Div. II Saint Augustine's Eliminates Men's Golf, Women's Tennis

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Saint Augustine's University has discontinued men's golf and women's tennis, the University's department of athletics announced on Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

"Both women's tennis and men's golf are great sports but we had to make a tough decision," Athletic Director and legendary Track & Field Coach George Williams said. "We are no different than any other institution facing difficult choices due to the economic downturn. We are looking for both sports to return in the near future, however."

Because of the academic and athletic impact involved with the change, Saint Augustine's University is committed to assisting all student-athletes whose programs are being eliminated. The University will assist any student-athlete who decides to stay and complete his or her academic degree by offering financial assistance for which they qualify for the 2013-14 academic year.

"I assure you that the student-athletes affected are our first concern," Williams added. "The department of athletics is working closely with the University and the CIAA to ensure that the student-athletes are the top priority."

Saint Augustine's University now offers 13 collegiate sports in its athletic

program. The men's sports are baseball, basketball, cross country, football, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field. The women's sports are basketball, bowling, cross country, softball, volleyball, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field. Both women's tennis and men's golf will be offered on the intramural level.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Former Southern pitcher De Leon signs, sent to rookie league

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- A little more than a month ago, Jose De Leon was working to help Southern University reach the postseason as a junior pitcher for the Jaguars.

Now he’s enjoying his first taste of professional baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rookie-league affiliate in the Arizona League.



De Leon, selected by Los Angeles in the 24th round of the MLB draft, signed with the Dodgers last week and reported directly to the Dodgers’ spring training facility in Glendale, Ariz.

He expects to make his debut in the Arizona League sometime this week.

“I’m just waiting for the chance,” said De Leon, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander. “I’m looking forward to the chance they give me. I will just follow instructions and do what they tell me to. I’m their property now.”

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B-CU product Davis hoping to have greater impact with Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, Florida  --  Ryan Davis did not have a flashy rookie campaign last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He did manage to make the Jags as an undrafted rookie out of Bethune-Cookman, but was active for just two games -- a Week 5 loss to Chicago in which he saw significant time, but failed to record a stat, and a Week 7 loss to Oakland.

But following Jags minicamp, which ended June 13, Davis said he is determined to be better during his sophomore campaign.

“I think I've done very well out there this year,” he said. “They have a new system that we are implementing, and I love it.

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Former JSU Runner, Michael Tinsley Sets 2013 World Record; SAU's Batman Jackson Takes Third

DES MOINES, Iowa — Former SWAC standout and Jackson State Alum Michael Tinsley set the world’s fastest time of 2013 in the 400m hurdles final. It all took place from Des Moines, Iowa and Drake Stadium on Day 3 of the 2013 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

Tinsley finished first with a time of 47.96 seconds and was joined by Kerron Clement (48.06) and Bershawn "Batman" Jackson's (48.09). Last summer during the London Olympic Games, Tinsley won a silver medal in the very same event. "The race was just so fast today. The gun went off, and all I remember is that we were there, coming down the homestretch,"

Tinsley said. "I feel like a champ. I feel like a million bucks." In 2006, Tinsley became the first JSU track athlete to win an NCAA Division I title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Saint Augustine's University graduate Bershawn "Batman" Jackson is also headed to Moscow after finishing third in the men's 400 meter hurdles.  Kerron Clement (University of Florida) claimed second in 48.06.  Jackson ran 48.09 seconds to advance to the 2013 IAAF World Championships, which will be held in Moscow, Russia, from August 10-18. All three hurdlers will represent the USA in the World Championships.

A Raleigh, N.C., resident, Jackson is a four-time U.S. outdoor champion in the 400 hurdles. He has qualified for the World Championships every time since 2003. He won the 400 hurdles world title in 2005 and earned an Olympic bronze medal in the event in 2008.

Jackson, coached by St. Aug legend George Williams, ran his best time of the year to make the U.S. team. During his college career, Jackson was a NCAA Division II 400 hurdles champion for the Falcons. He graduated from St. Aug in 2010.

COURTESY SWAC.org and SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bob Gabordi: Marching 100's future can be brighter, stronger

Rebranding a campus gem

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- I took a class in group behavior in college because my friend said it would be an easy A. I got a B. So obviously I’ve never really understood the dynamics of why people engage in “group think” or need to prove they deserve to belong.

Isn’t that really what hazing is about, gaining acceptance, proving you can be a member of the team, that you are willing to endure physical pain, risking public humiliation or even injury?

Except for the rare individual with enormous self-esteem, don’t we all wonder if we are really good enough to fit in, whether it is in sports, a band, or even our jobs?



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SCSU football starts rebuilding for next season

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- Opening day for South Carolina State football is 68 days away against Coastal Carolina at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Unofficially, the season starts Tuesday when as many as 50 players begin summer workouts on campus.

Under the eyes of returning strength and conditioning coach John Williams, the Bulldogs will participate in various exercise and weightlifting activities and hold 7-on-7 passing drills among themselves over the next five weeks leading to the start of preseason camp on Aug. 5.



“I’m excited about having him back,” S.C. State head football coach Buddy Pough said about Williams’ return. “I’m excited about having his maturity around our program ... and I think that he’ll be a big part of what we do here in the coming year.”

For the fifth consecutive year, fund-raising efforts through the “Lift-A-Bulldog” campaign made it possible for players to stay in Orangeburg this summer. Donations covering 1-3 players at $1,000 each were instrumental in not enabling the workouts to take place, but enabling the players to enroll in classes during the Summer II session.

The 2013 season cannot ...

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Xavier University student inspired by Xavier grad to lose weight

NEW ORLEANS -- A Xavier University student was inspired to change his life by a Xavier graduate who first told his story on Weight Loss Wednesday.

But the two young men never met until Medical Watch arranged a surprise meeting.

Two years ago people were amazed by this 20-year-old whiz kid. Darrin Cook was running his own internet company, graduated from Xavier early and finally accomplished a tough goal, going from 400 to 225 pounds, on his way to his 185 pound goal.

"I remember we went to swim with the dolphins and I had this life vest that was about just say (size) five times and even though it was this large, it was still skin tight and I was like, 'Darrin, this is enough, you know. No more lying to yourself,'" said Cook back in May 2011.

Local radio talk shows and even network news interviewed him. That's when KJ Hill, now a freshman at Xavier, reached out to him for support.

"One day I wanted to go somewhere and I'd been wearing, like, these stretchy shorts and hadn't been wearing jeans or pants for a long time. And one day, I tried to get up and put them on and couldn't wear them," remembers Kaleb Joseph "KJ" Hill.

Darrin never got KJ's message, but KJ worked to lose 110 pounds off of his 360 pound frame. He walked around a gym parking lot, asking to clean the gym in exchange for membership that he could not afford.

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PVAMU's Wilson Resigns To Accept Position At Baylor

Coach Toyelle Wilson
 

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  Three-year Prairie View A&M head women's basketball coach Toyelle Wilson resigned today to join the Baylor University women's basketball coaching staff under Kim Mulkey.

"I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given at Prairie View A&M," stated Wilson.  "I would like to especially  thank Dr. Wright and Fred Washington for their continuous guidance and support over these past seven years. It has been a very rewarding journey.  I want to thank my coaches, the fans, the alumni and the players for their commitment to making Prairie View A&M one of the premier basketball programs in the country."

Wilson finished her third season at Prairie View A&M as the most successful coach in Prairie View A&M women's basketball history. In just three seasons, Wilson has proven to be the most efficient in program history with three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in as many seasons. Wilson has coached the Lady Panthers to a perfect 9-0 record in Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament play. She leaves Prairie View A&M with a 36-18 Southwestern Athletic Conference record and a 55-43 overall record.

"Coach Toyelle Wilson has been a great asset to our athletic program," Prairie View A&M University President Dr. George C. Wright said. "During her tenure as a head coach she led us to three post-season opportunities that amounted in national exposure and coverage. We wish her well as she leaves to join Baylor."

Wilson coached the 2013 SWAC Player of the Year Latia Williams and the SWAC Tournament MVP Kiara Etienne on a team that finished its season with a 17-15 record following an opening-round NCAA Tournament loss to Mulkey and No. 1 seeded Baylor. Wilson is the only coach in Prairie View A&M basketball history (Men's or Women's) to have a winning record in each of his or her seasons.

Entering the 2011-12 season with two returning letter winners from her 2011 SWAC Championship team, Wilson rallied her team together just in time to make a postseason run. The Lady Panthers won their final six games against SWAC conference opponents, including three in the conference tournament en route to their second-consecutive SWAC Tournament Championship and NCAA tournament appearance, finishing the season with a 17-16 record.

 

At the age of 30, Wilson was the youngest coach in the 2012 NCAA Tournament as her team faced one of the most legendary coaches in Geno Aurema in the first round of the regional in Bridgeport, Conn.

 

Two players earned 2012 SWAC post-season honors under Wilson's watch. Junior guard Latia Williams won the SWAC Tournament MVP award, which complemented her First Team All-SWAC selection. Junior guard Kiara Etienne earned SWAC Newcomer of the Year and was named Second Team All-SWAC.

 

In her first season as head coach, Wilson made history as she led the Lady Panthers to their third NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and the 2011 Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament Championship. Prairie View A&M finished with an overall mark of 21-12 in Wilson's inaugural season which included a 14-4 record in SWAC play. Individually, three members earned All-SWAC honors under Wilson's watch as seniors Robin Jones and Dominique Smith earned second team honors while freshman Siarra Soliz was named SWAC Tournament MVP and SWAC Freshman of the Year. Statistically, Wilson also made her presence felt defensively as Prairie View A&M finished seventh nationally amongst 333 NCAA Division I institutions in field goal percentage defense, three-point field goal percentage defense and 10th in scoring defense.

 

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Godfrey Becomes Third TSU Tiger on CFPA Watch List

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- College Football Performance Awards, the largest awards organization in D-I college football, recently announced its watch list for the 2013 CFPA Placekicker Award, and Tennessee State senior Jamin Godfrey earned a spot on the list.

 

The preliminary watch list highlights 32 returning performers, vying for the top individual placekicker award in the Football Championship Subdivision.

 

Godfrey joins TSU defensive back Steven Godbolt III and tight end A.C. Leonard on the 2013 CFPA Watch List.

 

"Congratulations to Jamin Godfrey on earning a spot on the 2013 CFPA Watch List," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Godfrey has produced some of the nation's top individual placekicking performances. As a senior, he will be one of the nation's top placekickers to watch."

 

Godfrey is no stranger to CFPA awards as he won the publication’s National Placekicker of the Week honors in 2012 after converting 5-of-5 field goals in a 22-21 win over Tennessee Tech.

 

Last season he was second on the team with 81 points and made 16-of-20 attempted field goals. His season long field goal was 46 yards versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Homecoming.

 

All CFPA recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration.

 

More than 130 CFPA recipients have signed professional contracts, and twenty-one have been first-round NFL Draft selections. CFPA recipients performing as NFL placekickers include: Alex Henery (Nebraska), Blair Walsh (Georgia), Caleb Sturgis (Florida), Randy Bullock (Texas A&M), Dustin Hopkins (Florida State), David Buehler (USC), Brandon McManus (Temple), Quinn Sharp (Oklahoma State), Zach Brown (Portland State), and Adi Kunalic (Nebraska).

 

Last season, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel earned the 2012 CFPA National Performer of the Year Trophy, while Harvard quarterback Colton Chapple earned the 2012 CFPA FCS National Performer of the Year Trophy. Multiple award presentations were broadcast live nationally on ESPN, CBS, Fox Sports, Big Ten Network, Pac 12 Network, as well as internationally on BYUtv.

 

The full list of 2013 recipients, including the 2013 CFPA FCS Awards, will be announced on January 8, 2014.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NSU-Rutgers Set for Noon Kickoff, CBS Sports Network Broadcast

NORFOLK, Virginia – The Norfolk State-Rutgers football game on Sept. 7 has been scheduled for a noon kickoff at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, N.J., and will be televised live on the CBS Sports Network, the Big East announced on Friday.

The game is the first of NSU's 2013 games to be picked up for a television broadcast thus far. More are possible when the MEAC announces its annual TV package with ESPNU later in the summer. The Spartans appeared on TV three times last season, twice on ESPN3 (Liberty and Ohio games) and once on ESPNU (Howard game).

The Rutgers game marks the first time that the NSU football team will have appeared on the CBS Sports Network, formerly known as CSTV and then CBS College Sports. The network is available in 99 million homes nationwide, including the two primary cable carriers in Hampton Roads (Cox and Verizon FiOS) and a number of satellite providers, including DirecTV and Dish Network.

2013 Football Schedule



By Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Men's Basketball Announces 2013-14 Recruiting Class

DURHAM, North Carolina  --  North Carolina Central University head men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton has announced the recruiting class for 2013-14, as six student-athletes have signed the dotted line to become a part of the program.

Three of the six (Ramon Eaton, Reggie Groves, and Jordan Parks) will be eligible to play immediately while the remaining three (Jamal Ferguson, Enoch Hood, and Nate Maxey) will have to sit out the 2013-14 campaign per NCAA Transfer rules.

"We are proud to welcome these young men to our program," said Moton. "They are each high character young men that come from incredible families. We look forward to their success as we relentlessly pursue championships on the floor, degrees in the classroom, and the intangibles that build quality young men."

Eaton (6-8, 225 pounds) comes to the Bull City after spending his freshman year (2011-12) at Pepperdine and his sophomore season at New Mexico Junior College where he was a member of a Thunderbird squad that went 26-7 and advanced to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Region 5 Tournament in Lubbock, Texas. The native of Sacramento, Calif. averaged 5.0 points a game, while grabbing 3.6 boards a contest with NMJC. In his lone season at Pepperdine, Eaton played in 28 games and averaged 2.6 points per contest along with 2.5 rebounds.

"Ramon is a former three star recruit that possesses the unique ability of shooting, athleticism, and scoring the ball in a variety of ways," said Moton. "His skill level is really advanced and we look forward to him contributing right away."

Groves (6-2, 190 pounds) recently graduated from Canisius College as the Golden Griffins are coming off a 20-14 campaign and a berth in the 2013 CIT (College Insider Tournament). The native of Raleigh, N.C. played in 31 games averaging 13.8 minutes per game and dropped in 3.5 points a contest. Groves shot just under 34 percent from the outside going 20-of-59 (33.9 percent) and was fifth on the team with 23 steals. Groves will be a redshirt-senior for the Eagles this year and played for Moton at Sanderson High School before transferring to Word Of God to finish his high school career.

"I've known and coached Reggie since he was a kid," said Moton. "He's a combo guard that is physically strong and tough. He was a huge part of the championship teams we had at Sanderson and can hopefully bring those intangibles to the program. His leadership, defense, and scoring ability will be much needed."

Parks (6-7, 190 pounds) joins the maroon and gray from the College of Central Florida where the Patriots finished the year 34-3 and claimed the school's first-ever NJCAA National Championship. The native of Queens, N.Y. started in 33 games and averaged 10.8 points per contest (fifth on the team) while logging 15.5 minutes per game.

"Jordan Parks is a winner," said Moton. "He's a national champion who understands what it takes to buy into the greater good of the team. He will give us the hybrid dynamic which is essential to success in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). His athleticism is off the charts and his defensive ability to guard all five positions will serve us well."

Hood (6-9, 215 pounds) comes to NCCU after spending two seasons at James Madison University, who competed in the NCAA Tournament this year after going 21-15 and winning the 2013 CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) Tournament. The Norfolk, Va. product played in 25 games, made one start and averaged 3.0 points a game while logging 11.2 minutes on the floor.

"Enoch Hood addresses our need for length and athleticism on the baseline," said Moton. "His ability to play above the rim, block shots, and rebounds should have a profound impact on our program. He's a super young man who competed in the highly successful Boo Williams program growing up with a ton of character."

Ferguson (6-5, 180 pounds) is the second Norfolk, Va. product in this class as he comes to NCCU from Marquette who finished the 2012-13 campaign with a run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Ferguson played in 14 games under Buzz Williams averaging 1.1 points a game, and played two minutes and grabbed a rebound in the maroon and gray's near upset of the Golden Eagles on Dec. 29 in Milwaukee, Wis.

"Jamal Ferguson was a Top-100 player coming out of high school and part of the Elite Eight squad at Marquette," said Moton. "So obviously, he's no stranger to success. His speed, quickness, athleticism, and strength present problems for opposing teams on a consistent basis. He's a young man with high character, and we are elated that he has chosen to be an Eagle."

Maxey (6-11, 225 pounds) is the tallest signee under Moton and just finished his sophomore season at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The San Diego, Calif. native played in 28 games this year, making five starts on the way to setting the school record with 57 blocked shots, while averaging 4.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest.

