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ETTRICK, Virginia -- Virginia State University is proud to announce that Trojans' head men's basketball coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. has signed an extended contract with the University and will remain as head coach through 2021.
Coach Blow joined the VSU Trojan family in 2013. During his three seasons as head coach, he led VSU to an overall record of 56-24 and extended his career coaching record to 118-54. Under Blow's leadership, the Trojans finished the 2015-2016 season as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Northern Co-Divisional Champions and clinched the 2016 CIAA Basketball Tournament Title. "Coach Blow is a true leader for our men's team," said VSU President, Dr. Makola Abdullah. "Not only does he motivate them to excel on the court, but in the classroom as well. We are excited that he will remain an integral part of our Trojan family."
Blow's superb coaching skills during the regular season led to him being named the "2016 CIAA Men's Basketball Coach of the Year" and "2016 Mid-Major Coach of the Year." The Trojans advanced to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Playoffs, progressing to the second round. Before falling short to West Liberty University in the semifinals of the NCAA Playoffs, the Trojans went on their longest winning streak of the season with eight consecutive wins. "It is an honor to remain a member of the Trojan family," says Coach Lonnie Blow. "I am excited about the future of our program and look forward to continuing the legacy that we have begun here."
"Virginia State University is fortunate to have a head men's basketball coach of the caliber of Lonnie Blow, Jr.," says VSU Director of Athletics Peggy Davis. "His leadership ability, coaching style, and all around commitment to our student-athletes' academic success makes him the right fit for Virginia State University. We are proud that Coach Blow has made the commitment to continue to lead our men's basketball team."
For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030. COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
COLUMBUS, Georgia – Columbus State University Director of Athletics Todd Reeserintroduced Anita Howard as the next head coach of the Lady Cougar basketball program at a press conference Friday morning.
Howard becomes the third head coach in program history, following Jonathan Norton and Jay Sparks.
"I am pleased to attract a rising star in the basketball coaching profession inAnita Howard to lead our highly successful women's basketball program," CSU Director of Athletics Todd Reeser said. "Anita brings a passion for people and coaching, and her proven ability to recruit and develop young women for success, on and off the court, makes her the perfect choice to lead our program forward.
"I could not be more excited for the future of Columbus State women's basketball."
Howard comes to Columbus State after a pair of winning seasons at NCAA Division II Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. Howard guided the Lady Blue Bears to a 41-14 record achieving a top-five ranking for the first time in program history. In 2014-15, Howard led Livingstone to a 26-2 overall mark, including winning 23 consecutive games to set the longest winning streak in HBCU history.
"I am thrilled to be the new head coach of the Columbus State University women's basketball program," Howard said. "I have to thank God, my family, President Markwood and Todd Reeser for allowing me this outstanding opportunity. Columbus State has a long tradition of success and it is my goal to take that success to the next level.
"Columbus State has a great foundation that has been laid by my predecessors and I'm looking forward to the challenge of building upon their successes and leading the Lady Cougars to the ultimate goal of a national championship."
Before Livingstone, Howard coached at Division III Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. for two seasons. In her first season, Howard turned around Salem leading the Spirits to a 13-win improvement from the season prior and a 17-11 overall record. She was named the Great South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for her efforts. Just a year later, Howard won Salem's first GSAC Championship with a 22-5 record sending the Spirits to their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
Overall, Howard's career coaching record is 79-30, a .724 winning percentage, in four seasons.
Prior to her head coaching stints, Howard was an assistant coach at Winston-Salem State University,Shaw University and Saint Augustine's University. She helped each program find success in her tenure. At Shaw, Howard helped the Lady Bears to a CIAA Championship and a trip to the Division II Final Four in 2010-11. As the associate head coach at Saint Augustine's, the Lady Falcons became one of the top defensive teams in Division II while she also help to produce the 2012 CIAA Player of the Year. At her first coaching stop at Winston-Salem State, Howard helped the team transition into the Division I game ushering in a new era in their women's basketball history.
Howard was a stellar player herself in her collegiate days. She played three seasons from 1998-2001 at Fort Valley State willing FVSU to two Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. She was named the SIAC's Defensive Player of the Year in all three seasons while also earning a spot on the Dean's List twice. Howard wrapped up her playing days at fellow Peach Belt Conference school Armstrong State where she continued her success. Howard helped the Pirates to their first ever PBC title in 2003 with a 27-3 record. She graduated from Armstrong Magna Cum Laude in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts design.
Following college, Howard began coaching at the high school and AAU level in Georgia. She took Savannah High School to the school's first state playoff appearance in 25 years. She served as the head coach of the Peach State Elite travel team, coaching several All-State players.
Howard was born in Montgomery, Ala. and is married to Theo Howard. They have three children – Jason, Thallan and Theo II.
What They're Saying
"Columbus State has found a winner in Anita Howard. She brings a wealth of coaching experience to the table and I know she will continue to excel and raise the bar just as she has on every step of her head coaching journey leading up to this new position. Anita has a passion for the game, relates well to her student-athletes, and is a competitor. I know she is excited to be back in her home state and I look forward to watching her do great things at Columbus State." -Joni Taylor University of Georgia Head Women's Basketball Coach
"Anita is a rising star in women's basketball! Her love and passion for the game is evident when you meet her! She is a great role model and a hardworking coach that will have an instant impact at Columbus State!" -MaChelle Joseph Georgia Tech Head Women's Basketball Coach
"Congratulations to Columbus State University for hiring Anita Howard as its new head women's basketball coach. I've observed unparalleled energy and passion in her leadership. She is a true winner and a great person!" -Dwight Howard (No Relation) Eight-Time NBA All-Star
"Columbus State has made an excellent hire in Anita Howard. Anita prides herself on her faith, family, friendships and the future of the young women that she impacts on a daily basis. Anita is a player's coach! Her knowledge and passion for the game is contagious to all who come in contact with her. Anita is a proven winner and competitor. Her team will play with passion, discipline and a competitive spirit. She is a tireless worker who will continue the winning tradition at Columbus State while embarking on establishing an even bigger winning tradition of her own." -Natasha Adair Georgetown University Head Women's Basketball Coach
"I am very happy for Anita! She is a great coach looking to make a impact on the student-athlete on and off the court!" -Josh Howard (No Relation) Ten-year NBA Veteran
"Congratulations to both Columbus State and Anita Howard on Anita's recent appointment as Head Women's Basketball Coach. I have enjoyed getting to know Anita over the last several years with her involvement in our summer camps. She is a fabulous teacher and a rising star full of energy and enthusiasm for this game we all love. The swift turn-around she led at Salem College was remarkable and I am sure the Cougars will benefit from the guidance of this bright young coach immediately." -Jen Hoover Wake Forest University Head Women's Basketball Coach
"I applaud Columbus State for finding and recognizing what a wonderful coach, mentor, and person Anita Howard is. She has helped Livingstone reach amazing milestones and I know she will do an outstanding job leading the women's basketball team at Columbus State. You have secured a proven winner and rising star in our profession!" -Jackie Carson Furman University Head Women's Basketball Coach
"Anita Howard is the consummate professional. She is definitely a rising star in the women's game. Her passion translates into creating a winning culture both on and off the court. I'm excited to see her footprint on the program at Columbus State. You have a true winner on your hands!" -Charlotte Smith Elon University Head Women's Basketball Coach
"I am excited to learn of Coach Howard's hiring as head basketball coach. Her energy and passion should positively impact Columbus State for years to come." -Matt Doherty Former Division I Head Coach and current NBA Scout COURTESY COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
MIAMI, Florida -- As part of the dwindling offseason, SOTU will preview each game on the Canes' schedule. During the season there will be much more in-depth previews the week before each game, but these will serve to get you ready for what is to come. Enjoy!
The 2016 Miami Hurricanes football season will start as many do for Power 5 teams: by playing and FCS school. This year, the Canes schedule gets started with a team who has been the early season matchup several times in recent years, when the Florida A&M Rattler visit a renovated Sun Life Stadium on September 3rd.
Still Rebuiding
Once a pillar of HBCU football, FAMU has fallen on hard times recently.
The Rattlers have not appeared in the FCS playoffs since 2001, and that streak probably will not be broken in 2016. Coming off a 1-10 season in 2015, the Rattlers are simply trying to become a mediocre team in the 2016 season.
Now, to be fair, the Rattlers played several close games in 2015, losing to Tennessee St 24-14, Savannah State 37-27, North Carolina Central 27-24, and Morgan State 21-7. The above listed team are okay to poor at the FCS level, and FAMU played them close but couldn't win.
Maybe the Rattlers start winning a few of those games in this and future years, but they're quite a way from being the kind of team who can compete with Miami for more than maybe a quarter.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The 2016 SWAC Champion Alabama State baseball team lost its NCAA Tournament opening game to Florida State 18-6 Friday night at Dick Howser Stadium. The Hornets (38-16) will face South Alabama (40-21) in an 11 a.m. CT elimination game Saturday with a live radio broadcast on bamastatesports.com/showcase and a live video stream on ESPN3.com. Florida State (38-20) took advantage of three first-inning errors by Alabama State to take a 7-0 lead. Trailing 10-1 after four innings, the Hornets rallied in the seventh. Ray Hernandez led off with a single. With two outs, pinch hitter Hunter Allen singled to left field, scoring Hernandez. Yamil Pagan then doubled to left center, scoring Allen. Diandre Amion then homered on a 3-2 pitch to right field, cutting the ASU deficit to 10-6. However, two seventh-inning Alabama State errors contributed to seven Florida State runs. Hernandez, Dillon Cooper, and Chris Biocic each had two hits for the Hornets, who will face South Alabama for the third time this season. The Jaguars won 4-3 in 10 innings in Mobile on Feb. 24, while Alabama State won 12-7 in Montgomery on April 5.
GAINESVILLE, Florida — Former Plant High standout Peter Alonso hit two home runs in his first game since returning from a broken hand as host and top national seed Florida beat Bethune-Cookman 9-3 Friday in the first day of the NCAA baseball tournament's Gainesville Region.
