http://www.boxtorow.com/featured-stories.php Boxtorow.com The HBCSports Press Association was founded in 2005. HBCSPA is a news and wire service which services the under-represented industry of Black college sports. HBCSPA serves as a source for news, photographs, audio and radio broadcasts for people everywhere. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/trevin_parks.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Johnson C. Smith G Trevin Parks who averaged 27.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds for the Golden Bulls last week and leads the CIAA in scoring averaging 24.4 points per game Tue, 2 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/jeanine_manley.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Coppin State C Jeanine Manley who averaged 25 points and 6.5 rebounds in two Lady Eagles victories last year including a career-high 38 points in 66-63 victory over North Carolina A&T Tue, 1 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/denzell_erves.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Xavier F Denzell Erves who averaged 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocked shots and shot 73.7 percent from the field as Xavier went 2-0 last week Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/jasmin_shuler.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Tennessee State G Jasmin Shuler who averaged 30 points in two games last week including a career best 38 points on the Lady Tigers 86-80 OT victory over Morehead State Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/polls/ncaadiv1.php Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/polls/nonncaadiv1.php Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/malik_alvin011712.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Shaw G Malik Alvin, who averaged 23 points and 4.7 assists in three victories for the Bears last week Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_rmassey.php They say loyalty is priority. Shaw University showed its loyalty as it named Robert Massey as its new head football coach. Massey has been with the Shaw program for the last five years, the last two as defensive coordinator. Massey becomes the fourth head coach since Shaw reinstated football in 2002. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/polls/nonncaadiv1.php Week: 1 January 17, 2012 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/polls/ncaadiv1.php Week: 1 January 17, 2012 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/wykevin_bazemore011112.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Winston-Salem State G WyKevin Bazemore, who averaged 19 points, 12.5 rebounds, shooting 74% from the field in two WSSU victories last week Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/press/pr_011112.php The nationally syndicated sports talk radio show FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW airs on 37 radio stations around the country. Make it 38. The show, which also airs nationally on Fridays from 1-2 p.m. on SiriusXM Channel 141, now airs on WAUG-AM 750 each Saturday from 11 - Noon. The show returns to the Triangle and WAUG after a year hiatus. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_playersoftheyear.php The Boxtorow National Offensive, Willie Davis Defensive, and Rookie of the Year was announced at the HBCU All-Star Gala Banquet held at the Westin Peachtree Hotel downtown on Friday, December 16. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/CSRNHBCUBOWL_FINAL121311CSRN.mp3 HBCU Bowl Promo (Audio) Wed, 7 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/press/pr_121311.php For the third-straight year, Classics Sports Radio Network will broadcast the HBCU All-Star Bowl on Sunday, December 19 live from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Kickoff is slated for 3:00 p.m. ET and the pregame show will begin at 2:30 p.m. Donal Ware (play-by-play), Eric Curry (color), who are working together for the eighth season, will call the game. Ivan McDowell will handle sideline duties. Tue, 23 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Winston-SalemState, Norfolk State HBCU National Champions Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:50:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/featuredstory_swacchampionship.php When Anthony Jones' Alabama A&M Bulldogs - the representative of the Eastern Division - meet Doug Williams' Grambling State Tigers - the West champion - in the SWAC Championship Game at Legion Field in Birmingham on Saturday, it will mark the second time the two coaches have gone head-to-head in the championship game. Wed, 7 Dec 2011 22:06:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/all-american2011.php Twenty-nine players highlight the 2011 Boxtorow HBCU Football All-American team. In a close race at quarterback Jackson State senior Casey Therriault prevailed. Therriault, who was also named SWAC Offensive Player of the Year and is a Walter Payton Award finalist, is one of the most prolific passers in the country. He is second in FCS and led all HBCU quarterbacks in passing, averaging 346.2 yards passing per game. He completed 272-of-453 passes for 3,808 yards with 27 touchdowns. Five times this year he threw for more than 300 yards in a game. Wed, 7 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/press/pr_112811.php It’s been a long time coming but the nation’s HBCU Sports talk show is finally coming to SiriusXM. FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW with Donal Ware, the sports talk show which focuses on Historically Black College and University Sports and pro sports will air on HUR Voices Channel 141 beginning December 2. The show, which will air each Friday from 1-2 p.m. ET, currently airs on 37 terrestrial radio stations around the country including WHUR 96.3 HD2 in Washington, DC. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php WSSU edges Norfolk State in media poll; Spartans #1 with coaches Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/nic_cooper.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Winston-Salem State RB Nicholas Cooper, who had 24 carries 163 yards and 3 TDs in WSSU's 38-18 CIAA Championship Game victory over Elizabeth City State Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/commissionerkerry_out111511.mp3 Announcing CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry's retirement Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/featuredstory_kerryout.php The 22-year reign of Leon G. Kerry as Commissioner of the CIAA is over. Three days after one of the most successfully attended CIAA Football Championship Games in history - where 10,127 people saw the Winston-Salem State Rams defeat the Elizabeth City State Vikings 38-18 - what appeared to be one of the most successful stints as a commissioner in collegiate athletics came to an abrupt end. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Media split as Winston-Salem State remains #1, Norfolk State tops with coaches Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk11.php For teams in the CIAA and SIAC, the regular season is over and their conference championship games take place this weekend. Meanwhile, for the MEAC and SWAC, teams near the top of the standings look to make a final push into their own conference title games and/or the NCAA postseason. We will take a semi-brief look at the top three contests this weekend. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal111211.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week Thur, 10 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/champsaturday2011.php It will be a busy weekend for the nationally syndicated sports talk show FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW. The CIAA and SIAC Championship games are taking place on Saturday and Boxtorow will have as guests all four of the head coaches of the respective teams. Thur, 10 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/riko_smalls.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Texas Southern QB Riko Smalls, who completed 26-of-39 passes for 365 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 71 yards in Texas Southern's 29-15 victory over Southern, Saturday 11/5 Tue, 8 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Winston-Salem State, Alabama A&M new #1 in HBCU Football Mon, 7 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/nflmidseason2011.php As we take a look back at the first half of the 2011 NFL season, we see some teams living up to or even exceeding preseason expectations, some who have failed to live up to them, and others who are still trying to find themselves and figure out their identity. In this report, we’ll take a brief look at the teams most of our readers care about, talk about what’s happened to this point of the season and what can be expected in the second half. Sat, 5 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/scoreboards/scoreboards.php Check out this week's HBCU football games Thu, 3 Nov 2011 00:05:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/kaderius_lacey.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Alabama A&M RB Kaderius Lacey, who had 38 carries for 189 yards and 1 TD as Alabama A&M defeated Alabama State 20-19 in the Magic City Classic, Saturday 10/29 Wed, 2 Nov 2011 00:05:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/featuredstory_vul.php When the Virginia University of Lynchburg decided to reboot its athletic program-after not having any on-campus sports teams since 1954-the powers that be knew exactly who to turn to for help. Willard Bailey, who helped start the now defunct football program at St. Paul's and also previously served as the head coach and athletic administrator at Norfolk State and Virginia Union, was their man. Bailey, in his 70s and the CIAA's all-time winningest football coach, was up for the challenge and though things have gotten off to a rocky start on the field, simply fielding a football team at the university with an enrollment of fewer than 500 students is a victory in itself. Wed, 2 Nov 2011 00:05:00 EST http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Jackson State new #1 in HBCU Football Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:09:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/david_carter.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Morehouse RB David Carter, who recorded 32 carries for 351 and 4 TDs in Morehouse's 49-12 victory over Fort Valley State Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:08:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal102811.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:05:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/scoreboards/scoreboards.php Check out this week's HBCU football games Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:05:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk9.php Both the Aggies and Spartans had opportunities to grasp the MEAC lead last weekend, but neither could capitalize. North Carolina A&T (4-3, 3-1 in MEAC) was down 20-0 in the third quarter against Howard, and their attempt to win in overtime fell just short. Norfolk State (6-2, 4-1), meanwhile, looked flat and lethargic during their 14-6 loss to Bethune-Cookman last Thursday night. Fortunately, they get a second chance, of sorts, when they face each other for Norfolk State's homecoming this Saturday. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:05:00 EST http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/ryan_davis.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Bethune-Cookman DE Ryan Davis, who recorded 11 tackles (8 solo), 6 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in the Wildcats 14-6 victory over Norfolk State http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/cameron_stover.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Chowan QB Cameron Stover, who completed 24-of-40 passes for 374 yards and 4 TDs in Chowan's 34-32 victory over Shaw http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/greg_mcghee.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Howard QB Greg McGhee, who completed 21-of-35 passes for 242 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in Howard's 35-28 OT victory over North Carolina A&T http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Alabama State almost unanimous #1 in HBCU football http://www.boxtorow.com/swacbball2011.php Recruiting, practice and postseason prospects for some teams in the SWAC took a significant hit when the NCAA released its Academic Progress Rate (APR) report in May. The APR is the academic metric the NCAA uses to measure the eligibility and retention of student athletes at a team level. http://www.boxtorow.com/meacbball2011.php After ending Morgan State¹s three-year stranglehold on the MEAC regular season title and posting its first 20-win season in Div. I, Bethune-Cookman looked to be a team on the rise. That was before an administrative review by the school resulted in the abrupt firing in late June of 10-year head coach Clifford Reed and the transfer of his son, rising senior guard C. J. Reed, the reigning MEAC player of the year. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5games2final_102211.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/scoreboards/scoreboards.php Check out this week's HBCU football games http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk8.php When Bethune-Cookman (3-3, 1-2 in MEAC) heads to Norfolk, VA on Thursday night, one of the preseason MEAC favorites will look to gain ground on the leaders in hopes of maintaining their slim chances of finishing on top of the standings. The Spartans (6-1, 4-0), meanwhile, hope to continue their surprising run through the conference in search of their first ever FCS (formerly Division I-AA) postseason appearance. The Wildcats would love to string together back-to-back victories for the first time this season-after a controversial close victory over Hampton, Bethune had lost games at Miami (Fla.) and at North Carolina A&T before defeating Fort Valley State last Saturday. Norfolk State, meanwhile, hasn't lost since a September 10 defeat at West Virginia and a win over Bethune-Cookman would be the third straight over the Wildcats at Dick Price Stadium. If we're lucky Thursday's contest, televised live on ESPNU, will be as exciting as last year's 63-61 4OT win by the Wildcats. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/joseph_lebeau.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Jackson State DE Joseph LeBeau, who recorded 12 tackles (4 solo) four tackles for loss and one sack in Jackson State's 17-16 win over Mississippi Valley State http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/chris_walley.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Norfolk State QB Chris Walley, who completed 20-of-35 passes for 265 yards and 3 TDs in the Spartans 34-24 victory over Hampton in the Battle of the Bay on Saturday 10/15 http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Alabama State remains #1 team in HBCU Football http://www.boxtorow.com/scoreboards/scoreboards.php This week's HBCU football games/scores http://boxtorow.com/hbcu_midway.php Boxtorow's HBCU Midway Assessment by Editor-in-Chief Kerry Flagg http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal101511.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk7.php When the Pirates and Spartans meet in the 49th Battle of the Bay, there will be more than just Tidewater area bragging rights on the line. Norfolk State is the surprise MEAC leader at the season's midway point with a 3-0 conference record that includes a three-point win over preseason favorite South Carolina State. Hampton, who holds a 1-1 conference record, lost a heartbreaker to Bethune-Cookman when a perceived touchdown scored on the game's last play was disallowed. However, the Pirates have already defeated Florida A&M and, due to the additions of Savannah State and North Carolina Central as full MEAC members, will not have to face SC State. Long story short, the winner of this contest will not only hold area bragging rights for the next year, but will also be in a position to control their own postseason destiny. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/daronte_mcneil.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Elizabeth City State RB Daronte McNeil http://boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Alabama State overwhelming #1 by coaches, media in HBCU Football http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/asheton_jordan.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, South Carolina State RB Asheton Jordan http://www.boxtorow.com/scoreboards/2011_wk6.php Check out this week's black college football games/scores http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal10811.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk6.php The Golden Lions and Tigers will meet in a battle of teams looking to stay among the leaders in their respective SWAC divisions – Arkansas-Pine Bluff sits in second place in the West Division behind Prairie View A&M while Jackson State is second in the East behind Alabama State. As we enter the season’s mid-point its time for the “elite” teams to begin to separate from the pack as they push toward the conference championship game. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/jonathon_troast.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, PVAMU QB Jonathon Troast http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/kejuan_riley.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Alabama State FS Kejuan Riley http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/cheston_hickman.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Virginia Union QB Cheston Hickman http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal10111.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk5.php As we enter the month of October, many college football teams around the country are reaching the point in the season that pits them against conference opponents for most of the next two months. And in conferences like the SWAC, the push toward the league championship game now begins in earnest. With both the TSU (2-1) and JSU (3-1) Tigers holding 1-1 records in the conference, this early contest will be crucial as they try to maintain contact with their respective division leaders. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal92411.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk4.php The Pirates travel to Daytona to face the Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday on ESPNU and although it's still September, this contest could do a lot to decide who finishes the regular season atop the MEAC standings. For the Pirates, they've already beaten Florida A&M and, with the addition of North Carolina Central and Savannah State as full conference members (giving the league 11 schools with football programs), they avoid South Carolina State this year. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/kameron_smith.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, WSSU QB Kameron Smith http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal91711.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk3.php Both the Tigers and Hornets enter this week's SWAC match up following disappointing losses to FBS teams. For Grambling, they committed ten penalties for 69 yards and turned the ball over twice in a 35-7 loss to Louisiana-Monroe. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/stanley_jennings.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, Albany State QB Stanley Jennings http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/dominique_ellis.mp3 Interview with Boxtorow.com's player of the week, SCSU DB Dominique Ellis http://thetandd.com/sports/article_0ae6805c-dc0f-11e0-a1bc-001cc4c03286.html S.C. State knocks off Bethune-Cookman http://www.boxtorow.com/nfl_previews2011wk1.php Boxtorow.com is previewing NFL teams in markets where FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW airs. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal91011.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk2.php When the South Carolina State Bulldogs travel south to Daytona to face the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, fans will be treated to an early-season battle between two teams who expect to capture the MEAC crown. For the teams, however, they'll take the field knowing a little more about themselves than they did last week. http://www.boxtorow.com/polls/nationalhbcufootballpoll.php Fuquay-Varina, NC - After its resounding 63-14 defeat of Prairie View A&M on national television in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Sunday, Bethune-Cookman was voted #1 in the Boxtorow HBCU Football media and coaches polls. The Wildcats pick up where they left off a year ago when they were voted HBCU Football national champions in both polls. http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20110904/SPORTS/109040330/Grambling-wins-young-gun-duel SHREVEPORT - There is a new trend in the Alcorn State-Grambling State rivalry - freshman quarterbacks stealing the show. Last year, it was Alcorn State's Brandon Bridge, who single-handedly kept the Braves in the game. http://www.boxtorow.com/downloads/downloads/top5_gamesfinal9311.mp3 Boxtorow's top 5 HBCU football games for this week http://www.boxtorow.com/game_previews2011wk1.php College football returns in earnest this weekend, and we here at boxtorow.com plan to preview games a little differently than we have in the past. In the past we have selected a Game of the Week out of several deserving candidates. Now we will provide shorter previews on 4 or 5 GAMES of the Week, while selecting one as the game to watch. http://www.boxtorow.com/independents.php The Tigers started last season winning three of their first five games including wins over Alabama A&M, Florida A&M and North Carolina A&T, but lost five of their last eight. In those last eight games, they were held scoreless twice but lost the other three games by a total of 19 points. Defensively the Tigers were solid and while Boxtorow All-American Eugene Clifford was lost to graduation, TSU returns some playmakers. http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_top5hbcuplayers.php Here is Donal Ware's annual list of the top 5 HBCU players to watch in 2011. http://www.boxtorow.com/preseason-coaches_poll.php Defending HBCU champion Bethune-Cookman has been tabbed as the top FCS HBCU team by the coaches in the Boxtorow HBCU FCS preseason Coaches Top 10 Poll. http://www.boxtorow.com/meac.php This Year, Bulldogs Hope to Stand Alone at the Top http://www.boxtorow.com/all-american.php Ten Boxtorow All-American's from 2010 headline the Boxtorow Preseason HBCU All-American team. The preseason team is made up of 25 of the top HBCU football players in the country. The voters are comprised of some of America's top writers and media members who cover HBCU football. http://www.boxtorow.com/siac.php SIAC Previews, Interviews and Predictions in order of finish http://www.boxtorow.com/swac.php SWAC.org writer Roscoe Nance previews our coverage; gives his predicted order of finish for the SWAC football season http://www.boxtorow.com/ciaa.php Boxtorow host Donal Ware previews the CIAA and gives his predicted order of finish http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_durantjackson.php When the months-long NFL lockout (finally) ended early last week many expected the usually prolonged free agency period to instead become a frenzy. They were right, as it seemed a majority of the league's 900 free agents were scooped up, either by the team they last played for or a new one, as fast as you could say Nnamdi Asomugha. Among those who switched teams are former Hampton linebacker Justin Durant, who left Jacksonville to play for the Detroit Lions, and former Alabama State quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who left Minnesota for Seattle. http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_meacvolleyball.php Maryland Eastern Shore outside hitter Maline Vaitai was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball Preseason Player of the Year the conference announced today. Preseason honors were voted on by the conference's head volleyball coaches and sports information directors. http://www.boxtorow.com/hbcuplayerssigned.php List of former HBCU players signed as undrafted NFL free agents http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_rickieweeks.php For Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks there were a couple of first at the 2011 All-Star Game. It was his first game. He was the leadoff batter for the NL. Also for the former Southern University star, who was national player of the year in 2003, he was the first Southern player selected since Lou Brock in 1979 and the first HBCU player since Marquis Grissom (Florida A&M) made it for the Montreal Expos in 1994. http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_cliffordreed.php Bethune-Cookman University has fired head men's basketball coach Clifford Reed, following the team's best season in 30 years. In a three-sentence statement released on Monday evening, the university stated the decision to fire Reed was made, "following an internal administrative review." http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_mervylmelendez.php Mervyl Melendez, the longtime Bethune-Cookman baseball coach and considered one of the best in the nation, shocked those around him by resigning and accepting the head coaching position at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala. He was officially introduced by ASU Athletic Director Stacy Danley during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_mlbdraft.php Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft has concluded and this year's list of draftees includes nine who honed their skills at black colleges. The first HBCU athlete drafted was Bethune-Cookman junior Peter O'Brien who was selected in the third round (107 overall) by the Colorado Rockies. The 6-3, 215 pound catcher was a member of Team USA during the summer of 2010 and was projected to be a first round pick prior to the 2011 season. However, he struggled at the plate, batting just .304 with 14 home runs while striking out 54 times. http://www.boxtorow.com/featuredstory_lesliefrazier.php Though he excelled in athletics, particularly football and baseball, Leslie Frazier was a self-proclaimed late-bloomer in high school. Factor in the times - 1977 to be exact - and his collegiate choices were somewhat limited, as major colleges in the South were still relatively new to recruiting black players.