Rush win 5th straight; season-high 25 for Davison

MOBILE, Alabama — Virgil Davison scored a season-high 25 points Friday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana to its fifth consecutive men's basketball victory, 61-49 against the University of Mobile.
     
Davison, a junior guard, made five 3-pointers in eight attempts. He was the only XULA player to score in double figures. Teammate Jeff Dixon had eight assists, and Rayshawn Mart had three steals.
     
The Gold Rush (11-4) led wire-to-wire and opened the game with a 13-2 run. It was 34-18 at halftime. XULA's largest lead was 42-20 after a Joseph Williams free throw with 15:02 remaining.
     
Will Stanford scored 12 points and Darius Curry 10 for the Rams (5-8).
    
 XULA outshot Mobile 44 to 33.3 percent from the floor and made eight 3-pointers to the Rams' three. Dixon made a pair of treys.
     
The Gold Rush swept the two-game regular-season series from the Rams. XULA won 17 of its last 19 meetings with Mobile.
     
XULA exceeded its victory total of last season, when it was 10-20. The win streak is XULA's longest since winning five in a row Feb. 16-March 7, 2015. XULA has not won six straight since an eight-game streak Jan. 10-Feb. 5, 2015.

XULA will break for Christmas, then play its first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game of the season Jan. 8 at Edward Waters at 7:30 p.m. EST in Jacksonville, Fla. The next home game will be Jan. 17 against William Carey at the Convocation Center.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Hometown Heroes: Ocala native Eason acting interim FAMU AD

Dr. John Eason

OCALA, Florida -- Last month, Florida A&M needed a leadership change inside its athletic department after former athletic director Milton Overton accepted a job at Kennesaw State University. FAMU needed someone with experience and familiarity with the school itself to run the athletic department in the interim while the brass looked for a new full-time AD.

That person was none other than Dr. John Eason, 72, a 1963 graduate from Howard High School in Ocala.

After graduating from Howard, Eason played football and earned both his bachelors and masters degrees from FAMU. He earned his doctorate from FSU. Additionally, Eason was inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.

While the FAMU connections are great, the Rattlers brass still needed someone with plenty of experience in the college athletics world, as well as someone who would be able to oversee the university’s search for a new head football coach.

And again, they felt Eason was the best choice.

After a few years playing in both the NFL and CFL, Eason spent 12 seasons at Florida State as the receivers coach and then four years at South Carolina as offensive coordinator. In 2001, he went to Georgia with head coach Mark Richt to serve as receivers coach and assistant head coach. He would serve in that role at UGA until 2009, when he was named director of football operations with the Bulldogs.

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Meet Aaron Ray, Southern's high-energy sixth man and biggest surprise, says coach Morris Scott

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Specifically related to a box score, Southern coach Morris Scott knows what Southern will receive nightly from star forward Jared Sam. Points, rebounds and production that will overcrowd and cluster a stat sheet.

But to Scott, the biggest surprise of Southern's youthful and developing season is found elsewhere — and the first-year coach doesn't hesitate expressing he's proud.

"Aaron Ray," Scott said.

"I think he's really been a solid glue guy for us that can really come in and seems like every night when you look at the stat sheet, he's doing something positive."

"He's one of these guys that comes off the bench and brings with a lot of energy. Plays with a lot of effort, emotion. He's a competitor. He always wants to win."

Ray, a hyper and reliable spark as Southern's sixth man off the bench, enrolled at Southern as one of a handful of transfers Scott's program acquired during the past offseason. Hailing originally from Middleton, New York, Ray left Garden City Community College in Kansas and ventured south to Louisiana, where he now calls Southern's basketball team home.

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Get to know the recruits in JSU's 2018 recruiting class

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Here's a look at JSU's signees who pledged their services to JSU Wednesday:

Derrick Ponder, QB, Navarro CC (Texas): The latest addition to the 2018 Tiger recruiting class is the juco freshman from Bells, Texas. He's been on a shelf at Navarro for a year, but his senior year in high school, he attempted an average of 41 passes a game, completed better than 63 percent of them and threw for 4,000 yards, 47 touchdowns and 12 picks.

Kobe Gates, WR, Copiah-Lincoln CC: Originally signed with JSU out of high school before landing at Co-Lin. Had 15 catches for 172 yards and three TDs in nine games as a sophomore last year.

Ti’Morrius Conner, ATH, East Mississippi CC: A former Noxubee County standout who served as a backup as a sophomore last year at East Mississippi Community College. He completed 12 of 17 passes for 113 yards and ran 11 times for 23 yards and one score as a sophomore last year.

Ra’meik Wallace, WR, Hinds CC: A former Wayne County standout who caught 33 passes for 378 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore at Hinds last season.

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JSU gets 11th-hour commitment from Texas juco quarterback

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Tony Hughes and Hal Mumme have apparently found the guy to run their new offense.

JSU received a verbal commitment from Navarro College (Texas) quarterback Derrick Ponder Monday, a pro-style quarterback who has experience with the air raid scheme that Mumme helped invent.

After playing for his father, Scott Ponder, at Bells High School in Bells, Texas, Ponder redshirted in 2016 and served as a backup this season at Navarro.

He may have been watching at Navarro, but his last year as a starter — his senior year at Bells — the 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback attempted 41 passes a game, completed better than 63 percent of them and threw for 4,001 yards, 47 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

"That's my background, the air raid," Ponder said late Monday evening. "I'm familiar with coach Mumme and I've always followed his career, so getting a chance to play under he and coach Hughes, who I have great respect for, is just too good an opportunity to pass up."

Ponder, who still has three years of eligibility left, visited Jackson for the first time last weekend and got a chance to meet Hughes, check out JSU's campus and sit down and talk offense with Mumme.



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SCSU settles lawsuit in 2014 shooting death of Football Player

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State University and related groups have settled a lawsuit involving the shooting death of one of its students for $437,000.

Lawyers for the estate of junior football player Brandon Robinson said the university didn’t do enough to protect him before he was killed on Jan. 24, 2014.

“We are pleased to bring some resolution to this unfortunate incident,” attorney Shane Burroughs said. “Initially, we believed that additional security or campus police would have prevented this tragedy from occurring.

“However, we discovered throughout the course of the case several institutional failures that we believe contributed to the shooting and Brandon’s death.”

The 20-year-old Robinson graduated from O-W in 2011 and was set on attending S.C. State with the hopes of becoming an engineer.

He played as an outside linebacker and defensive end for the S.C. State Bulldogs.

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Cole, Williams Propel Howard Bison Over UNC--Wilmington Seahawks

EL PASO, Texas – Freshman RJ Cole and sophomore Charles Williams combined for 72 points and propelled the Howard University Men's Basketball team over UNC-Wilmington (UNCW), 80-75, at the Weststar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational. As a result, HU placed third in the historic tournament.

"The young freshman [RJ Cole] and [Charles] Williams took over the game with a lot of help," said Kevin Nickelberry, Howard Men's Basketball head coach. "[There's] a lot of things that don't show up in the box score. We did a lot of screens to get them open. The extra rebound by Jalen Jones and free throws down the stretch were key."

Cole produced with a new career-high 42 points, including 32 after intermission. His 42 points set a new freshman record in program history. The New Jersey native shot 59-percent (13-of-22) from the floor, including 5-of-8 from long range. He also added six boards, four dimes, and four steals in the win.

Williams tied a season-high 30 points after shooting 11-of-19 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from downtown, in the victory.

"These are two special guards," Nickelberry stated. "They both do a lot of different things. They're getting better and use to each other. They're learning to become a tandem and that's going to be scary down the road."

Overall, the Bison shot a season-best 50-percent (26-of-52) against the defending Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Champions, including 56-percent (9-of-16) from beyond the arc.

UNCW's Ty Taylor made two freebies and gave the Seahawks their largest lead of the game, 50-39, with 16:16 remaining. For the next 10 minutes, HU trimmed the deficit down to single-digits and kept themselves in striking distance.

With under five minutes left, Cole drilled a long ball and cut the margin down one, 70-69. A minute later, Cole made a jumper and gave Howard their first lead of the game with 3:07 remaining, 71-70.

UNC-Wilmington regained the lead with more than two minutes left, 74-72, but Williams connected on a jumper and tied the contest at 74.

With less than 90 seconds remaining, a steal and layup from Cole put HU ahead for good. Cole and fellow classmate Zion Cousins made clutch free throws down the stretch to give Howard the victory.

Cousins had a team-high seven boards in the victory.

Williams made a jumper and tied the game with 14:26 left before halftime, 10-10. UNCW regained the advantage and extended its lead as much as 10 with more than three minutes remaining in the period, 36-26.

Williams kept HU in the game, scoring 18 of his 30 points in the first half. UNC-Wilmington took an eight-point advantage at the break, 40-32.

"All year, we've been telling the guys to trust the process," Nickelberry continued. "We were down, and we challenged them. My gut was telling me to go into a zone, but for us to win, we need to play man-to-man. RJ Cole said, 'let's go man' and we went man. Tonight, they trusted the process."

For UNCW (2-9), they shot a respectable 44-percent (27-of-61) from the floor. Devontae Cacok recorded a double-double, posting 19 points and 17 rebounds. Taylor chipped in 14 points in a losing effort.

On Dec. 30, HU concludes its nonconference schedule with a road contest at Hawaii. Tipoff is slated for midnight (ET) / 7 p.m. (HT).

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

BOX SCORE

HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. William R. Harvey Shares Leadership Model In New Book

HAMPTON, Virginia -- In his inspiring and motivational new book, Principles of Leadership: The Harvey Leadership Model, Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey, an icon of higher education, shares the insights and philosophy that have shaped his empowering leadership model.

Released in February 2017, the book ($24.99, hardcover, Hampton University Press, available on Amazon.com) examines ten principles that have guided Dr. Harvey throughout a remarkable life and career, spanning his upbringing in Brewton, Alabama and his current role as one of the longest serving higher education presidents in the United States.

During his nearly 40-year tenure at the helm of one of the nation’s most prestigious small colleges, Dr. Harvey has helped usher in a remarkable era of growth. When he assumed the presidency of Hampton in the summer of 1978 the university’s endowment stood at $29 million. Today it exceeds $260 million, making it consistently in the top three of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) with the largest endowments.

“When I interviewed for the presidency at Hampton 39 years ago, I made it clear that if selected, I would run Hampton like a business for educational objectives,” said Harvey.

Harvey attributes much of his success to one of the principles he discusses in a chapter on fiscal conservatism, that also illustrates the compelling way he weaves throughout the book, the importance of his parents in framing his leadership philosophy. “I mentioned that my mother emphasized, ‘If you have a dollar, you can’t go to the grocery store and buy a dollar and twenty-five cents worth of groceries. This concept demonstrates sound thinking, and I have incorporated her views into my philosophy”.

In one particularly poignant account, Harvey describes the role his boyhood home played as a meeting place for civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his brother Rev. A. D. King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy. His father allowed him to be present during meetings but as Dr. Harvey describes, “He gave me permission to be present with the proviso that I could not ask a question, venture an opinion, or otherwise speak. As he would say, ‘You are to listen and learn.”

Another chapter deals with the importance of results, amply demonstrated in the growth of Hampton University under Dr. Harvey’s leadership. As he notes, “We at Hampton have realized undeniable success for almost four decades in the areas of academics and research, student enrollment and accomplishments, finances, the enhancement of the physical plant, and athletics”. One of those accomplishments is the unique place the university holds as the first and only HBCU to have 100 percent control of a NASA mission, a global climate change project run by Hampton’s Atmospheric Science unit. For an example, Hampton currently has three satellites orbiting the earth and expects to launch another one within the very near future. A powerful testament to Dr. Harvey’s influence and example, are the 17 former administrators of Hampton University who served under Dr. Harvey, and have gone on to become presidents of other institutions of higher learning.

"Dr. William Harvey is a phenomenal mentor who promotes and advances his staff, providing opportunities to soar above the eagles and to land safely when storms erupt as they inevitably will do,” said Dr. Elnora Daniel, former President of Chicago State University.

For anyone seeking to become an effective leader, in any endeavor, the core values, characteristics and insights outlined in Principles of Leadership: The Harvey Leadership Model, is a must-have guide.

Learn more about Principles of Leadership: The Harvey Leadership Model at PrinciplesOfLeadershipBook.com.

About Dr. William R. Harvey
Dr. William R. Harvey has served as President of Hampton University for 40 years. During his tenure, he has introduced innovations that have solidified Hampton's stellar position among the nation's colleges and universities. His extraordinary leadership is reflected in the growth and quality of the University's student population, academic programs, physical facilities and financial base.
Hampton University has built the first proton therapy cancer treatment center in the Commonwealth of Virginia -- an unparalleled hub for cancer treatment, research and technology.

An astute businessman, Dr. Harvey has applied his business acumen to the needs of Hampton University. In the process, he established student scholarships, created jobs, provided services, and increased the number of African-American entrepreneurs, while expanding the tax base in the City of Hampton.

In addition to the distinguished leadership Dr. Harvey has provided to Hampton University, he is the sole owner of the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Houghton, Michigan.

What Others Are Saying About the Book ...

Daily Press Gives Rave Review of Dr. William R. Harvey's 'Principles of Leadership'

Howard Bison To Meet Bethune Cookman Wildcats in 35th Circle City Classic

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Indiana Black Expo announced today that the 35th Circle City Classic® will feature the Howard University Bison and Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats. The two clubs will meet Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. This will mark 20 years since both schools played each other in the Circle City Classic®. In 1998, Howard beat B-CU by a score of 32-25 inside the RCA Dome.



"The Circle City Classic is a premier event in college football. We have fond memories of playing in this game in the 90's and look forward to the competition next year," said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University. "This longstanding classic has a history of showcasing universities on a national scale. We know the game will prove to be an exciting experience for our student athletes, fans and alumni."

"This has been an exciting football season and incredible opening season for Head Coach Mike London," exclaimed Howard University Director of Athletics, Kery Davis. "Next year represents the 125th Anniversary of Howard University football. What better way to celebrate this milestone than to participate in the 35th edition of the prestigious Circle City Classic®. Howard's return to the Classic after a 20 year hiatus will be a great highlight for our student-athletes, the Howard University Showtime Marching Band, perspective students, alumni and the rest of the Bison nation," added Davis.

Howard and B-CU's most recent matchup occurred on September 23 this year. With less than one minute remaining in the 4th quarter, Howard freshman quarterback Caylin Newton ran a 5-yard touchdown, winning the game 26-24. This was the first time Howard beat B-CU at home since 1996. Both football teams have the same record going into the 2018 season. They both have an overall record of 7-4 with a conference record of 6-2.

"We are excited about this year's teams that helped shape the legacy and heritage of the 35th Circle City Classic®. Both prestigious universities have outstanding academic and athletic programs, an enthusiastic alumni base and two of the most entertaining and sought after marching bands in the country," said IBE President & CEO Tanya Bell.

"The longevity of Circle City Classic® speaks to the importance of this event in the city's landscape," said Chris Gahl, senior vice president with Visit Indy. "We feel confident having these two prestigious teams participate in the weekend's activities will not only generate additional tourism spending, it will also bring in business executives capable of racing back to Indy with their convention or corporate meeting. That's very appealing from a tourism standpoint," added Gahl.

Tickets go on sale Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, the IBE box office located at 3145 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis or via phone at call 317.923.3037.

About the Indiana Black Expo
Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with twelve chapter affiliates in the State of Indiana and hosts two major fundraising events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic®. These cornerstone events support year-round youth and family programming, including the Circle City Classic® Scholarship Fund, The Education Day, State of Our Black Youth Initiative, Statewide Education Conference, Parent Leadership Academy, Youth Leadership Summit, OpportunIndy and Youth Media Institute. The Circle City Classic® has awarded more than $4.4 million in scholarships and contributed $8 million annually in economic spending.

About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 10 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, over 80 Fulbright recipients, 22 Pickering Fellows and one Schwarzman Scholar. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University's website at www.howard.edu.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

A&T Is The Hottest Thing Going Today

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Famous North Carolina A&T alumnus Rev. Jesse Jackson went to Twitter after North Carolina A&T’s historic 21-14 win over Grambling State in the 2017 Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saturday.

The former presidential candidate and civil rights leaders typed: “.@ncatsuaggies @Football_NCAT WON #CelebrationBowl today. #NCAT is also theNo.1 #HBCU in nation for #STEMdisciplines&online edu programs&named in top10of50 BESTcolleges forAfrican-Americans #Proudto be a graduateof an HBCU. http://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/perfect-n-c-a-t-completes-undefeated-season-with-/article_8cbeb0b5-b46d-5591-b569-9814dccc41ba.html#utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social …#AggiesCelebrate #Greensboro4

The good reverend is right. N.C. A&T is hottest thing out there, from athletics, to enrollment, to STEM, it doesn’t get much better than being an Aggie or being associated with the N.C. A&T Aggies. Only a quick glance inside the Atlanta Falcons home field, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, can tell you that. Out of the 25,873 announced attendance, the eye test says the majority of those people were draped in blue and gold.

But what else do you expect from the largest Historically Black College or University in America? What do you expect from the first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football team ever to finish an entire season undefeated (12-0)? What do you expect from a program with two black college football national championships in three years?

“I want to thank all our fans,” said N.C. A&T quarterback Lamar Raynard, the offensive player of the year in the MEAC. “When you look at our side, it was packed out. I appreciate the fans coming out to support us. We had our ups and downs during the game, but they’re always with us. That’s the beauty of this team, we’re fighters.”

Saturday was not a bandwagon situation. Aggies love their football. Aggie Pride was on full display throughout the season, even on the road. What makes the Aggies 12-0 season amazing was the fact that the Aggies played four of their first five games on the road. In all four of those games, it could be argued that Aggie fans outnumbered the home fans. In fact, it could be argued that the only road game where the Aggie fans didn’t compete for attendance supremacy was at Florida A&M on Oct. 14. It was the Rattlers homecoming.

“Our people show up big time,” said N.C. A&T coach Rod Broadway. “We got to Gardner-Webb, we outnumber them. We go to UNC Charlotte, we outnumber them. Most places we go, our numbers are strong. Our fans are really supportive.”

What is there not to like about being an Aggie these days? Men’s basketball (6-4) has already doubled its win total from last season, and if they can keep their solid play going, they are on the verge of having one of the biggest one-year turnarounds in Division I history. Ben Hall’s baseball program is trending up and baseball alumnus Cutter Dyals and Luke Tendler are playing well in the minors. Track and field swept all four of the MEAC track and field titles in 2017, and there is nothing to indicate 2018 will be any different. Women’s golf is not two years old yet and have already won two tournaments.

Volleyball had its best season in 11 years. In the last five years, the Aggies have two national championships in football and one in bowling. Also, in the last five years the Aggies have made NCAA postseason appearances in bowling, football, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, men’s basketball and women’s basketball. What about MEAC championships in the last five years? Football has three and there has been one apiece for women’s basketball, men’s basketball, men’s outdoor track and field, women’s outdoor track and field, women’s indoor track field and men’s indoor track and field.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Broadway. “When you say team, it's not just the people you see on the field. There are a lot of people behind the scenes who are a part of this team, and it starts with our Chancellor (Harold L. Martin, Sr.), our (Director of Collegiate Athletics Earl M. Hilton III) who has been incredible to work with and of course all of our support staff have done a fantastic job.”

Outside of athletics, N.C. A&T is the No. 1 producer of engineering degrees on the undergraduate level awarded to African Americans. N.C. A&T is the highest-ranked public school for combining research and teaching by the Wall Street Journal. N.C. A&T also continues to set new highs in enrollment and potential students applying to the school.

Following the Aggies perfect football season and another impressive showing on live network television, those numbers may continue to rise.

“Playing in and winning this game is big,” said Broadway. “The last time we won this game, not only did we benefit from it, but the university benefited as far as applications to the school being at an all-time high. I'm sure the coverage today is going to do the same thing.”

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SWAC Women's Basketball News and Notes

• Texas Southern guard Joyce Kennerson took over as the nation’s leading scorer at 26.6 points per game. She will try to lead the Lady Tigers to their fifth-straight non-conference win tonight at New Orleans., which would be the longest such streak for TSU since the 1981-82 season.

• Grambling State guard Shakyla Hill raised her steals per game average to 5.22, good for second-best in the country.

• Jackson State is one of the best ball-thieving units in America, as the Lady Tigers make 16.1 steals a night so far this season. This number is second-best in the country.

• Alcorn State has limited opponents to just 24.8 percent shooting from the three-point line. This ranks the Lady Braves 10th in the nation in the category.

• Southern has committed the eighth-fewest turnovers in the country among Division I teams (118).

• Jackson State is the only team in the SWAC that pulls down at least 40 rebounds a game. The Lady Tigers corral 50.4 boards a night, a figure that is 11 better than the next closest team (Texas Southern) and a mark that ranks third-best in the country.

SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

SSU holding off on signings until National Signing Day

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State could have a letter of intent from a junior college transfer in the next couple of days, but outside of that, the Tigers will sign the entirety of their 2018 signing class on National Signing Day on Feb. 7.

Raeburn said he feels confident in his upcoming recruiting class, and his decision to hold off on accepting any LOIs came as a result of the current Division I-AA program’s impending transition to Division II in 2019.

Raeburn said the Tigers did not arrange any official visits during the contact period prior to the early signing period, and all official visits will be scheduled in January.

“We just found out recently what conference we’re going to be in,” Raeburn said of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. “We just didn’t feel like without being able to give recruits that answer, we didn’t think it was fair to get them to sign on this early signing date. We decided in our unique situation in our transition and not being able to give definitive answers, we decided to do our official visits in January.”

But Raeburn said the school’s position of being able to guarantee recruits only one remaining season in the FCS hasn’t been too much of a turnoff. Players who were interested in Savannah State before the Division II announcement are still interested, he said.

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Lincoln University ’74 Alumna Elected Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey

SHEILA Y. OLIVER (D)
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR-ELECT OF NEW JERSEY
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ALUMNA 1974

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PENNSYLVANIA -- On November 7, Sheila Oliver ’74 continued to make history in the state of New Jersey by becoming its first African American woman elected Lt. Governor. In July, Oliver was selected by then New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Murphy to be his running mate.

Prior to being elected Lt. Governor of New Jersey, Oliver served as an elected state assemblywoman, an office she has held since 2004. In 2010 she became the first black woman to serve as Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, a position she held until 2014.

Murphy and Oliver ran in the November general election to replace term-limited Gov. Chris Christie. The lieutenant governor is first in the line of gubernatorial succession and serves as acting governor when the sitting governor is out of the state. Oliver had previously served on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1996 to 1999. She was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and has a B. A. sociology degree (1974) from Lincoln University and was awarded an M.S. from Columbia University in Planning and Administration in 1976.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Prairie View A&M Names Eric Dooley Head Football Coach

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Eric Dooley has been named Prairie View A&M University's head football coach.
 
Dooley, the 33^rd head coach in program history, joins Panther Football after spending the previous four seasons at Grambling State University as offensive coordinator (2014-17), including one year as quarterbacks coach (2014) and two years as receivers coach (2016-17). Dooley helped the Tigers to three consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division titles (2015-17), two SWAC Championships (2015-16), and an HBCU National Championship (2016). While at GSU, his offenses averaged at least 31 points per game in all four seasons, and ranked first or second in the SWAC in scoring offense each of the last three seasons. In 2016, he was named American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Assistant Coach of the Year.
 
Under Dooley's guidance in 2015, Grambling ranked fourth in the nation in scoring (41.3 points per game), scored 65 touchdowns, and averaged 470.0 yards per game. The Tigers have produced the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year each of the last three seasons (QB Johnathan Williams 2015, QB Devante Kincade 2016-17). A pair of players during Dooley's tenure are currently in the NFL (2016 free agent WR Chester Rogers – Indianapolis Colts, 2017 third-round draft pick Chad Williams – Arizona Cardinals).
 
In three seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2011-13), the Golden Lions offense improved each year under his direction. In 2011, QB Ben Anderson earned SWAC Freshman of the Year accolades while ranking second in the league in passing offense. In 2012, UAPB set a school record for wins (10), and won its first outright SWAC Championship since 1966 and were crowned HBCU National Champions. During Dooley's tenure, tackle Terron Armstead became a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2013 NFL Draft.
 
Those seven seasons as offensive coordinator were preceded by 14 years as an assistant coach in various roles at Southern University (1997-2010). In his one season as running backs coach (1997), he helped to produce a pair of All-SWAC rushers, including SWAC Player of the Year, Steve Wofford. As receivers coach at Southern (1997-2010), he developed the two most prolific receivers in school history (Michael Hayes, Juamorris Stewart).
 
Dooley played wide receiver at Grambling under legendary coach Eddie Robinson (1985 – 1988), winning two SWAC Championships. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Southern University New Orleans (1999), and his Master's degree from Southern University Baton Rouge (2005).
 
His professional playing experience includes earning a free agent contract with the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders, one year with the AFL's Arizona Rattlers and one year with the World League's Taipei Dragons (China). He also spent time coaching at his alma mater, Alcee Fortier Senior High, as the wide receiver coach, and as offensive coordinator at McMain High School, both in New Orleans, La. 

"Eric Dooley is ready for this next step and challenge in his coaching career and we are excited to name him as our new head football coach," said PVAMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson. "From receivers coach to offensive coordinator, he has been a part of or led explosive units throughout his career – resulting in a lot of championship success. He's worked under and with some of the legends of and greats of our conference – from Pete Richardson to Monte Coleman to Broderick Fobbs – all men who have led programs to championships. Our new coach has been a part of teams that have won nine SWAC Championships, six HBCU National Championships, and three Bowl game victories. Simply put, he's a winner, and we look forward to him leading Prairie View A&M football to championship success." 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT ERIC DOOLEY:
"Eric is a solid citizen. He has good work habits and has great communications skills. He's very accountable, trustworthy and honest. He'll do a great job of representing Prairie View A&M because he played in the conference and understands the conference. After playing at Grambling, he was associated with some great teams at Southern as an assistant coach, worked his way up through the ranks, and has been involved in some great programs as a coordinator. I think more than anything else, he understands how to build programs. He's learned really well in terms of order and organization. Also, he's going to demand respect and discipline from his players. The great thing about him is he understands how to recruit. He's a great recruiter, and he understands talent. He's well respected in the coaching profession."
Pete Richardson, Southern University Head Coach 1993-2009
SWAC Champions 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004
HBCU National Champions 1993, 1995, 1997, 2003
 
"I want to congratulate Prairie View A&M University and Mr. Eric Dooley. It's been a long time coming. What a great, great person first of all, a great Godly man, and secondly a great coach. He won the championship with me in 2012, and I truly don't believe we could have won that championship without the work ethic and knowledge that he brought to the table. I've been waiting for teams to call him to be a head coach, and with that opportunity coming at Prairie View A&M, I think he's going to do an outstanding job. I'm very proud of him. I'm very happy for him. I know he's wanted to be a head coach. He now has that opportunity, and I truly believe within my heart he's going to do very well and be very successful at Prairie View A&M. I want to again congratulate Coach Dooley on his promotion, and I will be praying for him."
Monte Coleman, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Head Coach 2008-2017
SWAC Champions 2012
HBCU National Champions 2012
 
"It's kind of bittersweet, because he's a personal friend of mine, but he's also a really exceptional football coach and football mind. I want to congratulate him on his new appointment and new opportunity to be the new head football coach at Prairie View A&M. He has a great and loving family, and he's definitely a part of us and we'll definitely miss him. I wish him all the best, and wish him the best of luck in all of his endeavors. We'll always be friends and counterparts. God bless him." 
Broderick Fobbs, Grambling St. Head Coach 2014 – Present
SWAC Champions 2016, 2017
HBCU National Champions 2016

ERIC DOOLEY
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY 

The Eric Dooley File: Courtesy GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Coach Dooley was a finalist for the vacant head football coaching positions at Prairie View A&M University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in December 2017.

Eric Dooley completed his fourth season at Grambling State University as the offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach. The 2017 season marks Dooley’s 21st year in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with stops at Southern University (14 years) and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (three years) prior to his time with the Tigers.

The 2016 season was a banner year for Grambling’s offensive unit under Dooley. The Tigers won the SWAC West Division for the second straight season and won the SWAC Championship on their way to winning the 2016 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl - claiming the title of HBCU National Champions with an 11-1 record.

Dooley’s offense averaged 39.8 points per game and led the conference in total offense (486.1 ypg.), passing offense (282.7 ypg.) and passing efficiency (160.1). His relentless work ethic and the proficiency of his offensive unit earned him the 2016 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division I FCS Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

Several players earned all-conference and all-American honors for the remarkable season of offense produced under Dooley in 2016. Quarterback DeVante Kincade led the SWAC in passing yards per game (251.8), passing efficiency (166.0), passing touchdowns (31), fewest interceptions (four) and total offensive yards per game (273.8). Kincade earned several accolades in 2016, including the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Award, the Ben L. Cavil, Sr. “Big Ben” Award, Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) All-American honors, BOXTOROW All-American honors, the SBN Sports Doug Williams Offensive Player of the Year Award and he was named HERO Sports FCS Newcomer of the Year. Additionally, he was a finalist for the Black College Football Hall of Fame Player of the Year Award.

Offensive lineman Justin Miller, running back Martez Carter, and wide Receiver Chad Williams were all named to the All-SWAC First Team for their performance in 2016. Miller and Williams were also named BOXTOROW All-Americans for the second straight year, while wide receiver Verlan Hunter and offensive tackle Trent Scott were named second-team All-SWAC. Williams led the conference in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,337), average receiving yards per game (111.4), and was tied for first in receiving touchdowns with 11. Williams was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Verlan Hunter’s productivity earned him a shot with the Washington Redskins, as he signed as an undrafted free agent.

In 2015, Dooley's offensive unit was one of the most explosive in all of FCS. In his second year as the offensive coordinator, Dooley's offense averaged a whopping 41.3 points a game, finishing fourth in the country for scoring offense, and finishing in the top three of every category except rushing (fourth) and third down conversion (fourth). Dooley's offense managed to score 65 touchdowns - 15 more than the first year - and averaged 470 total yards per game.

Dooley helped to produce some of the top offensive players in the SWAC in 2015, including Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Johnathan Williams, who led the conference in touchdown passes; first-team All-SWAC and BOXTOROW All-Americans offensive tackle Justin Miller and wide receiver Chad Williams, who led the conference in receiving yards (1,012) and was second in touchdowns (10); and second-team All-SWAC running back Martez Carter.

The Tigers posted a perfect regular-season conference record (9-0) before being defeated by Alcorn State in the 2015 SWAC Championship Game. Johnathan Williams’ numbers at quarterback earned him SBN and BOXTOROW First-Team All-American honors. Dooley also mentored All-SWAC Second Team wide receiver Chester Rogers who went on to sign with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent and made the Colts’ final 53-player roster for the 2016 season.

When Dooley arrived at GSU, he brought a wealth of experience along with five SWAC Championships, four Black College National Championships, one HBCU championship and two Heritage Bowl wins. During Dooley's first season as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach with the Tigers in 2014, he put the offensive players in the best position to utilize their talents. Quarterback Johnathan Williams was a second team All-SWAC player, and he led the SWAC in most passing yards per game (272.2), pass efficiency (146.2) and total yards per game (326.4). Grambling finished the season 7-5 overall and 7-2 in conference play.

In 2011, Dooley coached SWAC Freshman of the Year Ben Anderson, who led the conference in total offense and was second in the SWAC in passing offense. In 2012, Dooley helped the UAPB to a west division conference championship and its only SWAC Championship title in the SWAC Championship game era, its first outright SWAC title since 1966. The 10-win season was the highest win total in a season in school history. That season, the Golden Lions were voted as HBCU Football National Champions, also a first in the programs’ history. Dooley also coached eventual third-round draft pick Teron Armstead, who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints.

While at Southern, Dooley utilized his coaching expertise to mold the Jaguars’ most productive receiver, All-American Michael Hayes. Hayes broke numerous records for most catches and most reception yardage in a single season in 2000 (80 catches for 1,328 yards 15 TD’s). In 2003, his receivers, led by Chris Davis, Alfred Ard, Lionel Joseph, Drayton Bridges and James Vernon accounted for 218 of the Jaguars’ 520 points, and had 3,484 yards and 33 touchdowns.

In 2001, Dooley mentored another one of the program’s most productive receivers, Devin Lewis. In 2009, Dooley coached Juamorris Stewart, who finished his career as Southern University’s second leading receiver with 200 catches for 2,662 yards and 25 touchdowns. Dooley also tutored the Jaguar offensive backfield, which consisted of first team All-SWAC back Steve Wofford and Melvin Williams. Wofford led the conference in rushing, gaining 1,359 yards and was tabbed the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year.

Dooley's playing experience includes, in camp with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders, one year with the AFL's Arizona Rattlers and one year with the World League's Taipae Dragons (China). He also spent time coaching at his alma mater, Alcee Fortier Senior High, as the wide receiver coach and as offensive coordinator at McMain High School in New Orleans, La.

Dooley earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern University in New Orleans and master’s degree from Southern University at Baton Rouge.

Some of his off-field activities include being a member of the American Football Coaches Association as well as being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Dooley and his wife, Alicia, enjoy the gift of three children, Taajah, Katerra, and Dy'mond.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

East Central star Tony Brown finally has his first D1 offer -- MVSU

GULFPORT, Mississippi -- East Central senior running back Tony Brown finally has his first Division I football offer. Mississippi Valley State head coach Vincent Dancy called Brown on Friday to offer him a scholarship to the SWAC school.

“I’m just happy a D1 school offered me,” Brown said. “It feels great. A lot of people have been helping me get a D1 offer this whole season. For it to come, it’s just a blessing.”

Brown said he hadn’t heard much out of MVSU until now.


#4 Tony Brown, Gatorade Player of the Year

“They just got a new head coach and everything,” he said. “I guess they’re trying to get set up with him.”

Dancy had the interim tag removed from his title this week at MVSU. He replaces Rick Comegy, who was let go on Nov. 20.

Brown also holds scholarship offers from Mississippi College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and East Mississippi Community College.

At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Brown has been largely overlooked by Division I programs in the region despite being named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Mississippi and receiving an All-USA selection from USA Today.

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North Carolina A&T To Play FBS Liberty U. in 2020

LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Liberty Athletics has given Flames Nation an early Christmas present with the announcement of the completed 2020 and 2021 football schedules.

"We continue to make very good progress in building our future football schedules," said Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. "In addition to today's announcement, we are close to finishing 2022 and have some exciting series that have been contracted that are further out."

The schedule release comes one day before the Flames announce their first-ever FBS signing class, as part of the early December signing period.

Liberty had already announced seven of its 12 games in 2020 and nine out of 12 contests in 2021, doing so as part of its earlier football schedule release announcements.

Today's announcement includes home-and-home series with Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe in 2020 and 2021, plus a home game in 2020 against FIU. The schedule release also includes home FCS contests against North Carolina A&T and Western Carolina in 2020 and Campbell in 2021.

On Feb. 16, 2017, the NCAA approved Liberty's waiver request to begin the two-year FBS reclassification process. Liberty recently completed its final season as a FCS program in 2017, playing as a member of the Big South Conference.

During the 2018 season, Liberty will compete as a FBS independent program and will not be eligible for postseason competition. At the conclusion of the two-year transition process, Liberty will be a full-fledged FBS program in 2019, which will include the opportunity to compete for bowl game appearances.

The Flames will host their first FBS home game against Old Dominion on Sept. 1, 2018, the first of four FBS teams to visit Williams Stadium in 2018 to meet the FBS reclassification criteria. The 2018 home schedule also features FBS matchups against North Texas (Sept. 22), Troy (Oct. 13) and New Mexico State (Nov. 24).

Fans who purchased season tickets in 2017 or will purchase 2018 season tickets will have priority on purchasing season tickets in 2019. For more information about becoming a season ticket holder, please contact the Flames Ticket Office at (434) 582-SEAT (7328) or tickets@liberty.edu.

Fans can support Liberty Football and enjoy special game-day privileges by joining the Flames Club. The Flames Club exists to underwrite Liberty Athletics' three-fold mission to train Champions for Christ, provide a world-class student-athlete experience and achieve victory with integrity.

Flames Club membership starts at just $60 and members can enjoy preferred parking, seating and pregame hospitality benefits, based upon membership level. All seats at Williams Stadium other than general admission bleacher seats require membership in the Flames Club.

For more information about red reserved bench-back seats, blue premium chair-back seats, club seats or future loge box seats, call 434-582-CLUB (2582), email FlamesClub@liberty.edu, or visit www.LibertyFlames.com/FlamesClub.

• 2018 Football Schedule
• 09/01 - Old Dominion
• 09/08 - at Army
• 09/15 - Norfolk State
• 09/22 - North Texas
• 09/29 - at New Mexico
• 2018 Liberty Football Schedule

• 2019 Football Schedule

• 08/31 - Syracuse
• 09/07 - at UL Lafayette
• 09/14 - Buffalo
• 09/21 - Hampton
• 09/28 - New Mexico
• 10/05 - at New Mexico State
• 2019 Liberty Football Schedule

2020 Football Schedule
Sept. 5 at Virginia Tech
Sept. 12 vs. North Carolina A&T
Sept. 19 at Middle Tennessee
Sept. 26 vs. FIU
Oct. 3 at Bowling Green
Oct. 10 vs. Louisiana – Monroe
Oct. 17 at Syracuse
Oct. 24 vs. Southern Miss
Nov. 7 at Virginia
Nov. 14 vs. Western Carolina
Nov. 21 at NC State
Nov. 28 vs. UMass

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Christmas arrives a few days early for former Conway, CCU running back Jah-Maine Martin; Headed to North Carolina A&T

CONWAY, South Carolina -- All Jah-Maine Martin wanted was a second chance. Only a few days before Christmas, it looks as if the former Conway standout got his wish.

Via Twitter, Martin announced Thursday he plans to enroll at North Carolina A&T.

“I can’t thank God enough for this opportunity,” he said. “About six months ago I was arrested and kicked out of school. “I stayed down and never lost faith. Had to sit out a semester, but another door opened.”

According to Martin, N.C. A&T was among the schools who recruited him hard during his time at Conway.



“They hit me up and told me they were still interested,” he said. “They sent me the paperwork and basically said if it cleared then they wanted me. The rest is history.”

Martin said he plans to enroll at N.C. A&T in January.

Previously, Martin attended Coastal Carolina where he rushed for 175 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns during his freshman year. It continued a trend he started at Conway High, where he ran for more than 1,000 yards in his final two seasons.

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Delaware State Football Inks Three During Early Signing Period

DOVER, Delaware -- --Delaware State football has announced that three high school seniors have signed to attend the University and compete for the Hornets beginning in 2018.

Running back Quadir Gibson of Glen Mills, Pa., two-way standout Khan Jamal of Lansdale, Pa., and defensive back Mohamet Thiam of Union City, N.J., have signed scholarship offers from DSU this week.

A six-foot, 240 pound back, Gibson rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in three varsity seasons at The Glen Mills Schools.

Jamal was a star running back and defender (DB/LB) at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and later North Penn HS in Pennsylvania.

Thiam was a football and track & field star at Union City High School. He combined for 65 tackles, five interceptions and two punt blocks during his junior and senior seasons.

DELAWARE STATE DECEMBER 2017 FOOTBALL SIGNEES
Quadir Gibson Running Back 6-0/240 Glen Mills, Pa./The Glen Mills Schools
High School: Three-year varsity letterwinner at Glen Mills … three-time All-Delaware Valley and Delaware County First Team selection (soph., junior and senior seasons) … rush for 926 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior … ran for 848 yards and six TDs during junior season and tallied 720 rushing yards and eight scores as a sophomore … helped lead school to Delaware Valley championship in junior year … also a shot putter on track & field team … had a top throw of 53’9’ as a 10th grader and 55’6” in 11th grade year.

Personal: Son of Malikh Butler and Robert Gibson … has two sisters and one brother … born 3/23/99 …plans to major in Sport Management or Criminal Justice at DSU … also competes in powerlifting … four-time Pennsylvania State & National Champion in 242 weight class.

Quadir Gibson Highlights

Khan Jamal SS/OLB 5-11/210 Lansdale, Pa./North Penn HS
High School: Two-way standout at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and later North Penn HS …. Member of two league championship teams … All-League Second Team running back as a junior.

Personal: Son of Khan Jamal and Gloria Price … has one sister … born 7/19/00 … plans to major in Sport Management at DSU

Khan Jamal Highlights

Mohamet Thiam Def. Back 6-1/180 Union City, N.J./Union City HS
High School: Two-sport standout at Union City (football, track & field) … school posted 30-12 football record during his four varsity seasons … helped lead school to two Liberty White Division championships … All-Conference First Team selection during senior season … recorded 65 tackles, three interceptions and two blocked punts as a senior … junior year stats included 34 tackles and two interceptions …also an All-County high jumper.

Personal: Son of Fatou and Birane Thiam … has two sisters … born 12/4/99

Mohamet Thiam Highlights

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU Football Adds Three Eagles during Early Signing Period

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The North Carolina Central University football program added three Eagles, including two FBS transfers, during the new early signing period.

The new additions are Missouri graduate transfer quarterback Marvin Zanders, N.C. State transfer receiver Daeshawn Stephens and Deerfield Beach High School linebacker Zach Simmons.

Zanders, a 6-2, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback out of Jacksonville, Florida, spent three seasons (2014-16) at the University of Missouri. In 2016, he completed 10-of-12 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, while rushing 35 times for 198 yards and two scores for the Tigers. As a senior at Raines High School in 2013, Zanders amassed more than 2,500 yards of total offense, and was responsible for 37 touchdowns, completing 130-of-224 passes for 1,866 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 705 yards and 15 more scores. He is the older brother of current NCCU sophomore quarterback Micah Zanders.

"Marvin is an experienced, dual-threat quarterback," said Granville Eastman, interim NCCU head football coach. "He's a fierce competitor who has the ability to become a great contributor for the team."



Stephens, a 6-2, 190-pound receiver from Durham, North Carolina, spent the past two seasons (2016-17) at North Carolina State University, appearing in 10 games this year after redshirting during the 2016 campaign. He signed with the Wolfpack after a stellar career at Hillside High School, amassing 71 receptions for 989 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. Stephens and current NCCU freshman quarterback Chauncey Caldwell were high school teammates, helping to lead Hillside to a 10-3 record and the N.C. 4A state quarterfinals in 2015.

"Stephens is a versatile wideout with a large catch radius, who has the ability to stretch the field," Eastman said.



Simmons, a 6-1, 220-pound linebacker out of Broward County, Florida, amassed 178 tackles, 19 sacks, three fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown during his career at Deerfield Beach High School.

"Simmons is a tough, versatile linebacker who wreaks havoc on the football field," said Eastman. "He plays the run or pass very well."

More recruits will sign the dotted line to become Eagles on the traditional signing day in early February 2018.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION