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TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Thomas De Saille Tucker was a native West African originating from Sierra Leone. At the age of 12 missionaries from the Mendi Mission brought him to America. The Mendi Mission was established in Sierra Leone in connection with the Amistad revolt. When the thirty-five surviving Africans returned to the Colony of Sierra Leone, the Amistad Committee instructed the Americans to start a ‘Mendi Mission’ in Sierra Leone.
He later attended Oberlin College in Ohio. Established in 1833, Oberlin College was one of the very first colleges in America to educate women and by 1900 one-third of all African American graduates of predominantly white institutions in the United States had graduated from Oberlin. Many of the early leaders of black colleges received their education at Oberlin. While at Oberlin Tucker took leave in 1862 to teach at a school for freedmen in Virginia.After graduating from Oberlin Tucker achieved a law degree at Straight University in New Orleans. The law school only existed between 1874 and 1886.
According to the American Missionary Journal, by 1982, 35 whites and 15 blacks had graduated from the law department. Straight University later became Straight College and eventually was absorbed by the Dillard University. Not long after receiving a law degree Tucker became a member of the Florida Bar and established his own law partnership in Pensacola, Florida. With the help of former Florida Legislator Thomas Van Renssalaer Gibbs, who saw to the passing of the legislation that established the college, Tucker led the Normal College for Colored Students for 14 years before he was forced to resign. Moving to Maryland he returned to practicing law before his death two years later in 1903.
Francis was deemed an eligible national as he was originally born in Toronto before moving to New York.
SASKATCHEWAN, Canada – The Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League have signed former North Carolina A&T wide receiver Kevin Francis (6-foot-5, 210, Brooklyn, N.Y.), the club announced Saturday.
The Roughriders acquired Francis’ rights in the CFL Supplemental Draft by giving up a third-round CFL draft pick.
Francis came into the Aggies 2015 season expected to be a big part of the Aggies offense. He made two receptions in the Aggies opener against Shaw University before leaving the game with what was deemed a season-ending knee injury. Fortunately, the Aggies season was extended because they won a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and a bid to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl played on Dec. 19 against Alcorn State.
It allowed Francis an opportunity to play one more game. His 20-yard reception in the Celebration Bowl game set up an Aggies 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of a 41-34 victory.
“We had a chance to see Kevin at a workout recently, and I was really impressed with how he tested,” Roughriders general manager and head coach Chris Jones told CFL.ca. “He is a big kid that moves really well and has proven he is capable of excelling on special teams.”
Francis was also impressive on his North Carolina A&T Pro Day. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds, he had 10-foot, six-inch broad jump, a 37-inch vertical and he benched press 225 pounds 18 times. Francis was also a track and field standout at N.C. A&T, where he qualified for the 2015 NCAA East Preliminary Round in the 110-meter hurdles. He also participated in the decathlon.
In four seasons on the football field at N.C. A&T, Francis made 17 receptions for 163 yards. He was also an important part of the Aggies special teams throughout his career. He is the second N.C. A&T football player to sign a contract with a major professional football sports franchise this year after cornerback Tony McRae signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL.
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
TAMPA, Florida -- This evening, during the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association’s Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala, President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., announced Shelby R. Chipman, Ph.D., as the new director of the University’s Marching Band and Pep Bands. Chipman is a FAMU alumnus, and currently serves as associate music professor and director of symphonic bands.
“There is no question that FAMU is the home of the most innovative and imitated band program in the world. So, it is only fitting that an innovator and visionary like Dr. Chipman become the next leader to take our program to even greater heights,” Mangum said.
Sylvester Young, Ph.D., who has led the band program since May 2013, has decided to return to the classroom full time. He said he will continue to provide support to the band, but explained that the time is right for Chipman to lead the program.
“There is no one else more qualified to direct this program but Dr. Chipman,” Young said. “He was 100 percent by my side during my tenure, and it is now his time to take the lead. He is going to take this band to a new and higher level. And, I am fortunate to be a part of his team in a minor role, and to watch his training and experience come into fruition.”
Young expressed his satisfaction in the accomplishments of the band and fulfilling his commitment to the University over the last three years.
“Unbeknownst to the public, I said to myself, after coming out of retirement, that I would roll up my sleeves and work with the FAMU band program for three years to rebuild it and to shift the culture,” Young said. “I am proud to say that we were able to restructure the program and grow it to more than 200 members after starting anew. I am also very proud of the students for stepping up to the plate to change the culture and for working together to eradicate hazing. I am happy to say that we have had no incidents since the program was reinstalled.”
Mangum praised Young for the impact he has had in the University’s Music Department.
“FAMU has truly been blessed to have extraordinary men at the helm of its band program since its inception,” she said. “We are sincerely appreciative of the work of Dr. Young in building upon the great legacies of Dr. William P. Foster and Dr. Julian E. White, as well as his tireless efforts to strengthen and restore our beloved band program.”
Earlier today, Chipman said he expressed his gratitude to Young for the leadership he has shown during his tenure and for entrusting him with taking the band program into its next era. He explained that he is grateful to be standing on the shoulders of giants like Young, Foster, and White.
“These great men have driven the bus in terms of standards, innovation, and excellence. I am humbled and honored to be a part of the successes they have achieved and the major performances and innovations that have been undertaken over the years,” Chipman said. “We are going to continue the tradition of being a role model of excellence in musicianship and pageantry. I am looking forward to building upon such a creative legacy and ensuring that the program remains on the cutting edge.”
Chipman said that he is grateful for the students, alumni, and supporters who have helped to make the program a success over the years, and looks forward to working with the entire University community to ensure that the storied legacy of the Marching 100 continues to reach new levels of greatness.
“I am extremely impressed by and indebted to the current and former students who have served and sacrificed to align themselves with our band standards and our motto,” he said. “I am excited to work with our students collaboratively as we push the envelope of innovation in taking our performances out of the box.”
Chipman thanked God, his late mother, wife, son, colleagues, fellow alumni, and the community, for supporting his musical aspirations and work as a music educator over the years and credited them all, in their respective places, with his development as a leader.
When asked what he wanted fans and supporters to know about the future of the band program and the upcoming football season, he said: “Stay tuned… We are planning a special performance and tribute to a legendary musician that will be like no other.”
Former Prince band member, BK Jackson, who is a senior at FAMU, performed a tribute to Prince at the FAMU Spring Commencement Ceremony. He was accompanied by the FAMU Symphonic Band and the piece was arranged by Dr. Lindsey Sarjeant (Chairman, FAMU Music Dept. and University Arranger/Composer), directed by Dr. Shelby Chipman, Director of the Symphonic Band. http://www.bkjackson.com
About Shelby R. Chipman, Ph.D.
Chipman is associate professor and director of symphonic bands at FAMU. His responsibilities in the Department of Music include teaching instrumental music, conducting, and coordinating recitals and music interns. Additionally, he assists with the administration of the marching, symphonic, and pep bands.
He is a native of Miami, Fla., where he graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Music Education from FAMU, where he was a conducting student of William P. Foster, Ed.D., and Julian E. White, Ph.D.
Chipman completed his master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, where he studied conducting with Prof. James Keene, and received his doctorate degree from the Florida State University School of Music in music education, where he studied with Dr. Bentley Shellahamer.
Prior to his appointment at FAMU, he taught band in the Miami-Dade County Public School System for 10 years. His band program at Miami Central High School developed into one of the finest band programs in the country.
Dr. Chipman is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), College Band Directors National Conference (CBDNA), FMEA Black Caucus, and Bethel AME Church. He has worked with and trained countless world-renowned musicians over the years.
Chipman is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout the Southeastern United States and currently serves as conductor of the Tallahassee Big Bend Community Orchestra. He is married to Detrick LaShawn, and together they have one son, Israel Armenian Chipman.
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina – Fayetteville State University has announced Ken Spencer as the 18th head men’s basketball coach in the history of the program. Spencer returns to the CIAA conference after a four-year stint coaching on the Division I level.
“We’re excited to have Ken Spencer serve as coach for our men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Anthony Bennett. “He has proven to be an outstanding coach who demonstrates a deep passion for and commitment to the university’s core beliefs, values and ideals, and I am confident he will foster these values in our exceptional student-athletes.”
Spencer will lead the Broncos’ men’s basketball program after a four year stint at South Carolina State University (SCSU) to include serving as associate head coach the past two seasons. He has been responsible for multitude of tasks to include: academics, recruiting, scouting, scheduling, guard development and on-the-floor coaching while at SCSU.
“First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the position of head men’s basketball coach at Fayetteville State University,” declared Spencer. “I would also like to thank Chancellor James A. Anderson, Director of Athletics, Anthony Bennett, and the search committee for entrusting me to lead the men’s basketball program and giving me the opportunity to serve this great institution.”
Prior to joining the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, Spencer was the head men’s basketball coach at CIAA Southern Divisional rival institution, Saint Augustine’s University (2010-12).
Prior to taking over the program at Saint Augustine’s, Spencer spent four seasons at Winston-Salem State University as the associate head coach and was in charge of all aspects of the program, especially recruiting and player development during the Rams’ time in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and their transition to Division I.
“I fully understand what it means to be in this position as well as what it means to the community, city, and to Fayetteville State University alumni near and far,” Spencer continued. “I plan to create an environment that energizes and empowers our student-athletes to represent Fayetteville State University with class and diligently pursue excellence academically, athletically, and socially, while consistently competing for championships.”
Before his stint at WSSU, Spencer built a powerhouse as the head boys’ basketball coach at Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, S.C. In eight seasons, Marlboro County High was 173-51 overall, appeared in three state title games and won the state championship in 2001.
Before becoming a high school coach, Spencer served as a student assistant coach at Pembroke State (1992-93) under Dan Kenney and John Haskins and as a graduate assistant coach at Fayetteville State (1991-92) under Jeff Capel, Sr., who was most recently an assistant coach with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.
Spencer was a standout basketball player at UNC Pembroke, finishing his career as the school’s all-time three-point field goal leader. A four-year letterman, Spencer was captain on the UNCP team that won the Carolinas Conference championship during his senior season.
He earned his bachelor's degree in business management from UNC Pembroke in 1991 and returned to UNCP to obtain a physical education degree with teacher certification in 1993. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army after college and served in the Reserves for 10 years. Spencer recently completed his Master’s in Sport Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
“Finally, I am forever grateful to my wife, Ellen Spencer; my kids, Kevin and Karmen; and extended family and friends for all of their support,” asserted Spencer.
COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said he always has high expectations for his teams and builds his program around them.
The Hornets set a school record with 38 wins this season, including wins over South Alabama and Tennessee. The win at Tennessee on April 27 was the second over a Southeastern Conference program in three seasons.
Melendez admitted that he wasn’t sure how his team would come together this season, as the Hornets returned only two starters from last year.
“You never know what to expect from a young team,” Melendez said. “You certainly don’t expect them to be so successful at the plate. These kids know what it takes to win and they’ve shown that from the beginning of practice.”
Alabama State became the first team to complete an undefeated season in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. CONTINUE READING
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Brent Kitto and Drew Chatters are Academic All-District for 2015-16 in cross country/track and field. The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), which selects the teams, announced the honors Thursday. Both Kitto and Chatters were honored in College Division District II (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Tennessee). Nominees must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They also must have completed at least one full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility. Kitto, a senior men's distance runner from Chalmette, La., and a graduate of Holy Cross High School, made the team for the second straight year. This is the first year of all-district eligibility for Chatters, a sophomore women's javelin thrower from Lake Charles, La., and a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School. Kitto, a pharmacy major, produced 10 top-10 finishes and seven top-5s during his cross country career, and he was the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion in 2014 at 1,500 meters in outdoor track and field. A member of three honor societies, Kitto has cooked meals for families at Ronald McDonald House and has been a volunteer assistant cross country coach with Holy Cross. Chatters, a biology pre-medical major, is a two-time GCAC champion who holds school and conference-meet records in the javelin. Chatters is secretary of the Minority Association for Prehealth Students, a chemistry drill instructor and a peer dean. She is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Premed Honor Society and has more than 50 community service hours. First-team Academic All-District members advance to the Academic All-America® ballot. The College Division Academic All-America® team will be announced June 21. During the past eight years, Xavier has produced 19 Academic All-District selections, all but one on the first team.
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana shattered the school record in the women's 1,600-meter relay Friday and qualified for the final at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. The Gold Nuggets' quartet of Kailey Williams, Kayla Quincy, Chinyere Jones andClarke Allen produced a time of 3 minutes, 49.87 seconds. Xavier ranked seventh out of 21 teams overall and third in a seven-team second heat. Devinn Rolland, Zahri Jackson, Tramaine Shannon and Chartia Hurt set the previous XU mark of 3:54.13 at the LSU Relays in Baton Rouge, La., on March 23, 2013. Carroll (Mont.) led all qualifiers in 3:44.89. Two of Xavier's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rivals — Dillard (3:47.67) and SUNO (3:48.24) — ran 3-4. The 1,600 relay final will start at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold
GULF SHORES, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana produced a pair of 19th-place finishes Thursday in the women's preliminaries of the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. Kayla Quincy was 19th in the 200-meter dash (25.12 seconds), and the 400 relay team of Chelsea James, Destini Thomas, Alexis Milton and Martina Wright produced the same finish. The Gold Nuggets' relay time was 48.97. Neither Quincy nor the relay team qualified for Saturday's finals. Quincy will compete in the 400 prelims at 3:30 p.m. Friday. At 7:45 p.m., Xavier will compete in the prelims of the women's 1,600 relay. No XU men are competing. The three-day meet will conclude Saturday. Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director XULAgold.com XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA twitter.com/xulagold www.facebook.com/xulagold
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Head women's basketball coach Semeka Randall has decided not to return for employment at Alabama A&M University, Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks announced.
"We would like to thank Coach Randall for her service to the women's basketball program and wish her much success in her future endeavors," Hicks said.
A search for a new coach will begin immediately, he said.
COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
The announcement of the 2018 game completes Auburn’s commitment to play every in-state Division I-AA school in a six-year period (2012-2018). The first ASU-AU matchup will take place on Nov. 17, 2018.
The 2018 game is the first that Auburn has released to the public for that season. The 2021 game is the third. The Tigers have complete non-conference slCONTates for 2017 and games signed in 2019-21.
ASU athletic director Melvin Hines is a former wide receiver at Auburn and graduated with a bachelor's degree in adult education before starting his coaching career in 1997 as a graduate assistant at Louisville.
BRADENTON, Florida – Fantastic hurdler Tia-Adana Belle (Jr./St. George, Barbados) set another record as Saint Augustine's University posted three top qualifying times on the first day of the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at IMG Academy Track and Field Stadium.
Already the NCAA Division II women's 400 hurdles record-holder, Belle snapped the championship meet record in her signature event. Well ahead of her competitors, Belle crossed the finish line in 56.14 seconds, surpassing the old record of 56.38 set by Samantha Elliot of Johnson C. Smith University in 2013. Belle now heads to Saturday's finals to defend her national title in the 400 hurdles.
Her record-breaking run capped an impressive day for the Falcons and Lady Falcons, the nation's top-ranked and third-ranked teams, respectively. The men's 4x100 squad of Brent Arceneaux (Sr./Snellville, GA), Burkheart Ellis, Jr. (Sr./Raleigh, NC), Kendall Kee (Sr./Shelby, NC) and Daniel Jamieson (Sr./Windsor, CT) opened the running portion of the meet by winning the second heat and advancing to Saturday's finals in a top qualifying time of 39.50.
The three-time defending champion Falcons continued to display their speed in the men's 100 dash preliminaries. The trio of Kee, Ellis and Jamieson ran three of the four fastest times to reach Saturday's finals. Kee posted the best time (10.27) in winning the second heat while Jamieson and Ellis ran the third- and fourth-fastest preliminary times, respectively. Jamieson, who won the third heat, barely placed ahead of Ellis, who finished second in the first heat (10.291 seconds to 10.298 seconds).
Several other Falcons ran fast times to qualify for Saturday's finals in their respective events. Shawn Rowe (Jr./West Palm Beach, Fla.) ran the second-best preliminary time (50.41) in the men's 400 hurdles to win the first heat. Ornella Livingston (Sr./St. Ann, Jamaica) won the women's 100 dash second heat in 11.50, which was second-fastest in preliminaries.
The women's 4x100 relay quartet of Shamia Lassiter (Sr./Chesapeake, VA), Leah Barker (So./St. Michaels, Barbados), Shakinah Brooks (Jr./Raleigh, NC) and Livingston had the third-fastest prelim time (45.42).
