NFL Top Related Samples

TSU's Richard Dent Elected To Pro Football Hall of Fame - Tennessee State Tigers Athle... Page 1 of 1

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 Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics when the Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10.

Richard Dent 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 organizations such 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.

Sh

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

Levine grabs Super Bowl ring in rookie season - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

7/7/11 9:47 AM

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 Anthony Levine had an immense rookie season as a member of the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers.

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

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

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

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

As legendary Dallas Cowboys and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Roger Staubach, made his way to midfield with the championship trophy, you can see a clear shot of Levine touching 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 right in 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 rookieorientation camp.

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

At the end of the 2010 NFL Preseason, Levine finished with four tackles (3 solo), but received rave reviews from Packer analysts on acmepackingcompany.com. In a story entitle "Someone to Keep an Eye On: Anthony Levine", 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 Packers decided to go with SS Morgan Burnett in the 3rd round, and got a shockingly good season from SS Charlie Peprah (I had expected nothing from him and he ended giving them 15 quality starts), they still signed Levine to the practice squad."

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

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&ATCLID=205176507&SPID=11267&DB_OEM_ID=19600

Page 1 of 2

Levine grabs Super Bowl ring in rookie season - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

7/7/11 9:47 AM

"I'm glad I stayed because my future is looking very good with the Packers," Levine told the Winston Salem Journal. "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 Packers teammates Charles Woodson and Nick Collins that it can only help him in the future. Now that he is signed to a regular contract, he said he plans on working hard this spring and summer to be ready for next season. He also 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 and every practice.It was an awesome experience."

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

In addition, he brings TSU's count to 12 in regards to players who are members of a Super Bowl Championship 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), Bennie Anderson (Baltimore Ravens - Super Bowl XXXV) and most recently, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Arizona Cardinals - Super Bowl XLIII).

Among the list of former TSU football players that were on the rosters of Super Bowl teams in their first season 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 quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Roger Staubach (R), at the conclusion of Super Bowl XLV. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&ATCLID=205176507&SPID=11267&DB_OEM_ID=19600

Page 2 of 2

Football - News - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:28 PM

Levine signs free agent contract with Green Bay Packers Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Release: 05/03/2010

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

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

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

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

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

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

A strong Pro Day workout boosted Levine's stock. After individual workouts leading up to the draft, Levine was graded as a late-round prospect. Weeks before, Levine's Pro Day 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 first for any safety that worked out at the combine. Levine's fastest time in the 40-yard dash was 4.43 seconds unofficially and he bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times. He also turned in a 35-inch vertical leap and a 9-6 broad jump.

Several NFL teams sent representatives to Nashville to watch Levine perform, including Green Bay Packers executive 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 City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Atlanta Falcons also displayed interest in Levine, too, with the Jets, Eagles and other teams requesting more 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 interceptions and 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 the defense and ability to put us in the right coverage and sometimes change the defense," Reed added. "He has great return skills, but I could not risk getting him hurt back there because of his value to our defense. He works very hard at his craft, often organizing 7-on-7 competitions with local colleges in the summer. He has fun with what he does and loves to play football."

http://www.tsutigers.com/PreviewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES…ARTICLE_IMAGE_ID=205728572&FRM_END_DATE=05%2F03%2F2010+00%3A00

Page 1 of 1

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

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.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

Last year, Humphrey was honored by the Atlanta Falcons when his name Richard Dent & Claude Humphery 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 five times 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

Sh

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

Former Football Tiger, DRC, Improves Game with One-on-One Match-up - Tennessee St... Page 1 of 2

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 matchups during practice, helps bring the best out of them.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

one-on-one

"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 down the 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."

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

Football - News - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:48 PM

Tiger Feature: Former TSU Football Operations G.A. lands Buffalo Bills Internship Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Release: 08/09/2009

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

With the internship lasting only five weeks, Williams was selected from more than 150 applicants. His duties include working with the player Courtesy: Buffalo Bills/Media Relations personnel department assisting in all facets of the day-to-day operations.

In addition, completing scouting projects for the V.P. of Pro Personnel, Brandon Williams walks with former Vanderbilt linebacker, Marcus Buggs, evaluating players and tracking free agencies around the league. during the Bills' training camp.

"I plan on taking advantage of this great opportunity by gaining all the experience I can from different areas of the Bills' organization. This internship gives me the chance to get my 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 all interns 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 had significant experience in Tennessee State's football operations office. His credentials were impressive," said Costa. "I have found Brandon to be extremely dependable and very hard working. He is often the first to volunteer for a hard job and never once complains or questions the work. He is respectful and he is well liked by his peers. He has a great future in whatever profession he ultimately chooses and I would recommend him to 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 the NFL commissioner. Williams spent the 2008 Tiger football season as the football operations graduate assistant, 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 is remembered for making an unimaginable reception for a two-point conversion. Williams' score gave TSU a 31-30 overtime victory over Jackson State in the 2006 Southern Heritage Classic.

Other articles on Williams TSU Fullback Savors Big Play

http://www.tsutigers.com/PreviewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES…ARTICLE_IMAGE_ID=204737842&FRM_END_DATE=08%2F09%2F2010+00%3A00

Page 1 of 1

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

Page 1 of 1

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 Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

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"

Sh

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

Football - News - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:35 PM

Former TSU Quarterback Joe Gilliam, Jr. Inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Release: 02/23/2009

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

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State University star quarterback Joe Gilliam, Jr. was inducted posthumously 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 from Pearl High School. In his collegiate career, Gilliam played for the legendary "Big" John Merritt from 1969-'71 http://www.tsutigers.com/PreviewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES‌M_ARTICLE_IMAGE_ID=3528529&FRM_END_DATE=02%2F23%2F2010+00%3A00

Page 1 of 3

Football - News - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:35 PM

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

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

In his four-year NFL career (1972-'76), he completed 44 percent (147-of-331) of his passes for a total 2, 103 yds (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 JOE GILLIAM JR., 49, PIONEER BLACK NFL QUARTERBACK, DIES...

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.tsutigers.com/PreviewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES‌M_ARTICLE_IMAGE_ID=3528529&FRM_END_DATE=02%2F23%2F2010+00%3A00

Page 2 of 3

Football - News - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:35 PM

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://www.tsutigers.com/PreviewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES‌M_ARTICLE_IMAGE_ID=3528529&FRM_END_DATE=02%2F23%2F2010+00%3A00

Page 3 of 3

TSU's DRC Candidate for NFL Rookie of the Week - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

Page 1 of 1

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” ...

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

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

Sh

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

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

Page 1 of 2

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 Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics on Nov. 16. The following month, he was named the NFL's Defensive Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie is interviewed by NFL Network's Deion Rookie of the Month.

Sanders prior to 2009 Super Bowl

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.

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 - Super Bowl 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 (Pittsburgh Steelers - 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 (Washington Redskins - Super Bowl - XVII), Richard Dent, DE (Chicago Bears - Super Bowl XX MVP, 2009 Hall of Fame Nominee), Randy Fuller, DB (Pittsburgh Steelers - Super Bowls XXX, Atlanta Falcons - XXXII), Bennie

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

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

Page 2 of 2

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

Sh

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

TSU's DRC Named NFL Rookie of the Month - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

Page 1 of 1

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 RodgersCromartie (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 two interceptions.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

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 fumble recovery.

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 Jake Plummer (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."

Sh

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

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

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 "Doomsday Defense" 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).

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92733&... 6/27/2011

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

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

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92733&... 6/27/2011

Javarris Williams Drafted By Kansas City Chiefs - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 9:06 PM

Javarris Williams Drafted By Kansas City Chiefs Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Release: 04/26/2009

Nashville, Tenn. - Former Tennessee State running back Javarris Williams added another milestone to his career when he was drafted in the seventh round (212th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 NFL 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 a Historically Black Colllege and University to be taken in this year’s draft class.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

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

Javarris Williams drafted by Kansas City Chiefs

Williams also scored one touchdown on a pass for 16 TDs on the year and 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 list with 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 of 872 yards in 2005.

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

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&ATCLID=3728912&SPID=11267&DB_OEM_ID=19600

Page 1 of 1

Tiger Feature: TSU Student Trainer Interns with Titans - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:40 PM

Tiger Feature: TSU Student Trainer Interns with Titans Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Release: 08/04/2009

Nashville, Tenn. – In the summer, students find internships to harbor professional experience relating to their major and to fulfill course requirements.

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

Courtesy: Gary Glenn/Tennessee Titans

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 in athletic training and will graduate in May 2010. While receiving credit towards her course work, she believes the 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 other professional sports," said Albea. "I am just blessed to have a chance to work with an NFL team. I have hopes of one day heading the athletic training department of a professional team and I can say it all started with this internship."

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

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

After graduation, Albea plans to attend an entry-level athletic training graduate program in pursuit of a Master'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.

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92733&ATCLID=204768520&SPID=11278&DB_OEM_ID=19600

Page 1 of 2

Williams and Newton begin NFL season on practice squads - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:24 PM

Williams and Newton begin NFL season on practice squads Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information

Release: 09/10/2009

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

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

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

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

Javarris Williams (40) and Cecil Newton (64) were placed on NFL practice squads for the start of the 2009 NFL season.

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

Defensive back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will look to help the Arizona Cardinals return to the Super Bowl. Defensive lineman Lamar Divens 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.

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&ATCLID=204791164&SPID=11267&DB_OEM_ID=19600

Page 1 of 2

Williams and Newton begin NFL season on practice squads - Tennessee State Tigers Athletics

6/23/11 8:24 PM

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

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&ATCLID=204791164&SPID=11267&DB_OEM_ID=19600

Page 2 of 2

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

Page 1 of 1

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 while starting in all 11 games 2007.

Courtesy: Tennessee State Athletics

Cornelius Lewis and Cecil Newton Ink NFL Contracts

season, he did not give up a sack.

In 2008, he started all 12 games on the season posting 35 knock-down blocks. 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

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 an offensive 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.

Sh

http://www.tsutigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?PRINTABLE_PAGE=YES&SPSID=92673&... 6/27/2011

Against the Odds The Road Less Traveled: Cruising from High School to the Collegiate Ranks

By Zena O. Lewis

T

he 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 assisting some of the country’s best coaches and accumulating hours attending basketball workshops.

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 Massaro. 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.

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.

Sherri Coale, Univ. of Oklahoma

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 encouraged 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 opportunity 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 Championships (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 national spotlight stages, sometimes it crosses your mind. Hey! I wonder if you

“There were various degrees in the process, but basically when Marist called me, it Brian Giorgis, was one of those times to Marist College 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 resurgence 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 Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University to back-to-back Sun Belt Tournament 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 knowledge 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 players 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 experience. 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.

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 experience,” 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 denominator 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 beginnings 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.”

Rick Insell, Middle Tennessee State University

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…consider the detour to high school.

“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-

Women’s Basketball Coaches Association

9

Against the Odds Coaching Gender Bender

By Zena O. Lewis

I

f you are a male coach who is thinking about coaching women’s basketball, 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 differences in coaching men and women’s basketball and hopefully this article will proGuy Hardaker vide (University of Central Oklahoma) 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.

10

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,” Zierden 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, aggressively. 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 colleagues 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 Oklahoma’s women’s head coach Sherri Coale.

Preparation is essential when heading any athletic program for the Drew Olsen rst time.

(Concordia University)

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, Jarrod, is head coach of the women’s basketball team at Florida Southern College.

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

Women’s Basketball Coaches Association

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

prepare himself for his rst year. “I actually 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 questions about the differences, and little things that helped them,” Olson said. “ The most helpful thing was reading a book by Kathleen Deboer called ‘Gender and Competition’. It was helpful when answering questions related to understanding, coaching and teaching women athletes.”

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.”

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, however 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 practice 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.”

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 basketball, 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.”

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 Employers

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

Job Seekers Speakers and Seminars

Employers

WBCA Resource Center Open Dates

Camps and Clinics

powered by AthleticLink.com

Consultants

Speakers and Seminars

WBCA.org "The Address for Women's Basketball!"

Women’s Basketball Coaches Association

what we want to do. Until, I see it doesn’t work in the WNBA, I’m going to continue to do it,” Zierden Don Zierden (WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx) said.

“Watching Mike Thibault, Paul Westhead, Bill Laimbeer, 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 questions 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?

Open Competition Dates

Post Your Resume

Don’t forget to post your job or open date prior to Convention. It’s all here 24/7.

Events Camps and Clinics

Visit www.WBCA.org now!

Speakers and Seminars

Job Seekers

11

+,-.&''&)/011&2030410

!"#$"#%&#'#(&)*

!"#$$%&#'#($#%))%*+,#-.$%/($0#12(''%3+(45#$%6$$+47(17+-

!"#$%&&'()*+'$,'-'*.' !"#$%&'()&'((*

/"0+*1+2$+,--.#&!$/.0012 !"2"3.#&14&51--,26$"76120 **(8'*98:('*&.;78&<<' 0-$=.0012>?@$"81#3

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`"IJ&A.;"2&%6071#J8& A"EEJ623&'(a&3"-.0&62&I1,@E.\463,#.0)&+."E0&0.$,#.I&0."012&%63%0&14&'b&R16270)&<9&@1"#I0&"2I&.63%7&@E1$=.I 0%1708&&U2&'(([)&0%.&?"0&2"-.I&"&-.-@.#&14&7%.&/1I"=OBD5F&FEE\F-.#6$"&A."-8&&T.;7&0."012)&+."E0&60 A.;"0&A.$%&@1,2I&"2I&?6EE&c162&7%.&`"IJ&]"6I.#&2"7612&71&$12762,.&%.#&$"#..#8& d5123#"7,E"76120&71&+7"7.&N"#-OBD5F&P5O55&KE"J.#&14&7%.&Q."#&M1-626$&+."E0)d&0"6I&!"#=&M8&e6@012) F00607"27&f6$.&K#.06I.27&14&FIS.#760623&"7&+7"7.&N"#-8&dZ.#&1,707"2I623&"$$1-RE60%-.270&"0&"&07,I.27\ "7%E.7.)&12&"2I&144&7%.&$1,#7)&-"=.&%.#&7#,EJ&I.0.#S623&14&7%60&?12I.#4,E&%121#8&B.&E11=&41#?"#I&71&0..623 M1-626$&4,E46EE&7%.&#.07&14&%.#&@"0=.7@"EE&I#."-08d A%.&+7"7.&N"#-OBD5F&KE"J.#&14&7%.&Q."#&F?"#I&60&0.E.$7.I&@J&7%.&7.2\-.-@.#&BD5F&KE"J.#&14&7%.&Q."# 51--677..)&?%6$%&$1206070&14&12.&BD5F\-.-@.#&$1"$%&4#1-&."$%&14&7%.&262.&BD5F&P5O55&].36120&"2I 7%.&$1--677..&$%"6#8 +."E0&?6EE&@.&41#-"EEJ&R#.0.27.I&%.#&"?"#I&"7&7%.&BD5F&F?"#I0&`,2$%.12&!"#$#%&#'()*(+&,&#(-,".(,%' /0$&#%$&12&A,.0I"J)&FR#6E&_)&'((*)&"7&<'g((&R8-8&GYAH&62&7%.&5#1?2.&KE"h"L0&e#"2I&D"EE#11-8&A%.&+7"7.

N"#-OBD5F&KE"J.#&14&7%.&Q."#&R#.0.27"7612&60&R"#7&14&7%.&'((*&BD5F&T"7612"E&512S.27612)&%.EI&62 $12c,2$7612&?67%&7%.&T5FFi&B1-.2C0&N62"E&N1,#i&62&5E.S.E"2I)&W%618 8@&'"(!"#".(A#,B +7"7.&N"#-G#H&620,#.0&-1#.&$"#0&7%"2&"2J&17%.#&620,#.#&62&T1#7%&F-.#6$"&"2I&60&7%.&E."I623&j8+8&%1-.

9::;'""<<<=<>?4=6/5"/0304101"@---)AB8%%!=9:C3

)450&#&67&8

+,-.&''&)/011&2030410

!"#$"#%&#'#(&)*

!"#$%&%'()*+*&(,+%-.#(/01222(+3&"*#(+"4(561222(&-789:&&#(#&%;&(9;&%(0<(-!88!9"(+$*91(=!%&1(8!=&(+"4(>&+8*> 798!?!&#(!"(*>&(@"!*&4()*+*&#(+"4(A+"+4+1(+"4(-9%&(*>+"(/'5(-!88!9"(B+"C(+??9$"*#'()*+*&(,+%-(D$*$+8 E$*9-9B!8&(F"#$%+"?&(A9-7+":(!#(*>&(7+%&"*(9=(*>&()*+*&(,+%-(=+-!8:(9=(?9-7+"!&#'()*+*&(,+%-(!#(%+"C&4 G9'HH(9"(*>&(,9%*$"&(<22(8!#*(9=(8+%3&#*(?9-7+"!&#'(,9%(-9%&(!"=9%-+*!9"1(78&+#&(;!#!*(#*+*&=+%-'?9-I%J(9%(!"

A+"+4+(#*+*&=+%-'?+I*-J' ,9$"4&4(!"(/K6/1(*>&(LMAE(7%9-9*&#(N9-&".#(B+#C&*B+88(B:($"!=:!"3(?9+?>&#(+*(+88(8&;&8#(*9(4&;&897(+ %&7$*+B8&(!4&"*!*:(=9%(*>&(#79%*(+"4(*9(=9#*&%(+"4(7%9-9*&(*>&(4&;&897-&"*(9=(*>&(3+-&(!"(+88(9=(!*#(+#7&?*#(+# +(#79%*(=9%(N9-&"(+"4(3!%8#'(,9%(-9%&(!"=9%-+*!9"(+B9$*(*>&(LMAE1(78&+#&(;!#!*(LMAE'9%3'

OOLMAEOO

9::;'""<<<=<>?4=7/5"/0304101"@---)AB6%%!=9:C3

)450&6&78&6

WBCA :: Press Release

7/18/10 1:00 PM

Press Release :: Women's Basketball Coaches Association

For Immediate Release March 27, 2007

Contact: Summer McKesson Manager of Communications 770.279.8027 ext. 112 smckesson@wbca.org

Harding’s Tenacious Defense Earns Her National Recognition ATLANTA, Ga. - The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) has selected Duke University’s Lindsey Harding as the WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year. The WBCA Defensive Player of the Year Award honors the best defensive collegiate Division I women’s basketball player. All Division I Conference Defensive Player’s of the Year are eligible to be nominated for the award and the selection committee 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 the Year 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 success throughout the season. This Houston, Texas, native helped to lead the Blue Devils to a No. 1 National Ranking in the USA TODAY ESPN NCAA Division I Top 25 Coaches’ Poll. Her defensive efforts also led Duke to the nation’s second-best scoring defense, as the squad held opponents to an average of 51.4 points per game.

For her outstanding play this season, Harding was selected as the ACC Player of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was named an All-ACC First Team selection. She averaged 13.6 points, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. This season, Harding became only the sixth player in ACC history to register over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 250 steals.

Harding will be formally recognized at the WBCA Awards Luncheon presented by State Farm and Jostens at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, in the Crowne Plaza’s Grand Ballroom. This event is part of the WBCA National Convention and is held in conjunction with the NCAA® Women’s Final Four® in Cleveland, Ohio.

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

http://www.wbca.org/releases/WBCANationalDefensivePOY2007.html

Page 1 of 2

WBCA :: Press Release

7/18/10 12:59 PM

Press Release :: Women's Basketball Coaches Association

For Immediate Release March 31, 2007

Contact: Summer McKesson Manager of Communications 770.279.8027 ext. 112 smckesson@wbca.org

CP3 Rocks, Rolls In Women’s Basketball Top Honor ATLANTA, Ga. - The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced today that the University of Tennessee’s sophomore Candace Parker has been named The State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. The WBCA presents this award 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,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. “Candace is an exceptional representative for Lily Margaret Wade, the WBCA and The 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 fellow Lady 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 6'4 Naperville, Illinois native's relentless, majestic and versatile playing ability has her listed in the upper echelon of the best in women’s basketball.

Parker is the fastest UT player to capture 1,000 career points. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the 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 AllAmerican, and ALL-SEC honors. Parker’s success does not stop on the court, but continues in the classroom as 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 studentathlete, on and off the court, make her truly deserving of this wonderful honor. We look forward to seeing Candace fulfill the rest of her basketball dreams."

The Wade Trophy, named after the late, legendary three-time national champion Delta State University head coach Lily Margaret Wade, debuted in 1978 as the first-ever women's national player of the year award in college 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) and Sue Bird (2002). Last year’s recipient of The State Farm Wade Trophy was Seimone Augustus (Louisiana State 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) http://www.wbca.org/releases/WadeTrophyWinner2007.html

Page 1 of 2

WBCA :: Press Release

7/18/10 12:59 PM

for five years in presenting The State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year Award. A committee comprised of 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 and Jostens on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at 12:00 (ET) in the Crowne Plaza’s Grand Ballroom. The State Farm Wade Trophy Player of the Year presentation is part of the 2007 WBCA National Convention, held in conjunction 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 in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.6 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No.22 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca™.

About NAGWS The National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) was established to develop and deliver equitable 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 justice and change.

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

--WBCA--

http://www.wbca.org/releases/WadeTrophyWinner2007.html

Page 2 of 2

WBCA :: Press Release

7/18/10 1:00 PM

Press Release :: Women's Basketball Coaches Association

Contact: Summer McKesson Manager of Communications 770.279.8027 ext. 112 smckesson@wbca.org

For Immediate Release 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 Company announced today the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Kodak/WBCA AllAmerica Basketball Team. This year’s team marks the 33rd year of the longest running sponsorship in women’s athletics. Selection committees in each of the eight WBCA geographical regions select ten of the top 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 Jessica Davenport Sylvia Fowles Lindsey Harding Crystal Langhorne Ivory Latta Angel McCoughtry Courtney Paris Candace Parker Armintie Price Candice Wiggins

Institution The Ohio State University Louisiana State University Duke University University of Maryland University of North Carolina University of Louisville University of Oklahoma University of Tennessee University of Mississippi Stanford University

Year Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr.

Pos. C C G C G F C G/F/C G G

Hgt. 6-5 6-6 5-8 6-2 5-6 6-1 6-4 6-4 5-9 5-10

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

"For the past 32 years, Kodak has partnered with the WBCA to celebrate the best in women's college basketball. Kodak is in the business of helping people capture and share memories. It is gratifying for us to help 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 of these 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 NCAA Division I:

http://www.wbca.org/releases/KAATRelease2007.html

Page 1 of 3

WBCA :: Press Release

Name Charel Allen Jolene Anderson Alison Bales Amanda Brown Essence Carson Tina Charles Dee Davis Jessica Dickson Natalie Doma Robyn Fairbanks Katie Gearlds Chrissy Givens Carmen Guzman Kamesha Hairston Devanei Hampton Kiera Hardy Tasha Humphrey Tiffany Jackson Crystal Kelly Erlana Larkins Andrea Lightfoot Ali Mann Lyndsey Medders Renee Montgomery Carrie Moore Mandy Morales Bernice Mosby Eshaya Murphy Lauren Neaves Noelle Quinn Jillian Robbins Adrianne Ross Joi Scott Brooke Smith Tyresa Smith Nicole Soulis Carla Thomas Kia Vaughn Marcedes Walker Emily Westerberg Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton Hanna Zavecz

7/18/10 1:00 PM

Institution University of Notre Dame Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison Duke University Penn State University Rutgers University University of Connecticut Vanderbilt University University of South Florida Idaho State University Utah Valley State College Purdue University Middle Tennessee State Univ.

Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham Temple University Univ. of California, Berkeley University of Nebraska University of Georgia University of Texas Western Kentucky University University of North Carolina Idaho State University Bowling Green State University Iowa State University University of Connecticut Western Michigan University University of Montana Baylor University University of Southern California Rice University UCLA University of Tulsa Texas Christian University Murray State University Stanford University University of Delaware UW-Green Bay Vanderbilt University Rutgers University University of Pittsburgh Arizona State University Purdue University University of Wyoming

Year Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Pos. G G C F/C F C G F C C G G G F C G F F F F G F G G G G F G F G F G F C G F F/C C C F F F

Height 5-11 5-8 6-7 6-4 6-1 6-4 5-7 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-3 5-6 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-8 6-1 5-9 5-7 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-0

About Eastman Kodak Company Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator. With sales of $13.3 billion in 2006, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak's system of digital and traditional products and http://www.wbca.org/releases/KAATRelease2007.html

Page 2 of 3

WBCA :: Press Release

7/18/10 1:00 PM

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

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

--WBCA--

http://www.wbca.org/releases/KAATRelease2007.html

Page 3 of 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 28, 2008

CONTACT: Zena Lewis PHONE: (404) 880-6685 EMAIL: zlewis@cau.edu

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 England 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 talent 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 MAY 1, 2007

CONTACT: Zena Lewis PHONE: (404) 880-6685 EMAIL: zlewis@cau.edu

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-