FAMU athletics in deep debt

DEREK HORNE
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M trustees and administrators are determined to see the university's athletics department stop hemorrhaging money.

The department came into the 2011-12 school year almost $5 million in the hole and it has added another $1 million to its deficit this school year, Athletic Director Derek Horne reported during the trustees' Budget and Finance Committee meeting Wednesday.

"It's a huge concern," FAMU President James H. Ammons said. "We have a rich athletic tradition at Florida A&M, but at the end of the day athletics has to be self-sufficient."

Teresa Hardee, FAMU's CFO, said she does not believe the athletics department is "wasting money." She added that she doesn't know where it can cut expenses, either. "What they have to do is increase their revenue," Hardee said.

READ MORE 

After loss of mentor, Stillman Tigers Savage excelling

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Ashley Savage lost her most prized possession one week before her collegiate softball season began. Savage’s longtime softball mentor, coach and friend, Tommy Barnhill, lost his three-month battle with lung cancer Feb. 1. He was diagnosed with the disease in October, while Savage was playing on the Stillman College volleyball team.

“It was tough not being there, but I honestly thought nothing would stop him or slow him down,” Savage said. “I never thought it would come down to this or that it was as bad as it really was.”

He lost his battle 10 days before her debut with the Tigers.

“He taught me everything I know about ...

READ MORE 

St. Aug's Falcons Ink 30 Football Signees

RALEIGH, North Carolina – Saint Augustine's College announced the signing of 30 football recruits for the 2012 football season on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. This is the largest incoming class since 2002 when the Falcons re-started football after 37 years.

The list of players includes 16 in-state players and 14 players from eight different states in addition to Washington, D.C. That is a marked departure from previous years when most of the recruits were out-of-state.

The Falcons stocked up on offensive linemen (8) and defensive backs (7), but they also focused on defensive linemen (5), wide receivers (4) and linebackers (4). Head Coach Michael Costa expects several of the recruits to make an impact this upcoming season.

“This is a good class,” Costa said. “We have a lot of kids that will help the program. We have good kids who are smart.”

The recruits will join 41 lettermen from last year's squad which finished 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the CIAA. Top returning lettermen for the Falcons include quarterback Teddy Bacote (Hampton, Va.), wide receiver-return man Tyron Laughinghouse (Greenville, N.C.) and wide receiver Brian Richards (Waldorf, Md.) on offense. Bacote and Laughinghouse were All-CIAA selections last season. Richards ranked first in the league and 10th nationally in receptions per game (7.0) last season.

Defensively, the Falcons bring back linebacker Chaz Robinson (Hampton, Va.), linebacker Antonio Stewart (Ellenwood, Ga.) and defensive tackle Shonquez Nelson (Lake City, S.C.). Robinson and Nelson both made the All-CIAA squad and Stewart was named 2011 CIAA defensive rookie of the year.

The Falcons open the 2012 season at home against Wingate University. The contest starts at 1:30 p.m.

The Falcons' list of recruits are as follows:

NAME POSITION STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Cory Craig RB Norwood, NC South Stanly High School
Dajon Montague DE Garner, NC Middle Creek High School
Alan (AJ) Gilford QB Savannah, GA Jenkins High School
Wesley Perkins DB Lincolnton, NC Lincolnton High School
Donald Brinkley OL Greenville, NC Rose High School
Craig Johnson LB Raeford, NC Hoke County High School
Sayer Robinson DB Statesville, NC West Iredell High School
Jamiah Johnson WR Durham, NC Southern Durham HS
John Perkins OL Fayetteville, NC Jack Britt High School
Jered Mckenzie OL Aberdeen, NC Pinecrest High School
William Jenkins OL Henrico, VA John Marshall High School
James Walls DB Richmond, VA John Marshall High School
Christian Kama OL Waimanalo, HI Kailua High School
Joseph Pelesasa LB Waimanalo, HI Kailua High School
Jaylynn Nicholas OL Graniteville, SC Aiken High School
Lionel Davis DT Memphis, TN Westwood High School
Antzale Henry WR Memphis, TN Westwood High School
Antoine Smith LB Washington, DC Friendship Collegiate Acad.
Marquis Pegues WR Laurinburg, NC Scotland County HS
JaQuice Oates-Bethea DE Laurinburg, NC Scotland County HS
Caison Murphy DB Laurinburg, NC Scotland County HS
Ryan Bowman LB Fort Valley, GA Peach County High School
Justin Jones DB Fort Valley, GA Peach County High School
Terrance North DB Prattville, AL Prattville High School
Kenneth Patten OL Winterville, NC South Central High School
Jordan Griffin DB Middletown, DE Middletown High School
Sharif Humes DE Statesville, NC Statesville High School
Justin Davidson WR Statesville, NC Statesville High School
Kyle Johnston DL Pennsauken, NJ Pennsauken High School
Henry Capers OL Raeford, NC Hoke County High School

