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TSU's Richard Dent Elected To Pro Football Hall of Fame Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 02/07/2011

Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State University defensive end, Richard Dent, has been voted for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2011. He becomes the first TSU Tiger to be inducted while joining professional football's elite. Dent played for the Tigers from 1979 – 1982 and earned All-American honors from 1980-82 including Sheridan Broadcasting Network “Defensive Player of the Year” in 1982. Dent finished his playing days at Tennessee State with 39 sacks, recording a season high of 14 in 1982. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1983 as the 203rd overall pick in the eigth round. He played 14 seasons in the NFL with four teams, including the Bears (1983-1993), San Francisco 49ers (1994), Indianapolis Colts (1996) and the Philadelphia Eagles (1997). While playing with the Bears, Dent was named “MVP” of Super Bowl XX when the Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10. During his NFL career, Dent amassed 137.5 sacks, recording double-digit QB sacks in eight NFL seasons. In 1984, he led the NFL with a record 17.5 sacks and in 1985 he led the NFL with 17 sacks. He was named All-Pro four times and was a 5-time All-NFC selection. Dent was inducted into the Tennessee State University Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. Richard Dent presently resides in Chicago, Illinois and heads the Make a Dent Foundation, a 501(3)(c) organization, founded over 14 years ago, with the primary goal of improving the lives of children. Over the years, the foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthwhile organizationssuch as The Illinois Literacy Foundation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kentucky, Colin Powell's America's Promise, Angels on the Fairway, United Negro College Fund, the Better Boys Foundation, and many others.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics Richard Dent

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7/7/11 9:47 AMLevine grabs Super Bowl ring in rookie season - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

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Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

Levine grabs Super Bowl ring in rookie season

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 02/07/2011

Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State University free safety AnthonyLevine had an immense rookie season as a member of the practicesquad of the Green Bay Packers.

Despite not seeing any game action during the season, Levine has aSuper Bowl Championship ring headed his way after the Packersdefeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Super Bowl XLV on Sundayin Arlington, Texas.

Levine told the Winston-Salem Journal, ""It was amazing," Levine said bytelephone that week."To be around the guys and being a part of the teamwas something that I couldn't have imagined."

Levine did not dress for the Super Bowl but was seen during severalmoments of the celebration.

As legendary Dallas Cowboys and Pro Football Hall of Famer, RogerStaubach, made his way to midfield with the championship trophy, you can see a clear shot of Levinetouching the trophy as Staubach leaned the gold in his direction.

Also, the close up of quarterback Aaron Rodgers's interview during the presentation, you can see Levine rightin the background enjoying the win.

Levine, a 6-0 safety had interests from other NFL teams and an offer from the Philadelphia Eagles. However,the Packers kept him a signed him to a three-year contract in May 2010 after performing through a rookie-orientation camp.

He was among eight players the Packers kept on the practice squad occasionally playing that week'sopponent best wide receiver.

At the end of the 2010 NFL Preseason, Levine finished with four tackles (3 solo), but received rave reviewsfrom Packer analysts on acmepackingcompany.com. In a story entitle "Someone to Keep an Eye On: AnthonyLevine", analysts feel comfortable about Levine being a member of the Packers.

They stated, "This time last year, one of the players I looked at was S Anthony Levine. While the Packersdecided to go with SS Morgan Burnett in the 3rd round, and got a shockingly good season from SS CharliePeprah (I had expected nothing from him and he ended giving them 15 quality starts), they still signed Levineto the practice squad."

Acmepackingcompany.com added, "And he was one of the few players who stayed on the practice squad allseason. In an interview with the Winston-Salem Journal, Levine called this season his "redshirt year." His rolewith the team last season was to play the part of the opponent's top receiver on the scout team. Sometimesthose versatile players can become valuable contributors, such as RB Ryan Grant, who used to be theopponent's top running back on the scout team when he was on the Giants practice squad. The Packersrecently signed Levine for next season, and he'll enter 2011 with a valuable year of experience under his belt,and a Super Bowl ring."

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7/7/11 9:47 AMLevine grabs Super Bowl ring in rookie season - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics


"I'm glad I stayed because my future is looking very good with the Packers," Levine told the Winston SalemJournal. "They are a great organization, and I'm happy with how things have worked out."

In college, Levine played in 40 games and had 129 tackles (80 solo) and five interceptions.

According to John Dell of the Winston-Salem Journal, Levine, 23, has learned so much from Packersteammates Charles Woodson and Nick Collins that it can only help him in the future. Now that he is signed toa regular contract, he said he plans on working hard this spring and summer to be ready for next season. Healso plans on getting on to the field in 2011.

Levine explained to the Journal. "I just took it in stride and enjoyed the ride and tried to get better each andevery practice.It was an awesome experience."

An All-Ohio Valley Conference selection at the end of his senior year, Levine becomes the 19th TSU Footballalum on a roster of a Super Bowl team. He becomes the first as a member Green Bay Packers and the sixthto either play in a Super Bowl as a rookie, or listed on the roster of a team that played in the championshipgame that year.

In addition, he brings TSU's count to 12 in regards to players who are members of a Super BowlChampionship team.

Other TSU alums that were part of the championship game in their rookie season include: Fletcher Smith(Kansas City Chiefs - Super Bowl I), Jim Marsalis (Kansas City Chiefs - Super Bowl IV), John Holland(Minnesota Vikings - Super Bowl IX), Donald Laster (Washington Redskins - Super Bowl XVII), BennieAnderson (Baltimore Ravens - Super Bowl XXXV) and most recently, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ArizonaCardinals - Super Bowl XLIII).

Among the list of former TSU football players that were on the rosters of Super Bowl teams in their firstseason in the NFl, Levine joins Marsalis, Laster, and Anderson to end the year with a championship ring.

Levine is a native of Abbeville, La. but attended R.J. Reynolds HS in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Anthony Levine (L) takes the opportunity to touch the Super Bowl trophy presented by legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterbackand Pro Football Hall of Famer, Roger Staubach (R), at the conclusion of Super Bowl XLV. The Green Bay Packers defeated thePittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

6/23/11 8:28 PMFootball - News - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

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Anthony Levine was a four-yearletterman at TSU appearing in 40career games.

Levine signs free agent contract with Green Bay Packers


Nashville, Tenn. - The Green Bay Packers announced the signing offormer Tennessee State University football safety Anthony Levine onMonday (5/3). He was one of three players who earned a contract withthe Packers after a tryout at last weekend's rookie orientation minicamp.

Levine, who went undrafted, didn't receive a signing bonus butparticipated in the Packers rookie orientation on a tryout basis alongwith signees Shawn Gore (Bishop-Quebec) and nose tackle Aleric Mullins(North Carolina).

The signings were announced by Executive Vice President, GeneralManager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

"To me, for him to have to try out was a joke. I think someone shouldhave drafted him," said TSU Football head coach Rod Reed. "Everyonesaw his numbers. He had good stats, but I am truly thankful to GreenBay for giving him an opportunity."

A strong Pro Day workout boosted Levine's stock. After individualworkouts leading up to the draft, Levine was graded as a late-round prospect. Weeks before, Levine's ProDay workout on a rough grass surface compared favorably to the top safety results from the NFL scouting

combine.

His three-cone drill (6.64 seconds), 20-yard shuttle (4.05) and 60-yard shuttle (10.97) would have ranked firstfor any safety that worked out at the combine. Levine's fastest time in the 40-yard dash was 4.43 secondsunofficially and he bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times. He also turned in a 35-inch vertical leap and a 9-6broad jump.

Several NFL teams sent representatives to Nashville to watch Levine perform, including Green Bay Packersexecutive Reggie McKenzie. Also spotted on the TSU campus were representatives from the New York Jets,Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Kansas CityChiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Atlanta Falcons also displayed interest in Levine, too, with the Jets, Eagles and other teams requestingmore film of Levine.

Levine was a four-year letterman at TSU appearing in 40 career games and is set to graduate this spring.The 5-foot-11, 195-pound player and Winston-Salem, N.C. native, compiled 129 tackles, five interceptionsand two fumble recoveries during his collegiate career.

