Tennessee State Tigers' Wayne Martin Inks Professional Contract with Prishtina BC in Kosovo

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Recent Tennessee State graduate Wayne Martin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) signed his first contract to play professional basketball overseas for Prishtina BC in Kosovo.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of an individual than I am of Wayne Martin,” TSU Head Coach Dana Ford said. “He’s a college graduate of Tennessee State University and now he’s a professional basketball player. All the credit belongs to Wayne and his mom and their willingness to allow us to help him become who he is today.”

Martin starred for the Tigers for the last two seasons, helping lead TSU to back-to-back winning seasons. After transferring to TSU from Navarro College in Texas, the 6-7 forward put up 12.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in his two seasons in Nashville.

“Coach (Dana) Ford got me ready for the real world and for professional basketball,” Martin said.

- Prishtina BC competes in the Kosovo-SuperLeague.
- The 6-7 forward led TSU with 14.4 points per game en route to Second Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors in 2016-17.
- Martin dominated on the glass, finishing second in the OVC with 9.2 rebounds per game and tying for third in the conference with 10 double-doubles as a senior.
- Martin also earned NABC Second Team All-District 19 and BOXTOROW First Team All-America for his play as a senior.
- The Brooklyn, N.Y. native made 47 starts with 60 appearances over the last two seasons with the Tigers.
- In his junior season with the Tigers, Martin put up 11.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
- In his first game in a TSU uniform on Nov. 13, 2015, Martin made an immediate impact with 27 points and 21 rebounds at Loyola Maryland, becoming the first OVC player with a 20/20 game since Morehead State’s Kenneth Faried posted three such games in 2010-11.
- Throughout his TSU career, Martin recorded 20 double-doubles.



TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Tiger Camp 2017: Day 18 - Second Scrimmage

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- THE SCRIMMAGE
- The defense forced a punt on the first three series of the scrimmage, including two three-and-outs.
- The Tigers scored on the fourth drive, needing five plays to go 80 yards. Seth Rowland started the drive with a 17 yard run. Tyler Black caught two passes from Hughes for 26 yards and carried once for 22 yards. Hughes capped of the drive with a two yard scoring run.
- The defense bounced back forcing a fumble in between a pair of three-and-out’s over the next three possessions. Antowan Malone forced a fumble to end a drive on just the second play as Michael Perry made the recovery.
- The offense drove 58 yards into field goal range, before miscues moved them out of range. Hughes combined with Miles Cavitt for 22 yards and Ronnie Killings for 23 yards. Hughes added an 11 yard run.
- The defense forced another three-and-out and a fumble to end a second drive.
- The offense converted the turnover into points going 43 yards in five plays. Seth Rowland opened the drive with a five yard run and capped it off with a one yard plunge for a touchdown.
- Hughes connected on passes with Lawrence Segree II for 12 yards and Cavitt for 25.
- Kullen Wells hit Mahlon Medley for 12 yards to open the final drive before the defense stopped the offense on the next three plays.

PHOTO GALLERY

SCRIMMAGE #2
Total Plays: 58
Red Zone Quarterbacks: Michael Hughes vs. Kullen Wells
Location: Hale Stadium
Weather: Mostly Sunny, 82

TOTALS
- Rushing: 29 carries for 103 yards
- Passing: 13-of-21 for 171 yards
- Touchdowns: Three (all rushing)
- Antowan Malone and Dante’ Ferguson forced fumbles
- Michael Perry and Joe Johnson recovered fumbles
- Vincent Sellers recorded the lone interception when he picked off Michael Hughes in the first red zone series.
- Latrelle Lee recorded a sack of Kullen Wells, while Michael Perry and Andrew Cothran teamed up to sack Hughes.



RED ZONE DRILL
- Vincent Sellers dropped a potential interception on second down, before stepping in front of a Michael Hughes pass one play later.
- The Tigers needed just one play to find the end zone on Wells’ drive as Seth Rowland busted through the right side and down the sideline for a 25-yard scoring scamper.

OFFENSE
- Redshirt sophomore Michael Hughes was 10-for-14 with 143 yards and one interception.
- Redshirt freshman Kullen Wells finished 3-of-7 for 28 yards.
- Sophomore Seth Rowland led all rushers with 63 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns.
- Running back Tyler Black caught a scrimmage high three passes for 36 yards; Miles Cavitt went for 47 yards on two receptions.

SPECIAL TEAMS
- The place kickers converted on all three PAT’s; Coby Weiss was 2-for-2, while Mitchell Boudreaux was 1-for-1
- No field goals were attempted
- Austin Rowley punted eight times; longest came on a 49 yarder from his own 18 yard line.

UPCOMING EVENTS
- Final scrimmage will take place on Sat., August 19
- The Senior Kickoff Luncheon is set for Fri., August 25
- Fan day will be held on Sat., August 26
- Tennessee State at Georgia State on Thur., August 31



QUOTES

Senior Defensive Lineman Latrelle Lee
- Thoughts on the defense
“I thought we played well in a lot of aspects. We played a lot of freshmen and underclassmen today. There were some mental busts here and there, but we played well. We played hard, played fast and we flew to the ball. We had a few turnovers today, so it was good.”

- On creating turnovers
“I think it’s really the scheme and how our coaches put us in spots to make those turnovers and then us just playing relentlessly. We really try to get to the ball and try to strip the ball to create turnovers.

Freshman Defensive Back Vincent Sellers
- On the defense’s performance in the scrimmage
“I felt that we came out pretty strong in the run game. I think we can still get a lot better. Coach has been putting us in a very good position to make plays, and we just have to keep getting better over time.”

- On understanding the defense as a freshman
“I’m getting pretty comfortable. I have a great starter ahead of me, Laquarius Cook. He’s given me all the insight on what to do and what not to do. I also have a great defensive coordinator who has been getting on me in meeting, so that’s helped me get pretty comfortable with the defense.”

Quarterback Michael Hughes
- On the positives from the offense
“Some of the positives today were that we drove the ball a couple times. That was a good thing that we did better than last week. We scored a couple of touchdowns, so that was a positive thing. We’re going against a great defense, and we got a couple of scores, so we’re good with that.”

- On getting to scrimmage
“It’s great. The one thing is that preparation is the key. When we can come out here and scrimmage against each other against a great defense like we have, that just makes a better team.”

Running Back Seth Rowland
- On the positives from the offense
“I think we did pretty well up front. We had good blocking up front and we got the ball off better than in recent scrimmages. We still have room to clean it up and get better.”

- On the running backs
“I think all the running backs did pretty well today. In the beginning, we were hot on running the ball. We were breaking runs every play.”

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Howard Bison RJ Cole Is Ready To Leave His Mark On The Hilltop

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- It's a new year on the horizon for the Howard University men's basketball team and freshman guard RJ Cole is ready to make his mark.

The three-star athlete under ESPN's ranking of the nation's top prep stars came to The Mecca from nationally ranked St. Anthony High School. With offers from various Division I programs, including crosstown rival Georgetown, Cole knew he wanted to switch things up.

"I chose Howard because of the education but I also wanted to be different, coming here for basketball," said Cole. "I thought this would be a change for me and a change for anyone else who would think of this as a different opportunity. This is a family. I like the culture here and the storied history around Howard."



Being different isn't an easy task, which Cole is learning as his first summer as a collegiate student-athlete winds down.

"Honestly, it's a lot," Cole stated. "It's been hard because I'm not used to having long classes, being so tired. We have to be in the weight room, at conditioning, practice, open gym and individual workouts. It's a big transition but I'm getting used to it. I just have to buckle down and take care of myself, getting the proper rest that I need. Even though it's a lot, it's really good to be around my teammates. Everyone here is cool and we're getting to know each other so it'll be easier when the season starts."

Although he spends plenty of time on Howard's campus, Cole had the chance to participate in one of D.C.'s most storied basketball traditions, playing in the Kenner League. He even got to team up with fellow Bison Charles "CJ" Williams.

"It's really helping because everyone is bigger than me," mentioned Cole. "It's more of a physical thing. Being able to get used to playing against pros and college guys helps me learn what to expect. How to take those hits or bumps and bruises now because I'm getting used to it this summer. It's helping a lot to be playing with CJ too. Playing in the Kenner League, we've been involving each other more and it'll help us during the season. We'll be able to gel better when it comes to those big situations, those big games."

Cole proved in high school that he was ready for big moments after he helped lead St. Anthony to a state title, the 28th overall under longtime head coach Bob Hurley Sr. However, he couldn't hide the fact that it took plenty of hard work to get there.

"When I first transferred to St. Anthony, it was tough because I wasn't used to someone always being on me," Cole admitted. "My dad was my coach before but this was different. Coach Hurley always had something to say. At first, I looked at it in the wrong manner but as I got older I realized that everything he said was because he wanted us to do well. He wanted us to do good for ourselves and good in life. It was a great experience. The player I was for him my senior year opened up doors for me. Our relationship is really close. I still talk to him and his family."

As he continues his transition into college life with the 2017-18 school year starting in a couple weeks, the Union, N.J. native is on the path to having a successful rookie season.

"I've been playing basketball my whole life," Cole emphasized. "Being on the floor. Being able to play every night, to show up and put a jersey on your back. That's what it's about."

We'll definitely be watching. Will you?

by Candace Johnson, Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations
HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON MEDIA RELATIONS

Daley Named New Head Softball Coach at EWC

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Edward Waters has promoted Assistant Coach Brian Daley to be the fifth Head Softball Coach in program history. Daley replaces now former Head Coach and Interim Director of Athletics Stanley B. Cromartie, and helped lead the Lady Tigers to its most historic season in 2017.

"I affectionately call him "Sarge" because of his take-charge attitude of our program." said Cromartie. "What he has brought to our program in just a short time here is respectability across the country and I am confident that under his leadership, our program will continue to reach unprecedented heights."

A native of Beloit, Ohio and also growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Daley, helped guide the Tigers to 27 wins last season, a runner-up finish in the Association of Independent Institutions (A. I. I.) Softball Championship, and the program's first-ever appearance in the NAIA Softball Opening Round. Under his guidance the Edward Waters College Softball team raised its team batting average over 90 points from the 2015 season.

Prior to joining EWC, Daley was the Head Varsity Softball Coach at Nathan B. Forrest/Westside High School in Jacksonville from 2013-2015. He helped lead the Lady Rebels/Wolverines to 36 wins during his two-year tenure. In addition to coaching at the high school level, Daley has coached with Jacksonville Storm and Pittsburgh Spirit fast pitch organizations and is also a member of the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association.

Daley is also a retired detective from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police as well as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army Reserves. He holds a Master's Degree in Leadership from Mountain State University and Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Point Park University. Daley is currently working on a second Master's Degree from Texas Women's College in Kinesiology with a focus in Coaching.

"I would like to thank President Dr. Nathaniel Glover, Jr., Interim Athletic Director Stanley Cromartie and the entire Tiger community for this opportunity, as I am both honored and humbled to continue my coaching career at Edward Waters College." remarked Daley upon being hired. "I have high expectations of myself and the Tiger softball program and I am excited to get started."

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Benedict Tigers Announces Three Staff Additions To Athletic Department

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – The Benedict College athletic department has announced three staff additions, said Willie Washington, Director of Athletics.

Joining the Tigers are Bridget Jones as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator; Tiffani Hall as Head Athletic Trainer; and Michael Ellis as an offensive line coach for the football team.

"We are excited about our new staff joining the Benedict athletic program," Washington said. "I have known Ms. Jones for a long time and she will be a tremendous asset to our athletic program. Miss Hall will lead our athletic training operations and brings a great deal of experience. And we are glad to have Mr. Ellis back on our football staff and will help lift our team to new heights."

Jones is no stranger to Benedict College. Prior to joining the athletic department, she spent 5 ½ years as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, 10 years as Director of Community Life and two years as Director of Student Financial Services. For 15 years, she has volunteered as a Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics.

Her responsibilities will include overseeing internal and external financial reporting functions, fundraising and development activities, special projects, and student services. She will also be charged with overseeing the athletic enhancement program, which services over 275 student-athletes and serve as a liaison to various campus and off-campus offices. Ms. Jones will manage all women's sports and assist with the overall operations of the Athletic Department. In this role, she will also strengthen relationships with the NCAA and increase local and state business relations with the Benedict College athletic program.

Jones earned her Bachelor's degree in business with honors from Jackson State University in 1987 and her Master's in business administration (M.B.A.) from Jackson State University in 1995.

Hall joins Benedict after serving at Alabama State University, where she spent two years as an Athletic Trainer and interim Head Athletic Trainer. Prior to that, she worked as an athletic trainer at Eagles Landing Christian Academy in Atlanta, and an assistant athletic trainer at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Morgan State University, then continued her education with a Master of Science in sport injury management from Life University, a Master of Science in athletic training from Florida International University and a Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare Management (DHA) from California Intercontinental University in Los Angeles.

Ellis joins the football program as an offensive line coach, a position he held at Benedict from 2008-2011. Prior to returning to Benedict, he was an offensive line coach with the Metro City Bounty Hunters. He also served as an offensive line coach at Concordia College in Alabama, and spent five years as an offensive line coach at Alcorn State University, his alma mater. He earned a Bachelor's degree in communications from Alcorn State in 1995 and was a member of the football team, earning first team Sheridan Black College All-American honors in 1994.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Libero Dalla Vecchia completes Gold Nuggets' class

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana completed its 2017 volleyball recruiting class with the Friday announcement that Anna Dalla Vecchia signed an athletic scholarship.

Dalla Vecchia is a 5-foot-7 libero from Vicenza, Italy. She was selected the best libero in her region in 2013 and ranked third nationwide at the Italian Trophy of Regions competition. In 2014-15 and 2016-17 she helped her teams win league championships and earn promotions to higher-ranked leagues.

Dalla Vecchia, who will major in communication studies at XULA, is the Gold Nuggets' seventh signee. All will be freshmen this season.

Previously signed were outside hitters Ariel Bell of White Castle, La., Kayla Black of Magnolia, Texas, and Jaida Dowd of Aurora, Ill., setter Eva Le Guillou of Velizy-Villacoublay, France, middle blocker/right side Vivica Price-Spraggins of Chicago and right side/outside hitter Lauryn Taylor of Sairburn, Ga.

"I'm very excited about our 2017 recruiting class." first-year head coach Pat Kendrick said. "We have a good balance of athleticism and skill. With the strong core of returning players and this new group of student-athletes, I believe this season will be filled with exciting and highly competitive play."

The Gold Nuggets will open the season Aug. 25 in the UM-Dearborn Early Bird at Dearborn, Mich., against Trinity International at 3 p.m. EDT and Madonna at 7 p.m. The home opener will start at 6 p.m. Aug. 29 against Mobile at the Convocation Center. XULA won the last six Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships and earned six consecutive automatic bids during that time to the NAIA National Championship.

2017-18 XULA Volleyball Signees
Name Pos. Ht. Yr.* Hometown High School
Ariel Bell # OH 5-7 Fr. White Castle, La. White Castle
Kayla Black OH 5-9 Fr. Magnolia, Texas St. Pius X
Anna Dalla Vecchia L 5-7 Fr. Vicenza, Italy IIS S.B. Boscardin
Jaida Dowd OH 5-8 Fr. Aurora, Ill. Metea Valley
Eva Le Guillou S 5-9 Fr. Velizy-Villacoublay, France Emmanuel Mounier
Vivica Price-Spraggins MB/RS 5-11 Fr. Chicago, Ill. Whitney Young Magnet
Lauryn Taylor RS/OH 5-9 Fr. Sairburn, Ga. Booker T. Washington

* XULA athletic classification in 2017-18
# also will compete in track and field

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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Harrier from standout Ohio program signs with Rush

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Friday the signing of Camren Sewell of Cincinnati to an athletic scholarship for men's cross country and track and field.

Sewell, 5-feet-11 and 150 pounds, competed two seasons apiece in varsity cross country and track for La Salle High School, one of Ohio's top distance programs. Sewell in 2016 helped the Lancers' cross country team finish second in district, qualify for regionals and win the Midwest Catholic Championships. In 2015 he helped the Lancers rank 17th in the final state poll and qualify for regionals.

Sewell's best times for La Salle were 4 minutes, 44 seconds for 1,600 meters and 10:21.27 for the 3,200 in track and field and 16:49.7 for the 5,000 in cross country. He achieved all those times during his senior season.

Sewell made the honor roll multiple times at La Salle and will major in biomedical engineering at XULA. Gold Rush coach Joseph Moses said Sewell will bid strongly to become the team's No. 1 runner this season.

XULA's men and women will open Aug. 25 in the Xavier Big Easy Opener at City Park, about four miles from the XULA campus. The women will run two miles starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 5,000-meter men's race at 6.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
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