Village
WeeHawk Kid’s Club members got to ‘Bowl like a Hawk.’ G. STAN BRADLEY
PRINCESS ANNE, Md.—The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Women’s Bowling program, head coach Kayla Bandy and WeeHawks, the UMES Official Kids Club, teamed up earlier this week to host the inaugural UMES WeeHawks Bowling Camp. More than a dozen participants took to the Sharon D. Brummell Lanes inside the Student Services Center (SSC) on campus for a day of fun, crafts, games and of course bowling.
The one-day event, offered to children ages 7-12, afforded the campers the chance to learn bowling instruction from some of the current and former UMES Lady Hawk Bowlers and head coach and former College Bowler of the Year, Kayla Bandy. They also participated in outdoor activities, took a look at how a bowling center works, made bowling crafts and had lunch and a snack provided.
When asked to rate the camp between a 1-5, nine-year old Dalton Phebus of Berlin, Md. exclaimed, “definitely a 10!”
“It was a lot of fun,” said Bandy. “The kids really took to it. We bowled a lot, but mixed in a lot of other activities too so they wouldn’t get burned out on bowling. It wound up being a well-balanced day and all the kids were a blast to be around.”
“I want to go again,” said almost eight-year old Carter Bradley of Laurel, Del. “I hope the same coaches come back next year, they were fun.”
The camp had children from the surrounding Eastern Shore area, reaching as far north as Lewes, Del. and as far south as Crisfield, Md.
CU
Athletics Hosts Excellence Girls' Club Leadership Institute6/24/2014 10:34:00 AM
MURFREESBORO, NC- CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY The Chowan University athletic department hosted the Excellence Girls' Club Leadership Institute June 18-20th in the Helms Center. Fifteen Excellence Girls' Club members from Passage Middle School (Newport News), River Crest (Chesapeake), and Woodside High School (Newport News) were in attendance.
The Excellence Girls' Club is a group of middle and high school-age girls from the Hampton Roads area who display untapped academic and leadership potential. Their mission is to empower young women by exposing them to positive experiences while developing leadership skills that will enhance their ability to become future leaders in the community.
After arriving to campus on the evening of June 18th, the young ladies were exposed to valuable sessions from an array of speakers who focused on a variety of themes. Chowan's Director of Student Life, Leah Lambson, spoke on the importance of communication, Deputy Athletic Director, Meredith Long, expanded on emotional intelligence and the role it plays in day-to-day interactions, and Monique Smith, owner of Seeds of Empowerment, took the young ladies on "A Walk in Her Shoes"; sharing with the group the value of considering others' perspectives and points of view.
CIAA and NCAA Division II National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, Ayanna Tweedy of Bowie State University, followed with an engaging session on female empowerment and self-confidence. Danielle Coleman, Chowan's Director of Residence Life, closed out Thursday's sessions with a presentation on conflict resolution.
On Friday morning, Dr. Cynthia Nicholson, Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, spoke to the group about crafting and molding a personal vision for their lives while giving their best effort in all they do. Craig Janney, Dean of Admissions, closed out the afternoon with a session on the college application process and concluded the Excellence Girls' Club's visit with a campus tour.
The attendees had the opportunity to develop and discover their leadership ability and interact with their peers while staying in Simons Hall and getting a taste of college life in the cafeteria.
Vickie Madison, founder and Executive Director of the Excellence Girls' Club commented, "The institute was educational, uplifting, and engaging…the Leadership Institute was a very rewarding experience for the Excellence Girls' Club members…The presenters and topics were outstanding! Chowan University is awesome!"
Click HERE to learn more about the Excellence Girls' Club.
Chowan
Men's Soccer Program Hosts Successful CampAllie Kolezynski 6/24/2014 10:35:00 AM
MURFREESBORO, NC- CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY The Chowan University men's soccer program hosted a successful 1st Annual Soccer Camp June 16th-20th for youth ages 3-14. The mornings were spent in skill and technical development sessions with the coaching staff, Chris Whalley and Lee Williams along with current Chowan soccer student-athletes.
In the afternoons, the campers enjoyed lunch in the Helms Center and ventured over to the Hawks Nest for World Cup game viewing and pool and ping pong.
Midweek featured "Wacky Wednesday" and a talent show open to all. The campers also played some indoor soccer in the Jenkins Center due to the heat index and enjoyed prizes at the end of the week.
Head Men's Soccer Coach, Chris Whalley, noted, "One of my goals when taking over the program at Chowan was to build community involvement and our camps are a great way to do that. The children got to learn and develop under some excellent coaches. To have 45 players in attendance in our first year was fantastic! Coach (Lee) Williams did a great job connection with the community and getting the information about camp out there. I would like to thank all the staff behind-the-scenes at Chowan University who helped make this happen. I look forward to building and improving our camps along with all facets of the program."
Announcements
XU's
Cassiere to speak at National HBCU Media SummitJune 30, 2014
NEW ORLEANS — Ed Cassiere, Xavier University of Louisiana's sports information director, will be one of the first-day speakers at the 2014 National HBCU Media Summit, to be held next week at Dillard University in New Orleans.
Cassiere — recipient of approximately 70 awards for sports information and sports writing in a career which dates to the mid-1970s — will speak at 10 a.m. on July 10 about winning coverage strategies for small sports information staffs.
Cassiere joined XU athletics in July 2006. He publicizes Xavier's nine intercollegiate teams, which compete in the NAIA's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.
The National HBCU Media Summit is presented by the HBCU Digest, the national news resource of record for historically black colleges and universities. The three-day event engages the national HBCU community in media literacy and development and provides best practices in media culture building for HBCU communities from around the nation.
HAMPTON
TO INTRODUCE MARSHALL AS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Maurice D. Williams
HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University Department of Athletics will hold a press conference on Monday, June 30 at 11 a.m. in the team meeting room at Armstrong Stadium to introduce Eugene Marshall, Jr. as the new Director of Athletics.
Marshall will take over as Director of Athletics on July 1, where he will take over for Novelle Dickenson. Marshall brings well over two decades of athletic administration experience to the Pirates.
Most recently, Marshall was the interim deputy athletic director at Queens College in New York, where he reported to the Assistant Vice President of Athletics and worked in an athletic program that boasted 18 teams.
Prior to that, Marshall spent two years as the Director of Athletics at Iona College, overseeing some of the Gaels’ most successful moments – including two NCAA Tournament appearances for men’s basketball and the program’s first-ever at-large bid.
For more information on Hampton University athletics, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com. Maurice D. Williams
Charlotte, North Carolina - June 26, 2014 - Johnson C. Smith University assistant football coach Marshall Banks has been selected for the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship for the upcoming 2014 season. Banks will be working with the Carolina Panthers coaching staff during their organized team activities (OTAs) from July 24-August 12 at the Panthers training facility.
The Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship is an annual program administered by the NFL Management Council and NFL Player Engagement. The program is designed as a vocational tool to increase the number of full-time NFL minority coaches, all 32 NFL Clubs participate in the program on an annual basis. Specific aspects of the program (including hiring, salary and coaching duties) are administered on a Club-by-Club basis. The program's objective is to use NFL Clubs' training camps, offseason workout program and minicamps to give talented minority coaches opportunities to: observe, participate, gain experience, and increase opportunity of a full-time NFL coaching position.
Banks initially joined the Golden Bulls coaching staff in 2009 as a student assistant. He served as the assistant defensive line coach for two seasons (2009-10) before being promoted to the defensive line coach.
Banks is a JCSU alumnus and former Golden Bulls defensive lineman. He transferred from Central Missouri State University to JCSU in 2007. In 2007, Banks registered 30 total tackles (12 solo), 3.5 tackles for a loss, and one sack. He also forced a fumble and recovered two. Banks played in 13 games over two seasons (2007-08), but was plagued by leg injuries.
During the coaching fellowship with the Panthers, Banks will be assigned to the defensive line area. He will be assisting the defensive coordinator and defensive line coaches with practice drills, player development, and regularly attending personnel meetings.
"I am honored to be a selected participant for this coaching fellowship," said Banks. "I want to thank God for granting me this opportunity. I am looking forward to learning and growing more as an instructor and coach. I want to thank the Carolina Panthers organization, the entire coaching staff, and specifically defensive line coaches Eric Washington and Sam Mills, Jr., for introducing the fellowship to me. I would also like to thank our Director of Athletics Stephen Joyner, Sr. and our head football coach Steven Aycock for giving me the opportunity to participate in the fellowship."
The Golden Bulls will open the 2014 season on the road against the nearby UNC Charlotte 49ers on September 6 at 12:00 p.m. from Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Educations
A&T
Appoints Interim Dean for the School of EducationSamantha Hargrove
GREENSBORO, N.C. -North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has named Dr. Miriam L. Wagner as the interim dean for the School of Education, effective July 1.
As interim dean, Wagner will serve as chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Education. This position reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
“I am delighted to work with Dr. Wagner as the interim dean of the School of Education. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is a proven leader at North Carolina A&T,” said Whitehead.
Wagner will be responsible for the overall administration of academic and research programs in the School. The position also includes oversight of student recruitment and retention, budgetary management, faculty development, evaluation and assessment of academic programs, and maintaining high academic and research standards of the School.
Wagner joined North Carolina A&T State University in 1992. In 2011, she was appointed chair of the department of human development and services where she supervised faculty and staff in the rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, mental health counseling, adult education and school administration. As chair, Wagner managed the implementation of the doctoral rehabilitation counseling program in 2013 and the Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic in 2012.
Prior to her professorship at North Carolina A&T, Wagner served as director of counseling and assistant professor of psychology at Winston-Salem State University. She received a PhD in community counseling and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and English literature from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and master’s degrees in human resources and school counseling from N.C. A&T
GREENSBORO, N.C.- The University of North Carolina Board of Governors recently approved a new bachelor of science degree in information technology at North Carolina A&T State University.
The new program will become the eighth undergraduate degree program offered by the School of Technology.
“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our undergraduate degree programs in the field of information technology and provide students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to compete in the 21st century workplace,” said Provost Joe B. Whitehead Jr.
The program is set to position the university to take full advantage of the tremendous job opportunities available to students that support information technology systems.
“Few programs throughout the country have placed emphasis on training the next generation of students to support mainframes/Enterprise Systems. This degree is a tremendous opportunity for A&T to address the needs of the community and to become one of the top programs in the country with a focus on mainframe education,” said Benjamin Uwakweh, dean of the School of Technology at North Carolina A&T.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a high demand for graduates with a bachelor of science degree in information technology. In its report spanning the period 2008-2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics purported that by 2018, Healthcare-IT would be amongst the top careers in demand. The report showed an expected jump in demand by 20% to 35,100 jobs over the 10 year period. Additionally, a major automobile manufacturer (General Motors) announced that it will hire 10,000 information technology workers in the next 3-5 years.
“The department of computer science technology decided to focus on the niche area of mainframe education because of its acquisition of a z9 Enterprise system, donated to the University by IBM, and because of the high demand for talent in this area,” said Uwakweh.
The program will be available by 2015. The School of Technology currently offers undergraduate degree programs in in applied engineering technology, construction management, electronics technology, environmental health and safety, geomatics, graphic communication systems, and motorsports technology and graduate programs in Information Technology, technology management and technology education.
For more information about the School of Technology, visit www.ncat.edu.
Bowling
“UMES ALUMN MARIA RODRIGUEZ WINS 2014 USBC QUEENS TITLE”
G. STAN BRADLEY UMES Sports
Former three-time National Champion is first Hawk to win.
RENO, Nev.—A 2011 graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
Maria Jose Rodriguez (Ibague Tolima, Colombia) took home the 2014 United
States Bowling Congress (USBC) Queens championship Thursday evening at the
National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. Considered the most prestigious
women’s event in bowling, Rodriguez outlasted PBA Title winner Kelly Kulick
of Union, N.J. in dramatic fashion, 190-189 to take the coveted tiara and a
check for $20,000.
The event, sponsored by Storm, saw Rodriguez go a perfect 5-0 and earn the
top-seed in the stepladder finals which aired live on Thursday night on
ESPN2. She improved that to 6-0 in the event with the defeat of Kulick, who
had to win three matches to get to Rodriguez, perched in the top seed. The
match could have gone the other way however, as Maria Rodriguez missed the
2-4-5-8 combination in the tenth frame, forcing Kulick to throw a double
(two strikes) in order to win and become just the third woman to ever win
three Queens titles (2007 & 2010).
It wasn’t to be however as Kulick, who hadn’t struck since the fourth frame
of the championship match, left the ten pin on her first ball of the tenth
frame. She was coming off of a 7-10 split in the ninth frame, a mark then
could have meant Rodriguez had to strike in the tenth, but she didn’t and
she survived to win the title.
"I couldn't believe it," said Rodriguez. "I opened, and I still won. I
wanted everything to be perfect, and it wasn't, but it turned out exactly
how I hoped it would. I am so happy right now."
Rodriguez struggled early in the event, especially when the lanes were
freshly oiled. There already had been three matches before she took to the
championship lanes, so Rodriguez was able to get into her comfort zone and
play deeper on the 39-foot oil pattern.
"I tried to follow the transition while I was practicing and while I was
watching on the TV," said Rodriguez, who helped UMES to three national
championships from 2008-2011. "I knew I would be able to play my A-game, and
that was important. You never know with Kelly, though. She's a great bowler.
She was having trouble carrying the 10 pin, but it could've gone either way
at the end."
The following appears compliments of bowl.com:
With the win, Rodriguez became the second consecutive foreign-born player to
wear the Queens tiara. Last year, Diana Zavjalova of Latvia became the first
foreign player since 1989 to win.
Kulick, who was looking to join USBC Hall of Famers Millie Ignizio and Wendy
Macpherson as the only three-time Queens winners, averaged 257 in her first
three matches, but was unable to strike in her final six frames. She also
finished second at the Queens in 2001 and 2009. This time, she earned
$10,000 as the runner-up.
In the semifinal, three consecutive splits in the first four frames left
second-seeded Tannya Roumimper of Indonesia 55 pins behind and unable to
recover as Kulick cruised to a 248-137 victory.
Kulick advanced to the semifinal with a 268-209 win against Jennifer Higgins
of Westerville, Ohio. Kulick started the match with seven consecutive
strikes before a 2 pin ended her run and her shot at an additional $10,000
from Storm Bowling Products. Higgins struggled with carry throughout the
game and finished fourth for the second year in a row.
In the day's opening match, Kulick and Missy Parkin of Laguna Hills, Calif.,
were even halfway through the game, but Kulick pulled away, posting strikes
in seven of the first eight frames on the way to a 255-220 win over the 2011
Queens champion.
The Queens is open to all female USBC members, and this year's event
featured 178 players from 11 countries, vying for the major title and top
prize from the more than $91,000 prize fund, which included a $20,000
contribution by presenting sponsor Storm.
Earlier in the event, another former Hawk and four-time National Champion
T’nia Falbo (Greensburg, Pa.) took ninth place in the event.
Baseball
Burden
and Hunter Grab NCCSIA All-State Baseball HonorsAllie Kolezynski
GREENSBORO, NC- Chowan University baseball student-athletes Tyler Burden and John Hunter earned North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) All-State College Division Second Team Honors on Monday afternoon.
Burden, an Aulander, North Carolina native, compiled a .346 batting average and led the Hawks with 53 hits in 153 at-bats this season. He knocked in 20 RBI and swiped 11 stolen bases as a sophomore. Burden earned Rawlings/ABCA Division II Atlantic All Region Second Team honors at the conclusion of the season and was also an All-CIAA selection.
Hunter hit at a .301 clip this year with 32 RBI. The Hertford, North Carolina native was named All-CIAA Second Team his senior year.
Nominees were submitted by North Carolina sports information professionals and voted on by the NCCSIA members.
Founded in 2002, The North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) is comprised of sports information professionals from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and independent institutions from the state of North Carolina. The purpose of the organization is to promote collegiate athletics at all schools. Membership is open to anyone affiliated with a college, university or conference located in North Carolina, and whose area of responsibility lies within sports information.
NCCSSIA selects all-state teams in the University (Division I) and College (Division II, III, NAIA) divisions for men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, volleyball, softball and baseball.
The complete list of NCCSIA All-State College Division honorees is included below:
NCCSIA All-State College Division Baseball Team
FIRST TEAM
SP: Olen Little, Wingate University
SP: Craig Brooks, Catawba College
RP: Ryan McClintock, Catawba College
RP: Avery Rogers, Guilford College
C: Josh Clark, Wingate University
IF: John Macon Smith, Guilford College
IF: Daniel Fraga, UNC Pembroke
IF: Jordan Edgerton, UNC Pembroke
IF: Corey Wallace, Guilford College
OF: Ivan Vieitez, Lenoir-Rhyne College
OF: Eric Serra, Wingate University
OF: Drew Cole, UNC Pembroke
DH: Dalton Knight, UNC Pembroke
NCCSIA All-State College Division Baseball Team
SECOND TEAM
SP: Ben Currie, Wingate University
SP: Andy Sullivan, UNC Pembroke
RP: Drew Baranosky, Greensboro College
IF: Brantley Rumford, Lenoir-Rhyne University
IF: John Hunter, Chowan University
IF: Tyler Burden, Chowan University
IF: James Feldmann, Greensboro College
OF: Keaton Hawks, Catawba College
OF: Blake Throneburg, Greensboro College
OF: Jon Krecicki, Greensboro College
DH: TJ Wharton, Catawba College
Allie Kolezynski
Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Communications
Basketball
Kelvin Manns
WINSTON-SALEM, NC –Former Winston-Salem State University basketball player, Preston Ross III, has signed a deal to play professional basketball with UCD Marian Dublin which is a top division team located in Dublin, Ireland. The team plays in the Premier League which is the top division in Ireland.
The team will play around 23 games plus playoffs at the end of the season.
Preston Ross, III was an All-CIAA selection in 2013-14, as he was second in scoring for the Rams with 16.9 points per game while also pulling down 5.8 rebounds per game while helping guide the team to an 18-11 overall record and appearance in the CIAA Championship game. He scored in double figures in 26 games this season, and he led the team in dunks.
UCD-Marian Basketball Club is Ireland's oldest basketball club. It is based primarily in Oatland's College Stillorgan and in University College Dublin Sports Centre in Belfield.
UCD Marian competes in the Premier League; Basketball Ireland's top division for senior men. The team comprises of overseas semi-professional players, scholarship students at UCD and experienced senior players from the area. It was one of the founder clubs of the Irish National League in 1974 and has been ever present since. Superleague games are held in UCD Sports Centre, Belfield on alternate Saturday nights at 7pm between October and March.
Ross is represented by Power To Win Sports, and will leave the states in mid August to start training camp with the team. The season runs from October through March.
Football
Coach
James' Three-Stop ShopVUU sports
7/7/2014 | Football
"I believe it is very important for us to create a culture of commitment in the surrounding communities of where you work, live, pray, and stay."
These words, spoken by Virginia Union University Head Football Coach Mark James, are continuously echoed as he, and his players look to lead by example.
Coach James is a firm believer in bringing Virginia Union to the heart and homes of the neighboring communities that make up the city of Richmond, and essentially the life blood of the VUU fan base. It is no secret that the coach James size alone is enough to clutch the attention of anyone standing in a room he enters, but it is the brute strength of his mind that moves the crowd.
On Saturday, June 28, Coach James had a cluster of stops and appointments to make.
The first being at a Free Physical and Health Screening for perspective
student athletes, as well as their parents, friends, and family.
James spoke at the Garment of Praise Kingdom of God Deliverance Ministries,
International Church on Chalfont Dr. In attendance were young men and women
preparing for everything from the youngest eligible little league athletes,
to rising high school seniors.
Speaking on subjects ranging from money management and obedience, to
incarceration and decision making, the message moved some to tears as they
received the stance the coach took on the multitude of subject matter.
From there, Coach James along with the VUU Football Leadership Team made a
stop at the Richmond Raceway.
Virginia Union took part in the First Annual Richmond Redevelopment and
Housing Authority's STEM's Passion on the Raceway event, in collaboration
with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's National Father's
Day initiative and the agency's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM) initiative.
The VUU student-athletes and coaches interacted with more than 70 inner city
youth, who come from low income families, looking to be directed toward a
future in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Finally, the last stop on the day was to pay respects to VUU alum, and the
former Director for the State Conference of the NAACP King Salim Khalfani.
Khalfani and James, in addition to both being Virginia Union grads, are
chapter brothers for Omega Psy Phi Fraternity Incorporated Zeta Chapter.
The two men spoke to one another in admiration as they continue to complete
the journey each has embarked on embodying the four principles of manhood,
scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
Josh
Floyd Makes Impact in CPIFL, Earns Second Team Honors6/27/2014 12:55:00 PM
DODGE CITY, KS- Former Chowan University football student-athlete Josh Floyd made his mark this season as the quarterback on the Dodge City Law. The Law competes as a member of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL), which initiated play in February 2013. The indoor football league is based in the Midwestern United States region.
Floyd played in nine games during the Law's inaugural season. He completed 104 of 179 passes for 1374 yards and 22 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions. He also ran the ball 90 times for 394 yards and 16 touchdowns. As a result of his efforts, he was named Second Team All-CPIFL.
Floyd arrived in Dodge City after the Law had lost their two main quarterback options during the third game of the season. The veteran quarterback quickly took control of the offense and led the team from a 1-3 start to an 8-4 finish during the regular season.
"Josh gave our team a boost when we needed it most," Law head coach Sean Ponder said. "His ability to pass and run the ball forced defenses to play us differently and it gave us new options in terms of play calling. You have to give it to Josh, he came in here ready to play and ready to make our team better. He definitely deserves the honor he has received."
Floyd, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia and graduate of Oscar Smith High School, competed for Chowan from 2004-2007. He played a variety of positions before settling in as a quarterback his senior year. During the 2005 season, as a wide receiver, Floyd had 38 receptions totaling 787 yards, which was a record at the time.
Click HERE to read more about the Dodge City Law and the CPIFL.
Allie Kolezynski
Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Communications
THE
SPORTS NETWORK TAGS NCCU’S WILKINS AS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANDURHAM, N.C. – The Sports Network has named North Carolina Central University junior Adrian Wilkins to its 2014 FCS Preseason All-America Team as a First-Team punt returner.
In 2013, Wilkins was the only student-athlete in the NCAA Division I-FCS with five special teams return touchdowns with scores on three kickoff returns (100, 96, 91 yards) and two punt returns (89, 73 yards).
A native of Forest City, N.C., he topped the MEAC in punt returns (13.4 yards per return) and ranked second in kickoff returns (30.3 yards per return). As a receiver, Wilkins led the Eagles with 37 catches for 427 yards and two touchdowns.
Not only did he top the conference in all-purpose yards (123.5 yards per game), but he became the only Eagle in the NCCU record books with a kickoff return touchdown, a punt return touchdown and a receiving touchdown in the same season.
A first-team all-conference pick as a return specialist, Wilkins was chosen as the MEAC Special Teams Player of the Week four times during his sophomore campaign.
Wilkins finished the 2013 season with all-America honors from Beyond Sports Network, BOXTOROW, The Sports Network, College Sporting News and American Urban Radio Networks/SBN, while College Football Performance Awards presented him with its FCS Elite Kickoff Returner Award.
The Sports Network is the largest privately-owned international sports information company in North America. For a complete list of The Sports Network 2014 FCS Preseason All-America Team, visit www.sportsnetwork.com.
2014 Pre-Season Honors for Adrian Wilkins
The Sports Network First-Team FCS All-America (punt returner)
Athlon Sports First-Team FCS All-America (punt returner)
Beyond Sports Network (BSN) First-Team FCS All-America (return specialist)
2013 Post-Season Honors for Adrian Wilkins
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference First-Team All-MEAC (return specialist)
College Sports Madness First-Team All-MEAC (kickoff returner)
College Sports Madness First-Team All-MEAC (punt returner)
College Sports Madness Third-Team All-MEAC (wide receiver)
Beyond Sports Network FCS First-Team All-America (return specialist)
BOXTOROW First-Team All-America (return specialist)
The Sports Network FCS Second-Team All-America (kickoff returner)
College Football Performance Awards FCS National Return Specialist of the Year (CFPA FCS Elite Kickoff Returner Award)
College Sporting News Fabulous Fifty FCS All-America Team (kickoff returner)
SBN Sports Black College All-American Team (return specialist)
Kyle Serba
Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations
COLLEGE
FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE AWARDS PLACES NCCU TIGHT END SCRUGGS ON WATCH LISTKyle Serba, Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations
CHARLESTON, S.C. – North Carolina Central University junior Nathan Scruggs has earned a spot on the 2014 CFPA Tight End Award Watch List, as announced by College Football Performance Awards.
"Congratulations to Nathan Scruggs on earning a spot on the 2014 CFPA Watch List," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Scruggs will be one of the top MEAC players to watch in 2014."
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Scruggs tallied seven receptions for 58 yards during the 2013 campaign.
The initial watch list includes 36 returning performers, vying for the top tight end award in the Football Championship Subdivision. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration.
The goal of College Football Performance Awards is to provide the most scientifically rigorous conferment in college football. Recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. Twenty-eight CFPA winners have been first-round NFL Draft selections.
CFPA is now in its seventh season of recognition, utilizing objective rankings of player and team performance from its data index since 2008. Its player and team performance index is broken down by offense, defense, and special teams.
Last season, CFPA honored Adrian Wilkins and the NCCU Special Teams unit for its nation-best return performance in 2013.
The full list of 2014 CFPA winners will be announced Jan. 14, 2015. For more information, visit www.collegefootballperformance.com.
Lacrosse
WASHINGTON,
DC – Head coach Melynda Brown has announced the hiring of Kaitlyn Pasko as
the Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach at the University of the District of
Columbia on July 1st, 2014.“We are incredibly fortunate to have Kaitlyn join our staff here at UDC,” Brown said. “She brings the experience of playing and coaching at the Division I level as well as her successful coaching and recruiting ability from the Division II level. Kaitlyn will help our program continue to improve with her strong work ethic and knowledge of the game.”
Pasko, who served as an Assistant Coach at Division I George Mason this past season, will assist Brown with recruiting, practices, and all day-to-day operations of the women’s lacrosse program which enters its second season in Spring 2015.
At George Mason, Pasko helped guide the Patriots to a 7-9 overall record – a two-win improvement from the previous season that included an 11-9 victory at St. Bonaventure in their first ever conference game as a member of the Atlantic 10. Mid-season, she seamlessly assumed the roles of offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, and helped steer three of her players toward All-Atlantic 10 honors, including senior Rachel Obregon, who finished 6th in the league with 45 points behind 33 goals and 12 assists. Pasko also took on a number of administrative tasks such as uploading film from each home game in compliance with IWLCA regulations, scheduling and budgeting all team meals and travel, and supervising the team’s study-hall hours each week. Additionally, she served as Assistant Director of TRIO Lacrosse Camps.
Before GMU, Pasko spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Division II Le Moyne. While at Le Moyne, Pasko helped lead the Dolphins to three consecutive NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, reaching the semifinals in 2011 and 2012 and the quarterfinals in 2013. Le Moyne captured the regular season Northeast-10 Conference Championship in 2012 and 2013 and the NE-10 Tournament Championship in 2013.
At Le Moyne, Pasko acted as the offensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator and assistant director of Ultimate Draw Lacrosse Camps. She was responsible for preparing and managing the team budget and travel, opponent scouting reports, summer/winter workout conditioning packets and individual workout routines. As the offensive coordinator, Pasko designed, coordinated and directed all offensive plays,
Soccer
Chowan Men's
Soccer Program Welcomes Host of Newcomers for 2014 Season6/27/2014 4:31:00 PM
MURFREESBORO, NC- The Chowan University men's soccer program and head coach Chris Whalley have announced the addition of nine incoming student-athletes that will join the team this fall. Hosam Abderhirahman, Adem Attinerlielmas, Cristian Funes, Barkan Koprulugil, Juan Lopez, Shawn Williams, and Terrell Williamson have signed National Letters of Intent under Coach Whalley, while Raul Dominguez and Harrison Thomas will join the Hawks as well.
Abderhirahman, a graduate of Jeb Stuart High School in Falls Church, Virginia hopes to make an immediate impact as part of the program. He played club ball for the Arlington Inferno. Coach Whalley looks forward to having him on the team. He noted, "Hosam is a technically gifted player with excellent vision and a great left foot. He had a good high school and club career in Virginia and is someone that will have a long term impact on the program. Hosam is versatile and intelligent enough to play in a number of positions."
Attinerlielmas, a native of Smithtown, New York, attended Smith Grove High School and played under Coach Thomas Lips. "Adem is an athletic goalkeeper who excels both on and off the field. He has a solid presence about him and shows good leadership attributes," noted Coach Whalley.
Funes comes to Murfreesboro by way of Orlando, Florida. The Timber Creek High School graduate also competed for the Kraze Krush club team under Coach Bobby Sauer. Whalley is eager to welcome Funes to the Hawks' squad this season. He stated, "Cristian shows flair and exciting attacking ability. He is a player who is able to play anywhere in the midfield or upfront and we look forward to working with him in the fall."
Koprulugil, a forward, joins the Hawks from nearby Ridgecroft High School. After having made a significant impact for the Rams, Whalley ensured that he would be part of the Hawks' program. "Barkan had a fantastic experience with the Ridgecroft High School team and his ability to score goals obviously helped that program and was something that caught our attention. One of my goals when taking over at Chowan University was to ensure that we were competing to recruit the best local talent and Barkan personifies that," commented Whalley.
Fellowship Christian Academy graduate and Jacksonville, North Carolina native, Lopez looks to provide offensive spark for the Hawks in the coming season. "Juan is a technical and crafty forward with good skill and an eye for goal. He is an excellent student-athlete who we expect to excel on and off the field," noted Whalley.
Williams, a Glynn Academy graduate, should add some depth and additional talent to Chowan's men's soccer team. Whalley will count on Williams to make his mark immediately on the pitch this fall. "Shawn is a powerful left-sided player who has a great soccer pedigree and has the ability to play in a number of positions. We know he will come in and make an impact on the team straight away and are excited to be working with him for the next four years," Coach Whalley stated.
Williamson rounds out the men's soccer NLI signees for 2014. The Alexandria, Virginia native and TC Willliams graduate competed with Abderhirahman on the Arlington Inferno under Coach Keith Moser. "Terrell is an exciting attacking player who will make an instant impact on the program. Like his teammate Hosam, he had a good high school and club career and we are happy that his is going to be a Hawk," Whalley commented.
Dominguez, from Red Springs High School, and Thomas, a Hopewell High School graduate, will also join Chowan's team this fall. "Raul is a hard working midfielder who is tactically aware of the game going on around him. He is a tenacious player who will help the Hawks in the fall…Harrison is a young goalkeeper with lots of potential. He's physically and athletically very good and under the tutelage of our goalkeeping staff I really feel like he can develop into an excellent goalkeeper," noted Whalley.
The Hawks embark on the 2014 season looking to build off a 1-14 finish from one year ago. They open up at home against Shepherd University on September 4th at 4:00pm.
Softball
Chowan
Softball Lands Three on NCCSIA All-State Team7/1/2014 11:37:00 AM
Allie Kolezynski
GREENSBORO, NC- The North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) announced its selections for the 2014 College Division All-State Softball Team on Tuesday afternoon. Chowan University's Liz Hipple earned First Team honors while Courtney Baker and Tori Cragan pulled in Second Team recognition.
Hipple joins the All-State Team for the third time in her career. She compiled a .370 batting average her senior year and knocked in 38 RBI while swiping 11 stolen bases. She was an All-CIAA Second Team honoree and was named to the CIAA All-Tournament Team. The Chincoteague, Virginia native led the Hawks in at-bats (154) and hits (57) this year.
Baker, of Chesapeake, Virginia, paced the Hawks with 50 RBI this past season. She batted at a .314 clip and had five homeruns during her senior campaign. Baker represented the Hawks' softball program as a member of the All-CIAA First Team and the CIAA Commissioner's All-Academic Team.
Concord, North Carolina native, Cragan, also earned NCCSIA All-State Second Team honors. The All-CIAA Second Team selection batted .421 for the Blue and White this year and carried a .535 slugging percentage.
Nominees were submitted by North Carolina sports information professionals and voted on by NCCSIA members.
Founded in 2002, the North Carolina Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) is comprised of sports information professionals from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and independent institutions from the state of North Carolina. The purpose of the organization is to promote collegiate athletics at all schools. Membership is open to anyone affiliated with a college, university or conference located in north Carolina, and whose area of responsibility lies within sports information.
NCCSIA selects all-state teams in the University (Division I) and College (Division II, III, NAIA) division for men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, volleyball, softball, and baseball.
The complete list of NCCSIA All-State honorees is located below:
NCCSIA All-State College Division Softball Team
FIRST TEAM
P: Maryann Hoskins, Lenoir Rhyne University
P: Brandi Hole, Lenoir-Rhyne University
C: Taylor Laskey, Wingate University
IF: Mellena Helms, Wingate University
IF: Cynthia Hayes, Guilford College
IF: Jody Mizelle, Lenoir-Rhyne University
IF: Haily Jarman, Lenoir-Rhyne University
OF: Liz Hipple, Chowan University
OF: Taylor Cloninger, UNC Pemborke
OF: Kristi Morton, Salem College
UTL: Marty Wilcox, Guilford College
DP: Kayla Saliga, Wingate University
NCCSIA All-State College Division Softball Team
SECOND TEAM
P: Carley Tysinger, Catawba College
P: Stacey Houser, Wingate University
C: Sarah Kenley, Lenoir-Rhyne University
IF: Kierston Garner, Salem College
IF: Courtney Baker, Chowan University
IF: Tori Cragan, Chowan University
IF: Rachel Howard, Guilford College
OF: Whitney Jackson, UNC Pembroke
OF: Taylor Rosenbalm, Queens University of Charlotte
UTL: Jackie Nicholson, Greensboro College
DP: Brea Hartley, UNC Pembroke
Allie Kolezynski
Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Communications
One University Place
Murfreesboro, NC 27855
TRACK
Rukiya Campbell, APR, communications 21 on behalf of CIAA
Hampton, Virginia - July 2, 2014 - Anna-Kay Edwards, a recent 2014 graduate, former Miss Livingstone College, and a member of the women's cross country and track teams, is a nominee for the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Johnson C. Smith University's, Danielle Williams, also is nominated for the prestigious award.
The Woman of the Year Award honors those graduating female student-athletes who have made an impact throughout their careers in academics, athletics, service and leadership. Of a total of 446 nominees, 75 nominees were selected from Division II schools. The other award nominees are female student-athletes who competed at Division I and Division III institutions.
The top 30 of the 446 student-athletes chosen by the NCAA selection committee will be honored and the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced at the annual ceremony in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday, October 19, 2014.
One of the nominees, Danielle Williams, along with JCSU teammate Samantha Elliot also competed in the 2014 Jamaican National Senior Track and Field Championships held June 26-29 at National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Williams is a native of St. Andrew, Jamaica while Elliot is from Kingston, Jamaica.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the oldest African-American athletic conference and one of the largest Division II conferences in the country. The CIAA conducts 16 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, The 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, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Ed Cassiere July 1, 2014
NEW ORLEANS — Two city meets, including the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships, are highlights of the 2014 Xavier University of Louisiana men's and women's cross country schedules.
Tenth-year head coach Joseph Moses announced the schedules Tuesday. Both the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets are eight-time defending champions of the GCAC.
Xavier will play host to the GCAC Championships on Oct. 18 at City Park, with team and individual champions qualifying automatically for the NAIA National Championships at Lawrence, Kan., on Nov. 22. It will be the first time since 2003 that New Orleans is the site of the GCAC meet.
The other City Park meet will be the Xavier Big Easy Opener on Aug. 29. It will be the first time since 2007 that the Rush and Nuggets compete in their home city.
For the first time since 2010, XU teams will compete four times in Louisiana. Xavier will run at the LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge on Sept. 20 and the McNeese Cowboy Stampede in Lake Charles on Sept. 27.
Xavier's second meet — one of four before the conference meet — will be the Azalea City Classic at Mobile, Ala., on Sept. 12.
Xavier returns both 2013 GCAC individual champions, Catherine Fakler and Kwame Jackson. Also back is Jackson's sister Zahri, a GCAC individual champion in 2011 and 2012.
Xavier University of Louisiana
2014 Men's and Women's
Cross Country Schedule
Friday, Aug. 29
XAVIER BIG EASY OPENER, City Park, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 12
Azalea City Classic, Mobile, Ala.
Saturday, Sept. 20
LSU Invitational, Baton Rouge, La.
Saturday, Sept. 27
McNeese Cowboy Stampede, Lake Charles, La.
Saturday, Oct. 18
GCAC CHAMPIONSHIPS, City Park, 8 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22
NAIA National Championships, Lawrence, Kan., 10:30 a.m.
Home meets in CAPITAL LETTERS
All times are Central except where noted
Schedules are subject to change
Volleyball
July 1, 2014
NEW ORLEANS — A slew of early-season home matches is one of the features of the 2014 Xavier University of Louisiana women's volleyball schedule.
Second-year coach Hannah Lawing announced Tuesday the schedule, which consists of 23 regular-season contests. Xavier will play a school-record-tying 13 matches at home. Eleven of the Gold Nuggets' first 13 matches will be at home, including a school-record five in a row from Sept. 20-29.
The Nuggets' first 13 matches of 2013 were on the road. Two years ago they played 12 of their first 14 on the road, including the first seven.
Xavier is the three-time defending Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champion and is 43-0 the past three seasons against GCAC opponents. Xavier is one of 17 schools to qualify for the NAIA National Championship each of the last three seasons.
This will be the Nuggets' second season in the Convocation Center, which opened in November 2012 and seats nearly 4,000 for volleyball or basketball. When Xavier opens against Faulkner at 2 p.m. on Aug. 23, it will be the second time in the program's seven seasons that the Nuggets begin their schedule at home.
Three days later, on Aug. 26, the Nuggets will play at 7 p.m. at home against Mobile. It will be the first of three matches against 2013 NAIA national tourney qualifiers.
Xavier will play its earliest-ever GCAC opener, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. at home against Edward Waters. The GCAC will have eight members in 2014-15 — Fisk departed after four seasons to join the NAIA's Association of Independent Institutions — and all GCAC teams will play 14 conference matches.
First-time opponents will be Wiley — Aug. 30 at Wiley, Sept. 9 at Xavier — and Concordia (Mich.) on Oct. 11 at Xavier.
The Nuggets' other matches against 2013 NAIA tourney qualifiers will be Spring Hill at home on Oct. 10 and at Mobile on Oct. 14. Spring Hill this season begins the first year of its candidacy period in NCAA Division II.
Xavier will play three road matches in New Orleans: SUNO on Oct. 1 and Dillard on Nov. 6 in the conference and Loyola on Nov. 3.
Match times and dates are subject to change.
Xavier was 26-8 in 2013, 9-0 at home. The Nuggets have a school-record 13-match home win streak dating to 2012.
2014 Xavier University Women's Volleyball Schedule
Aug. 23: FAULKNER, 2 p.m.
Aug. 26: MOBILE, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30: at Wiley, 11 a.m.
Sept. 5: • EDWARD WATERS, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9: WILEY, 4 p.m.
Sept. 15: • at Tougaloo, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: • PHILANDER SMITH, noon
Sept. 22: • TALLADEGA, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: LOYOLA, 6 p.m.
Sept. 27: • DILLARD, noon
Sept. 29: • VOORHEES, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1: • at SUNO, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: SPRING HILL, 6 p.m.
Oct. 11: CONCORDIA (MICH.), 1 p.m.
Also Oct. 11 at Xavier: Spring Hill vs. Concordia (Mich.), 11 a.m.
Oct. 14: at Mobile, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 18: • TOUGALOO, 1 p.m.
Oct. 20: • at Talladega, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: • at Voorhees, 11 a.m. EDT
Oct. 26: • at Edward Waters, noon EDT
Oct. 30: • SUNO, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1: • at Philander Smith, noon
Nov. 3: at Loyola, 7 p.m.
Nov. 6: • at Dillard, 5 p.m.
TBA: GCAC Tournament
Nov. 22: NAIA National Championship opening round at campus sites, TBA
Dec. 2-6: NAIA National Championship final site at Sioux City, Iowa, TBA
Home matches (in CAPITAL LETTERS) will be played at the Convocation Center (capacity 3,937), Xavier University campus, New Orleans
• Gulf Coast Athletic Conference match
TBA — To be announced
All times are Central except where noted
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