"In all my years of coaching, I have never coached a player like Nate Maxey," said Moton. "Nate's length, athleticism, and shot-blocking ability are the first things that come to mind when you see him. After having broken the school's record for blocked shots this past season, you can see he is a defensive force. With continued hard work, the sky is definitely the limit for this young man."

The recruiting class has six transfers, five of which come from NCAA Division I schools with the average height being 6-7. Two of the recruits came from schools that competed in the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

DETAILS

Ramon Eaton Jr F 6-8 225 Sacramento, Calif. / New Mexico Junior College

New Mexico Junior College
As a Sophomore (2012-13)

Played in 27 games, earning three starts. Averaged 11.6 minutes per affair and scored 5.0 points a game. Shot 31.1 percent from three-point range (14-for-45) for the Thunderbirds. Scored 11 points grabbed three rebounds, and dished out two assists in an 88-87 loss to Northwest Florida State College. Contributed five points, four rebounds, and two assists in a 92-55 win over Southwest Texas College. Finished sixth on the team with 21 steals, recorded seven blocks, and dished out 29 helpers.

Pepperdine

As a Freshman (2011-12)

In his only season at Pepperdine, averaged 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds as a freshman ... Played in 28 games, all off the bench, and averaged 12.7 minutes ... Reached double-figures for the only time at Santa Clara (2/23), scoring 10 points in 15 minutes ... Had three eight-point performances, all in league play ... Pulled down a season-high eight rebounds in the season opener vs. Pomona-Pitzer (11/12) ... Other season highs were two assists at San Francisco (1/14), two steals vs. Hawaii (12/3) and BYU (2/11) and 26 minutes played vs. Pomona-Pitzer (11/12).

Reggie Groves R-Sr G 6-2 190 Raleigh, N.C. / Canisius College

As a Redshirt Junior (2012-13)
Played in 31 games earning a start on senior night. Averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Fourth on the team with 23 steals and compiled 50 assists. Scored a season-high 12 points on the road at Temple (Dec. 19, 2012). Scored in all but five games in his final season at Canisius. Had a career-high four steals against Elon (March 20, 2013). Tied a career-high with six assists in his final game of the year against Evansville. Amassed a career-best eight rebounds on Feb. 26 on the road at Siena. Tallied at least one assist in 25 games. From Nov. 24 to Jan. 17 scored in 15 consecutive games. Dished out at least two assists or more on 15 occasions.

As a Redshirt Sophomore (2011-12)
Played in 24 games and made 11 starts. Averaged 5.8 points, 2.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. Scored a career-high 14 points at UNLV (Nov. 14). Posted double figures in the scoring column five times. Pulled down a career-high eight rebounds at Siena (Feb. 26). Also had a season-high five assists against Siena on the final day of the regular season (Feb. 26). Dished out his 100th career assist at Niagara (Feb. 15). Ranked 11th in the MAAC with his 1.3 steals per game.

Matched a career-high with four steals against Marist (Jan. 13). Averaged 25.5 minutes per game.

As a Redshirt Freshman (2010-11)
Played in 29 games after returning from knee surgery that ended his 2009-10 season. Averaged 1.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Scored a season-high 11 points in the Griffs' win over Eastern Michigan (Nov. 20). Posted double figures in back-to-back games after he chipped in 10 points against Buffalo (Nov. 23). Pulled down a career best six rebounds against Rider in the 2011 MAAC Tournament (March 5). Was credited with a career-high six assists in a win over Loyola (Feb. 27). Averaged 2.4 assists per game through the team's final five games of the season. Shot 75.9 percent from the free-throw line, which ranked fourth on the team. Averaged 13.3 minutes per game in his reserve role.

As a Freshman (2009-10)
Played in seven games, making two starts, before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in mid-December. Earned a medical redshirt after playing in just seven games as a true freshman. Had surgery on his right ACL after being injured in early December. Averaged 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in his first seven. Scored a season-high six points at St. Francis (NY) (Nov. 21) and against Howard (Nov. 28). Pulled down a season-high four rebounds in two different games. Was credited with a season-high two assists against Manhattan (Dec. 6). Started his first college game against Loyola (Dec. 4) at home. Played a season-high 25 minutes off the bench at St. Francis (NY) (Nov. 21). Averaged 18.6 minutes per game before his injury.

Prior to Canisius
Averaged 16 points, three assists and two rebounds per game at Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham, N.C. Also played at Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh where he averaged 12 points, three rebounds and two assists per game. Played under Moton at Sanderson High School (Raleigh, N.C.) until his senior year where the Spartans captured a Cap-8 Conference title.



Jordan Parks Jr F 6-7 190 Queens, N.Y. / College of Central Florida

Prior to NCCU (College of Central Florida)
Played two seasons for the Patriots that included the school's first-ever NJCAA National Title during the 2012-13 campaign. Averaged 10.8 points and grabbed 6.6 boards a game while logging 15.5 minutes per contest. Shot 53.3 percent from the field, blocked 49 shots and amassed 49 steals in his sophomore season, earning All-Tournament honors and helped the Pats to its first state title since 1996. During his freshman year he averaged 5.7 points per game.



Enoch Hood Jr F 6-9 215 Norfolk, Va. / James Madison University

As a Sophomore (2012-13)
Played in 25 games made 1 start in his second year at James Madison where he averaged 3.0 points a game and grabbed 1.9 boards as well. Shot 50.0 percent from the field. Season-high nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in JMU's win over East Tennessee State. Matched season-high with nine points, four rebounds, and two blocks against UNCW. Eight points and a season-high six rebounds at George Mason. Went 4-for-4 on field goals for eight points and six rebounds in a road win at UNCW. First start at JMU came against William and Mary where he finished with seven points.

As a Freshman (2011-12)
Played in 32 contests including 14 starts in his rookie season at JMU, dropping-in 3.0 points a game along with 3.4 rebounds per contest. Had three games with 10 or more points, one game with three or more blocks, and three games with eight or more rebounds. His first career bucket at JMU was a put-back dunk against Canisius. Had his first career double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds against Northeastern on Jan. 7, 2012. Scored a career-high 14 points against UNCW in 33 minutes on Jan 18, 2012.

Jamal Ferguson Jr G 6-5 180 Norfolk, Va. / Marquette University

As a Sophomore (2012-13)
Played in 25 games made 1 start in his second year at James Madison where he averaged 3.0 points a game and grabbed 1.9 boards as well. Shot 50.0 percent from the field. Season-high nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in JMU's win over East Tennessee State. Matched season-high with nine points, four rebounds, and two blocks against UNCW. Eight points and a season-high six rebounds at George Mason. Went 4-for-4 on field goals for eight points and six rebounds in a road win at UNCW. First start at JMU came against William and Mary where he finished with seven points.

As a Freshman (2011-12)
Played in 32 contests including 14 starts in his rookie season at JMU, dropping-in 3.0 points a game along with 3.4 rebounds per contest. Had three games with 10 or more points, one game with three or more blocks, and three games with eight or more rebounds. His first career bucket at JMU was a put-back dunk against Canisius. Had his first career double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds against Northeastern on Jan. 7, 2012. Scored a career-high 14 points against UNCW in 33 minutes on Jan 18, 2012.



Nate Maxey Jr C 6-11 225 San Diego, Calif. / Texas A&M Corpus Christi

As a Sophomore (2012-13)
Played in 28 games and made five starts. Set a school record with 57 blocked shots. Averaged 4.5 points in 15.3 minutes per game. Shot .702 (59-for-84) from the field on the year. Had six points, eight rebounds and four blocks in the season opener against Texas Lutheran (11/10). Added six boards and two blocks at Denver (11/14). Had three blocks at Utah State (11/17). Set a school record with nine blocks against Houston (11/25) and added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Blocked three shots at South Alabama (12/16). Scored six points along with two blocks against UTSA (12/21). Nabbed five rebounds at Oklahoma (12/31). Scored six points and had a key steal at McNeese State (1/10). Scored 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Central Arkansas (1/19), snaring five rebounds in the process. Blocked six shots in the game at Oral Roberts (2/16). Added 15 points and nabbed six rebounds against Northwestern State (2/19). Had five points and four blocks in the season finale at SFA (3/9).

As a Freshman (2011-12)
Appeared in 29 games and made 10 starts. Averaged 3.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 15.8 minutes of action. Blocked 48 shots, the third-highest total in school history and twice the previous high for a freshman. Shot 59.7 percent from the field. Played 19 minutes in the exhibition against Incarnate Word (11/5). Redirected four shots and grabbed eight rebounds at Oklahoma State (11/11). Had four more blocks and went 2-for-3 from the field against Denver (11/14). Delivered eight points and four blocks against South Alabama (12/15). Went 4-for-4 with eight points, three blocks and three rebounds against Lamar (1/4). Matched the school record with seven blocks and had a career-high 11 points against McNeese State (1/7). Grabbed five boards at Sam Houston State (1/21). Swatted five shots against Sam Houston State (2/11). Posted his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against UTSA (2/22). Had six points and six rebounds against Central Arkansas (3/3).



For more information about NCCU athletics, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.

By Chris Hooks, Assistant Sports Information Director/Broadcast Media Coordinator
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION  

S.C. State’s biggest fan

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  — Of all Bill Hamilton’s accomplishments as South Carolina State’s first and only sports information director — and over 40 years working at his alma mater, that covers a lot of territory — perhaps none is as astounding, or mind-numbing, as the landfill-like mayhem that is his desk.

Enter Hamilton’s cozy office in S.C. State’s Nix Hall, and the first impression is: When does the HAZMAT team arrive? A seeming avalanche of paper — media guides, press releases, newspapers — plus a few unexpected finds (reading glasses, a ball cap, a small sports trophy, a Carolina Hurricanes hockey puck) creates a mound rising about six inches above his desktop and cascading in all directions … including onto the floor, which is only slightly less chaotic. Hamilton’s work area, by all accounts, has looked like this since he began in 1973.

“They had a contest one year to find the junkiest desk on campus, and Bill’s tied for worst,” says legendary former football coach Willie Jeffries, who retired in 2001. “It was horrendous. But,” he said, “Bill can find anything you need there. He knows where he put it.”

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Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/06/22/4968170/sc-states-biggest-fan.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/06/22/4968170/sc-states-biggest-fan.html#storylink=cpy

Texas Southern Football Receives Most Improved APR Award

ORLANDO, Florida -- The Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) has announced that the Texas Southern football program has once again been named the recipient of the Academic Progress Rate (APR) Most Improved Award for the Southwestern Athletic Conference during the 2011-12 athletic year.

The APR Most Improved Award recognizes one institution at each of the 14 FCS conferences that has the highest APR score improvement from the previous year. In addition, the Association also recognizes one institution from each conference that has the highest overall APR score.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member colleges and universities adopted a comprehensive academic reform package designed to improve the academic success and graduation of all student-athletes. The centerpiece of the package is the academic measurement for teams, known as the APR.

TSU's Michael Strahan did it! So can the TSU Tigers ...

TSU Director of Compliance Larry Woods accepted the award on behalf of the Texas Southern football program during the FCS ADA Luncheon held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention in Orlando, Florida.

"The success of our football program as it relates to APR is a direct reflection of the hard work put in by student-athletes inside the classroom," said Woods. "This award was truly a team effort and it couldn't have been achieved without the tireless contributions of our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators."

About the FCS ADA: Now in its 20^th year, the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association's mission is to enhance Football Championship Subdivision football. For more information on the FCS ADA, please visit www.fcsada.com. The FCS ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 48^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 12 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NY Knicks Draft Watch: Forward Brandon Davies & ECSU Guard Angelo Sharpless Are a Pair of Sleepers

NEW YORK  --  The 2013 NBA Draft is just days away and this week the New York Knicks worked out 12 prospects in preparation. Not all of those players will be drafted and most of them won’t even be a consideration when the Knicks pick at No. 24 in the first round.

Guard Archie Goodwin of Kentucky and former Louisville center Gorgui Dieng are two players who could end up hearing their named called on Tuesday night when the Knicks are on the clock in the first round. Point man Nate Wolters might be an option as well, as some talent evaluators have given the mid-major product a late first-round grade.



EXCERPT:

An intriguing prospect who seems to be building some momentum heading into the draft is Angelo Sharpless of Elizabeth City State University. As a senior, the 6’5” shooting guard averaged 20.5 PPG and 8.8 RPG on his way to CIAA Player of the Year honors. What stands out the most about Sharpless are his athleticism and ability to jump out of the gym, as his dunk at the Ben Wallace Pro-Am [see video above] garnered national attention when he appeared on SportsCenter’s “Top 10” on ESPN.

Not one-dimensional, the small school product can also fill it up from the outside. At the age of 23, lacking experience against top competition, he comes with question marks, but Sharpless brings some things to the table that simply can’t be taught. 

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Murraine column: Words are nice, but fans also want wins

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- At times during the many get-acquainted stops Earl Holmes made around the state, it seemed like a movie script playing out.

Local boy makes good with a stellar football career, then returns to his hometown to coach at his alma mater. First he was an assistant coach at FAMU, and how he is the head coach.

Everywhere he went, Holmes heard how proud folks are of him — going from a college walk-on to being one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL.

And it was more of the same when a crowd gathered in Midway earlier this week for his final chalk-talk session.

State representative Alan Williams talked about Holmes’ accomplishments.

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Texas Southern's Mike Davis Receives Contract Extension Through 2018

HOUSTON, Texas  -- The Texas Southern University Board of Regents has approved a two-year contract extension on Friday for TSU head men's basketball coach Mike Davis. The extension runs through the 2018 season.

This past season in his first year at the helm of the program Davis led the Tigers basketball team to a Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season championship as the Texas Southern dominated league play with a 16-2 overall conference record.

TSU finished the season on a 12-game winning streak capped off with two decisive title clinching wins at home versus Southern and Alcorn State, respectively.

For his hard work on the court Davis was tabbed as a 2013 SWAC Co-Coach of the Year along with being named one of the 20 finalists for the 2013 Ben Jobe Award. The Ben Jobe award is presented annually to the top minority coach in division I men's basketball.

This past season was undoubtedly filled with many highlights for the Tigers basketball program including Davis capturing his 250^th career win on Feb. 18^th as Texas Southern defeated Mississippi Valley State.

"We were extremely happy with the outcome of last season during the circumstances in which we brought Coach Davis in," said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland.

"He's proven, not only to be a great coach, but a great leader and more importantly a great person and role model. It was incumbent on us to solidify one of the best coaches in my opinion that we could get at this point in time."



By Andrew Roberts Sports Information Director W Sports
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

NCAA Division II Shaw University Ends Baseball Program

Baseball strikes out at Shaw University
(Courtesy: Shaw University Athletics)

RALEIGH, North Carolina  -- Shaw University will no longer compete in baseball, the university announced today.

 

"This was a difficult decision to make," said Interim Athletic Director Marcus Clarke.  "Shaw has a long tradition in baseball, however as we look to address the fiscal needs of the entire athletic program, it became apparent that reducing the number of sports was a tough, but necessary decision that had to be made at this point."

In 2013, the Bears were 8-26 and 1-17 in the CIAA.   Shaw won CIAA championships in 1947, 1969, 1982, 1993, 2001, 2002 and 2006.  Over the last three seasons, the Bears were 34-78, with a 16-48 mark in the conference.

PHOTOS

The Bears 2013 final roster of players consisted of:

No.	Name	Pos.	Yr.	B/T	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown/Last School
18	Ashley Stuart	P	FR	R/R	6-0	195	Orlando, FL / Olympia
8	Brandon Crews	P	FR	R/R	5-9	185	Henderson, NC / So. Vance
15	Charlie Armstrong	C	SO	R/R	6-0	155	Winston-Salem, NC / E. Forsyth
11	James Edwards	P	JR	R/R	6-1	170	Detroit, MI / Arkansas Baptist
19	Brian Gray	OF	FR	R/R	5-8	160	Charlotte, NC / Victory Christian
12	Jerrell Harvey	P	JR	R/R	6-5	190	Whitakers, NC / N. Edgecombe
26	Tyrone Jackson	C	JR	R/R	5-11	240	East Orange, NJ / Grambling
3	Vincent Jenkins	P	FR	L/L	5-9	170	Bladensburg, MD / Bladensburg
10	James Jones	OF	FR	R/R	5-7	165	Madison Heights, VA / Amherst
1	Cameron Leland	OF	FR	R/R	5-8	160	Charlotte, NC / Vance
14	Sterling Mitchell	OF	FR	R/R	5-10	170	Norfolk, VA / B.T. Washington
35	Needham Core	Inf.	FR	R/R	5-6	165	Goldsboro, NC / Goldsboro
17	Patrick Crews	P	JR	R/R	5-7	160	Henderson, NC / So. Vance
5	Marcquise Phillips	INF	SR	R/R	6-1	185	Fayetteville, NC / Seventy-First
20	Stephen Pigford	1B	SR	R/R	5-9	180	Fayetteville, NC / Seventy-First
32	Charles Robinson	OF	SR	R/R	6-1	175	Raleigh, NC / Southeast
31	Todd Sparrow	C	FR	R/R	6-0	180	Richmond, VA / Henrico
22	Avery Upshur	P	SO	L/R	6-3	180	Norfolk, VA / B.T. Washington
6	Lance Weatherly	P	SO	R/R	6-1	190	Chicago, IL / Dominion
27	A.J. Williams	P	SO	R/R	6-1	210	Greensboro, NC / Vandalia
30	Americus Williams	OF	JR	R/R	5-9	180	Henderson, NC / So. Vance
7	Ryan Williams	OF	FR	S/L	5-7	165	Tallahasse, FL / -

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Kidd: Decision to transfer came down to ‘a better situation for my style’

DURHAM, North Carolina —  Highlights, not merely the limelight, is what Stanton Kidd said he needs.

 Kidd has been granted a release from N.C. Central, where this past season he was the second leading scorer on the basketball team with 14.7 points per game.

 In the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Kidd was the league’s No. 3 scorer, but he said there’s more about his game that he needs to display in order to attract NBA eyes.

 Kidd, who made a verbal commitment to Colorado State in the Mountain West Conference, said it is not a matter of him being too big for the MEAC. It’s just that the MEAC, he said, isn’t big enough to offer the space he needs to routinely show NBA scouts what he could do for their teams.

Kidd played just one season at NCCU, arriving from South Plains College, a junior college in Texas. He has given credit to NCCU reserve forward Karamo “K.J.” Jawara for helping him adjust to Division I basketball in Coach LeVelle Moton’s system. Kidd said Moton taught him to be more vocal on the court, but he needs more.

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Southern-Houston opener set for a 7:30 p.m. start

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  The American Athletic Conference announced the Aug. 30 season opener between Houston and Southern will be a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

The conference, which is comprised of the remaining institutions of the Big East, also announced the game will air live on ESPN3.com

Fans will also be able to watch the game via the Watch ESPN Mobile App.

Southern's season-opener marks the second time in the series history the two programs will meet. Under former Houston head coach and current Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, the Cougars handed Southern and head coach Pete Richardson a 55-3 loss in Robertson Stadium on Aug. 30, 2008.

Head football coach Dawson Odums will open his inaugural fall camp July 31 at Southern University when players are scheduled to report to the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse.

The Jaguars will conduct its first practice of fall camp Aug. 1 at 4:30 p.m.


WATCH ALL MEAC/SWAC SPORTS MAIN STREET POSTED VIDEO IN HD.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Tickets on sale NOW for MEAC/SWAC Challenge

 

ORLANDO, Florida -- Tickets are now to sale for the 2013 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney.

Tickets can be bought here at Ticketmaster for the matchup which pits Mississippi Valley State against Florida A&M on Sept. 1 in Orlando at the Citrus Bowl. Fans can also reserve discounted hotel rooms and order theme park tickets from Anthony Travel here.

For more information regarding travel, contact Anthony Travel at 888-632-6951. It will mark the first game of the season for the Delta Devils, who are coming off a 5-6 finish in 2012. To view the full 2013 MVSU football schedule, click here. 

 

SWAC Launches New Championship Logos

HOUSTON, Texas – The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the first HBCU Conference to host two championships in professional venues in the same city, released their 2013 football and basketball championship logos.

The release of the logos comes after the conference made the announcement that championships for both sports will be moving to Houston, Texas.

The football championship game will be held at Reliant Stadium, 2013-15, while the basketball tournament will be hosted at the Toyota Center 2014-16. The 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, with the basketball tournament set for March 11-15, 2014.

“We are excited to reveal the new SWAC Football and Basketball Championship logos. As the SWAC continues to honor our heritage, we look forward to advancing and growing the conference,” said SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp. “These efforts have started by moving the championships to Houston and providing a visual that reflects our move and advancements.”

The SWAC Football Championship will also include the Battle of the Bands competition with all of the conference’s member institutions. The contest will begin immediately following the football championship game at Reliant Stadium and admission is included with purchase of a game ticket.

COURTESY SWAC.org

 

THERE IS NO SHOW LIKE A SWAC HALF-TIME PERFORMANCE!!!!

 

Former university first lady dies

Mrs. Thelma P. Payton
(Courtesy: Tuskegee University)

 TUSKEGEE, Alabama (June 20, 2013) -- Thelma P. Payton, the wife of Tuskegee University's fifth president, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, died today. She served as first lady at the university from 1981-2010. Formerly Thelma Plane of Evanston, Illinois, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University and a master's in social work from the Columbia University School of Social Work.

A long-time supporter of the university, Thelma Payton was known for her work with several aspects of Tuskegee such as the Legacy Museum. 

"Like that tiny grain of sand that coaxes the oyster until it creates a pearl, Mrs. Payton constantly reminded everyone that something had to be done with the art collection," wrote Cynthia Beavers Wilson in the acknowledgments of a 2010 museum program. 

Thelma Payton is survived by her husband, two children: Mark Steven and Deborah Elizabeth; and grandchildren: Danielle Marie, Maya Elizabeth, William Isaac and Nicholas Warren Payton.

The funeral service will be held at the Tuskegee University Chapel June 27 at 11 a.m. CST. People's Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Winston-Salem Women Take Football 101

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  Women from across the community flocked to Winston-Salem State University Saturday to get a hands-on education about the game of football.

Hosted jointly by the university’s Department of Athletics and football program, the Second Annual Women’s Football Clinic drew over two dozen women of all ages and abilities. Aimee McCaskill, who graduated from WSSU in 1983, was among the women who paid $20 to learn the basics of the sport.

“I wanted to learn more about football,” she said of her motivation to take part in the clinic, which ran from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. “I love football, so I am trying to learn all I can about it.”

The clinic was birthed last year, as a means of expanding the Rams’ fanbase, which has grown ever more fervent in recent years, as the team has posted back-to-back undefeated seasons in CIAA conference play.

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XU to play 30 in regular season, 9 at Convocation Center

NEW ORLEANS — A debut in the Convocation Center and four matches against 2012 NAIA National Championship qualifiers are among the highlights of the 2013 Xavier University of Louisiana women's volleyball schedule.
    
First-year coach Hannah Lawing announced Thursday the schedule, which includes 30 regular-season contests. Xavier is the two-time defending Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champion and is 28-0 the past two seasons against GCAC opponents.
    
Xavier will play nine times in the Convocation Center, which opened in November and seats nearly 4,000 for volleyball or basketball. The Gold Nuggets' home opener will start at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14 against Voorhees, which will join the GCAC in July to increase league membership to nine.
    
Xavier's other GCAC home matches will be against Fisk on Sept. 16, Tougaloo on Sept. 23, Dillard on Oct. 5, SUNO on Oct. 21 and Philander Smith on Oct. 28. Non-conference home matches will be against Loyola on Sept. 18, Mobile on Oct. 15 and Avila on Oct. 18. The Avila match will be part of a two-day tournament co-hosted by Xavier and Loyola with matches on both campuses. Avila will play Mobile at the Convocation Center at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18.
    
The Convocation Center replaces The Barn, a 1,300-seat gymnasium which opened in 1937 and was razed in May. The Gold Nuggets won in their Barn finale in 2012, a 21-25, 17-25, 25-15, 25-12, 15-7 decision against SUNO which clinched for the Nuggets the GCAC regular-season championship.
    
The Nuggets' matches against 2012 NAIA National Championship qualifiers will be Spring Hill on Aug. 23 and Sept. 3, St. Thomas (Texas) on Aug. 30 and Georgetown (Ky.) on Sept. 7. All four will be part of 13 consecutive road matches to start the season, including a school-record eight matches in August.
    
Xavier will begin its sixth season on Aug. 23 in the UMobile/Spring Hill Tournament at Mobile, Ala., playing Spring Hill at 2 p.m. and Asbury at 4 p.m. The Gold Nuggets also will travel to Houston and Georgetown, Ky., for tournaments. Georgetown defeated Xavier in four sets in the opening round of the 2012 NAIA National Championship.
    
Avila, Columbia (S.C.), Lourdes, Montana Tech, Trinity Christian and Voorhees will be first-time opponents.
    
Xavier will visit SUNO on Oct. 8 and Dillard on Nov. 2 in the regular-season finale. The GCAC Tournament will be played in Little Rock, Ark., for the second consecutive year, and the winner will earn the GCAC's automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship.
    
Another road match in New Orleans will be at Loyola on Oct. 19 in the finale of the Loyola/Xavier Tournament.
    
Match times and tournament names are subject to change.
    
Xavier was 22-8 in 2012 and returns all its major contributors from that team, including GCAC Player of the Year Taylor Reuther, first-team All-GCAC players Moira Kirk and Franziska Pirkl and second-teamers Chinedu Echebelem, Jodi Chatters and CeCe Williams. Echebelem was the GCAC Tournament MVP.

2013 XULA VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

By Ed Cassiere, SID
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUSIANA

Prep Football: Holman takes charge at DC

MOCKSVILLE, North Carolina — The story goes that the Holman family had to sit on the 50-yard-line at South Carolina State-North Carolina Central football matchups and cheer for both teams because there was a Holman playing on each side.

 

“Those men playing were my uncles,” said Devore Holman, who was recently named as Davie’s new head coach. “I come from a long football background.”        

Holman is a name that’s been respected in Rowan County for a long time. One of Devore’s football-playing uncles was the late Baxter Holman Jr., who was team captain at North Carolina Central. After he played in the Canadian Football League, Baxter coached in the Winston-Salem high school ranks in the 1960s. During the years of segregation, he coached at all-black Anderson High, and he piloted Anderson to a 3A runner-up finish in 1966 and a state title in 1967.

When Winston schools integrated, Baxter was named head coach at Mount Tabor, and in a Remember the Titans sort of scenario, he demonstrated to an initially skeptical white community and white players that he was the best man for the job. He was coach of the year in 1970.

 

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Holman eager to take the reins as Davie’s football coach

 

MOCKSVILLE  --  One evening last month, Doug Illing drove to Devore Holman’s house in Mocksville and delivered the news. Illing was leaving after 15 years as Davie High School’s football coach — and Holman had been with Illing every step of the way.
 
“He told me he would ask me to come with him,” Holman said last week after he was named to succeed Illing. “But he said he was leaving for his dream job (Socastee High in Myrtle Beach, S.C.) and that it was time for me to chase my dreams.”

 

So that’s what Holman — an assistant coach at Davie for 23 years — did.
Twenty-six coaches applied for Illing’s job. Holman, the War Eagles’ defensive coordinator for the last 14 years, got it.

“I am humbled beyond measure to be able to give back to the community — and these kids and this school — what I got as a young man from these coaches, making me do the right things and being a positive role model in their lives,” Holman said. “I can’t think of a better place to do it.”

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