Alonso hadn't played since May 13, when a bone in his left hand was broken by a 95 mph fastball from Vanderbilt's Jordan Sheffield. On Friday, Alonso delivered a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the fourth, giving him 11 on the season. He also singled in the eighth.
UF ace Logan Shore (11-0) allowed two earned runs in 61/3 innings. Tyler Norris surrendered six runs, four earned, in 22/3 for the Wildcats, the MEAC tournament champion.
The Gators (48-13), who improved to 31-0 all time against Bethune-Cookman, face Connecticut today at 6 p.m. in the winner's bracket of the double-elimination region. UConn, the No. 3 seed and American Athletic Conference tournament champion, defeated Georgia Tech 7-6. Bethune-Cookman (29-26) faces the Yellow Jackets today at noon in an elimination game.
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina – South Carolina State head women's basketball coach Doug Robertson announced Friday the signing of three more student-athletes who will play for the Lady Bulldogs in the upcoming season.
Robertson welcomes five-foot-nine forward Schekinah Bimpa (Kinshasa, Congo/Loganville HS (Ga.)), 5-4 point guard Bryeasha Blair (Chicago, Ill./University of Central Florida), and 5-9 guard Chantel Williams (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek HS).
Bimpa averaged 13.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.3 steal per game as a senior last season at Loganville High School in Loganville, Ga. She helped the Red Devils to a 21-9 overall record during the 2015-16 season and a 12-2 mark in regional play.
"Schekinah is a tough inside player who can score the ball, crash the boards and create turnovers", Robertson said.
Blair played two seasons at the University of Central Florida and graduated with a bachelor's degree in interpersonal communications in May 2015. She will work towards an MBA at SC State and will have two years of eligibility with the Lady Bulldogs. Prior to UCF, she was a four-year player at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, Ill., leading her team to the 2008 Illinois State Championship and the Chicago City Championships in 2009 and 2010.
"Bryeasha has previous Division I playing experience that will help us tremendously at the point guard position", said Robertson.
Williams played in 28 games this past season as a senior at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, N.C. She averaged 11.9 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals per game while helping the Mavericks to a 26-2 overall record. As a sophomore, she tallied 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and two steals per game.
Williams Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7140969/chantel-williams
"Chantel is a quick guard who will create scoring options for us", Robertson said.
Bimpa, Blair and Williams join 6-1 power forward Alexis Scott (Anderson, S.C./West Side HS) who signed during the early period. Scott helped the Lady Rams to an 18-5 overall record and an appearance in the 2015 SC HS Class AAAA playoffs during the 2014-15 season. Scott also led WHS to the Region 1-AAAA title while averaging 14.7 points and 12.7 rebounds per game in 2014-15.
Scott Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4802227/highlights/244149376
"Alexis is great athlete we were fortunate to sign in the early period," Robertson said. "She will give our game an added dimension in the paint with her ability to score and defend the basket."
COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
HOUSTON, Texas -- The City of Houston has made an offer to the Southwestern Athletic Conference to move its headquarters from Birmingham, Ala. to Houston.
“We’re trying to move them here from Alabama and set them up in the city of Houston,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.
“We have made an offer for them to consider, and they are taking a look at it. Hopefully, we can get them here.
The SWAC headquarters has been located in Birmingham, Alabama since 1999. Before that the conference headquarters was in New Orleans.
“If they accept our offer we have told them where they would be,” Turner said. “Their offices would be in the downtown area. We’ve given them a pretty good deal from a financial point of view, much, much better than where they are right now.” CONTINUE READING
SUMMATION OF LIFE & LEADERSHIP OF FAMU’S PRESIDENTS, SERIES PART 5: JUBIE B. BRAGG, ACTING [1944]
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA -- Jubie B. Bragg was born in Twiggs County Georgia in 1876. He lived with his parents in Macon, Georgia from 1881 to 1886. For that period his parents taught him how to spell simple words. He expanded his vocabulary by using a Webster’s Blue-Book Speller. He attended school on a limited basis until 1886 when at the age of only 10 years old both parents died within ten days apart.
He lived in different places and took on odd jobs that didn’t make much money. He tried to stay afresh of the things he had learned. At twelve years of age he went to live with his uncle and further developed a work ethic on his uncle’s farm. Two months of the year he attended school. After three years he returned to his home town of Macon, Georgia. Later on he was encouraged by young men who had attended Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to consider going to school there, Bragg discussed the idea of furthering his education with family members. He was discouraged from attending Tuskegee because the family members felt strongly his current education would suffice. Acting against the will of family members Bragg entered Tuskegee Institute on September 11, 1893.
Bragg had no money for tuition or living expenses and relied on the school providing work to pay expenses. He attended night school and eventually chose wheelwrighting as his primary study. He would also take academic courses. As each year progressed he was successfully promoted. About his initial experience in educational leadership J. B. Bragg writes:
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson most definitely has done some changing to her back-to-back championship team, by adding a little more expertise to her coaching staff with bringing in veteran coach Dexter Holt as a new assistant.
Holt just completed his fifth season as an assistant men's basketball coach at Alabama A&M University and his 16th season overall as a full-time assistant coach with the Bulldogs. He has more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience with Alabama A&M - 11 seasons with women's basketball and 11 seasons with the men's team in some capacity.
"I am excited with the hiring of Dexter," said Freeman-Jackson. "I have been observing him as a coach for so many years when he was with the women's team over at Alabama A&M. He's a class act he had an opportunity once he left with the women's team to join us, but he decided to stay at AAMU and join the men's team as an assistant coach and that's where I got him from. Dexter had been with the men's team for about five years and I have been watching his professionalism, especially when he's on the road recruiting. He knows his job and I think he will fit right in the scheme of things of what we are doing as far as our quest to continue to win championships here at Alabama State."
Holt is no stranger to the SWAC as his bio reads. He began his career in 1993 on then-men's Head Coach Vann Pettaway's staff as a student assistant. Those teams won three consecutive regional championships and went to three consecutive NCAA Elite Eight appearances (1993-1996).
"One thing I know for sure is that Coach Holt is already accustomed to the SWAC and winning," Freeman-Jackson said. "With him coming from a sister school this will be an easy transition for him as well as for us."
In 2000, then-Alabama A&M women's Head Coach Press Parham sought the up-and-coming young coach to become part of his coaching staff as a full-time assistant. Holt went on to become the top assistant for Parham's final two seasons.
Holt was so dedicated to the university that, in 2002, under a new head coach that she decided to keep him on her staff as her top assistant. Their personalities fit well and the program flourished under their leadership as the team finished .500 or better six out of nine seasons, including several top five SWAC finishes.
During his coaching career with the women's team, Holt recruited and developed many All-SWAC performers as well as two SWAC Players of the Year. Some of those players were guards and they led the SWAC in scoring three consecutive years (2009, 2010, and 2011). Holt is well-respected throughout the Southeast as being a great recruiter. He recruited several state Players of the Year and several under-the-radar players who developed into All-SWAC performers.
"Between Coach Harris (Associate Head Coach of ASU women's team) and Dexter I know that we will be brining in some top notch guards," said Freeman-Jackson. "That's one thing that I am most impressed with about Dexter, when he was at AAMU they have always had great guards and I feel like in the next couple of years that we will have much better guards in place. He can really recruit some guards and I feel like he's a great hire for us."
Athletically, Holt was a standout outside shooter in his playing days at Lee High School in Huntsville, AL, under legendary Head Coach Jerry Dugan and at Snead State Community College where he played for Gid Riddle and Craig Roden. After leaving Snead, Holt decided to work on his dream of coaching so he came back to his hometown, received his degree in 1996 at AAMU and then joined the staff. Holt has always been a person who will go out of his way to help other programs at the university, such as football, volleyball etc.
Dexter and Tabatha, his wife of 17 years, are the proud parents of Diamond Samoan and Dexter Jr. "DJ".
"I am very excited about joining the Lady Hornets it's an easy transition for me coming from Alabama A&M," said Holt. "Of course everyone knows about the rivalry, but this is an awesome experience as well as opportunity for me as a coach and my family."
"I look forward to being part of Coach Freeman-Jackson's staff. I have admired her from a far for a while and I am excited to be working with her and the other members of the staff. She has been around the SWAC for some time and her winning mind-set is one of the reasons why I am here.
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
NORMAL, Alabama -- Alabama A&M Director of Athletics, Bryan Hicks, has announced the hiring of Margaret Richards as the Lady Bulldogs head women's basketball coach.
"We are excited to have Margaret Richards as our new Head Women's Basketball Coach. Margaret is a rising star in women's basketball," said Hicks. "Her leadership skills, and her enthusiastic approach to the game of women's basketball will serve our program well. She is recognized as an excellent, relentless and proven recruiter, and we are glad to have her leading our women's basketball program."
Richards comes to The Hill after one season at Clemson. Prior to that, she was head coach at St. Augustine College (2008-10); assistant coach at North Texas (2010-11); assistant coach at Weber State (2011-12); and assistant coach at Western Kentucky (2012-15).
"I would like to first thank God for this wonderful opportunity. I would also like to thank President Dr. Andrew Hugine and Athletic Director Bryan Hicks for selecting me to lead their women's basketball program," said Richards. "I'm truly looking forward to being a part of the Bulldog family and community. This is such an amazing honor and opportunity and I plan to put in the work, time and energy to enhance the program on the court and in the classroom."
While at Western Kentucky, Richards helped guide the Hilltoppers to two NCAA Tournament appearances, two Conference USA tournament titles and one conference regular-season title. WKU won 20-plus games all three seasons she was there, including a 30-5 record in 2014-15. At St. Augustine, the team won the CIAA Western Division title in 2010.
She was a four-year letter-winner at the University of Nebraska and ranked among the nation's top 25 scorers in her senior season. Richards received her degree in communication studies from Nebraska in 2003.
A native of Louisville, Ky., Richards was an all-state honoree at Louisville Central High School, averaging 35.5 points per game as a senior.
A press conference/meet and greet will be held Monday, June 6 at 11 am in the Clyde Foster Multi-Purpose Room in the school of business on the campus of Alabama A&M University. COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- College baseball teams kick off Regional play this weekend, but for Florida A&M, the season came to a close when they fell in the MEAC Tournament.
This year was no slouch for the Rattlers, as they boasted their best finish in regular season MEAC play ever, and because of their success, the future is looking even better.
"Athletics are the window a lot of people see a University through, and that window's looking pretty good right now," said head coach Jamey Shouppe.
That window to Moore-Kittles field hasn't looked better, as big success translates to big support, which means the Rattlers are getting some much needed updates. Those updates range from from special seating for boosters, to a locker room, and Shouppe has bigger ideas in the works.
"We're hoping to put a grandstand in, have a covered place that people can actually buy a season ticket," he said. "We're hoping to get a new scoreboard up. One thing we've said from day one is the money that's contributed to FAMU baseball is not my money, it's not the coaches money, but it's money that we'll use to upgrade these facilities."
NAPLES, Florida – Bethune-Cookman University swept both the Mary McLeod Bethune and Talmadge Layman Hill awards, announced at a special dinner ceremony during the annual Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) summer meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida. The sweep was the first time a single institution has swept at least a share of both awards since Hampton in 2004.
Bethune-Cookman won its third consecutive Talmadge Layman Hill Men’s Award, while the Wildcats shared the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s Award with Florida A&M. For B-CU, it was the first time the Maroon and Gold has ever won the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s Award in school history.
“What a tremendous moment for our program,” expressed Lynn. W. Thompson, B-CU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “These awards validate the shared vision and commitment of our university and the great work of every student-athlete, coach and administrator.”
The All-Sports Award are indicators of the overall strengths of the conference’s men’s and women’s athletic programs. Each institution was presented with a $20,000 check during a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Naples, Florida on Wednesday evening.
“I would like to congratulate Bethune-Cookman University including President Dr. Edison Jackson, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lynn Thompson, and the administrators, coaches, student-athletes and support staff for winning the 2016 Talmadge Layman Hill Award and sharing the Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award,” said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas.
“I also extend congratulations to Florida A&M University and President Dr. Elmira Mangum, Director of Athletics Milton Overton and all of the outstanding individuals including staff, coaches and student-athletes who were involved in the women’s programs sharing the Mary McLeod Bethune Award.”
Coaches present at the awards ceremony from Bethune-Cookman was head football coach Terry Sims, head women’s basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, and director of track & field Donald Cooper. B-CU Associate Athletic Directors Sandra Booker and Robert “Tony” O’Neal were also present, alongside Assistant Athletic Director Reginald Thomas and Faculty Athletics Representative Carla Lester.
Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M totaled 92.8 points to share top honors in the All-Sports tally. The Rattlers won conference titles in Cross Country and Outdoor Track and Field, while the Wildcats had top finishes in Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis and Softball.
North Carolina A&T State took third place with 86 points to edge out Hampton University with 85.5 who finished fourth and Maryland Eastern Shore took fifth with 77.5 points.
On the men’s side Bethune-Cookman continues to strengthen its programs, totaling 94.6 points for its third straight overall All-Sports trophy. The Wildcats earned a share of the football title and finished first in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field along with a second place finish in Golf.
North Carolina A&T State took second on the men’s side with 74.3 points to edge out Norfolk State who was third with 74 points. Hampton finished fourth (70) and North Carolina Central (62.3) rounded out the top five finishers.
Points are awarded in a descending order beginning with 14 points for champions or first place regular season finishes. The second place team receives 12 points. Tied teams split the point total.
“The Wildcats Nation should be proud of this history-making accomplishment,” continued Thompson. The Mary McLeod Bethune and Talmadge Layman Hill Awards
The Mary McLeod Bethune Award, named after the founder of Bethune-Cookman College, awards the top overall women’s athletic program during the course of one full academic year. The first Mary McLeod Bethune award was giving in 1987 to Delaware State University. Hampton leads all MEAC schools with 14 Women’s Awards. The men’s All-Sports Award is named after the late Talmadge Layman Hill, a former player and coach at Morgan State, and former Chairman of the MEAC Steering and Planning Committee, as well as the conference’s first President. Howard University was the recipient of the first Talmadge Layman Hill Award in 1972. South Carolina State holds the men’s record with 11 awards from 1973-84.
IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the names on the 2017 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, including 75 players and six coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 95 players and 29 coaches from the divisional ranks.
“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the ballot when you think that more than 5.12 million people have played college football,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First-Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of only 1,500 individuals who are even eligible to be on the ballot, so being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to ever have played the game, and we are proud to announce their names. We look forward to announcing the 2017 Hall of Fame Class on the Friday before the College Football Playoff National Championship in Tampa.”
The ballot was emailed this week to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Courts, which deliberate and select the class. The FBS Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, and the Divisional Honors Court, chaired by former Marshall head coach, longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel, include an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media.
“Having a ballot and a voice in the selection of the inductees is one of the most cherished NFF member benefits,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 Hall of Fame inductee from Mississippi. “There is no group more knowledgeable or passionate about college football than our membership, and the tradition of the ballot helps us engage them in the lofty responsibility of selecting those who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in our sport.”
The announcement of the 2017 Class will be made Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. The city is serving as the host for the CFP National Championship, which will be played Jan. 9 at Raymond James Stadium. Some of the inductees will be on site at the press conference to represent the class and share their thoughts on the announcement. The Jan. 6 announcement will be televised live, and specific viewing information will be available as the date draws near. Inductees will also participate in the pregame festivities and the coin toss on Jan. 9.
Coach Rudy Hubbard, who led Florida A&M to Division I-AA national championships in 1977 and 1978, was named to the ballot for the second straight year. When Hubbard is inducted in the Hall, he will join Rattlers legends -- Coach Jake Gaither (1975), Tyrone McGriff (1996), Willie Galimore (1999) and Coach Billy Joe (2007) in college football immortality.
It is strange that Black College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Bob Hayes is not on the short list for enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame. Hayes is one of the greatest athletes ever from Florida A&M and is the only man to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl.
A coach becomes eligible three full seasons after retirement or immediately following retirement provided he is at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible at 75 years of age. He must have been a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage.
Listed on the ballot are the following coaches and players that made their hall of fame mark on the gridiron at Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU):
Rudy Hubbard-Florida A&M (1974-85)-Captured back-to-back national championships, 1977 and 1978, including the inaugural NCAA Division I-AA National Title in 1978…Led A&M to back-to-back SIAC championships.
Joe Taylor-Howard (1983), Virginia Union (1984-91), Hampton (1992-07), Florida A&M (2008-12)-Winningest coach in Hampton history (74%), leading Pirates to four Black College National Championships…Led teams to 10 conference titles and 10 playoff appearances throughout career…Four-time MEAC Coach of the Year.
Dwight Reed-Lincoln (Mo.) (1949-71)-Teams won three conference titles…Coached 93 All-Americans in four sports…The football stadium at Lincoln University was named for him.
Vincent Brown, Mississippi Valley State-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-American, leading the NCAA in tackles in 1986 and 1987…Set NCAA All-Divisions record with 570 career tackles…Three-time All-SWAC selection who led MVSU in tackles his last three seasons.
Parnell Dickinson, Mississippi Valley State-Quarterback-1975 First Team All-American and Pittsburgh Courier National Player of the Year…Four-time All-SWAC selection and conference Player of the Year as a senior…Finished career as SWAC’s all-time leader in total offense (7,442 yards). Billy Thompson, Maryland Eastern Shore-Defensive Back-1968 First Team All-America selection…Four-year letterman, who was named team MVP as a senior…Three-time CIAA All-Conference selection…1984 UMES Hall of Fame inductee. William Dillon, Virginia Union-Free Safety-Three-time First Team All-America selection (1980-82)…Tallied 16 interceptions in 1983…1983 Black College Player of the Year…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection and Player of the Year (1981-82). About The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include FootballMatters.org, the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, The William V. Campbell Trophy presented by Fidelity Investments, annual scholarships of more than $1.3 million and a series of initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Herff Jones, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, PrimeSport, the Sports Business Journal and Under Armour. Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org.
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Sha'Nel Bruins has been named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete in women's tennis.
Bruins — a junior accounting major from Colfax, La., and a graduate of Grant High School — is among 107 from 53 schools in this sport to receive the NAIA honor this season. Bruins is the only representative from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference or Louisiana.
To qualify for Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, student-athletes are nominated by their institution, must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status.
Bruins is the fifth XU student-athlete of 2015-16 to be named NAIA Scholar-Athlete. The others were Brent Kitto — a double recipient in men's cross country and track and field — and Jodi Hill, Kayla Jones and Franziska Pirkl in women's volleyball. Sixteen student-athletes from eight XU sports have earned 30 NAIA Scholar-Athlete awards, all in the last 14 seasons. During the past two seasons, 10 from Xavier have received 17 of those awards.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- J.R.E. Lee was born in 1864 to John and Mary Lee in Sequin, Texas, prior to the end of the Civil War. John and Mary pinned their hopes on J.R.E getting a strong education. To that end he attended elementary school in Sequin and as a young adult became broadly educated. Lee was a brilliant student. At the age of 19 he entered Bishop College in Marshall, Texas as a second year student.
Two years later he was appointed Student Assistant to the Academic Faculty. In 1889 he became only the third person in the college’s 10-year history to receive an A.B. degree, graduating with high honors. Gaining valuable experience that would one day help him in his future role at FAMC, Lee taught for two years at a public school and thereafter was appointed Dean of Men and Professor of Latin and Mathematics at Bishop College.
In 1901 he accepted a teaching position at Tuskegee Institute and after serving two years he became the Professor of Mathematics at Benedict College. In 1805 he returned to Tuskegee and for the next ten years served as the Director of the Academic Department. From 1915 to 1921 he was principal of Lincoln High School in Kansas, City, Missouri. His final stop before coming to FAMC was as Extension Secretary of the National Urban League, a position he held from 1921 to 1924.
Lee was appointed to FAMC at the recommendation of Jackson T. Davis, Secretary of the General Education Board, a philanthropic organization established by John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Davis himself was a reputable individual who dedicated his life to the education and betterment of Africans in the African content and African Americans. He helped steer the Rockefeller Foundation and the Jeanes Foundation, both of which contributed millions toward educating blacks. He also helped to establish the United Negro College Fund.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University's marching band reached a milestone Wednesday. "The Marching 100" celebrated its 70th anniversary.
The band also recently welcomed a new director.
Dr. Shelby Chipman says he's "blessed" to lead this group, which has been a hallmark at the university now for seven decades.
"The Marching 100" was founded on June 1, 1946, under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster.
The band grew over the years, making a number of national and international performances, including Super Bowl appearances and the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Chipman says his time marching with the band as a student was special.
"Those were great times," he said, "and I never thought being here as a young pup, trying out for 'The Marching 100' in 1982 would lend itself to me being in the position I am." CONTINUE READING
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Only three months stand between now and the start of the college football season for the SWAC.
Jackson State will be the first conference team to strap up the pads when it hits the road to face UNLV on Sept. 1.
With football season getting closer and closer, The Clarion-Ledger has decided to take a look at the 10 most intriguing SWAC conference games coming up this fall.
1. Alcorn State at Grambling, Sept. 24: Defending SWAC champion Alcorn State lost coach Jay Hopson, and conference runner-up Grambling lost quarterback Johnathan Williams, who was the conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. Despite the losses, these two programs will likely be projected to be in the SWAC title game in December, so this game could serve as an early preview.
2. Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling, at Dallas, Oct. 1: In terms of offensive fireworks, the State Fair Classic provided plenty when the Tigers beat the Panthers 70-54 last season. It could be more of the same this season if Prairie View A&M, which went 8-2 last season, finds a replacement for standout running back Johnta' Hebert.
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Here’s the other side of Alabama State’s historic 28-0 SWAC championship run that led to a first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament – 10-15.
That’s how the Hornets fared in their remaining 25 games this season.
So Florida State could look at that latter number and take ASU (38-15) lightly Friday, but that might not be a wise move for the top-seeded Seminoles (37-20) in the Tallahassee Regional.
Last season, ASU had Florida State down by two runs heading into bottom of the seventh inning before surrendering three runs in an 8-7 loss in Tallahassee. That’s even more reason for the Seminoles to take the Hornets seriously, but ASU suffered lopsided losses at Auburn this season.
The Tigers outscored ASU, 22-2, in the two games. Power 5 programs are expected to beat schools from smaller conferences, but Auburn won just 22 games this season. If ASU couldn’t hang with one of the SEC’s worst teams, the chances of it knocking off one of the ACC’s best teams aren’t good.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- In 1872, William H. A. Howard was born in Columbus, Georgia. Howard graduated from the Georgia Industrial School (now Savannah State University) and taught there under the direction of Nathan B. Young. Recruited by President Young to teach at FAMC, Howard had a stellar 20-year career becoming Dean of Mechanical Arts and innovator of FAMC’s military training program. By all accounts Howard was a loyal friend to Nathan B. Young before being selected by the Board of Control to take over as acting president.
Synopsis
Though it appears that Howard was completely loyal to Young, rumors spread that he undermined Young before taking the job. Teachers resigned from their positions, and until advised otherwise by Young the alumni association pushed to have him return.
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Brent Kitto earned his second postseason academic honor in five days when he was announced Monday as a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete in men's track and field.
Kitto, a senior distance runner for the Gold Rush in 2016, is a repeat recipient of the award. A pharmacy major from Chalmette, La., and a graduate of Holy Cross School, Kitto is among 301 from 104 schools in men's track and field to receive the NAIA honor this season. Kitto is the only representative of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference or Louisiana.
To qualify for Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, student-athletes are nominated by their institution, must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status.
Kitto was announced Thursday as Academic All-District 2 by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He will learn June 21 if he made the Academic All-America® team.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Get in step with the FAMU Marching 100 during a screening of the marching band’s documentary “Point and Drive” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the FAMU Band Rehearsal Hall, 206 Foster-Tanner Music Building on campus. It will kick off with a splashy red carpet arrival at 6:30 p.m., and the screening will be followed by a discussion with producer-director Brandi Mitchell, FAMU alum. The doc focuses on the legendary William P. Foster, who ran the band during its glory days from 1946 to 1998. Tickets at the door are $25 general public, $15 college students and $10 for members of the Marching 100. For more, visit www.pointanddrivemovie.com.
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State head football coach Latrell Scott continued to enhance his incoming recruiting class with the addition of three more players, including a pair of Division I FBS transfers. Scott announced Tuesday the signing of three North Carolina natives: N.C. State transfer defensive tackle Deshaywn Middleton, East Carolina transfer defensive back Cody Purdie and high school athlete Johnathan Spencer.
Middleton (6-2, 305) will have three seasons of eligibility remaining at NSU after spending two seasons, including a redshirt year, at N.C. State. Middleton redshirted the 2014 season for the Wolfpack and did not see any game action in 2015.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C. and a product of Parkland High School, Middleton was rated a three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247 Sports coming out of high school. Scout, Rivals and ESPN all ranked him among the top 100 high school defensive tackles nationally in the class of 2014. Middleton was a first-team All-Piedmont Triad Conference selection and an All-Northwest honoree at Parkland. He registered six sacks and 30 tackles despite being limited to 4.5 games as a senior. Middleton recorded 45 tackles, 15 sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior.
"We expect Deshaywn to be able to make an immediate impact along our revamped defensive line," Scott said. "We feel he will fit well into the scheme we want to run and he has the talent to be a big difference maker for us in the MEAC."
Purdie (5-11, 190) will have two years of eligibility left after playing in four games each of the last two seasons at ECU. Purdie made one tackle in four games last season, and notched a pair of stops in four games as a true freshman in 2014.
A native of New Bern, N.C., Purdie was a standout defensive player and running back at New Bern High School. A two-star recruit according to 247 Sports, Purdie helped lead New Bern to the North Carolina state 4A title as a junior, logging 143 tackles, 20 for loss, and 10 sacks as a linebacker that season. He made his biggest contributions as a senior at the running back position, rushing for a team-high 1,317 yards and 11 touchdowns.
"Cody has good speed and is a physical defensive back. He'll get a look at corner and safety for us after playing both positions at ECU," Scott said. "He was a two-way starter on a state championship team in high school, which speaks to his athleticism."
Spencer (5-11, 180) was a standout defensive back, receiver and special teams player at Middle Creek High School in Apex, N.C. Spencer was a first-team All-Southwest Wake Athletic Conference performer at both defensive back and receiver. He was chosen as conference Offensive Player of the Year and was also chosen Co-Special Teams Player of the Year as a return specialist. Spencer led Middle Creek to a 14-1 record, the conference championship and an appearance in the state 4A semifinals. He had two touchdowns covering at least 90 yards in one game last fall, recording a 95-yard TD reception and a 100-yard interception return for a score in a game against Cary High School.
"Johnathan is a dynamic athlete," Scott said. "He has the ability to be a two-way player for us and has the potential to help us in the return game, as well."
Middleton, Purdie and Spencer join an incoming recruiting class
that now stands at 22 players as of Tuesday.
Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
CHRISDALE MCCARTHY 5-9" FRESHMAN
HOMETOWN: ST. CATHERINE JAMAICA
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPION - 100m HURDLES
BRADENTON, Florida -- Chrisdale McCarthy won the national title in the 100m hurdles, highlighting Lincoln's performance at the 2016 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The three-day meet, hosted by the University of Tampa and IMG Academy, was held from Thursday through Saturday (May 26-28). McCarthy captured the national title in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.49. Two other Blue Tigers turned in individual All-American performances, with Jhevere Hall taking third in the 800m (2:05.98) and Kimberly Bailey placing seventh in the 200m (24.01). Earlier this week, Diana Cauldwell also earned All-American honors in both the triple jump and the long jump.
The highlight of Saturday for the Lincoln men came in the 4x100m relay, as the foursome of Roberto Smith, Miguel Barton,Roger Blake and Stephen Rose took second with a time of 39.77. Sedeekie Edie also competed in the triple jump on Saturday, finishing 16th with a distance of 14.66m.
The Lincoln women finished with 25 points and came in 10th place overall out of 59 programs. The LU men scored eight points and tied for 29th out of 69 programs. A total of eight Blue Tigers earned first team All-American honors this week. Complete 2016 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship Results Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations LINCOLN UNIVERSITY BLUE TIGERS ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The 2016 SWAC Champion Alabama State baseball team will face Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional Friday at 5 p.m. CT.
The Hornets (38-15), the fourth-seed in the region, will face top-seeded Florida State (37-20) in one of two opening round games on Friday at Dick Howser Stadium/Mike Martin Field. #2-seed Southern Miss (40-18) will face #3-seed South Alabama (40-20) at 11 a.m. Friday in the double elimination tournament. Every Hornets game will be broadcast live on bamastatesports.com, with Friday's game also video streamed live on ESPN3.com.
This will be the second straight year the Hornets and Seminoles will play on the baseball diamond. FSU defeated Alabama State 8-7 on March 25 in Tallahassee.
"Going to a place that we are familiar with definitely gives us an advantage," said Alabama State head coach Mervyl Melendez, who makes his 12th NCAA Tournament appearance and sixth in the Tallahassee Regional. "We know the environment, as we played there last year. We played very well against Florida State. Traditionally, we have played very well against them, but we don't want to just play well. We want to win. South Alabama has a very good team. We're not familiar with Southern Miss, although we know they are a very good team. We're going down their thinking about ourselves, and the things we need to do to win."
Tickets for the 2016 NCAA Baseball Tallahassee Regional will go on sale to the public at 2 p.m. CT today at www.seminoles.com. Phone and walk-up orders begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning by calling 888-378-6653 or visiting the main Seminole Ticket Office located at Doak Campbell Stadium, University Center C.
Regional tournament passes are available for $55 for reserved seats and $40 for general admission seats. Individual game tickets will go on-sale beginning Friday, June 3. Individual game prices are $18 for reserved (if available) and $12 for adult general admission and $8 for youth general admission (ages 5-18). Children aged 4 and under are free with a paying adult.
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
