N.C. A&T Men's Golf Release Their Inaugural Schedule

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – The inaugural season of the men’s golf team is only a month away. N.C. A&T men’s and women’s golf coach Richard Watkins released the schedule on Monday with eight tournaments scheduled over two semesters. The men will share four of those tournaments with the women’s golf team.

“It will be easy for people to expect from these gentlemen the same success our ladies had in their first season,” said Watkins. “Both teams are playing golf, yes, but they are facing different circumstances as well. We must let these young men make their own path to success and grow. As the season progresses, I think they will get better and better.”

2017-18 A&T Men's Golf Schedule

The men will hit the tee for the first time on Sept. 18 when they participate in the Queen University of Charlotte Invitational, Sept. 18-19 at par 72, 7,099-yard at The Club at Irish Creek course in Kannapolis, N.C. In their next tournament, the men will join the women for the women’s season opener at the Hampton Collegiate Golf Invite at the par 72, 7,000-yard Sleepy Hole Golf Course. The first and second rounds begins at 8:30 a.m., with shotgun starts. The men will play 36 holes on Sept. 25 and 18 holes on Sept. 26. The women will play 18 holes on both days.

After a month away from competition, the men will participate in the VSU Trojan Fall Classic hosted by Virginia State in Petersburg, Va. The par 72, 6,605-yard Dogwood Trace Golf Course will host the tournament, Oct. 23-24. It will be their final tournament of the semester before they open the spring semester at the B-CU Wildcat Invitational at the par 72, 5,952 yard LPGA International Golf Course in Daytona Beach, Fla. The men will play March 1-2 in Daytona Beach before the women play on March 3-4.

On March 11-12, the men will travel to Leland, N.C., to participate in the Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest. The men will also participate in the MEAC Invitational and the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Tournament, but those dates have not been set.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Stanley Cromartie Named 8th AD in Edward Waters History

STANLEY CROMARTIE

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Edward Waters College President, Dr. Nathaniel Glover, Jr., has removed the interim tag from Stanley B. Cromartie and has promoted him to be the new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. With his appointment, Cromartie becomes the eighth full-time Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in EWC history.

A 1990 graduate of EWC, Cromartie "came home" to his alma mater in 2010 where he served as the Assistant Athletic Director in charge of day-to-day operations under former Athletic Director Johnny Rembert. "Cro" as he is known around the EWC community has been instrumental in revitalizing and re-energizing students, alumni, & fans of Edward Waters to be passionate in their support of the athletics programs.

 "I am honored and humbled to accept this position as the Athletic Director at Edward Waters College." said Cromartie. "This institution gave me my degree and I have a responsibility to give back and take this program to even higher heights."

He has also been key in bringing unprecedented revenue to the athletic department with fundraising efforts such as the annual Athletic Department Gala, which has featured keynote speakers such as NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green and Rev. Cecil Newton, Sr., the father of NFL All-Pro quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers. Cromartie also helped engineer two of the biggest paydays for the football program with guarantee games against Alcorn State in 2013 and Tennessee State in 2014 ($65,000 for ASU & $75,000 for TSU) and has also worked deals to make Under Armour an official outfitter of Tigers athletics.

Academically, Edward Waters student-athletes have made record breaking strides under Cromartie's leadership. In 2016-17, EWC student-athletes finished with a combined 3.16 grade point average, one of the highest combined GPA's in program history. In 2016, football student-athlete Sean Adkison was named Salutatorian while in women's track & field athlete Ariane Vitale and baseball student-athlete Alberto Rivera were named Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively for the Class of 2017. For the past two school years, EWC has led the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference with the highest number of student-athletes on the Commissioner's Honor Roll and has several student-athletes who have received national academic honors as well.

"I have always said that our program is the best kept secret in America." Cromartie continued. "Now, it's my job along with all of those who support Tiger Nation to not keep this secret to ourselves and continue to do all that we can to ensure that this is the best athletic department in the country."

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

With stadium on way, Edward Waters hopeful of new football era

COURTESY: EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE TIGERS ATHLETICS

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- The first brick hasn’t yet been set in place for the new home of Edward Waters College football.

But for head coach Alvin Wyatt, the anticipation is already building.

“I’m excited and I haven’t even seen it yet,” he said.

Wyatt looked forward to his fourth full season at the helm of Tigers football at the 151-year-old school’s media day at the Adams-Jenkins Sports Center on Wednesday.

Mayor Lenny Curry proposed more than $4 million for athletic field upgrades at the school in his annual budget in July, a move that - among other things - would help give the football team a permanent home.

“Any time you can have your own football facility on the campus, it brings excitement for the student body. It makes alums more engaged, and it makes this community more engaged,” interim athletic director Stanley Cromartie said.

Cromartie said the field would include bleachers, a press box and a walking track around the field. He’s hopeful that the stadium would be completed in time for the 2018 football season.

CONTINUE READING

S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: Pough expects young players to step up in secondary

COURTESY : SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- By all accounts from South Carolina State head football Coach Pough and his defensive staff, the 2017 Bulldogs appear to be solid along the defensive front and at the linebacker position.

But there is some pause for concern when it comes to the S.C. State secondary, usually the last line of defense.

Two 2016 starters — All-MEAC safety Phillip Henry, the 2016 leader in interceptions (six) and pass breakups (10), and cornerback Marquise Jones -- have graduated, leaving some big shoes to fill and somewhat of a scramble to establish the depth needed at defensive back, according to Pough.

“Not having a talent like Henry is a big loss for our team, and Jones was a good player for us as well,” Pough said. “We have our work cut out for us to try and get close (talent-wise) to where we were last year.”

Strong safety Jason Baxter (6-2, 185 Gr.), a 2016 All-MEAC second-team selection and a 2017 preseason first-team choice, is one of two starters returning in the secondary. Baxter was third on the team in total tackles last season with 55, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. The Manning native is playing his final year of eligibility as a graduate student.

CONTINUE READING

Lane College football Media Day 2017

JACKSON, Tennessee — With two weeks before the Lane College Dragons hit the field, the team talked about getting more wins to get more fans in the seats.

Head Coach Derrick Burroughs says the 5-5 record in 2016 was disappointing and that team could have won two or three more games.

This season lane is working with only a few returners on defense but is loaded on offense with 10 of 11 returning players. Coaches and players say winning more games is the goal this season and to put Lane College on the map in the conference.

“I don’t think that’s what we’re all here for, to be average,” Lane Head Football Coach Derrick Burroughs said. It’s very easy to be average. I don’t expect that from our football team. We want to be better than average.”

“I plan to run the table,” Lane running back Marcus Holliday said. “For all the teams in the SIAC, we coming for y’all. Y’all put us 4th, its all good though.”

CONTINUE READING

Witness the Evolution: WSSU Unveils Fierce New Rams Logo

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- With 100s of camera phones raised in the air in anticipation, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) unveiled a fierce new mascot logo on Saturday, Aug. 19.

"This speaks to the work we've been doing to tell the WSSU story," said WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson. "Building upon our legacy, the new logo makes a bold statement about who we are. There is no other Ram like it. It is as distinct as our university and truly reflects the WSSU experience."

The new logo – which will be used by the university's athletics programs, on gear and as décor across campus – was unveiled after nearly a year of surveys and focus groups of students, alumni, coaches and administrators, said Jaime Hunt, the university's chief communications officer.

"The development of the new Ram head was truly a collaborative effort," Hunt said. "We are so thrilled with the final product."

WSSU engaged with Winston-Salem-based design firm One Hero Creative to create the logo. The new logo is seen as a spirit mark that can be used by departments across the campus to reflect Ram pride.

The Rams logo was unveiled at the conclusion of Meet the Rams, an event kicking off the fall athletics season attended by more than 1,000 students and fans. The new logo soon will begin showing on a billboard, on campuswide signage and on the field at Bowman Gray Stadium.

"Our fans are excited," said Director of Athletics Tonia Walker. "The new logo shows that Rams are fierce competitors and a force to be reckoned with."

WSSU students after the event agreed with Walker.

"I actually love it. It looks more aggressive than what we use to have," said Tyree Hooks, senior, accounting major at WSSU and 2017-18 Mr. 125. "I like it a lot. I didn't know what to expect."

Xavier Quick, a running back on the football team, said: "It has more attitude, and that's what we're trying to bring to this season.

After Meet the Rams, WSSU's bookstore rolled out all new Ram gear for fans. Gear will be available on the online store starting on Sunday.

Fall sports at WSSU get underway at home with women's volleyball on Sept. 8. WSSU football's home opener – a rematch of the 2016 CIAA Championship against Bowie State – is on Sept. 9, a game that will be streamed live on ESPN3.

Guidelines for the logo will be available next week at www.wssu.edu/brand.

The new Ram logo comes a little more than a year after the introduction of a new institutional logo and refreshed brand.

About the New Ram
The new logo, which features WSSU's red and white, draws on previous iterations of the Ram to create a more modern take that conveys courage, spirit, tenacity and pride. The new spirit mark has been designed to work well for print and digital applications.

Ram History
The Ram has been the mascot of Winston-Salem State since 1932. According to accounts, Theodore Hayes, a basketball player on the first collegiate team of any kind at the university, came up with the name. In 1978, Amon – inspired by the West African deity – was chosen as mascot's name. WSSU's previous Ram dates back to the mid-1990s and was designed primarily for use in print.

A bold past. A brilliant future.
For 125 years, Winston-Salem State University has fostered the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU's curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, "Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve," WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. Join us in celebrating our 125th anniversary with events throughout 2017. Learn more by visiting WSSU's 125th Anniversary website.



WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

S.C.State Bulldogs Close Out Preseason with Scrimmage

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — The South Carolina State Bulldogs closed out preseason camp with almost three-hour scrimmage Saturday (Aug.19th) at Oliver. C. Dawson Stadium.

The Bulldogs ran about 90-plays in steamy hot temperatures in preparation for the season-opener against Southern University in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Baton Rouge, LA on Sept.3 at A.W. Mumford Stadium. The game will be televised live on ESPN2 and kickoff is 1:30 p.m. (CT)/2:30 p.m. (ET).

Head coach Buddy Pough noted, that the coaching staff are still evaluating players and an effort to put together a solid depth chart for the season.



"I am impressed with quite a few guys on offense and defense," said Pough. "Some of the new players are really picking up the process and working through camp to get better. We (coaches) are really excited with that adds more depth to each position."

This was the Bulldogs second scrimmage during preseason for Coach Pough and his team.

"I haven't noticed anything different from this scrimmage compared to the first one on last week," stated Pough. "The defense is going to always make it hard for you to make big plays, but to their credit it helps make our offense better when we start playing."

"Now we turn our attention to Southern and start preparing for them," said Pough. "We have to be ready they are a very good football team and we go into their territory so it won't be easy."

Season tickets and single-game tickets for SC State's six home games are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Ticket Office on campus. For more information on how you can purchase your season tickets.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS