Top Stories of the Year, No. 6: Grizzle makes most of college change

Marquise Grizzle

SALISBURY, North Carolina  --  While destroying defenses as the Daily Advance Football Player of the Year in 2011, Currituck running back Marquise Grizzle was known for his ability to change directions quickly.

That proved useful after Grizzle’s plans to attend Murray State on a football scholarship fell through in the middle of the summer when was unable to meet the school’s academic requirements.

Grizzle, who rushed for a mind-boggling 3,085 yards and 50 touchdowns as a senior, didn’t let the Murray State setback trap him, however.

Within weeks he signed with Division II Shaw, where he was eligible to play immediately.

Currituck coach John Wheeler said he was “devastated” when he found out Grizzle, the first Knight football player to sign with a Division I program since 1981, would not be able to play at Murray State, a Kentucky school which competes in the Football Championship Subdivision.

“We looked at our options after we were notified and we were lucky we could get him a scholarship to Shaw,” Wheeler said. “They did a great job of recruiting him and staying in touch.”

 

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Collie takes big step for FAMU Rattlers

TALLAHASSEE, Florida   --   Forward Patrice Collie wasn’t quite expecting the gist of a conversation that she had with coach LeDawn Gibson to be what it turned out to be when they talked before the season began for the FAMU women’s basketball team.

Collie was expecting to hear about how much more would be expected of her at the small forward position. Instead Gibson informed Collie that she would have to take on the more physical role of playing power forward because academics and injuries had reduced the Rattlers’ personnel in the post.

Collie obliged and went about preparing for the role. Not just in the weight room and on the floor, though.

“I had to get my head right because I knew I would be facing girls that are way bigger than me,” Collie said. “It’s not about your size; it’s about your heart.”

Collie, a 5-foot-11 junior college transfer from Indian River State College, put her soul into the role too, many nights playing more than 25 minutes. She turned in a double-double (10 rebounds and 13 points against Stetson), averaging 5.4 rebounds per game, with 7.4 points per game.


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Happy Holidays!

Oh, baby! Hamilton looks forward to her life after Xavier

NEW ORLEANS — When Xavier University of Louisiana announced the hiring of Christabell Hamilton in June 2011 as women's volleyball head coach, Hamilton expressed the need for her new student-athletes to "represent their families in a positive light" and that growing up in American Samoa made her "very family oriented."

Ultimately — and not surprisingly — family responsibilities ended Hamilton's incredibily successful 17-month tenure at Xavier.
    
Her husband, Ronnie, left New Orleans in July. An assistant men's basketball coach at Tulane from 2010-12, Ronnie Hamilton accepted a new position on coach James Dickey's staff at Houston. It's a fact that modern-day college coaches can change jobs and domiciles quickly and unexpectedly. For Christabell Hamilton and her rising XU program — which in 2011 posted its first winning season, won its first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and made its first appearance in the NAIA National Championship — this was the worst possible news.
 
Hamilton's Gold Nuggets were 45-15 overall in two seasons.

"We weren't planning to move," Hamilton said, "but Houston contacted Ronnie and made him a great offer. It happened very quickly."

Added to this plot was a new recruit: Hamilton's first pregnancy. She learned of her condition in May and is due Feb. 9. (The ultrasound says it's a girl.) What to do next?

"You could see that I was being pulled in a few directions," Hamilton said. "I wanted to coach (the 2012 season) because I didn't want to let those players down. It was so close to the start of the season. I had a large freshman class that I recruited, and I felt an obligation to them. But there was zero chance of a commuter marriage long term. I knew I would have to leave Xavier and New Orleans."
    
Hamilton broke the news to XU athletics director Dennis Cousin and asked for permission to coach one more season. He agreed without hesitation.

"Christabell did us a tremendous favor by staying on for one more season," Cousin said. "She didn't have to stay. She could've gone to Houston with her husband immediately. We were going to support her and give her our blessings no matter what she decided. But we were thankful that she stayed."
    
When Xavier's preseason practice began in early August, none of her players knew what had transpired the month before. The first day the 2012 team assembled, Hamilton broke the news . . . eventually.

"I couldn't get it out," Hamilton said. "It took 15 minutes for me to get it out and tell the players what was happening. There were a lot of tears. But I was
so glad they got to hear it from me first."
    
After the eyes dried, Hamilton and the Gold Nuggets set out to assimilate eight freshmen and maintain the excellence they created a year earlier. They succeeded, winning a school-record 11 consecutive road matches and repeating as GCAC regular-season and tournament champions. They became the first HBCU (historically black college or university) to make consecutive appearances at the NAIA volleyball national tournament.



The Gold Nuggets were 28-0 against GCAC opponents the past two seasons.

Hamilton became the second coach to win conference championships in each of the first two seasons of an XU tenure. The Nuggets clinched the GCAC regular-season championship by rallying from a two-set deficit against SUNO in XU's final appearance at The Barn on Nov. 1. Nine days later, they swept Tougaloo in the GCAC tourney final and extended their two-year run against GCAC opponents to 28-0. Overall, the Gold Nuggets were 45-15 in Hamilton's two seasons — 23-7 in 2011 and 22-8 in 2012.
    
"If you had told me when I started that we would do all that in the first two years, I probably would've laughed at you," Hamilton said.
    
But Hamilton faced challenges in her final season. First, there was the separation from her husband. "It didn't hit me when I was at work and when we were practicing and playing," Hamilton said. "But it hit me when I got home every night to that empty apartment. There were several doctor's appointments where I went by myself because Ronnie was in Houston." Citing a need to be around people, Hamilton moved to another apartment in October with two roommates. She felt better immediately.

Then there were the physical demands of her pregnancy, increasing as late-season matches coincided with the end of her second trimester.

"One time during the conference tournament, I got really flustered and slammed my clipboard on the floor," Hamilton said. "And when I did that, I felt a rush of heat. I just sat down and didn't say a word to the team. I told (assistant) Hannah (Lawing) to coach the team for awhile. (Trainer) Tiffany (Gary) was worried about me dehydrating and made me drink some water.
    

"Then at Georgetown (at nationals), I felt a sharp pain in my left side after I called a timeout. I had to catch myself from falling. I knew I needed to slow down because there's a life inside of me."
    
But, more than a month since the season ended, baby girl Hamilton is doing fine, mom-to-be reports. No problems. Life is good.
    
Xavier formally announced Hamilton's departure — and the promotion of Lawing to head coach — on Dec. 11. But many of the players shared their feelings about Hamilton in the final home-match program of the season. Here's what they said:
    
• Sophomore Jeanay Butler: "Coach Hamilton is someone I look up to and respect very much. She has never given up on me. Wherever she goes she lightens up the room. It is upsetting to see her go as she is a great coach, but I wish her and her family the very best."    
• Freshman Jodi Chatters: "Coach Hamilton is very compassionate. She is always here for us on and off the court."    
• Junior Kerris Crier: "I'll miss Coach Hamilton a lot. She is a beautiful, kind person and will be a great mother. She is an awesome coach that is very understanding, has patience, and knows a heck of a lot about volleyball. I love her and will miss her dearly, and I know she will make an impact wherever she goes and definitely the next place she coaches at, just like she did here at Xavier."
• Sophomore Chinedu Echebelem: "It has been a blessing to be able to play under Coach Hamilton. I love having a coach who knows when it’s time to be serious and when it’s time to be playful and funny. I will always have a special bond with coach, not only as my coach but also as a friend."
• Freshman Jodi Hill: "Coach knows that in this day and age women can still be degraded. But she’s constantly telling us that we must respect ourselves, work hard and set goals. Furthermore, that we have the power to attain all our goals. That is a great mentality!"
• Sophomore Moira Kirk: "Thanks for being more than just an amazing coach. Your presence and guidance in my life will always hold a special place in my heart as an athlete and person! You will truly be missed!"
• Freshman Franziska Pirkl: "Coach Hamilton is a very understanding person. Even though she is merciless on the court, she is always ready to listen to our wishes or concerns."
• Sophomore Taylor Reuther: "Christabell has really taught me many things about volleyball and life in general. She has enhanced my game as a player on the court, but she really has made me the person I am today. I’m so lucky to have spent two years with her and have her help shape the person I am today, and I will be forever thankful to her for that. She is more than just a coach, she is a mentor. She is always there whenever you need her, and she always gives you her advice whether you want to hear it or not, which is a good thing. Things definitely won’t be the same without her, but I wish her the best in life. I love you lots, Coach! Thank you so much for everything."
• Freshman CeCe Williams: "It was a pleasure having you as a coach! I will miss you and will never forget the great memories that we shared as a team. Good luck with everything! I love youuuu" 
 

When the 2012 season ended with a four-set loss at 13th-ranked Georgetown (Ky.) in the opening round of nationals, Hamilton did not cry. That surprised a few players, but not the coach.

"That was not the place for crying," Hamilton said. "I was more proud of the performance. Our freshmen weren't afraid. They played all out. They accomplished what I set out to teach them before the season started. Our group of freshmen and sophomores played older than you would expect."
    
The plan in Houston is clear. Hamilton is a full-time wife, and soon she will become a full-time mother. Coaching again may be on the table one day, but for now it's on the back-burner. Hamilton, though sad about leaving Xavier, is thrilled about the next chapter of her life.
    
"I am a product of two parents being there for their children," Hamilton said. "I want to pass that on to my child. I want to take my daughter to practice, to dance rehearsals and plays. I want to be around for all the important moments in her life. Being a parent will be challenging, but I'm not afraid."
    
Although Hamilton calls coaching "a passion of mine," she doesn't foresee a return to college coaching. "Maybe club, maybe middle school, maybe high school," she said. "A club team would probably be best because I could set my own hours. I would like to be around college athletics one day. Maybe as an academic adviser, maybe in promotions. We'll see."

The next best thing to returning to college athletics will be for Hamilton to maintain ties with her 2012 team. That would fit well in her family oriented world.
    
"I told the players that it's not the end of our relationship," Hamilton said. "I said they can visit me in Houston, and I will come back to watch them play. We will have a bond of friendship that will last a lifetime."

 

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Column: BSC sports are improving — and deserving of support

BIG BLUE
BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE

BLUEFIELD, West Virginia  — The times, they are a-changing.