"Levine is a hard worker and has the ability to play corner. We needed him at safety for his knowledge of thedefense and ability to put us in the right coverage and sometimes change the defense," Reed added. "He hasgreat return skills, but I could not risk getting him hurt back there because of his value to our defense. Heworks very hard at his craft, often organizing 7-on-7 competitions with local colleges in the summer. He hasfun with what he does and loves to play football."

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Two Former TSU Players Finalist for NFL Hall of Fame Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 01/07/2009

Nashville, Tenn. - Two former Tennessee State University football players, Richard Dent and Claude Humphrey, were named among the 17 finalists for selection into the 2009 NFL Hall of Fame.

Claude Humphrey, played at TSU from 1964 -67, was a 1968 first round pick (third overall) of the Atlanta Falcons. He played for ten years with the Falcons (1968-78) and finished his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles (1979-81). He played in Super Bowl XV (1980) as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Humphrey was named all-pro six times at the end of the 1971, '72, '73, '74, '76, and '77 seasons.

Last year, Humphrey was honored by the Atlanta Falcons when his name was placed on the banner and lifted up to the rafters to join the Falcons’ Ring of Honor inside the Georgia Dome.

Richard Dent played for the Big Blue from 1979 – 82 and was drafted in 1983 by the Chicago Bears. He played 10 seasons in Chicago from 1983-93.He also held stints with the San Francisco 49ers (1994), the Indianapolis Colts (1996) and the Philadelphia Eagles (1997) before retiring.

Dent played in Super Bowls XX (1985) with the Bears and XXIV (1990) with the 49ers. He was named the MVP of Super Bowl XX when the Chicago Bears defeated New England 46-10 for the NFL Championship.

Richard Dent was a mainstay of the Chicago Bears defense and was named to the NFL Pro Bowl team fivetimes at the conclusion of the 1984, '85, '88, '90 and '93 seasons.

This will be the second time each player has been a finalist for the NFL Hall of Fame. Both were on the finalists list in 2006.

Watch NFL HOF 2009 Nominees Video Clip

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics Richard Dent & Claude Humphery

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Page 1 of 1Two Former TSU Players Finalist for NFL Hall of Fame - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics


Former Football Tiger, DRC, Improves Game with One-on-One Match-up Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 08/13/2009

Nashville, Tenn. - Highlighted one-on-one matchups is usually a spotlight of almost every NFL game. However, for the Arizona Cardinals' training camp, it could help them return to the Super Bowl.

Larry Fitzgerald and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's one-on-one matchups during practice, helps bring the best out of them.

"There's too much talking," Rodgers-Cromartie said with a grin. "He's a real competitor. We get out there, yell and say, 'Let's get better today."

As competitors, their common battle includes self pride but not allowing the other to gain the advantage is a part of their ego. And it's necessary! The level of play Fitzgerald has accomplished and the one DRC's is

fueling to become has ignited the bringing out the best of both athletes.

So they battle. Fitzgerald may use his hands and DRC may cut Fitzgerald off. Every pass in their direction becomes a mini-war, because they know it matters not only to them but to all the teammates that wait for the outcome as well as the fans.

"I don't talk on the field (during games), so I kind of do my talking on the practice field," Fitzgerald said. "DRC is an extremely talented man, it forces me to get better. He's so quick, he's so fast, he plays really well downthe field where I excel at so it forces me to raise my level of play every day in practice."

With Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin one of the top receiving duos in the league, the arrival of DRC has been a benefactor to the Cardinal organization and the defensive back core who must defend one of the best offensive tandems in the NFL.

"You saw a little tussle," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "He came off and shocked me a little bit. He kind of got to me. And we wrassled to the ground and we got into it a little bit."

"I had to slam him down on his head," Fitzgerald said. "I am still chief when I am going against him. I didn't want him to think he was getting the best of me."

But as the battle goes neck-and-neck, DRC resort s to using psychological measures in order to get the edge.

"I have days when I can tell I am in his head, and he don't want to talk to me because he knows I am going to say something, and there are days when he is in my head and I don't want to talk to him," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "You can tell who is having a better day by who is doing the talking."

However, even with the accolades, experience and Pro Bowls, Fitzgerald gives in; he can't beat DRC every time.

"You're not going to win every day," Fitzgerald said. "I just want to make sure the majority of time I have the upper hand. I beat him up a couple days ago, mentally, physically, emotionally. I want to keep it that way. But he has his days."


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Courtesy: Buffalo Bills/Media Relations

Brandon Williams walks with formerVanderbilt linebacker, Marcus Buggs,during the Bills' training camp.

Tiger Feature: Former TSU Football Operations G.A. lands Buffalo BillsInternship


Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State University football operationsgraduate assistant, Brandon Williams, is spending the summer of 2009 asan operations intern with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

With the internship lasting only five weeks, Williams was selected frommore than 150 applicants. His duties include working with the playerpersonnel department assisting in all facets of the day-to-day operations.In addition, completing scouting projects for the V.P. of Pro Personnel,evaluating players and tracking free agencies around the league.

"I plan on taking advantage of this great opportunity by gaining all theexperience I can from different areas of the Bills' organization. This internship gives me the chance to getmy foot in the door to pursue a career in a team's front office,"said Williams. "If hired by a team after the

conclusion of this internship, it will be a tremendous start towards my future career goals."

After the completion of their first week, Shane Costa, Bills' director of player development, evaluates allinterns to ensure they are performing duties effectively with minimal supervision.

"Brandon's resume stood out for a couple reasons. He had football playing experience and he also hadsignificant experience in Tennessee State's football operations office. His credentials were impressive," saidCosta. "I have found Brandon to be extremely dependable and very hard working. He is often the first tovolunteer for a hard job and never once complains or questions the work. He is respectful and he is well likedby his peers. He has a great future in whatever profession he ultimately chooses and I would recommend himto any organization that is interested in him."

With the experience, Williams plans on working in the front office of a professional team and the office of theNFL commissioner. Williams spent the 2008 Tiger football season as the football operations graduateassistant, receiving a masters in sports administration (2008) and undergraduate degree in exercise science(2007).

A former football player at TSU from 2004-2007, the Hampton, Va. native was the starting fullback and isremembered for making an unimaginable reception for a two-point conversion. Williams' score gave TSU a31-30 overtime victory over Jackson State in the 2006 Southern Heritage Classic.

Other articles on Williams -

TSU Fullback Savors Big Play

http://m.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/Sep/06/s6shcnu2/?DB_OEM_ID=19600


Vote for TSU's DRC for the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 11/05/2009

Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee State University fans can vote for former Tiger football player Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl.

With efforts to strengthen the Pro Bowl, the NFL announced that the 2010 Pro Bowl will be played one week before the Super Bowl on Sunday, Jan. 31 and both games will be staged in Dolphin Stadium.

DRC was drafted as the 16th pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft and helped the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance in his rookie season.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW DRC 2009 STATS

Fans can log on to NFL.com and filter the Pro Bowl nominations to DRC by clicking the defense and cornerbacks tab, while selecting the Arizona Cardinals in the team section. Fans can vote as many times as they choose.

"CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW"


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Page 1 of 1Vote for TSU's DRC for the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics



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Former TSU Quarterback Joe Gilliam, Jr. Inducted into the TennesseeSports Hall of Fame


Joe Gilliam, Jr. receives posthumous induction intoTennessee Sports Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State University star quarterback Joe Gilliam, Jr. was inductedposthumously into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on Friday (2/20/09).

Gilliam becomes the 24th honoree affiliated with TSU athletics and one-of-two father-son duo to be inducted.Gilliam joins his father, Joe Gilliam, Sr., who was inducted in 2007 accepting the honor on his behalf.

Known has "Jefferson Street" Joe Gilliam, the Nashville native played for the Tigers after graduating fromPearl High School. In his collegiate career, Gilliam played for the legendary "Big" John Merritt from 1969-'71




passing for a career 5, 213 yard (320-of-677) and 50 touchdowns leading TSU to two Black College NationalChampionship in '70 and '71.

In 1972, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the 11th round. Gilliam made history in 1974 becoming the firstAfrican-American to open the season as the starting quarterback in the Steelers' opener against the BaltimoreColts.

In his four-year NFL career (1972-'76), he completed 44 percent (147-of-331) of his passes for a total 2, 103yds (6.4 avg) and nine touchdowns.

Articles and Videos on Joe Gilliam, Jr.

FORMER TSU GREAT JOE GILLIAM JR. BATTLED NFL BARRIERS...

TENNESSEE SPORTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2009 CLASS OF INDUCTEES

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1974 PITTSBURGH STEELERS: JOE GILLIAM, JR. (VIDEO)

JOE GILLIAM JR TSHF TRIBUTE FILM (VIDEO)

JOE GILLIAM JR TSHF INDUCTION SPEECH BY FATHER, JOE GILLIAM, SR. (VIDEO)

TSU Athletes, Coaches and Administrators Inducted in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

2009 - *"Jefferson Street" Joe Gilliam, Jr.

2008 - Madeline Manning Mims

2007 - Joe Gilliam, Sr.

2006 - Richard Dent

2005 - Dick "Skull" Barnett

2004 - Lloyd Neal

2002 - Chandra Cheesborough

2001 - Lucinda Williams Adams

1999 - *Mae Faggs Starr

1998 - Leonard "Truck" Robinson (img1) (img2) (img3) (img4)

http://www.leemomarketing.com/images/celebrities/Robinson_Truck_Leonard_bio.jpg

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090220/SPORTS060402/902200373?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://tshf.net/inductees/inductees.html?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_5_99/ai_69475126?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.youtube.com/watch?DB_OEM_ID=19600&v=506k2Bcrx0Y&feature=related

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http://www.tshf.net/inductees/inductees.html?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tshf.net/inductees/2008Mims.htm?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tshf.net/inductees/2007Gilliam.htm?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tshf.net/inductees/2006Dent.htm?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tshf.net/inductees/2005Barnett.htm?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tshf.net/inductees/2004Neal.htm?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tshf.net/inductees/cheeseborough.html?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tshf.net/inductees/l-adams.html?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.spock.com/Mae-Faggs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truck_Robinson

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1998 - Margaret Matthews Wilburn

1997 - Theodore McClain - (img)

1994 - *Ed Martin (img)

1993 - *John B. McClendon - (img)

1992 - *Dr. Walter Davis - (athletic bio)

1989 - *"Big" John Merritt - (img)

1988 - *Howard Gentry Sr. (img)

1988 - Claude Humphrey (img)

1975 - Edith McGuire Duvall

1973 - Wyomia Tyus Simburg

1972 - Edward Temple

1970 - Ralph Boston - (bio2)

1968 - *John (Rabbit) Barnhill - (img)

1967 - *Wilma Rudolph

*Deceased

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilma_Rudolph?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tnstate.edu/library/que/matthews.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_McClain

http://nabc.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/022502aaa.html?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McLendon

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01ny6d95bl7Bs/340x.jpg

http://www.tnstate.edu/interior.asp?mid=442

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Merritt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_C._Gentry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Humphrey?DB_OEM_ID=19600

http://www.tnstate.edu/library/que/duval.htm

http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-836

http://www.tnstate.edu/library/temple/templebio.html

http://www.sportsstarsusa.com/php/featuredartist.php?id=707&name=ralph+boston

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barnhill_%28basketball%29

TSU's DRC Candidate for NFL Rookie of the Week Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 11/19/2008

Former TSU Player “DRC” Candidate for NFL Rookie of the Week

Former Tennessee State University defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of the Arizona Cardinals, is a candidate for the Pepsi Cola - NFL Rookie of the Week following his two interception performance against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, November 16, 2008.

TSU / NFL fans can cast their vote through Thursday, Nov. 20th on the NFL.com website “Rookie of the Week” ...

the direct link is ... http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=rookies


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Another Tiger Alum to Play in Super Bowl Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 01/20/2009

DRC to Play in Super Bowl XLIII

Nashville, Tenn. - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, called "DRC" by Tennessee State University fans, will become the 17th Tiger football alum to play in a Super Bowl.

DRC, a first-round draft pick (16th overall) of the Arizona Cardinals, has made a tremendous impact in his first year. In his rookie season, DRC tallied 42 tackles, (38 solo, 4 assists), 23 pass deflections and four interceptions including one returned for a 99-yard touchdown.

He was also a candidate for the Pepsi Cola - NFL Rookie of the Week following his two interception performance against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 16. The following month, he was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month.

In the post season, he currently has 15 tackles (14 solo, one assist), nine pass deflections with two interceptions to help lead the Cardinals to their first NFC Championship title and first Super Bowl appearance.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie is interviewed by NFL Network's Deion Sanders prior to 2009 Super Bowl

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Arizona Cardinals

Other TSU Players on Super Bowl Teams -

Willie Mitchell, DB (Kansas City Chiefs - Super Bowl I), Fletcher Smith, DB (Kansas City Chiefs - SuperBowl I), Jim Marsalis, DB (Kansas City Chief - Super Bowl IV), Nolan Smith, KR (Kansas City Chiefs - Super Bowl IV), Larry Woods, OT (Miami Dolphins - Super Bowl VIII), Joe Gilliam, Jr. QB (PittsburghSteelers - Super Bowls IX, X), John Holland, FL (Minnesota Vikings - Super Bowl IX), Ed "Too Tall" Jones,DE (Dallas Cowboys - Super Bowls X, XII, XIII), Mike Hegman, LB (Dallas Cowboys - Super Bowls XII, XIII),Claude Humphrey, DE (Philadelphia Eagles - Super Bowl XV), Rodney Parker, WR (Philadelphia Eagles -Super Bowl XV), Oliver Davis, DB (Cincinnati Bengals - Super Bowl XVI), Donald Laster, OG (WashingtonRedskins - Super Bowl - XVII), Richard Dent, DE (Chicago Bears - Super Bowl XX MVP, 2009 Hall of FameNominee), Randy Fuller, DB (Pittsburgh Steelers - Super Bowls XXX, Atlanta Falcons - XXXII), Bennie

Page 1 of 2Another Tiger Alum to Play in Super Bowl - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics


Anderson, OL (Baltimore Ravens Super Bowls XXXV), Anthony Pleasant, DE (New England Patriots -Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII)

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Page 2 of 2Another Tiger Alum to Play in Super Bowl - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics


TSU's DRC Named NFL Rookie of the Month Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 01/02/2009

Nashville, Tenn. - The NFL has named former Tennessee State University and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC) as its defensive rookie of the month for December.

DRC is having a spectacular rookie season. He finished the month with 15 tackles, six passes defended, a fumble recovery, and twointerceptions.

DRC's December featured: tieing a team record with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams, a blocked field goal versus the Minnesota Vikings that set up a 68-yard fumble return for a touchdown, another interception against the Seattle Seahawks with a return deep into opposing territory and a fumblerecovery.

Currently, no rookie has more interceptions than Rodgers-Cromartie (four) this season.

"I just want to continue to get better and not let it be a letdown from what everyone is expecting of me," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "I know if I could just settle down and really understand ... when I am in the film room, I watch but when I can really start watching and learning, I know I can take off."

Rodgers-Cromartie is the second Cardinals player to be named "Defensive Rookie of the Month" (Simeon Rice, September 1996). He is the fourth Cardinal rookie to be honored, joining Rice, quarterback JakePlummer (Offense, November 1997) and wide receiver Anquan Bolden (Offense, September and November, 2003).

"I don't think you can have expectations of a rookie corner playing at the level at which he has played," Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "I hoped that he would have an opportunity to play, maybe even start, and have a chance to get some interceptions. "I can't say he has exceeded the play because we did draft him with a first-round pick. I can say I am pleased with the way he has played."


