Larry Smith |
“Jackson State is a good team, they’re solid. Our defense did a great job, we shut them down in terms of percentage,” head coach Larry Smith said. “Our kids played hard for 40 minutes and we stepped up down the stretch.”
Early in the game, the Braves led by as many as 10 as the offense took advantage of many put backs and fast breaks points. Meanwhile, the defense contested every shot well, not allowing the Tigers to have any open looks at the basket.
JSU Turnovers lead to Alcorn State Lady Braves 66-54 win
The Lady Braves of Alcorn State defeated conference rival Jackson State 66-54. Alcorn, now 7-12 (6-4), outscored the Lady Tigers despite shooting a lower field goal percentage. However, the Lady Braves were more efficient from with three-pointers and from the free throw line.
The Lady Braves shot 50 percent from downtown, making eight while shooting 20-29 from the free throw line.
Baker, Braves ambush Tigers
Not this time, Marquiz Baker told Jackson State. Not this time. Baker, Alcorn State's fiery shooting guard, scored 23 points - seven of those coming inside 2 minutes - and the Braves beat Jackson State 81-75 on Saturday night, upsetting the conference-leading Tigers and breaking a seven-game losing streak to their bitter rivals.
Said Baker: "I was determined not to let Jackson State beat us at home this time."
The conference's ninth- place team entering the day, Alcorn State (3-17, 3-8 Southwestern Athletic Conference) rarely trailed and knocked off the the Tigers (12-10, 8-2) three weeks after losing to them by 26 points in Jackson.
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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG; Valley vs. JSU 2/3/11
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