Alumni ready to fight for SSU to stay in Division I

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- When Willie Walker started the 300 Club last year, he had a vision of giving Savannah State University better locker rooms for its student-athletes and better offices for its coaches.

Now he’s committed to raising every dollar possible to keep Tiger athletics from taking a step down one level.

SSU baseball player Turner Davis told the Savannah Morning News on Wednesday that he and other student-athletes were informed by athletic director Sterling Steward about a possible move to NCAA Division II starting in 2019. The Tigers currently compete in Division I-AA (FCS) in football and Division I in all other sports. Steward declined a request for comment.

That news has reached the ears of SSU alumni like Walker, a 1981 graduate who is now an attorney in Jacksonville, Fla., and many are willing to stand up and prevent it from happening, Walker said.

“Everyone in the alumni community is dead-set against returning to Division II,” Walker said Friday.

Walker is the CEO of the 300 Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises money for Savannah State athletics.

“We’re making sure that the resources are there so that it doesn’t happen,” Walker said about the proposed plan for SSU to drop to Division II. “Our mission has been repurposed toward raising funds toward the erasing of the deficit so our student-athletes can have a good Division I experience.”

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QB battle continues into Saturday's S.C. State spring game

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- In some spring games, college football coaches just want to see returning starters run plays in sequence and get their timing and accuracy down.

In Saturday’s Garnet and Blue Spring Game at 2 p.m. on Willie E. Jeffries Field at South Carolina State University, head coach Buddy Pough and his staff will be looking to see quite a bit more.

A young defensive secondary is the only area that needs to show some signs of promise on the defensive side of the ball, as the linebacking corps and defensive line are the most established position groups on the team.

S.C. State returns 14 starters from last year’s squad, including All-American linebacker Darius Leonard and All-MEAC linebacker Dayshawn Taylor.

But the offense has several question marks and areas that need to show signs of improvement.

There will be a new starting quarterback and it just might be one of the three starting wide receivers from 2016, even though all three missed considerable playing time due to various injuries last season.

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Offense hopes to impress in South Carolina State spring game

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina – After averaging only 21 points and under 300 yards per game last season, South Carolina State needs its offense to improve this season if the Bulldogs are going to be serious contenders in the MEAC title race.

The Bulldogs tied for third place last year, but they finished three games behind champion North Carolina Central and their 5-6 overall record matched the worst in coach Buddy Pough’s first 15 seasons.

The offense should get better just by facing SCSU’s veteran defense on a daily basis. On Saturday, the offensive players hope to impress the coaching staff when the Bulldogs conclude spring practice with their annual Garnet and Blue game at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg.

“The offense shows potential and we are young in certain positions, which means we have to mature really quickly, especially on the offensive line,” Pough said.” We just have to continue to work hard to see who we think has a chance to help this team moving forward.”

Quarterback Caleb York transferred after his sophomore season, and either Mykal Moody, a converted wide receiver who excelled in his season finale start against Bethune-Cookman, or Dewann Ford could lead the unit.

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HLB standout Mart is 1st Gold Rush signee for 2017-18

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball announced Wednesday the signing of Rayshawn Mart of Houma, La., and H.L. Bourgeois High School to an athletic scholarship. He is the first Gold Rush signee for 2017-18.

Mart, a 6-foot-3 guard, averaged 17 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals for HLB this past season and helped the Braves reach the round of 16 in the LHSAA Class 5A state playoffs and finish 28-7. He was honorable-mention all-state, first-team All-District 7-5A and the league's defensive MVP.

"It's great to have Rayshawn in the Gold Rush family," XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. "He's a talented young man. In addition to his offensive skills, he has long arms and big hands and plays excellent defense."

As a junior in 2015-16, Mart averaged 12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals to help the Braves reach the 5A state quarterfinals and finish 24-9. He was a member of back-to-back state-championship teams in AAU competition with the L.T. Rockets.

Mart played strong safety for the Braves' football team in 2016. He intercepted four passes and scored on an interception and a fumble recovery.

"Xavier felt like home when I stepped on the campus," Mart said. "I felt welcomed there. I feel like I can be the best that I can be at Xavier."

Mart will be a pre-pharmacy major at XULA.

"Rayshawn worked just as hard in the classroom as he did on the court to get to this position," HLB coach Andrew Caillouet said. "He has a 3.5 GPA, and that got Xavier's attention."

XULA won five Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championships and qualified 10 times for the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship during the past 13 seasons. XULA's 31 seasons of 20-or-more victories are a Louisiana men's collegiate record.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XU Gold Rush acquire 2nd signee for 2017-18 season

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball acquired its second signee in as many days when Galen Smith Jr. of Bay St. Louis, Miss., and Bay High School signed an athletic scholarship Thursday.

Smith, a 6-foot-8, 212-pound forward, averaged 9.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this past season. He helped the Tigers win a district championship, reach the second round of the playoffs and finish 25-6.

"Galen is a versatile forward who can play multiple positions. His IQ, passing and work ethic are his biggest assets, " XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. "His upside is through the roof. He will have a great career at Xavier University."

Smith was a member of the National Honor Society at Bay High. He will be a pre-medical major at XULA, and he hopes to become a radiologist.

On Wednesday Rayshawn Mart, a 6-3 guard from Houma, La., and H.L. Bourgeois High School, became XULA's first signee for 2017-18.

XULA won five Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championships and qualified 10 times for the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship during the past 13 seasons. XULA's 31 seasons of 20-or-more victories are a Louisiana men's collegiate record.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Xavier Gold Nuggets announce first 2 signees of 2017

NEW ORLEANS — New Xavier University of Louisiana volleyball coach Pat Kendrick announced Wednesday her first two signees for the 2017-18 academic year: 5-foot-8 outside hitter Jaida Dowd of Aurora, Ill., and Metea Valley High School and 5-9 setter Eva Le Guillou of Velizy-Villacoublay, France, and Lycee Emmanuel Mounier. Both will be XULA freshmen in August.

"We're excited to have Eva and Jaida joining us in the fall," Kendrick said. "Eva is an experienced setter and has played at a very good club level in France. She is an athletic playmaker and will be a great addition to the Xavier program. Jaida brings a lot of skill and athleticism to the team. She is currently playing for one of the top volleyball clubs in the U.S. and will be a boost to the team's level of play."

Dowd hit .200 with 150 kills (2.08 per set), 22 blocks and 41 digs her senior year at Metea Valley and was honorable-mention all-conference. She helped the Mustangs win their first 13 matches and reach the regional finals of the state playoffs. Metea Valley in 2016 finished 25-10, the best record in school history, and won two regular-season tournaments.

Dowd this year won Metea Valley's Indian Prairie Scholar Award for reaching a 3.8 GPA or higher in each of her first seven semesters. In club volleyball with Sports Performance, she received the organization's 2016 C-Fed Award for hardest-working and most-improved player.

Dowd will major in sales and marketing at XULA, and Le Guillou will major in business administration.

XULA in 2016 won Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championship — each for the sixth consecutive year.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Jessica Kern Named TSU Head Women’s Basketball Coach

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State University Director of Athletics Teresa Phillips announced that Jessica Kern has been hired as the head women’s basketball coach. She becomes the 11th head coach in the program’s history.

A welcome reception to officially introduce Kern as the next head women's basketball coach will take place at a later date.

“Jessica Kern is a high-energy and enthusiastic young coach who has successful experience in coaching, recruiting and playing basketball at an elite level,” commented Phillips. “The more I learned about her, the more convinced I became that she was the right fit for our university. She is committed to excellence in the classroom and on the court. A coach's daughter, with the headiness and toughness to flourish in the Big Ten and as a professional athlete, Jessica is a proven leader, proven winner and proven recruiter that will help us be successful in the OVC. Perhaps most importantly, she understands the special nature of working at Tennessee State. I look forward to welcoming her to the TSU family.”

Kern most recently served as the head women’s basketball coach at Mississippi Valley State University. During her stint, MVSU was ranked in the Top 25 of most improved Division I women’s basketball programs. She also established the Kern’s Korner Community Outreach/Mentorship Program while formulating the largest recruiting class in school history.

"It is with great excitement that I join the Tennessee State University family,” said Kern. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to bring my experience and passion for coaching to Nashville. While winning should be noted as the standard goal, please know that my ultimate priority is to teach students, nurture young women and return the spirit of a champion to such a prestigious program. Moving forward the immediate goal of the Lady Tigers Women's Basketball Program is to cultivate athletes who execute diligently on the court, mold athletes who aspire to be pillars within the Nashville community and mentor athletes who understand that academic achievement extends beyond their tenure at Tennessee State. Thank you to President Glover, AD Teresa Phillips and the committee for their vote of confidence and for trusting someone who was once just a little girl from the city of Milwaukee who dared to dream."

Prior to taking over the program at MVSU, Kern was an assistant coach at Furman University following a four-year stretch as head coach at NCAA Division II Lincoln (Pa.) University.

In 2014-15, she was named Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Coach of the Year after leading her squad to a 22-9 mark and a share of the CIAA Northern Division title.

Taking over a Lincoln program in 2011 that had won just three games the previous season, Kern coached the Lady Lions to seven wins in her first season, 10 victories the following year, and to a 12-16 mark in 2013-14 before posting a 22-9 record in her final season.

The 22 wins was a school record and carried Lincoln to a CIAA Tournament championship game appearance. She also guided Lincoln to the program's first win over a Division I opponent, a 94-86 triumph over Morgan State.

Before accepting the head coaching position at Lincoln, she served as an assistant coach and media specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, immediately following a two-year period (2008-10) as an assistant coach/recruiting coordinator at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

A standout student-athlete as an undergrad, Kern was a four-year letterwinner at Penn State University, where she was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and team captain for the Track and Field team. After completing a stellar career at Penn State, she returned to the game of basketball and played professionally for the next seven years in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Romania and Poland.

During the off-seasons, she taught at various Milwaukee high schools and assisted girl’s basketball and track & field teams. In addition, she established several basketball camps for under-serviced neighborhoods.

In the summer of 2007, she was appointed head coach of the Arkansas Lady Ballers in the Women's Blue Chip Basketball League, a 20-team national semi-pro league. Her up-tempo style helped propel the Lady Ballers to a victory over the Canadian national team, regional championship and national title.

A three-sport athlete in high school, Kern enjoyed one of the most successful prep careers in Milwaukee City Conference history, earning a combined 11 letters in basketball, volleyball and track & field at Washington High School. In basketball, she played in four
state Final Fours and won a pair of state championships. She claimed 11 individual conference championships in track & field and was a three-time all-conference performer in volleyball.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisc., Kern graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Penn State in 2002. She has one son, Bobby Lee Collins, Jr.

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Marsh Wants AAMU Bulldog Faithful to Experience March Madness

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – During his stint as an assistant coach over the past 13 seasons, Alabama A&M men's basketball Head Coach Donnie Marsh got a good taste of the postseason.

In fact, it was nine helpings of postseason play.

Now, he wants to bring that winning recipe to The Hill.

Marsh said there is a tradition of winning at A&M and the program is "capable of special things."

"This fan base, the support network, Bulldog Nation all want a championship," he said. "The fans deserve a chance to cheer the team in March.

"I think that's the ultimate for college basketball fans and I think this is a place where you can do that."

He wants to make Elmore Gym a real home-court advantage for the Bulldogs and an unwelcome place for visiting teams by packing the building "not just for certain games … but for all games."

"If you win all your (SWAC) home games, that's eight wins," he said. "Then you win some on the road and you're right in the mix."

Marsh said the Dawg Pound student section can be a prime – and powerful - ingredient for the home-court advantage. "When (Texas Southern) played here, the players were distracted down at that end."

The Maroon & White faithful can expect to see a hard-nosed Bulldog team that will make the opposing teams take notice that they are in for a fight, Marsh said.

"Players play and tough players win … Alabama A&M will bring the fight."

PHOTO GALLERY

Marsh's career as an assistant coach includes stops at South Florida (2013-15), UAB (2006-12), Indiana (2004-06), Virginia Tech (1997-2000) and Florida State (1995-97). He was head coach at Florida International from 2000-04.

A 1979 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in history and education, Marsh earned All-American honors and helped the Diplomats to a 27-5 record and NCAA Division III Final Four.

The Atlanta Hawks chose Marsh with their third round pick (52nd overall) in the 1979 NBA Draft - one spot ahead of former Notre Dame center Bill Laimbeer, who was tabbed by the Detroit Pistons.

After a brief professional playing stint, Marsh spent six years as associate director of admissions, assistant basketball coach and head baseball coach at Franklin & Marshall. For one year, Marsh was president of Players in Action Inc., a firm that represents professional athletes.

Marsh made his head coaching debut at Division III Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, where he compiled a 12-13 ledger in 1988-89 before moving on to The College of New Jersey.

Marsh and his wife, LaRoyce, have a son, Tyler, and a daughter, Sydnee.

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

D-I Savannah State Athletics to move down to NCAA Division II

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State University has announced its intentions to move Tiger athletics from NCAA Division I to NCAA Division II in Fall 2019.

WJCL 22 News was the first to report the schools decision.

The Savannah State coaching staffs were notified of the move Tuesday and Athletic Director Sterling Steward Jr. broke the news to student-athletes Wednesday night.

The reason behind the move is due to a financial strain on the University. Coaches and student-athletes were told the move was approved by Savannah State President Dr. Cheryl Dozier and the schools Executive Staff.

Sources telling Sports Director Frank Sulkowski that unless a substantial influx of money comes into the SSU Athletic Department, the move will occur.

Savannah State currently holds membership in NCAA Division I and the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference.

The plan outlined to student-athletes calls for SSU to remain a member of the MEAC through the Fall of 2019.

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Texas State to host Texas Southern in 2018

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Texas State Bobcats will host the Texas Southern Tigers in 2018, FBSchedules.com has learned.

Texas State will host Texas Southern at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos on Sept. 8, 2018. The Tigers will receive a $300,000 guarantee for the game, according to a copy of the contract obtained from Texas State University via a public records request.

Texas Southern is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in the Football Championship Subdivision. In 2016, the Tigers finished 4-7 overall and 4-5 in SWAC play.

Texas State now has three non-conference games scheduled for the 2018 season. The Bobcats are scheduled to open the 2018 season at Rutgers on Sept. 1 and later travel to UTSA on Sept. 22.

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FAMU DB Jefferson shines on field, in classroom

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Terry Jefferson impacts Florida A&M’s football program in two ways.

The first way is obvious. He’s an outstanding defensive back for one of the best secondaries in the MEAC. The Rattlers picked off 14 passes last season, and Jefferson was one of three players on the team with four interceptions – he was the only one to do so in 10 games.

The other impact – it’s not obvious, but for FAMU, it’s just as important – is in the classroom. Jefferson, according to head coach Alex Wood, is a 4.0 student.

Now a redshirt sophomore on the field, Jefferson was named to the 2016 All-MEAC third team for his performance on the field. He earned a 2016 All-Academic nod for his prowess in the classroom.

More:Wood: FAMU football team nearly done with sanctions

As Florida A&M’s football program digs its way out of APR-related sanctions, players like Jefferson are at a premium. The Rattlers are set to post their highest four-year APR in years, according to Wood.

The step forward is thanks to players like Jefferson, a health and leisure fitness major.

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Howard graduate-transfer James Daniel III has named schools he is considering

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tennessee is in the hunt for a transfer guard that led all of college basketball in scoring during the 2015-16 season.

CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein on Saturday tweeted that Howard graduate-transfer James Daniel III has named the Vols, Michigan, Ohio State and DePaul as schools he's still considering.



Daniel, a 6-foot, 175-pound senior, is eligible immediately at his next stop after missing most of the 2016-17 season with an ankle injury.

Daniel led all Division I scorers in 2015-16, averaging 27.1 points per game. He also led all players in free throws made (280) and free throws attempted (311) while accounting for 38 percent of Howard's total scoring. He was the 2016-17 preseason player of the year and first-team All-MEAC selection.

In search of scoring guards, Tennessee has offered junior college guard Chris Darrington of Vincennes (Ind.) University and is recruiting Thomas Allen, a three-star shooting guard in the class of 2017 who recently decommitted from North Carolina State. Allen recently was offered by Kansas.

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Cartwright Scores Two TDs In A&T Blue & Gold Game

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Running back Tarik Cohen, one of the greatest players in North Carolina A&T football history, was never one to tote a lot of carries during a spring game. On Saturday, during the Aggies annual Blue & Gold Spring Game at Aggie Stadium, Cohen took zero carries and talked while he was standing on the sideline in street clothes because there will be no Tarik Cohen in the backfield in 2017 after the three-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Year saw his eligibility come to an end in 2016.

Cohen’s departure leaves many fans in Aggieland anxious to see how the Cohen-less Aggies backfield will fare in the fall. Rising junior Marquell Cartwright alleviated some anxiety on Saturday. Cartwright rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Cartwright also had two catches for 18 yards. Cartwright’s high school teammate at High Point Andrews, rising junior quarterback Lamar Raynard, completed 19 of 33 passes for 216 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The Aggies defense scored a defensive touchdown (6 points), had two turnovers (6 points), made four fourth-down stops (8 points) and forced eight three-and-outs (8 points) to beat the offense 28-18. The day included 15 offensive drives and 110 plays.

“We have some good pieces in place, and if we can get better in some areas, we’ll have a chance of have a pretty good football team,” said N.C. A&T coach Rod Broadway as he enters his seventh season in the fall. “Cartwright is a warrior. It’s hard to replace an All-American, but he is an all-conference type running back. He is going to be okay.”

Cartwright was the first to get the offense in the end zone. On the offense’s first drive, Cartwright carried a few of his teammates over the goal line for a 6-yard TD. It was set up by a long pass from Raynard to rising junior Malik Wilson on the first play of the game. Cartwright’s second score, a 5-yard TD, came on a 15-play, 70-yard drive on the offense’s seventh drive. The only touchdown pass of the day came on the 11th drive when Raynard threw a fade route to 2016 conference rookie of the year Elijah Bell. Bell led the Aggies in receptions with six catches for 56 yards. He was targeted 11 times.

“I thought there were four balls Elijah should have had today,” said Broadway. “He ended up making some catches after he got going, but he’s got to get going earlier. I told him, ‘The difference between him being a good receiver and a great receiver is making difficult catches.’”

Other standout receivers included first-team All-MEAC tight end Leroy Hill (5 rec., 45 yards), Malik Wilson (3 rec., 73 yards), Khris Gardin (3 rec., 47 yards) and Xavier Griffin (4 rec., 44 yards). Raynard’s backup on Saturday, Isaiah Hicklin was 8-for-14 for 103 yards and an INT.

On the defensive side, sophomore defensive end Darryl Johnson, Jr., led the way. Johnson had nine tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks (the play was blown dead once players were close enough to tackle the quarterback). Redshirt freshman defensive back Justin Philip posted 11 tackles and broke up a pass. Julius Reynolds (8 tackles), Kiaundric Richardson (7 tackles) and Jalon Bethea (6 tackles) also had good games. Turner Echols and Justin Cates had two sacks apiece.

The defense’s major highlight came from Timadre Abram who returned a Raynard pass 42 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the second drive. David Pulliam had the defense’s other interception on the eighth drive. From the defense’s 25-yard line, Hicklin dropped back, faked a screen to left and turned back right to throw only to have Pulliam step in front of the pass and return it 72 yards to the offense’s 3.

“We do not have our full complement of guys on defense, but I still feel like the guys we had out there could have been better,” said Broadway. “Our guys upfront did some good things, but it’s still not quite good enough. I do think you saw today that we’ve got some guys out there that can make plays.”

N.C. A&T opens the season on Sept. 2 at Gardner-Webb. The Aggies will be after their third straight postseason appearance and their third MEAC title in four years. They must do it like they did it on Saturday, without Mr. Cohen.

“There is so much work to be done between now and August 4th and from August 4th to the beginning of the sNeason,” said Broadway. “If they’re willing to put in the work, then we will have a chance to have a pretty good football team.”


NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

DSU Hornet defense takes advantage in scrimmage

DOVER, Delaware -- Delaware State’s defense took advantage of a short-handed offense to gain the upper hand in the Hornets’ Red-White football scrimmage at Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The situational offense vs. defense session marked the end of DSU’s 15-session spring camp.

On the first series of plays in the scrimmage, linebacker Malik Harris scooped up a fumble on a mishandled snap by the offense and scampered 25 yards to the end zone to set the tone for the defense.

The defense also recorded two interceptions, including one on a leaping one-handed grab by outside linebacker Kameron Rogers.

The Hornet offense scrimmaged without projected starters Mike Waters (RB) receivers Mason Rutherford and Fatu Sua-Godinet, along with tackle Joshua Fala.

Despite the missing players and lack of depth along the front line, the offense had some success in the scrimmage, particularly the connection between quarterback Keenan Black and tight end Isaiah Williams.

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2017 NFL Draft Profile: WR Chad Williams, Grambling State

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- NFL teams will look anywhere for talent, including what some used to call "lesser talent" in the FCS. That is not the case these days as we have seen several FCS stars make their way into the first day of the draft, headlined by Carson Wentz being selected No. 2 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in last year's draft.

This year's draft class is no different as many of the FCS' best are garnering recognition around the country, including Grambling State wide receiver Chad Williams.



Chad Williams - Wide Receiver - Grambling State
Height: 6’1

Weight: 204 lbs

Vertical Jump (Pro Day): 35.5 inches

Broad Jump (Pro Day): 10-foot-3

40 Yard Dash (Pro Day): 4.37 seconds

Bench Press (Pro Day): 21 reps


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Texas Southern's Derrick Griffin works out for Texans

HOUSTON, Texas -- Having recovered from a strained quadriceps that hampered him at his Pro Day workout, former Texas Southern football player auditioned for the Texans on Saturday.

Griffin played wide receiver at Texas Southern, but the former Rosenberg Terry standout worked out for the Texans at tight end during their local prospects day.

Griffin was 6-6, 240 pounds, down eight pounds from the Rice Pro Day when he couldn't run a 40-yard dash. Griffin met with Texans general manager Rick Smith and several coaches.

"I think I did pretty well," Griffin said. "I was at tight end for the first time. It was a good experience. I felt back to 100 percent. It was just a little strain. I didn't want to risk making it worse at the other workout.

"I bounced back. I felt good running my routes. I felt good at a different position. I'll play wherever they want me to play. I'll get in where I fit in."

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Howard Grad Transfer James Miller Talks Offers, Visits

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard grad transfer James "J.T." Miller has received five mid-major offers and interest from Georgia and Georgia Tech.

​"I've spoken with Missouri State a lot and UT Martin," said Miller, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard, told HERO Sports on Saturday. "I've also spoken to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Rutgers."



In addition to Missouri State and UT Martin, he also holds offers from Appalachian State, Nicholls and Milwaukee.

The North Carolina native averaged 11.2 points, 2.9 and 1.2 assists in three-plus seasons with the Bison -- he took a medical redshirt in 2015-16 after missing all but five games with a broken hand. He averaged 14.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals in 25 games last year and scored 30 points in back-to-back games against Georgetown and American.

"It's getting a different shot aCnd different level of competition on a different stage," Miller said of his decision to transfer.

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Trench is runner-up for Louisiana Freshman of the Year

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Maya Trench finished second in voting for Freshman of the Year on the 2016-17 All-Louisiana women's basketball team.

Although she did not make the team nor earn honorable mention, Trench — a 5-foot-2 point guard from Edgard, La., and a graduate of West St. John High School — had credentials good enough to garner 5-of-30 votes from a statewide media panel. Trench tied for second in the voting with Jasmine Thomas of Louisiana-Lafayette and Tykeria Williams of Nicholls State. Southeastern Louisiana's Charliee Dugas won the award with eight votes.

Trench became the first freshman to lead XULA in scoring, assists and steals. She averaged 6.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game, and her 1.97 assist/turnover ratio was second among all Louisiana players, regardless of classification, and No. 1 among freshmen. March 2 she became the first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference freshman, female or male, to be named to the league's All-Defensive team.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Associat
ion announced the All-Louisiana team late Friday.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Riley, Keith qualify for NAIA nationals in long jump

MOBILE, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana's Ry-Anne Riley and Ireyon Keith long-jumped their way Friday to the NAIA National Championships.

Both produced B-standard qualifying marks at the University of Mobile Invitational. Riley jumped 5.57 meters (18 feet, 3 1/4 inches) to finish fourth, and Keith jumped 5.51 meters (18-1) and placed fifth.

For Riley — a freshman from New Orleans and a former state champion at Lusher Charter School — it's the third event in which she qualified for nationals. She also did it as a member of the 400- and 1,600-meter relay teams. Keith, who also plays basketball for XULA, qualified for nationals for the first time.

The Gold Nuggets won two events — Riley in the 200 and the 1,600 relay team of Riley, Tramaine Shannon, Ariane Williams and Clarke Allen — and they finished second in four others. Their runners-up were Allen in the 200 and triple jump (10.58 meters/34-8 1/2), Brianna Pace in the 800 (2:25.13) and the 400 relay team of Martina Wright, Alexis Milton, Janelle Jones and Riley (season-best 47.70).

The NAIA's national meet will be May 25-27 at Gulf Shores, Ala.

The XULA men earned a pair of fourths: Khalil Gallien in the 110 hurdles (15.69) and the 1,600 relay squad of Elex Carter, Gallien, Aaron Grundy and Ammiel Williams (3:32.75). Carter, Seth Jackson and Chris Ward, all multi-year basketball lettermen, made their collegiate track debuts at this meet. Jackson long-jumped, and Ward ran the 200 and 400.

It was the final meet for the Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush before the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships April 22 at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans.

Here are all XULA results from the University of Mobile Invitational:

Women
100: Martina Wright, 5th in 12.47
200: Ry-Anne Riley, 1st; Clarke Allen, 2nd; Alexis Milton, 5th; Janelle Jones, 23rd; Martina Wright, 25th
400: Ariane Williams, 3rd in 57.13; Tramaine Shannon, 6th in 57.69; Chinyere Jones, 13th in 1:01.96
800: Brianna Pace, 2nd in 2:25.13; Maliya Vaughan, 3rd in 2:26.61; Carlie Calais, 8th in 2:38.26; Chinyere Jones, 11th in 2:41.45
1,500: Taylor Price, 4th in 5:10.58; Dionysia Love, 6th in 5:11.52; Carlie Calais, 11th in 5:40.18
400 Hurdles: Terri Cunningham, 8th in 1:12.66
400 Relay: Martina Wright, Alexis Milton, Janelle Jones and Ry-Anne Riley, 2nd in 47.70
1,600 Relay: Ry-Anne Riley, Tramaine Shannon, Ariane Williams and Clarke Allen, 1st in 4:01.64
High Jump: Terri Cunningham, 3rd in 1.50 meters (4 feet, 11 inches); Chinyere Jones, 6th in 1.45 meters (4 feet, 9 inches)
Javelin: Tamia Scott, 3rd in 34.42 meters (112 feet, 11 inches); Taylor Ducros, 4th in 33.16 meters (108 feet, 9 inches)
Long Jump: Ry-Anne Riley, 4th in 5.57 meters (18 feet, 3 1/4 inches); Ireyon Keith, 5th in 5.51 meters (18 feet, 1 inch); Dorian Hill, 16th in 4.19 meters (13 feet, 9 inches)
Shot Put: Acacia Brown, 17th in 7.75 meters (25 feet, 5 1/4 inches)
Triple Jump: Clarke Allen, 2nd in 10.58 meters (34 feet, 8 1/2 inches); Dorian Hill, 5th in 9.69 meters (31 feet, 9 1/2 inches)

Men
100: Treshunn Miliner, 16th in 11.21
200: Treshunn Miliner, 16th in 22.76; Elex Carter, 24th in 23.31; Chris Ward, 34th in 23.97
400: Elex Carter, 18th in 52.87; Aaron Grundy, 21st in 53.25; Chris Ward, 22nd in 54.56
800: Oji Wells, 9th in 2:04.12; Ammiel Williams, 10th in 2:04.94
1,500: Ammiel Williams, 15th in 4:46.47
110 Hurdles: Khalil Gallien, 4th in 15.69
1,600 Relay: Elex Carter, Khalil Gallien, Aaron Grundy and Ammiel Williams, 4th in 3:32.75
High Jump: Aaron Grundy, no height
Long Jump: Seth Jackson, 11th in 5.90 meters (19 feet, 4 1/4 inches)
Triple Jump: Keairez Coleman, no mark

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Making the Case for HBCUX on Comcast

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Comcast has pledged to launch two African-American owned and targeted networks in 2019, bringing to eight the number of multicultural services it will have supported as part of conditions the MSO agreed to in its 2011 acquisition of NBCUniversal.

Throwing its name into the mix for one of the two slots is Washington D.C.-based digital service HBCUX, which focuses on creating programming for and about the 105 historically black colleges and universities around the country. Led by veteran cable executive Curtis Symonds, the network launched as a digital video service in 2014.

Symonds and I spoke about HBCUX’s linear channel prospects, as well as the void TV HBCUX can fill for quality, entertaining, educational programming targeted to African-American audiences. An edited version of the interview appears below.

MCN: What do you think of your chances to secure one of the two channel slots Comcast is creating for African-American owned-and-operated networks?

Curtis Symonds: Well I’m hoping my chances are good, because the content I’m talking about is revolving around the HBCU community that has received a lot of attention just recently. For example, President Trump recently said that he has to spenCd more time in the HBCU circle, so the 105 presidents of historically black colleges and universities coming to see President Trump was a major milestone that had not happened in many years. Now, there was a lot of scuttlebutt about the breadth of the conversation they had, but at the end of the day it was it was more about looking at what we need to do to support HBCUs.

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What to watch for in JSU's Blue and White spring game

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State’s slate of spring football practices will conclude with the Blue and White Spring Game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

It’ll be the 15th practice of the spring for the Tigers, who are coming off a 3-8 season in which they finished in a tie for third in the SWAC East.

The organized scrimmage will give JSU fans a sneak preview of what to expect in the 2017 season, and give the Tigers a chance to show off the work they’ve put in this spring.

Here’s three things to watch for when the Tigers take the field.

Who will be hot?

The Tiger defense dominated in the first scrimmage two weeks ago, holding the offense out of the end zone for the first half.

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A&T offers glimpse of future at spring football game

GREENSBORO, North Carolina — A&T football coach Rod Broadway’s first full recruiting class was a good one.

A really, really good one.

And now those seniors — 16 of them including All-MEAC stars Tarik Cohen, Marquis Ragland, Wes Cole and brothers Angelo and Denzel Keyes — are gone after four consecutive winning seasons, a 35-12 record, two league titles, a victory in the first Celebration Bowl and an at-large berth in the FCS playoffs.

Talk about a tough act to follow.

A&T will offer a first glance at next season’s team at its free Blue & Gold Spring Game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Aggie Stadium.

It’s a traditional offense-vs.-defense scrimmage, but it will be closely monitored by the coaching staff. There is no script, no set number of plays to be run.

“We as coaches have to realize one size does not fit all,” Broadway said. “You have to customize your practice to what your players’ needs are. We can’t do a typical, routine practice because, ‘That’s just the way it’s done.’ That’s not how we’re going to get better.”

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S.C. State To Suspend Women's Tennis Program

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State Acting Athletics Director Doug Robertson announced Friday that the Lady Bulldog tennis program will be suspended for the 2017-18 academic year as a part of the department's ongoing efforts to control operational expenses.

"It was an extremely hard decision to suspend the women's tennis program, but at this time, our current financial situation requires tough decisions to be made," Robertson said. "At the moment, we are unable to fund the program in a manner that matches the championship caliber that the team deserves. We will provide the current members of the women's team with scholarships for next year to assist them in pursuing their academic goals, while we actively seek ways to return them to athletic competition."

The SC State women's tennis team has won 11 of the last 12 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships under head coach Hardeep Judge. Last season, the Lady Bulldogs finished 8-11 overall and 4-1 in MEAC play. They won the conference title and earned the MEAC's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

As a result of the decision, SC State Athletics has reduced its sports lineup to 13 teams. In order to maintain NCAA Division I status, Women's Golf will be added in 2017-18.

Revised SC State Sports Offerings

Men's Sports (6)
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Indoor Track
Outdoor Track
Tennis

Women's Sports (7)
Basketball
Cross Country
Indoor Track
Outdoor Track
Softball
Soccer
Volleyball

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Miles Golden Bears Release 2017 football schedule

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- The 2017 football schedule for Miles has some similarities to the last two seasons. The Golden Bears will, again, host a Classic game at the start of the season. There is a Division I school on the schedule. Homecoming will still take place in October.

But the differences will create some new opportunities for the Golden Bears as they attempt to regain their spot atop the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and, possibly, take their chances in the Division II postseason.

The 10-game slate begins with a three-game road swing that beings in Lorman, Miss.as the Golden Bears take on Alcorn State on Sept. 2. It will mark the first time the two teams will compete in football and the third consecutive year that Miles will face a Division I Football Championship Subdivision team. The next trip will be to Carrollton, Ga. to battle West Georgia. It will be the seventh consecutive season these two teams have played and 11th time overall. Defending SIAC champion Fort Valley State provides the final stop as the two most-recent conference titleists will meet on Sept. 16.

Miles will play its home opener on Sept. 23 when it hosts Morehouse in the Prince Hall Americanism Football Classic. The Golden Bears will then host Albany State on Sept. 30 before opening Western Division play on Oct. 7 at Central State..

Homecoming is set for Oct. 14 when Miles hosts Kentucky State - winners of the Western Division in 2
016 - followed by Lane on Oct. 21 and the final home game of the season in a Thursday night clash against Clark Atlanta on Oct. 26. The regular season ends with a trip to Tuskegee on Nov. 4.

Miles College2017 Football Schedule

MILES COLLEGE GOLDEN BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

Holmes, local churches net $225K for FAMU athletics

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Rev. R.B. Holmes wasn’t shocked or amazed he and a group of local and statewide pastors surpassed what they thought could raise for Florida A&M’s athletic department.

He was just thankful.

During this year’s Legacy Banquet on Thursday, Holmes, on behalf of the Legacy Committee, was able to present FAMU Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. with a check for $225,000 – more than double Holmes’ original fundraising goal of $100,000, which was set in 2015.

Coming into this year's Legacy Banquet, the Bethel Empowerment Foundation had already raised $64,356. This year's event generated the additional money, which was then presented in the form of a single, giant, check.

“I’m very thankful to the legacy committee, to the faith community, Bethel Baptist and Bethel AME,” Holmes said. “It was a united effort to make this happen.”

The entire amount is for the Rattlers’ athletic department, which is looking to repair Bragg Memorial Stadium before the start of the 2017 football season on Aug. 26.

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