XU Fakler, Rolland selected CoSIDA Academic All-America

Catherine Fakler

Devinn Rolland

More on this Academic All-America team

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana sophomores Catherine Fakler and Devinn Rolland have been chosen to the Capital One Academic All-America® college division women's track and field/cross country team. Both are second-team selections.
    
Fakler and Rolland are the fifth and sixth from Xavier to be chosen to an Academic All-America squad. Five were selected in 2012-13, including Matt Pieri (second team) and Javon Mead (third team) in men's track and field/cross country.
    
The College Sports Information Directors of America has sponsored the Academic All-America program since 1952. CoSIDA announced the team Monday (June 24). The college division consists of NAIA, National Junior College Athletic Association and Canadian members.
    
Xavier is one of 11 schools with two or more females honored. Forty-five student-athletes were selected.     

 "This is a tremendous honor for Catherine and Devinn," XU coach Joseph Moses said. "They're both sophomores, but they have accomplished a lot at Xavier so far and are deserving of these accolades. You'll hear much more from these two gifted ladies during the next two years."
    
Fakler, from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory High School, is an English major at XU with a 4.0 grade-point average. She was All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference in cross country and outdoor track this past year and helped the Gold Nuggets win GCAC team championships in both sports. She was the GCAC croas country runner-up in October — her time of 18 minutes, 55.20 second for 5,000 meters is the second fastest in school history — and she scored a meet-high 40 points at the GCAC track meet in April with victories in the 1,500- and 5,000-meter runs and the 3,000 steeplechase. She also finished second in the 3,200 relay and 800.
    
Rolland, from Harvey, La. (a New Orleans suburb), and a graduate of Cabrini High School, is a chemistry / pre-pharmacy major with a 4.0 GPA. Rolland in 2012 became Xavier's first freshman All-America athlete by virtue of a sixth-place finish in the long jump at the NAIA National Championships. This year Rolland was an NAIA outdoor automatic qualifier in five events — the 100, 200, long jump, 400 and 1,600 relays — and she repeated as GCAC champion in the 100, 200 and long jump. Rolland won six field and three track GCAC Athlete of the Week awards this year. In April she was named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar.
    
Academic All-Americans are starters or important reserves with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They also must have completed at least one full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility. Fakler and Rolland were announced May 30 as Academic All-District 4, which automatically advanced them for national consideration.
    
Senior Breanna Mathes of Morningside was chosen College Division All-America of the Year.
    
Xavier is a seven-time defending GCAC team champion in men's and women's cross country. Both squads qualified for the NAIA National Championships four of the past five seasons, including 2012. Xavier also won two of the last three GCAC outdoor track team championships. The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will begin the 2013 cross country season in late August or early September.

2012-13 Capital One Academic All-America Women's Track and Field/Cross Country
College Division First Team
Name	School	Yr.	Hometown	GPA and Major
Kesha Beethe	Peru State	Sr.	Tecumseh, Neb.	3.89 Sport Management, Exercise Science
Kate Carr	Bethel (Ind.)	Jr.	Carmel, Ind.	3.70 Cell and Molecular Biology
Gabriella Dixson	Concordia (Ore.)	Sr.	Battle Ground, Wash.	3.49 Psychology
Breanna Goring	Embry-Riddle (Fla.)	Sr.	Ocala, Fla.	3.67 Human Factors Psychology, Systems
Hannah Helker	Oklahoma Baptist	So.	Edmond, Okla.	3.93 Undecided
Erin Helmuth	Goshen	Sr.	Elkhart, Ind.	3.98 Secondary Education, Mathematics
Stephanie Hescock	Northwest Christian	Gr.	Drain, Ore.	3.90 Master of Business Administration
Hillary Holt	College of Idaho	Jr.	Meridian, Idaho	3.54 Political Economy
Sarah Kortze	Concordia (Neb.)	Sr.	Rockford, Ill.	3.94 Biology, Physical Science
Breanna Mathes	Morningside	Sr.	Cherokee, Iowa	3.99 Mathematics Teaching
Linsie Michels	Concordia (Ore.)	Gr.	Salem, Ore.	3.70 Master of Business Administration
Jillian Ourada	Doane	Sr.	Omaha, Neb.	3.73 Biochemistry
Evan Shimanek	Oklahoma Baptist	Sr.	Hennessey, Okla.	3.97 Pre-Physical Therapy
Katie Thurbon	Baker	Jr.	Topeka, Kan.	3.94 International Studies
Briana Vander Woude	Dordt	Sr.	Clara City, Minn.	3.57 Elementary Education
College Division Second Team
Name	School	Yr.	Hometown	GPA and Major
Katie Bonnema	Dordt	Jr.	Ireton, Iowa	3.38 Elementary Education
Erin DeVries	Doane	So.	Chambers, Neb.	3.91 General Studies
Stephanie Erlandson	Jamestown	Sr.	Breckenridge, Minn.	4.00 Exercise Science
Catherine Fakler	Xavier	So.	Phoenix, Ariz.	4.00 English / English Education
Chantalle Falconer	Oliver Nazarene	Jr.	Byron, Ill.	4.00 Music Education
Aspen Frey	McPherson	Jr.	Newton, Kan.	4.00 Elementary Education
Danielle Kendall	Calgary	Sr.	Calgary, Alberta	3.77 Chemical Engineering
Kelly Klusmeyer	Central Methodist	Jr.	Boonville, Mo.	4.00 Biology
Natalie McIntyre	Arizona Christian	Sr.	Casa Grande, Ariz.	4.00 Music (praise and worship emphasis)
Trisha Nelson	Bethel (Ind.)	Sr.	Maquoketa, Iowa	3.81 Intercultural Studies
Danielle Prchal	Peru State	Sr.	Omaha, Neb.	3.87 Social Science Teaching
Devinn Rolland	Xavier	So.	Harvey, La.	4.00 Chemistry / Pre-Pharmacy
Beth Segerholm	Jamestown	Sr.	Northwood, N.D.	4.00 Nursing
Ellie Staker	Embry-Riddle (Fla.)	Jr.	Seattle, Wash.	3.72 Engineering Physics
Megan Williams	Vanguard	Sr.	Fort Worth, Texas	3.57 Liberal Studies
College Division Third Team
Name	School	Yr.	Hometown	GPA and Major
Abbi Brock	Lubbock Christian	Jr.	Lamesa, Texas	4.00 Pre-Veternary Medicine
Karina Coelho	Embry-Riddle (Fla.)	Sr.	Chesapeake Beach, Md.	3.51 Meteorology Research
Hilary Halford	St. Francis (Ill.)	Jr.	Antioch, Ill.	3.48 Nursing
Cheryl Held	William Woods	Sr.	Wildwood, Mo.	3.60 Exercise Science / Sports Management
Chelsea Janzen	Biola	Jr.	Clovis, Calif.	3.97 Studio Arts
Rachel Jerrils	Davenport	Jr.	Rockford, Mich.	3.69 Nursing
Bethany Jones	Southeastern (Fla.)	Sr.	Pittsburgh, Pa.	4.00 Accounting
Allison McFayden	Grand View	Sr.	Omaha, Neb.	4.00 Graphic Design
Sydnee Nelson	Southwestern (Kan.)	Sr.	Clay Center, Kan.	3.78 Biology / Biochemistry
Kayla Roemmich	Jamestown	Sr.	Bottineau, N.D.	3.45 Elementary Education
Sharon Ronoh	Lindsey Wilson	Sr.	Timboroa, Kenya	3.38 Nursing
Alexandra Sciarra	Biola	Jr.	Orange, Calif.	3.61 Kinesiology
Rachel Stump	Biola	Sr.	Los Gatos, Calif.	3.88 Business Administration
Ali Swart	Taylor	Sr.	Oostburg, Wis.	3.96 Health and Physical Education
Jessica Zink	William Woods	Jr.	Iberia, Mo.	3.90 Elementary Education

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

XU Pieri, Mead repeat as CoSIDA Academic All-Americans

Matt Pieri

Javon Mead

More on this Academic All-America team

NEW ORLEANS — Matt Pieri and Javon Mead are the first from Xavier University of Louisiana to be chosen Capital One Academic All-America® twice. Both were named Monday (June 24) to the college division men's track and field/cross country team, and they're in the same positions as a year ago — Pieri on the second team, Mead on the third.
    
Pieri and Mead are among five from Xavier selected in 2012-13, including second-teamers Catherine Fakler and Devinn Rolland in women's track and field/cross country.
    
The College Sports Information Directors of America has sponsored the Academic All-America program since 1952. The college division consists of NAIA, National Junior College Athletic Association and Canadian members.     

XU is one of 10 schools with two or more males honored. Forty-five student-athletes were selected.
    
"To make Academic All-America two years in a row speaks highly of Matt, Javon and Xavier University," XU coach Joseph Moses said. "Matt and Javon have worked very hard in the sport and in the classroom to reach this position. They're both deserving of this honor again. I am proud of them."
    
Pieri, from New Orleans and a graduate of Brother Martin High School, is a pharmacy major at XU with a 3.62 grade-point average. He was All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference four times in cross country and was the league individual champion in 2012 and 2010. He was a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete twice. Xavier won the GCAC men's cross country team title in each of his four seasons and qualified for three NAIA National Championships. His time of 26 minutes, 39.71 seconds at the 2012 Azalea City Classic was XU's fastest for 8,000 meters since 1998.
    
Pieri finished his XU cross country career with a GCAC men's-record 13 Runner of the Week awards, three in 2012. He had 17 career top-10 finishes, four as a senior, and never finished lower than fourth at the GCAC meet.
    
Mead, from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School, is an accounting major with a 3.69 GPA. Mead is a three-time All-GCAC runner in cross country, finishing fifth at the league meet in 2012 and 2011 and third in 2010, and has helped the Gold Rush win three GCAC team championships and qualify for two NAIA National Championships. Mead in April was named an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar for the second consecutive year, and in November he was named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.
    
Mead has five career top-10 finishes and three top-5s. His best 8K time is 28:37.3. He was part of a student team which wrote the XU business school's code of conduct.
    
Academic All-Americans are starters or important reserves with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They also must have completed at least one full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility. Pieri and Mead were announced May 30 as Academic All-District 4, which automatically advanced them for national consideration.
    
Graduate student Monte Larsen of Morningside was a repeat selection as College Division All-America of the Year.
    
Xavier is one of three schools this year — the others are Doane and Embry-Riddle (Fla.) — with at least two men and two women named Academic All-America in track/cross country.
    
Xavier is a seven-time defending GCAC team champion in men's and women's cross country. Both squads qualified for the NAIA National Championships four of the past five seasons, including 2012. The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will begin the 2013 cross country season in late August or early September.

2012-13 Capital One Academic All-America Men's Track and Field/Cross Country
College Division First Team
Name	School	Yr.	Hometown	GPA and Major
Cordell Baker	Oklahoma Baptist	Sr.	Sapulpa, Okla.	3.95 Biology
Austin Basterrechea	College of Idaho	Jr.	Gooding, Idaho	3.77 Biology
Andy Coy	Dakota State	Sr.	Hill City, S.D.	3.97 Biology
John Darmody	Saint Ambrose	Gr.	Everett, Wash.	3.86 Master of Organizational Leadership
Luke Fischer	Northwest (Wash.)	Gr.	Kalispell, Mont.	3.75 Business Administration
John Harris	Morningside	Sr.	Holstein, Iowa	4.00 Engineering Physics, Mathematics
Brad Higgins	Doane	Sr.	Norfolk, Neb.	3.67 Math, Physics
Benjamin Hinckfoot	Concordia (Neb.)	Jr.	Colorado Springs, Colo.	3.91 Secondary Education / History and ESL
Bo Johnson	Concordia (Ore.)	Sr.	Toledo, Ore.	3.82 Exercise and Sports Science
Luke Keogh	St. Gregory's	Sr.	Dublin, Ireland	3.97 Criminal Justice
Vincent Krejci	Doane	Sr.	Crete, Neb.	3.70 Biochemistry
Monte Larsen	Morningside	Gr.	Neola, Iowa	4.00 Master of Arts in Teaching
Kyle Marshall	Arizona Christian	Jr.	Phoenix, Ariz.	4.00 Secondary Education, Social Studies
Andy Reidsma	Trinity Christian	Jr.	Wyoming, Mich.	3.90 Business Management and Marketing
Phil Rizzo	St. Francis (Ill.)	Sr.	Evergreen Park, Ill.	3.88 History, Political Science
College Division Second Team
Name	School	Yr.	Hometown	GPA and Major
Frank Adelman	Southwestern (Kan.)	Sr.	Yukon, Okla.	3.41 Psychology, Biology
Michael Bellamy	Northwest Christian	Sr.	Eugene, Ore.	4.00 Exercise Science
Mike Blaszczyk	St. Francis (Ill.)	Jr.	Novi, Mich.	3.71 Marketing
Tim Boes	Madonna	Sr.	Westland, Mich.	3.83 Social Work
Mitchell Brickson	Goshen	So.	Enon, Ohio	3.94 Physics
Aaron Caldwell	Baker	Sr.	Overland Park, Kan.	3.74 Exercise Science
Conner Carpenter	Wayland Baptist	So.	Farwell, Texas	3.96 Religion
Doug Dawson	Siena Heights	Sr.	Roseville, Mich.	3.70 Criminal Justice
Conner Drendel	Southwestern (Kan.)	Sr.	Haviland, Kan.	3.98 Elementary Education
Garret Ehlers	Morningside	Jr.	Ida Grove, Iowa	3.61 Religious Studies
Matt Huseman	Northwestern (Iowa)	Jr.	Sac City, Iowa	3.41 Elementary Education
Tyler Norby	Saint Ambrose	Gr.	Dubuque, Iowa	3.94 Master of Accounting
Casey Orndorff	West Virginia Tech	Sr.	High View, W. Va.	4.00 Mathematics
Matt Pieri	Xavier	Sr.	New Orleans, La.	3.62 Pharmacy
Brooks Swigart	Arizona Christian	Sr.	Phoenix, Ariz.	3.82 Elementary Education, English
College Division Third Team
Name	School	Yr.	Hometown	GPA and Major
Danny Bahret	St. Francis (Ill.)	So.	Channahon, Ill.	3.91 Mathematics, Secondary Education
Aaron Belcher	Indiana Tech	Jr.	Mooresville, Ind.	3.86 Accounting
Francisco Escobar	Monroe CC	So.	Cali, Colombia	3.85 Business Management
James Fisher	Oliver Nazarene	Jr.	Wales, Mich.	3.94 Geological Engineering
Alec Hernandez	Embry-Riddle (Fla.)	So.	North Canton, Ohio	3.78 Aerospace Engineering
Zachary Kraus	Embry-Riddle (Fla.)	Jr.	New Milford, Conn.	3.81 Aerospace Engineering
Colton McNinch	Southwestern (Kan.)	Jr.	Utica, Kan.	4.00 Chemistry, Biology
Javon Mead	Xavier	Jr.	Baton Rouge, La.	3.69 Accounting
Isaias Miranda	Lubbock Christian	Sr.	Clovis, N.M.	3.49 Youth and Family Ministry
Colin Morrissey	Concordia (Neb.)	Sr.	Omaha, Neb.	3.82 Secondary Education
Trent Roemmich	Jamestown	Jr.	Linton, N.D.	3.65 Math (Education)
Peter Stacy	Biola	Sr.	Issaquah, Wash.	3.70 Biochemistry
Zach Wittenberg	Northwestern (Iowa)	Jr.	Pella, Iowa	3.73 Biology / Health Professions
Zane Zeigler	Embry-Riddle (Fla.)	So.	Pittsburgh, Pa.	4.00 Aerospace Engineering
Nick Zink	William Woods	So.	Iberia, Mo.	3.90 Biology Education

By Ed Cassiere, SID
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAATHLETICS

 

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