For those too young to know, those are lyrics from a popular Bob Dylan song of the 1960s. The phrase can also be used to describe the basketball programs at Bluefield State College.

J.J. Oliver is in his third year as head coach of the Lady Blues and has assembled a roster that is not only complete, but competing, proven by the early success of the team this year.

In his two previous seasons there have been at most nine players on the roster, and many times the Lady Blues began games with six, or seven players in uniform.

This year all the seats on the bench are full and it is commonplace to see Oliver use a 10-lady rotation during the games, which so far has been a success for the Lady Blues.

Bluefield State defeated WVIAC foe Alderson-Broaddus this past week to improve to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play. Furthermore, the BSC women are riding a four-game winning streak.

Coaching at Bluefield State is a difficult task, unique when compared to all the other schools in the WVIAC. Unlike Concord, West Virginia State, Glenville State, or any school in the conference, BSC does not have on-campus housing. It is the only commuter school in the conference.

As such, coaches face difficulty when it comes to recruting because they do not have, nor can they offer housing, or even a meal plan for students. In past years we have seen many athletes, both men and women play one year at BSC and depart. Retention has been a major problem for especially the basketball programs.

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Gold Nuggets' Reuther selected first-team All-Louisiana

TAYLOR REUTHER

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana's Taylor Reuther was a first-team selection on the All-Louisiana women's volleyball team announced late Saturday.

It's the second consecutive year that Reuther -- a 5-foot-7 sophomore outside hitter from Metairie, La., and a graduate of St. Mary's Dominican High School -- was named All-Louisiana. She made the second team in 2011.

Reuther led the Gold Nuggets in kills, aces and digs for the second consecutive season and led the NAIA in aces per set. She was third-team Capital One Academic All-America® and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Reuther's coach, Christabell Hamilton, was the runner-up for Coach of the Year. Hamilton, the winner of this award in 2011, lost 6-5 in the voting to Northwestern State's Hugh and Stephanie Hernesman, who led the Lady Demons to their first winning season since 1987. Hamilton recently resigned after two seasons at Xavier and was replaced by her assistant, Hannah Lawing.

Xavier was 22-8 in 2012 and, for the second consecutive year, won GCAC regular-season and tournament championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championship.

A Louisiana Sports Writers Association panel selected the All-Louisiana team, which consists of players from NCAA Division I and NAIA members.


2012 All-Louisiana Volleyball

First Team
Stacey DiFrancesco, Northwestern State
Courtney Donald, Southeastern Louisiana
Desiree Elliott, LSU
Mandi Gandi, Louisiana-Lafayette
Madie Jones, LSU
Taylor Reuther, Xavier
Libero: Meghan Mannari, LSU

Second Team
Carolyn Baker, Dillard
Courtni Bauer, McNeese State
Helen Boyle, LSU
Blair Claypoole, Louisiana-Lafayette
Cori Martone, Tulane
Emily Sweet, Northwestern State
Libero: Keelie Arneson, Northwestern State

Player of the Year: Courtney Donald, Southeastern Louisiana
Libero of the Year: Meghan Mannari, LSU
Freshman of the Year: Caiti O’Connell, Northwestern State
Coach of the Year: Hugh and Stephanie Hernesman, Northwestern State

Honorable Mention
Caitlyn Auxillen, Louisiana-Lafayette; Maria Coelho, Louisiana Tech; Caiti O’Connell, Northwestern State; Lavinia Tataran, Louisiana-Lafayette

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

WSSU Rams will have to make history another day

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Devout Winston-Salem State football fans are very likely still feeling the nagging numbness of last weekend’s 35-7 loss to Valdosta State (Ga.) in the NCAA Division II championship game. Watching your favorite team go into out-of-sync mode in the biggest game of the year can be a hard pill to swallow.

It wouldn’t be surprising to learn there are still folks out there who are endlessly analyzing what transpired in Florence, Ala. a few days ago. From the WSSU perspective, the game certainly had its share of what ifs and would’ves and could’ves and should’ves. Nevertheless, no amount of conjecturing can erase reality.



For now, history will have to wait. Florida A&M still has bragging rights as the only black college to ever win an NCAA football championship. It’s still true that no HBCU has ever won it all in Division II football.

The outcome of Saturday’s game is not the end of the line. It’s really a continuation of a vision that Connell Maynor brought to Winston-Salem State when he assumed command as head football coach three years ago. The Rams seem to be well on their way to firmly establishing themselves as possibly the Alabama of Division II.

Maynor’s playoff resume (5-2) against the nation’s best says a lot. Keep in mind that the two losses came in the national semifinals and the national championship game in back-to-back years. You can’t come much closer to winning a national title than that.

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Ravens Promote PVAMU's Adrian Hamilton, Send Jameel McClain To IR

Adrian Hamilton

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  The Ravens sent linebacker Jameel McClain (spinal cord contusion) to injured reserve in an expected move, but unexpectedly activated outside linebacker Adrian Hamilton from the practice squad.

There was thought that the Ravens were saving McClain’s roster spot for linebacker Ray Lewis (biceps).

The Ravens still could activate Lewis from the injured reserve – designated to return list by Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline, but the Hamilton move appears to indicate that won’t happen.

