TSU Women's Tennis Adds Illinois State Champions Madison and Mackenzie Beckham

July 4, 2018, 8:03 pm

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NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Coach Monroe Walker has announced the addition of Madison and Mackenzie Beckham to the 2018-19 women's tennis roster. Hailing from Chicago, the Beckham twins helped Whitney Young High become the first Chicago Public School to hold a state title in women's tennis. After leading their team to the state championship as seniors, both Madison and Mackenzie were named First Team All-State.

"I'm excited to add Madison and Mackenzie to our fall class," said Walker. "Both come from a good coaching background and they have all the confidence and desire one needs for this level. They will make an impact as freshman this upcoming season."

Mackenzie Beckham | 5-4 | Incoming Freshman | Chicago, Ill. | Whitney Young High School

In their second year of high school, the Beckham's moved to Chicago and began playing at Whitney Young Magnet High School. Mackenzie played No. 1 and Madison at No. 2, running up scores of 21-1 and 22-3, respectively. After such a competitive season, both were named to First Team All-City and Second Team All-State.

Madison Beckham | 5-6 | Incoming Freshman | Chicago, Ill.  |  Whitney Young High School

As freshman at High Tech High in San Diego, California, the twins led the Storm to its first conference championship, leading to the school's first CIF state tournament appearance.

Madison and Mackenzie will join the roster of eight veterans, leading way for a competitive fall.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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Southern University paralyzed football player closer to new home - with help from a former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker

July 6, 2018, 6:15 am

≫ Next: TSU Football Senior Kick-off Luncheon Set for August 24

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ATLANTA, Georgia -- Building a new home is always fraught with doubts and delays. Building a new home for Devon Gales, the Southern University player paralyzed during a game at Georgia nearly three years ago, has at times seemingly bordered on the hopeless.

But now, more tangible than hope, there is a plot of land in Jackson County, just north of Atlanta, on which a home may finally rise.

As the group taking on the challenge to build a wheelchair-accessible home for Gales and his family struggled for months to find a lot that was both affordable and suitable, there came a breakthrough last week.

Turned out, all it took was a phone call to a former Georgia linebacker.



They got around to asking Whit Marshall – UGA Class of ’96 – if he could do something. It took him about two seconds to answer. Have the Gales family come out to the subdivision that the Marshall family company is building out and pick a lot, he said. Any lot. And Paran Homes would donate it to the cause.

Mike Elrod, the North Georgia builder who has volunteered to manage the Build for Devon project, was stunned by Marshall’s offer.

“I was in my truck, good thing I was parked,” Elrod said. “When I saw it was Whit calling, I pulled over and parked. His first words were, ‘Whatever you need. I’m all in.’

“It was tremendous. It was a blessing.”

CONTINUE READING

TSU Football Senior Kick-off Luncheon Set for August 24

July 6, 2018, 6:36 am

≫ Next: Grambling State Larry Wright Hall of Fame career spans two continents

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NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football Senior Kick-Off Luncheon will be held on Friday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. in the Millennium Maxwell Hotel.

The annual event occurs eight days before Tennessee State opens the 2018 season versus Bethune Cookman in the 20th annual John Merritt Classic on Saturday, Sept. 1 in Nissan Stadium.

TSU will celebrate 11 seniors during the luncheon that also serves as a fundraiser for the Tiger program.

Big Blue supporters can purchase tickets for the fundraiser for only $65. A special rate of $50 is available for TSU faculty and staff members. Seats are limited and requests must be made by Thursday, Aug. 23.

For more information, please contact Natasha Plant (615-963-7562) in the football office.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Grambling State Larry Wright Hall of Fame career spans two continents

July 6, 2018, 7:05 am

≫ Next: Jackson and Simmons bring local flair, potent offense to FAMU

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NATCHITOCHES, Louisiana -- Growing up as one of nine kids in a single parent household in Monroe, Grambling's Larry Wright never had it easy. Due to an age-out rule in Louisiana, he was forced to play his senior season of high school basketball in the nation's capital from a connection through his head coach.

"Well it was totally different from Monroe, Louisiana. You know the White House is in Washington, D.C. We have some white houses in Monroe," he said to a room full of laughter.

Wright's childhood heroes like Willis Reed and Herschel West played at Grambling, where Wright's career was highly successful including a SWAC Player of the Year and tournament title in 1976. The Washington Bullets came calling after that and in his second season with the franchise, Hall of Famer Wes Unseld had a message for the young star with the team on the cusp of a championship.

"He said, 'I'll do anything short of murder to win this championship.' He said, 'because I don't have many more left in me' and when he made that statement he looked at me," Wright explained with a smile. "And I said to Wes, I said, 'Hey, big fella, I'm on your team.'"

Following his stint with the Bullets, then the Pistons, Europe came calling.

"They had a guy overseas by the name of Mike D'Antoni, who coaches for the Houston Rockets now. He was the top American guard over there and they needed somebody to compete against Mike D'Antoni."

With four kids to support, the decision was easy.

CONTINUE READING

Jackson and Simmons bring local flair, potent offense to FAMU

July 6, 2018, 8:27 am

≫ Next: .Montgomery Appointed Head Softball Coach at JSU

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TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Throughout the late 1990s, Alex Jackson and Willie Simmons were the talk of the town across the Big Bend.

The star offensive lineman and quarterback made headlines on a weekly basis mowing down the opposition at Shanks High School in Quincy.

Since graduation, the two went their separate ways to compete on the collegiate level.

While their athletic journeys took them down different paths, they remained in close contact with each other.


Their bond evolved from a personal to a working relationship when they paired on the sideline at Prairie View A&M in 2015. Simmons led as head coach with Jackson as offensive coordinator.

This united front has returned in the region of which it was forged, the Big Bend, to bring a Quincy vibe to Tallahassee.

In 2018, Jackson will sport the headset as offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Florida A&M.

CONTINUE READING

.Montgomery Appointed Head Softball Coach at JSU

July 6, 2018, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: Robinson, Wells-Kilbert, McClellan Join JSU Administrative Staff

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JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Jackson State University Division of Athletics is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Montgomery as Head Softball Coach.

Montgomery comes to JSU from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. In his lone season he led the Golden Lions to a 19-28 overall mark and an 11-6 record in conference play. He led UAPB to an upset of No. 1-seed Alcorn State University and guided the Golden Lions to the quarterfinals of the 2018 SWAC Softball Tournament.

The veteran of the softball diamond brings over 15 years of experience to the JSU softball program.

Montgomery began his coaching career at Alcorn State in when he was named head softball in August of 2005. In his tenure at ALCN, the Lady Braves ranked sixth in doubles in 2006 in the NCAA. Also that season, ALCN made their first ever Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament finals appearance. The Lady Braves made five SWAC Softball Tournament appearances from 2005 to 2012.

Under tutelage of Montgomery, the Lady Braves won their first ever SWAC Softball Tournament and made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2010. Also that season, Alcorn State had two players to receive post season accolades as one was named the SWAC Player of the Year and the other was named the SWAC Tournament Most Valuable Player.

In January of 2013, Montgomery was named the associate head coach at Alabama State in Montgomery, Ala. He help lead the Lady Hornets to their first ever SWAC Softball Tournament Championship game in 2013.

In November of 2013, Montgomery was named the Director of Player Development at Southern California Preps in Woodland Hills, Calif., where he help prep USA Prep elite players for the national qualifying events.

The Atlanta, Ga., native holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2005 and a Masters in Guidance Education in 2007, both from Alcorn State.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF ATHLETICS

Robinson, Wells-Kilbert, McClellan Join JSU Administrative Staff

July 6, 2018, 2:46 pm

≫ Next: Nine Football Game Times Set; New Season Ticket Sales Begin July 2

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JACKSON, Mississippi – The Jackson State University Division of Athletics welcomed three additions to its administrative staff on Monday.

Ashley Robinson, who was introduced at a June 5 press conference, assumes the Vice President and Director of Athletics role. The Jackson native previously served as director of athletics at Prairie View A&M University beginning in June 2013, and became vice president and director of athletics at Prairie View in November 2016.

Robinson is currently chairman of the SWAC’s Athletic Directors Committee and will also take up the mantle of vice president of the Football Championship Subdivision Advisory Committee later this summer.

Tanya Wells-Kilbert assumes the Associate Athletic Director for Fiscal Management position. Wells-Kilbert comes from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She served as the interim athletic director and senior women’s administrator.

She brings 25 years of coaching and athletics administrative experience and has served as a member of the SWAC Task Force for more than eight years.

Hakim McClellan joins the department and will assume the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance role. McClellan comes from Prairie View A&M and worked as the Athletic Academic Advisor for the men’s baseball, women’s basketball, soccer, and track & field teams. In July of 2016, he was named as PVAMU’s first Certification Officer in the Office of the Registrar.

As the Certification Officer, McClellan was responsible for the certification of all student-athletes for practice, competition and other university certifications. He served as a liaison between the office of Athletic Compliance & Academic Advising and campus academic offices.

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF ATHLETICS

Nine Football Game Times Set; New Season Ticket Sales Begin July 2

July 6, 2018, 3:02 pm

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2018 PVAMU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Game times for nine contests in the inaugural season of the Eric Dooley era of Prairie View A&M University football have been set for the 2018 season.

The Panthers will open the season just over two months from now on Aug. 25 in a 6 p.m. game at Rice. On Sept. 2, Prairie View A&M's matchup vs. North Carolina Central in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge will kickoff at 11 a.m. CT / Noon ET in Atlanta.

PVAMU will open conference play on Sept. 22 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6 p.m. before the annual State Fair Classic Showdown against Grambling State on Sept. 29 at 4 p.m.

Prairie View A&M will play four of the final five games of the season at Panther Stadium, beginning on Oct. 13 with a 5 p.m. kickoff vs. Southern. The 2018 homecoming contest is on Oct. 27 when PVAMU will host Alcorn at 2 p.m.

Prairie View A&M will play at Jackson State on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. before returning home for the final two games of the regular season. The Panthers will host Alabama St. on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. before hosting Texas Southern on Nov. 24 also at 1 p.m.

Game times for the Sept. 8 game at Sam Houston and the Sept. 15 game at UNLV are TBA.

NEW SEASON TICKET SALES BEGIN JULY 2; FANS COULD WIN GREAT PANTHER EXPERIENCES: New season ticket sales for the 2018 Prairie View A&M football season begin Monday, July 2.

Season ticket information is available online at pvpanthers.com/tickets, with tickets available for purchase on the link starting on July 2 as well or by calling 936.261.3970. If you qualify for a discount as an NAA Life Member and/or Foundation Student Challenge, you will need to call the box office to process your order.

The earlier fans makes a new season ticket purchase, the more chances to win a great Panther Football experience:

• Renew by July 3, 2018 to be eligible to win a drawing to win season ticket upgrade (one winner will be chosen)
• Renew by July 6, 2018 to be eligible to win a drawing to win gameday concession vouchers (three winners will be chosen)
• Renew by July 13, 2018 to be eligible to win a drawing to win two tickets to any road game of your choice (Rice, North Carolina Central, Sam Houston, UNLV, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Grambling, Jackson St.) – 5 winners will be chosen.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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2018 SIAC Football Media Day

July 6, 2018, 3:16 pm

≫ Next: Augusta U. O’Keefe Inks Two New Jaguars For 2018-19

≪ Previous: Nine Football Game Times Set; New Season Ticket Sales Begin July 2

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2018 SIAC Football Media Day 
Tuesday, July 10 
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

#SIACMD18

School	Representative	Links
Albany State	Gabe Giardina, Head Coach	Athletics Website ASU Twitter
	Jaylin Boyd
	Jamie Glenn
Benedict	Mike White, Head Coach	Athletic Website BC Twitter
	Justin Brown
	Amari Andrews
Central State	Cedric Pearl, Head Coach	Athletic Website CSU Twitter
	Kailen Abrams
	Darius Thomas
Clark Atlanta	Kevin Ramsey, Head Coach	Athletic Website CAU Twitter
	Willie Totten, Coach
	Josh Banks
	Breante Glover
Fort Valley State	Kevin Porter, Head Coach	Athletic Website FVSU Twitter
	Slade Jarman
	Lorenzo Smothers
Kentucky State	John L. Smith	Athletic Website KYSU Twitter
	Matthew Bizmana
	Marcus Campebll
Lane	Derrick Burroughs, Head Coach	Athletic Website LC Twitter
	Vyron Brown, Coach
	Fred Manuel, Coach
	Jacoby Jones, Coach
	Christopher Patterson, Coach
	Omauri Hampton
	Cameron Brown
Miles	Reginald Ruffin, Head Coach	Athletic Website Miles Twitter
	Austin Stephens
	Justin Hardy
Morehouse	Rich Freeman, Head Coach	Athletic Website Morehouse Twitter
	George Copeland, Coach
	Amyr Smith
	Antonio Johnson
Tuskegee	Willie Slater, Head Coach	Athletic Website Tuskegee Twitter
	Jamarcus Ezell
	Kali James

Augusta U. O’Keefe Inks Two New Jaguars For 2018-19

July 6, 2018, 3:31 pm

≫ Next: Howard Bison London Promote Dowling to Cornerback Coach

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AUGUSTA, Georgia -- Augusta University head men's golf coach and director of golf Jack O'Keefe announced the addition of incoming freshmen Viktor Lindgren and Alex van Wyk who will compete for the Jaguars in 2018-19.

Name: Alex van Wyk
Year: Freshman
Height: 5-9
Hometown / Previous School: George, South Africa / Glenwood House School

Name: Viktor Lindgren
Year: Freshman
Height: 6-0
Hometown / Previous School: Stockholm, Sweden / Celsius National School of Golf

"I am excited to have two top notch players joining our program this fall," O'Keefe said. "Alex and Viktor have a lot of tournament experience on the big stage of international golf, both in their home countries and around the world. We look for both of these young men to come in and contribute immediately. They will bring youth and talent to our already young team. I am excited to get them on campus and see them in action."

Alex van Wyk is an incoming freshman from George, South Africa in the Western Provence where he went to the Glenwood House School. He lettered in golf for all four years and was named the player of the year every season. Van Wyk led his team to a runner-up finish in the 2017 High School Nationals under Coach Val Holland. He plans to study business at Augusta University.

Viktor Lindgren is another new freshman from Stockholm, Sweden. He attended the Celsius National School of Golf in Uppsala, Sweden and lettered in golf for three years. Lindgren was runner-up at the Greg Norman Junior Invitational and had had nine top-10 finishes. He helped his team take second at the National School Championship during his time. Lindgren also plans to study business at Augusta University.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics / on Twitter at @AugustaJags and on Instagram @augustajags.

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AUGUSTA  UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Howard Bison London Promote Dowling to Cornerback Coach

July 6, 2018, 3:37 pm

≫ Next: Norfolk State Alum Daniels to Make NASCAR History at Daytona

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Head Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team promoted former NFL defensive back Ras-I Dowling as its new cornerback coach after spending last year as a defensive quality control coach.
 
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the HU football family," Dowling stated. "I am excited to be coaching the cornerbacks and share my knowledge and experience with these young men. I hope to lead by example in all areas to help the players reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field."
 
After being drafted as the highest defensive back in University of Virginia (UVA) history, Dowling played five seasons in the NFL. In 2011, the Virginia native was selected by head coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots with the 33rd overall pick in the NFL Draft.
 
In his five-year career, Dowling was a member of two Super Bowl teams: 2011 New England Patriots and 2015 Carolina Panthers. He also spent time with the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders.
 
"I'm excited about the opportunity to add Ras-I [Dowling] to our staff," said London. "I know him well and I have seen his development from a college student-athlete to an NFL draft pick, father and husband. He is a great addition to an already outstanding staff."
 
During his time at UVA, he was under Coach London's tutelage where he earned multiple awards. In 2010, the three-time All-ACC honoree made the league's First Team while reaching All-American status. Dowling was a team captain and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
 
Dowling received a full athletic scholarship to play football at Virginia after being a three-sport student-athlete (football, basketball, and track & field) throughout his high school career.
 
Dowling was born in North Charleston, South Carolina, but moved to Chesapeake, Virginia at an early age where he played both sides of the ball at Deep Creek High School. As a senior, he recorded 60 tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back. As a receiver, he had 14 receptions for 255 yards and four touchdowns.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

Norfolk State Alum Daniels to Make NASCAR History at Daytona

July 6, 2018, 3:52 pm

≫ Next: XULA track, cross country begin search for new head coach

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NORFOLK, Virginia -- Former Norfolk State University women's basketball player Brehanna Daniels adds another chapter to her legacy as a NASCAR trailblazer this Saturday when she becomes the first African-American female pit crew member to work a race in the Monster Energy series, the sport's top series.

Daniels will change tires for Rick Ware Racing and Ray Black Jr., driver of the No. 51 car, at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Saturday at the Daytona International Speedway. The race will be televised live on NBC beginning at 7 p.m.

Daniels, who played for the Spartans from 2014-16, broke two barriers last year. The former NASCAR Drive for Diversity pit crew recruit became the first African American female to pit a national car racing series event last April for an Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) race in Nashville, Tennessee. In June 2017, she became the first to pit at a NASCAR national series event when she worked a truck series race in Dover, Delaware.



This week, she works the sport's top circuit for the first time at the famed Daytona International Speedway. In fact, Daniels will be one of two females to pit the race, another NASCAR first. Former Alcorn State softball player Breanna O'Leary, another Drive for Diversity recruit, will change tires on the same team as Daniels on Saturday. O'Leary will be working her third Monster Energy race this year. The two, who are roommates, will be just the fifth and sixth female Drive for Diversity alums to reach NASCAR's highest level.

"It's hard to believe I've only been changing tires for two years and now I'm here at the Monster Energy Series level," Daniels said in a NASCAR press release. "What I'm doing in NASCAR is so much bigger than me. It's been so rewarding to be part of history while at the same time inspiring others to take on challenges they thought might not be possible."

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

XULA track, cross country begin search for new head coach

July 6, 2018, 10:31 pm

≫ Next: Former Livingstone Blue Bear QB & CIAA Player of the Year Leads Iowa Barnstormers to League Championship Game

≪ Previous: Norfolk State Alum Daniels to Make NASCAR History at Daytona

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NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is conducting a national search for a head coach of its men's and women's track and field and cross country programs as a result of the resignation of Joseph Moses.

Moses coached XULA cross country for 13 seasons (2004, 2006-17) and track and field for nine seasons (2010-18).

Moses-coached XULA teams won a combined 27 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference team championships: 11 in women's cross country, 10 in men's cross country and six in women's track and field. This past season XULA won GCAC titles in women's cross country and track and field and finished second in men's cross country and track. XULA in 2018 set a GCAC women's track record for most points at the conference meet (258) and largest winning margin (96). XULA men's track scored in 2018 its most points ever, 123, at the GCAC meet.

"I am proud to have been a part of building the track and cross country programs at Xavier University of Louisiana," Moses said. "I am especially proud of the student-athletes that received both athletic and academic awards here. I am grateful to have worked with other great coaches, and I will miss the Xavier community."

Moses won a combined 37 coach-of-the-year awards at the GCAC and Louisiana levels. He was GCAC Coach of the Year in women's cross country and track this past season and Louisiana Coach of the Year in women's track a year ago.

"We are proud of the accomplishments of coach Moses and his teams, and we thank him for his work and success with the track and cross country programs," said Jason Horn, XULA director of athletics & recreation. "Our track and cross country programs are on a solid foundation and poised to gain additional national recognition and contend for championships on the conference and national levels. Best wishes to coach Moses in the next chapter of his career."

Applicants can apply online at jobs.xula.edu.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Former Livingstone Blue Bear QB & CIAA Player of the Year Leads Iowa Barnstormers to League Championship Game

July 7, 2018, 5:58 am

≫ Next: Cleo Hill Jr. excited about the possibilities at WSSU

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Drew Powell (6’3, 220, Livingstone College) earns First Team Selection for the Iowa Barnstormers after leading the IFL in rushing (945) and passing for 34 touchdowns in 2018. 

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Drew Powell made his mark on CIAA football in his career at Livingstone College (2012-15) and continues to be a force as he leads the Iowa Barnstormers, indoor professional football team, to the Indoor Football League's United Bowl Championship game. Powell was named the CIAA's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. In his professional career, he has earned All-IFL first team honors and was named 2018 IFL Most Valuable Player.

In his first season with the team, Powell and the Barnstormers have earned an 11-3 record after recently defeating the Nebraska Danger 48-17 in the United Conference Championship game. This season, the Blue Bear alum has completed 154-of-226 passes for 1,604 yards and 34 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Using his versatility as a threat, Powell also rushed for an IFL-leading 945 yards and 23 touchdowns. Powell's 945 single season rushing yards were second most in IFL history.

The Iowa Barnstormers will host the Sioux Falls Storm in the IFL's United Bowl Championship on Saturday, July 7th at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. While the team entered playoff competition in 2017, the championship appearance is the team's first-ever during their time in the Indoor Football League. The Barnstormers last championship appearance occurred in 1997, during which time the team was a member of the Arena Football League (AFL) and led by legendary NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.

Powell made his rookie debut with the IFL's Sioux Falls Storm in 2017 and has also spent time with the Nebraska Danger. Prior to his professional career, Powell was a four-year letter winner for the Livingstone College Blue Bears. Throughout his time at Livingstone, Powell broke a total of 11 school records (six of which he collected his freshman season) and four CIAA records. Powell is joined on the Barnstormers roster by former Blue Bear coach, Malcolm Nelson, who is now Iowa's defensive line coach and special teams coordinator.

For more information about CIAA football, visit www.theciaa.com or follow the conference on Facebook (The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports).

About the CIAA

Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAATournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Cleo Hill Jr. excited about the possibilities at WSSU

July 7, 2018, 2:10 pm

≫ Next: College football's talking season has arrived

≪ Previous: Former Livingstone Blue Bear QB & CIAA Player of the Year Leads Iowa Barnstormers to League Championship Game

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WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- There’s a sense of both calm and purpose in Cleo Hill Jr.’s voice while discussing his plan for making the Winston-Salem State men’s basketball program relevant again in the CIAA.

Hill, 51, has a lot going on these days, roughly a month since being hired. While his air-conditioned office in the historic Gaines Center is a little disheveled he’s working on getting the office ready for the season.

He’s also getting used to his new surroundings, such as the Gaines Center itself, which doesn’t have air conditioning but does have a rather toasty in the heat of the summer.

“I never knew it didn’t have air conditioning,” said Hill, who used to coach for Shaw against WSSU for several years but would visit in January or February. “You obviously don’t think about those things when you are coaching as an opponent.”

As he starts to formulate his plan of attack on the court for the Rams, off the court he and his wife, Regina, and their two children are busy trying to sell their house in Raleigh before moving to Winston-Salem.

Hill sat down with the Journal to talk about the future of one of the most tradition-rich basketball programs in the country.

CONTINUE READING

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College football's talking season has arrived

July 8, 2018, 7:08 am

≫ Next: Former SC State Bulldog And Raider Is All In On John Gruden

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SHREVEPORT, Louisiana -- The games won't begin until Labor Day weekend, but that doesn't mean athletes, coaches, fans and media can't start talking about college football.  The conference media days which once were held in late July keep creeping up on the calendars, ever closer to the Fourth of July. They get underway on Friday with the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day.  Here is what to expect from talking season in college football.

SWAC
When: Friday
Where: Birmingham, Alabama
View:SWAC Digital Network July 13, 11 a.m. EST

What to expect:  Grambling has won the last two SWAC football championships and despite losing quarterback DeVante Kincade and running back Martez Carter, the Tigers will likely be picked to win a third consecutive SWAC championship because of the talent G, SU has amassed.

"The challenge for us,'' GSU coach Broderick Fobbs said, "is to acquire as much talent as we possibly can.  "It's an endurance race. If you're going to win in December and be champions, you have to have enough bodies who can play significant snaps for you.''

CONTINUE READING

Former SC State Bulldog And Raider Is All In On John Gruden

July 8, 2018, 7:21 am

≫ Next: Colts Linebacker Darius Leonard Wants To Be A Role Model

≪ Previous: College football's talking season has arrived

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BLACKVILLE, South Carolina — Defensive Back Antonio Hamilton who played at South Carolina State is coming back from a torn meniscus for the Oakland Raiders.

He's been working like crazy since the end of last year to be at peak form because this offseason the Raiders brought back their revered head coach Jon Gruden who left the game for a long time to become an analyst. Now he's back and Antonio says the Raiders are already a different organization. They aren't messing around.



"Everybody on the new coaching staff-all they want to do is win. John Gruden. He's an amazing guy. He's super enthused about the game like he loves the game and all he wants to do is win," Antonio said. "He wants to figure out whose the best players that he can put out there on the field and he's going to give everybody an equal opportunity to get out on that field and play and he just wants to win. He wants to compete at a very high level. That's John."

For Antonio, who was an ALL-MEAC performer for the Bulldogs, knows what he needs to do in order to catch John's eye and be a fixture for the Raiders this season. It's easier said than done but he's determined.

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Colts Linebacker Darius Leonard Wants To Be A Role Model

July 8, 2018, 7:28 am

≫ Next: Former CIAA/LC QB Drew Powell leads Iowa Barnstormers Over Sioux Falls Storm for Indoor Football League Championship

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LAKEVIEW, South Carolina — It's never too early to leave an impression and impact your hometown. That's what former SC State linebacker Darius Leonard did on Friday.

The Lakeview native was in back in his hometown to put on his first annual Maniac Day. There was a little bit of everything for the kids. Games, flag football, free food and even some fireworks.


Darius was a second pick by the Colts and finished his career in Orangeburg as a two time MEAC Defensive Player of the year, All-American and the program's leaders tackler.

He loves the fact that he can be an example in his small hometown and be an inspiration to the kids you know his journey from SC State to the NFL. It was full circle moment for Darius.

"It means a lot especially because I started playing football out here so I wanted to start my first Maniac Day out here," Darius said.

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Former CIAA/LC QB Drew Powell leads Iowa Barnstormers Over Sioux Falls Storm for Indoor Football League Championship

July 8, 2018, 8:17 am

≫ Next: Bethune-Cookman's Lynn Thompson is now the nation's longest-tenured Division I Athletic Director

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DES MOINES, Iowa -- After 18 seasons, the Iowa Barnstormers can finally hang a championship banner high in the rafters of Wells Fargo Arena.

The ‘Stormers were firing on all cylinders most of Saturday night during the Indoor Football League title game, or the United Bowl, and took care of the Sioux Falls Storm with a thrilling 42-38 win in Des Moines.

Their championship banner will join existing division and conference champions banners, in addition to the Kurt Warner Hall of Fame one.

How sweet it is.

“All this stuff that’s going on, it’s going to pass by. Some people might not know who the Iowa Barnstormers 2018 team was, but when you come in this arena and you look up at that rafter, it goes down in history,” Iowa quarterback Drew Powell said.” So for me to go down in history with these guys — you can’t even make up dreams like this. I’m just thankful.”

Powell, the recently named IFL MVP, led the 'Stormers down the field in less than 3 minutes for what proved the be an exhilarating game-winning drive. It was capped by a bruising and dramatic Jamal Tyler touchdown run.
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The Barnstormers were down 38-35 heading into the final drive. Tyler’s go-ahead touchdown came with just 13 seconds left in the game.

“Jamal has been incredible this whole season. That last touchdown was determination and that’s the story of his whole career with us,” Iowa coach Dixie Wooten said.

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SIDE NOTES
Assistant Coach Nelson returned to the Iowa Barnstormers staff for his second season as the Defensive Line Coach and Special Teams Coordinator.  While coaching at Livingstone College, Nelson earned the opportunity to coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011 as part of the Bill Walsh Coaching Fellowship. With the Steelers, Nelson was able to gain experience as a special teams coach.  Coach Nelson served as the running backs coach, video coordinator and director of football operations at Livingstone.  Nelson is an alum of Clemson.

HBCU Players on the IFL Champion Barnstormers include:

# Name Position Height Weight Date of Birth College
2 Drew Powell QB 6' 3" 220 lbs 12/08/1994 Livingstone College
5 Sheldon Augustine WR 5' 10" 181 lbs 04/30/1990 Langston University
77 Brandon Haskin OL 6' 4" 315 lbs 02/26/1990 Tennessee State

The  Barnstormers most famous player was Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner (2017) and is the only person inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Arena Football Hall of Fame (2011).  Warner played for the 'Stormers in 1995–1997.

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Bethune-Cookman's Lynn Thompson is now the nation's longest-tenured Division I Athletic Director

July 8, 2018, 9:03 am

≫ Next: NSU's Kyle O’Quinn signs with Pacers as Knicks think young

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DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Earlier this month, longtime University of Utah Athletic Director Chris Hill retired after 31 years, making Thompson the longest actively tenured athletics director at the NCAA Division I level. Thompson, who almost looks as though he could still suit up for the Wildcats football team, has been at B-CU for 27 years.

“I can still remember the press release when I started,” he said. “It said I was one of the youngest Division I ADs in America. I was 33.”

A Daytona Beach native and product of Mainland High, Thompson was also a quarterback and punter for the Wildcats, and graduated from then Bethune-Cookman College in 1980. When he took over as the school’s athletic director in ’91, Thompson admitted to leaning on a pair of legends — former AD Tank Johnson and longtime coach/AD Cy McClairen — in the early years.

“It was a great situation for me,” he said. “To this day, we are still living off the interest of what those guys put into this program.”



It didn’t take long for Thompson to find his own voice. Just a few years after taking over at B-CU, he became the first African American to be named Chairman of the NCAA baseball rules committee.

“I went to the first couple meetings and played golf with the rest of the membership,” Thompson said.

“Originally, I was just the representative for the conference. After we got through we were sitting there having dinner, and one of the members pulled me aside and said they were going to nominate me to be the new Chair. I was from the smallest school there, and he said it didn’t matter, because I had what it took to do it. They told me that my voice mattered.”

One of Thompson’s strongest advocates over the past two decades has been MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas, who was the athletic director at Hampton University for 12 years before taking over the conference in 2001.

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