HyperLocal http://www.myblackmiami.com Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:31:58 GMT Libercus en hourly 1 Lady Pirates Finish 20th At ECAC Championships http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2011/11/19/Lady-Pirates-Finish-20th-At-ECAC-Championships.html Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:28:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2011/11/19/Lady-Pirates-Finish-20th-At-ECAC-Championships.html Hampton women's cross country team finished 20th in the University Division of the 2011 ECAC Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Van Cortlandt Park.

Hampton women's cross country team finished 20th in the University Division of the 2011 ECAC Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Van Cortlandt Park.

 UMES’ Iosia Honored As Cobra Magazine Freshman Of The Year http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2011/11/28/UMES-Iosia-Honored-As-Cobra-Magazine-Freshman-Of-The-Year.html Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:53:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2011/11/28/UMES-Iosia-Honored-As-Cobra-Magazine-Freshman-Of-The-Year.html Hawks outside hitter Saitaua Iosia has been named COBRA Magazine's Freshman of the Year. The COBRA East Region Player of the Year also earned a place on the All-National First Team, the highest placement ever bestowed by the publication for a UMES volleyball player.

Hawks outside hitter Saitaua Iosia has been named COBRA Magazine's Freshman of the Year. The COBRA East Region Player of the Year also earned a place on the All-National First Team, the highest placement ever bestowed by the publication for a UMES volleyball player.

 UMES Falls To UCLA In NCAA Tournament http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2011/12/03/UMES-Falls-To-UCLA-In-NCAA-Tournament.html Sat, 17 Dec 2011 04:14:23 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2011/12/03/UMES-Falls-To-UCLA-In-NCAA-Tournament.html The best volleyball season in University of Maryland Eastern Shore history came to a close as the Hawks fell to 9-seed UCLA (12-25, 12-25, 9-25) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the John Wooden Center. UMES, playing in its first match ever in the NCAA Tournament, finishes the season at 24-7. UCLA moves onto the second round to face San Diego, going to 25-6.

The best volleyball season in University of Maryland Eastern Shore history came to a close as the Hawks fell to 9-seed UCLA (12-25, 12-25, 9-25) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the John Wooden Center. UMES, playing in its first match ever in the NCAA Tournament, finishes the season at 24-7. UCLA moves onto the second round to face San Diego, going to 25-6.

 NSU's Dada to be Honored at Black Engineer of the Year Awards Dinner http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/01/25/NSU-s-Dada-to-be-Honored-at-Black-Engineer-of-the-Year-Awards-Dinner.html Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:08:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/01/25/NSU-s-Dada-to-be-Honored-at-Black-Engineer-of-the-Year-Awards-Dinner.html Rising redshirt junior Omolayo Dada of the Norfolk State volleyball team has been selected to receive the Student Athlete in STEM Award at the 2012 Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) ceremony.

Rising redshirt junior Omolayo Dada of the Norfolk State volleyball team has been selected to receive the Student Athlete in STEM Award at the 2012 Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) ceremony.

 Lady Aggies Battle Long And Hard Against The Spartans http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/18/Lady-Aggies-Battle-Long-And-Hard-Against-The-Spartans.html Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:52:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/18/Lady-Aggies-Battle-Long-And-Hard-Against-The-Spartans.html North Carolina A&T competed in their second match of today's double-header against Norfolk State University. Despite their victory against Fayetteville State earlier in the afternoon, lightening did not strike twice for the Aggies as they fell short to the Spartans. North Carolina A&T competed in their second match of today's double-header against Norfolk State University. Despite their victory against Fayetteville State earlier in the afternoon, lightening did not strike twice for the Aggies as they fell short to the Spartans.

]]> Shaw cruises past WSSU in home finale http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Shaw-cruises-past-WSSU-in-home-finale.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:01:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Shaw-cruises-past-WSSU-in-home-finale.html RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Ninth-ranked Shaw continued its impressive run through the CIAA. The Bears rolled to an 80-59 victory over defenseless Winston-Salem State on Monday night at Spaulding Gym. Showing balance that has brought them a 23-2 record and a 19-game win streak, the Bears sent their seniors out on a good note in their final home game."They are a talented team," said coach Bobby Collins of the Rams. "One through five, any of them can go off and get points. I know what they were all capable of, and I thought if we could get back and set our defense we would have a chance, but we couldn't do that."The Rams (18-7, 4-5 Southern Division) had a six-point lead early but it didn't last long. The Bears went on a 22-0 run over six minutes, and the Rams failed to score on their next 12 possessions.It didn't get much better the rest of the way, thanks to a steady diet of guards Malik Alvin (20 points) and Tony Smith (14 points, seven rebounds and four assists). Every time the Rams tried to make a run, it was Smith or Alvin who made the big shots to preserve the Bears' lead.READ MORE RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Ninth-ranked Shaw continued its impressive run through the CIAA. The Bears rolled to an 80-59 victory over defenseless Winston-Salem State on Monday night at Spaulding Gym. Showing balance that has brought them a 23-2 record and a 19-game win streak, the Bears sent their seniors out on a good note in their final home game.

"They are a talented team," said coach Bobby Collins of the Rams. "One through five, any of them can go off and get points. I know what they were all capable of, and I thought if we could get back and set our defense we would have a chance, but we couldn't do that."



The Rams (18-7, 4-5 Southern Division) had a six-point lead early but it didn't last long. The Bears went on a 22-0 run over six minutes, and the Rams failed to score on their next 12 possessions.

It didn't get much better the rest of the way, thanks to a steady diet of guards Malik Alvin (20 points) and Tony Smith (14 points, seven rebounds and four assists). Every time the Rams tried to make a run, it was Smith or Alvin who made the big shots to preserve the Bears' lead.

READ MORE

]]> Virginia State wins fifth straight, blowing out Lincoln (Pa.) http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Virginia-State-wins-fifth-straight-blowing-out-Lincoln-Pa.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:14:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Virginia-State-wins-fifth-straight-blowing-out-Lincoln-Pa.html ETTRICK, Virginia - There is no team in the CIAA that has improved more than Virginia State, and now they're playing good enough basketball that they're a dangerous team headed into the conference tournament.The Trojans dominated Lincoln (PA) Monday night, 75-51 at Daniel Gymnasium, avenging an earlier season 20 point loss to the Lions.VSU stormed ahead to a nine point halftime lead, but outscored Lincoln 45-30 after halftime to make it a rout. Mike Bynum led all scorers with 18 points. There were three other players in double figures, Daniel Awosanya had 13, Kenny Mitchell put in 12 points, and Ibn Rassoull scored 12. Denzel Mooney had a team-high 17 points for Lincoln. VSU shot 51 percent from the floor, while Lincoln managed just 28 percent.READ MORE

ETTRICK, Virginia - There is no team in the CIAA that has improved more than Virginia State, and now they're playing good enough basketball that they're a dangerous team headed into the conference tournament.

The Trojans dominated Lincoln (PA) Monday night, 75-51 at Daniel Gymnasium, avenging an earlier season 20 point loss to the Lions.



VSU stormed ahead to a nine point halftime lead, but outscored Lincoln 45-30 after halftime to make it a rout. Mike Bynum led all scorers with 18 points. There were three other players in double figures, Daniel Awosanya had 13, Kenny Mitchell put in 12 points, and Ibn Rassoull scored 12. Denzel Mooney had a team-high 17 points for Lincoln. VSU shot 51 percent from the floor, while Lincoln managed just 28 percent.

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 Players treasure memories from '56 Knoxville College team http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Players-treasure-memories-from-56-Knoxville-College-team.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:23:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Players-treasure-memories-from-56-Knoxville-College-team.html KNOWVILLE, Tennessee -- Fifty-six years ago, the powerhouse Knoxville College basketball team tore through the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with aplomb. Undersized but fearless and athletic, the Bulldogs averaged a nation-best 101 points a game on their way to a spectacular 32-3 record. Their average margin of victory was 30 points. Knoxville College was not only the first team from Tennessee to win the SIAC tournament and conference championships, the Bulldogs also placed an unprecedented four players on the all-conference and all-tournament teams. They featured a lineup of mostly northern transplants who were thrust into often tumultuous circumstances at a small black college in the South at the vanguard of the Civil Rights movement. Despite their successes on the court, the garnet and blue-clad Bulldogs toiled in virtual anonymity in the segregated South of the 1950s. Off the court, they were often subjected to the all-too-familiar racial injustices of the time. READ MORE

KNOWVILLE, Tennessee -- Fifty-six years ago, the powerhouse Knoxville College basketball team tore through the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with aplomb. Undersized but fearless and athletic, the Bulldogs averaged a nation-best 101 points a game on their way to a spectacular 32-3 record. Their average margin of victory was 30 points.

Knoxville College was not only the first team from Tennessee to win the SIAC tournament and conference championships, the Bulldogs also placed an unprecedented four players on the all-conference and all-tournament teams. They featured a lineup of mostly northern transplants who were thrust into often tumultuous circumstances at a small black college in the South at the vanguard of the Civil Rights movement.

Despite their successes on the court, the garnet and blue-clad Bulldogs toiled in virtual anonymity in the segregated South of the 1950s. Off the court, they were often subjected to the all-too-familiar racial injustices of the time.

READ MORE

 VUU juggernaut derailed by Bowie State, 101-82 http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/VUU-juggernaut-derailed-by-Bowie-State-101-82.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:25:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/VUU-juggernaut-derailed-by-Bowie-State-101-82.html RICHMOND, Virginia - On Jan. 15, Virginia Union scratched its way to a two-point victory over Virginia State. That gave Union a record of 8-10, a mediocre start to the season. Thereafter, the Panthers reeled off wins in seven of their next eight games. One more victory and Union would take the CIAA’s Northern Division title.But Union’s winning streak hit a speed bump Monday night. The Panthers were beaten 101-82 to Bowie State (20-5, 12-4) at Barco-Stevens Hall. It was Bowie State’s largest margin of victory ever over Union.GALLERY: Virginia Union vs. Bowie State “It’s a bitter taste right now,” senior Jamaal Blalock said. Bowie State, ranked 19th in the country, secured the No. 1 seed in the CIAA tournament. Union (15-12, 10-5) still gets the Northern Division’s second seed and a bye in the first round.READ MORE

RICHMOND, Virginia - On Jan. 15, Virginia Union scratched its way to a two-point victory over Virginia State. That gave Union a record of 8-10, a mediocre start to the season. Thereafter, the Panthers reeled off wins in seven of their next eight games. One more victory and Union would take the CIAA’s Northern Division title.

But Union’s winning streak hit a speed bump Monday night. The Panthers were beaten 101-82 to Bowie State (20-5, 12-4) at Barco-Stevens Hall. It was Bowie State’s largest margin of victory ever over Union.


“It’s a bitter taste right now,” senior Jamaal Blalock said. Bowie State, ranked 19th in the country, secured the No. 1 seed in the CIAA tournament. Union (15-12, 10-5) still gets the Northern Division’s second seed and a bye in the first round.

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 Shaw University ranked 6th in NABC Division II Poll http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Shaw-University-ranked-6th-in-NABC-Division-II-Poll.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:31:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/21/Shaw-University-ranked-6th-in-NABC-Division-II-Poll.html RALEIGH, North Carolina — Shaw moved up three spots in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II poll, coming in at sixth. This is the highest ranking in the history of the men's basketball program at Shaw. Last week the Bears were ninth in the poll.The program's previous high ranking was in 2002-2003 when they were tenth in the first poll of the season.Last week, the Bears handily defeated Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State to raise their record to 23-2 and continue what is now a 19-game winning streak. Shaw is 15-0 in the CIAA and 9-0 in the Southern Division. The Bears have already clinched the division title.After last week’s number one team, Bellarmine, suffered a loss, West Liberty takes over the top spot in the poll. Last season, West Liberty knocked Shaw out of the NCAA tournament in the second round.READ MORE

RALEIGH, North Carolina — Shaw moved up three spots in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches Division II poll, coming in at sixth. This is the highest ranking in the history of the men's basketball program at Shaw. Last week the Bears were ninth in the poll.

The program's previous high ranking was in 2002-2003 when they were tenth in the first poll of the season.

Last week, the Bears handily defeated Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State to raise their record to 23-2 and continue what is now a 19-game winning streak. Shaw is 15-0 in the CIAA and 9-0 in the Southern Division. The Bears have already clinched the division title.



After last week’s number one team, Bellarmine, suffered a loss, West Liberty takes over the top spot in the poll. Last season, West Liberty knocked Shaw out of the NCAA tournament in the second round.

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 Sammeika Thomas makes it work at Miles College http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Sammeika-Thomas-makes-it-work-at-Miles-College.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Sammeika-Thomas-makes-it-work-at-Miles-College.html SAMMEIKA THOMAS6-2 FORWARD, SENIORHOMETOWN: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMATRANSFER: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY Senior forward juggles parenting, school, work and basketball FAIRFIELD, Alabama - When she's not rubbing off a screen, she's screening passengers. When not picking up her teammates with a solid season, she's picking up her kids and making sure they are taken care of. Such is the life of Sammeika Thomas, Miles College's 6-foot-2 senior forward.Thomas, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's reigning Player of the Year, is doing it all. She's a fulltime student, a TSA passenger screener at the Birmingham Airport and a basketball standout – all while raising two small children on her own."It's not really hard for me because I'm a very motivated person," Thomas said. "I know that I have to work in order for my kids to survive. I also understand I have to finish school to earn the money that I want to make, or have the career that I want to have. So it's really not hard balancing it. My job helps me a lot. My coaches help me a lot, and my teammates. So it's not very hard as people would think. But it's very tiring."READ MORE

SAMMEIKA THOMAS
6-2 FORWARD, SENIOR
HOMETOWN: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
TRANSFER: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Senior forward juggles parenting, school, work and basketball

FAIRFIELD, Alabama - When she's not rubbing off a screen, she's screening passengers. When not picking up her teammates with a solid season, she's picking up her kids and making sure they are taken care of. Such is the life of Sammeika Thomas, Miles College's 6-foot-2 senior forward.

Thomas, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's reigning Player of the Year, is doing it all. She's a fulltime student, a TSA passenger screener at the Birmingham Airport and a basketball standout – all while raising two small children on her own.

"It's not really hard for me because I'm a very motivated person," Thomas said. "I know that I have to work in order for my kids to survive. I also understand I have to finish school to earn the money that I want to make, or have the career that I want to have. So it's really not hard balancing it. My job helps me a lot. My coaches help me a lot, and my teammates. So it's not very hard as people would think. But it's very tiring."

READ MORE

 Southern to open spring practice Wednesday http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Southern-to-open-spring-practice-Wednesday.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:20:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Southern-to-open-spring-practice-Wednesday.html BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Despite recent reports regarding his future at Southern University, head football coach Stump Mitchell opens 2012 spring football practice on Wednesday, the university announced. The Jaguars begin the first of 15 scheduled practices at 4:15 p.m.Wednesday afternoon in shells before moving to full pads for the first time on Feb. 24. Southern's spring game is scheduled for March 17.  Mitchell, who is 6-16 in two seasons at Southern, embarks on his third season as head football coach on the Baton Rouge campus and has one year remaining on a three-year contract signed in Jan. 2010.Interim Director of Athletics Sandy Pugh said Tuesday that while it has been reported that Mitchell has been interviewed for a position with the NFL’s St. Louis Rams, the university is going forward with Mitchell leading players during their first day of practice.READ MORE

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Despite recent reports regarding his future at Southern University, head football coach Stump Mitchell opens 2012 spring football practice on Wednesday, the university announced.

The Jaguars begin the first of 15 scheduled practices at 4:15 p.m.Wednesday afternoon in shells before moving to full pads for the first time on Feb. 24. Southern's spring game is scheduled for March 17.  Mitchell, who is 6-16 in two seasons at Southern, embarks on his third season as head football coach on the Baton Rouge campus and has one year remaining on a three-year contract signed in Jan. 2010.

Interim Director of Athletics Sandy Pugh said Tuesday that while it has been reported that Mitchell has been interviewed for a position with the NFL’s St. Louis Rams, the university is going forward with Mitchell leading players during their first day of practice.

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 SU Mitchell stumps for job with St. Louis Rams http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/SU-Mitchell-stumps-for-job-with-St-Louis-Rams.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:16:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/SU-Mitchell-stumps-for-job-with-St-Louis-Rams.html COACH LYVONIA 'STUMP' MITCHELL ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - Stump Mitchell, a former Cardinals running back and currently head football coach at Southern University-Baton Rouge, interviewed for the Rams' running backs coach position Monday.  Mitchell, 52, met at Rams Park with coach Jeff Fisher and visited with members of the coaching staff. The visit went well, though it was uncertain Monday night if Mitchell has been offered the job. League sources said Fisher could be interviewing another candidate or two for the position, which is one of the last remaining berths on Fisher's staff. A Georgia native, Mitchell played with the St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals from 1981-89. He ended his career with Kansas City in 1991, but didn't post any stats with the Chiefs because of knee problems.A ninth-round pick by the Big Red out of The Citadel in 1981, Mitchell was a popular and productive player in St. Louis.READ MOREReport: Rams talk to Mitchell BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Stump Mitchell came to Southern University with big dreams and big goals, vowing to bring the Jaguars football program back to the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.  Now, after six wins in two years, he might be on his way out.According to a report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mitchell interviewed Monday with the St. Louis Rams and is a candidate to become their running backs coach.  The newspaper, citing anonymous sources, said Mitchell met with new head coach Jeff Fisher and members of the staff, and that the interview went well.  What’s unclear at the moment, however, is whether the Rams actually offered Mitchell a job.Attempts to reach Mitchell were unsuccessful Monday night.  Asked last week if he were considering other jobs, Mitchell said he was happy to be at Southern and believes his team can win this season.READ MORE

COACH LYVONIA 'STUMP' MITCHELL

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - Stump Mitchell, a former Cardinals running back and currently head football coach at Southern University-Baton Rouge, interviewed for the Rams' running backs coach position Monday.  Mitchell, 52, met at Rams Park with coach Jeff Fisher and visited with members of the coaching staff. The visit went well, though it was uncertain Monday night if Mitchell has been offered the job.

League sources said Fisher could be interviewing another candidate or two for the position, which is one of the last remaining berths on Fisher's staff. A Georgia native, Mitchell played with the St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals from 1981-89. He ended his career with Kansas City in 1991, but didn't post any stats with the Chiefs because of knee problems.

A ninth-round pick by the Big Red out of The Citadel in 1981, Mitchell was a popular and productive player in St. Louis.

READ MORE

Report: Rams talk to Mitchell

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Stump Mitchell came to Southern University with big dreams and big goals, vowing to bring the Jaguars football program back to the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.  Now, after six wins in two years, he might be on his way out.

According to a report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mitchell interviewed Monday with the St. Louis Rams and is a candidate to become their running backs coach.  The newspaper, citing anonymous sources, said Mitchell met with new head coach Jeff Fisher and members of the staff, and that the interview went well.  What’s unclear at the moment, however, is whether the Rams actually offered Mitchell a job.

Attempts to reach Mitchell were unsuccessful Monday night.  Asked last week if he were considering other jobs, Mitchell said he was happy to be at Southern and believes his team can win this season.

READ MORE

 Coppin State has more than a triple threat from beyond the arc http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Coppin-State-has-more-than-a-triple-threat-from-beyond-the-arc.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:05:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Coppin-State-has-more-than-a-triple-threat-from-beyond-the-arc.html With a team full of long-range shooters, Eagles are the No. 2 team in the country in 3-pointers per gameBALTIMORE, Maryland - Before every Coppin State practice this season, a band of shooters from one of the most prolific 3-point shooting teams in Division I gathers around a rim inside the Physical Education Complex for a little friendly competition.The goal is simple, guard Tony Gallo explains, and the battles typically taut. Knock down 10 shots from beyond the arc before anyone else does, and you win. Lately, Gallo's won a lot. Or has he? "He said he was in the lead?" forward Logan Wiens exclaimed in mock disbelief Monday. "I don't know about that one."Mute the background rap music/noise for better enjoyment. On a team that has 3-pointers account for more than 40 percent of its scoring, perhaps these kinds of grudges are only natural. The Eagles' 9.9 3-pointers per game trail only Florida (10.2 per game) nationally, and three players shoot 40 percent or better from beyond the arc.READ MORE

With a team full of long-range shooters, Eagles are the No. 2 team in the country in 3-pointers per game

BALTIMORE, Maryland - Before every Coppin State practice this season, a band of shooters from one of the most prolific 3-point shooting teams in Division I gathers around a rim inside the Physical Education Complex for a little friendly competition.

The goal is simple, guard Tony Gallo explains, and the battles typically taut. Knock down 10 shots from beyond the arc before anyone else does, and you win. Lately, Gallo's won a lot. Or has he? "He said he was in the lead?" forward Logan Wiens exclaimed in mock disbelief Monday. "I don't know about that one."


Mute the background rap music/noise for better enjoyment.

On a team that has 3-pointers account for more than 40 percent of its scoring, perhaps these kinds of grudges are only natural. The Eagles' 9.9 3-pointers per game trail only Florida (10.2 per game) nationally, and three players shoot 40 percent or better from beyond the arc.

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 Kyle O'Quinn sees pro future after Norfolk State http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Kyle-O-Quinn-sees-pro-future-after-Norfolk-State.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:18:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Kyle-O-Quinn-sees-pro-future-after-Norfolk-State.html NORFOLK, Virginia - If you had asked Kyle O’Quinn back in high school if he thought he would have a future in professional basketball, he would have laughed at you.After all, O’Quinn was just 5-foot-11 as a high school freshman in New York, and only played one year of high school basketball. He had just one scholarship offer coming out of high school, from the MEAC’s Norfolk State. Others were sniffing around, but no one else was willing to take a chance on the raw big man. His family didn’t want him to go to prep school, so he jumped on the opportunity to head to Virginia and play for Norfolk State.#10 Kyle O'Quinn in the Spartans win over NAVY.Now, as a 6-foot-10 senior, O’Quinn is dominating on the inside. Over the last two seasons, the big man is averaging 16.2 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. Because of his potential, he could have a future in the sport.“I’m getting a lot of good feedback,” O’Quinn said. “I didn’t think I would play college basketball, of course not. You couldn’t have told me that.”READ MORE

NORFOLK, Virginia - If you had asked Kyle O’Quinn back in high school if he thought he would have a future in professional basketball, he would have laughed at you.

After all, O’Quinn was just 5-foot-11 as a high school freshman in New York, and only played one year of high school basketball. He had just one scholarship offer coming out of high school, from the MEAC’s Norfolk State. Others were sniffing around, but no one else was willing to take a chance on the raw big man. His family didn’t want him to go to prep school, so he jumped on the opportunity to head to Virginia and play for Norfolk State.


#10 Kyle O'Quinn in the Spartans win over NAVY.

Now, as a 6-foot-10 senior, O’Quinn is dominating on the inside. Over the last two seasons, the big man is averaging 16.2 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. Because of his potential, he could have a future in the sport.

“I’m getting a lot of good feedback,” O’Quinn said. “I didn’t think I would play college basketball, of course not. You couldn’t have told me that.”

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 Gold Rush Tennis still ninth in NAIA poll; Nuggets gain support http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Gold-Rush-Tennis-still-ninth-in-NAIA-poll-Nuggets-gain-support.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:22:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Gold-Rush-Tennis-still-ninth-in-NAIA-poll-Nuggets-gain-support.html NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana maintained its No. 9 ranking in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll released Tuesday. The Gold Rush are in the top 10 for the fourth consecutive poll dating to May 2011 and the seventh time in the past eight polls. Beginning with the poll of April 4, 2007, Xavier has been in every men's top 25. Xavier still is tied for 36th place in the women's rankings, but the Gold Nuggets' point total increased from one to three. The polls are the second of nine this season. Fresno Pacific's men and Auburn Montgomery's women held on to their No. 1 rankings. The next polls will be announced March 6.The Gold Nuggets will travel to NCAA Division I Southeastern Louisiana for a 6 p.m. Friday dual match, then both Xavier teams will play William Carey in dual matches starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center. William Carey's men are ranked 13th, and the women are 12th.The XU men already have a victory this season against a ranked opponent — 7-2 on Feb. 11 against Bethany (Kan.), which climbed from 16th to 15th in the poll — and are scheduled for at least eight more regular-season matches against this week's top 25.NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Feb. 19) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Fresno Pacific (11) 5-0 281 1 2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 4-1 272 2 3 Oklahoma Christian 4-0 261 3 4 Azusa Pacific 2-0 255 tie-4 5 Auburn Montgomery 1-2 243 tie-4 6 Westmont 1-2 239 6 7 Point Loma Nazarene 0-2 227 7 8 Vanguard 2-3 217 8 9 Xavier 3-1 210 9 10 Shorter 2-2 196 10 11 Concordia (Calif.) 2-1 194 11 12 Lindsey Wilson 2-3 181 13 13 William Carey 0-1 176 12 14 Aquinas 2-1 161 14 15 Bethany (Kan.) 2-2 154 16 16 St. Thomas (Fla.) 0-3 149 15 17 Lee (Tenn.) 2-1 128 17 18 Warner 1-1 124 RV 19 Lewis-Clark State 4-1 122 19 20 Webber International 4-1 103 18 21 Tennessee Wesleyan 0-0 94 21 22 Olivet Nazarene 2-0 91 NR 23 Campbellsville 0-0 82 23 24 Belhaven 2-0 65 22 25 Martin Methodist 0-0 60 24 Others receiving votes: Spring Arbor 59, SCAD Savannah 51, Missouri Valley 29, Northwestern Ohio 24, Oklahoma Baptist 18, Biola 18, Cumberland 12, Northwood (Fla.) 7, McPherson 4, Pikeville 3, Brescia 1. NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Feb. 19) Rank Team Record Points Last 1 Auburn Montgomery (11) 4-0 312 1 2 Fresno Pacific (1) 5-0 302 2 3 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 5-1 292 3 4 Oklahoma Christian 1-0 282 4 5 Concordia (Calif.) 3-0 272 5 6 Brenau 2-0 260 6 7 Azusa Pacific 3-0 254 7 8 SCAD Savannah 2-2 238 8 9 Point Loma Nazarene 1-1 235 11 10 Southern Nazarene 0-0 219 10 11 Vanguard 1-2 215 9 12 William Carey 0-3 204 12 13 Lee (Tenn.) 3-0 191 13 14 Lindsey Wilson 1-2 179 14 15 Shorter 4-1 175 15 16 Lewis-Clark State 1-7 160 16 17 Indiana Wesleyan 14-0 152 17 18 SCAD Atlanta 0-0 145 18 19 Martin Methodist 0-0 131 20 20 St. Thomas (Fla.) 0-2 120 21 21 Belhaven 2-0 104 23 22 Campbellsville 0-0 101 22 23 Webber International 2-1 95 24 24 Marian (Ind.) 12-3 73 25 25 Davenport 8-2 57 RV Others receiving votes: Olivet Nazarene 49, Indiana Southeast 46, Westmont 29, Northwood (Fla.) 23, Northwestern Ohio 15, Missouri Valley 15, Taylor 14, Milligan 9, Robert Morris (Chicago) 7, Bethel (Kan.) 7, Cumberlands 3, Xavier 3, Nebraska Wesleyan 1. By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorVISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANAVISIT: XULAATHLETICSVISIT: GCACSPORTS

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana maintained its No. 9 ranking in the NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll released Tuesday.

The Gold Rush are in the top 10 for the fourth consecutive poll dating to May 2011 and the seventh time in the past eight polls. Beginning with the poll of April 4, 2007, Xavier has been in every men's top 25.

Xavier still is tied for 36th place in the women's rankings, but the Gold Nuggets' point total increased from one to three.

The polls are the second of nine this season. Fresno Pacific's men and Auburn Montgomery's women held on to their No. 1 rankings. The next polls will be announced March 6.

The Gold Nuggets will travel to NCAA Division I Southeastern Louisiana for a 6 p.m. Friday dual match, then both Xavier teams will play William Carey in dual matches starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center. William Carey's men are ranked 13th, and the women are 12th.

The XU men already have a victory this season against a ranked opponent — 7-2 on Feb. 11 against Bethany (Kan.), which climbed from 16th to 15th in the poll — and are scheduled for at least eight more regular-season matches against this week's top 25.

NAIA Men's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Feb. 19)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Fresno Pacific (11) 5-0 281 1
2 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 4-1 272 2
3 Oklahoma Christian 4-0 261 3
4 Azusa Pacific 2-0 255 tie-4
5 Auburn Montgomery 1-2 243 tie-4
6 Westmont 1-2 239 6
7 Point Loma Nazarene 0-2 227 7
8 Vanguard 2-3 217 8
9 Xavier 3-1 210 9
10 Shorter 2-2 196 10
11 Concordia (Calif.) 2-1 194 11
12 Lindsey Wilson 2-3 181 13
13 William Carey 0-1 176 12
14 Aquinas 2-1 161 14
15 Bethany (Kan.) 2-2 154 16
16 St. Thomas (Fla.) 0-3 149 15
17 Lee (Tenn.) 2-1 128 17
18 Warner 1-1 124 RV
19 Lewis-Clark State 4-1 122 19
20 Webber International 4-1 103 18
21 Tennessee Wesleyan 0-0 94 21
22 Olivet Nazarene 2-0 91 NR
23 Campbellsville 0-0 82 23
24 Belhaven 2-0 65 22
25 Martin Methodist 0-0 60 24

Others receiving votes: Spring Arbor 59, SCAD Savannah 51, Missouri Valley 29, Northwestern Ohio 24, Oklahoma Baptist 18, Biola 18, Cumberland 12, Northwood (Fla.) 7, McPherson 4, Pikeville 3, Brescia 1.


NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll
(first-place votes in parentheses — records through Sunday, Feb. 19)
Rank Team Record Points Last
1 Auburn Montgomery (11) 4-0 312 1
2 Fresno Pacific (1) 5-0 302 2
3 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) 5-1 292 3
4 Oklahoma Christian 1-0 282 4
5 Concordia (Calif.) 3-0 272 5
6 Brenau 2-0 260 6
7 Azusa Pacific 3-0 254 7
8 SCAD Savannah 2-2 238 8
9 Point Loma Nazarene 1-1 235 11
10 Southern Nazarene 0-0 219 10
11 Vanguard 1-2 215 9
12 William Carey 0-3 204 12
13 Lee (Tenn.) 3-0 191 13
14 Lindsey Wilson 1-2 179 14
15 Shorter 4-1 175 15
16 Lewis-Clark State 1-7 160 16
17 Indiana Wesleyan 14-0 152 17
18 SCAD Atlanta 0-0 145 18
19 Martin Methodist 0-0 131 20
20 St. Thomas (Fla.) 0-2 120 21
21 Belhaven 2-0 104 23
22 Campbellsville 0-0 101 22
23 Webber International 2-1 95 24
24 Marian (Ind.) 12-3 73 25
25 Davenport 8-2 57 RV

Others receiving votes: Olivet Nazarene 49, Indiana Southeast 46, Westmont 29, Northwood (Fla.) 23, Northwestern Ohio 15, Missouri Valley 15, Taylor 14, Milligan 9, Robert Morris (Chicago) 7, Bethel (Kan.) 7, Cumberlands 3, Xavier 3, Nebraska Wesleyan 1.


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

 Facility Upgrade Pays Dividends for TSU Football http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Facility-Upgrade-Pays-Dividends-for-TSU-Football.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:08:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/Facility-Upgrade-Pays-Dividends-for-TSU-Football.html On Feb. 21, The Tennessean highlighted Tennessee State's new upgrades for football and the school's top HBCU recruiting class. Below is the article as published by Mike Organ.NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State football Coach Rod Reed has rerouted the map he follows when a recruit visits, thanks to some new construction and upgrades.Instead of starting with a trip to LP Field, where TSU has played its home games for the past 13 years, Reed brings prospects straight to campus, where he shows off the team's new locker room, indoor practice facility and renovated weight room.Reed said that helped the Tigers sign a class two weeks ago that achieved the top ranking for historically black colleges and universities."We used to just go to LP Field and show off the locker room and other facilities there when we'd bring a recruit in," Reed said. "When a kid would ask about the locker room or practice field on campus, we would just kind of shy away from it."The new locker room in Gentry Center was opened late in the summer, and the $3.7 million indoor practice facility and weight room renovations were completed last fall."It's really, really nice," said receiver Lavatiae Kelly of Hollywood, Florida, who is considered one of TSU's top signees. "I might not have known what to expect, but I didn't expect anything as nice as what they have."TSU is one of just six Football Championship Subdivision schools that has an indoor practice facility.READ MOREVISIT: TSUTIGERS.COMVISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY On Feb. 21, The Tennessean highlighted Tennessee State's new upgrades for football and the school's top HBCU recruiting class. Below is the article as published by Mike Organ.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State football Coach Rod Reed has rerouted the map he follows when a recruit visits, thanks to some new construction and upgrades.

Instead of starting with a trip to LP Field, where TSU has played its home games for the past 13 years, Reed brings prospects straight to campus, where he shows off the team's new locker room, indoor practice facility and renovated weight room.

Reed said that helped the Tigers sign a class two weeks ago that achieved the top ranking for historically black colleges and universities.

"We used to just go to LP Field and show off the locker room and other facilities there when we'd bring a recruit in," Reed said. "When a kid would ask about the locker room or practice field on campus, we would just kind of shy away from it."



The new locker room in Gentry Center was opened late in the summer, and the $3.7 million indoor practice facility and weight room renovations were completed last fall.

"It's really, really nice," said receiver Lavatiae Kelly of Hollywood, Florida, who is considered one of TSU's top signees. "I might not have known what to expect, but I didn't expect anything as nice as what they have."

TSU is one of just six Football Championship Subdivision schools that has an indoor practice facility.

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VISIT: TSUTIGERS.COM
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

]]> The clash at the DAP http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/The-clash-at-the-DAP.html Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:35:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/22/The-clash-at-the-DAP.html DURHAM, North Carolina — The ballpark that was good enough for the making of the film “Bull Durham” is the home of N.C. Central University baseball. There are worse places to play. “Being able to say we play and practice at the Durham Athletic Park is absolutely huge,” first-year NCCU coach Jim Koerner said. The DAP’s playing surface is better than some professional facilities, Koerner said. “It’s probably the best facility in the conference,” said Koerner of the Eagles' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. “It’s incredibly maintained.”NCCU freshman shortstop Cory Williamson holds a UNC Asheville runner (Billy Creighton) at second base while junior transfer Luis Diaz patrols left field during the season-opener on Friday at the Durham Athletic Park.">view slideshow (5 images) NCCU will host Duke today at 4 p.m. in the historic ballpark where the minor league Durham Bulls once played. Admission is free to this match-up that some say will further foster the relationship between Duke and NCCU, strengthening Durham. “It bodes well for both universities,” Durham mayor Bill Bell said. “I think the more they can do things in a joint effort – even if it’s competing in sports– it’s a coming together of the community.” READ MORE 
DURHAM, North Carolina — The ballpark that was good enough for the making of the film “Bull Durham” is the home of N.C. Central University baseball. There are worse places to play. “Being able to say we play and practice at the Durham Athletic Park is absolutely huge,” first-year NCCU coach Jim Koerner said.

The DAP’s playing surface is better than some professional facilities, Koerner said. “It’s probably the best facility in the conference,” said Koerner of the Eagles' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. “It’s incredibly maintained.”

view slideshow (5 images)

NCCU will host Duke today at 4 p.m. in the historic ballpark where the minor league Durham Bulls once played. Admission is free to this match-up that some say will further foster the relationship between Duke and NCCU, strengthening Durham.

“It bodes well for both universities,” Durham mayor Bill Bell said. “I think the more they can do things in a joint effort – even if it’s competing in sports– it’s a coming together of the community.”

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]]> Tennis Recap: Feb. 4 http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/07/Tennis-Recap-Feb-4.html Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/07/Tennis-Recap-Feb-4.html Check out the tennis teams' openers to spring season

Check out the tennis teams' openers to spring season

 MEAC Announces Tennis Weekly Honors http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/09/MEAC-Announces-Tennis-Weekly-Honors.html Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:32:00 GMT admin http://www.myblackmiami.com/news/2012/02/09/MEAC-Announces-Tennis-Weekly-Honors.html Florida A&M's C. Salif Kante and Hampton's Maria Garcia Ycaza were chosen as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men's and Women's Tennis Athletes of the Week the conference announced on Thursday. Norfolk State's Igor Braga and Laura Gutierrez received Men's and Women's Rookie of the Week accolades, respectively. Florida A&M's C. Salif Kante and Hampton's Maria Garcia Ycaza were chosen as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men's and Women's Tennis Athletes of the Week the conference announced on Thursday. Norfolk State's Igor Braga and Laura Gutierrez received Men's and Women's Rookie of the Week accolades, respectively.

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