Brooks and Amenze Uhunmwangho (Sr./Ebo, Nigeria) scored the first points for the Lady Falcons. They both garnered All-America honors after Brooks finished fourth (20-8½) and Uhunmwangho tied for eighth (19-9¾) in the women's long jump.
The championship meet continues Friday, May 27, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the decathlon. The preliminary running events will start at 5:35 p.m.
SALISBURY, Maryland – Tyler Norris and Alex Seibold took a combined no-hitter into the ninth, and a Jameel Edney solo home run keyed Bethune-Cookman’s 1-0 victory over Norfolk State Tuesday in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference baseball tournament championship at A.W. Perdue Stadium.
The Wildcats (29-25) won their 18th conference title overall and third under Head Coach Jason Beverlin. Norfolk State finishes the season 29-21.
“We played with focus and energy all through the tournament," Beverlin said. "They were determined to reach a goal they set in the fall and win a MEAC championship and go to the NCAA Regionals.”
In a classic pitcher’s duel with NSU’s Matt Outman, the MEAC pitcher of the year, Norris threw six innings of no-hit ball before handing it over to Seibold, who continued the no-no until Roger Hall singled up the middle to lead off the ninth.
Seibold (6-4) quickly regrouped, getting a fly out, a strikeout, and catcher Clay Middleton throwing out pinch runner Keith Granger on the steal attempt for the dramatic third out. Norris finished with six strikeouts, Seibold three.
This was Seibold’s second scoreless relief appearance against Norfolk State in the tournament and fifth straight against a MEAC team. He hasn’t been scored on in MEAC play since giving up one run against Florida A&M April 16.
Offensively, the Wildcats squandered opportunities, leaving 10 on bases, including a bases-loaded situation in the sixth.
Edney’s homer – his second against Norfolk State in the tournament and seventh of the year – finally broke the scoreless tie.
Edney and Danny Rodriguez each had two hits for the Wildcats, who have won 21 of their last 25 games against conference opposition after getting swept at Florida A&M in the conference opening series.
Rodriguez, who hit .412 (7-17) in four tournament games, was named the tournament MVP while Beverlin was named Outstanding Coach.
Rodriguez was joined on the All-Tournament team by Norris, Edney and Nathan Bond.
“I said it all tournament that we’re a dangerous team when we play that way [Focused and energized]," Beverlin said. "It was a total team effort surrounded by some outstanding performances from Tyler Norris, Alex Seibold, Danny Rodriguez and Jameel Edney.”
BOX SCORE COURTESY BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida - Starting Wednesday, May 25 at 10 a.m., Bethune-Cookman University Department of Athletics launched its' new brand identity and department wide campaign in the first of a three-day series of releases across all of the B-CU athletics social media platforms.Follow along on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. COURTESY BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
NEW ORLEANS — For the fifth consecutive year and the 11th time in the last 12 seasons, Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis is in the final NAIA top 25 of the year.
The Gold Nuggets (8-14) dropped from 17th to 19th in the postseason coaches poll announced Tuesday. Xavier qualified as an at-large selection for the NAIA National Championship at Mobile, Ala., and lost 5-2 to Northwestern Ohio in the opening round May 17.
The top-25 appearance is the Gold Nuggets' 39th in a row dating to May 1, 2012. They've appeared in the top 25 in 84 of the last 94 polls dating to Feb. 25, 2004 (excluded is the 2005-06 season, when Xavier did not field a team).
Georgia Gwinnett, which defeated Lindsey Wilson 5-4 Saturday in the national final, received all 12 first-place votes to become the first unanimous No. 1 this season.
NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through end of season) Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Georgia Gwinnett (12) 18-2 312 1
2 Lindsey Wilson 21-5 302 3
3 Auburn Montgomery 21-4 292 2
4 SCAD Savannah 18-2 282 4
5 Brenau 17-7 269 5
6 Cardinal Stritch 19-2 260 6
7 William Woods 19-3 250 10
8 Indiana Wesleyan 33-7 245 8
9 Westmont 10-8 231 7
10 Middle Georgia 15-8 223 9
11 Davenport 25-6 209 12
12 William Carey 12-12 200 13
13 Northwestern Ohio 14-10 187 15
14 LSU-Alexandria 12-7 176 19
15 Olivet Nazarene 14-11 168 16
16 Mobile 12-7 162 23
17 Keiser 11-9 148 14
18 Arizona Christian 17-5 147 11 19 Xavier 8-14 137 17
20 Cumberland 12-9 132 18
21 Lewis-Clark State 8-14 103 20
22 McPherson 13-5 99 22
23 St. Thomas (Fla.) 8-8 96 21
24 Reinhardt 12-5 89 24
25 Georgetown (Ky.) 18-9 68 25
Dropped from rankings: none
Others receiving votes: Marian (Ind.) 43, Missouri Valley 31, Southeastern (Fla.) 25, Milligan 21, Morningside 19, Ottawa 17, Asbury 9, Texas Wesleyan 7, SCAD Atlanta 6, San Diego Christian 6,
NEW ORLEANS — Three days after recording the highest-ever finish by a Xavier University of Louisiana team in an NAIA national tournament, the men's tennis team earned a program-record No. 2 ranking Tuesday in the postseason coaches poll.
The Gold Rush (17-8) won three times this past week in the NAIA National Championship at Mobile, Ala., before losing 5-2 to unbeaten Georgia Gwinnett, which won a third consecutive national title.
Xavier was No. 4 in the preseason, climbed to third in the season's third poll March 1 and remained there through May 9 in the final poll before nationals. The top-25 appearance is Xavier's 77th in a row — the streak began April 4, 2007 — and it's the Gold Rush's 47th consecutive top-10 ranking.
This is the third time in four years that an XU tennis team ranked among the top three in the postseason. The XU women were No. 3 in the final polls of 2013 and 2014.
Georgia Gwinnett was a unanimous No. 1 for the 19th consecutive poll. NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through end of season)
Rank Team Record Points Last
Dropped from rankings: none
Others receiving votes: Missouri Baptist 35, Marian (Ind.) 33, Southeastern (Fla.) 22, Asbury 10, Cumberland 6, Our Lady of the Lake 5, Hastings 5, Indiana Tech 3, SCAD Atlanta 3
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s record-setting baseball season is over surprisingly early, and head coach Jamey Shouppe has had some time to look back at a tournament run that started with title aspirations and ended with a loss to Norfolk State.
The Rattlers (31-21) went 1-2 in the double-elimination MEAC tournament, dropping games to Bethune-Cookman and the Spartans on Monday in Salisbury, Md., despite being the No. 1 seed from the conference’s South Division.
After two days of weather delays, FAMU’s bats were uncharacteristically cold in the losses, and Shouppe said the team didn’t play its best defense. The pitching finally came through for the Rattlers, but the team’s typically overpowering hitters couldn’t get timely hits.
FAMU lost to Bethune-Cookman 5-2, then lost to Norfolk State 4-2. The Wildcats went on to win the tournament and will represent the MEAC in an NCAA Regional.
“I was numb after the game,” Shouppe said. “I was numb for the next 24 hours after the game. We went cold, offensively. The bats had kind of carried us for most of the season and we were just flat. Nothing went our way.”
DOVER, Delaware -- Delaware State University today announced the appointment of Dr. James H. Ammons as its new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs after months of searching and days of campus interviews with various stakeholders.
Dr. Ammons – a native of Winter Haven, Fla. – is currently a professor of political science at Florida A&M University (FAMU), his alma mater. His career at FAMU spanned two separate tenures totaling 27 years as a tenured professor and executive administrator – including serving as that institution’s president from 2007-2012 and as its provost and vice president of Academic Affairs from 1995-2001.
In between those FAMU tenures, Dr. Ammons was the chancellor at North Carolina Central University from 2001-2007.
Dr. Ammons’ wealth of experience includes leading each institution’s strategic planning process and aligning those outcomes with academic excellence and quality programs. A few highlights in Ammons’ career are the development of 22 new degree programs, increased enrollment and the re-establishment of the FAMU College of Law.
DSU President Harry L. Williams said the faculty, students, Search Committee, Board of Trustees and Administrative Council selected Ammons as their first choice in this search. “I’m excited about the opportunity to bring Ammons into the fold of DSU,” Dr. Williams said. “We are fortunate to have an individual of such great talents and academic experience. I’m particularly enthusiastic that Ammons has the background and experience which will allow him to hit the ground running.”
Dr. Ammons said that he is excited about the opportunity to join the community of scholars at Delaware State University. “It’s an honor to be a part of the academic excellence that is evident at DSU,” he said. “I have worked across the HBCU arena and I am impressed with the magnitude of innovation and student success that is displayed at Delaware State University.”
Dr. Ammons’ number one priority at Delaware State University is to continue to “move the needle” on retention, graduation and gainful employment at DSU. “Together, we will continue to strive to be a model HBCU and a model for higher educational institutions around the world,” the new provost said.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida A&M, a Master of Science in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Government, both from Florida State University.
Dr. Ammons will replace Dr. Alton Thompson, who resigned from the University on March 4. The new provost and vice president of Academic Affairs will begin his post at DSU on July 18th.
COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Claflin University head track and field coach Lincoln London has been named the 2016 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country NCAA Division II Men’s Outdoor Track & Field South Region Coach of the Year. This is London’s second national honor this season, as he earned the same accolade for the 2016 indoor season.
Sophomore Trisana Fairweather was named the 2016 USTFCCCA NCAA Division II Women’s Outdoor Track & Field South Region Track Athlete of the Year.
The award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.
London, who in his third year leading the Claflin program, coached athletes to NCAA Automatic times in the 400 meters and the 4×400 meter relay. The relay is ranked No. 1 in the South Region and is No. 2 on the national list. CONTINUE READING
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- We always preach to our Florida A&M team how hard the game of baseball is. Baseball is a game of failure, and it’s more about how you handle and respond to that failure that will determine how good of a player or team you are.
Unfortunately, we now have to wait until next season to respond to the way our season ended.
Our season didn’t end the way we wanted it to end, losing to Bethune-Cookman and Norfolk State Monday in the MEAC Tournament. But hey, that’s baseball.
We will not let two games take away from the incredible season we had this year. That would not be fair to the seniors that have helped build up this program. They helped last year’s team reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history and put up a 30 win season this year for the first time in a long time. CONTINUE READING
PORT ORANGE, Florida -- Jelani Bland picked an opportune time to turn in a breakout performance.
With several college coaches in attendance, Bland returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown and added a blocked punt and a sack in Spruce Creek's 35-14 loss to Viera. Following the game, Hawks defensive coordinator DJ Mayo said, the rising senior linebacker picked up his first Division I offer from Florida A&M.
"It just shows that hard work does pay off," Bland said after the game Wednesday. "I'm going to keep putting in more work to be the best I can be."
Coaches from Florida, Lehigh and Valdosta State stood along the sidelines in Viera.
Bland (6-foot-1, 188 pounds) could be one of a handful of seniors to monitor when the football season rolls around. Spruce Creek has produced three Division I signees the last two seasons — Collin Olsen (Florida International), Lawrence Edwards (Georgia Southern) and Bradley Osborne (Navy).
SALISBURY, Maryland – Florida A&M (31-21, 19-5 MEAC) got a strong pitching performance from Chase Jarrell, but was unable to get the offense going in a 4-2 loss to Norfolk State (29-20, 19-5 MEAC) on Monday night at the MEAC Baseball Tournament. The offense scattered eight hits, but couldn’t get that timely hit when they needed it most. Jarrell (6-4) pitched six solid innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with four strikeouts and one walk. MEAC Player of the Year Dylan Dillard recorded his eighth home run of the season in his final career at bat in the eighth inning.
Alec Wong (2-for-4) and Dillard (2-for-4) had the only two multi-hit games for the Rattlers against the Spartans. Kendal Weeks came in to pitch the final three innings of relief and allowed just one run on three hits with one strikeout.
NSU scored first with an unearned run in the top of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Brian Beard singled to right with two outs and was able to move to second on a fielding error by Peter Jackson. Beard then came home to score from second as Roger Hall reached on a throwing error to first by AJ Elkins that would have ended the inning.
The Rattlers tied the game at 1-1 with an unearned run in the bottom of the second inning. Ben Ellzey singled to right field with one out and Willis McDaniel was then hit-by-pitch to put runners at first and second. Both runners would move up a base on a groundout to short by Elkins. Ellzey later scored the tying run from third as a failed pickoff attempt at second base from Devin Hemmerich sailed over the shortstop and into center field.
Norfolk State regained the lead for good with another unearned run in the fifth inning for a score of 2-1. Ismael Herrera led off with a single up the middle and went to second as Chase Anderson reached on a fielding error by Jacky Miles, Jr. trying to field a sac bunt attempt. Runners would then advance to second and third on Denathan Duke’s sac bunt back to the pitcher before Herrera scored from third on a groundout to short by Angel Rosario.
The Spartans extended their lead to 3-1 with another run in the sixth inning. Hall doubled to the wall in center field to start the inning and took third on a wild pitch with one out. Alex Mauricio then drove in Hall with an RBI single to right field to give NSU a two run lead.
For FAMU in the eighth inning, Dillard blasted his eighth home run of the season, a solo shot to left field, to bring the Rattlers within one run at 3-2.
Norfolk State added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning in what proved to be the final score of 4-2. Duke’s two-out RBI single that dropped in just past Elkins at shortstop scored Justin Lee from second base for the game’s final run.
NSU’s Devin Hemmerich (5-4) pitched a complete game and threw 148 pitches for the win. Hemmerich allowed two runs (one earned) on eight hits with nine strikeouts and just one walk.
SALISBURY, Maryland – Bethune-Cookman scored three runs in the sixth inning en route to a 5-2 victory over in-state rival Florida A&M on Monday afternoon in a winner’s bracket semifinal matchup as part of the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Baseball Championships at A.W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland.
Bethune-Cookman (28-25) trailed 2-1 heading into the top of the sixth inning.
With the bases loaded and one out for the Wildcats, senior right fielder Nathan Bond (Orlando, Fla.) registered a two-run scoring single to left field, allowing Danny Rodriguez (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and Michael Cruz (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) to score on the play.
That gave the Wildcats the lead, 3-2.
After Jameel Edney (West Palm Beach, Fla.) was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat, freshman centerfielder Josten Heron (Miami, Fla.) scored Bond from second courtesy a double down the line in left.
With Bethune-Cookman ahead at 4-2, Wildcats fifth-year head coach Jason Beverlin looked towards senior Clint Clymer (Ormond Beach, Fla.) on the hill to try and shut the door on the win in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively.
In the top of the ninth, freshman second baseman Nate Sterijevski (Clermont, Fla.) lifted his first home run of the season over the wall in left, pushing the Maroon and Gold advantage to 5-2.
In the ninth, B-CU reliever Joseph Calamita (Lake Worth, Fla.) closed the game on the mound and earned his third save of the year, advancing the Wildcats to the title game of the MEAC Baseball Championships for a league-record 11th consecutive season.
The Rattlers got on the board first in the ball game when third baseman Bell Ellzey collected a fielder’s choice RBI to score second baseman Alec Wong from third.
That gave FAMU (31-20) the 1-0 lead.
Bethune-Cookman answered with a run in the top of the fourth inning when freshman first baseman Danny Rodriguez recorded his 10th home run of the season with a solo shot to left center. For Rodriguez, it was his third home run of the MEAC Championships in as many games.
The Rattlers stepped back in front in the bottom of the fifth, using a Jacky Miles, Jr. fielder’s choice RBI to plate Wong for the second time in the contest.
The Rattlers had a chance to score more earlier in the game, but B-CU senior right-hander German Hernandezbounced back to collect three consecutive outs after loading the bases with no outs in the second inning.
The win went to B-CU reliever sophomore Alexis Herrera (Miami, Fla.) to improve his record at 2-0 on the year. Herrera tossed 1.2 innings of relief action, allowing one run on two hits, adding a walk and a strikeout. Failing to factor into the decision, Hernandez worked four innings, allowing one run on six hits, two walks and registering six strikeouts.
Calamita picked up the save with an inning of relief work in the ninth.
The loss went to FAMU starter JoJo Durden, dropping him to 2-3 on the year. He went six full innings for the Rattlers, allowing four runs on eight hits, but added seven strikeouts.
Bethune-Cookman will now wait to see who it will face in Tuesday’s MEAC title game. First pitch for the contest is slated for 1 p.m.