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

XU men knock off another top-10 team; Nuggets lose by 1

COACH ALAN GREEN
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TENNIS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

SANTA BARBARA, California — Xavier University of Louisiana's Loic Didavi, Zach Taylor and Viktor Svoboda defeated ranked singles players Tuesday to lead the ninth-ranked Gold Rush to a 6-3 NAIA men's tennis victory against eighth-ranked Westmont.

Xavier (12-4) has beaten top-10 teams in consecutive duals for the first time in the program's history. The Rush defeated No. 7 Point Loma Nazarene 5-4 on Monday.

Xavier's women, who dropped out of the coaches' top 25 poll Tuesday, lost 5-4 to 21st-ranked Westmont.

Svoboda and Corey Huggins clinched against Westmont (7-7) with their 9-8 (10-3) victory at No. 3 doubles against Lukas Zielen and Joshua Barnard. Didavi and Taylor, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's third-ranked NAIA doubles team, beat second-ranked Bryan Cox and Rodrigo Schaefer 9-8 (11-9).

Didavi, ranked 11th, beat fifth-ranked Cox 6-4, 6-3. No. 17 Taylor defeated No. 23 Schaefer 6-0, 6-3, and 47th-rated Svoboda defeated No. 39 Tim Goranson 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-5).

The XU men are 8-2 this season against ranked NAIA opponents, 3-2 against top-10 teams.

"Our guys are stepping up on this trip," XU coach Alan Green said. "This was another tough battle. These matches are so hard, and I hope they can prepare us for the national tournament. Westmont had a good crowd, and they were loud and on us the whole time."

Although the Gold Nuggets (3-18) dropped their fourth in a row and ninth in the past 10 duals, they earned a pair of singles victories against ranked opponents. XU's Kourtney Howell, ranked 35th, beat No. 38 Nicci Yvanovich 6-3, 6-2. Amanda Materre defeated No. 45 Tara Yekrang (WC) 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 6-3.

The women's dual was not decided until the final completed match, when Alyson Meyer rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory against Nicole DeLoach at No. 5 singles. Sunset at Westmont's Abbott Tennis Courts, which has no lights, forced Meyer and DeLoach's final set to be moved to Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in nearby Carpinteria.

Xavier will continue its California trip with duals at 2 p.m. PDT Wednesday against Concordia — whose women are ranked eighth and men are ranked 10th — at Costa Mesa Tennis Center.

Results:  Men    Women

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, April 1) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Fresno Pacific (10) 16-1 250 1 2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 13-2 242 2 3 Oklahoma Christian 10-3 232 3 4 Azusa Pacific 15-1 228 4 5 Auburn Montgomery 10-7 215 5 6 Point Loma Nazarene 9-6 211 7 7 Vanguard 9-7 202 6 8 Westmont 7-6 191 10 9 Xavier 10-4 186 9 10 Concordia (Calif.) 6-8 177 8 11 William Carey 11-2 174 11 12 Lindsey Wilson 13-4 163 12 13 Aquinas 14-1 152 13 14 Bethany (Kan.) 12-3 145 14 15 Belhaven 12-2 137 17 16 Cumberland 8-0 134 16 17 Warner 11-2 117 18 18 Lee (Tenn.) 7-5 114 15 19 Campbellsville 7-4 103 19 20 Martin Methodist 6-4 93 20 21 Our Lady of the Lake 6-6 89 21 22 Webber International 14-5 74 23 23 Northwestern Ohio 14-4 72 25 24 Lewis-Clark State 5-7 61 24 25 Shorter 7-13 53 22 Others receiving votes: Pikeville 41, Olivet Nazarene 35, Spring Arbor 35, McPherson 33, Biola 21, Northwood (Fla.) 19, Roberts Wesleyan 3, Mobile 3, Taylor 1, Indiana Southeast 1, SCAD Savannah 1, Cumberlands 1.

NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll (first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, April 1) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Auburn Montgomery (13) 15-2 343 1 2 Fresno Pacific 15-4 332 2 3 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 15-2 321 3 4 Oklahoma Christian 7-3 309 4 5 Azusa Pacific 14-2 300 5 6 Point Loma Nazarene 10-5 285 6 7 Brenau 9-3 280 7 8 Concordia (Calif.) 7-5 264 8 9 William Carey 11-6 257 9 10 Southern Nazarene 6-3 241 10 11 SCAD Savannah 11-2 236 11 12 Lindsey Wilson 10-2 222 12 13 Shorter 16-7 215 13 14 Lewis-Clark State 5-12 197 14 15 Vanguard 6-9 191 15 16 Indiana Wesleyan 16-2 171 17 17 Lee (Tenn.) 8-4 167 16 18 Martin Methodist 7-3 150 18 19 Campbellsville 8-4 131 20 20 St. Thomas (Fla.) 4-4 129 19 21 Westmont 4-7 126 21 22 Robert Morris (Chicago) 9-1 109 NR 23 Oklahoma Baptist 6-7 107 tie-21 24 Marian (Ind.) 19-6 89 23 25 Davenport 15-5 84 25 Others receiving votes: Xavier 78, Webber International 36, Bethel (Kan.) 35, Belhaven 29, Indiana Southeast 26, Northwestern Ohio 24, Milligan 5, Taylor 5, Nebraska Wesleyan 4, Northwood (Fla.) 3, Cumberlands 1, Olivet Nazarene 1, The Master's 1.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Keshia Campbell, hired as athletic director in July, resigns from Hampton University

HAMPTON, Virginia - Keshia Campbell's tenure as Hampton University's first female athletic director lasted less than a year. Campbell, hired on July 20, has left the school.

"In a nutshell, I did resign," Campbell told The Daily Press on Wednesday. She declined further comment.

HU issued a release late Wednesday afternoon that said Campbell "stepped down" for "personal reasons." The release said Rodney Smith, HU's vice president for administrative services, will act as athletic director "while the university conducts a national search."

"Ms. Campbell did a very good job for us and I hate to see her go," HU president William Harvey said in the release. "All of us wish her well in any future endeavor."

READ MORE

Southern U, Alcorn State game postponed due to weather

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Southern's mid-week contest at Alcorn State has been postponed due to weather.

At the present time, no specific rescheduled date has been determined. Today's postponement marks the fifth time this season the Lady Jaguars have cancelled or postponed a game due to weather.

Southern will host Southeastern La. Monday, April 9 at Lady Jaguar Field in a game which was originally scheduled for March 21.

For more news and information, visit http://www.gojagsports.com/.

Courtesy Southern University Athletic Media Relations

6:31 PM Update: Howard University investigating possible NCAA violations

Excerpt:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Howard University said Wednesday that it is conducting an internal investigation into possible NCAA violations committed by its athletic department.

In an e-mail, school spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton said the school has “temporarily withheld a number of student-athletes from competition as a self-imposed action. Most teams will compete as scheduled.”

According to a Howard softball player, the school is investigating the practice by which some of its student-athletes acquire their textbooks. The student said some athletes apparently were pocketing the difference between the cost of their textbooks and their textbook allowance. 

The softball player and a former Howard football player, who both requested anonymity so they could speak freely without fear of repercussion, said this was a common practice for all of the school’s athletic teams.

“It’s been going on for a long time,” the softball player said. “A good majority of the athletes were taking advantage of this. There were some people who were saving the money. They didn’t spend it. Or some would go buy frivolous things, nothing that relates to school. Some people bought books and other school supplies.”

READ MORE 

Note:  Most NCAA revenue comes from a 14-year, $10.8 billion agreement with Turner Broadcasting and CBS Sports for rights to the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. Projected NCAA revenue for 2011-12 is $777 million, $700 million of which (90 percent) is projected to come from media rights payments 

And these opportunistic business men and women are concerned about a poor University student-athlete getting $40 - $100 bucks to pay for school supplies, clothes or a few dollars to order a pizza.  Give me a break for crying out loud.  Change the rule and pay all NCAA players a stipend beyond their normal school scholarship expenses.  Then you won't have to worry about these silly rules that keep the players broke during their entire college careers. 

As my kids remind me monthly, there are no life lessons to learn in being broke hundreds of miles away from home at college with an empty debit card.  The heck with Kiplinger and his six principles of being broke.

(beepbeep)

Howard University Suspends Entire Athletic Department Over NCAA Violations, According To Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Howard University Bison, for the time being, are no more, according to a Washington City Paper report by Shani Hilton and Maya Rhodan, which cites a university spokesperson. According to the report, there appears to be some sort of a NCAA violation involved.

The statement:  "It is with great regret that we have temporarily suspended intercollegiate athletic competition. This is a self-imposed action while the University conducts a review. We are working quickly to resolve this issue."

Howard is a private school in Washington D.C. with an enrollment of about 10,000. Its teams compete in the MEAC, with three black college national championships in football among their achievements.

READ MORE 

Rutgers could need new football opponent after Howard 'temporarily suspends' athletics program

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey  -  Rutgers' Sept. 8 home football opener could be in jeopardy after Howard University, the Knights' scheduled opponent that day, "temporarily suspended" all sports for a possible violation of NCAA rules, the Washington City Paper reported today.

A Rutgers spokesman said the school is in the process of gathering more information before deciding whether to pursue a replacement opponent, which would almost certainly be another Football Championship Subdivision school if it comes to that.

Because the suspension is temporary there's the hope from Rutgers' standpoint that the situation will be resolved before the fall and that the game will go on as scheduled.

Athletic director Tim Pernetti was not immediately available for comment.

READ MORE 

FAMU's famed Marching 100 band may miss football season

TALLAHASSEE — Florida A&M University is making plans in case the famed Marching 100 band is not available during the fall football season.

FAMU trustees heard a lengthy presentation on Wednesday about a more than $1 million deficit in the school’s athletic program. It was during that discussion that FAMU officials acknowledged that they are looking at offering other entertainment in case the popular band remains on suspension.

FAMU President James Ammons suspended the band in the wake of the death of FAMU death major Robert Champion last November. He died following what police said was hazing while the band was in Orlando.

READ MORE




FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLERS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2012

Sept. 1, at Tennessee State, "Big" John Merritt Classic, Nashville, TN
Sept. 8, at University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Sept. 15, Hampton,* Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL#
Sept. 22, at Delaware State,* Dover, DE
Sept. 29, at Southern, Atlanta Football Classic, Atlanta, GA%
Oct. 6, at Howard, * Washington, D.C.
Oct. 13, Savannah State* (Homecoming), Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL*
Oct. 20, South Carolina State,* Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Nov. 3, at North Carolina A&T,* Greensboro, NC
Nov. 10, North Carolina Central,* Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, FL$
Nov. 17, Bethune-Cookman, at Florida Classic, Orlando, FL+

Key:

# Hall of Fame Weekend
% Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic
* Homecoming
$ Prince Hall Shriner's Diabetes Classic/Community Day
+Blue Cross/Blue Shield Florida Classic
Games Times to be announced when confirmed.

Season Tickets Prices
$60 General Admission (Limited Quantity
$75 - Reserved
$100 Chair Back Box Seating (Renewal Only)
$125 - Reserved Basketball Included
$150 - Chair Back Box Seating with Basketball Included (Renewal Only)

For ticket information, please call (850) 599-3141

Rattler Booster packages are available now by calling their office at (850) 224-6093. For more information on the Rattler Boosters, please visit TheRattlerBoosters.com.

Don't forget, if you can't make it to a home game, you can sign up to Rattler Vision, where you can watch the game streamed to your laptop or home computer. To sign up to Rattler Vision, go to FAMUAthletics.com.

One Florida teacher gets all his kids to graduate

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida - (CBS News) -- If you worry about the future of our kids, listen to the story of Miramar High School. Miramar was one of the worst schools in Florida, but in 10 years, with a new administration and dedicated teachers, it's now among the best. Leading the way is Alvin A. Davis, the band director, who is now a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.

CBS News correspondent Byron Pitts reports that Davis is more than the music teacher and band director. He's old-school, no-nonsense, and an inspiration.

"I see every report card. I see every interim, and if the grades aren't up to par, they're gonna take a break from being in my program," Davis said.

Davis' program was key to Miramar High's turn around. The band grew from 40 students to 150 and became the pride of the school. Ninety-percent of Miramar students graduate, but nobody beats the band. For four years in a row, 100 percent of the band has graduated and gone on to college. Davis said his kids would probably describe him as "rough."

"His number one priority and goal is to get all of us to college," said Sandra Romero, a member of the band.



Davis doesn't just get kids to college, he keeps them there. Andrew Wan is one of Davis' former students. Like Davis, Wan enrolled at Florida A&M University and joined the famous MARCHING 100 band. When college got tough Wan wanted out.

"He said it so simply: 'If you quit band now and you come back home, what are you gonna do?'" Wan said.

READ MORE

Miramar High School (Florida) teacher Alvin Davis named finalist for nation’s top educator

Miramar High School Director of Bands
 Alvin A. Davis is a finalist for
 the 2012 National Teacher of the Year.
The Chicago native and Florida A&M
University graduate is Broward County
and Florida's Teacher of the Year.

(Photo Courtesy: Broward County

School District)

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/19/2597433/miramar-high-school-teacher-alvin.html#storylink=cpy

MIRAMAR, Florida - He’s already been named top teacher in Broward County and Florida for 2011, but now Miramar High School music teacher Alvin Davis is in the running for National Teacher of the Year.

On Thursday, the Council of Chief State School Officers announced their four finalists for the nation’s top K-12 educator — including Davis who has taught music for the past 11 years.

“Alvin is a competent and passionate educator who makes sure his students have every chance for success,” Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson wrote in a press statement. “He knows that teachers are the most influential factor in a student’s academic accomplishments and I am honored to congratulate him for this nomination.”

As band director, Davis requires a one-hour study hall for all band members, and also pairs students with mentors to track their academic progress. Before Seniors even think about performing in the band, they must show Davis proof that they’ve applied to college and have registered to take their college entrance exams.

As Florida’s Teacher of the Year, Davis also serves as the state’s Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, visiting schools throughout Florida to speak on education issues.

Davis’s competition for the national prize includes the teachers of the year for Alabama, California, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

READ MORE

FAMU linebacker Brandon Hepburn puts his passion into research

BRANDON HEPBURN
SENIOR, BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR
6'-4"/235 LINEBACKER
HOMETOWN: POMONA, NEW YORK
POMONA HIGH SCHOOL

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- At the end of almost every workout since spring practice began two weeks ago, Florida A&M linebacker Brandon Hepburn gathers the defensive unit, his voice bellowing over the circle of helmets.

Seldom does his talk last more than a few minutes, but it's important, he insists.

"I'm a high-intensity guy," he said. "I know a lot of times people get into a monotonous rut. As a leader, it's my responsibility to make sure that my teammates are prepared to play. I do my best to encourage them through the intensity to get them super-charged."

He has the same attitude when it comes to his studies in biochemistry. Hepburn was just as wired last week when he presented the results of his findings for a cure for cancer to an international audience at the American Chemical Society conference in San Diego, California.

READ MORE

TSU Spring Football Update: Coach Roberts Talks Defense

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University football completed another practice on Monday afternoon. The Tigers are midway through the spring calendar and conclude next week with the Blue-White Spring Game on Saturday, April 14.

TSUTigers.com sat down with Co-Defensive Coordinator Justin Roberts to talk about the Tigers' progression on defense. Coach Roberts highlighted some of the focus for the Tigers, while addressing the absences of OVC Defensive Player of the Year Rico Council, HBCU All-American Jospeh Wylie, linebacker John Jones and stalwart lineman Donte'e Nicholls.

TSU practices again on Wednesday at 4 p.m. and scrimmages Saturday at 9:15 a.m. at Hale Stadium.



Next week provides a full slate of activities for Big Blue fans. The Tigers host the annual Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Celebrity Slam Jam on Friday, April 13 at 7 p.m. The TSU Legends football game with Vanderbilt takes place Saturday, April 14 at 1 p.m. followed by the Blue-White Spring game at 3:30 p.m.

UPCOMING SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, April 4 - 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 7 - 9:15 a.m.
Monday, April 9 - 4 p.m.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XU Gold Rush defeat seventh-ranked Point Loma Nazarene

SAN DIEGO, California — Loic Didavi defeated Tyler Bowman 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 Monday to clinch a 5-4 NAIA men's tennis victory for ninth-ranked Xavier University of Louisiana against No. 7 Point Loma Nazarene.

Point Loma's sixth-ranked women defeated No. 24 Xavier 8-1, but XU's Kourtney Howell defeated Maika Adair 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 7-5 in a matchup of ranked singles players.

The Gold Rush (11-4) won for the seventh time in nine duals this season against ranked opponents and beat a seventh-ranked team for the second consecutive year. The XU men have two victories this season against top-10 teams.

Didavi's victory gave Xavier a 5-2 lead. The Gold Rush won all three doubles matches, two against ranked teams.

The other Xavier singles victory came from Amir Rahbar, who is 5-0 in three-set matches this spring after his 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 decision against Diego Tavera to give the Rush a 4-2 lead.

Didavi and Zach Taylor completed the doubles sweep with their 8-5 victory against Bowman and Gregory De Andrade. It was Didavi and Taylor's sixth consecutive victory and their 13th in 14 matches this spring. Including fall tournaments, Didavi and Taylor are 20-3.

Viktor Svoboda and Corey Huggins scored XU's first point with an 8-0 decision against Andrew Combs and Kaptan Kaster, then Steffen Giles-Osborn and Sean Richardson won 8-4 against Angel Tavera and KC Ensley.

Chad Rubin ended the 10-match singles win streak of XU's Sean Richardson with a 6-3, 6-1 decision at the sixth flight.

"This was a hard-fought match," XU coach Alan Green said, "and a great start for us in doubles."

Howell's victory was her third of the season against a ranked singles player. Freshman teammate Amanda Materre also went three sets but lost 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to Jessica Kwan at No. 2.

Wileen Chiu improved to 13-0 in singles this semester with her 6-0, 6-0 victory against the Gold Nuggets' Jordyn Goody at No. 5.

Point Loma's men are 9-7, and its women are 11-5. Xavier's women are 3-17, 1-7 against ranked teams.

This was the first of four consecutive days that both XU teams play ranked teams in California. They'll travel to Santa Barbara on Tuesday to play Westmont's 10th-ranked men and 21st-ranked women at 2 p.m. PDT.

Results: Men Women

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

GSU still in second after PVAMU victory Sunday

Prairie View, Texas -- Grambling had an opportunity to move into a first-place tie in the Southwestern Athletic Conference's West Division with a win in Sunday's series finale.

But Prairie View A&M quickly put an end to that thought en route to a 10-4 victory at Grambling, winning the series at GSU two games to one. The Panthers (18-10, 9-2 SWAC) retain the top spot in the SWAC West while Grambling (14-11, 8-4) remains in second place.

Prairie View outhit Grambling 14-5 in the win. Grambling's Joel Deleon gets the loss with four earned runs in five innings.

READ MORE

SSU's Broadnax receives inaugural John McLendon Award

HORACE BROADNAX
HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Savannah State men’s basketball coach Horace Broadnax received the inaugural John McLendon National Coach of the Year Award at the CollegeInsider.com awards banquet in New Orleans. The award will be presented annually to the top collegiate head coach. The award encompasses Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and JUCO.

Broadnax, one of 15 finalists, won the award after leading Savannah State to a 21-12 record and winning the regular-season Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in SSU’s first year in the conference with a 14-2 record.

In addition to this award, Broadnax was also tabbed the MEAC Coach of the Year for the 2011-12 season.

The former Georgetown point guard took over a program that went 0-28 during the 2004-05 and his teams have shown steady progress going from two wins during the 2005-06 season to 21 wins during the 2011-12 campaign.

READ MORE

Stillman baseball stays perfect in SIAC

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama | The Stillman College baseball team erased a five-run deficit by scoring 10 in the bottom of the fifth inning en route to a 21-11 win over Paine College on Sunday.

Stillman (15-14, 12-0 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic COnference) has won 10 of 11. Paine (15-15, 7-5 SIAC) has lost three straight.

Stillman sent 14 batters to the plate in the fifth. Shortstop Kameron McCreless ripped a two-run double that hit off the top of the left field wall and third baseman Paul Winterbottom added a three-run triple that put the Tigers ahead to stay.

Paul Winterbottom went 4-for-5 with four runs scored and five RBIs. He had two triples and one double.

READ MORE

TSU Men's golf prepares for Red Wolf Intercollegiate

JONESBORO, Arkansas - The Tennessee State University men's golf team will return to action on Monday, April 2 at the 16th annual ASU Red Wolf Intercollegiate.

The tournament, hosted by Arkansas State, will be played at the RidgePoint Country Club in Jonesboro, Ark., on Monday and Tuesday.

The field of 22 teams features OVC members Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Jacksonville State, Murray State, SIU Edwardsville, UT Martin and Tennessee State while the rest of the participating schools include host Arkansas State, UALR, Belmont, DePaul, Drake, Louisiana-Monroe, Meridan Community College, Missouri State, Northern Iowa, Oklahoma City Univ., Oral Roberts, Southern Illinois, Texas-Pan American, Troy and Vanderbilt.

RidgePoint is a par-72 golf course that plays to 6,565 yards. Live scoring will be available for the tournament on golfstat.com. Rounds one and two are scheduled for Monday while the final round will be played on Tuesday.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

West Rowan's Laster signs with Livingstone

MOUNT ULLA, North Carolina — Most of Zay Laster’s friends had some advice for the West Rowan quarterback when he told them he was going to sign a football scholarship with Livingstone. “They told me, ‘Don’t go there. Don’t do this. Don’t do that,’ ” Laster smiled.

Laster has obviously been taught to listen to his elders, not his buddies. He took the advice of West coach Scott Young and the invitation of Livingstone coach Elvin James and decided, “This is what’s best for me and my family.”

So Laster, the 6-foot signal-caller is going to be taking his talents the 12 miles from Mount Ulla to Monroe Street. He’s going to be a Blue Bear. And he brings exactly what James’ team needs — an athletic quarterback with leadership skills and an ability to throw the ball downfield.

“Coach James came in and watched film,” Young said. “They just hired a new offensive coordinator and they like how Zay throws the deep ball. They’re going to give him a chance to play immediately.”

READ MORE

FAMU's backs shine in scrimmage

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Piece by piece, Florida A&M coach Joe Taylor seems to be getting the kinks ironed out during spring football practice. Special teams personnel emerged last week and this week the confirmation came from the running backs.

While the statistics are unofficial, LaVante Page, Eddie Rocker, James Owens and even seldom-used Jordan Stanley combined for more than 150 yards rushing. Owens, Page and Stanley each scored once, the only touchdowns during Saturday's scrimmage.

Page alone ran for about 70 yards. He got 20 of those on consecutive runs during a series that featured quarterback Damien Fleming repeatedly handing off to one of the runners out of the backfield.

"Today we got hot and coach put ...

READ MORE

Saint Augustine’s College announces name and status change

RALEIGH, North Carolina - The Saint Augustine's College Board of Trustees announced today (March 30, 2012) that the College is moving into a new phase as it joins peer institutions in moving to the status of University to become Saint Augustine's University (SAU) effective August 1, 2012. The change to university status aligns the College’s public identity with the structure and breadth of academic, athletic and student development programs currently being offered at Saint Augustine’s College.

"This isn't just a name change," states President Dianne Boardley Suber. "We're committed to changing the way we do business. Our guiding principle will continue to be the training of leaders and change agents. All of our curricula, student organizations and student life will have leadership training as its backdrop – the common thread that runs through and drives, all of our standing programs and new initiatives.

We've completely retrenched the general education core of courses for the freshman class of 2012. The new general education courses, which are required of all freshmen and sophomores, ensure that the content and objectives of all courses are relevant to the goal of retaining and graduating students who are prepared to compete and succeed in today’s challenging work force or graduate and professional level programs following their graduation.”

Saint Augustine’s University will expand its programs for nontraditional students to include students seeking a four year degree that includes online courses and expanding off-site access to campus programs. The University has established Centers of Excellence that will serve as the anchor programs of a Saint Augustine’s University degree.

The Center for Forensic Discovery (forensic science, forensic accounting, and forensic psychology) and the Center for Applied Medical Sciences are two signature academic programs that are expected to enhance and expand students’ marketability for a global workforce. The third Center of Excellence will be the Center for Athletic Facilities and Sports Management. This center affords students a unique concentration in the operational and administration aspects in the world of professional, collegiate and leisure sports. Graduates from this center would have the competitive advantage to secure positions in the “front office.”

An additional center of excellence being considered is the Center for Athletic Scholarship. “The University will focus on being NCAA championship contenders while continuing to raise the four-year graduation rates of student athletes,” says President Dianne Boardley Suber.

The University will move towards offering its first master's degree program as early as 2014. The Physician Assistant (PA) Master’s Degree Program will focus on training PAs for rural and other underserved communities.

While the complete branding package is still under development, preparations for the name change will begin next month. Full implementation will take place this summer including the launch of a new Saint Augustine’s University web site and revised materials for new student orientation and prospective student events.

“When students return in the fall, we will officially be Saint Augustine’s University not only in name, but also in look and feel. There will be a full overhaul of paraphernalia in the bookstore and our presence throughout Raleigh and the country will be seen as Saint Augustine’s University. We’re very excited and look forward to sharing our new look with the world,” says Marc Newman, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development.

DSU's Meagley Strikes Out Nine in 5-0 Shutout Over Hampton

Rachel Meagley
5-5 pitcher, Sophomore
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Courtesy Mike Baker

DOVER, Delaware  -  Sophomore  Rachel Meagley (Seattle, Wash.) continues to impress in her first season with the Delaware State University softball team as she struck out a career-high nine strikeouts to lead the Hornets to their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory of the season in a 5-0 win over Hampton University Saturday afternoon at the Hornets' Nest.

In addition to nine strikeouts, Meagley allowed just four hits and held a perfect game through the first two and two-thirds innings as she struck out the first seven batters and forced a pop up before senior Brooke Boykin singled back to the pitcher. Meagley got out of the inning by striking out the next batter.

Del State (11-11-1; 1-0) got on the board in the fourth inning as senior Tawny Reeger (Simi Valley, Calif.) doubled to right center to lead off the inning and fellow senior Casey Beighley (Los Angeles, Calif.) followed up with a two-run home run to left field. Freshman Bria Green (Wheatley Heights, N.Y.) then singled through the left side and advanced to second on a passed ball with senior Rachel Carroll (Oxard, Calif.) at bat. Carroll continued the onslaught with an RBI double to right field to score Green

Carroll moved to third on a groundout from freshman Kelsey Doherty (Harbeson, Del.) and eventually scored the fourth run of the game for the Hornets on a wild pitch from Hampton freshman Jailynn Jackson before the end of the inning.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, Green singled to third base as sophomore Stephanie Martello (Oxnard, Calif.) scored to give DSU a 5-0 lead. The Hornets had the opportunity to end the game in the fifth via the mercy-rule, but recorded three straight outs to leave three runners stranded.

The Lady Pirates (13-21; 2-2) posed a threat in the top of the seventh inning as junior Carla Trimble walked to lead off the frame. Sophomore Margaret Wilkins reached on an error by Carroll, the shortstop, before junior Nina Ferguson walked to load the bases.

DSU head coach brought in sophomore Stephanie Sarris (Rohnert Park, Calif.) in relief and she immediately struck out junior Kelsei Saunders to end the game.

Beighley and Green led the Hornets from the plate, each going 2-for-3 on the day.

The Hornets and Lady Pirates wrap up their weekend series on Sunday with a doubleheader beginning at noon at the Hornets' Nest. Live stats can be found via www.DSUHornets.com and also www.twitter.com/DelStSB

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU baseball drops doubleheader to NCCU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida A&M baseball coach Willie Brown almost came up with the right moves Saturday in an attempt to avoid dropping a doubleheader to North Carolina Central at Moore-Kittles Field.

Starting with a lineup shuffle to start the second game, Brown seemed to have the right personnel in the right place for the Rattlers to force an extra inning of the seven-inning game. But the Eagles mounted a six-run rally to beat FAMU 8-3 and sweep a MEAC doubleheader.

The Eagles took the first game 18-3, pounding out 18 hits. The doubleheader win was a first for NCCU against the Rattlers since the 2006 season. The loss was FAMU's sixth in a row, dropping the Rattlers to 3-5 in the MEAC and 7-22. Eagles improved to 5-6 in the league and 5-25 overall.

FAMU had never lost two consecutive games to the Eagles on its home field. Brown was attempting to avoid that when he made wholesale changes to the lineup that started the first game.

READ MORE

Spring Football Update: TSU Holds Another Scrimmage

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Tennessee State University football held its' second scrimmage on Saturday morning at Hale Stadium.

Third year head coach Rod Reed thought the Tigers showed significant improvement from last weekend's scrimmage.

“I thought we played hard, competed and showed improvement,” noted Reed. “Offensively, we moved the ball well, but we stalled in the red zone. Defensively, we have to be much better against the run, but we did stand strong in the red zone.”

Tennessee State was solid in special teams as junior Jamin Godfrey knocked in four-of-five field goal attempts – his longest from 40 yards out.

The Big Blue returns to the gridiron on Monday/Wednesday with 4pm practices before participating in its' final scrimmage next Saturday, April 7.

During the week of the University's Centennial Celebration, TSU hosts the second annual Domnique-Rodgers Cromartie Celebrity Slam Jam on Friday, April 13 at 7pm.

The Tigers then host a Legends game against Vanderbilt on Saturday, April 14 at 1pm with the Blue-White game following approximately at 3:30pm.

UPCOMING SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Monday, April 2 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4 - 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 7 – TBD

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION