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Texas Southern, N. Carolina A&T learn NCAA tournament destinations

A pair of Division HBCU baseball teams learned their NCAA Tournament fate on Monday. North Carolina A&T and Texas Southern earned automatic bids to the 64-team field, with play beginning on Friday. The teams will participate in four-team regional play, with a double-elimination formation. The winner will advance to the best-of-3 Super Regional Round the following week. North Carolina A&T, champions of the MEAC for the first time since 2005, is the No. 4 seed in the North Carolina Regional, which is hosted by the University of North Carolina. The Aggies will play No. 1 North Carolina at 1 p.m. Friday. “It’s a great feeling to play in the tournament for the team, for the fans and for the university, so I’m going to go out and do all I can do,” said junior pitcher Tim Luth. “We’re all just a bunch of guys having fun. We all want to play the best that we can and see what happens.” Texas Southern, the SWAC champions, will also not have to travel far to play in the regional round, as the No. 4 seed Tigers will face No. 1 Texas at 8 p.m. in the Texas Regional on Friday night. Texas Regional No. 1 Texas vs. No. 4 Texas Southern, 8 p.m. Friday (Longhorn Network) No. 2 Indiana vs No. 3 Texas A&M Baptist, 4 p.m. Friday North Carolina Regional No. 1 UNC vs. No. 4 North Carolina A&T, 1 p.m. Friday (ESPN3) No. 3 Houston vs. No. 2 Indiana, 11 a.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Read the full article

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Grambling State announces multi-year apparel deal with Adidas

GRAMBLING, La. — Grambling State University Athletics and adidas today announced a multi-year partnership in which the Portland, Ore., based company will be the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand of the Tigers through the 2022-2023 season. "We are extremely thrilled to be embarking on an exciting new partnership with adidas," Grambling State Director of Athletics Paul A. Bryant said. "Our comprehensive agreement will provide the highest quality look and feel for the highest levels of athletic competition. We are excited to make adidas products available to our student-athletes and have their iconic brand across our department." "Our mission is to help athletes perform better and we seek to inspire through our products, our style and in communities. We're looking forward to partnering with Grambling State Athletics to help them execute their mission to build on their national reputation of winning championships, graduating students and devolving leaders," said Jim Murphy, director of NCAA Sports Marketing at adidas North America. "We're excited to be a part of Grambling State's commitment to providing student-athletes the opportunity to successfully compete at the highest level of NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics and we'll bring our newest and most innovative high-performance products to the Tigers over the next five years." adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to make all athletes better. adidas is the official uniform, footwear and apparel provider for more than 100 collegiate programs including Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Miami, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina State, Rutgers and Texas A&M. adidas has marketing agreements with the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS). Courtesy: GSU Athletics Read the full article

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Albany State wins SIAC softball championship

ALBANY - The Albany State University Golden Rams held off Kentucky State University 4-3 to capture the 2018 SIAC Softball Championship Saturday afternoon at Gordon Park. For the second time in as many days, Albany State faced off against and prevailed over the Thorobreds with a one run victory. ASU's starting pitchers Aryn McGowan and Lauren Lowrey were both named to the All-Tournament team as was Lavette Tucker, whose walk-off single on Friday propelled the Golden Rams into the title game. The Golden Rams historic season will continue as they will now receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Playoffs. It will be their first post season appearance since the 2013 season which was also the last time the Golden Rams won the conference championship. It will be ASU's sixth trip to the Division II Playoffs. Albany State capped the school's first ever undefeated SIAC season by running the table at this year's tournament, the only team not to drop a game during championship play. Aryn McGowan secured tournament MVP honors after entering the game in relief of Lauren Lowrey with bases loaded and no outs in the top of the fourth inning. With the Rams in front 4-1 the first batter McGowan faced, Kailen Olison pulled the Thorobreds within one when she smacked a 2 RBI single through the right side. McGowan escaped the inning with a fly-out out right field and two groundouts to get outs and the Rams clung to a one run advantage. Backed by some solid defensive play, ASU protected the one run lead while McGowan allowed one to reach in the sixth and gave up a one-out walk followed by a single up the middle in the seventh. Demeshia Russell sealed the final two outs of the tournament and the title for the Golden Rams when KSU lined and flew out to right field ending KSU's scoring threat. All of ASU's runs came in the bottom of the second inning. Kendyl Davis drove in the Rams' first run and two batters later Jade Williams' 2 RBI single scored Davis and Jordan Baranello. Williams then played decoy stealing second as Russell advanced from third to home plate and ASU led 4-0. The Golden Rams will now await the NCAA Division II pairings which will be announced on Monday with regional play slated for May 10-12th. Courtesy: Albany State Athletics Read the full article

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FAMU wins 2018 MEAC women’s outdoor track & field title

