Air Force Reserve Celebration to kick off bowl season on ABC

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  – The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl will once again be televised live on ABC and open the bowl season. The postseason college football bowl game will kick off at noon ET/ 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, which showcases the heritage, legacy, pageantry and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), pits the conference champion from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) against the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Each conference has claimed a victory in the event's first two years, with MEAC Champion North Carolina A&T defeating Alcorn State in 2015 and SWAC Champion Grambling State beating North Carolina Central in 2016. Two bowl alumni were just selected in the 2017 NFL Draft: 2015 Offensive MVP Tarik Cohen (North Carolina A&T) and 2016 champion Chad Williams (Grambling State).



“We are thrilled to once again kickoff the college football bowl season with the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on ABC," said John Grant, Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl Executive Director. "This year's game will be the first bowl game to be played in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In our third year of featuring the champions from the MEAC and SWAC conferences, football fans have been exposed to two very competitive games that each went down to the wire. With the conference win records tied at one each this year's game will showcase to millions of fans and viewers another exciting championship game. Atlanta will play host to both the Celebration Bowl to open the season as well as the College Football Playoff Championship as the season finale.”

"We are pleased to know that the 2017 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl will be on ABC again," said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas. "The exposure on an international and national level is not only good for our conferences but is also good for the participating institutions. To start the 2017 bowl season is an excellent opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches and institutions as they're on a national platform that will enhance their brand and marketability. ESPN should be commended for providing this avenue of exposure for the MEAC and SWAC Champions."

“The Southwestern Athletic Conference is excited to continue its relationship with the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, ABC and the city of Atlanta,” SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said.



 “The best football fans in country will once again have the outstanding opportunity to watch the MEAC and SWAC champions kick off bowl season, playing in front of a nationally televised audience. The excitement of the game, the halftime battle of the bands and the opportunity to play in the new home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, makes for a fantastic bowl experience for our student-athletes and football fans everywhere.”

Tickets for the game, a full ancillary event schedule and discounted rates at downtown Atlanta hotels will be available this summer. To stay up to date on Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl announcements, sign up for updates on www.TheCelebrationBowl.com, and follow the event on Facebook and Twitter.`\

SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Xavier Athletics has largest post-Katrina graduation class

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's largest post-Hurricane Katrina graduating class of current and former student-athletes — 29 in all — received degrees Saturday at the 2017 commencement at XULA's Convocation Center.

It was Xavier's 90th annual commencement. The total number of athletic-related degrees was 35.
    
"At Xavier University, our primary mission is for our student-athletes to make the most of their time here — both in the classroom and with their teams — and then to graduate and excel in the next chapters of their lives," Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Hornsaid. "Congratulations to all Xavier graduates, especially our student-athletes. We are extremely proud of you."
     
Student-athletes graduating (with high schools in parentheses) were:

     •  Devin Emile Andrew, Harvey, La. (Vandebilt Catholic), men's basketball, master of arts.
     •  Eliqua Dianna Brooks, Upper Marlboro, Md. (Wise), women's basketball, bachelor of arts.
     •  Bianca Patricia Brown, Springdale, Md. (Charles H. Flowers), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Sha'Nel Eleeza Bruins, Colfax, La. (Grant), women's tennis, bachelor of science . . . cum laude, honors in theology, honors in business.
     •  Jasmine Perneicius Bush, Meridian, Miss. (Southeast Lauderdale), women's basketball, bachelor of arts.
     •  Manav Chakma, Agartala, India (Kendriya Vidyalaya Maligaon), men's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Kevin Chaouat, Sarcelles, France (home-schooled), men's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Terri Cinclair Cunningham, Nashville, Tenn. (Martin Luther King Magnet), women's track and field, bachelor of science . . . cum laude.
     •  Roland Warren (RJ) Daniels, New Orleans, La. (St. Augustine), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Clarke Caran Evans, Baton Rouge, La. (Redemptorist), women's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Keenan Cornel Gay, New Orleans, La. (Sam Houston), men's basketball, doctor of pharmacy.
     •  Darian Janae Harris, Gretna, La. (McGehee), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Claudia Ann Haywood, Memphis, Tenn. (Cordova), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Kayla Jeree' Jones, Kansas City, Kan. (Piper), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Kelsey Amanda Joseph, LaPlace, La. (Riverside Academy), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Brent Anthony Kitto (Holy Cross), men's cross country/track and field, doctor of pharmacy . . . magna cum laude.
     •  Donyeah Danielle Mayfield, Vicksburg, Miss. (Vicksburg), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Katelyn Terrell McMorris, Baton Rouge, La. (Christian Life Academy), women's track and field, bachelor of arts.
     •  Kaylee Alexis Moore, Erwinville, La. (Catholic of Pointe Coupee), women's track and field, bachelor of science . . . summa cum laude, honors in biology, honors in chemistry.
     •  Brandi Ashley Nelson, Jonesboro, Ga. (Faith Academy), women's tennis, bachelor of science.
     •  Wesley Joshua Pluviose-Philip, Albany, N.Y. (Albany), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Taylor Lindley Reuther, Metairie, La. (Dominican), women's volleyball, doctor of pharmacy . . . cum laude.
     •  Devinn Kristen Rolland, Harvey, La. (Cabrini), women's track and field, doctor of pharmacy . . . magna cum laude.
     •  Karan Salwan, New Delhi, India (Modern School), men's tennis, bachelor of science . . . cum laude, honors in business.
     •  Kelsee Lenee' Singleton, New Orleans, La. (Karr), women's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Ralitsa Asenova Slanchev, Razlog, Bulgaria (Kanazirevi), women's volleyball, bachelor of science.
     •  Gary Edward Smith, Sugar Land, Texas (The Village School), men's basketball, bachelor of science.
     •  Riley Cleveland Smith, Sacramento, Calif. (Rio Linda), men's basketball, bachelor of science . . . honors in English.
     •  Jana van der Walt, Houston, Texas (de Aar), women's tennis, bachelor of science.
     
Also graduating were:

     •  Sierra Nichol' Blanchard-Hodge, cheerleader student coach, bachelor of arts . . . Mother M. Agatha Ryan Award for appreciation for the spirit and standards of XULA through reverence, personal integrity, loyalty, service and scholarship; university service key award.
     •  William Thomas Green, women's basketball student manager, bachelor of science.
     •  Gia Genae Jennings, track and field/cross country manager, bachelor of science.
     •  Alethia I. Love, spirit group (Golden Girls pom squad), bachelor of science.
     •  Ashlyn Janae Pinkins, spirit group (cheerleader), bachelor of science.
     •  Amanda Tillie Ware, women's volleyball student manager, bachelor of science . . . summa cum laude, honors in communication studies, honors in theology, honors in business, university service key award.
     
XULA is one of 47 colleges listed as a "Best Buy School" in the 2017 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges. XULA's intercollegiate teams compete in the NAIA and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
     
NOTES:  Andrew is an XULA men's basketball assistant coach . . . Chaouat is a XULA tennis student assistant . . . Bruins, Nelson and Salwan will compete for XULA next week in the NAIA National Tennis Championships at Mobile, Ala.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Vernon Dean named Defensive Backs Coach at VSU

ETTRICK, Virginia -- Virginia State University head football coach Reggie Barlow has announced that Vernon Dean will take over as the Trojans defensive backs coach for the upcoming 2017 season.

"Making Vernon our defensive backs coach was a good move for our football program," Coach Barlow said. "Vernon is very intelligent and a plus to our program. He brings a lot of knowledge and savvy to our program. It is honor to have coach apart of the Trojan family and I am looking forward to great things out of defensive backs this year."

Dean brings 17 years of experience to the Trojans coaching staff as he has coached on the high school, collegiate and professional level.

He joined the NFL coaching ranks in 2003 after spending 10 seasons coaching on the collegiate and high school level. He assisted Peter Giunta in tutoring the Kansas City Chiefs secondary in 2003 prior to taking over the reigns as cornerbacks coach the next two seasons. The addition of Dean to the Chiefs coaching staff in 2003 coincided with Safety Jerome Woods earning his initial Pro Bowl berth. That season Kansas City ranked third in the NFL with 25 interceptions due in large part to the play of the Chiefs defensive backs.

Dean brings a wealth of hands-on expertise after serving seven seasons as an NFL cornerback with Washington ('82-87) and Seattle ('88). Originally a second-round draft choice (49th overall) of the Redskins in '82, Dean played in 101 regular season games (59 starts), registering 22 interceptions for 274 yards with two touchdowns, as well as seven fumble recoveries, including one for a TD. He also saw duty in 15 career postseason contests, producing four INTs in those games.

Raised in Los Angeles, California, Dean made three Super Bowl appearances with Washington and was a part of Joe Gibbs' squads that claimed victories in Super Bowls XVII and XXII. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by Football Digest in '82 and also earned first-team NFL All-Rookie honors from the Pro Football Writers Association and second-team All-NFC accolades from UPI that same season.

Dean gained his initial NFL coaching experience serving an NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship with the Baltimore Ravens during their 2001 training camp, working under the direction of linebackers coach Jack Del Rio (former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars) and defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis (now head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals). He was scheduled to serve a fellowship with the Arizona Cardinals in training camp in 2002, before accepting a post as the defensive backs coach at Western Illinois.

Prior to his stint with the Leathernecks, Dean coached the secondary at Western Oregon in 2000-01. From '97-99 he served as the defensive backs coach at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, California after spending several years working in both finance and real estate.

He began his coaching career at Georgetown University where he tutored defensive backs for the Hoyas in '90 before serving as the club's defensive coordinator in '92 and '93. An All-Western Athletic Conference selection and honorable mention All-America pick as a senior at San Diego State, Dean led the league with six interceptions that season. His coaching career also includes a stint at Fort Valley State (2008) where he coached the secondary.

Dean holds a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University.

A native of Houston, Texas, Dean is the proud parent of two sons, Joshua (34) and Jaylon (18).

For more information on VSU football, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern baseball coach Roger Cador walks back from statements about retiring after next season

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Longtime Southern baseball coach Roger Cador walked back from statements Wednesday that he was planning to retire at the end of next season given the opportunity.

Originally, Cador said, if Athletic Director Roman Banks allowed him to return next season, he would, but that it would be his final with the University. He later clarified to say he was only considering retirement after next season, and that he had not settled on nor discussed any specifics with Banks at that time.

In his original statement Cador said, “I’m only going to be here one more year at most. Then I’ll be going down the road to greener pastures.”

Banks declined to comment on any developments in Cador’s future until after the season when the two can sit down and have a full discussion on the topic, but emphasized that no decision had been made at the time and that he has not yet spoken with Cador about any specifics regarding next year being his last.

As of now, Banks said, the most important concern is getting the team ready for Sunday’s game against Texas Southern that will decide if Southern makes the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.

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Southern basketball hires assistant coach Chrys Cornelius to complete coaching staff; signs three transfers for next season

SU HEAD COACH MORRIS SCOTT

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern men’s basketball program is beginning to take shape under new coach Morris Scott.

Scott announced the hiring of assistant coach Chrys Cornelius on Wednesday, completing Scott’s first coaching staff for the 2017-18 season.

Assistant coaches Pedro Cipriano and Jethro Hillman, who were hired during the Roman Banks era, are expected to remain on staff under Scott.

Fortunately, Cornelius won’t have much adjusting to do when he joins Scott’s staff, having worked together at Florida A&M, where Scott was a graduate assistant when Cornelius was an assistant coach.

“He’s a guy that taught me a lot about the coaching business and the do’s and don’t’s of being in the college coaching profession,” Scott said. “He’s an older veteran and a guy I’m comfortable with, a guy that I know knows me. I felt like it was a good move to bring him on and be a part of our staff.”

Cornelius comes to Southern after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant at Bethune- Cookman.

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Bowie State TE Khari Lee Is looking To Make His Mark In The NFL

DETROIT, Michigan -- Khari Lee wracked up a lot of accolades for Bowie State during his time there. He was a two-sport star in high school. He earned Team MVP awards in both football and basketball for two straight seasons at Western Tech in Baltimore. His basketball background shows in his fluid movement. Lee was first team All-CIAA from 2012-2014, and a D2Football.com All-American in 2014.

He led the Bulldogs in 2014 and received their offensive MVP award. He participated in the 2014 Medal of Honor Bowl, which earned him an invite to the East-West Shrine game. His performance definitely drew the attention of scouts, as 24 teams sent representatives to the Bowie State pro day. Unfortunately for Lee, while he is a fluid athlete, he is not an explosive athlete. He put up 40 yard dash times over 5s and pedestrian scores all around at his pro day. Lee went undrafted despite visiting with ten teams.

Khari Lee’s Pro Journey
Lee was signed with the Houston Texans but did no make a mark during the preseason. He had only five receptions for 71 yards. The Texans received a great return on their investment, however. They traded their soon to be cut player for a sixth-round pick in 2017 to the Chicago Bears. Lee dressed for 16 games in Chicago but finished the season with only one reception. He competed for a job with the bears in 2016 but found himself unemployed in the wake of the cut down to 53. The Lions claimed him on waivers but released him as their Tight end group got healthier mid-season. He finished out the year there and signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions in January 2017.

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'We can compete with the best,' UMES bowling coach says

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- At just 7 years old, Jacqueline Rhoda picked up a bowling ball for the first time in her life not knowing what to expect.

As she attempted to roll the ball toward the 10 pins that stood 60 feet away, her thumb became caught in one of the three holes drilled into the ball, causing Rhoda’s body to fly down the lane at top speed.

The experience left a sour taste in her mouth, making Rhoda hate the idea of bowling even at such a young age.

Though her parents, who had both grown up playing the sport, pushed Rhoda to pursue a bowling path, her previous encounter led her to try other activities such as softball and track and field.

But bowling continued to have a presence in her life — it was in her blood.

“My grandfather was professional bowler, and he passed it down to my mom, and it was really my mom pushing me to bowl … that’s how I really got into bowling,” Rhoda said.

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The 20th ANNUAL CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC Announces Teams: Grambling State University Tigers battles Clark Atlanta University Panthers

CHICAGO, Illinois -- The 20th ANNUAL CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC Announces Teams Grambling State University Tigers battles Clark Atlanta University Panthers

(Chicago, May 8, 2017) The Chicago Football Classic proudly announces this year’s teams. Celebrating a major milestone 20 years in the making, the Chicago Football Classic features a “not to be missed” game between Grambling State University Tigers and the Clark Atlanta University Panthers, Saturday, September 30th at 3:30 PM at Soldier Field.

"The Chicago Football Classic is excited to announce this exciting game that everyone wants to see, and we are proud to bring it to Chicago, says Larry Huggins, Co-Founder of the Chicago Football Classic.

This year’s Classic will be a destination event showcasing not only our series of events including the President’s Reception, Golf Tournament, Pep Rally, HBCU College Fair and Empowerment Summit, Battle of the Bands and of course, the highly-anticipated game, but some exciting surprises as well. Plans are underway to make this the “must attend” Classic of all time.

“This signature event demonstrates the commitment that the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District have towards the Chicago Football Classic, and the experience that is provided to the families of Chicago", says Tim Rand Co-Founder of the Chicago Football Classic.

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Central State releases 2017 football schedule

WILBERFORCE, Ohio -- The Central State University athletic department is pleased to announce the 2017 football schedule which features four home games and an appearance in the Circle City Classic®.

The Marauders open up the season at home against Elizabeth City State on Sept. 2. The meeting between CSU and ECSU will be the first since the 1992 season. CSU opens SIAC play the following week in Georgia against Clark Atlanta on Sept. 9. The Marauders return home on Sept. 16 to host Morehouse. The Marauders will then head to Indianapolis, Indiana to play in the 34th Circle City Classic against SIAC rival Kentucky State in Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 23. The month of September wraps up with the Marauders traveling to Columbia, South Carolina to play Benedict on Sept. 30.

CSU celebrates Homecoming on Oct. 7 against Miles. CSU will face SWAC opponent Arkansas – Pine Bluff for the first time since 1996 on Oct. 14 in Arkansas. Senior student-athletes will be recognized during the last home game of the season on Oct. 21 against Fort Valley State.

The Marauders will end the regular season with back-to-back road games against Tuskegee on Oct. 28 and Lane on Nov. 4

All Central State University home games are scheduled to kickoff at 1 pm. Central State will be partnering with the Gem City Sports Network to provide live radio and video coverage of every home game.

For the schedule details, please go to - http://www.maraudersports.com/schedule.aspx?path=football

Ticket information will be made available on www.maraudersports.com in the upcoming weeks.

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship changing the face of golf

PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida — The PGA of America is hosting one of the more culturally significant tournaments played at the collegiate level. The 31st annual PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship has now become more competitive than ever.

"I used to grow up watching this tournament," says Dante Davis of the defending champions Bethune Cookman University. "Now to have the opportunity to play in it, and to defend the Championship is a great honor."

And as the defending men's and women's team champions from Bethune Cookman prepare for a battle on the golf course, the competition itself is just part of what the tournament is all about.\

"I see more people like me here playing," says Cameron Riley of the FAMU golf team. "Golf is really a white dominated sport, so when you see minorities playing it makes you feel more at home and welcome."

It's uniquely amazing for Abhinav Walia, the first ever collegiate golfer from Zambia, a small country in Central Africa.

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After a bye, Rush will play Georgia foe in 2nd round

Men's Bracket  (PDF)

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's tennis received a No. 2 seed and a first-round bye Tuesday when the NAIA announced the bracket and seedings for its national championship tournament at Mobile, Ala.

The Gold Rush (11-5) will play in the second round — the round of 16 — at 9 a.m. May 17 against a Georgia opponent, 15th-seeded Reinhardt or 18th-seeded SCAD Savannah. The Eagles (13-5) and the Bees (8-8) will meet at 8:30 a.m. May 16 in the opening round. Tournament venue for the 14th consecutive year will be Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center (851 Gaillard Drive, zip code 36608, phone 251-208-5181). Admission is free.

XULA will make its ninth consecutive appearance at nationals and ninth overall. The Gold Rush feature four nationally ranked singles players — No. 4 Antoine Richard, No. 19 Moses Micheal, No. 21 Karan Salwan and No. 34 Catalin Fifea — and three ranked doubles teams.

The No. 2 national seeding is the program's highest ever. The Gold Rush have six dual-match victories this season against ranked opponents and three against NCAA Division I teams.

Reinhardt makes its third consecutive appearance at nationals and third overall. The Eagles, who qualified with an automatic bid by winning the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament, opened their dual-match season Feb. 16 by winning 5-4 at SCAD Savannah.

In the most recent meeting between XULA and Reinhardt, the Gold Rush won 9-0 at the 2009 Auburn Montgomery Invitational in Montgomery, Ala.

Like XULA, SCAD Savannah qualified with an at-large bid. The Bees make their fourth appearance at nationals and first since 2009. XULA defeated the Bees 6-0 in their most recent meeting at the 2016 Green and Gray Invitational in Lawrenceville, Ga.

If seedings prevail, XULA would face three teams it already played this year. The Gold Rush could draw No. 7 William Carey in the quarterfinals, No. 3 Keiser in the semifinals and No. 1 Georgia Gwinnett — the three-time defending champion — in the final. XULA is 2-0 in 2017 against William Carey, 1-0 against Keiser and 0-1 against Georgia Gwinnett. The Grizzlies defeated the Gold Rush 5-2 in the 2016 championship round.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Nuggets draw bye, will play IWU or Asbury in 2nd round

Women's Bracket  (PDF)

NEW ORLEANS — Eighty-four days ago, Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis was ranked 19th in the NAIA and trying to find a way to move up.

The Gold Nuggets succeeded, beating five ranked teams since then and climbing in five of the next six coaches polls. XULA was rewarded Tuesday with a No. 7 seeding and a first-round bye for next week's NAIA National Championships at Mobile, Ala.

XULA (7-13) will play in the second round — the round of 16 — at 1 p.m. May 17 against 10th-seeded Indiana Wesleyan or 23rd-seeded Asbury. The Wildcats (33-7) and the Eagles (12-3) will meet at 1:30 p.m. May 16 in the first round. Tournament venue for the 14th consecutive year will be Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center (851 Gaillard Drive, zip code 36608, phone 251-208-5181). Admission is free.

XULA qualified for nationals with an at-large bid; Indiana Wesleyan (Crossroads League) and Asbury (River States Athletic) earned automatic bids as a result of winning conference tournaments.

One of the victories which sparked the Gold Nuggets' ascent was a come-from-behind 5-4 victory Feb. 18 against then-No. 7 Indiana Wesleyan in the Grizzly Invitational at Lawrenceville, Ga. After falling behind 4-2, XULA rallied with singles victories from Lacee Ancar, Brandi Nelson and Sha'Nel Bruins, who clinched with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 decision over Olivia Reed. The dual match lasted more than five hours — it began at 8:24 p.m. and concluded at 1:29 a.m.

"That was one of the Nuggets' best victories ever," said 14th-year XULA coach Alan Green. "Our team learned it was capable of handling pressure against a talented opponent. The match was a big boost to our confidence."

XULA is 3-0 all-time vs. IWU — including victories at nationals in 2010 and 2013 — and never has met Asbury.

The Gold Nuggets earned a bye for the fourth time in the last five years. They lost 5-2 to Northwestern Ohio in the 2016 opening round. This is XULA's 11th all-time appearance at nationals, its sixth in a row and ninth in the last 10 years.

XULA sophomore Charlene Goreau, a consensus NAIA All-American a year ago, is No. 34 in the most recent ITA singles rankings. Including fall tournaments, Goreau is 14-12 in singles and 11-13 in doubles this season.

Indiana Wesleyan, located in Marion, makes its 18th consecutive appearance at nationals — the Wildcats never have missed since the NAIA adopted a dual-match format in 2000. IWU reached the quarterfinals a year ago and has three ranked singles players this season: No. 19 Rachel Bottorff, No. 40 Alex Mella and No. 44 Lizzie Bauss. Goreau beat Bottorff 6-4, 6-0, and Nelson defeated Bauss 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in February.

Asbury, from Wilmore, Ky., makes its second straight appearance at nationals and second overall. The Eagles lost in the 2016 first round. This year Asbury won 12-of-13 duals, including its last nine, after an 0-2 start.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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It's official: All FAMU teams are eligible for postseason

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- When the 2017-18 academic year begins, and for the first time in years, all of FAMU's athletic programs will be eligible for postseason play.

The NCAA on Wednesday released Academic Progress Rate reports for all schools -- and the penalties various schools will face for low scores. No FAMU program is listed as ineligible for the postseason. It's the first time since the 2013-14 academic year all of FAMU's teams are postseason-eligible.

APR scores, provided and tracked by the NCAA, take eligibility and retention rates into account and provide team-based scores.

Multiyear scores are an average of APR scores over four years.

Typically, teams need multiyear scores of 930 or higher to be eligible for postseason play, however, teams that show improvement over previous years can apply for waivers.

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Judge: FAMU owes fired coach Earl Holmes nothing

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- A Leon County Circuit judge ruled last week Florida A&M "did not violate the terms of its agreement" with then-head football coach Earl Holmes when he was fired four days before homecoming in 2014.

Holmes, in January of 2015, filed a civil lawsuit against FAMU trying to claim he was owed the remaining $400,000 on his contract. He went 6-16 at the helm and was the team's head coach for one full season. He coached two games in 2012 and ei
ght in 2014 before he was fired.

Judge James O. Shelfer, after hearing arguments from the university and from Holmes, said in a May 2 summary judgment that Holmes had the opportunity to do "due diligence" and discover on what terms he could be fired as head football coach.

Holmes was given a 60-day non-renewal notice on Oct. 28, 2014. His contract was officially terminated on Jan. 20 the next year. According to university regulations, any Administrative and Professional Employee can be fired in this way — Shelfer ruled even though Holmes' contract didn't specifically reference that regulation, it was still subject to it, per the language in his deal.

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Savannah State University 2017 Athletics in Review

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU 2016-17 Athletics Highlight Video

DURHAM, North Carolina -- It's been another great year on the Sloping Hills and Verdant Green for North Carolina Central University Athletics, including a third consecutive MEAC Championship for football and a second NCAA Tournament appearance for Men's Basketball! Relive the sights and sounds from the 2016-17 season in this highlight video! A special thanks to NCCU seniors Justice Davis and Khadijah McIntyre for their help in filming athletics this year and during their academic career, thank you for all of your dedication!



NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Trisha Stafford-Odom Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at North Carolina Central University

DURHAM, North Carolina – With a reputation as one of the nation's top recruiters and over 10 years of coaching experience, including local stints at UNC and Duke, Trisha Stafford-Odom was announced as North Carolina Central University's ninth head women's basketball coach on Monday, May 8.

"I am thrilled about having the opportunity to work with Coach Stafford-Odom," said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree. "Her varied coaching and playing experiences in collegiate and professional sports will definitely help move our women's basketball program to the next level. These experiences will enable her to recruit the best scholar-athletes and provide them with the tools and quality coaching necessary to win championships."



The former Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) player and collegiate hall of fame inductee returns to The Triangle to continue her head coaching career after last coaching three seasons at Concordia University Irvine from 2013-2016. Prior to that, Stafford-Odom was a successful assistant coach for four seasons with both the UNC Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils. She began her collegiate coaching career as an assistant for the UCLA Bruins.

"I am elated to be announced as North Carolina Central University's head women's basketball coach," said Stafford-Odom. "As I look to the future I see great things for us. I am very excited about the opportunity."

Stafford-Odom won the Concordia Eagles first conference championship in 18 years to highlight her time coaching in California. In her second season as head coach, CUI posted a 23-7 record and won the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Championship. She produced two All-Americans and was named the league's coach of the year.

As an assistant coach at UNC from 2011-2013, Stafford-Odom was a valuable recruiter for the No. 1 nationally-ranked recruiting class in 2013. She aided the development of two WNBA players, two ACC Players of the Year and two ACC Freshmen of the Year while working under the leadership of Naismith Hall of Fame coach Sylvia Hatchell.

Stafford-Odom brought her first No. 1 nationally-ranked recruiting class to Durham when she was an assistant at Duke from 2009-2011. The Blue Devils won the ACC Championship both seasons as she mentored WNBA draft picks, an ACC Tournament MVP, a two-time ACC Academic All-American and a ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

"We are definitely not strangers to Durham, North Carolina," said Stafford-Odom about her family. "It's the opposite coast for us, but we made it home several years ago. We are onto new and greater things by being at NCCU."

While at UCLA from 2005-2008, Stafford-Odom was the recruiting coordinator for a No. 3 nationally-ranked recruiting class her first season and went on to develop two top-5 WNBA draft picks and the Pac-10 Tournament MVP.

Stafford-Odom was enshrined into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. She led the Golden Bears to their first two NCAA Tournament appearances. She was a multiple All-Pac-10 honoree as well as a Kodak All-America honorable mention. Stafford-Odom averaged 15.3 points during her four seasons (sixth all-time at Cal) and led the Pac-10 in scoring with over 23 points her senior year.

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in mass communications in 1992, Stafford-Odom pursued a professional basketball playing career that included a couple years in the WNBA with Houston (2001) and Miami (2002) as well as time in the ABL, NWBL, NBDL, NBA Entertainment League and European leagues.

Stafford-Odom continued her education while coaching at Concordia Irvine and earned a Master of Arts degree in coaching and athletic administration in 2015, and continues to be a student in the assistant coaches program of the NBA.

"I am confident that the preparation I've had in coaching will help make me the most elite Division I basketball coach that I can be," concluded Odom-Stafford.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU coaching search down to final 3

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- After two months of searching, Florida A&M’s athletic department is closing in on its new men’s head basketball coach.

Athletic Director Milton Overton Jr. said on Monday the school is down to its final three in the search.

Robert McCullum, Pat Kennedy and Lindsey Hunter are the three finalists, he said. No “official or unofficial offer” has been made to any of the three. Overton said all three are undergoing background checks and he hopes to make a decision by the end of the week.

All three coaches come with strong backgrounds.

More:See who applied for the job

Hunter, 46, a two-time NBA champion, was the interim head coach for the Phoenix Suns and was also an assistant for the Golden State Warriors. He is an assistant at University of Buffalo.

Overton said of the 122 applicants for the job, roughly 15 were interviewed. He said now the department is doing its due diligence in terms of hiring its next coach.

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Nuggets climb to 7th; tournament bids announced Monday

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana made its fifth climb of the season Sunday in the NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 poll.

The Gold Nuggets moved from eighth to seventh. Their five climbs this season are their most since 2013.

Indiana Wesleyan, a 5-4 loser to XULA Feb. 18 in the Grizzly Invitational at Lawrenceville, Ga., aided the Gold Nuggets' ranking with a 5-4 victory Friday at Northwestern Ohio. UNOH fell from fifth to eighth.

XULA's ranking is its highest of the post-Nour Abbes era. Abbes, an consensus All-America player for the Gold Nuggets in 2014 and 2015, led the Gold Nuggets twice to the national semifinals.

The Gold Nuggets are the lone top-15 team with a losing record (7-13), but they have five victories against ranked opponents. All of XULA's losses are to ranked or NCAA Division I opponents.

XULA will learn by 5 p.m. Monday if it earned a bid to the NAIA National Championships May 16-20 at Mobile, Ala. The NAIA will announce Tuesday the seedings and the brackets for the event, which will consist of 24 women's teams and 24 men's teams.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through May 5)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Georgia Gwinnett (14) 21-0 374 1
2 Lindsey Wilson 19-4 362 2
3 SCAD Savannah 12-3 350 3
4 Keiser 12-7 337 4
5 San Diego Christian 15-3 319 6
6 William Carey 17-3 313 7
7 XULA 7-13 295 8
8 Northwestern Ohio 19-6 291 5
9 LSU-Alexandria 17-3 275 9
10 Indiana Wesleyan 31-7 272 12
11 Mobile 22-4 257 10
12 William Woods 11-9 248 11
13 Cardinal Stritch 15-5 231 13
14 Arizona Christian 17-8 218 14
15 Cumberlands 15-8 209 15
16 Lewis-Clark State 7-13 193 16
17 Middle Georgia 13-8 179 17
18 Davenport 14-10 167 18
19 Olivet Nazarene 10-11 154 19
20 SCAD Atlanta 12-6 148 20
21 Campbellsville 11-8 137 21
22 McPherson 12-2 107 23
23 Georgetown (Ky.) 16-7 105 25
24 St. Thomas (Fla.) 4-10 91 22
25 Tennessee Wesleyan 12-7 88 RV

Dropped from rankings: No. 24 Reinhardt
Others receiving votes: Marian (Ind.) 65, Reinhardt 57, Cumberland 50, Coastal Georgia 40, Brenau 19, Missouri Valley 12, Asbury 9, Southwestern (Kan.) 9, Southeastern (Fla.) 5, Biola 4

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Nuggets will take their 11th trip to nationals

NEW ORLEANS — After achieving success against one of the nation's most challenging schedules, Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis was announced Monday as one of 24 teams selected for the NAIA National Championships.

The Gold Nuggets — 7-13 with five victories against ranked opponents — qualified for the sixth consecutive season, the ninth time in 10 years and the 11th time overall. XULA received one of 10 at-large bids.

The final pretournament step — the NAIA's announcement of the bracket and seedings — will occur Tuesday. The five-day tournament will begin May 16 at Mobile, Ala.

The top eight seeds will receive first-round byes and play their first matches May 17. The XULA women — No. 7 in the coaches poll announced Sunday — received a bye in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

All of the Gold Nuggets' losses this season are to ranked or NCAA Division I opponents.

A year ago the Gold Nuggets lost 5-2 to Northwestern Ohio in the first round. The Nuggets reached the national semifinals in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

This is the sixth consecutive year and the eighth time in nine years that both XULA tennis teams qualified for nationals. The XULA men received their ninth consecutive bid to nationals Monday.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Rush do the two-step again in NAIA coaches poll

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana made its 85th consecutive top-25 appearance Sunday and remained No. 2 in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Poll.

The Gold Rush (11-5) have been No. 2 in all eight polls of 2017. This is the final ranking before Monday's announcement of the 24 men's teams and 24 women's teams that qualified for the NAIA National Championships. The NAIA will announce Tuesday the brackets and seedings.

XULA possesses the longest active NAIA streak of men's tennis top-25 appearances. The streak began April 4, 2007.

The national tourney will be played May 16-20 at Mobile, Ala.
The Gold Rush active poll streaks:

• 85 consecutive appearances in the top 25 . . . streak began April 4, 2007.
• 76 consecutive appearances in the top 20 . . . streak began April 30, 2008.
• 61 consecutive appearances in the top 15 . . . streak began Feb. 1, 2011.
• 55 consecutive appearances in the top 10 . . . streak began May 3, 2011.
• 17 consecutive appearances in the top 5 . . . streak began Jan. 26, 2016.
• 15 consecutive appearances in the top 3 . . . streak began March 1, 2016.
• 9 consecutive appearances in the top 2 . . . streak began May 25, 2016.

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through May 5)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Georgia Gwinnett (14) 19-0 374 1
2 XULA 11-5 362 2
3 Keiser 18-4 350 3
4 Northwestern Ohio 21-1 338 4
5 Campbellsville 20-3 319 9
6 William Carey 17-5 315 6
7 Lindsey Wilson 16-6 299 5
8 Arizona Christian 15-12 289 7
9 William Woods 13-5 287 8
10 Cardinal Stritch 18-5 262 10
11 Mobile 22-4 254 11
12 Westmont 13-7 245 12
13 San Diego Christian 6-10 228 13
14 Coastal Georgia 14-7 218 14
15 Reinhardt 13-5 206 15
16 Middle Georgia 9-8 192 16
17 Tennessee Wesleyan 12-4 169 23
18 Olivet Nazarene 12-7 152 19
19 SCAD Savannah 8-8 150 20
20 Lawrence Tech 20-6 146 24
21 McPherson 12-3 122 21
22 Aquinas 17-7 120 17
23 Cumberland 7-6 116 22
24 SCAD Atlanta 11-4 114 18
25 St. Thomas (Fla.) 5-10 84 25

Dropped from rankings: none
Others receiving votes: Asbury 76, Warner 40, Davenport 30, Missouri Valley 25, Cumberlands 22, Judson (Ill.) 11, Point 10, Marian (Ind.) 10, Bethany (Kan.) 10, Lewis-Clark State 9

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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WSSU Rams Take Home 2017 CIAA Baseball Championship

PETERSBURG, Virginia -- The Winston-Salem State Rams defeated the Chowan Hawks twice on Saturday, to win the CIAA Baseball Championship on Saturday, 10-1 and 10-4.

In the first game, the WSSU Rams jumped on the Chowan pitcher early, as Ivan Acuna doubled to left field, scoring Randy Norris, as WSSU took a 1-0 lead.

The Rams added to their early lead in the third, W

hen Randal Ortiz drove in Brandon Ford and Landon Steiner drove in Ivan Acuna, to give the Rams a 3-0 lead in the third inning.

Chowan answered with their only run in the fourth inning, when Harry Markotay hit a sac fly to allowing Marvin Harrell to score.

BOX SCORE

In the fifth inning, WSSU opened it up more, by scoring three runs. Landon Steiner singled, scoring Emilio Abreu, while Willie McRae singled scoring Steiner. Randy Norris would double to left, allowing Michael McNamara to score, to give the Rams a 6-1 advantage.

WSSU added a run in the sixth, when Randal Ortiz singled down the right field line, allowing Ivan Acuna to score.

The Rams added another run in the eighth inning, when Emilio Abreu doubled down the left field line, scoring John Garcia.

In the ninth, Willie McRae singled scoring Landon Steiner, and Michael McNamara would score on a wild pitch to finish the games scoring, as the Rams took the important win to force a second game, 10-1.

Willie McRae went two for five with two runs batted in, Landon Steiner went two for four with two runs batted in and two runs scored, Randal Ortriz went one for four with two runs batted in and Ivan Acuna went one for four with two runs scored and two runs batted in. Randy Norris went three for six with a run scored and a run batted in and Emilio Abreu went two for three with a run scored and a run batted in. Michael McNamara went two for four with two runs scored, while Brandon Ford went one for six with a run scored and John Garcia also scored a run. Randy Norris, Ivan Acuna, Emilio Abreu and Michael McNamara each had doubles.

Jordan Carlton got the win in pitching a gem for the Rams, pitching a complete game, going nine innings, allowing just one run and four hits, while striking out eight.

In game two, the deciding game, the Rams broke the game open in the first inning, as Emilio Abreu singled scoring Brandon Ford, and Randal Ortiz doubled, scoring Ivan Acuna. Landon Steiner doubled scoring Emilio Abreu.

In the second inning, Emilio Abreu hit a three run home run, to push the Rams out in front 7-0.

The Chowan Hawks answered with three runs in the third inning, to cut into the Rams lead, 7-3.

In the fourth inning, WSSU added to their lead, as Randal Ortiz singled to left, scoring Brandon Ford and Landon Steiner singld to center, allowing Emilio Abreu to score.

WSSU scored another run in the fifth, when Ivan Acuna doubled to left field, scoring John Garcia.

Chowan added a run in the eighth inning, when Tyler Jones singled, scoring Robert Williams.

Kanoa Hironaka shut down the hawks the rest of the way, en route to the Rams becoming the 2017 CIAA Baseball Champions for the sixth time in seven years.

Emilio Abreu led the Rams, going three for five with four runs batted in and three runs scored, and Landon Steiner went two for four with three runs batted in. Randal Ortiz finished two for four with a run scored and two runs batted in. Ivan Acuna went three for five with two runs scored and one run batted in. Randy Norris went one for five and Brandon Ford went one for two three runs scored. 

Michael McNamara went one for four and John Garcia also scored a run. Ivan Acuna, Randal Ortiz and Landon Steiner each had a double, and Emilio Abreu had a home run.

Kanoa Hironaka go the win, pitching a complete game, allowing 10 hits and four runs, while striking out eight.

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Benedict Wins SIAC Women's Track & Field Championship

ALBANY, Georgia – The Benedict College women's track & field team won the 2017 SIAC Championship on Saturday, winning seven events on the final day to surge to the top of the team standings.

Benedict won a total of nine events over the three days of competition and finished with 216 total points. Albany State finished second with 187 points and Clark Atlanta was third with 179.5 points.

Jenella John had a strong championship, winning the 800 meter run, the 1500 meter run, the 5000 meter run and the 3000 meter steeplechase for a total of 40 points. John won the 800 meter race by 14 seconds, the 1500 meter race by 18 seconds, the 5000 meter race by nearly 33 seconds and the steeplechase by more than 24 seconds.

Brianna Frazier won the women's 200 meter dash, the 400 meter dash and the triple jump. She also finished third in the long jump to earn 36 total points.

Benedict also won both relay races, capturing the 4x100 and the 4x400 races. Benedict dominated the 4x400 race, beating second-place Clark Atlanta by nearly six seconds.

Benedict took the top three spots in the 400 meter dash, with Phoebe Johnson finishing second and Sorenya Miller finishing third. Johnson also finished second in the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash.

Lea Tshikaya finished second in both the 100-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles. Princess Hammett finished third in the 100-meter hurdles.

Dae'Shondra Stephens finished second in the hammer throw and was fourth in the discus.

BENEDICT TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Albany State Golden Rams win SIAC Championship

2017 SIAC Track & Field Championship Results

ALBANY, Georgia -- Senior Jared Jordan capped an exciting run to the 2017 SIAC Men's Track & Field Championship with a comeback lap for the 4x400-meter relay team. The Albany State men's team won the title after trailing Benedict for most of the meet.

It's Albany State's first conference title since 2014.

After 21 events, Albany State finished with 248 points as a team. Benedict College was second with 220.5 points, and Morehouse College placed third with 107 points. Central State University (59) and Claflin University (49) completed the top five.

Individually, Cervantes Jackson won the SIAC Cleve Abbott Award which is awarded to the top individual performer throughout the championship. He also was named the SIAC Men's Field Most Valuable Performer.

Jackson recorded 58 points during the three-day event. He won the decathlon (6,016), long jump (7.19m) and javelin (47.23m). Jackson earned silver medals in the high jump (1.93) and triple jump (15.45m). He also finished third in the 110-meter hurdles (14.64) and pole vault (2.89m).

On the final day of competition, Jordan and freshman Christopher Jackson finished 1-2 in the 100- and 200-meters runs. Jordan recorded times of 10.33 and 21.01, respectively. Jackson had marks of 10.41 and 21.31.

The Golden Rams also received a huge boost in the 800-meter run. The trio of Joshua Ajiero (1:56.95), Jamorris Hill (1:57.11) and Martin Jones (1:57.92) swept the top three spots for ASU.

ASU also won the 4x100-meter relay (40.95) and the 4x400-meter event (3:16.44ALB).

Kenneth Taylor of Albany State was named the SIAC Men's Track & Field Championship Outstanding Coach after leading the Golden Rams to their second title in three years.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Lane College announces 2017 football schedule

JACKSON, Tennessee -- Lane College has released their 2017 football schedule and there will be some familiar teams to Dragons fans as nine of the 10 opponents this team faced off against last season are on the current schedule. Looking to improve on last season's 5-5 overall record, the team hits the road for three straight weeks before returning for a three-game home stand that finishes with an October 7 matchup against Langston University as part of the Lane College homecoming festivities.

• Sept. 2 @Texas College (CME Classic) - The Dragons trailed 6-0 before rattling off 44 straight points to pick up their first win of the season 44-6 at home in the inaugural CME Classic. This season the Dragons will face off against the Steers in Tyler, Texas.

• Sept. 9 @Morehouse College - Lane College dropped a heartbreaker in the season finale last year to the Maroon Tigers as Morehouse was able to thwart a comeback from the Dragons when they recovered the onside kick late in the fourth quarter to secure a 24-21 victory. This season, the Dragons look to even the score when they head to face the Tigers in Atlanta.

• Sept. 16 @Benedict College - Raul Martinez scored 13 of the Dragons' 19 points with his leg including the go-ahead field goal late in the fourth quarter to give Lane College a thrilling 19-18 homecoming win. The Dragons look to make it two-straight over the Tigers when they travel to Columbia, South Carolina for the third straight road game of the 2017 campaign.

• Sept. 23 Clark-Atlanta University - You have to go all the way back to 2014 to see the last time these teams met. The Dragons lost on the road by a field goal 20-17 in Atlanta but this year Lane College is the home team and the Dragons look to settle the score with the Panthers.

• Sept. 30 Tuskegee University - The Dragons struggled on the road, falling to the Golden Tigers 38-7 in Tuskegee, Alabama. This season, it's the Golden Tigers that have to travel and the Dragons who look to protect the home turf.

• Oct. 7 Langston University (Homecoming) - Lane College outgunned Langston University in the Black Wall Street Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma last season, 46-44. This year, the Lions come to town to take on the Dragons at homecoming.

• Oct. 14 @Fort Valley State University - After scoring 44 points in the season opener, the Dragons relied on the defensive side of the ball to pick up their second win of the season, knocking off the Wildcats 10-7 at Lane Field. This time, the battle will take place at the home of the Wildcats in Fort Valley, Georgia.

• Oct. 21 @Miles College - Lane College defensive lineman Whitney Richardson recorded nine total tackles in a 26-14 loss to Miles College. He also recorded a sack that led to a fumble and a defensive touchdown for the Dragons in the third quarter. This time the Golden Bears hold the home-field advantage when the Dragons travel to Fairfield, Alabama.

• Oct. 28 Kentucky State University - The Dragons picked up their fifth win of the season in the next to last game of the year, knocking off the Thorobreds 35-21 on the road in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Dragons look for two in a road over Kentucky State, this time at the cozy confines of Lane Field.

• Nov. 4 Central State University - The Dragons only trailed by seven at the half but were outscored 13-3 in the second half, falling on the road to the Marauders 27-10 in Wilberforce, Ohio. This time, the final game of the season will be, right here, in Jackson.

LANE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION