Saturday, February 11, 2017

WSSU tweaks football schedule by adding Bowie State

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State has tweaked its football schedule and it will now include Bowie State, the CIAA Northern Division champion the last two seasons.

The Rams were scheduled to play Catawba at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sept. 9, but Catawba is scheduled to play at VMI, a Football Championship Subdivision school. WSSU released its football schedule two weeks ago and had a game against Catawba during the second week of the season.

Tonia Walker, the athletics director at WSSU, said it was an oversight on her part when the contract was signed in 2015.



“We signed for a home and home, but it was actually for 2016 and then for 2018,” Walker said.

Walker said finding another opponent wasn’t easy but getting Bowie State at such a late date will make for an exciting home game.

The game won’t count in the CIAA standings just like the Virginia Union game, which will be played the following week in Richmond, Va., and is a nonconference game.

CONTINUE READING

2016 North Carolina A&T Aggie Football Season Highlights


North Carolina A&T Aggies Release 2017 Football Schedule



GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T released their 2017 football schedule Friday with five home games and three in-state non-conference contests that represent three different NCAA competition levels.

Over the past three seasons the Aggies have gone 20-4 in the MEAC. Their two consecutive postseason appearances included a Celebration Bowl victory in 2015 and an NCAA FCS Playoff appearance in 2016, their first in 13 years. In addition, the Aggies were named the 2015 Black College Football National Champions. The Aggies are looking to have another outstanding season in 2017, so don’t miss out on the fun.

Priority purchasing begins Monday, April 17 and runs through, Friday, June 2. General public tickets go on sale Monday, June 5.

The Aggies open the year in Boiling Springs, N.C., to face fellow in-state Division I-FCS foe Gardner-Webb on Sept. 2. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams. A week later the Aggies will come to Aggie Stadium for their home opener, a 6 p.m., contest against Mars Hill, a Division II school out of the South Atlantic Conference. For the third straight season the Aggies will play a team from the Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision as N.C. A&T travels 90 miles down the road to face Charlotte University on Sept. 16. The Aggies earned their first-ever win over an FBS program when they defeated Kent State 39-36 in quadruple overtime.



The 49ers will begin a span of three straight road games for the Aggies as they usher in conference play on Sept. 23 in Baltimore against the Morgan State Bears. It will be the first meeting between the Aggies and the Bears in two years. A week later the Aggies will play at S.C. State where they will try to defeat the Bulldogs for the third straight season.

N.C. A&T’s return home will be for The Greatest Homecoming On Earth on Oct. 7. Delaware State will be the opponent as the Aggies go after their seventh straight homecoming win. The MEAC’s two Florida schools are next on the schedule as the Aggies go to Florida A&M on Oct. 14 before hosting Bethune-Cookman on Oct. 21. After a week off from competition, the Aggies head to Norfolk, Va., to face the Norfolk State Spartans on Nov. 4.

Two home games close out the regular season as Savannah State returns to Aggie Stadium for the first time in four years on Nov. 11. Arch-rival North Carolina Central is once again the regular-season finale as Nov. 18 will mark the 88th meeting between the longtime rivals.

Follow North Carolina A&T Athletics on Facebook (@ncatathletics), Instagram (@ncatathletics) and Twitter (@ncataggies) and follow Aggies football on Twitter (@football_ncat).



2017 NC A&T FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME (ET)
Sat, Sep 02 Gardner-Webb at Boiling Springs, N.C. TBA
Sat, Sep 09 Mars Hill Aggie Stadium 6:00 PM
Sat, Sep 16 Charlotte at Charlotte, N.C. TBA
Sat, Sep 23 Morgan State * at Baltimore, Md. TBA
Sat, Sep 30 S.C. State * at Orangeburg, S.C. TBA
Sat, Oct 07 Delaware State (Homecoming) * Aggie Stadium 1:00 PM
Sat, Oct 14 Florida A&M * at Tallahassee, Fla. TBA
Sat, Oct 21 Bethune-Cookman * Aggie Stadium 1:00 PM
Sat, Oct 28 OPEN
Sat, Nov 04 Norfolk State * at Norfolk, Va. TBA
Sat, Nov 11 Savannah State * Aggie Stadium 1:00 PM
Sat, Nov 18 N.C. Central * Aggie Stadium 1:00 PM
* Conference Games



NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Nuggets fall 7-0 at Southern Miss; Nicholls is next

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi — Xavier University of Louisiana dropped 8-of-9 matches Wednesday in a 7-0 women's tennis loss at Southern Miss.

The only match the Golden Eagles (2-2) did not win was at No. 3 doubles, where XULA's Sha'Nel Bruins and Dasia Harris led Elene Roca and Tjasa Jerse 5-4. That match was halted because Southern Miss clinched the doubles point at No. 2; Tzu-Hui Chen and Rikeetha Pereira defeated Charlene Goreau and Brandi Nelson 6-4.

Nelson, the reigning Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week, and Lacee Ancar won the most singles games for XULA. Nelson lost 6-3, 6-1 to Roca at No. 3, and Ancar lost 6-1, 6-3 to Claudia Castelle at No. 5.


Carolin Drescher clinched the dual with a 6-1, 6-1 victory against Goreau at No. 1.

Ancar was one of two freshmen in the XULA singles lineup. Yi Chen Pao lost 6-1, 6-1 to Chen at No. 6 in Pao's first collegiate match. Pao enrolled at XULA in January.

It was the second of three consecutive duals against NCAA Division I opponents for the Gold Nuggets (1-2), who are ranked 19th in the NAIA. Next for the XULA women and men will be Nicholls State at 2 p.m. Tuesday at XULA Tennis Center. The XULA men are ranked second nationally.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Game times moved up for doubleheader at Dillard


NEW ORLEANS — Starting times have been moved up for Xavier University of Louisiana's Feb. 18 basketball doubleheader at city and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rival Dillard.

The women's game will start at 2 p.m., and the men's game will start at 4:30 p.m. WNOL-TV will broadcast live the men's game.

The doubleheader is called the Bleu Devil Classic, and Allstate Sugar Bowl is a sponsor.

Before those games, however, the Gold Nuggets will play three times, and the Gold Rush will play twice. The XULA women will visit Mobile at 4 p.m. Saturday. XULA will play doubleheaders at SUNO Monday and at home against Stillman Wednesday. Tip-off times for those doubleheaders will be 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Tuskegee Golden Tigers release 2017 football schedule

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University athletic department released the 2017 football schedule that features a trio of home games and Classics, the renewal of a pair of rivalries and the first-ever meeting with another NCAA Division II program.

