Top-Ranked Johnson Runs Fastest 400-Meter Qualifying Time at NCAA Championships

ALLENDALE, Michigan -- Top-ranked Omar Johnson (Jr./St. Ann, Jamaica) of Saint Augustine's University ran the fastest qualifying time to reach the men's 400-meter finals in the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships on the Grand Valley State University campus Thursday, May 21, 2015.
 

Johnson, who ran a time of 46.78 seconds, led three Falcons who qualified for the 400 finals. Burkheart Ellis, Jr.(Jr./Raleigh, NC) was third in 47.08 seconds and Khari Herbert, Jr. (So./Coral Springs, FL) placed sixth in 47.40 seconds.
 

Johnson and Ellis were also part of the men's 4x100-meter relay team which qualified for the finals. The 4x100 squad, which includes Kevaughn Hewitt (Sr./Miramar, FL) and Daniel Jamieson (Jr./Windsor, CT), ran the third-fastest preliminary time (40.32 seconds).

Tia-Adana Belle (So./St. George, Barbados) ran the second-fastest preliminary time to qualify for the women's 400-meter hurdles finals. The top-ranked hurdler in the event, Belle ran a time of 1:00.05.
 

The Lady Falcons qualified for the women's 4x100-meter relay finals after running the fifth-fastest time (46.45 seconds). The 4x100 squad consists of Sherrie-Ann Ashman (Sr./Brooklyn, NY), Belle, Shakinah Brooks (So./Raleigh, NC) and Ornella Livingston (Jr./Christiana, Jamaica). In the women's long jump, Brooks placed third with a career leap of 21-2¾, and teammate Amenze Uhunmwangho (Ebo, Nigeria) was eighth with a jump of 19-9½.
 

The three-day meet continues Friday, May 22, starting at 9:30 a.m. with the men's decathlon. The track and field events begin at 2 p.m. Watch the championship meet on NCAA.com. The live stats link is -http://www.primetimetiming.com/liveresults/2015/ncaad2outdoor/. 

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Circle City Classic, Kentucky State University and Central State University sign Multi-Year Deal

Courtesy Central State University Sports Information

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Indiana Black Expo announced today that Circle City Classic® will now make the long-term rivalry between the Central State University Marauders and Kentucky State University Thorobreds a new tradition in Indianapolis. Both teams have signed a 3-year agreement with 2 additional 1 year options to host their legendary game in Indianapolis. This year's game will take place on September 26, 2015.

"This is an exciting day for Circle City Classic®, said Tanya Bell, IBE president & Chief Executive Officer. "Classics across the country are evolving which requires unique approaches. The multi-year agreement with Midwest rival teams will help us better plan, avoid our traditional date bumping up against college homecomings and increase our chances for warmer weather," added Bell.



Statement from Harry Stinson, Kentucky State University Athletic Director
We are excited and thrilled to have our rivalry against Central State University showcased in the Circle City Classic®. This partnership with the Indiana Black Expo creates avenues for us to increase our student athlete experience by playing the game in an NFL stadium; it increases the exposure of our universities in the Indianapolis area and the Mid-West region and provides an unique opportunity for our fans, alumni and student bodies to have an awesome experience in Indianapolis.

The opportunity to market, promote and engage the communities in Indianapolis in a multi-year deal provides 365 day exposure for our university that cannot be quantified. It provides us exposure to the brightest stars and scholars in the high schools and provides a platform for them to get to know our universities. As we embark on a new era in higher education and athletics, generating partnerships that increase awareness, branding opportunities, exposure, and revenue are essential. This partnership speaks to all of the areas of today's higher education needs and surrounds that around a sporting event. We are excited about the future and look forward to us being victorious not only on the field of play but also in recruiting students to attend both of our universities.



Statement from Jahan Culbreath, Central State University Athletic Director
The Circle City Classic® is a fixture not only in Indianapolis but throughout the country as one of the premier classics. It gives the opportunity to showcase the talent of our students, and helps promote awareness of two tremendous HBCU institutions in the Midwest. It is also exciting to know that Central State and Kentucky State will continue their rivalry on this stage for at least the next three years. Central State is pleased to continue to work alongside KSU athletic director Harry Stinson III and the wonderful folks who organize the Circle City Classic. By committing to be part of the Circle City Classic® shows our dedication to enhance our brand and broaden our fan base. Most importantly, our presence in Indianapolis continues to help grow the quality collegiate experience for all of the CSU family.

The theme for Circle City Classic® is "Buy One. Send One." which reflects the purpose that Classic serves as a fundraiser to send Indiana students to college. "A ticket purchase will help pay for a student to attend college," Bell said. Since 1984, more than 3 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to Indiana youth. The Circle City Classic® dates for 2015 – 2017 include:

2015: Saturday, September 26, 2015
2016: Saturday, September 24, 2016
2017: Saturday, September 23, 2017

The Circle City Classic® will also feature half-time celebrity performance and a pre-game Your Life Matters® – The Remix youth forum.

Tickets for Circle City Classic® officially go on sale Friday, May 8th. Tickets are available by calling the IBE Box Office at 317.925.2702, the Lucas Oil Stadium Ticket Office at 317.262.3389, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticket Master outlet.

To purchase tickets in the Kentucky State University block contact our box office at 502-597-6011.

COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Savannah State calls for Woodland hooper Deontae McClanahan

STOCKBRIDGE, Georgia — The story of how Deontae McClanahan locked up a basketball scholarship starts and ends in a gymnasium, but not in the way one would think.

About a month ago, McClanahan was shooting around in the Woodland gym when the high school’s head football coach, Steve Davenport, approached him.

“He asked me what schools were recruiting me at the time. I told him that a couple of small schools, a college in Tennessee, Clark Atlanta and Wingate,” he said. “He asked me if I would be interested in going to Savannah State and I was like, ‘Yeah!’”



The former Savannah State football coach whipped out his cellphone, called the basketball coach at his old school and put McClanahan on the line.

Two weeks later, McClanahan worked out for the Tigers in Savannah. A short time after that — specifically April 24, the day of prom — McClanahan received a phone call as he was in the middle of taking pictures. It was a Savannah State coach and he wanted to extend an offer.

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Wilson Adds Two To SSU Coaching Staff

Coach Andy Siegal
Offensive Coordinator

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State University head football coach Earnest Wilson III has announced the addition of two new offensive assistant coaches. Andy Siegal will be the Tigers new offensive coordinator and Russell Demasi will be the quarterback coach.

SIEGAL
Siegal comes to Savannah State from the University of Nebraska-Kearne
y where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2012-2014.

He has over 25 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, professional and high school level.

His college coaching stops include East Mississippi Community College (2010-11), Southern Mississippi (2009-10), College of the Sequoias (2005-09), Dodge City Community College (1999-05), Southern Arkansas (1992-94) and Quincy University (1992).

In 2010, Siegal was offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for an East Mississippi team that led the nation in passing offense, passing touchdowns, passing attempts and passing yards and made the playoffs for a third season.
,

Coach Russell Demasi
Quarterback Coach

Five years earlier at the Sequoias, he coordinated an offense that also ranked number one nationally with 49 passing touchdowns, averaged 450 yards a game and 43 points a game. Every year at Sequoias, his offenses ranked in the top 20 in the nation.

He served in a variety of roles while at Dodge City, including interim head coach and offensive coordinator. His offense ranked first in the nation in 2002 and 2004.

At Southern Miss, Siegal did a variety of duties, including assistant offensive line coach and offensive quality control. He was part of a 2009 Eagles team that went 7-6 and advanced to the New Orleans Bowl.

Besides holding a B.S. in Physical Education from Winona State University, Siegal also has a Master's degree in Kinesiology from Southern Arkansas.

Siegal and his wife, Miriam, have three children; Taylor (17), Austin (15) and Bear Bryant (7).

DEMASI
Demasi comes to SSU from Shorter University. During the 2013 season he was a graduate assistant and worked with the quarterback and fullbacks and during the 2014 season he served as co-special teams coordinator.

The Savannah, Georgia native was a member of the Georgia Southern University football team (2008-12) where he went from being a preferred walk-on to earning a scholarship during his senior year. He was named Scout Team Player of the Year in 2011.

While in high school, Demasi was a 2006 and 2007 All-Greater Savannah first-team selection. DeMasi threw for 1,068 yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior season for Savannah Christian Preparatory School, leading them to a 10-2 record and the second round of the Class AA playoffs.

Demasi earned his bachelor's degree from GSU in general studies with a concentration in education, coaching and business in 2012 and earned his master's degree from Shorter in December 2014.

He is the son of Karl Demasi, who now serves as athletics director and head basketball coach at Islands High School in Savannah. Karl has served as head coach in football, basketball and baseball at various Savannah schools since 1995.

 COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State Football Hires Kefense Hynson as New Wide Receivers Coach

Coach Kefense Hynson 

NORFOLK, Virginia – Norfolk State football coach Latrell Scott announced Thursday the hiring of
Kefense Hynson as the Spartans' new wide receivers coach.

Hynson has collegiate experience coaching receivers, quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends and defensive backs. He has worked at the Division I FBS and FCS and Division II levels in addition to several internships in the NFL.

"We took our time with the search for this position and we feel like we made a quality hire," Scott said. "Kefense's background speaks for itself. He has an excellent pedigree. We are excited to have him and his family join our program."

Hynson comes to NSU after spending three seasons at the University of Montana, including the last two years as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. In his first season with the Grizzlies, he coached the tight ends and special teams.

In 2014, Hynson helped Montana finish 9-5 and reach the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Grizzlies finished the season ranked 11th (FCS Coaches) and 13th (Sports Network) in the two major Division I FCS polls. UM averaged 29.6 points and 226.6 passing yards per game behind quarterback Jordan Johnson, who earned honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference honors.

The previous year, Johnson passed for 32 touchdowns and 3,387 yards, both of which ranked among the top five single-season totals in school history.

Before joining the Montana staff, Hynson coached the wide receivers at Yale from 2009-11. That followed a three-year stint at Division II Western Washington (2006-08), where he served as offensive coordinator for the final two seasons. Hynson's offense in his final season at Western Washington averaged 404 total yards, nearly 30 points a game and had 29 touchdown passes.

Hynson was running backs coach at Minnesota State in 2005 and director of football operations at Boise State in 2004 when the Broncos went 11-1, won the WAC title and were ranked in both major polls. He has also had assistant coaching jobs at Quincy (defensive backs coach, 2004) and Willamette (assistant receivers coach, 2003) and completed NFL minority coaching fellowships with Seattle (2008), Oakland (2009), Kansas City (2010), Houston (2013) and Detroit (2014).

Hynson was selected to participate in the 2009 NCAA Football Coaches Academy and the 2011 NCAA Expert Forum.

Hynson was an honorable mention All-America defensive back at Willamette College in Oregon. He was a three-time Northwest Conference all-star and served as team captain before graduating with his bachelor's degree in history in 2003.

An Oakland, California native, Hynson and his wife, Shanina, have three children: Jade, Myles and Layla.

2015 Football Coaching Staff

NAME	TITLE
Latrell Scott	Head Football Coach
Jerry Holmes	Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach
Kevin Grisby	Assistant Head Coach/Cornerbacks Coach
Christian Parker	Safeties Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
Keith Braxton	Defensive Line Coach
Aaron Corp	Quarterbacks Coach
Anthony Parker	Offensive Line Coach
Montario Hardesty	Running Backs Coach
Chris Neff	Assistant AD/Strength and Conditioning
Kefense Hynson	Wide Receivers Coach

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

Clark: Shouppe enjoying life at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Jamey Shouppe doesn't want a story written about him.

The second-year Florida A&M baseball coach wants one written about his players and their accomplishments. It was their MEAC Championship last weekend. Not his. It's their first NCAA Tournament berth. Not his.

Shouppe doesn't want the spotlight. And he doesn't want the attention. But too bad. He deserves both.

The former Florida State pitching coach has taken a program that had back-to-back 7-45 seasons before he arrived to historic highs. And it took him less than 24 months to do it.

"I didn't go through seven-win seasons," Shouppe said. "So I came in with enthusiasm. It was a process, just like anything else, of trying to change attitudes, trying to change work ethics, trying to change excitement levels about coming to the baseball field and trying to get better every day."


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Xavier Nuggets' relay team sets XU mark at NAIA nationals

GULF SHORES, Alabama -- Xavier University of Louisiana set a school record of 47.10 seconds Thursday in the preliminaries of the women's 400-meter relay at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

Chelsea James, Katelyn McMorris, Clarke Allen and Devinn Rolland were the members of the relay. They broke the previous mark of 47.22 set April 11 by James, Destini Thomas, Allen and Rolland at the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships in New Orleans.

The Gold Nuggets had the ninth-fastest time out of 26 teams. The missed the final by three-hundredths of a second.

Thunderstorms washed out some of Thursday's first-day events, including Rolland in the women's long jump.

Rolland will jump Friday in an event in which she has earned All-America honors twice. Also scheduled to compete Friday for Xavier in preliminaries will be James in the women's 100, Joseph Moses III in the men's 100 and Alex Xavier in the 110 hurdles.

The three-day meet will conclude Saturday.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Chiefs Legend Bobby Bell Earns Degree from U. of Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- Kansas City Chiefs legend, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion Bobby Bell, who will turn the milestone age of 75 in a little bit more than a month, achieved a personal milestone that was 53 years in the making on Thursday night.

Bell, in keeping a promise to his late father, walked across the stage at the Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis for the first time as a college graduate of the University of Minnesota.

"I really wanted to dance across the stage,” he said. “So many people here touched me and they were on the stage. The faculty members, all of them, came up in the back to shake my hand. They grabbed me; they hugged me.

“It's a great feeling. It's just like in the stadium."



Bell left Minnesota in 1962 with nine credits remaining to graduate and instead chose to play professional football while also working at General Motors.

From that point forward, finishing his degree unconsciously became secondary.

“What happened is I kept putting it off,” he described. “I would say 'maybe next fall. Next spring I'll go back and get my degree.' I had a few credits left and I kept putting it off. Then the next thing I know, I'm opening up restaurants and stuff. Then I started working.

“I was traveling all over the country and I kept putting it off. I'd say 'maybe next year.'”

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Florida A&M Rattler Cagers Ink Standout JUCO Point Guard and More...

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – The Florida A&M Men’s Basketball program announced the signing this week of junior college backcourt phenom Elijah Mays to a National Letter of Intent to join the team for the 2015-16 season.

Mays, a 6’0” point guard, is a native of Orlando, Florida, where he played on the prep level for University High School, where he averaged 11.0 points and 6.0 assists per game.

Recruited by Pepperdine, Tennessee State and Abilene Christian as well as FAMU, Mays played on the junior college level at Palm Beach (Fla.) State College (2013-14) and McLennan (Tex.) Community College (2014-15).

At Palm Beach State, Mays averaged 7.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.4 rebounds, shooting 36.7 percent from three-point range, and 75.8 percent from the foul line, while at McLennan CC, he averaged 3.8 points, 2.6 assists and 1.9 rebounds.

FAMU head coach Byron Samuels said of Mays: 

“We are so excited to announce the signing of Elijah Mays. His skills as a point guard will be very important as we continue to work to build the FAMU Basketball Program.

“Elijah is a natural leader, his ball handling and passing skills are exactly what our team needs. He can make the open three-point shot, but what sets him apart is his ability to make the mid-range jump shot.

“We need him to be a hawk defensively, be a good decision maker and command the team. We believe he can do all of those things, and are fired up that he’s a Rattler!,” Samuels concluded.



Coach Samuels also announced the signing of Justin Ravenel and Nicholas Serverado to the Rattlers men's basketball team.

Ravenel is a 6’3”- 175 lb. point guard from Decatur, Georgia.  He was ranked a three-star guard by ESPN. Ravenel’s strengths are both ball handling and defense, while having a solid scoring set. The southpaw has a good vertical, resulting in some thunderous dunks. Additionally he is committed to defense as well, a staple in Samuels’ philosophy. Ravenel is well equipped to drive from the dribble or shoot from deep.

Samuels on Ravenel

“Justin is a terrific basketball player but an even better student and young man. Justin is an excellent shooter and playmaker. His ability to play both guard spots gives our team versatility. He’s the type of teammate every player wants to play with. He exhibits a maturity and poise beyond his youth. Justin is a winner as a student athlete having won two Georgia State HS championships, more importantly he is a winner as a person. He represents all that is good in college athletics, we are so proud to have him join the FAMU Basketball program and family."

Severado is a 6’8” – 185 lb. forward from Savannah, Georgia . He has the physical abilities to be effective in the MEAC. He amassed 80 blocks and 134 rebounds in his senior season playing for Jenkins High School. His shot blocking ability should help the Rattler front line bolster its defensive presence.



Samuels on Severado

“Nick is an amazing sign for our basketball program. At 6’8” he can play multiple positions, point guard being among them. He is long, athletic, adept at using both his left and right hands, and is one of the best passers I’ve seen in a long time. He has the ability to make shots and plays above the rim that you can’t coach. Defensively, Nick can defend three to four positions, and his shot blocking ability is uncanny. Nick is the consummate team first guy, sacrificing his own stats this season to help lead his team to the state championship. We are proud that Nick and his family have signed with FAMU, we are humbled by his commitment. "

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU's Hughes Named Female Athlete of OVC Championships

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Sophomore Amber Hughes was selected Female Athlete of the OVC Outdoor Championship, announced by the league office on Thursday.

“I am excited for Amber,” said head coach Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice. “She stepped up and carried the team on her back as a leader. We were thinking on using Clairwain (Dameus) in the final relay, but Amber and the squad knew she was exhausted from the Heptathlon and her other events. She showed her true leadership skill as she convinced us they would get it done and save Clairwin from another grueling event.”

Hughes recorded first place finishes in four events and placed third in another as she helped the Tigerbelles claim the 2015 Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor championships last weekend. The title was the first outdoor trophy for TSU since 2008.

Photo courtesy of Brittney Sparn/Austin Peay Athletics

The Atlanta, Ga. native ran the opening leg of the winning 4x400 (3:44.96) meter relay team with Diera Taylor, Christian Pryor and Kayla Pryor, clinching the team title for the Tigerbelles. Hughes also claimed victories in the triple jump (12.90/42-04.00), 200 meter dash (23.66) and the 100 meter hurdles (13.27), in which she broke a record which stood since 1986.

Hughes also teamed with Clairwin Dameus, India Smith and Taylor for a third place finish in the 4x100 relay team.

“I am just proud to be a Tigerbelle,” said Hughes. “I am more excited we won the team championship. I feel very happy of the accomplishment and to represent the team. We all worked hard to win.”

This is the second consecutive year a Tigerbelle held the honors of top Female Athlete at the OVC Championships as Dameus earned the award for her performance in 2014. The back-to-back selections were the first since Dominque Ward was tabbed with the distinction in 2007.

“It gives us more motivation,” Hughes said of the recognition for her and Dameus. “We just want to keep working harder and pass on the dedication to our teammates so they can win it next.”

Hughes, along with Dameus, I'mani Davis and Flying Tiger Quamel Prince, will compete at the NCAA East Preliminary Round on May 28 in Jacksonville, Fla.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Baseball scholarships becoming elusive for Black HS grads

CHAD HARDY (OF/RHP) is a talented athlete and student.
6'-0/175 lbs., 60 times: 6.65
Batting Average: .459, Fielding %: .958, On-Base %: .560, Stolen bases: 28
PROSPER HIGH SCHOOL/ GRADUATES IN 2015'
2014/15 Team Record: 26-3/District: 13-0
HOMETOWN: MCKINNEY, TEXAS
SUMMER TEAM: DBAT Mustangs (3-years)
Honors: Named to all-district team for 2013-14 season
Lead team in hits, runs scored and stolen bases
Signed NLI: Paris Junior College, Paris, Texas
Courtesy: PERFECT GAME

NORTH DALLAS, Texas -- A typical young, black male in football and basketball glides down a gilded pathway by the time they are seniors in high school in both of those sports. My brother Chet, a blue chip, Parade All American as a senior, had bags of letters from every major university in the nation when he was a senior at Carter High School. You know this story well as you see it play out every year across high schools in Texas: Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, Florida State, Oklahoma, Michigan, Alabama, Miami, Ohio State, Texas, LSU, Nebraska; they all came calling on gifted young black males to help transform or maintain their programs.

Indeed, this is the accustomed stance for young black men: the decision where to lay their roots at many of the nation’s finest colleges and universities. In Chet’s case, all these same schools beckoned him to sign with their program, not only because of his football skills, but his academics were through the roof as well. Those programs that were recruiting Chet obviously know talent, as Chet, years later landed in the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, the Texas A&M Hall of Fame, and earning two Super Bowl rings from his time as an All-Madden Safety with the San Francisco 49ers.

Well, I see Hardy as a modern-day version of Chet, but with a major variant in play. He resides in a sport that appears conflicted at all levels (youth, college and pro) about how much leeway to give a young, black baseball player.

In Hardy’s case, he may have arrived before his time in a collegiate sense. It doesn’t appear that deserving kids like Hardy – for all of their merits on and off the field – will be able to entice the “gatekeepers” at college baseball’s highest levels to “pull a Bear Bryant,” where Bryant, in the early 70s, decided all-white football squads were passé. Bryant helped lead Alabama out of the dark ages, taking the entire college landscape (SMU, USC are among the enlightened programs that had previously diversified their squads) with him as his move to black ballplayers finally ushered in widespread acceptance on most campuses and thus allowed blacks to finally compete with the nation’s best and on the best teams in the nation.

Though Hardy has the talent to allow him to play for virtually any school in the nation, he has fruitlessly performed in front of schools like Louisiana Tech University, the University of Arkansas-Little Rock and Stephen F. Austin. For some reason, those schools and others aren’t biting.

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Grambling State to Participant in Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Classic Multi-Team Event

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams and schedule for the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. This NCAA exempt multi-team event will feature five teams and take place throughout the month of November.

As previously announced, the first-ever Hoophall Miami Invitational at AmericanAirlines Arena will serve as the culmination of two multi-team events. The doubleheader held the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 27th will feature Kentucky vs. South Florida in the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic and Ohio State vs. Memphis in the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational. ESPN networks will televise the two games from Miami.

Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Basketball Hall of Fame Classic are: University at Albany (Am. East), Boston University (Patriot League), University of Kentucky (SEC), New Jersey Institute of Technology (Independent) and University of South Florida (American).

“For many years the Hall of Fame has hosted a number of competitive early-season contests featuring some of the top basketball programs in the nation,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We are excited to expand upon this with the introduction of the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic and Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational.”

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will serve as the host conference for these inaugural multi-team events. The MAAC has developed a strong partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame, including the addition of a MAAC exhibit in the Hall of Fame museum in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational are: Grambling State University (SWAC), Louisiana Tech University (CUSA), University of Memphis (American), Ohio State University (Big 10) and University of Texas at Arlington (Sun Belt). Complete schedule for the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational will be released at a later date.

Campus round matchup details, such as game times and broadcast information, will be released individually by each host school. Tickets for the Hoophall Miami Invitational are available via Ticketmaster and the AmericanAirlines Arena box office.

For more information, please log onto www.hoophall.com.

Basketball Hall of Fame Classic Campus Round Schedule

November 13

University at Albany @ University of Kentucky

November 14

New Jersey Institute of Technology @ University of Kentucky

November 16

University at Albany @ Boston University

New Jersey Institute of Technology @ University of South Florida

November 19

Boston University @ New Jersey Institute of Technology

November 21

Boston University @ University of South Florida

November 24

Boston University @ University of Kentucky

University at Albany @ University of South Florida

November 27

New Jersey Institute of Technology @ University at Albany

Friday, November 27 at AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL

Basketball Hall of Fame Classic Bracket

University of Kentucky vs. University of South Florida


Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational Bracket

Ohio State University vs. University of Memphis

About American Airlines Arena:

Since its opening on December 31, 1999, the 19,600-seat AmericanAirlines Arena has proudly hosted megastars such as Marc Anthony, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, One Direction, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, U2, Justin Timberlake, Phish, Madonna, Maná, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars to name a few. In addition, AmericanAirlines Arena is home to family shows such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on Ice, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which maintains a long term, exclusive South Florida run. AmericanAirlines Arena has also played host to several live televised events including the 2004 and 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, the prestigious Latin Grammy Awards and four NBA Finals, each placing Miami in the international spotlight. Private events have included product launches, corporate basketball tournaments, gala dinners and a host of meetings, large and small. For more information, please visit AAArena.com.

About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

The MAAC, headquartered in Edison, N.J., consists of 11 member institutions: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter's University and Siena College. ANC Sports Enterprises is the league’s marketing consultant and has the exclusive sales rights to the MAAC. For more on the conference please visit, www.maacsports.com.

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.

For more information:

Visit us on the web: www.hoophall.com 

Former Alcorn Coach Luther Riley Moves On To Columbus H.S.

COACH LUTHER RILEY
COLUMBUS (Miss.) HIGH SCHOOL

COLUMBUS, Mississippi -- The Columbus Municipal School District is moving ahead with plans to fill several coaching vacancies at Columbus High School.

Interim Columbus High Athletic Director Ben Moore said Wednesday that former Alcorn State University men's basketball and John W. Provine High boys basketball coach Luther Riley has accepted the job as boys basketball coach at the high school.

The decision to hire Riley was approved May 11 by the CMSD school board. According to the board agenda, Riley is set to make $45,530 as a salary and $9,400 as a supplement ($54,930 total). Those figures are based on the salary schedule for 2014-15 and/or previously approved 2015-16 salary schedules.

Riley, who was unavailable for comment Wednesday night, comes to Columbus High after going 38-91 in four seasons as coach at Alcorn State in Lorman, a Division I school that is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. In January, Riley announced he was taking a personal leave of absence. He told The Clarion-Ledger he expected to return to coaching later in the season. Assistant coach Shawn Pepp led the program in Riley's absence. The Braves finished 6-26 (4-14 SWAC) this past season. In March, Alcorn State opted not to renew the contracts of Riley and women's basketball coach Tonya Edwards.

The contracts for both coaches expired at the end of the month.

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Florida A&M University Marching 100 Summer Band Camp 2015

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MARCHING "100" SUMMER BAND CAMP

Target Audience: Grade Levels 9th - 12th

July 11 - 18, 2015

The Marching 100 Summer Band Camp has been the camp of choice for thousands of high school musicians. Ranging from grades 9th through 12th, these young men and women have shown a sincere desire to better themselves as not only musicians, but as leaders of their respective band programs. Those who have come through the Marching 100 Summer Band Camp have gone on to become section leaders, officers and drum majors in the Marching 100. Be a part of the internationally famous Florida A&M University Marching Band Programs for grade levels 9th-12th. A special invitation is extended to middle school students who will be entering a high school band in the fall 2015. Emphasis is placed on developing music and marching skill. Learn from the FAMU band staff, alumni and visiting directors. Over 100 of the band's present members have volunteered their time and effort in order to make this the best summer band camp in the country! Dates: July 11-18, 2015 Fee: $495.00 Deposit: $100.00 due by May 29th Balance: Due by June 26th Space is limited and reserved on a first-come first-serve basis. Sign up now to reserve your spot! On-line partial pay is available with two payments via credit card. Additional partial payments can be made through the mail. When Saturday, July 11, 2015 8:00 AM - Saturday, July 18, 2015 5:00 PM Eastern Time Zone Where Florida A&M University Department of Music 1660 Pinder Drive Tallahassee, Florida 32307  Fees BAND CAMP REGISTRATION Registration Fee Non-Residential  $360.00 Registration Fee Residential  $495.00 View Event Summary View Event Agenda Registration Deadline Thursday, July 9, 2015

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Southern Baseball to host summer showcase June 2

LEE-HINES FIELD
COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY and A&M COLLEGE ATHLETICS

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Head Coach Roger Cador is set to host the first of two summer baseball showcases at Lee-Hines Field June 2 on the Southern University campus.

Interested parents and participant are urged to complete an application form listed below to register. Prospective participants may also have their information submitted directly to the Jaguars baseball program.

The Jaguars' High School Baseball Showcase provides an opportunity for high school players (Grades 9-12) interested in playing college baseball to be evaluated by the Southern University Coaching Staff. The showcase will be limited to 34 players on a first-come, first-served basis.

Players can choose pitcher and another position. In this case the player will pitch one inning, receive 3 at-bats, and play in the field at their desired position. The showcase will field 2 teams from the following allotment of players for a 12-inning game.

SU baseball will host a fall showcase at Lee-HInes Field on Sept. 5.

Please submit completed application to: daniel_canevari@subr.edu

June 2 Baseball Showcase Application and Flyer
June 2 Baseball Showcase Questionnaire

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS 

North Carolina A&T To Face Florida, Purdue and Buffalo in Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2015 Tip-Off Tournament

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams and brackets for the 2015 Tip-Off Tournament. The annual NCAA men’s exempt tournament sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will take place Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut highlighted by eight schools in two four-team brackets with campus round games taking place around the Mohegan Sun Arena schedule.

Teams scheduled to participate in this year’s Tip-Off tournament are: University at Buffalo (Mid-American), University of Florida (SEC), Niagara University (MAAC), North Carolina A&T (MEAC), Old Dominion University (CUSA), Purdue University (BIG 10), Saint Joseph’s University (Atlantic 10) and University of Vermont (Am. East).

“The Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament at Mohegan Sun has become one of the most acclaimed collegiate tournaments in the month of November” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “Of the teams who participated in 2014, four of them made it to the NCAA Tournament. We hope this competitive atmosphere will serve as a stepping-stone for the teams contending this year as well.

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference will continue to serve as the host conference for the annual event. The MAAC has developed a strong partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame, including the addition of a MAAC exhibit in the Hall of Fame museum in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A pre-sale of tickets to all participating schools will start on May 6 at 10:00 a.m. EST via all Ticketmaster outlets and the Mohegan Sun Arena box office. General public tickets will go on sale Friday, September 11. Game times for Mohegan Sun Arena will be announced at later date.

For more information on tickets, please log onto www.halloffametipoff.com.

Naismith Bracket

University of Florida

Old Dominion University

Purdue University

Saint Joseph’s University

Springfield Bracket

North Carolina A&T

University at Buffalo

Niagara University

University of Vermont

Tip-Off Tournament Schedule

Campus Round Schedule

November 13

Niagara University @ Old Dominion University

North Carolina A&T @ Purdue University

November 15

University of Vermont @ Purdue University

Niagara University @ Saint Joseph’s University

November 16

North Carolina A&T @ University of Florida

University at Buffalo @ Old Dominion University

November 18

University at Buffalo @ Saint Joseph’s University

November 25

University of Vermont @ University of Florida

Saturday, November 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT

Naismith Bracket

University of Florida vs. Saint Joseph’s University

Purdue University vs. Old Dominion University

Springfield Bracket

University of Vermont vs. Niagara University

University at Buffalo vs. North Carolina A&T

Sunday, November 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT

Naismith Bracket

Consolation Game

Championship Game

Springfield Bracket

Consolation Game

Championship Game

Head Coach Comments

Cy Alexander – North Carolina A&T

“It is certainly an honor for North Carolina A&T State University to be included in the field of teams for the Hall of Fame Tip-Off. The state of North Carolina has such a rich tradition in college basketball. The fact A&T is representing the state in a tournament valuing the origins of basketball is a great step forward for our men's program and the young men who represent our program. Our university administration, department of intercollegiate athletics, alumni, fans and students are looking forward to a great event.”

Nate Oats – University at Buffalo

“It is an honor to be selected to play in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off event. This is an outstanding opportunity for our team to be challenged by some quality opponents early in the season and we are looking forward to playing games at a first-class facility at the Mohegan Sun Arena.”

Billy Donovan – University of Florida

“This has been a great event in the past, and we’re honored to be part of it this fall along with a tradition-rich field.”

Chris Casey – Niagara University

“Our team looks forward to playing in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. The event has a history of outstanding teams and great competition, which will prepare us well for a difficult conference schedule.”

Jeff Jones – Old Dominion University

“We are very excited about competing in such a prestigious tournament. This is a very strong tournament field which I think our fans will enjoy watching and we will have a couple of home games as well.”

Matt Painter – Purdue University

“We are thrilled to be chosen to play in the 2015 Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament at Mohegan Sun Arena. The tournament boasts a strong field and we feel this event will be a highlight of our non-conference season. The games will provide a great opportunity for our team and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Phil Martelli – Saint Joseph’s University

“As a program, we are excited to be affiliated with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame Tip-Off. We’re honored to be chosen as a campus host and are anxious to have our players experience quality competition in such a beautiful setting as Mohegan Sun.”

John Becker – University of Vermont

"We are excited to be participating in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off event again. It is a great event and Mohegan Sun is a good location for our fans to see us play. We are also looking forward to playing at Florida and Purdue, two established programs in college basketball."

About Mohegan Sun:

Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena Of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Also in 2013, Mohegan Sun won “Casino of The Year” in 2 categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.

About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:

The MAAC, headquartered in Edison, N.J., consists of 11 member institutions: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter's University and Siena College. For more on the conference, please visit www.maacsports.com.

About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.