Hamilton led the nation last year with 20.5 sacks at Prairie View A&M. He established a Southwestern Atlantic Conference single-season record previously held by Colts defensive end Robert Mathis.

The FCS Defensive Player of the Year and SWAC co-Defensive Player of the Year signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, and had a good showing in the preseason. He had a highlight-reel sack on St. Louis Rams backup quarterback Kellen Clemons.

Hamilton was cut because the Cowboys had a bounty of linebackers, and Baltimore immediately added the 6-foot-3, 251-pounder to their practice squad on Sept. 3.

The knock on Hamilton was that he wasn’t ...

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Southern men upset Texas A&M, 53-51

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Southern coach Roman Banks has plenty to be thankful for concerning his opposite number at Texas A&M, Billy Kennedy.

“Coach helped me be who I am today as a basketball coach,” Banks said. “I worked for him at Southeastern, he coached me at college (at Northwestern State), so he’s been with me all my career.

“So to get this win I’m kind of happy for the team, and I have to wonder if he meant to give this one to me to help me out in my career further.”



Kennedy wasn’t biting, saying it was the Jaguars who exposed his team’s weaknesses in a 53-51 victory Saturday afternoon at Reed Arena.

Malcom Miller made four free throws in the final 40 seconds, the first two to pull even and then two with 5.8 seconds remaining to send the Jaguars (5-6) to their Christmas break on a winning note.

Miller had only shot 10 free throws all season, making six, before going 5 for 5 against the Aggies (8-3).

“I was pretty nervous, but I have confidence in myself because I stay late night in the gym working on free throws,” said Miller, who led the Jaguars with 17 points. “Putting up shots with my teammate Derick (Beltran) gives me a lot of confidence.”

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N.C. Central Withstands UVU Wolverine Comeback

OREM, Utah -- North Carolina Central University held off Utah Valley University to hand the Wolverines (6-8) a 73-67 loss on Saturday at the UCCU Center.

Alfonzo Hubbard matched his career high with 19 and Nick Thompson also scored 19 but it was Jeremy Ingram's game-high 27 that helped the Eagles (6-6) earn a two-game season sweep of UVU.

"Give North Carolina Central credit. They came out with great energy. They beat us both times this season with their aggressive play and their urgency." UVU coach Dick Hunsaker said. "This is the first tough ballgame that hasn't gone our way because in the past we've executed down the stretch. Tonight that didn't occur.

N.C. Central went ahead early in the first half and did not relinquish the lead the rest of the way despite several runs from Utah Valley.

Down nine at half time, 43-34, Thompson scored the first seven points out of the break to get the Wolverines within two. NCCU answered with a 13-4 spurt to take its largest lead of the game, 56-45, with 13:17 to go.

Utah Valley clawed back within five with under six minutes left before eventually getting within two twice in the final two minutes. Each time a missed free throw helped stall the comeback attempt and the Eagles converted on four free throws in the final minute.

"We did take care of the basketball better but it wasn't enough to overcome some questionable possessions late when the game was on the line. We weren't able to convert on some key opportunities," said Hunsaker.

Ben Aird and Antoine Hosley both added 10 points for UVU. Hubbard grabbed nine boards with Thompson and Aird finishing with eight rebounds each. Thompson scored 14 of his 19 in the second half. Holton Hunsaker finished with six assists for UVU.

In addition to a big night from Ingram, Stanton Kidd finished with 15, Ray Willis scored 13 and Emanuel Chapman chipped in 12 on four first-half 3-pointers. Chapman also dished out nine assists. N.C. Central also beat Utah Valley on Nov. 27 in Durham.

The Wolverines will be off until next Friday, Dec. 28 at the Dr Pepper Classic in Chattanooga where they'll face Austin Peay in the opener and then either host Chattanooga or High Point on Saturday, Dec. 29.

COURTESY UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Three Point Barrage Leads TSU Over USC-Upstate

Nashville, Tennessee – The Tennessee State men’s basketball team made a season-high 10 three-pointers en route to a 67-64 victory over USC-Upstate on Friday night.

Jordan Cyphers, after missing the team’s last game with a stomach virus, notched a season-high 22 points in the win and was four-of-seven from beyond the arc.

TSU forced 19 turnovers in the game and shot 47.8 percent from the field (22-of-46).

Tennessee State won the tip, but didn’t score a point for the first 3:20 of the game. Cyphers ended the drought with a three-pointer, but TSU still trailed the Spartans, 3-6.

Over the next four minutes, USC-Upstate had a pair of rim-rocking dunks, but two threes from Kellen Thornton tied the game for the first time at 11 each.

Thornton led all scorers during the opening stanza with 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting. He finished with 14 points and was five-of-thirteen from the field.

The teams traded blows for the better part of the half and the lead changed six times. Neither side was able to gain more than a one-possession advantage until the Spartans went up 29-25 with a layup off of a TSU inbound pass. The score would be the last of the period.

TSU forced 10 turnovers in the first half, but USC-Upstate outscored the Tigers 20-8 in the paint during the first 20 minutes.

The Spartans opened the second half on a 6-2 run, prompting TSU head coach Travis Williams to burn a timeout. The pep-talked worked, as the Tigers scored seven straight to pull within one at 34-35 with 15 minutes left in the game.

Tashan Fredrick led the charge with an assisted three-pointer and a floater inside the lane.

The Tigers still trailed by two at the 12:35 mark until Cyphers hit his third three of the game, and the second in the past two minutes, to take the lead at 42-41.

Again, the teams went back-and-forth until Pat Miller hit TSU’s eighth and ninth threes in quick succession to put the Tigers up 55-49 with 7:54 left in the game.

The Tigers kept the lead for the remainder of the contest and eventually went up by eight when Miller found Michael Green down low for an easy lay-in with two minutes left.

Miller finished the game with 12 points, six assists and a team-high five rebounds.

A buzzer-beater by the Spartans would have sent the game to overtime, but the shot went wide and TSU walked away with a 67-64 victory.

Tennessee State is off for eight days before hosting Eastern Illinois on Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

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TSU's Rod Reed Signs Two Year Contract Extension

HEAD COACH ROD REED
Tennessee State University Tigers

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- Tennessee State University head football coach Rod Reed has signed a two year contract extension that runs through the 2016 season.

During the 2012 season TSU went 8-3, the most wins in an 11 game schedule since 2001. The Tigers placed fifth in the OVC with a 4-3 record and were ranked as high as 17th in The Sports Network FCS Poll.

TSU landed 11 players and 12 total selections on the 2012 All-Ohio Valley Conference Football Team and led the conference with six first-team selections, including five on the offensive side of the ball. They also had three All-American selections in tight end A.C. Leonard, cornerback Steven Godbolt III and offensive lineman Rogers Gaines.

"We feel like we have the program going in a great direction," said athletic director Teresa Phillips, “and we want to continue the improvements that TSU football has shown in recent years. With the way that the team has performance under coach Reed and with the team that’s returning next year, we felt like a contract extension was deserved."

“I am happy to be able to stay at TSU,” said Reed. “It’s always good to know that you are appreciated for the work and time that you put into your job. This is the place that I want to be. This is my home. I was raised here. After what we accomplished during the 2012 season, I’m excited for the future of TSU football."

Reed was named head coach on December 18, 2009 to guide the TSU program. He served as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator during the 2009 season.

Reed began coaching at TSU in 2003 and served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. At the conclusion of the season in which Reed returned to the TSU sideline, the Tigers led the OVC in total defense for the first time in school history. The defense accomplished the same feat in 2008 finishing at the top of the OVC in total defense.

A four-year letter winner for the TSU Tigers from 1984 to 1988, he capped off his career by being named Sheridan All-America his senior season. He set the Tiger record for career tackles from his linebacker slot and in 1987, he set the single season record for tackles with 197. He helped lead the Tigers to the second round of the 1986 Division I-AA playoffs and was selected as Defensive MVP in 1987 and 1988.

Follow TSU Athletics on Facebook.com/TSUTigers, Twitter @TSU_Tigers and YouTube


COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Northview's Brown committs to Prairie View A&M

DOTHAN, Alabama  --  Northview outside linebacker Trey Brown committed to play college ball late Thursday night to Prairie View A&M, a Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) member in Texas.

This past year, Brown recorded 85 tackles (8.5 a game) with three quarterback sacks, helping Northview to a 5-5 record. The 85 tackles were second best for LaBrian Stewart’s Cougars.

“They came all the way from Texas to Dothan, Al., to recruit me and that made me feel good,” Brown said. “They have a good coaching staff and I felt it was the right fit for me.”

Brown said he had offers from Tuskegee, West Alabama, Miles College and Clark College and that Alabama State, Arkansas State and Georgia State also expressed interest in him, but had not made any offers.

This past season was only Brown’s second year at linebacker.

“I played running back up to my junior year, so I am more of an athlete on defense,” Brown said.

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FAMU football search down to final four

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The search for a new head football coach at Florida A&M is down to four candidates, including two that were players at FAMU.

Athletic Director Derek Horne said Friday he expects to begin interviewing the finalists as early as Jan. 2, when FAMU resumes business following the holiday break. While Horne didn’t name the four, interim head coach Earl Holmes and former FSU assistant coach John Eason are expected to be interviewed.

The four names have been submitted to interim president Larry Robinson, and each of them will be asked to make plans to be on campus during the first week of January, Horne said. Twenty-three candidates applied for the position, which became vacant when Joe Taylor retired from coaching college football in early November.

Former FAMU coach Rubin Carter, who was fired and replaced by Taylor in 2008, was one of the candidates. His former assistant Charles Huff also applied, but neither is believed to have made the final cut.

In addition to Holmes, who played at FAMU during the 1990s, and Eason, who was a Rattler during the 1960s, two other former Rattlers applied. They are Ja’Juan Seider and Terry Beauford. Willie Simmons, a former player at Shanks High School who is now offensive coordinator at Alcorn State, also was among the applicants.

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UVU Wolverines End Homestand Against N.C. Central

OREM, Utah -- Utah Valley University looks to gain a season split with North Carolina Central on Saturday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. in the UCCU Center. The Wolverines (6-7) fell 70-52 in Durham to the Eagles (5-6) on Nov. 27.  "North Carolina Central completely outplayed us in our first meeting," said UVU coach Dick Hunsaker. "They were more physical, quicker to the ball, they out-hustled us and dominated at every position. They know they can beat us."

On Wednesday, UVU beat Troy for the second time in overtime this season after picking up a double-OT victory on Dec. 8 in Alabama. The Wolverines' last three victories have all come in overtime.

In Wednesday's 67-64 overtime win, Ben Aird finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks with Nick Thompson adding 13 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Holton Hunsaker scored 13 including six in overtime and Antoine Hosley chipped in 10 off the bench for UVU.  N.C. Central has played just three games since the Nov. 27 contest against UVU, picking up a win over North Carolina A&T in its MEAC opener on Dec. 1. Since, the Eagles have suffered pair of narrow defeats against Eastern Kentucky and, most recently, by three points on Dec. 19 at Drake.


COURTESY UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WVIAC Football: Fairmont State picks Woodman as new Falcons’ football coach

HEAD COACH JASON WOODMAN
FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
FIGHTING FALCONS

FAIRMONT,  West Virginia —  Jason Woodman has been named the 18th head football coach at Fairmont State, Director of Athletics Rusty Elliott announced today. Woodman, a 2002 Fairmont State graduate, returns to his alma mater with extensive success at the Division I and Division II levels.

Woodman will be formally introduced as the head coach at a press conference on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m. at the Feaster Center. The press conference will be webcast live on FightingFalcons.com.

“We are very excited to welcome back Jason Woodman to his alma mater,” Elliott said. “Jason is a great, young coaching talent who has worked for some of the best in the business and he has already had a lot of great experiences during his career.”

He spent the previous two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Bowie State where Bulldogs set several school records and has ranked among the best in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

Prior to his stint at Bowie State, Woodman worked for two years at Concord as the wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator and helped resurrect the Mountain Lion program.

Woodman began his college coaching career with three seasons at Louisiana State University (2004-2006) under head coaches Nick Saban and Les Miles. Woodman worked as a graduate assistant under Jimbo Fisher, then the Tigers’ Offensive Coordinator.

When Florida State hired Fisher in 2007, Woodman followed to Tallahassee to work under legendary head coach Bobby Bowden.

The following year, Woodman was hired at California University (Pa.). With Woodman as running backs coach, the Vulcans went 13-1, winning their first outright Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship and setting a school record for wins in a season while helping the Vulcans to the national semifinals.

Woodman and his wife, Kari, have four children, sons Taner, Knox and Brodi and daughter Kinleigh.

COURTESY FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern's football attendance ranked number one in SWAC

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Southern University football finished the 2012 season ranked No. 9 in the Football Championship Subdivision in average home attendance and No. 1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the university recently announced.

Southern posted an average home attendance of 16,602 with only four home contests at the 25,500-seat A.W. Mumford Stadium. The Jaguars also played in the No. 2 (vs. Grambling), No. 4 (vs. Florida A&M) and No. 21 (vs. Texas Southern) overall highest attended single games.

"This year's significant increase in home attendance and uptick in Bayou Classic attendance was the result of a multifaceted marketing and social media campaign and robust community outreach combining with an improved on-the-field product," said William Broussard, Southern athletics director. "We were able to host 750 area youth and over 1000 prospective high school students through various initiatives and do much more through discounted/group sales."

As a result, Southern football produced a 28 percent increase year-over-year.

Southern, by virtue of the Bayou Classic, also ranked No. 4 in total home accumulated attendance at 112,389.

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No more waiting for Morgan State's Anthony Hubbard

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  As the team bus left Baltimore and headed south to Norfolk, Anthony Hubbard’s mind began racing.

In a few hours, he would take the court for the first time as a Division I men’s basketball player when Morgan State would play the University of Texas at San Antonio and he wasn’t sure what might happen.

For a year, the Woodbridge resident had waited for this opportunity after the NCAA ruled he had to sit out a year after transferring from Iowa. Hubbard never played for the Hawkeyes, but he had signed a national letter of intent and received institutional aid while attending summer school there. Morgan State applied for a waiver, but to no avail.

Then of course, there was Hubbard’s back story beyond Iowa. At age 18, Hubbard went to jail for almost four years for an armed robbery he and three other boys committed in Woodbridge on Dec. 13, 2003.

When he was released from prison on Dec. 20, 2007, Hubbard had straightened out his life and saw a bright future ahead of him.

Still, as excited as he was about finally suiting up for Morgan State, there was no denying the impact of the moment.

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Close to home, HU Avant thrives as on-court leader

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- Keiara Avant wasn't ready to leave.

After averaging a double-double at Indian River High School and receiving a couple of out-of-state scholarship offers, the Chesapeake native wanted to continue her basketball career close to home.

She loved having her family in the stands - a little extra motivation, she said, that helps her play harder. She wanted the hand-made signs, the cheers and the familiarity.

When Hampton coach David Six extended her an offer, the choice was simple. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference school felt like - and was close to - home.

"Having my family come to the games, support me, it's just great," Avant said. "Hampton blue is strong in my family."

The senior said at least six of her relatives are Hampton alumni. They've watched her and the Pirates win three consecutive MEAC championships.

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Crusaders' last-minute comeback defeats Gold Rush

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Jeremiah Dunnings' 5-point play with five seconds remaining lifted William Carey to a 72-71 victory against Xavier University of Louisiana in a matchup of ranked NAIA Division I men's basketball teams Tuesday.

The Crusaders (11-1), ranked 10th, completed a two-game season sweep of the Gold Rush (11-3), ranked 16th.

Dunnings, who finished with 17 points, helped William Carey erase a five-point deficit in the final minute. He scored and was fouled by Wanto Joseph on William Carey's final possession to cut Xavier's lead to 71-69. XU coach Dannton Jackson was assessed a technical foul after Dunnings' basket. Dunnings made three consecutive free throws — the last two as a result of the technical — to give the Crusaders their only lead of the second half.

Xavier then committed a turnover on the final possession.

Denzell Erves scored a season-high 22 points for Xavier and grabbed 10 rebounds in his eighth double-double of the season and 15th of his career. Nick Haywood had season highs of 19 points and six 3-pointers, and Joseph had 12 points and seven assists.

Daron Bell scored 16 points, Guy Payne 14 and Kelvin Nixon 10 for William Carey.

The Gold Rush rallied from an 18-9 deficit to lead 36-33 at halftime. Erves' basket with 11:09 remaining gave Xavier its largest lead, 60-47.

William Carey outshot Xavier 49 to 43.8 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Gold Rush 39-29. The Crusaders made 19-of-27 free throws, and the Rush made 7-of-12 to set season lows for free throws attempted, made and accuracy.

The loss was Xavier's first of the season in six road games and its second consecutive one-point decision. The Rush defeated Voorhees 56-55 Saturday.

The Gold Rush will break for Christmas, then resume the schedule at 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve at Belhaven in Jackson, Miss. The next XU men's home game will start at 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 against Tougaloo in the new Convocation Center.

Box score

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

SC State Women Defeat Coastal Carolina 78-55

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  The South Carolina State women, off to their best start in 31 years, built a 27-point halftime lead over visiting Coastal Carolina and went on to a 78-55 victory over the Chanticleers Tuesday night in a non-conference matchup at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

Guard Cabriel Duren had 15 points and four assists to lead SC State. Also in double figures were guards Kourtney Williams with 12 points and Tiara Knotts with 11. Center Fannie Goodwin added nine points and was one of three Lady Bulldogs with a team-leading seven rebounds. Knotts and forward Brittany Cochran also grabbed seven boards.

Coastal Carolina also had three players in double figures, led by Kayla Cook, who came off the bench for 14 points. Alex Puckett added 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds and Katelyn Connor chipped in 10 points for the Chanticleers, who fell to 6-4 with the loss.

The victory, the fourth in a row for the Lady Bulldogs gave SC State an 8-2 overall mark, the team's best start since the 1978-79 campaign when the Orangeburg institution was 9-1 in its first 10 games on its way to a 33-2 campaign, which included the AIAW Division II National Championship. It is also the best start at SC State for fifth-year head Coach Doug Robertson, who succeeded Tonya Mackey in 2008-2009.

“It's good to be off to a good start,” Robertson said following the game. “We played well in the first half, got a big lead, but played a little lackadaisical in the second half.

“I'm glad we are where we are this point in the season,” he continued, “but we are not at the place where I want us to be yet. We have to learn to put two good halves together. We've gotten off to quick starts several times this season, only to have the teams come back in the second half.”

SC State got off to a quick 18-8 start when Knotts scored on a breakaway with 13:13 on the first period clock. Following a basket by Cook, the Lady Bulldogs went on a 14-2 run to build a 28-10 cushion on a short jumper by Williams with 10:40 left in the opening.

AJ Jordan connected inside the lane for the Chanticleers at the 9:35 mark but a 21-10 spree by the host to end the half sent SC State to the locker room with a 49-22 edge, matching its highest first-half point production of the season. The Lady Bulldogs also scored 49 first-half points in a 94-46 triumph over Southern Wesleyan on Nov. 27th.

Coastal scored 12 of the first 17 points in the second half to slice the lead to 54-34 following back to back baskets by Connor with 11:53 remaining but the Lady Bulldogs got 13 of the next 17 points, to fashion a 67-38 advantage with 8:48 to play on a 3-pointer by Cherisha Floyd, who had seven points in the win.
SC State took its biggest lead – 71-40 – on two foul shots by Duren with 7:46 to play and closest Coastal Carolina came after that was 19 points at 71-52 with 5:28 left on the clock.

SC State will have little time to enjoy the win as the Lady Bulldogs travel to Columbia Friday to face 21st-ranked South Carolina, which was 10-0 on the season going into a Wednesday matchup with No. 1 ranked Stanford.

The Gamecocks dominate the series as SC State's last win in the rivalry came during the 1977-78 campaign by a score of 68-64 in Orangeburg. USC won 63-44 at Columbia last season.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

B-CU women commit just 8 turnovers, rout UNC Asheville

DELAND, Florida — Bethune-Cookman built a 40-16 halftime lead and committed its fewest turnovers since the 2002-03 season in a 74-57 rout of UNC Asheville as part of the Hatter Classic at the Edmunds Center.

“We did a great job of starting the game ahead and taking care of the easy shots we were given,” Wildcats coach Vanessa Blair said. “I thought it was a very good team win.”