Tuskegee, who finished 9-3 and reached the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2016, will open the season against long-time rival Alabama State University in Montgomery at ASU Stadium on Labor Day Weekend. The game will take place on September 2 and kick off the 2017 season, in a series that Tuskegee leads 61-34-4.



The Golden Tigers will remain on the road the following week, playing the fourth annual Whitewater Classic against Albany State University at Garrett-Harrison Stadium in Phenix City (Ala.), a game in which the Golden Tigers will be the visiting team. Tuskegee has won all three of the Whitewater Classics played against Albany State in Phenix City, and leads the series 24-19-1, which includes five consecutive series wins. Following the Albany State contest, the Golden Tigers will face Clark Atlanta University (September 16) in their home opener. The Golden Tigers lead the series with Clark Atlanta 60-16-2, including winning the last eight contests.

Tuskegee will hit the road in weeks four and five, facing the University of Findlay (Ohio) for the first time on September 23 and then traveling to Jackson (Tenn.) to face Lane College in their Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) West Division opener September 30. The Golden Tigers and Lane have met 22 times, with Tuskegee winning each meeting including last season (38-7) in Tuskegee.

The Golden Tigers will play back-to-back Classic games in weeks six and seven, traveling to Columbus (Ga.) to face Morehouse College in the 82nd annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic held at A.J. McClung Stadium. Tuskegee will be the home team in the contest against Morehouse, and leads the series 71-28-7 after last season's defensive battle in which the Golden Tigers won 28-19. Following the contest against Morehouse, the Golden Tigers will travel to Mobile to face Jackson State University in the 5th Quarter Classic held at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The two teams have not met since 1993 when Jackson State - who leads the series 2-1 - won 24-12. The Golden Tigers will be the visitors against Jackson State, and will be seated on the non-pressbox side of the stadium.

The final three games of the season remain the same as they have in years past with the Golden Tigers traveling to Frankfort (Ky.) to face Kentucky State University October 21, before finishing the regular season off at home against Central State (October 28) and ending with Miles for Homecoming (November 4) in the regular season finale. The final three games on the schedule are all SIAC West Division games.

For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter/Snapchat/Instagram @MyTUAthletics and like us on Facebook.

Tuskegee University 2017 Football Schedule
Scheduled Games
SEP 2 (SAT) TBA AT ALABAMA STATE MONTGOMERY, AL
WHITEWATER CLASSIC
SEP 9 (SAT) 5:00 PM (EST) SIAC VS ALBANY STATE PHENIX CITY, AL
SEP 16 (SAT) 1:00 PM SIAC VS CLARK ATLANTA TUSKEGEE, AL
SEP 23 (SAT) TBA AT FINDLAY FINDLAY, OH
SEP 30 (SAT) 2:00 PM SIAC AT LANE JACKSON, TN
82ND ANNUAL TUSKEGEE-MOREHOUSE CLASSIC
OCT 7 (SAT) 7:00 PM (EST) SIAC VS MOREHOUSE COLUMBUS, GA
5TH QUARTER CLASSIC
OCT 14 (SAT) 6:00 PM VS JACKSON STATE MOBILE, AL
OCT 21 (SAT) TBA SIAC AT KENTUCKY STATE FRANKFORT, KY
OCT 28 (SAT) 1:00 PM SIAC VS CENTRAL STATE TUSKEGEE, AL
93RD ANNUAL HOMECOMING 
NOV 4 (SAT) 1:00 PM SIAC VS MILES TUSKEGEE, AL

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Former Rattlers QB Named Assistant Coach For Florida Gators

ASSISTANT COACH JA'JUAN SEIDER
RUNNING BACK COACH
FLORIDA GATORS
 
GAINESVILLE, Florida --Florida head coach Jim McElwain assigns new roles for two of his returning assistants and announces position assignments for three assistants hired last week.

Ja'Juan Seider also returns to his home state. Seider, a native of Belle Glade, played at West Virginia before transferring to FAMU his senior season. He returned to West Virginia to begin his coaching career in 2008-10 as a graduate assistant. He moved on to Marshall, where he served from 2010-12 as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator before returning to West Virginia as the running backs coach in 2013.

As a quarterback, Seider earned All-America honors and won the Doug Williams Award for National Offensive Player of the Year and the Jake Gaither Award (considered the Heisman Trophy of Historically Black Colleges) following a spectacular senior year at Florida A&M where he passed for 2,512 yards and 27 touchdowns, under legendary Hall of Fame Coach Billy Joe.  He was also named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and went on to be selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

COACHING EXPERIENCE
2017-Present Florida Assistant
2013-16 West Virginia Running Backs
2010-12 Marshall Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator
2008-10 West Virginia Graduate Assistant
2006-08 Lake Worth Quarterbacks
2003-05 Palm Beach Lakes Offensive Coordinator
2001-02 Glades Central Running Backs

COACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • In his second stint at WVU, Seider tutored Wendell Smallwood, who was the Big 12 rushing champion in 2015 with 1,519 yards. Smallwood was an All-Big 12 Second-Team selection and a fifth-round NFL Draft selection of the Philadelphia Eagles a year ago.
  • In 2014, he coached a WVU offense that ranked No. 9 nationally in passing offense, No. 11 in first down offense, No. 12 in total offense and No. 34 in scoring offense.
  • One year prior in 2013, Seider recruited current Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims, who transferred to WVU for his final collegiate season after he spent four years at Houston. During that season, Sims rushed for 1,095 yards on 208 carries (5.3 avg) and 11 touchdowns, while catching 45 passes for 401 yards and three touchdowns. He was named first team All-Big 12 while adding the honor of Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
    • Sims was WVU’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2009
  • Two of his top recruits at Marshall were quarterback Rakeem Cato, who was named the 2012 C-USA Player of the Year, and running back Kevin Grooms, who Seider recruited and coached
  • Three of his freshman backs at Marshall averaged more than five yards a carry in 2012 and the offense finished No. 6 nationally in total offense
  • In 2011, Marshall freshman running back Travon Van earned All-Conference USA honors, and Seider helped lead the Herd to the championship of the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl.
  • During his first tenure at WVU, Seider assisted in the development of three of the Mountaineer’s top quarterbacks, Pat White, Jarrett Brown and Geno Smith
    • In addition, he was part of the staff that posted an 18-8 record and played in the Meineke Car Care and Gator Bowls
 
