July 2013 Vol. 7 Travis Grant NAIA Hall of Famer Soccer David Beckham Retires Watkins Award BSTM Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Best Pound-for-Pound Boxer in the World World Men’s Handball Championship China’s World Table Tennis Champions HBCU Report In Memory of Deacon Jones Photo Gallery Softball Sluggers Columnists Jackie Robinson International Ice Hockey Championship Sports Greats “Fearsome Foursome” Track & Field St. Aug’s National Champions R INSIDE THIS ISSUE COVER STORY 22 Floyd Mayweather, Jr.: Best Pound-for-Pound Boxer in the World COLUMNISTS 4 6 Notre Dame Snubs Watkins Award The Amazing Jackie Robinson: The Greatest American Sportsman SPECIALS 30 David Beckham Retires: Soccer 20-year Career Ends FEATURES TABLE TENNIS 10 China’s 2013 World Table Tennis Champions: Zhang Jike & Li Xiaoxia HANDBALL 14 The 2013 World Men’s Handball Championship PHOTO GALLERY 16 Softball Sluggers SPORTS GREATS 18 The “Fearsome Foursome” INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY 20 The 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship NFL: 29 In Memory of Deacon Jones: The “Secretary of Defense” - “Most Valuable Ram of All-Time” - The “Greatest Defensive End of Modern Football” HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs) 12 28 NAIA Hall of Famer Travis Grant = Incredible Story St. Augustine’s University Wins D-ll National Men’s Track & Field Title 35 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association [CIAA] 36 Southwestern Athletic Conference [SWAC] 37 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association [SIAC] 38 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference [MEAC] 39 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference [GCAC] 40 Other HBCUs Cover photo from Wikipedia BSTM is published digitally, monthly by Black Sports The Magazine, LLC. 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Decisions as to the editing and publishing of materials are based on space availability and the discretion of the publisher and editor. BSTM assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or typographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of BSTM. © Copyright 2004 BSTMLLC Notre Dame Snubs Watkins Award By Reginald “Reggie” Grant - Author, English Teacher, former New York Jet, NFL The Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Award is presented each year to the nation’s top African-American male high school scholar athlete since 1992. Finalists are chosen based on their un-weighted grade point average, their personal statements, extracurricular activities, community service, and letters of recommendation. For the past Reginald eight years, each finalist has been recognized Grant in Los Angeles, received an award, ring, and dinner in their hometown. All of the finalists are outstanding students, involved in their communities and exceptional, highly recruited athletes. This will be the only award these highly decorated student-athletes are recognized for what they have to work for off the field by completing a personal statement, getting letters of recommendation and submitting official transcripts. They put in a lot of work to just be considered for the award. Well, Notre Dame doesn’t care! The goal of the organization is to provide a positive nurturing environment, and to honor all of the hard work and dedication that these young people have had to put in to become high achieving scholar-athletes. The Alliance Alumni are highly accomplished academicians and athletes, who in essence become mentors for these young men. The finalists become a part of the Watkins Award family, which boasts a collegiate graduation rate of 98%. The Watkins Award Alumni include Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle, Justin Blalock of the Atlanta Falcons, Gerald McCoy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arrelious Benn of the Philadelphia Eagles, Ben Tate and DeVier Posey of the Houston Texans, Ted Ginn Jr., of the San Francisco 49ers, All-Pro Lorenzo Alexander of the Arizona Cardinals, Mohammed Massaquoi of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Darnell Dinkins of the New Orleans Saints, LaVarr Arrington of the Washington Redskins, Joseph Barksdale & Matt Daniels of the St. Louis Rams, Grant Irons and Ronald Curry formerly of the Oakland Raiders , and All-Pro Marcedes Lewis of the Jacksonville Jaguars to name a few. But, Notre Dame seems to disregard ways to help AfricanAmerican young men be more than athletes. Just ask Corey Robinson, incoming freshman at Notre Dame. Corey Robinson competed for and was selected for this year’s Watkins Award Class. He worked hard to submit a great package, and he personally called the Executive Director of the organization to express his excitement about becoming a Watkins Man. Corey’s local paper wrote an article on his achievement as finalist, and he and his family were so very proud of his accomplishment. Corey is the son of NBA Hall of Fame player and Annapolis (Navy) graduate David Robinson. The travel arrangements were made, schedules were shuffled and he was all set to participate in the weekend’s activities, including opportunities for the finalist to meet and develop relationships with the Watkins Alumni, many of who attend each year’s event, to work with under privileged youth at our Annual Free Academic Success Symposium and FREE Football camp for two-hundred plus youth. The weekend 4 BSTM culminates with the Black Tie Awards Banquet, where each youth is honored and the eventual winner is named. The organization was stunned when informed that Notre Dame would not let Corey attend the event. You see, Corey had chosen Notre Dame after being recruited by nearly every powerhouse program in the nation, had graduated high school early and enrolled at Notre Dame. Three (3) Watkins alumni have attended Notre Dame; Darius Walker, former NFL player and announcer for the team’s games, Grant Irons former Oakland Raider and Raki Nelson former Philadelphia Eagle. The Executive Director of the Alliance reached out to the University and was given the run around from the football offices to Compliance, to the Athletic Director’s office with invalid and weak excuses as to why he could not attend. What a disgrace and slap in the face to every African-American student athlete past, present and future. Again, Corey had completed the requirements and had earned the right to participate. He missed it all, including the dinner held in each finalist city for family and friends. Notre Dame displayed outright disdain for the African-American community and the student athletes that make it millions of dollars annually. This is a continuing pattern of disrespect to African-Americans and our positive organizations. Notre Dame is a school who boasts of its commitment to the Student Athlete. What university with an emphasis on studentathletes would NOT allow its player to attend the Watkins Award? I now understand that the football program and its participants are total hypocrites when they say they are looking out for student athletes. Moving forward, I’m sure the Watkins Award Committee will inform all Watkins nominees that if they are considering Notre Dame, what they did to Corey and the position they put him and his family in. Regardless of what they say, it’s all about athletics and the football program. Let’s look at the Watkins Award class of 2013, in alphabetical order; Kendell Beckwith, comes from Clinton, Louisiana. A member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll of America, Beta Club, Member of Future Farmers of America and a volunteer with the Clinton Community Football League. An ESPN Radio Player of the Year, Times Picayune of New Orleans Defensive Player of the Year, All-District, All-State Defensive MVP, All Metro Defensive MVP, and Under Armour All-American. All while maintaining a 3.4 GPA at East Feliciana High School. Jordan Cunningham hails from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Florida Social Studies Award, President of the Diversity Club, and volunteer for the Invisible Children Organization. He was the Florida Scholar Athlete of the Year, 1st-Team All-County, Miami Herald All-State, Florida Super 11, Miami Dolphins Super 24, ESPN Top 150, and Under Armour All-American. He maintained a 3.8 GPA at University School High School. “Mr. Everything” Joshua Dobbs is a native of Atlanta, GA. He is a July 2013 Photo courtesy of Reginald “Reggie” Grant member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, National Society of High School Scholars, Student Ambassador, AP Scholar with Honor, Leadership Committee Chairman, and Philanthropy Committee Chairman. A member of the Atlanta 5A All-State, AHS Raider Offensive Player of the Year, Atlanta QB MVP, and Nike National Elite 11 Top 6 . He earned a 4.0 GPA at Alpharetta High School, and has never missed a day of school. Leon McQuay III, Tampa, FL, is an Academic All-American, Armwood Academic Letterman, Mu Alpha Theta Academic Award recipient, and Temple Terrace Youth Volunteer. A USA Today 1stTeam member, Max Prep Sports 1st-Team, Sporting News 10th Ranked Player, Rivals Top 100, ESPN rated as the #32 Best Player Nationwide, and Under Armour All-American. While attending Millbrook High School, he has maintained a 4.7 GPA. Last, but not least, is Corey Robinson of San Antonio, TX. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Merit Scholar, Academic All-State Team, Texas ACT Council Achievement Award recipient, and a National Latin Honor Society member, as well BSTM as a Harvard Book Award recipient, 1st-Team All-State, and Army All-American, while maintaining a 4.4 GPA at San Antonio Christian High School. By the way, Corey had a great spring and should be an impact player for Notre Dame this fall, no surprise. For twenty-three years, the Watkins Award has challenged its awardees to be better off the field. It’s clear that Notre Dame is only interested in how athletes can compete on the field. Congratulations to Notre Dame, Coach Chip Kelley, its athletic department and its football program for showing AfricanAmerican males that they care nothing about them being true student-athletes and well-rounded people. I guess they live by the old Al Davis mantra “Just Win, Baby”… regardless of the cost. I would never consider sending one of my kids to Notre Dame…. what about you? Let me and Notre Dame know what you think. Notre Dame University contact information, President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., [email protected], Jack Swarbrick, University Vice President/Director of Athletics, (574) 631-6107, Brian Kelly, Head Football Coach, (564) 631-7475. July 2013 5 The Amazing Jackie Robinson The Greatest American Sportsman By Robert E. Lewis Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson integrated modern Major League Baseball, and became the inaugural Major League Baseball (MLB) Rookie of the Year in 1947. He was selected the National League’s Most Valuable Player of the Year 1949. He led the Brooklyn Dodgers to 6 National League Pennants and the World Series Championship in 1955. He is a sports figure who led by Robert E. Lewis example, became a civil rights leader, goodwill ambassador, the first Black television analyst in MLB, and the first African-American vice-president of a major American company. Robinson succeeded on the baseball field, in the business arena, and in academia. If the measure of a great individual and great athlete is their ability to work with others, be courageous under fire, articulate various situations, discuss issues in a professional manner, play a professional sport under tremendous pressure, then Jackie Robinson not only was an amazing athlete, he was an amazing leader. America has been blessed with great athletes. Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Muhammad Ali, Sandy Koufax, Michael Jordan, and Joe Louis dominated their sports in their time. But Robinson shines above the rest, because of his ability to take the pressure, excel under extreme pressure and the glare of the big stage. He was not just playing for himself or his team, he was playing for all African-Americans, and all Americans of color. As the first Black man to play in the major leagues since the 1880s, he was instrumental in bringing an end to racial segregation in professional sports. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia, in 1919, to a family of sharecroppers. His mother, Mallie, single-handedly raised him and her four other children. He was the youngest of the five children, after Edgar, Frank, Matthew, and Willa Mae. Growing up in a large, single-parent family, he excelled early at all sports, and learned to make his way in life. In high school, Robinson played several sports at the varsity level, and lettered in four of them: football, basketball, track, and baseball. He played shortstop and catcher on the baseball team, quarterback on the football team and guard on the basketball team. After high school, he attended Pasadena Junior College, where he played basketball, football, baseball, and ran track. On the football team, he played quarterback and safety. He was shortstop and leadoff hitter for the baseball team, and he broke the school long jump record held by his brother Matthew “Mack” Robinson. In 1938, he was elected to the All-Southland Junior College Team for baseball and selected as the region’s Most Valuable Player. 6 BSTM After graduating from Junior College, Robinson transferred to UCLA, where he became the school’s first athlete to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. In track and field, he won the 1940 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in the long jump. In 1941, he was named to the All-American football team. While a senior at UCLA, he met his future wife, Rachel Isum, a UCLA freshman. In the spring of 1941, he left college just shy of graduation, due to financial issues and the cost of college. In 1942 he was drafted and assigned to a segregated army cavalry unit in Fort Riley, Kansas. Robinson had this can do spirit, the fight for justice, the ability to articulate a situation and find solutions. Having the requisite qualifications, he applied for Office Candidate School (OCS) then located at Fort Riley. Although the army’s initial July 1941 guidelines for OCS had been drafted as race-neutral, practically speaking, few Black applicants were admitted in OCS. After protests by heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, also stationed at Fort Riley, and civilian aides to the Secretary of War, he and other Blacks were accepted to OCS. Robinson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in January 1943. Jackie Robinson and Rachel Isum became formally engaged. In July 1944, he boarded an army bus, and was asked to move to the back of the bus. He refused, the bus driver had him arrested. When Robinson confronted the investigating officer about racist questioning, the officer recommended he be courtmartialed. By the time of the court-martial in August 1944, the charges against him had been reduced. He was acquitted by an all-white panel of nine officers. After his honorable discharge, Robinson returned to his football club, the Los Angeles Bulldogs. Later, he accepted an offer to be Athletic Director at Sam Huston College (renamed: HustonTillotson University) in Texas. In early 1945, while he was at Sam Huston, the Kansas City Monarchs sent him a written offer to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues. Because of his great play with the Monarchs, he was chosen to play in the 1945 Negro League All-Star Game. Jackie Robinson had this amazing leadership ability, which he developed in junior high school. Because he was such a great athlete and leader, he seemed to work well with others. Moving from the segregated south to the more liberal, wide open west seemed to benefit Robinson. He never seemed to develop the fear many Blacks had of White people, and the White power structure. In fact, Jackie Robinson attacked institutionalized racism in a way few people of color dared to in the late 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. He was a leader of his sports teams at Washington Junior High School, John Muir High School, Pasadena Junior College and UCLA. Most of his teammates were White. His older brother’s drive and encouragement must have been instrumental in getting him to see what a great July 2013 individual and athlete he was. He seemed to take on all challenges. This seems to be part of why he was so remarkable and amazing. His brother, Mack, was an Olympic track star, and this seems to have inspired him even more. But, he was also aware of the fact that although his brother had been a track star, Mack struggled to earn a living. Which might explain why he was always looking for opportunities, many times working at more than one place, in different cities within the same year. Robinson was always able to spot opportunities, whether it was playing football for an integrated semi-pro team in Honolulu or Los Angeles. When he did play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues, he was one of the best paid players. He had many benefactors. Black leaders, African-American newspaper writers, Jewish leaders, and liberal White leaders were demanding that the major leagues be integrated in the early 1940s. Wendell Smith, a top Black sportswriter and editor of the Pittsburgh Courier, an African-American weekly, had often written articles and spoke in the late 1930s and early 1940s about why Major League Baseball should be integrated. Jackie Robinson When a powerful Boston City Councilman, Isadore Muchnick, agitated for integration of Major League Baseball, Robinson pursued this opportunity. A child of Russian Jewish immigrants, Muchnick grew up in Boston’s old West End. He graduated from Harvard in 1928, and Harvard Law School in 1932. Elected to the Boston City Council in 1941, Muchnick rapidly developed a reputation as a progressive, with a sense of justice. Muchnick arranged for a tryout for Negro players on April 16, 1945. For years, the African-American press had called for the integration of baseball and touted the accomplishment of Black athletes. The National Negro Newspaper All-American Association of Sports Editors (NNNAA) touted Robinson more than any other athlete. Members knew that the first player to break the color line needed to be more than just a great athlete. In order to succeed, he also needed the social, emotional and intellectual skills to survive the scrutiny of a nation (Stout “Tryout and Fallout” Massachusetts Historical Review, 2004). Branch Rickey, Club President and General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, began to scout the Negro Leagues for possible Dodgers players in the mid-1940s. Rickey selected Robinson from his list of promising Black players. On October 23, 1945, it was publicly announced that Robinson had been signed to play with Brooklyn’s International League Farm Cub, the Montreal Royals. On February 10, 1946, Jackie and Rachel were married. In the spring of 1946, Robinson arrived in Florida to train with the Montreal Royals Team. He was met with bigoted acts and racist attitudes. But, he endured because he was on a mission to do well with the Montreal team and eventually play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He led the International League in batting, and was named league Most Valuable Player (MVP). The Montreal (Canadian) fans treated him very well, he was their hero, and BSTM really helped the International League’s attendance. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first Black man to play in a modern Major League Baseball game. He was derided by opposing teams. Some, notably the St. Louis Cardinals, threatened to strike if Robinson played. After the threat, National League President Ford Frick and Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler let it be known that any striking players would be suspended. Robinson had to deal with threats to his life, rough physical play by opponents, name calling, serious injuries caused by other players trying to spike him, or pitchers sending pitches near his head. Sixty years after the 1887 banishing of Moses “Fleetwood” Walker, a Black player from the International League, Robinson was chosen the inaugural MLB Rookie of the year in 1947. Sixty years since a long accepted “gentlemen’s agreement” among baseball owners and officials kept organized baseball White, Robinson was a star. In the 1947 season, he had a .297 batting average, on-base percentage of .383 and a .427 slugging percentage. He also led the league in sacrifice hits and in stolen bases (Baseball Almanac 2010, The World Almanac and book of facts 2010). The Brooklyn Dodgers also won the 1947 National League Pennant. Robinson brought excitement to Major League Baseball. He brought new fans to the game and a renewed interest. In 1949, Robinson had a .342 batting average, 124 runs batted in (RBI) and 122 runs scored, 37 stolen bases, second place in the league for both doubles and triples (Baseball Almanac 2010, New York Times Almanac 2010, The World Almanac and book of facts 2010). He was popular with many baseball fans. They voted him starting second baseman for the 1949 Major League All-Star game, the first All-Star game to include Black players. He was chosen the NL’s MVP for 1949.The Dodgers also won the 1949 NL Pennant. Robinson became the highest paid Dodger in 1950. He had a batting average of .328 and 99 runs in 1950 (New York Times, New York Times Almanac, World Almanac). He also led the league in double plays. He won his only championship when the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the 1955 World Series. Although the Dodgers won the World Series in 1955, this was Robinson’s worst year from an individual statistical measure. He had been diagnosed with diabetes, and began to show the effects of diabetes with his play. After the 1956 season, he was traded to the New York Giants. The trade was never completed. He had already agreed to become vice-president of personnel for Chock full o’Nuts. Robinson retired from baseball on January 5, 1957. Robinson exhibited the combination of hitting ability and speed. He scored more than 100 runs in six of his ten seasons, had a .311 career batting average, a .409 career on-base percentage, a .474 slugging percentage (New York Times, New York Times Almanac, World Almanac). He was also an outstanding fielder. He played first base his rookie season, second baseman most July 2013 7 Solara Surfside Resort Want to Advertise with us? 8801 Collins Avenue Surfside (Miami), Florida 33154 ------------Tel.: 202-236-3253 BSTM For Ad Rates Call: 202-882-9444 or Email: [email protected] Josh Gibson Foundation - www.joshgibson.org The Amazing Jackie Robinson - Contiune from page XX Series. Jackie Robinson died October 24, 1972, of a heart attack at home in Stamford, Connecticut, he was 53. of his career, but he also played third base and outfield. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, on the first ballot. He was the first Black player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From 1957 to 1964, Robinson was a vice president at Chock full o’Nuts, the first Black person to serve as vice president for a major American corporation. He always hoped that his business career would encourage other Blacks to become business leaders. Robinson also helped found Freedom National Bank in 1964, a Black-owned and operated commercial bank based in Harlem. He served as the banks first Chairman of the Board. He also started a construction company in 1970. Jackie Robinson In 1965, Robinson served as an analyst for ABC’s Major League Baseball Game of the Week telecasts, the first African-American to do so. In 1966, he became General Manager for a Brooklyn football franchise, the new Continental Football League did not last long. On June 4, 1972, the Dodgers retired his uniform number 42. He made his final public appearance on October 15, 1972, throwing the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the World 8 BSTM In honor of Robinson’s accomplishments and celebrating his baseball career, Major League Baseball retired his uniform number 42, on April 15, 1997. This was 50 years after Robinson broke the color line. Jackie Robinson was the first and only player whose uniform number was retired by Major League Baseball (Baseball Almanac). It must be noted that the only active player to still retain the number 42 is Mariana Rivera of the New York Yankees. Mariana will be allowed to use the number until his retirement. Jackie Robinson was an amazing athlete, businessman, and entrepreneur. He was truly gifted, and led an extraordinary life. He was a pioneer and role model. It is largely because of Jackie Robinson’s hard work and sacrifice that we have African-American executives in major sports leagues (baseball, basketball, and football). Jackie Robinson opened the door of opportunity for African-American managers, coaches, and players by setting an example and agitating for more opportunities for athletes of color. We can all learn from his courage and determination. Robinson once stated “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me….all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” July 2013 The Best Season The First Ninety Games Author – Bob May [email protected] www.honoringblackballbookone.net www.honoringblackball.com About the Book: Historical Fiction How would twenty-one stars of the Black Ball (BB) era (Negro Leagues and Independent Black Teams) like to be honored? I believe they would like to be honored in action on the playing field. There are a significant number of great historical books published on the Negro League and its players. However, most of the evidence of their exploits on the field is anecdotal. Their play against the White ball players in the Major Leagues is against post-season barnstorming teams, not in-season battles for first place! These twenty-one BB Stars (team name in book) deserve the opportunity to play the great Major League teams/ players in organized competition. For fifty-seven years (since I was a teenager), my hobby has been to play sophisticated baseball board games that simulate the play of Major League Baseball accurately. In 1993, while I was the President of Pursue the Pennant Baseball Game Company, we created a 416 player card set (included 21 stars of the Negro Leagues). In this set was every player currently in the National Baseball Hall of Fame (nearly 200 players). There was nearly another 100 players who had great careers (potential Hall of Famers). We also made the decision to include about 100 players who had that one great year. These players covered the period from 1881 through 1987, but it excluded active players as of 1992. For these 416 players, we created a card that would reflect their statistics for their “Best Season” in the Major Leagues. In 2011, I finally did my research, which I believe will honor these 21 Black Ball stars and all the players of the Black Ball era. These 21 Black Ball stars and four “free agent” Black pitchers (Newcombe - 1956 Dodgers; Tiant – 1968 Indians; J R Richard – 1979 Astros; and Donnie Moore – 1985 Angels) will face the sixteen original post-1900 franchises in fifteen nine game series (the Braves and Pirates franchises have been combined). In addition to these 135 games, there will be two fifteen game All-Star competitions (fifteen games with 21 man rosters/six pitchers and fifteen games with 25 man rosters). This “Best Season” competition will total 165 games plus a six team playoff. The BB Stars are an automatic seed in the playoffs. Remember these BB Stars will be playing the Best (season) of the Best (players). It is an exciting full season of baseball. This two book series will be written as a baseball reporter would write up yesterday’s ball game in today’s paper. There will be all sorts of great action, statistics and highlights. Doing this research (playing nearly 200 games) gave me an appreciation of how good these players were. I believe the reader will enjoy these games as if he/she had box seats behind the BB Stars dugout. During the last twelve months, in addition to writing the first book, I attended my first Negro League Baseball Conference. I have had the honor of meeting four former Negro League players. In addition, I have read many books on the Negro Leagues. It was an honor for me to bring to life (on the field) the talents of these great stars even if it is Historical Fiction. Bob May Spring 2012 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Hard Cover - $44.95 – 272 pages — Soft Cover - $26.95 – 272 pages Special Offer!!! Bob May (author) will autograph either soft or hard cover book, ship it for the retail price of the books above (savings of 20-22% + autographed copy!). Make a check out to Bob May (hard cover-$44.95; soft cover-$26.95, includes shipping/handling*) and mail to: Bob May 2750 Saratoga Drive Rockwall TX 75087 To contact Bob May [email protected] Books are available through traditional and online bookstores. * Shipping is book rate and domestic shipping, only. If expedited or international shipping is required, please email May to assess extra cost. Handling is done in a bubble pack envelope. China’s 2013 World Table Tennis Champions Zhang Jike & Li Xiaoxia The 2013 World Table Tennis (International Table Tennis F e d e r a t i o n ) Championships were held at the Palais Omnisports de ParisBercy in Paris, France during May 2013. The Championships were the 52nd edition of the World Table Tennis Championships. These were the first Championships since 2003, in which China did not win all five competitions and the first since 1993, in which they won fewer Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy than four Gold Medals. China’s tenChampionships long streak of men’s doubles titles came to an third-seed Wang Hao triumphed four sets to two (11–9, 11–7, end as Chuang Chih-yuan and Chen Chien-an of Chinese Taipei 11–3, 7–11, 12–14, 11–3) over the second-ranked Ma Long. (Taiwan) beat a Chinese duo for their nation’s first-ever Gold Medal. China’s eleven-Championships long streak of mixed In the men’s singles final, Zhang Jike beat his countryman Wang doubles titles (since 1989) came to an end as Kim Hyok-Bong Hao 4–2 to claim his fourth straight major title. Zhang won the and Kim Jong of North Korea beat a South Korean team in the first set 11–7 and the second 11–8. Wang bounced back to take finals. However, China did have the top four finishers in both the the third set 11–6. He continued his surge in the fourth set, men’s and women’s singles and won 14 of 20 medals overall. taking an early lead. However, Zhang maintained his composure, and took the hard fought set 14–12. Wang took the fifth set 11–5 Zhang Jike took the men’s title, marking his fourth consecutive to stay alive in the best of seven match, before Zhang finished World or Olympic first place finish, while Li Xiaoxia won her first the match with a 11–7 fifth set. The victorious Zhang threw his World title in the women’s singles. Li also teamed up with Guo shirt into the crowd, and ran into the stands to celebrate with his Yue to win the women’s doubles title for China. parents, who had never attended a world competition event before. “My parents had always wanted to watch me play during Doha, Qatar, one of the only two candidate cities, withdrew its major world competitions, but I refused. This time I asked them bid, after the Qatar Table Tennis Association was made aware to come here,” he explained. that Paris wanted to mark the 10-year anniversary of the 2003 World Table Tennis Championships. As a result, Paris was Zhang had previously won the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympic selected as the host city. The decision was announced by The Games, both also over Wang, as well as the 2011 World International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) in May 2010. The Championships. He has never lost to Wang in international Tournament was held at the 12,000 seat Palais Omnisports de competition. After the match, Wang announced it was his last World Championships, as he plans to retire in the near future. Paris-Bercy. Entering the 2013 World Table Tennis Championship, China had not lost a single event since 2003, when Werner Schlager of Austria won the men’s singles. Both men’s semi-finals featured a matchup of two highly ranked Chinese players. In the first, the fourth-seed Zhang Jike dominated the world number-one Xu Xin in a victory of four sets to none (11–8, 11–2, 11–9, 12–10). In the other semi-final, the 10 BSTM In men’s doubles, Chuang Chih-yuan and Chen Chien-an captured Chinese Taipei’s (Taiwan) first ever Gold Medal. The duo topped Ma Lin and Hao Shuai of China four sets to two. Ma and Hao won the first set 11–9, before dropping three in a row to Chuang and Chen (12–10, 11–6, 13–11). After Ma and Hao won the fifth set 11–9, Ma and Hao finished off the match with a 11–8 sixth set. The Secretary General of the Chinese Taipei Table Tennis Association called the victory “an important milestone in July 2013 The day after Li won the single’s title, she joined with Guo Yue to add the women’s double Gold to her medal haul. Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen, also from China, took the first set 11–5, but it was all Li and Guo from there. Li and Guo, who are close friends, won the second set 11–5, and then the next three sets 11–7, 11–5, and 11–7, for a four set to one victory. Singapore’s Feng Tianwei and Yu Mengyu took one of Bronzes, with the other going to Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling of China. Entering the World Championships, China had won eleven straight mixed doubles titles (since 1989). However, no Chinese team made the finals in 2013. Instead, Kim Hyok-Bong and Kim Jong of North Korea beat Lee Sang-Su and Park Young-Sook of South Korea 4–2. The North Korean team won the first three sets, before dropping two straight. They recovered from their slide, and won the match in the sixth set. It was the first-ever mixed doubles title for the nation and the first world title of any kind in 36 years. Zhang Jike our table tennis history,” and the Taipei government awarded Chaung and Chen $30,033 each for their accomplishment. Taiwanese President, Ma Ying-jeou, remarked “It’s a hard-won achievement that highlights the Taiwan spirit of perseverance and fortitude.” Chinese Taipei had been competing in world championships since 1985. The country’s previous best finish was second place in women’s single by Chen Jing twenty years prior. China had won the men’s doubles in the last ten World Championships. In women’s singles, Li Xiaoxia of China claimed her first World Championships with a four set to two victory over compatriot Liu Shiwen. Li won the first set 11–8, but Liu bounced back with an easy 11–4 second set victory. Li captured the third set 11–7 and fourth 12–10. Liu stayed alive with a 11–6 fifth set, and fended off two match point in the sixth before falling 13–11. Li had previously finished second at the World Championships in 2011 and 2007. Her victory allowed her to complete a career glad slam (World Cup, Olympic Title, and World Championships). For Liu, it was her first World Championship final appearance. Ding Ning and rising star Zhu Yuling, both also from China, took the Bronze Medals. BSTM July 2013 Li Xiaoxia 11 NAIA Hall of Famer Travis Grant = Incredible Story By John McCarthy, Collegiate Basketball Historian The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) was excited to induct a very prestigious Hall of Fame Class at the 2011 Buffalo Funds-NAIA National Championship in Kansas City. The class consists of Terry Porter (Wisconsin-Stevens Point), Scottie Pippen (Central Arkansas), Travis Grant (Kentucky State) and Bill Odell (Azusa Pacific). John McCarthy Let me take a little time to write about Travis Grant and his incredible accomplishments! Sometimes we get wrapped up in the hype or try to generate hype…..and then there are times when the facts just speak for themselves. What’s great about Travis is that he has all of the statistics, awards, facts, etc., yet is just a genuinely humble and all around good guy. He was raised in Alabama by his mother and as he describes it poor. He literally nailed the milk carton to the barn so that he could shoot (basketball). The court was the dirt. That’s how he honed a jump shot that would become one of the very best in the game, at any level, at any time. After high school in Alabama, he followed Coach Lucius Mitchell to Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky. As a freshman, he averaged an astounding 26.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, while shooting an astounding 61.9% from the field. You read those numbers correctly: 26.6 points, while shooting 61.9% from the field – as a freshman. Incredible! During his sophomore year, the Thorobreds went 29-3, and won the NAIA National Championship. Travis averaged 35.4 points and 9.0 rebounds, while shooting an astounding 70% from the field. During the NAIA Tournament in Kansas City, he averaged 27.4 points. How about this fact: during his sophomore year, he dropped 75 points in one regular season game. Incredible! During his junior year, he led his team to a 31-2 record and a second straight NAIA National Championship appearance. For the season, he averaged 31.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and shot 64.8% from the field. During the NAIA Tournament, he averaged 33.6 points and was named Chuck Taylor Most Valuable Player. Incredible! His senior year was memorable in so many ways. In an epic showdown against Eastern Michigan and their star George “The Iceman” Gervin. Travis help drop Eastern from the ranks of the unbeatens with a blowout victory, while Travis scored 68 points on Gervin. To hear Gervin tell the story is great. They heard Kentucky State was good, but they had no idea. Gervin mentioned that they “held” Travis to about 18 at the half, and then he exploded for 50 in the second half alone, while the Thorobreds ran away with the game “by about 50,” according to “The Iceman.” By the time his senior year was complete, Travis led his team to a third-straight NAIA National Championship, this time with overall 12 BSTM Travis Grant 28-5 record, a season average of 39.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and shooting 62% from the field. Again, he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), while averaging 42.6 points per game, a tournament record that still stands today. He set the scoring record for a single game with 60 points against Minot State (SD), while also setting the record for the most points in the tournament and the aforementioned tournament scoring average, all records that still stand today. Incredible! When it was all said and done for his senior year, Travis won three consecutive National Championships and scored 4,045 points in his college career. As he walked off the court at Municipal Auditorium for the last time in 1972, no player in college basketball history had scored more points than Travis. None. He was given the Lapchick Award for the top player in all of college basketball, at any level. This was the first time that the Award was ever given to a small college player. Travis is a member of the Kentucky State University Hall of Fame, July 2013 Travis Grant accepting the Lapchick Award the Kentucky Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. The numbers, awards and honors are staggering, yet deserved. Travis will tell you that it’s the National Championships that are important to him, not the individual awards and numbers. It’s about the degree that he received from Kentucky State University. It’s about the Master’s degree he earned from West Georgia University. It’s his wife, Sharon and it’s his children and grandchildren. That’s what he wants to talk about….championships, degrees and family. Okay, maybe we should toss golf in there, too. After his professional basketball career (he was a first round NBA draft choice of the Los Angeles Lakers), Travis worked in education for 29 years, as a teacher, coach and administrator, before retiring following the 2009-10 school year. So now he enjoys golf and some well-deserved free-time. BSTM Around Kentucky State, and for those that know the history of the game, they refer to Travis Grant as a “legend.” But now that “legend” just wants to do in golf as he did in basketball so well: score. And one more really cool thing…when Travis got his first check from the Los Angeles Lakers, he took that money back to Alabama, picked up his mother and bought her a house. His mother sacrificed and loved him, and the kid from Alabama returned home to take care of his mom. Today, almost 39 years later, she stills lives in that house that her son bought for her. Thanks Travis for all that you do on and off the court. On Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at the Grand Ballroom in the Kansas City Convention Center, Travis Grant was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. July 2013 13 The 2013 World Men’s Handball Championship Handball (also known as team handball, Olympic handball, European team handball, European handball, or Borden ball) is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six outfield players and a goalkeeper on each team) pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team. A standard match consists of two periods of 30 minutes, and the team with more goals scored wins. After receiving the ball, players can pass, keep possession, or shoot the ball. If possessing the ball, players must dribble (similar to a basketball dribble), or can take up to three steps for up to three seconds at a time without dribbling. No attacking or defending players other than the defending goalkeeper are allowed to touch the floor of the goal area (within 6 meters of the goal). A shot or pass in the goal area is valid if completed before touching the floor. Goalkeepers are allowed outside the goal area, but are not allowed to possess the ball across the goal area boundary. The ball may not be passed back to the goalkeeper when he is positioned in the goal area. Notable scoring opportunities can occur when attacking players jump into the goal area. For example, an attacking player may catch a pass while launching inside the goal area, and then shoot or pass before touching the floor. Doubling occurs when a diving attacking player passes to another diving team-mate. Modern handball is usually played indoors, but outdoor variants exist in the forms of field handball and Czech handball (which were more common in the past) and beach handball (also called sandball). The game is quite fast and includes body contact, as the defenders try to stop the attackers from approaching the goal. Contact is allowed only when the defensive player is completely in front of the offensive player (i.e., between the offensive player and the goal). Any contact from the side or especially from behind is considered dangerous and is usually met with penalties. When a defender successfully stops an attacking player (who loses the ball over a line), the play is stopped and restarted by the attacking team from the spot of the infraction or on the 9-meter line. Unlike in basketball, where players are allowed to commit only 5 fouls in a game, handball players are allowed an unlimited number of faults, which are considered good defense and disruptive to the attacking team’s rhythm. Certain elements of the game are reminiscent of rugby (for instance, the degree of force that defense may use to stop the attacker with the ball, together with the lack of protections and helmets). Goals are scored quite frequently. Usually, both teams score at least 20 goals each, and it is not uncommon for both teams to score more than 30 goals. This was not true in the earliest history of the game, when the scores were lower. But, as offensive play has improved since the late 1980s, particularly the use of counter-attacks (fast breaks) after a failed attack from the other team, goal-scoring has increased. The rules are laid out in the International Handball Federation’s (IHF) Set of Rules. The 2013 World Men’s Handball Championship was the 23rd Championship, an international handball tournament that took place in Spain in January 2013. This was the first time Spain hosted the World Men’s Handball Championship, becoming the twelfth country to host the competition. Spain won the title, beating Denmark in the final 35–19. Handball The Games were played in six locations in Spain. Barcelona 14 Madrid Zaragoza Granollers BSTM July 2013 Seville Guadalajara Spain Zaragoza Granollers Barcelona Guadalajara Portugual Madrid Seville Atlantic Ocean Mediterranean Sea Africa The qualification for the 2013 World Handball Championship took place in the calendar years of 2011 and 2012. As the host nation, Spain and as defending champions, France, were automatically qualified for the tournament. Other qualifying nations included Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Denmark, Serbia, Croatia, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Hungary, Macedonia, Iceland, Germany, Belarus, Poland, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. These participating teams/countries were placed in four groups, with each group’s winner advancing to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, Spain defeated Slovenia 26-22 and Denmark defeated Croatia 30-24. The final match, watched by 14,000 people, was played at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Denmark entered the final as the only unbeaten team during the tournament, having won all eight matches they previously played. Host nation Spain won seven of their eight matches before the final, losing only to Croatia in the final match in the group phase. Spain won its second World Men’s Handball Championship, beating Denmark 35–19. While in the early minutes of the game the teams were closely matched, Spain played tough defense, limited Denmark’s scoring chances and went on a scoring run to end the first half leading 18–10. The Spanish team then increased their lead in the second half, outscoring Denmark 17–9 to close out the game. It was the third World Championship final that Denmark lost, having also been defeated in 1967 and 2011. BSTM July 2013 15 Photo Gallery by All Pro Photo Do Not Miss Another Issue! Free Monthly Emailed to You Go to: www.bstmllc.com to read and/or subscribe Your Monthly Sports Website! Welcome to BSTM BSTM Store HBCU Sports Sports Medicine BSTM Financial Advice Current Issue of BSTM Read Previous Issues BSTM Forum Join BSTM’s Email Listing Photo of the Month Special Editions Sports News BSTM Poll BSTM on Facebook www.bstmllc.com Sports Greats The “Fearsome Foursome” The “Fearsome Foursome” was a title first used in reporting professional football, when referring to the dominating defensive lines of the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League in the early 1960s, the New York Giants, and most widely, the Los Angeles Rams of the 1960s and 1970s. Los Angeles Rams Rosey Grier was acquired from the New York Giants in 1963, to join Lamar Lundy, Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones as the Los Angeles Rams starting defensive line. They became known as the Fearsome Foursome, and the greater publicity garnered by the NFL leads many to assume they were the originals. Dick Butkus called them “the most dominant line in football history.” They gained fame as the Rams went from a perennial second division, under .500 team, to a National Football League (NFL) powerhouse under head coach George Allen. Roger Brown replaced Grier in 1967, and Diron Talbert replaced Brown in 1970. Also, in 1970, Coy Bacon replaced Lamar Lundy. The line was ultimately broken up when George Allen became coach of the Washington Redskins in 1971; Talbert and Jones left in 1972, with Talbert following Allen to the Redskins, and Jones going to the Chargers for 2 years before eventually reuniting with Allen himself on the Redskins in 1974. Bacon left in 1973. Lamar J. Lundy, Jr., was a defensive end with the Los Angeles Rams for 13 seasons, from 1957 to 1969. Along with Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, and Rosey Grier, Lundy was a member of the Fearsome Foursome, often considered one of the best defensive lines in NFL history. All four also did some acting. Lundy portrayed the boulder-hurling cyclops in the unaired pilot of Lost in Space (this pilot was later made into episode 4 of the series, entitled “There Were Giants in the Earth”). Lundy was born April 17, 1935, in Richmond, Indiana. He attended Purdue University, where he was the first Black student to receive a football scholarship, and where he was named Most Value Player (MVP) of both the football and basketball teams in his senior year. The 6' 7" Lundy was drafted by both the NFL and the National Basketball Association (NBA), but he opted for a career in football. Early in his professional career, Lundy (#85) was occasionally used as an offensive receiver, catching 35 passes for 584 yards and 6 touchdowns. He scored an additional 3 touchdowns on interception returns (coincidentally, the only 3 interceptions of his NFL career). When he retired as a player, Lundy became an assistant coach for the San Diego Chargers, but was forced by illness to cease coaching. Lundy died at age 71 on February 24, 2007. Merlin Jay Olsen was an NFL player, commentator and actor. He played his entire 15-year career with the Los Angeles Rams, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 14 of those seasons, a current record shared with Bruce Matthews. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. As an actor he portrayed the farmer Jonathan Garvey on Little House on the Prairie. After leaving that series, he starred in his own NBC drama, Father Murphy, playing the title role of a foster 18 BSTM dad posing as a traveling priest. Olsen was born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah. He attended Utah State University, where he was a three-year letterman in football as a defensive tackle. He graduated from the College of Business and Social Sciences at USU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 1962 and a Master’s Degree in Economics in 1971. He later received an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business from the Huntsman School. In football, as a senior, he was a consensus All-American selection (making the vast majority of All-America teams), and was the winner of the Outland Trophy. After Olsen’s junior year of 1960, he was also named All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and Newspaper Enterprise Association. He was also All-Conference in both 1960 and 1961. Olsen and Utah State were in the 1960 Sun Bowl, losing to New Mexico State, 20–13. Coming out of college, Olsen had offers from both Los Angeles of the NFL and the Denver Broncos of the rival American Football League (AFL). He chose the security of the NFL, and signed with the Rams. He was the first Utah Aggie to be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL draft. Olsen played professionally from 1962 to 1976 for the Los Angeles Rams. A leading defensive star of his era, he missed only two games in his 15-season NFL career. He was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 1962, and was First-Team All-Pro in 1964, and 1966 through 1970. He died on March 11, 2010. Roosevelt “Rosey” Grier is an American actor, singer, Christian minister, and former professional football player. He was a notable college football player for The Pennsylvania State University, who earned a retrospective place in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 100th anniversary list of 100 most influential student athletes. Grier was born July 14, 1932. After his professional sports career, he worked as a bodyguard for Robert Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign, and was guarding the senator’s wife, Ethel Kennedy, during the Robert F. Kennedy assassination. Although unable to prevent that killing, Grier took control of the gun and subdued the shooter, Sirhan Sirhan. His other activities have been colorful and varied. He hosted his own Los Angeles television show, and made approximately 70 guest appearances on various shows during the 1960s and 1970s. As a singer, Grier first released singles on the A label in 1960, and over the following twenty-five years, he continued to record on various labels including Liberty, Ric, MGM and A&M. His recording of a tribute to Robert Kennedy, “People Make The World” (written by Bobby Womack) was his only chart single, peaking at #128 in 1968. Grier is known for his serious pursuit of hobbies not traditionally associated with men such as macrame and needlepoint. He has authored several books, including Rosey Grier’s Needlepoint for Men in 1973. He became an ordained Christian minister in 1983, and travels as an inspirational speaker. He founded July 2013 American Neighborhood Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that serves inner city youth. He was born on July 14, 1932, in Cuthbert, Georgia. He played high school football at Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, New Jersey. After playing on the defensive line on the Penn State University football team, Grier was drafted as the 31st overall pick in the third round of the 1955 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He played with the Giants from 1955 to 1962, during which he led the team to a NFL Championship in 1956 and the Eastern Conference Championship in 1958, 1959, 1961 and 1962. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 1956 and 1960, and was named All-Pro at the defensive tackle position in 1956 and 1958–1962. Jones was drafted in the 14th round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He then earned a starting role as a defensive end, and teamed with tackle Merlin Olsen to give Los Angeles a perennial All-Pro left side of the defensive line. Jones won consensus All-Pro honors five straight years from 1965 through 1969 and was Second-team All-Pro in 1964, 1970, and 1972. He was also in seven straight Pro Bowls, from 1964 to 1970, and was selected to an eighth after the 1972 season with the San Diego Chargers. He was voted the team’s Outstanding Defensive Lineman by the Los Angeles Rams Alumni in 1962, 64, 65, and 66. In 1971, Jones suffered a severely sprained arch, which caused him to miss four starts and he ended the season with 4½ sacks, his career-low to that point. In 1972, Jones was included in a multi-player trade with the San Grier was then traded in July 1963 to the Los Angeles Rams. He Diego Chargers, where he was an instant success. He was was part of the “Fearsome Foursome,” often considered one of named San the best D i e g o ’ s defensive lines in The “Fearsome Foursome” d e f e n s i v e football history, captain and led along with the all Chargers’ Purple People d e f e n s i v e Eaters of the linemen in M i n n e s o t a tackles and won Vikings, the Steel a berth on the Curtain of the AFC Pro Bowl Pittsburgh squad. He Steelers, and the concluded his Dallas Cowboys’ career with the D o o m s d a y Washington Defense. His Redskins in career ended in 1974. 1967 due to a torn Achilles tendon. An extremely durable player, David D. Jones missed “Deacon” Jones only six games of was a former a possible 196 football defensive regular-season end for the Los encounters in his Angeles Rams, 14 National Lamar J. Lundy, Jr., Rosey Grier, Merlin Olsen, and Deacon Jones San Diego Football League Chargers, and seasons. the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. Jones specialized in quarterback sacks, a Jones was considered by many to revolutionize the position of term attributed to him. Nicknamed the “Secretary of Defense,” defensive end. Jones was noted for coining the term “sack.” he is considered one of the greatest defensive players ever. The What separated Jones from every other defensive end was his Los Angeles Times called Jones “Most Valuable Ram of All Time,” blinding speed and his ability to make tackles from sideline to and former Rams head coach George Allen called him the sideline, which was unheard of in his time. He also was the first “Greatest Defensive End of Modern Football”. pass rusher to utilize the head slap, a move that he said “To give myself an initial headstart on the pass rush, in other words a Jones was born December 9, 1938, in Eatonville, Florida. He extra step. Because anytime you go upside a man’s head ...; attended Hungerford High School, where he played football, they may have a tendency to blink they eyes or close they eyes. baseball, and basketball. And that’s all I needed. [sic]” Jones’ college football career consisted of a year at South Pro Football Weekly reported he accumulated 194½ sacks over Carolina State University in 1957, followed by a year of inactivity his career, which would be third on the all-time sack list. (Jones in 1958, and a final season at Mississippi Vocational College would have ranked first all-time at the time of his retirement, and (since re-named Mississippi Valley State University) in 1960. since has been surpassed by two fellow Hall of Famer’s Bruce South Carolina State revoked Jones’ scholarship after they Smith and Reggie White.) learned that he was a part of a civil rights movement. However, one of the assistant football coaches at South Carolina State In 1967, Jones had 26 sacks in only 14 games, which (if official) was leaving to coach at Mississippi Vocational, and told Jones would be the single season record. (The term “sack” had not yet and some of the other Black players that he could get them been coined at the time, and official sack statistics were not scholarships at the new school. While he was playing at recorded by the NFL until 1982.) Then in 1968 Jones had 24 Mississippi Vocational, he and his teammates had to sleep in sacks in 14 games, also more than the current NFL record. The cots in the opposing team’s gym because motels wouldn’t take sum total of these two seasons would give him 50 sacks in 2 them on numerous occasions. seasons, far more than anyone else has achieved. BSTM July 2013 19 The 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship The 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship (IIHF) was the 77th event hosted by the IIHF, held in Stockholm, Sweden, and Helsinki, Finland, in May 2013. The host team, Sweden, won the team’s ninth title in history by defeating Switzerland in the final 5–1, and became the first host team to win the Tournament since the Soviet Union team won the 1986 World Championship in Moscow, Soviet Union. The Swedish team started the Tournament with quite a poor performance but managed to get a collective boost when the Sedin brothers joined the team after the Vancouver Canucks had been defeated in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Switzerland sent a clear message about their recently improved hockey program by going undefeated through the Tournament before the final; finishing first in their pool (ahead of Canada and Sweden); and earning their second Silver Medal in history, as well as the team’s first medal since 1953. At the semi-annual congress in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in September 2007, Sweden (70 votes) was voted the host of the 2013 Tournament, defeating the runner-up Belarus by 55 votes. Other countries in the running were Hungary (8 votes), Czech Republic (3 votes) and Latvia (which withdrew from the race and endorsed the Swedish bid). At the congress in Bern, Switzerland, in 2009, it was announced that Finland (the host for the 2012 World Championship) and Sweden would co- host both the 2012 and 2013 Tournaments. The host arenas were the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm (12,500 permitted seats) and Hartwall Areena in Helsinki (13,506 permitted seats). Capacity was limited to these numbers because of modern health and safety rules. Malmö Arena was originally planned to co-host according to the Swedish bid, but the Swedish Hockey Federation decided to drop Malmö as a host city when they decided to collaborate with Finland before the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, which took place in that arena. Tampere was also a candidate to be the Finnish venue, but due to a delay in construction of the new Tampereen Keskusareena, Helsinki was named as co-host. Tele2 Arena, a new retractableroof multi-purpose stadium seating 30,000 spectators, was planned to host at least one game, but due to construction delays, it would not be finished until July 2013, two months after the World Championship. The format of the Tournament was the same as in 2012, which was also co-hosted by Helsinki and Stockholm. Sixteen teams were divided into two groups of eight, who played a seven-game round-robin within their groups. The top four teams in each group advanced to a three-round single-knockout playoff. The only difference from 2012, was that the semi-finals and medal games were played in Stockholm instead of Helsinki. Participating nations of 2013 IIHF World Championship. Blue = hosts. Green = top 14 nation from WC 2012. Yellow = promoted from Division 1. Participating Nations: Ericsson Globe, Stockholm Europe Europe o Austria^ o Russia* o Belarus* o Slovakia* o Czech Republic* o Slovenia^ o Denmark* o Sweden † † o Finland o Switzerland* o France* o Germany* North America o Latvia* o Canada* o Norway* o United States* ________________ * = Automatic qualifier after a top 14 placement at the 2012 IIHF World Championship ^ = Qualified through winning a promotion at the 2012 IIHF World Championship Division I † = Qualified as hosts (and as automatic qualifier) Each team’s roster consisted of at least 15 skaters (forwards and defensemen) and two goaltenders, and at most 22 skaters and three goaltenders. All sixteen participating nations, through the confirmation of their respective national associations, had to submit a roster by the first IIHF Directorate meeting. The IIHF selected 16 referees and 16 linesmen to work the 2013 IIHF World Championship. The seeding in the preliminary round was based on the 2012 IIHF World Ranking, which ended at the conclusion of the 2012 IIHF World Championship. The teams were grouped according to seeding (in parenthesis is the corresponding world ranking). However, Russia and the Czech Republic swapped their slots between their groups to optimize the seeding for the Finnish-Swedish organizers. Hartwall Areena, Helsinki Group S o Czech Republic (3) o Sweden (4) o Canada (5) o Norway (8) o Switzerland (9) o Denmark (12) o Belarus (13) o Slovenia (18) Group H o Russia (1) o Finland (2) o Slovakia (6) o United States (7) o Germany (10) o Latvia (11) o France (14) o Austria (15) *Teams in bold advanced to the quarter-finals. Russia Switzerland Finland Canada 3–8 2–1 4–3 2–3 Quarter-final Scores United States Hartwall Areena, Helsinki - Attendance: 5,506 Czech Republic Ericsson Globe, Stockholm - Attendance: 2,237 Slovakia Hartwall Areena, Helsinki - Attendance: 9,520 Sweden Ericsson Globe, Stockholm - Attendance: 11,153 Finland Switzerland 0–3 3–0 Sweden United States Finland 2–3 United States Switzerland 1–5 Sweden Semi-final Scores Ericsson Globe, Stockholm - Attendance: 11,674 Ericsson Globe, Stockholm - Attendance: 7,136 Bronze Medal game Ericsson Globe, Stockholm - Attendance: 6,836 Gold Medal game Ericsson Globe, Stockholm - Attendance: 12,500 BSTM July 2013 21 Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Best Pound-for-Pound Boxer in the World Floyd Mayweather, Jr., is an undefeated professional boxer. He is a five-division world champion, who has won eight world titles and the Lineal championship in three different weight classes. Mayweather is a two-time Ring Fighter of the Year (winning the Award in 1998 and 2007). He also won the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Fighter of the Year Award in 2007, and the Best Fighter ESPY Award in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. Mayweather is the WBC Welterweight Champion, WBA Super Welterweight Champion, recipient of the WBC Diamond Super Welterweight Belt, current Ring #1 ranked Welterweight, and Ring #1 ranked Junior Middleweight. He is also rated as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by many sporting news and boxing websites, including Ring, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, BoxRec, Fox Sports, and Yahoo! Sports. Mayweather topped the Forbes and Sports Illustrated lists of the 50 highest-paid athletes of 2012. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Mayweather was born February 24, 1977, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, into a family of boxers. His father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was a former welterweight contender who fought Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard. His uncles (Jeff Mayweather and Roger Mayweather) were professional boxers, with Roger – Mayweather’s current trainer – winning two World Championships. Boxing has been a part of Mayweather’s life since his childhood, and he never seriously considered any other profession. “I think my grandmother saw my potential first,” Mayweather said. “When I was young, I told her ‘I think I should get a job.’ She said, ‘No, just keep boxing.’” Boxing became Mayweather’s outlet. As with speed and an uncanny ring sense – he put all his energies into boxing. “I knew that I was going to have to try to take care of my mom, and I made the decision that I was going to have to box to earn a living,” Mayweather says. He had an amateur record of 84–6, and won National Golden Gloves Championships in 1993 (at 106 lbs.), 1994 (at 114 lbs.) and 1996 (at 125 lbs.). He was nicknamed “Pretty Boy” by his amateur teammates because he had relatively few scars, a result of the defensive techniques that his father and uncle (Roger Mayweather) had taught him. In his orthodox defensive stance, Mayweather often utilizes the “shoulder roll,” an old-school boxing technique in which the right hand is held normally (or slightly higher than normal), the left hand is down around the midsection and the lead shoulder is raised high on the cheek in order to cover the chin and block 22 punches. The right hand (as in the orthodox stance) is used as it normally would be, to block punches coming from the other side, such as left hooks. From this stance, Mayweather blocks, slips and deflects most of his opponents’ punches (even when cornered) by twisting left and right to the rhythm of their punches. At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, he won a Bronze Medal by reaching the semi-finals of the featherweight division. Mayweather fought his first professional bout on October 11, 1996, against fellow newcomer Roberto Apodaca, whom he knocked out in round two. From 1996 to early 1998, Mayweather won most of his fights by knockout or technical knockout (TKO). Early in his pro-career, he received praise from all corners of the boxing world, and was touted as a pugilistic prodigy. During his fight with Tony Duran, IBHOF & WBHF trainer, Emmanuel Steward, was quoted as saying, “there have been very few who have been more talented than this kid. He will probably win two or three world championships. I think he will go on to be the best ever.” IBHOF trainer and commentator, Gil Clancy, commented before Mayweather’s ninth professional fight (against Jesus Chavez), “I thought that Floyd Mayweather was the outstanding pro prospect in the entire Olympic Games.” BSTM July 2013 Floyd Mayweather, Jr. In 1998, within two years of entering professional boxing, Mayweather decisively won his first world title (the WBC Super Featherweight (130 lbs.) Championship) with an eighth-round technical knockout of The Ring world #1-ranked super featherweight, Genaro Hernández, after his opponent’s cornerman stopped the fight. It was Hernández’ first defeat in that weight class. He said after the fight, “He defeated me, he is quick, smart, and I always knew he had the speed. I give him respect. He is a true champ.” In his first fight as a lightweight, Mayweather took on World Boxing BSTM Council (WBC) Champion and The Ring #1-ranked lightweight, José Luis Castillo. Despite both fighters officially meeting the 135-lbs. lightweight limit, Mayweather came to the ring weighing unofficially 138½ lbs. to Castillo’s 147½ lbs. He defeated Castillo, winning the WBC and vacant Ring Lightweight Titles with a 12round unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena before a crowd of 6,920. With his win, he became the first Ring Lightweight Champion since Pernell Whitaker. At the age of 27, Mayweather made his 140-pound debut by defeating former titlist DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, knocking July 2013 23 him down twice officially in rounds eight and ten and scoring a decision of 119–108 (twice) and 119–107. The fight was billed as a WBC elimination bout, with the winner earning a shot at 140-pound champion Arturo Gatti. “Mayweather can flat-out fight,” Corley’s trainer Don Turner said. “He’s like magic. He makes you move into the punches.” Shortly after this fight, Mayweather would reach #1 on the USA TODAY pound-for-pound rankings, with Middleweight Champion Bernard Hopkins at #2. The pay-per-view fight between Mayweather and Ring #1-ranked contender Arturo Gatti took place June 25, 2005, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where fans heavily supported Gatti. Gatti’s corner stopped the fight after round six, giving Mayweather his third World Title. Mayweather’s fight with Gatti would be his last in the lightwelterweight division. He would leave as Ring #1ranked contender, with Ricky Hatton as Light-Welterweight champion. After his fight with Gatti, Mayweather moved up to the Welterweight Division. On November 19, 2005, he fought a non-title bout at 147 lbs. against welterweight Sharmba Mitchell. In round three, Mayweather knocked Mitchell down with a straight right hand to the head. In round six, another straight right hand—this one to Mitchell’s body—dropped Mitchell again, ending the fight. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. On April 8, 2006, he defeated Zab Judah for the IBF Welterweight Title in a unanimous decision. Mayweather won by official scores of 116– 112, 117–111 and 119–109. Compubox statistics showed him landing 188 punches, compared with 82 for Judah. His next match was the long-anticipated fight against six-division champion and WBC Light-Middleweight titleholder Oscar De La Hoya on May 5, 2007. De La Hoya’s belt was on the line, which required Mayweather to move up in weight from 147 pounds to 154. However, he was outweighed by more than 10 pounds the night of the fight, coming in at only 150 pounds. Despite De La Hoya’s insistence that money was not a factor, the MayweatherDe La Hoya bout set the record for most pay-per-view (PPV) buys for a boxing match with 2.7 million households, breaking the previous record of 1.95 million for Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson II. About $120 million in revenue was generated by the PPV, another record. Including percentages, De La Hoya earned $58 million for the bout, the highest purse ever for a fighter. The previous record was $35 million, held by Tyson and Holyfield. Mayweather earned about $25 million for the fight. Mayweather won the fight by a split decision in 12 rounds, BSTM capturing the WBC Title. However, many analysts and ringside observers felt he should have received a unanimous decision. After the bout, Mayweather contemplated retirement, saying he had nothing left to prove in the boxing world. After his fight with De La Hoya, Mayweather decided to relinquish his WBC Light-Middleweight Championship, retaining his Welterweight Title. On July 28, 2007, it was announced that he would come out of his brief retirement to fight Ring Light Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton. He controlled the fight from the beginning, knocking Hatton out in the 10th round to retain the Welterweight Championship. On May 2, 2009, it was confirmed that Mayweather was coming out of a 21-month retirement to fight Ring Lightweight Champion and #2 pound-for-pound Juan Manuel Márquez at a catch weight of 144 lbs. on July 18th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on HBO PPV. The fight was postponed due to a rib injury Mayweather received during training. The fight took place on September 19 th in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day, traditionally a big boxing weekend. During the official weigh-in for their 144 lbs. bout, Mayweather failed to meet the weight limit at 146 lbs. and was fined as a result. However, it was later revealed that the contract was changed so that Mayweather could make weight within the welterweight limit of 140– 147 lbs. as long as Marquez received a large guarantee. Mayweather won a unanimous decision after 12 rounds in a lopsided fight. Scorecards read 120–107, 119–108 and 118– 109. Marquez landed 12 percent of his total 583 punches, while Mayweather landed 59 percent of his 490 total punches. This fight marked only the fifth time in boxing history that a nonheavyweight fight sold more than 1 million pay-per-view households, with HBO generating revenue of approximately $52 million. Seven-division World Champion Manny Pacquiao reportedly agreed to fight Mayweather on March 13, 2010, for a split of $50 million. However, the fight was canceled due to disagreements about Olympic-style drug tests. Mayweather’s camp wanted blood tests by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which would conduct random tests from training until the fight date. The Pacquiao camp refused to provide samples, only willing to allow blood to be taken if the test were scheduled. On January 7, 2010, Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum declared that the fight was canceled, offering a chance to fight Pacquiao to Joshua Clottey instead. Mayweather accepted an offer to fight Shane Mosley. July 2013 25 On June 7, 2011, Mayweather announced via Twitter that he was set to fight WBC Welterweight Champion and Ring #2-ranked welterweight Victor Ortiz on September 17 th . Ortiz was Mayweather’s first challenger in 16 months. The fight took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. From round one, Mayweather used his speed, skills and accurate right hand to tag Ortiz repeatedly. Although Mayweather seemed in control through the first three rounds (judges’ scores 30–27, 30–27 and 29–28 for Mayweather), in the fourth round Ortiz had some success, landing a few shots and stinging Mayweather before bulling him into the corner. He then rammed Mayweather in the face with an intentional head-butt, opening a cut on the inside and outside of Mayweather’s mouth. Referee Joe Cortez immediately called time out, and docked Ortiz a point for the blatant foul. Ortiz, apparently acknowledging his wrongdoing, hugged Mayweather in the corner and even appeared to kiss him. 2012, it was confirmed that he would be moving up in weight to fight WBA Super Welterweight Champion and Ring #1-ranked light middleweight Miguel Cotto. On the evening of Saturday, May 5th, Mayweather defeated Cotto in 12 rounds by a unanimous decision, improving his record to 43–0. He used movement and out-boxed Cotto in the middle of the ring for the first few rounds. Beginning in rounds three and four, Cotto cut the ring off from Mayweather, forcing the latter to fight from the ropes. However, Mayweather seemed to outfight Cotto from the ropes with his combinations and by rolling with most of Cotto’s punches. Cotto had more success in the middle rounds, landing his jab and body shots on Mayweather and effectively trapping him on the ropes. The later rounds were controlled by Mayweather, who boxed more in the center of the ring late in the fight. In the 12th round, Mayweather’s uppercut stunned and hurt Cotto, but Cotto was able to fight until the end. Cortez motioned the fighters back together to resume the fight, without putting them in a neutral corner. Both fighters touched gloves, and Ortiz gave Mayweather another hug. At that moment, Cortez was not looking at the fighters. As Ortiz let go, Mayweather took advantage of Ortiz not having his hands up and unloaded a left hook which wobbled Ortiz. Ortiz then looked at the referee, and Mayweather connected with a flush right hand to Ortiz’s face. Ortiz dropped, and was unable to beat Cortez’s count as the crowd of 14,687 jeered Mayweather. Although his controversial victory was legal, it was deemed unsportsmanlike since it was obtained with a sucker punch. The judges scored the fight a unanimous decision for Mayweather by scores of 118–110, 117–111 and 117– 111. After the fight, Mayweather said Cotto was the toughest fighter he ever faced. After the fight, Ortiz claimed that he was merely obeying the referee’s instructions when he was “blindsided” by Mayweather, who defended his actions by saying that “In the ring, you have to protect yourself at all times.” Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Mayweather vs. Ortiz was purchased by 1.25 million homes with a value of $78 million in pay-per-view revenue. These numbers make the event the second-highest-grossing nonheavyweight pay-per-view event of all time. Mayweather has appeared in the three biggest non-heavyweight pay-per-view events in the sport’s history: Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya ($136 million), Mayweather vs. Ortiz ($78 million) and Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley ($78 million). Mayweather ’s adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, announced on November 2, 2011, that Mayweather would return to the ring on May 5, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. After negotiations with Manny Pacquiao failed again, on February 1, 26 BSTM CompuBox had Mayweather out-landing and outworking Cotto in the fight by a significant margin. He landed 26 percent of his total punches (179 out of 687), compared with 21 percent (105 out of 506) for Cotto. In power punches, he landed 128 of 382 (34 percent), compared with 75 of 329 (23 percent) for Cotto. Mayweather earned the biggest guaranteed purse in boxing history ($32 million) when he fought Cotto, according to contracts filed with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The Mayweather-Cotto fight generated $94 million in PPV revenue from 1.5 million purchases, making it the second-biggest nonheavyweight fight in history (after Mayweather’s fight with Oscar De La Hoya). Mayweather returned to the ring on May 4, 2013, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, televised by Showtime PPV. The challenger was Ring #3 ranked welterweight, Robert Guerrero. Mayweather dominated Guerrero for 12 rounds, winning the decision and at least $32 million for the fight. The first couple rounds were fairly even, with Mayweather attempting to counter and time Guerrero, while Guerrero was attempting to drive Mayweather to the ropes and make it a rough fight. After the first couple rounds, Mayweather was in complete control, almost hitting Guerrero at will with right hand leads, counters, hooks, and effectively timing Guerrero the rest of the fight. Mayweather won the fight on all three scorecards, 117-111. July 2013 St. Augustine’s University Wins D-II National Men’s Track & Field Title Pueblo, Colorado – Powered by its sprinters and hurdlers, Saint Augustine’s University completed its season as the best men’s track & field team in Division II. The Falcons scored 99 points on the final day to run away with the men’s team crown at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships held at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl on the campus of Colorado State University at Pueblo on Saturday, May 25, 2013. St. Aug has won 33 men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor titles combined and 11 men’s outdoor titles under legendary head coach George Williams. The Falcons scored 105 points, which is the third-most points by a winning men’s team since 2007. Ashland was second with 57 points and Adams State was third with 44 points. The outdoor title comes on the heels of the indoor crown won by the Falcons in March 2013. It is the first time a team has swept both championships since 2005. The last time the Falcons were indoor and outdoor champions was 2001. “The kids did a good job,” Williams said. “They started the indoor season with a vision. They worked hard. I am proud of them.” Among the women, the Lady Falcons tied for 14th with 18 points. Academy of Art is the women’s winner with 60 points and Johnson C. Smith University placed second with 54 points. Lincoln (MO) University and Grand Valley State tied for third with 51 points. The Falcons won four men’s events and scored significant points in several others to win easily. The winners were the 4x100 relay team, the 4x400 relay team, Dane Hyatt (Jr./Goodwill, Jamaica) in the 400 dash and Jermaine Jones (So./Wilmington, NC) in the 200 dash. On the women’s side, the Lady Falcons claimed the 4x400 relay. “This is a typical St. Aug group,” Williams said. “We excelled in sprints, hurdles, relays and jumps.” The men’s 4x100 relay team set the tone with a sizzling performance in its event. The foursome of Ramaan Ansley (Sr./ Philadelphia, PA), Taffawee Johnson (Jr./St. Ann, Jamaica), Burkheart Ellis, Jr. (Fr./Raleigh, NC) and Jones ran 38.91 seconds to break the Division II national record, which they set in the preliminaries. The Falcons ran 39.01 in the preliminaries to break the previous mark held by Abilene Christian for 29 years. Abilene Christian ran 39.20 in 1984. The Falcons are the first Division II team in history to run the 4x100 relay under 39 seconds. It is the seventh fastest time in the United States in 2013. Grand Canyon was second in 39.58 and Lincoln (MO) was third in 39.95. Ansley is excited to be part of a record-setting relay team and national championship squad. “As a senior, I definitely wanted to be part of something big,” Ansley said. “Now we [4x400 team] 28 BSTM are a part of history - national record and national championship.” Despite the thrilling 4x100 relay win and a fifth-place finish by Ty’reak Murray (Jr./Portsmouth, VA) in the men’s 110 hurdles, the Falcons did not take the lead until the 400 dash, when the Falcons took four of the top six spots with Hyatt leading the way. Hyatt won in 45.41, while Ellis, Jr., was third, James Quarles (Jr./ Washington, DC) was fifth and Josh Edmonds (Jr./Jacksonville, FL) was sixth. The Falcons scored 23 points in the 400 to move into first place with a 44-30 lead over Adams State. The Falcons widened their lead in the 100 dash. Johnson was second, and Jones was third, while Daniel Jameison (Fr./ Windsor, CT) was eighth. The Falcons scored 15 more points for a 58-34 lead over Grand Canyon. The Falcons never looked back from that point. Marcelis Lynch (Sr./Stone Mountain, GA) finished sixth in the 800 and Elhadji Mbow (Jr./Dakar, Senegal) was second in the 400 hurdles. DeJon Wilkinson (Jr./Summerville, SC) was fourth in the triple jump. The Falcons sealed the title in the 200. Jones was first with a time of 20.57, and teammates Johnson and Edmonds were third and fourth, respectively. The 4x400 relay squad of Edmonds, Quarles, Ellis, Jr., and Hyatt capped the meet by winning the last event in 3:04.89. Among the women, the quartet of Kelly Shaw (Sr./Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Cherrisse Lynch (So./Bridgetown, Barbados), Jaivairia Bacote (Jr./Patterson, NJ) crossed the finish line first in the 4x400 relay in 3:35.89. In the 800, Shaw was fourth, Lynch was seventh and Bernard was eighth. July 2013 In Memory of: Deacon Jones The “Secretary of Defense” “Most Valuable Ram of All-Time” The “Greatest Defensive End of Modern Football” Deacon Jones No. 75 Defensive end Personal Information Date of birth: Place of birth: Date of death: Place of death: Height: Weight: December 9, 1938 Eatonville, Florida June 3, 2013 - (aged 74) Anaheim Hills, California 6 ft. 5 inch. 272 lbs. Career Information College: South Carolina State Mississippi Valley State NFL Draft: 1961 / Round: 14 / Pick: 186 Debuted: 1961 for the Los Angeles Rams Last played: 1974 for the Washington Redskins Career History Los Angeles Rams: San Diego Chargers: Washington Redskins: (1961–1971) (1972–1973) (1974) Career Highlights and Awards o o o o o o o o o o 8× Pro Bowl selection (1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972) 5× First-Team All-Pro selection (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969) 3× Second-Team All-Pro selection (1964, 1970, 1972) NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team NFL 1960s All-Decade Team 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1967, 1968) Rams Rookie of the Year Award (1961) Unofficially holds the two highest season sack totals (26-1967) and (24-1968) St. Louis Rams #75 Retired Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Career NFL Statistics Sacks Interceptions Games played 173.5 2 190 David Beckham Retires Soccer 20-year Career Ends David Robert Joseph Beckham is a former English footballer (soccer player). He has played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, Los Angeles Galaxy, French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the England National Team for which he holds the appearance record for an outfield player, and also the first English player to win league titles in four countries. He announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2012–13 Ligue 1 season on May 16, 2013. On May 18, 2013, he played what was likely his final game of his storied 20-year career. Beckham’s professional career began with Manchester United, making his first-team debut in 1992, at aged 17. With United, he won the Premier League Title six times, the David FA Cup twice and the UEFA Beckham Champions League in 1999. He then played four seasons with Real Madrid, winning the La Liga Championship in his final season with the club. In July 2007, he signed a five-year contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles Galaxy. While a Galaxy player, he spent two loan spells in Italy with AC Milan in 2009 and 2010. In international football, Beckham made his England debut on September 1, 1996, at the age of 21. He was captain for six years during which he played 58 times. He has 115 career appearances to date. Beckham has twice been runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year and in 2004, was the world’s highest-paid footballer when taking into account salary and advertising deals. He was the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League matches. When joining MLS in 2007, he was given the highest player salary in the league’s history of $6.5 million per year. Beckham was born May 2, 1975, at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone, London, England. He is the son of Sandra Georgina, a hairdresser, and David Edward Alan “Ted” Beckham, a kitchen fitter, who married at the London Borough of Hackney in 1969. He regularly played soccer in Ridgeway Park, Chingford, as a child, and attended Chase Lane Primary School and Chingford Foundation School. In a 2007 interview, Beckham said that, “At school, whenever the teachers asked, ‘What do you want to do when you’re older?’ I’d say, ‘I want to be a footballer.’ And they’d say, ‘No, what do you really want to do, for a job?’ But that was the only thing I ever wanted to do.” His maternal grandfather was Jewish, and Beckham has referred to himself as “half Jewish” and wrote in his autobiography “I’ve probably had more contact with Judaism than with any other religion.” In his book, Both Feet on the Ground, 30 BSTM he stated that growing up he attended church every week with his parents and his older sister, Lynne Georgina and younger sister, Joanne Louise. His parents were fanatical Manchester United supporters, who would frequently travel to Old Trafford from London to attend the team’s home matches. David inherited his parents’ love of Manchester United, and his main sporting passion was soccer. He attended one of Bobby Charlton’s soccer schools in Manchester, and won the chance to take part in a training session at FC Barcelona, as part of a talent competition. He played for a local youth team called the Ridgeway Rovers – coached by his father, Stuart Underwood and Steve Kirby. Beckham was a Manchester United mascot for a match against West Ham United in 1986. Young Beckham had trials with his local club Leyton Orient, Norwich City and attended Tottenham Hotspur’s school of excellence. Tottenham Hotspur was the first club he played for. During a two-year period in which Beckham played for Brimsdown Rovers’ youth team, he was named Under-15 Player of the Year in 1990. He also attended Bradenton Preparatory Academy, but signed schoolboy forms at Manchester United on his 14th birthday, and subsequently signed a Youth Training Scheme contract on July 8, 1991. He is a “product of Sir Alex Ferguson’s school of hard graft” at Manchester United. Ferguson noted that Beckham “practiced with a discipline to achieve an accuracy that other players wouldn’t care about.” Beckham reportedly spent hours after training sessions ended practicing his free kicks. Ferguson was quoted as saying “David Beckham is Britain’s finest striker of a football (soccer ball), not because of God-given talent, but because he practices with a relentless application that the vast majority of less gifted players wouldn’t contemplate.” Beckham maintained his training routine at Real Madrid and even when his relationship with management was strained in early 2007, Real Madrid President, Ramón Calderón, and manager Fabio Capello praised Beckham for maintaining his professionalism and commitment to the club. In May 2013, when Beckham was asked about how he wanted to be remembered in his retirement, he said “I just want people to see me as a hardworking footballer (soccer player), someone that’s passionate about the game, someone that – every time I stepped on the pitch – I’ve given everything that I have, because that’s how I feel. That’s how I look back on it and hope people will see me.” July 2013 o o MLS Western Conference Winners (Regular Season) (3): 2009, 2010, 2011 o Winners (Playoffs) (3): 2009, 2011, 2012 Paris Saint-Germain o o o Ligue 1 (1): 2012–13 Tournoi de France: 1997 FA Summer Tournament: 2004 Individual o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o David Beckham Orders and Special Awards o o Honors Club o o o o o o o o o o Manchester United Premier League (6): 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999– 2000, 2000–01, 2002–03 FA Cup (2): 1995–96, 1998–99 FA Community Shield (4): 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997 FA Youth Cup (1): 1991–92 UEFA Champions League (1): 1998–99 Intercontinental Cup (1): 1999 o o o o o o o o Los Angeles Galaxy o MLS Cup (2): 2011, 2012 o MLS Supporters’ Shield (2): 2010, 2011 o visit us at: www.blacksportsthemagazine.com BSTM Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II: 2003 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador (2005–present) “Britain’s Greatest Ambassador” – 100 Greatest Britons awards The Celebrity 100, number 15 – Forbes, 2007 Number 1 on the list of the 40 most influential men under the age of 40 in the UK – Arena, 2007 Time 100: 2008 Gold Blue Peter Badge winner, 2001 Do Something Athlete Award, 2011 Records Real Madrid La Liga (1): 2006–07 Supercopa de España (1): 2003 Premier League Player of the Month (1): August 1996 PFA Young Player of the Year (1): 1996–97 FWA Tribute Award: 2008 Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year (1): 1996–97 England Player of the Year: 2003 UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (1): 1998–99 UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year (1): 1998–99 Premier League 10 Seasons Awards (1992–93 to 2001–02): Domestic & Overall Team of the Decade Goal of the Decade (vs. Wimbledon, 17 August 1996) BBC Sports Personality of the Year (1): 2001 UEFA Team of the Year: 2001, 2003 Real Madrid Player of the Year (1): 2005–2006 PFA Team of the Year (4): 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 FIFA 100 ESPY Award – Best Male Soccer Player: 2004 ESPY Award – Best MLS Player: 2008 English Football Hall of Fame: 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award (1): 2010 MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award (1): 2011 Major League Soccer Best XI: 2011 ESPY Award: Best MLS Player 2011 o o First Englishman to win league titles in four different countries (England, Spain, USA and France) First England player to score at three World Cups First British footballer to play 100 Champions League games Has the joint-second most goal assists in European Championship finals history The 400th Paris saint-German player Has been England’s best regular World Cup player since England last won it in 1966 – having created the most chances. July 2013 31 David Beckham o Third in the Premier League’s all-time assist provider chart, with 152 assists in 265 appearances. Beckham has supported UNICEF since his days at Manchester United and in January 2005, the English national team captain became a Goodwill Ambassador with a special focus on UNICEF’s Sports for Development Program. More recently, Beckham has pledged his support for the current Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign. He is also a patron of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. On January 17, 2007, Rebecca Johnstone, a 19-year-old cancer patient from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, received a surprise phone call from Beckham. After the conversation, he sent her a Real Madrid jersey with his signature on it. Rebecca died on January 29, 2007. Beckham is a founding member of the Malaria No More UK BSTM Leadership Council, and helped launch the charity in 2009, with Andy Murray at Wembley Stadium. Video footage from the day can be seen on YouTube and the charity’s website malarianomore.org.uk. Beckham also appeared in a 2007 public service announcement for Malaria No More US, advertising the need for inexpensive bed nets. The TV spot aired in the U.S., and can also be seen on YouTube. Since joining Major League Soccer, Beckham has been a very public advocate in the U.S. for related charities such as “MLS W.O.R.K.S.” On August 17, 2007, he conducted a youth clinic in Harlem (New York), along with other current and former MLS players. This was in advance of his first New York City area match the following day against the New York Red Bulls. That team’s Jozy Altidore and Juan Pablo Ángel were also with Beckham, teaching skills to disadvantaged youth to benefit FC Harlem Lions. July 2013 33 13th Annual HBCU National Tennis Championships CIAA Bowie State University, MD - Chowan University, NC - Elizabeth City State University, NC Fayetteville State University, NC - Johnson C. Smith University, NC - Lincoln University, PA Livingstone College, NC - St. Augustine’s University, NC - St. Paul’s College, VA - Shaw University, NC Virginia State University, VA - Virginia Union University, VA - Winston-Salem State University, NC FSU Hires Lawrence Kershaw as Leader of Football Program Fayetteville State University (FSU) named Lawrence Kershaw as its 15 th Head Football Coach. Kershaw has eight years of experience as an offensive coordinator and a total of 17 years on the collegiate level. He will take over the Bronco program after serving as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Florida A&M University (FAMU) for the past five years. FAMU finished as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Co-Champions in 2010 with a 7-1 record. Kershaw has helped guide 20 offensive studentathletes and six position players (linemen) to AllMEAC honors. Three of his linemen, Robert Okeafor, Steve Brazzle and Anthony Collins garnered All-American accolades. One of his quarterbacks was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. The Rattler offense once ranked 13th in the nation in scoring offense and 17th in rushing offense. Under his schemes in 2012, the Rattlers finished first in the MEAC in passing efficiency (141.9), touchdown passes (18) and completion percentage (70.4). FAMU was ranked second in the conference in pass offense (236.2 per game) and third in total offense (359.0 per game). The offense has ranked in the top three of numerous offensive categories through his five years. In 2007, Kershaw was the offensive line coach at Hampton University. The offense finished first in the MEAC in scoring, passing and red zone offense. In 2006, he served as the offensive line coach and coordinator of the strength and conditioning program at Truman State University. Kershaw is a 1995 graduate of Virginia State University. VSU Names Latrell Scott Head Football Coach Virginia State University named Latrell Scott as the University’s 23 rd head football coach. “I believe this place is special,” Scott said at the news conference where he was introduced. “VSU has made a commitment to football.” Scott brings 12 years of coaching experience to the Trojans. Last year, he coached tight ends at James Madison University (JMU). At JMU, Scott recruited the Metro Richmond, Williamsburg and Northern Neck areas. He spent the 2008 and 2009 seasons as the wide receivers coach at the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia, respectively. Before joining JMU, Scott was head coach at the University of Richmond (UR), where he previously served as wide receiver and assistant head coach. With Scott as position coach, the 2007 Richmond team posted a then-school record 11 wins and the school’s first ever appearance in the National Semi-finals. UR eclipsed 10 team records in 2007, setting new standards for scoring average (34.9 points per game), touchdowns (63) and total offense (5,675 yards). Scott was a three-year starter at tight end at Hampton University, earning All-American honors his senior season. He played on two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship and NCAA playoff teams, and also competed in the Gridiron All-Star Classic in Orlando, FL. Scott graduated from Hampton with a Sport Management Degree in 2001, and is a highly-regarded recruiter. Flanigan Named Head Football Coach at The Lincoln University The Lincoln University officially introduced Ramon Flanigan, the former Division I offensive coordinator for Mississippi Valley State, as the new Lincoln Lions head football coach. Flanigan, who replaces Coach Olabaniji (O.J.) Abanishe after five seasons, is the second Lion head coach in its NCAA Division II era. “The Lincoln University Lions have selected the perfect candidate in Coach Ramon Flanigan, and we are honored to have him as the leader of The Lincoln Lions Football Program,” said Dr. Robert R. Jennings, President of the University. “Coach Flanigan is both an experienced coach and former, record-setting Southern Methodist University quarterback and All-American. I can think of no better combination in a coach to make our program consistent with our University’s history, and that is, first.” “We welcome Coach Flanigan to The Lincoln University family,” Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee said. “I believe the search committee did an excellent job in identifying candidates they believed possessed the knowledge and work experience best suited for our program. He has experienced winning as a student, athlete and coach. We believe he will transfer his experiences to our program and move the program forward.” Flanigan comes to Lincoln from a highly-decorated coaching career in NCAA Division I with Mississippi Valley State and the University of North Texas as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Prior to coming to Lincoln, Flanigan, who also assisted with academic and other administrative duties, worked three years for the Mississippi Valley State football program under head coach Karl Morgan. Copyright (c) 1997 - 2006 The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association BSTM July 2013 35 SWAC Alabama A&M University, AL - Alabama-State University, AL - Alcorn State University, MS Arkansas-Pine Bluff College, AR - Grambling State University, LA - Jackson State University, MS Mississippi Valley State University, MS - Prairie View A&M University, TX Southern University, LA - Texas Southern University, TX JSU Names Wayne Brent Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jackson State University (JSU) named Wayne Brent its 7th men’s basketball head coach. Brent, who is one of the most successful basketball coaches in the history of the Jackson Public School system, brings over 15 years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels to JSU. He comes to Jackson State after leading Callaway High School to the 2013 State Championship. Brent comes to Jackson State after a highly successful tenure at the helm of Callaway’s boys basketball program. From 2007-13, his teams won five division and four State Championships. In his first year, the Chargers finished 26-11. “Dr. Meyers (JSU President) and Dr. Fuller (Director of Athletics), I owe you,” said Brent. “There are goals that I have for this program and when I dream, I dream big. Five years from now, I want this program to be in the NCAA Tournament.” The following year, the Chargers recorded a 33-6 mark and won their first State Title under Brent. In 2009, the team tallied a 22-11 record and repeated as State Champions. After a 13-11 record in 2010, the Chargers rebounded in 2011, finishing 24-6 en route to their third State Crown. Prior to taking the Callaway job, Brent was the head coach at Piney Woods High School. In three years at Piney Woods, he led the Tornadoes to a 72-16 record. TSU Named Hayes-Perry Head Women’s Basketball Coach Texas Southern University (TSU) named Johnetta Hayes-Perry head women’s basketball coach. TSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Charles McClelland, made the announcement promoting Hayes-Perry who spent last season as the program’s associate head coach. Hayes-Perry arrived at Texas Southern after a twoyear stint at UNC-Wilmington. She spent two seasons as an assistant coach under former TSU head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dykes. She fills the vacancy after one season following Cooper-Dykes’ departure. “We’re extremely excited about the future of the women’s basketball at Texas Southern with Coach Hayes-Perry at the helm of the program,” said McClelland. “She has significant experience coaching at the Division I level, and she also brings with her head coaching experience. We feel that Coach Hayes-Perry undoubtedly provides us with the best option towards making TSU a legitimate contender in the current landscape of women’s college basketball.” ”I would like to thank Texas Southern University President Dr. John Rudley, the TSU Board of Regents, and Director of Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland for giving me the opportunity to continue building a legacy here at TSU,” said Hayes-Perry. “I’m really excited, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Lady Tiger family. I truly feel that our program is headed in a positive direction, and I feel like we’ll be able to compete at a high level in the SWAC.” SWAC Football and Basketball Championships to Houston The Southwestern Athletic Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to relocate the 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship and 2014 Basketball Tournament to Houston, Texas, for the next three seasons. NBA Houston Rockets. The football championship game will be held at the home of the NFL Houston Texans, Reliant Stadium, while the basketball tournament will be housed at the Toyota Center, the home of the The 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, while the basketball tournament is slated for March 11-15, 2014. The football championship will be at Reliant Stadium 2013 through 2015, while the basketball tournament will be played at the Toyota Center 2014 through 2016. 2013 All-SWAC Baseball Team Released FIRST TEAM Pos. Name School Pos. Name School SP SP RP C 1B 2B SS 3B OF OF Alabama State Southern Jackson State Jackson State Prairie View A&M Mississippi Valley State Arkansas-Pine Bluff Alabama A&M Texas Southern Grambling State OF DH Southern Jackson State T.J. Renda Jose DeLeon Andre Rodriguez Jose Cruz Dominiq Harris Edmund Cheatham Isias Alcantar Austin Husley Ellis Stephany Darren Farmer Tyler Kirksey Malcolm Tate Player of the Year: Isias Alcantar - Arkansas-Pine Bluff Pitcher of the Year: T.J. Renda - Alabama State Hitter of the Year: Darren Farmer - Grambling State Newcomer of the Year: Charles Tillery - Jackson State Freshman of the Year: Dillon Cooper - Alabama State Coach of the Year: Carlos James - Arkansas-Pine Bluff Copyright©200106Southwestern Athletic Conference 36 BSTM July 2013 SIAC Albany State University, GA - Benedict College, SC - Claflin University, SC - Clark Atlanta University, GA Fort Valley State University, GA - Kentucky State University, KY - Lane College, TN Lemoyne Owen College, TN - Miles College, AL - Morehouse College, GA - Paine College, GA Stillman College, AL - Tuskegee University, AL CAU Names Kevin Weston New Head Football Coach Clark Atlanta University (CAU) announced the appointment of Tusculum College Defensive Line Coach Kevin Weston as its new Head Football Coach. “In Weston,” CAU President Carlton E. Brown said, “we have identified an individual who knows the game inside and out, has proven his ability to build and grow successful teams, promote values, education and insist upon personal and character development in his players. All of these qualities align not only with the mission of Clark Atlanta, but create the kind of foundation necessary to ensure a focused, aggressive turn-around in our football program.” CAU Athletics Director Tamica Smith Jones, added, “We are thrilled to have secured a rising star like Kevin Weston from a diverse national pool of very talented applicants. We feel confident that he will be a good fit to infuse momentum into our football program, which has lacked stability amidst several coaching changes. I believe, in particular, that he will be an ambassador for the program, accelerating its success by winning, local recruiting and re-engaging the CAU fan base in new and exciting ways.” Weston served eight years on the Tusculum coaching staff, and mentored the Tusculum defensive line in 2012. During the 2010 and 2011 seasons, he was the program’s defensive coordinator, and mentored the team’s linebackers. His 2011 defensive unit finished second in the country in pass defense, allowing teams to average just 140.6 passing yards per contest. “Of course, I’m excited about joining the Clark Atlanta University athletics organization,” Weston said, “but I am even more excited about building what can become one of the nation’s finest football programs from the ground up. There are clearly challenges that must be addressed, but in doing so, we have the rare opportunity to carve out what can become one of the most focused, unique and forceful squads in this Division and beyond. This is about legacy building,” he added. “Our charge is to ensure that legacy-building, academics and characterbuilding remain strong pillars in this process.” Josh Dean Named KSU Football Interim Head Coach The Kentucky State University (KSU) Athletics Department has announced that Josh Dean has been named the interim head coach of the Kentucky State football team. KSU Athletic Director Dr. Denisha Hendricks on the hiring of Josh Dean, ”Coach Dean has proven his ability to lead a program in transition. We are excited that he has accepted the interim head coach position, and we are looking forward to a successful spring football season. Coach Dean’s experience at the D-II level and professional playing experience bring a valuable dimension to our program.” implementing the game plan during weekly practices. Dean began his collegiate playing career at San Diego State University (SDSU), where he was a defensive back from 20002004. After his time at SDSU, Dean went on to play professionally in the NFL. Dean was picked up by the Chicago Bears as a defensive back/linebacker during the 2005-2006 season. After his time with the Bears, Dean continued his professional experience with the Canadian Football League’s Cologne Centurions during the 2006 season. After his professional playing career was over, Dean moved on to pursue a career in coaching. He began as an assistant football coach at Fort Valley State University in August of 2009, where he assisted the head coach by developing the tight ends core, assisting with weekly game planning, breaking down film, and In January of 2010, Dean was tasked with assisting the Fort Valley State University (FVSU) defensive coordinator with the development of rovers and safeties. This included weekly defensive game planning, and conducting day-to-day drills that would develop the skills of the defensive backs core. In his time at FVSU, Dean was integral part of a defense that ranked in 2010, first nationally in total defense, third in pass defense, and fifth in run defense. Dean twice had a member of his defensive backs core named First-Team All-SIAC. After the 2011 season, Dean joined the coaching staff at Kentucky State University as the Special Teams Coordinator and as an assistant coach under the defensive coordinator. In his time as an assistant coach at KSU, Dean had been tasked with assisting the defensive coordinator with the development of a defense that ranked 21 st nationally in total defense during the 2012 season. Dean is no stranger to a role as interim head coach. When the KSU baseball team was searching for a head coach after the 2012 season, Dean stepped up and oversaw the day-to-day responsibilities of the KSU baseball head coaching position. @Copyright 2004 thesiac.com BSTM July 2013 37 MEAC Bethune Cookman University, FL - Coppin State University, MD - Delaware State University, DE Florida A&M University, FL - Hampton University, VA - Howard University, DC University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD - Morgan State University, MD - Norfolk State University, VA North Carolina A&T State University, NC North Carolina Central University, NC Savannah State University, FL - South Carolina State University, SC Van Norden Named UMES Head Volleyball Coach Millicent Van Norden has been named the new head coach of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) women’s volleyball team, Director of Athletics Keith Davidson announced. In 11 seasons as a collegiate head coach at Alcorn State, North Carolina A&T, South Carolina State and most recently Coppin State, Van Norden has amassed a career record of 176-206, earning 20 wins in a season three times and receiving two Coach of the Year honors. Conference Coach of the Year in 2005, after guiding the Aggies to a 9-1 record. Van Norden began her coaching career at her alma mater Alcorn State. In three seasons, she posted a record of 71-42, and won two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division Titles, and made two SWAC Tournament championship match appearances. Last season, Van Norden served as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh under former Hawks head man Toby Rens. The Panthers went 17-14, falling in the Big East Tournament quarter-final round. She was at Coppin State for the 2011 season and South Carolina State (SCSU) from 20072010. There, she transformed the Bulldogs from the bottom of the league to a MEAC Championship in 2010. SCSU defeated Delaware State in the title game 3-1, the first MEAC Volleyball Title at South Carolina State since 1990. Her team was turned around from 1-7 in league play in 2007 to an impressive 6-2 in 2010. Van Norden led SCSU to a .500 or better record in conference play in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons. She was named the MEAC Coach of the Year in 2008. Van Norden was a highly decorated student-athlete at Alcorn State, where she earned letters in volleyball and track and field. On the volleyball court, she was a two-time All-SWAC selection, and was named the pre-season volleyball SWAC Player of the Year in 2000. On the track, Van Norden was a 2000 USA Track and Field indoor national participant and a provisional qualifier in the long jump and the 100-meter hurdles in that same year. She currently owns the school and SWAC record in the heptathlon with 5,071 points. During her time as a student-athlete, she was a member several student organizations, including the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, SWAC Student-Athlete Association and the Alcorn State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. A four-year SWAC scholar athlete, Van Norden was a two-time recipient of the NCAA Leadership Award and a recipient of the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Athlete Award in 2000. Prior to her stint at SCSU, Van Norden was the head coach at North Carolina A&T for three seasons. She compiled an overall record of 49-52, and was 23-7 in the MEAC. She was named the She earned both her Bachelor’s in Education (2000), and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education (2003) from Alcorn State. Hampton Tabs Weatherington As New Volleyball Coach She graduated from New Mexico State University in 1998, with degrees in Journalism and Psychology. She was also an assistant for her alma mater, while also competing overseas, playing in such countries as Russia, Finland, and Sweden. Karen Weatherington has been named the new head coach of the Hampton University volleyball program, the Department of Athletics announced. She comes to Hampton from Kennesaw State (KS), where she served in the same capacity for four years. In her four years at KS, Weatherington compiled a record of 6356 (.529), and she won a single-season school record 17 matches twice (2009, 2010). KS’s .607 winning percentage in 2010 is the best in that program’s history. The Owls made three straight Atlantic Sun Tournament appearances under Weatherington. The Owls’ best season under Weatherington came in 2010, when KS went 17-11 overall and 9-1 in the Atlantic Sun. Weatherington was named the A-Sun Coach of the Year. Prior to her stint at KS, Weatherington spent six years on the staff at Butler, including the last four as associate head coach. Butler was 90-86 during her time, and Weatherington was primarily responsible for recruiting and working with the team’s middle blockers. Prior to her time at Butler, Weatherington served as an assistant at Clemson, as well as Duke and Iowa State. She takes over a Lady Pirates program that tied a program Division I record with 19 wins last season, advancing to the semi-finals of the MEAC Tournament for the second straight year. Hampton Wins 12th Straight Mary McLeod Bethune Award The Hampton University Department of Athletics won its 12th straight Mary McLeod Bethune Women’s All-Sports Award, denoting the overall strength of the women’s program in 201213, the MEAC announced. The MEAC presented the University with a check for $20,000 during a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Orlando, FL. Florida A&M was second in the women’s standings, while Maryland Eastern Shore was third and Morgan State was fourth. The Mary McLeod Bethune Award, named after the founder of Bethune-Cookman, awards the top overall women’s athletic program during the course of one full academic year. The first Mary McLeod Bethune Award was given to Delaware State in 1987. © Copyright 2005 meacsports.com 38 BSTM July 2013 GCAC Dillard University, LA - Edward Waters College, FL - Fisk University, TN Philander Smith College, AR - Southern University at New Orleans, LA - Talladega College, AL Tougaloo College, MS - Xavier University of Louisiana, LA Mead, Pieri, Fakler, Rolland Selected Academic All-District Four from Xavier University of Louisiana (XU) — Javon Mead, Matt Pieri, Catherine Fakler and Devinn Rolland — were announced as Capital One Academic All-District 4 college division members in track and field/cross country. Mead and Pieri, named to the men’s team, are the first from Xavier to be Academic All-District twice. Mead, a junior from Baton Rouge, LA, and a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School, is an accounting major with a 3.69 grade-point average. He has been All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference three times in cross country and finished fifth at the GCAC meet in 2011 and 2012. Pieri, a senior from New Orleans and a graduate of Brother Martin High School, is a pharmacy major with a 3.62 GPA. He has been All-GCAC four times in cross country and was the GCAC individual champion in 2010 and 2012. He was the GCAC outdoor track champion at 1,500 and 5,000 meters in 2011. Fakler, a sophomore from Phoenix, AZ, and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School, is an English major with a 4.0 GPA. She scored a meet-high 40 points in April at the GCAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which the Gold Nuggets won. In cross country, Fakler holds the XU Mead Pieri Fakler Rolland women’s record of 24 minutes, 7.38 seconds for 6,000 meters, and has been All-GCAC twice. Rolland, a sophomore from Harvey, LA, and a graduate of Cabrini High School, is a chemistry/pre-pharmacy major with a 4.0 GPA. She was the GCAC Outdoor Track Champion in the 100, 200 and long jump as a freshman and sophomore. She qualified for the NAIA National Championships in those events both seasons, and she was a 2012 NAIA All-American in the long jump. Nominees must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. They also must have completed at least one full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility. Fisk University AD Named To National Post Fisk University Athletic Director Anthony Owens has been selected as the representative of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) for the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The NAC is an exclusive group of nearly 36 members representing all the 23 conferences and close to 300 schools within the NAIA. A minimum of 10 athletic directors and 10 conference commissioners serve on the NAC. “It is an honor to be selected by my peers in the GCAC for this prestigious position,” said Owens. “This is not an individual honor, it belongs to the Fisk University Bulldog family as a whole.” A former Tennessee State University football standout, Owens has 14 years of coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school level, moving into athletic administration with Fisk University in 2010. The role of athletic director has provided an opportunity to revitalize the program. In three years, he has expanded the department’s sports offered and resources, enhanced the quality of student-athlete development, and developed innovative outreach strategies. “The role of athletic director, here at Fisk University is a great opportunity,” said Owens. “This appointment will be no different. I am prepared for the challenge and look forward to making an impactful contribution to the Council.” SUNO’s Sheldon Williams Earn National Championship For the first time in seven years, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) has an individual national champion in track and field. Junior Sheldon Williams won the men’s 400 meter hurdles with a time of 51.81, edging out Nathan Magstadt of Dickinson State by just four-hundredths of a second. The last athlete to earn an NAIA Title for the Knights was current head coach Yhann Plummer, who won the 100 meters in 2006. “It was an amazing feeling to win,” said Williams. “SUNO has such an amazing tradition of All-Americans, Olympians…and for me to be a part of that as a national champion is an honor.” DU’s Williams Earn Top Award Dillard University (DU) honored its student-athletes with an athletic awards show. Participants from the cheerleaders, the Diamonds dance team, the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the volleyball, cross country and track and field teams were recognized. The top five male and female On the women’s side, Junior Tamara Hunter earned All-America honors after an eighth place finish in the Women’s 400 meter hurdles. “I’m so proud of both Sheldon and Tamara, but also of our entire team,” added Coach Plummer. “This is a great day for the University and something they will remember for the rest of their lives.” In overall team competition the men’s team finished tied for 29th out of 60 teams with the women finishing tied for 53rd. athletes who participated in competitive sports were on the voting ballot, and Tyrone Williams had the most overall votes with 6,409, which earned him People’s Choice Male Athlete of the Year. Williams, a freshman basketball player from Marrero, LA, helped lead his team to the finals in at the GCAC Tournament and earned GCAC All-Tournament Team honors. Copyright (c) 2013 The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference BSTM July 2013 39 Other HBCUs Featured This Month UDC’s Aleksandar Grabovac Earns ECC Men’s Tennis Player of the Year; Dickie Mahaffey Named Coach of the Year University of the District of Columbia (UDC) senior Aleksandar Grabovac has earned the East Coast Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Year Award, and head coach T. Richard “Dickie” Mahaffey III, was named the Coach of the Year, as voted on by the league’s coaches. In addition, juniors Ike Kiro and Miguel Uzcategui joined Grabovac on the All-ECC First-Team. Currently the No. 8 ranked singles player in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s East Region rankings, Grabovac (Psychology - Ljubljana, Slovenia/Gimnazija Euro Sola Ljubljana) boasts a 12-4 record at the No. 1 singles flight and went 4-1 in ECC play to help the Firebirds top the ECC regular season standings. He was nearly as dominant in doubles action, teaming with sophomore Simon Andersson to post a 9-4 record overall and 4-1 mark in conference action. Grabovac also reached the quarter-finals of the ITA East Regional “A” Singles Tournament in the fall 2012. Mahaffey, who was also named Men’s Tennis Coach of the Year in 2011 and Women’s Coach of the Year in 2012, guided his squad to a 10-3 overall record this season, including a 5-0 mark against conference opponents. The Firebirds clinched the program’s first ever ECC regular season title in just their fourth season in the conference. Both players on UDC’s very successful No. 2 doubles team, Kiro and Uzcategui, also joined Grabovac on the All-ECC FirstTeam. The pair started off the spring 0-2, but battled back to win eight straight doubles matches, including impressive wins at Division I Georgetown and in the season finale against Concordia. Individually, Kiro (Business Management – Milnerton Ridge, South Africa/Milnerton HS) finished 10-3 in doubles play and 9-5 in singles action (4-1 ECC). Uzcategui (Electrical Engineering – Valencia, Venezuela/Colegio Sagrado Corazon), who teamed with Carlos Quiroga for the ITA “B” Doubles Tournament championship, finished with a very impressive doubles record of 15-2. He was also 10-4 (4-0 ECC) in singles play. Tigers Finish Fourth at PGA Minority Championships The Tennessee State University (TSU) men’s golf team ended their season with a fourth place finish at the 27th annual PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship in Port St. Lucie, FL. The Tigers finished with a three-round total of 899, a 35-over on the Par-72, 6,840-yard Wanamaker Course at the PGA Golf Club. The Tigers completed the three-day event 16 strokes behind champion Bethune-Cookman, who shot a 19-over, 883. Defending champions, Texas-Pan American was second with a 20-over, 884. Alabama State finished third with a 31-over, 895. Langston Hires Rob Lutz to Take Over Volleyball Program Langston University has hired Rob Lutz to take over the Women’s Volleyball program: “I’d like to thank Mike Garrett for the opportunity to jump from the community college ranks to a four year institution. I’m looking forward to seeing players develop beyond two years. I can’t wait to get involved with academic excellence.” Lutz replaces former head coach Natasha Doh after the Lady Lions went 0-11, 0-8 in the Red River Athletic Conference. He has experience turning around struggling teams, taking Garden City Community College (Garden City, KS) to 21-20. It was their first winning season in over a decade. The Broncbusters were 3-88, 0-40 in the three years before Lutz arrived. “At Langston, we need to make three major changes—we need change the culture—how people view the volleyball program. We also need to change the mindset of the people returning to the team. Finally, we need to improve recruiting. You have to have the talent. Good talent makes coaches look good.” Lutz has had college coaching stints across the country. He started at Tusculum College (Greenville, TN) as an assistant coach and was named interim head coach in 2003. Lutz moved to Fordham University (Bronx, NY) that year, where he held the 40 BSTM James Stepp (75-73-74=222) led the way finishing the tournament at 6-over and scored in all three rounds for the Tigers. Andrew Warner (72-79-72=223) scored all three days as he shot a 7-over. Cameron Scitern (75-74-78=227) ended his TSU career with an 11-over, and was countable in every round. Dallas Hill (80-76-76=232) scored for the Tigers in the second and third rounds, while Codie Welborn (75-79-80=234) marked on the first day only, despite matching Warner on day two. same positions. He also made stops at Pace University (Pleasantville, NY) and Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA). Athletic Director Mike Garrett is pleased to have Lutz on board: “We are excited to take our volleyball program to new heights. Rob is a great coach with an outstanding resume. His experience at the college and club levels will get Langston volleyball winning again.” CSU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Announced The Central State University (CSU) Department of Athletics is pleased to acknowledge the accomplishments of four former Athletes. Since the inception of the Athletic Hall of Fame, now in its 25th year, the committee has never been at a loss for identifying former stellar student-athletes to honor and recognize. Honoring the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Michael Dwyer, 95' Men’s Track and Field, West Chester, OH Kevin Cummings, 87' Football, Culver City, CA Herman Thomas, 85' Football, Lilburn, GA Bennie Fowler, 79' Basketball, Bloomfield Hills, MI Join CSU for the Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner – Friday, October 11, 2013, contact - Sylvia Kelley - 937-376-6289 to make reservations. July 2013 Vacation Resorts You Decide!!* Tell us where and when. We tell you what resorts are available. 1 week prices** $500.00 $600.00 Locations United States South America - Mexico - Central America Canada - Carribbean Europe - Africa - Middle East - Asia - Austria South Pacific $700.00 Canada Europe Asia USA Mexico Carribbean Central America Africa & The Middle East South America Australia & The South Pacific Vacation Types o o o o o Beaches Casinos/Gaming Lakes Sightseesing and more! o o o o Skiing Health Spas Water Sports Golf For more information Email name, tel. # and email address to: [email protected] include location and week dates. * Based on availability. ** Price only covers lodging. Capacity - maximum dependson room(s) availability & size.
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