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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern baseball coach Roger Cador has low expectations for his rebuilt team during the early days of preseason practice.
“The first week, we’re going to see if we can get on the field without getting lost,” Cador said only half-kiddingly as the Jaguars prepared for their first practice Friday. “Once we do that, we hope that they can remember the fundamentals we taught them in the fall.”
With 22 newcomers among 33 players, it’s understandable that there would be a steep leaning curve, at least initially.
But Cador thinks the group has a good balance between experience and youth. Four of the top newcomers have college experience, and the pitching staff features seven veterans among its 12 members.
Troy Lewis, a transfer from Delgado Community College, brings that experience as a shortstop and closer. Other newcomers with college experience are two more junior-college transfers — outfielder Dondrayas Harris from Gulf Coast Community College and left-hander Jarrod Jarreau from BRCC — and first baseman/catcher John Pope, a sophomore who sat out last season as a transfer from North Carolina A&T.
RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia Union University has released its 2016 Football Season, the university announced on Friday, January 29.
VUU will open the 2016 Football Season when the Panthers face the Pioneers from Long Island University-Post at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, in Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.
The LIU-Post match-up is the first of five home contests for the Panthers, including Homecoming 2016 against Lincoln (Pa.) University at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8.
LIU-Post went to the NCAA Playoffs two years ago.
The Panthers will then travel to Newberry, S.C., to face the Wolves of Newberry College. The Wolves faced North Alabama in the opening round of the 2015 NCAA Playoffs.
"We are extremely excited about the competitiveness that the 2016 football schedule poses," said VUU Head Football Coach Mark James. " Our schedule is filled with perennial division two contenders that we must prepare for. The outcome of the 2016 season will rest solely on the preparation and execution of our 2016 signing class, spring football, and the 2016 football camp. Go Panthers!!!"
VUU will also travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., to face defending CIAA champion Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, September 17, and to Fayetteville State University on Saturday, September 24.
The Panthers return home to face Saint Augustine's University on October 1 with Homecoming the following week.
Virginia Union will also face the defending CIAA Northern Division Champion Bowie State University on October 22 in Hovey Field.
VUU wraps up the 2016 regular season with on November 5 when they face CIAA arch-rival Virginia State University in the Battle of I-95 in Hovey Field.
DATE OPPONENT SITE TIME SEPT. 3 LIU-POST HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
Sept. 10 at Newberry Newberry, SC TBA
Sept. 17 at Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC TBA Sept. 24 at Fayetteville State Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m. OCT. 1 SAINT AUGUSTINE'S* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM OCT. 8 LINCOLN (PA)* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM (HOMECOMING)
OCT. 15 at Chowan* Murfreesboro, NC TBA OCT. 22 BOWIE STATE* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
OCT. 29 at Elizabeth City State* Elizabeth City, NC TBA NOV. 5 VIRGINIA STATE* HOVEY FIELD 1:00 PM
NOV. 12 CIAA CHAMPIONSHIP Durham, NC TBA
* = CIAA GAME
COURTESY VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
GREENBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Cy Alexander has resigned his position effective immediately. Associate head coach Jay Joyner will serve as interim for the remainder of the season, Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III announced on Friday.
Joyner will make his Division I head coaching debut on Saturday when the Aggies face Savannah at 4 p.m., at Corbett Sports Center. Alexander will eventually be reassigned to another position associated with development, branding and broadcasting within N.C. A&T’s department of athletics. Alexander will join men’s basketball play-by-play announcer Spencer Turkin on the radio broadcast of Saturday’s game airing on WCOG 104.9 FM/1230 AM.
“I have decided to step away from actively coaching to pursue other interest within athletics,” said Alexander. I look forward to pursuing those interest here at North Carolina A&T State University. “I have a strong love for broadcasting, and I think being able to sharpen my skills on the Aggie basketball broadcasts will assists me in pursuing broadcasting as my next career. My decision to step down was a difficult one, but the last three years of my life have been tumultuous with the passing of my wife and mother. Therefore, I believe this decision was in the best interest of me and my family.
“I first want to say thank you to all the young men I’ve coached here at North Carolina A&T State University for their commitment to the program as well as their respective families who entrusted those young men to my care,” he continued. “Secondly, I want to thank Chancellor Harold L. Martin and Athletics Director Earl Hilton for the opportunity they gave me to become the head coach at North Carolina A&T, and the opportunity they are giving me to pursue my second career. I also want to say thank you to my coaches, managers and every person who has been involved with North Carolina A&T men’s basketball during my tenure.”
Alexander steps away with a career record of 386-386 over 26 seasons of coaching. He was 43-80 in four seasons as the Aggies head man. Over the first 22 games of the 2015-16, the Aggies are 5-17 overall and 2-6 in the MEAC. In Alexander’s first season as head coach N.C. A&T won the 2013 MEAC tournament title and made its first NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance in 18 years. The Aggies went on to beat Liberty 73-72 in the first round of games in Dayton, Ohio to secure the school’s first-ever NCAA tournament win. Eventual national champion Louisville defeated the Aggies in the second round to end N.C. A&T’s season at 20-17. It was the Aggies first 20-win season in 25 years.
Alexander also made coaching stops at Tennessee State (2003-09) and S.C. State (1987-03). As S.C. State head coach he won five MEAC tournament titles. His career also includes six 20-win seasons and 31 MEAC tournament wins, second all-time behind former Coppin State coach Ron “Fang” Mitchell. His six MEAC titles are second to only former N.C. A&T head coach Don Corbett who had seven.
“I respect coach Alexander’s decision,” said Hilton. “I value his contributions to men’s basketball, and I appreciate the service he has rendered to our young men. The masterful job he did in leading our team to the MEAC championship three years ago will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my first championship as an athletics director. I look forward to his continued association and contribution to athletics moving forward.”
Joyner played for Alexander at S.C. State from 1993-96. Before joining Alexander at N.C. A&T as his associate head coach in 2012, Joyner spent three seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at Columbia State Community College (Tenn.). Joyner led the Chargers to a 61-23 record and two Tennessee Community College Athletic Association regular-season titles.
“I first want to thank coach Alexander for all the opportunities he has given me in life, first as a player and then as a professional,” said Joyner. “We as a team have a big challenge ahead of us. We accept this challenge starting with our game against Savannah State on Saturday.”
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
HOUSTON, Texas -- Just a few months ago, the Texas Southern men's basketball team limped into SWAC play with just one win after a loaded non-conference schedule.
Head coach Mike Davis still felt a step forward on the horizon.
"Even though we didn't win but one non-conference game, I felt us getting better because I wasn't focusing on the outcome of the games," Davis said. "If I can keep my guys focused on that, everything can take care of itself."
Everything is taking care of itself tenfold nearing the halfway point with the Tigers (8-11) now 7-0 and alone in first place in the SWAC.
TSU made it seven consecutive wins after a 75-60 triumph over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday and a 78-49 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Monday. The Tigers haven't lost a game in nearly a month.
PETERSBURG, Virginia -- Virginia State University (VSU) has named Justin Harper as Interim Head Football Coach. Harper replaces Byron Thweatt, who resigned to accept a position on the James Madison University coaching staff. VSU also announced its search for a permanent head coach.
Harper joined the Trojans' staff in 2015 as wide receivers coach. Before coming to VSU, Harper coached wide receivers and special teams at Lenoir-Rhyne University. During his tenure, Lenoir-Rhyne played in the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship game.
Harper played collegiately at Virginia Tech, where he totaled 83 receptions for 1,338 yards and nine touchdowns. In Harper's four years, Virginia Tech won ACC championships in 2004 and 2007 and played in the conference title game in 2005. In those four years, Virginia Tech won a school-record 42 games and finished in the Top 10 three times.
In 2008, the Baltimore Ravens drafted Harper in the seventh round. He played three season with the Ravens and also for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League.
In announcing Harper's appointment and coaching search, VSU Athletic Director Peggy Davis expressed appreciation for Thweatt's service. "I want to wish Byron the best in his new endeavor at James Madison University."
COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University athletic department released the 2016 football schedule today, a schedule that features three homes games and three neutral site games.
The Golden Tigers -- the defending HSRN Division II HBCU National Champions and a NCAA Division II playoff quarterfinalist -- will open the season on the road against Clark Atlanta on September 3. They will then face another SIAC opponent in week two, when they take on Albany State in the Third Annual Whitewater Classic held in Phenix City (Alabama) on September 10.
Tuskegee will face a familiar opponent in week three of the season, but for the first time since 1996, the Golden Tigers will hit the road to face FCS-member Florida A&M University, a former SIAC opponent. The Golden Tigers and Florida A&M have met 44 times in school history, with the Rattlers holding a 27-15-2 advantage in the series. The game will be played in Mobile, Ala. as one of the three neutral site games on September 17.
The Golden Tigers will make their first appearance at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni against Lane College, in their SIAC West Division opener. The game will be the first of back-to-back home games for Tuskegee, kicking off on September 24. Tuskegee remains at home the following week, facing UNC-Pembroke in non-conference action on October 1.
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The final neutral site game will take place in Columbus, Georgia at A.J. McClung Memorial Alumni Stadium, when the Golden Tigers face Morehouse College on October 8. It will mark the 81st meeting between the two schools in Columbus, and the 100th meeting overall between the two in which Tuskegee leads the all-time series 70-28-7.
Following a bye week on October 15 – the week usually reserved for Stillman College – the Golden Tigers finish off the season with three consecutive conference games.
The Golden Tigers will celebrate their 92nd annual homecoming on October 22 against SIAC West Division foe Kentucky State University, before hitting the road for their final two regular season contests of the season.
Tuskegee travels north to face a pair of SIAC West Division opponents beginning with Central State University on October 29, and closing out the regular season on the road against Miles College on November 5.
Kickoff times will be announced at a later date.
For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter @MyTUAthletics and like us on Facebook. To view the full 2016 schedule, visit the Golden Tiger Sports website.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M Director of Athletics Milton Overton, released FAMU’s 2016 football schedule today. The slate includes four home games in the historic Bragg Memorial Stadium. The schedule also includes a familiar opening day opponent in Miami Gardens, Fla., against the University of Miami Hurricanes.
This year, an old foe will return after a 20-year absence from competition. FAMU will face the Tigers of Tuskegee University in Mobile, Ala. on Sept. 17. The revitalization of one of FAMU’s traditional foes dates back to their first meeting in 1908. The last time the Rattlers faced Tuskegee was in 1996, with FAMU’s famed “Gulf Coast” offense posting a 56-0 routing of the Tigers.
According to Overton, the schedule will provide an opportunity for Rattler fans to enjoy the action and the spirit of FAMU. In addition to FAMU having four home games, adjustments to the schedule made in response to last year’s fan survey allow for only the Oct. 1 home contest against Savannah State to take place on the same day as a Florida State home football game.
“We listened to our constituents, including alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of FAMU,” Overton said. “We are making every effort to ensure that attending football games at Bragg Stadium are more affordable, the fan experience is improved and we put customer service at a premium. In that vein, 2016 football ticket pricing will not increase.
The FAMU Department of Athletics has developed new season ticket packages and an annual athletics giving initiative. These new initiatives will be rolled out in early to mid February.
“This initiative launches our four-year athletics strategic plan to repair one of six critical support pillars needed in the process of building a championship department of athletics. Repairing the fracture in the financial pillar helps move FAMU Athletics from a traditional transactional giving revenue model to supporting a 21st century intercollegiate athletes business model,” Overton said.
Participation in the” Investing in Champions Athletics Annual Giving Program” from season ticket packages and donations, will earn Rattler donors the opportunity to purchase premium seating at all ticketed athletic events throughout the year, including the Florida Classic.
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The Full Slate:
Sept. 3 – University of Miami (Miami Gardens, Fla./Sun Life Stadium)
The Rattlers open the season in South Florida against the Miami Hurricanes. FAMU opened the series against the Canes with a 16-13 win in 1979, but since have failed to hold the Hurricanes close. The Rattlers last faced the Canes in 2014, dropping the contest 41-7. This game will have heightened visibility, as it will mark the first game for new head coach Mark Richt. FAMU coach Alex Wood and Richt face off for the first time in opposing orange and green teams. Ironically, Richt was a member of the 1979 Canes, while Wood is a former Miami Hurricanes assistant coach.
The Rattlers head up to the Eastern coast of South Carolina for a first-ever trip to play the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina. The Rattlers fell 48-3 to CCU in their only prior meeting, in 2014 at Bragg Stadium.
Sept. 17 – Tuskegee University (Mobile, Ala./Ladd-Peebles Stadium)
Renewing the second oldest rivalry in the history of FAMU football, the Rattlers will meet the Tigers in Mobile, Ala. for a showdown on the Gulf Coast. The first meeting between the two schools in 1908 marked just the second loss in school history. The Rattlers have rebounded nicely holding a 29-16-1 overall record against TU.
Sept. 24 – South Carolina State (Tallahassee, Fla./Bragg Stadium)
The Rattlers open home and MEAC play with a visit from the Bulldogs of South Carolina State. Predicted again to be one of the top teams in the MEAC, veteran coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough and his Bulldogs will kickoff FAMU’s four-game home slate for the 2016 season.
Oct.1 – Savannah State (Tallahassee, Fla. /Bragg Stadium)
After FAMU’s first-ever loss to the Tigers of Savannah State last season, Coach Wood and his crew have a mission to atone for last season’s lapse in Savannah, Ga. The second half of a back-to-back home stand, the Rattlers will face the Tigers in the lone game that runs concurrent with a home game at FSU.
Oct. 8 – North Carolina Central (Durham, N.C./O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium)
After a 27-24 loss to the Eagles of NCCU in Bragg Stadium last season, the Rattlers return to Durham after a five-year absence. The Eagles are coming off a season where 13 players earned All-MEAC honors.
Oct.15 – Delaware State (Dover, Del./Alumni Stadium)
The lone win for the Rattlers last season came on homecoming against the Hornets of Delaware State. The Hornets look to return the favor as the Rattlers will play in the Hornets’ homecoming.
The Rattlers welcome in the Pirates of Hampton University for the 2016 homecoming game. Last season, the Rattlers were upended in a sluggish performance in a rain-filled 33-0 shutout loss in Hampton.
Oct. 29 – North Carolina A&T (Greensboro, N.C./Aggie Stadium)
The Rattlers travel to Greensboro, N.C. to face the 2015 HBCU National Champion North Carolina A&T Aggies. Armed with senior All-MEAC running back Tarik Cohen, coach Rod Broadway and his team look to continue toward the rebirth of “Aggie Pride.” The Rattlers, however, have avoided allowing Cohen to rack up the monstrous yards over the past two seasons. With an expected improved offense, this could turn into a key game for the season for both teams.
Nov. 5 – Open Week
Nov. 12 – Morgan State (Tallahassee, Fla./Bragg Stadium)
The Rattlers welcome in the Bears of MSU for the final home game of 2016. MSU defeated a sluggish Rattler offense 21-7 last season in Baltimore, but FAMU will play inspired on Senior Day, as they look to close out the home schedule with a win.
All bets are off in the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic. In one of the biggest weekends in HBCU football, the Rattlers will again face the Wildcats in Orlando for state bragging rights. The Cats have bested the Rattlers for a record five years in a row, but even in a down year like last season, the game was close down to the wire. Coach Alex Wood and his staff have a year of the classic under their belt and look to prepare the team for the magnitude of one of the longest standing rivalries in college football.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern baseball coach Roger Cador has low expectations for his rebuilt team during the early days of preseason practice.
