MSU Coach Donald Hill-Eley: A difference maker!

Photo: Morgan State Roderick Wolfe is set to graduate in May 2008.

As a football coach, Hill-Eley is a notch above most and as a human being--even touchdown Jesus would approve.

CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston gives us all a glimpse of Morgan State University's Coach Hill-Eley in an article entitled, "From Living On The Streets To Scoring On The Field."

Hill-Eley is truly a difference maker and an amazing person....


by: Randall Pinkston , CBS News correspondent - New York

From Living On The Streets To Scoring On The Field

Football Coach Don Hill-Eley of Morgan State University could have lived anywhere in the Baltimore area. He chose to live near Morgan State, in “the hood.” That decision led to another one – patronizing a grocery store near his home where he met Roderick Wolfe.

The meeting, five years ago, led to a story of faith, discipline, and success that is still unfolding. Roderick was a high school football player who did not seem destined for success.

Photo: Morgan State University Coach Donald Hill-Eley

“What did Roderick look like when you first saw him?” I asked the coach.

“He was tall, malnourished, and very dirty. He really looked homeless”, said Hill-Eley.

“He told you he played football?”

“Yup. Told me he played football, told me he had good grades.”
Roderick Wolfe looked homeless because he was homeless. He moved from house to house, sometimes with family, usually with friends. His father, a drug-dealer, died when Roderick was 10. By Roderick’s senior year in high school, his mother was on drugs, the family evicted from their home, Roderick and his siblings scattered to the winds.

Story Continues at: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2007/12/04/couricandco/entry3575211.shtml

FAMUans named to FHSAA "100 Greatest Players of First 100 Years"

Compiled by beepbeep, MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street

As part of its celebration of “100 Years of Florida High School Football,” the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) unveiled its list of the “100 Greatest Players of the First 100 Years" in Florida, on yesterday.

The list was compiled from nominations submitted by media representatives from around the State of Florida, with final selections being made by a panel of high school sports experts, who spent more than 20 hours spread over 10 conference calls, and scores of emails, discussing and deliberating these and at least 100 other players who received serious consideration. The list was finalized on November 16, 2007.

Florida A&M University was appropriately recognized with four former Rattlers' greats and one Baby Rattler being named to this prestigious list of football all-stars.

The FAMU alumni named were: Willie Galimore, Robert "Bob" Hayes, Henry Lawrence, Ken Riley and Sam Madison from Florida A&M University Developmental Research School. Here are what the panel of experts had to say about each:

Henry Lawrence PL Manatee (Bradenton) 1969 Played at 3 different high schools in his prep career, starting at pre-integration Lincoln (Palmetto), then moving to Manatee before finishing senior year at Wyoming (N.Y.) Central. Was an OT who came back to Florida to attend FAMU from 1970-73 before beginning a 13-year career as a first-round draft pick for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders from 1974-86. Played on 2 Super Bowl teams for the Raiders. Was a 2-time pro bowler at offensive tackle.

As a young migrant farm-worker, Lawrence became a mentor and role model for other migrant children. Henry first came to western New York from Florida in 1969 with his mother, sister, and two brothers, picking fruits and vegetables. The Center's programs encouraged him to stay in school. He was offered both an academic and a football scholarship to Florida A & M University, from which he graduated in 1974. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and is a recording artist. Henry's jersey #70 was retired by FAMU in 2007. Lawrence is also the only FAMU player selected as a NFL first round draft pick in the university's sports history.

Robert Lee "Bob Hayes" RB Matthew Gilbert (Jacksonville) 1959 Played only 2 years of high school football, but showed flashes of the athleticism that would eventually make him one of the greatest athletes to ever come out of Florida. Was a back-up RB on Gilbert's 11-0 FIAA state championship title team in 1958. Had a 99-yard TD run against Miami Washington. Made 2nd-team Big Nine Conference in 1959, rushing 78 times for 525 yards. Hayes played both football and ran track at Florida A&M University. Signed with the NFL Dallas Cowboys and represented the United States in the Tokyo Olympics.

At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Hayes won the gold medal in the 100 meters, tying the then-world record of 10.05 seconds, he also anchored the United States 400-meter relay team to victory in a world-record 39.06. Hayes' relay split was a sensational 8.6 and he earned the title "World's Fastest Human.'' Nearly 20 years later, The Los Angeles Times called it "the most astonishing sprint of all time.''

When the Dallas Cowboys won the 1972 Super Bowl, Bullet Bob Hayes became the only athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. More than 30 years later, he's still the only player with both.

Hayes' world-class speed forced defenses, unable to cover him with traditional man-to-man schemes, to devised zone defenses that are common in today's game. He finished an 11-year NFL career with 71 touchdown catches, a 20-yard average per catch, and 3 trips to the Pro Bowl. His statistics were comparable or better than many of the great receivers of his day and his career appeared worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. He hasn't made it, in part because of a drug and alcohol problem in an era when the public wasn't nearly as accustomed to seeing its sports stars struggle with their personal lives. Hayes died in 2002 in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

Willie Galimore RB Excelsior (St. Augustine) 1952 "He was perhaps the greatest running back I ever saw or coached against" said Earl Kitchings, former head coach of Matthew Gilbert and Raines high schools. Considered by some experts to be the best Florida high school RB prior to Emmitt Smith. Remains leading rusher in FAMU history. Played for the NFL Chicago Bears from 1957-1963. Galimore was killed in an automobile accident on July 27, 1964 in Rensselaer, Indiana at the age of 29 with teammate John "Bo" Farrington. His number 28 has been retired by the Bears. He is a member of both the FAMU Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Kenneth Jerome "Ken Riley" QB/DB Union Academy (Bartow) 1965 One of 9 Union Academy graduates who made it to NFL before school closed in 1968. Played offense and defense in high school and QB at FAMU, where he was a 3-time All-American. Moved back to the secondary in the NFL, where he played 14 seasons with 65 INTs. Was later head football coach (1986-93) and athletic director (1994-2003) at FAMU. In addition to being a skilled athlete, Riley also excelled academically. He earned his team's scholastic award and a Rhodes Scholar Candidacy. In 1977, Riley was enshrined in Florida A&M's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Photo: Doug Williams (left) and Ken Riley (right) shares a happy moment in Cincinnati to help promote the third annual River Front Classic, which pits Florida A&M against Grambling State on Sept. 15, 2001 at Paul Brown Stadium. The game never was played because of 9/11.

Riley played his entire career for the Cincinnati Bengals, in the American Football League in 1969 and in the NFL from 1970 through 1983. Riley recorded 65 interceptions in his career, which was the fourth most in Pro Football history at the time of his retirement behind three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame; Dick Lane, Emlen Tunnell and Paul Krause. But despite his accomplishments, Riley was never an exceptionally popular or well known player. In his 15 seasons, Riley was never once selected to play in the AFL All-Star Game or the AFC - NFC Pro Bowl, and to this date has not been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sam Madison DB FAMU (Tallahassee) 1992 Played college ball for Louisville from 1993-96. Started final 3 years and finished with 16 career INTs and 44 pass breakups, both school records. Currently with the New York Giants. Has 36 career INTs and 4 Pro Bowl appearances as an NFL player.

Madison attended Florida A&M High School and won varsity letters in football, basketball, track and baseball. Madison was a second round pick in the 1997 NFL Draft (44th overall) by the Miami Dolphins. He was signed to a four year deal with the New York Giants, worth $7.4 million on March 10, 2006. He has been named to the Pro Bowl four consecutive years: 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. Madison is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, one of the most aggressive player agents in the NFL. The 33 year old Thomasville, Georgia native is in his 11th NFL season.

You may read the complete list of Florida's 100 Greatest Players of the First 100 Years at: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-100players1204,0,86162.story

About the FHSAA: The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletic competition in Florida. It has a membership of more than 750 middle, junior and senior high schools.

William "Bill" Hayes confirmed as FAMU new athletic director

by beepbeep

Florida A&M University Board of Trustees confirmed William "Bill" Hayes as the new athletic director of the Rattlers athletic programs. Hayes was given a three year contract at $175,000 annually to replace Nelson Townsend who was forced out by FAMU president Dr. James Ammons.

Townsend resignation calls for him to be on paid administrative leave until February 12, 2008. His counter-part, the fired (November 20) football coach Rubin Carter is also on the FAMU payroll until April 22, 2008, with two years and three months totally over $260,000 to be finalized in his separation package. All of Carter's assistants were also terminated, effective January 2008.

Dr. Ammons has his sights set on hiring Grambling State University coach Rod Broadway who has a 74 percent career winning percentage. This announcement is forthcoming on or about December 17, after the SWAC Football Championship game scheduled in Birmingham on December 15.

It's no secret that Hayes, Broadway and Ammons are a championship combination that are expected to take the Rattlers to the upper echelon of the Football Championship Subdivision. They did so at formerly division II, North Carolina Central University in three years and are expected to exceed this level of performance at FAMU.

So, get your checks ready and fasten your seat belts as the Rattlers are definitely on an expedited move to the championship sports mountain top. Bill Hayes is a proven winner and an exceptional sports administrator that can successfully carry out Dr. Ammons championship vision for FAMU sports. We ask only one thing of our visionary leader--please put a succession plan in place for the day that Hayes steps down. This is an excellent opportunity to mentor the next young FAMU athletic director under Hayes tutelage and the opportunity should not be missed.

We expect the Rattlers will provide a contract worth $175,000 to $200,000 annually to sign Broadway--considerably more than the $130,000 that Rubin Carter received annually to deliver a 16-17 record to Florida A&M. Based on falling attendance figures, Coach Broadway and Hayes are worth every penny to consistently sellout Bragg Memorial Stadium and the new ten thousand seat teaching arena.

Congratulations to Dr. Ammons for making the right move to fix this systemic problem with athletic administration.

FAMU "sole source" new athletic director

Compiled by beepbeep

Photo: FAMU president Dr. James Ammons

The Tallahassee Democrat announced in today's edition that Florida A&M University president Dr. James Ammons has recommended to the FAMU Board of Trustees that William "Bill" Hayes be accepted as the hire for the athletic director position. More importantly, Dr. Ammons requested the academic committee of the board of trustees issue a waiver for advertising the vacant post on a competitive basis and confirm Mr. Hayes hiring immediately. The academic committee is composed only of trustees.

The Board is also expected to vote today on issuing a waiver for the advertisement for the head football coaching position vacated by the fired Rubin Carter. Dr. Ammons also advised the Trustees that he would be bringing forth a recommendation for a head coach by December 17.

First, is anyone surprised by this development?

We're not, as Dr. Ammons has shown a personal preference in hiring the familiar or individuals that worked with him previously at North Carolina Central University, i.e., William "Bill" Hayes and possibly--Rod Broadway (head coach).

Upon being selected at NCCU in May 2003, Hayes stated, “I’m excited,” while giving credit to current head football coach Rod Broadway for helping get him off the golf course and back to work in athletics. Broadway had known Hayes since his coaching days at WSSU and had maintained a relationship over the years. “Coach Broadway called me two or three times a week,” Hayes stated. “He wasn’t interested in Xs and Os, he wanted to know about building a program. As I thought about all this free advice I was giving I decided to pursue this opportunity.”

Photo: William 'Bill" Hayes is proposed FAMU new athletic director.

Coach Broadway is in his first season at Grambling State University, but may be committed only until completion of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship game on December 15, in Birmingham, Alabama. The 48 hours thereafter, is just enough time to raise the SWAC Championship trophy, issue a letter of resignation and make travel plans to Tallahassee. Broadway has won 74 percent of all of his games at both NCCU and Grambling State and coached NCCU to an undefeated regular season in 2006 and the Black National Championship.

Not even opening the 2008 season at Western Athletic Conference foe University of Nevada at Reno on August 30, 2008, can keep Rod Broadway at Grambling State. Broadway said as much in his outburst to alumni that were unhappy with Grambling 22-13 loss in the Bayou Classic. It's difficult for Broadway to meet their unrealistic expectations--with a possible 9-3 record playing with the other guys players.

Broadway is one of 16 finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award. He is the second highest paid coach in the SWAC behind Southern University's Pete Richardson (3-years $200,000 annually) and above Jackson State University Rick Comegy. The fourth highest paid football coach in the SWAC is Anthony Jones at Alabama A&M University--that has interviewed with Southern Conference member Western Carolina University for the head coaching vacancy. Jones has a contract offer on the table at $155,000 annually from AAMU that he has not yet signed.

We will provide you with the exact numbers of Broadway's contract that was effective on January 25, 2007 later. Broadway did earn $100,000 annually under a six year deal at NCCU and $114,125 as an assistant coach at University of North Carolina.

Mr. Hayes is expected to receive a three year contract at $175,000 per year, upon Board of Trustee approval. Hayes was hired as athletic director by Dr. Ammons on July 1, 2003 and accepted a three year contract paying $110,000 annually at North Carolina Central University. He was instrumental in formulating a highly successful $1,000 Eagles Campaign--1000 Eagles giving $1,000 to fund student-athletic scholarships. This initiative raised over $1 million dollars for the program in short order.

You may read Bill Hayes complete Bio at: www.nccuatlanta.org/pdf/HayesBilly.pdf

Our only question is--are we limiting our goals and outlook for FAMU by hiring Bill Hayes?

We see Hayes as a great short term solution to bring leadership, professionalism and stability to the Rattlers athletic department. This may be just what the doctor ordered and is necessary to later make the push to the higher echelons of the Football Championship Subdivision. Hopefully, Hayes will hire his successor as an assistant athletic director so that there will be no detours as the Rattlers move to their rightful place among the college athletic elite.

We are all for a simple initiative of 2000 Rattlers at $1,000 to payoff Rubin Carter's contract and lay a solid financial foundation for 2008. It will take this additional infusion of cash to supplement the contract of a Rod Broadway or Al Lavan (Delaware State). Let's not forget that Al Lavan is a Florida native who graduated from Colorado State and coached at Eastern Michigan prior to leading the Hornets to the MEAC championship and FCS playoffs. The connection is Ammons and Lavan are from the same neck of the woods--Winter Haven and Fort Pierce, Florida, respectively.

We don't expect Broadway to have a change of heart for Grambling or FAMU to go after Lavan, unless Grambling steps up to keep Broadway. Based on the information we have received, it's going to be a Funky, Fun-ky Broadway at Bragg Memorial Stadium in 2008 and beyond.

Great move Dr. Ammons!!

Morgan State signs football coach to new contract

Photo: Morgan State University head football coach Donald Hill-Eley signed on to Bears until 2010 with options to 2012.

Morgan State University president Dr. Earl S. Richardson offered and Coach Donald Hill-Eley accepted a new contract covering a period of three years with two one year unilateral options for the university. Coach Hill-Eley has resurrected the Bears to respectability under his tenure of six seasons with a 30-37 record.

Prior to his hiring, Morgan State had 22 consecutive seasons of being the cupcake of the MEAC. They finished 2006 and 2007 with identical 5-6 records. However, the Bears proved to be a tough opponent for the upper echelon leaders of the conference and was one of the better teams that played consistent during the season.

At age 38, Coach Hill-Eley shows the potential to dominate the MEAC with his tough defense and dominating run offense. The Bears are clearly on the rise and with a few fair calls by MEAC officials, could have easily won two more games in '07.

Morgan State has also established a good recruiting pipeline to South Florida and Hill-Eley was able to obtain Football Bowl Championship star quality transfers in MEAC Offensive Player of the Year--running back Chad Simpson (Miami) from University of South Florida, corner back Darren McKahn from Connecticut and offensive tackle Robert Norris from Virginia Tech. Not only is Hill-Eley getting good FBC transfers, but he is getting high school kids on the recruiting radar of some major FBC programs.

We believe this is a great move for Morgan State and the MEAC. Coach Hill-Eley contract was due to expire on December 31, 2007. The monetary value of the contract has not been released, but the document was reported to have been signed on this past Wednesday. You can bet the mortgage money it is considerable less than the one year deal signed by Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden for $2.5 million.

Morgan State University Choir: A World-Class Vocal Ensemble!

Compiled by beepbeep, MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street

Photo: Morgan State University Choir: "Wherever it traveled, Dr. Carter insisted that the chorus perform at least one song in the language of the country it visited. In Prague, Czech residents greeted the singers in the streets with chants of "Morgan, Morgan, Morgan!"

We are amazed by the tremendous talent and high level of achievement that exists in organizations within the MEAC and SWAC institutions. We are not speaking about football championships, but cultural achievements like the Morgan State University Choir concert winning three Emmy Awards for Maryland Public Television. This was some time ago, but their performance is still electrifying today.

We saw this show for the fourth time this afternoon and each time we hear MSU Choir, we get the same feelings of pride as we do in viewing the FAMU Marching 100, the Fisk Jubilee Singers or the Morehouse Glee Club.

Morgan State University has one of the nation's most respected and lauded choral ensembles. Known for their consistency of excellent performances, the Choir probably does more annual appearances with major orchestras of the United States than any other university choir.

The late Dr. Nathan W. Carter, Jr., who was an internationally renowned teacher of vocal music, directed the choir for 34 years until his death in 2004, at age 68. He was chairman of Morgan's Department of Fine Arts and director of the university's performing arts series. He also led a fundraising drive for the school's $40 million performing arts center, which opened in 2001.

The organizations are now under the baton of Dr. Eric Conway, who is a highly accomplished pianist, conductor and chairperson of the MSU Department of Fine Arts. He has served as Associate Conductor and principal accompanist for the Morgan State University Choir for the past twenty years under the leadership of the late Nathan Carter.

"We preach not only music, but learning good work habits, discipline, responsibility," Dr. Carter told the Baltimore Sun in 2000. "We expect them to be punctual and to look sharp."

Photo: Conductor Dr. Eric Conway and the Morgan State University Choir.

Background history:

The Morgan State University Choir, led for more than three decades by the late Dr. Nathan Carter, the celebrated conductor, composer, and arranger, is one of the nation’s most prestigious university choral ensembles. The choral forces of the critically acclaimed choir include the University Choir, which is over 140 voices strong, and The Morgan Singers – approximately 40 voices.

While classical, gospel, and contemporary popular music comprise the choir’s repertoire, the choir is noted for its emphasis on preserving the heritage of the spiritual, especially in the historic practices of performance. The Morgan State University Choir has performed for audiences throughout the United States and all over the world – including the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Canada, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Their most recent overseas appearance was in St. Petersburg, Russia at the invitation of Maestro Yuri Temirkanov, music director and conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

In Russia, the Choir performed in the 5th International Festival Arts Square to enthusiastic receptions by their Russian audiences. The Choir has appeared at the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall on numerous occasions – performing and premiering works such as John Corigiliano’s “Poem On His Birthday,” “Too Hot to Handel” arranged by Broadway composers, Bob Christianson and Gray Anderson; and Hannibal Lokumbe’s “African Portraits,” led by music director, Leonard Slatkin, as part of the Kennedy Center’s African Festival.

One of the Choir’s most historic moments came with the opportunity to sing under the baton of Robert Shaw, conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and joined by Jessye Norman and others in Carnegie Hall’s One Hundredth Birthday Tribute to Marian Anderson.

A major milestone and historical movement occurred in the 1996-1997 season with the sounds of the “Silver Anniversary” concert being broadcast into households throughout the state of Maryland. The concert won three Emmy Awards for Maryland Public Television (MPT). MPT continues to air this hallmark performance during select sections of their membership drives.

Known for their consistency of excellent performances, the Choir probably does more annual appearances with major orchestras of the United States than any other university choir.

For example, season 1998-1999 included performances with the National Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Buffalo Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, and the Knoxville Symphony. During the 1999-2000 season, the Choir was featured with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in a (then) newly commissioned work for the millennium, “All Rise,” by Wynton Marsalis.

The Choir reprised “All Rise” in Prague, in October 2000 and recorded it with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; the Los Angeles Philharmonic; and in 2003, the Choir recorded it in Paris.

In December 2003 the Choir performed “African Portraits” with the Baltimore Symphony at the Gala Concert for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.

In their May 2004 issue, Reader’s Digest named the Morgan State University Choir “the Best College Choir in the U.S.’ in its list of “America’s 100 Best.”

Dr. Nathan Carter, Jr. tribute can be read at: http://www.msuchoir.org/page7/page7.html

Dr. Eric Conway bio can be read at: http://www.msuchoir.org/page2/page2.html

Morgan State University Choir - "What A Mighty God We Serve", Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor



Morgan State University Choir - "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor.


Morgan State University Choir - "Ezekiel Saw The Wheel," Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor


Morgan State University Choir ministers with "Jesus Christ Is The Way" with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor.


The Morgan State University Choir performs "We Shall Walk Through The Valley in Peace," with Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor. This arrangement is by the choir's late great director, Dr. Nathan M. Carter.


The Morgan State University Choir performs "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Eric Conway, Conductor. This arrangement is by the choir's late great director, Dr. Nathan M. Carter. Soloist: Andrea Albert.

MEAC/SWAC Sports Clipboard

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Photo: Texas Southern University new head football coach Johnnie Cole.

Texas Southern University

Texas Southern University athletic director Alois Blackwell announced the hiring of 46 year old Johnnie Cole as the Tigers new head football coach. Cole was the head football coach at Lane College (Jackson, Tennessee) of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC) - Division II and compiled a three year record of 15-16 for the Dragons. He is also a former Texas Southern quarterback (1982-86) and graduated with a B.S. degree in civil engineering.

Cole replaces Steve Wilson (4-38 record) who was terminated after game nine of the 2007 season. He has signed a five year contract at $130,000 per year.

At Lane College, his teams went 0-10 (2005), 8-3 (2006) and 7-3 (2007). Cole was named SIAC Coach of the Year in 2006.

Cole does have a checkered past with the NCAA Infractions Committee.

Cole was fired from Alabama State University before the 2003 season with this brother L.C. Cole. L.C. was the Hornets' head coach and Johnnie was the offensive coordinator from 2000 to just before the 2003 season, when they were fired by the school for alleged NCAA rules infractions. The Coles have denied the claims against them and ASU's case is still being investigated by the NCAA enforcement staff.

In 1999, Cole was banned from the coaching staff at Tennessee State University where he served as offensive coordinator. After a 17 month investigation concluded there were several NCAA rules violations and Tennessee State was hit with self-imposed sanctions by the NCAA. Cole moved on to Alabama State in 2000-03. Thereafter, he served as a wide receiver coach at Arizona Western College (2004) before being hired at Lane.

"We needed someone who could effectively maximize our team's potential and take the TSU football program to the next level and based on his success at Lane College, we believe Johnnie Cole is that person," athletic director Alois Blackwell said. Cole was able to give Lane its first winning season in 12 years and first consecutive winning record in 24 years.

The Texas Southern University Tigers are currently on a 14 game losing streak. Mr. Blackwell indicated that eight candidates applied for the position.

Earlier this week, Johnnie Cole told the Montgomery Advertiser that he would offer L.C. Cole the defensive coordinator's position at TSU. His brother served as his defensive coordinator at Lane College for a season. L.C. is currently the head coach at Sidney Lanier High School, Montgomery, Alabama.

Johnnie Cole has the third best career-passing mark at Texas Southern with 4,247 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Florida A&M University

Florida A&M University is planning renovations and upgrades to Bragg Memorial Stadium. Based on information contained in the September 27, 2007 Board of Governors, State University System of Florida legislative report, FAMU has requested approval of $35 million dollars in Stadium upgrade, new field house, sky-boxes and seating expansions. The funding source is to come from Rattlers athletics.
See: http://www.flbog.org/bog/meetings/2007_09_27/034.xls

Florida A&M University Volleyball was defeated by #23 ranked Oklahoma in the first round of the NCAA volleyball tournament 3-1 (30-25, 32-30, 29-31, 30-14). The Lady Rattlers team of eight players put up a great fight before fading in the later part of each match due to a lack of depth. FAMU team has only two seniors, Iva Lakic and Hannah Uckelmann, that were instrumental in continuing the Rattlers streak of 99 consecutive MEAC matches won, eight MEAC championships in the past nine years and seven consecutive MEAC championships. The MEAC champions end their season with an 18-8 record.

Former Aggie athletic director DeLores "Dee" Todd-- first women appointed as A.D. in N.C. A&T sports history and first female to serve as an Assistant Commissioner in the 50-year history of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

North Carolina A&T State University

The North Carolina A&T State University Aggies have initiated a national search for a new athletic director. DeLores "Dee" Todd was removed from the position of athletic director on November 29, 2007, by Chancellor Stanley F. Battle, who told her he had reassigned her to an unspecified job in the university's School of Education. Todd is a 27-year veteran of college athletics administration and is primarily responsible for the hiring of Coach Lee Fobbs (0-27) as head football coach. Chancellor Battle, who took over as chancellor July 1, did not offer a specific reason for her reassignment.

The university plans to reduce Todd's annual salary from $135,106 to $120,000 on the reassignment. She initially signed a five year contract agreement starting at the lower figure. Lee Fobbs is in the second year of a guaranteed four year contract paying him $165,000 per season.

An issued statement by the chancellor said, "This decision was made in the best interests of the athletics program. The university expresses our appreciation for Ms. Todd's services and contributions during her tenure as athletics director."

Todd graduated with honors from Winston-Salem State University in 1972 with a degree in Health and Physical Education, and received her Masters Degree in Human Relations and Psychotherapy from Governor’s State University in Park Forest, Illinois in 1981.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State senior corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, has been selected to play in the East-West Shrine game in Houston on Jan. 19 and in the Senior Bowl All-Star game in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 26.

Rodgers-Cromartie returned two interceptions for touchdowns spanning 69 and 71 yards, and finished the season with 11 pass breakups, 37 tackles and 1,016 all-purpose yards to earn first-team All-OVC honors this season.

Additionally, he is the reigning Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Champion in the 60-yard dash, the long jump (25'-00.75") and the high jump.

He is projected as an early second-round NFL draft pick next April.

*******
The TSU Tigers volleyball team was eliminated by 9th ranked University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team (27-5) 3-0 (20-14) 30-26, 30-14 and 30-17) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday. The Tigers end the season with a record of 19-15.

Alabama A&M University

Alabama A&M University Volleyball seventh berth into the NCAA Tournament in the last eight years came to an end Friday as No. 8 UCLA swept the Bulldogs 30-9, 30-14, 30-13 at Jervey Gymnasium on the Clemson University campus. The SWAC champions Bulldogs finished the season with a 15-10 record.