Florida A&M university quarterback Curtis Pulley was joined by Florida State University quarterback Christian Ponder to make a special appearance at Hartsfield Elementary School.  They were both guests of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks and Leon County Superintendent of Schools Jackie Pons.  

Marks was unveiling his annual book list for students to read.  Marks was ecstatic to have Pulley and Ponder visit the school.  "We have Tallahassee's star quarterbacks in the same place," Marks said to thunderous applause.  

Pulley was not a stranger to Hartsfield Elementary as he visited them last year as well.  He talked to the students about the importance of reading and staying in school.  The 350 students who crammed into the cafetorium were K-2nd graders.  The rest of the school's students, third-fifth grade, watched on closed circuit television in their classrooms.  Pulley and Ponder didn't disappoint those students though.  When they finished their presentation in the cafetorium, they strode the halls of the school visiting students who weren't in the main event.

Pulley was happy to be there.  "Its great when you can give something back," he said.  "When I was a kid, I remember when people came to our school and it meant a lot to me then and I think it means a lot to these kids today," he added.

Marks was very excited about the turnout.  "To have these two brilliant quarterbacks here at this event shows how this event has grown," he said.  

The students thanked Pulley and Ponder for coming, and the quarterbacks signed hundreds of autographs before leaving the school.

BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 31) – The Florida A&M University Rattlers used a fourth down defensive stand in overtime to escape Earl Banks Field with a 31-28 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football victory over the Morgan State University Bears here Saturday evening.

Senior defensive tackle Cameron Houston’s tackle of Morgan quarterback Carlton Jackson on a fourth down and less than a yard rushing attempt in the overtime, resulted in a measurement by officials, who spotted the ball just shy of the FAMU 15-yard line, ending the game, after the Rattlers had taken the lead, 31-28, on a 35-yard field goal by Trevor Scott during their overtime possession.

It was the sixth overtime win for the Rattlers since 1996, when FAMU outgunned Joe Taylor’s Hampton squad, 59-58 in a six-overtime barnburner in the Coca Cola Circle City Classic, plus it was their fourth victory in extra frames in five tries.

Saturday’s sudden death dramatics ended a see-saw affair which witnessed the Rattlers bolt to a 14-0 lead midway through the first period, seemingly on the verge of taking total control of the game.

But Morgan stormed back to tie the game 14-14 by halftime, then the two clubs, like heavyweight boxers in the clinch, traded scores, tying the game at 28-28 with eight minutes left in regulation.

FAMU (6-2, 4-1 in MEAC) remained in contention for the conference title with the victory, while Morgan State (6-3, 3-2) dropped into sole possession of third place behind South Carolina State (7-1, 5-0), which pounded Delaware State, 52-10 in Orangeburg on Saturday.

The Rattlers’ victory came for the most part due to yet another stellar performance by senior quarterback Curtis Pulley, who rushed for a game-high 231 yards  on 20 carries, scoring two (2) TDs, while passing for another 174 yards on 13 completions (23 attempts) and one TD, finishing the day with 405 total yards.

• Pulley’s 231-yard rushing effort Saturday was the fourth-highest single-game total in FAMU history.

• He not only became the sixth Rattler footballer to rush for over 200 yards in a single game, but he moved up two spots to 14th on the all-time FAMU career rushing list with 1,684 yards, leaving him one yard shy of Hubert Ginn’s spot (1,685 yards from 1967-70), who is 13th on the list.  

The First Half…
Pulley capped a 75-yard drive by tossing a 16-yard scoring strike to Kevin Elliott for a 7-0 FAMU lead with 13:10 left in the first period. He then engineered another scoring drive on the Rattlers’ next possession, capped by a 19-yard run by Philip Sylvester with 6:43 left for a 14-0 FAMU lead.

Morgan rallied as Carlton Jackson fired a 27-yard scoring strike to Edward Morton-Green with 2:18 left in the first for a 14-7 count, then following an interception, the Bears tied the game at 14-14, on a two-yard run by Domanick West with 14:03 left in the second period.

The Second Half….
Pulley put the Rattlers back in front, 21-14 on a six-yard TD burst for 10:21 left in the third period, but the Bears evened the count at 21-21 on a one-yard run by Carlton Jackson with 1:29 left in the third.

Pulley raced 36 yards for a touchdown with 14:14 left in regulation put FAMU back in front, 28-21, but Carlton Jackson found Edwin Baptiste alone down the far sideline for a 53-yard touchdown and a 28-28 deadlock with 8:33 left in regulation.

The Overtime…..
Morgan State won the toss for the overtime period, but elected to go on defense.

Philip Sylvester gained four yards on the first play for FAMU, then Pulley picked up three yards on a quarterback keeper, before his third down pass for Kevin Elliott was incomplete, forcing the Rattlers to kick a field goal for a 31-28 lead.

Morgan’s Carlton Jackson was sacked by LeRoy Vann for a nine-yard loss on the Bears’ first play, but fired a 15-yard completion to Terrell White to the FAMU 19-yard line.

Jackson then scrambled three yards to the FAMU 16-yard line, setting the stage for the game-saving fourth down stand.

GAME NOTES: The cliffhanger ending to Saturday’s game was no surprise to most observers, since the last three games prior had been nerve-racking affairs… In fact, FAMU’s stand in the overtime was reminiscent of their 24-23 Homecoming victory in 2006, when the Rattlers used a four-down goal line stand to deny the Bears in Bragg… In 2007, missed opportunities on offense proved to be the difference in a 14-12 FAMU loss at Baltimore, then in last year’s Homecoming reprise with Morgan (2008) in Bragg, the Bears escaped Tallahassee with a 13-10 win, cashing in a late field goal to nip the Rattlers…. Saturday’s game was the 10th overtime affair for the Rattlers dating back to 1996, and the win over Morgan boosted the Rattlers to 6-4 all-time in those games…

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Pulley’s rushing performance gave the mercurial Kentucky native 416 yards rushing in the last two games…. He has had three of the all-time best single game rushing performances in school history this season: 196 yards in the Sept. 5 season opener against Delaware State; 185 yards rushing last week against Norfolk State and 231 yards on the ground Saturday against Morgan….He now has 810 yards rushing, 79 yards shy of his team-leading 889 yards on the ground he compiled last season….  Pulley also threw for 174 yards Saturday, moving him into eighth place on the FAMU career passing list at 3,039 yards, vaulting him past Rattler legend Steve Scruggs (2,981 from 1967-70)…… LeRoy Vann’s 47 punt return yards boosted his 2009 season total to 459 yards on 22 runbacks, leaving him 19 yards shy of the school’s single-season record 478 set by Howard Huckaby in 1988…. Philip Sylvester rushed for 22 yards  on nine carries, leaving him seven yards shy of 1,800 career rushing yards (1,793), good for 11th place on the all-time FAMU rushing charts….. Sylvester also had a 49-yard pass reception that led to a score, while split end Kevin Elliott finished the evening with seven catches for 81 yards and one TD…. Isaac West also had three catches for 30 yards…. NT Cameron Houston led the Rattlers with 10 tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble, followed by defensive back Fabian Wilson with nine tackles….

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU will host the Aggies of North Carolina A&T in their home finale at Bragg Stadium next Saturday at 3 p.m.

 PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (Oct. 31) - The Florida A&M University Women’s Cross Country Team picked up a 10th place finish in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Country Championships held in Princess Anne, Md., on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Saturday morning.
 
Norfolk State won the 2009 MEAC team crown tallying 49 points, while Jahlisha Smith of Hampton won the individual competition with a time of 18:34.80, to earn first All-MEAC honors.
 
The Lady Rattlers were led by Latoya Wright, who was FAMU’s top finisher with a time of 22:48.45. Other Lady Rattler competitors included Jeanette Hulse (23:08.86),  Samantha Young (23:11.61),  Tiffiny Morrow (24:04.23),  Ann-Marie Francis (24:11.41) and Keelyn Fleming (25:39.62).

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Oct. 29) – The Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball team blanked Winston-Salem State, 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-12) in a non-conference match Friday night.

Junior Jovana Blazeski led FAMU (10-8) with 21 kills, while Maria Gomez and Maria Ceccarelli had seven kills each.

Junior setter Jessica Bond dished out 35 assists, while Susan Egoavil and Blazeski each had nine (9) digs.

The Lady Rattlers were solid on defense against WSSU (4-28), holding the Lady Rams to just 15 kills total Friday night.

FAMU returns to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play on Sunday at 12 noon against the North Carolina A&T Lady Aggies in the Corbett Center in Greensboro, N.C.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (October 28 ) - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host its 2009 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships on Saturday, October 31 on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland.

The host and reigning MEAC women’s cross country champion Maryland Eastern Shore Lady Hawks will compete for their third consecutive title and fourth overall.

Junior Tamica Thomas and Senior Celia Whyte have led the way as the top two finishers for the Lady Hawks throughout the season. Thomas won the Delaware State Invite with a time of 19:27.47 while Whyte was a close second with a finish of 19:27.78.

Norfolk State freshman Aurora Scott has the fastest time this season in the MEAC on a 5K course with a time of 18:27 that she posted at the Great American Cross Country Festival-HBCU Challenge.

Leading performers for FAMU coach Darlene Moore include Jeanette Hulse, who was the top finisher in the Bobby Lang Invitational on Oct. 3, running the five-kilometer distance in 22 minutes, 10 seconds, for fifth overall in the individual standings.

Also slated to compete for the Lady Rattler contingent will be Latoya Wright, Samantha Young, Tiffiny Morrow, Keelyn Fleming and Ann-Marie Francis.

The 2009 MEAC Cross Country Championships will begin with the women’s five-kilometer (5K) race at 9:45 a.m. followed by the men’s eight-kilometer (8K) race at 10:30 a.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, which is located on One Backbone Road in Princess Anne, Maryland will also host the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Cross Country Regionals on Saturday, November 14.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (October 28) - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host its 2009 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships on Saturday, October 31 on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland.

On the men’s side, the Norfolk State University Spartans will vie for their second straight title and their ninth overall since joining the MEAC in 1997.

Sophomore Philemon Kimutai has paced the Spartans with four top five finishes this season including victories at the William & Mary Colonial Inter-Regional Invite and the Great American Cross Country Festival-HBCU Challenge.

His time of 24:46 at the Great American Cross Country Festival-HBCU Challenge is the fastest MEAC time this season on an 8K course.

For coach Darlene Moore’s FAMU Rattler squad, the leading performer has been Lamere Buchanan, who turned in one of the Top 20 times in the MEAC this season, with a 28:09 clocking, good for first in the eight-kilometer Bobby Lang Invitational, heading a group of five Rattler runners in the Top Ten among individual performers on Oct. 3.

Other FAMU men slated to compete in this weekend’s championships will be Paul Williams, Artiom Podgainii, Isaiah Coleman, Brandon Alexander, Robert Bogle, Demarius Carroll and Arthur Kinder .
The 2009 MEAC Cross Country Championships will begin with the women’s five-kilometer (5K) race at 9:45 a.m. followed by the men’s eight-kilometer (8K) race at 10:30 a.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, which is located on One Backbone Road in Princess Anne, Maryland will also host the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Cross Country Regionals on Saturday, November 14.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The 2009-10 Florida A&M University Women’s basketball team is looking to pick up where they left off last season, and compete for the 2010 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.  
Last year under first year head coach LeDawn Gibson, the Lady Rattlers finished 14-17 overall and 7-9 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, making a surprising run to the semifinals of the 2009 MEAC Basketball Tournament.

The 2009-10 Florida A&M Women’s Basketball Roster will display a number of new faces as the Lady Rattlers will have only four letter winners returning from last year’s team.

Fifth-year senior Deidra Jones will be looked at to lead the Lady Rattler attack.  Jones, a 5-10 guard from Powder Springs, Ga., started in all 31 of the FAMU games last season averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.  She scored a season high 24 points against UCF (11-21-08) and dropped in 21 points against Coppin State (3-11-09) in the quarterfinal round of the MEAC tourney.

Also returning will be Antonia Bennett, a 6-1 sophomore guard / forward from Lakeland, Fla., who is a versatile athlete that will see action at the shooting guard, small forward  and power forward positions.  She finished last season averaging 9.6 points, 6.2 rebounds  and 1.3 assists per game.  

Another deep scoring threat for the Lady Rattlers is Tameka McKelton, a 5-8 sophomore guard from West Palm Beach, Fla., who averaged 6.2 points, and 2.6 rebounds per game.  She scored a season high 21 points against Hampton (1-12-09) and dropped in a team high 17 points against No. 16 ranked Pittsburgh (12-19-08).

Rounding out the cast of Lady Rattler returnees is Qiana Donald, a 5-9 sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla., another multi talented performer, who will see action at the shooting guard, small forward and power forward position.  She finished last season averaging 4.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

In the Lady Rattler backcourt, FAMU will have the services of Bianca Cordero, a 5-7 freshman guard from Miami, Fla.;  LaShonda Gaines, a 5-7 senior guard from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.;  Jasmine Grice, a 5-9 freshman guard from Quincy, Fla.; Cameo Kent, a 5-10 junior guard transfer from Indian River State College from Stuart, Fla.;  and Christian Rateree, a junior guard transfer from Northwest Florida  State college from Decatur, Ga.

In the Lady Rattler front court, Coach Gibson has added depth with the addition of Danielle Anderson, a 6-0 junior forward transfer from Georgia State, who will not be able to play until the spring semester due to the NCAA one-year residency rule.   Other additions up front include Crystal Chaney, a 6-2 forward / center from Lawrenceville, Ga.;  Eliza Bryant, a 6-4 center freshman from Vienna, Ga.;  and  Simone Durden, a 6-0 freshman forward from Gainesville, Fla.

The Lady Rattlers will open the 2009-10 campaign with an exhibition game against Tuskegee University in the new Alfred Lawson Center on Friday, November 6, tipping off at 5:30 p.m.

FAMU will then open the regular season in Tampa on Friday, November 13 in the Sun Dome against USF at 7:00 p.m., followed by back-to-back home games against Savannah State on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:00 p.m, followed by a Monday, Nov. 23 clash against Albany State at 7:00 p.m.



 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida A&M University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Eugene Harris heads into the 2009-10 basketball season with six returning letter winners, three freshmen and two junior college transfers, to make a bid for the 2010 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship.

The Rattlers, which finished last season with a record of 10-21 overall and 6-10 in MEAC play, will have a seasoned backcourt with the return of David Buchanon, a 6-1 sophomore point guard, who saw action in all 31 of the Rattlers games, while starting in three of them.  Buchanon scored a season high 18 points against South Carolina State (3-2-09) and pumped in 17 points against Howard (1-10-09).  He also scored in double-digits against the University of Mississippi with 10 points and dishing out seven assists.

Also returning in the Rattler back court is Brandon Bryant and Dale Hughes, both of whom are three-point threats for FAMU. 

Brandon Bryant, a 6-3 senior guard from Tuscaloosa, Ala., started in all 31 of the Rattlers games last season.  He finished the season averaging 10.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, while dropping 46 treys in 161 attempts.  Bryant scored a season high 21 points against Coppin State (2-16-0) by going five –of- 10 from the three-point stripe. 

Dale Hughes, a 6-2 sophomore guard from Columbus, Miss., saw action in all 31 games, while starting in two of them last season.  This three-point phenom made 72 three pointers in 185 attempts.  He boasted a season high six treys against Nebraska (1-5-09) to finish with 17 points.  Hughes also hit four or more three pointers six times last season.

FAMU will also have the services of Isaac Brown, Rasheem Jenkins and Christopher Walker.  Brown, a 6-3 redshirt freshman from Miami, Fla., will give the Rattlers depth at the point guard position; Jenkins, is a 6-1 guard from the Bronx, N.Y., who transferred in from Panola (Texas) Junior College, while Walker, is a 6-6 guard from Selma, Ala., who transferred from Wallace-Selma Junior College.

In the Rattler front court, Coach Harris will look for leadership from Larry Jackson.  Jackson, a 6-6 junior forward from Chattahoochee, Fla., played in all 31 Rattler games a year ago.  He is a versatile player, who will see action at the small forward and power forward positions.  He finished the season averaging 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, scoring a season high 18 points against Bethune-Cookman (3-5-09) and Norfolk State (2-9-09). 

Also returning to the Rattler front court will be Yannick Crowder and Cecil Bent.  Crowder, a 6-8 sophomore from Stone Mountain, Ga., is a pure shot blocker.  He finished the season averaging 4.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.  Crowder earned MEAC Rookie of the Week honors for recording a double-double against Winston-Salem State (1-31-09) with 13 points and 13 rebounds.  He also recorded an 11-point performance against Bethune-Cookman (12-6-08).

FAMU will look to Bent to be that dominating force in the paint.  Bent, a 6-9 sophomore center from Swainsboro, Ga., played in 29 games averaging 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.  He scored a season high eight points against Morehead State (11-23-09) and dropped in six points against Arkansas (11-29-08).

The Rattlers added much needed depth to their front court with the additions of Nikko Acosta, a 6-8 freshman forward from New London, Conn; Amin Stevens, a 6-6 freshman forward from Roswell, Ga., and Travis Wallace, a 6-6 freshman forward from Cobb County, Ga.

The Rattlers open the 2009-10 season in the new Alfred Lawson Center on Friday, November 6 with an exhibition game against the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee (Ala.) University. Tipoff will be 7:30 p.m., then open the regular season on Saturday, November 14 at Georgia Tech, starting at 7:00 p.m. in Alexander Coliseum in Atlanta.

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 27) – The Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball team had their six match win streak snapped here Tuesday evening after suffering a 3-1 setback  (21-25, 14-25, 25-21, 15-25) to the University of South Florida.

FAMU (9-8) was led by junior Jovana Blazeski with 15 kills, followed by nine from freshman Mari Ceccarelli and seven from freshman Pamela Barrera.

Junior setter Jessica Bond dished out 35 assists, while Blazeski (14) and Bond (11) led in digs.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers continue on the road this weekend with matches at Winston-Salem (N.C.) State (7:00) on Friday and at North Carolina A&T (12 noon) on Sunday…. Their next home match will be on Thursday, November 5, when they host South Carolina State (6:00) in the Lawson Center.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 24) – Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley turned in another star performance Saturday, leading the Florida A&M University Rattler Football team to a 34-20 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over Norfolk State University in the 2009 Homecoming Game in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

FAMU (5-2, 3-1 in MEAC) piled up 402 yards of offense, highlighted by Pulley’s 358 total yards, which featured 185 yards rushing (on 17 carries) and one TD, plus 173 passing yards (13 of 22) and two TDs

The talented youngster from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, tossed a one-yard scoring pass to Mykel Benson capping the game’s opening drive with 10:47 in the first quarter, then later extended the Rattler lead to 31-13 with 4:16 left in the second period on his scintillating 51-yard TD run, the longest run of his FAMU career.

Norfolk State (3-4, 2-3 in MEAC) hung tough against the Rattlers, tying the score at 7-7 on their first possession of the game on a one-yard plunge by halfback Josh Alford with 8:10 left.

Pulley led another FAMU drive in the opening stanza, a 55-yard march, that ended with a 22-yard field goal by Trevor Scott with 2:59 to play, putting the Rattlers ahead for good at 10-7.

Junior tailback Philip Sylvester, who has been slowly recovering from an ankle injury, raced into the end zone from 22 yards out with 14:51 left in the second quarter, boosting the Rattler edge to 17-7, before fullback Mykel Benson snared a Pulley pass and rumbled 30 yards for a score with 6:56 left to extend the FAMU lead to 24-7.

Pulley’s 51-yard TD gallop right before the half closed the Rattlers’ scoring for the first half at 31-13.

The action slowed down considerably in the second half, with the Spartans breaking the ice as P.J. Hayden caught a 17-yard pass from Dennis Brown to slice the Rattler lead to 31-20 with 14:50 left in the game, before Trevor Scott’s 30-yard field goal with 9:33 to play added the game’s final points for a 34-20 count.

BY THE NUMBERS: The Rattlers outgained Norfolk, 402-225 in total yards…. Sylvester also rushed for nearly 100 yards Saturday, netting 92 yards on 18 carries, while All-America LeRoy Vann finished with 24 yards on five carries in FAMU’s version of the “Wildcat” offense…. Benson led the Rattler receivers with five receptions for 71 yards, followed by Jarvis Funderburk (2 for 29) and Isaac West (2 for 27)…. NSU quarterback Dennis Brown led the Spartans on the ground with 78 yards on 14 carries, while passing for 188 yards on 16 completions (of 29 attempts) and one TD, with two interceptions….. Qier Hall and Anthony Shutt had interceptions for FAMU this Saturday, the first of the year for both….. Sylvester and Pulley made some big jumps on the Rattler Career Rushing Charts Saturday…. Pulley’s 185 yards rushing, 11 yards shy of his 196-yard effort against Delaware State in Week One, pushed him to 16th on the FAMU charts at 1,453 yards, while Sylvester moved up to 11th all-time with 1,771 yards rushing in his career…. Sylvester needs 229 yards to reach 2,000 career yards, while Pulley 547 yards to reach the 2,000-yard plateau, a feat only six other Rattler runners have managed in school history….

HOMECOMING NOTES: This year’s Homecoming theme was “Blood, Sweat and Tears,” Great Moments In Rattler Football History, with a Special Tribute to NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes…. In pregame ceremonies, a special commemorative flag honoring Bob Hayes was raised on the north side of the stadium with a replica of Hayes’ Orange Blossom Classic jersey…. Then the 1959, 1969, 1977, 1978 and 1979 teams were recognized for their achievements, along with other former FAMU players who returned to Tallahassee for the annual football reunion…. The five teams plus Hayes were honored at a Homecoming Eve Gala in the new Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Friday night.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will continue their NCAA Division I FCS playoff drive next Saturday in Baltimore, Maryland, as they square off against the Morgan State University Bears (5-2, 3-1) at Earl Banks Stadium. Kickoff will be 4:00 p.m…. The Rattlers and Bears trail league-leading South Carolina State by one-half game in the MEAC standings, so Saturday’s Halloween encounter will likely clinch the league’s number two spot for the winner, keeping the victor mathematically alive for the 2009 conference title..... Incidentally, Morgan State has won the last two games aganst FAMU, 12-10 in Baltimore in 2007 and 13-10 at the Rattlers' Homecoming in 2008.

2009-10 Men's Home schedule features Florida International, MEAC lineup

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 21) – The Florida A&M University Men’s Basketball team will open its’ 2009-10 campaign on Friday, November 6 with an exhibition bout against Tuskegee University in the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center. Tipoff will be 7:30 p.m.

That event will be the official basketball debut in the new facility which will seat upwards of 9,000 fans for athletic events.

Coach Eugene Harris’  FAMU’s 2009-10 slate features a 12-game regular season home lineup which opens on Tuesday, Dec. 3 when Isaiah Thomas brings his Florida International University Panthers into the Lawson Center for a 7:30 bout.

The Rattlers will have two other non-conference home games in December: Georgia State on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. and Albany (Ga.) State on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

FAMU’s MEAC schedule begins Saturday, Dec. 5 at Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, then resumes as home with a four-game stretch against North Carolina A&T in January (Saturday, Jan. 9), Norfolk State (Monday, Jan. 11), Maryland-Eastern Shore (Saturday, Jan. 16) and Delaware State (Monday, Jan. 18).

The Rattlers will also have a challenging non-conference road slate featuring Florida, Georgia Tech, Creighton, UAB, San Diego, along with a four-game set in the Cancun (Mexico) Challenge (Nov. 21-25), which includes Cleveland State, Stanford, Rider and either Oral Roberts or Sam Houston State.

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 19) - This Frday's scheduled home women's volleyball match between the FAMU Lady Rattlers and the South Carolina State University Lady Bulldogs has been moved to Thursday, November 5 at 6 p.m. in the University Multipurpose Center.

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference match was moved due to Homecoming activities on the FAMU campus, which made facilities for the match unavailable.

FAMU will host a home match this weekend, on Sunday, October 25 against Bethune-Cookman University at 3:00 p.m. in the University Multipurpose Center.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 18) - The Florida A&M University Volleyball team picked up their fifth win in a row as they defeated Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foe North Carolina A&T 3-0 (25-9, 25-15, 25-15), here Sunday afternoon at the FAMU Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.
 
FAMU (8-7, 3-0 MEAC) was led by Jovana Blazeski with 13 kills. Jessica Bond finished with a game high 30 assists and four service aces, while Susan Egoavil tallied a game high 22 digs.
 
N.C. A&T (1-22, 0-3 MEAC) was led by Janae Mitchell with nine kills and 11 digs, followed by Tiffany Mellette with six. Amber Inman finished the game with a team high 16 assists.
 
WHAT'S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers will return to action on Sunday, Oct. 25 against arch-rival Bethune-Cookman in a 3 p.m. start in the FAMU Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium..... This Friday's scheduled league home match against South Carolina State will be played at a date to be announced later due to Homecoming activities on the FAMU campus.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BESTS FAMU GRIDDERS, 35-20
Bulldogs use 28-point second quarter blitz to bounce Rattlers Saturday

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Oct. 17) – Homestanding South Carolina State used a 28-point second quarter to surge past the Florida A&M Rattlers, 35-20, in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football game here at Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium Saturday afternoon.

SCSU took advantage of four FAMU turnovers and deployed a stingy run defense that kept the Rattlers out of the end zone for most of the first half while the Bulldogs built a 35-13 advantage at the break.

Saturday’s win put the Bulldogs (5-1, 3-0 in MEAC) in a first place tie with Morgan State (5-1, 3-0), who comes to Orangeburg on November 14.

Meanwhile, the visiting Rattlers (4-2, 3-1 in MEAC) must win the remainder of their games and will need S.C. State to lose twice to claim the MEAC title, as they did in 2000 and 2001.

The First Half: SCSU 35, FAMU 13
The Bulldogs held FAMU to just eight rushing yards in the first half and 153 total yards in the first two quarters, while S.C. State, a traditional running team, went to the air for 155 of their 227 total yards.

FAMU took the opening kickoff and took a 3-0 lead on a 24-yard field goal by Trevor Scott with 9:17 left. SCSU took the lead for good three minutes later on William Ford’s five-yard burst for a 7-3 lead at the 6:23 mark.

The Rattlers closed to within one point, 7-6 on Scott’s 39-yard field goal with 3:05 left in the stanza, but SCSU began a 66-yard drive which ended four seconds into the second quarter on Travil Jamison’s two-yard run for a 14-6 Bulldog lead.

TreOliver Johnson snared a 17-yard pass from Malcolm Long with 9:30 left in the half to extend SCSU’s edge to 21-6, before Mykel Benson’s one-yard burst capped a 56-yard FAMU drive, pulling FAMU within eight points, 21-13 with 4:15 to play.

William Ford scored his second TD of the half on an 11-yard run with 1:37 left for a 28-13 bulge, then Joe Council picked off a Curtis Pulley pass that deflected off the hands of Kevin Elliott, racing in from 47 yards out with 41 seconds to play in the half for a 35-13 SCSU lead at the break.

The Second Half: Rattlers score late in 3rd Quarter.
FAMU did not score on their first two possessions of the third period, while SCSU used their ground game to run time off the clock.

However on their third possession, the Rattlers marched 66 yards in four plays, capped by a 14-yard pass from Curtis Pulley to Kevin Elliott with 4:24 left in the period to cut the ‘Dogs lead to 35-20.

On the first possession of the fourth quarter, the Rattlers were in the midst of a promising drive, when Curtis Pulley, after a nifty scramble, was hit from behind and forced to fumble, a fumble which was recovered by Devonne Quattlebaum at the SCSU 33 yard line – the Rattlers’ third turnover of the game, which all but ended FAMU’s flickering hopes.

Statistically, the game was nearly even in first downs (20-19, SCSU), time of possession (30:58 to 29:02, SCSU), and total yards (370-355), but the edge for the ‘Dogs came thanks to forcing four Rattler turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) and a huge edge on the ground, 193 to 35.

SCSU’s William Ford, the reigning MEAC Player of the Year, rushed for 141 yards and two TDs, while quarterback Malcolm Long was sharp through the air, hitting 14 of 19 aerials for 164 yards and 1 TD.

The Rattlers were paced by quarterback Curtis Pulley, who finished with 342 total yards (22 rushing and 320 passing). Pulley hit on 23 of 37 passes, tossing one TD pass, while suffering three interceptions.

Kevin Elliott led the Rattlers with nine catches for 111 yards and one TD, which Isaac West, who had no catches last week against Miami, rebounded with five receptions for 113 yards Saturday.

Defensive backs Curtis Holcomb (7) and LeRoy Vann (6) led the Rattlers defensively in tackles on Saturday.

GAME NOTES: Saturday’s loss was the fourth straight in for the Rattlers in Orangeburg, which had not won on the Bulldogs’ home field since 1997…. Overall, SCSU has won seven (7) straight off the Rattlers since FAMU’s 33-27 win in Jacksonville in 2001…… Saturday’s crowd at O.C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium was 24,496 – the second-largest crowd ever at the expanded facility….

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will return to Bragg Memorial Stadium for the 2009 Homecoming Game against the Spartans of Norfolk State. Kickoff will be 3 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 16) - The Florida A&M University Volleyball team picked up their fourth win in a row as they defeated Winston-Salem State, 3-1 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16) here Friday evening at the FAMU Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

FAMU (7-7) was led by Jovana Blazeski with 17 kills.  Jessica Bond finished with a match high 34 assists, while Susan Egoavil finished with a team high 14 digs.

WSSU (4-23) was led by Annika Barnwell with eight kills and four digs, followed by Ashley Harris with six kills.

The Lady Rattlers will return to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action on Sunday, Oct. 18 against North Carolina A&T in a 1 p.m. start.

The Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball team, fresh off a three-match road swing, will be home for the next two weekends beginning a four-match stretch Friday against Winston-Salem State at 7:00 p.m. in the FAMU Multipurpose Center.
 
Admission is free.
 
Sunday, FAMU will host North Carolina A&T (3:00) in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference match, then will host two more home bouts during Homecoming weekend.
 
Friday, October 23, FAMU hosts South Carolina State at 7 p.m. in Gaither Gymnasium, as the Multipurpose Center will be in use, then they take on archrival Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, October 25 at 3 p.m. back in the Multipurpose Center.
 
The Lady Rattlers (6-7 overall, 2-0 in MEAC) have won eight straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and have taken their first two conference matches against South Carolina State (3-1) and Norfolk State (3-0).

NORFOLK, Va. - Jovana Blazeski had 14 kills and Maria Gomez added 12 as the Florida A&M University volleyball team defeated Norfolk State 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 26-16) at Echols Hall on Sunday afternoon.

FAMU improved to 6-7 overall, 2-0 in the MEAC with the win, while NSU fell to 4-16, 1-1 MEAC.

FAMU took the first set easily, but NSU gave the Lady Rattlers a tough fight in set 2.

Down 11-7, the Spartans benefitted from five straight FAMU errors to go up 12-11. The teams traded points for the next few minutes. Charlotte Armstead (Williamsburg, Va.) tied it at 20-all on a kill, but the Lady Rattlers went on a 5-2 run to take the set.

FAMU jumped out to a 10-5 lead to start the third set and held NSU at bay for most of the set. The Spartans could get no closer than two, 13-11, the rest of the way.
Susan Egoavil had a match-high 13 digs and Jessica Bond led all players with 37 assists for FAMU.

For the Spartans, Elayne Greer tallied a career-high 14 kills. She hit .565 and added 1.5 blocks, one service ace and one dig. Nicole Kessner  had 24 assists and six digs.
WHAT'S NEXT: FAMU is at home for the next four matches, opening a four-match home stand Friday against Winston-Salem State at 7 p.m. in the University Multipurpose Center.

QB Curtis Pulley accounts for over 200 total yards in Saturday night bout against UM

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Oct. 10) – The Florida A&M University Rattlers held their own here Saturday evening, going toe-to-toe with the #11-ranked University of Miami Hurricanes (4-1) before yielding a 48-16 decision on a warm and steamy evening at Land Shark Stadium.

A crowd of over 47,000 fans watched as the Rattlers (4-1) took the opening kickoff and drove close enough for a Trevor Scott 32-yard field goal to give them an early 3-0 lead.

Despite the final margin, there were a number of bright spots for FAMU, led by senior quarterback Curtis Pulley, who rushed for a team-high 81 yards and the Rattlers’ only touchdown, tallying on a 26-yard run late in the third period.

Pulley finished the night with 225 total yards, passing for 144 yards on 10 completions (25 attempts, 1 INT), to go with the 81 yards rushing yards on 17 carries. Junior Philip Sylvester finished with 24 yards rushing on 12 carries, with a 29-yard run that set up a Scott field goal.

Kevin Elliott (3 for 57 yards) and Adrian Smith (3 for 55 yards) led FAMU in receiving, while team co-leader Isaac West was held without a catch for the first time this season.

Here is a quarter-by-quarter recap of Saturday’s game:

First Quarter: The Rattlers drew first blood with a 32-yard field goal off the foot of Trevor Scott, which capped a nine-play, 59-yard game-opening drive by FAMU.
   QB Curtis Pulley completed his first pass, a seven-yarder to Adrian Smith, then used his running ability to move FAMU downfield.
   Pulley finished the first quarter with a team-high 32 yards rushing on five carries, including a 15-yard jaunt on the Rattlers’ opening march that led to a field goal.
  Miami got near midfield on the ensuing kickoff, plus a personal foul penalty on FAMU, before using a series of short passes to move inside the FAMU 10-yard line.
  The ‘Canes scored on a five-yard pass from Jacory Harris to Leonard Hankerson to take a 7-3 lead with 8:13 left in the period.
  FAMU was forced to punt after three plays on their next possession, a kick which UM to the FAMU 33 yard line.
   From there, the Hurricanes drove 23 yards to add a 20-yard field goal by Matt Bosher with 5:34 left in the quarter, extending the UM lead to 10-3.
   After the Rattlers gained one first down, then was forced to punt, Miami returned the punt 33 yards to the FAMU 37-yard line.
   From there, it took UM four plays to cover the distance, with Harris tossing a  seven-yard pass to Jimmy Graham, extending the ‘Canes lead to 17-3 with 1:19 left in the quarter.
    On the next FAMU possession, FAMU found it tough going on the ground against UM, instead going to air. After a first down completion from Pulley to Demitric Henry, Pulley’s next pass was picked off, giving UM the ball back in the final seconds of the quarter.

Second Quarter: On the first play of the quarter, Jacory Harris’ pass with tipped by FAMU’s Michael Creary and picked off by Curtis Holcomb. However, the Rattlers punted back to UM after three plays.
    The ‘Canes quickly moved the 75 yards, in six plays, with Javarris James capping the drive with a five-yard run with 11:56 in the half, to push the UM lead to 24-3.
    FAMU had another three-and-out possession, punting back to Miami with 10:42 left in the half.
    Miami then drove 78 yards in nine plays, with halfback Lee Chambers scoring on a two-yard run with 6:03 left in the half to cap the march, pushing the ‘Canes further ahead, 31-3.
    The Hurricanes regained possession after another Rattler punt with 2:32 to go in the half, but senior safety Fabian Wilson picked off Jacory Harris in the end zone, denying UM points on the last of six first half possessions.
     The half ended with FAMU trailing, 31-3.

Third Quarter: UM took the opening kickoff but with backup quarterback A.J. Highsmith at the controls, they punted to FAMU after three plays.
   FAMU moved 47 yards on seven plays, with Trevor Scott booting a 34-yard field goal for a 31-6 score with 9:58 left in the third period.
   Miami extended their lead to 38-6 when Tharon Collier dashed 61 yards with a Rattler punt for a touchdown with 5:12 left in the third quarter.
   After a nifty kickoff return by Leroy Vann, Philip Sylvester ripped off a 29-yard run taking the ball down to the UM 26-yard line. Two plays later, Curtis Pulley raced 26 yards for a touchdown with 3:40 left, slicing the UM lead to 38-13.
    Two minutes later, Matt Bosher booted a 33-yard field goal to push the ‘Canes ahead, 41-13 with 1:27 left.
   
Fourth Quarter: Trevor Scott capped a 66-yard FAMU drive with a 21-yard field goal with 10:33 left in the game, making the count, 41-16.
    But UM’s Damien Berry had two runs on the ‘Canes next possession, capping a two-play, 89-yard drive with a 35-yard touchdown gallop with 9:20 left in the game extending his team’s lead to 48-16.

