Craig bows out as head basketball coach By Karen S. Romero Correspondent
ficials said. His Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) record stood at 46-50 through the 201617 campaign.
Gravelle Craig, head basketball coach for the last 6 years, is parting ways with the university.
In his first season Craig lead the Wildcats to the championship game against Norfolk State University.
Lynn W. Thompson, vice president for intercollegiate athletics, made the announcement after meeting with Craig, whose contract reportedly expired this month. “At the end of the season, we sat down as always to evaluate the state of our program and after discussion, coach Craig and I arrived at the decision that the timing was right for him to pursue new career opportunities, while we seek new leadership of the Wildcats basketball program for the future,” Thompson said, adding the search for a new coach is
underway.
Craig
The 46-year-old Craig, who took over the program in 2011, compiled an overall record of 74-123 during his time here, of-
MARCH 2017
B-CU professor receives grant for Historic Preservation Center Dr. Anthony Dixon, a history professor and archivist at Bethune-Cookman University, has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant in the amount of $98,897.
The Historic Preservation Center (HPC) will be located in the Carl Swisher Library on “Bethune-Cookman B-CU’s campus and will be Dixon afforded me an opportuused to assist students who nity to become a Diviare minoring in Public History. This initiative is a collabsion I men’s basketball orative effort between the College of Liberal Arts, Public head coach,” he said in and International Affairs Department and the Swisher a statement. “It was an Library. Students interested in comparable history caopportunity that I will for- reers will also have access to the center. ever cherish, and one that allowed me to experience “Funding will be utilized for the creation of the center something that had never that will be a training ground to shape the next generbeen done at BCU before ation of historic preservationists,” Dixon said. Students – advancing to the MEAC will engage through research, public programming and Tournament championpracticums within their chosen courses, HPC, Mary ship game.” McLeod Bethune Foundation Museum and the university archives. In addition, graduate students will receive The rest of the coaching staff stipends to work directly in the HPC. With the addition remains until the new head of the HPC and newly created programming, students coach arrives. will have the opportunity for more research opportunities and career choices. Information from the department of athletics was used in this story.
Information provided by B-CU Office of Communications
The Return of Battle of the Halls
The annual match pits students in residence halls against one another for bragging rights By Augustinas Navickas Staff Writer
themes, concepts and other logistics,” Adams said.
The annual “Battle of the Halls,” a step show competition between the residents of campus dorms, will take place on April 12 in the Performing Arts Center. “Battle of the Halls is an annual step show that promotes healthy competition, pride, and community throughout the residence halls. The residence halls develop their own routines to perform for the campus of B-CU,” said Richard Adams, assistant director of residence life. Adams Officials have been promoting the event to the students via email and advertisements in the residence halls. The deadline to sign up was March 1. “Each team will establish their own teams, meeting/practice dates and times, and locations. The teams have the creative freedom to develop their
OPINION SEE PAGE 2
“There will be established pre-presentations as checkpoints with the professional housing staff to ensure the teams are in compliance with university policies,” he said. Eddie Banks, a sophomore studying computer engineering, signed up for the event, and is looking forward to participate. “I wanted to network with my college peers, and Banks engage in activities that are both fun and work on team building,” Banks said. The Battle of The Halls champions of 2017 will be not be financially rewarded. Instead, according to Adams, it’s all about fame. “At this time, winners of the step show will receive the ultimate bragging rights for an entire year,” he said. “I expect to make new friends that could turn into positive role models,” Banks said. “I also expect for the university community to fellowship regardless of who the winner is.”
FEATURES SEE PAGE 4-5
The Voice newspaper comes home a winner again from the 66th Southern Regional Press Institute in Savannah, Georgia. See editor Petra Merrick's column on page 2 for more details .
COMMUNITY SEE PAGE 6
SPORTS SEE PAGE 7
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MARCH 2017
The Voice of the Wildcats is written, edited and published by members of the student body at BethuneCookman University. The Voice of the Wildcats is published monthly during the fall and spring semesters. All opinions are solely those of the author. Petra Merrick Editor-in-Chief Jaimee Cobb Layout Editor Dominique Williams Sports Writer Gino Cyrus Photo Editor Staff Writers Charla McCord Alexis Evans-Morris Deonajana Thomas Tyhid McDougle Advertising Manager Augustinas Navickas Correspondents Lenyjha Dodd Cortez West Yamil Turner Dr. Elsie Wanjohi Publication Director Valerie Whitney Voice Adviser PUBLICATION MEMBERSHIP
OPINION
The Voice brings home another award from SRPI By Petra Merrick Editor
Staff members of The Voice of the Wildcats, including myself, made their annual visit to Savannah recently for the Southern Regional Press Institute (SRPI). The Southern Regional Press Institute is an annual communication conference that is held at Savannah State University. The event includes a host of different speakers as well as workshops to help students increase their skills in the field of communications. During this year’s conference, the Voice won awards in the following categories: second place overall for college newspaper, third place for feature writing (Yamil Turner) and third place for photography (Zoelexis Proby). Although, I believe that we had been misjudged on our paper when it came to certain categories, I am still grateful for the awards we received. This has been one of the many achievements that I am proud of during my role as editor of this paper for the past two years and watching how much the paper has improved. This is the first time in those two years that we have entered the photography category. And while, we did not win first place, we did place so I am hopeful for the future.
I know that I am my worst critic, but coming in second place against Clark Atlanta Petra Merrick, left, and layout editor Jaimee Cobb holding the University's newspaper Editor second place award for best overall newspaper. “The Panther” (Savannah State’s "Tiger Roar" ranked third) showed me that the Voice has remain stagnant. Even though, we have produced three very strong papers, covering news on campus as well as the surrounding community, while producing several house ads, I realized that we are winners. I cannot let a competition determine who winners are! Three to four people are judging work when I know Feature writer Charla McCord snapping a photo at the SRPI at Savannah State University. how hard my team and I have worked on producing content. the best! Thank you for all that you do for the Voice. Thank you for your I would like to give a special thanks dedication and willingness to give up to my staff of the Voice of the Wildyour weekends to be with Jaimee and cats, for without you all, this would I to work on the paper. All of my glory not have been possible. Thank you for goes to God who made the impossible, all your hard work and dedication. possible! Very special thanks to our adviser, photos courtesy of Brenda Starr and professor Valerie Whitney. You are Christopher Shaw
People worldwide do not know whether to laugh, cry or what
By Augustinas Navickas Staff Writer
Once the conversation shifts toward real politics, the new president has a lot Send Correspondence to: to learn. His early slip ups include an Editor awkward, uncomfortable handshake with The VOICE, Fine Arts Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; an Building Room 318 ignorant denial of Russia’s interference 640 Dr. Mary McLeod with the U.S. presidential election despite Bethune Blvd. obvious proof provided by America’s intelligence agencies; the executive order Daytona Beach, FL on abortion that would limit women's 32114 Phone: (386) 481-2703 rights; and the executive order on immigration denying some U.S. citizens from Fax: (386) 481-2701 entering their home country.
voiceofthewildcats@ gmail.com
At the same time, this is the second time in recent years that we won second place in overall college newspaper in a medium sized university, along with several other awards.
Trump’s America proves challenging, provocative
Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States of America, is closing in The Voice of the Wildcats is a member of the Col- on this 50th day in office and during that period he has provided many surprises to lege Media Advisors Association (CMA) and nations around the globe. National Association of While President Trump’s business Black experience is what many Americans may Journalists (NABJ). only dream of, in the world of politics he is a new player. Starting with celebADVERTISER rity-like actions such as early morning MEMBERSHIP tweets thanking his fans for “all of the nice statements,” to “fake news” rants in The Voice of the Wildcats almost every press conference, Trump acts like a celebrity in the Oval Office. subscribes
to the 360 Youth
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
One might say that President Trump is treating the world as his personal playground. Arguably the most drastic decision he has made so far was the executive order on immigration. Even though Trump’s cabinet interpreted banning citizens of Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia, as well as all refugees from entering into the United States, as a ban on terrorism, the rest of the world interpreted it as a ban on Islam. And while, federal judges halted the order, the immigration ban left chaos in its wake. Hundreds of thousands holders of green cards and U.S. visas were trapped in and deported to their birth nations as Trump showed the world that America is not an Islamic-friendly place. Donald Trump has promised to make America great again; however, his actions so far indicate that America will be great only to a particular group of people. In Trump’s era, to laugh or to cry may solely depend on which group you fall in. Augustinas Navickas is a native of Lithuania studying public relations here at Bethune-Cookman University.
Dear Suga, I recently just got out of a relationship and they told me that it was a "seasonal relationship." I honestly don't know what that means. Ha ha. But I can't get them off my mind for some strange reason, even when I'm trying to move on.... I don't know what I should do. I put in my all but I got nothing back really in return. Was I doing something wrong? -Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Sorry to hear that this has happened to you. But obviously the person is not putting the same effort in as you are into them. Stop wasting your time crying over a person who does not care about you. Look at it this way, some people are only for a season. But what counts is what you learned during that season--so you know not to make that same mistake twice. Also, when the time is right somebody special will come along just for you. So don't sweat it. If anything keep it at "hey" or "bye" and keep it pushing. Stay strong because you have so much worth and it doesn't need to be wasted on a nobody.
NEWS
3 March is time to celebrate women’s history, achievements VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
MARCH 2017
Campus readies for annual Mary McLeod Bethune Women's Conference set for March 27-28
By Dominique Williams Staff Writer Campus officials are gearing up for the Eighth annual Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s Conference on March 27 and 28.
The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The week March 8th, International Women’s Day, was chosen as the focal point of the observance.
The event is part of the Bethune-Cookman University’s annual Women’s History Month celebration, which is part of a nationwide observance of the contributions of women in history and contemporary society.
•
The following year, historian Gerda Lerner, who was a member of the National Women’s History Project, held a 15-day conference about women’s history at Sarah Lawrence College from July 13 until July 29.
Activities include a free showing of the film “Hidden Figures” followed by a question-and-answer session in the Performing Arts Center on March 27. The door open at 5:30 p.m. and the film will be shown from 6-8 p.m. The next day, beginning at 8:30 a.m. participants are invited to take part in a full day of activities and “The Power of Now" luncheon in the Center for Civic Engagement.
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President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8,1980, as National Women’s Week.
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By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March 1987 as National Women’s History Month.
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In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity, honoring the extraordinary achievements of American women.
For more information, contact professor Claudette McFadden, program coordinator, at (386) 481- 2753 or at MMBWomensConference@cookman.edu. Meanwhile, ever wonder why March is Women’s History Month? Glad you asked. Here is a general time line of events leading up to that designation. •
Some trace the roots back to the first International Women’s Day on March 8, 1911. Still as recently as the 1970s, women’s history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness, according to the National Women’s History Project at www. nwhp.org.
Rosa Park known as “the mother of the Civil Rights Movement,”; Gloria Steinem, a feminist leader, writer, and social activist; Jackie Joyner-Kersey, considered by many to be the best allaround woman athlete in the world; Florence Delorez Griffith Joyner, better known Bethune as Flo-Jo, an American track and field athlete; Oprah Winfrey, the first African-American woman to own her own television production company; Sacajawea, who was the interpreter for Lewis and Clark during the U.S. government’s first exploration of the Northwest; Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson, an African American physicist and mathematician who made contributions to the United States' aeronautics and space programs ; and of course, Michelle Obama, an American lawyer and writer, who was the first African-American first lady of the United States.
Today, countless events celebrate the phenomenal women that have made a difference in the United States. Annual themes have included “Finding Founding Mothers,” “ Celebrating Racy Women” and “Black Women in America.” Among those noted during March in past years have been Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University; Maya Angelou, an American poet, actress, and civil rights activist;
Obama
Jackson, other HBCU leaders meet with Trump in oval office President Edison O. Jackson joined UNCF and 31 of its other 37 member-institution presidents for an unprecedented meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and other top administration leaders to discuss areas of collaboration between the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the federal government. UNCF’s HBCU-coalition partners, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), also attended Feb. 27 meetings. Immediately following the meeting with President Trump, nearly 90 HBCU presidents participated in a “listening session” with Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary DeVos. "I truly believe that meaningful progress for our schools requires relationships," Jackson said. "HBCUs must have a voice in Washington. We must do all that we can to ensure the success of our colleges and universities. The meeting was productive and definitely a step in the right direction." B-CU President Edison O. Jackson, second from right, was among other HBCU presidents that met recently with President Donald Trump.
The HBCU coalition previously provided input to White House staff on the development of a new executive order on HBCUs. The HBCU coalition collectively recommended several key proposals for White House consideration in drafting a new and strong executive order, which the White House indicated would be released Feb. 28, while UNCF presidents are attending a bi-partisan Congressional “HBCU Fly-in."
In December 2016, UNCF prepared and submitted “A Memo to President-elect Donald Trump: Ten Ways to Invest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” which laid out a substantive 10-point plan in support of HBCUs. For further impact, UNCF provided the new administration with “Six Top Priorities” for consideration in the development of the federal FY 2018 budget. “We want to ensure that more African American students have the oppor-
tunity to attend college and go on to successful careers, and that our colleges and universities, which for 150 years have provided college opportunities for these students, not only survive, but thrive,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF President and CEO. “The federal government plays a huge role in financing that opportunity and yesterday's discussion is a positive first step in affirming that HBCUs matter.” Additional White House advisers attending the Oval Office meeting included: Reince Priebus, chief of staff; Steve Bannon, senior counselor and strategist; Stephen Miller, senior adviser for policy; Kellyanne Conway, counselor; Omarosa Manigault, assistant to the president and director of communications for the office of public liaison; and Ja’Ron Smith of the Domestic Policy Council. Information provided by B-CU Office of Communications
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FEATURES
MARCH 2017
Two must see movies this year
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
'Get Out' is not your typical horror movie
By Lenyjha Dodd Correspondent
By Jaimee Cobb Staff Writer
Spring Break can be the perfect time to catch up on any movies that you might have missed.
“Get Out” is a satirical horror film starring British actor Daniel Kaluuya that looks at race relations. The movie, made for just $4.5 million, has grossed $130.8 million at the box office, thus far. That makes writer-director Jordan Peele, who is best known for his work in the Comedy Central series “Key & Peele,” the first black writer-director to cross the $100 million mark at the box office with a feature debut. According to IndieWire, the film could earn $140 million or more worldwide. The film centers on a young black man, played by Kaluuya and his Caucasian girlfriend, played by Allison Williams. During a weekend visit to meet her parents, he discovers that her hometown harbors a huge secret. When I saw the preview for this movie I knew I had to go see it because I knew it would have so many hidden messages in it. The opening song is “Redbone” by Childish Gambino and that song alone, in my opinion, just sets the whole mood for the movie, which is to STAY WOKE. One of the many hidden messages in the movie that stuck out the most to me was when Chris is at the
One worth seeing is “Fifty Shades Darker” is the second movie in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy of movies based on author E.L. James' best-selling erotic romance novel series. The film lived up to its “R” rating with tons of sex and many graphic love scenes, including close-up shots of nudity. The movie also has plenty of other things happening including a tragic plane crash and sexual harassment. Jamie Dorman and Dakota Johnson, who stared in the first movie, reprise their roles here as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. “Fifty Shades of Grey” was an erotic romantic drama with tendency toward sexual domination and submission. It raked in $85 million when it opened Valentine’s Weekend two ago. This time around, the scenes are less violent and more loving. The opening box office was close to $40 million, which critics say is not bad for a movie that cost $55 million to make. Since
then, its worldwide box office has topped more than $300 million and it is still in theaters. The sequel ends in the perfect love story. I would rate it a “10.” If erotica is not your thing, then perhaps a new “Beauty and the Beast” will fill the ticket. This new version, slated to hit movie theaters on March 17, is a live-action remake of Disney’s animated classic film that came out in 1991. The new Disney version features Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast. The film is more of a romantic fantasy musical film. A fearsome cursed Beast in his enchanted castle takes Belle prisoner. She learns to look beyond his appearance while evading a narcissistic hunter who seeks to take Belle for himself. The Beast, meanwhile, must learn to love so the curse can be broken. Rating:
family party and he immediately looks for someone who is like him, i.e. another black person, and when he finds someone he realizes that something very strange is going on. But the most important part of this movie is when Chris’s best friend comes to his rescue at the end of the movie. I loved the movie from start to finish. We don’t usually get to see those horror movies where the black person makes it to the end but in this one we do and I’m extremely happy about that. The film was No.1 in theaters opening weekend Feb. 25 and raked in more than $30 million, which skyrocketed Peele to the top of the Hollywood A-List of celebrities. Rating:
Wildcat Roar Q. What are your plans for Spring Break? By Gino Cyrus
Noel Penn Sophomore Criminal Justice
Johnte Colvin Sophomore Hospitality Mgmt.
Martice Creamer Junior Business Admin.
Ashley Ingram Sophomore Accounting
"Go home."
"We plan to workout, go to work, and try to relax."
"Go home for the birth of my first son."
"Homework, work, exercising,and relaxing."
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
FEATURES
MARCH 2017
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B-CU Theatre Department treats campus to 'The Savannah Disputation'
L to R, Dakota Pearline Gant playing Margret, Jacqualyn Townsend playing Melissa, Denzel Smith playing Father Murphy and Breonn Terry playing Mary.
Dakota Pearline Gant, left, playing Margret, right, Jacqualyn Townsend playing Melissa.
The Dr. LaDoris McClaney School of Performing Arts and Communication and Trac-Co-Dram staged a special two night engagement of the Broadway Play, “The Savannah Disputation,” written by Evan Smith as part of the campus’s black history celebration. The play is about two Southern sister’s whose Catholic faith is shaken when they allow a perky Pentecostal Bible thumper into the house. From there conflicts and courtesy run aground as this young missionary attempts to evangelize this deep south duo of sisters and their parish priest. It is a humorous look at religion and society. The campus production, featured an all-student cast, was directed by professor Julius John.
At the end of the show, the cast member joined hands to give the audience a bow.
photos by Gino Cyrus
Being a female in the rap game By Alexis Evans-Morris Staff Writer In 1989 actress and rapper Queen Latifah collaborated with Monie Love on the former’s album titled “All Hail The Queen.” One of the songs from the album titled “Ladies First” served as the national anthem for all women who were breaking barriers including Latifah herself. But while some barriers have been broken, I can’t help but wonder if and when women will be first in Hip Hop and Rap. Please note that when speaking of the ladies of Hip Hop and Rap I am referring to those who are lyrically blessed, talented and do not rely on gimmicks to take them to the top. No disrespect, just stating the facts. I pose the question because when it comes to recognizing the real women of Hip Hop and Rap the timeline seems a bit uncertain. Last year VH1 hosted the Hip Hop Honors, which expressed gratitude and respect to female trailblazers such as Lil Kim, Salt N Peppa, Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah and DJ Spinderella. The performances were electrifying and edge gripping. But why did it take so long to for these ladies to be recognized? It has been more than a quarter of a century since “All Hail the Queen.”
Lil' Kim, top left, Missy Elliot, top right, Queen Latifah, bottom left and Salt N' Peppa, bottom right.
During the show last year Latifah, meanwhile, went as far as to bring her “sistas” out on the stage with her during her performances, including Da BRAT, Rah Digga, The Lady of Rage, Bo$$, YoYo, and MC Lyte.
I believe that the lack recognition will continue unless we do something about it ourselves. Recognition should not be based solely on popularity and album sales. We need to recognize those with talent and who are dedicated to the art of Hip Hop and Rap.
Being a woman is tough enough but being one in the music industry is even harder. It's time to let ladies be first!
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MARCH 2017
CAMPUS
B-CU students present research at national conference Bethune-Cookman University political science graduating seniors Taylor and Tyler Durrant traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the Political Science National Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society’s annual conference at George Washington University.
B-CU kicks off 2017 Home Depot 'Retool Your School' Campaign; College could win $50k Bethune-Cookman University is hoping to win up to $50,000 in grant funds from the Home Depot Retool Your School Grant Program.
The students presented research on disciplinary policies in the United States that target African-American, Hispanic, and Latino The Durant twins travel to Washington, D.C., recently to women within the U.S. attend a national political science conference. public school system. While at the conference, the twin ence travel and other avenues, we are sisters had the opportunity to network endeavoring to prepare as many politand hear from graduates and doctoral ical science and international studies students from George Washington students as possible for excellence University and Georgetown Univerin education, research and service,” sity. McCoy said. “I am extremely proud to witness Taylor and Tyler shine among students throughout the nation in presenting their research,” said Dr. Dorcas McCoy, associate professor. Political science students that excel in political and social science research and coursework are eligible to attend and present at the conference.
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
“The opportunity to present our research in D.C. was a monumental check on my undergraduate bucket list as a political science researcher,” Taylor Durrant said.
For eight consecutive years, Home Depot has awarded HBCU’s over $1.5 million in grant funding to HBCU’s. Voting for the competition began Feb. 24 and ends April 16. B-CU supporters can vote two ways: 1) Online, once a day at www.retoolyourschool. com or 2) using B-CU’s hashtag, #BETHUNE_RYS17 to cast an unlimited amount of social media votes across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Home Depot Retool Your School Grant Program offers Historically Black Colleges and Universities an opportunity to apply “Our research calls our public consciousness to examine disciplinary for grants to use toward creating policies in the United States that are environmental renovations and disproportionally targeting African substantial upgrades to their cam“Through our curriculum, CURES, American, Hispanic, and Latino wom- puses. Additionally, schools are field experiences, internships, conferen in U.S. Public Schools,” she said. categorized in one of three clusters based on their school’s enrollment Information provided by B-CU Office of Communications population. Each cluster will have
three winners competing for one $50,000, one $40,000 and one $30,000 grant prize. The highest three schools in each category to receive the largest number of votes will move to the next round of submitting a proposal for review by a panel of advisors. The winners will be announced May 11 at The Home Depot headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Follow B-CU on Twitter and Instagram @BethuneCookman and use the hashtag #Bethune_RYS17 in your posts for unlimited voting and/or log on to www.retoolyourschool. com and vote daily to help preserve the legacy and campus of Dr. Bethune. Information provided by B-CU Office of Communications
SPORTS
7 B-CU basketball ends season with wins against Florida A&M VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
MARCH 2017
By Dominique Williams Sports Writer Bethune-Cookman Women’s basketball team concluded one of the best regular seasons in its Division I history, defeating Florida A&M in its regular season finale 66-53 on March 2 on Coach Cy Court in historic Moore Gymnasium. The Lady Wildcats completed their season (18-9 overall, 14-1 MEAC) and were named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular season champions for the second year. The win against Florida A&M (11-17,9-6) makes it seven out of the eight meetings the Lady Wildcats won against the Rattlers in their 165 game series, the most to be played between these two Historically Black Colleges and Universities. B-CU players who stood out during the season include Kailyn Williams, who posted 103 blocks on the season--her third season with 100 blocks or more. The senior is currently sevB-CU Women's basketball team celebrates after clinching their second MEAC title with win over enth on the all-time blocks list and 12 to pass Florida A&M on March 2. Courtney Paris of Oklahoma. Williams also is A&M, 69-59 to close out their regular season, too. 11th on the active rebounding list with 948. Senior Kendra Cooper's 250 three-pointers, meanwhile, are 18th among active players. Despite giving up 60 points at North Carolina A&T, the Lady Wildcats moved up to 14th in the nation in scoring defense at 55.1 points per game. Later that same night, the ‘Cats Reggie Baker scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Bethune-Cookman men basketball team also defeated Florida
The Wildcats (9-21 overall, 6-10 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play) outmatched Florida A&M (7-21 overall, 5-10 in MEAC) right after tip off, taking an 18-7 lead and building it to 37-24 at halftime Baker's fifth three-pointer with 15:39 remaining gave B-CU its biggest lead at 53-31. Teammate Diamante Lewis had nine points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds as the Wildcats concluded the regular season with their fourth win in their last five games as well as their sixth consecutive victory over their arch-rival Florida A&M.
Indoor track season comes to a close Sirmons, Tiller dominate competition at MEAC championship
By Dominique Williams Sports Writer Bethune-Cookman University student Catoria Sirmons still has a big smile on her face. Sirmons, a senior and member of the Wildcats’s Indoor Track and Field team, is beaming because of her first-place win last month on the final day of the 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic (MEAC) Indoor Track and Field Championships. “It felt surreal winning first place,” said Sirmons, who was the single winner for the women’s team during the two-day competition with her victory in the shot put. Sirmon posted a mark of 15.22 meters to edge out other competitors. “It was a dream for so long that when I did win, it still didn't feel real until I finally flipped the medal over and it read ‘1st place women shot put,’ she said. It was a “wonderful feeling that I want to experience every single time,” she said. Sirmons was one of several Wildcats that placed during the competition that took place Feb. 17 and 18 in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Among the women, Keyoshia Harris finished seventh in the pole vault event with a mark of 3.01 meters and Quamecha Morrison finished fourth in the 60-meters hurdles with a time of 8.56.
Meanwhile, Michael Tiller, who had been having a phenomenal season, won the men’s triple jump once again. Tiller jumped a distance of 16.07 feet on the final day of competition. Dominic Harper won the silver medal in the men’s pole vault with a distance of 4.32 meters and Kareem Fair finished fifth in the men's 60-meter dash 6.80.
Sirmons
Tiller
Bethune-Cookman men finished fifth overall with a total of 62 points, while the women’s finished seventh with 50 points. The big winner this year was North Carolina A&T State University, which captured its first-ever MEAC indoor championship with a total of 145 points. Second place went to Florida A&M University and third place to Hampton University.
“It felt surreal winning first place,” said Sirmons.
Harris
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MARCH 2017
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