B-CU (4-5) had just eight turnovers and was led by 15-point nights from Chastity Rene Taylor and Terrenisha Hollis to cruise past the Bulldogs (2-9).

In the second half, UNC Asheville rode long-range shooting to cut B-CU's lead to 13 points with just under three minutes to go.

However, Hollis and Sharnese Neal hit free throws in the final two minutes to seal the game.

“It was refreshing to see them pull together, knock down their free throws at the end of the game and finish the game with a significant advantage,” Blair said.

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HU scores 'huge' victory against American

HAMPTON, Virginia —  Hampton University coach Ed Joyner Jr. attempted to put the Pirates' signature performance Tuesday in perspective and then just stopped and chuckled.

"Here I am trying to sound all fancy," Joyner said. "Bottom line is, the win was huge. We needed it. It's great for our confidence. That's the way we feel like we can play."

HU's trio of Emmanuel Okoroba, Jasper Williams and Deron Powers fueled a 72-65 win over American at the Convocation Center in the Pirates' most complete effort of the season.

"We played a lot of 35-minute games," Williams said. "I think we kept our focus for 40 straight minutes today."

Hampton (2-7) came off a 10-day break for semester exams and played with energy at both ends of the floor for just its second win.

Okoroba recorded career-highs in points (18) and rebounds (11) in his first ...

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Barclays Center to Host Big Apple Classic in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, New York  --  Big Apple Classic, the original Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) basketball event, has signed a multi-year agreement with Barclays Center and will be held at the Brooklyn venue starting December 2013. The annual showcase features the iconic southern basketball rivals, Howard University vs. Hampton University in the battle of the REAL HU, and Virginia State University vs. Virginia Union University. The BAC had been played at Madison Square Garden in the past.

"Big Apple Classic is a huge men's college basketball event and a great showcase for Historically Black College and University programs," said Louis "Skip" Perkins, Director of Athletics for Howard University. "So to compete in the Big Apple Classic in the brand new Barclays Center in the heart of Brooklyn, N.Y., is an honor and a huge statement for the Bison family."

Off the court, Big Apple Classic (BAC) will provide an exciting platform for BAC festivities, including a dynamic drumline exhibition, a college fair and educational symposium, and an unforgettable halftime show.

"Hosting Big Apple Classic in Brooklyn presents a unique opportunity," said Ken Johnson, CEO of Johnson, Inc. and Founder of Big Apple Classic. "Not only is Barclays Center state-of-the-art, but Brooklyn's love of college basketball is evident as soon as you step foot in the building. The energy is unlike anywhere else."

A portion of the proceeds from BAC will be donated to support the philanthropic efforts of Educational Learning Opportunities, a non-profit organization specifically designed to provide student mentoring, educational workshops, personal and professional development, as well as career planning.

"We are proud to host a tournament that supports the strong tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities," said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. "Our college basketball events this season have brought a lot of excitement and energy to Barclays Center and we are thrilled to add Big Apple Classic to our lineup for next season."

General on-sale ticket information will be announced in 2013. For more information about the BAC weekend, visit www.thebigappleclassic.com, or visit facebook.com/thebigappleclassic.

 

About Big Apple Classic

A historic event, the Big Apple Classic was launched seven years ago as the first ever HBCU basketball competition. Produced by Johnson, Inc., a Richmond, VA-based marketing firm, the Big Apple Classic has one primary goal: to increase the awareness of Historical Black Colleges and Universities in the Northeast region. In addition to exciting basketball action featuring top CIAA and MEAC teams, BAC attendees enjoy the hottest entertainment, an HBCU college fair and more.  In fact, the Big Apple Classic has become the ultimate family and social event that draws thousands of alumni, students, fans of participating schools, and the general public. The Big Apple Classic's commitment to the community doesn't stop with promoting higher education. Each year, the BAC partners with a non-profit organization to donate a portion of ticket proceeds to a charitable cause that impacts the African American community.

 

About Barclays Center

Barclays Center opened on September 28, 2012, and is a major sports and entertainment venue in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Developed by Brooklyn-based real estate developer Forest City Ratner Companies, and designed by the award-winning architectural firms AECOM (www.aecom.com/architecture) and SHoP Architects (www.shoparc.com), Barclays Center has one of the most intimate seating configurations ever designed into a modern multi-purpose arena, with unparalleled sightlines and first-class amenities. Barclays Center offers approximately 18,000 seats for basketball, 14,500 seats for hockey and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

 

Former prep star RB waits on FAMU's decision

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Running back Demont Buice would like to play his last two years of college football at FAMU. At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, he would add welcomed size to the Rattlers backfield, too.

But there is a little sticking point that’s keeping the two-time finalist for Mr. Football Alabama from committing. FAMU doesn’t have a permanent head coach, and Buice said that’s the reason why he didn’t commit after he made a visit this past weekend.

Buice, who started his college football career at Clemson, told the Democrat he was impressed with acting head coach Earl Holmes, but he had to hedge because of the program’s coaching situation.  Buice said he hasn’t arranged to visit any of his other options, including Auburn and Troy University.

“I have high interest in FAMU (and) I like coach Holmes,” Buice said during a telephone interview. “I told him I would try to commit if I knew he was the head coach but I can’t do that right now because they don’t have a stable coach.”



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