Post Game Notes: Return specialist Leroy Vann had nine kickoff returns for 191 yards, while running back one punt return for 15 yards…. Vann is 71 yards shy of Howard Huckaby’s single-season punt return yardage record of 478 set in 1988….. Trevor Scott booted three field goals Saturday, tying his career high for a single game, set last season against both Howard and Bethune-Cookman…. The interceptions by Curtis Holcomb and Fabian Wilson were the first of the year by the Rattler defense…. The 16 points scored by FAMU tied for the second-most points by the Rattlers in the series against UM (1979)….. UM’s backup quarterback A.J. Highsmith is the grandson of FAMU Sports Hall of Famer Walter Highsmith and the son of UM All-America halfback Alonzo Highsmith…. FAMU will open the 2010 season against UM….. Two Rattlers moved up the FAMU career rushing charts Saturday: Pulley (1,257 yards) surpassed Chuck Duffey (1,197 from 1984-88), moving into 23rd place, while Sylvester (1,683 yards) is two yards behind Hubert Ginn (1,685 yards from 1967-70), who is in 13th place.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers return to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title chase in earnest next week as they travel to Orangeburg, South Carolina for an afternoon (2:00) matinee against defending league champ South Carolina State… That game will be televised live on ESPN360.com at 2:00 p.m. and air nationally via taped delay at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPNU…..

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 3) – The Florida A&M University Men’s Cross Country team won the first Bobby Lang Cross Country Invitational Meet held on the FAMU campus this past Saturday morning.

Florida A&M finished with 25 points, ranking ahead of Albany State (30 points) and Bethune-Cookman (87).

Lamere Buchanan of FAMU (28:09) finished first in the eight-kilometer event, heading a group of five Rattler runners in the Top Ten among individual performers Saturday.

Paul Williams (29:32) ran second, Artiom Podgainii (30:13) grabbed sixth, Isaiah Coleman (30:20) ran ninth, and Brandon Alexander (31:03) ran 10th.

Robert Bogle (13th, 34:35), Demarius Carroll (14th, 34:54) and Arthur Kinder (16th, 37:42). Former Rattler Daquam Lee (28:55), ran second as an unattached runner.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Oct. 3) – The Florida A&M University Women’s Cross Country team ran second in the first Bobby Lang Cross Country Invitational Meet on the FAMU campus Saturday morning.

Albany (Ga.) State University (30) won the team title, finishing ahead of FAMU (37) and Bethune-Cookman University (58).

Jeanette Hulse was the top finisher for Coach Darlene Moore’s Lady Rattlers, running the five-kilometer distance in 22 minutes, 10 seconds, for fifth overall in the individual standings.

Also in competition for FAMU were Latoya20Wright (9th, 23:49); Samantha Young (10th, 24:18); Tiffiny Morrow (11th, 24:49), Keelyn Fleming (13th, 25:02) and Ann-Marie Francis (14th, 25:04).

Former Lady Rattler Nichola Listhrop finished first in the individual standings with a time of 20:22.LADY RATTLERS GET SECOND AT BOBBY LANG CC MEET

MACON, Ga. (Oct. 6) – The Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball team completed a sweep of back-to-back road here Tuesday night with a 3-1 victory over Mercer University.

FAMU (5-7, 1-0 in MEAC) won Tuesday’s bout by scores of 25-19, 25-21, 23-25, 25-21.

Freshman Pamela Barrera led the way with 18 kills, followed by first-year performer Maria Ceccarelli with 15. Jovana Blazeksi added 14 kills and Maria Gomez had 11 kills on Tuesday.

Setter Jessica Bond dished out 55 assists, while Susan Egoavil led FAMU with 21 digs, followed by Blazeski (13) and Ceccarelli (11).

Monday night, the Lady Rattlers opened their MEAC title defense and quest for a ninth straight crown with a 3-1 (25-21,18-25, 25-20, 25-14) match win at South Carolina State in Dukes Gymnasium.

Florida A&M was led by Jovana Blazeski who recorded a double-double, 17 kills and 13 digs, followed by Maria Gomez (14 kills) and Pamela Barrera (11 kills).

Setter Jessica Bond put up a game-high 40 assists while Susan Egoavil picked up a game-high 18 defensive digs in the victory.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU continues with the road theme this Sunday, October 11 with a Sunday afternoon conference match at Norfolk (Va.) State….. The Lady Rattlers will open a four-match home stretch on Friday, October 16 against Winston-Salem State (7:00) in the University Multipurpose Center, followed by20a Sunday bout (October 18) against North Carolina A&T at 3:00 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: The Florida A&M University Rattlers (4-0) will face the #11 University of Miami Hurricanes (3-1) in LandShark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Saturday, October 10 at 7 p.m. It will be televised nationally by ESPN360.com, on Sunday, October 11 at 10 a.m. ET.

GAME TIME WEATHER: Saturday’s weather forecast is for clear skies with high’s in the 80s and lows in the mid 70s, with just a slight chance (20%) of showers.

ON THE AIR: FAMU will air the game via the Rattler Sports Network for the 26th year, with Network founder and FAMU Sports Hall of Famer, Keith Miles anchoring the broadcast…. Mike Thomas will be the color analyst, with Victor Duncan providing timely sideline updates and Jerome Swaine providing the engineering…. The FAMU EIT Web Team will also webcast the game via www.FAMU.edu…. Highlights of the game will be seen on The Joe Taylor Show on Sun Sports (Cable 28 in Tallahassee) statewide on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and in Tallahassee on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. on Fox 49 (Cable 10)…..FAMU TV 20 will also replay full game replays several times each week following every game…

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS: Last week, FAMU was idle following a 31-12 win over Tennessee State in Atlanta on Sept. 26,  while UM eked out a 21-20 win over nationally-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday.

THE SERIES HISTORICAL: FAMU trails in the all-time series with Miami, 1-6, having dropped six straight games to the ‘Canes after a stunning 16-13 upset by the Rattlers in the series opener at Tallahassee’s Doak Campbell Stadium in 1979…..

THE COACHING MATCHUP: Florida A&M’s Joe Taylor (Western Illinois ’72), is in his 27th season as a collegiate head coach, bringing a 210-79-4 record into the fifth week of the 2009 campaign, his second at FAMU… He is 13-3 in two years at FAMU……  University of Miami’s Randy Shannon (Miami ’89), is 15-14-0 in three years as head coach of his alma mater…..

RATTLERS AT A GLANCE: Walter Payton Award candidate QB Curtis Pulley remains the club leader in rushing with 291 yards on 47 carries with one (1) TD, while having passed for 846 yards on seven (7) TDs,  completing 64 of 96 aerials with just one (1) interception….. Diminutive freshman tailback Eddie Rocker has run for 185 yards on 35 carries in four games, ranking as the club’s number two rusher, while junior speedster Philip Sylvester has run for 84 yards on on 24 carries and two (2) TDs the past two games…. A pitched battle is in progress for the club receiving lead between Isaac West (18 catches, 342 yards, 2 TDs) and Kevin Elliott (18 receptions, 254 yards and 3 TDs), while Adrian Smith is in the mix too (10 grabs, 71 yards)….. Defensively, LB Bryan Parker holds the club takedown lead with 31 tackles and 4.5 stops for loss, followed by FS Greg Harvey (26 tackles) and LBs Alvis Graham and John Williams with 19 tackles each….. All-America return ace LeRoy Vann, who now holds the school career record for TD punt returns (7), and is tied for the NCAA FCS career standard (7), is …. Vann now has 392 yards and 4 TDs on 16 punt returns this season – leaving him 86 yards shy of the single-season school record for punt return yards (478, by Howard Huckaby in 1988) …. He also has 254 yards on 10 kickoff runbacks…..

UM AT A GLANCE: Unflappable sophomore QB Jacory Harris heads the ‘Canes offense, having passed for 1,008 yards and eight (8) TDs, completing 69 of 112 passes with five (5) INTs…. RBs Javarris James (293 yards on 54 carries, 3 TDs) and Graig Cooper (200 yards on 43 carries, 1 TD) lead the ground game, while LaRon Byrd (11 catches for 153 yards, 1 TD), along with Travis Benjamin (10 for 218, 2 TDs) and Dedrick Epps (10 for 134, 2 TDs) tops.... LB Colin McCarthy tops the ‘Canes defense with 32 tackles, plus 3.0 for loss, followed by Daryl Sharpton and Sean Spence with 23 tackles each….

TALKIN’ TO THE RATTLERS: There will be several chances for the media to talk with the FAMU Football team during the week…. Interviews with Head Football Coach Joe Taylor can be arranged through Sports Information, as can interviews with key20players by calling (850) 561-2701 or 599-3200…. The MEAC Coaches’ Teleconference is on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with Coach Taylor set to appear at 11:24 a.m….. Call the MEAC Media Relations Office at (757) 416-7100 to get access information…. Later on Tuesday, FAMU will holds its’ weekly press conference in the interview room of the New University Multipurpose Center at 12 noon, featuring select players and Coach Joe Taylor….
Light refreshments will be served.

WHO YA GON’ CALL: For the latest information on Rattler Sports, contact Vaughn Wilson (850) 599-3413 or Ronnie Johnson (850) 561-2701…. For the latest on the University of Miami Hurricanes, contact Kerwin Lonzo (305) 284-3244…

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FAMU: The Rattlers will travel to Orangeburg, S.C. next Saturday for a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown against defending champion South Carolina State at 2:00 p.m. Eastern…..

TICKET INFORMATION: Call the FAMU Athletic Ticket Office in the New FAMU Multipurpose Center at (850) 599-3141. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on game weeks, and 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. regularly.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Sept. 26) - Over the weekend, the Florida A&M University Women’s tennis team competed in the 9th annual HBCU National Tennis Championship held here at the Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Lady Rattler netters, finalists in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tennis Championships this past May, finished third in the HBCU event behind Southern-Baton Rouge (La.) and Hampton University.
 
This year’s Championship was well represented with competitors from 13 HBCUs: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Winston-Salem State University, Southern University, Alabama A&M, University, Arkansas Pine Bluff, Prairie View A&M University, Xavier University (Louisiana), Fort Valley State University, and Morehouse College. 

FAMU senior Rachel Pye lost a very close and highly contested Flight A singles final, and sophomore Alexis Brown, battled to reach the Flight B singles final.

In the doubles competition, Pye and Latreece Olagbegi reached the semi-finals of Flight A doubles finals while Kitrine Durden and Alexis Brown reached the semi-finals of Flight B doubles draw.

Pye, 20, a senior health science major from Miami, Florida was proud of the Lady Rattlers results but not satisfied.

“I think we played well this weekend and the teams were much more competitive this weekend than last year, but we failed to rise to the occasion, especially in doubles.  Based on what I learned this
weekend, I need to work on staying mentally tough and closing out points when I have the opportunity.  There is always more work to be done.  As a team, we need to improve on consistency and our doubles play.”

With strong performances from both teams and several months until conference play begins, this year’s tennis season seems very promising and has already jumped off to a great start.
.
2009 HBCU TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Women’s Team Standings
1. Southern University    -19
2. Hampton University    -17
3. Florida A&M University    -13
4. Bethune-Cookman    -11
5. Alcorn State        -9
6. Xavier University        - 7
7. N. Carolina A&T State    -5
T8. Prairie View A&M    - 4
T8. Alabama A&M        -4
T10. Winston-Salem    -2
T10. Fort Valley State    -2
12. Arkansas Pine Bluff    -1

ATLANTA, Ga. (Sept. 26) - Over the weekend, the Florida A&M University men's and women’s tennis team competed in the 9th annual HBCU National Tennis Championship held at the Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Rattler Men won their third consecutive HBCU championship, with team captain, Michael Moore, winning the A Flight draw against teammate David Jackson.  
They teamed up to win the Flight A doubles draw as well. 

Freshman, Takura Happy won the C flight singles and freshman, Rashaad (Harold) Williams teamed with Takura to reach the semi-finals in doubles.

With these performances, FAMU’s men accumulated the most points, which allowed them to win the team competition as well, with Bethune-Cookman and Xavier placing second and third, respectively.

Michael Moore, 21, a 3rd year Political Science major from Harlem, N.Y. felt that the Fang Gang had a great showing.

“The freshman played well and the upperclassmen led the way with strong performances. This was our first real tournament and it definitely made us unite as a team, so hopefully with each tournament we’ll get better and more prepared for our Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference matches this spring.”

David Jackson, 22, a senior Economics major from Indianapolis, Indiana also felt that the Men’s Tennis team had a great weekend.

“We definitely had a few close matches that could have gone either way but we came through with the victories that were needed. I feel like I played really well in singles and in doubles”

According to Moore, “Singles is our strong point but we need to work on doubles more in practice heading into the new year to become more well-rounded.”

His teammate and doubles partner also had very similar goals and expectations.

“I want to work on being able to serve and volley more in my matches and transition more from the baseline to the net during points….Tennis is an all-court sport and I feel like working on these skills would take my game to the next level, in singles and doubles,” said Jackson.

This year’s Championship was well represented with competitors from 13 HBCUs: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Winston-Salem State University, Southern University, Alabama A&M, University, Arkansas Pine Bluff, Prairie View A&M University, Xavier University (Louisiana), Fort Valley State University, and Morehouse College.

2009 HBCU TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP
Men’s FINAL Team Standings
1. Florida A&M University    -23
2. Bethune Cookman    -15
3. Xavier University        -12
4. Alcorn State        - 10
T5. Arkansas Pine Bluff    -8
T5. Hampton University     -8
T5. Prairie View A&M    -8
8. North Carolina Central    -5
T9. Fort Valley State    -2
T9. Winston-Salem         -2
11. Morehouse        -0
 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 29) – The Florida A&M University Cross Country program will host the first Bobby Lang Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, October 3 on the university campus, beginning at 10 a.m.

The event is named in honor of the legendary FAMU Track and Field coach, Bobby Lang, who led the program from 1966 to 1999, winning over 30 conference titles in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

FAMU head coach Darlene Moore announced Tuesday that the first-time event will be run entirely on the FAMU campus, with the start and finish on the Pete Griffin Track.

• Men’s competition (8-kilometers/5-miles) will begin at 10 a.m., while the women’s competition (5-kilometer/3-mile) will start at 10:45 a.m.

The running course starts on the FAMU track, winds around the football stadium, goes past the new university teaching gym, down Wahnish Way and up Okaloosa Street past the university fitness center, through the center of the campus (Martin Luther King), past old FAMU High, down FAMU Way back to Wahnish Way and back to the Griffin Track for the finish.

• Joining host FAMU in Saturday’s event will be Albany (Ga.) State University, Edward Waters (Fla.) College, Bethune-Cookman (Fla.) University and Morehouse (Ga.) College.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 29) – The Florida A&M University Cross Country program will host the first Bobby Lang Cross Country Invitational this Saturday, October 3 on the university campus, beginning at 10 a.m.

The event is named in honor of the legendary FAMU Track and Field coach, Bobby Lang, who led the program from 1966 to 1999, winning over 30 conference titles in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

FAMU head coach Darlene Moore announced Tuesday that the first-time event will be run entirely on the FAMU campus, with the start and finish on the Pete Griffin Track.

• Men’s competition (8-kilometers/5-miles) will begin at 10 a.m., while the women’s competition (5-kilometer/3-mile) will start at 10:45 a.m.
The running course starts on the FAMU track, winds around the football stadium, goes past the new university teaching gym, down Wahnish Way and up Okaloosa Street past the university fitness center, through the center of the campus (Martin Luther King), past old FAMU High, down FAMU Way back to Wahnish Way and back to the Griffin Track for the finish.

• Joining host FAMU in Saturday’s event will be Albany (Ga.) State University, Edward Waters (Fla.) College, Bethune-Cookman (Fla.) University and Morehouse (Ga.) College.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 28) – The Florida A&M University Rattlers are back among the NCAA Division I FCS elite programs surfacing in The Sports Network’s Top 25 FCS Poll.

Florida A&M (4-0), which was a eyelash away from the Top 25 a week ago, slithered in this week at #24 after beating Tennessee State, 31-12, in the Atlanta Classic to complete their first perfect September since 1997.

Monday’s announcement marked the end of an eight-year drought for FAMU, which made their first appearace the poll since the 2001 season, when the they were ranked as high as ninth.

FAMU will have the week off Saturday, October 3 to prepare for the “Seven Samurai” – the last seven games of the 2009 schedule which opens with back-to-back road bout at the University of Miami (Oct. 10) and South Carolina State (Oct. 17).

Meanwhile, FAMU remained a solid number two in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network Poll behind South Carolina State, setting the stage for their highly anticipated October 17 heavyweight battle in Orangeburg, S.C. which will be televised nationally by ESPNU.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 26) - The FAMU-Miami Football game, set for Saturday, October 10 at Miami's Land Shark Stadium, will kickoff at 7:00 p.m.

The game was originally set to be the season opener, but a Florida Marlins major league baseball home series and the ACC moving of the Florida State game to the opening weekend prompted the move of the FAMU game to later in the season.

The two schools are working from a two-year contract, which has the two slated to meet on the first Saturday in September in 2010.

FAMU extends Classic win string to eight games over Tennessee State Saturday afternoon
ATLANTA, Ga. (Sept. 26) – Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley grabbed the spotlight here Saturday afternoon, using his arm to move the Florida A&M University Rattlers to a 31-12 victory over Tennessee State in the 21st Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome.

The Rattlers (4-0) finished the month of September perfect for the first time in 12 years, giving them positive momentum heading into the October 3 bye week before their October 10 duel with the University of Miami.

Coming into Saturday’s game, all the buzz surrounding the Rattlers had to do with All-America return man LeRoy Vann, who had become a national media darling with appearances on ESPN and in Sports Illustrated for his four TD punt returns the past two weeks.

However the outcome of Saturday’s contest fell on the shoulders of Pulley, a 2009 Walter Payton Award candidate, who earned Classic MVP honors for the second straight year after passing for 315 yards and 2 TDs.

The Hopkinsville, Kentucky native went 24 for 34 through the air, suffering an interception – his first of the year in the third period, while rushing for 23 yards on nine carries, giving him 338 total yards on Saturday.

Trevor Scott put FAMU on the board first with a 47-yard field goal at the 11:45 mark of the opening stanza for a 3-0 lead, but Tennessee State (1-3), answered right at the start of the second period with a nine-yard TD run by Preston Brown with 14:54 left in the half to take a 6-3 lead after the PAT try was blocked.

Junior halfback Philip Sylvester burst into the end zone from eight yards out with 9:23 left to vault ahead, 10-6, but TSU quarterback Calvin McNairl scored on a one-yard plunge with 59 seconds left in the half, pushing the Tigers ahead for the last time, 12-10 at the break.

In the second half, the Rattler defense stiffened, limiting TSU to 30 total yards in the third period, while the offense slowly assumed command of the game behind Pulley’s arm and the sometimes spectacular play of the FAMU receivers.

Pulley hit tight end Max Purcell with a two-yard scoring strike to cap a 75-yard march, putting the Rattlers in front for good at 17-12 with 5:11 left in the third period.

In the final stanza, the Rattlers really began to separate themselves from the Tigers, as Pulley hit Isaac West with a 26-yard scoring strike just 44 seconds into the final frame (14:16) for a 24-12 cushion.

Fullback Mykel Benson capped the game’s scoring with 6:09 left with a one-yard plunge up the middle for a 31-12 lead.

The Rattlers outgained TSU, 402 to 274 in total yards, passing for 315 yards and rushing for a season-low 87 yards.

Junior split end Isaac West finished the day with 134 yards on six catches and one TD, while Kevin Elliott also finished with six catches for 64 yards.

Freshman Eddie Rocker led all Rattler rushers with 32 yards on six carries, followed by Sylvester with 29 yards on 13 carries and one TD.

Greg Harvey led the Rattler defenders Saturday with 11 tackles and one pass breakup, followed by safety Fabian Wilson with seven tackles and a blocked PAT, along with linebacker Alvis Graham with six tackles and a tackle for loss.

Leroy Vann still had an impact on Saturday’s game with five tackles, two for loss with 90 combined yards on six kick returns.

QB Calvin McNairl led all rushers with 82 yards and a TD for TSU, while halfback Preston Brown ran for 75 yards on 12 carries and one score.

The Tigers used three different quarterbacks Saturday, but could never get anything consistently going despite being more effective on the ground, rushing for 167 yards.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers are off next Saturday, but will open the second half of the season with two of the meanest hombres on the 2009 schedule – the University of Miami (October 10 – Land Shark Stadium – Miami Gardnes, Florida - 7:00 p.m.) and South Carolina State (October 17 – Orangeburg, S.C. – 2:00 p.m.).

ATLANTA GAME NOTES
• Saturday's announced crowd was 51,950, the third lowest crowd in the Classic since the game moved to the Dome in 1998.

•FAMU’s win Saturday gave the Rattlers’ their first 4-0 start since 1997…. Ironically, it was a Joe Taylor-led Hampton team that slowed their roll with an 18-15 road win the following week….

• Prior to 1997, one has to flip back 30 years in the Rattler record books to 1979 for FAMU’s last perfect September….. The Rattlers actually went 5-0, knocking off the University of Miami in that now-fabled upset at Doak Campbell Stadium 16-13, in Week Four, before pounding Morris Brown, 55-14 in Week Five.

• A win Saturday also extended the Rattlers win streak over Tennessee State to eight (8) games (2002-09)….

• A Saturday victory also prevented Tennessee State from playing Rattler win streak spoiler as they have twice previously in history…. TSU’s 24-21 win in 1978 snapped a 17-game FAMU win streak – the second longest in school history…. The next year, the Tigers snapped a 12-game run by FAMU with a 20-3 win at Nashville….  This year’s Rattler team came into Atlanta riding a six-game win streak….

• A win Saturday gave FAMU coach Joe Taylor career victory number 210 in 27 seasons as a collegiate head coach…. Taylor captured his milestone 200th career win last year in Atlanta thanks to a 28-21 win over Tennessee State…. The win also keeps him second on the career victories among active NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) coaches….. Appalachian State’s Jerry Moore (205) and Al Bagnoli of Penn (200) were giving chase to start the season, while Taylor trails only Albany (N.Y.) University’s Bob Ford (235) on the active list FCS career list… He is also second on the active HBCU career coaching wins list, behind former FAMU coach and current Miles College mentor Billy Joe (240)….

ATLANTA, Ga.  (Sept. 23) – The Florida A&M University Tennis teams will host the 9th Annual HBCU National Tennis Championships, Thursday through Sunday, September 24-27 here at the Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center.

The FAMU Women, coached by Rochelle “Nikki” Goldthreate and the Rattler Men, led by Dr. Carl Goodman, are the defending champions of the event, which began eight years ago on the FAMU campus.

This year’s competition will begin on Thursday, September 24, with the finals set for Saturday, September 26. Sunday would be a rain day if necessary.

The annual affair will also feature a Junior Clinic and a College Entrance Seminar on Saturday’s schedule.

This year’s field will have over 150 individual performers, women and men with teams from Alabama A&M, Alcorn (Miss.) State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Bethune-Cookman (Fla.), Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley (Ga.) State, Hampton, Morehouse (Ga.) College, Morgan (Md.) State, North Carolina A&T,  North Carolina Central, South Carolina State, Southern University-Baton Rouge, Prairie View A&M (Tex.), Xavier of New Orleans (La.) and Winston-Salem State.

ATLANTA, Ga.  (Sept. 23) – The Florida A&M University Tennis teams will host the 9th Annual HBCU National Tennis Championships, Thursday through Sunday, September 24-27 here at the Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Center.

The FAMU Women, coached by Rochelle “Nikki” Goldthreate and the Rattler Men, led by Dr. Carl Goodman, are the defending champions of the event, which began eight years ago on the FAMU campus.

This year’s competition will begin on Thursday, September 24, with the finals set for Saturday, September 26. Sunday would be a rain day if necessary.

The annual affair will also feature a Junior Clinic and a College Entrance Seminar on Saturday’s schedule.

This year’s field will have over 150 individual performers, women and men with teams from Alabama A&M, Alcorn (Miss.) State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Bethune-Cookman (Fla.), Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley (Ga.) State, Hampton, Morehouse (Ga.) College, Morgan (Md.) State, North Carolina A&T,  North Carolina Central, South Carolina State, Southern University-Baton Rouge, Prairie View A&M (Tex.), Xavier of New Orleans (La.) and Winston-Salem State.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 23) - The confetti just keeps showering on FAMU kick return specialist LeRoy Vann, who picked up more national and conference acclaim for his recent on-field exploits.

Vann was named National Special Teams Player of the Week Monday by The Sports Network, the leading authority on Division I FCS Football and The College Sporting News.com.
Additionally, the Tampa senior was tabbed Special Teams Player of the Week by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

THE MATCHUP: The Florida A&M University Rattlers (3-0) will face the Tennessee State University Tigers (1-2) in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Saturday, September 26 at 3:30 p.m. It will be televised live nationally by the Versus Network.

ON THE AIR: This week’s game will be the final of three straight televised appearances for the Rattlers…... Versus Network, which broadcast the game a year ago, will do the honors once again…. FAMU will air the game via the Rattler Sports Network for the 26th year, with Network founder and FAMU Sports Hall of Famer, Keith Miles anchoring the broadcast…. Mike Thomas will be the color analyst, with Victor Duncan providing timely sideline updates and Jerome Swaine providing the engineering…. The FAMU EIT Web Team will also webcast the game via www.FAMU.edu…. Highlights of the game will be seen on The Joe Taylor Show on Sun Sports (Cable 28 in Tallahassee) statewide on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and in Tallahassee on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. on Fox 49 (Cable 10)…..FAMU TV 20 will also replay full game replays several times each week following every game…

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS: Last week, FAMU remained unbeaten with a 48-10 win against Howard University last Thursday night, while Tennessee State suffered a heartbreaking 21-17 road loss to Southern University at Baton Rouge…..

WHAT’S AT STAKE: For both clubs, this week’s  game is crucial for different reasons:

• For the Rattlers, a win gives them positive momentum going into a bye week (Oct. 3) and their first 4-0 start since 1997… Plus they would extend their current winning streak to seven games….

• For the TSU Tigers, a win would ease the pain of what has been a rugged September and end their seven-game slide against their longtime rival, FAMU….

THE SERIES HISTORICAL: FAMU trails in the all-time series with Tennessee State, 23-25-0, despite winning the last seven games…. The series opened in 1944 with a rare two-step, as the Tigers swept the double dip, 19-6 and 12-0… FAMU scored its’ first series win in the debut season of Coach Jake Gaither, nipping the Tigs, 20-18 in 1945….

THE ATLANTA FOOTBALL CLASSIC AT A GLANCE: Florida A&M holds a 12-3 lead in the Atlanta Football Classic duels with Tennessee State, dating back to the game’s inaugural year in 1989, when the Rattlers won, 21-9….. The Tigers edged FAMU, 20-16 the following year, then the two teams moved from Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium to old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium (1991, 1992), where the Rattlers won both games, 43-7 and 20-12…. The Atlanta part of the annual rivalry went into hiatus for five years, before resuming in 1998, with a 31-23 Rattler win…. TSU would win two of the next three games, in 1999 and 2001, before FAMU grabbed their current stranglehold, which has included six straight wins coming in the fourth quarter or overtime.... The last six (6) games have been decided by a total of 25 points…

THE COACHING MATCHUP: Florida A&M’s Joe Taylor (Western Illinois ’72), is in his 27th season as a collegiate head coach, bringing a 209-79-4 record into the fourth week of the 2009 campaign, his second at FAMU… He is 12-3 in two years at FAMU……  Tennessee State’s James Webster (UNC Chapel Hill ’72), is 22-26-0 in five years in Nashville…..

RATTLERS AT A GLANCE: Walter Payton Award candidate QB Curtis Pulley earned MEAC Offensive Player of the Week notices for the first two weeks of the season, and he now leads the MEAC in total offense (266.3 ypg) and pass efficiency (163.1), while ranking second in rushing (89.3 ypg) and passing (177.0 yps)….. Nationally, the Kentucky-born Pulley is #10 in the FCS in pass efficiency and #14 in total offense…… He leads the team with 268 yards rushing (38 attempts, 7.1 average) and one TD, while having thrown for 531 yards and 5 TDs on 40 completions (62 attempts) with zero interceptions…. Freshman RB Eddie Rocker is the club’s #2 rusher with 153 yards on 29 carries and a TD, but look for junior Philip Sylvester (55 yards on 11 carries, 1 TD) to see more time after missing the first two games with ankle problems….. WRs Isaac West (12 for 208 yards, 1 TD) and Kevin Elliott (12 for 190 yards, 3 TDs) are in a deadlocked for the club receiving lead after three games…. LB Bryan Parker tops the defense with 28 tackles (3.5 for loss), followed by safety Greg Harvey (15 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1.0 TFL) and LB John Williams (17 tackles, 13 solos)…. All-America return ace LeRoy Vann continued his torrid punt return pace last week against Howard, running back puts of 40 and 66 yards for scores, adding to his school career record for TD punt returns (7), while tying the NCAA FCS career standard…. Vann now has 363 yards and 4 TDs on 13 punt returns – 112 yards shy of the single-season school record for punt return yards (478, by Howard Huckaby in 1988) -  and 193 yards on seven (7) kickoff runbacks…..
 
TSU  AT A GLANCE: The Tigers are led by QB Calvin McNairl, who has thrown for 129 yards and one score in two games, completing 13 of 36 passes, while leading the club in rushing with 187 and one TD on 25 carries…. RB Preston Brown is the #2 man in the Tiger ground game with 131 yards on 44 carries…. WR Joseph Hills holds the TSU receiving lead with eight (8) catches for 103 yards and one TD, followed by WR Travis James with seven catches for 57 yards….. Defensively, the Big Blue Tigers are sparked by LB John Jones (23 tackles, 3.0 TFL) and SS Eugene Clifford (21 tackles, one fumble recovered), and DE Kellen Woodard (17 tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss)… Punter Taylor Cisneros has had a lot of work so far with 23 punts in the first three games for a 42.1 average….

TALKIN’ TO THE RATTLERS: There will be several chances for the media to talk with the FAMU Football team during the week…. Interviews with Head Football Coach Joe Taylor can be arranged through Sports Information, as can interviews with key players by calling (850) 561-2701 or 599-3200…. The MEAC Coaches’ Teleconference is on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with Coach Taylor set to appear at 11:24 a.m….. Call the MEAC Media Relations Office at (757) 416-7100 to get access information…. Later on Tuesday, FAMU will holds its’ weekly press conference in the interview room of the New University Multipurpose Center at 12 noon, featuring select players and Coach Joe Taylor…. Light refreshments will be served.

WHO YA GON’ CALL: For the latest information on Rattler Sports, contact Ronnie Johnson, SID (850) 561-2701) or Alvin Hollins, Assistant AD/Media Relations (850) 599-3200…. For the latest on the Tennessee State Tigers, contact Wallace Dooley (615) 963-5894…
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FAMU: The Rattlers will be off next week before their Oct. 10 showdown with the resurgent University of Miami Hurricanes (Land Shark Stadium – 7:00 p.m.)

TICKET INFORMATION: Call the FAMU Athletic Ticket Office in the New FAMU Multipurpose Center at (850) 599-3141. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on game weeks, and 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. regularly.

GAME NOTES
Fantastic finishes making Atlanta game "Classic"
The past six games in the Atlanta Classic have been nail-biters, all won by FAMU, but nonetheless leaving fans of both teams breathless... Last year's game saw the Rattlers vault to a 21-0 halftime lead, before holding off the Tigers with an end zone interception to preserve a 28-21 win.... FAMU nipped the Tigers, 18-17 in 2007, then got an overtime field goal to squeeze past TSU, 25-22 in 2006.... FAMU won, 12-7 in 2005, using a goal line stand and a fourth down interception to preserve the win... In 2004, FAMU used a late interception following a touchdown with two minutes left to eke out a 21-15 win.... The 2003 game started this run of fantastic finishes when the Rattlers returned a blocked field goal for a 10-7 win....

Vann creating buzz with return exploits
The nation's top punt return ace, FAMU's LeRoy Vann, has created quite a buzz thanks to his nationally-televised daredevil exploits the past two weeks.... Vann, who has runback four punts for touchdowns in the last two games, has become a favorite flavor at ESPN, where he has been featured on SportsCenter's "Top 10 Plays" the past two Thursday nights; was a topic of discussion on ESPN's "Around The Horn" last Friday and was the subject of a live interview on ESPN's "College Football Live" on Friday.... Vann will also be featured this week's issues of Sports Illustrated in their College Football Section....

2008 Classic MVP Pulley putting up all-star numbers
Quarterback Curtis Pulley, last year's Atlanta Classic MVP, is a leading candidate for the 2009 Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA), is on pace capture plenty of all-star hardware this season.... He leads the MEAC in pass efficiency (163.1) and total offense (266.3 ypg), while ranking second in passing yards (177.0 ypg) and rushing (89.3 ypg).... Pulley, who was tabbed MEAC Offensive Player of the Week in each of the first two weeks of the season, has rushed for 268 yards on 38 carries (7.1 average), while passing for 531 yards and 5 TDs, with a 163.1 pass efficiency rating..... Nationally, Pulley ranks 10th in pass efficiency and 14th in total offense....

FAMU TV slate continues this week
The Rattlers, who have made 85 appearances on television since 1975, will make the second of five scheduled appearances this week against Howard.... FAMU, which owns a 49-34-2 record all-time on the tube, have appeared in back-to-back Thursday night games on ESPNU (WSSU and Howard); will also appear on the Versus Network on Sept. 26 against Tennessee State; ESPNU again on Oct. 17 against South Carolina State (10 p.m. ET taped delay), and ESPN Classic on Nov. 7 against Bethune-Cookman (2:00).... The Oct. 10 game against the University of Miami may also air on television

2009 FAMU TV NETWORK APPEARANCES
• Sept. 10 @Winston-Salem State • ESPNU
• Sept. 17 vs. Howard • ESPNU
• Sept. 26 vs. Tennessee State/Atlanta • Versus Network
• Oct. 17 vs. South Carolina State • ESPNU (Taped Delay)
• Nov. 21 vs. Bethune-Cookman • ESPN Classic

Rattlers hope to extend streak, build momentum
Last Thursday's win over Howard extended FAMU's winning streak to six games since a heartbreaking 13-10 homecoming loss last year to Morgan State.... FAMU has since topped North Carolina A&T (45-10), Hampton (45-24) and Bethune-Cookman (58-35), Delaware State (21-12), Winston-Salem State (34-10) and Howard (48-10).... FAMU is aiming for the MEAC title and the NCAA playoffs and to reach those goals, the Rattlers will need to build every bit of momentum early in the season (September) to propel them into a rugged October and November....

FAMU ranked high statistically too....
The Rattlers are not only off to a 3-0 start, their rankings in the NCAA and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference statistics are reflective of their early season pace:

• In NCAA Division I FCS statistics, the Rattlers as a team rank:
#1 in Punt Returns (27.92 avg.)
#11 in Rushing Offense (204.33 ypg)
#12 in Total Defense (236.67 ypg)
#14 in Pass Efficiency (157.53)
#18 in Scoring Offense (34.33 pts per game)
#19 in Pass Defense (139.67 ypg)

• Top Individuals In the NCAA FCS rankings include:
#1 in Punt Returns (LeRoy Vann, 27.92 avg.)
#9 in All Purpose Running (Vann, 185.33 ypg)
#10 in Pass Efficiency (Curtis Pulley, 163.07)
#14 in Total Offense (Pulley, 266.33 ypg)

• Team Rankings in MEAC Statistics:
#1 in Scoring Offense (34.3 ppg)
#1 in Scoring Defense (10.7 ppg)
#1 in Total Offense (391.7 ypg)
#1 in Total Defense (236.7 ypg)
#1 in Rushing Offense (204.3 ypg)
#1 in Pass Efficiency (157.5 ypg)
#1 in Punt Returns (27.9 average)
#1 in First Downs (59)
#1 in Third Down Conversions (54.1%, 20 of 37)
#1 in Red Zone Defense (50% • 2 TDs, 1 FG)
#2 in Time of Possession (31:44 avg.)
#2 in Rushing Defense (97.0 ypg)
#2 in Pass Offense (187.3 ypg)
#2 in Kickoff Returns (24.6 average)
#2 in PAT Percentage (92.9, 13 of 14).
#3 in Sacks Allowed (4 sacks in 3 games)
#3 in Pass Efficiency Defense (103.4)
#3 in Red Zone Offense (77.8% • 7 of 9 / 6 TDs, 1 FG)

• Individual Leaders in MEAC Statistics:
@Curtis Pulley
#1 in Total Offense (266.3 ypg)
#1 in Pass Efficiency (163.1)
#2 in Rushing (89.3 ypg)
#2 in Passing (177.0 ypg)

@Leroy Vann
#1 in Punt Returns (27.9)
#2 in Kickoff Returns (27.6 ypg)
#2 in All Purpose Running (185.3 ypg)
#2 in Scoring (8.0 ppg)
#2 in Touchdowns (4)

@Trevor Scott
#1 in Kick Scoring (19 points, 6.3 ppg)
#1 in PAT Kicks (92.9%, 13 of 14)
#3 in FGs (0.67 per game, 2 of 5)
#4 in Scoring (6.3 ppg)

@Isaac West
#3 in Receiving Yards per Game (69.3 ypg)
#4 in Receptions Per Game (4.0 pg)

@Kevin Elliott
#4 in Receptions per Game (4.0 pg)
#4 in Touchdowns (3 TDs)
#5 in Receiving Yards Per Game (63.3)
#5 in Scoring (6.0 ppg)

@Bryan Parker
#3 in Tackles (9.3 pg / 28 tackles)
#9 in Tackles For Loss (1.17 pg / 3.5)

@Greg Boler
#5 in QB Sacks (0.67 pg / 2 sacks)

Offensive Line playing major role
A veteran group of ironmen front the league's top-rated offense and have done a great job of protecting arguably the league's offensive MVP, QB Curtis Pulley... Center Steve Brazzle, guards Anthony Collins and Javier Wallace, plus tackles Robert Okeafor, Chris Sands and Kwame Akkebala are a seasoned group which has allowed just four (4) sacks, while pile-driving opposing defenders for a unit which is averaging 34.3 points and 391.7 yards per game... In addition to the great pass protection, the front five has helped engineer a resurgence in the Rattler running game, which is rolling for over 200 yards per game (204.3) for the first time in many years, a great ace to have on hand late in crucial games....

Rockin' Rocker emerges from pack
One of the surprises of the win over Delaware State was the sizzling play of freshman halfback Eddie Rocker, who alternated with Lonvontae Page at the halfback spot.... The diminutive 5-8, 170-pounder from Ocala (Fla.) North Marion High, scooted for 64 yards on eight carries, showing explosive bursts between the tackles and shifty moves in the open field.... He has 153 yards on 29 carries, good for a 5.3 average and should split time with returning vets Phil Sylvester and Demitric Henry, as he has proven to be a nifty change of pace back....


Sylvester, returns fold vs. Howard
Junior halfback Phil Sylvester, who came into the season ranked 14th on the all-time FAMU rushing charts, returned to action after missing the first two games last Thursday against Howard... has rushed for over 1,500 yards in his first two years, ranking 14th on the Rattler rushing charts, could be out a bit longer, but Henry did see action last week against WSSU, behind the diminutive freshman Rocker....

Page out for season, should get redshirt
Sophomore halfback Lonvontae Page, who rushed for 61 yards on 20 carries, and gained 32 yards on three pass receptions in his first collegiate start Sept. 5 against Delaware State, will miss the remainder of the season, after being the unintended victim of an on-campus shooting following the DSU game.... Page, a native of Douglasville, Georgia, was walking with his mother and cousin on campus, when bullets from a nearby shooting ricocheted, hitting him in the right forearm and striking his cousin in the face.... Page had surgery to repair broken bones in the right arm, and the school is expected to pursue a medical redshirt for him to preserve a year's eligibility, which would make the talented performer a redshirt sophomore next season....

FAMU facing challenging 2009 slate
The Rattlers as always will have its' share of tough guys and mean hombres on the 2009 slate.... After ending its' four-game slide against Delaware State two weeks ago, and bowling past Winston-Salem State and Howard, the Rattlers still have eight games left - all potential landmines as they seek the 2009 MEAC title and a return to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2001.... This week, FAMU heads to Atlanta to duel longtime rival Tennessee State on Sept. 26.... After a bye week on Oct. 3, FAMU will begin their final seven-game regular season stretch with the Miami Hurricanes on Oct. 10, followed by what could be the MEAC's version of "Duel In The Sun" at South Carolina State on Oct. 17.... Homecoming will feature Norfolk State on Oct. 24, then the Morgan State Bears will host FAMU in a Halloween Classic in Baltimore on Oct. 31.... FAMU closes its' home schedule Nov. 7 against seemingly resurgent North Carolina A&T, then heads to Coach Joe Taylor's old stomping grounds for a Nov. 14 showdown with Hampton.... The regular season ends in Orlando, with the Rattlers squaring off against Sunshine State rival Bethune-Cookman in the 30th Florida Classic, Nov. 21....

FAMU features 12 preseason all-stars
The 2009 Rattler Football team features a league-high 12 preseason All-MEAC selections, including nine (9) first-team picks.... First-team picks include QB Curtis Pulley, WR Kevin Elliott, C Steve Brazzle, OG Anthony Collins, OT Robert Okeafor, LB Bryan Parker, DT Cameron Houston, KR LeRoy Vann and CB Curtis Holcomb... WR Isaac West, RB Phil Sylvester and PK Trevor Scott were second team picks....

2009 MEAC Football Roundup • Standings
Florida A&M        2-0        3-0
South Carolina State    1-0    2-0
Hampton    1-0    2-1
North Carolina A&T    1-1        2-1
Morgan State 0-0    1-1
Norfolk State    0-1    1-2
Delaware State    0-1    0-2
Howard    0-1    0-2
Bethune-Cookman    0-1    0-2

Last Week's Scores
Thursday
FAMU 48, Howard 10
Saturday
Hampton 24, North Carolina A&T 14
William & Mary 27, Norfolk State 15
Morgan State 16, Winston-Salem State 10, OT, E. Rutherford, N.J.

This Week's Schedule/Saturday
Tennessee State vs. FAMU, Atlanta, 3:30 p.m.
Howard at Georgetown, 1 p.m.
Morgan State at Towson State, 4 p.m.
*Bethune-Cookman at Norfolk State, 4 p.m.
*Delaware State at Hampton, 6 p.m.
Winston-Salem State at South Carolina State, 6 p.m.
North Carolina A&T at Coastal Carolina, 7 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 21) - The hits just keep on coming for FAMU All-America kick returner LeRoy Vann, who will be the subject of a feature segment on this Saturday's ESPN COLLEGE GAME DAY, Built By Home Depot, which airs at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on ESPN.

Vann will be interviewed by former Michigan Heisman Trophy winner, NFL All-Pro and GAME DAY panelist Desmond Howard on campus Tuesday as part of the production for the segment.

The Tampa native was named NCAA FCS Special Teams Player of the Week by The Sports Network and MEAC, and will be higlighted in this week's editions of Sports Illustrated.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 20) - FAMU's All-America return specialist Leroy Vann will be featured in the College Football section of this week's Sports Illustrated.

Vann, who leads the nation in punt returns, averaging 27.9 yards per runback with four touchdowns in the last two games, has set a new FAMU career record for TD punt returns with seven (7), which ties the NCAA career record.

His four punt returns thus far in 2009, have tied the school's single-season mark set by Howard Huckaby in 1988, and the mercurial Tampa native is 115 yards shy of tying the single season school punt return yards mark of 478, set by Huckaby in 1988.

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 20) – The Florida A&M Women’s Volleyball team won a hard-fought 3-2 match victory over the University of Central Florida on the final day of the Radisson-UCF Classic Sunday.

Florida A&M (3-5)  dropped the first set, 25-23, then won the next two sets, 25-15 and 25-20, before UCF (8-6) rallied to win the fourth set, 25-22.

The Lady Rattlers clinched the match with a 15-8 win in the fifth and deciding set.

Freshman hitter Pamela Barrera had a team-high 21 kills, followed by senior Maria Gomez and junior Jovana Blazeski with 18 kills each, while freshman Maria Ceccarelli added 15 kills.

Junior setter Jessica Bond dished out 60 assists, while junior Susan Egoavil led FAMU with 26 digs. Blazeski had 19 digs and Ceccarelli added 10 digs.

The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers dropped their first two matches in the Radisson Classic, falling Saturday to Southern Miss, 3-2, after dropping a 3-0 decision on Friday to FIU.

• In Saturday's match, FAMU, extended the USM Eagles to five sets. The Lady Rattlers dropped the opening set, 25-21, winning the next two, 25-22 and 27-25, before dropping the final two sets, 25-19 and 15-9.

Jovana Blazeski led FAMU with 25 kills and 20 digs, followed by Maria Gomez with 18 kills and Pamela Barrera with 10 kills. Jessica Bond dished out 56 assists, while Susan Egoavil had a team-high 23 digs Saturday.

• In Friday's match against Florida International, FAMU lost in straight sets, 20-25, 19-25 and 6-25.

Blazeski led the Lady Rattlers with 10 kills and eight digs, followed by Gomez and Barrera with five kills each, while Bond finished with 21 assists.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers continue a long road swing on Tuesday, Sept. 29 in Jacksonville at the University of North Florida (7:00).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 19) - Florida A&M University announced the 2009-10 Women's Basketball schedule, a slate which will open on Friday, November 6, in an exhibition doubleheader with the men's team against Tusxkegee University in the first game in the New University Center.

Tipoff for that exhibition opener will be 5:30 p.m.

The regular season opener will be a week later in Tampa against the University of South Florida on Friday, November 13 , followed by the regular season home opener on Thursday, November 19 at 6 p.m.

FAMU's non-conference home schedule also features Albany (Ga.) State on Monday, November 23; a two-game appearance in the Florida State Invitational against Missouri (Friday, November 27) and Auburn (Saturday, November 28), plus the Alabama Crimson Tide in the University Center on Wednesday, December 16.

FAMU will also play a rugged non-conference road schedule, featuring December bouts at Florida (Tuesday, December 1), Bethune-Cookman (Saturday, December 5), Kentucky (Sunday, December 13), Alabama State (Wednesday, December 30) and Savannah State (Wednesday, January 6).

The Lady Rattlers open their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule on the road against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, December 5, then open their conference home schedule on Saturday, January 9 against defending champion North Carolina A&T.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 19) - The Florida A&M Women's Cross Country team competed Friday evening in the University of Florida Invitational Meet in Gainesville.

The Lady Rattlers finished 23rd overall against the field, led by Jeanette Hulse (23:20.58), LaToya Wright (24:55.73); Tiffiny Morrow (25:03.93), Samantha Young (27:24.04), Ann-Marie Francis (27:41.91) and Keelyn Fleming (27:45.93).

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 19) - The Florida A&M University Men's Cross Country team finished 15th overall in the University of Florida Invitational Meet here Friday evening.

In competition for the Rattler thinclads Friday were in order of finish: Lamere Buchanan (28:19.20), Paul Williams (29:17.10), Artiom Podgainii (30:28.90), Ryan Singleton (31:01.90), Isaiah Coleman (31.37.00), Arthur Kinder (35:20.80) and Damarius Carroll (35:58.80).

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 19) - The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers dropped their first two matches in the University of Central Florida Volleyball Classic, falling Saturday to Southern Miss, 3-2, after dropping a 3-0 decision on Friday to FIU.

• In Saturday's match, FAMU (2-6), extended the USM Eagles to five sets. The Lady Rattlers dropped the opening set, 25-21, winning the next two, 25-22 and 27-25, before dropping the final two sets, 25-19 and 15-9.

Jovana Blazeski led FAMU with 25 kills and 20 digs, followed by Maria Gomez with 18 kills and Pamela Barrera with 10 kills. Jessica Bond dished out 56 assists, while Susan Egoavil had a team-high 23 digs Saturday.

• In Friday's match against Florida International, FAMU lost in straight sets, 20-25, 19-25 and 6-25.

Blazeski led the Lady Rattlers with 10 kills and eight digs, followed by Gomez and Barrera with five kills each, while Bond finished with 21 assists.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers will face host UCF on Sunday at 3 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 15) - The Florida A&M University Volleyball team christened their new Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18) win over Mercer University, Tuesday evening.

 

FAMU (2-4) had a pair of Lady Rattlers to finish in double-digit kills with Jovana Blazeski with 13 and Maria Gomez with 11.  Jessica Bond finished with a game high 32 assists and Blazeski finished with a team high 10 digs.

 

Mercer (3-6) was led by Libby Hansch with seven kills, followed by Rachel Urbelis with five.  Chelsea Gebben tallied a team high 11 assists, while Nickie Halbert finished with 10.  Ashley Skidmore garnered a team high 13 digs.

 

The Lady Rattlers will return to action against Florida International on Friday, Sept.  18 at 10:30 a.m., in the opening round of the UCF Radisson Classic in Orlando.  Then will take on Southern Mississippi at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 19, and will conclude the Classic on Sunday, Sept 20, against host team UCF.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 18) - Florida A&M's Leroy Vann has gone Broadway, at least sort of, as ESPN featured the Rattler All-America on two Friday afternoon programs.

"ESPN's College Football Live" featured a five-minute live interview with the Tampa, Florida senior at midafternoon, then the network's 30-minute sports talk show, "Around The Horn,"
had Vann's recent performances as a feature topic for there four-person panel of sports journalists.

Vann has runback four punts for touchdowns this season, all in the last two games, and has tied the NCAA career mark for TD punt returns (7), held previously by Northern Iowa's Kenny Shedd (1989-92).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 17) – Florida A&M University football fans were treated to a spectacular performance from senior All-America return specialist LeRoy Vann in the Rattlers’ 48-10 romp over Howard University before a national television audience on ESPNU on a rainy night in Bragg Memorial Stadium Thursday.

The 5-8, 185-pound cornerback from Tampa (Fla.) Blake High School, ran back two punts for touchdowns – a 40-yarder late in the first quarter and a scintillating 66-yarder in the third period which capped the game’s scoring.

He also set up the Rattlers’ first score of the game – a 10-yard run by Philip Sylvester – with a 66-yard return of the opening kickoff.

Thursday’s win moved the Rattlers to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, extending their current winning streak to six games.

Vann finished the night with 197 all-purpose yards (117 on punts and 80 on kickoffs), further writing his name in school and NCAA record books.

The two returns Thursday marked the second straight game that the mercurial youngster had taken two kicks back for touchdowns in the same game, pulling off that feat a week earlier against Winston-Salem State in a 34-10 victory on the road.

In the WSSU game, Vann broke a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second period (9:11) to give the Rattlers some breathing room before the half at 14-3, then he raced 80 yards with a third quarter kick (7:47) for six, extending FAMU’s advantage to 21-3.

Vann now has 10 total kick returns for touchdowns (seven punts, three kickoffs) in his career, and has now tied Northern Iowa’s Kenny Shedd (1989-92) for the NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championships Subdivision) career TD punt return mark with seven (7).

Vann’s seven (7) punt returns for touchdowns is a new FAMU career record, and the back-to-back games with two punt returns for scores is a school and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference record.

He needs one more TD punt return to tie the NCAA FCS single-season mark of five (5) set by North Carolina A&T’s Curtis Deloach in 2001.

• Thursday’s scores against Howard tied the FAMU single-season record for TD punt returns, set by Howard Huckaby – four (4) – in 1988, and he needs 116 more punt return yards to surpass Huckaby’s all-time single-season yardage record of 478, also set in 1988.

Vann now has 363 yards on 12 punt returns and 193 yards on seven kickoff returns, for 556 all purpose yards in the first three games of 2009.

• Vann’s 95-yard punt return for a touchdown against WSSU also tied the school record for longest punt return, set by Leroy Hardee, versus South Carolina State in 1958.

• Careerwise, Vann has 1,348 yards on 48 kickoff returns, with three (3) touchdowns, while recording 827 yards on 41 punt returns with seven (7) TDs, giving him 2,175 combined return yards and 10 touchdowns.

• In 2008, Vann finished the 2008 season with 1,121 kickoff return yards on 38 returns with three TDS and had 464 punt return yards (29 attempts) with three TDs.

• He also finished the 2008 campaign as the NCAA FCS all-time single-season leader in combined kick returns with 1,585 yards, shattering the old mark of 1,469 set by Samford's David Primus in 1989.

• Vann ended the season with 67 (29 punts, 38 kickoffs) combined
returns, surpassing the old mark of 64 by Connecticut's Joe Markus in 1981.

Vann finished the 2008 season as the overall NCAA Division I leader in combined kick return yards and tied the Division I BCS (formerly I-A) mark for combined kick returns for TDs with six (6).

@ Kentucky's Derek Abney held the previous BCS single-season combined kick return yardage mark of 1,348 yards in 2003.

@ Abney (2002) and Asland Davis of Tulsa (2004) both had six combined kick returns for TDs in a season.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 17) – The Florida A&M Rattler football team rode a strong running game and the spectacular exploits of All-America kick returner LeRoy Vann to cruise to a 48-10 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over the Howard University Bison before a national television audience on a rainy Thursday night in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout the day during the first half, kept attendance down to 7,668 here Thursday, but those who braved the weather saw history in the making as FAMU senior LeRoy Vann ran back two punts for touchdowns for the second straight week.

The Tampa, Florida native raced 40 yards on the slick field with a first quarter punt with 3:49 left to score the Rattlers third touchdown of period, extending their lead to 21-0.

Leading 41-10 late in the third period, FAMU got another Vann special, as he bobbled a Howard punt, then wheeled to his left where a lane had cleared down the far sideline allowing clear passage for a 66-yard runback for the 48-10 final.

Vann’s two TD returns tied an NCAA Division I FCS career mark for punt returns for touchdowns of seven, set by Northern Iowa’s Kenny Shedd from 1989-92, and tied the FAMU single-season record for punt returns for TDs of four, with Howard Huckaby (1985-88).

He needs one more TD punt return to tie the NCAA FCS single season mark of five set by North Carolina A&T’s Curtis Deloach in 2001.

Vann finished the night with 197 all purpose yards (117 on punts, 80 on kickoff returns).

Florida A&M (3-0, 2-0 in MEAC) outgained the Bison, 399 to 218 in total yards, employing a running attack which netted 203 yards Thursday, featuring six backs.

Freshman Eddie Rocker led FAMU with 59 yards on nine carries with one touchdown, while junior tailback Phil Sylvester, who missed the first two games with an ankle injury, ran for 55 yards on 11 carries and one TD, and QB Curtis Pulley gained 38 yards on 13 carries.

Pulley passed for 182 yards and 2 TDs on 11 of 22 passing, tossing scoring strikes of 35  and 46 yards to Kevin Elliott, who finished the night with three catches for 95 yards, jut behind Isaac West, who had a team-high four receptions for 30 yards.

Defensively, LB Bryan Parker led FAMU with 11 tackles, followed by LBs Gregory Boler (7) and John Williams (6).

Sylvester’s 10-yard blast with 13:46 left in the first period put FAMU on the board first at 7-0, then Pulley’s 46-yard strike to Elliott at the 5:54 mark extended their edge to 14-0.
After Vann’s first TD return made it 21-0, Trevor Scott connected on the first of two long field goals, a 47-yarder with 10:43 left in the half to push the Rattler lead to 24-0.

Howard’s Casey Council put the Bison on the board moments later by scooping up a blocked punt and rambling 30 yards to score for a 24-7 count with 7:22 left in the half.

Elliott’s second TD reception from Pulley, of 35 yards with 5:01 left, extended FAMU’s advantage to 31-7.

The two schools traded fields goals in the final minute of the half, as Howard’s Dennis Wiehberg connected on a 38-yarder with 33 seconds left, before Trevor Scott of FAMU nailed the second-longest field goal in school history – a 51-yarder at the gun – to leave the count 34-10 at the break.

Eddie Rocker scored from 10 yards out with 3:22 left in the third period for a 41-10 FAMU lead, then Vann’s scintillating 66-yard runback closed the game’s scoring with 2:16 left in the quarter.

Howard (0-2, 0-1 in MEAC) was led by QB Floyd Haigler, who passed for 87 yards on 10 completions (24 attempts), while Jared Dorsey led the Bison ground game with 38 yards on six carries, followed by Andra Williams with 30 yards on five tires.

WR Willie Carter led the Bison receivers with five catches for 45 yards, while on defense, Keith Pough and Arando Jamison each had 11 tackles.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU travels to Atlanta to tangle with Tennessee State in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic next week (3:30 p.m. Versus Network), while Howard will face crosstown Georgetown in the Battle of D.C. next Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 14) – The Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball team will open its’ 2009 home schedule Tuesday evening against Mercer University in the FAMU Multipurpose Center. Start time is 7:00 p.m.
FAMU comes into the 2009 season having won the last eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles, with a streak of eight straight appearances in the NCAA Volleyball Championships.

Head coach Tanio “Tony” Trifonov will be in his 13th season at the helm of the Lady Rattler Program, having led FAMU to 253 match victories in 12 seasons, including nine NCAA postseason trips.

Four starters return from last year’s MEAC title winners, including 2009 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, 6-1 junior hitter Jovana Blazeski (Belgrade, Serbia), 6-2 senior middle/hitter Maria Gomez (Guayaquil, Ecuador), 5-6 junior setter/libero Susan Egoavil (Lima, Peru), and  5-11 junior middle/hitter Chelsea Pennick (Orlando, Fla.).

Also returning from last year’s team is 5-11 sophomore middle/hitter Avianca Manning (Panama City, Panama), who is expected to see plenty of playing time with the loss of three starters.

FAMU will also feature a bevy of talented newcomers, led by 6-1 freshman middle Pamela Barrera (Lima, Peru), 6-1 freshman hitter Maria Ceccarelli (Lima, Peru), a pair of 5-11 freshmen hitters,  Camile Freeman (Columbia, Md.) and Ashley Johnson, (Tallahassee, Fla.), plus 5-6 junior setter Jessica Bond (Twin Falls, Idaho).

The Lady Rattlers So Far In 2009....
The Lady Rattlers are 1-4 on the season so far, having appeared into two tournaments – at Florida State (Aug. 28-29) and the Stetson University Classic (Sept. 4-5) – but they have shown great improvement and came close to picking up at least one or two more wins.

In the FSU Tourney, FAMU dropped all three matches, falling to North Dakota State, 3-0 (9-25, 10-25, 24-26), Central Michigan, 3-2 (21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 12-15), and nationally-ranked Florida State, 3-0 (18-25, 23-25, 19-25).

In the Stetson Classic, the Lady Rattlers defeated host Stetson, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-11), before dropping a hard-fought five-set match to nationally-ranked Southern Illinois, 3-2 (25-20, 25-21, 15-25, 17-25, 12-15).

Blazeski leads FAMU so far in kills (77), followed by Gomez (54), Ceccarelli (42) and Barrera (32).

Jessica Bond leads the team in assists (195), while Blazeski also tops the club in digs (54), followed by Gomez (32), Bond (30) and Ceccarelli (29).

2009 Home Schedule
The Lady Rattlers will have six (6) home matches this season – mostly in the new Multi-purpose Arena.

Tuesday’s bout with Mercer (7:00) will be the lone home match in September, but FAMU will host four October matches on back-to-back weekends:

• Friday, October 16, FAMU will host Winston-Salem State at 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday, October 18, they will tangle with North Carolina A&T at 3:00 p.m.

• Friday, October 23, South Carolina State comes calling at 7:00 p.m. on Homecoming Eve at a site to be determined, followed by a Sunday, October 25 match against Bethune-Cookman University at 3:00 p.m.

• The Lady Rattlers will close out their 2009 home schedule against Norfolk State on Sunday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 14) – The Florida A&M University Women’s Volleyball team will open its’ 2009 home schedule Tuesday evening against Mercer University in the FAMU Multipurpose Center. Start time is 7:00 p.m.
FAMU comes into the 2009 season having won the last eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles, with a streak of eight straight appearances in the NCAA Volleyball Championships.

Head coach Tanio “Tony” Trifonov will be in his 13th season at the helm of the Lady Rattler Program, having led FAMU to 253 match victories in 12 seasons, including nine NCAA postseason trips.

Four starters return from last year’s MEAC title winners, including 2009 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, 6-1 junior hitter Jovana Blazeski (Belgrade, Serbia), 6-2 senior middle/hitter Maria Gomez (Guayaquil, Ecuador), 5-6 junior setter/libero Susan Egoavil (Lima, Peru), and  5-11 junior middle/hitter Chelsea Pennick (Orlando, Fla.).

Also returning from last year’s team is 5-11 sophomore middle/hitter Avianca Manning (Panama City, Panama), who is expected to see plenty of playing time with the loss of three starters.

FAMU will also feature a bevy of talented newcomers, led by 6-1 freshman middle Pamela Barrera (Lima, Peru), 6-1 freshman hitter Maria Ceccarelli (Lima, Peru), a pair of 5-11 freshmen hitters,  Camile Freeman (Columbia, Md.) and Ashley Johnson, (Tallahassee, Fla.), plus 5-6 junior setter Jessica Bond (Twin Falls, Idaho).

The Lady Rattlers In 2009
The Lady Rattlers are 1-4 on the season so far, having appeared into two tournaments – at Florida State (Aug. 28-29) and the Stetson University Classic (Sept. 4-5) – but they have shown great improvement and came close to picking up at least one or two more wins.

In the FSU Tourney, FAMU dropped all three matches, falling to North Dakota State, 3-0 (9-25, 10-25, 24-26), Central Michigan, 3-2 (21-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 12-15), and nationally-ranked Florida State, 3-0 (18-25, 23-25, 19-25).

In the Stetson Classic, the Lady Rattlers defeated host Stetson, 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-11), before dropping a hard-fought five-set match to nationally-ranked Southern Illinois, 3-2 (25-20, 25-21, 15-25, 17-25, 12-15).

Blazeski leads FAMU so far in kills (77), followed by Gomez (54), Ceccarelli (42) and Barrera (32).

Jessica Bond leads the team in assists (195), while Blazeski also tops the club in digs (54), followed by Gomez (32), Bond (30) and Ceccarelli (29).

2009 Home Schedule
The Lady Rattlers will have six (6) home matches this season – mostly in the new Multi-purpose Arena.

Tuesday’s bout with Mercer (7:00) will be the lone home match in September, but FAMU will host four October matches on back-to-back weekends:

• Friday, October 16, FAMU will host Winston-Salem State at 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday, October 18, they will tangle with North Carolina A&T at 3:00 p.m.

• Friday, October 23, South Carolina State comes calling at 7:00 p.m. on Homecoming Eve at a site to be determined, followed by a Sunday, October 25 match against Bethune-Cookman University at 3:00 p.m.

• The Lady Rattlers will close out their 2009 home schedule against Norfolk State on Sunday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m.

 

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Sept. 10) – Senior LeRoy Vann’s two punt returns for touchdowns highlighted a record-setting kick return performance which helped lift the Florida A&M University Rattlers to a 34-10 win over the Winston-Salem State University Rams in a nationally-televised football game here at Bowman Gray Stadium Thursday night.

Florida A&M (2-0) extended their current winning streak to five games with Thursday’s win, a game which turned on the spectacular performance of Vann, who ran a second quarter punt back 95 yards for a score, then dashed 80 to paydirt with another kick in the third period.

Vann’s first return was perhaps the most pivotal as the heavily-favored Rattlers led just 7-3 after the first quarter and seemed to struggle a bit on offense, before the 95-yard return staked FAMU to a 14-3 lead with 9:11 left in the second period.

His 80-yard runback of a punt with 7:47 left in the third extended the FAMU cushion to 21-3 and the Rattlers were in command.

Vann finished the night with a school-record 189 yards on three punt returns, setting a school record for most punt returns for a TD in a game (2) and surpassing Howard Huckaby (1986-89) for most career punt returns for TDs – four (4).

In fact, his 95-yard runback in the second period tied a 51-year-old Rattler mark for longest punt return set in 1958 by Leroy Hardee against South Carolina State.

On the night, the 5-8, 185-pound senior from Tampa, Florida, finished with five combined kick returns for 228 yards, putting him on pace to surpass Huckaby's single season school punt return yardage mark of 478 yards set in 1988.

Quarterback Curtis Pulley, who was coming off a 336-yard offensive performance in last week’s opener against Delaware State, was 17 of 21 passing Thursday for 209 yards and 3 TDs, while leading the team in rushing with 34 yards on 10 carries.

Pulley tossed a four-yard scoring pass to Curtis Pulley with 8:22 left in the first period for a 7-0 FAMU lead. In the third period, he connected with Isaac West on a 22-yard scoring play with five seconds left in the third to extend the Rattlers to a 28-10 advantage, then he hit tight end Max Purcell with a three-yard strike with 1:04 to play in the game.

FAMU outgained the Rams, 291-218 in total yards, but Vann’s 228 return yards on five attempts turned the game in the Rattlers favor.

Kevin Elliott led the Rattlers with six receptions for 86 yards and one score, followed by West with six grabs for 80 yards.

Safety Greg Harvey led FAMU defensively with eight tackles (six solos) and one tackle for loss, followed by linebackers John Williams and Bryan Parker with six tackles apiece.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers return home for a second straight Thursday night game next week, when they host the Howard University Bison in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game in Bragg Memorial Stadium. The Church and Community Night contest will be nationally-televised by ESPNU live, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

FAMU FOOTBALL NOTES
From Thursday’s Road Game At WSSU
• LeRoy Vann’s two punt returns for a touchdown Thursday marked the first time a Rattler player had managed that feat in school history.

• Vann now holds the FAMU career mark for punt returns for touchdowns of five (5), surpassing All-American Howard Huckaby (1986-89), who had four returns for scores – all in 1988.

• Vann’s second quarter punt return for a touchdown also tied the school record for longest punt return of 95 yards, set by Leroy Hardee, versus South Carolina State in 1958.

• The Tar Heel State has been kind to Rattler return specialists. In 1991, speedster David Lucas ran back two kickoff returns for touchdowns against North Carolina A&T…. Three (3) of Vann’s eight career kick returns for scores have come in North Carolina – two Thursday and one last year against A&T in Greensboro.

• Bowman Gray Stadium, site of FAMU’s game Thursday, is also a certified quarter mile NASCAR facility, where Saturday evening races still take place in the summer.

• Thursday’s ESPNU crew of play-by-play announcer Charlie Neal and former Howard University All-American quarterback Jay “Sky” Walker, as analyst, will also work next week’s Thursday night game at FAMU.

• North Carolina Central University was officially welcomed as the 13th member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Thursday morning. NCCU was a charter member of the MEAC in 1970, but left the league in 1980, choosing to remain NCAA Division Two.

• This is the third straight year that the Rattlers have played a Thursday night game and it will be the second straight season with two Thursday night contests on the FAMU schedule.

• Winston-Salem State has connections with two FAMU personalities – Athletic Director Bill Hayes and quarterback Curtis Pulley. Hayes was the head football coach at WSSU from 1976 to 1987, with a 89-40-2 record. During Hayes’ 12-year tenure, he coached Pulley’s uncle at WSSU.

• Thursday’s game was the third straight year that FAMU and WSSU played on national television and the second straight year the two clubs have played on Thursday night.

• FAMU extended its’ current win streak to five games, and have won 11 of their last 14 games since finishing the 2007 campaign 0-2.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 6) – FAMU’s 2009 Walter Payton Award candidate Curtis Pulley vaulted into some elite company Saturday evening with his 196-yard rushing performance in the Rattlers’ 21-12 win over Delaware State.

Pulley, a 6-4, 200-pound quarterback from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, tied Amir Rasul for the ninth (9^th) best single-game rushing performance in school history Saturday with 196 yards on 15 carries, scoring on a 47-yard gallop in the third period.

That rushing total pushed him into the 1,000-yard rushing club at FAMU with 1,081 career yards in the Orange and Green, ranking him 28^th all-time behind Pat Reddick (1,113 from 1989-92)  and the great Bob Hayes (1,123 from 1961-64).

His rushing total from Saturday was also a school record for quarterbacks, surpassing the 100-yard rushing effort by Sammy Knight in the 1979 upset of the University of Miami.

Pulley also passed for 140 yards on 12 of 19 passing, giving him 1,522 yards through the air and 17 touchdowns for his career at FAMU.

Overall, he has 2,613 yards of total offense in 12 career games at FAMU, good for a 217.75-yards per game average.

LORIDA A&M STINGS DELAWARE STATE, 21-12
Curtis Pulley piles up 336 total yards to lead Rattlers to opening win

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Sept. 5) – Walter Payton Award candidate Curtis Pulley piled up 336 total yards of offense here Saturday evening to lead the Florida A&M Rattlers to a 21-12 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football victory over the visiting Delaware State Hornets at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Pulley, a senior quarterback from Hopkinsville, Ky., rushed for 196 yards on just 15 carries, scoring once on a scintillating 47-yard gallop in the third period, while hitting on 12 of 19 passes for 140 yards.

The win for FAMU (1-0, 1-0 in MEAC) was their first against Delaware State (0-1, 0-1 in MEAC) in the last five games, snapping a four-game losing streak in the series.

Saturday’s victory was also their first in a conference opener since 2002, when they defeated Morgan State, 34-16.

After a scoreless first quarter, FAMU broke the ice on a hot, sticky evening when fullback Mykel Benson capped a nine-play, 69-yard drive with one-yard plunge with 10:08 left in the second period. Trevor Scott’s PAT kick staked the Rattlers to a 7-0 lead.

Delaware State pulled with one point, 7-6, when quarterback Anthony Glaud fired a 30-yard scoring strike to Zacharri Charles with 6:39 left in the half. The PAT kick failed leaving the Hornets down one.

FAMU’s Lonvontae Page, a sophomore tailback starting in place of an injured Philip Sylvester, extended the Rattlers’ lead to 14-6, when he blasted into the end zone from six yards out with 3:19 left.

In the third period, Pulley, who had rushed for 110 yards in the first half, caped a four-play, 65-yard march with his 47-yard tally – the longest run of his FAMU career, staking the Rattlers to a 21-6 lead with 10:36 left.

DSU’s Jason Randall gave the Hornets a bit of hope with 12:52 left in the game, when he ran in from four yards out for a 21-12 count, but the two-point pass try failed.

The Rattlers outgained DelState, 485 to 274 in total yards, finishing with 328 rushing yards and 157 through the air.

FAMU’s Defense limited the Hornets to 86 yards on the ground, while allowing 188 yards passing on Saturday.

Behind Pulley in the ground attack for FAMU was newcomer Eddie Rocker, who rushed for 64 yards on eight carries, and Page, who finished with 61 yards on 20 carries and one TD.

Isaac West led FAMU in receiving with four catches for 83 yards, followed by Page with three grabs for 32 yards.

Linebacker Bryan Parker led the FAMU Defense with 11 tackles (seven solos) and a key fumble recovery late in the game, which ended any hope for DelState, followed by defensive back Qier Hall and linebacker Alvis Graham with five tackles apiece.
 
Delaware State was led by QB Anthony Glaud, who in his first collegiate start, passed for 188 yards on 17 completions (32 attempts), tossing one TD pass. Jason Randall led the Hornets’ ground game with 54 yards on 16 carries and one TD, while Darius Jackson led DSU with seven catches for 67 yards.

Defensively, the Hornets were sparked by linebacker Mike Gable, who finished with a team-high 11 tackles (six solos), plus one sack, followed by Ahmad Harris with eight tackles and Fabian Dunn with seven stops.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers head to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for an ESPNU televised night game next Thursday against the Winston-Salem State Rams. Kickoff will be 7:30 p.m.

FOOTNOTE: Sophomore FAMU running back Lonvontae Page from Douglasville, Georgia, was hit by a ricochet bullet from a random shooting on campus following the game Saturday evening. He was hit in the right forearm while walking with family members from the stadium following his first collegiate start.

He remained hospitalized at press time.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (July 31) – The FAMU Rattler Football team was picked to finish second in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason Football Poll of league coaches and sports information directors announced Friday.

Defending champion South Carolina State, led by running back William Ford, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year from 2008, was picked to defend their title.

Forecast to finish in order behind SCSU and FAMU were Hampton, Bethune-Cookman, Norfolk State, Morgan State, Delaware State, North Carolina A&T and Howard University.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (July 31) – The Florida A&M University Football team placed 11 players on the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason All-League squad announced here Friday afternoon at the league’s annual Football Kickoff Press Luncheon.

Nine Rattlers were tabbed as first-team performers including quarterback Curtis Pulley, receiver Kevin Elliott and three offensive linemen, center Steve Brazzle, guard Anthony Collins and returning All-American Robert Okeafor at tackle on the offense, while tackle Cameron Houston, linebacker Bryan Parker and cornerback Curtis Holcomb were defensive selectees, with All-American return ace LeRoy Vann rounding out the group.

Second team FAMU picks were halfback Philip Sylvester and kicker Trevor Scott.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 17) – Phil Steele’s 2009 College Football Preview Magazine tabbed return specialist LeRoy Vann and defensive back Curtis Holcomb of Florida A&M University to its’ 2009 Preseason NCAA Division I FCS All-American Team.

Vann, who scored six touchdowns and compiled over 1,500 return yards on kickoffs and punts a year ago, was a first-team selection, while Holcomb, an All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) cornerback for the FAMU Defense, was a second team pick.

The publication selected 10 Rattlers to its’ preseason All-MEAC squad, including eight to its’ first team: QB Curtis Pulley, RB Philip Sylvester, WR, Kevin Elliott, OT Robert Okeafor, OG Anthony Collins, DT Cameron Houston, DB Curtis Holcomb and RS LeRoy Vann.

Second-team selectees were LB Bryan Parker and DB Qier Hall.

FAMU, which finished 9-3 overall and tied for second in the MEAC a year ago, was picked to finish second by the Magazine behind defending champion South Carolina State in the 2009 conference race.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 1) - Florida A&M University rising senior football student-athletes Curis Pulley and LeRoy Vann have received preseason all-star recognition in advance of the coming 2009 campaign.

@ Pulley, a 6-4, 200-pound senior quarterback from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was named to The Sports Network's "Walter Payton Award Watch List," as of of the 20 leading offensive players in NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision, formerly I-AA).

He played the final 10 games of the season a year ago, leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in total offense (2,267 yards), accounting for 24 touchdowns (17 passing, seven rushing). He led FAMU in rushing (885 yards, 7 TDs), while completing 98 of 178 passes for 1,382 yards, capturing first team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors.

"The Talented Mr. Pulley," helped shift the Rattler Offense into virtual high gear by midyear, as FAMU finished the year averaging 35.2 points per game, scorinf 40 or more points in their final three games and five of their last seven contests, cracking the 50-point plateau three times.

The transfer from the University of Kentucky was named MVP of the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic and the Florida Classic, presented by State Farm, after leading the Rattlers to decisive victories against Tennessee State (28-21) and Bethune-Cookman (58-35).

@ Returning FCS All-America return specialist LeRoy Vann, a 5-9, 185-pound defensive back from Tampa (Blake High School) has been named to The Sporting News College Football Preview FCS Preseason All-America team.

The scintillating performer shattered school, conference and NCAA records for Division One football in kick returns in 2008, piling up 1,583 combined yards (462 on punts, 1,121 on kickoffs), which ranks him #1 all-time in that category among BCS or FCS players for a single season.

He also ran back six (6) kicks for touchdowns, tying and NCAA record for combined kick returns for scores. Many of his returns came at clutch moments in games, sparking the Rattlers to a sizzling 9-3 finish.

Vann, who also ranked among the team's top tacklers (53 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 1 Interception) a year ago, captured All-American honors from The Walter Camp Foundation and the Associated Press for his efforts.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (JULY 1) – The Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame will enshrine its’ 34th induction class during ceremonies on Friday, September 4, 2009 at the new Florida A&M University Teaching Gymnasium.

The ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m., with a reception set for the honorees and their guests immediately following the event.

The 2009 class will be comprised of seven persons – five athletes and two supporters of athletics.

• This year’s group of five athletes feature three football players, one basketball performer and one two-sport star.

Headlining the quintet of athletes is four-time All-America receiver Jacquay Nunnally (1997-2000), who still reigns as the NCAA Division I FCS career pass receiving leader with 318 regular season receptions.

Joining Nunnally is two-time All-America left tackle Terry Beauford (1989, 1990), who played several seasons in the National Football League (Green Bay, San Diego) and his FAMU teammate, quarterback Antoine “Tony” Ezell (1988-91), who was the first Rattler quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards, finishing his career with 6,620 yards – the third highest total in school history.

Also slated for induction is basketball performer Aldwin Ware (1984-88), a Black College All-American in 1988, who led NCAA Division One in steals with 142, helping lead the Rattlers to a 22-8 finish and a berth in the finals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.

The fifth athlete to be honored will be Leon “Tex’ Collier (1956-59), a strapping 6-9 two-way tackle for the FAMU Football team, who also played forward for the Rattler Basketball team. Collier played on the 1957 and 1958 basketball conference title winners, three football conference championship teams (1956, 1957, 1958) and the 1957 national championship football team.

• The supporters of athletics are persons who made a significant contribution in a service-related role and/or financially to the program.

This year’s duo of supporters include Keith Miles, the “Voice of The Rattlers,” as the anchor of the FAMU Football Radio broadcasts since 1984 and former Director of FAMU’s Office of Alumni Affairs, and the Rev. Dr. Edward Scott, area dentist and pastor, who has been a staunch supporter of the university and athletics through the Rattler Boosters and the National Alumni Association.

Tickets for the event are $35 and can be purchased from the FAMU Athletic Ticket Office at the front entrance to the FAMU Teaching Gymnasium, beginning mid-July, or from members of the Sports Hall of Fame Steering Committee. Contact Dr. Joseph P. Ramsey, Chairperson at (850) 906-9150.

2009 FAMU SPORTS HALL OF FAME ENSHIREMENT CLASS
Beauford, Terry            Football (1986-90)
Collier, Leon                 Basketball & Football (1956-59)
Ezell, Tony                   Football (1988-91)
Miles, Keith                  Supporter
Nunnally, Jacquay       Football (1997-2000)
Scott, Dr. Edward        Supporter
Ware, Aldwin               Basketball (1984-88)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 29) - ESPNU will televise two Florida A&M Football games on Thursday nights as part of the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference television package this fall.

The Winston-Salem State University road game (Sept. 10) and Howard University home game (Sept. 17) will air live nationally on ESPNU beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The 30th Florida Classic is also tenatively slated to air on one of the ESPN networks, which will be announced later.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 29) - The 2009 Florida A&M University Football Schedule is now set with the announcement last week of the starting time for the 30th Florida Classic between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman University in Orlando on November 21.

The 11-game schedule will feature four home games in venerable Bragg Memorial Stadium, kicking off with the 2009 season opener against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Delaware State University at 6:00 p.m.

FAMU will then have two straight Thursday night games televised live nationally by ESPNU - the September 10 road clash at Winston-Salem State University and the September 17 home bout against Howard University. Both games will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Rattlers will then embark on a three-game, four-week road tour, starting off in Atlanta for the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, September 26 against Tennessee State University in the Georgia Dome, with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

The midseason road tour continues after an open date on October 3, as the Rattlers travel to Miami to take on the University of Miami at Pro Player Stadium (formerly Joe Robbie Stadium) on October 10. The start time has not be set for that battle which will mark the 30th anniversary of the Rattlers' 16-13 upset of UM in 1979 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Defending MEAC champion South Carolina State University will draw the Rattlers next in what is sure to be a "Showcase Showdown" between arguably the top two title contenders in 2009, on October 17 at Oliver Dawson/Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff will be 2:00 p.m.

Homecoming 2009 will see the Rattlers back in Bragg after four weeks away on October 24, when they host Norfolk State University at 3:00 p.m., then FAMU heads north to Baltimore for a 4:00 p.m. showdown with Morgan State University at Earl Banks Stadium on October 31.

The month of November will have three games to close out the 2009 campaign, starting off with the final home game for FAMU November 7, as North Carolina A&T State University invades Bragg for a 3:00 p.m. tilt, followed by back-to-back road games, November 14 at Hampton (Va.) University at 1 p.m., ending with the season-ending Showdown In O-Town, November 21, between FAMU and B-CU, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Please note that game times and dates may be subject to change.

2009 FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLER FOOTBALL SCHEDULE   

Sept. 5            DELAWARE STATE  (6:00)*            HOME
Sept. 10            at Winston-Salem State (7:30) TV            Winston-Salem, NC
Sept. 17        HOWARD (7:30)* TV                    HOME       
Sept. 26            Tennessee State (3:30)@                    Atlanta, GA
Oct. 10            at University of Miami (TBA)                Miami, FL
Oct. 17            at South Carolina State (2:00)*            Orangeburg, SC   
Oct. 24            NORFOLK STATE (3:00)*                HOMECOMING       
Oct. 31            at Morgan State (4:00)*                    Baltimore, MD       
Nov. 7            NORTH CAROLINA A&T (3:00)*        HOME       
Nov. 14            at Hampton University (1:00)*            Hampton, VA   
Nov. 21            Bethune-Cookman  (2:30)$*                Orlando, FL
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(*)-Conference Games; @-Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic 21 – Georgia Dome
($)-Florida Classic 30 – Florida Citrus Bowl; TV-TELEVISED GAMES

   

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (May 8)  - Florida A&M took advantage of numerous Hampton miscues Friday evening to defeat the Lady Pirates, 8-0 in five innings, advancing to the championship round of the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Softball Tournament at the Ormond Beach  Sports Complex.

Florida A&M (28-30) which dropped a 4-3 decision to Bethune-Cookman University in the semifinals on Friday morning, will face their archrivals for the 2009 MEAC Championship here Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

A second and deciding game, if needed, would start at 3:30 p.m.

The Lady Rattlers, who are 3-1 in the tournament so far, are in search of their ninth league title and their third in the last five years, must defeat Bethune-Cookman (3-0 in tournament play) twice on Saturday to lay claim to the league crown.

In Friday evening’s elimination final, FAMU managed three hits, but were aided by Hampton’s three  errors, three hit-by-pitches, and two wild pitches.
 
Nicole Terryn, Joyce Harold and Jasmine Donaldson had FAMU’s three hits Friday evening, while Tiffany Brents led Hampton (26-23) with two hits.

Amanda Reyes (20-15) in her fourth game on the mound for the Lady Rattlers picked up the win, as she allowed three hits and striking out seven in five innings of work.

Rhianna Green scored FAMU’s first run in the bottom of the of first on a  HU’s infielders error.  Shayla Clark would then be hit by a pitch with the bases loaded scoring Alesha Wells, which was followed by a Harold single up the middle scoring Brianna Weaver.

Raven Johnson would hit into a fielder’s choice to score Terryn, followed a pair of Lady Pirate infielder’s errors which would score both Harold and Johnson, giving the Lady Rattlers a 6-0 lead.

 

FAMU would plate two more runs in the bottom of the third as Donaldson singled up the middle scoring Harold, and then Donaldson would score on a HU’s infielder’s error for the 8-0 final.

Earlier in the day, Florida A&M dropped into the loser’s bracket of as arch rival Bethune-Cookman defeated the Lady Rattlers 4-3, suffering their first loss against a MEAC opponent this season.

FAMU finished with 12 hits led by Rhianna Green with three, followed by Shayla Clark and Jasmine Donaldson with two hits each.

B-CU (20-34) tallied nine hits and were led by Ashley Taylor with a team high three hits, while Allison Garcia finished with two hits.

Garcia (16-24) picked the win for the Lady Wildcats, giving up two earned runs and striking out five in seven innings, while Amanda Reyes took the loss for the Lady Rattlers, as she gave up nine hits, one earned run and struck out seven in seven innings of play.

Green gave FAMU a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first as she scored on a Nicole Terryn hit to left field. 

The Lady Rattlers increased their lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the second as Joyce Harold scored on a Green double to left field.

B-CU took advantage of two FAMU infielder’s errors, scoring Ashley Taylor and Ashton Hinds, followed by a Sabrina Ferguson single to left field scoring Garcia, putting the Lady Wildcats ahead 3-2 in the top of the third.

An illegal pitch scored Garcia, increasing the Lady Wildcats lead to 4-2 in the top the fifth.

FAMU pushed across a run in the bottom of the sixth as Donaldson scored on a B-CU’s infielder error, for the 4-3 final

 

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (May 7) – The Florida A&M Men’s Golf team will be among a talented field of teams competing this weekend for the Division One title at the 2009 PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship.
The three-round, stroke play event begins Friday, May 8 lasting through Sunday, May 10 here at The PGA Golf Club.

Coach Marvin Green’s club, which is led by senior James Petty Jr., along with 2009-10 SGA President Gallup Franklin, Shepherd Archie, Elijah Jackson and Wesley Yates, will be seeking the school’s second title this year.

FAMU won the 2000 national title, and has recorded three straight Top Five finishes, after being atop or near the top of the leader board going into the final round.

The PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship originated from a meeting in November 1986 following the Jackson State (Miss.) University Golf Tournament.

The late Dr. Herschel Cochrane, Dr. Joe D. Saunders of the National Negro Golf Association, Jackson State University Golf Coach Eddie Payton, Rose Harper-Elder of the Sports Management Institute and William (Bill) Dickey founder of the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association and the 1999 PGA Distinguished Service Award winner, are credited as the founders of this Championship.

The goal was to elevate the game of golf in minority colleges and universities by giving them a chance to compete in a championship because of being denied opportunities to compete in NCAA Collegiate Golf events.

The first Championship was conducted in the spring of 1987 at Highland Park Golf Course in Cleveland, Ohio. Since 1998, The PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., has been host to the Championship.

In 2006, The PGA of America was granted complete ownership and management of the championship by the National Minority Collegiate Golf Scholarship Fund.

Daily results can be viewed at the PGA official website, www.PGA.com.

 ORMOND BEACH, Fla. ( May 7) - The Florida A&M University Softball team advanced to Friday's semifinals in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Softball Tournament as they defeated Delaware State, 5-1, in quarterfinal action, here Thursday evening at the Ormond Beach Softball Complex.
 
 FAMU (27-29) won their eighth straight game and captured their 12 win in their last 16 games Thursday evening, after finishing with eight hits, led by Alesha Wells, Brianna Weaver and Nicole Terryn, all with two hits each. Terryn also finished with a game high four RBIs.
   
The Lady Rattlers rode the arm of junior Amanda Reyes (19-17) once again as she got the win - her second of the tournament - by going the distance, allowing five hits, one earned run and striking out four in seven innings of work.
 
 Brittney Ruark (17-11) took the loss for the Lady Hornets (23-21), giving up six hits, five earned runs and striking out three in four and two-thirds innings of work.
 
 It was a game that started out as pitcher's duel, with both pitchers only yielding one hit, after three innings of play.
 
 However, it was Terryn's three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth that broke up the scoring drought, scoring both Courtney Harold and Alesha Wells, giving FAMU a 3-0 lead.
 
 The Lady Rattlers plated two runs in the bottom of the fifth to increase their lead to 4-0, as Brianna Weaver singled to right field scoring Jasmine Donaldson.  Then a Terryn single to up the middle scored Rhianna Green, giving FAMU a 5-0 lead.
 
 DSU pushed across a run in the top of the seventh as Jojo Shields singled to left field scoring Tawny Reeger for the 5-1 final.
 
 WHAT'S NEXT: FAMU will return to action tomorrow as they will face Bethune-Cookman University at 11:30 a.m., in semifinal action, with the winner advancing to Saturday's 1:00 p.m. championship game.
 
 

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (May 7) - The Florida A&M University Softball team used a four-run first and five-run third to barrell past Maryland Eastern Shore, 10-2 in five innings in the first game of the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Softball Tourney, here Thursday morning at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.
 
FAMU (26-29)  finished with 11 hits, led by Rhianna Green with three hits, followed by Alesha Wells, Brianna Weaver and Shayla Clark, who finished with two hits each.
   
Amanda Reyes (18-17), the 2009 MEAC Pitcher of the Year, picked up the win for FAMU, allowing three hits and striking out six in five innings.
 
Mishayla Truttman (3-6) got the loss for the UMES (20-17), giving up six hits, six earned runs and striking out one in two innings of work.
 
The Lady Rattlers grabbed the early lead in the bottom of the first as Brianna Weaver singled to right field scoring Green for a 1-0 FAMU lead.

Weaver would later score on a Shayla Clark single up the middle for  a 2-0 count, then a UMES infielder’s error allowed both Clark and Nicole Terryn to score for a 4-0 FAMU lead.
 
FAMU increased their lead in the bottom of the third as Megan Moore was walked with the bases loaded, scoring Clark, making the score, 5-0.

A Lady Hawks’ wild pitch cleared the bases for FAMU, scoring Jasmine Donaldson, Raven Johnson and Joyce Harold for an 8-0 advantage, followed by a Weaver single scoring Alysha Wells, making the score, 9-0 FAMU.
 
 The Lady Hawks got on the board in the top of the fourth on a pair of doubles with Hannah Mills scoring a Kendra Saunders double to left field, with Saunders later scoring on an Ebony Hahn double to left field, cutting FAMU’s lead to 9-2.
 
Donaldson scored the Lady Rattlers' final run of the game as Green hit an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth for a 10-2 lead.
 
WHAT'S NEXT: FAMU will return to action at 7 p.m. Thursday, as they take on the winner of the 1:30 p.m. Delaware State-Norfolk State opening round game.

ORMOND BEACH, FLA. (May 7) - The 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Softball Championship gets underway here Thursday, May 7 beginning at 10 a.m. as Florida A&M, the #1 seed in the Southern Division will face Maryland E. Shore, the #4 team from the North.

Also playing at 10 a.m. will by the North's top seed, Howard University, who will face the South's #4 seed, North Carolina A&T.

Games three and four, pitting Bethune-Cookman (South 2) against Hampton (North 3) and Delaware State (North 2) against Norfolk State (South 3), will begin at 1:30 p.m.  

Two second round games will be played in the loser's bracket Thursday at 4:30 p.m., followed by two winner’s bracket contests at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday’s two 7:00 p.m. game winners will advance to the final in the winner’s bracket on Friday at 11:30 a.m.

Four elimination games are slated for Friday as well, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the winners of Thursday’s 4:30 games against the losers of Thursday’s 7:00 bouts.

The winners of those two early games will meet at 3:30 p.m. Friday, with the survivor of that game advancing to face the loser of the 11:30 a.m. winner’s bracket final at 5:30 p.m.

The winner of Friday’s 5:30 game will face the winner of Friday’s 11:30 a.m. contest in Saturday’s championship finale set for 1:00 p.m.
 
Admission for the 2009 MEAC Softball Championship is $5 for children, students and seniors.  Ticket prices for the entire tournament are $12. Tickets are available at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex beginning on May 7.

MORE FAMU TOURNAMENT NOTES
FAMU riding a wave into tournament
The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers (25-29, 12-0 in MEAC) come into the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship riding a positive swing in recent games…. Winners of six straight and 10 of their last 14, FAMU may be peaking at the right time, after just seven wins in their first 30 games (7-23)… FAMU played their traditional heavy tournament schedule in the first half of the season before diving into league play….. The Lady Rattlers are 18-6 after a doubleheader sweep of Savannah State on March 14, which also handed Coach Veronica Wiggins here 500th career win…..

Lady Rattlers seeking ninth conference title
FAMU, which has won eight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles since the league began championship play in 1993, has endured a two-year title drought (2007, 2008) after winning back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006… Prior to those back-to-back crowns, FAMU had gone five frustrating seasons (2000-01-02-02-04) without a title, as their archrivals, Bethune-Cookman began a run of success winning five straight pennants…. FAMU won six of the first seven league titles (1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999) and have made four other finals appearances (196, 2001, 2002, 2003)…. Overall, FAMU is 52-18 in league tournament play….

FAMU SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS
Year   MEAC Record* Overall
2006        14-0            40-25
2005        11-5            37-33
1999        13-3            34-31
1998        11-3            38-35
1997          9-3            43-22
1995        10-2            20-32
1994        12-0            34-29
1993        12-0            34-25

(*)-Regular season

FAMU finishes fifth perfect MEAC season
Florida A&M finished their fifth perfect season in MEAC this year, turning in a 12-0 record…. That could prove to be feather in their cap as their four previous unbeaten clubs reached the conference finals, with three coming home with the ultimate prize… The lone blemish on the record – the 1996 squad – suffered a pair of heartbreaking 1-0 losses in the finals to Hampton University….

FAMU SOFTBALL’S PERFECT SEASONS
Year    Record *     Final Result
2009        12-0        ??????
2006        14-0        Won MEAC Title
1996        12-0        MEAC Runnerups
1994        12-0        Won MEAC Title
1993        12-0        Won MEAC Title

FAMU seeking first Ormond Beach crown since 1999
The Lady Rattlers will be seeking to win their second title at the Ormond Beach venue, having captured the title of the first tourney held there in 1999…. FAMU is 1-3 all-time in finals at Ormond Beach (W, 1999; L, 2001; L, 2001; L, 2003)…

MEAC Tournament began at Florida A&M in 1993
Florida A&M, the all-time leader in championships for women’s softball in MEAC history, was the first host of the tournament from 1993 through 1998…. FAMU was a near imperfect host, winning all but of the tournaments (1996) held in Tallahassee….

Lady Rattlers remain top of the league
In 17 seasons of softball competition in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the Lady Rattlers have won 181 regular season games – tops in the MEAC…. FAMU has a 181-50 mark with this year’s tournament looming ahead…

Milestone coach Wiggins hits 500 club
Florida A&M coach Veronica Wiggins is in her 18th season at the helm in Tallahassee, having fashioned a 500-win career with the Lady Rattlers…. The 1990 graduate of FAMU owns a 517-581 career record including this year’s 25-29 rebound season…. After winning back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, FAMU languished through back-to-back 40-loss seasons and a 12-14 conference mark the past two years, making this year’s performance all the more outstanding…. Because of the tournament-heavy schedule FAMU plays in the first half of the year (25 games in five tournaments in the first seven weeks of the season), the Lady Rattlers have a record which reflect some of that stiffer competition…. But
Wiggins has always believed that the quality competition will help her teams during the rigors of conference play….

FAMU looking for another NCAA trip too…
The Lady Rattlers are hopeful of returning to the NCAA Tournament should they capture the MEAC title, which would be their seventh postseason trip overall and their fourth regional bid all-time…. FAMU’s previous postseason appearances began with NCAA Play-In series in 1995, 1997 and 1998, with their final four trips being of the regional variety in 1999, 2005 and 2006, when the league was awarded an automatic NCAA berth after the tournament field expanded from 48 teams to 64 teams.

Amanda Reyes may be FAMU’s missing piece
In FAMU Softball’s previous title winners, the Lady Rattlers have always had a dominant pitcher…. After two years of struggle as they sought to replace all-time strikeouts and wins leader Danielle Brown and 2006 MEAC Rookie of the Year Tiffany Johnson, now a part of the rotation at Georgia Tech, FAMU may have found an answer to that need in junior twirler Amanda Reyes… The California native, who was a star hurler for nearby Tallahassee Community College, is coming off a super weekend, when she tossed a perfect game and a two-hitter in the three-game series against South Carolina State…. Reyes finished the regular season at 17-17, but posted a perfect 8-0 in league competition… She recorded 170 strikeouts in 215.1 inninings of work with a nifty 2.54 ERA, 19 complete games and three (3) saves…. She has tossed nine shutouts and posted an earlier no-hitter, giving her two no-nos this season…. She ranks nationally in the Top 30 in both saves (23) and shutouts (29)….

Oliphant FAMU’s “Ms. Versatile”
Florida, New York native (no, that’s not a misprint) Melissa Oliphant would likely been listed as “Most Versatile” on this year’s Lady Rattler squad…. The club’s top offensive performer, Oliphant is hitting .327 with five (5) homer runs, 26 RBIs in 52 games…. She has a club-high 18 extra base hits with 10 doubles and three triples, plus the five round trippers, rnaking second in hits (52) and runs (23)…. When she isn’t playing shortstop, Oliphant is in the pitching circle, having turned in an 8-5 record with 44 strikeouts in 90.1 innings, with a 4.11 ERA…

Veterans playing leading roles
Seven upperclassmen have been a big part of the revived FAMU Softball fortunes this season, led by the multi-talented Oliphant…. Seniors Rhianna Green (.302, 4 triples, 15 RBI, 29 runs scored, 13 stolen bases), Nicole Terryn (.300, 5 extra base hits, 14 RBI) and Alesha Wells (.261) are next in the pack behind Oliphant…. Juniors Ashley Jones (.261, 6 doubles, 2 HRs, 17 RBI) and Joyce Harold (.191, eight extra base hits, 12 RBI, 11 stolen bases) have also contributed to the cause as well….

Newcomers having instant impact too
Several new faces have helped fuel the resurgent Lady Rattlers this season, led by Reyes on the mound, along with freshmen Briana Weaver, Raven Johnson, Jasmin Donaldson, Tara Vincent and Megan Moore…. Weaver (.255, 5 extra base hits, 10 RBI), Johnson (.254), Donaldson (.280, 42 hits, 10 RBI, 10 stolen bases), Vincent (.264, 5 extra base hits, 2 HRs, 8 RBI) and Moore (.211, 5 doubles, 13 RBI) have all seen serious playing time this season…. Vincent, who has missed the past 20 games due to injury, is due back in time for the tournament, which is good news for FAMU….

Snake Bites and Ginger Snaps….
Seven of the 13 Lady Rattlers on the roster hail from outside the Sunshine State…. The Harold sisters, Joyce (junior) and Courtney (freshman) are from the Motor City of Detroit…. Amanda Reyes (Scotts Valley) and Rhianna Green (Union City) are this year’s California girls… Decatur, Georgia can lay claim to two freshmen Lady Rattlers, Raven Johnson (Southwest DeKalb HS) and Megan Moore (Decatur HS), while junior Melissa Oliphant hails from one of the best-named hometowns, Florida, New York….. Head coach Veronica Wiggins is the longest tenured softball coach in the MEAC with 18 years of continuous service since taking the reins of the program in 1992…. Wiggins actually had a hand in bringing the fastpitch game to FAMU in 1988, when she served as an assistant coach for two seasons under Sandra Pearsall (1988, 1989), who was hired to convert the Lady Rattlers from slowpitch to fastpitch….

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (May 6) -  Florida A&M’s Amanda Reyes was selected as the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year it was announced Wednesday afternoon.
 
Post season awards were to be distributed to all honorees during a pre-tournament banquet Wednesday night at the Center for Civil Engagement on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University.

All awards are voted on by the conference’s head softball coaches and sports information directors.

Reyes finished the season with a 17-17 record, including three saves, and an ERA of 2.54 in 215.1 innings, second most in the MEAC.  

She was undefeated in conference play with an 8-0 mark, and two saves, and recorded a conference low ERA of 0.36. She led the MEAC in 33 pitching statistical categories including but not limited to saves (3), innings per game (4.68), hits allowed per game (6.73), runs allowed per game (3.58), strikeouts per game (5.53), walks allowed per game (2.11), earned runs per game (2.54) and home runs allowed per game (0.20).

Her consistent play from the circle helped the Lady Rattlers to an unblemished 12-0 overall record and the southern divisional title.

Joining Reyes on the All-MEAC team from FAMU were senior outfielder Rhianna Green of Union City, California and freshman outfielder Jasmin Donaldson of Rockledge, Florida.

Norfolk State led all MEAC teams with five student-athletes who earned post season honors.  Two student-athletes received first team selections and three were named to the second team.  Delaware State and Maryland Eastern Shore picked up four first and second-team honorees followed by Florida A&M who had three named to the MEAC’s post season teams.

Joining Reyes (FAMU) and Hill (NCAT) on the first-team were Alyssa Velazquez (NSU), Meghan Ramsey (NSU), Kelsi Saunders (HAM), Evelyn Garcia (HAM), Tamara Griffin (MSU), Mishayla Truttman (UMES), Andrea Waters (DSU), Rhianna Green (FAMU), and Kendra Saunders (UMES).

Florida A&M will close out its' home baseball schedule Monday, May 11 against the North Carolina A&T Aggies at 1:00 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field.

This game will close out a three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series originally scheduled for March 28-29 that was shortened due to rain.

Monday's game will be critical as the two schools are tied for third in the MEAC standings at 9-8 and pairings for the 2009 MEAC Tournament, set for next Thursday-Sunday, May 14-17 (in Daytona Beach, Florida) will hinge on the outcome of the game.

A win would boost the Rattlers to 10-8 and lock up the #3 seed in the tournament, but a loss would drop them into a three-way tie for fourth with Maryland-Eastern Shore and Norfolk State, both of which finished 9-9 in league play.

The scheduled three-game baseball series between Florida A&M and Texas Southern University will open on Friday, May 8 with a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader at Moore-Kittles Field, rather than with a 1:00 p.m. Thursday single game as previously announced.

Saturday's single game will start at 12 noon.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 2) – Florida A&M  junior rightpitcher Amanda Reyes was perfect from the circle Saturday afternoon, tossing the first perfect game ever for the Lady Rattler Softball team in a 7-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series opening win over South Carolina State on the FAMU campus.

The opening win and the 12-1 victory in the second half of Saturday’s twinbill lifted FAMU to 24-29 overall and 11-0 in the MEAC with only Sunday’s regular season finale (12 noon) remaining.

Reyes (16-17), a Scotts Valley, California native, faced the minimum 21 batters for a seven inning game Saturday, striking out seven against South Carolina State, allowing no walks and no base runners.

The junior righthander, who did a tour at Tallahassee Community College before coming to Florida A&M, had already tossed a no-hitter earlier this season, an 8-0 decision on March 19 against Savannah State.

Saturday’s win boosted her 2009 record against MEAC competition to 7-0, with a possible encore performance coming Sunday in the final game of the series.

In the opener, FAMU finished with 11 hits led by Nicoile Terryn, who had two hits and two runs driven in, followed by two hits each from Joyce Harold and Raven Johnson.

FAMU scored three runs in the third for a 3-0 cushion, adding a pair of runs in the fourth and single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Game Two went only five innings as South Carolina State (7-29, 0-11 in MEAC) succumbed early under a 13-hit FAMU attack, falling behind 8-0 after three innings.

The Lady Rattlers broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the bottom of the second, then added five in the third and four in the fourth, after SCSU plated its’ only run of the day in the top of the fourth.

Joyce Harold, Jasmine Donaldson and Melissa Oliphant led a quintet of FAMU performers with two hits in the second game, with Harold and Donaldson each driving in three runs, while Oliphant added a pair of RBIs. Briana Weaver and Megan Moore also had two hits and an RBI each.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers close out their regular season schedule today at 12 noon against South Carolina State on the FAMU campus.

GREENSBORO. N.C. (May 2) – The Florida A&M Men’s Track team finished eighth in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Irwin Belk Track Saturday.

The Rattler thinclads finished the three-day event with 39 points, while defending champion Norfolk State (133.50) captured the overall men’s title. Hampton (104) and Maryland-Eastern Shore (93.50) finished second and third.

Notable Rattler performances Saturday included Mike White’s second place finish in the pole vault (13 feet, 11 ¼ inches); Daquam Lee’s fifth place in the 800 meters (1:52.19); Demarius Carroll (6th in 14.69) and Carl McKinzie (7th in 14.96) in the 110 hurdles; McKinzie’s sixth in the 100 meters (10.52) and Frank Scott’s seventh place in the shot put (47 feet, 4 ¼ inches).

In the relays, the 4x400 crew of Daquam Lee, Ronald Bolden, Rennie Carty and Stanley Suber finished 10th in 3:14.49, while the 4x100 team of Joe Washington, Craig Scott, Carl McKinzie and Carty finished sixth in 41.47.

GREENSBORO. N.C. (May 2) – The Florida A&M Women’s Track team finished ninth in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Irwin Belk Track Saturday.

Latoya Wright’s regional qualifying finish in the 400 meter hurdles (3rd at 58.96) helped the Lady Rattlers improve on their 11th place finish in last year’s outdoor meet and this year’s indoor championships, with 36.50 total points.

Hampton (119) won the women’s title, followed by Maryland-Eastern Shore (109) and Norfolk State (106).

Other notable FAMU Women’s performances in individual Saturday included: Suelyn Pilliner’s third place in the high jump (5 feet, 5 inches); sixth place finishes by Ashley Gillis in the 200 meters (24.21), Ashante Davis in the triple jump (38 feet, 4 ¾ inches) and LeKendra Cunningham in the 400 meter dash (55.81).

In the relays, the 4x400 combo of Jeanette Hulse, Wright, Gillis and Cunningham ran sixth in 3:46.74, while the 4x100 crew of Gillis, Cunningham, Wright and Ann-Marie Francis finished sixth in 46.22.

GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 1) – The Florida A&M Men’s Track team was running sixth overall after the first day of action at the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the Irwin Belk Track.

Three top 10 finishes generated 14 points for the Rattlers Friday, led by Frank Scott’s third place finish in the discus (143 feet, 8 inches); Antwonne McCloud, who finished fifth in the high jump (6 feet, 6 ¾ inches) and Shuaib Winters finishing fifth in the 5000 meter run (15:38.65).

Carl McKinzie qualified Friday for both of Saturday’s finals in the 100 meter dash (10.61) and 110 meter hurdles (14.81); Daquam Lee (1:53.99) advanced to the 800 meter finals, while Demarius Carroll (14.85) qualified for the 110 hurdles final.

Overall, Norfolk State (51.50 points) held the lead after Friday’s action, followed by Morgan State (20) and host North Carolina A&T (19).

The final day of competition starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the men’s and women’s triple jump.  

Early afternoon field events include the men’s shot put, pole vault and javelin events. The championships will conclude with the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay races.  

GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 1) – The Florida A&M Women’s Track team competed during the opening day of 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships Friday at Irwin Belk Track.

The Lady Rattlers had scored three (3) points total after Friday’s opening round, standing in 11th place.

Three Lady Rattlers qualified for Saturday’s finals in four events: Ashley Gillis, who advanced to the finals in the 100 (11.67) and the 200 meters (24.16), along with LaKendra Cunningham in the 400 meters (56.60) and Latoya Wright in the 400 meter hurdles (1:01.72).

In Friday’s finals action, Antoinette Suer finished seventh in the pole vault with a jump of 7 feet, 8 ¾ inches, while Ann-Marie Francis finished eighth in the javelin throw with a toss of 99 feet.

Other notable performers in finals Friday included Takiera Booker, who placed 13th in the shot put (37 feet, 3 ¼ inches); Kelle Ransom, who ran 16th in the 5000 meters (22:29.68), while long jump contestants Tomika Story (15th, 17 feet, 6 inches) and Suelyn Pilliner (16th, 17 feet, 5 ½ inches) finished in the Top 20.

Overall, defending champion Norfolk (Va.) State had piled up 63 points to take the first round lead, followed by Maryland-Eastern Shore (32) in second place.

The final day of competition starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the men’s and women’s triple jump.  

Early afternoon field events include the men’s shot put, pole vault and javelin events. The championships will conclude with the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay races. 

GREENSBORO, N.C. (April 30) - The Florida A&M Track teams will be in pursuit of the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) track championships starting Friday at the Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Track action began Thursday with the men's decathlon and the women's heptathlon, and competition continues on Friday with the women’s heptathlon and the men’s decathlon events in the morning.

Other field events for day two include the men’s and women’s long jump, the women’s shot put, women’s pole vault, men’s discus and men’s high jump. The afternoon continues on the track with the men’s 110m hurdles and women’s 100m hurdles beginning at 1:50 p.m. Other running events include the 100m, 200m, 400m and 400m hurdles. The men’s and women’s 5000m races will close out the day’s events.
 
The final day of competition starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the men’s and women’s triple jump.  Early afternoon field events include the men’s shot put, pole vault and javelin events. The championships will conclude with the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay races.  A complete schedule of events is available on HYPERLINK "http://www.meacsports.com/?DB_OEM_ID=20800"www.meacsports.com.
 

GREENSBORO, N.C. (April 30) - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) completed day one of the Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Florida A&M freshman Phil Washington was in the mix in the men’s decathlon action which began Thursday with five events, having
compiled 2,906 points after competing in the 100 meter dash, 400 meter dash, long jump, shot put and high jump.

Freshman Darris Shelton of Norfolk State leads the decathlon events with 3,609 points at the halfway point.

Morgan State’s Dakari Taylor-Watson tallied 3,432 points while Damon Dixon of Hampton posted 3,398 points heading into day two.
 
Competition continues on Friday with the women’s heptathlon and the men’s decathlon events. Other field events for day two include the men’s and women’s long jump, the women’s shot put, women’s pole vault, men’s discus and men’s high jump. The afternoon continues on the track with the men’s 110m hurdles and women’s 100m hurdles beginning at 1:50 p.m. Other running events include the 100m, 200m, 400m and 400m hurdles. The men’s and women’s 5000m races will close out the day’s events.
 
The final day of competition starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the men’s and women’s triple jump.  Early afternoon field events include the men’s shot put, pole vault and javelin events. The championships will conclude with the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay races.  A complete schedule of events is available on HYPERLINK "http://www.meacsports.com/?DB_OEM_ID=20800"www.meacsports.com.
 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 28) – Mercer University held off a late charge by Florida A&M for a 9-6 college baseball victory at Moore-Kittles Field on the FAMU campus Tuesday afternoon.

FAMU (19-22) tied the game at 2-2 in the second with two runs on three hits, after the Bears opened the game’s scoring with two runs in the top of the second.

Mercer (19-20) then scored two runs in the top of the third inning to snap that 2-2 tie and take the lead for good at 4-2.

The Rattlers scored a run in the third for close to 4-3, then the Bears plated a single run in the fourth, scored three runs in the sixth and added one run in the seventh to build a 9-3 lead.

However, the Rattlers rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth, leaving a runner stranded as the game ended.

Mercer’s Blake Mainor (5-0) got the win for Mercer, who used six pitchers on Tuesday, while FAMU’s Anthony Espin (6-7) took the hill, working seven innings, allowing nine runs  on 10 hits, striking out four and walking four.

The Rattlers actually outhit Mercer, 12-11, led by Derrick Shaw with two hits and two RBIs, along with Tim Schalch and Jared Jeffries with two hits each. Stavone Martin, Gabriel Rodriguez, John Scott and Kendrick Durant each had a hit and an RBI Tuesday for FAMU.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers host Norfolk State in their final Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series Saturday (doubleheader at 1:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12 noon).

BALTIMORE -- After winning a pair of tightly-contested games on Saturday, Florida A&M erupted for 16 hits on its way to an 18-2 victory over Coppin State to complete a three-game sweep of their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series on Sunday at Joe Cannon Stadium.
 
Game three of the series was in stark contrast to the two games on Saturday, which saw the Rattlers (19-21, 8-6 in MEAC) posted 9-8 and a 10-8 victories in the doubleheader.
 
Darryl Evans, Derrick Shaw and Tobi Adeyemi each drove in three runs for the Rattlers, with Shaw and Tim Schalch each finishing with a team-high three hits, followed by Adeyemi, Evans, Jared Jefries and Gabriel Rodriguez with two hits each.

Shaw (1-1) held the Eagles to five hits and two runs over seven innings to pick up the pitching decision for FAMU, fanning three while walking four Sunday.
 
Florida A&M scored in all seven innings highlighted by four-run second which gave the Rattlers a 6-0 lead at that point, and a four-run fifth that extended their lead to 14-2.

Sunday’s win was the fifth straight for the Rattlers, who have moved into third place in the MEAC behind Bethune-Cookman (14-1, 24-21) and Delaware State (9-6, 18-17-1).

With Sunday’s 18-hit performance, the hot-hitting Rattlers have now extended their current run of plate success to 11 games in a row with at least 10 hits.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will host Mercer University (4:00) on Tuesday at Moore-Kittles Field, opening a seven-game homestand to end the 2009 home schedule.
 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 26) – The Florida A&M Women’s Softball team clinched the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference South Division title Sunday with a 6-0 shutout win over archrival Bethune-Cookman University at Sunnyland Park.

The Lady Rattlers (9-0 in MEAC, 22-29 overall) rode the pitching of Amanda Reyes and a 15-hit offensive attack to complete a three-game sweep of the Lady Wildcats (15-32, 5-4 in MEAC).

Reyes (15-17), struck out three with no walks, scattering eight hits in seven innings to improve to 7-0 in MEAC play this season.

Rhiana Green led the Lady Rattlers with three hits, followed by Melissa Oliphant, Briana Weaver, Shayla Clark, Raven Johnson and Jasmin Donaldson with two hits apiece.

Green, Clark and Nicole Terryn each drove in two runs Sunday for FAMU, which scored two runs in the second, one in the third and three runs in the fourth.

Sunday’s win not only clinched the top seed position in the South Division for FAMU in the upcoming Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Softball Tournament (May 7-9 at Ormond Beach, Florida), but has them in prime position to capture the #1 overall seed with three games remaining.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers will break for spring semester finals, then return to play next Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, as they host South Carolina State in the regular season finale on campus.

TROY, Ala. (April 25) – The Florida A&M Track teams were in competition Saturday at the Troy (Ala.) University/Coach “O” Invitational.

On the women’s side, the Lady Rattlers had firsts from the 4x100 relay team of LaKendra Cunningham, Ann-Marie Francis, Ashley Gillis and Jeanette Hulse in 47.03, while the 4x400 combo of Nichola Listhrop, Philicia Morgan, Kelle Ransom and Helena Shields finished first in 3:50.74.

Other notable women’s performances included Ashley Gillis winning the 100 meter dash (11.79) and finishing second in the 200 meters (24.53); Latoya Wright winning the 400 meter hurdles (1:02.72); Suelyn Pilliner’s second place finish in the high jump (1.68 meters), along with a second place by Tomika Story in the triple jump (11.91 meters) and a second by LaKendra Cunningham in the 400 meter dash (58.37).


FAMU RESULTS AT TROY INVITATIONAL
Women’s Javelin Throw: Ann-Marie Francis (5th, 32.24 meters); Antoinette Suer (6th, 17.78 meters).
Men’s Pole Vault: Mike White (1st, 5.68 meters).
Men’s Long Jump: Phillip Washington (11th, 5.95 meters).
Women’s Long Jump: Tomika Story (5th, 5.76 meters); Suelyn Pilliner (9th, 5.55 meters); Ashanti Davis (11th, 5.47 meters).
Women’s High Jump: Suelyn Pilliner (2nd, 1.68 meters).
Men’s High Jump: Bryan Turner (1st, 2.03 meters); Antwone McCloud (2nd, 1.93 meters).
Women’s Triple Jump: Tomika Story (2nd, 11.91 meters); Ashanti Davis (5th, 11.35 meters).
Men’s 4x100 Relay: FAMU (Rennie Carty, LaJarvis Cook, Carl McKinzie, Craig Scott), 3rd, 41.74.
Women’s 4x100 Relay: FAMU (LaKendra Cunningham, Ann-Marie Francis, Ashley Gillis, Jeanette Hulse), 1st, 47.03.
Men’s 1500 Meter Run: Paul Williams (5th, 4:12.77).
Women’s 100 Meter Hurdles: Latoya Wright (4th, 14.83).
Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles: Demarius Carroll (3rd, 14.70); Carl McKenzie (5th, 15.24).
Women’s 400 Meter Dash: LaKendra Cunningham (2nd, 58.37); Jeanette Hulse (3rd, 58.59); Nichola Listhrop (7th, 1:00.42).
Men’s 400 Meter Dash: Stanley Suber (2nd, 49.36); Arthur Kinder (12th, 52.84).
Women’s 100 Meter Dash: Ashley Gillis (1st, 11.79); Jesseka Forbes (5th, 12.52).
Men’s 100 Meter Dash: Carl McKinzie (7th, 10.74); Joe Washington (9th, 10.77)l LaJarvis Cook (16th, 11.22).
Women’s 800 Meter Run: Helena Shields (5th, 2:26.43); Philicia Morgan 917th, 2:50.71).
Men’s 800 Meter Run: Daquam Lee (1st, 1:50.87);
Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles: Latoya Wright (1st, 1:02.72).
Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles: Demarius Carroll (5th, 57.76).
Women’s 200 Meter Dash: Ashley Gillis (2nd, 24.53); Whitney Young (7th, 26.95).
Men’s 200 Meter Dash: Joe Washington (10th, 22.34); Rennie Carty (12th, 22.42); Craig Scott (13th, 22.50).
Women’s 3000 Meter Run: Kelle Ransom (6th, 11:52.71).
Men’s 3000 Meter Run: Shuaib Winters (7th, 9:12.07).
Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay: FAMU (Listhrop, Morgan, Ransom, Shields), 1st, 3:50.74.
Men’s 4x400 Meter Relay: FAMU (Carty, Kinder, Lee, Suber), 2nd, 3:17.95.

TROY, Ala. (April 25) – The Florida A&M Track teams were in competition Saturday at the Troy (Ala.) University/Coach “O” Invitational.

On the men’s side, Mike White in the pole vault (5.68 meters) and Daquam Lee in the 800 meters (1:50.87) set meet records in their win, while Bryan Turner (2.03 meters) won the high jump.

Stanley Suber ran second in the 400 meter dash (49.36); Demarius Carroll was third in the 110 hurdles (14.70) and fifth in the 400 hurdles (57.76).

In the relays, the 4x100 crew of Rennie Carty, LaJarvis Cook, Carl McKinzie and Craig Scott ran third in 41.74, while the 4x400 combo of Carty, Arthur Kinder, Stanley Suber and Daquam Lee ran second in 3:17.95.

FAMU RESULTS AT TROY
Women’s Javelin Throw: Ann-Marie Francis (5th, 32.24 meters); Antoinette Suer (6th, 17.78 meters).
Men’s Pole Vault: Mike White (1st, 5.68 meters).
Men’s Long Jump: Phillip Washington (11th, 5.95 meters).
Women’s Long Jump: Tomika Story (5th, 5.76 meters); Suelyn Pilliner (9th, 5.55 meters); Ashanti Davis (11th, 5.47 meters).
Women’s High Jump: Suelyn Pilliner (2nd, 1.68 meters).
Men’s High Jump: Bryan Turner (1st, 2.03 meters); Antwone McCloud (2nd, 1.93 meters).
Women’s Triple Jump: Tomika Story (2nd, 11.91 meters); Ashanti Davis (5th, 11.35 meters).
Men’s 4x100 Relay: FAMU (Rennie Carty, LaJarvis Cook, Carl McKinzie, Craig Scott), 3rd, 41.74.
Women’s 4x100 Relay: FAMU (LaKendra Cunningham, Ann-Marie Francis, Ashley Gillis, Jeanette Hulse), 1st, 47.03.
Men’s 1500 Meter Run: Paul Williams (5th, 4:12.77).
Women’s 100 Meter Hurdles: Latoya Wright (4th, 14.83).
Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles: Demarius Carroll (3rd, 14.70); Carl McKenzie (5th, 15.24).
Women’s 400 Meter Dash: LaKendra Cunningham (2nd, 58.37); Jeanette Hulse (3rd, 58.59); Nichola Listhrop (7th, 1:00.42).
Men’s 400 Meter Dash: Stanley Suber (2nd, 49.36); Arthur Kinder (12th, 52.84).
Women’s 100 Meter Dash: Ashley Gillis (1st, 11.79); Jesseka Forbes (5th, 12.52).
Men’s 100 Meter Dash: Carl McKinzie (7th, 10.74); Joe Washington (9th, 10.77)l LaJarvis Cook (16th, 11.22).
Women’s 800 Meter Run: Helena Shields (5th, 2:26.43); Philicia Morgan 917th, 2:50.71).
Men’s 800 Meter Run: Daquam Lee (1st, 1:50.87);
Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles: Latoya Wright (1st, 1:02.72).
Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles: Demarius Carroll (5th, 57.76).
Women’s 200 Meter Dash: Ashley Gillis (2nd, 24.53); Whitney Young (7th, 26.95).
Men’s 200 Meter Dash: Joe Washington (10th, 22.34); Rennie Carty (12th, 22.42); Craig Scott (13th, 22.50).
Women’s 3000 Meter Run: Kelle Ransom (6th, 11:52.71).
Men’s 3000 Meter Run: Shuaib Winters (7th, 9:12.07).
Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay: FAMU (Listhrop, Morgan, Ransom, Shields), 1st, 3:50.74.
Men’s 4x400 Meter Relay: FAMU (Carty, Kinder, Lee, Suber), 2nd, 3:17.95.

BALTIMORE, Md. (April 25) – The Florida A&M Baseball team swept a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference doubleheader from Coppin State, 9-8 and 10-8 here Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s sweep extended the Rattlers winning streak to four games, as they improved to 18-21 overall and 7-6 in MEAC play, moving into fourth place in the league, while Coppin State (0-26, 0-14) remained winless on the season.

FAMU finished Saturday’s twinbill with 36 hits total, 21 in the first game. Shavone Martin led the Rattlers with seven hits and five RBI on the day, followed by Jared Jeffries with six hits and five runs; Darryl Evans with five hits, five runs scored, a home run and three RBIs and Derrick Shaw, who had four hits, a homer and five RBIs.

Freshman Elliott Bonner (1-1) won the opener for FAMU, fanning four and walking two, while allowing eight runs on 11 hits in nine innings. Kelvin Hale (1-0) was the Game Two winner, working seven innings, allowing eight runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.

In the opening game, FAMU built a 5-0 lead after two innings, but Coppin tied the game with a five-run fifth, then scored a run in the seventh and two in the eighth to take an 8-5 lead.

But in the ninth, the Rattlers scored four runs, with Derrick Shaw’s three-run homer keying the game-winning rally.

In Game two , FAMU finished with 15 hits, once again barging out in front with a four-run first, 4-0. Coppin State scored twice in the third to make the count 4-2, but the Rattlers regained a four-run cushion with two runs in the fourth for a 6-2 lead.

Coppin State scored two runs in the fifth to pull within two runs at 6-4, then FAMU responded with three runs in the sixth to take a 9-4 edge.

The Eagles plated four runs in the bottom of the sixth to close to 9-8, but Stavone Martin’s RBI double scored Darryl Evans with an insurance run for the 10-8 final.

The two clubs were scheduled to close out the three-game weekend series Sunday at 12 noon.

 

BALTIMORE, Md. (April 25) – The Florida A&M Baseball team swept a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference doubleheader from Coppin State, 9-8 and 10-8 here Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s sweep extended the Rattlers winning streak to four games, as they improved to 18-21 overall and 7-6 in MEAC play, moving into fourth place in the league, while Coppin State (0-26, 0-14) remained winless on the season.

The two clubs were scheduled to close out the three-game weekend series Sunday at 12 noon.

Boxscores and game statistics are still to come.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 25) – The Florida A&M Softball team remained perfect in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with a doubleheader sweep of Bethune-Cookman, 2-1 and 10-2 here Saturday afternoon at Sunnyland Park.

With Saturday’s twinbill sweep, the Lady Rattlers improved to 21-29 overall and 8-0 in the MEAC – keeping them the league’s lone unbeaten club in conference play.

Amanda Reyes (14-17) was the winning pitcher in Game One for FAMU, checking the Lady Wildcats (15-31, 5-3 in MEAC) on four hits, with eight strikeouts, allowing one run and one walk.

Meanwhile, the Lady Rattlers finished the opening game with seven hits, led by Rhiana Green with two hits, followed by Nicole Terryn, Alesha Wells, Melissa Oliphant, Jasmin Donald and Joyce Harold with one hit each.

Terryn delivered the game-winning blow for FAMU though, as her sixth inning two-run double proved to be all they needed in the 2-1 win.

Game Two was a blowout as the Lady Rattlers rapped out 17 hits, closing out B-CU in five innings via the eight-run rule.

Green went 4-for-4, with three runs scored and three RBI, while Briana Weaver also went 4-for-4, driving in two runs for FAMU in the second game.

Raven Johnson was perfect at the plate too for the Lady Rattlers, going 3-for-3, scoring three runs, followed by Oliphant, who was 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs.

Oliphant (7-5) also pitched a gem for FAMU, working five innings, allowing two runs on five hits. She drove in the game’s first run with a first inning single for a 1-0 lead, then keyed a four-run second inning with a two-run homer, as FAMU took a 5-1 lead.

Green made the score 7-1 in the third with a two-run triple, then Weaver’s two-run single in the fifth sparked a three-run rally to push the score to 10-2.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU and Bethune-Cookman will play here Sunday at 12 noon in the final game of the three-game series at Sunnyland Park.

KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (April 24) - The Florida A&M Baseball team rallied for five runs in the top of the eighth inning to overhaul North Carolina Central for a 12-9 victory at Knightdale High School Friday afternoon.

Florida A&M (16-21) overcame a 9-7 deficit with Friday's late-inning rally, giving them back-to-back come-from-behind road wins in the last two days following an 11-10 extra-inning victory at Albany (Ga.) State on Thursday.

For the homestanding Eagles of NCCU (5-27), Friday's setback was their seventh straight loss, and especially tough to take after holding the advantage late in the game.

Friday's bout was the third meeting between the two schools this season, and it proved to be a rollercoaster affair that saw FAMU start the ballgame off with two consecutive doubles by Darryl Evans and Steve Cunningham, giving the Rattlers the 1-0 lead with one out in the top of the first.

Designated hitter Derrick Shaw drove Cunningham in to add one more run to the board making it 2-0 still with one out in the frame. After right fielder Stavone Martin hit another single, first baseman Tim Jones grounded into a 6-4-3 double play keeping the score at 2-0.

NCCU rallied in the bottom of the second to take a 3-2 lead off FAMU starter Tim Schalch, keyed by freshman Ross Plummer's two-run homer over the left field wall.

In the third inning, the Eagles struck for four runs to extend their lead over Florida A&M to 7-2, but the Rattlers began their climb back into contention scoring two runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth for a 7-6 NCCU edge.

However, the Eagles answered back in the bottom of the fifth on a two-run single by Robert Grant, which would widen the margin to three at 9-6.

With the score 9-7 in the top of the eighth, the Rattlers struck the final blow, rallying for five runs with two out to regain the lead for good.

FAMU shortstop Jared Jeffries hit a triple that ignited a five-run inning for Florida A&M that came on the heels of five hits including two triples, that put the Eagles behind 12-9.

Tobi Adeyemi lashed a three-run triple, while Shaw and Gabriel Rodriguez each had RBI singles to power the Rattlers into the lead.

FAMU finished the day with 18 hits, led by Adeyemi, Shaw and Tim Jones with three hits apiece. Adeyemi led with three RBI followed by Shaw and Jones with two runs driven in each. Rodriguez and Cunningham each had two hits, with Rodriguez picking up a pair (2) of RBIs.

Tim Schalch (2-1) went the distance on the mound for the Rattlers, allowing nine runs on 10 hits, with four strikeouts abnd four walks in nine innings of work.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Rattlers continue their road tour in Baltimore Saturday and Sunday in a three-game series against the winless Coppin State Eagles in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 21) – The Florida A&M Baseball team dropped a 16-4 home decision to the Mercer (Ga.) University Bears Tuesday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field.

The visiting Bears (15-18) pounded out 15 hits Tuesday, including eight extra base hits, capped by four home runs to forge a 14-0 lead after four innings.

FAMU (14-21) finished the day with 12 hits, led by Jared Jeffries, who went a perfect 4-for-4, with two runs scored., followed by Tim Schlach, who was also perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3, while Tim Jones went 2-for-4, driving in two runs.

Freshman Derrick Shaw (0-1) got his first collegiate start on the mound, as the injury-riddled Rattlers have had to dig deep for pitching in recent weeks.

Shaw allowed 14 runs on 12 hits in four innings with one strikeout and four walks, before being relieved in the fifth by Jeffries, who worked the final three innings.

Leading 7-2 after three innings, the Bears broke the game open with a seven-run fourth inning that staked them to a 14-2 advantage.

The Rattlers scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings, scoring their final two runs in the seventh, after Mercer had pushed their run total to 16, with a two-run rally in the top of the seventh.

Mercer scored three runs in the first inning, then after FAMU scored a run in the bottom of the frame, added two runs in the second to go up 5-1, then added two more in the top of the third for a 7-1 edge.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers embark on a six-game road swing beginning Thursday at Albany (Ga.) State with a 3:00 p.m. single game…. Friday, the Rattlers are in Durham, North Carolina to play a make-up doubleheader with North Carolina Central…. Saturday and Sunday, the Rattlers take on winless Coppin (Md.) State in a three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series in Baltimore…. FAMU will host Mercer next Tuesday at 4:0 p.m. in their next home game…
 

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 19) - The South Carolina State Lady Bulldogs captured the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women’s Tennis Championship here Sunday at the Millbrook Tennis Center, defeating the Florida A&M Lady Rattlers, 4-1.

Sunday’s title win was the fifth consecutive MEAC title and sixth overall for South Carolina State’s women.

SCSU won the number two doubles match, 8-2, while Florida A&M won at the number three doubles, 8-5.

Tied at one-all, the South Carolina State duo of Daria Sekerina and Aniko Kiss topped Florida A&M’s Rachel Pye and Latreece Olagbegi to win the doubles point for the Lady Bulldogs.

South Carolina State then followed with singles wins at the number two, three and six positions.  

Rachel Pye won the lone point for Florida A&M,  with a 6-1, 6-2 win at the number one singles spot.
 
South Carolina State’s Torres recorded a 3-0 mark at the number three singles position and 2-0 mark in doubles play and was named the Outstanding Performer.

The Lady Bulldogs’ Head Coach Hardeep Judge was named the Outstanding Coach for the fifth time on the women’s side.

For Florida A&M, Alexis Brown earned All-Tournament honors at the #5 singles, while the #3 doubles duo of Alice Izomor and Brittney Dean captured All-Tournament honors in doubles.
 
With the win, the Lady Bulldogs receive and automatic berth to the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship.
 
 
2009 MEAC Tennis Championship Match Results
South Carolina State 4, Florida A&M 1 
Apr 19, 2009 at Raleigh, North Carolina
(Millbrook Tennis Center)
   
 
Singles competition
1. PYE,Rachel (FAMUW) def. FRICSKA,Fanni (SCSUW) 6-1, 6-2
2. SEKERINA,Daria (SCSUW) def. OLAGBEGI,Latreece (FAMUW) 6-1, 6-2
3. TORRES,Sarai (SCSUW) def. DURDEN,Kaithline (FAMUW) 6-2, 6-3
4. KISS,Aniko (SCSUW) vs. IZOMOR,Alice (FAMUW) 5-7, 0-3, unfinished
5. CHEN,I-Chun "Amy" (SCSUW) vs. BROWN,Alexis (FAMUW) 4-6, 5-2, unfinished
6. BLODNIECE,Iveta (SCSUW) def. DEAN,Brittney (FAMUW) 6-1, 6-3

Doubles competition
1. SEKERINA,Daria/KISS,Aniko (SCSUW) def. PYE,Rachel/OLAGBEGI,Latreece (FAMUW) 8-4
2. TORRES,Sarai/CHEN,I-Chun "Amy" (SCSUW) def. DURDEN,Kaithline/BROWN,Alexis (FAMUW) 8-2
3. IZOMOR,Alice/DEAN,Brittney (FAMUW) def. FRICSKA,Fanni/VARELA,Titiana (SCSUW) 8-5
 
2009 Women’s All-Tournament Team:
Number One Doubles: Daria Sekerina and Aniko Kiss, South Carolina State
Number Two Doubles: Amy Chen and Sarai Torres, South Carolina State
Number Three Doubles: Brittney Dean and Alice Izomor, Florida A&M
 

Singles:
1. Na-Hyun Baek, Hampton
2. Daria Sekerina, South Carolina State
3. Sarai Torres, South Carolina State
4. Aniko Kiss, South Carolina State
5. Alexis Brown, Florida A&M
6. Iveta Blodniece, South Carolina State

AUBURN, AL (April 18) - The FAMU Rattler Track team turned in eight Top 10 finishes Saturday as they took part in the Auburn University Track Invitational Meet.

Bryan Turner, who had already qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the high jump at 2.10 meters earlier this spring, improved on that mark Saturday, with a leap of 2.16 meters (7 feet, 1 inch), to win the event.

Other notable Rattler performers Saturday included Daquam Lee, who ran fourth in the 800 meters in 1:50.82, just missing the regional qualfying time of 1:50.40; Demarius Carroll, who ran seventh in the 110 hurdles (14.50); Shuaib Winters, who ran eighth in the 5000 meters (15:20.53), and Mike White, who placed ninth in the pole vault (14 feet, 7 1/4 inches).

In the relays, the 4x100 meter combo of LaJarvis Cook, Craig Scott, Joe Washington and Carl McKinzie finished sixth (41.44), while the 4x400 crew of Lee, Alphonzo Johnson, Ronald Bolden and Stanley Suber, ran seventh (3:15.54).

AUBURN, Ala. (April 18) - The Florida A&M Women's Track team competed in the Auburn University Invitational here
Saturday, recording seven Top 10 finishes.

Suelyn Pilliner finished second in the women's high jump (5 feet, 5 3/4 inches) for the top FAMU finish of the day, followed by LaToya Wright's fifth place showing in the 400 meter hurdles (1:01.95), and eighth place finishes by Ashley Gillis in the 200 meter dash (24.43) and Tomika Stroy in the triple jump (39 feet, 2 1/2 inches).

In the relays, the 4x400 "A" team of Gillis, Wright, Nichola Listhrop and Jeanette Hulse ran fourth (3:46.67), while the 4x100 "A" team of Gillis, Wright, Jesseka Forbes and Ann-Marie Francis placed seventh (46.91).

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 19) - The Florida A&M Women's Tennis team fell to defending Mid-Eastern Conference champion South Carolina State, 4-1 in the championship match of the 2009 MEAC Tennis Championshp here at the Millbrook Tennis Center.

The Lady Rattlers (17-8), led by fourth-year head coach Rochelle "Nikki" Goldthreate, reached the finals for the first time since their last title victory in 1997.

South Carolina State captured their fifth straight title Sunday morning.

A complete account of Sunday's title match will be posted later today.

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (April 19) – The Florida A&M Baseball team dropped the final game of a three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference set here Sunday, letting an early 3-0 lead slip away as Maryland-Eastern Shore rallied for an 11-4 win at Hawks Field.

Florida A&M (14-20, 5-6 in MEAC) finished the day with 10 hits, led by Jared Jeffries, Tim Jones and Stavone Martin with two hits apiece. Martin, Jones and Daniel Lee each drove in a run for FAMU Sunday.

Elliott Bonner (0-1) took the loss for the Rattlers in relief of starter Tim Schalch, who worked four innings, allowing three runs on three hits, with three walks and a pair of strikeouts.

Bonner allowed eight runs on five hits in four innings, walking four and yielding a home run.

FAMU scored two runs in the first and another in the second to build an early 3-0 lead, but UMES (11-30, 9-6 in MEAC), scored twice in the third and once in the fourth to tie the count at 3-3.

The Hawks took the lead for good in the seventh, scoring three runs for a 6-3 edge, then after the Rattlers scored a run in the top of the eighth for a 6-4 count, UMES put the game away with a four-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will have a full week in store as they host Mercer University (4:00) on Tuesday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field, then faces six road games in four days starting with a Wednesday bout at Albany (Ga.) State, followed by a Thursday twinbill at North Carolina Central, before returning to MEAC play next Saturday and Sunday at Coppin (Md.) State in Baltimore.

PRINCESS ANNE, MD (April 17) – The Florida A&M Baseball team pounded out 39 hits here Saturday to sweep a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference doubleheader from Maryland-Eastern Shore, 20-5 and 11-5 at Hawks Stadium.

FAMU (14-19, 5-5 in MEAC) rapped out 22 hits in Saturday’s opener, led by Darryl Evans, who had three hits, scored run times, while driving in six runs with a home run and a double.

Tobi Adeyemi and Jared Jeffries added four hits and an RBI each. Stavone Martin had two hits, including a home run, and three RBI, while Tim Schalch, Steve Cunningham and Daniel Lee added two hits apiece.

Anthony Espin (5-6) got the win for the Rattlers, allowing three runs on four hits in four innings, with two strikeouts and five walks.

The Rattlers put the game on ice early with an eight-run second inning, then added three more runs in the third for an 11-0 cushion, before the Hawks scored two runs in the bottom of the third for an 11-2 score.

FAMU scored two runs in the fourth for extend their edge to 13-2, then the Hawks plated a run in the bottom of the fourth for a 13-3 score.

After a scoreless fifth by both teams, FAMU struck for four runs in the sixth and added three more in the seventh for a 20-3 lead. UMES closed out the scoring with two runs in the bottom of the seventh, ending the game via the conference’s 10-run rule after seven innings.

In the second game Saturday, the Rattlers pounded out 17 hits led by Darryl Evans, who had four hits, a triple and a home run, with two RBIs. Stavone Martin had a two-run homer in the second game, while Lee, Burke and Jeffries each finished with three hits, with Lee driving in a game-high five runs.

Tim Jones (1-3) went the distance on the mound for the Rattlers, allowing five runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts and four walks.

UMES (10-30, 8-6 in MEAC) took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, then FAMU outscored the Hawks, 9-4 over the next five innings to forge a 9-5 lead, capping off the game with two more runs in the seventh.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will take on UMES Sunday at 12 noon in the series finale.

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 17) – The Florida A&M Rattler Men’s Tennis team saw its’ hopes of a 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title sunk by their longtime nemesis, the Hampton Pirates in heartbreaking fashion, 4-3 Saturday in the semifinals of the MEAC Tennis Championships at the Millsbrook Tennis Center.

Hampton defeated Florida A&M (17-7) in a match that lasted three and a half hours.

Florida A&M took a 3-0 lead after winning the doubles point and capturing wins at the number one and three singles.

Hampton came back to tie the match at three-all with wins at the number four, five and six singles.

The Pirates’ Sung-Kwon Baek and Florida A&M’s Simbarashee Happy competed at the number two singles position to decide the match. Baek won the first set, while Happy won the second.  

With the bout tied at 1-1, Baek defeated Happy, 6-1 to lead the Pirates to their first championship appearance since the 2007 season.

The Pirates will face the Bulldogs in the men’s championship final at 11:30 a.m.

In Saturday’s other semifinal, top seeded and defending champion South Carolina State defeated the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman, 4-0 to earn a spot in Sunday’s men’s title match.  

The Bulldogs won the doubles point and followed with wins at the one, two, and six singles position.

RALEIGH, N.C.  (April 17) - The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers and the defending champion South Carolina State Lady Bulldogs advanced to Sunday’s final in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tennis Championship with semifinal victories here Saturday morning at the Millbrook Tennis Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The No. 2 Lady Rattlers (14-5) will seek their first MEAC title since 1997 and their sixth overall in Sunday’s 9 a.m. final match.

FAMU defeated Hampton, the top seed in the North, 4-1 to advance to tomorrow’s final in a hard-fought match.

With the two teams tied with one match apiece in doubles play, the Lady Rattlers’ duo of Kathline Durden and Latreece Olagbegi defeated Barenese Myers and Maria Ycaza 9-8 in a match that lasted one and a half hours.
 
During singles action, Hampton tied the match at 1-1 with a win at the number one singles spot, as 2009 MEAC Player of the Year, Na-Hyun Baek defeated Rachel Pye in a hard fought match 7-6, 6-2.

The Lady Rattlers battled back and won the number two, five and six singles positions to advance to Sunday’s final.

In the other semifinal match, South Carolina State Lady Bulldogs (14-5), who earned the top seed in the South, defeated the No. 3 Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats 4-0 and will compete for their fifth straight MEAC women’s tennis title and sixth overall.

After winning the doubles points at the number one (8-4) and number two (8-3) spots, South Carolina State’s Daria Sekerina defeated B-CU’s Monika Musilova 6-1, 6-2 for the point at the number two singles spot. The Lady Bulldogs won the match with simultaneous wins at the number three and four singles positions.
 

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 17) – Both Florida A&M Tennis teams advanced to Saturday’s semifinal round of the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tennis Championships following quarterfinal victories on Friday here at the Millbrook Tennis Center.
 
On the men’s side, No. 2 Florida A&M (17-6) ousted Howard University, 4-0 to advance to the 12 noon semifinals against longtime nemesis No. 1 Hampton (9-6), which defeated No. 4 Norfolk State, 4-2 Friday.

Bethune-Cookman defeated Morgan State, 4-1, in the other men’s morning action, advancing to face South Carolina State, the reigning MEAC men’s champion, which defeated Delaware State 4-0, in the second men’s semifinal match tomorrow at 12 noon.

The championships conclude on Sunday, April 19 beginning at 9 a.m. with the women’s championship final followed by the men’s championship final at 11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 17) – Both Florida A&M Tennis teams advanced to Saturday’s semifinal round of the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tennis Championships following quarterfinal victories on Friday here at the Millbrook Tennis Center.
 
On the women’s side, Florida A&M (13-5) topped Delaware State 4-1, and will face Hampton in the second semifinal match Saturday at 8:30 a.m.  

The Lady Rattlers were up 1-0 after the doubles point and captured wins at the number one, four and five singles positions.

The Hampton Lady Pirates (9-6), who earned the top seed in the northern division, topped No. 4 North Carolina A&T 4-0.

The No. 3 southern division seed Bethune-Cookman Lady Wildcats defeated Howard, the second seed in the northern division, 4-0.

The Lady Wildcats will face defending MEAC champion South Carolina State in Saturday’s other semifinal at 8:30 a.m. The Lady Bulldogs advanced after defeating Morgan State 4-0.
 

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (April 16) - The Florida A&M Rattler Baseball team hits the road Thursday night for the first of two critical Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference weekend series against the Hawks of Maryland-Eastern Shore.

FAMU (12-19, 3-5 in MEAC) face the second-place Hawks (10-26, 8-5 in MEAC) in a Saturday doubleheader here at 1:00 p.m. and a Sunday single game at 1:00 p.m.

The next two weeks are crucial for the Rattlers, who have struggled a bit of late, having dropped eight of their last 12 games and seven of their last eight games.

But most importantly, they are in sixth place in the MEAC at 3-5, four-and-half games off the pace of archrival and defending champion Bethune-Cookman (18-17, 8-1), and need to get some wins under their belt the next two weekends to try and move up in the standings.

Behind B-CU are the Hawks (8-5) and Delaware State (7-2), followed by Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T (4-7), tied for fourth, ahead of the Rattlers in sixth.

Winless Coppin State (0-8, 0-17) the Rattlers' next weekend opponent (April 25-26), is in last (7th) place.

The MEAC Championship Tournament (May 13-17 at Daytona Beach. Florida) takes the top six teams in the final standings and the Rattlers are aiming to move up out of the sixth spot with a strong finish in their final nine league games.

After consecutive road weekends at Maryland-Eastern Shore (April 17-18) and Coppin State (April 24-25), the Rattlers close out their 2009 league schedule at home against Norfolk State, May 2-3 at Moore-Kittles Field.

NEXT HOME GAME: The Rattlers will host the Mercer Bears next Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field.

MACON, Ga. (April 15) – The Florida A&M Baseball team dropped a two-game set to Mercer University Tuesday and Wednesday here at Claude Smith Field, falling 11-4 on Tuesday night and 14-3 Wednesday afternoon.

FAMU (12-19) rapped out 10 hits in Wednesday’s getaway game, led by Steve Cunningham’s three-hit effort, followed by Tim Schalch and Tobi Adeyemi with two hits apiece.

But the Rattlers fell behind early in Wednesday’s bout, as the Bears (15-15) scored seven runs in the first two innings before FAMU got on the board with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

Mercer scored three runs in the sixth to push their lead to 10-2, then the two clubs traded single runs in the seventh as the score changed to 11-3, Bears.

The Bears closed out the scoring in the bottom of the eighth, scoring three more runs for the 14-3 final tally.

Senior Thaddous McBurrows (0-1) got the start for the Rattlers Wednesday, allowing seven runs on four hits with two strikeouts and seven walks.

Mercer, which finished Wednesday’s game with 14 hits – including four home runs – was also aided by the Rattlers, who committed four fielding errors, while issuing 10 walks to Bears batters.

In Tuesday’s series opener, FAMU outhit the Bears, 10-9, led by Schalch with two hits and Darryl Evans, who drove in two runs.

The Rattlers led in the early going, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the second, before the Bears rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the second, 1-1.

FAMU pushed across another tally in the third for a 2-1 lead, but the Bears struck for four runs in the bottom of the inning for a 5-2 lead, then added three more in the bottom of the fourth to extend their advantage to 8-2.

Mercer made it 9-2 with a run in the bottom of the sixth, then the Rattlers staged a two-run rally in the top of the seventh to close to 9-4.

The Bears got those runs back with single tallies in the seventh and eighth to close out Tuesday evening’s game.

Anthony Espin (4-6) took the loss for the Rattlers, allowing eight runs on seven hits with five strikeouts in five innings of work.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers travel north to Princess Anne, Maryland for a three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series with Maryland-Eastern Shore Saturday (1:00 p.m. doubleheader) and Sunday (1:00 p.m. single game), before returning home for a Tuesday afternoon home game against Mercer University at Moore-Kittles Field, starting at 4 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 11) – The Florida A&M Baseball team used a 12-hit attack to win the second game of a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference doubleheader with Delaware State, 6-4, earning a split of the Saturday afternoon twinbill at Moore-Kittles Field.

The visiting Hornets (14-13-1, 6-2 in MEAC) won the opener, 9-1, rapping out seven hits while captitalizing on six FAMU fielding errors.

DelState also got a iroman pitching performance from Dan Perkins (3-3), who worked all nine innings for a complete game, scattering five Rattler hits, fanning 10 batters against no walks.

DSU grabbed an early 2-0 lead on a run-scoring sacrifice fly by Ross Babineaux and an RBI single by Abe Eubank.

Holding a 3-0 lead after plating a run in the fourth, the Hornets extended their advantage to 6-0 in the fifth when Eubank belted a three-run shot over the left center field wall.

Trailing 7-0 in the seventh, the Rattlers scored their only run of the game when Adam Gordon scored on a DelState throwing error, but the Hornets got the run back and more, plating two tallies in the ninth.

Sophomore Tim Jones (0-3) got the pitching start for the Rattlers in Game One, allowing six runs on four hits, waling six while fanning three Hornet batters, taking the loss.

Florida A&M (12-16, 3-4 in MEAC) wasted no time getting out front in the second game, taking a 1-0 lead in the first on Derrick Shaw’s RBI single, scoring Steve Cunningham from second.

The Rattlers scored three more times in the second on RBI singles by Elliott Bonner, Tim Schalch and Steve Cunningham, to built a 4-0 lad.

After the Hornets scored a run in the top of the third, the Rattlers countered with two runs in the bottom of the inning, as Derrick Shaw scored on a throwing error before Antonio Burke’s RBI single plated Cunningham.

The Hornets scored single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to pull ever closer to the Rattlers, who rode the pitching of sophomore Anthony Espin (4-5) to victory.

Espin pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth with the Hornets down 6-4, getting out of trouble with an inning-ending double play.

The Rattler starter worked into the seventh, allowing four runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts, before being lifted for Adam Gordon, who came on to retire three DSU batters for his second save of the season.

In the second game, Tim Schalch led the Rattlers with three hits and an RBI, followed by Cunningham and Shaw with two hits and an RBI apiece.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU and Delaware State will square off in the rubber match of the three-game MEAC series here Sunday at 12 noon at Moore-Kittles Field.

JACKSON, Miss. (April 7) – The Florida A&M Baseball team dropped a doubleheader to the Jackson State Tigers here Tuesday, dropping the opener, 8-4 and losing the nightcap in extra innings, 5-4.
FAMU (11-14) took an early 1-0 lead in Game One, on Tim Jones’ first inning RBI single, which scored Steve Cunningham, who reached on a single.

Jackson State (22-11) scored three runs in the third and three more in the fourth to build a 6-1 lead, before the Rattlers scored a run in the fifth when Jared Jeffries’ sacrifice fly to right scored Darryl Evans for a 6-2 score.

The Tigers answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame, which was more than enough for their starter, Samuel Cline (3-2), who went the distance, pitching seven innings, striking out three, allowing four runs, while scattering nine hits.

Anthony Espin (3-5) took the loss, fanning two, while walking eight and allowing six runs on six hits in three and two-thirds innings Tuesday.

Second baseman Tim Schalch led the Rattlers’ nine-hit attack with two hits.

In the second game, the Rattlers bolted to the early lead again, scoring three runs in the third for a 3-0 cushion, on RBI hits by Tim Jones and Tobi Adeyemi, plus an RBI sacrifice fly by Schalch.

JSU scored a run in the bottom of the third, then took a 4-3 lead with a three-run fifth, before the Rattlers tied the game at 4-4 in the seventh, when Schalch belted another sac fly, scoring Elliott Bonner, forcing extra innings.

FAMU starter Miguel Parga (4-3) pitched into the ninth, but his two-out wild pitch allowed Fred Atkins, who had reached on a leadoff double, to score the game-winning run from third.

Parga worked eight and two-thirds innings Tuesday, striking out six, walking three, while giving up five runs in seven hits.

JSU’s Samuel Cline (4-2) was the winner in relief, coming on in the seventh to work the final two and two-thirds innings, fanning two and allowing one hit.

FAMU outhit the Tigers, 10-9 in the second game and 19-18 in the doubleheader Tuesday. Darryl Evans and Elliott Bonner each had two hits, with Tim Schalch driving in two runs in Game Two.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU and Jackson State will complete their three game series here Wednesday at the JSU Baseball Complex starting at 1 p.m. Central Time.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 7) – The Florida A&M Women’s Softball team split a Tuesday home doubleheader with Jacksonville University, winning the second game, 1-0, after dropping the opener, 10-1 at the Lady Rattler Softball Complex.

Florida A&M (16-25) got a shutout performance in the nightcap from junior Amanda Reyes (11-15), who struck out five, walked one while scattering five hits in seven innings.

In the fifth and sixth innings, Reyes pitched out of bases loaded jams and in the seventh, two defensive gems – a leaping catch of a one-out line drive by second baseman Nikki Terryn, followed by shortstop Melissa Oliphant’s diving snare of a sinking liner up the middle to end the game – preserved the shutout.

FAMU plated their only run in the second when Megan Moore’s RBI double scored Ashley Jones, who had reached earlier on a fielder’s choice for a 1-0 lead.

Moore’s double was one of just three FAMU hits in the second game, as Terryn and Jasmin Donaldson each had a hit for the Lady Rattlers in the second game.

In the first game, the FAMU defense committed six errors opening the door for Jacksonville (19-25) to win 10-1.

The Dolphins pounded out 14 hits, while the Lady Rattlers managed just three hits including Melissa Oliphant’s fourth inning solo home run, her fourth of the season, which made the score 8-1.

JU scored one run in the second and five runs in the third, two more in the fourth and two more in the seventh off of FAMU starter Melissa Oliphant (5-3), who struck out two and walked three in seven innings.

WHAT’S NEXT: Florida A&M, which has won seven of their last eight games, will return to Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play Saturday and Sunday during a three-game home series against North Carolina A&T…. Saturday’s doubleheader begins at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday’s single game starts at 12 noon.

GAINESVILLE, FL (April 4) – The Florida A&M Women’s Track team ran an abbreviated schedule at this year’s Pepsi Florida Relays at the University of Florida this weekend, capturing four Top 20 finishes.

Suelyn Pilliner turned in the best finish for FAMU with a fourth place showing in the high jump at five feet, seven inches (5’ 7”), while the 1600 sprint medley team of Ashley Gillis, Latoya Wright, LaKendra Cunningham and Nicholas Listhrop placed 11th in 4:01.39.

The 4x200 meter relay crew of Gillis, Wright, Jesseka Forbes and Ann-Marie Francis placed 15th in 1:39.16, while Ashante Davis (37 feet, ½ inch), finished 18th in the triple jump.

LADY RATTLER TRACK NOTABLES AT FLORIDA RELAYS
Women’s 100 Meter Dash: 26-Ashley Gillis (11.97); 54-Ann-Marie Francis (12.48).
Women’s 800 Meter Run: 32-Nichola Listhrop (2:17.08).
Women’s 100 Meter Hurdles: 33-Kierra Holiday (14.66).
Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles: 28-LaToya Wright (1:03.73)
Women’s 4x200 Meter Relay: 15-FAMU “A” (Ashley Gillis, Latoya Wright, Jesseka Forbes, Ann-Marie Francis), 1:39.16.
Women’s 1600 Sprint Medley: 11-FAMU “A” (Ashley Gillis, Latoya Wright, LaKendra Cunningham, Nichola Listhrop), 4:01.39.
Women’s High Jump: 4-Suelyn Pilliner (1.70 meters or 5 feet, 7 inches)
Women’s Triple Jump: 18-Ashante Davis (11.29 meters, or 37 feet, ½ inch).

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (April 4) – The Florida A&M Men’s Track team carved out six Top 20 finishes in a loaded field this weekend at the 2009 Pepsi Florida Relays, hosted by the University of Florida.

Top individual performers for FAMU this weekend included Bryan Turner in the high jump (9th at 6 feet, 8 ¾ inches); Daquam Lee in the 800 meters (11th at 1:52.37) and Antwonne McCloud in the high hump (17th at 6 feet, 4 ¾ inches).

Three Rattler relay crews finished in the Top 20, led by the 1600 sprint medley crew of LaJarvis Cook, Rennie Carty, Stanley Suber and Daquam Lee, which placed 7th in 3:25.36; the 4x200 relay combo of Carty, Cook, Suber and Ronald Bolden, placing 10th in 1:26.26 and the 4x100 quartet of Cook, Carty, Craig Scott and Carl McKinzie, getting 11th with a time of 41.32.

RATTLER TRACK NOTABLES AT PESPI FLORIDA RELAYS
Men’s 100 Meter Dash: 37-Craig Scott (10.99).
Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles: 27-Carl McKinzie (14.56); 30-Demarius Carroll (14.64).
Men’s 400 Meter Dash: 25-Stanley Suber (48.06); 42-Ronald Bolden (50.49).
Men’s 800 Meter Dash: 11-Daquam Lee (1:52.37).
Men’s 1500 Meter Run: 27-Carlos Franklin (4:06.37).
Men’s 5000 Meter Run: 21-Shauaib Winters (15:45.58); 37-Carlos Franklin (16:55.25).
Men’s 4x100 Meter Relay: 11-FAMU “A” (LaJarvis Cook, Craig Scott, Rennie Carty, Carl McKinzie), 41.32.
Men’s 4x200 Meter Relay: 10-FAMU “A” (Rennie Carty, Ronald Bolden, LaJarvis Cook, Stanley Suber), 1:26.26.
Men’s 4x400 Meter Relay: 23-FAMU “A” (Daquam Lee, Alphonzo Johnson, Rennie Carty, Stanley Suber), 3:15.40.
Men’s 1600 Sprint Medley: 7-FAMU “A” (LaJarvis Cook, Rennie Carty, Stanley Suber, Daquam Lee), 3:25.36.
Men’s High Jump: 9-Bryan Turner (2.05 meters, or 6 feet, 8 ¾ inches); 17-Antwonne McCloud (1.95 meters, 6 feet, 4 ¾ inches).

The Green Team proved to be the Mean Green here Saturday evening, as they overwhelmed the Orange Team, 48-0 during Florida A&M University’s annual Spring Football Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

A crowd estimated at better than 2,000, watched the veteran-led Green Team pile up 266 total yards, while limiting the Orange men to 134 total yards, including just five (5) net rushing yards on 31 carries.

Senior tailback Demitric Henry scored two touchdowns, opening the game’s scoring by taking a swing pass from quarterback Curtis Pulley, then dashing 16 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 lead with 7:02 left in the first period.

Henry would bolt into the end zone from seven yards out with 8:02 left in the game to end the Green lead to 41-0.

The Green Defense scored three touchdowns, the first coming when Sean Rush scooped up an Orange team fumble on a punt try, waling in from three yards out for a 14-0 Green lead with 5:15 left in the opening quarter.

Junior tailback Philip Sylvester scored the next two Green tallies, plunging in from three yards out with 4:08 left in the first half to give his squad a 20-0 lead at halftime.

Then after a turnover, Sylvester raced in from 14 yards away with 5:41 to go in the third, extending the Green edge to 27-0, before Fabian Wilson picked off an Orange pass and ran it back 59 yards for a score 15 seconds later (5:26) for a 34-0 lead by the end of the quarter.

Henry’s seven-yard run in the fourth quarter, was followed by a 48-yard pick-six by linebacker Gregory Boler, who reached the end zone with just 15 seconds left in the game.

Sylvester led all rushers with 91 yards on eight carries for the Green, opening the game with a 41-yard gallop. He was followed by sophomore Lonvontae Page with 27 yards on seven carries, while Henry had 23 yards on five tries.

Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley ran for 14 yards on three carries, while passing for 96 yards and one score on nine of 13 passing, suffering one interception. Junior quarterback Eddie Battle went 3-of-11 passing for 43 yards.

Sophomore Kevin Elliott led the Green with five receptions for 48 yards, while Adrian Smith added three catches for 38 yards.

For the Orange, Andre Jacobs rushed for a team-high 40 yards on 12 carries. Quarterbacks Brian Gilmore (5 of 13, 63 yards, 1 INT) and Martin Ukpai (3 of 8 for 66 yards, 2 INTs) split time running the Orange offense.

Edmond Baker led the Orange men with three catches for 53 yards, while Jonathan Sanders (2 for 23) and Brandon Hepburn (2 for 15) also saw receiving action Saturday.

Defensively, senior end Joseph Wims finished with five tackles, one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss to lead the crew which finished with 12 tackles for loss, with four sacks and four turnovers forced (three interceptions, one fumble).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 5) - The Florida A&M Women’s Softball team swept a three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series from Norfolk State this weekend, 5-0 and 3-1 on Saturday, plus a 2-1 thriller on Sunday morning.
FAMU (15-24, 3-0 in MEAC) rapped out 25 hits in the three games, while limiting Norfolk State (12-20, 1-5 in MEAC) to 11 hits.
Junior Amanda Reyes (10-15) won Saturday’s first game and Sunday’s outing, while picking up a save in Saturday’s second game, recording 20 strikeouts in 17 innings.

In the opener on Saturday, Melissa Oliphant homered and drove in two runs, while Ashley Jones drove in two more runs to spark the Lady Rattlers to a 5-0 win.

FAMU scored three runs in the first inning and pushed across two more in the fifth, while Reyes was keeping the Spartans at bay, striking out 11 and scattering three hits in seven innings.

In Saturday’s second game, Oliphant (5-2) got the win, working four innings, allowing one run on three hits with one strikeout on the mound, while aiding her own cause at the plate, with a team-high three hits.

Rhianna Green and Megan Moore each had two hits, while Green, Jasmin Donaldson and Joyce Harold each drove in a run.

Norfolk State took a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but FAMU answered with a run in the bottom of the frame, before pushing across single runs in the fourth and sixth.

On Sunday morning, Reyes was back on the mound, fanning five while scattering five hits, allowing one run in the seventh with FAMU holding a 2-0 lead.

The Lady Rattlers scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings, missing a couple of chances to break the game open.

FAMU finished with seven hits, let by Nicole Terryn with two hits, followed by Green, Oliphant, Jones Harold and Briana Weaver with one hit each.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Rattlers will host Jacksonville University in a doubleheader Tuesday at 4 p.m., then return to MEAC play next Saturday and Sunday as they host North Carolina A&T.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 4) -The Green Team proved to be the Mean Green here Saturday evening, as they overwhelmed the Orange Team, 48-0 during Florida A&M University’s annual Spring Football Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

A crowd estimated at better than 2,000, watched the veteran-led Green Team pile up 266 total yards, while limiting the Orange men to 134 total yards, including just five (5) net rushing yards on 31 carries.

Senior tailback Demitric Henry scored two touchdowns, opening the game’s scoring by taking a swing pass from quarterback Curtis Pulley, then dashing 16 yards to the end zone for a 7-0 lead with 7:02 left in the first period.

Henry would bolt into the end zone from seven yards out with 8:02 left in the game to end the Green lead to 41-0.

The Green Defense scored three touchdowns, the first coming when Sean Rush scooped up an Orange team fumble on a punt try, waling in from three yards out for a 14-0 Green lead with 5:15 left in the opening quarter.

Junior tailback Philip Sylvester scored the next two Green tallies, plunging in from three yards out with 4:08 left in the first half to give his squad a 20-0 lead at halftime.

Then after a turnover, Sylvester raced in from 14 yards away with 5:41 to go in the third, extending the Green edge to 27-0, before Fabian Wilson picked off an Orange pass and ran it back 59 yards for a score 15 seconds later (5:26) for a 34-0 lead by the end of the quarter.

Henry’s seven-yard run in the fourth quarter, was followed by a 48-yard pick-six by linebacker Gregory Boler, who reached the end zone with just 15 seconds left in the game.

Sylvester led all rushers with 91 yards on eight carries for the Green, opening the game with a 41-yard gallop. He was followed by sophomore Lonvontae Page with 27 yards on seven carries, while Henry had 23 yards on five tries.

Senior quarterback Curtis Pulley ran for 14 yards on three carries, while passing for 96 yards and one score on nine of 13 passing, suffering one interception. Junior quarterback Eddie Battle went 3-of-11 passing for 43 yards.

Sophomore Kevin Elliott led the Green with five receptions for 48 yards, while Adrian Smith added three catches for 38 yards.

For the Orange, Andre Jacobs rushed for a team-high 40 yards on 12 carries. Quarterbacks Brian Gilmore (5 of 13, 63 yards, 1 INT) and Martin Ukpai (3 of 8 for 66 yards, 2 INTs) split time running the Orange offense.

Edmond Baker led the Orange men with three catches for 53 yards, while Jonathan Sanders (2 for 23) and Brandon Hepburn (2 for 15) also saw receiving action Saturday.

Defensively, senior end Joseph Wims finished with five tackles, one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss to lead the crew which finished with 12 tackles for loss, with four sacks and four turnovers forced (three interceptions, one fumble).

The Rattlers will continue spring practice over the next two weeks, putting in four sessions this week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m.), then two more next week to wrap up the 15-day regime.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 3) – The Florida A&M Baseball team swept a Friday afternoon doubleheader from North Carolina Central University, 3-2 and 17-1 at Moore-Kittles Field.

FAMU (11-12) rode the pitching of starter Anthony Espin (3-4) and relief ace Adam Gordon to eke past the visiting Eagles (4-15) in the opener, as the duo allowed just two hits in seven innings, combining for six strikeouts.

Espin worked into the seventh, turning in six full innings, scattering two hits after taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning. He fanned four while walking seven NCCU hitters.

Gordon, came on in the seventh, striking out two batters and getting one other Eagle to ground out with the bases loaded to end the threat and the game.

In the opener, FAMU erased a 1-0 Central lead with two runs in the bottom of the first inning to grab a 2-1 advantage, then both clubs scored single runs in the third to end the scoring.

In the second game, the Rattlers wasted little time plucking the Eagles’ wings, scoring five runs in the first and two more in the second for a 7-0 lead, then broke the game open with a seven-run fourth, keyed by Gordon’s first collegiate grand slam home run, staking FAMU to a 14-0 lead.

Tim Jones led a three-run fifth inning rally by belting a solo home run, his third of the year, helping extend FAMU’s lead to 17-1.

In the second game, FAMU belted out 16 hits, led by Jared Jeffries with four hits and three RBI, followed by Tim Jones with three hits and two RBI, along with Gabriel Rodriguez, who had two hits and two runs driven in, plus Steve Cunningham, who also had two hits in the nightcap.

Miguel Parga (4-2) got the win, working six full innings for the Rattlers, scattering four hits and allowing one run, with five strikeouts and three walks. Thaddous McBurrows came on to work a scoreless seventh to close out the game, striking out one.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers travel to Jackson, Mississippi Monday, to face the Jackson State Tigers in a two-game series, playing Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Masrch 30) - The Florida A&M Football team is in the midst of spring training in preparation for the 2009 season, and is set to cap off the second week of drills this Saturday, April 4 with the annual Orange and Green Football Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff will be 5:00 p.m.
The Rattlers, under second-year head coach Joe Taylor, will hold four workouts this week - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (all at 3:30 p.m.) in preparation for Saturday's game.

FAMU will have two additional weeks, or six (6) more practice sessions before training ends for the spring.

The Rattlers will open the 2009 regular season at home on Saturday, September 5 against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Delaware State in the Sports Hall of Fame Game, which will kickoff at 6:00 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 29) – The Florida A&M Baseball team split a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference doubleheader with North Carolina A&T Sunday, winning the opening game, 8-5, before dropping the second game, 10-2 here at Moore-Kittles Field.

FAMU (9-12, 2-3 in MEAC) had 11 hits in Sunday’s opener, led by Derrick Shaw and Antonio Burke with two hits apiece. Gabriel Rodriguez and Adam Gordon each drove in a pair of runs.

The Rattlers erased a 1-0 A&T lead with a four-run rally in the bottom of the first, then added a single run in the second to build a 5-1 lead.

FAMU extended their lead to 8-1 by the sixth inning with a run in the fourth and two more runs in the sixth.

The Aggies (7-15, 3-2 in MEAC) scored once in the eighth before pushing across three more in the ninth to make the game interesting.

Sophomore Anthony Espin (2-4) turned in a complete game in the opening, scattering nine hits and allowing five runs in nine innings. He struck out six and walked three Sunday.

In the nightcap, the Aggies struck for seven runs in the fifth, turning their 1-0 lead into an 8-0 advantage.

FAMU answered in the bottom of the fifth with two runs in five hits to cut the Aggies’ edge to 8-2, but could not manage much after that, as A&T scored two more runs in the seventh to close out the game.

The Rattlers had nine hits in the second bout, led by Jared Jeffries with three hits and an RBI, followed by Derrick Shaw and Gabriel Rodriguez with two hits apiece.

Miguel Parga (3-2) took the loss for FAMU, despite an ironman performance Sunday. Like fellow mound mate Anthony Espin in the opener, Parga went the distance, turning in a complete game, allowing 10 runs on 10 hits, with two strikeouts in seven innings.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will host North Carolina Central in a Friday afternoon doubleheader at Moore-Kittles Field, beginning at 2:00.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (March 29) – The Florida A&M Lady Rattler Softball team swept a Sunday doubleheader from Winston-Salem State, 5-1 and 8-1 at South Park Field.

Florida A&M (11-24) pounded Winston-Salem (7-12) for 22 hits in the twinbill, beating out 15 hits alone in the second game Sunday.

Jasmin Donaldson went 3-for-4, while Rhiana Green added two hits and Ashley Jones had a hit and a pair of RBI in the opener.

FAMU scored two runs in the first, then added single runs in the third, fourth and fifth frames to build a 5-0 lead.

WSSU pushed across their only run in the bottom of the sixth in Sunday’s opener.

Junior Amanda Reyes (8-15) got the win for FAMU in the opening game, fanning nine Lady Rams, while allowing two hits with three walks in seven innings.

Melissa Oliphant (3-2) was the winner in the second game, allowing three hits, striking out six batters in seven innings.

Oliphant also helped her own cause, driving in four runs on three hits in the second game, while Rhiana Green went four-for-five, scoring three runs and driving in another.

FAMU drew first blood again in the second game, scoring four runs in the second inning, then adding two more in the fourth, before the Lady Rams plated their lone tally in the fifth.

The Lady Rattlers closed out the game with two runs in the top of the seventh.

The third game of the series will be played Monday at 1:00 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 28) – The Florida A&M University Women’s and Men’s Track teams took part in the 2009 FSU Relays at Mike Long Track on the Florida State University campus Thursday through Saturday.

Contending teams dodged weather delays and wet grounds over the three days, but managed to complete the competition by Saturday afternoon.

Notable performances for the Lady Rattlers included wins respectively by Latoya Wright in the 400 meters (1:02.05) and Nichola Listhrop in the 800 meters (2:18.59), as well as by the sprint medley team of Ashley Gillis, Ann-Marie Francis, LaKendra Cunningham and Listhrop (4:10.39).

The Rattler thinclads also notched several firsts too, headed by Stanley Suber in the 400 meters (47.56) and Daquam Lee in the 800 (1:53.05), while Mike White finished second in the pole vault (14 feet, 7 ¼ inches) and the men’s 4x200 relay crew ran second (1:28.37).

In the early going, freshman Phillip Washington, scored 3,181 points in the men’s decathlon, after competing in the 100 meter dash (8th), 110 hurdles (6th), long jump (9th), shot put (11th), high jump (7th) and 400 meter dash (8th).

However, injury forced the talented youngster to bow out of the competition with four events remaining on Friday.

WASHINGTON’S DECATHLON RESULTS/FAMU
•100 Meter Dash: Phillip Washington, 8th, 11.91 – 669 pts
•Men’s Long Jump: Phillip Washington, 9th, 5.57 meters (18-03.25) – 496 pts
•Men’s Shot Put: Phillip Washington, 11th, 7.29 meters (23-11.00) – 324 pts
•Men’s High Jump: Phillip Washington, 7th, 1.69 meters (5-06.50) – 536 pts
•Men’s 400 Meter Dash: Phillip Washington, 8th, 57.65 – 497 pts
• Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles: Phillip Washington, 6th, 16.67 – 659 pts

FAMU’S NOTABLES IN THE FSU RELAYS
•Women’s High Jump: 3-Suelyn Pilliner (1.60 meters, or 5 feet, 3 inches).
•Men’s High Jump: 3-Bryan Turner (2.00 meters, or 6 feet, 6 ¾ inches); 5-Antwone 
McCloud (1.95 meters, or 6 feet, 4 ¾ inches).
•Men’s Pole Vault: 2-Mike White (4.45 meters, or 14 feet, 7 ¼ inches).
•Women’s Long Jump: 5-Suelyn Pilliner (5.26 meters, or 17 feet, 3 ¼ inches);
8-Tomika Story (5.00 meters, 16 feet, 5 inches); 10-Ashante Davis (4.72 meters, or 15 feet, 6 inches).
•Men’s Long Jump: 6-Anthony Hill (6.31 meters, or 20 feet, 8 ½ inches).
•Women’s Triple Jump: 3-Tomika Story (11.57 meters, or 37 feet, 11 ½ inches).
•Men’s Discus Throw: 7-Frank Scott (39.97 meters, or 131 feet, 2 inches).
•Men’s Shot Put: 3-Frank Scott (13.54 meters, 44 feet, 5 ¼ inches).
•Women’s 100 Meter Dash: 6-Ashley Gillis (12.10); 14-Ann-Marie Francis (12.36); 15-Jesseka Forbes (12.39).
•Men’s 100 Meter Dash: 7-Carl McKenzie (10.71); 8-Joe Washington (10.75); 11-LaJarvis Cook (10.87); 15-Rennie Carty (11.22).
•Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles: 1-Latoya Wright (1:02.05).
•Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles: 5-Demarius Carroll (58.03).
•Women’s 400 Meter Dash: 5-Jeanette Hulse (59.01).
•Men’s 400 Meter Dash: 1-Stanley Suber (47.56); 8-Ronald Bolden (50.62); 11-Alphonso Johnson (51.99).
•Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles:  6-Damarius Carroll (14.55).
•Women’s 4x100 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (Jesseka Forbes, Latoya Wright, Ann-Marie Francis, Ashley Gillis), 47.21.
•Men’s 4x100 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (41.94).
•Men’s 4x200 Meter Relay: 2-“A” Team (1:28.37).
•Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (4:03.80).
•Men’s 4x400 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (3:20.79).
•Women’s Sprint Medley: 1-“A” Team (Gillis, Francis, LaKendra Cunningham, Nichola Listhrop), 4:10.39.
•Women’s 800 Meter Run: 1-Nichola Listhrop (2:18.59).
•Men’s 800 Meter Run: 1-Daquam Lee (1:53.05).
•Men’s 1500 Meter Run: 7-Paul Williams(4:26.45).
•Women’s 5000 Meter Run: 9-Kelle Ransom (20:24.84); 12-Jennie Desir (21:59.41).
•Men’s 5000 Meter Run: 11-Shuaib Winters (16:02.54).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 28) – The Florida A&M University Women’s and Men’s Track teams took part in the 2009 FSU Relays at Mike Long Track on the Florida State University campus Thursday through Saturday.

Contending teams dodged weather delays and wet grounds over the three days, but managed to complete the competition by Saturday afternoon.

Notable performances for the Lady Rattlers included wins respectively by Latoya Wright in the 400 meters (1:02.05) and Nichola Listhrop in the 800 meters (2:18.59), as well as by the sprint medley team of Ashley Gillis, Ann-Marie Francis, LaKendra Cunningham and Listhrop (4:10.39).

The Rattler thinclads also notched several firsts too, headed by Stanley Suber in the 400 meters (47.56) and Daquam Lee in the 800 (1:53.05), while Mike White finished second in the pole vault (14 feet, 7 ¼ inches) and the men’s 4x200 relay crew ran second (1:28.37).

In the early going, freshman Phillip Washington, scored 3,181 points in the men’s decathlon, after competing in the 100 meter dash (8th), 110 hurdles (6th), long jump (9th), shot put (11th), high jump (7th) and 400 meter dash (8th).

However, injury forced the talented youngster to bow out of the competition with four events remaining on Friday.

WASHINGTON’S DECATHLON RESULTS/FAMU
•100 Meter Dash: Phillip Washington, 8th, 11.91 – 669 pts
•Men’s Long Jump: Phillip Washington, 9th, 5.57 meters (18-03.25) – 496 pts
•Men’s Shot Put: Phillip Washington, 11th, 7.29 meters (23-11.00) – 324 pts
•Men’s High Jump: Phillip Washington, 7th, 1.69 meters (5-06.50) – 536 pts
•Men’s 400 Meter Dash: Phillip Washington, 8th, 57.65 – 497 pts
• Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles: Phillip Washington, 6th, 16.67 – 659 pts

FAMU’S NOTABLES IN THE FSU RELAYS
•Women’s High Jump: 3-Suelyn Pilliner (1.60 meters, or 5 feet, 3 inches).
•Men’s High Jump: 3-Bryan Turner (2.00 meters, or 6 feet, 6 ¾ inches); 5-Antwone 
McCloud (1.95 meters, or 6 feet, 4 ¾ inches).
•Men’s Pole Vault: 2-Mike White (4.45 meters, or 14 feet, 7 ¼ inches).
•Women’s Long Jump: 5-Suelyn Pilliner (5.26 meters, or 17 feet, 3 ¼ inches);
8-Tomika Story (5.00 meters, 16 feet, 5 inches); 10-Ashante Davis (4.72 meters, or 15 feet, 6 inches).
•Men’s Long Jump: 6-Anthony Hill (6.31 meters, or 20 feet, 8 ½ inches).
•Women’s Triple Jump: 3-Tomika Story (11.57 meters, or 37 feet, 11 ½ inches).
•Men’s Discus Throw: 7-Frank Scott (39.97 meters, or 131 feet, 2 inches).
•Men’s Shot Put: 3-Frank Scott (13.54 meters, 44 feet, 5 ¼ inches).
•Women’s 100 Meter Dash: 6-Ashley Gillis (12.10); 14-Ann-Marie Francis (12.36); 15-Jesseka Forbes (12.39).
•Men’s 100 Meter Dash: 7-Carl McKenzie (10.71); 8-Joe Washington (10.75); 11-LaJarvis Cook (10.87); 15-Rennie Carty (11.22).
•Women’s 400 Meter Hurdles: 1-Latoya Wright (1:02.05).
•Men’s 400 Meter Hurdles: 5-Demarius Carroll (58.03).
•Women’s 400 Meter Dash: 5-Jeanette Hulse (59.01).
•Men’s 400 Meter Dash: 1-Stanley Suber (47.56); 8-Ronald Bolden (50.62); 11-Alphonso Johnson (51.99).
•Men’s 110 Meter Hurdles:  6-Damarius Carroll (14.55).
•Women’s 4x100 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (Jesseka Forbes, Latoya Wright, Ann-Marie Francis, Ashley Gillis), 47.21.
•Men’s 4x100 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (41.94).
•Men’s 4x200 Meter Relay: 2-“A” Team (1:28.37).
•Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (4:03.80).
•Men’s 4x400 Meter Relay: 3-“A” Team (3:20.79).
•Women’s Sprint Medley: 1-“A” Team (Gillis, Francis, LaKendra Cunningham, Nichola Listhrop), 4:10.39.
•Women’s 800 Meter Run: 1-Nichola Listhrop (2:18.59).
•Men’s 800 Meter Run: 1-Daquam Lee (1:53.05).
•Men’s 1500 Meter Run: 7-Paul Williams(4:26.45).
•Women’s 5000 Meter Run: 9-Kelle Ransom (20:24.84); 12-Jennie Desir (21:59.41).
•Men’s 5000 Meter Run: 11-Shuaib Winters (16:02.54).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 26) – Florida A&M University freshman Phillip Washington was the lone Orange and Green performer to compete in the first day of the FSU Relays at Mike Long Track on the Florida State University campus Thursday.

Despite rain showers which hampered the opening round of competition, events were held in the men’s decathlon (10 select events) and the women’s heptathlon (seven select events), as well as the hammer throw for women and men.

In the first five decathlon events, Washington, a 6-2, 162-pound freshman from Hallandale High in Hollywood, Florida, had scored 2,522 points, after competing in the 100 meter dash (8th), long jump (9th), shot put (11th), high jump (7th) and 400 meter dash (8th).

Competition continues Friday and will conclude on Saturday, with a full array of track and field events on tap, weather permitting,

THURSDAY’S DECATHLON RESULTS/FAMU
•100 Meter Dash: Phillip Washington, 8th, 11.91 – 669 pts
•Men’s Long Jump: Phillip Washington, 9th, 5.57 meters (18-03.25) – 496 pts
•Men’s Shot Put: Phillip Washington, 11th, 7.29 meters (23-11.00) – 324 pts
•Men’s High Jump: Phillip Washington, 7th, 1.69 meters (5-06.50) – 536 pts
•Men’s 400 Meter Dash: Phillip Washington, 8th, 57.65 – 497 pts

The Florida A&M University Football Team will hold the annual Orange and Green Spring Game on Saturday, April 4 in Bragg Memorial Stadium. Kickoff will be at 5:00 p.m.

The Rattler Football Team will continue its' Spring Training schedule with practices on Thursday (3:30 p.m.) and Saturday (9:00 a.m.) on the FAMU Practice Fields.

Next week's schedule features practices on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (all 3:30), capped off by the annual Orange and Green Spring Game.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The likelihood of inclement weather this weekend has forced the Lady Rams’ weekend series to postponed, but the wait won’t be for long.

Instead of a Saturday doubleheader and a single game on Sunday, the Lady Rams and Lady Rattlers will face off in a Sunday doubleheader and a single game on Monday.

The series was originally scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, but weather forecasts for Saturday show a 70% chance or rain and thunderstorms.

The Lady Rams and Lady Rattlers will square off in doubleheader action on Sunday, March 29th beginning at 1:00 p.m. followed by a single game on Monday at noon.

The following FAMU Sports Teams will be in action this weekend:
•BASEBALL: The Rattler Baseball Team will host the Aggies of North Carolina A&T in a three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series at Moore-Kittles Field. There will be a Saturday doubleheader at 1:00 p.m. and a single game Sunday at 12 noon.

•FOOTBALL: The Rattler Football Team will continue its' Spring Training schedule with practices on Thursday (3:30 p.m.) and Saturday (9:00 a.m.) on the FAMU Practice Fields... Next week's schedule features practices on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (all 3:30), with the annual Orange and Green Spring Game at Bragg Memorial Stadium, on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m.

•SOFTBALL: The Lady Rattler Softball Team travels to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for a three-game weekend series beginning Sunday with a 1:00 doubleheader, followed by a Monday single game at 1:00 p.m.

•TENNIS: The FAMU Tennis Teams will host a doubleheader of their own Saturday on the University Courts beginning at 10 a.m., as the women and men host MEAC foe Norfolk State... The men will close out their home schedule later in the day at 2 p.m. against Chicago State, coached by former Rattler tennis standout LeTrone Mason.

•TRACK: The FAMU Track Teams will compete in the Florida State Relays, Thursday through Saturday at Mike Long Track.... Admission is free.

LADY RATTLERS FALL TO FLORIDA STATE, 5-1

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 24) - The Florida A&M Softball team dropped a 5-1 contest to cross town rival Florida State, here Tuesday evening at JoAnne Graf Field.

FAMU (9-24) finished the game with four hits, while FSU (24-9) tallied seven hits.

The Lady Rattlers were led by Rhiana Green with two hits, while both Melissa Oliphant and Jasmin Donaldson finished with one hit each.

Both Monica Montez and Brittany Joseph led the Lady Seminoles from the plate garnering two hits each.

Terese Gober (15-5) got the win for the FSU giving up one earned run and one hit striking out five in three innings of relief, while Amanda Reyes (7-15) took the loss for FAMU, striking out one and giving up five earned runs in four innings of work.

The Lady Seminole grabbed an early 3-0 lead as Shayla  Jackson hit a three-run inside the park homer, scoring both Joseph and Montez in the bottom of the second inning.

A Carly Wynn triple to left center field scored Joseph, followed by a Kaleigh Raftner sacrifice fly to right field scoring Wynn to increase FSU’s lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth.

FAMU scored their only run of the game as Raven Johnson scored on a Green single to left field, for the 5-1 final.

The Lady Rattlers will return to action this weekend as they will open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play against provisional member Winston-Salem State in a three game series, with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 28 at 1 p.m. and a single game on Sunday, March 29 at Noon, in Winston-Salem, N.C.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 22) – The Florida A&M University Football team will opne spring training, or their annual “15 Days of Spring” practice sessions beginning Monday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m..

The 15 practice sessions will be split in half, with the annual “Orange and Green Spring Football Game” set for the middle of the practice schedule on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Spring workouts will be held each week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, except for Week Two, when a Friday session will be held prior to the Spring Game, and Week Four, when the final two workouts (Tuesday and Thursday) will close out the 15-day regimen.

All weekday sessions will start at 3:30 p.m. and the Saturday drills will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

FAMU FOOTBALL’S “15 DAYS OF SPRING” PRACTICE SLATE
Week One                                             Week Three
• Monday, March 23 (3:30p)                  • Monday, April 6 (3:30p)
• Tuesday March 24 (3:30p)                  • Tuesday, April 7 (3:30p)
• Thursday, March 26 (3:30p)                • Thursday, April 9 (3:30p)
• Saturday, March 28 (9:00a)                 • Saturday, April 11 (9:00a)

Week Two                                            Week Four
• Monday, March 30 (3:30p)                  • Tuesday, April 14 (3:30p)
• Tuesday, March 31 (3:30p)                 • Thursday, April 16 (3:30p)
• Thursday, April 2 (3:30p)
• Friday, April 3 (3:30p)
• Saturday, April 4/Spring Game (4:00p)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 22) – The Florida A&M Rattlers fell victim to their own fielding miscues here Sunday, dropping a 7-4 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference baseball decision to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

Florida A&M (8-11, 1-2 in MEAC) committed six errors in Sunday’s rubber game, yet trailed just 6-4 after six innings.

Sophomore Tim Jones (0-2) took the mound for FAMU, allowing four hits and four runs in four innings, fanning six Wildcat batters, while walking five. Sophomore Miguel Parga came on in the fifth, fanning four in four innings, scattering three hits and allowing three runs.

B-CU’s Felix Machado (3-1) got the win after working into the sixth, when he was chased by the Rattlers, who struck for three runs in the frame to slice the Wildcats’ advantage to 6-4. Machado scattered eight hits in five and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs, with three strikeouts and three walks.

Andrew Tilka came on in the sixth for B-CU, working three and one-third innings o shutout relief, allowing two hits, fanning three for his first save of the year.

Bethune-Cookman (10-13, 2-1 in MEAC) scored once in the first inning and two in the second, plus a single run in the fourth to build a 4-0 lead.

FAMU got on the board in the fifth, as Tim Schalch scored from third when Steve Cunningham reached on a fielder’s choice grounder, which was thrown away by B-CU first baseman Alejandro Jimenez, for a 4-1 score.

The Wildcats plated two more runs in the bottom of the fifth for a 6-1 advantage, before the Rattlers scored three runs on five hits in the top of the sixth to close within 6-4.

Adam Gordon’s RBI double scored Daniel Lee for a 6-2 score, then Tim Schalch and Steve Cunningham followed with RBI singles to plate two more runs for the Rattlers.

FAMU out hit the Wildcats, 10-8, but left nine runners stranded including leaving the bases loaded in the second inning, when B-CU’s lead was just 1-0. Steve Cunningham, Tim Schalch and Chris Fulman each had two hits for the Rattlers.

The Wildcats scored a run in the seventh to close out the scoring, extending their lead to 7-4.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers return to action next weekend as they host North Carolina A&T, Saturday (1:00) and Sunday (12 Noon) in a three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series at Moore-Kittles Field.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 22) – Bethune-Cookman University captured the team title at the 2009 Florida A&M University Spring Invitational Golf Tournament after shooting a final round 309 Sunday at the Killearn Country Club.

The Wildcats were led by Dan Venema, who won individual medalist honors after firing a one-over 73 for a two-day total of 145, edging out South Carolina State’s Roberto Cacho (147), who carded a one-under 71 in Sunday’s final round.

B-CU finished the two-day event with a 601 total, followed by Canisius College (623) and Thomas University (624).

Host FAMU finished seventh overall with a two-day total of 645, led by senior James Petty, who shot a 79 on Sunday to finish with a two-day total of 154.

Other Rattler notables included: Shepherd Archie (155), Wesley Yates (162) and Gallup Franklin (174).

Canadian entry Laval University of Quebec shot 600 for the two-day event, but was ineligible for the title since they were not an NCAA member school.

FAMU SPRING INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNEY
Team Standings
1 – Bethune-Cookman University        292-309-601
2 – Laval University*                            301-299-600*
3 – Canisius (N.Y.) College                  308-315-623
4 – Thomas (Ga.) University                315-309-624
5 – Savannah (Ga.) State University   316-319-635
      South Carolina State University     320-315-635
7 – Florida A&M University                321-324-645
8 – Morehouse (Ga.) College               329-326-655

( )-Tournament winner; (*)-Non NCAA Team (from Canada) not eligible for title

Individual Top 20 – Par 72
  1-Dan Venema, B-CU    72-73-145
  2-Roberto Cacho, SCSU    76-71-147
  3-Mathieu Belanger, Laval    72-77-149*
     Willie Mack, B-CU    75-74-149
     Patrick Lovely, Thomas    74-75-149
     Julien Proulx, Laval    75-74-149*
  7-Steven Hovington, Laval    77-73-150*
  8-Corey Brown, Savannah    77-74-151
  9-Steve Seeler, Canisius    76-76-152
10-Andy Heesom, B-CU    73-80-153
11-James Petty, FAMU    75-79-154
12-Tripp Walker, Savannah    76-79-155
     Shepherd Archie, FAMU   80-75-155
     Charles-Antoine Garon    76-79-155

15-Juan Ronderos, B-CU    73-83-156
     Sean Edey, B-CU        74-82-156
     Hector Arroyave, SCSU    78-78-156
17-Mathieu Gingras, Laval    77-80-157*
     Mike Jantzi            80-77-157
19-Phillip Allen, Morehouse    81-77-158
20-Creighton Drew, Canisius    79-80-159
     Scott Moser, Canisius    79-80-159
 (*)-Non-NCAA (Canadian) players
        
Team Scores – Par 72

Bethune-Cookman University    292-309-601
Dan Venema                  72-72-145*
Willie Mack                    75-74-149
Andy Heesom                73-80-153
Juan Ronderos              73-83-156
Sean Edey                     74-82-156

Laval University             301-299-600*
Mathieu Belanger            72-77-149
Julien Proulx                    75-74-149
Steeven Hovington          77-73-150
Mathieu Gingras               77-80-157
Marc-Andre Champagne   88-75-163

Canisius College            308-315-623
Steve Seeler                    76-76-152
Creighton Drew                79-80-159
Scott Moser                      79-80-159
Evan Smith                       74-86-160
Mike Knott                         86-79-165

Thomas University            315-309-624
Patrick Lovely                      74-75-149
Ben Spooner                        80-76-156
Lance Williams                     80-78-158
Jonathan Guess                   81-80-161
Brian Herrell                         85-83-168

Savannah State Univ.        316-319-635
Corey Brown                         77-74-151
Tripp Walker                          76-79-155
Jamie Montgomery                84-80-164
Riley Baxter                           79-86-165
Ricky Williams                       86-92-178

South Carolina State Univ.    320-315-635
Robert Cacho                           76-71-147
Hector Arroyave                       78-78-156
Alejandro Bernardini                 81-79-160
Robert Biggers                          85-87-172
Javius Bing                              121-121-242

Florida A&M University        321-324-645
James Petty                            75-79-154
Shepherd Archie                     80-75-155
Gallop Franklin                        82-92-174
Wesley Yates                           84-78-162
Elijah Jackson                          DNP

Morehouse College            329-326-655
Phillip Allen                            81-77-158
Olajuwon Ajanaku                  81-80-161
Bryan McElderry                    82-81-163
Thaddeaus Hill                       85-88-173
Darian Bouie                          101-98-199

Individual Contestants
Charles-Antoine Garon         76-79-155
Mike Jantzi                            80-77-157
Vincent Moffett                      88-86-174

    

        
    
    

GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 22) - The Delaware State Lady Hornets won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Bowling Championship title with a victory over the Florida A&M Lady Rattlers, Sunday afternoon at the Gate City Lanes in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Lady Hornets, who are ranked fourth in the nation, won four straight Baker matches to clinch to the title.

Florida A&M (41-29 overall), led by Interim Coach Sheila Martin, upset defending NCAA National Champion Maryland Eastern Shore, 4-1 in the semifinal round Sunday morning to advance to the championship match for the first time ever in the program’s history.

The Lady Rattlers battled back after a loss to Delaware State Saturday by winning three matches in the double elimination bracket for a chance at the MEAC title.

Adriana Jaime, the 2009 MEAC Rookie of the Year, and sophomore anchor Angela Reynolds led the Delaware State to their first-ever MEAC bowling title after falling in the championship game a year ago.

Delaware State head coach, Kim Terrell-Kearney was named the Outstanding Coach. Terrell-Kearney, the 2009 MEAC Coach of the Year, guided her team to a four straight wins en route to the crown.

The Lady Hornets currently hold a 114-34 mark overall and concluded the regular season at 25-5 in MEAC play.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s Martha Perez earned Outstanding Performer Honors. The sophomore knocked down 869 pins and averaged a 217.25 norm during the qualifying round.

The match was televised in a tape-delayed format and will air on Thursday, April 2nd on ESPNU at 7 p.m.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 21) – The Florida A&M Rattler Baseball team split a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader here Saturday afternoon with Bethune-Cookman University, winning the second game, 6-4 in extra innings, after dropping the opener, 9-2.

Florida A&M (8-10, 1-1 in MEAC) out hit the defending MEAC champs, 10-8 in the second game, capturing their first win against their in-state rivals on the diamond in several years.

Tallahassee junior Adam Gordon (1-0) got the win for FAMU in relief of starter David Duncan, who worked into the fifth, fanning four against no walks in four and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs.

Gordon came on in the fifth, scattering two hits, allowing a pair of runs, fanning five and walking four in three and one-third innings.

The Rattlers grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the first in Game Two, on RBI singles by Tim Jones and Tobi Adeyemi.

B-CU (9-13, 1-1 in MEAC), scored a run in the bottom of the first, then tied it with a run in the bottom of the second, 2-2.

In the sixth, the Rattlers took a 3-2 lead, when Derrick Shaw, who reached on a leadoff single, scored from third on a Wildcat throwing error, but the ‘Cats tied the game with a run in the bottom of the sixth.

Both clubs scored a run in the seventh, with B-CU’s Jose Ortiz forcing extra innings with a two-out RBI single scoring Alejandro Jimenez, tying the score at 4-4.

In the top of the eighth, the Rattlers plated a pair of runs when Antonio Burke drilled a two-run single to center, scoring Gordon and Adeyemi for a 6-4 FAMU lead.

That was all Gordon would need, as he retired three straight B-CU batters after issuing a leadoff walk to Drew Clark, striking out Mark Brooks to end the game.

Shaw, Burke, Adeyemi and Tim Jones each had two hits for FAMU, which got three RBI from Burke and one each from Adeyemi and Jones.

In the opening game, the Wildcats took control early, scoring two runs in the first, one in the second and three in the third to build a 6-0 advantage after three innings.

FAMU scored single runs in the fourth and fifth, but B-CU answered with a run in the fourth and two more in the seventh.

The Wildcats pounded out 15 hits in the opener to nine for FAMU, which got two hits each from Derrick Shaw and Tim Schalch, each of who drove in a run.

Sophomore Anthony Espin (1-4) took the loss for the Rattlers, working into the eighth inning (7.1), allowing 15 hits and all nine Wildcat runs. He struck out six and walked seven, before being lifted for Gordon, who retired the final two B-CU batters in the eighth, fanning one.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will shoot for a series win against the Wildcats Sunday in the rubber match at 1:00 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 21) – Bethune-Cookman University holds the first round lead in the 2009 Florida A&M University Spring Invitational Golf Tournament at the Killearn Country Club after play on Saturday.

The Wildcat linksters shot 292 to take the lead over Laval University of Canada (301), Canisius (N.Y.) College (308) and Thomas (Ga.) University (315).

Bethune-Cookman’s Dan Venema and Laval’s Mathieu Belanger both shot even par 72 during Saturday’s opening round to head the individual performers’ list.

Host Florida A&M carded a 321 on Saturday, led by senior James Petty with a three-over 75. Other Rattler competitors included Archie Shepherd (80), Gallop Franklin (82) and Wesley Yates (84).

Sunday’s final round will begin at 8:00 a.m.


FAMU SPRING INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNEY
Team Standings
1 – Bethune-Cookman University        292
2 – Laval University                             301
3 – Canisius (N.Y.) College                  308
4 – Thomas (Ga.) University                315
5 – Savannah (Ga.) State University    316
6 – South Carolina State University     320
7 – Florida A&M University               321
8 – Morehouse (Ga.) College              329

Individual Top 20 – Par 72
1 (tie)    Dan Venema, B-CU          72
             Mathieu Belanger, Laval    72
3 (tie)    Andy Heesom, B-CU         73
            Juan Ronderos, B-CU        73
5 (tie)    Sean Edey, B-CU              74
             Patrick Lovely, Thomas     74
             Evan Smith, Canisius        74
8 (tie)    Willie Mack, B-CU             75
             James Petty, FAMU         75
             Julien Proulx, Laval           75
11(tie)   Tripp Walker, Savannah    76
             Roberto Cacho, SCSU      76
             Steve Seeler, Canisius      76
14 (tie)  Steven Hovington, Laval   77
             Mathieu Gingras, Laval     77
            Corey Brown, Savannah    77
17        Hector Arroyave, SCSU     78
18 (tie) Creighton Drew, Canisius  79
            Scott Moser, Canisius        79
            Riley Baxter, Savannah     79

   

       

GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 21) - The sixth seeded Florida A&M Lady Rattler Bowling team advanced to the semifinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Bowling Championship for the first time ever here Saturday, with a victory over fifth-seeded Bethune-Cookman University in the quarterfinals at the Gate City Lanes.

FAMU will take on defending NCAA and MEAC champion Maryland-Eastern Shore in Sunday’s semifinal bout at 9:50 a.m., for the right to meet Delaware State in the 11:45 a.m. title match.
 
Delaware State, the MEAC Northern Division champions, upset the top seeded Lady Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore to advance to tomorrow’s championship match.
 
The Lady Hornets defeated Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M and Maryland Eastern Shore en route to their second straight championship appearance.
 
The Lady Rattlers earned their first-ever semifinal berth the hard way, going seven games against their Sunshine State rivals, Bethune-Cookman, the fifth seed.

Tied at three-all in Saturday’s quarterfinal bout, the Lady Rattlers won the seventh and deciding game to advance to tomorrow’s semis.
 
The championship match will be televised in a tape-delayed format and will air nationally via ESPNU on April 2.
 

LADY RATTLERS SWEEP SAVANNAH STATE, 8-0, 7-4

Head Coach Veronica Wiggins get 500th career win, Thursday afternoon.


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 19) - Head Softball Coach Veronica Wiggins picked up her 500th and 501st career victories as Florida A&M swept Savannah State, 8-0 and 7-4, here Thursday afternoon at the Lady Rattler Softball Complex.

In game one, FAMU (9-23) pounded out 10 hits as Rhianna Green, Melissa Oliphant and Megan Moore, all finished with two hits each..

Amanda Reyes (7-14) picked up the win for the Lady Rattlers as she pitched her first no-hitter in a Florida A&M uniform.  Reyes struck out four in five innings of work.

Krystle Frost (7-6) took the loss for the Lady Tigers giving up 10 hits and striking out three in four inning of work.

Green scored the Lady Rattlers first run of the game on an Ashley Jones single in the bottom of the first, giving FAMU a 1-0 lead.

The Lady Rattlers scored seven runs in the bottom of  fourth for the eight-run mercy run rule to go in effect for the 8-0 final.

In game two, FAMU blistered out 12 hits, while SSU pumped out six hits.

The Lady Rattlers were led again by Oliphant with three hits, followed by Joyce Harold and Alesha Wells, both with two hits each.

SSU (14-22) has six players to finish with one hit each.

Oliphant (2-2) got the win for the Lady Rattlers as she gave up six hits, three earned runs, and striking out three in six innings of work, while Reyes (1) picked up, her  first save of the season, striking out one in one inning of relief.

Rachel West (6-10) took the loss for the Lady Tigers as she gave up seven earned runs, striking out one in six innings of work. 

SSU took the early 3-0 lead in the top of the first as Brittany Wilson singled to left field scoring Crystal Williams, followed by a Jessica Weimerskirk two-run single scoring Wilson and Brittney Lollis.

FAMU cut into SSU’s lead in the bottom of the second as Harold tripled to right field, scoring Nicole Terryn, who led off the inning with a single.  Then Harold would score on an illegal pitch by a Lady Tiger pitcher, making the score 3-2. 

The Lady Rattlers would tie the score 3-3 in the bottom of the third as Oliphant singles up the middle scoring Shayla Clark, who doubled to led off the inning.

Courtney Harold would give the Lady Rattlers a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning on a Green single up the middle.

FAMU picked up a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth, as Oliphant scored on a Harold single, followed by a Wells single scoring Raven Johnson, giving the Lady Rattlers a 6-3 lead.

The Lady Rattlers had one run cross the plate in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 7-3 as Jasmine Donaldson scored on an Oliphant sacrifice fly to left field.

SSU would score their final run of the game as Shamyra Adams grounded out to second scoring Darnisha Woods, for the 7-4 final.


The Lady Rattlers will return to action on Tuesday, March 24 as they will face cross town rival Florida State at JoAnn Graf field in a 6 p.m. start.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 19) – The Florida A&M Rattler Baseball team prepped for its’ Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opening series this weekend with a 10-0 whitewash of Albany (Ga.) State University at Moore-Kittles Field Thursday afternoon.

Florida A&M (7-9) rapped out nine hits in Thursday’s win, led by junior center fielder Darryl Evans, who went 3-for-5,  scoring two runs, while driving in three more. Freshman Derrick Shaw added two hits and an RBI.

Sophomore pitcher Miguel Parga (3-1) got the win for the Rattlers, tossing a complete game, scattering eight hits, striking out four , while walking five.

FAMU got on the board in the first when Jared Jeffries scored from third on a sacrifice fly by Tim Jones for a 1-0 lead.

The Rattlers made it 2-0 in the third when Evans  doubled and scored on an Albany State throwing error.

In the fourth, the Rattlers plated five runs to build a 7-0 cushion. Tim Schalch’s sacrifice sqeeze bunt scored Tim Jones from third for a 3-0 count. Derrick Shaw made it 4-0, when he scored from third on an ASU fielding error on Adam Gordon’s bunt, which allowed Gordon to advance to second.

Catcher Gabriel Rodriguez lashed a run-scoring triple, plating Gordon, then Evans followed with an RBI double, scoring Rodriguez for a 6-0 lead. Jared Jeffries’s run-scoring double scored Evans for the 7-0 advantage.

Shaw drove in a run in the seventh with a single, scoring Tobi Adeyemi, who had reached on a fielding error for an 8-0 lead, then in the eighth, Evans singled to center field, driving in Schalch and Gordon for the game’s final runs.

WHAT’S NEXT: Florida A&M travels to Daytona Beach, Florida to open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play against Bethune-Cookman. Saturday’s doubleheader begins at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday’s game starts at 12 noon. All three games will be played at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 18) – The University of South Florida beat out nine hits and took advantage of six FAMU fielding errors to clinch a 7-0 college baseball victory over the Rattlers Wednesday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field.

Florida A&M (6-9), which managed just three hits in Tuesday’s 6-1 loss to the Bulls, went one better Wednesday, finishing the day with four hits, led by senior shortstop Tim Schalch with two hits, while Steve Cunningham and Derrick Shaw claimed the other two safeties.

Freshman David Duncan (2-4) took the loss on the mound for FAMU, scattering six hits, while allowing four runs (one earned) with seven strikeouts and three walks in seven innings of work.

USF’S Matt Reed (2-0) went the distance for the Bulls, scattering four hits in nine shutout innings, fanning five Rattler hitters, while walking two.

South Florida (10-7) took a 2-0 lead in the first on Todd Brazeal’s two-run double, which scored Sam Mende and Jonathan Kosco. Kosco had struck out, but catcher Adam Gordon’s throw to first was wild, allowing Kosco to go all the way to third, setting the stage of Brazeal’s big hit later in the inning.

In the fifth, Mende singled, then scored on a throwing error by third baseman Derrick Shaw with two outs, extending the Bulls’ lead to 3-0.

USF’s Daniel Rockhold made it 4-0 in the sixth, reaching base after being hit by a pitch, scoring from second when left fielder Tobi Adeyemi misplayed a base hit by Peter Brotons, allowing the ball to roll to the fence.

In the eighth, the Bulls made it 6-0, when Mike Consolmagno hit a two-run single, scoring Junior Carlin and Jordan McGillis, then in the ninth, a throwing error by shortstop Tim Schalch allowed Mende, who reached on a one-out walk, to score from third with the game’s final run.

WHAT’S NEXT: FAMU will host Albany (Ga.) State Thursday at 3 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field, then open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play Saturday (1:00-DH) and Sunday (12 noon) against archrival and defending champion Bethune-Cookman at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Daytona Beach, Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 17) – The University of South Florida Bulls made the most of their hits here Wednesday afternoon to ease past the Florida A&M Rattler Baseball team, 6-1 in a non-conference game at Moore-Kittles Field.

USF (9-7), which finished the day with six hits, grabbed a 2-0 lead in the fourth when catcher Andrew Longley hit a two-run double, scoring Todd Brazeal and Sam Mende with two outs after a Rattler error kept the inning alive.

The Rattlers (6-8) scored a single run in the bottom of the fourth as Elliott Bonner scored from second with two outs, when Derrick Shaw’s fly ball to center was dropped by Ryan Lockwood, making the score, 2-1.

The Bulls scored three runs in the seventh on just one hit and one Rattler error to extend their lead to 5-1, then added a run in the ninth to close out the scoring.

FAMU finished the game with three hits, but committed five fielding errors, most of which didn’t hurt them, thanks to a gusty pitching performance by starter Anthony Espin.

Espin (1-3) took the loss, despite pitching out of three bases-loaded jams in the first six innings. He worked six and one-third innings, allowing five runs on five hits, striking out five and walking five.

USF’s Teddy Kaufman (1-0) went the distance on the mound for the Bulls, scattering three hits and allowing one run, fanning 11 Rattler batters, while issuing no walks in nine innings.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers host USF Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field, then take on Albany (Ga.) State at Moore-Kittles on Thursday at 3 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 13) – The Florida A&M Men’s Golf Team placed sixth overall in the two-day 2009 Florida State Spring Break Invitational Tournament at the Seminole Golf Course, Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13.

FAMU shot a two-round 609 as a team, while host Florida State won the event with a 550 team total, just ahead of second-place Troy (Ala.) University (564).

In the individual standings, senior James Petty, Jr. shot a two-under 142 (74-68) for the tourney, finishing 10th overall, after firing a final round four under 68 on Thursday.

Other Rattler performers included Shephard Archie III, who carded a one-over 73 on Thursday, finishing with a 153 (80-73) for the tournament; Wesley Yates (77-80) shot a 157; Elijah Jackson (83-75) carded a two-day 158, while Gallop Franklin (85-79) finished the tourney with a 164.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 14) – The final round of action at the Webster Surgical Center FAMU Relays was contested Saturday at Pete Griffin Track, featuring high school, middle school and collegiate events.
    Listed below are the highlights of the 59th annual Relays for all divisions:

FAMU MEN’S TRACK HIGHLIGHTS
  FAMU’s Bryan Turner qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the high jump (2.10 meters); Carl McKenzie (14.73) won the 110 meter hurdles; Stanley Suber (49.42) won the 400 meter dash and Daquam Lee (1:53.31) and Carlos Franklin (1:59.10), finished 1-2 in the 800 meters and Mike White (4.54 meters) finished first in the pole vault.

  Craig Scott (11.02) and LaJarvis Cook (11.13) ran second and third in the 100 meters, and Demarius Carroll (1:02.66) finished fourth in the 400 hurdles; Mike White (42.68 meters) finished fifth in the javelin; Anthony Hill was fourth in the long jump (6.44 meters).

   In the relays, the 4x100 “A” team (41.52) finished first and the distance medley “A” team finished second (10:40.04).

FAMU WOMEN’S TRACK HIGHLIGHTS
   Headlining the FAMU Women’s top performances were Latoya Wright (1:02.85), who won the 400 meter hurdles; LaKendra Cunningham (57.08), who was the winner of the 400 meter dash, and Tomkia Story (11.39) who won the triple jump.

   The Lady Rattler 1600 sprint medley “A” team ran second (4:23.25); sprinters Ashley Gillis (12.36) and Ann-Marie Francis (12.65) ran second and fourth in the 100 meter dash; Francis ran second (26.22) in the javelin throw; Kierra Holiday (15.09) was third in the 100 meter hurdles; Tomika Story (5.32 meters) and Ashante Davis (5.08 meters) were second and fifth in the long jump.
 
   The trio of Nichola Listhrop (2:23.38), Helena Shields (2:27.86) and Antoinette Suer (2:44.91) ran 2-3-4 in the 800 meter run; Suelyn Pillinier (1.67 meters) was second in the high jump; Listhrop (5:08.99) and Kelle Ransom (5:22.56) were third and fourth in the 1500 meter run; Takeira Booker (10.54 meters) was fifth in the shot put.

   The 4x100 meter “A” team ran second (46.45) and the “B” team finished fourth (48.95); the distance medley “A” team (13:18.18) ran third; the 4x400 “A” team (3:58.43) finished second, with the “B” team (4:05.64) finishing third.

HIGH SCHOOL NOTABLES
   In the high school division, Godby, Rickards, East Gadsden, North Florida Christian, FAMU DRS and Madison County were the local prep schools in the 2009 field.

   Southwest Dekalb (Ga.) High and Stephenson High (Ga.) dominated the competition, winning a combined 21 of the prep events on Saturday.

   Top local girls performers included: Rickards’ Brittany Jones (47.38), who finished first in the 300 meter hurdles; Jasmine Allen (59.68) and Sharla Chavers (1:00.45), of East Gadsden, who finished second and fourth in the 400 meter dash; Rickards girls 4x100 meter relay team (50.60), ran third.

    Godby’s girls 4x800 meter relay team (12:38.03) ran third; East Gadsden’s girls 1600 sprint medley crew (5:20.93) ran fourth and Madison County’s girls (5:39.54) ran fifth; East Gadsden’s girls 4x400 team (4:17.93) finished third; East Gadsden’s Torriah Bell (4.58 meters), ran fourth in the long jump and third in the triple jump (10.27 meters); Godby’s Michelle Edwards (10.95 meters) was second in the shot put and fourth in the discus (28.74 meters).

  Top local boys performers included: Rickards’ Darius Jones won the 300 meter hurdles (40.70), while fellow Raiders JaJuan Harley (11.23) and Gerald McDonald (11.49) were fourth and fifth in the 100 meters; Godby’s Eddie St. Hilaire (22.87) ran fourth in the 110 meter hurdles; Godby’s Alexander Barber ran fourth (42.66) in the 400 meter dash.

  North Florida’s Whitney Strickland won the 800 meters (1:58.47); Rickards’ Jaron Poulos (5:10.78) was fourth in the 1600 meter run; Godby’s “A” Team (43.57), East Gadsden’s and Madison County’s (44.97) “A” teams ran third and fourth in the 4x100 meter relay; Rickards’ 1600 Sprint Medley team (4:01.48) finished third and East Gadsden’s team ran fourth (4:07.02); East Gadsden (3:38.70) placed third in the 4x400 relay.

    Godby’s LaVorrie Johnson (6.69 meters) and Donterious Gee of East Gadsden (6.61 meters) finished 1-2 in the long jump; Godby’s Bakari Harris (12.14 meters) finished third in the triple jump, while teammate Chris St. Hilaire (1.77 meters) was third in the high jump.

    Rickards’ Anthony Floyd (12.92 meters) and Madison County’s Reginald Doston (12.92) tied for second in the shot put, while Godby’s Denzel Bonner (12.84) finished fourth.

    In the discus, the top four finishers were local performers, led by Rickards’ Anthony Floyd (44.18 meters), followed by Godby’s Devin Screen (43.16), North Florida’s Keith Carter (42.00m) and Godby’s Tim Stroman (39.52).

MIDDLE SCHOOL 4X100
   The first-ever middle school competition at the FAMU Relays took place Saturday afternoon in the 4x100 meter relay.

   In the girls 4x100 division, Nims Middle School won in 52.66, followed by Swift Creek Middle (52.79) and Griffin Middle (53.73).

   In the boys 4x100 division, Swift Creek Middle was the winning in 47.35, followed by Nims Middle (49.39) and Griffin Middle (50.67).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 14) – The final round of action at the Webster Surgical Center FAMU Relays was contested Saturday at Pete Griffin Track, featuring high school, middle school and collegiate events.
    Listed below are the highlights of the 59th annual Relays for all divisions:

FAMU MEN’S TRACK HIGHLIGHTS
  FAMU’s Bryan Turner qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the high jump (2.10 meters); Carl McKenzie (14.73) won the 110 meter hurdles; Stanley Suber (49.42) won the 400 meter dash and Daquam Lee (1:53.31) and Carlos Franklin (1:59.10), finished 1-2 in the 800 meters and Mike White (4.54 meters) finished first in the pole vault.

  Craig Scott (11.02) and LaJarvis Cook (11.13) ran second and third in the 100 meters, and Demarius Carroll (1:02.66) finished fourth in the 400 hurdles; Mike White (42.68 meters) finished fifth in the javelin; Anthony Hill was fourth in the long jump (6.44 meters).

   In the relays, the 4x100 “A” team (41.52) finished first and the distance medley “A” team finished second (10:40.04).

FAMU WOMEN’S TRACK HIGHLIGHTS
   Headlining the FAMU Women’s top performances were Latoya Wright (1:02.85), who won the 400 meter hurdles; LaKendra Cunningham (57.08), who was the winner of the 400 meter dash, and Tomkia Story (11.39) who won the triple jump.

   The Lady Rattler 1600 sprint medley “A” team ran second (4:23.25); sprinters Ashley Gillis (12.36) and Ann-Marie Francis (12.65) ran second and fourth in the 100 meter dash; Francis ran second (26.22) in the javelin throw; Kierra Holiday (15.09) was third in the 100 meter hurdles; Tomika Story (5.32 meters) and Ashante Davis (5.08 meters) were second and fifth in the long jump.
 
   The trio of Nichola Listhrop (2:23.38), Helena Shields (2:27.86) and Antoinette Suer (2:44.91) ran 2-3-4 in the 800 meter run; Suelyn Pillinier (1.67 meters) was second in the high jump; Listhrop (5:08.99) and Kelle Ransom (5:22.56) were third and fourth in the 1500 meter run; Takeira Booker (10.54 meters) was fifth in the shot put.

   The 4x100 meter “A” team ran second (46.45) and the “B” team finished fourth (48.95); the distance medley “A” team (13:18.18) ran third; the 4x400 “A” team (3:58.43) finished second, with the “B” team (4:05.64) finishing third.

HIGH SCHOOL NOTABLES
   In the high school division, Godby, Rickards, East Gadsden, North Florida Christian, FAMU DRS and Madison County were the local prep schools in the 2009 field.

   Southwest Dekalb (Ga.) High and Stephenson High (Ga.) dominated the competition, winning a combined 21 of the prep events on Saturday.

   Top local girls performers included: Rickards’ Brittany Jones (47.38), who finished first in the 300 meter hurdles; Jasmine Allen (59.68) and Sharla Chavers (1:00.45), of East Gadsden, who finished second and fourth in the 400 meter dash; Rickards girls 4x100 meter relay team (50.60), ran third.

    Godby’s girls 4x800 meter relay team (12:38.03) ran third; East Gadsden’s girls 1600 sprint medley crew (5:20.93) ran fourth and Madison County’s girls (5:39.54) ran fifth; East Gadsden’s girls 4x400 team (4:17.93) finished third; East Gadsden’s Torriah Bell (4.58 meters), ran fourth in the long jump and third in the triple jump (10.27 meters); Godby’s Michelle Edwards (10.95 meters) was second in the shot put and fourth in the discus (28.74 meters).

  Top local boys performers included: Rickards’ Darius Jones won the 300 meter hurdles (40.70), while fellow Raiders JaJuan Harley (11.23) and Gerald McDonald (11.49) were fourth and fifth in the 100 meters; Godby’s Eddie St. Hilaire (22.87) ran fourth in the 110 meter hurdles; Godby’s Alexander Barber ran fourth (42.66) in the 400 meter dash.

  North Florida’s Whitney Strickland won the 800 meters (1:58.47); Rickards’ Jaron Poulos (5:10.78) was fourth in the 1600 meter run; Godby’s “A” Team (43.57), East Gadsden’s and Madison County’s (44.97) “A” teams ran third and fourth in the 4x100 meter relay; Rickards’ 1600 Sprint Medley team (4:01.48) finished third and East Gadsden’s team ran fourth (4:07.02); East Gadsden (3:38.70) placed third in the 4x400 relay.

    Godby’s LaVorrie Johnson (6.69 meters) and Donterious Gee of East Gadsden (6.61 meters) finished 1-2 in the long jump; Godby’s Bakari Harris (12.14 meters) finished third in the triple jump, while teammate Chris St. Hilaire (1.77 meters) was third in the high jump.

    Rickards’ Anthony Floyd (12.92 meters) and Madison County’s Reginald Doston (12.92) tied for second in the shot put, while Godby’s Denzel Bonner (12.84) finished fourth.

    In the discus, the top four finishers were local performers, led by Rickards’ Anthony Floyd (44.18 meters), followed by Godby’s Devin Screen (43.16), North Florida’s Keith Carter (42.00m) and Godby’s Tim Stroman (39.52).

MIDDLE SCHOOL 4X100
   The first-ever middle school competition at the FAMU Relays took place Saturday afternoon in the 4x100 meter relay.

   In the girls 4x100 division, Nims Middle School won in 52.66, followed by Swift Creek Middle (52.79) and Griffin Middle (53.73).

   In the boys 4x100 division, Swift Creek Middle was the winning in 47.35, followed by Nims Middle (49.39) and Griffin Middle (50.67).

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 13) – The Webster Surgical Center FAMU Relays opened Friday at the Pete Griffin Track with a handful of events in advance of Saturday’s traditional all-day slate.

On  Friday, collegiate finals for women and men were contested in the javelin throw, the 3,000 meter steeplechase and the pole vault, along with a final in the men’s 5,000 meter run.

• Florida A&M’s Ann-Marie Francis placed second in the women’s javelin throw with a toss of 26.22 meters, while Rattlers Mike White (42.68) and Antwaon McCloud (35.60) placed fifth and eighth in the men’s javelin.

• Antoinette Suer placed fifth in the women’s pole vault at 7 feet, 6 inches, while FAMU’s Mike White won the men’s pole vault with a jump of 14 feet 10 ¾ inches, edging out Florida State’s Warren Harper (14 feet, 4 ¾ inches).

• In the women’s 100 meter hurdles, Kierra Holiday (14.49) and Latoya Wright (15.07) qualified for Saturday’s finals (2:45 p.m.), while three Rattlers advanced to the finals of the 110 meter hurdles on Saturday (2:55 p.m.), including Carl McKenzie (14.77), who finished first overall, along with Phillip Washington (17.56) and Demarius Carroll (24.95).

• In the women’s 100 meters, Ashley Gillis (2nd, 11.93) and Jesseka Forbes (12.34) advanced to Saturday’s finals (3:15 p.m.), while the trio of Craig Scott (10.77), Rennie Carty (10.87) and LaJarvis Cook (10.92) advanced to the finals in the men’s 100 meter dash (3:20 p.m.) on Saturday.

There were also qualifying heats for both women and men in the 100 meter dash, the 100 meter hurdles (women) and 110 meter hurdles (men) on Friday.

Results from the women’s and men’s discus finals were not available at press time.

Saturday’s schedule begins at 8:00 a.m. with the 800 meter run for both collegiate and prep divisions, as well as field events for high school performers.

At 12:30 p.m., the final round of action begins with a middle school 4x100 meter relay, and will feature for the first time senior division level competition in the 100 meter dash at 3:00 p.m. and the 200 meter dash at 5:10 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 13) – The Webster Surgical Center FAMU Relays opened Friday at the Pete Griffin Track with a handful of events in advance of Saturday’s traditional all-day slate.

On  Friday, collegiate finals for women and men were contested in the javelin throw, the 3,000 meter steeplechase and the pole vault, along with a final in the men’s 5,000 meter run.

• Florida A&M’s Ann-Marie Francis placed second in the women’s javelin throw with a toss of 26.22 meters, while Rattlers Mike White (42.68) and Antwaon McCloud (35.60) placed fifth and eighth in the men’s javelin.

• Antoinette Suer placed fifth in the women’s pole vault at 7 feet, 6 inches, while FAMU’s Mike White won the men’s pole vault with a jump of 14 feet 10 ¾ inches, edging out Florida State’s Warren Harper (14 feet, 4 ¾ inches).

• In the women’s 100 meter hurdles, Kierra Holiday (14.49) and Latoya Wright (15.07) qualified for Saturday’s finals (2:45 p.m.), while three Rattlers advanced to the finals of the 110 meter hurdles on Saturday (2:55 p.m.), including Carl McKenzie (14.77), who finished first overall, along with Phillip Washington (17.56) and Demarius Carroll (24.95).

• In the women’s 100 meters, Ashley Gillis (2nd, 11.93) and Jesseka Forbes (12.34) advanced to Saturday’s finals (3:15 p.m.), while the trio of Craig Scott (10.77), Rennie Carty (10.87) and LaJarvis Cook (10.92) advanced to the finals in the men’s 100 meter dash (3:20 p.m.) on Saturday.

There were also qualifying heats for both women and men in the 100 meter dash, the 100 meter hurdles (women) and 110 meter hurdles (men) on Friday.

Results from the women’s and men’s discus finals were not available at press time.

Saturday’s schedule begins at 8:00 a.m. with the 800 meter run for both collegiate and prep divisions, as well as field events for high school performers.

At 12:30 p.m., the final round of action begins with a middle school 4x100 meter relay, and will feature for the first time senior division level competition in the 100 meter dash at 3:00 p.m. and the 200 meter dash at 5:10 p.m.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (March 13) - A second half surge  by the Florida A&M University Women’s Basketball team was not enough as they bowed out in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament to the Hampton University Lady Pirates, 70-58 in the semifinals here Friday afternoon at the Lawrence Joel Veteran Memorial Coliseum.
 
FAMU (14-17) had three players to score in double figures with freshman Antonia Bennett leading the way, scoring 18 points, 15 in the second half.  Senior Stephanie Foster added 16 points, followed by junior Deidra Jones scoring 13.  Freshman Qiana Donald led the Lady Rattlers on the boards with nine rebounds.
 
The Lady Pirates opened up the first half with a 10-0 run, taking a 17-7 lead with 11:52 to go on a Chinyere Ukoh layup.
 
Hampton, would then extend their lead to 19 points on a Quanneisha Perry jumper with 43 second left in the half, giving the Lady Pirates a 38-19 at the half.
 
In the second half, the Lady Rattlers would take an advantage of a Hampton eight-minute scoring drought going on 12-0 run to cut the Lady Pirates lead to four points, 55-51, on a Deidra Jones layup at the 4:14 mark.
 
Hampton then would close out the second half outscoring FAMU, 15-7 for the 70-58 final.
 
Hampton (15-15) was led by Bernadette Fourtune with 19 points, followed by Melanie Warner with 11.  Both Sharella Leslie and Ashlee Finley finished with six rebounds each.

The Lady Pirates advances to Saturday’s championship game against top-seeded North Carolina A&T here at 12 noon.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Mar. 13) – The Florida A&M Rattler Baseball team completed a two-game sweep of Concordia (Ala.) College Friday afternoon with a 15-4 romp at Moore-Kittles Field.

FAMU (6-7) overwhelmed the visiting Hornets (8-16) with an 11-run fourth inning rally that wiped out a 2-1 Concordia lead.

Adam Gordon (1-0) got the win for FAMU in relief of starter Tim Schalch, who worked the first two innings. Gordon finished the final five innings by scattering five hits, allowing three runs, while fanning five batters against one walk.

Jamel Terry (3-5) took the loss for Concordia, working three and one-third innings, allowing give runs on four hits with no strikeouts and two walks.

The Rattlers grabbed the early 1-0 lead in the first when Darryl Evans singled and scored on a base hit by Derrick Shaw.

The Hornets tied the score at 1-1 in the top of the second on Rico Stevens’ RBI single, which plated Benji Williams, then Stevens did it again in the fourth, driving home Terrence Bart with a hit for a 2-1 Concordia lead.

FAMU then broke the game open completely in the bottom of the fourth, sending 15 men to the plate, scoring 11 runs on five hits, aided by three Hornet errors, to re-take the lead at 12-2.

Four of FAMU’s run scored on outfielder’s errors by Concordia, while Tim Jones drove in three runs with two hits in the frame. Evans, Gabriel Rodriguez, Tobi Adeyemi and Antonio Burke each drove in a run as well.

Concordia scored a single run in the top of the fifth, before FAMU tacked on three more in the bottom of the frame for a 15-3 cushion. The Hornets added a final run in the seventh inning.

Evans, Adeyemi and Jones each finished with two hits. Jones drove in three runs and Evans two on the day.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will host three home games next week beginning Tuesday, as they open a two-game set with the University of South Florida at 3 p.m. They will play USF at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, then face the Albany (Ga.) State Rams on Thursday at 3 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Mar. 12) – The Florida A&M Baseball team snapped a four-game losing streak Thursday afternoon with an 11-1 win over Concordia (Ala.) College at Moore-Kittles Field.

Florida A&M (5-7)  unleashed a 12-hit attack against the visiting Hornets (8-14), scoring once in the first inning, when Tobi Adeyemi scored from third on a double steal play for a 1-0 Rattler lead.

FAMU scored three runs in the second to push their lead to 4-0. Sophomore Tim Jones belted a leadoff home run to left field for a 2-0 count, then Concordia pitcher Antonio Fisher had a bout of wildness, as both Adam Gordon and Tim Schalch scored on wild pitches for a 4-0 lead.

In the third, Concordia plated their only run, as Rico Stevens drew a one-out walk from FAMU’s Miguel Parga, later scoring from third on a sacrifice fly by A.J. Ward for a 4-1 score.

FAMU answered in the bottom of the third with a two-run rally, as Adeyemi scored from third on a passed ball, followed by Tim Jones, who scored on an RBI single by Chris Fullman for a 6-1 lead.

In the fourth, the Rattlers posted their advantage to 9-1 with a three-run rally. Adeyemi hit a run scoring single to score Darryl Evans, who reached on a leadoff single, then Derrick Shaw scored on an RBI double by Tim Jones, who scored the final run himself on a single by Adam Gordon.

Then in the sixth, Gordon belted a two-run homer, scoring Jones ahead of him for the game’s final runs.

Parga (2-1) turned in a complete game pitching performance for the Rattlers Thursday, working seven innings, scattering six hits, allowing one run, while striking out for with no walks.

Adam Gordon led FAMU with four hits including a two-run homer, followed by Tim Jones, who finished with three hits and a homer, scoring four runs.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will take on Concordia on Friday at 1 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field in the second game of the two-game series.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Mar. 12) – The Florida A&M Baseball team snapped a four-game losing streak Thursday afternoon with an 11-1 win over Concordia (Ala.) College at Moore-Kittles Field.

Florida A&M (5-7)  unleashed a 12-hit attack against the visiting Hornets (8-14), scoring once in the first inning, when Tobi Adeyemi scored from third on a double steal play for a 1-0 Rattler lead.

FAMU scored three runs in the second to push their lead to 4-0. Sophomore Tim Jones belted a leadoff home run to left field for a 2-0 count, then Concordia pitcher Antonio Fisher had a bout of wildness, as both Adam Gordon and Tim Schalch scored on wild pitches for a 4-0 lead.

In the third, Concordia plated their only run, as Rico Stevens drew a one-out walk from FAMU’s Miguel Parga, later scoring from third on a sacrifice fly by A.J. Ward for a 4-1 score.

FAMU answered in the bottom of the third with a two-run rally, as Adeyemi scored from third on a passed ball, followed by Tim Jones, who scored on an RBI single by Chris Fullman for a 6-1 lead.

In the fourth, the Rattlers posted their advantage to 9-1 with a three-run rally. Adeyemi hit a run scoring single to score Darryl Evans, who reached on a leadoff single, then Derrick Shaw scored on an RBI double by Tim Jones, who scored the final run himself on a single by Adam Gordon.

Then in the sixth, Gordon belted a two-run homer, scoring Jones ahead of him for the game’s final runs.

Parga (2-1) turned in a complete game pitching performance for the Rattlers Thursday, working seven innings, scattering six hits, allowing one run, while striking out for with no walks.

Adam Gordon led FAMU with four hits including a two-run homer, followed by Tim Jones, who finished with three hits and a homer, scoring four runs.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers will take on Concordia on Friday at 1 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field in the second game of the two-game series.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 12) – The Florida A&M University Football team will conduct spring training, or their annual “15 Days of Spring” practice sessions beginning on Monday, March 23.

The 15 practice sessions will be split in half, with the annual “Orange and Green Spring Football Game” set for the middle of the practice schedule on Saturday, April 4 at 4:00 p.m. in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Spring workouts will be held each week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, except for Week Two, when a Friday session will be held prior to the Spring Game, and Week Four, when the final two workouts (Tuesday and Thursday) will close out the 15-day regimen.

All weekday sessions will start at 3:30 p.m. and the Saturday drills will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

FAMU FOOTBALL’S “15 DAYS OF SPRING” PRACTICE SLATE
Week One                                          Week Three
• Monday, March 23 (3:30p)              • Monday, April 6 (3:30p)
• Tuesday March 24 (3:30p)              • Tuesday, April 7 (3:30p)
• Thursday, March 26 (3:30p)            • Thursday, April 9 (3:30p)
• Saturday, March 28 (9:00a)             • Saturday, April 11 (9:00a)

Week Two                                           Week Four
• Monday, March 30 (3:30p)                • Tuesday, April 14 (3:30p)
• Tuesday, March 31 (3:30p)               • Thursday, April 16 (3:30p)
• Thursday, April 2 (3:30p)
• Friday, April 3 (3:30p)
• Saturday, April 4/Spring Game (4:00p)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University announced that the 2009 Football Homecoming date will be Saturday, October 24 against the Spartans of Norfolk State University.

Kickoff will be 3:00 p.m. for the culminating event of the annual week-long celebration of the university and its’ great traditions, both academic and athletic.

Plans are being made to pay special tribute during that week to former Olympic gold medalist and All-Pro receiver Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes, who will be enshrined this August into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In addition to the Hayes salute, the university will also hold its’ traditional Homecoming Gala which will be centered around the school’s great athletic tradition, recognizing many of the outstanding student-athletes, coaches and teams that have worn the Orange and Green with distinction for over 100 years.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (March 11) - The Florida A&M Men’s Basketball team endured their own version of ‘When Bears Attack” as they were ousted from the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tourney, by the top-seeded Morgan State Bears, 71-41, here Wednesday evening at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
 
FAMU (10-21) was led by junior Brandon Bryant with nine points, followed by senior Joe Ballard with eight.  Ballard also led the Rattlers on the boards with nine.
 
The Bears opened the first half with a 13-2 run capped on by a Reggie Holmes three-pointer at the 12:52 mark.
 
Morgan would extend their lead to 21-5 on a Kevin Thompson free throw, with 7:52 to go in the game, before the Rattlers would make a 15-8 run to cut the Bears’ lead to 29-20 on a pair of Ballard free throws with 1:59 remaining in the half.
 
FAMU would go into the break trailing, MSU 34-20, but the Bears opened the second half with a 12-5 run to take a  46-25 with 15:22 remaining in the game.
 
The Bears continued to pour it on with a 23-12 run to extend their lead to 32 points, 69-37 score with 3:17 left in the game.
 
FAMU senior forward Lamar Twitty would score the final basket of his career with 52 seconds left for a 71-41 final.
 
MSU (21-11) was led by Reggie Holmes with a game high 18 points.  Jermaine Bolden finished with 12 points and dished out six assists, while Marquise Kately dropped in 10.
 
FAMU finished the game shooting 24.5 percent (12-of-49), while MSU shot 38.8 percent (26-of-67).
 
The Bears held the rebounding edge over the Rattlers 52-32.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (March 11) - The Florida A&M Men’s Basketball team endured their own version of ‘When Bears Attack” as they were ousted from the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tourney, by the top-seeded Morgan State Bears, 71-41, here Wednesday evening at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
 
FAMU (10-21) was led by junior Brandon Bryant with nine points, followed by senior Joe Ballard with eight.  Ballard also led the Rattlers on the boards with nine.
 
The Bears opened the first half with a 13-2 run capped on by a Reggie Holmes three-pointer at the 12:52 mark.
 
Morgan (21-11) would extend their lead to 21-5 on a Kevin Thompson free throw, with 7:52 to go in the game, before the Rattlers would make a 15-8 run to cut the Bears’ lead to 29-20 on a pair of Ballard free throws with 1:59 remaining in the half.
 
FAMU would go into the break trailing, MSU 34-20, but the Bears opened the second half with a 12-5 run to take a  46-25 with 15:22 remaining in the game.
 
The Bears continued to pour it on with a 23-12 run to extend their lead to 32 points, 69-37 score with 3:17 left in the game.
 
FAMU senior forward Lamar Twitty would score the final basket of his career with 52 seconds left for a 71-41 final.
 
MSU was led by Reggie Holmes with a game high 18 points.  Jermaine Bolden finished with 12 points and dished out six assists, while Marquise Kately dropped in 10.
 
FAMU finished the game shooting 24.5 percent (12-of-49), while MSU shot 38.8 percent (26-of-67).
 
The Bears held the rebounding edge over the Rattlers 52-32.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 11) – The Jacksonville University Dolphins scored six runs in the bottom of the third inning to break a 1-1 tie en route to a 9-4 over the Florida A&M Rattlers in a college baseball game here at Sessions Stadium Wednesday night.

Wednesday’s loss was the fourth in a row for the Rattlers (4-7), which finished the game with 10 hits to 11 for the Dolphins (8-5).

Trailing 1-0 in the second, FAMU tied the game at 1-1, on a solo home run by first baseman Tim Jones.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the third, when the Dolphins struck for six runs on six hits, keyed by a two-run single by Alex Martinez and a two-run double by Alex Swenson, to forge a 7-1 lead.

JU pushed across a single run in the fourth for an 8-1 lead, then FAMU edged back into the game with a run in the fifth, when Darryl Evans grounded to short, scoring Timothy Schlach for an 8-2 game, before scoring two more runs in the sixth.

Tim Jones figured in the two-run rally for FAMU, lashing a run-scoring triple to score Derrick Shaw, who had reached with a leadoff single. Jones scored the final Rattler run from third on a Jacksonville fielding error for an 8-4 score.

The Dolphins pushed across a final run in the bottom of the eighth to close out the game’s scoring.

For FAMU, Jones, Evans and John Scott each had two hits to lead the 10-hit attack, while Thomas Myers led the Dolphins with three hits.

Freshman David Duncan (2-3) took the loss on the mound for FAMU, allowing 10 hits and eight runs in five innings, with three strikeouts, while starter Clay Kollenbaum (1-0) got the win, allowing six hits and two runs with five strikeouts in five full innings of work.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers return home to Moore-Kittles Field to open a five-game homestand Thursday afternoon against Concordia (Ala.) College at 3:00 p.m.

The Florida A&M Women’s Softball team is nearing the halfway point of their 2009 schedule, playing valiantly during their rugged pre-conference schedule.

Coach Veronica Wiggins’ crew has played 24 games through March 8, with a 5-19 record overall against a schedule that has featured four weekend tournaments, with one more left this weekend (Rebel Games, March 13-16) in Kissimmee, Florida near Orlando.

Wiggins Closing On Milestone
Head coach Veronica Wiggins could soon be the third FAMU head coach this school year to hit a coaching milestone.

Wiggins, who is in her 18th season at FAMU, needs three (3) more wins to reach the 500 career win plateau, which would put her in the milestone class with head football coach Joe Taylor, who surpassed the 200-win plateau with a 9-3 record (206 wins after the 2008 season), and volleyball coach Tony Trifonov, who finished his 12th season at FAMU in 2008, having pushed past the 250-win barrier (253 wins to date).

The Season So Far
The Lady Rattlers opened the 2009 campaign 3-1 in the Tiny Laster MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta (Feb. 7-8), outscoring Southern University (9-3) and Alabama A&M (8-3) on the first day.

On Day Two, FAMU dropped a 2-1 heartbreaker to Mississippi Valley State, then closed out the Challenge with a 3-2 win over Jackson (Miss.) State.

FAMU opened their home schedule on Feb. 11, with a 5-0 setback to crosstown Florida State, then dropped a doubleheader to Georgia Southern on Feb. 17, falling 9-3 and 9-0.

From there, FAMU returned to tournament play, playing five games in the USF Invitational in Tampa, Feb. 20-22.

The Lady Rattlers dropped all five contests, falling to Louisville, 11-3, Jacksonville (Ala.) State, 21-1, Eastern Michigan, 6-4, Rhode Island, 9-6 (in extra innings), and host South Florida, 8-0.

FAMU returned home for a twinbill against Mercer University on Feb. 24, dropping both ends of the doubleheader, 5-1 and 6-0, then headed to Orlando for the UCF Invitational Tournament, Feb. 27 through March 1.

At the UCF event, FAMU edged Tennessee State, 3-2 on Feb. 28 for their lone win in the five-game set. The Lady Rattlers were competitive despite suffering setbacks to Western Michigan (6-0), Stony Brook (7-2), UCF (7-0) and Villanova (7-3).

Last weekend, the Lady Rattlers were in Atlanta at the Buzz Classic, hosted by Georgia Tech, March 6-8, where they went 1-4 for the tourney.

FAMU grounded the Toledo Rockets, 5-3 on Saturday, March 7, while suffering setbacks to Austin Peay (5-2), Akron (5-0), Boston College (7-1) and Tennessee-Martin (3-1).

FAMU’s Leading Ladies
Offensively, Tara Vincent tops the club in batting at .264, with 3 doubles, 2 homer runs and 8 RBIs…. Ashley Jones tops the team in RBIs (10), doubles and is tied for the team home run lead with Vincent and Melissa Oliphant…. Oliphant (.197) has a double and six RBIs, ranked third in runs driven in….. Outfielder Rhiana Green leads the team in stolen bases (7 for 8), followed by Vincent (4 of 5) and Oliphant (3 of 4)…. Junior Joyce Harold leads the team in runs scored (10).

On the mound, newcomer Amanda Reyes (4-11) has been the ace of the staff so far, with 62 strikeouts in 89 innings, followed by Melissa Oliphant (1-1), who has worked 17.2 innings with 16 strikeouts.

WHAT’S NEXT: Florida A&M will tangle with the field of the three-day Rebel Games, Friday through Sunday, March 13-15 in Kissimmee, Florida, before returning home next Thursday, March 19 to host Savannah State University in a 2:00 p.m. doubleheader at the Lady Rattler Complex.

The Florida A&M Rattler Baseball team has gone through the early portion of the 2009 campaign, showing signs of being an improved offensive club.

Coach Robert Lucas’ diamondeers are 4-6 heading into a final six-game pre-conference stretch which begins Wednesday, March 11 against the Jacksonville (Fla.) University Dolphins on the road.

The Season So Far
The Rattlers opened the season at home with a three-game series against Jackson (Miss.) State, February 20-21, dropping two out of three to the Tigers.

On Friday, February 20, FAMU dropped the opening game, 6-2, then rebounded to win the second game, 7-4. On Saturday, February 21,  the Tigers roared in winning the rubber match, 15-4.

The Rattlers then headed to Houston, Texas for another three-game set against Southwestern Athletic Conference competition, taking on the Texas Southern University Tigers in what turned out to be a wild shootout of a series.

On Wednesday, February 25, the Rattlers split a doubleheader with the Tigers, losing the opener, 10-9 in extra innings, before winning the second game, 9-6. On Thursday, FAMU and TSU engaged in a Game Three slugfest, with the Rattlers prevailing, 21-15.

FAMU returned home on Saturday, February 28 to face their third set of Tigers, the Edward Waters College version, outlasting the Jacksonville club, 21-10.

The Campbell (N.C.) University Fighting Camels came to Moore-Kittles for a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 3, taking both ends of the twinbill, 7-0 and 16-6.

This past Tuesday (March 10), the Rattlers dropped a 22-6 decision to the Panthers of Georgia State University.

FAMU’s Leading Men
The Rattlers came into the week hitting a robust .365 as a team, sporting a lineup that features seven players hitting over .300 and four players boasting of a .400 or better average.

Junior centerfielder Darryl Evans (.487, 2 HRs, 19 hits, 12 runs, 9 RBI) heads the hitting charts average-wise, ranking second in runs batted in, ranking first in stolen bases (9 of 10) and tied for the club lead in homers (2)

Freshman Derrick Shaw (.484, 2 HRs, 7 RBI) is tied with Evans for the club home run lead (2); Junior Stavone Martin (.480, 2 doubles, 7 RBI) and sophomore Tobi Adeyemi (.464, 3 doubles, 9 RBI) round out the .400 hitting quartet.

Senior Timothy Schalch (.389,  14 hits, 6 RBI) heads the second tier of Rattler hitters, followed by sophomore Chris Fulman (.375, 1 double, 1 HR, 4 RBI) and junior Adam Gordon (.320, 2 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI), the club’s RBI leader.

On the mound, freshman David Duncan (2-2, 4.43 ERA, 20.1 IP, 15 Ks, 2 complete games in 3 starts) tops the fledgling Rattler pitching staff in the early going. Sophomores Miguel Parga (1-1, 8.15 ERA, 17.2 IP, 15 Ks) and Anthony Espin (1-2, 12.89 ERA, 14.2 IP, 12 Ks) have had and up and down start to the season, but still considered the veterans of this young staff, after yeoman’s performances as freshmen a year ago.

WHAT’S NEXT: Following Wednesday night’s bout in Jacksonville, the Rattlers will open a five-game homestand on Thursday, March 12 against Concordia College of Selma, Alabama at 3:00 p.m. at Moore-Kittles Field……. FAMU will play Concordia on Friday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m., then will host the University of South Florida Bulls on Tuesday, March 17 (3:00 p.m.) and Wednesday, March 18 (1:00 p.m.), closing out the stretch next Thursday, March 19 (3:00) against the Albany (Ga.) State Rams.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 10) – The Georgia State Panthers scored 13 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to break open a tight game and roll to a 22-6 win over the Florida A&M Rattlers in a college baseball game Tuesday at Moore-Kittles Field.

Georgia State (9-4) struck for six runs in the first inning off FAMU starter Tim Jones (0-1), then pushed across single runs in the second and third innings to build an 8-5 lead.

Jones worked four innings, allowing eight runs on six hits, fanning five batters, while walking five.

GSU’s John Locklear (3-0) was the winning pitcher, working six innings, scattering seven hits, allowing five runs and fanning eight batters.

The Rattlers (4-6) struck for three runs in the second to cut the Panthers lead to 7-3, then they added two more runs in the bottom of the third to pull within three runs at 8-5.

After a scoreless fourth, GSU rallied for four runs in the fifth to extend their advantage to 12-5, then broke the game open in the sixth inning with a nine-run rally to push the score to 21-5.

Both teams scored a run in the seventh, ending the contest by mutual consent.

FAMU finished with 10 hits Tuesday, led by Daniel Lee, David Duncan and Adam Gordon with two hits apiece. Derrick Shaw and Darryl Evans each drove in a pair of runs.

The Panthers had 15 hits on the day, led by Carl Montz, who had three hits and three RBIs along with a solo homer. Brandon Williams also had three hits and three RBI, while Marc Mimeault had three hits and two RBI.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (March 10) - The Florida A&M University Men’s Basketball Team advanced in the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Basketball Tourney with a 71-58 win over Howard University, here Tuesday night at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

FAMU (10-20) had a trio of players to finish in double figures.  Lamar Twitty finished with a team high 20 points, followed by Dale Hughes with 16  and Larry Jackson with 15.  Twitty led the Rattlers on the boards with eight, while Joe Ballard dished out a game high eight assists.

FAMU as a team finished with an all-time best single-game three point shooting percentage at 68.8 percent (11-of-16)..

Twitty and Hughes both finished perfect from behind the three-point arc, with Twitty going three-for-three, while Hughes went four-of-four.

“We were able to take the ball inside and score, which opened up the perimeter game for us.  We played together as a team and got a lot of good looks at the basket.  We did an outstanding job of rebounding tonight, and that was a big key,” said FAMU head coach Eugene Harris.

Behind the hot shooting of Twitty and Hughes, the Rattlers went up 17-10 in the first half on back-to-back three pointers.  

FAMU would then extend their lead to 21-10 on a four point play by Hughes with 9:17 remaining in the game, capping a 10-0 run.

A Kyle Riley three-pointer for Howard with 47 seconds left in the half, cut FAMU lead to 37-34, but the Rattlers would end the half with a 41-34 lead.

FAMU would pick up in the second half, where they left off in the first half, as they opened with a 9-2 run to grab a 50-36 lead on a Twitty free throw with 16:29 left.

A  layup for Howard’s Yannick Braimbridge layup 13:17 left in the game cut, capped a 9-0 Bison run, cutting the Rattler lead to 50-46.

FAMU regained control of the game, sparked by Larry Jackson, whose three straight field goals would give the Rattlers a 59-51 lead with 8:55 remaining.

A Twitty layup would extend the Rattlers advantage to 14 points, 67-53 with 5:40 to go, but the Bison would cut FAMU’s lead to 67-58 but that would be as close as Howard would get.

Howard (8-22) was led by Kyle Riley with 20 points, while Curtis White added 16 points.  White led the team on the boards with seven.

FAMU finished the game with a hot hand shooting 51.1 percent (24-of-47) from the field, while Howard shot 46.5 percent (20-of-43).
 
The Rattlers will face No. 1 seed Morgan State Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the MEAC Tournament quarterfinal round.

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 8) – The Florida A&M University Track teams turned in strong showings at the first University of North Florida Spring Break Open here Friday and Saturday at Hodges Stadium.

On the women’s side, the Lady Rattlers scored 22 top 10 finishes in the two-day event, led by Suelyn Pilliner’s victory in the high jump, with a leap of 1.70 meters, edging out Florida International’s Laurenie Louissaint.

Ashley Gillis (12.140 ran second in the 100 meter dash, one of four FAMU women to place in the Top 10; LaToya Wright (1:01.51) was second in the 400 hurdles and fourth in the 100 hurdles (14.90), while Tomika Story (11.70 meters) and Ashante Davis (11.25 meters) were third and fourth in the triple jump.

In the relays, the 4x100 “A” Team of Gillis, Jesseka Forbes, LaKendra Cunningham and Ann-Marie Francis, finished second (46.57), while the 4x400 “A” combo of Jeanette Hulse, Philicia Morgan, Panancy Ambroise and Helena Shields, ran fifth (3:59.26).

On the men’s side, FAMU recorded 14 Top 10 finishes, headed by Byran Turner’s second place finish in the high jump (2.10 meters); Demarius Carroll’s third (14.86) and Carl McKinzie’s fourth (14.99) in the 110 hurdles and McKinzie’s fourth in the 100 meter dash (10.85).

In the relays, the 4x100 combo of LaJarvis Cook, Craig Scott, Joe Wahsington and McKinzie, ran second (41.72), while the 4x400 crew of Daquam Lee, Mark Williams, Craig Scott and Stanley Suber finished fourth (3:20.10).

RATTLER WOMEN’S RESULTS
Long Jump: Ashante Davis, 8th, 5.07 meters; Suelyn Pilliner, 9th, 5.01 meters; Antoinette Suer, 16th, 4.70 meters.
Javelin: Ann-Marie Francis, 12th, 30.72.
Discus: Takeira Booker, 22nd, 26.40 meters.
100 Meter Hurdles (Prelims): LaToya Wright, 9th, 15.26Q; Kierra Holiday, 10th, 15.36; Oluchukwu Oknokwo, 23rd, 16.82.
100 Meter Dash (Prelims): Ashley Gillis, 3rd, 12.23Q; Sansea Johnson, 4th, 12.33Q; LaKendra Cunningham, 8th, 12.42Q; Ann-Marie Francis, 10th, 12.45; Jesseka Forbes, 12th, 12.51; Whitney Young, 17th, 12.77; Tomika Story, 20th, 13.03.
400 Meter Run: Jeanette Hulse, 7th, 58.33; Nichola Listhrop, 12th, 59.36; Helena Shields, 17th, 1:00.95; Philicia Morgan, 18th, 1:01.67.
800 Meter Run: Kelle Ransom, 20th, 2:27.00; Helena Shields, 25th, 2:31.23; Philicia Morgan, 29th, 2:43.72.
4x100 Relay: “A” Team (Forbes, Cunningham, Gillis, Francis), 2nd, 46.57; “B” Team (Story, Johnson, Young, Wright), 5th, 48.71.
100 Meter Hurdles (Final): LaToya Wright, 4th, 14.90.
100 Meter Dash (Final): Ashley Gillis, 2nd, 12.14; Ann-Marie Francis, 4th, 12.30; LaKendra Cunningham, 7th, 12:52; Sansea Johnson, 8th, 12.55.
1500 Meter Run: Kelle Ransom, 25th, 5:15.62.
200 Meter Dash: LaKendra Cunningham, 7th, 25.37; Ashley Gillis, 8th, 25.38; Jesseka Forbes, 21st, 26.25; Sansea Johnson, 22nd, 26.29; Whitney Young, 25th, 26.41; Kierra Holiday, 37th, 27.56.
400 Meter Hurdles (Final): LaToya Wright, 2nd, 1:01.51; Oluchukwu Oknokwo, 11th, 1:09.72.
Shot Put
4x400 Relay: FAMU “A” (Jeanette Hulse, Philicia Morgan, Panancy Ambroise, Helena Shields), 5th, 3:59.26; FAMU “B” (Johnson, Young, Jennie Desir, Forbes), 9th, 4:15:74.
High Jump: Suelyn Pilliner, 1st, 1.70 meters.
Triple Jump: Tomika Story, 3rd, 11.70 meters; Ashante Davis, 4th, 11.25m; Antoinette Suer, 13th, 9.73m.
Shot Put: Takiera Booker, 14th, 11.08 meters.

RATTLER MEN’S RESULTS
Long Jump: Anthony Hill, 14th, 5.90 meters.
Pole Vault: Mike White, 7th, 4.15 meters.
Discus: Craig Scott, 8th, 41.96 meters.
110 Meter Hurdles (Prelims): Demarius Carroll, 4th, 14.83Q; Carl McKinzie, 5th, 14.97Q.
100 Meter Dash (Prelims): Carl McKinzie, 5th, 10.78Q; Craig Scott, 10th, 11.06; Joe Washington, 15th. 11.13.
400 Meter Run: Stanley Suber, 6th, 48.38; Mark Williams, 9th, 49.08; Arthur Kinder, 21st, 51.44.
4x100 Relay: “A” Team (LaJarvis Cook, Craig Scott, Joe Washington, Carl McKinzie), 2nd, 41.72.
5000 Meters: Shuaib Winters, 15th, 15:41.21; Carlos Franklin, 24th, 15:53.38.
110 Meter Hurdles (Final): Demarius Carroll, 3rd, 14.86; Carl McKinzie, 4th, 14.99.
100 Meter Dash (Final): Carl McKinzie, 4th, 10.85; Craig Scott, 7th, 10.89.
High Jump: Bryan Turner, 2nd, 2.10 meters; Anthony Hill, 8th, 1.85 meters.
Javelin: Mike White, 23rd, 36.52 meters.
Shot Put: Frank Scott, 9th, 12.89 meters.
200 Meter Dash: Rennie Carty, 7th, 22.23; LaJarvis Cook, 14th, 22.46; Joe Washington, 15th, 22.47.
4x400 Meter Relay: FAMU “A” (Daquam Lee, Mark Williams, Craig Scott, Stanley Suber), 4th, 3:20.10.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 8) – The Florida A&M University Track teams turned in strong showings at the first University of North Florida Spring Break Open here Friday and Saturday at Hodges Stadium.

On the women’s side, the Lady Rattlers scored 22 top 10 finishes in the two-day event, led by Suelyn Pilliner’s victory in the high jump, with a leap of 1.70 meters, edging out Florida International’s Laurenie Louissaint.

Ashley Gillis (12.140 ran second in the 100 meter dash, one of four FAMU women to place in the Top 10; LaToya Wright (1:01.51) was second in the 400 hurdles and fourth in the 100 hurdles (14.90), while Tomika Story (11.70 meters) and Ashante Davis (11.25 meters) were third and fourth in the triple jump.

In the relays, the 4x100 “A” Team of Gillis, Jesseka Forbes, LaKendra Cunningham and Ann-Marie Francis, finished second (46.57), while the 4x400 “A” combo of Jeanette Hulse, Philicia Morgan, Panancy Ambroise and Helena Shields, ran fifth (3:59.26).

On the men’s side, FAMU recorded 14 Top 10 finishes, headed by Byran Turner’s second place finish in the high jump (2.10 meters); Demarius Carroll’s third (14.86) and Carl McKinzie’s fourth (14.99) in the 110 hurdles and McKinzie’s fourth in the 100 meter dash (10.85).

In the relays, the 4x100 combo of LaJarvis Cook, Craig Scott, Joe Wahsington and McKinzie, ran second (41.72), while the 4x400 crew of Daquam Lee, Mark Williams, Craig Scott and Stanley Suber finished fourth (3:20.10).

RATTLER WOMEN’S RESULTS
Long Jump: Ashante Davis, 8th, 5.07 meters; Suelyn Pilliner, 9th, 5.01 meters; Antoinette Suer, 16th, 4.70 meters.
Javelin: Ann-Marie Francis, 12th, 30.72.
Discus: Takeira Booker, 22nd, 26.40 meters.
100 Meter Hurdles (Prelims): LaToya Wright, 9th, 15.26Q; Kierra Holiday, 10th, 15.36; Oluchukwu Oknokwo, 23rd, 16.82.
100 Meter Dash (Prelims): Ashley Gillis, 3rd, 12.23Q; Sansea Johnson, 4th, 12.33Q; LaKendra Cunningham, 8th, 12.42Q; Ann-Marie Francis, 10th, 12.45; Jesseka Forbes, 12th, 12.51; Whitney Young, 17th, 12.77; Tomika Story, 20th, 13.03.
400 Meter Run: Jeanette Hulse, 7th, 58.33; Nichola Listhrop, 12th, 59.36; Helena Shields, 17th, 1:00.95; Philicia Morgan, 18th, 1:01.67.
800 Meter Run: Kelle Ransom, 20th, 2:27.00; Helena Shields, 25th, 2:31.23; Philicia Morgan, 29th, 2:43.72.
4x100 Relay: “A” Team (Forbes, Cunningham, Gillis, Francis), 2nd, 46.57; “B” Team (Story, Johnson, Young, Wright), 5th, 48.71.
100 Meter Hurdles (Final): LaToya Wright, 4th, 14.90.
100 Meter Dash (Final): Ashley Gillis, 2nd, 12.14; Ann-Marie Francis, 4th, 12.30; LaKendra Cunningham, 7th, 12:52; Sansea Johnson, 8th, 12.55.
1500 Meter Run: Kelle Ransom, 25th, 5:15.62.
200 Meter Dash: LaKendra Cunningham, 7th, 25.37; Ashley Gillis, 8th, 25.38; Jesseka Forbes, 21st, 26.25; Sansea Johnson, 22nd, 26.29; Whitney Young, 25th, 26.41; Kierra Holiday, 37th, 27.56.
400 Meter Hurdles (Final): LaToya Wright, 2nd, 1:01.51; Oluchukwu Oknokwo, 11th, 1:09.72.
Shot Put
4x400 Relay: FAMU “A” (Jeanette Hulse, Philicia Morgan, Panancy Ambroise, Helena Shields), 5th, 3:59.26; FAMU “B” (Johnson, Young, Jennie Desir, Forbes), 9th, 4:15:74.
High Jump: Suelyn Pilliner, 1st, 1.70 meters.
Triple Jump: Tomika Story, 3rd, 11.70 meters; Ashante Davis, 4th, 11.25m; Antoinette Suer, 13th, 9.73m.
Shot Put: Takiera Booker, 14th, 11.08 meters.

RATTLER MEN’S RESULTS
Long Jump: Anthony Hill, 14th, 5.90 meters.
Pole Vault: Mike White, 7th, 4.15 meters.
Discus: Craig Scott, 8th, 41.96 meters.
110 Meter Hurdles (Prelims): Demarius Carroll, 4th, 14.83Q; Carl McKinzie, 5th, 14.97Q.
100 Meter Dash (Prelims): Carl McKinzie, 5th, 10.78Q; Craig Scott, 10th, 11.06; Joe Washington, 15th. 11.13.
400 Meter Run: Stanley Suber, 6th, 48.38; Mark Williams, 9th, 49.08; Arthur Kinder, 21st, 51.44.
4x100 Relay: “A” Team (LaJarvis Cook, Craig Scott, Joe Washington, Carl McKinzie), 2nd, 41.72.
5000 Meters: Shuaib Winters, 15th, 15:41.21; Carlos Franklin, 24th, 15:53.38.
110 Meter Hurdles (Final): Demarius Carroll, 3rd, 14.86; Carl McKinzie, 4th, 14.99.
100 Meter Dash (Final): Carl McKinzie, 4th, 10.85; Craig Scott, 7th, 10.89.
High Jump: Bryan Turner, 2nd, 2.10 meters; Anthony Hill, 8th, 1.85 meters.
Javelin: Mike White, 23rd, 36.52 meters.
Shot Put: Frank Scott, 9th, 12.89 meters.
200 Meter Dash: Rennie Carty, 7th, 22.23; LaJarvis Cook, 14th, 22.46; Joe Washington, 15th, 22.47.
4x400 Meter Relay: FAMU “A” (Daquam Lee, Mark Williams, Craig Scott, Stanley Suber), 4th, 3:20.10.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 8) – The Florida A&M University Track teams turned in strong showings at the first University of North Florida Spring Break Open here Friday and Saturday at Hodges Stadium.

On the women’s side, the Lady Rattlers scored 22 top 10 finishes in the two-day event, led by Suelyn Pilliner’s victory in the high jump, with a leap of 1.70 meters, edging out Florida International’s Laurenie Louissaint.

Ashley Gillis (12.140 ran second in the 100 meter dash, one of four FAMU women to place in the Top 10; LaToya Wright (1:01.51) was second in the 400 hurdles and fourth in the 100 hurdles (14.90), while Tomika Story (11.70 meters) and Ashante Davis (11.25 meters) were third and fourth in the triple jump.

In the relays, the 4x100 “A” Team of Gillis, Jesseka Forbes, LaKendra Cunningham and Ann-Marie Francis, finished second (46.57), while the 4x400 “A” combo of Jeanette Hulse, Philicia Morgan, Panancy Ambroise and Helena Shields, ran fifth (3:59.26).

On the men’s side, FAMU recorded 14 Top 10 finishes, headed by Byran Turner’s second place finish in the high jump (2.10 meters); Demarius Carroll’s third (14.86) and Carl McKinzie’s fourth (14.99) in the 110 hurdles and McKinzie’s fourth in the 100 meter dash (10.85).

In the relays, the 4x100 combo of LaJarvis Cook, Craig Scott, Joe Wahsington and McKinzie, ran second (41.72), while the 4x400 crew of Daquam Lee, Mark Williams, Craig Scott and Stanley Suber finished fourth (3:20.10).


RATTLER WOMEN’S RESULTS
Long Jump: Ashante Davis, 8th, 5.07 meters; Suelyn Pilliner, 9th, 5.01 meters; Antoinette Suer, 16th, 4.70 meters.
Javelin: Ann-Marie Francis, 12th, 30.72.
Discus: Takeira Booker, 22nd, 26.40 meters.
100 Meter Hurdles (Prelims): LaToya Wright, 9th, 15.26Q; Kierra Holiday, 10th, 15.36; Oluchukwu Oknokwo, 23rd, 16.82.
100 Meter Dash (Prelims): Ashley Gillis, 3rd, 12.23Q; Sansea Johnson, 4th, 12.33Q; LaKendra Cunningham, 8th, 12.42Q; Ann-Marie Francis, 10th, 12.45; Jesseka Forbes, 12th, 12.51; Whitney Young, 17th, 12.77; Tomika Story, 20th, 13.03.
400 Meter Run: Jeanette Hulse, 7th, 58.33; Nichola Listhrop, 12th, 59.36; Helena Shields, 17th, 1:00.95; Philicia Morgan, 18th, 1:01.67.
800 Meter Run: Kelle Ransom, 20th, 2:27.00; Helena Shields, 25th, 2:31.23; Philicia Morgan, 29th, 2:43.72.
4x100 Relay: “A” Team (Forbes, Cunning