The Jaguars scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th to break open a tie game and advance in the loser’s bracket. Southern will face Mississippi Valley State at 3:00 p.m. today as the final two teams in Bracket A. Southern will need to defeat the Delta Devils both this afternoon and Saturday to reach Sunday’s final.

Southern staked itself to a 3-0 led in the 3rd and held that lead until the 5th when the Braves rallied.  Alcorn took the lead, 4-3, on Eduardo Gonzalez’s 2-run homer to left field.

After the Jaguars retook the lead in the 7th with a pair of runs, Alcorn tied it in the top of the 8th before the Southern game-winning rally in the bottom of the inning.

Pedro Fargas faced only 2 Brave batters, but recorded both as outs and qualified for the victory. Saldivar Santon worked out of a bases loaded jam in the 9th to earn the save. Joseph Camp took the loss for Alcorn in a relief appearance.

Texas Southern Slugs their way past Jackson State

The Jackson State baseball team’s run in the 2012 Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament came to an end Friday afternoon, as the Tigers fell 11-1 to the Texas Southern Tigers at Lee-Hines Field.

Alabama State had staked itself to a 3-0 lead on a pair of RBIs by Richard Gonzalez as the Hornets rallied for all 3 of their runs in the 5th inning. Starter T.J. Renda was seemingly on cruise control until the 8th.

Anthony Dilligard woke up the Tigers with the tournament’s first home run to cut the lead to 3-1, and a couple batters later, the second blast of the tournament tied it. Lacy Jackson was responsible for that homer.
Texas Southern scratched out 3 more runs in the bottom of the 8th, and ASU went quietly in the 9th.

TSU advances to Friday’s elimination game at 12:00 p.m. vs. the loser of Thursday night’s Prairie View / Jackson State game.  Alabama State is eliminated from the tournament.

Southern knocks out Grambling

Southern ace Jose DeLeon threw a 6-hit shutout and the Jaguars advanced in the first elimination game of the 2012 SWAC Baseball Tournament on Thursday. The Jags defeated their rival, Grambling, 8-0.

Grambling proved its own worst enemy committing seven errors and giving up six unearned runs. Matt Mitchell took the loss for the Tigers, but only one of the seven runs he submitted in 7.0 innings was an earned run by the Jaguars.
Jeremy Lopez led the Southern offense with a pair of RBI after going 1 for 3 at the plate. DJ Wallace was 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored.

SWAC Hitter of the Year, Thomas Brown III, was the only Grambling player to collect more than one hit going 2 for 4.

Southern advances to play the loser of Thursday’s afternoon’s winner’s bracket game between Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State.  That game is scheduled for Friday at 9:00 a.m.

Drains solid start not enough versus Panthers

The Jackson State Tigers baseball team fell 2-0 to the Prairie View A&M Panthers on the second day of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament at Lee Hines Field in Baton Rouge, LA. With the loss JSU falls to a 34-16 record.

Quintavious Drains (11-5) pitched eight solid innings, allowing the two runs on only four hits, to suffer the loss. JSU’s offense could not get going. The Tigers also recorded four hits, with Aneko Knowles, Desmond Russell, Kendall Logan and Glenn Walker each finished with a hit.

The Panthers scored their first run in the fourth inning and the second run in the sixth.

Jackson State will look to stave off elimination Friday when the Tigers take on Texas Southern at noon.

The Delta Devils win a thriller over Alcorn State

Demetrins Bonner’s pinch-hit single in the bottom of the 12th inning lifted Mississippi Valley State to a 7-6 victory over Alcorn State in the SWAC baseball tournament at Lee-Hines Field on Thursday.

Allen Clark started the Delta Devils’ rally with a one-out single, his third hit of the day. Billy Linney, who had four hits, was walked by Ryan Fuentes, whose relief stint ended after 4.1 innings. Bonner greeted reliever Harrison Gary with a game-winning hit to right field.

The game had a 36 minute weather delay (from 7:32 – 8:08 pm) in the fourth inning.

JSU (34-15) will return to action Thursday at 6 pm to take on the Prairie View A&M Panthers. PVAM beat Alabama State 14-4.

Southern, the top seed from the Western Division, host of the tournament, and winners of 16 straight games coming into today’s game, seemed to be cruising to another victory with a 4-0 lead heading into the 8th inning.

That is when the Delta Devils found some offense starting with Germaine’s 3-run double to cut the Jaguar lead to 4-3. MVSU scratched out another run in the inning to tie the game heading to the 9th.

Germaine again rose to the occasion in the final inning driving in the deciding runs with a single through the left side.

MVSU now advances to play Alcorn State in Thursday’s winner’s bracket at 3:00 p.m.  Southern will face Grambling in a 9:00 a.m. elimination game.

The Panthers scored 11 runs to win 14-4 in 7 innings.

Carr played his final two years at ASU after transferring to the Hornets’ program from Florida State following the 2009 season.  Over the next two years Carr played in 12 games for ASU and had 55 tackles, (34 solo) with 8.0 tackles for lost yardage (-44 yards), including 3 sacks (-23 yards).  He also had an interception, three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

“Nigel Carr… what can I say. This young man came to us from Florida State, and he was a pleasure to coach. He has great energy and enthusiasm. After going undrafted, I made a call to their General Manager Ozzie Newsome to tell him about Nigel. He agreed to bring him up on a tryout basis for their minicamp. Nigel displayed what we knew he can do. I’m so happy and proud of him. Getting an opportunity to play in the NFL is a lifetime opportunity. We wish him well and know he will make us proud.”

He is scheduled to report to minicamp at the Baltimore Ravens training facility on June 1.

Alcorn State infielder Christian Hickman makes a diving stop during the Braves 6-2 win over Grambling State in Game 1 of the SWAC Tournament

BATON ROUGE, La. – Defending SWAC tournament champion Alcorn State rolled to a 6-2 victory over Grambling State in the opening game of the 2012 SWAC Baseball Tournament.

The Braves spotted GSU two early runs, but answered with a single run in the fifth and took the lead for good with a 3-run sixth. Steve Easter pitched a complete game to get the win for the Braves.

Alcorn State had five players in its lineup collect two hits, and Justin Barney drove in two runs as ASU advanced to face the winner of the Southern / Mississippi Valley State game on Thursday at 3:00 p.m.

Grambling’s Thomas Brown III was 2 for 3 at the plate to lead the Tigers. Richard Bautista threw a complete game in the loss. GSU falls to an elimination game vs. the Southern / MVSU loser on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

Kendall Logan/photo courtesy of JSU athletics

The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2012 all-conference baseball team on Wednesday to coincide with the beginning of the league’s championship tournament.

Eastern division champion Jackson State earned two of the top individual honors. Senior outfielder Kendall Logan was named SWAC Player of the Year by the league’s head coaches, and senior starter Quintavious Drains earned Pitcher of the Year.  Grambling sophomore third-baseman Thomas Brown III was awarded Hitter of the Year.

Southern outfielder D.J. Wallace was named Freshman of the Year, while Grambling outfielder Darren Farmer earned Newcomer of the Year.

Western division champion Southern dominated the first-team selections with five members. Grambling State placed three on the first team and two more on the second team. Jackson State had two each on the first and second teams.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kendall Logan – Jackson State
Logan was 9th in the league with a .333 batting average, and led the league in home runs (11), slugging percentage (.626) and RBI with 53. He was 2nd in total bases (107), 4th in runs scored (40), and 5th in hits (57).

HITTER OF THE YEAR: Thomas Brown III – Grambling State
Brown led the league in hitting (.412) and triples (7). He was 2nd in slugging (.601), on base percentage (.472), and doubles (15).

PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Quintavious Drains – Jackson State
Drains led the SWAC in innings pitched (102.2), wins (10), and starts (13). His 2.81 ERA was 2nd in the conference and his opponent batting average of .219 was 3rd in the league. He was 4th in the SWAC with 78 strikeouts.

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: D.J. Wallace – Southern

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Darren Farmer – Grambling State

FIRST TEAM ALL-SWAC
SP – Quintavious Drains, Senior, Jackson State
SP – Jose De Leon, Sophomore, Southern
RP - Josh Powell, Junior, Southern
C  - Evan Richard, Senior, Prairie View A&M
1B - Brian Rowry, Sophomore, Southern
2B – Elias Todman, Junior, Grambling State
3B – Thomas Brown III, Sophomore, Grambling State
SS – Chris Wolfe, Senior, Grambling State
OF - D.J. Wallace, Freshman, Southern
OF – Eduardo Gonzalez, Senior, Alcorn State
OF – Kendall Logan, Senior, Jackson State
DH – Derrick Hopkins, Junior, Southern
SECOND TEAM ALL-SWAC
SP - Matt Mitchell, Junior, Grambling State
SP – Desmond Russell, Sophomore, Jackson State
RP - Cody Parker, Senior, Mississippi Valley
C  – Richard Gonzalez, Freshman, Alabama State
1B – Darrion Pedro, Senior, Alabama State
2B – Christian Hickman, Junior, Alcorn State
3B – Frank Solis, Senior, Jackson State
SS – Angel Rosa, Sophomore, Alcorn State
OF – Michael Lowe, Senior, Mississippi Valley
OF – Anthony Flenoy, Senior, Texas Southern
OF – Darren Farmer, Junior, Grambling State
DH – Joseph Germaine, Junior, Mississippi Valley

Overall, the Delta Devils program has done it all on a shoe string athletic budget compared to their Division 1 counterparts.

“We are the lowest in the totem pole in resources and finances,” former MVSU head coach Sean Woods told USA Today in reference to the economic plight many small school face to stay competitive. “We can’t compare to anyone else in the country.”

Woods, who is the new men’s basketball coach at Morehead State lamented about how difficult it is to run a successful program with the mounting challenges around.

MVSU brought in $4.1 million in total revenue in 2011, according to data complied by USA Today.  Morehead State, which makes its home in the Ohio Valley Conference, has a $9.3 million budget.

And it is just not MVSU fighting an uphill battle either. Of the 20 lowest revenue-generating Division I programs on the list, six represent the SWAC.

Here is the breakdown by total revenue:

• Alabama A&M:  $6,003,172
• Alabama State: $10,614,081
• Alcorn State:  $5,995,743
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff:  $7,032,570
• Grambling State:  $6,212,914
• Jackson State:  $6,909,322
• Prairie View A&M: $9,509,384
• Southern:  $6,799,370
• Texas Southern: $10,108,775

As a result, lower D-1 coaches like Woods are expected to take on the jobs of entire support staffs.

“Eighty percent of my job is not basketball. I have to deal with kids’ scholarship information … dorms, food, anything you can think of,” said Woods. “My assistants have to teach to supplement their income.”

While stories like this might be new to those who could quite frankly care less about lower level college leagues or even the SWAC for that matter, these constant reminders of how far down the 10-team conference is from the one percent or even middle class of Division 1 is a reality HBCU institutions have dealt will for decades.  And more stories will be written until there is drastic changes at the state and local government level and within the NCAA itself.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Bears

Undrafted free-agent Joseph Anderson arrived at his first NFL minicamp only identifiable by the number 12 on his practice jersey and “ANDERSON” written on white tape attached to the front of his helmet.

When the three-day rookie minicamp was over, the former Texas Southern wide receiver made such a good impression on Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice and head coach Lovie Smith that we was able to ink a three-year contract with the team.

“It is exciting,” Anderson said Monday after learning of the news he would be a member of the roster when training camp begins in August. “I think my family is more excited than I am.”

“When you start a camp like this, you’re anxious to see what you have as far as the new guys are concerned,” said Smith. “Our draft picks were pretty much what we thought they would be. All of them stood out some time during the camp. Some of the undrafted players made their mark.”

Anderson obviously make a mark on the coaching staff during practice sessions at Halas Hall, displaying the ability that resulted in 47 receptions for 638 yards and four touchdowns a year ago.

“They (the Bears) liked the way I ran routes, came in and out of breaks and how I caught the ball,” said Anderson who had been on the Bears radar since the NFL Draft, and will be expected to play multiple wide receiver positions, including the slot.

While Chicago hasn’t made him any promises in terms of playing time, Anderson will make  it a point to learn as much as he can from veteran receivers such as Pro Bowl studs Brandon Marshall and Devin Hester.

“Right now I don’t know anything,” he said. “I just want to get into the playbook and learn from them.”

Anderson said the three years at Texas Southern was a major factor in what he hopes is the beginning of a successful NFL career.

“The SWAC has a lot of talent, but sometimes small school guys get overlooked. It makes me work harder. It makes me hungry,” Anderson said.

Courtesy: SWAC.org

IRONDALE – Mississippi Valley State came from three runs down to beat Jackson State 7-3 and claim their seventh SWAC softball title and first since 2009.

A grand slam by catcher Nicole Burr in the top of the seventh inning capped the comeback for the Devilettes, who improved to 34-17. MVSU will find out Sunday night where they will be heading in the NCAA tournament. The selection show will be streamed on NCAA.com at 9 p.m.

Burr was named Tournament Most Outstanding Player. She was joined on the All-Tournament team by teammates Kimberly Spivey, Alicia Lorenz. Jackson State had three players on the team. Last year’s tournament MOP Wendi Reed, Jasmin Warren and Tayler Nave. Giana Robinson and Rebecca Villarreal represented Texas Southern, while Cassandra Brown (Alabama A&M), Cally Falls (Prairie View), CeCe Kolesar (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) rounded out the team.

JSU threatened in both the second and third innings, advancing runners into scoring position. However, MVSU snuffed out each threat to keep the game scoreless.

However, in the fifth inning lightening struck off the bat of SWAC Player of the Year Wendi Reed. After JSU left fielder Jasmine Warren doubled, Reed launched a moon shot over the left field fence for a 2-run blast.
The SWAC East regular season champs wouldn’t go quietly. Devilettes loaded the bases in the top of the sixth inning. JSU reliever LeEthel Guillory walked MVSU catcher Nicole Burr to drive in pinch-runner Meagan Martinez to make it 3-1.

The skies opened up causing a 33-minute rain delay. When play resumed, MVSU continued the rally. After Guillory struck out Alexandra Sullivan, right fielder Rachelle Harris ripped a single to center, plating a pair of runs to tie the game at 3-3. Guillory struck out the side but the damage was done.

In the seventh inning, MVSU mounted a 2-out rally after an error kept the inning alive. Shana Ladner reached with JSU right fielder Lauren Aikens couldn’t come up with a pop fly. MVSU pounced on the opportunity.

Second-baseman Kishti Kamaka was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Alexandra Robertson followed with a walk to load the bases and set the stage for Burr. On a 3-2 pitch, Burr cranked the game-winning shot about 250 feet out of the yard.

Burr accounted for five of the Devilettes’ seven runs, although she only had one hit. Rachelle Harris drove in the other two runs. Alexandra Sullivan had two hits for MVSU.

Reed was 3-for-4 with a homer, two RBI and a stolen base. Amanda Vasquez had a double, while Sabeana Romero was 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Lorenz was the winning pitcher for the Devilettes. She allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk. She also had six strikeouts.

Guillory was the losing pitcher for JSU. She only gave up two hits, and only one of the five runs she surrendered was earned. She issued three walks and struck out two. Combined, the Lady Tiger pitchers, Guillory and Breea Jamerson only gave up four hits.

The last 24 hours has featured a whirlwind of rumors and speculation surrounding the position.

It was initially reported Saturday by Football Scoop, an amateur football news website, that ASU was on the verge of naming Northern Colorado offensive coordinator Michael Armour head coach.  That story was then picked up by several other news outlets hours later.

However, Alcorn officials, who originally said the school would make an announcement following this weekend’s commencement ceremonies, did not confirm those reports. In fact, an Alcorn spokesperson told the Natchez Democat Sunday “she didn’t know where that rumor came from” as no announcement was made regarding the head coach position.

It has been nearly three months since Alcorn State  let go Melvin Spears who was placed on administrative leave in December before being fired in February.  In Spears’ only season in Lorman, the Braves posted an abysmal 2-8 record (1-8 in the SWAC).

Spears was also subject of an investigation after Chris Perkins, the father of a one-time Alcorn player, claimed the coach threatened him and his son following a scholarship appeal hearing. Spears denied the report, however.

Prior to signing with Alcorn, Spears spent three years as head coach at Grambling State, winning a Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2005 before being fired the following season and later winning a wrongful termination lawsuit against the school.

Armour is one of four finalists for the vacant job, including Todd McDaniel, Alcorn State’s defensive line coach and interim head coach; Fredrick Farrier and longtime collegiate defensive coordinator Jay Hopson.

Sean Woods

It was no secret after the success Mississippi Valley State had under Sean Woods this past season, that he would be a hot coaching commodity in the offseason.

After leading the Delta Devils to a 21-13 record, Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and just a few minutes from the school’s first NCAA tournament win, Woods is leaving Mississippi Valley State for Morehead State.

Woods replaces Donnie Tyndall who took the same job at Southern Mississippi.

“He did a magnificent job at Mississippi Valley State, we feel fortunate to give him the opportunity at Morehead State, said athletic director Brian Hutchinson. ” He has passion, energy, a good basketball mind and people think highly of him. Sean is the right guy for us.”

Woods, who went 50-80 at Mississippi Valley improving the team’s win total each of the last four seasons, was a candidate for multiple jobs, including the vacant position at Southern Mississippi.

Multiple reports indicate the Tigers are set to hire former Lamar assistant Joseph Price.

Price, who coached under Pat Knight last season on the Cardinals bench, takes over  for Bobby Washington who was reassigned within the university and relieved of his coaching duties March 20.

The Tigers went 4-24 this past season under his watch, playing under a postseason ban and with a reduction in scholarships because of poor scores on the NCAA’s annual Academic Progress Rates report.

The TDC game will be played on Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 22.

The game will be played in ASU’s new Hornet Stadium.