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Nominate Tiger football legends, Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Richard Dent, for the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 01/26/2010

Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee State University fans can vote for former Tiger football legends Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Richard Dent as nominations for induction into the 2010 NFL Hall of Fame.

Fans can log on to "The Official Van Heusen Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan's Choice" to place their nominee selection. Fans can select up to five nominees by selecting the button and submit votes as often as they want.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

The inductees will be announced on February 6, 2010.

On the day before Super Bowl XLIV in South Florida, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Board of Selectors will meet to hold its annual selection meeting to elect between four and seven individuals who will comprise the Class of 2010.

The 44-person committee will debate the merits of 17 final candidates.

Ed Lee "Too Tall" Jones was selected as Tennessee State University's first No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, selected by the Dallas Cowboys in 1974. Currently, he is the only football player from a Historically Black College and University to accomplish that feat.

By the end of his 15 years with the Cowboys, Jones was officially credited with 57 quarterback sacks. Unofficially, his career sack total is 106 (sacks did not become an official NFL statistic until 1982).

His highest single-season sack total was 13 in 1985 and he was a member of the famed "DoomsdayDefense" squad of the 1970s. Jones was given the nickname "Too Tall" because of his height, 6 ft 9 in.

After five years playing defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys from 1974 through 1978, Jones quit football to attempt a professional boxing career. He fought six times as a heavyweight in just three months from November 1979 through January 1980, winning all of his bouts, all but one by knockout. His opponents were mostly marginal fighters, with the exception of future heavyweight champion of Mexico Fernando Montes, whom Jones knocked out in the first round.

Despite his success in the ring, Jones missed the NFL and returned to Dallas to play for the Cowboys from 1980 through 1989. He was named All-Pro in 1981 and 1982, and played in 16 playoff games, including three Super Bowls.

Jones played on three NFC champion teams and the 1978 Super Bowl winner. He retired for the second time in 1989, after a total of 15 seasons with the Cowboys. Jones, Bill Bates, and Mark Tuinei are the only players in Cowboys history to play for the franchise for 15 seasons. Jones' tenure is unique in "bridging gaps" of the Franchise in that he was a teammate of both Bob Lilly and Troy Aikman.

At TSU, Jones is listed third in sacks in a season (12) and fifth in career sacks (38).

Page 1 of 2Nominate Tiger football legends, Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Richard Dent, for the NFL Hal...


An eighth-round draft pick out of Tennessee State, rookie defensive end Richard Dent immediately exceeded the Chicago Bears' expectations. Dent played in every game as a rookie in 1983 and even started in three. The following year, he became a permanent starter at right end. That year he recorded a team record 17.5 sacks which was also the most of any defender in the NFC. Making his accomplishment even more significant is the fact that he was a starter in only the final 10 games of the season. Appropriately, he was named to the first of his four Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro and All-NFC honors as well.

For Dent, the 1984 season was the beginning of a remarkable 10-year period during which he recorded 10 or more sacks in eight of the next ten seasons including five consecutive (1984-88). His only double digit misses during that period came in 1989 when he logged 9 sacks, and in 1992 when he added 8.5 more.

Dent's NFC leading 17.5 sacks in 1984 was immediately followed up with an NFL best 17 sacks in 1985. That year the Bears trounced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. Dent's Super Bowl performance - three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles - earned him Most Valuable Player honors. In the two playoff games against the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams, building up to the Super Bowl, he was credited with a combined total of nine tackles and 4.5 sacks. In the 1986 season, Dent registered 11.5 sacks, 7.5 of which came during the final seven games.

Twice - once in 1984 and then again in 1987 - the Bears' pass rushing specialist, dropped Los Angeles Raiders quarterbacks for a career high 4.5 sacks in a single game. Chicago's defenses of the mid-to-late 1980s ranks as one of the best of all time. Dent, a pass-rushing force, was a dominant player on a dominant defense.

Dent led TSU in career sacks (39) along with Claude Humphrey from 1982 to 1999 before Lamar Carter garnered the title with 40.5 sacks. Dents is also listed second in sacks on the season with 14.

Fans can log on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame to follow updates daily.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of the National Football League (NFL). It opened in Canton,Ohio, on September 7, 1963 with 17 charter inductees.

Sh

Page 2 of 2Nominate Tiger football legends, Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Richard Dent, for the NFL Hal...


6/23/11 9:06 PMJavarris Williams Drafted By Kansas City Chiefs - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics



Javarris Williams drafted by KansasCity Chiefs

Javarris Williams Drafted By Kansas City Chiefs


Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State running back JavarrisWilliams added another milestone to his career when he was drafted inthe seventh round (212th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009NFL Draft.

Williams, a 5-10, 220 lbs and native of Richmond, Texas (Foster HS),finished his collegiate career as the 2008 Ohio Valley Conference“Offensive Player of the Year”.

On the weekend, he was the only OVC and the fourth player from aHistorically Black Colllege and University to be taken in this year’s draftclass.

Williams averaged a OVC best 103.7 ypg with 1,037 yards in 10 games,including a league-best 15 rushing touchdowns.

Williams also scored one touchdown on a pass for 16 TDs on the yearand a league leading 9.6 points per game scoring average. He finished

his TSU career as the all-time rushing TD leader with 42 and now ranks second on the all-time rushing listwith 4,329 yards.

He tallied six 100-plus yard rushing games this season and 20 overall in his career. A three-year starter,Williams rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive years and set a TSU freshman rushing record of872 yards in 2005.

Williams, who earned his degree in Computer Business Systems from TSU in December 2008, played in thethird annual Texas vs. The Nation All-Star game in El Paso, Texas on January 31, 2009.


6/23/11 8:40 PMTiger Feature: TSU Student Trainer Interns with Titans - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics


Courtesy: Gary Glenn/Tennessee Titans

Tiger Feature: TSU Student Trainer Interns with Titans


Nashville, Tenn. – In the summer, students find internships to harborprofessional experience relating to their major and to fulfill courserequirements.

Tennessee State University rising senior Ashley Albea landed aninternship with the Tennessee Titans assisting their sports medicine staff.

Albea was selected from a large number of applicants to aid athletic

trainers during the Titans' training camp. The Tennessee Titans offer

limited internships and work closely with four-year accredited colleges in

Tennessee. In order to qualify for an internship, an applicant must meet

requirements to be considered.

Her duties include assisting in the daily operations while aiding in player

rehabilitation and setting up the field for practices. In addition, she will tape and stretch players before

workouts and monitor their water intake to prevent dehydration.

Albea is currently pursuing a bachelors in human performance and sports sciences with a concentration inathletic training and will graduate in May 2010. While receiving credit towards her course work, she believesthe experience will help her in pursuit of a professional career.

"The opportunity to work for an NFL team is such a potential door opener for not only the NFL but otherprofessional sports," said Albea. "I am just blessed to have a chance to work with an NFL team. I have hopesof one day heading the athletic training department of a professional team and I can say it all started with thisinternship."

Albea is no stranger to sports medicine, before the internship, she served as a student trainer with TSUSports Medicine since the fall of 2005. She has worked with the Tigers' football, basketball and women's trackand field programs.

"During that time she has been one of my best and consistant student workers. Ashley is always eager tolearn all about the athletic training profession and has worked to obtain the skills needed," commented TSUhead athletic trainer Monroe Abram. "When the Titans approached me about potential students for theinternship, Ashley was at the top of my list of recommendations. I’m confident, she is poised and has all thetools needed to take on this challenge. I sure the things she will learn in this internship will be useful for herwhen she returns to us."

After graduation, Albea plans to attend an entry-level athletic training graduate program in pursuit of aMaster's degree in sports medicine and will be able to test for certification in athletic training.

Her internship concludes on August 29th after traveling with the team to Cleveland, Ohio for the Titans'preseason match-up against the Browns.


6/23/11 8:24 PMWilliams and Newton begin NFL season on practice squads - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics



Javarris Williams (40) and CecilNewton (64) were placed on NFLpractice squads for the start of the2009 NFL season.

Williams and Newton begin NFL season on practice squads


Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State University football standouts,running back Javarris Williams, and offensive lineman Cecil Newton, wereplaced on their team's practice squads at the end of the 2009 NFLpreseason.

Williams was drafted in the 7th round with 212th pick by the Kansas CityChiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft. During the preseason, he carried the ballnine times for 21 yards and collected three receptions for 18 yards. TheChiefs finished the preseason 0-4.

Newton was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent andsaw action during the second half of the games played with the Jaguarsposting a 1-3 record.

With Williams and Newton on NFL practice squads, four former TSUTigers are currently in the NFL ranks.

Defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will look to help theArizona Cardinals return to the Super Bowl. Defensive lineman LamarDivens is currently on injured reserve in his second season with the

Baltimore Ravens.

The 2009 NFL season begins September 10th.

Williams was drafted in the 7th round with 212th pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft.


6/23/11 8:24 PMWilliams and Newton begin NFL season on practice squads - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics


Newton was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent.

Lewis and Newton Sign NFL Free Agent Contracts Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information Release: 04/27/2009

Former Tiger Offensive Linemen Ink NFL Deals

Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee State University standout offensive linemen Cornelius Lewis and Cecil Newton have signed free agent contracts. Lewis signed with the Indianapolis Colts and Newton with Jacksonville Jaguars respectively.

Lewis, a 6-5, 310 lb, offensive tackle from Jacksonville, Fla., is a two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team selection. Cornelius transferred to TSU from Florida State in 2007 and quickly earned a starting spot whilestarting in all 11 games 2007.

In 2008, he started all 12 games on the season posting 35 knock-downblocks. He covered the blind side of an offensive line that led the OVC in rushing in 2007 and 2008. He is also credited with help leading the a line that has also blocked for a 1000+yard rusher for two seasons. This past

season, he did not give up a sack.

Newton, a 6-2, 305 lb, center from Atlanta, Ga. was a four-year letterman and part of an offensive line that led the Ohio Valley Conference in rushing in 2007 (210 ypg) and 2008 (195.8 ypg). He also was part of anoffensive line that blocked for a 1,000-plus yd. rusher the last three seasons.

In 2007, Newton had 24 pancake blocks along with 40 knock downs. He graded out a winner for all 11 games and he only gave up three sacks the at the end of the 2007 season.

In 2008, he season graded out an average of 90 percent per game recording 30 knock down blocks. At the end of the season, he did not give up a sack. He was named to the 2008 All-OVC First Team.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics Cornelius Lewis and Cecil Newton Ink NFL Contracts

Sh

Page 1 of 1Lewis and Newton Sign NFL Free Agent Contracts - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics


Women’s Basketball Coaches Association 9

The Road Less Traveled: Cruising from High School to the Collegiate RanksBy Zena O. Lewis

The road to become a Division I head coach is a long one to travel. Some coaches spend years as an assistant before garnering the opportunity. What quali cations would a person need to head a

Division I basketball program? Many would believe that it takes years of as-sisting some of the country’s best coaches and accumulating hours attending basketball workshops.

Imagine a coach who has never coached outside the realm of high school basketball and has never had to deal with the tedious task of recruiting or familiarizing his or herself with NCAA rules and regulations. Can they handle the perks, pleasures and pains of coaching Division I basketball?

For the many that choose the lengthy path of climbing step-by-step up the ladder to reach Division I coaching, there are a few that have leaped from the high school rankings to the collegiate level.

Before piloting the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball squad, Head Coach Sherri Coale coached high school basketball. In 1990, Coale

became head coach of Norman High School. She took a weltering program and created a state powerhouse, winning two 6A state championships. To go from high school coaching to leading one of the nation’s top-ranked teams was never a long-term goal for Coale.

“Never really thought about it until the opportunity presented itself at the University of Oklahoma. I always wanted to coach ball. I was a high school teacher, I loved teaching, and I taught English,” said Coach Coale.

Even though coaching on the college level was not a goal, Coale realized she had the tools to coach Division I when University of Connecticut Head Coach Geno Auriemma visited her practice.

“Stacy Hansmeyer (Norman High School ’97, UCONN ‘01) and a class of kids came through Norman High School who were nationally recruited. Stacy was being recruited by Connecticut. After Geno came to watch us practice he asked if I ever thought of coaching on the next level. I said no, not really,” Coach Coale said. “He said you could do it. You are better than half the coaches I see on a regular basis. If the opportunity presents itself you should think about it. I just stored it away as a compliment. Never really thought about it, because I didn’t want to move anywhere. Then at the end of the year, the job opened up at Oklahoma. A lot of local people encour-aged me to apply for it and that is really how it all began.”

Contrary to Coale’s satisfaction with coaching on the high school level, Middle Tennessee State University’s Rick Insell always thought of the op-portunity to coach college basketball.

“It was not necessarily a goal. I often thought about it,” said Coach Insell. “It was not something I got up every morning and thought I might like to do. When the Middle (Tennessee) job opened up, at that point in my career, I was kind of in a rut and I needed another challenge.”

Insell created a girls’ basketball dynasty at Shelbyville High School leading them to ten 3A state championships and two USA Today National Champi-onships (1989, 1991). In 28 years as a high school coach, he accumulated a record of 775-148.

“You always think about it. I knew most of the Division I coaches across the country on a rst name basis because they had recruited a lot of my players from Shelbyville. As you see some of your players play on the na-tional spotlight stages, sometimes it crosses your mind. Hey! I wonder if you

could match wits or brains or whatever with those coaches,” Coach Insell said. “I never really pursued a lot of coaching opportunities in college. I often thought if Vandy or, in particular, Middle Tennessee was to open up, I would be interested. In ’92, I interviewed for the Vandy job, and Jim Foster

got it. He did a good job and probably deservingly so got it. When Stephany (Smith) left (Middle Tennessee), two years ago, I was able to get an interview with Chris Mas-saro. We hit it off and that was the beginning.”

Marist College Head Coach Brian Giorgis coached girls’ high school basketball for 19 years before venturing into the collegiate ranks. He received offers to assist Agnes Beranato at Georgia Tech, but graciously turned them down.

“There were various degrees in the process, but basically when Marist called me, it was one of those times to sit down and think about it. One, it was a school I really

wanted to go to. It’s a great academic school. Two, it was real close and it’s in the community. Three, I felt I had done everything,” said Coach Giorgis. “The big key was security, because I had been at Our Lady of Lourdes High School for twenty- ve years. I felt very secure there. As we got through the process and the contract came along, the athletic director and principal at Lourdes looked at it and said, you need to try this. That was huge. Knowing that if I could not do it at this level they would take me back. Plus three of my former players were already here.”

Oklahoma Head Coach Sherri Coale has played an intricate part in the re-surgence of Sooner Basketball and has turned OU into one of the nation’s top programs. In her eleven years at the helm, Coach Coale has amassed a record of 232 - 118. She has guided her team to ve Big 12 regular season championships, four Big 12 Tournament Championships and eight NCAA appearances. Within those appearances, the Sooners have made ve trips to the Sweet Sixteen and one NCAA Final Four appearance.

Continuing his coaching success, Rick Insell has orchestrated the Blue Raid-ers of Middle Tennessee State University to back-to-back Sun Belt Tourna-ment Championships and NCAA National Tournament appearances, a feat seldom accomplished by coaches in their rst two years of coaching.

Within six years Brian Giorgis has turned Marist College into one of the most talented teams in the nation. He has directed the Red Foxes to the program’s best record and all three-tournament appearances, including an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.

However, all three coaches believe that their experiences coaching at the high school level has prepared them. Despite the seldom move from high school to Division I, the coaches credit their present success to the knowl-edge they have gain coaching at the high school level.

“When I took the job at Oklahoma, I didn’t know anything about recruiting from the inside out, but I knew a lot about it from the outside in. I had play-ers who had been recruited, so I knew what worked. I knew what kinds of things high school kids read and I knew what kinds of things they threw in the trash,” Coach Coale said. “I knew what worked with me in approaches from college coaches who were trying to get in with the high school coaches to nd out about student-athletes. I saw all kinds of mail and I had saved all kinds of stuff. When I started recruiting, I did not have any practical experi-ence. I was armed with a lot of information. I paid attention when my kids were being recruited. That helped tremendously.”

Coach Insell’s experience as a high school and junior league coach served as the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy that has continued the success of MTSU.

“Every coach has to go back to their beginnings, their roots. Mine would be, going back to junior pro, junior high, high school, and coaching in the sum-

mer - the travel team in which you coach mostly all-stars,” Coach Insell said. “You take a little bit from everything. My philosophy is built all the way back when I was coaching junior pro ball. That was back in the early 70’s.”

After graduating from SUNY, Coach Giorgis wanted to become a teacher and high school coach. With his current success, he credits his staff and players rst. He admits his 25 years of experience as an educator has helped him along the way.

“Dealing with kids, adolescents or young adults, I have had a lot of experi-ence,” said Coach Giorgis. “Even though they are a little more experienced, I have had a lot of experience working with a lot of different situations, and that’s what helped me the most.”

Even with tremendous success on the high school level it is not an easy transition. One of the commonalities found in coaches who have moved from high school to Division I status is that they have staked a name nearby their respective institutions.

“It’s much harder to go from high school coach to head college coach. They need that middle and become an assistant. If you look at the common de-nominator beside the success that Sherri, and Rick and I have had, we were all local high school coaches,” Coach Giorgis said. “If you look at it and check all the people that go from high school coach to head college coach, chances are they were local.”

Even if the thought of returning to the high school level never enters their mind, some coaches cannot deny the fond memories - with the exception of the long hours of grading papers and hall duty. Coaches will admit that they hold dear the relationship between them and their student-athletes. In certain situations, high school coaches can aid students with personal con icts. That is where one of the differences between coaching on these levels exists.

“I can’t imagine going back, but what I miss is the fact you could take care of your kids,” said Coach Coale. “You can ll their needs. Whatever kids needed you can be the kind of person you wanted to be and help your kids. I miss that level of impact more than anything. I miss a little bit of the innocence where kids truly play because they love basketball. They love the game. There are still a lot of kids like that on the college level and we try to recruit kids that operate within that vein.”

Coach Insell has traded his daily tasks of checking papers and monitoring hallways to delegating his staff, but has never counted out returning to his beginnings. Coach Insell has coached on every level of basketball. From the begin-nings of junior pro to one of the most respected stages of the game - Division I.

“I don’t think anyone should ever say they wouldn’t go back and do something,” said Coach Insell. “I’m enjoying what I am doing right now, and coaching is coaching. My whole life I have enjoyed doing what I’m doing and that is coaching basketball.”

The decision to make a high school coach a collegiate head coach can only be made by the Director of Athletics. For the University of Oklahoma, Marist College and Middle Tennessee State University, the gamble was a pro table success. When traveling down that long road to collegiate coaching…con-sider the detour to high school.

Against the Odds

Rick Insell,Middle Tennessee

State University

Brian Giorgis,Marist College


Sherri Coale,Univ. of Oklahoma


Against the Odds

Coaching Gender Bender

By Zena O. Lewis

If you are a male coach who is think-ing about coaching women’s basket-ball, there are a few things you need

to know before stepping into the realm of women’s basketball. There are quite a few differences between coaching men and women that one might not realize until they are actually in the shoes of a women’s basketball coach. The difference in the women’s play is not necessarily good or bad, but it does require adjustment.

Unfortunately, there is not a book entitled, “How To Coach Women For Dummies”, though Guy Hardaker at the University of Central Oklahoma may have wished there were when he rst ventured into the women’s world of basketball. There are

a few differ-ences in coaching men and women’s basket-ball and hope-fully this article will pro-vide insight

for those of you out there who may need a little introduction into how the women’s game works. For some male head coaches, coaching women’s basketball may be a different experience. Despite the gender bender, the goal is still the same: focus on winning.

Don Zierden, head coach of the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, has coached male players for many years. He enters his rst season as head coach of a women’s team that nished with the second worst record in the league. His intent is to change the culture and tone of the entire team, but realizes that there may be some surprises along the way.

“There may be some differences as I go along, but I’m really not expecting any. I know that they are very talented players and I expect to coach them the same way that we were coaching in the NBA,” Zi-erden said. “It’s obvious that it’s going to be a new experience coaching women, but there is no fear or nervousness. Part of the reason is, I feel very con dent in the staff that I hired. Going into this, knowing that I hadn’t coached women before, I thought it was of the utmost importance to put a staff around me that had some experience.”

The games variation due to gender may not weather among the athletes. In some cases coaches become different instructors when leading the opposite sex. “I may have toned it down a bit as far as being a coach, aggres-sively. Not much. The girls respond really well. The differences in guys and girls that I’ve noticed, more than anything, is when I was coaching boys, I would just tell them what to do. They would just do it. Girls, you tell them what to do, and they’ll do the same thing but they want to know why. They want to understand the game. They want to know why we run certain plays in various situations,” University of Central Oklahoma head coach Guy Hardaker said.

Hardaker, in his rst year coaching women, mid-way through the season has the Bronchos at a 13 – 12 record in Division II play.

“As far as X’s and O’s, obviously the lobs aren’t dunks. We still catch passes over the top and lay it up. I was telling my male col-leagues that we actually complete back door and lob situations better now than when I was coaching men,” Hardaker said. “They want to win just like anyone else. They are competitive. People try to warn me of the emotional standpoint of coaching women. These girls want to win and they want to be coached.”

To help him prepare for his rst season at the helm of a women’s team, Hardaker contacted University of Oklaho-ma’s wom-en’s head coach Sherri Coale. Preparation is essen-tial when heading any athletic pro-gram for the rst time.

Concordia University (Nebraska) Head Coach Drew Olson, with the season winding down, has the Bulldogs with a record of 19 – 12 in his rst year coaching women. Coach Olson is the third member of his family to take the reigns of a women’s program. His father, Rich Olson, has over 20 years of coaching girls’ basketball and is currently coaching on the high school level. Drew’s brother, Jar-rod, is head coach of the women’s basket-ball team at Florida Southern College.

Even with creditable sources, Concordia’s Olson still found additional means to

Drew Olsen(Concordia University)

Guy Hardaker(University of Central Oklahoma)


prepare himself for his rst year. “I actu-ally talked to a lot of people that have gone from men to women, such as my dad and my brother. I also spoke with the previous head basketball coach and his predecessor who are both at Drake University, Micah Parker and Todd Voss. I asked them ques-tions about the differences, and little things that helped them,” Olson said. “ The most helpful thing was reading a book by Kath-leen Deboer called ‘Gender and Competi-tion’. It was helpful when answering ques-tions related to understanding, coaching and teaching women athletes.”

Even with differences, there is a high degree of similarities when coaching women and men’s basketball. “I think the men and women are competing at the same intensity level. It’s a little bit different. The men’s side is more athletic with dunks, how-ever it’s pretty steady. As far as training, we do similar exercises and drills. We prepare for games the same way,” Ohio Dominican University head coach Nathan Bellman said. “Practices are still similar. We now prac-tice against guys. Dealing with guys, your dealing with egos on the oor. With girls there is not as much. Girls seem to be more receptive.”

Coach Bellman may be in his rst year as head coach, but has acquired a bit of experience coaching women’s basketball. He served as the women’s assistant coach for Indiana Wesleyan University, Wright State University and the University of the Cumberlands. Bellman’s Panthers face the

remaining teams in the regular season with a 20 – 11 record.

After 38 years of coaching boys, Pekin High School (Pekin, Illinois) girls’ varsity head coach Paul Swanson says he has had to simplify his plays in his rst year as a girls’ coach. “Running basic basketball plays and adapting to techniques. I’m teaching the same things, but the level of play is slightly different,” Swanson said. “We run a base number of set plays. Then we go more high-low motion. As opposed to boys, I constantly ran motion. Now, I run ex into motion with the girls.”

During the last few years there has been a slight surge of hiring male coaches for women’s basketball teams. In the WNBA, nine of thirteen coaches are male. “I think what happens in any sport, not just basket-ball, but I think it becomes trends. I think what’s happening right now, you see the Mike Thibaults, the Paul Westheads, and the Bill Laimbeers,” Zierden said. “People that were involved in the NBA game, they brought some NBA avor into the WNBA. I think right now that’s the trend. How long does it last? When will it go another way; that is yet to be determined? You see it all the time in sports. Whether it’s baseball or football. They hire ex-players or former coaches.”

One thing is certain - coaches continue their same philosophy when coaching men and women. “As of right now, everyone in this business has a philosophy and we know

what we want to do. Until, I see it doesn’t work in the WNBA, I’m going to con-tinue to do it,” Zierden said. “Watching Mike Thibault, Paul Westhead, Bill Laim-beer, people that have been involved in the NBA, it doesn’t seem like they’ve had any problems carrying their philosophy over to the WNBA. So I’m going to continue the same with mine.”

Should male coaches stick to coaching male players? Does being the opposite sex make you less quali ed when coaching the other gender? In women’s basketball, those ques-tions are seldom asked, or never. Since the early years, male coaches have impacted and pioneered the game. In contrary of historic, painful and horrid world events that were impacted through discrimination, one could say that women’s basketball is a pillar of equality.

Man or woman? The real question is; can you coach basketball?

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Against the Odds

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7/18/10 1:00 PMWBCA :: Press Release

Page 1 of 2http://www.wbca.org/releases/WBCANationalDefensivePOY2007.html

Press Release :: Women's Basketball Coaches Association

For Immediate Release

March 27, 2007

Contact: Summer McKessonManager of Communications

770.279.8027 ext. [email protected]

Harding’s Tenacious Defense Earns Her National Recognition

ATLANTA, Ga. - The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) has selected Duke University’sLindsey Harding as the WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year. The WBCA Defensive Player of theYear Award honors the best defensive collegiate Division I women’s basketball player. All Division IConference Defensive Player’s of the Year are eligible to be nominated for the award and the selectioncommittee makes the final decision on the winner.

“The old adage, ‘Offense sells tickets, defense wins games’, holds true when Lindsey Harding hits the court,”said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. “The WBCA is elated to present the inaugural WBCA Defensive Player of theYear Award to Lindsey for her ravenous defensive efforts.”

Harding has not only garnered national recognition for herself, but was a key factor to Duke’s successthroughout the season. This Houston, Texas, native helped to lead the Blue Devils to a No. 1 NationalRanking in the USA TODAY ESPN NCAA Division I Top 25 Coaches’ Poll. Her defensive efforts also ledDuke to the nation’s second-best scoring defense, as the squad held opponents to an average of 51.4 pointsper game.

For her outstanding play this season, Harding was selected as the ACC Player of the Year, ACC DefensivePlayer of the Year and was named an All-ACC First Team selection. She averaged 13.6 points, 4.0 assistsand 1.5 steals per game. This season, Harding became only the sixth player in ACC history to register over1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 250 steals.

Harding will be formally recognized at the WBCA Awards Luncheon presented by State Farm and Jostens at12:00 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, in the Crowne Plaza’s Grand Ballroom. This event is part of theWBCA National Convention and is held in conjunction with the NCAA® Women’s Final Four® inCleveland, Ohio.

Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop areputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game in all of its aspects asa sport for women and girls. For more information about the WBCA, please visit WBCA.org.


Page 1 of 2http://www.wbca.org/releases/WadeTrophyWinner2007.html



March 31, 2007



CP3 Rocks, Rolls In Women’s Basketball Top Honor

ATLANTA, Ga. - The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced today that theUniversity of Tennessee’s sophomore Candace Parker has been named The State Farm Wade Trophy Playerof the Year for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. The WBCA presents thisaward annually to the top player in NCAA Division I.

“Candace Parker has been one of the most-touted collegiate players on the hardwood this season,” saidWBCA CEO Beth Bass. “Candace is an exceptional representative for Lily Margaret Wade, the WBCA andThe State Farm Wade Trophy, and we are pleased to present her with this well-deserved honor.”

Parker becomes the second Tennessee women’s basketball player to receive the award. She succeeds fellowLady Vol and 1991 Wade Trophy recipient Daedra Charles-Furlow.

Parker’s dynamic play has led the Lady Vols to their 17th Final Four and a 32-3 overall record. The 6'4Naperville, Illinois native's relentless, majestic and versatile playing ability has her listed in the upper echelonof the best in women’s basketball.

Parker is the fastest UT player to capture 1,000 career points. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player ofthe Year is averaging close to 20 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals per game.

Parker’s 2006-2007 accomplishments include: John R. Wooden All-American, Associated Press All-American, and ALL-SEC honors. Parker’s success does not stop on the court, but continues in the classroomas she was named to three All-Academic teams.

"Congratulations to State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year Candace Parker," said Mark D. Gibson,Assistant Vice President of Advertising at State Farm. "Her outstanding accomplishments as a student-athlete, on and off the court, make her truly deserving of this wonderful honor. We look forward to seeingCandace fulfill the rest of her basketball dreams."

The Wade Trophy, named after the late, legendary three-time national champion Delta State University headcoach Lily Margaret Wade, debuted in 1978 as the first-ever women's national player of the year award incollege basketball. Past winners of the Wade Trophy include: Carol Blazejowski (1978-inaugural winner),Nancy Lieberman (1979 and 1980), Cheryl Miller (1984), Rebecca Lobo (1995), Ticha Penicheiro (1998) andSue Bird (2002). Last year’s recipient of The State Farm Wade Trophy was Seimone Augustus (LouisianaState University), who also received the honor in 2005.

The WBCA has been in partnership with The National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS)


Page 2 of 2http://www.wbca.org/releases/WadeTrophyWinner2007.html

for five years in presenting The State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year Award. A committee comprisedof coaches, administration and media from across the United States selects the winner.

Parker will be formally presented her award at the WBCA Awards Luncheon presented by State Farm andJostens on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at 12:00 (ET) in the Crowne Plaza’s Grand Ballroom. The State FarmWade Trophy Player of the Year presentation is part of the 2007 WBCA National Convention, held inconjunction with the NCAA® Women's Final Four® in Cleveland, Ohio.

About State Farm

State Farm® insures more cars than any other insurer in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer.State Farm's 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve over 75 million auto, fire, life and health policies inthe United States and Canada, and more than 1.6 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual AutomobileInsurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No.22 on theFortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canadastatefarm.ca™.

About NAGWS

The National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) was established to develop and deliverequitable and quality sport opportunities for ALL girls and women through relevant research, advocacy,leadership development, educational strategies, and programming in a manner that promotes social justiceand change.


--WBCA--


Page 1 of 3http://www.wbca.org/releases/KAATRelease2007.html



March 31, 2007



WBCA and Kodak Announce NCAA

Division I Kodak/WBCA All-America Team

ATLANTA, Ga. -The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Eastman Kodak Companyannounced today the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Kodak/WBCA All-

America Basketball Team. This year’s team marks the 33rd year of the longest running sponsorship inwomen’s athletics. Selection committees in each of the eight WBCA geographical regions select ten of thetop women’s basketball players in the nation to be honored.

The members of the 2007 NCAA Division I Kodak/WBCA All-America Basketball Team are as follows:

Name Institution Year Pos. Hgt.

Jessica Davenport The Ohio State University Sr. C 6-5Sylvia Fowles Louisiana State University Jr. C 6-6Lindsey Harding Duke University Sr. G 5-8Crystal Langhorne University of Maryland Jr. C 6-2Ivory Latta University of North Carolina Sr. G 5-6Angel McCoughtry University of Louisville So. F 6-1Courtney Paris University of Oklahoma So. C 6-4Candace Parker University of Tennessee So. G/F/C 6-4Armintie Price University of Mississippi Sr. G 5-9Candice Wiggins Stanford University Jr. G 5-10

Throughout the 2006-2007 season, these ten players have been a pleasure to watch and have proventhemselves to be deserving of this honor,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. “The growth of our game is in thehands of many of these young student-athletes and we look forward to watching their future in women’sbasketball continue to unfold.

"For the past 32 years, Kodak has partnered with the WBCA to celebrate the best in women's collegebasketball. Kodak is in the business of helping people capture and share memories. It is gratifying for us tohelp honor these student-athletes whose highlights have thrilled us for so many years," said Carl Gustin,Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President at Kodak." We are proud to recognize the accomplishments ofthese young women and the positive recognition they bring to their schools, their communities and the game."

The following have been recognized as Kodak/WBCA All-America Team Honorable Mentions for NCAADivision I:



Name Institution Year Pos. Height

Charel Allen University of Notre Dame Jr. G 5-11Jolene Anderson Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison Jr. G 5-8Alison Bales Duke University Sr. C 6-7Amanda Brown Penn State University Sr. F/C 6-4Essence Carson Rutgers University Jr. F 6-1Tina Charles University of Connecticut Fr. C 6-4Dee Davis Vanderbilt University Sr. G 5-7Jessica Dickson University of South Florida Sr. F 5-11Natalie Doma Idaho State University Jr. C 6-3Robyn Fairbanks Utah Valley State College So. C 6-1Katie Gearlds Purdue University Sr. G 6-1Chrissy Givens Middle Tennessee State Univ. Sr. G 5-11Carmen Guzman Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham Sr. G 5-9Kamesha Hairston Temple University Sr. F 6-0Devanei Hampton Univ. of California, Berkeley So. C 6-3Kiera Hardy University of Nebraska Sr. G 5-6Tasha Humphrey University of Georgia Jr. F 6-3Tiffany Jackson University of Texas Sr. F 6-3Crystal Kelly Western Kentucky University Jr. F 6-3Erlana Larkins University of North Carolina Jr. F 6-1Andrea Lightfoot Idaho State University Jr. G 5-8Ali Mann Bowling Green State University Sr. F 6-1Lyndsey Medders Iowa State University Sr. G 5-9Renee Montgomery University of Connecticut So. G 5-7Carrie Moore Western Michigan University Sr. G 5-9Mandy Morales University of Montana So. G 5-9Bernice Mosby Baylor University Sr. F 6-1Eshaya Murphy University of Southern California Sr. G 5-11Lauren Neaves Rice University Sr. F 6-2Noelle Quinn UCLA Sr. G 6-0Jillian Robbins University of Tulsa Sr. F 6-1Adrianne Ross Texas Christian University Jr. G 5-8Joi Scott Murray State University Sr. F 6-0Brooke Smith Stanford University Sr. C 6-3Tyresa Smith University of Delaware Sr. G 5-10Nicole Soulis UW-Green Bay Sr. F 6-2Carla Thomas Vanderbilt University Sr. F/C 6-3Kia Vaughn Rutgers University So. C 6-4Marcedes Walker University of Pittsburgh Jr. C 6-3Emily Westerberg Arizona State University Sr. F 6-0Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton Purdue University Jr. F 6-2Hanna Zavecz University of Wyoming Jr. F 6-0

About Eastman Kodak Company

Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator. With sales of $13.3 billion in 2006, the company iscommitted to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful imagesand information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak's system of digital and traditional products and



services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate withcustomers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and documentimaging; Creative Professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or stillimages; and leading Healthcare organizations rely on Kodak's innovative products, services and customizedworkflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within andacross their enterprise. More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at www.kodak.com.


--WBCA--

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SIGN CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY’S CURTIS JOHNSON AS A FREE AGENT

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) have signed Clark Atlanta University defensive end Curtis Johnson as a free agent during the 2008 NFL Draft Weekend (April 25-27).

Johnson and the Colts came to terms on a three-year contract with Johnson becoming the second CAU player under head coach Ted Bahhur to sign a NFL contract (Jonathan Hamm signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2007).

Into the draft weekend it was widely rumored that Johnson would be selected in the late rounds of the draft.

According to Johnson, “The free agency route was actually a better fit for me.

A late draft selection would have meant possibly joining a team that already had roster players or higher draftees vying for the same position. Through free agency, I had the option of determining which teams I would consider joining and thereby increasing my chances of success.”

Before Johnson signed with the Colts, his services were sought by the New Eng-land Patriots, the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Washington Redskins.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity that CAU provided me to be able to play college football. Playing for Clark Atlanta gave me the chance to expose my tal-ent to the NFL. I would have never been signed by the Colts if I had not been given a chance to play as a Panther,” said Johnson.

Johnson reports to the Indianapolis Colts Mini Camp on Thursday, May 1.

CURTIS JOHNSON BACKGROUND

Curtis Johnson is a 2007 Daktronics All-America defensive end. The Lauderhill, Florida native finished first in the nation (NCAA Division

II) in tackles for loss with a 2.5 average per game and was first (NCAA Division II) in pass sacks with a 1.2 per game average.

Johnson finished 10th in the nation in solo tackles averaging 6.3 per game and was 21st in the nation in total tackles per game with a

10.2 average. He led the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) in both categories and finished second in total tackles with

112. Johnson was named SIAC Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to the All-SIAC First Team for the second consecutive season.

During the year, he was voted SIAC Player of the Week four times. In 2006 he was crowned NCAA Statistical Champion in forced fumbles

with a total of nine during the season. As a participant in the 83rd Annual East-West Shrine Football Game this season, Johnson was the

first player in the history of CAU Athletics to participate in this game, recognized as one of the premiere and most prestigious postseason

college football events in the nation.

In addition, Johnson was named to the Black College All-America Football Team by the Sheridan Broadcasting Network and was named SIAC Defensive Player of the Year, and was voted the Atlanta University Center Player of the Year by Atlanta’s 100% Wrong Club.

-CAU-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 28, 2008 CONTACT: Zena Lewis PHONE: (404) 880-6685 EMAIL: [email protected]

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY’S JONATHAN HAMM SIGNED BY THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

ATLANTA, Ga. – Clark Atlanta University (CAU) Senior Defensive Lineman Jonathan Hamm has signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL).

Hamm, a native of Atlanta, Ga. finished the 2006 season as the fourth leading tackler for the CAU Panthers and played a significant role in the Panther Defense being crowned NCAA, Division II Statistical Champs last season.

The 6’7, 272 pound Hamm had 36 tackles, three quarterback sacks and blocked two kicks. For his effort last season he was named to the SIAC All-Conference First Team. In addition, Hamm was selected First Team All-Region by Don Hansen’s Gazette and received the distinguished Marion E. Jackson 2006 Atlanta University Center Defensive Player of the Year Award.

“I am pleased to be going to the next level of play after my experience at CAU. I hope that all the players at CAU and in the SIAC will take my signing as a clear signal that it’s all about the work you put in. If I can do this, so can you,” said Hamm.

Hamm is the first Panther to sign with an NFL team since Head Coach Ted Bahhur took over the CAU Program in 2005. His one-year deal includes a salary plus signing bonus. According to Bahhur, “The Saints should expect big things from Jonathan. His work ethic, passion and commitment are unsurpassed.

Combine that with the fact that he is one of the most coachable players I’ve ever met and you’re left with only one conclusion. The Saints made a really good decision. We wish him all the best.” Hamm made the choice to sign with the New Orleans Saints after weighing offers from the San Francisco 49ers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to Hamm, “The Saints are a perfect fit for a couple of reasons. First, defensively, the Saints run a 4-3 scheme which allows me to work from the down position. I’m accustomed to that set, and that should help with the learning curve. And second, I was the only defensive end signed by the Saints this year and I’ll be joining NFL Pro Bowlers Charles Grant and Will Smith who already play for the Saints. This will be a perfect opportunity to learn from two of the league’s best defensive ends.”

-CAU-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 1, 2007 CONTACT: Zena Lewis PHONE: (404) 880-6685 EMAIL: [email protected]

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