MONTGOMERY – Alabama State University head football coach Reggie Barlow addressed the media at Monday’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) coaches teleconference and discussed last week’s loss at Alcorn State and this week’s important road trip to Prairie View A&M.
“We went down to Alcorn on Thursday and knew it would be a challenging game on the road,” Barlow said.  “They are playing with a lot of confidence and are a well-coached team.  Really it was a good ole fashioned whipping put on us.  We didn’t do anything right offensively or defensively. We just didn’t have it and they dominated us in the trenches and had a great scheme and of course we came up short.”
After playing four consecutive games at home, the Hornets will be on the road for the second consecutive week when they travel to Texas to face Prairie View A&M.  It is ASU’s second trip to the Longhorn State this season and the Hornets will face a talented Panthers team that is coming off a strong showing in a 48-30 road win at Jackson State.
“We have Prairie View this week, another challenging game,” Barlow said.  “You tell your team each week it’s a big game and big challenge because of the parity in our league.  It is no different this week when we go to Prairie View.  I think it’s their homecoming and there will be a lot of festivities going on and a lot of excitement there for their program.  They just had a big win against Jackson State so it’s another game we have to get up for and it’s on the road in a hostile environment. We have to get our guys ready to go so we can get back on track.”
Before the teleconference started the SWAC released this week’s players of the week.  Alabama State sophomore linebacker Kourtney Berry picked up the Defensive Player of the Week honor based on his play at Alcorn State.
The SWAC’s leading tackler made 15 total stops against the Braves with 12 of those being solos.  Berry now has a SWAC-leading 67 total stops on the season.  The 15 tackles equals his single-game tackles record he had set last season at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.  Berry is averaging 11.1 tackles per game which is second in the SWAC.  It is the fourth weekly honor this season for the preseason defensive player of the year.

PHOENIX – The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will bring their unrivaled family show to Birmingham, during the Harlem Globetrotters 2015 “Washington Generals’ Revenge” Tour. After successfully selling out their game last year, the Globetrotters will bring two games to the Pete Hanna Center at Samford University on Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 15 at 4 p.m.
The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to match the franchise’s historic last victory over the Globetrotters nearly a half century ago. It has been five years since the Globetrotters and Generals have faced off, as the Generals have been searching far and wide for the best players to retool their roster and have been preparing for one thing: victory over the Globetrotters.
In addition to the highly-anticipated matchup on the court, the Globetrotters, known worldwide as the Ambassadors of Goodwill™, will honor a Harlem Globetrotters Hometown Hero at each of their 310-plus games in North America. The team is searching for active, wounded or retired members of the military who have made their community proud with their brave service and exemplary character. Fans can nominate a Harlem Globetrotters Hometown Hero at harlemglobetrotters.com. The Globetrotters will also play a portion of each game with a camouflage basketball as a sign of respect to all who protect our freedom.
With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, Firefly Fisher and Moose Weekes – plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner, and Sweet J Ekworomadu – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. With incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.
After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.
Tickets start at $22 and are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com, samfordsports.com/tickets, Pete Hanna Center box office on the campus of Samford University, or by phone at 205-726-3647. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com.

 MONTGOMERY – The Alabama State bowling team, in conjunction with Bama Lanes, is working with the USBC youth bowling program, by volunteering their time to teach the local youth their knowledge about the game of bowling.
The seven member team and the three coaches have committed their time until the end of the bowling season on Fridays and Saturdays when they are not taking the lanes themselves teaching a group of young kids the sport of bowling.
“This gives the team an opportunity to interact with young kids who want to learn more about the sport of bowling,” said head bowling coach Andrew Chatmon. “We enjoy giving back to the community and working with the kids.”

Three Branches to Sell $15 General Admission Discounted Tickets
 
Birmingham, Ala. (Oct. 14th) – The State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola announced today that three Regions Bank branches will serve as a discount ticket outlet for the 73rd annual event.  The largest black college football game in the country will take place at Legion Field on Saturday, October 25th.

Fans can visit www.themagiccityclassic.com to find addresses for the participating branches that will sell the $15 general admission discounted tickets, or they are also listed below:

•    Birmingham
◦    Downtown – Main
▪    35 Church Street, Birmingham, AL 35213
◦    Five points West
▪    4812 Avenue W, Birmingham, AL 35208
◦    Eastwood
▪    1845 Crestwood Blvd, Irondale, AL 35210

Reserved tickets are $25, while full-priced general admission tickets are $20 and are still available for purchase online at www.themagiccityclassic.com.  Tickets can also be purchased at Legion Field or ASU and AAMU ticket offices.  As the official discount ticket outlet, fans will only be able to purchase the $15 general admission discounted ticket from the select Regions Bank locations.

“We are grateful to Regions Bank for serving once again as the official discount ticket outlet for this great event in Birmingham,” stated Nicole Hubbard, event manager for the State Farm Magic City Classic.  “This year’s Classic is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet and we can’t wait for festivities to kick-off soon.”

The State Farm Magic City Classic brings fans and celebrities from around the country to watch as Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University battle it out for a potential spot in the SWAC Championship.  Fans can also enjoy the McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade and the Coors Light Tailgate Party throughout the weekend.  Kick-off is at 2:30pm on Saturday, October 25th, and the much-anticipated halftime will feature the Marching Hornets and the Marching Maroon and White.

Also at halftime, both university presidents will honor this year’s celebrity ambassador, hip-hop group Bell Biv Devoe from New Edition.  And for the first time ever, the ambassador will also perform at the post-game concert.   Concert admission is included in the price of a State Farm Magic City Classic game ticket.

For more information on the State Farm Magic City Classic, visit www.themagiccityclassic.com.

ATLANTA – Tickets to the 2014 SIAC Football Championship are now on sale and available for online purchase to the general public.
Ticket price is $15 and can be purchased online at www.thesiactickets.com.
The 2014 SIAC Football Championship will feature a showdown with division winners from the East and West at Cramton Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. CST. Group ticket and additional information may be found on the SIAC official website at www.thesiac.com or call (404) 221-1041.
Special events surrounding the football championship weekend include: SIAC Football Legends Symposium, Mayor’s Reception, SIAC Legend’s Luncheon, college fair, and alumni mixers and receptions. Date and times for the events will be released on a later date.
For the first time in league history, the SIAC will host its football championship in Montgomery, Ala. after holding the event in Atlanta the last three seasons. The SIAC formally made the announcement during its football media day and is slated to hold the championship game at the Cramton Bowl for the next three seasons starting in 2014.

SIAC Announces Men’s Basketball Preseason Teams

Markeith Madison (Stillman) and Kendall Jackson (Claflin) highlight this year’s men’s basketball preseason honors

ATLANTA – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has released its 2014 Preseason Men’s Basketball Team and Predicted Order of Finish with Markeith Madison (Stillman), Kendall Jackson (Claflin), Benedict College and Kentucky State University highlighting the accolades.
The team and the preseason rankings were announced on Tuesday (Oct. 7) during the SIAC Basketball Media Day at the Holiday Inn Birmingham (Ala.) Airport. The preseason team and predicted order of finish were voted on by the SIAC head coaches.
Madison was voted preseason player of the year on offense while Jackson was awarded with defensive honors. Both fill the 15-man roster that lands 12 players voted to this year’s preseason team.
Madison averaged 16.7 points per game helping Stillman to a 16-13 record. He shot 30 percent from long range connecting a team high 171 field goals including 52 three-pointers. He closed out the year with a team best, 7.5 rebounds per game. He led the team in scoring in 11 games scoring more than 20 points in 10 contests. He recorded a season high 30 points against Miles while posting four double-doubles. He led the Tigers in scoring and rebounds in six contests last year.
Jackson led Claflin in blocked shots with 25 to complement 21 steals. He averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game shooting 41 percent from behind the arc including 49 percent overall.
Benedict led the East Division with 29 points and two-first place votes. Clark Atlanta filled the runner-up slot with 25 points (two first-place votes) edging Morehouse at third with 24 points. Albany State (22 – two first-place votes), Paine (17 – one first place vote), Fort Valley State (17) and Claflin (13) capped the standings.
Kentucky State landed atop the West Division notching all available first-place votes for 36 points. Tuskegee (20) and LeMoyne-Owen (20) share second with Stillman (19) following at third. Miles (18), Spring Hill (18), and Lane (16) filled the final three spots.

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Markeith Madison (Stillman)
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Kendall Jackson (Claflin)

SIAC 2014 MEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON TEAM
Jerry Hampton  (LeMoyne-Owen) *
Kendric Taylor  (Paine) *
Markeith Madison  (Stillman) *
Ulysses Thomas III  (Kentucky State)
Larry Bullock (Albany State)
Austin Anderson  (Morehouse)
Kendall Jackson  (Claflin)
Quentin Henderson  (Kentucky State)
Bryant Hill (Lane)
Andrew Crawford (Benedict)
Alfonso Davis (Paine)
Ralph Wilson (Fort Valley State)
Maurice Crenshaw (Stillman)
Marcel Hawkins  (LeMoyne-Owen)
Brennan Reynard (Benedict)
*Denotes players who were automatically selected to preseason team as a result of earning 2013-14 postseason honors.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
EAST DIVISION
1. Benedict – 29 (2)
2. Clark Atlanta – 25 (2)
3. Morehouse – 24
4. Albany State – 22 (2)
T5. Paine – 17 (1)
T5. Fort Valley State – 17
7. Claflin – 13

WEST DIVISION
Team (First Place Votes)
1. Kentucky State – 36 (6)
T2. LeMoyne-Owen – 20
T2. Tuskegee – 20
4. Stillman – 19
T5.Miles – 18
T5. Spring Hill – 18
7. Lane – 16

SIAC RELEASES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON TEAMS
Ashley Watts (Paine) and Artisha Holston (Albany State) highlight this year’s men’s basketball preseason honors
ATLANTA – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference recognized its 2014 SIAC Women’s Basketball Preseason Team with Ashley Watts (Paine) and Artisha Holston (Albany State) spotlighting the 15-member squad.
The announcement was made Tuesday morning (Oct. 7) during the SIAC Basketball Media Day held in Birmingham, Ala. at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport.
The honors include the predicted order of finish with Tuskegee University and Albany State University picked to win its division as voted on by the league head coaches.
Watts highlights this year’s list receiving SIAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after leading the nation in scoring with 26.5 points per game. In back-to-back seasons, she ranked in the top five in points nationally. She was named SIAC Player of the Year helping Paine to a 12-16 record. She led the Lady Lions in points scored in 24-of-28-games. In addition, she scored more than 20 points in 23 games while surpassing the 30-point mark in 11 contests.
Holston was named the SIAC preseason top defender after earning the league’s rookie award last year. She led the Lady Rams in scoring (13.4 ppg) and rebounds (9.5 rpg) to help power the team to a NCAA tournament appearance and a 21-7 record overall. During the 2013-14 slate, she collected 39 steals and 14 blocks while shooting 51 percent from the floor.
Watts and Holston were named to the Daktronics All South-Region Team. Both join 13 players on the All-SIAC Preseason Team comprising of seven student-athletes who were automatically selected after landing on last year’s postseason squad.
In the predicted order of finish, Albany State was voted to repeat as champions from the East Division. The Lady Rams received four-first place votes for 20 points. Last year’s tournament champions, Benedict, finished second in the poll (17) landing one vote for first-place. Paine (12), Claflin (11), Fort Valley State (9), and Clark Atlanta (6) closed out the standings.
Tuskegee was voted to retain the West Division crown earning five first-place votes for 35 points. Kentucky State (29) captured a first-place vote for second with Stillman (26) close behind at third. Spring Hill (17) and LeMoyne-Owen (17) shared the fourth slot while Miles (16) and Lane (7) rounded out the division.
PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ashley Watts (Paine)

PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Artisha Holston (Albany State)
SIAC 2014 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON TEAM
Artisha Holston – F (Albany State) *
Crystal Rayford – F  (Lane) *
Uniqua Mitchell – G (Claflin) *
Shayla Moore – G/F  (Kentucky State) *
Brieona Warner – F (Kentucky State) *
Ashley Watts – G  (Paine) *
Angel Mitchell – G (Stillman) *
Keidra Green – G (Albany State)
Shakeima Ravenell – G (Claflin)
Chelsea Azore – C  (Tuskegee)
Brittnee Hazel – F  (Fort Valley State)
Tiffany Martin – G (Lane)
Karahn Scott – F  (Claflin)
Jaquanna Davis – F  (Claflin)
Denissea Law – F  (Clark Atlanta)
*Denotes players who were automatically selected to preseason team as a result of earning 2013-14 postseason honors.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
WEST DIVISION
Team (First-Place Votes)
1. Tuskegee – 35 (6)
2. Kentucky State – 29 (1)
3. Stillman – 26
T4. Spring Hill – 17
T4. LeMoyne-Owen – 17
6. Miles – 16
7. Lane – 7
EAST DIVISION
Team (First Place Votes)
1. Albany State – 20 (5)
2. Benedict – 17 (1)
3. Paine – 12
4. Claflin – 11
5. Fort Valley State – 9
6. Clark Atlanta – 6