McDonald’s charity to sponsor UMES’ teen science camp

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The sixth annual “Reach for the Stars!” summer camp for teens will be held in 2012 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, thanks to a generous grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore.

Tina Baxter, an RMHC of Baltimore board member, and representatives of Salisbury-based Baxter Enterprises presented a $23,000 check to the university’s Institutional Advancement Office to sponsor next summer’s program. Baxter Enterprises is the franchisee for most McDonald’s restaurants on Delmarva.

“Reach for the Stars!” offers 40 teens from Worcester and Wicomico counties an opportunity to learn about robotics from engineers who work at NASA and UMES. Six college students enrolled in UMES’ Rehabilitation Services Program also participate to apply their skills with children with special needs.

Baxter visited the camp at UMES this past summer to investigate how it focuses on science education targeted specifically to middle schoolers.

“The Reach for the Stars program is so representative of the type of children’s organizations that our grants program supports, by directly serving the needs of children within a community,” Baxter said. “It is a program that addresses a much underserved area in the exploration of math and science while learning how to partner with students of different abilities.”

The summer program, which began in 2007, is a collaborative project of UMES, NASA (Wallops), Worcester County Economic Development and the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology.

“This gift will make it possible for us to provide more students, particularly those students who are often overlooked, with an opportunity to get excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Brenda Dingwall, equal opportunity specialist for NASA’s Wallops Flight Center.

The two-week camp encourages participants to pursue careers in those academic disciplines that educators commonly refer to collectively as STEM. The camp serves children with disabilities, at-risk students as well as those who are gifted and talented. Read Full Article at UMES

Verizon Makes Generous Scholarship Donation to UDC

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Pictured left to right: President Allen Sessoms, Interim Provost Graeme Baxter, Verizon Vice President of Government Relations and UDC Board Chairman Joseph Askew, Jr., 2010 Verizon Scholarship recipient Andrea White, Dr. Beverly Hartline, 2010 Verizon Scholarship recipient Brice Koukoua, Associate Vice President for Advancement John Butler, and Dr. Valerie Epps.

Dr. Allen Sessoms on Tuesday accepted a check for nearly $17,000 from the Verizon Foundation for the purpose of funding scholarships for deserving students.

WSSU’s Center for Community Safety Moves Toward More Problem-Solving

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The Center for Community Safety (CCS) of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has recruited three new academic professionals to support its efforts to better translate research on social justice problems into more meaningful solutions for communities in North Carolina and across the country.

“We need to provide the types of interventions that get at the root causes of problems if we are to stop the cycle of issues that continue to keep our adolescents from realizing their full potential,” said Alvin Atkinson, director of the CCS.  “Too often, well-intended programs have been implemented without having any reliable proof of what contributions they can make towards the outcomes that are being sought.  As resources are becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain, it is imperative that we begin to rely upon data-drive collaborate research and analysis to ensure that we have the problem-solving actions in place that address the issues we have and the outcomes we desire.

“We are fortunate to have three new professionals joining us who each have a distinguished track record for measurable transformation and reform in both urban and rural neighborhoods across the nation,” Atkinson added.  “This new multicultural team of established clinical and social scientists will lead our collaborative partnership toward achieving the goals of moving from dialogue to action as outlined in our 2012-2015 strategic plan.”

The new team members are:  Dr. Richard Moye, Jr., research director and faculty-in-residence whose research areas include equity and excellence in public education, urban change and social policy, patterns of residential segregation and race relations; Dr. Pedro Hernandez, research and data analytics manager whose research interests include culturally adapted interventions, solution-based child welfare practices, family systems and prisoner reentry services for mothers; and Marcellete Orange, training and engagement manager whose research interests include applied community studies, community development and violence prevention. Read Full article at WSSU

HBCU Women’s Basketball Preview: Grambling

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Grambling Signees (GSUtigers.com)

Grambling, La–With the No. 9 recruiting class in the country for the class of 2012 among mid-majors, the Lady Tigers are now playing with NCAA implications.

Last year their chance to play for a NCAA tournament bid was ruined by the Prairie View Lady Panthers in the semi finals of the SWAC tournament.

This year the Lady Panthers are picked to finish first in the conference and despite the Tigers being picked to finish sixth in Preseason South Western Athletic Conference Poll, they feel like with the talent on their roster they can take the finish at the top.

“We’ve did a great job with recruiting this year,” said Lady Tiger head coach Donnita Rogers.“We have some young players who will be getting the opportunity to play early and I think the fans are going to fall in love with this team. We hope this year we can finally get that number one spot,” Rogers said.

The additions to the Lady Tigers who signed on signing day include, Alexis Andrews (5-11, PF) from Kilgore Junior college, Dayla Threatt, (5-10, G) from Oklahoma City, OK and Bria Venson, (6-2, C) from Fayetteville, GA. They will join Gramblings early signees Maaeah Howell from San Francisco, CA and McDonald’s All-American nominees Savannah Carter from Tulsa, OK and Cierra Ceazer from Topeka, KS.

Key returnees from last year’s squad include senior guards Rachele Dobbins and Brittney Allen and junior guard Alexis Waston.

They Lady Tigers landed some top recruits for next year. ESPN  No.71 recruit in the nation Alexus Johnson, a (6-2) athletic forward from Broomfiled, CO who finishes well around the rim and Breonna Johnson, a (5-11) three star forward from Little Rock, AR who’s ranked No. 44 in the nation at her position, both verbally committed to take their talents to Grambling for the 2012-2013 season.

Coach Rogers said the new Lady Tigers are going be exciting to watch. She said the fans could expect high energy, high tempo and high scoring. In their Black and Gold scrimmage against each other coach Rogers was impressed that both teams scored 71 points.