GREENSBORO, N.C., — A strong Thursday and Friday, and a late push on Saturday, propelled Florida A&M to the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Track & Field championship at the Irwin Belk Track. The Lady Rattlers tallied 179.5 points, while the Aggies had 179 points. Florida A&M won its third title in four years and its 12th overall. Darlene Moore was named the meet’s Outstanding Coach. Taylor Gorum was named the Outstanding Field Performer. The Lady Rattlers came into the day with a sizeable lead, thanks largely to their performances in field events and distance races. But the defending champion Aggies chipped away at the lead, taking the top spot briefly after the 200-meter dash. But FAMU answered immediately in the 5,000-meter run to take an insurmountable lead heading into the 4x400-meter relay. The Aggies’ 4x100-meter relay squad – Tori Ray, India Brown, Jadzia Beasley and Kayla White – ran a 44.38 to take gold, opening the running portion of the day’s competition. Martha Bissah of Norfolk State got her day started on a good note, winning the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:28.64. Bissah later took gold in the 800-meter run after running a 2:05.48. White broke her own MEAC record in winning the 100-meter hurdles, turning in a 12.91 to take gold for the second straight year. Her teammates Madeleine Akobundu (13.13) and TeJyrica Robinson (13.40) were second and third to sweep the podium. White also won the 100-meter dash, turning in an 11.24, and the 200-meter dash with a 22.98. Her title in the 200-meter dash gave the Aggies the team lead over Florida A&M, 169-166.5. White was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Runner. But Florida A&M took the lead right back by placing three in the top eight, going up on the Aggies 179.5-169. Hampton’s Faith Keitany won the event with a 17:22.26. Bethune-Cookman’s Asia Joe won the women’s 400-meter dash in 53.32. Ray led much of that race, but Joe closed the gap down the stretch and took advantage of a spill at the finish line to take the gold. Bethune-Cookman’s Lea Tshikaya won the 400-meter hurdles after running a 58.85. North Carolina A&T State’s Morgan Knight defended her championship in the pole vault, breaking her own outdoor record with a mark of 12 feet, nine inches (3.89 meters). The Aggies also picked up a title in the triple jump, with Anisa Toppin leaping 41 feet, 5.75 inches (12.64 meters). Brittany Corbett of Florida A&M won the javelin throw with a distance of 144 feet, three inches (43.96 meters). Rounding out the top five in the team standings were Bethune-Cookman in third with 120.5 points, Hampton with 119 and Norfolk State with 68. FIRST TEAM Kayla White, NCAT (100m, 200m, 100h, 4x100), Asia Joe, B-CU (400m), Martha Bissah, NSU (800m, 1,500m), Lea Tshikaya ,B-CU (400h), Tori Ray, NCAT (4x100, 4x400), India Brown, NCAT (4x100), Jadzia Beasley, NCAT (4x100), Sun-Sara Williams, NCAT (4x400), Payton Russell, NCAT (4x400), Nia Lundy, NCAT (4x400), Nancy Murgor, FAMU (Steeple), Faith Keitany, HAM (5,000m), Janet Okeago, HAM (10,000m), Quamecha Morrison, B-CU (HJ), Morgan Knight, NCAT (Pole), Monae’ Nichols, B-CU (LJ), Anisa Toppin, NCAT (TJ), Taylor Gorum, FAMU (Discus), Loren James, NCAT (Shot), Onnika Scott, FAMU (Hammer), Brittany Corbett, FAMU (Javelin), Ed’Quisha Alvin, FAMU (Hept) SECOND TEAM Bethany White, NCCU (100m, 200m), Annastacia Barham, MSU (400m, 4x400), Madeleine Akobundu, NCAT (100h), Kristoni Barnes, NCAT (800m), Eusila Chepkemei, HAM (1,500m), Autumn Smith, HAM (400h), Quamecha Morrison, B-CU (4x100), Sade Tardiel-McCreath, B-CU (4x100), Jonina Brinson, B-CU (4x100), Monae’ Nichols, B-CU (4x100), Valencia McDowell, MSU (4x400), Infinnatie Rowe, MSU (4x400), Brittany Meads, MSU (4x400), Camille Martin, NCAT (Steeple), Janet Okeago, HAM (5,000m), Emmax Kiplagat, FAMU (10,000m), Nazah Reddick, NCAT (HJ), Jazmyn Dennis, FAMU (Pole), Madeleine Akobundu, NCAT (LJ), Bhrandi Crenshaw, NCCU (TJ), Corneisha Mitchell, HAM (Discus), Taylor Gorum, FAMU (Shot), Imani Abraham, NCAT (Hammer), Kayla Key, HAM (Javelin), Faleesha Dowe, DSU (Hept) THIRD TEAM India Brown, NCAT (100m, 200m), Nia Bundy, NCAT (400m), TeJyrica Robinson, NCAT (100h), G’Jasmyne Butler, NCAT (800m), Candice Higgins, NSU (1,500m), Uchechi Onuoha, HOW (400h), Taejah Robertson, NSU (4x100), Tyrika Lee, NSU (4x100), T’nai Wells, NSU (4x100), Kiara Grant, NSU (4x100), Asia Joe, B-CU (4x400), Lea Tshikaya, B-CU (4x400), Tatyana Hodnett, B-CU (4x400), Monae’ Nichols, B-CU (4x400), Pollyanna Velasco, HAM (Steeple), Emmax Kiplagat, FAMU (5,000m), Nancy Murgor, FAMU (10,000m), Ed’Quisha Alvin, FAMU (HJ), Cheyenne Brooks, FAMU (Pole), Dominique Cleggett, HOW (LJ), Tiara Corbett, FAMU (TJ), Jasmyn Hall, MSU (Discus), Kiyanna Thomas, HAM (Shot), Akassja White, B-CU (Hammer), Kyra Hayes, HAM (Javelin), Kaitlin Scott, HAM (Hept) Courtesy: MEAC Read the full article

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Hampton and Under Armour announce new partnership agreement

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University and Under Armour, Inc. announced a new partnership agreement. The Baltimore-based global leader in performance footwear, apparel and equipment will become the official outfitter of Hampton University athletics beginning July 1, 2018. As part of the multi-year agreement, Under Armour will provide on-field and training gear for 17 varsity sports. Additionally, Under Armour will outfit members of the athletic department including coaches and staff. "We are extremely happy to partner with a top-level company in Under Armour," said Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey.  "Our agreement will help keep our athletics department on the cutting edge of advancements in athletic performance gear, which will benefit all of Hampton University athletics." The new official outfitter agreement includes marketing entitlement that will complement Under Armour's brand marketing campaigns through print and venue presence at the University. Hampton joins the Big South Conference on July 1 after a 22-year stay in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.   Some highlights include: Men's basketball finished the 2017-18 season as MEAC Regular Season Champions and participated in the National Invitation Tournament for the first time in school history. Men's basketball, as a 15th-seed in the 2001 NCAA Tournament, knocked off #2-seeded Iowa State in Boise, Idaho. The track program has produced five Olympic medalist and five NCAA Champions Women's basketball winning the MEAC Tournament Championship nine times in 22 years. Overall Hampton has had 30 NCAA Division I Tournament teams in its 22-year MEAC run. Hampton University joins the growing Under Armour roster of NCAA partners that includes the University of Wisconsin, University of Notre Dame, Naval Academy Athletic Association, University of Maryland, Texas Tech University, Northwestern University, University of Cincinnati, Boston College, University of Utah, University of South Carolina and Auburn University. Courtesy: Hampton Athletics Read the full article

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FAMU, Southern renew rivalry, will meet in 2019 and 2020

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — One of the longest standing nonconference rivalries in Black College Football history will be renewed in September of 2019, as the Florida A&M Rattlers will take on the Southern University Jaguars for the first time since 2012. FAMU and Southern jointly announced the initial home-and-home agreement on Wednesday, which begins with a date in venerable Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, September 21, 2019, followed by the return date at A.W. “Ace” Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge on September 12, 2020. FAMU and Southern have met four times on the gridiron since the yearly series was suspended in 2001, once in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge in 2007 and twice in the Atlanta Football Classic in 2011 and 2012. The last meeting between the Jaguars and the Rattlers on the schools’ respective campuses occurred in 2008, when FAMU edged Southern 52-49 in a high scoring road win in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. FAMU Athletic Director John Eason, Ph.D., said, “The two-year, home-and-home agreement with Southern University is a ‘win-win’ for both schools. We are excited about the opportunity of playing one of the most recognized football programs among HBCUs. It represents our efforts to ignite our fan base with games they want to see.” Southern Athletic Director Roman Banks said, “The renewal of this rivalry represents the best of both schools and will spark high interest among our respective fans. This one is a ‘no-brainer.’ Southern and FAMU should play each other and we’re extremely excited about this development.” The two universities began their football rivalry in 1941, and while FAMU enjoys a slight edge in the meetings at 33-26-1, the record is just one part of the rich legacy that these two programs share. Combined the pair have won 22 Black College National Football championships, FAMU won 12 and Southern won 10. Both teams rank in the Top 20 all-time among NCAA Division I FCS programs in winning percentage, each having won more than 64 percent of their games since the 1920s. Both schools have also produced their share of star athletes and coaches who occupy the Pro Football, College Football and Black College Football Halls of Fame. The honor roll of stellar luminaries is headed by players such as FAMU’s Bob Hayes, Ken Riley, and Willie Galimore, along with Southern greats Mel Blount, Isiah “Butch” Robertson and Aeneas Williams, as well as legendary coaches A.S. “Jake” Gaither of FAMU, and Arnett “Ace” Mumford of Southern. FAMU and Southern are also among the perennial attendance leaders in Division I FCS, with both ranking in either the Top 10 or Top 20 over the past decade or more. In fact, FAMU has ranked third in the FCS in home attendance in each of the past two seasons, while Southern has turned in a pair of Top 15 finishes in average home attendance in 2016 and 2017. Of course this long-standing Black college rivalry would not be complete without the musical complement of two of the greatest marching bands in America — FAMU’s world famous Marching “100” and Southern University’s “Human Jukebox.” The fans bases of both schools have longed for this rivalry to be renewed, and they will get their wish come September 21, 2019. Courtesy: FAMU  Read the full article

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Clark Atlanta names NBA veteran George Lynch new head basketball coach

George Lynch, a 12-year NBA veteran, coach, former Division I college assistant, and former University of North Carolina star, has been named the new head coach of the Clark Atlanta University Panthers men's basketball team, CAU Athletic Director J Lin Dawson announced Monday. Lynch takes over for Darrell Walker, who accepted the head coaching position at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock in March. "I'm very excited to represent Clark Atlanta University in 2018-2019 season," Lynch said. "Coach Darrell Walker has left the program in great shape with some great players. It's an honor to follow him as a head coach with the opportunity to lead the Clark Atlanta basketball team moving forward. I'm looking forward to joining the CAU campus community and being part of a great program." Lynch spent 12 years playing in the NBA after he was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1993. A defensive force, Lynch also was the first rookie since Magic Johnson to score 30 points in a game. He played for four NBA teams during his career (L.A. Lakers, Vancouver Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and the New Orleans Hornets), playing the NBA Finals with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001. He was also a second-team All-NBA defensive player that year. After his playing career, Lynch worked with Southern Methodist University in player training and development and ran a non-profit youth basketball organization in the Dallas area. In 2010, he joined the University of California-Irvine, first as an assistant athletic director for Community Relations and then as a strength coach for the men's and women's basketball programs. He served in the same capacity at SMU from 2012 to 2015 before becoming the school's player development coach in 2015. He has been assistant coach with the Grand Rapid Drive of the NBA's "G" League since 2017. Lynch, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, helped lead the Tar Heels to the 1993 Atlantic Coast Conference championship, along with the NCAA National Championship where he was the Most Valuable Player of the NCAA East Regional. Lynch, a four-year letterman, was captain of the 1993 team, was on the NCAA's All-Tournament team "I am excited to enter this new era in men's basketball with George Lynch," Dawson said. "George embodies the attributes that we looked for as a campus community. Our student-athletes will benefit from his experience as a successful player, mentor, strength coach and player developer, and he will be great addition to Clark Atlanta athletics and the entire CAU community." The Panthers finished 24-6 this past season, narrowly missing out on winning their second-consecutive Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship. The Panthers earned their second consecutive NCAA Division II Men's National Basketball tournament bid and were nationally ranked the entire second half of the season. Courtesy: CAU Athletics Read the full article

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Grambling’s Haileigh Adams invited to USWNT U-19 training camp

GRAMBLING, La. — Grambling State University defender Haileigh Adams has been invited to attend the United States Women's Soccer National Team (USWNT) Under-19 training camp May 5-12 in San Diego, Calif. "I was so happy," Adams said upon hearing the news about being invited to camp. "It felt unreal and I was in shock. I couldn't believe someone like me from a small NCAA Division I school such as Grambling State would ever get an opportunity like this. I am beyond excited." Adams, who is a native of Pasadena, Calif., and is the first-ever Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) women's soccer player invited to a USWNT training camp, was instrumental in the Lady Tigers' success during the 2017 season. Grambling State went from one win in 2016 to 11 in 2017 and finished second in the conference and concluded its season as runner-ups in the SWAC Tournament. She logged 1,800 minutes on a back line that posted eight shutouts. "She had an excellent season and is one of the most talented defenders in our region," Lady Tigers head coach Justin Wagar said. "She does so many things for our team, from winning balls in the air, to organizing our back line, to covering mistakes when we have break downs, and setting up our offense with distribution from the back. Haileigh has amazing pace that enables her to run down scoring chances from opponents and snuff them out before they begin. "For a 17-year-old this fall to step in and be the centerpiece for our defense and play such a large role in turning it all around, must respect to her. We're thrilled she's getting this opportunity to go and train with the youth national team, which is comprised of mostly Pac 12 and ACC players, and feel she's very deserving of this honor. We'll be rooting for her success." The training camp will feature the U-18, U-19, and U-20 national team players with roughly 22 to 26 representatives per age group who will compete to make the full roster for the United States National teams. The U-19s will have a number of training camps and tournaments throughout the year. Camps are often scheduled to run concurrent with other YNT camps to give the players an opportunity to watch and play against older players and learn through those experiences. Courtesy: GSU Athletics Read the full article

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2018 NFL Draft: How much could each HBCU draft pick get paid?

Three HBCU football players — Brandon Parker, Darius Leonard and Trenton Cannon — were taken during the seven rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft. Now that all the draft parties and celebrations are over, the business side of the newfound professional experience of the athletes begin. The trio could, if they are part of the active roster, make a combined $13.7 million this season. Their salaries are based on the NFL's salary cap of $177.2 million and the rookie compensation pool for 2018 in a formula spelled out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players association. That makes it possible to estimate the money allotted to each draft slot. Leonard, the highest drafted HBCU player this year, taken with the 60th overall pick in the second round by the Indianapolis Colts, is expected to receive $7.2 million with a $3.3 million signing bonus, per spotrac.com. Parker, who was drafted in the third round by the Oakland Raiders, has a contract valued at a little over $4 million, including a $1 million signing bonus. Cannon, taken by the New York Jets in the sixth round, features a contract worth $2.5 million carrying a $139,000 signing bonus. The website also details how much undrafted free agents could command, which is around $570,000 for 2018. Read the full article

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Virginia State's Trenton Cannon selected by New York Jets in sixth round

Arlington, Texas — Virginia State's running back Trenton Cannon was selected by the New York Jets with 204th pick overall in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft on Saturday at AT&T Stadium. "I can't believe I am a New York Jet," said Cannon. "This is what I have worked for and dreamed of since I was a kid. I have been working hard to get to this moment. I want to thank Virginia State University's Head Football Coach Reggie Barlow and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to shine on the field and believing in me. Trojan Nation, I want to thank you for all the love and support. It's my turn. Thank you so much to everyone who believed in me and helped me get to today, but the work has just begun. New York, let's get to work." Trenton Cannon has received numerous accolades for his outstanding performance this season. Cannon was selected to play in the 2018 National Football League Players Association Collegiate bowl that took place on January 20. Cannon led the Trojans to an undefeated regular season, piling up 245 all-purpose yards per game. In addition, he was named the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, and was the second consecutive VSU player to take home the Lanier award. The Lanier award is given to the best small-college player. Trenton received the Offensive Back of the Year honor by the Touchdown Club of Richmond. Cannon lead the CIAA in overall rushing yards this season (1,387) and rushing yards per game (154.1). He also produced 14 touchdowns on the season. Out of the ten-week regular season, the Hampton, VA native earned five Offensive Back of the Week honors. Trenton is currently VSU's All-Time Rusher with a total of 3,780 yards. For his college career he played in 38 games (25 starts), rushed for 4,246 yards (7.1 yards/carry) and 46 touchdowns, caught 51 passes for 638 more yards and seven more TDs, and also averaged 32.6 yards/kickoff return with three TD returns the last two seasons. Cannon turned a 4.40 time in the 40 at his pro day. Cannon is only the second player taken from Virginia State, with the first, DB Jim Williams, selected in Round 7 of the 1970 draft. Courtesy: VSU Athletics Read the full article

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2018 NFL Draft: South Carolina State Linebacker Darius Leonard taken by Colts

South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard was taken in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts Friday night. Leonard was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in two f his four seasons at South Carolina State, leading the league with 113 tackles and two interceptions last season. The FCS All-American earned an invite to the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Projected as a future NFL starter at his position, the 6-foot-2, 234-pound senior was evaluated as "long and twitchy with athletic ability and straight-line speed that should light up the combine, according to an NFL.com scouting report. "Leonard has packed on the pounds since hitting campus, but it hasn't compromised his play speed as he has posted dominant production throughout." An unidentified AFC scout said this about Leonard prior to the draft: "He's a good worker and good learner and I think he has a chance to be a war daddy once he has an NFL training table and strength program behind him." Read the full article

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Guest Column: Howard football is changing tides, its future is bright

Imagine for a moment that your day started at sunrise. Shadows cast by the constantly moving bodies of your brothers in arms sprawl upon dewy morning grass. Before you lie on nothing more than a wide-open field of endless green turf, you watch as rays of gold light slowly creep from behind the rooftops of some of America's most historic buildings. The Mecca stands before you. And just when you allow yourself to drift off into the sea of pink and orange skies, you're jolted back to reality. Your day has only begun. Daily workouts, team meetings, afternoon practices, and at least six credit hours per semester barely scratches the surface of what a player must take on when filling one of the coveted spots on Howard University's D1 football team. In the past, the Howard Bison have been known more for the University that they play for, more so than their performance on the football field. A series of disappointing seasons have led to a substantial drop in school spirit as it relates to the football team and has caused diehard fans to question their loyalty. Over the last year, however, the Howard Bison have observed a turnaround so swift that it was evident something had changed about the team and its dynamic. While interning with Howard University's athletic department last season, I would often watch from the sidelines as coaches and players stormed the field of William H. Greene Stadium during home games. They had a grit about them that made it clear they would take no prisoners, and they maintained a level of intensity that would remain with them from quarter 1 to quarter 4, even in the wake of apparent adversity. And by the end of the college football season, the Howard Bison had earned an impressive 7-4 record, a performance that the team hadn't observed since 2012. I became curious as to what had changed within the confines of the Howard Bison football team, and on their final Saturday activity of the 2017-2018 school year, I made it a point to find out. I arrived at 9 am and was surprised to see that some players were already on the sidelines stretching independently, headphones in ear, completely in the zone. The day got started promptly at 10:30 am and from the moment the first whistle blew, I knew that I was going to get a glimpse of something special. The charge of the Howard Bison football team was comparable to that of a minor earthquake as players made their way from the tunnel to the field with a level of intensity I'd instantly recognized from prior games. It was that intensity that garnered them a 3-game winning streak against South Carolina State, Florida A&M, and Norfolk State respectively. Players spread out across the field and immediately broke out into a series of stretches; the team remained so in sync you may have thought they rehearsed each sequence beforehand. The Saturday morning sun beat down on the Howard Bison as they fought through round after round of conditioning exercises and drills, each one was a bit more intense than the one prior. The whistle blew again, and from there the team broke out into their respective positions, all the while maintaining a quiet fervor that was as palpable as the heat they emitted from their sweat-soaked Under Armour gear. The voices of the Howard Bison coaching staff boomed throughout the stadium, at times overpowering the heavy sounds of Drake's catchy new single, "Nice for What". Head Coach Mike London, a new face amongst Howard University's athletic department staff, made his rounds from one end of the 10,000-seat stadium to the other. In the short time that London has held the reigns of Howard University's football team, he's managed to incite a revolution amongst the players that far surpasses points on a scoreboard. London has galvanized his team in a way that shows itself in the meticulous detail each player places on their delivery of a drill or exercise, the steadily rising GPA's of his players, and the team's regular community service initiatives. I had the opportunity to catch up with a few of the players at the end of their day, and I was taken aback by their intent focus on each question, as well as their professional delivery. Junior Sports Management major, Dominique Smith, a 6'1 inside linebacker from Cincinnati Ohio appeared reserved as he took a seat on a sideline bench to speak with me. I wanted to know what his experience had been like playing football for Howard University, especially given the teams newly garnered success during the 2017-2018 season. "My Howard experience playing football has been a rollercoaster," Smith said. "This new coaching staff came in and its like I found myself again with football." Smith's eyes seem to come alive as he recounted his experience with the team over the past year. His voice remained cool, calm, and collected as he explained how he rediscovered his love for the game of football, however, it was impossible not to become overwhelmed with inspiration as I listened to his story. "I kinda lost my love for the game," Smith stated. " new coaching staff came in and made me find myself and what it means to be on a football team, and what it means to be a man in my community." Smith's sentiments seemed to ring true for several players on the team, including Senior Sports Medicine major, Chris Franks. "With the new coaching staff, I have a new passion for football," Franks said. "I feel like we're at a new standard that will last long for the team." It was clear that Coach London had successfully instilled a new sense of pride into the hearts of his players. He required excellence from these young men on the football field, as well as in the classroom, and in the community. On the field, Coach London was a force to be reckoned with, but when I had the opportunity to sit down with the former Dallas Cowboy and fellow brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., he was all smiles. "I'm very pleased about the direction of the 2018 football team," London said. " just finished up the Spring semester, the guys have gotten bigger, faster, stronger, their improving their GPA's and grades. There's an excitement coming out of Spring going into the Summer months". London knew there was something special that had happened this season, and he also knew the young men representing the Howard Bison had reached a point of no return. His players were hungry for the chance to prove those who doubted them wrong. But there was also something that it seemed London was clear about, and that was that his players had talents, which far surpassed their abilities on the football field. I spoke to several players who aspired to put up their cleats and take on roles as attorneys, community activists, on-air personalities, and more upon graduating from Howard University. Many student-athletes are often met with the harsh reality that they will not go pro after graduation. The NCAA reports that only 1.5% of the 73,660 participating college football players will make it to the NFL. With the odds stacked against college football players, coaches like London are the driving force as to why many student-athletes go on to have amazing careers outside of sports after college. By the time I left the football field, it was evident that my suspicions were correct. There is, in fact, something different about the Howard Bison football team. There is something magical happening in William H. Greene Stadium, and I only hope that the world of college sports is ready for what the Howard Bison have in store for next season. Kadeem Pilgrim is currently an MBA student at Howard University and received his undergraduate degree in Marketing from Hampton University. Read the full article

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Chicago Bears honor Tarik Cohen as Brian Piccolo Award recipient

The accolades for former North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen after an impact rookie season continue. Cohen, who rushed for 370 yards and two touchdowns, was honored with the Brian Piccolo Award presented by the Chicago Bears. "It means a lot," Cohen told chicagobears.com. "It just shows what my teammates think of me and that I'm really fitting in. That was my biggest worry coming into the NFL. You've been with a team for four years in college and then you're in a whole new setting, so to see that I'm fitting in well, it means a lot." The team selects a veteran and rookie annually who exemplifies "the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor" of the late Bears running back who died of cancer in 1970. Cohen was honored along with veteran Benny Cunningham. Taken by the Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Cohen became the first NFL rookie since Gayle Sayers to account for a rushing, receiving, passing and punt return touchdown in a single season. Read the full article

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Delaware State mourns the death of Al Lavan, former head football coach

Dover, Del. — Delaware State University Athletics mourns the passing of former Hornet head football coach Alton “Al” Lavan, who died early Monday in Colorado. Lavan was DSU’s head football coach for seven seasons from 2004-to-2010, posting an overall record of 41-37 and a 34-21 mark in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. In 2007, Lavan led the Hornets to a 10-2 overall record and the school’s first MEAC championship in 16 years with a perfect 8-0 league mark, the second team in conference history to achieve the feat. The 10 overall wins still stand as a team record. With the conference title, Delaware State earned a trip to the NCAA playoffs for the first time, matching up against Delaware in the first-ever meeting between the state’s two Division I programs. Delaware State rose as high as 10th in the 2007 Football Championship Subdivision national rankings and finished the season at No. 15 in the Sports Network poll and 16th in the ESPN Coaches poll. The American Sports Wire selected the Hornets as its 2007 Black College National Champions, while DSU was second in the final Sheridan Broadcast Network HBCU poll. Lavan was selected as the 2007 Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C., Coach-of-the-Year and finished second in the voting for the national FCS top coach award. In 2006, Lavan led the Hornets to an 8-3 record, finishing second in the MEAC standings with a 6-2 conference mark. The team received national attention, garnering a No. 23 ranking heading into the final regular-season game. The national ranking was DSU’s first since the 1992 season. During his second season as DSU head coach in 2005, Lavan guided Delaware State to a 7-4 overall record (6-2 MEAC). Finishing No. 2 in the MEAC standings that season, DSU registered a perfect home record (5-0) for the first time since 1985. Lavan coached the Hornets to a 4-3 MEAC record in 2004, giving DSU a winning conference mark for the first time in four years. Before accepting the Delaware State position, he served two seasons as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University. Lavan was promoted to assistant head coach for the 2003 football season. Upon the late-season firing of then-head coach Jeff Woodruff, he was named as interim head coach. After taking over the 1-8 football team, Eastern Michigan won two of its final three games under Lavan. In more than 18 years as an NFL assistant, Lavan’s resume’ includes stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs. A member of NFL Hall-of-Fame coach Tom Landry’s staff with the Dallas Cowboys, Lavan served as running backs for greats Tony Dorsett and Herschel Walker during his time with the Cowboys. He was a member of George Seifert’s 1990 Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff. Lavan’s collegiate coaching tenure also included stops at Colorado State, Louisville, Iowa State, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and Washington. A college standout at Colorado State, Lavan played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons before his career was cut short due to injury. He was inducted into the Delaware State University Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 2013. Funeral arrangements have yet to be released by Lavan's family. Courtesy: DSU Athletics Read the full article

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Prairie View A&M and Adidas announce apparel partnership deal

Prairie View A&M University and Adidas announced Monday a new multiyear partnership in which the Portland, Ore., based company will be the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand of the Panthers. "We are thrilled to officially announce our exciting partnership with Adidas," said PVAMU Vice President / Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson. "Since its inception, Adidas has continued to redefine innovation by always listening to the needs of the world's best athletes and helping them be the best they can be. In partnering with this iconic brand, Prairie View A&M University student-athletes will now wear the best apparel to help them achieve competitive greatness." With the new deal, Adidas will supply the Panthers with all their headwear, apparel, footwear, and accessory needs for all sports starting July 1 through the 2022-23 season. "Our mission is to help athletes perform better and we'll bring our newest and most innovative high-performance products to the Panthers," said Jim Murphy, director of NCAA Sports Marketing at Adidas North America. "We seek to inspire through our products, our style and in communities and we're looking forward to partnering with Prairie View A&M Athletics to help them empower student-athletes." Adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to make all athletes better. adidas is the official uniform, footwear and apparel provider for more than 100 collegiate programs including Arizona State, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, Miami, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina State and Texas A&M. adidas has marketing agreements with the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Soccer (MLS). Read the full article

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Morehouse men, Benedict women win SIAC track & field championship

ALBANY, Ga. – The Benedict women successfully conquered a field of eleven teams with a score of 219 points as Morehouse Maroon Tigers captured their first championship title since 2014-15 with a score of 187 at the SIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship. Held at the Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany, Ga., Benedict’s win was helped by senior sprinter, Phoebe Johnson who captured four first-place finishes alongside, junior sprinter, Becky Dionisio as she topped three events for the Tigers. Dionosio captured three awards including the Women’s Outstanding Track Performer, Cleve Abbott Award, and the High Point Track Performer with wins in the 10,000 Meter Run (44:07.49), 800 Meter Run (2:22.90), and the 1500 Meter Run (4:59.90).  Johnson topped the field in 200 Meter Dash (25.19) {prelim.), 400 Meter Dash (57.85) (prelim.), and the finals for the 200 Meter Dash (24.86) and 400 Meter Dash (57.25). The Tigers finished with 13 total first-place finishes to defend their championship title and claim two consecutive SIAC Track and Field Championships. Morehouse’s Maroon Tigers finished first place since the 2014-15 season with 181 points. They were led by junior jumper/sprinter, John Burns, who captured 12 top three finishes. Freshman, Dobbin Bookman and Dedrick Vanover finished with three first-place finishes respectively. Morehouse finished with 10 first place finishes to claim their way to the championship title. The runner-up on the women’s side was Albany State who finished with seven first-place finishes and 144 points. Albany State’s Chanelle Wong topped with five top-three finishes to lead the Golden Rams. On the men’s side, Benedict finished in second place with two first-place finishes. Benedict’s Evans Korir led with three top ten finishes as Lennox Williams finishes with three. Clark Atlanta (117.50) finishes third while Tuskegee (92) followed in fourth after Claflin (56) who claimed fifth. Central State (45), Miles (30), Paine (22), Kentucky State (16.5), Lane (16), and Fort Valley State (7) rounded out the women’s teams rankings for the 2018 SIAC Track and Field Championship. For men, Albany State (164) secured a third-place finish as Claflin (72) followed in fourth as Central State (67) claimed fifth place. Tuskegee (32), Kentucky State (31.5), Paine (30), Fort Valley State (16), and Lane (1) finished the men team rankings for the championship event. TEAM RANKINGS Women -Team Rankings -  20 Events Scored Benedict 219 Albany State 144 Clark Atlanta 117.5 Tuskegee 92 Claflin 56 Central State 45 Miles 30 Panie 22 Kentucky State 16.5 Lane 16 Fort Valley State 7   Men - Team Rankings - 20 Events Scored Morehouse 187 Benedict 171.5 Albany State 164 Claflin 72 Central State 67 Tuskegee 32 Kentucky State 31.5 Paine 30 Fort Valley State 16 Lane 1 2018 SIAC TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP SUPERLATIVES Men's Outstanding Field Performer - Cervantes Jackson, ASU Men's Outstanding Track Performer - Emmanuel Birgen, Central State Women's Outstanding Field Performer - Jazmine Bowser, Clark Atlanta Women's Outstanding Track Performer - Becky Dionisio, Benedict Cleve Abbott Award - Becky Dionisio, Benedict (40 points) Men's Runner-Up - Benedict Men's Champion - Morehouse Women's Runner-Up - Albany State Women's Champion - Benedict High Point Track Performer (Women) - Becky Dionisio, Benedict High Point Field Performer (Women) - Jazmine Bowser, Clark Atlanta High Point Track Performer (Men) - Emmanuel Birgen, Central State High Point Field Performer (Men) - Cervantes Jackson, ASU Read the full article

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WVU standout Pat White joins Alcorn State as new QB coach

LORMAN, Miss. – A dream come true for both sides unites the Alcorn State University football program with its new quarterbacks coach Pat White, head coach Fred McNair announced. White, a former West Virginia University superstar, quarterbacked the Mountaineers to a 42-9 record in four years. He was second all-time in total yardage from scrimmage with 10,529 yards and rushed for a then collegiate record of 4,480 yards. White rushed for 47 touchdowns and threw for 56 and is the only player in Big East history to ever account for over 100 touchdowns from any position. "I've always dreamed of being on the sidelines at an HBCU school. I grew up on HBCU sports and both of my parents went to HBCU schools. For me growing up, it was always HBCU all-day, every day," White said. "I went to college with, and graduated with Coach Stanchek and we were very successful as teammates at WVU. The goal for me is to come here to Alcorn and win championships." WVNews reported that White is arguably the best quarterback to ever play at WVU. He's a two-time Big East Player of the Year winner and was a Heisman candidate in both 2007 and 2008. "Pat is going to be a great addition for us. He's been on campus and has gotten a chance to meet some of the student-athletes already and will be a great mentor and coach for them," McNair said. "I know Pat is excited to be here and he'll help us both coaching and recruiting. We're very happy to have him and we know he'll make a big impact for our program." White and Alcorn's Offensive Coordinator Ryan Stanchek were teammates at WVU from 2004 to 2008, playing on four winning bowl teams. It included BCS victories in the 2006 Sugar Bowl and the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. Stanchek was an offensive lineman that blocked for White. "Being a former teammate, Pat's leadership, toughness and competitiveness were unmatched on the field. Pat White is a winner," Stanchek said. "I'm excited for Pat to share his knowledge with our quarterbacks and our football team. Coach McNair hit a grand slam with this hire." After graduating from WVU, White was drafted in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He later played professionally with the Virginia Destroyers in the United Football League, the Washington Redskins and the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League from 2011-14. White played stints in professional baseball as an outfielder with the Anaheim Angels and in the minor leagues with the Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins. A native of Daphne, Alabama, White rushed for 1,905 and 31 touchdowns his senior year at Daphne HS while passing for 1,488 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also won two state championships as both a pitcher and outfielder in baseball. Courtesy: Alcorn State Athletics Read the full article