Thursday, May 29, 2014

Johnson named Interim Head Football Coach at Cheyney U.

Coach Anthony Johnson Takes the Reins of the Cheyney Wolves Football Program
Photo Courtesy: Cheyney University Athletics

CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania  -- Anthony Johnson has been named Interim Head Football Coach. Johnson came to Cheyney in 2010 as the Offensive Coordinator under Head Coach Jeff Braxton and continued in that role under Coach Lockard. As the offensive coordinator, Johnson also coached the running backs and quarterbacks.

Prior to his appointment at Cheyney he spent three years at Salisbury University. While at Salisbury, Johnson was responsible for the running backs and slot backs which featured a nationally ranked offense and the number one rushing offense in the nation. Four of his backs earned all- conference honors and the Seagulls participated in the ECAC Southwest Championship Game.

Johnson was an All-Conference performer at Salisbury and the Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 at Salisbury University.  In 2004 as a player, the Seagulls finished the regular season undefeated, for only the third time in program history, and were ranked No.5 in the nation. He has won two conference championships and has two NCAA tournament appearances at Salisbury University.  Johnson earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary studies specializing in Physical Education, while minoring in Athletic Coaching and a M.ED in Post-Secondary Education in 2010. He is an active member of the American Football Coaches Association.

"I am extremely grateful, honored, and blessed that Cheyney University has recognized all the hard work I have been doing for my four years at this University," Johnson states.  "I will surround myself with great men that bring a wealth of knowledge along with a passion for the game. We are leaders of men first and foremost under my leadership.  I understand that being an educator is the most important aspect of being a coach," he adds.  "My passion, energy, and competitive drive are noteworthy.  I thrive off helping each student reach his full potential by teaching core values that will enable all students to become visionary leaders and responsible citizens in society and life."

Lastly he states "Now being appointed Cheyney's Head Football Coach, my primary objective would be to revive the Cheyney University football program by changing the culture of the student athletes. I envision instilling an unparalleled work ethic, strict discipline, and mature self-confidence in the student athletes, thereby developing winners who want to contribute and help the football program grow to be a championship caliber team.  I further envision building a structured program with a solid foundation based off recruitment, education, community service, and fundraising. This will be done through the recruitment of staff and the efforts to adhere to all NCAA rules and regulations would be imperative."

As the offensive coordinator Johnson played a significant role in obtaining the first PSAC win in snapping a 32 game losing streak and a 24 game PSAC East conference losing streak with a 20-17 win at Millersville. That same season the Wolves scored a career high 34 points against West Chester University, the second most the Wolves have ever put on the scoreboard against the Golden Rams. In 1979, the Wolves scored 36 points and won by two. Johnson also led the Wolves offense to beat Lincoln the first time in school history two years in a row. Johnson has spoken at several Glazier clinics up and down the east coast on the Triple option.

It hasn't gone un-noticed that in each of the last three years one student athlete has been presented an Academic Award by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Football foundation and College Hall of Fame.  Johnson has implemented a structured academic system for the student athletes to follow in the Academic Success Center which has led to improved retention rates.  The football roster has grown every year since Johnson has been associated with the program.  There has been an average of fifteen football student athletes that have earned a 3.0 GPA or better and been on the Dean's List each semester.

COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS INFORMATION

UAPB Football sets dates for youth camp

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Football team will hold its' annual Monte Coleman Summer Football Day Camp for youth grades first through eighth on June 12 and high school camp for grades ninth through 12th on June 13 at Golden Lion Stadium.

The cost of the camp is $50 per camper with each camper receiving lunch and a t-shirt. Registration each day will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. with camp activities beginning promptly at 9 a.m. each day.

Athletic trainers are will be on duty to treat minor injuries and sickness. Camp medical staff will not be responsible for administering prescribed medication.

For information contact Keith Saine at 870-575-8605 or via e-mail at sainek@uapb.edu.

2014 UAPB Football Camp Brochure


COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU coaching search narrows

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Tonia Walker, the athletics director at Winston-Salem State, says the search for the next men’s basketball coach has been going well.

Walker said on Wednesday that there were 52 who applied for the opening that came about after Bobby Collins resigned and took the opening at Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Collins spent eight seasons at WSSU, the second-longest tenured coach for the Rams behind the late Big House Gaines, who was there for 47 years.

“We had a strong pool of applicants,” Walker said. “We are trying to identify a coach who will make sure our academic success will be maintained and that we remain competitive in the CIAA and that the coach has the ability to turn boys into men.”

Walker said that the new coach will be named in the next two weeks.

Kunz, Newell, Graham and Woinowsky Join Chicago State Volleyball

Photo: (L) Jana Kunz, Selena Newell, Amber Graham and Elisa Woinowsky
CHICAGO, Illinois – Jana Kunz (Olton, Switzerland/ Kantonsschule Solothurn/Palm Beach State College), Selena Newell (Pembroke Pines, Fla./Pembroke Pines Charter HS/Palm Beach State College), Amber Graham (Las Vegas, Nev./Arbor View HS/Arizona Western CC) and Elli Woinowsky (Berlin, Germany/Merian Oberschule/San Jacinto College) have each signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Chicago State University volleyball program for the 2014 campaign.

"This is a very solid, athletic class," Chicago State interim volleyball head coach Dawn Barnes said. "I'm excited about this group and what they each bring to our program both on and off the court. They all add depth and athleticism to their respective positions."

Kunz, a 6-2 setter, was an all-state selection in high school and attended the Swiss Youth National Team Training Camps. She played for TV Schönenwerd for four years. She played setter, middle blocker and opposite hitter for Palm Beach State College.

"Jana gives us size and bigger block on the right side," Barnes said. "She is a versatile player and will raise the level of play in the gym. She will make an immediate impact at several positions."

Newell, a 6-0 outside hitter, was voted most outstanding player in 2013 at Palm Beach State College. She was listed as one of Max Prep's top athletes in 2012. She helped Pembroke Pines Charter High School to a pair of district championships and a regional appearance. Newell made the Dean's List and honor roll in high school. In 2011-12 she played with the South Florida Volleyball Club and won first place in gold at the Capitol Hill Classic. She was named the MVP in 2010-11 with the Ohana Volleyball Club.

"Selena is very dynamic and is a true outside hitter," Barnes said. "Her versatility and athleticism will allow us to do some different things offensively. She will definitely add creativity and competitive energy."

Graham, a 5-10 outside hitter, averaged 3.06 kills and 2.23 digs per set for Arizona Western College last season. She finished second on the team in total points (302.0). Graham helped the Lady Matadors to a record of 20-6. Her club won the District C Championship and earned a trip to the national tournament.

"Amber brings the mentality of a hard nosed kid and has a great competitive spirit," Barnes said. "She is an amazing talent. She is dynamic, explosive and has different shot selections that will throw off a lot of teams. Her ability to find the holes on the court while in the air is something that we are looking forward to."

Woinowsky, a 5-11 outside hitter, was named First-Team All-Conference at San Jacinto College last year. She averaged 3.26 kills and 3.53 digs per set. Woinowsky totaled 408.5 points on the year. She helped San Jacinto to a 22-10 record.

"Elli will make an immediate impact to the Cougars' offense and defense," Barnes said. "She is a six rotation kid that plays at a very high level. Elli brings more than ball control to our team. She has an incredible work ethic and a solid passing platform."

These four join previously announced additions Chelsea Sheldon-Medina (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha North), Milica Zmiric (Sombor, Serbia/Gimnazija Veljko Petrovic), Essence Jackson-Jones (Muskegon, Mich./Muskegon) and Alex Messner (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Fremd) to make up the eight-member 2014 recruiting class.

Chicago State opens the 2014 season in late August.

COURTESY CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

The Lincoln University Announces Jacob Mullins as their New Director of Compliance

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania -- The Lincoln University is pleased to announce the hiring of Jacob Mullins as the Director of Compliance. Mullins comes to LU after serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information and Compliance at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, PA. Mr. Mullins primary responsibility will be certification of student athletes, monitoring of recruitment, and rules education.

Dr. Pope, Director of Athletics at The Lincoln University believes that Mr. Mullins is a veteran compliance professional who will bring to the department a level of confidence needed to allow the administration to concentrate on growing the department on and off the field. " I look forward to Mr. Mullins joining our team. His background and knowledge is just what the department needs at this time," states Dr. Pope.

Mullins spent the last eight years at Bryn Mawr as the department's chief communication officer for both internal and external relations. He was charged with and led the department's publicity efforts as well as all marketing and promotions for the Division III institution's 12-sport athletic program. Mr. Mullins contribution to the overhaul of the athletic website including: the addition of photography and videography, the use of social media and QR codes, has created a website that has become one of the finest in the Centennial Conference.

As the Compliance Director, Mullins ensured that Bryn Mawr's coaches, athletes, staff, administration and other institutional figures adhered to NCAA rules and regulations as well as promoted the Division III philosophy. He administered the annual NCAA Rules Test, reported violations to the conference office, oversaw databases, monitored playing and practice seasons, as well as the academic and athletic eligibility for more than 200 athletes. In addition, Mullins served as the liaison to the NCAA, Centennial Conference, local, regional and national sports media.

For the start of the 2013 school year, Mullins led the athletic department's partnership with Stretch Internet to be the home for the Bryn Mawr's live video streams. During the 2013-14 athletic year, more than 150 athletic-related events were live streamed in HD.

During the summer of 2012, Mullins overhauled the athletic website with the help of Presto Sports' CMS to make it the website more user friendly and visually appealing. In addition, Mullins helped change the layout of the popular live stats feature where fans can follow all home game action with up-to-the minute statistics.

Prior to Bryn Mawr, the Delaware native worked at Gallaudet University, the only institution of higher learning dedicated to the deaf and hard of hearing. While in the nation's capital, Mullins ran all aspects of the Sports Information Office and was the sole publisher of athletic publications. Before Gallaudet, Mullins worked at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he was in charge of marketing and promotions efforts for the 24-Division II athletic department.

Mullins graduated from Lynchburg College in Virginia in 2004 where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management. While at Lynchburg, Mullins was a standout on the Hornet track and field team were he earned numerous academic awards as well as All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) honors in 2002, 2003, and 2004 in the javelin throw.

Mullins helped lead the Hornets to three ODAC Conference Championships during his tenure. After completing his bachelor's degree, Mullins attended Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., where he earned his master Master's Degree in Sports Administration for Higher Education in 2005.

Mullins is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of America (NACDA), National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC), College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), and Philadelphia Area College Sports Information Directors Association (Philly-SIDA). Mullins served as the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Women's Track and Field coordinator for Philly-SIDA. He also serves as an administrative delegate and representative of Bryn Mawr College at Centennial Conference and NCAA meetings and conventions.

Mullins resides in West Chester with his wife, Melissa, and daughters, Emma and Lily.

COURTESY THE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Florida A&M's Robinson turns attention to MLB draft



BENNIE ROBINSON
 Photo Courtesy: Florida A&M Sports Information
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- He finished the season with a national top-15 batting average, led the MEAC in hits and is now one of only two former FAMU players that have had 213 at-bats in a season.

With those kinds of statistics, you’d think that first baseman Bennie Robinson had been on everybody’s radar for some time. But that was not the case for the left-handed slugger who ended the season at the MEAC’s Player of the Year.

And all of doubting that he endured just pushed him to play with a sense of purpose, said Robinson, who is now a hot prospect to be selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB draft next week.

“I just want to be successful in the game of baseball,” Robinson said. “When you want to be successful in what you do every day, you find a way to get it done.”

The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros have already had a close up of Robinson in workouts. The Yankees and Diamondbacks have also invited him to work out for them, he said.

Should he get drafted, Robinson will be the first FAMU player to do so since Derek Shaw was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2010.

Southern Football announces kickoff times for 2014 schedule



BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- Southern University's 3-game homestand set for the month November has been assigned a 1 p.m. kickoff at A.W. Mumford Stadium as the football program announced the remaining start times to its 2014 schedule.

Southern will host Alabama State on Nov. 1 before welcoming Texas Southern and Mississippi Valley State to Baton Rouge on Nov. 8 and Nov. 15.

Kickoff times for all road games during the 2014 season has been finalized except for the Jaguars' 2014 season opener against UL Lafayette Aug. 30 in Lafayette.

Following the battle between defending conference champions at Cajun Field, the Jaguars will host Central Methodist on Sept. 6 and Northwestern State Sept. on 13 before opening defense of its SWAC title against Prairie View A&M on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m.

Southern will travel to face Alcorn State in Lorman, Miss. on Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. before hosting UAPB for homecoming on Oct. 4. The Jaguars road schedule concludes with a back-to-back games at Alabama A&M on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. and at Jackson State on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.



2014 Southern U. Jaguars Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time (CT)   
  Sat, Aug 30  Louisiana-Lafayette Lafayette, La.  TBA

 
  Sat, Sep 06  Central Methodist A.W. Mumford Stadium   6:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Sep 13  Northwestern State A.W. Mumford Stadium   6:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Sep 20  Prairie View A&M * Prairie View, Texas | Blackshears Stadium   6:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Sep 27  Alcorn State * Lorman, Miss.   4:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Oct 04  Arkansas-Pine Bluff * A.W. Mumford Stadium | Homecoming   5:30 p.m.

 
  Sat, Oct 11  Alabama A&M * Huntsville, Ala.   1:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Oct 25  Jackson State * Jackson, Miss.   6:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Nov 01  Alabama State * A.W. Mumford Stadium   1:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Nov 08  Texas Southern * A.W. Mumford Stadium   1:00 p.m.

 
  Sat, Nov 15  Mississippi Valley State * A.W. Mumford Stadium   1:00 p.m.

 
Bayou Classic
  Sat, Nov 29  Grambling State * New Orleans, La. | Superdome   1:30 p.m.

 
* Conference Games



COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS