B.C. Lions QB hopeful Greg McGhee (Howard U.) sees a benefit in being a multi-sport athlete

Greg McGhee, QB
College: Howard University

KAMLOOPS, British Columbia -- Greg McGhee may have immersed himself in the position of quarterback, but he credits his time on the basketball court for making him a better athlete on the football field.

Based on his observations, being a multiple-sport athlete wasn’t just a benefit to him, but others playing football, as well.

“It’s not that I judge a lot of athletes, but a lot of athletes that played multiple sports, such as basketball or baseball, you can tell who does on the football field,” said McGhee, one of five quarterbacks at B.C. Lions training camp this week, with John Beck out due to illness.

“A lot more people are probably a lot more agile or they run smoother, or more athletic than some.”

McGhee believes both basketball and baseball — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is a Texas Rangers draft pick — are the two sports that best tie into football, especially when it comes to speed and acceleration, the ability to jump and hand-eye coordination.

Growing up, McGhee played both basketball and football, though he said he actually quit the latter in Grade 8, before giving it another try when he got to high school.

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Florida A&M Announces 2015 Sports Hall Of Fame Class

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame announced this week that seven persons would enshrined this fall during the 40th Sports Hall of Fame Weekend, Friday and Saturday, September 25-26, 2015.

Five athletes and two supporters of athletics will be honored during the Induction Ceremonies on Friday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

The 40th Sports Hall of Fame class features former All-American gridders Wally Williams, a stellar offensive lineman, who played 10 seasons in the NFL; scintillating sprinter and return specialist Howard Huckaby, and record-setting punter Vaughn Wilson, along with basketball scoring ace John Andrews and track and field All-America Kenneth Thompson.

Also being enshrined are two persons as Supporters of Athletics, longtime athletic trainer Akima Abrakata Dina, and former FAMU and NFL cheerleader Latricia Allen, who will be inducted posthumously.

This year’s Enshrinement, on Friday, September 25, will open with a Parade Of Rattler Legends, recognizing previous inductees present at the event, followed by the Induction Ceremony and Dinner.

On Saturday morning, September 26, the annual President’s Breakfast and Wall Of Distinction Plaque Unveiling will be held at the Hansel E. Tookes Recreation Center at 9:00 a.m.

The 2015 Enshrinement Class members will be honored during pregame ceremonies at the FAMU-Tennessee State Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

For further information, contact Hall of Fame Steering Committee chair Dr. Joseph P. Ramsey at (850) 545-3725.

A limited number of tickets will go on sale at the FAMU Athletic Box Office in the Lawson Center beginning July 15.

Tickets are $50 each and tables seating eight (8) are available for $400..

The FAMU Sports Hall of Fame was founded by the late Hansel E. Tookes, former athletic director, in 1976, when it inducted its’ first class of honorees.


2015 FAMU SPORTS HALL OF FAME BIOS

Athletes

ANDREWS, JOHN (Basketball, 1970-1974) – A native of nearby Havana, Florida, Andrews was a sharpshooting guard who led the team in scoring three straight seasons, finishing his career #3 all-time in FAMU history, with 1,726 points in 97 games, for a nifty 17.8 career scoring average… He was a first-team All-SIAC selection in 1972, when he averaged 21.8 points per game in 28 games, finishing with 610 points… In 1973, he was a second-team All-SIAC pick after averaging 22.5 points per game in 26 games… As a senior in 1974, Andrews averaged 18.7 points per game in 25 games…

HUCKABY, HOWARD (Football, Track, 1985-89) – A blazing speedster from the Bayou State of Louisiana, where he was a track phenom in the U.S. Junior Olympics, Huckaby became a record-setting return man for the Rattler Football team, as well as a dominant sprinter for the FAMU Men’s Track Team…. In track, Huckaby was scintillating in the sprints and relays, earned Most Outstanding Performer honors at the 1987 MEAC Outdoor Championships as a sophomore, helping lead the Rattlers to Indoor and Outdoor titles in 1988 and 1989… In Football, he excelled as a return man, shattering numerous NCAA punt return standards in 1998, he led the nation with an 18.1-yard average per runback, with 478 returns yards and an NCAA record four (4) TDs… The three-time All-MEAC return ace also led the team in kickoff returns all four years he played, highlighted by a sizzling 1987 campaign, during which he led the nation, averaging an amazing 30.1 yards per return, compiling 602 returns yards on 30 attempts, all national bests that season.

THOMPSON, KENNETH L. (Track and Field * 1971-74) – A standout performer under Coach Bobby Lang for the FAMU track team in the early 1970s, Kenneth Thompson was a key member of the Rattler relay teams, in addition to his individual successes as a sprinter. Prior to donning the Orange and Green, Thompson was a standout performer collegiately at North Carolina Central, where he earned Track and Field All-America honors before transferring to FAMU. At FAMU, Thompson’s hard work garnered him the Coaches’ Workhorse Award in 1972 and the Ironman and Most Outstanding Awards in 1973, and he served as team captain in 1974.

A stellar high school athlete, Thompson was a member of the Miami Killian High state championship teams in the 4x400 and the 4x220, which set state records in 1970... Thompson, who currently resides in Havana, Florida, owns the popular printing and novelty business, Kenny T’s, noted for cutting edge designs in T-shirts and athletic apparel...He also served as an assistant track coach at FAMU from 1993 to 1998 under Coach Bobby Lang, and he has been an avid supporter of FAMU Athletics through the Rattler Boosters, Inc., and direct financial support to basketball, baseball, softball, track and tennis.

WILSON, VAUGHN (Football, 1985-88) – A two-time All-America kicker for FAMU, Wilson’s punting prowess was key for the Rattlers’ MEAC co-championship run in 1988... The former Baby Rattler, who also played baseball at FAMU, and spent his first two seasons as a long snapper on special teams, became the team’s regular punter in 1987...Wilson averaged 39.6 yards per kick on 70 attempts, earning first-team All-MEAC and Black College All-America honors in 1987...He followed that performance with a school record 2,812 punting yards, good for a 42.6 average on 66 attempts, which yielded him a second All-MEAC selection and All-American selection both as first team Sheridan All-American and second team Associate press All-American. He capped his career being voted the Florida Classic MVP in Tampa in 1988.

WILLIAMS, WALLY (Football, 1989-92) – A multi-talented athlete, whose quickness, tremendous agility and strength caught the eyes of numerous college scouts, Wally Williams chose Florida A&M, becoming the anchor for an offensive front that would pave the way for the All-America running backs like Amir Rasul (1990) and Chuck Duffey (1991), while giving quarterbacks time to hit their talented cadre of receivers, led by All-America Terry Mickens (1992)… A three-time All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference performer at center primarily, Williams played an integral role in the Rattlers’ 1990 MEAC Championship, and helped them to a stunning 28-17 season-opening road upset of national power Georgia Southern, on the way to an appearance in the 1992 Heritage Bowl against Grambling… Williams’ abilities drew professional interest, and the former Rickards High star embarked on a 10-year career beginning with the Cleveland Browns (1993-95), later moving with them to Baltimore, where they became the Ravens (1996-98). He finally settled in New Orleans, playing guard for the Saints from 1999 until his retirement following to 2003 season.

Supporters

ALLEN, LATRICA LAFAYE (Cheerleader, 1984-87) – Latricia Lafaye “Trish” Allen served as a FAMU Cheerleader from 1984 to 1987. Blessed with an outgoing personality that made her a fan favorite, Allen was also a member of the FAMU Epicurean Modeling Troupe and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., representing FAMU in a positive light in the community...A native of St. Joe, Florida, Allen graduated with a degree in computer information systems in 1988, and earned a master’s in public administration from FAMU in 1990. After obtaining her master’s degree, Allen began work for the Florida Department of Corrections as a Programming Analyst for eight years, then in 1995, she became a member of the inaugural class of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ “Roar” cheerleading squad, serving with that group for three years, also appearing in community service events...She served the three years with the Jaguars’ cheering squad while commuting several times a week from Tallahassee, eventually becoming a squad mentor...In 2000, Allen married Sherman Ledet and became the mother of two daughters, Zoe and Kyra. However, in late 2010, she was diagnosed with cancer, and passed from this life in May of 2011.

DINA, AKIMA A. (Athletic Trainer, 1988-Present) - Akima Abrakata Dina has worked 20 years as Head Athletic Trainer at Florida A&M, serving as the primary coordinator of FAMU’s Sports Medicine services for all sports. She has been an integral part of the school’s Sports Medicine program since 1988, serving in virtually every capacity from graduate assistant to head trainer...
A native of Nigeria, Abrakata Dina was a former track All-American at Lincoln (Mo.) University in 1981 and 1982, performing in the javelin and high jump. She graduated from Lincoln with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education in 1985...She obtained a master’s in Sports Medicine, from the United States Sports Academy in Mobile, Alabama and received her formal certification as an athletic trainer by the National Athletic Trainers’Association (NATA) in November 1993...The personable Abrakata Dina began her sports medicine career at the University of South Alabama as a graduate assistant trainer (1987-88), before coming to Florida A&M in the fall of 1988 to fill a similar role for one year. She was then elevated to Assistant Athletic Trainer in August of 1989...Prior to her permanent promotion to Head Athletic Trainer in 1994, she had twice served as the interim head athletic trainer in the 1989-90 school year and again in the winter and spring of 1993-94.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Hornets Open Draft Workouts with 6 in on June 3: Kendall Gray, Delaware State

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- In preparation for the 2015 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets held their first draft workout on Wednesday, June 3 with center Kendall Gray (Delaware State), forward JJ O’Brien (San Diego State) and guards D.J. Newbill (Penn State), Antonio Robinson (East Carolina), James Sinclair (Western Carolina) and Ralston Turner (North Carolina State) in to showcase their skills in front of the Hornets basketball operations staff.

PHOTO GALLERY: Behind the Scenes of June 3 Workout

Kendall Gray was named MEAC Player-Of-The-Year and Defensive Player-Of-The-Year after averaging 11.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for Deleware State. He ranked no. 1 among all NCAA Division I players in rebounding and defensive rebounds (8.8 defensive rebounds per game). He tallied career-highs of 33 points (12-for-13 FGs) and 30 rebounds vs. Coppin State in regular season finale (Mar. 5) becoming first player to do so since 2000.

2015 Draft Workouts | Kendall Gray - 06/03/15

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Lincoln Women's Basketball Signs Five for 2015-16

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- Head coach Nicole Collier announced that five players have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Lincoln women's basketball team in 2015-16.

Kierra Adams (West Memphis, Ark./Mid-South Community College), Azaria Nave (San Antonio, Texas/Dodge City Community College) and Narel Santos (Itapema, Brazil/North Central Missouri College) will each enter as juniors with two years of eligibility. Bri'anna Ervin (Kansas City, Mo./Hogan Prep) and Tempary Gunter (Tuscumbia, Mo./Tuscumbia) will join the Blue Tigers as freshmen with four seasons of eligibility.

These five athletes join a Lincoln team that won 12 games and qualified for the MIAA tournament for the third time in the past four seasons.

"I am excited about this incoming recruiting class," Collier said. "I believe that we have filled our deficiencies from the 2014-15 year."

Adams is coming off a sophomore season in which she averaged a double-double as an every-game starter at Mid-South Community College. A 6-1 post player, Adams shot .563 from the floor and averaged 21.6 points with 12.3 rebounds. Adams also averaged a double-double as a freshman, scoring 20.9 points with 10.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while leading the Lady Greyhounds to the first regional championship in program history.

Adams also was named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Player of the Week during her freshman campaign and was twice selected all-region. During her high school career at West Memphis, Adams was a two-time all-conference honoree who led the team in scoring, rebounding and blocks her senior season. Adams also led the Lady Blue Devils to the state tournament as a senior, earning all-state honors in the process.

"Kierra is very talented post player that has the size and ability to finish at a high percentage and provide us a much needed presence inside," Collier said. "We look for Kierra to make an immediate impact."

A 5-5 guard, Nave averaged 14.2 points and was a .360 shooter from long range during her sophomore season at Dodge City Community College. Nave appeared in all 31 of the team's games, including making 26 starts, and averaged 3.7 assists while posting a team-best 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. That followed a freshman campaign in which she finished second on the team with 11.9 points and 3.8 assists per game. Nave played her high school ball at San Antonio's East Central, where she was a first team all-district selection.

"Azaria is a combo guard with a high motor and IQ that will fit perfectly into our offense," Collier said. "She is a natural scorer with exceptional court vision as well."

Santos, a 6-3 post player, averaged 9.6 points and 7.1 rebounds during her lone season at North Central Missouri College. Santos started 30 games and led the Lady Pirates to a 20-12 record and a berth in the District P Championship. Santos spent her freshman season at State Fair Community College, appearing in 25 games on a team that went 21-10 in 2012-13.

"Narel brings a wealth of experience with her ability to shoot the three, put her back to the basket and distribute the ball," Collier said. "Her versatility will bring a new dynamic to our style of play."

A 5-9 forward, Gunter averaged 15.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.9 assists per game during her three varsity seasons at Tuscumbia. Gunter averaged double-digit points all three years, including tallying 16.5 points and 7.1 rebounds as a junior. During her senior campaign, Gunter led the Lady Lions to a 28-4 record and a third-place finish in the Class 1 state tournament. Gunter, who scored more than 1,000 points during her high school career, earned first team all-district honors as a senior and second team all-league accolades as a junior.

Ervin, a 5-8 shooting guard, averaged 15 points as a senior at Hogan Prep. During that season, Ervin also averaged seven points, six assists and four steals. Ervin shot .420 from the field and .650 from three-point range.

"Tempary and Bri'anna will add size to our guard position with tremendous work ethics and the ability to play multiple positions," Collier said. "Both guards will contribute to our growing foundation in LU basketball and our continued progress toward success. We are excited about the future of LU Basketball."


Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

WSSU Rams get it Wright

MT. AIRY, North Carolina -- North Surry’s Casey Gray Wright has committed to play college baseball at Winston-Salem State, joining a Rams program that was just two wins away from reaching the Division II College World Series this season.

Wright is the third player from this year’s historic Greyhounds team who has announced plans to play ball at the next level. Senior catcher Nick Wilson committed to the University of Charleston (West Virginia) and senior outfielder Nolan Stanley will play for the Surry Community College Knights.

Wright said North Surry assistant baseball coach Daryll Johnson reached out to Rams hitting coach Rob Woodall, who came to see the senior first baseman play this season.

Soon after that, Wright visited the Winston-Salem State campus, which felt a lot like home.

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North Carolina A&T's Coach Rod Broadway Dances For A Cause

HEAD COACH ROD BROADWAY
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T football coach Rod Broadway will participate in The Arc of Greensboro’s Dancing on the Diamond event at New Bridge Bank Park (408 Bellemeade Street), home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers minor league baseball team, on June 13 at 6 p.m.

The Arc of Greensboro was organized in 1953 by parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The initial focus of this grassroots effort was changing public perception of children with mental retardation as well as educating the community about the extraordinary potential of this special population. Much time and effort was spent advocating for services for children and adults who were denied access to day care, preschool, education and vocational training programs.

The organization promotes and advocates for opportunities that empower people with developmental disabilities to have choices as they live their lives in the community. The organization strives to recruit directors and staff who are sensitive to the community’s racial and ethnic diversity, as well as the special concerns of people with disabilities.

Broadway will join Greensboro mayor Nancy Vaughn for the important cause. Broadway’s dance partner will be Katie Steele. Visit the Greensboro of Arc website to see Broadway and his dance partner. Tickets for the event are $35. Email Maryann Kingsmill for more information.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

B-CU Rallies Around Former Punter Zach Adrian

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- As former punter Zach Adrian begins a week-long series of chemotherapy, the Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Department family encourages the Wildcat nation to help him both spiritually and financially.

A gofundme.com page has been established to help Zach and his wife, Melissa with their temporary needs as Zac heads to Gainesville for a series of five sessions that will bring the overall total to 300 chemo therapies since he was diagnosed over two years ago. In addition, Zach has had major surgeries on his hip and femur as well as 32 radiation treatments.

Zach Adrian played at B-CU from 1998-2001 and after graduating from B-CU he followed in his father’s footsteps as an educator and high school coach. His father, Pete was a defensive coordinator for the Wildcats before moving to Norfolk State as the Spartans' Head Coach and both have remained in touch with the university and staff in Wildcat Athletics.

"Once a Wildcat…always a Wildcat and Zach and Pete are a part of the Bethune-Cookman University family. We now ask for all Wildcats to rally around this great family and show them how much we love them by praying, serving and giving to the Adrian’s in their greatest hours of need," said B-CU Athletic Director Lynn Thompson, who made his personal contribution weeks ago.

Pete Adrian said that his son was incredibly appreciative to learn that B-CU is joining in the support.

"His spirits remain high and he's a fighter, so that's a big thing," Pete Adrian said. "He'll be wore out after this week, but we're hoping for the best."

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tulane adds Southern, UMass to 2016 football schedule

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Tulane completed its 2016 football schedule Thursday with the addition of a home game against Southern and the opening game of a home-and-home series against Massachusetts.

The Green Wave and the Jaguars will play each other for the third time when they meet at Yulman Stadium at a date and time to be determined. Tulane won the first two meetings, which were in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (48-17 in 2001 and 37-19 in 2002).


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The 2016 game between the Green Wave and the Minutemen will be played in Gillette Stadium, home of the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Tulane and Massachusetts will meet again in 2022 at Yulman Stadium.

“The addition of UMass, along with the chance to play in Gillette Stadium, will be a fun and accessible game for our northeast fans, while hosting Southern is consistent with our goal of playing an in-state opponent on a regular basis,” Green Wave Athletic Director Rick Dickson said in a statement. “With the schools in such a close proximity, the game should feature a fun and festive atmosphere.”

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Texas Southern Releases 2015 Home Football Game Promotions

HOUSTON, Texas -- Texas Southern Athletics has announced its home game promotions for the upcoming 2015 Tigers football season which will be played at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Tigers will open the home portion of their schedule on Sept. 5 in the Labor Day Classic versus Prairie View A&M.

Texas Southern will host "First Responders Day" the following week when Texas Southern host Bacone College on Sept. 11. All first responders and military personnel will be allowed complimentary admittance into the game.

The Tigers will host "Five Dollar Thursday" at their next home game on Oct. 1 versus Alabama State. Five dollar tickets will be available to fans and youth.

Texas Southern is slated to play the Southern Jaguars on Oct. 24 for "Homecoming". Texas Southern had initially planned to face the College of Faith for Homecoming (Oct. 31) but TSU administrators decided a change in date and opponent would better help maximize overall attendance and exposure of the event.

On Oct. 31 Texas Southern will host "Senior Citizens Night" when the Tigers face the College of Faith. All senior citizens will be allowed reduced ticket admission ($5) into the game. TSU will host its last home game on Nov. 14 versus Alcorn State as that final regular season home contest has been tabbed "Senior Day".

"We want to continue to enhance our overall fan experience this upcoming season," said TSU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland. "We're excited to offer an exciting slate of themed home games this year in addition to the Labor Day Classic, Homecoming, and Senior Day. This should be a very exciting season of Tigers football and we encourage all of our fans to purchase seasons tickets when they become available later today."

Season tickets sales for the upcoming football season are available beginning at $105. Fans have the option to purchase season tickets online, by mail, or by visiting the TSU Athletics Department. Please continue to visit www.tsusports.com for the latest breaking news about TSU Tigers Football.

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

PVAMU Department of Athletics Announces The Debut Of The Athletic Director's Club

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  The Prairie View A&M Department of Athletics is proud to announce the formation of the Athletic Director's Club. The club is the official fundraising arm of PVAMU Athletics with a mission to raise funds to support more than 350 Panther and Lady Panther student-athletes in competition on and off the field.

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2015-16 SEASON TICKETS 

A link to the club's frequently asked questions and membership levels has been provided above as the club offers members an opportunity to participate in athletic functions, receive apparel discounts, rights to purchase primary seating, public recognition and team travel based on the level of giving. Membership levels vary, starting with annual gifts from $50 all the way up to $15,000. Each level of membership comes with its own unique membership benefits as discounts will be offered for PVAMU National Alumni Association Life Members and campus employees.

For more information, please contact Associate Athletic Director Monique Carroll at (936) 261-9141 or mvcarroll@pvamu.edu.

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Shaw University Athletics to Introduce New Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Joel Hopkins

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Shaw University's Athletics Department will introduce Joel Hopkins as its new head coach of men's basketball at a press conference on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Shaw's Estey Hall's president conference room. Media coverage is invited.

Hopkins returns to lead a program that he guided to the top of the CIAA conference from 2000-2002, with a record of 43-15. His 2001-2002 season at Shaw, culminated with a 2002 men's basketball CIAA Tournament Championship and a 2002 NCAA Elite Eight semi-final appearance. A graduate of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Hopkins was a member of NCCU's 1989 NCAA Division II National Championship team. He succeeds Cleo Hill, Jr., whose contract was not renewed.

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

Florida A&M Signs TE Trey Trzaska, Mosley High School.

Trey Trzaska 
 TE, 6'-3"/190 lbs. 

LYNN HAVEN, Florida -- A trio of Dolphins joined an impressive group of senior signees from the Class of 2015 at Mosley High School.

Football's Trey Trzaska and baseball's Jimmy Nolan and Sam Wittkopf make for an even 20 student athletes who have signed letters of intent to continue their careers at the collegiate level.

After serving a key role on both sides of the ball for the 'Fins in 2014, Trzaska's headed to Tallahassee to play FCS ball as a tight end at Florida A&M. This past season, Trey had 29 receptions for 419 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, he had 42 tackles (23 solo), three for a loss, and two forced fumbles.

"I feel like I can bring a lot to the program, but I'll have to just show them once I get there," said Trzaska. "All I need is a shot, that's all you can really ask for, and that's what FAMU is giving me."



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SSU's Cedric Baker Named District 15 Coach of the Year

COACH CEDRIC BAKER
Courtesy: Savannah State University Athletics

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- The post-season honors continue to roll in for Savannah State University head women's basketball coach Cedric Baker.

Baker's latest honor is being named the National Association of Basketball Coaches District 15 Coach of the Year.

The Columbus, Georgia native who has been the SSU coach since July 2003, led the 2014-15 Savannah State team to a 21-11 overall record. SSU also captured the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA National Tournament.

It was the Lady Tigers first trip to a NCAA tournament since receiving an at-large bid
back in 1994-95. The 21 wins was the program's first 20-win season since the team posted a 23-5 record in 1994-95. The MEAC title was their first conference title since 1976.

Baker, who just wrapped up his 22nd year of being a head coach, was also named the 2015 MEAC Coach of the Year and earned the tournament's Most Outstanding Coach honor.

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

AT&T Classic, Military Bowl to Highlight College Football Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The football fields are vacant now, but the D.C. area's collegiate players are already preparing for the beginning of their 2015 seasons. The upcoming campaign will bring two special football games to the area: the AT&T Nation's Football Classic and the Military Bowl.

Howard and Hampton will face off in the fifth annual AT&T Nation's Football Classic at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at RFK Stadium. The Classic matches two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rivals in the continuation of a series that began in 1908. Hampton, which leads the series, 47-43-1, recorded 14 straight victories against Howard from 1997-2010, but the Bison have prevailed during the past four seasons.

The teams played two of the most exciting games in series history during the last two seasons. Howard edged the Pirates, 42-39, during a 2013 double-overtime classic and kicked a late field goal to beat Hampton, 30-29, during the regular-season finale at Greene Stadium Nov. 22, 2014.

While the Pirates and Bison played several times at RFK in the 1990s, this will be their first meeting in the AT&T Nation's Football Classic, which is designed to bring together teams from historically black colleges and universities. The first four Classic games featured Howard and Morehouse.

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In the FCS Huddle: Disruptive offseason for MEAC champs

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- They must be sitting back and holding their breath within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Hoping nothing else unexpected, and too often bad, happens.

It was strange enough to have five of the conference's 11 football teams tie for the title last season. Ever since then, the offseason has taken its share of twists and turns for all the champs.

The latest occurrence came this week when North Carolina Central's All-MEAC performer Adrian Wilkins became eligible for the NFL supplemental draft next month, forsaking his final season of eligibility with the Eagles.

North Carolina Central, Bethune-Cookman, Morgan State, North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State each finished 6-2 in MEAC games last season to earn a share of the conference title. Morgan State moved on to represent the MEAC in the FCS playoffs for the first time after earning the conference's automatic bid on a tiebreaker.

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TSU Football's APR Score Adjusted, Now Eligible for Postseason

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State Athletic Department received news, Thursday, that due to a recalculation of the football program’s multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR), the team is not subject to a postseason ban or Level I penalty for the upcoming season.

“Although many perceive the APR as purely academic, it is actually more complex than that with retention being an equal part of the calculation,” Director of Athletics Teresa Phillips said. “The athletics department, university and football staff will continue to work together in meeting and exceeding the standards established by the NCAA.”

On May 27, the NCAA published its annual report in which the Tennessee State football program’s rate was deemed to be below the benchmark set by the NCAA.

With Thursday’s news, the Tennessee State athletic program continues its stretch of exceeding the NCAA’s APR threshold for all sports and has never been issued a postseason ban or penalty of any level.

"We are extremely happy for our players, coaches, and the entire University," said Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover. "Above all, we are here to educate young men and women. This has always been and will remain our top priority at TSU."

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

JAX Jaguars' pass-rusher Ryan Davis (B-CU) thrives in role he carved out for himself

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Defensive end Ryan Davis was a bit of a misfit when he entered the NFL in 2012.

He was a good player at Bethune-Cookman College, winning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior in 2011, but he had that label that prospects hate: tweener. NFL teams weren’t sure if he projected as a defensive end or an outside linebacker, but they were sure that he wasn’t big enough to move inside.

The Jacksonville Jaguars took a chance on Davis, signing him after he went undrafted, and in three years he has used the fact that he didn’t fit at one position to carve out a role as a pass-rushing specialist. He has become one of the defense’s better players, and if he can duplicate the success he had in 2014 he might be able to secure the thing of which undrafted players dream: a multi-year contract.

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Domond: Let's bring Grambling women's hoops back

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S BASEKTBALL TEAM 2014-15
Courtesy: GSU Athletics

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- To say that Nadine Domond didn't inherit much last August when she took over Grambling's women's basketball program would be an understatement.

At the time, Grambling had just two players on the roster, neither of which ended up on the team when the season rolled around last November.

"'Where is the team?'" Domond recalled thinking when she took the job. "And my director of operations at the time, Jeffrey Sims, said 'This is what we got coach.'"

Domond ended up churning out an 11-20 record (7-11 Southwestern Athletic Conference) with a roster of seven freshmen, three junior college transfers and five walk-on's.

The 2015-16 season will feature another roster overhaul of sorts with just five returning players, but Domond has hand-picked nine scholarship players to add to the Lady Tigers' rebuilding plan that took a hit last week with news of APR penalties that will limit the team to four fewer hours of practice time a week.

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WSSU Rams making headway as legit contenders in Division II baseball

Coach Kevin Ritsche

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The fruits of victory typically produce sky-high expectations. For teams with national championship aspirations, it comes with the territory. Coming off a history-making baseball season in which it fell two wins short of advancing to the Division II College World Series, Winston-Salem State wants more.

Entering postseason play, the Rams were ranked 21st in the national polls and fourth in the Atlantic Region. Their non-conference mark of 27-14 bolstered their status as viable regional contenders.

“This program has reached a point where it’s now recognized as a legitimate (regional) contender year in and year out,” said WSSU Coach Kevin Ritsche, whose team recorded a best-ever record of 42-15. “With the showing we had from this season, we have the mindset that we can win against the very best.

“Talent is vital for winning, but it will only take you so far. It’s more important to have a group of guys who are committed to the program and committed to each other. That’s the one trait that all the top contending teams have.”

Since baseball’s return to WSSU in 2010, Ritsche has a winning percentage of .661 (182-93) and the Rams have won five straight CIAA Tournament titles and made the same number of trips to the NCAA playoffs. At this year’s Atlantic Regionals, WSSU won its first two games convincingly, but lost in heart-breaking fashion to the region’s top seeds – 2-1 to Mercyhurst (No.1) and 6-5 to second-seeded Millersville.

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UMES' William "Billy" Thompson Earns Nomination for College Football Hall of Fame

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- Former Maryland State College defensive back William (Billy) Thompson has been nominated as a possible 2016 inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Thompson is one of dozens of football players nominated from all teams, current and defunct, from the FCS division.

A native of Greenville, S.C., Thompson was a standout four-year letterman at defensive back for Maryland State and named MVP in his senior season. His play earned him three CIAA All-conference selections and a First-team All-American selection.

BILLY THOMPSON, DENVER BRONCOS
As a NFL rookie, Billy became the only player in NFL history to lead the league
in punt returns and kickoff returns in the same season.

VIDEO: BILLY THOMPSON INSIGHTS ON CHAMP BAILEY

Thompson was drafted in 1969 by the Denver Broncos, where he went on to become a three time pro bowler as a defensive back in 12 seasons. The Broncos placed him in the team's Ring of Fame, where he sits alongside other Denver football greats such as Floyd Little, John Elway and Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State).

He was named to the UMES Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984.

If elected, Thompson would be the fifth Hawk enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, joining Coach Skip McCain who was enshrined in 2006, tackle Roger Brown in 2009, halfback Emerson Boozer in 2010 and tackle Art Shell in 2013.

Voting will continue thru June 20th from over 12,000 National Football Foundation members, with the nominees being announced in January in Scottsdale, Arizona. The inductees will then be enshrined at a ceremony on December 6, 2016 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION