Showing posts with label TSU Tigers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TSU Tigers. Show all posts

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Tennessee State Ground Cleveland St. for Second Straight Win

Columbia, South Carolina  -  Tennessee State remained perfect on the early season by holding off Cleveland State on day two of the Palmetto Classic. The Tigers improved to 2-0 as they defeated CSU 5-3 on a chilly Saturday evening.

With the sun going down and the temperatures dropping to a wind chilled 32 degrees, sophomore Olivia Gamache (1-0) toed the rubber and fanned the first three batters of the game. The Exeter, R.I., native would finish with six strike outs in five innings of work, as she picked up her first career win.

Dara Toman led off the bottom of the second inning with a home run to centerfield to give Cleveland State a 1-0 lead that held through the third. The Tigers would take advantage of two Viking errors and added timely hitting to explode for five runs in the top half of the fourth.

After a leadoff walk by Jordan Rehl, senior Kelly Troglin hit a sharp ground ball to shortstop Cynthia Woodard that looked to be a potential double play. Woodards throw was off line and ended up in right field. Rehl would advance to third, while Troglin was able to reach second. Ashley Haynes would walk to load the bases, and with one out, Brittany Davis stepped up and drove a ball to left center plating Rehl and Troglin for a 2-1 lead.

Two batters later, the Tigers took advantage on another Viking miscue as Jennifer Givens lifted a ball to deep left center. CSU's, Alicia Nichols was able to get settled for the catch, but the ball bounced out and allowed Givens to reach third. Davis and Savannah Gutierrez were able to score on the play and give TSU a 4-1 lead.


TSU Coach Jeff Dabney on 2012 Season (Feb. 8, 2012)


Tedra Alford would close out the scoring in the fourth with a triple off the fence in left center, allowing Givens to touch home. The triple was Alford's third hit in a 3-for-4 effort.

Cleveland State would score a run in the fifth and threatened in the sixth inning with a lead-off walk followed by a double to put runners on second and third. Freshman Shea Morris would relieve Gamache and enticed Cynthia Woodard into a fly ball to Givens in center. Toman tagged at third and tested the Tigers defense. Givens would throw a one-hopper to catcher Devin Amar who swept a tag on the Viking runner for a double play. CSU would pick up a run off a hit one batter later to close the score to 5-3 after six innings of play.

Morris came back out in the seventh and struck out the first two batters before Gutierrez caught a fly ball in left field to secure the win. Morris notched her first save of her career.

Davis finished 2-for-3 with a double, a run and two RBI, while Amar, 1-for-3, picked up a hit in her second consecutive game.

Haynes was 1-for-3 with a walk and Kate Morris, 1-for-2, collected her first collegiate hit with a double to left center.

TSU sits atop of the Palmetto Classic standings at 2-0. Western Kentucky and host South Carolina are each 2-1. Winthrop is 1-2 and Cleveland State is 0-3.

Due to early morning temperatures, the TSU-Western Kentucky game has been moved back an hour and will now start at 11 a.m. ET. The morning game is the first of two for the Tigers on the final day of the three-day tournament. Tennessee State closes out play with a 4 p.m. game against Winthrop. Live stats for all games this weekend can be found on tsutigers.com.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State Track & Field Notches 26 Top-5 Finishes

Murfreesboro, Tennessee - The Tennessee State men's and women's track & field teams notched 26 top-5 finishes and captured 14 podium finishes in the final regular season meet, the Middle Tennessee Valentine Invitational, on Saturday evening.

TSU used the meet as a final tune-up before the OVC Track & Field Championships at the Gentry Center on Feb. 24-25.

The Tigerbelles had a strong day as the 'A' team won the women's 4x400-yard relay with a time of 3:55.08. The 'B' team finished third with its' time of 4:14.17.

Ashontae Jackson had a solid day with two podium finishes. The freshman finished second in the 200-meter dash (25.07) and third in the 55-meter dash finals (7.23).

In the throwing events, Brittani Logan grabbed third with her toss of 41-5 ¾ (12.64m) in the shot put. She placed fourth in the weight throw with a distance of 49-11 ¼ (15.22m).

In the high jump, Gabrielle Todd cleared a height of 5-3 (1.60m) for second overall.

Kya Riley claimed third in the 400-yard dash with her 59.62 time. Ja'Lyn Burr (37-8/11.48m) and Felicia Oladokun (35-3 ¼/10.75m) claimed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the triple jump.

For the men, Michael Johnson and Arthur Combest both earned silver medal standings. Combest cleared 1.98-meters (6-6) in the high jump. Combest later notched a time of 7.67 in the 55-meter hurdles finals.

Johnson placed second in the 400-meter dash with his clocked time of 49.76. Royce Dates (7.17m/23-6 ¼) and LeQuinn Davis (6.65) claimed third place finishes in the long jump and 55-meter dash, respectively.

Julian Mallory ran 22.27 in the 200-meter dash for a fourth place finish, while Tamarron Key earned fourth with a height of 10-6 (3.20m) in the pole vault.

The Flying Tigers 'A' team notched second (3:22.80) and the 'B' team third (3:28.79) in the 4x400-yard relay.

Tennessee State returns to action in two weeks when the Tigers host the 2012 OVC Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Gentry Center on Feb. 24-25. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the TSU Ticket Office at 615-963-5841.

BOX SCORE

Flying Tigers (Top-10 Finishes)
High Jump
Arthur Combest (2) 1.98m/6-6
Sean Jenkins (4) 1.93m/6-4
Julian Mallory (6) 1.93m/6-4

Pole Vault
Tamarron Key (4) 3.20m/10-6

Long Jump
Royce Dates (3) 7.17m/23-6 ¼
Adrien Hill (7) 6.81m/22-4 ¼
Avian Hughes (10) 6.74m/22-1 ½

Triple Jump
Adrien Hill (7) 13.63m/44-8 ¾
Avian Hughes (8) 13.62m/44-8 ¼
Markeith Price (9) 13.06m/42-10 ¼

Shot Put
Alex Griffin (6) 13.81m/45-3 ¾

Weight Throw
Alex Griffin (9) 12.37m/40-7

400-meter Dash
Michael Johnson (2) 49.76
Lamonte Burton (6) 50.93
Jahleel Michael (8) 51.32
Jamill Jackson (9) 51.34
Tamarron Key (10) 51.64

55-meter Hurdles Finals
Arthur Combest (2) 7.67

55-meter Dash Finals
LeQuinn Davis (3) 6.65
Julian Mallory (5) 6.76

800-meter Run
Desmond Trice (7) 1:59.60
Christopher Hobbs (10) 2:01.21

200-meter Dash
Julian Mallory (4) 22.27
Michael Johnson (T-5) 22.41
Lamonte Burton (T-5) 22.41

4x400 Yard Relay
'A' (2) 3:22.80
'B' (3) 3:28.79

Tigerbelles (Top-10 Finishes)

High Jump
Gabrielle Todd (2) 1.60m/5-3
Ja'Lyn Burr (5) 1.50m/4-11

Long Jump
Felicia Oladokun (6) 5.16m/16-11 ¼
Daniecce Ward (7) 5.00m/16-5

Triple Jump
Ja'Lyn Burr (4) 11.48m/37-8
Felicia Oladokun (5) 10.75m/35-3 ¼

Shot Put
Brittani Logan (3) 12.64m/41-5 ¾
Kai Senaya (6) 10.75m/35-3 ¼
Cierra Joshua (8) 10.70m/35-1 ¼
Jasmine Merriweather (9) 9.37m/30-9

Weight Throw
Brittani Logan (4) 15.22m/49-11 ¼
Cierra Joshua (6) 12.62m/41-5
Jasmine Merriweather (8) 11.74m/38-6 ¼
Kai Senaya (9) 11.05m/36-3

400 Yard Dash
Kya Riley (3) 59.62
Felicia Oladokun (9) 1:04.53

55-meter Hurdles
No Results Available

55-meter Dash Finals
Ashontae Jackson (3) 7.23

800-meter Run
Charita Harris (5) 2:24.84
Breanna Adams (9) 2:30.82

200-meter Dash
Ashontae Jackson (2) 25.07
Kya Riley (5) 26.32
Brittany Betts (7) 26.88
Gabrielle Todd (8) 26.94
LaTia Carney (9) 27.62

4x400 Yard Relay
'A' team (1) 3:55.08
'B' team (3) 4:14.17

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Tennessee State Alumnus John Moon To Serve As Men's Head Coach For USA At 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships

LEGENDARY HEAD COACH JOHN MOON (bio)
36TH YEAR
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
 Courtesy: Seton Hall Athletic Communications


NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -  USA Track and Field has announced that former Tennessee State Univeristy Flying Tiger 100 yards co-world record holder and national champion John Moon has been selected as the head coach of the USA men's track and field team at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey on March 9-11, 2012. Also, Moon will serve as the men's throws coach.

Currently, Moon is the head cross country coach at Seton Hall University.

Moon's distinguished coaching career spans over 40 years, has taken him to over 50 countries and has garnered him many coaching appointments, awards, and inductions. He started as a high school coach for Kilmer Job Center and Rahway High School in New Jersey. With Rahway, Moon earned 33 championships and a 99-11 dual meet record.

Moon became Seton Hall's head coach in 1972 and in his first year, coached the men's mile relay team to first place at the NCAA Indoor Championships. He has coached 71 All-Americans and seven NCAA Champions, including 400 meters specialist Andrew Valmon, an Olympic relay gold medalist and BIG EAST record holder. Moon guided the Lady Pirates to 3rd place at the 1994 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Moon's appointments, awards and inductions include: first assistant coach, men's Track Team, 2000 Summer Olympics; head track coach, 1995 Pan American Games; head coach, 2001 U.S. vs. Great Britain dual meet; assistant coach, 1991 Goodwill Games; head coach, 1983 U.S. Olympic Festival East Team; head coach, 1975 U.S. Junior National Team; 2002 Mid-Atlantic Region Women's Indoor and Outdoor Coach of the Year; NCAA Women's Indoor Track Coach of the Year; Big East Coach of the Year seven times; Collegiate Track Conference Coach of the Year six times; Newark YMWCA Legendary Coaches Award; Seton Hall Athletic Hall Fame; and New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Moon was equally impressive as a track star. At Linden High School, he ran the 100 yards in 9.7 seconds and the 220 yards in 21.0 seconds, earning All-State and All-American honors. At Tennessee State and with Wilma Rudolph as a teammate, Moon again earned All-American honors and tied the 100 yards world record at 9.3 seconds. Also, he won the 100 yards at the NAIA and placed third in the NCAA Championships. After graduating from TSU, Moon finished second in the 100 yards at the 1963 National AAU Championships and ran 20.3 seconds in the 220 and 46.2 in the 440.

In 1964, he became the last man to beat Bob "Bullet" Hayes (Florida A&M University), the Olympic legend who had established a new level of speed in track and field.

Moon's appointment as the head coach of the U.S. indoor team to the World Indoors is somewhat remarkable and ironic because Seton Hall cancelled its indoor and outdoor track and field teams at the end of the 2010 season to reallocate over $1 million to other areas. However, Seton Hall retained men's and women's cross country, and Moon continues as the head coach of both teams.

John Moon To Serve As Men's Head Coach For USA At 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships

SOUTH ORANGE, New Jersey - Seton Hall University head cross country coach John Moon will soon be able to add another prestigious accomplishment to his international coaching resume as he has been selected to serve as the men's head coach for team USA at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

The 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships will take place from March 9-11, in Istanbul, Turkey. This year's meet is on course to be the largest in the championship's history, with more than 160 IAAF member nations preparing to send a squad to Istanbul.

"I am excited and honored for my track & field colleagues to select me as the head coach for the U.S. international team," Moon said. "It's rewarding for the track & field community to hold me as one of the elite coaches in the country. To represent Team U.S.A. is a great honor, one of the biggest of my career, and I am excited to represent Seton Hall University as well."

Moon will serve as the USA men's head coach and also work with the team's throwers. He will be joined by New Mexico State University head coach Orin Richburg, Rowan University assistant coach Norm Tate, and USA Track & Field's Dave Schrock.

The post as the U.S. men's head coach at the World Indoor Championships is the latest in a long list of international coaching experiences Moon as accrued over his 40-year career in track and field.

He served as the top men's assistant coach for Team USA at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Moon was also the head coach for the United States at the 1995 Pan American Games, and in 2001 he guided the United State in the prestigious U.S. vs. Great Britain dual meet in Glasgow, Scotland.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION AND SETON HALL UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Tennessee State Tigers Use Balanced Attack to Drop EIU, 55-46

Charleston, Illinois - Tennessee State men's basketball took an early first half lead and behind a balanced scoring attack held off an Eastern Illinois comeback, as the Tigers captured a 55-46 victory at Lantz Arena.

The victory marked the first time in over a year TSU (11-10, 4-4 Ohio Valley) had captured a road victory over an OVC opponent, snapping a nine game losing skid against conference foes on the road. The OVC road win was the first for TSU since defeating UT Martin on Jan. 8, 2011.



Eastern Illinois (9-8, 2-3 OVC) took a brief two point lead early, but the Tigers battled and stretched their advantage to 11 in the first half. TSU's advantage was cut to 33-30 in the second half, but the Tigers used critical baskets from Wil Peters and Kenny Moore to extend the advantage. EIU cut the lead within six a couple of more occasions, but it wasn't enough as TSU held on for the win.

TSU shot 45 percent, knocking down 22 of 49 attempts. The Tigers out-rebounded Eastern Illinois 35-to-30. TSU dished out 11 assists, including six from Illinois native Patrick Miller. EIU was held to 36 percent shooting (20-of-25), including 3-of-21 (14 percent) behind the arch.

Chicago native Kellen Thornton led TSU with 14 points and pulled in a team-best six rebounds in the victory. Thornton was 5-of-7 from the floor in 25 minutes of action.

Peters completed the game with 12 points, going 5-of-8 from the field. The senior guard also hit a pair of triples and corralled two rebounds in 25 minutes.

Junior forward Robert Covington extended his double-digit scoring streak to 20 games, notching 11 points. The Bellwood, Ill., native grabbed four boards, picked up two blocks and collected a steal in 33 minutes.

Kenny Moore notched eight points and a season-high eight rebounds for the Tigers. M.J. Rhett added six points and three boards in 13 minutes.

Tennessee State took a 29-23 lead into the locker room. The Tigers made 12-of-25 from the field for 48 percent. EIU was held to 31 percent (9-of-29) shooting from the field. Rhett led the Tigers with six points, while Thornton had five points and five rebounds. EIU's Joey Miller had 17 points to lead the Panthers at the break. Miller finished the game with 19 points.

Tigers held on to an early 7-6 lead with 15:35 left in the first half. Covington and Moore hit back-to-back baskets to put the Big Blue up 13-9. TSU then proceeded on a five point run to expand their lead to nine.

The Tigers expanded their lead to 11 when Peters knocked down a triple at 4:12 in the first period. The Panthers battled back going on a 5-0 run to close out the half, Miller hit a triple to make it a 29-23 contest at the half.

The second half started on a strong run for the Panthers as they cut the Tigers lead to 33-30 in the first five minutes. However, the Tigers added another five point string to go up 37-30 with 13:37 remaining.

Eastern Illinois went on an 8-to-4 run, cutting Tennessee State's advantage to 41-38. Peters drains a triple at 5:12 to put the Tigers back up by six.

Covington added a basket to give the Tigers the 52-44 edge with just over a minute remaining. EIU's Jeremy Granger followed up with a fade-away to reduce the Tigers' lead to six with approximately a minute left. TSU added three freebies down the stretch to secure the win.

The Tigers take a week hiatus before visiting UT Martin on Thursday, Jan. 26. Tipoff with the Skyhawks is 7 p.m.
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TSU at Eastern Illinois Box Score (PDF)

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information
VISIT: TSUTIGERS
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Friday, December 30, 2011

Tennessee State Lady Tigers down Austin Peay in OVC opener

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The Tennessee State University women's basketball team opened up Ohio Valley Conference play with a 95-81 win over Austin Peay Thursday night in the Gentry Center.

Four Lady Tigers scored in double-figures to help Tennessee State (5-8, 1-0 OVC) snap a three-game skid while Austin Peay (3-11, 0-1 OVC) dropped its third straight. Tayla Foster led TSU with 22 points while Jasmin Shuler registered 21. Destiney Gaston recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds as Rachel Allen came off the bench to score 15 points and grab seven rebounds.

Whitney Hanley paced Austin Peay with 22 points while Jasmine Rayner (21), Meghan Bussabarger (13), and Kristen Stainback (11) also scored in double-digits.

Early in the first half, TSU called a timeout after three quick buckets from APSU led to the Lady Tigers falling behind, 6-0. A lay-up by Jasmin Shuler finally got TSU on the board but the Lady Tigers still trailed 9-2 following an APSU three-pointer.

TSU began to rally when Rachel Allen drove to the lane and connected in the paint with 15:12 on the clock. The bucket sparked a 10-2 run that put the Lady Tigers on top, 12-11.  Over the next several possessions, the teams traded buckets. The Lady Govs managed to build a, 22-17, lead but Jasmin Shuler nailed a triple to pull the Lady Tigers back to within two.

TSU was trailing, 26-23, when a three-pointer by Kesi Hess fueled a 15-0 run that gave the Lady Tigers a, 38-26, lead and forced an APSU timeout. The Lady Govs cut the deficit down to six before the Lady Tigers went into the break leading, 42-34.


Head Coach Tracee Wells and Junior Jasmin Shuler during post game following TSU's 95-81 win over Austin Peay. Shuler posted 20-plus points for the second time and double-figures for the 11th time this season.

Alana Morris christened the second half with a jumper before a small spurt by the visitors cut the TSU lead down to six. The Lady Tigers went back on top, 52-41, following a long ball from Jasmin Shuler and a jumper by Tayla Foster.

TSU increased its advantage to 56-43 on an old fashioned three-point play by Rachel Allen before APSU outscored the home team, 7-1, to pull within, seven.

A free-throw by Kesi Hess put the Lady Tigers back on top by double-digits, 62-52, before TSU grabbed a 70-54 lead with a little less than nine minutes left in the game.

Austin Peay cut the deficit down to 72-61 at the 7:21 mark before pulling to within 10 (82-72) with 3:32 remaining.

The Lady Govs pulled within single digits once again but the Lady Tigers knocked down 11 free-throws in the last 1:18 of the game to seal the win.

TSU finished the contest with a season-best 72.9 percent (35-of-48) from the free-throw line.

The Lady Tigers return to action on Saturday, Dec. 31 when they face Eastern Kentucky on the road. Game time is slated for 4 p.m. (EST) in McBrayer Arena.

GAME STATS

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS

TSU Extends Win Streak to Five with OVC Opener Win

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State used another balanced attack to extend its' win streak to five games and capture an 83-67 victory over UT Martin on Thursday evening at the Gentry Center.

The Tigers (8-6, 1-0 Ohio Valley) earned its' first conference opener victory since Dec. 7, 2006 after shooting a season-high 56 percent (32-of-57) from the field. Nine student-athletes scored five or more points.

TSU dished out 15 assists and out-manned the Skyhawks (3-12, 0-2 OVC) on the boards, 35-to-28.

Robert Covington led the Tigers with 17 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes of action. The junior forward scored his 1,000th point at 11:36 and finished the night with 1,009 career points. Covington is the first Tiger to reach the 1,000 points club since Gerald Robinson, Jr. in 2009. From the field, Covington was 7-of-10 and pulled in three defensive boards.

Coming off the bench, Patrick Miller tallied 13 points in 24 minutes. He grabbed three boards and dished out three assists and recorded two steals for the Tigers.

Bob Cousy award candidate Wil Peters was 4-of-6 from the field for 11 points. The Nashville product tied a season-high with seven assists in a game-high 33 minutes.

Junior Tashan Fredrick notched season highs in points (nine) and rebounds (five) in the victory.

For the third consecutive game, Jordan Cyphers added double-digits with 10 points, including two triples in 21 minutes.

Kellen Thornton had seven points and three boards. In his first game since Nov. 25, Kenny Moore racked up six points and three rebounds. M.J. Rhett had a solid performance pulling in eight rebounds and scoring five points. Sophomore Michael Green finished the contest with five points in eight minutes.

Tennessee State closed out the first half on a 15-to-4 run, taking a 41-35 lead at the mid-way point.

From the field, TSU shot 45 percent (14-of-31), holding UTM to 41 percent (14-of-34). The Tigers out-rebounded UTM, 22-19. At the break, Miller had 10 points for TSU as UT Martin's Troy King had nine.

The game started out back and forth, but UTM opened on a 10-4 run to take a 21-14 lead at the 11:30 mark in the first half.

King's basket stretched the Skyhawks lead to eight. TSU's Miller drove through the lane to cut the Tigers' deficit to 31-26. Kenny Moore followed up with a basket inside the paint, narrowing UT Martin's margin to three.

Peters managed two freebies to tie the contest, 31-31, at 4:17. The two teams went back-and-forth as Fredrick used a put-back to give TSU the 37-34 lead.

Cyphers hit a fade-away jumper in the final minute to give the Tigers the 41-35 advantage into locker room.

TSU opened up to a solid nine point advantage in the second half. UT Martin cut the advantage to 55-50 midway through the period.

Covington hit a jumper at 11:36 to score his 1,000th career point and give TSU the 57-50 lead. Mike Liabo drained a triple and added a layup to help UTM cut the lead within three with 7:40 left in the game.

Covington added a triple to stretch TSU's advantage to 67-61, giving him his 13th consecutive game of double-figures.

The Tigers started to pull away in the latter minutes of the game, closing the game with an 83-67 victory.

TSU returns to OVC action at Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Dec. 21. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.

BOX SCORE(.pdf)

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Strong Shooting Performance Propels TSU to Victory over AAMU

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - - Tennessee State staved off an Alabama A&M comeback and snagged a 78-68 win over the Bulldogs to secure its' best start since 1994.

The Tigers (7-6) led by as many as 17 in the second half, but Alabama A&M (2-6) fought back to tie the game at 47-47 with 9:48 remaining. A 16-7 in the final stretch run helped the Tigers notch the most victories before the winter break since Frankie Allen's squad accomplished the feat during the 1994-95 campaign.

Four Tigers reached double-figures as Robert Covington notched 18 points, a career-high five blocks, four rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes of action. Covington managed his 12th straight double-figure game and is just eight points shy of reaching 1,000 in his three-year career.



For the ninth time this season, Patrick Miller eclipsed double-digits. He posted 17 points, going 4-for-4 from the field, in 25 minutes. The sophomore guard made eight freebies at the charity stripe and dished out three assists.

Jordan Cyphers made two triples and added four total baskets for 15 points and three rebounds. For the second consecutive game, Kellen Thornton totaled 11 points and six boards in 19 minutes.

From the field, TSU banked 21-of-38 attempts for 55 percent. The Tigers made an outstanding 69 percent from the field (11-of-16) in the second half, en route to their second game of 50-plus field goal shooting.

The Tigers were also hot behind the arch, shooting 64 percent (7-of-11) on the evening. Albama A&M was dominated on the boards, being out-rebounded 36-to-26. TSU dished out 15 assists with Wil Peters leading the way with six assists. The senior from Nashville finished with eight points, four rebounds and a steal.

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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Former WSSU coach lands job at Tennessee State

TSU Assistant Coach Rick Duckett
(Courtesy Tennessee State University Athletics)
Rick Duckett had a record of 73-19 during his three seasons as coach at Winston-Salem State.

Nashville, TN - Rick Duckett, a Winston-Salem native and a former head coach at Winston-Salem State, has been named an assistant basketball coach at Tennessee State. Duckett, who was fired after one season at Grambling State in 2009, spent the past two seasons working for UNC Greensboro as the color analyst for men's basketball games on radio station WZTK-FM (101.1).

He went 6-23 in his one season at Grambling. One of his players died after a conditioning drill in August 2009, and Duckett was fired with three years left on his contract. Henry White, a 21-year-old junior-college transfer, became ill during a preseason workout at which Duckett was not present, and White died 12 days later.

After two seasons out of coaching, Duckett said he's thrilled to be back. Duckett said by telephone Saturday that he hopes his batteries are recharged after being out of coaching for awhile. "If they aren't recharged now, then they never will be," Duckett said. "I'm looking forward to getting back into it, so I'm very appreciative of this opportunity."

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TSU Men's Basketball adds Rick Duckett to staff

Tennessee State University men's basketball head coach John Cooper has announced the hiring of Rick Duckett as an assistant coach. Duckett joins the staff with more than 30 years of coaching experience and after spending the last two seasons as a basketball color analyst for UNC Greensboro on 101.1 WZTK-FM. He has nine years of coaching experience as a head coach with three different programs gathering a career record of 156-98.

"We are extremely excited to have him (Duckett) join our staff with his vast array of experience and success during his coaching career," said Cooper. "He was shaped and molded in one of the great basketball families (North Carolina). We can't wait to benefit from his experience on the bench. He is a first-class person and fierce competitor with an incredible ability to identify with student-athletes."

Cooper and Duckett reunite after working together under two programs. During Cooper's collegiate career as a player at Wichita State, Duckett was an assistant (1987-92) help leading the Shockers to NCAA Tournament appearances in 1988 and 1997 and a N.I.T berth in 1989.

"I'm energized about the opportunity. It gives me clarity and purpose to have a chance to work with young people," Duckett explained. "During my two years away from coaching, I missed the day-to-day interaction with coaches and players. What is also important is the relationship I have with Cooper and I believe in his vision and admire his coaching philosophy."

From 1993-98, Duckett was head coach at Fayetteville State (CIAA) with Cooper serving as an assistant from 1993-95. In his first stint as a head coach, he led the Broncos to a 76-57 record while serving FSU as an assistant athletic director and instructor.

In 1998, Duckett took over the helm at Winston-Salem State (CIAA) until 2001. He posted a remarkable record in his three seasons leading the squad to a combined 73-19 mark while capturing the CIAA championship in 1999 and 2000. Both seasons, he earned the CIAA Tournament Coaches Award and was the 1999 NCAA Division II South Atlantic Coach of the Year.

After WSSU, he served his second term with South Carolina (SEC) Basketball from 2001-08 under head coach Dave Odom. He rejoined the staff after serving in the same capacity for head coach Bill Foster (Rutgers, Utah, Duke, South Carolina, Northwestern) for the 1985-86 season.

From 2008-09, Duckett grabbed the head coaching reins once again when he spent one season at the helm at Grambling State (SWAC) posting a 6-23 record.

In addition, Duckett has spent years as an assistant, coaching for one season at Central Florida (1983-84) and Jacksonville (1983-84). A year prior to the appointments, he spent the first of two stints at R.J. Reynolds High School (Winston Salem, N.C.) returning as a teacher and coach from 1992-93.

Duckett began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, North Carolina (Chapel Hill), from 1979-1980. He received his full-time start as the head coach of the freshman squad at Harvard University from 1980-1982.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

TSU loaded for upcoming season, receive early preseason rave

Nashville, TN - Tennessee State University men's basketball head coach John Cooper announced the signing of prep standout Jay Harris to a National Letter of Intent. Harris will join the Tigers this fall for the 2011-2012 academic year.

"We are excited to have Jay join the program," Cooper added. "We are eager to see how he can contribute to our team and are pleased to see that he chose to come play for us here at TSU."

Harris enters TSU after spending last season at Charis Prep (Wilson, N.C.) averaging 14 points, 11 assists and three steals per game. Running the offense from the point guard position at Charis Prep, he helped set a team milestone with a 24-0 home record.

A 5'10 guard and native of Philadelphia, Pa., Harris attended Robeson High School and was an All Public League and All City selection when he averaged 20 ppg as a senior. Harris also played on the Runhouse Team in the 2010 season of the Philadelphia Positive Image League.

Jay was being recruited by Tennessee State, Western Kentucky, Colorado State, Quinnipiac, Youngstown State, Northeastern and Central Michigan.

With the season a distance away, TSU has received great reviews for the upcoming year.

According to OVCball.com's Catlin Bogard "This year, they're (TSU Tigers) more talented and more experienced. At the end of the previews, I'll rank the teams from 1-11, and I can tell you this team will be near the top, if not at the top, of my ranking. Beware the Tigers in March."

OVCball.com Tennessee State Men's Basketball Preview

Harris will provide depth at the guard position with the loss of sixth man, Jacquan Nobles, and first-year player Verkeneo Mann. Both elected to transfer at the conclusion of the season.

Nobles, a sophomore from Ayden, N.C., finished last season averaging 7.5 ppg making the first four starts on the year. In his first year, he started 15-of-32 games played and finished second on the team in scoring with 11.2 ppg.

That season, he led TSU in three-point shooting knocking in 43 percent from behind the arc. He finished his first year as a member of the 2010 All Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer Team.

Mann, a native of Decatur, Ala., started 1-of-20 games played last year averaging 2.0 ppg and shot 80 percent from the free-throw line.

Last year, the Tigers did not have a senior on their roster. For the upcoming season, all five starters return in guards Will Peters (10.5 ppg | 4.2 apg) and Patrick Miller (11.4 ppg) with forwards Kenny Moore (14.5 ppg), Robert Covington (13.4 ppg | 7.5 rpg), and Michael Green (1.7 bpg).

Miller was named OVC Freshman of the Year and joined Moore on the OVC Newcomer Team. Covington was named to the OVC Second Team. He received his second Conference honor after being named to the Newcomer Team in 2010 with Nobles.

Peters finished last year third in the OVC in assists with Green closing out the year second in the league in block shots.

Lastly, three D-I transfers Jordan Cyphers (Utah), Muniru Bawa (Indiana) and Kellen Thornton (Illinois State) and redshirt freshman Malcolm Rhett will add talent, experience and depth after sitting out last season.

TSU released the men's basketball tentative 2011-12 schedule. The Tigers will play Trevecca-Nazarene (11/1) in exhibition play before opening the season on the road at Saint Louis (11/11).

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Monday, May 9, 2011

Surging Texas Southern tops Southern Jaguars

As Texas Southern coach Michael Robertson emerged from a postgame huddle Sunday at Lee-Hines Field, he carried three things — his trademark slow-motion stroll, two weekend victories under his belt and the kind of grin money can’t buy. This, Robertson concluded, had been a nice trip to Baton Rouge.

It wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t have to be. It simply served as affirmation that the Tigers can compete with, and defeat, any opponent they face in the upcoming Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament.

Sunday afternoon, TSU scored four runs in the sixth inning and got a standout performance from starting pitcher Abel Flores en route to a 5-3 victory — one that gave the Tigers two wins over Southern on the final weekend of conference play.

Box Score

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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

TSU Hires Former Oakland Raiders Assistant Coach

HOUSTON - Texas Southern University, reigning champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conferrence, hired former Oakland Raiders receivers coach Charles Coe as its new offensive coordinator. Coe was the Raiders receivers coach in 2007 and worked in personnel in 2008.

Prior to that Coe was head coach at Alabama State for four years where he was 29-18 and won two SWAC East Division titles and the 2004 league championship.

"I hired Charles because of his experience and because he is a very good teacher," said Kevin Ramsey, TSU interim head coach, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "Charles will help us upgrade our overall football IQ and he is respected throughout the coaching profession."

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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Jackson State AD search on hold, but 1 candidate emerges

A.D. Charles McClelland 
Even though Jackson State's search for an athletic director hasn't officially begun, one former finalist for the position has voiced his interest in the job again.

Charles McClelland, a Jackson native entering his fourth year as athletic director at Texas Southern, said the "opportunity to get interest from JSU and come home is exciting.

"Being from Jackson, I understand the rich history and tradition at JSU and what it means to the city of Jackson," said McClelland, a finalist for the job in 2006.

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tony Harvey Stays At TSU

HOUSTON - Texas Southern University basketball coach Tony Harvey told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday he has decided not to pursue the vacant head coaching job at Eastern Michigan. Eagles officials contacted TSU athletics director Charles McClelland Monday to let him know of their interest in Harvey.

Harvey was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after leading TSU to the SWAC regular season championship this past season and a spot in the NIT.

"After carefully evaluating the situation, which I believe is a wonderful opportunity, I have decided to continue with my plans at TSU," Harvey said "



TSU hoops coach a hot commodity after recent success



Texas Southern men's basketball coach Tony Harvey said Wednesday that Eastern Michigan has contacted him about its vacant head coaching position.

Harvey, who grew up in Benton Harbor, Mich., and served as an assistant at Eastern Michigan from 1996-99, led TSU to a 19-13 record in 2010-11 and the program's first Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season championship since 1998. The Tigers, who went 16-2 in conference regular-season play, failed to reach the NCAA Tournament after being upset in the semifinals of the SWAC tournament but received an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament, where they lost to Colorado in the first round.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Texas Southern coach Tony Harvey a candidate for EMU job

Houston, TX - Texas Southern coach Tony Harvey, who has roots in Michigan, is a candidate to become the next men's basketball coach at Eastern Michigan. EMU athletic director Derrick Gragg contacted Texas Southern athletic director Charles McClelland as a courtesy Tuesday and expressed his interest in Harvey.

"Eastern Michigan's athletic director left me a message as a courtesy, saying he was interested in Tony Harvey," McClelland said Tuesday evening. "He never mentioned an interview, but I didn't call him back either."

Harvey, a 1983 graduate of Benton Harbor High School, was an assistant coach under Milton Barnes at EMU when the Eagles finished 23-10 in 1997 and then won the MAC tournament in 1998. He was also an assistant coach at Missouri when the Tigers reached the Elite Eight in 2002.

Harvey recently finished his third season as head coach at...

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG
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Monday, April 11, 2011

TSU softball team continues to shine

Houston, TX - The Texas Southern softball team is surging at the right time.

The Tigers swept rival Prairie View A&M in a three-game series over the weekend at Memorial Park to improve to 20-22 overall and 11-3 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. TSU, which has won nine of its last 10 conference contests, has a 3½-game lead over Grambling State in the SWAC Western Division.

The Tigers dismantled Prairie View in convincing fashion. Sophomore Rebecca Villarreal tossed a one-hit shutout in Friday's run-ruled 9-0 victory, and TSU polished off the sweep with Saturday's 11-3 (5 inn.) and 7-2 wins.



The TSU All-Sports Athletics Banquet will include the Football Championship Ring Ceremony

The Texas Southern Football Championship Ring Ceremony will now take place on Thursday, April 14th along with the Texas Southern 2010-11 All-Sports Athletic Banquet.

“In light of our recent changes, we had many complications in continuing with the original plans for the football ring ceremony,” said TSU athletics director Dr. Charles McClelland. “Therefore, we will have the ceremony along with our overall athletics banquet where all the student-athletes, supporters and administrators can enjoy the event.”

The All-Sports Banquet will be held at the Intercontinental Houston Hotel (2222 West Loop South) at 7:00 pm in the Discovery Center Rooms A&B.

Members of the 2010 championship football team will be presented with their rings and recognized for their accomplishments. The 2010 TSU Tigers Football team defeated Alabama State to capture TSU’s first lone football championship title.

Outstanding student-athletes from all Texas Southern sports will also be recognized for their accomplishments both on and off the playing field.

If you purchased a table or tickets to the football ring ceremony, those tickets will be honored for the combined event on April 14th. If you cannot attend, the athletics department will offer refunds. Please contact Tonia Kirven for more information at 713-313-7048 or kirventm@tsu.edu.

By Rodney Bush, TSU Sports Information Director

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Sunday, April 10, 2011

Run defense shines at TSU football scrimmage

Run defense shines at TSU football scrimmage

The scoreboard favored the Offense but Tennessee State University Coach Rod Reed praised the Defense in Saturday's Blue and White Spring Game. The scoring system used to award points to each unit gave the offense a 61-37 victory over the defense, but many of those points were scored late in the contest at Hale Stadium before an estimated crowd of 3,500.

"The No. 1 thing you've got to do in any defense is stop the run," Reed said. "Our offense hangs its hat on running the ball, so for us to come out and do a good job against the run really pleases me."

The defense stifled the running game well into the second quarter, holding it to minus-4 yards on 14 carries. By halftime the offense had only 20 yards on 19 carries, and the defense was leading 23-17.  The two quarterbacks — senior starter Jeremy Perry and redshirt freshman Michael German — were not allowed to be hit, so the truest test was the running game against the defense.

TSU receiver embraces change to new position

The decision to change positions in football can be difficult. Tennessee State offensive coordinator Mike Jones made it easy for Jamal Ramsey, a transfer from Middle Tennessee State, who has moved from quarterback to wide receiver during spring practice.

"If he stays at quarterback he probably would never see the field," Jones said. "If he goes to wide receiver he's got a great opportunity to see the field. I asked him which one did he want to play? He said he wanted to play wide receiver and we're happy to have him at that position."

The Tigers need receivers more than quarterbacks as they look to improve their passing game after finishing seventh in the OVC last year (165.6 yards per game).

Blue Team Prevails 61-37 Over White In Spring Game

On a sunny and festive day that saw over 3,500 fans and the "Aristocrat of Bands" come to "The Hole" of Hale Stadium, the Tennessee State University "Blue" team (offense) prevailed 61-37 over the "White" team (defense) in the 2011 Spring game.

Utilizing a point system that rewarded the defense points for such things as interceptions, fumbles and third down stops, the defense took a 25-21 lead into the halftime. The defense gained fifteen points on three interceptions alone as they stymied the offensive attack.

In the second half, however, the offense came alive scoring thirty points on two touchdowns and a field goal along with gaining scoring points on several plays over twenty yards. Key among the 20-plus yard plays were long pass receptions by Brandon Brown (49 yds) and Travis James (30 yds).

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Videographer: MarchingsportHD; Tennessee State University Marching Band (2011)- Honda Battle of the Bands

Monday, April 4, 2011

TSU players adapt to changes at top

The Texas Southern football team was temporarily shaken up Friday when Johnnie Cole was relieved of his coaching duties in anticipation of an NCAA report that is expected to reveal major violations committed by the program.

But when the players resumed their spring practice with a scrimmage Saturday afternoon at TSU's Durley Stadium, things had mostly returned to normal. Of course, there was a different man in charge, as former defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey has been promoted to interim coach. There was also one less assistant coach after Ramsey fired associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Daryl Williams shortly after taking over the reins.

Saturday's practice was...

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Sunday, April 3, 2011

Commentary: Dismissing Cole was only option for TSU program seeking legitimacy

Texas Southern University hired Johnnie Cole as its football coach because it wanted to win games. It hired Charles McClelland to be its athletic director for the same reason.

TSU also hired McClelland because it wanted to do things the right way. It fired Cole for the same reason. A college football program should be able to do both: win and do things the right way. Even TSU.

"The university's commitment to compliance is undaunted," McClelland said in a Friday statement that announced the school has parted ways with Cole because of major rules violations that, according to an athletic department official, will be revealed when a report from an NCAA investigation is released.



TSU interim football coach fires an assistant

Texas Southern interim football coach Kevin Ramsey said Saturday that associate head coach/quarterbacks coach Daryl Williams has been relieved of his duties.

Ramsey, the defensive coordinator who was named interim coach Friday after former coach Johnnie Cole was dismissed, informed Williams of the move shortly after being promoted by athletic director Charles McClelland.

Williams was hired by Cole in 2008 after serving as Alabama State’s director of football operations from 2005-07.

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Saturday, March 26, 2011

Tennessee State University Holds Football Pro Day

Nashville, Tenn. - Football players from Tennessee State University and several area universities, looked to impress scouts from the NFL and Canadian Football League during the annual Pro Day event held on TSU's campus, Thursday, March 24.

A large crowd of spectators and supporters were on hand at the Gentry Center, and then Hale Stadium, as scouts took measurables of height, weight, vertical and broad jumps, along with strength and speed.

More than 20 players from the senior class of TSU's football team and players from Austin Peay State, Tennessee Tech, Western Kentucky and Tennessee Martin participated in the event.

Participants looked to impress the pro scouts and gain the title, "diamond in the rough", and receive an invitation to training camp and possible roster spot on a professional football team.

TSU wide receiver Joe Hills turned in the top performances in the broad jump (10'10") and the vertical jump (37 ½ "). WR/DB Marques Wilkins leaped 10' even in the broad jump. DB Marguez Hall awed the crowd with the second best vertical jump of 36 ½ inches. Hall stands 5' 8".

TSU running back Preston Brown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2010, recorded a time of 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash and lifted 225 lbs in the bench press 20 times.

Last year, TSU's DB Anthony Levine impressed scouts in the Pro Day event and was invited to the Green Bay Packers camp. Levine made the team and earned a Super Bowl ring this year after the Packers won the World Championship. Each of the players in this year's event hope their performance will lead to a professional football contract.

bulletPhoto Album

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information