PROMINENT PLAYERS COACHED
WEST VIRGINIA

  • RB WENDELL SMALLWOOD – WVU’s 2015 Offensive Player of the Year, 2015 All-Big 12 Second Team. Became the fourth player in program history to rush for 1,000 yards. Drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • RB CHARLES SIMS – 2013 First Team All-Big 12, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Drafted in the third round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • QB PAT WHITE – 2005 ESPN.com All-Big East, Freshman All-American; 2006 First Team All-Big East, Big East Offensive Player of the Year, WVU MVP, Gator Bowl MVP, Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist; 2007 First Team All-Big East, Big East Offensive Player of the Year, WVU MVP, Davey O'Brien Award Semifinalist, Walter Camp Award Semifinalist, Heisman Trophy Sixth Place, Hardman Award winner, ESPN All-Bowl Team, Archie Griffin Award, Fiesta Bowl MVP; 2008 Hardman Award winner, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist, WVU MVP, First Team All-Big East, Heisman Trophy Seventh Place, Meineke Car Care Bowl MVP, Senior Bowl MVP. Drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins.
  • QB GENO SMITH – 2010 Second Team All-Big; 2011 2011 First Team All-Big East, Orange Bowl MVP. Drafted in the second round by the New York Jets.
 
MARSHALL

  • QB RAKEEM CATO – 2012 Conference USA Player of the Year. Signed a two-year deal with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.
 
NFL PLAYERS (ROUND DRAFTED)
RB Wendell Smallwood (153rd) – West Virginia ’16 – Philadelphia Eagles
RB Charles Sims (69th) – West Virginia ’14 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB Pat White (44th) – West Virginia ’09 – Miami Dolphins
RB Steve Slaton (89th) – West Virginia ’08 – Houston Texas
FB Owen Schmitt (163rd) – West Virginia ‘08 – Seattle Seahawks


Bowl Games as a Coach
2016Russell Athletic
2015Cactus
2014Liberty
2011Beef O’Brady’s
2010Gator
2008Meineke  

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Birth date: April 16
Hometown: Belle Glade, Fla.
Education: 2000 – Bachelor’s Degree from West Virginia
                    2010 – Master’s Degree from West Virginia
Family: He and his wife, Brandi, have two daughters, Ava and Brenley, and one son, Jade


UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Hornets knock down late 3 to break tie, sting Rush

NEW ORLEANS — Tavin Cummings made a 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining Thursday to lift Concordia (Ala.) to a 69-66 men's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana.

The Hornets (14-9), ranked sixth in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, beat the Gold Rush (8-16) for the first time in five meetings. XULA won by 10 on a neutral floor last season.

Concordia trailed by 11 points in the seventh minute but trimmed the XULA lead to 33-31 by halftime. The Hornets led most of the second half.

DeAngelo Anthony scored 19 points, Cummings 17 and Dennis Miles 14 for Concordia, which is 7-5 this season against NAIA opponents. Christian Bryant had seven points, eight assists and eight steals, a Convocation Center men's record.

Mike Williams made 3-of-5 3-pointers and scored 16 points for XULA. Jalen David scored 14 points, and Donovan Armstrong had 11.

David's basket with 7:58 remaining gave XULA its final lead, 57-56. The Gold Rush tied the score at 66 on a Williams basket with 42 seconds remaining.

XULA shot 51 percent from the floor but made 7-of-16 free throws for a season-low 43.8 percent.

The loss was the fifth in six games for the Gold Rush and the third in a row at home. It was XULA's fourth loss this season by three or fewer points. Next for the Gold Rush will be a Monday game against city and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rival SUNO at 7:30 p.m. at The Castle.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Wood joins Dodgers as head trainer in Dominican League

NEW ORLEANS — The Los Angeles Dodgers have hired Xavier University of Louisiana's Allison Wood as head athletic trainer of the Dodgers' two teams in the Dominican Summer League.

Wood began Jan. 15 her duties in the Dominican Republic with the Dodgers' international winter specialized programs.

"Working in pro baseball has been my dream for 12 years," Wood said. "Baseball is very technical and individual. I love the nuances. I miss my staff and athletes at Xavier, but I'm grateful for this opportunity with the Los Angeles Dodgers."

Wood arrived at XULA in April 2014 as athletic trainer, and her primary coverage was with teams in women's volleyball, women's basketball and men's and women's tennis, plus the spirit groups.

XULA will announce soon a replacement for Wood. Mark Armour, who joined XULA as an athletic trainer in July 2015, remains on staff. XULA athletic trainer positions are part of the partnership between XULA Athletics and Ochsner Health System's sports medicine division.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Friday, February 10, 2017

State of the State: Hampton proving HBCUs can thrive in current era

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Even in a rebuilding year, Hampton remains dangerous.

The Pirates have 12 freshmen and sophomores on their roster this season, part of coach Edward Joyner Jr.’s strategy to let his players grow together on the court.

The strategy worked with Joyner’s last group, which reached the NCAA tournament in 2015 and 2016 as veteran-laden teams. This year’s group is already enjoying success, with a 7-3 mark in MEAC play.



In the process, Hampton is proving that it’s possible to sustain success as an HBCU in the current era.

For decades, historically black colleges were the only game in town. Radford coach Mike Jones, who attended Howard, said that’s not the case anymore.

“Everything changed with civil rights and integration,” he said. “A lot of players then scattered around to different programs around the country, and it sort of watered down the talent in the HBCUs.

“But I think there’s been a resurgence. Hampton has terrific players and has had a tremendous amount of success, and Norfolk State has had NCAA tournament success.”

CONTINUE READING

2017 Conference Baseball Previews: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Members: Northern Division: Coppin State, Delaware State, Maryland Eastern Shore, Norfolk State. Southern Division: Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Savannah State.

Team to Beat: Florida A&M. Jamey Shouppe has quickly turned FAMU around and made the Rattlers into an annual title contender as he enters his fourth season as head coach. Powered by an offense that ranked in the top 10 in the country in several statistics, the Rattlers went 31-21 and won the MEAC’s Southern Division last season. They will have to replace several key pieces from that team, including 2016 MEAC player of the year Dylan Dillard, but with senior third baseman Ben Elizey (.388/.467/.517), the MEAC batting champion, and junior first baseman Brian Davis (.370/.471/.566, 7 HR) returning, the Rattlers’ offense will again be formidable. FAMU has steadily built up its depth on the mound and enters the spring with an experienced pitching staff. Senior lefthander JoJo Durden (2-3, 5.06) and junior righthander Ryan Anderson (4-1, 6.04) return to the rotation. The Rattlers will get a boost from junior college transfers righthander/outfielder Aubrey McCarty and righthander Hunter Fillingim. McCarty began his college career at Vanderbilt and has been a switchpitcher in the past, but will focus on pitching righthanded and playing the outfield. FAMU’s improved pitching staff should give the team more balance and ease the burden on its new-look lineup.

Player of the Year: Brian Davis, 1b, Florida A&M. Davis returns to lead the Rattlers’ offense after ranking third in the league in batting and fourth in RBIs (44) last season. The junior has a good feel for hitting and can drive the ball to all fields.

CONTINUE READING

Thursday, February 9, 2017

SSU Announces 2017 Football Schedule & Season Ticket Pricing

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- - Savannah State University Athletics has released its 2017 football schedule as-well-as football season ticket information. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the SSU football early bird ticket specials before May 31, 2017.

Early bird ticket prices range from $55 to $225. Season tickets purchased after May 31, and will range from $65 to $250. To purchase tickets, visit SSUAthletics.com.

The Tigers schedule features 11 games; one Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent and four games at Theodore A. Wright Stadium.



In addition to their eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchups, SSU will have non-conference contests with Appalachian State, University of Montana and Charleston Southern University.

The Tigers will have a bye on September 2 and then play back-to-back road games at FBS foe Appalachian State (Sept. 9) and Montana (Sept. 16).

It will be the first ever game between SSU and Montana, who is a member of the Big Sky Conference.

The home opener and first conference game will come against Florida A&M University (Sept. 23) followed by a road contest at Bethune-Cookman University (Sept. 30).

SSU returns home to face Hampton University for their annual "Homecoming" celebration on Oct. 7.

The Tigers embark on a three-game road swing at Morgan State University (Oct. 14), Charleston Southern (Oct. 21) and Norfolk State University (Oct. 28) before returning home to face Delaware State University (Nov. 4).

Savannah State travels to North Carolina A&T University (Nov. 11) in their final road game of the season and will close out the regular season by hosting South Carolina State University (Nov. 18).

The Tigers defeated Bethune-Cookman, Norfolk State and Howard University during the 2016 season.

SSU welcomes Charleston Southern back on the schedule. The teams have not met since the 2009 season.

The Florida A&M game starts at 6 p.m., the Hampton game kickoffs at 2 p.m., while the Delaware State and South Carolina State games begin at 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively.

SSU 2017 Football Season Ticket Prices
Ticket Special Pricing (Until May 31, 2017)
Ultimate Fan Pass (+1 Guest) - $225
Ultimate Fan Pass (Individual) - $175
Siberian - $120
Malayan - $100

Tiger Pitt - $55

Ticket Special Pricing (Until May 31, 2017)
Ultimate Fan Pass (+1 Guest) - $250
Ultimate Fan Pass (Individual) - $200
Siberian - $130
Malayan - $115
Tiger Pitt - $65

To purchase tickets, click here.

Savannah State University
2017 Football Schedule
Scheduled Games
SEP 2 (SAT) / OPEN VS OPEN
SEP 9 (SAT) / AT APPALACHIAN STATE, BOONE, NC
SEP 16 (SAT) /AT UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA MISSOULA, MT
SEP 23 (SAT) / 6 P.M. MEAC VS FLORIDA A&M, SAVANNAH, GA.
SEP 30 (SAT) / MEAC AT BETHUNE­-COOKMAN , DAYTONA BEACH, FL
OCT 7 (SAT) / 2 P.M. MEAC VS HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SAVANNAH, GA.
OCT 14 (SAT) / TBA MEAC AT MORGAN STATE, BALTIMORE, MD
OCT 21 (SAT) / TBA AT CHARLESTON SOUTHERN,, CHARLESTON, SC
OCT 28 (SAT) / 2 P.M. MEAC AT NORFOLK STATE, NORFOLK, VA
NOV 4 (SAT) / 5 P.M. MEAC VS DELAWARE STATE, SAVANNAH, GA.
NOV 11 (SAT) / TBA MEAC AT NORTH CAROLINA A&T, GREENSBORO, NC
NOV 18 (SAT) / 1 P.M. VS SOUTH CAROLINA STATE, SAVANNAH, GA. 

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

HBCU Hall of Famers honored at Super Bowl

HOUSTON, Texas -- Before the Super Bowl kicked off, a special pre-game tribute for Pro football Hall of Famers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were acknowledged.

The piece began with a narration from the SWAC’s own Doug Williams, who played quarterback at Grambling State and later would be named Super Bowl XXII MVP for the Washington Redskins in his professional career.



With the Five Stairsteps classic song Ohh child (Things are gonna get easier) playing in the background, Williams opens his narration by stating, “There was a time when we judged football players by the color of their skin before the content of their character. With 28 enshrinees at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the pride of having played at a Historically Black College and University, some by choice, many by necessity. From these schools, they’re Super Bowl heroes, professional champions. “Deacon” [David “Deacon” Jones-Mississippi Valley State], “Bullet Bob” [“Bullet Bob” Hayes-Florida A&M], “Sweetness” [Walter Payton-Jackson State] and many more. The thunder of their hearts carried them to acclaim, the honor of their needs opened a nation to racial equality. As my coach Eddie Robinson said, ’This is America. We can be ANYTHING we want to be.’”

Among SWAC alumni players who were introduced were Williams, Jones (’80 HOF class), Buck Buchanan-Grambling State (’90 HOF Class), Payton (’93 HOF Class), Willie Davis-Grambling State (’81 HOF class), Willie Brown- Grambling State(’84 HOF Class), Ken Houston-Prairie View A&M (‘84 HOF Class), Mel Blount-Southern (’89 HOF class), Lem Barney-Jackson State (’92 HOF class), Charlie Joiner-Grambling State (’96 HOF class), Jackie Slater-Jackson State (’01 HOF class), John Stallworth-Alabama A&M (’02 HOF class), Jerry Rice-Mississippi Valley State (’10 HOF class), Aeneas Williams-Southern (’14 HOF class) and Michael Strahan-Texas Southern (’14 HOF class).

Here’s a link to the video which aired before the Super Bowl:  Superbowl 50 HBCU

SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Gold Nuggets' Nelson named GCAC Player of the Week


NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Brandi Nelson is the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week in women's tennis for Jan. 30-Feb. 5.

Nelson, a senior from Jonesboro, Ga., and a graduate of Faith Academy, defeated Leslie Bustamante of NCAA Division I South Alabama 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 on the road at No. 3 singles Saturday. It was XULA's only victory in the dual match.

The GCAC award is Nelson's first this season and the second of her career.

XULA will visit Southern Miss at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. That dual was rained out Tuesday.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Monday, February 6, 2017

FSU Football Releases Their 2017 Schedule

2017 FSU Football Schedule: HERE
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- The Fayetteville State University Department of Athletics has announced the 2017 football schedule. This year's schedule features six games on the road and four at home to include Homecoming on October 21st against divisional rival Saint Augustine's University at 2:00 p.m.

HOME SCHEDULE
September 9th (6:00 PM) vs. Wingate -- Military Appreciation

September 30th (1:00 PM) vs. Bowie State -- 1,000 BRONCOS Appreciation
October 7th (1:00 PM) vs. Shaw -- "Ball in Pink"
October 21st (2:00 PM) vs. Saint Augustine's -- HOMECOMING / Senior Day

AWAY SCHEDULE
September 2nd (TBA) at Chowan
September 16th (TBA) at Elizabeth City State
September 23rd (TBA) at Virginia Union
October 14th (TBA) at Johnson C. Smith
October 28th (TBA) at Livingstone
November 3rd (TBA) at Winston-Salem State

Last season, the Broncos finished second in the CIAA Southern Division at 4-6 overall and 4-3 in the CIAA.

FSU will kick off the 2017 season on the road versus Chowan University on Saturday, September 2nd in a non-conference contest in Murfreesboro, NC. In the following week (Sept. 9th), the Broncos will welcome supporters and the military community to Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium for the home opener against Wingate University out of the South Atlantic Conference. The first home game will also be "Military Appreciation Day".

Fayetteville State will return to the road for the next two contests. First, a non-conference matchup against Elizabeth City University on Sept. 16th, followed by their first CIAA contest of the season versus Virginia Union University on Sept. 23rd.

The Broncos will close out the month of September at home against two-time defending Northern Division champions Bowie State University. Fayetteville State will clash with the Bulldogs on September 30th at Jeralds Stadium at 1:00 p.m. This game will also feature "1,000 Broncos Appreciation".

The Broncos annual "Ball in Pink" game to bring further awareness about breast cancer and preventive measures will take place on October 7th against Shaw University. Game time in this divisional showdown with the Bears is slated for 1:00 p.m. in Jeralds Stadium; fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of the initiative.

As the quest for the Southern Division crown continues, Fayetteville State travels to Charlotte, NC to matchup against Johnson C. Smith University on October 14th.

The 2017 FSU Homecoming also marks Senior Day and the home finale, which is scheduled for October 21st at 2:00 p.m. against Saint Augustine's University.

Fayetteville State will be on the road for the last two games of the season. The Broncos travel to Salisbury, NC to face Livingstone College on October 28th. The regular season finale will be played in Winston-Salem, NC against the two-time defending CIAA champions Winston-Salem State University at Bowman Gray Stadium on November 3rd.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Lincoln signs 44 gridiron players on National Signing Day

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- National Signing Day has arrived! As the newest Blue Tigers sign and turn in their National Letters of Intent, this page will be updated with their information. Stay tuned all day to find out who will be suiting up for the Lincoln football team this fall!



Daveon Adams - FB, 5-10, 225 (Columbia, MO/Battle High)
Daveon Adams is from Battle High School in Columbia, MO where he, as a three-year starter, helped the Spartans to a State Championship and two semi-final appearances. He comes to Lincoln as a FB, but in high school he was a two-year starter at OG, and a one-year starter at LB. In his senior year he totaled 82 tackles, one sack, and three TFLs.

Kahleb Adams - DE, 6-4, 218 (Columbia, MO/Battle High)
Kahleb Adams is out of Battle High School in Columbia, MO where he was a three-year starter. Over those three seasons he helped Battle High School to a State Championship and two semi-final appearances. During his senior year he totaled 74 tackles, five sacks, and 16 TFLs. He also served as the team's kicker for three seasons.

Cody Alexander - DB, 5-11, 175 (Jefferson City, MO/Blair Oaks High)
Cody attended Blair Oaks High School and attained many accolades while there. He is a two-time All-State selection. He was named the Tri-County Conference Defensive MVP in 2016, helping his team to an 11-1 record and a state semi-final appearance.

Brian Baker - OL, 6-6, 290 (Miami, FL/Killian High)
Brian Baker is a senior out of Killian High School in Miami, FL. Brian made All-Dade County 2nd Team as a senior. Brian has an extensive basketball background and transitioned to football really well in two seasons. Brian continued to develop his senior season while starting all 10 games.

Eric Brice - WR, 6-2, 185 (St. Louis, MO/Cardinal Ritter High)
Eric Brice is a WR prospect out of Cardinal Ritter High School in St. Louis, MO. He served as a team captain his senior year while playing many positions for the Lions. During his senior year he had 92 yards receiving, 37 tackles, a 31-yard average as a kick returner, and a 60-yard INT return for a TD.

Jake Burnett - LB, 5-10, 225 (Jefferson City, MO/Helias High)
Jake Burnett is a local product out of Helias Catholic High School. He was voted team captain and earned Coaches and Media Class 4 All-State honors. During his senior campaign he totaled 166 tackles and 14 TFLs. He also set a school record for tackles in a game with 33 vs. Warrenton.

Zenon Cadet - OL, 6-3, 300 (Delray Beach, FL/Village Academy High)
Zenon Cadet is a native of Delray Beach, FL. Zenon was a three-year starter at Village Academy High School. Zeon anchored an offensive line that produced a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard passer.

Devin Coleman - QB, 6-2, 190 (Cordova, TN/Cordova High)
Devin Coleman is a senior out of Cordova High School in Cordova, TN. Devin was a team captain and starter for three years. Devin was selected to the All-State Team in Tennessee. Devin was also selected 1st Team All-Memphis and 1st Team All-Shelby Metro. He also was a team captain while at Cordova High school.

Drake Davidson - QB, 6-1, 198 (Moberly, MO/Moberly High)
Drake Davidson hails from Moberly, MO, where he threw for over 2,000 yards his junior and senior years, adding 21 touchdown passes his senior year. Drake was voted team captain, and earned All-Conference honors in his final season. He is also a member of the baseball team.

Calvin Davis - TE, 6-5, 235 (Moberly, MO/Moberly High)
Calvin Davis is a big 6-5 TE prospect out of Moberly, MO. As a senior he was voted team captain, scored seven touchdowns, and earned All-Conference honors. In the mold of Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham, Calvin is also a member of the Moberly Basketball team.

Brennen DeMarco - DB, 6-0, 180 (Columbia, MO/Battle High)
Brennen comes to Lincoln from Battle High School in Columbia, MO. His senior year he served as a safety, OLB, CB, RB and PR, racking up 121 tackles, 11 TFLs, two FF, two FR on defense, and an 8.1 yards per carry average on offense. He was selected 1st Team All-District. During his high school career he started on a State Championship team, and two other semi-final teams, totaling a 38-12 record over four years.

Hosea Franklin - RB, 5-7, 180 (Memphis, TN/Kirby High)
Hosea Franklin is a running back out of Kirby High School. Hosea is 5-7, 180 pounds. Hosea rushed for a district leading 1,525 yards and 23 touchdowns. Hosea was named 1st team All-Memphis, 1st Team Shelby Metro, and as a 2nd Team All-State Selection. Also, Hosea was a team captain while at Kirby High School.

Hunter Heyne - LB, 6-0, 220 (Kansas City, MO/Staley High)
Hunter Heyne is out of Staley High School. During his senior campaign he totaled 133 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss, while leading his team the Class 5 State semi-finals. For his efforts Hunter was named to the 1st team Coaches and AP Class 5 Missouri All-State Teams.

Tui Huston-Asaeli - DT, 6-1, 295 (Belton, MO/Belton High)
Tui Huston-Asaeli comes to Lincoln from Belton, MO. He was a four-year starter at Belton, earning All-Conference Honors each year. As a senior he was named Team Captain, and to the Coaches and AP Missouri Class 5 All-State Team. He is also a competitive Power Lifter.

Xavier Johnson - WR, 6-2, 170 (Columbia, MO/Battle High)
Xavier Johnson comes to Lincoln from Battle High School in Columbia, MO. Over his four years at Battle, three as a starter, the Spartans went 38-12 and won a State Championship. During his senior year he tallied 26 catches, 347 yards, 3 TDs, 13.3 ypc, and earned All-District honors.

Cardell Jones - DE, 6-2, 210 (Birmingham, AL/Carver High)
Cardell is a 6-2, 210 DE/OLB from Carver High School in Birmingham, AL. He is a three-star athlete who is ranked as the No. 4 OLB, as well as the No. 36 overall player in the state of Alabama.

Justin Korakakos - WR, 6-1, 180 (Miami, FL/Dr. Krop High)
Justin Korakakos is a senior out of Dr. Michael Krop High School in Miami, FL.  During Justin's senior campaign he led the entire state of Florida in return yards (punt and kick combined) and return touchdowns. Justin was selected to Miami Region 8A Team. Justin also was 1st team All-State as a returner and 2nd Team All-State at Safety. He won Player of the Week in Dade County week 1 vs ATM High School with two return TDs.

Michael Marion - DB, 5-9, 165 (Detroit, MI/Northwestern High)
Michael Marion hails from Northwestern High School in Detroit, MI where he was voted team captain. He led his team to the Detroit City Championship his senior year, scoring the game winning touchdown. Also, during his senior season he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, and scored 14 total touchdowns.

Jacob Marshall - LB, 5-11, 185 (Kearney, MO/Kearney High)
Jacob Marshall comes to Lincoln from Kearney High School, where he played on a state championship team and a state runner-up team. During his senior year on defense he racked up 104 tackles, two FF, a FR, four PBUs, and one safety. For his efforts he earned a spot on the Coaches All-State Team.

Travis Martin - RB, 6-1, 190 (Kansas City, MO/Lincoln College Preparatory)
Travis Martin is from Lincoln College Preparatory in Kansas City, MO. While there he earned HY-VEE 5 Star Athlete of the Week, and was named the Interscholastic League Offensive Player of the Year at the Simone Awards in Kansas City. During his senior year he ran for 1,545 yards, with a 9.8 yards per carry average, and 16 TDs.

Isaac Moreland - DB, 6-0, 195 (Jefferson City, MO/Jefferson City High)
Isaac Moreland is a local product out of Jefferson City High School, where he was a three-year starter. During his career he totaled 199 tackles, six INTs, and 11 BPUs. He was also voted as a team captain during his senior year.

Kian Pilot - RB, 5-9, 180 (Columbia, MO/Rock Bridge High)
Kian Pilot is a fast and elusive RB prospect from Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, MO. Kian was a four-year starter at Rock Bridge. During his senior year he was named team captain, earned all-area and all-district, and rushed for 302 yards in a single game.

Jordan Reyes - OL, 6-7, 315 (Miami, FL/Ellsworth Community College)
Jordan Reyes is a native of Miami, FL. While at Dr. Krop High School Jordan was an All-Miami and all-state selection. He originally committed to Division 1 Florida International University, but instead landed at Ellsworth Community College in Kansas. At Ellsworth he was a two-year starter and made the All-Jayhawk Conference team.

Cory Schlimme - DT, 6-3, 270 (St. Joseph, MO/Central High)
Cory Schlimme comes to Lincoln by way of Central High School in St. Joseph, MO. He earned all-conference and all-city honors as a senior. He was also voted team captain, tallied 23 TFLs, and scored two TD as a goal line TE during his senior campaign. Cory is also a member of the wrestling team.

Micah Scott - DT, 6-2, 292 (San Diego, CA/Mater Dei High)
Micah Scott is a native of San Diego California. Micah was a two year starter at Mater Dei High School. Micah led his defensive line in tackles and was team captain of a defense that allowed a Region 4-leading 17 points per game.

Will Sewell - LB, 5-11, 195 (Hannibal, MO/Hannibal High)
Will Sewell is an explosive LB from Hannibal, MO. He is a two-time all-conference and all-district selection. Will was a three-year starter. During his senior campaign he totaled 126 tackles, and was awarded "Pirate" of the Year by his teammates

Cyril Spells - OL, 6-1, 280 (Delray Beach, FL/Village Academy High)
Cyril Spells is a native of Delray Beach, FL. Cyril led his offensive line unit to consecutive 1,000 yard rushers while at Village Academy High School. Cyril was named to the Palm Beach County All-Area Team and also played and started in the Palm Beach All-Star game.

Zach Stiles - DB, 5-11, 180 (Jefferson City, MO/Helias High)
Zach Stiles is out of Jefferson City Missouri Helias Catholic High School. Zach set a school record with four interceptions in a game against Desmet, finishing the year with seven total interceptions. As a punt returner he averaged 16 yards per return. Zach a multi-sport athlete also earned all-state honors in baseball his junior year. He was named to the Class 4 Missouri AP All State Team in Football.

Davion Talbert - TE, 6-3, 215 (Oak Park, IL/Oak Park-River Forest High)
Davion Talbert comes to Lincoln by way of Oak Park-River Forest High School. During his senior year he helped his team to an appearance in the IHSA Class 8A State Playoffs. He was a part of an offense which averaged 33.1 points per game. As a TE, Davion was a key blocker in his team's effort to rush for over 2,000 yards, adding three TDs and 142 yards receiving himself.

Vontavious Thacker - LB, 5-11, 243 (Memphis, TN/Whitehaven High)
Vontavious Thacker is out of Whitehaven High School in Memphis, TN. Vontavious anchored his defense at Whitehaven and lead them to a Tennessee Class 6A State Championship. Vontavious was named to the Tennessee All-State Team, All-Memphis Team and All-Shelby Metro Team.

Justin Vance - OL, 6-5, 315 (Rhineland, MO/Hermann High)
Justin Vance is a big offensive line prospect from Hermann High School. He is the first person from Hermann High School to attend Lincoln. As a starter on the offensive line he helped the Bearcats to a 7-4 and 8-4 record in his junior and senior seasons.

The following 13 players have transferred to Lincoln University and will be continuing their football careers with the Blue Tigers this fall:
Keith Delaune - OL, 6-4, 315 (Poplarville, MS/Pearl River CC)
Keith hails from Poplarville High School in Poplarville, MS. During his senior year he help lead an offensive line which paved the way for 4,705 rushing yards and a 10-3 final record.

Edwin Durassaint - LB, 6-0, 215 (Miami, FL/ASA Miami)
Edwin Durassaint is a Carol City High Graduate. He was voted team captain twice. During his senior year he recorded nine sacks, 68 tackles, and a pair of fumble recoveries. He was a Dade vs. Broward All-Star participant. Edwin was a one-year starter at ASA Miami, recording six sacks, and helping his team to an 8-2 finish with the top defense in NJCAA.

LeDerriel Ester - TE, 6-3, 230 (Memphis, TN/ASA Miami)
LeDerriel Ester went to Whitehaven High School in Memphis, TN. He helped lead his high school team to the semi-finals while recording 10 receiving touchdowns his senior campaign. He was selected to play in the East vs West Tennessee All-Star Game.

Kimbo Ferguson - RB, 5-10, 195 (Miami, FL/Florida International University)
Kevin "Kimbo" Ferguson is a tailback out of South Florida. Kimbo led his high school team in rushing yards per carry and touchdowns. He was voted the most valuable player his senior year at Coral Springs High School. Kimbo was also voted team captain at ASA Miami, helping his team to an 8-2 final record.

Chavon Gross - DB, 5-11, 180 (Miami, FL/ASA Miami)
Chavon Gross is out of Miami, FL. Went to Alonzo and Tracy Mourning High School. While at ASA Miami Chavon started in a secondary which tabbed 11 interceptions and scored six touchdowns on defense.

John Krahn - OL, 7-0, 390 (Riverside, CA/Georgia Preparatory Academy)

John Krahn is a 7-0, 390 pound offensive lineman from King High school in Riverside, CA. He has been called by USA Today  as "likely the largest man in football". After high school he played one season at Georgia Preparatory Academy.

Henry Ogala - QB, 6-3, 200 (Franklin, N.J./Georgia Preparatory Academy)
Henry Ogala hails from Franklin, NJ. He led Georgia Prep Sports Academy to a Eastern Athletic Conference Championship, while totaling 20 total touchdowns.

Franklin Richardson - WR, 6-1, 185 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Coastal Carolina University)
Franklin Richardson went to Saint Thomas Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. While in high school he started on the 2012 state championship team. After high school he went on to play at Coastal Carolina University, helping the Chanticleers to two Big South Conference Championships.

Eugene Sainterling - QB, 6-4, 195 (Hollywood, FL/Pierce College)
Eugene Sainterling hails from Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, FL. While in high school he was an Honor Student all four years. He was named to the High School Top 50 Players and the No. 3 QB in Broward County. He also participated in the Broward vs. Dade All-Star game.

Artavius Taylor - LB, 6-0, 208 (Memphis, TN/Iowa Central Community College)
Artavius attended Fairley High School in Memphis, TN. During his senior year he recorded 70 total tackles, six sacks, and an interception. He was voted Commercial Appeal Best of Preps Linebacker. Artavius was all a 2016 Auto Zone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star participate.

Blake Tibbs - WR, 6-2, 180 (Lithonia, GA/Georgia Preparatory Academy)
Blake attended Martin Luther King, Jr. High School where he earned SuperPrep All-Dixie Team and 2011 Georgia Sports Writers Association All-State. Scout, Rivals, and ESPN all rated Blake as a three-star prospect out of high school, with Rivals rating him the  No. 21 player in Georgia. As a senior he caught 63 passes for 1,065 yards and 15 TDs. Following high school he attended the University of Georgia where he played a total of 15 games.

Antonio Watts - DT, 6-4, 315 (Pompano, FL/ASA Miami)
Antonio was a four-year letter winner at Pompano Beach High School, where he earned All-Region Defensive Tackle his senior year. At ASA he was named a Junior College All-American and ASA Miami Team Defensive Player of the Year.

Brenton Wrigley - LS, 6-1, 240 (Louisburg, KS/Fort Scott Community College)
Brenton Wrigley comes from Fort Scott CC, where he earned Academic All-American honors with a 3.69 G.P.A. He was a two-year starter at Long Snapper while at Fort Scott.


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

Jackson State releases tentative 2017 football schedule

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State University has released its tentative 2017 football schedule. The 2017 season features a season opening match-up in Fort Worth, Texas, a four game home slate for the Tigers and a seven game SWAC schedule. Instead of each SWAC team playing everyone in the league, teams will play the other four teams in their division and three teams from the other division

The Tigers will open the season against the TCU Horned Frogs on Sept. 2 in Fort Worth. JSU will continue its annual match-up against non-conference rival Tennessee State on Sept. 9 in the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis, Tennessee.

JSU will face the Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions on Sept. 23 in the home season opener. The Tigers will face Southern on Oct. 21 in the second home game before hosting Alabama State on Nov. 4 for homecoming. The Alcorn State Braves will round out the home schedule on Nov. 18.



JSU will travel to Prairie View, Texas to face the Prairie View A&M Panthers on Sept. 30 for the first SWAC road game of the season. The Tigers will tangle with the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in Itta Bena on Oct. 28 and will take on Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Alabama on Nov. 11.

JSU is set to add another road game against Grambling State, as well as another HBCU Classic game.

Tentative 2017 Jackson State University Football Schedule

Date / Opponent / Location
Sept. 2 / at TCU / Ft. Worth, TX
Sept. 9 / vs. Tennessee State / Memphis, TN / Southern Heritage Classic
Sept. 16 / Open
Sept. 23 / ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF / Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Sept. 30 / Prairie View A&M / Prairie View, TX
Oct. 7 / BYE WEEK
Oct. 14 / OPEN
Oct. 21 / SOUTHERN / Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Oct. 28 / Mississippi Valley State / Itta Bena, MS
Nov. 4 / ALABAMA STATE / Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium / Homecoming
Nov. 11 / Alabama A&M / Huntsville, AL
Nov. 18 / ALCORN STATE / Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Dec. 2 / SWAC Championship / Houston, TX

Home games in bold / Games, dates, times and locations subject to change.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

2017 HBCU Spirit Of America Bowl Highlights

CIAA Tournament Gears Up For Full Court Press Experience


CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) prepares a full court press experience for alumni, fans and supporters planning to attend its annual men's and women's basketball tournament hosted in two great Charlotte, N.C. venues from February 21 – 25.

This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the men's tournament and 43rd anniversary of the women's basketball tournament. Basketball action will commence at Bojangles Coliseum on Feb. 21 and 22 with early round game sessions. Quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship finals will be held on February 23 - 25 at Spectrum Center, formerly known as Time Warner Cable Arena.

All-session game tickets are on sale now and provide fans with access to both Bojangles Coliseum and Spectrum Center to experience 22 action-packed games, live performances by national recording artists, premium vendors, great food, contests, prizes and more. Tickets can be purchased at www.ciaatournament.org/tickets, and Ticketmaster.com. They can also be purchased on-site at both venues' box offices during tournament week.

"There is an experience for everyone who attends tournament week. We have free, fun-filled activities for families looking to spend time together; great basketball action for sports fans, community service programs attendees can volunteer for; and official events that range from concerts to our skate party and step shows," says CIAA Commissioner, Jacqie McWilliams. "Whether it's creating new initiatives furthering our commitment to engage and empower the community, or events that appeal to the various generations attracted to our tournament; we want to make sure we provide them with an experience that keeps them returning year-after-year."



Fans can still book their lodging through the CIAA's hotel housing program, which provides tournament attendees with the best available rates for more than25 hotel brands within and surrounding Uptown Charlotte. Hotel reservations can be made online at www.ciaatournament.org/hotels or via phone at (844) 293-6678 on Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The deadline to book your hotel room is Thursday, February 2 at 11:59 p.m.

The free Toyota Fan Fest Live returns on Thursday, February 23 - Saturday, February 25 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Hall A & B. The three-day event features concerts by national recording artists, celebrity meet-n-greets, and interactive games and contests hosted by top brands like Nationwide, Coke Zero, Toyota, and Food Lion.

After Thursday's quarterfinals, tournament attendees can check out two of the CIAA's official events: the CIAA Old School Skate Party featuring DJ Kool held at Kate's Skating Rink off Independence Blvd and the Legends Concert at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The John B. McLendon, Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame Breakfast will celebrate seven great inductees during this year's 2017 induction ceremony on Friday morning in the Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center. For a full list of inductees, including ESPN First Take's Stephen A. Smith, a Winston-Salem State University alumnus, click here.

The McDonald's Greek Step Show returns on Friday, February 24 followed by the High School Step Show Step-Off on Saturday, February 25, both at the Charlotte Convention Center in Hall C.

The highly anticipated McDonald's Super Saturday, which is free and features the CIAA cheerleading exhibition and battle of the bands, returns to the Spectrum Center on Saturday, and closing out the week will be the CIAA's Post Tournament Concert.

On Wednesday, February 22, the CIAA Supports program will host community-focused events such as its annual CIAA Education Day, which engages over 6,000 secondary students with seminars and speakers that promote staying in school and higher learning; as well as its 2nd annual 'Finding Your Path to the Student Athlete Experience' education session to educate future student-athletes about competing at the collegiate level. This event, in partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), will be held on Tuesday, February 21.

The annual Career Expo takes place on Thursday, February 23 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center. It will provide employers, recruitment officers, and graduate school recruiters the opportunity to meet recent graduates, graduation candidates, and current students from CIAA member schools and other universities in the Charlotte area, as well as residents of Charlotte and communities at-large who are seeking job opportunities.

The 3rd annual CIAA Shoes of Hope, in partnership with Samaritan's Feet and Coke Zero, will take place on Friday, February 24. Last year, up to 500 pairs of shoes and socks were provided to students at Billingsville Elementary School. The CIAA & Project Life Movement in partnership with Novant Health will enter its third year of conducting bone marrow drives throughout tournament week. Last year, over 2,000 swabs were completed with the help of 22 CIAA student-athlete volunteers.

New community engagement programs slated for 2017's tournament week includes the inaugural CIAA Diversity & Inclusion Reception: "Building Equity and Inclusion to Strengthen our Community", which kicks off the CIAA Empowerment Summit. The Summit will include: a Men's & Women's Empowerment Symposium that provides diversity and inclusion and empowerment training to student leaders from all 12 CIAA member institutions; as well as Empowerment for Entrepreneurs sessions to engage local entrepreneurs with training and pitch preparation, and conclude with a pitch presentation on the second day of training.

Sports fans can keep up with game action by downloading the official mobile app called, CIAA Front Row. With CIAA Front Row fans receive access to game recaps, score updates, breaking news, statistics, and alerts for all 16 CIAA championship sports. The mobile app is free and available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching CIAA Front Row.

Information about official events associated with the CIAA tournament can be found at www.ciaatournament.org. For details about the CIAA conference and its 15 championship sports, visit www.theciaa.com.

THE CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS