Charlotte, NC (June 7,
2017) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
announces 2017-18 locations and dates for its 14 championships,
including the signing of a 3-year contract with Salem, Virginia to host
the conference's football championship through 2019. For the 13th
consecutive year, the annual men's and women's basketball tournament
will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The CIAA's championship
season begins in October with cross country and concludes in May with
outdoor track & field.
The 2017 CIAA Football Championship will be held at Salem Football
Stadium in Salem, Virginia on Saturday, November 11th. Last September,
the CIAA and its Board announced the relocation of eight (8) conference
championships six weeks prior to the scheduled football championship.
The City of Salem has hosted nearly 90 NCAA National Championship events
since 1993, including 25 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls. The Division III
National Football Championship Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl has been played at
Salem Stadium, the site of the upcoming conference championship. Last
year's CIAA Football Championship impacted over 300 youth through school
visits by football student-athletes while the game attracted nearly
3,500 fans during its first appearance in the new host city.
"The 2016 game was a great experience for local fans and Salem is
honored and privileged to host the CIAA football championship for an
additional three years," says Salem Mayor Randy Foley. "We have worked
extremely hard over the years to earn the name 'Virginia's Championship
City' and we're excited that the CIAA will now be an important part of
our championship legacy."
The City of Salem will host three additional CIAA events throughout the
2017-18 season. Football Media Day will be held on July 20th at the
Sheraton Hotel. Further details, including media registration, will be
announced by the conference office on Thursday, June 8th. The 2017 Men's
and Women's Cross Country Championships will be hosted at Green Hill
Park on October 26th while softball will take place April 30 – May 2,
2018 at Moyer Park.
"The city of Salem did an exceptional job hosting last year's football
championship. We were pleased with their support and welcoming spirit to
host the competing member institutions, fans, and sponsors," stated CIAA
Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "We are excited to bring the rich legacy
and tradition of CIAA championships to a city known for hosting top NCAA
championships and who understands the value of serving its community
through athletics. Our priority, annually, is enhancing the
student-athlete experience through community impact, leadership
programs, and championships. We are confident that the city of Salem
will continue to help us grow and expand our championship footprint."
The 2017 football season marks the 125th anniversary of black college
football, which began with two CIAA member institutions. On December 27,
1892, Livingstone College hosted Johnson C. Smith University, then named
Biddle Memorial Institute, for the first-ever black college football
contest. The CIAA will honor its rich football history throughout the
season, including the use of a celebratory football championship logo,
leading up to the annual Commemorative Classic between Livingstone and
Johnson C. Smith on November 4th and the CIAA Football Championship on
November 11th.
While many locations remain consistent after a successful 2016-17
championship season, the conference's Men's and Women's Indoor Track &
Field Championship will return to JDL FastTrack in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina after a one year hiatus. The return will fulfill the last year
of a previously drawn, 3-year contract with the facility. The two-day
event will be held February 11-12, 2018.
Teams, alumni, and fans will return to Charlotte from February 27–March
3 for the 2018 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament. Known as
the largest basketball championship in NCAA Division II, the event will
once again be held in two Queen City venues: Bojangles' Coliseum and
Spectrum Center (formerly Time Warner Cable Arena). The CIAA's Fan
Housing Program, which ensures the best hotel rates for Charlotte
visitors, is now open. Fans may book reservations online via
www.ciaatournament.org or by calling 1-844-293-6678.
With the close of the 2016-17 season, the CIAA has discontinued
sponsorship of its baseball program. The conference dropped to five
teams in 2014 after the departure of the Elizabeth City State University
program while the NCAA requires a minimum of six teams for sponsorship.
The 2017 Baseball Championship marked the end of the CIAA's grace
period, officially concluding conference-wide support of the sport.
2017-18 CIAA Championships
Sport Date Location
Men's & Women's Cross Country October 26, 2017 Green Hill Park | Salem,
VA
Football November 11, 2017 Salem Stadium | Salem, VA
Volleyball November 17-19, 2017 Virginia State University Multipurpose
Center | Petersburg, VA
Men's & Women's Indoor Track & Field February 11-12, 2018 JDL FastTrack
| Winston-Salem, NC
Men's & Women's Basketball February 27-March 3, 2018 Bojangles' Coliseum
& Spectrum Center | Charlotte, NC
Women's Bowling March 23-24, 2018 AMF Western Branch Lanes | Chesapeake,
VA
Men's Golf April 19-20, 2018 The Crossings Golf Club | Glen Allen, VA
Women's Tennis April 19-21, 2018 Bowie State University | Bowie, MD
Softball April 30-May 2, 2018 Moyer Park | Salem, VA
Men's & Women's Outdoor Track & Field May 4-5, 2018 Bowie State
University | Bowie, MD
For more official conference updates, follow the conference on Facebook
(The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports) or visit
www.theciaa.com.
SIAC Football Media Days Moving to College Football Hall of Fame
6/7/2017 | Football
ATLANTA (June 5, 2017) - The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (SIAC) is excited to announce that it will host its annual
Football Media Day on Tuesday, July 11 at the College Football Hall of
Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience in Atlanta.Head football coaches and two student-athletes from each team will be available for interviews and will have the opportunity to share their expectations and views on the upcoming football season. The predicted order of finish along with the preseason teams will also be announced during media day. Additionally, players, coaches, and invited guests will have an interactive experience after the event with a self-guided tour of the Hall.
"The College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience was built to serve as the home for and celebrate all things college football - players, coaches, teams, conferences and fans," said Dennis Adamovich, CEO of the Hall. "We are the perfect venue for important events like this and we are thrilled to welcome the SIAC here to host their Football Media Day."
"We are very pleased to have the SIAC Football Media Day hosted by the College Football Hall of Fame," remarked SIAC Commissioner Greg Moore. "In light of the rich history which spans more than 100 years, I cannot think of a more appropriate place to hold this year's event."
Registration is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. followed by opening remarks at 9 a.m. Media members may obtain a credential for the brunch and one-on-one interviews by completing an application found on www.thesiac.com. One-on-one interviews will will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. in a rotational format.
CIAA Kicks off 2017-18 with Football Media Day CIAA Kicks off 2017-18 with Football Media Day
Roanoke, VA (June 14, 2017) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) will kick off the 2017 football season with its annual Football Media Day on Thursday, July 20th at 9:00 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in Roanoke, Virginia.
Each of the CIAA's twelve head football coaches, accompanied by select student-athletes, will take the stage for discussion regarding their football program, athletes, and season schedule as teams anticipate the conference championship. This season's circuit will feature extended sessions for Q&A dialog between head coaches, student-athletes, and media. CIAA Football Media Day will open at 9:00 a.m. and close with remarks from Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams at 11:10 a.m.
Media interested in attending the Media Day circuit must RSVP via theciaa.com. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, July 12th.
The 2017 football season marks the 125th anniversary of black college football, which began with two CIAA member institutions. On December 27, 1892, Livingstone College hosted Johnson C. Smith University, then named Biddle Memorial Institute, for the first-ever black college football contest. The CIAA will honor its rich football history throughout the season, including the use of a celebratory football championship logo, leading up to the annual Commemorative Classic between Livingstone and Johnson C. Smith on November 4th and the CIAA Football Championship on November 11th. The championship game will be played at Salem Football Stadium and feature the CIAA Northern and Southern Division Champions.
For more information about the CIAA and its 14 championship sports, follow the conference on Facebook (The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports) or visit www.theciaa.com.
4/1/2017 | Football
Virginia Union University will host Winston-Salem State University in
the First Annual Willard Bailey Classic at 6:00 p.m. on September 16 at
Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.Bailey became an assistant football coach in 1964 under the legendary Thomas "Tricky Tom" Harris. In 1971 Bailey took over as head coach of the Panthers and would collect a school-record 151 coaching wins between 1971-83 and 1995-2003.
Bailey never had a losing season between 1971 and 1983 while Virginia Union had a streak of 21 straight winning seasons (1971-91). Bailey took VUU to the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs five straight times. VUU will honor Bailey at a banquet on Friday, September 15, in the Dr. Claude Perkins Living and Learning Center on the VUU campus. A Meet and Greet will be held at 6:00 p.m. with the banquet beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Honorable Sherman P. Lea, Mayor of Roanoke, Va., will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the banquet. Mayor Lea played for Bailey while attending VUU in the 1970s. Tickets are $40 apiece or a table of 10 for $350. Tickets will go on sale August 1, 2017.
6/1/2017 | General
Virginia Union University has announced that six former players, coaches and supporters will be inducted into the VUU Athletic Hall of Fame at a banquet to be held on Friday, September 22, in the Dr. Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center on the VUU campus in Richmond, Va.
Andre Braxton, Wanda (Hobbs) Gill, the late Lou Hearn, the late Benjamin Lambert, Dr. Thomas Loughran and the Honorable William Ormsby will be inducted.
Tickets are $45 apiece or $400 for a table of 10 and will go on sale on Thursday, July 1, in the Virginia Union Office of Institutional Advancement in the C.D. King Building and online at Eventbrite.com.
ANDRE BRAXTON
FOOTBALL
Andre Braxton re-wrote the Virginia Union University football record book when he played for the Panthers from 1997 to 2000. He gained 5,008 career yards, scored 63 rushing touchdowns, rushed for 1,660 yards in 2000, and 28 rushing touchdowns in 2000 alone.
Braxton won the Alonzo "Jake" Gaither Award, otherwise known as the "Black Heisman" in 2000 and was All-CIAA for four straight seasons, including the CIAA Player of the Year Award in 2000.
WANDA (HOBBS) GILL
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
While at VUU, Wanda played for the Lady Panthers under the late Coach Mr. Lou Hearn. In 1984, Wanda's freshman year, the Lady Panthers reached the Division II National Championship. Wanda graduated from VUU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Division of Social Sciences, Cum Laude. After graduating from VUU, Wanda worked for the Department of Child Support Enforcement in Richmond, Va. She led the team in scoring and rebounding her senior season (1986-87), averaging a double-double in both categories (11.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game).
LOU HEARN
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Lou Hearn guided the Virginia Union University Women's Basketball Team to the 1983 National Championship. He took over the program after the death of Thomas "Tricky Tom" Harris during the 1982 CIAA Championship Game. During his six seasons as the head coach of the Lady Panthers, Hearn compiled a won/loss record of 96-61, including three seasons of 20 or more wins.
BEN LAMBERT
SUPPORTER
Lambert was born in Richmond, Virginia on January 29, 1937. He received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Union University and a graduate degree from the New England College of Optometry. He began practicing optometry in Richmond in 1962.
In 1977, Lambert was elected a Member of the House of Delegates from the Richmond-based 33rd district. In 1985, he was elected to the Virginia Senate representing the 9th Senate District, which included all of Charles City County, and parts of Henrico County and the City of Richmond. He was the first African-American in the 20th Century to serve on the Virginia Senate Finance Committee. During his senate tenure, Lambert served on a number of committees, including Education and Health, General Laws, Privileges and Elections, Senate Finance, General Government, and Health and Human Resources. Additionally, he chaired the Subcommittees on Higher Education and General Government, the Brown v. Board Scholarship Commission, and the Lead Abatement Subcommittee.
Lambert served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Virginia Union University and Virginia Commonwealth University's Health Systems Authority Board. He also served as a Director of Consolidated Bank & Trust Company and USA Education Inc. He served on many different boards like The Benedictine College Preparatory and other schools.
DR. THOMAS LOUGHRAN
ALL SPORTS
Loughran was introduced to Virginia Union by long-time team doctor Dr. Walton Belle in 1988, and Loughran has been the team doctor to VUU student-athletes since that time. Dr. Loughran is an orthopedic surgeon in Richmond, Virginia and is affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is one of 20 doctors at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center who specialize in Orthopedic Surgery.
WILLIAM ORMSBY
TRACK, TENNIS
Ormsby ran track and played tennis for VUU between 1954 and 1957. During that time he competed in several regional events, including the Morgan State Relays. He qualified for the 100-yard dash and graduated from VUU in 1957. Ormsby is now a judge in California.
5/26/2017 | Women's Bowling
Virginia Union University bowler Nyema Gay has been selected to attend
the NCAA Career in Sports Forum, to be held June 1-4 at the NCAA
Headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind.Gay, who hails from Suffolk, Va., completed her senior season in 2016-17 for the Lady Panthers bowling team.
Each year, more than 460,000 student-athletes participate in 24 sports at more than 1,100 NCAA member institutions. Regardless of the sport they play, student-athletes all have one thing in common when they graduate: moving into the workforce.
The Career in Sports Forum, an annual educational forum hosted by the NCAA, brings together 200 student-athletes to learn and explore potential careers in sports, with the primary focus on college athletics.
This unique, four-day forum is designed to assist student-athletes in charting their career paths, as well as provide an opportunity to network and learn from current athletics professionals.
The cutting-edge topics covered by industry experts include: how personal values intersect with career opportunities, how behavioral styles impact individual effectiveness, the key professional and career development information to assist with transition from a student-athlete to a professional, and the role of the college coach or athletics administrator. Participants will network with peers, as well as key decision-makers at the campus, conference and national level of college athletics.
6/1/2017 | Baseball
Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University baseball announced the signing
of first baseman Adren Thompson to its 2017 recruiting class on Thursday
morning."Adren "Boo" (Thompson) is a player I first noticed as a sophomore, and we're excited to have him coming to us this fall," said head coach Rob Henry. "He comes from an excellent local high school (Henry Clay) where the coaching staff has helped him elevate his game at the plate and on the field."
Over the last two seasons, Thompson came on to the scene in central Kentucky with his production as a part of the Blue Devils' baseball program. He combined to hit for a .355 average, as he recorded 65 hits, 18 doubles, and five home runs. Due to his production at the plate, Thompson collected 56 RBIs and scored 32 runs between his junior and senior seasons.
"Boo is a power-hitting first baseman who will fight for a spot in our lineup from day one," said Henry. "He has good hand speed and pop at the plate with good feet and soft hands around the bag at first base."
Thompson provided solid glove work while covering first base position for the Blue Devils. In over 480 chances, he only committed 11 errors over his two seasons as a starter, recording a .977 fielding percentage.
"He's been a recruiting priority for us since I saw him over two years ago and I'm looking forward to watching him develop as a player over the course of his four years here," said Henry.
Thompson will arrive on campus for the 2017 Fall semester as a true freshman. He'll be setting his sights on a degree in nursing at KSU. He's the proud son of Michelle Ragland.
5/25/2017 | Men's Basketball
Virginia Union University's men's basketball team has signed Jemal
Smith, who scored over a thousand points in a two-year career for Hostos
Community College in Bronx, N.Y.Smith, a 5-9 175-lb. guard from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, closed out his Hostos career in stellar fashion, receiving NJCAA First-Team All-American honors. The 2016-17 CUNYAC and Region XV Player of the Year averaged 19.1 points, 11.0 assists, 4.3 steals, and 3.2 rebounds per game.
In his two-year career, Smith accumulated 1,103 points, 196 steals and 166 rebounds.
Smith was named CUNY All -Star during the 2015-16 Men's Basketball Season.
He also earned All-Region XV Honorable Mention Honors, and averaged 17.8 Points a game and 8.5 Assist per contest in 2015-16.
Men's Basketball Signs Raemaad Wright
5/26/2017 | Men's Basketball
Virginia Union University's men's basketball team has announced that
Raemaad Wright has signed to continue his career for the Panthers in
2017-28.Wright, who stands 6-7 and weighs in at 210 lbs., averaged 15.5 points per game and 15 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs last season.
The Bulldog senior went through the recruiting process but ultimately knew from the start VUU was a place he could see himself.
"They have a great history there," he said. "They seem to be successful at putting players in position to continue playing basketball after college. The coaches are great, and I feel I can get better under their program."
His family will be able to come see him play, since he will be so close to home.
"My family and little brother, who will probably miss me the most, will be close to me," he said. "It's a great environment to go to school and play basketball, especially with everyone being able to come see me play."
Wright knew exactly what he was looking for in a school, and VUU checked everything off of his list. He had interest from other schools, such as Allen University, Bluefield College, Bryant and Stratton and Livingstone College.
Everyone around Wright wanted him to go to VUU as well, but he ultimately made the decision himself. In his first year, he has plans to become a key role player but also to do whatever he can to help the team win. Off the court, he wants to maintain his classes and remain in good academic standing. He has plans to major in electrical engineering.
In his senior year, Wright was a first team all-conference selection and second team 4A East all-region selection. He was a part of a King's Fork team that finished second in Conference 17. He also spent time on the football field for the Bulldogs as well.
6/5/2017 | Women's Basketball
Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University women's basketball announced
the signing of 5 foot 10 shooting guard Khaliah Herbert on Monday
morning."Khaliah (Herbert) has great length, and she'll help us out tremendously on the defensive end of the floor," said head coach Terrance Slater. "She is also an excellent shooter, forcing teams to play us honest and not double down on the post. Khaliah will be asked to do a lot as a true freshman, and I think she will be up for the challenge."
Herbert was a 2017 spring graduate of Crete-Monee High School in her hometown of Crete, Illinois. As a part of the Warriors' program, she averaged 10 points per game and was named to the All-Conference squad after her senior campaign.
Once Herbert arrives on campus for the Fall 2017 semester, she'll have four years of eligibility at KSU.
6/2/2017 | Women's Basketball
Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University basketball announced the
signing of 5 foot 9 shooting guard Perri Mitchell on Friday morning."Perri (Mitchell) can flat out score the ball in a variety of ways," said head coach Terrance Slater. "Even though she'll be a freshman, we are expecting big things from her during her career here at KSU."
Mitchell, a native of Louisville, Kentucky and a graduate of Pleasure Ridge Park, will be stepping on campus as a true freshman in the fall.
While attending PRP, Mitchell averaged a double-double during her senior campaign with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. She was awarded for her stellar play as she was selected to the All-Sixth Region squad at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.
6/1/2017 | Women's Basketball
Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University women's basketball announced
the signing of Montgomery, Illinois native and former NCAA Division I
commit, Jordan Campbell on Thursday afternoon.Campbell, a 6 foot 0 junior forward, previously spent time at both University of Evansville and most recently with Tyler Junior College.
"Jordan (Campbell) will bring size and versatility to our front court," said head coach Terrance Slater. "Her ability to shoot the ball will help us stretch the defense. We are also going to count on her to rebound and play with high energy on the defensive end."
As a high school student-athlete at Oswego High School, along with her defensive presence, Campbell averaged 10 points and nine rebounds per game.
Campbell will be enrolled at KSU for the Fall 2017 semester and will have two years of eligibility.
5/30/2017 | Women's Basketball
Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University women's basketball announced
the addition of 5 foot 10 power forward Erica Jones to its 2017 signing
class on Monday morning.Jones will enter the 2017-18 season as a true freshman and will bring added stability to the Thorobrettes down in the paint with her style of play.
"We are so excited to have Erica (Jones) join our program," said head coach Terrance Slater. "I believe she'll help us out tremendously in the interior and makes us a faster more mobile team. She has potential and a high motor."
Jones hails from Southaven, Mississippi where she attended Southaven High School. During her senior season, Jones averaged 16 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks per game. Due to her overall performance, she was named to the All-District and AAA All-Metro teams.
5/26/2017 | Women's Basketball
Virginia University University's women's basketball team has added
another scoring standout to the 2017-18 fold. The Lady Panthers
announced the signing of 5-9 guard Bria McKinney on Friday, June 26.McKinney, out of Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Tx., played her freshman season for Eastern Florida State College and then for Louisburg College last season.
McKinney played sparingly for Eastern Florida, only seeing an average of one minute of play in 17 games for the Titans in 2015-16.
She blossomed, however, as a big scoring threat for Louisburg last season. McKinney averaged 14.0 points per game for a Louisburg squad which finished 26-6. In an exhibition game against Virginia Union on November 6, she scored a game-high 29 points.
While at Alief Taylor High School, she broke the school-record for most three-pointers in a game. As a freshman, McKinney was named the Newcomer of the Year.
McKinney will have two years of eligibility for the Lady Panthers.
5/25/2017 | Women's Basketball
Frankfort,
Ky.-Freshman Wynter Webb was announced as the newest signee
to Kentucky State University women's basketball and softball on
Thursday morning.
Webb, a 5 foot 10 small forward, hails from Buford, Georgia and will be a true freshman when she arrives on campus for the 2017 Fall semester.
"Wynter (Webb) will bring a lot of versatility to the perimeter," said head women's basketball coach Terrance Slater. "Her size and ability to score in a variety of ways, I believe will help her transition to this level with easy. Aside from athletics, she is a really good person and an outstanding student in the classroom. Wynter will be a great ambassador for our program, as well as the university."
During Webb's senior campaign at Mills Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia, she averaged 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals per game. For her play on the hardwood, Webb was named to the All-County Team, All-Region Team, and GACA All-State Team.
On the softball diamond, Webb comes to the Thorobrettes as an infielder, with a focus on third base.
"Wynter is a phenomenal athlete who is a force at the plate and has top level speed that will be a great addition to the team," said assistant softball coach David Morton. "We're looking forward to watching her succeed not only in softball but basketball here at KSU."
Frankfort,
Ky.-Freshman Wynter Webb was announced as the newest signee
to Kentucky State University women's basketball and softball on
Thursday morning.Webb, a 5 foot 10 small forward, hails from Buford, Georgia and will be a true freshman when she arrives on campus for the 2017 Fall semester.
"Wynter (Webb) will bring a lot of versatility to the perimeter," said head women's basketball coach Terrance Slater. "Her size and ability to score in a variety of ways, I believe will help her transition to this level with easy. Aside from athletics, she is a really good person and an outstanding student in the classroom. Wynter will be a great ambassador for our program, as well as the university."
During Webb's senior campaign at Mills Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia, she averaged 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals per game. For her play on the hardwood, Webb was named to the All-County Team, All-Region Team, and GACA All-State Team.
On the softball diamond, Webb comes to the Thorobrettes as an infielder, with a focus on third base.
"Wynter is a phenomenal athlete who is a force at the plate and has top level speed that will be a great addition to the team," said assistant softball coach David Morton. "We're looking forward to watching her succeed not only in softball but basketball here at KSU."
6/13/2017 | Men's Basketball
Frankfort, Ky.- Kentucky State University men's basketball announced the
signing of 6 foot 6 junior guard, Ray Croon to its 2017 recruiting class
on Tuesday afternoon."We are extremely excited to have Ray (Croon) as part of our program," said head coach Jamaal Jackson. "His aggressive approach to the game and his desire to become the best player that he can be will help make us a better team. His high expectations for himself will fit well with our high expectations for the program." Before transferring to KSU, Croon spent the last two season with Wayne County Community College. While a part of the Wildcats' program, Croon averaged 20 points and seven rebounds per game during the 2016-17 season. Nationally, Croon was ranked ninth overall in three-point shooting percentage at 48 percent.
Following his stellar regular season, Croon boasted a resume of 32 points and nine rebound per game during the NJCAA District 10 Tournament, including a 34-point performance against Macomb Community College in the championship game. After the tournament, Croon was named to the All-Tournament team and was awarded a spot on the Michigan Community College Athletic Association 2nd Team of the Eastern Conference. Croon averaged 20 points and seven rebounds per game during the 2016-17 season, while playing for Wayne County Community College. Once he arrives on campus for the 2017 Fall Semester, Croon will have two years of eligibility at KSU.
Kailen Olison Signs with Softball as a Part of 2017 Class6/13/2017 | Softball
Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University softball announced the signing of corner outfielder Kailen Olison on Tuesday morning. Olison, a 5 foot 7 switch-hitting true freshman, hails from Moreno Valley California, where she attended and played for Rancho Verde High School. "Kailen Olison is a team player with an athleticism that you cannot teach," said assistant coach David Morton. "Her versatility will be a great asset to the team, and her work ethic will ensure her success." As Olison will arrive on campus for the 2017 Fall Semester, she is undecided on a major but is an accomplished student as she recorded a 3.7 GPA at RVHS.
6/7/2017 | Softball
Frankfort, Ky.-Kentucky State University softball announced the signing
of freshman catcher Sidney Campbell to its 2017 recruiting class on
Wednesday afternoon."Sidney (Campbell) is a real find for us," said assistant coach David Morton. "She consistently shows the competitive attitude that we are constantly looking for at KSU."
Campbell comes to the Capitol City as a decorated student-athlete, playing the last five seasons at Ashland Blazer in Ashland, Kentucky. During her time with the Kittens' softball program, Campbell was a part of three 16th Region titles and manned the starting catcher position over the last four years.
Due to Campbell's role behind the plate with the Kittens' and the West Virginia Dusters' travel ball squad, her transition to the college game will be filled with the similarities. She has worked with and caught many current and recently committed NCAA Division I pitchers who range from the University of Louisville, Morehead State University, and Marshall University.
She'll also look to put the SIAC on notice as the 5 foot 5 catcher comes to KSU with a 1.70 pop time from home to second base to gun down potential base stealers. "She is also an amazing student who carries a 4. 0 GPA," said Morton. "We feel like she can fill the void that was left open by the graduation of senior catcher Emily Ross." Once Campbell arrives on campus for the 2017 Fall semester, she will begin her academic career by pursuing a degree in biology.
6/7/2017 | Football
Virginia Union University's first two home football games will be
broadcast live on Comcast channel 206 and Verizon channel 466 though an
arrangement with WTVR in Richmond, Va.Virginia Union's home opener against Newberry College will be broadcast on Saturday, September 9, beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET while the Panthers' game against Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, September 16, will be broadcast live beginning at 6:00 p.m.
"CBS-6 is excited about televising Virginia Union's first two home games of the 2017 Football season," said WTVR President and General Manager Stephen Hayes. "Both the Newberry and the Winston-Salem State games will be broadcast live on WTVR 6.3. We are looking forward to cheering the Panthers on this fall!"
Future home games are also being planned for broadcast, and the games will also be streamed live over the Internet. VUU will have a total of five home football games this season, all to be played at Historic Hovey Field.
6/5/2017 | Men's Track and Field
Virginia Union University's women's track and field program has signed
Taylor Marshall, a standout at Bishop McNamara (Md.) High School, to a
National Letter of Intent, it was announced on Monday, June 5.Marshall holds personal bests in the 100 meter of 12.19, the 55 meter dash of 7.35, and in the long jump of 16'9". She also will contest for the Panthers in the throwing events, where she holds personal records of 89'5" in the discus, 34'4" in the shot put, and has previously contested in the javelin throw.
"Taylor has dynamic range in events," said VUU Head Track and Field Coach Melissa Ferry. "Her versatility was what caught our attention, and we are very excited to see parlayed into a great college career at Virginia Union."
5/24/2017 | Women's Volleyball
Frankfort, Ky.-Katrina English was officially named head coach of
Kentucky State University volleyball on Wednesday morning by the KSU
Athletics office."I'm here to build leaders," said English. "I'm not here to just build athletes; I want to create lifelong leaders, who will have success in whatever venue they go into as a professional. I want to build up young ladies KSU supporters will be proud of while they're here earning an education and when they move on to their lives after graduating."
English comes to the Thorobrettes' program from Temple Junior College in Temple, Texas. She spent the last four seasons as the head coach of the Leopards accomplishing several goals during her tenure. TJC was Region V Conference Runners Up in both 2014 and 2015. English coached three all-Americans, five Academic Award Recipients, and two Region V Most Valuable Players while roaming the sidelines of the TJC Gymnasium.
Before her time at TJC, English served as head coach at St. Gregory's University, a NAIA institution in Shawnee, Oklahoma. During her one season, English led the Cavaliers to their first conference tournament appearance in eight years in 2013.
English played collegiately at Houston Baptist University in the early 2000s, as she was named All-Region Team in 2002 and All-Conference Team in both 2002 and 2003.
In 2005, she graduated from HBU with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and English. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Psychology at St. Edwards University.
English will be inheriting a KSU volleyball programs that have won three SIAC Championships in the last four season.
"This is a great place to be with all the culture, diversity, and the tradition of winning," said English. "I believe this will be a year where we'll have to work hard, where I've come into the position late, but we're going to get together and continue to be a top team in the SIAC."