HAMPTON, Virginia — Hampton University track coach Maurice Pierce hadn't considered the possibility until someone brought it up. But it's true: Senior Trey Holloway became the Pirates' first male athlete to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in four consecutive years.
Holloway, who will be competing in the 110-meter hurdles, is proud of that. But he wants more.
"It wasn't my ultimate goal, but I'm proud to accomplish that by going all four years and making it to the national championships," Holloway said. "I've been taking the best opportunity I have with Coach P and making the best of my training. My main goal is to go ahead and get a national title for the school. The last one hasn't been since Francena (McCorory)."
McCorory won the 400 meters (indoor and outdoor) in 2010. HU's only other national champion was Yvette Lewis, now an assistant coach with the Pirates.
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Saturday, June 4, 2016
SAU's Ellis, Jr., Williams Win NCAA Division II National Track Athlete, Coach of the Year Honors
RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Standout sprinter Burkheart Ellis, Jr. (Sr./Raleigh, NC) of Saint Augustine's University was named NCAA Division II National Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year and legendary Head Coach George Williams of Saint Augustine's University was chosen NCAA Division II National Men's Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Thursday, June 2, 2016. Ellis led the Falcons to their fourth consecutive men's outdoor national crown this past weekend. He won the national title in the 200 dash, placed second in the 100 dash and was part of the national champion 4x100 relay squad. Ellis posted the seventh-best 200 time (20.46) and seventh-fastest 100 time (10.17) in Division II history at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Championships. During the regular season, Ellis ranked first in the 200 with a time of 20.36, which is third-fastest in Division II history.
This is the second national honor for Ellis in two days. On Wednesday, the Saint Augustine's University graduate won the High Point Scorer Award for scoring the most men's points at the outdoor championship meet (20.5). Last week, he was named Atlantic Region Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year.
Williams won his fourth straight USTFCCCA national coaching honor and fifth in seven years after guiding the Falcons to their 15th men's outdoor national title. Williams has captured 18 national coaching honors (men and women, indoor and outdoor combined) since the USTFCCCA first handed out the awards in 1994.
The Falcons scored all their points on the final day to rout co-runner-ups Tiffin University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville 85-36. Saint Augustine's University nearly won the women's team title as well, falling by one point 52-51 to national champion Pittsburg State University. In April, the Falcons claimed their 19th straight CIAA men's title by outscoring Virginia Union University 203-139.83.
Saint Augustine's University has won 38 NCAA national track and field titl
es under Williams. He has won the most NCAA track and field championships of any collegiate coach.
COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: Summation of Life & Leadership of FAMU's Presidents, Series Part 6 [1944-1949]:
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| DWIGHT FLOYD the EDITOR |
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- William H. Gray Jr. was born in 1911 to Reverend William H. and Mary Smith Gray. In 1933 he received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bluefield State College and in 1934 a Master’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He worked seven years as Professor of Education, Principal of the Demonstration Schools, and Field Director of Extension Services at Southern University. In 1942 he received a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Education and experience in hand, Gray was later appointed President of the Florida Normal and Industrial College, a private Baptist college in St. Augustine (now Florida Memorial).
It did not take the Board of Control long after J.R.E. Lee’s death to select Gray as FAMC’s next president. Beside impressing the Board during his interview, Gray received support from the prominent Doak S. Campbell, President of Florida State University and D. E. Williams, Supervisor of Negro Education. At 33 years of age there was concern over whether Gray would be mature enough to maintain the role. After a brief background check Gray was appointed at a salary of $4,600.00 a year. Gray was successful in expanding the fiscal boundaries of the college and laying ground for important physical plant expansion. He resigned amid a financial scandal that he was cleared of to take a position he considered to be a higher calling.
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VSU Renews Coach Blow's Contract Through 2021
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
Anita Howard Tabbed to Lead Columbus State Lady Cougars
COLUMBUS, Georgia – Columbus State University Director of Athletics Todd Reeser introduced 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
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 Hurricanes 2016 Schedule Preview: Florida A&M Rattlers
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.
CONTINUE READING
Alabama State Hornets Lose NCAA Tournament Opener To Florida State
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.
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.
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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