Their first game will be Nov.11 in a preseason match up against Paul Quinn in the Hobdy Assembly Center. Tipoff starts at 7p.m.

Five Join Xavier Board of Trustees

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New Orleans LA – Xavier University of Louisiana added five new members to its Board of Trustees at the October meetings of the governing board.

Newcomers to the Board are Sister Jane Norton, S.B.S., who works in parish ministry in New York NY; Sonia Perez, president of AT&T Louisiana; Sister Marianne Poole, S.B.S., a project manager in educational ministry in Nashville TN; and Phyllis Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Energy Company and president/chairman of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation.

Rejoining the Board is Michael Rue, president of Marketplace Properties in Anaheim CA, who had previously served from 2005-2010.

Norton, who resides in New York NY, has served as an elementary school teacher, school principal and parish minister during her 50+ years as a member of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, working in such cities as Chicago IL, Cincinnati OH, New Orleans, Philadelphia PA and Harlem NY.

Perez has served as president of AT&T Louisiana since March 2010, where she works closely with community leaders, elected officials, stakeholders and others at the company to bring the best technology and the most advanced services to Louisiana customers.

Poole, currently serving as a project administrator in educational ministry in Nashville TN, has been member of the S.B.S. for 50 years. She previously served as a principal, administrator and teacher in such cities as Philadelphia PA, Cleveland OH, Santa Fe MX, Harlem NY and New Orleans.

Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Energy Company and president/chairman of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, has previously held positions as an In-house Counsel for John Mecom Sr. and as a law clerk for the Supreme Court of Louisiana and Orleans Parish District Court. Read Full Article at Xavier

2011 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Volleyball Championship (Day 2 Recap)

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Albany, GA— The second day of the 25th Annual SIAC Volleyball Championship was the start of the elimination round. Held in the Albany State University Health and Physical Education & Recreation (HPER) Gymnasium, the following are recaps from day two of tournament action:

#5E Paine College defeats #5W Miles College (25-14, 25-16, 25-14)

In the first match of the day, Paine College defeated Miles College in three games to advance in the elimination round of the 2011 SIAC Volleyball Tournament. With the loss Miles was eliminated from further action in the tournament.

Miles College was led by Jessica Franklin with seven kills and Nicole Toombs with 12 assists. Defensively Jessica Likely was credited with 10 digs.

Victoria Claytor led Paine College with 12 kills, and eight digs; followed by Janae’ Kearse with eight kills and Fernisha McMillan with two service aces and seven digs. Camachio Harris recorded 26 assists.

#2W Stillman College defeats #3W LeMoyne-Owen College (25-14, 25-16, 21-25, 25-14)

The second match of the elimination round featured the Lady Tigers of Stillman College and the Lady Magicians of LeMoyne-Owen College. The four game win by Stillman College was highlighted by the play of Jamila McKinnis who finished with a game-high 17 kills. She also registered 14 service aces; five digs, and two blocking assists. Januar Page contributed a game-high 25 assists and three digs to the win. The Lady Tigers continue tournament play and are now 19-15 overall.

While the loss by the Lady Magicians eliminates them from the tournament, Rachel Walton provided the spark for LeMoyne-Owen during the match with five kills, five service aces, and three digs. Sharita Jones also tallied five kills. The Lady Magicians finish the 2011 season with a 10-18 record.

#4E Clark Atlanta University defeats #4W Tuskegee University (25-15, 25-14, 25-18)

In the third game of the day Clark Atlanta University (13-17) defeated Tuskegee University (6-18) in three games of the 2011 SIAC Volleyball tournament.

Tuskegee was led by Christen Blackledge with six kills and Denavia Harrison 5 kills. Christian Pleasant tallied 12 assists. Tanesha Foster led the defense with 12 digs.

Chanel Trice led Clark Atlanta University with nine kills, while Danika Lawrence and Ashely Brooks added eight kills each. Kailyn Blackmon came away with 21 assists. Tyneshia Spears led the defense with 10 digs.

#6E Fort Valley State University defeats #6W Lane College (25-18, 25-19, 25-16)

The fourth match of the elimination round paired the Lady Wildcats of Fort Valley State University against the Lady Dragons of Lane College. The straight set win for the Lady Wildcats propelled them forward in the elimination round and loss by Lane concluded their season.

The Lady Wildcats were spurred to victory by Briana Shepherd who recorded 12 kills, five digs, two solo blocks, and one block assist. Zakkiya Vincent logged six kills and two digs in the win. The Lady Wildcats continue tournament play and are now 8-27 for the season.

Tamvernisha Huery led the Lady Dragons in the elimination match. She totaled five kills, two service aces, and three solo blocks. Erica Oliver added four kills and two service aces.

#4E Clark Atlanta University defeats #6E Fort Valley State University (25-14, 25-13, 25-23)

The tournament came to an end for the Lady Wildcats when they met the Lady Panthers of Clark Atlanta University at 2 p.m. In spite of the collective effort of Briana Shepherd, Stephanie Brownlee, and Andrea Stephenson, FVSU was unable stave off the defeat. Shepherd finished six kills and two solo blocks; Brownlee added 4 kills and three assists; and Stephenson had nine assists and eight digs.

In the end, however, the Lady Panthers proved simply too much. Alexandria Mattox had 10 kills, one service ace, and eight digs to empower the Lady Panthers. Ashley Brooks added eight kills and two block assists. As the Lady Panthers advance, the season for the Lady Wildcats comes to close with a record of 8-28.

#1W Kentucky State University defeats #2E Benedict College (25-16, 22-25, 25-20, 25-15)

The sixth match of day, two of the upper seeds met, as Kentucky State wins over Benedict in a four set match.

Benedict was led by Terae Sweeting with 11 kills, two service aces and four digs; Latayvia Mack with 10 kills and five digs; and Ashley Jackson tallying 26 assists. Defensively, Lorena Leao totaled six digs.

Emily Grieshaber led Kentucky State with a game-high 17 kills. Ayanna Parker contributed 14 kills, two service aces, and four digs. Brittany Stewart logged a game-high 50 assists and six digs. Markeshia Williams ended the match with a game-high 19 digs.

#3E Albany State University defeats #1E Claflin University (19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17)

In what is one of the biggest upsets in the tournament so far, the Lady Rams of Albany State University delivered a stunning blow to the number one seed Lady Panthers. After dropping the first game, the Lady Rams reeled off back-to-back-to-back game wins to advance in play and remain undefeated. The loss was the first of tournament for the Lady Panthers.

Sabrina Garcia and Sharme Ridley led the Lady Rams offensive attack with 15 and 13 kills, respectively. Jillian Anderson and Amber Gatlin contributed 10 and eight kills each. The Lady Ram defense was anchored by Adrienne Morris who finished with 19 digs; followed by Ridley with 14 and Jennifer Johnson with 9.

While the loss dropped the Lady Panthers to the loser’s bracket, Claflin, by no means, played like losers. Offensively, they were led by Chelcey Foster and Lauren Calvin who logged 14 and 13 kills, respectively. Katherin Fischer finished with a total of 42 assists.

The Claflin defense rallied around the 19 digs provided by Courtney Pearson and 12 by Caitlyn Marsh.

#2E Benedict College defeats #2W Stillman College (25-23, 13-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-10)

In the eighth match of the day, Benedict College eliminated Stillman College from the tournament with a five set victory. Jamila McKinnis recorded a triple-double with 30 kills, 22 assists, and 18 digs for Stillman. Cynteria Jones added 12 kills, as Januar Page tallied 28 assists. Christine Mallory collected 15 digs to lead Stillman defensively. The Lady Tigers of Stillman College finished the season with a 20-16 record.

Benedict was led by Latayvia Mack, with 27 kills, two service aces and eight digs. Lorena Leao contributed 14 kills, 2 service aces, and 15 digs. Terae Sweeting added 13 kills. Defensively, Ashley Jackson recorded a match-high 48 assists. Ruth Ann Simms ended the evening with 26 digs.

Benedict, now 16-6, advances with the win and will face Claflin University tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

#1E Claflin University defeats #4E Clark Atlanta Univ. (20-25, 25-17, 16-25, 25-15, 15-13)

The most grueling match of the tournament featured the two sets of Panthers. The Lady Panthers of Claflin University and the Lady Panthers of Clark Atlanta University tangled for five games to determine which set of Panthers would advance. When the dust finally settled, it was the Panthers of Claflin University who earned the right to continue tournament play.

Claflin’s offense was ignited by the 22 kills delivered by Lauren Calvin and the 19 by Chelcey Foster. Katherin Fischer distributed 51 assists in the five-game match.

Fischer also aided the Claflin defense with 15 digs. The Lady Panther defense was further assisted by Courtney Person’s 13 digs and the two solo blocks by Foster.

Clark Atlanta University was led offensively by Ashley Brooks and Alexandria Mattox who finished with 10 kills each. Kaitlyn Blackmon had 39 assists in the match.

Defensively, Tyneisha Spears recorded 19 digs for Clark Atlanta and Danica Lawrence had two solo blocks. The Lady Panthers of Clark Atlanta University finish their season with a 14-18 overall record.

#1W Kentucky State defeats #3E Albany State (25-19, 27-29, 25-19, 21-25, 17-15)

Kentucky State University (KSU) (22-17) stayed undefeated in the SIAC volleyball tournament with a five game win over Albany State University (ASU) (20-15). ASU moves into the losers’ bracket with the loss.

KSU was led by Emily Grieshaber and Ayanna Parker with 16 kills each. Audrey Sherles had 11 kills, and Ashley Jones finished with 10 kills. Brittany Stewart tallied 53 assists. Markeshia Williams led the defense with 15 digs, as Jordan Foyer added 12 digs, and Stewart with 10 digs.

Sabrina Garcia led ASU with 21 kills; Sharma Ridley added 11 kills and 17 digs; and Jillian Anderson had 10 kills. Jennifer Johnson collected 36 assists to go along with 12 digs and Adrienne Morris ended with 17 digs.

Ben Baxter
Assistant Commissioner for Communications & New Media
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
Peachtree Center- South Tower
225 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 1975
Atlanta, GA 30303
Office: 404-221-1041
Fax: 404-221-1042
Cell: 404-423-1214
Email: bbaxter@thesiac.com
Website: www.thesiac.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thesiac
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSIAC
YouTube: www.youtube.com/siacsports

KSU Remains Undefeated; One Win Away from Second Consecutive Title

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KSU Volleyball (www.ksuthorobreds.com)

ALBANY, Ga. (November 9, 2011) – After defeating Benedict College, Kentucky State moved on in the SIAC Tournament to play the home team, Albany State. The Thorobrettes took the court to play in front of a crowd almost entirely composed of Lady Rams’ fans. A win would secure the Thorobrettes a place in the championship game.

The first half of the game was a point struggle between the two teams until Coach Kyetta May called a timeout at 12-14, Lady Rams lead. The timeout was followed by 2 back-to-back kills by Audrey Sherles, and another kill by Emily Grieshaber, putting the Thorobrettes ahead 17-15. After losing possession, the Thorobrettes regained the serve, and Sherles delivered 2 more kills (20-15). The next 5 points were a bit of a hassle, but the Thorobrettes emerged with a win with a final set score of 25-19.

The next set started off similar to the tune of the first until the Lady Rams went on a 5 point rally that ended with a block by Grieshaber (16-12). The rest of the game became a scramble for points, each team was holding on for the win. The set went past 25 points, and ended with the Lady Rams taking the second set in the best of five with a score of 29-27.

In the third set Ayanna Parker ended the Lady Rams’ 4 point rally with a kill, and Jordan Foyer followed up with an ace to pull KSU within two (2-4). Then, the Brettes went on a 3 point rally including a block by Ashlie Jones and Foyer and an ace from Sherles (8-9). The lead kept changing sides until the Brettes went on another 3 point rally, this time including 2 kills from Sherles (18-15). A few points later Jones as able to stun the Lady Rams’ offense with back-to-back blocks (16-22). The Brettes then took the third set 25-18.

KSU went into game four hoping to finish the game. The Lady Rams had a 3 point rally early in the game, and took a 6-3 lead over KSU. The Brettes were later able to tie the score at 11 then took the lead (15-14) following a heart-stopping moment as Parker had to leave the game with a dislocated shoulder. After the injury the Brettes struggle to regain their momentum and fell to the Lady Rams (25-21).

Coach May had the task of reformulating her line-up to make up for her injured key player. The Brettes took the lead after a kill by Erica Coleman, a block by Jones and an ace from Grieshaber (7-5). Then, the Lady Rams got a side out, but only scored one point before a kill by Coleman gave the Brettes the side out and point. A short combat for points ended with a Brettes’ side out and consecutive aces by Jones (14-9). Sherles sealed the victory with an authoritative kill to win the game 15-9 and sealed the KSU victory 3-2.

KSU was led by Emily Grieshaber and Ayanna Parker with 16 kills each. Audrey Sherles had 11 kills, and Ashley Jones finished with 10 kills. Brittany Stewart tallied 53 assists. Markeshia Williams led the defense with 15 digs, as Jordan Foyer added 12 digs, and Stewart with 10 digs.

Sabrina Garcia led ASU with 21 kills; Sharma Ridley added 11 kills and 17 digs; and Jillian Anderson had 10 kills. Jennifer Johnson collected 36 assists to go along with 12 digs and Adrienne Morris ended with 17 digs.

The Brettes (22-17) will play in the championship game against Claflin, Benedict or Albany State at 3 p.m.

Diana Martinez
Office of Sports Information
Kentucky State University
(502) 597-6399
ksu.sid3@gmail.com

Thorobrettes Secure a Win on the Second Day of SIAC Tournament

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Kentucky State defeats Benedict College to advance in the SIAC Tournament (www.ksuthorobreds.com)

ALBANY, GA (November 8, 2011) – After a victory on the first day of the SIAC conference tournament in Albany, GA, the Kentucky State University Thorobrettes followed their winning performance with a 3-1 win over Benedict College.

Benedict served first and put the first point on the board in the match, but the Brettes got the sideout on BC’s next serve. On the Brettes’ first opportunity to serve, Ayanna Parker got the kill to put them in the lead 2-1 for the set. For the next two serves, the points went back and forth between the teams. On Parker’s first chance to serve, she served her first ace of the match.

Neither team could get ahead more than two points until Audrey Sherles served three consecutive points to put the Brettes in the lead 8-6. With a net violation on the Brettes, Benedict was able to rally up enough points to tie the set and then took a 15-14 lead.

Parker served four consecutive times and Emily Grieshaber and Sherles were able to grab kills. Grieshaber finished off the set with six consecutive successful serves giving KSU a second set win with a final score of 25-16.

In the second set, KSU served first, but Benedict got on the scoreboard first. The Brettes tied the score directly after. On Jordan Foyer’s service, Grieshaber and Parker got kill, but the Brettes were called for a double hit, giving BC the point and sideout. On Benedict’s next serve, Parker got her fifth kill of the match up and gave the Brettes the point and sideout.

The Brettes were able to rally up four more points before Benedict scored again. KSU kept a four point lead on Benedict until Benedict struck back late in the set. The Lady Tigers tied the game at 21 points all and with three consecutive serves, took a 24-22 lead over KSU. Benedict won the second match 22-25 after another net violation on the Brettes.

The third set began as a back and forth game between the Thorobrettes and Lady Tigers. The Brettes took the lead of 9-8 with an ace and a tip from senior, Brittany Stewart. During this set, Sherles and Grieshaber was a powerhouse blocking team with two assisted blocks. The Brettes took a five point lead over Benedict and Sherles served six consecutive times to put the Brettes in the lead 23-14. Benedict rallied back getting six points but their final serve was an error and the Brettes won the set 25-20.

For six serves, the fourth set was a back and forth game. Parker then served seven consecutive times to put the Brettes in the lead 11-4. Sherles got two kills to keep the Brettes in the lead 15-5. The powerhouse blocking team of Sherles and Grieshaber were back in full effect in the set. Jones, Parker and Grieshaber’s kills in the fourth secured the team’s victory. The Brettes ended the set 25-15.

The Thorobrettes displayed why they are the defending SIAC champions here in Albany. The Thorobrettes move on to play the Albany State Golden Rams tonight at 8 p.m.

Charmar Green
Office of Sports Information
Kentucky State University
ksu.sid2@gmail.com

Thorobrettes Defeat Fort Valley in First Match of SIAC Tournament

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Kentucky State University Volleyball players (Steve Lockhart)

ALBANY, Ga. (November 7, 2011) – After securing the SIAC Western Division with a conference record of 15-1, Kentucky State embarked on a difficult journey as they defend their SIAC Championship at the conference tournament held at Albany State University. The Thorobrettes faced Fort Valley in their first match of the tournament.

Following a Fort Valley service error, Jordan Foyer served 6 consecutive times and forced the Lady Wildcats to take a timeout (7-0­). After the timeout the Lady Wildcats had a 4 point run, which ended with a kill from Ayanna Parker (8-4). The Thorobrettes went on a 4 point rally, and were able to get a side out on the Lady Wildcats’ serve (13-6). In the rest of the set FVSU scored 4 points on side outs, and the set ended with Foyer serving 3 points for a KSU win with a final score of 25-10.

Setter, Brittany Stewart began the second set by serving back-to-back aces. Then the Brettes had a minor defensive struggle as the Lady Wildcats remained in the game. Fort Valley’s Andrea Stephenson served three consecutive aces keeping them within arm’s length of the Thorobrettes (10-8). Their rally was ended by a kill from Parker. KSU slowly crept away with the lead until they went on a four point rally lead with Foyer as the server, which extended their lead (21-13). After the Lady Wildcats were unable to score on their serve, KSU ended the set by scoring the final 3 points.

The third game was more of a struggle between the two teams, but the Thorobrettes never gave up their lead. After being tied at 3, Audrey Sherles got a kill to secure the lead. Foyer had 2 two kills in the third set including an ace to end the match (25-18).

The Thorobrettes were led by Ayanna Parker, who finished with 13 kills and a .857 hitting percentage. Brittany Stewart totaled 26 assists while Markeshia Williams led the way defensively with 20 digs.

After their first match the Brettes made it clear they are here to defend their title with their best foot forward. They will move on to play Benedict College tomorrow at 4 p.m.

For more information about the 2011 Tournament, visit www.thesiac.com for up-to-date results on all teams in the championship. For updates on KSU’s volleyball team, visit www.ksuthorobreds.com.

Diana Martinez
Office of Sports Information
Kentucky State University
(502) 597-6399
ksu.sid3@gmail.com

Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Frazier dies at 67

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Joe Frazier (Bill Kostroun AP Photo)

Former heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic winner Joe Frazier died Monday night due to liver cancer at the age of 67.

Joe Frazier was born in Beaufort, South Carolina and raised in Philadelphia. Joe Frazier personified the spirit of Philadelphia: gritty, determined and hard working. Frazier fought his way up the ladder to become the undisputed heavyweight champion in 1971.

Frazier’s most hated and fierce rival was Muhammad Ali, who have fought three times over their storied careers. The first fight was billed “The Fight of the Century” held on March 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden. The match lived up to its publicized tagline, as Frazier went 15 rounds to secure the victory over Ali, giving him his first loss. Ali defeated Frazier in the next two meetings (Ali-Frazier II & the Thrilla in Manila).

Muhammad Ali said the Thrilla in Manila was “the closest I’ve come to death.” Ali said of the late Smokin’ Joe:

“The world has lost a great Champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.”

George Foreman, another rival of Frazier, had this to say about Frazier: “Good night Joe Frazier. I love you dear friend.”

Frazier was a boxing legend, having been enshrined into both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame. Joe Frazier retired in 1976 after losing to George Foreman. He tried to make a comeback, albeit unsuccessful, in 1981. His career boxing record was 32-4-1, with 27 wins by KO.

Despite his great success and legendary status, Frazier always had to live in the shadow of Muhammad Ali. The intensity of their rivalry escalated when Ali called Frazier a gorilla and mocked him and his followers as Uncle Toms. Frazier’s hatred of Ali was evident when asked about Ali lighting the torch at the 1996 Olympic Games. “They should have thrown him in,” Frazier responded.

Their rivalry waned over the years, as Frazier felt sympathetic to Ali as he suffers from Parkinson’s disease. “I forgive him,” Frazier said. “He’s in a bad way.”

R.I.P. Dr. Michelle B. Releford Winston-Salem State University

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Dr. Michelle B. Releford

Students at Winston-Salem State University morn the death of Dr. Michelle B. Releford. “Michelle has done an outstanding job as Dean of University College since joining Winston-Salem State in 2008,” said Chancellor Donald J. Reaves.

Releford has more than 25 years experience on college campuses with responsibility for a variety of areas including student development, enrollment management and student services.  She has served as vice president for student development and enrollment management at Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, Fla.; vice president for student services at Atlanta Technical College and Edison College in Fort Myers, Fla.; and dean of student services and enrollment management, dean of enrollment management and associate academic dean at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C.  She also was the owner of Insightful Concepts, an independent educational consulting firm.

Releford earned her undergraduate degree in English from Albany State College in Albany, Ga., her masters’ degree in instructional technology from Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. and her doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee.  She was a charter member of the Community College Advisory Task Force for The College Board and involved with a several national organizations involved in higher education.  She is also a member of American Association of University Women and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Her RAMDITION orientation program for freshmen this past fall semester certainly laid the foundation for their potential success on our campus. She has also provided leadership for the various programs and activities that are designed to support our student retention and graduation efforts.”

More information to come….

Howard Combines Defense and Running Game to Win over Hampton

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November 5–Howard used a grinding, ball control running game featuring a yeoman performance by Terrance Leffall and a stingy defense to defeat Hampton University, 10-7 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Armstrong Stadium.  The win snapped a 14-game losing streak to the Pirates, dating back to 1996.

 

The Bison (5-5 overall, 4-3 in the MEAC) set the tone early running Leffall on nearly every possession.  Howard was able to move the ball up and down the field between the 20s, but each time they would get in the Red Zone, they would fail to capitialize due to untimely mistakes that have plagued the team all season.

 

“The game plan was to give the ball to Terrance Leffall and control the clock,” said an elated Coach Gary Harrell, in his first year at the helm.  “We also wanted to cut down on turnovers and fumbles.  We thought that if we could do that and depend on our defense to play the way that they have been playing, then we like our chances.”

 

Meanwhile, the Pirates were unable to move the ball with any consistency as the nationally ranked Howard defense refused to yield in limiting them to less than 50 yards in the first quarter.

 

Howard was finally able to get on the board after a 16-play, 74-yard drive that was capped off by a Greg McGhee two-yard TD run at the 8:10 mark of the second quarter.  Howard continued to dominate the play and had at least two more opportunities to put points in the board, but the result was a missed field goal on one possession, and a failure to convert on a fourth and short situation.

 

 

The Pirates came out inspired in the second half, but the Bison defense continued to make the big plays.  Senior cornerback Lanny Kelly came up with the first of two big plays, intercepting a Travis Champion pass and returning it 38 yards, setting up a Parker Munoz 23-yard field goal that gave Howard a 10-0 lead with 7:70 left in the third quarter.

 

Hampton responded less than five minutes later when Charles Owens recovered a McGhee fumble in the end zone to draw to within, 10-7 at the 2:31 mark of the third quarter. Read Full article at Howard University 

 

WSSU Rams Dispatch The UNCP Braves, 35-7

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The #7 ranked Winston-Salem State University Rams used a punishing rushing attack and scored 34 unanswered points to defeat the UNC-Pembroke Braves, 34-7 on a cold and blustery afternoon at Grace. P. Johnson Stadium on the UNCP campus.

With the win, the WWSSU Rams move to 10-0 overall, 7-0 in the CIAA. This is the first undefeated regular season for Winston-Salem State, since the 1978 season led by head coach William “Bill” Hayes, current Director of Athletics. The win virtually cemented WSSU a playoff bid in this year’s NCAA DII Playoffs.

With the loss the UNC-Pembroke Braves fall to 7-3 overall.

UNC-Pembroke broke into the scoring column first, going on a 12 play, 91-yard drive that was capped off with a Luke Charles to Jamelle Banks five yard pass and catch, putting the Braves up 7-0. That was just WSSU’s second deficit of the season.

Winston-Salem State would answer back with an eight pay 47 yard drive that was capped off with a Maurice Lewis 11 yard run for a score, tying the game at 7-7 .

The Rams would force a punt on UNCP’s next possession and would embark on a 72 yard, 18 play drive, emptying nearly eight minutes off the clock. Nicholas Cooper would find the endzone, giving the Rams their first lead of the afternoon, 14-7.

After forcing UNC-Pembroke to punt after holding the Braves to a 3-and-out, WSSU would punch it in once again, this time 1:26 later, when Kameron Smith would find Tehvyn Brantley for a 10 yard score with 11 seconds left before halftime, pushing the score to 20-7. The PAT attempt was blocked ending freshman Alejandro Suarez’s perfect streak at 46.

After the intermission, WSSU would find paydirt two more times in the third quarter. A Kameron Smith to Jerry Chandler 13 yard scoring strike with 3:33 left in the period, and shortly after Smith would hook up with Brandon Akinbiyi from nine yards out to push the lead to the final score of 35-7.

The Rams ground attack racked up 278 rushing yards, as they finished the contest with 435 yards of total offense. UNC-Pembroke finished with 262 yards of offense. Read the Full Article at WSSU

Rusty Lions of Langston University put away Texas College to set up CSFL title game

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Quarterback Darrion Lewis completed 17 of 33 pass attempts for 169 yards and an interception Saturday.

BY: Michael Stewart, Sports Information Director, Langston University

After looking out of place and lethargic in the first 15 minutes against Texas College, the Langston University football team would shake off rust gathered from its’ bye week to improve to 7-2 on the year by posting a 29-14 victory over the Steers.  However, the visiting team (which dropped to 0-10 on the season) managed to take the first lead in any game on their entire 2011 schedule by taking advantage of opportunistic scores on defense and special teams in the first quarter.
Langston University Head Coach Mickey Joseph attributed the rust to two factors: playing the only other football HBCU inside of their conference, and not playing any meaningful football in two weeks.  He also shook off any perceived notions that an OU-Nebraska rivalry was in place amongst the two coaches, as Texas College Head Coach George Cumby played linebacker at the University of Oklahoma in the late 1970’s.
“I think that this game was bigger than George Cumby vs. Mickey Joseph,” the potential CSFL Coach of the Year candidate said.  “They happen to recruit a lot of the same kids that we look for, and the opportunity isn’t there for us that often to play other historically black schools.  A lot of our kids on both sides happen to know each other very well, so when you see these two schools get together, things happen to intensify and get heated more than usual.”
Joseph also denied that any rust would be lingering in Saturday’s upcoming Central States Football League Championship Game against Southern Nazarene, which is also SNU’s Homecoming.  He cited Langston’s brutal non-conference schedule as a reason why the Lions would be ready on Saturday.
“We have not played a little boy’s schedule,” Joseph said of Langston’s first month, which consisted of playing four NCAA schools from Division I and Division II.  “We happened to play against 63, 36, 36 and 36 scholarships in the first month compared to our ten or 11 that we are able to hand out every year, and happened to finish 2-2.  So, I think that we know what we have to do this week in practice in order to get ready for Saturday.”The Steers took advantage of a huge blunder on Langston’s part just six minutes into the game, when tailback Carlos Ross fumbled the ball after catching it from Darrion Lewis on a screen pass at the six yard line.  Joseph Judie recovered the fumble at the LU 3, and ran it in for the first Texas College lead of the 2011 season.  Ross would atone for his mistake by running in a 13-yard touchdown with only two seconds remaining in the opening quarter to tie up the game.  But, the Steers would take the Anthony Fernandez punt and spring enough blocks to allow Gary O’Leary to score another touchdown and give the visiting team a 14-7 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Momentum would shift in the second quarter due to a series of blocked kicks, as Fernandez would drill a 21-yard field goal to pull Langston within four points.  His second field goal attempt was blocked, but Sir Demarco Bledsoe returned the favor by blocking a Texas College punt to allow Antjuan Walker to scoop and score for Langston.  The extra point by Fernandez was blocked, but the Lions were able to take the lead at 16-14. Read Full Article at Langston University 

2011 HBCU All-Star Bowl East West Rosters Released

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The HBCU All-Star Bowl announces the 2011 East and West rosters. The third annual bowl matches the top senior players from the CIAA, SIAC, MEAC and SWAC.

EAST ROSTER

No. Name Pos School Ht. Wt. Hometown
1 David Legree QB Hampton 6-5 235 Brooklyn, NY
2 Lanny Kelly DB Howard 5-11 180 Berkeley, CA
3 Darius Jackson WR Delaware St 5-10 178 Quincy, FL
4 Andre Lyles DB Fayetteville St 6-2 212 Ahoskie, NC
5 Kevin Elliot WR Florida A&M 6-3 200 Orlando, FL
6 Kenneth Turner DB Bowie St 5-9 180 Oxon Hill, MD
7 Dominique Ellis DB South Carolina St 5-11 195 Atlanta, GA
8 Wallace Miles WR North Carolina A&T 6-1 193 Atlanta, GA
9 Nicholas Cooper RB Winston-Salem St 6-0 240 Clinton, NC
10 Delano Johnson DE Bowie St 6-5 260 Baltimore, MD
11 Reggie Sandilands LB Bethune Cookman 6-1 230 Miami, FL
12 Willie Carter WR Howard 6-3 205 Denmark, SC
13 Chris Walley QB Norfolk St 6-3 200 Tallahasse, FL
14 Michael Johnson QB North Carolina Central 6-2 225 Durham, NC
15 Micah Pellerin DB Hampton 6-0 200 New Orleans, LA
16 Jamain Smith WR St. Augustine 6-0 185 Kenansville, NC
20 Justin Ferrell DB North Carolina A&T 5-10 190 Danville, VA
21 Alton Keaton DB Winston Salem St 5-11 190 Fayetteville, NC
22 Christian Thompson DB South Carolina St 6-2 210 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
23 Victor Hairston WR Norfolk St 5-10 185 Martinsville, VA
24 Justin Babb RB Savannah St 5-10 195 Atlanta, GA
25 Jaashawn Jones RB Delaware State 6-1 220 Asbury Park, NJ
28 Antonio Dennard DB Langston 6-1 190 Chicago, IL
30 DeVonte Reynolds DB Norfolk St 6-2 210 Warsaw, VA
32 Dante’ Thomas RB Tennessee St 5-11 212 Dallas, TX
34 Corwin Hammond LB Norfolk St 6-1 220 Louisville, KY
35 Blake Erickson P/K South Carolina St 5-10 165 Pensacola, FL
40 Donovan Richard LB South Carolina St 6-1 220 Georgetown, SC
44 Demarius Folsom LB Florida A&M 6-1 225 Madison, FL
49 Ryan Davis DE Bethune Cookman 6-4 260 Tampa, FL
50 Jeremy Pruit LB Virginia St 6-2 235 Far Rockaway, NY
51 Larry McDonald OL Fayettville St 6-2 330 Durham, NC
52 Ryan Lewis LB Bethune Cookman 6-1 245 Pompano Beach, FL
53 Pat Washington DE South Carolina St 6-1 250 Charleston, SC
55 Brandon Harvey LB Delaware St 6-2 240 Laurel, NJ
58 Brenton Walker OC North Carolina A&T 6-2 295 Durham, NC
60 Baron Coffin OL Elizabeth City State 6-3 310 Pago, Amer Samoa
65 Juavahr Nathan OL South Carolina St 6-2 290 Lasson, SC
66 Brandon Curry OL Florida A&M 6-6 320 Hollywood, FL
70 Nate Curry OL Bethune Cookman 6-2 300 Miami, FL
71 Julian Gray OL North Carolina Central 6-4 300 Atlanta, GA
72 Keith Newell OL Delaware St 6-6 320 Trenton, NJ
77 Alex Harper OL North Carolina A&T 6-5 330 Baltimore, MD
78 Kendall Noble OL Norfolk State 6-4 290 Rocky Mount, NC
80 Lamont Bryant TE Morgan State 6-5 230 Newport News, VA
81 Isaiah Thomas WR Hampton 6-0 200 Washington, DC
82 Kevin Hodrick WR Chowan 6-2 215 Carson, CA
89 Antwanne Kerr TE South Carolina St 6-2 250 Augusta, GA
90 Charles Deas DL Shaw 6-6 305 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
92 Stanley Porter DL Shaw 6-4 265 Rosedale, MS
93 Corey Berry DL Howard 6-3 260 Orangeburg, SC
95 Josh Turner DL Norfolk State 6-1 315 Chesterfield, NC
96 Sackie Kerkulah DL Howard 6-4 295 Willingboro, NJ
98 Jerry Willis DL Florida A&M 6-4 290 Chicago, IL
99 Akeem Ward DL Winston Salem St 6-4 260 Holly Springs, NC

 

WEST ROSTER

No. Name Pos School Ht. Wt. Hometown
1 Adrian Moore RB Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6-0 215 Pine Bluff, AR
2 Darrius Williams DB Morehouse 6-3 210 Detroit, MI
3 Jerrel Noland QB Kentucky State 6-1 245 Detroit, MI
4 Hardcourt Farquharson DB Clark Atlanta 5-10 190 Miami, FL
5 Stanley Jennings QB Albany State 6-2 235 Marietta, GA
6 Moses Ellis DB Prairie View A&M 5-10 190 Fort Worth, TX
7 Ricky Johnson DB Fort Valley State 6-1 200 Atlanta, GA
8 Nick Andrews WR Alabama State 5-9 175 Maplesville, AL
9 Jared Green WR Southern 6-2 190 Vienna, VA
10 DeMario Pippen RB Tuskegee/Jackson St 5-10 195 Tuscaloosa, AL
11 Casey Therriault QB Jackson State 6-3 215 Wyoming Park, MI
13 Tony Davis FB/TE Fort Valley State 6-4 235 Fort Valley, GA
15 Demario Barber WR Fort Valley State 5-9 185 Ashburn, GA
16 Mario Louis WR Grambling State 6-1 190 New Orleans, LA
17 DeQuan Starling DB Benedict 5-9 180 Hakinsville, GA
18 Rashad McRae DB Albany St 5-10 195 Douglass, GA
19 Joseph Wylie DB Tennessee State 6-3 215 Fort Lauderdale, FL
20 Dominic Bell DB Grambling State 5-10 190 Pinellas Park, FL
21 Donovan Masline DB Alabama State 5-9 170 Jacksonville, FL
25 Martin Gilbert RB Texas Southern 5-10 210 Dallas, TX
28 Bruna Foster DB Grambling State 6-1 220 Ormond Beach, FL
30 Marcus Wright RB Texas Southern 5-11 210 Dayton, OH
31 Arturo Tamayo P/K Alcorn State 6-0 200 Moorpark, CA
34 Courtney Daniels LB Fort Valley State 6-1 230 Eatonton, GA
42 Kiece Crite LB Clark Atlanta 6-1 245 Lincolnton, GA
44 Jamark Gaskins LB Albany State 6-1 225 Tifton, GA
45 Adrian Hamilton DE Prairie View A&M 6-4 255 Dallas, TX
47 Rico Council LB Tennessee State 6-1 255 Chattanooga, TN
50 Cliff Exama LB Grambling State 6-1 235 Miami Beach, FL
51 Willie Fuller LB Alabama A&M 5-11 230 Lithonia, GA
54 Donovan Robinson DE Jackson State 6-3 255 Milwaukee, WI
55 Darel Strong DE Clark Atlanta 6-4 260 Fort Lauderdale, FL
56 Jaime Payton LB Southern 6-1 225 Gozales, LA
59 Kynjee Cotton DE Alabama State 6-1 260 Daphne, AL
60 Quinn Criss OL Texas Southern 6-1 285 Arlington, TX
63 Roderick Gladney OL Jackson State 6-4 360 Jackson, MS
66 Bobby Young OC Fort Valley State 6-1 295 Inglewood, CA
67 James Dekle OL Prairie View A&M 6-2 290 Miami, FL
70 Donovan Stevenson OL Texas Southern 6-3 310 Largo, MD
71 Bennie People OL Grambling State 6-2 285 Vicksburg, MS
74 Tim Tusey OL Prairie View A&M 6-4 300 Houston, TX
75 Jarvis Canty OL Morehouse 6-7 335 Great Falls, SC
77 Jesse Mitchell OL Kentucky State 6-4 345 East St. Louis, IL
78 Lee Almanza OL Southern 6-4 305 Houston, TX
80 Raphael Amey WR Kentucky State 6-2 190 Dumfries, VA
81 Renty Rollins TE/FB Jackson State 6-4 255 Detroit, MI
82 LaQuinton Evans WR Southern 6-2 205 Mansfield, LA
84 Derrick Hector WR Morehouse 6-6 220 Mobile, AL
85 Marcellos Wilder WR Jackson State 6-3 200 Tuscaloosa, AL
90 Chigbo Annunoby DL Morehouse 6-6 305 Jefferson City, MO
92 Donte Nicholls DL Tennessee State 6-2 312 Pompano Beach, FL
94 Kyle Hurt DL Lane/Mississippi Valley 6-4 265 Memphis, TN
95 Corey Hart DL Alabama A&M 6-2 245 Loachapoka, AL
96 Jonathan Hollins DL Texas Southern 6-4 300 Baton Rouge, LA
98 Antonio Rogers DL Grambling State 6-3 290 Atlanta, GA

Dillard Office of International Students and Study Abroad Travels to China

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Dillard Office of International Students and Study Abroad Programs (OISSAP) traveled to Beijing, China in October 2011 to reestablish a memorandum of understanding with Communications University of China (CUC). During the Dillard presidency of Dr. Marvalene Hughes, the universities formed a relationship and facilitated a student exchange agreement. However, in 2010 CUC experienced a change in administration. Consequently, OISSAP Director Dr. Kimya Dawson-Smith took responsibility for renewing the ties that had been formed between the schools.

Dr. Phyllis Dawkins, Dillard’s provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Toya Barnes-Teamer, vice president of student success, Dr. Hong Dai, mathematics professor and native Chinese speaker, and Dr. Dorothy Smith, dean of general education, all accompanied Dr. Dawson-Smith on the trip. As a result of their efforts, the new administration of CUC agreed to reestablish the institutional memorandum of understanding.

The Dillard administrators also traveled to Guangzhou and Shanghai, China to recruit students, examine global studies practices, and study student engagement practices.

OISSAP is currently working on a memorandum of understanding with CUC. They hope to have an exchange program in place – wherein students majoring in mass communications will have the opportunity to travel to China – by summer or fall of 2012.