About About NSU

Norfolk State University was founded in 1935 as a beacon of Black Colleges and Universities are graduating a growing share of hope to the region’s youth. Brought to life in the midst of the African Americans who go on to earn Ph.D.s in science and engineering. Great Depression, Norfolk State was named the Norfolk Unit of Norfolk State’s Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Union University at its founding. By 1969, Norfolk State began Sciences (DNIMAS) is specifically geared toward increasing the its status as in independent college and was designated a university number of Ph.D.s in science, engineering, technology and mathematics. in 1979. The program has been in place since 1986. More than 50 percent of DNIMAS scholars have earned advanced degrees. Today, the University remains a source of inspiration for those who aspire to fulfill their dreams. A four-year public institution, Norfolk Moving Forward State is located in the dynamic region and is close Norfolk State is making the right changes to provide the best learning to the Virginia Beach oceanfront and downtown Norfolk. NSU has and living experiences for its students. The University is in the midst an enrollment of more than 6,300 students. of $80 million worth of capital improvements. Projects just completed, underway, or in the pipeline include the 84,500-square-foot New A Strong Academic Profile Student Center scheduled to be completed in August, a new library and NSU recently received reaffirmation of its accreditation from the a new classroom building. The New Student Center will offer students Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges a place to socialize as well as take care of student business. Offices and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, for the Student Affairs division and the Office of Student Activities 404-679-4501) which is effective through 2018. In addition, the College will be located in the new center. It will also provide students with of Science, Engineering and Technology was awarded accreditation a two-level bookstore, a two-level wellness center and student from the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. The lounges. The new library will be 132,000 square feet and will house School of Business received reaffirmation of accreditation from the library services, archives and a 24/7 café with Internet connection. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, International groundbreaking for the new library was held in June. The anticipated and the School of Education received continuing accreditation from occupancy date is August 2011. A new nursing and general classroom the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. building is in the planning stage. The building will have 13 labs, 33 classrooms, 39 group study/lounges and 63 offices. Additionally, the National Collegiate Athletic Association recertified Norfolk State’s intercollegiate athletics programs for NCAA accreditation, From the university choirs to the 250-member Spartan Legion effective February 2009 for a 10-year period. The certification means Marching Band, Norfolk State is known for its rich music tradition. that Norfolk State is considered to be operating under the principles The marching band has made appearances at the Honda Battle of adopted by the NCAA’s Division I membership. the Bands, while the University concert choir has toured the country. The choir is best known for its beauty of choral tone and the ability Norfolk State’s Athletics program is experiencing unprecedented to render exemplary performances of masterworks. NSU choirs are success at the NCAA Division I level. Athletes are competitive on the among the most ardent and prominent ambassadors of the University. field of play and in the classroom. During the academic year, NSU recognized more than 60 young men and women who were inducted into the Athletics All-Academic Team for 2008–2009. To qualify, the Behold, the Green and Gold!™ scholar-athletes had to have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale. This team includes first-year and continuing students and represents all 15 of the department’s sports programs.

From 2005–2009, NSU athletics has won the last five MEAC Men’s All-Sports Awards (Talmadge Layman Hill Award) and earned the department $125,000 during that period.

Norfolk State University is also one of the top 50 producers of African- American Ph.D. recipients, according to Inside Higher Ed. The finding, based on a National Science Foundation report, says that Historically

24 2010 norfolk state university hampton roads

an innovative recreational compound with bicycle trails, picnic areas, and soapbox derby and cross- country courses around two lakes used for a myriad of recreational water sports. The unique 17-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel links Virginia Beach with Virginia’s Eastern Shore and a national wildlife refuge.

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the Children’s Museum are located in Portsmouth. Newport News has the Mariners’ Museum, which houses one of the world’s most extensive nautical collections, while Hampton is home to the Air and Space Museum. The vibrancy of city life, the charm of the seashore, the verdant countryside and the historic landmarks are just a few of the NSU is just off Interstate 264 within walking distance of features found in Hampton Roads. The area, which includes downtown and other major area attractions, such as the Scope, the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Chrysler Hall and MacArthur Center Mall. Newport News, Hampton and Suffolk, has a growing population of about 2 million. Hampton Roads has three daily newspapers, one African- American weekly, three independent TV stations and more than There are numerous attractions within each city. Norfolk has its 30 radio stations. Waterside, a festive marketplace similar to those in Baltimore, St. Louis and Boston. The financial and cultural hub of Virginia, Norfolk is the home of the world’s largest naval installation and serves as headquarters for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As a cultural center, its featuresm include the Chrysler Museum, the Douglas MacArthur Memorial, the Nauticus National Maritime Center, the Virginia Symphony and several theater companies, including Norfolk State University’s own NSU Players. Besides a long and beautiful coastline, Virginia Beach offers numerous landmarks, including the first landing cross (where the first settlers touched the shores of the New World in 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock); The Adam Thoroughgood House, probably the oldest brick house in America, dating back to 1636; and Mount Trashmore, a project that turned a mountain of solid waste into

2010 norfolk state university baseball 25 NSU President

Board of Governors for RTI International, the Advisory Board for the Journal of Engineering Education, the Board of Directors of Riverside Health Foundation, Hampton Roads Partnership, the Greater Norfolk Corporation, Nauticus, the Norfolk Forum and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board. Also serves on the Regional Board of Directors for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, an Advisory Committee Member for the Extraordinary Women Engineers Project, a member of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s 2007 Assessment Task Force, a member the Economics Club of Hampton Roads, and serving a second term as a member-at-large of the ASME Committee on Honors.

• Current appointments to the Innovative Technology Authority, the American Council on Education Commission on Effective Leadership and a two-year term on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Council of State Representatives beginning January 1, 2009.

• She has served on other boards in other states including the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and the Moses Cone Health Systems.

• Served as the first associate dean of research for the College of Carolyn Winstead Meyers, Ph.D. Engineering at Georgia Tech and was later appointed professor and dean of the College of Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. Carolyn W. Meyers, Ph.D., the fourth president of Norfolk State University, previously served as provost and vice chancellor • Inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Engineering Alumni for Academic Affairs and a tenured professor in the College of at Georgia Tech, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi honor Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State societies. University. Meyers holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Howard University, a master’s in mechanical • In addition to university service, served as a program officer in engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) two divisions of the National Science Foundation—the Division and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering also from Georgia Tech. She of Undergraduate Education and the Division of Human Resource has completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University. Her career Development. in higher education spans more than 30 years and includes both academic and administrative experiences. • Received numerous national awards in higher education including the NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award, Society Highlights from her career include the following: of Automotive Engineers’ Ralph A. Teetor Award and the National • Currently serves as the first chair of the Board of Trustees for the Society of Black Engineers’ Golden Torch Award. National Institute of Aerospace Foundation and previously served as inaugural chair of the National Institute of Aerospace Board Dr. Meyers is a native of Newport News, Va. She is the proud parent of Directors. of three adult children and grandmother of three.

• Currently holds membership on the Board of Trustees of Norwich University, MentorNet, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Center for the Advancement of Engineering Education, the

26 2010 norfolk state university baseball Director of Athletics

Another highlight of Miller’s tenure as athletics director includes NSU capturing the last five Talmadge Layman Hill awards, given annually to the top men’s sports program in the conference. NSU received $25,000 for winning each award. Miller was also presented in March 2006 with the Tom Fergusson Memorial Award, given annually to the area’s top sportsman by the Norfolk Sports Club.

Miller is no stranger to winning. His career record as baseball coach was 718-543-3. He first started making a name for himself as a player at NSU from 1965–68. He hit .380 as a sophomore; .438 with eight doubles, two triples, three homers and 27 RBI as a junior; and .406 as a senior, when he became the first Spartan player to be named an NCAA College Division All-American.

Miller graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1969. An ROTC member in college, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after he graduated. While on active duty, Miller was signed by the Minnesota Twins. He returned to his alma mater in 1972 as an assistant to baseball coach Bob Andrews. The next season, Miller inherited the head coaching position, which he held until early in 2005.

His coaching beginning was modest: Miller’s first team at NSU, the 1973 edition, went 0-12, but that would not last. The next year, NSU went 7-1 against CIAA competition as Miller served notice that the Marty L. Miller Spartans would be a force for some time.

Miller is the winningest baseball coach in CIAA history, having led the Marty Miller has been called many things during his tenure at Norfolk Spartans to a 584-374-3 record in their years in the league. Miller’s State University. Some have called him a rock; others have referred ledger in the CIAA includes 17 conference championships, including to him as one of Norfolk State’s greatest ambassadors. Regardless seven in a row from 1987–93; 12 postseason appearances; 15 CIAA of the label, what’s clear is that Miller has served his alma mater in Coach of the Year awards; six All-Americans and 22 players signed to various capacities for nearly 40 years, providing NSU with stability in pro contracts. He also won the 1980 NAIA District 19 Coach of the Year times of need. award after his team won the District 19 title.

His professional career at Norfolk State has included stints in the In 1997, NSU honored Miller by building the Marty L. Miller Baseball areas of financial aid, career services, student affairs and athletics. Field. One year later, Miller led NSU to the MEAC Tournament After winning more than 700 games as the school’s baseball coach, championship round in the Spartans’ first year in the league. He was Miller was named NSU’s acting athletics director on December 16, named the MEAC Coach of the Year in 2000, and NSU reached the 2004. He was appointed to the permanent athletics director post on championship round again in 2001. March 18, 2005. The year 2003 was also a special one for Miller. In February, Miller Early in Miller’s tenure, he was confronted with many challenges, the was inducted into the CIAA’s John B. McLendon Hall of Fame. In May, biggest one being the hiring of a football coach. Miller and his search he earned his 700th career win with the Spartans when sixth-seeded committee worked during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to NSU upset No. 2 Delaware State in the MEAC Tournament. In August, find a football coach. The hard work paid off when the decision was Miller the player was honored as one of eight inductees into the Norfolk made to hire from Bethune-Cookman. With approval of State University Athletics Foundation Sports Hall of Fame. then-President Dr. Marie V. McDemmond, Adrian became the first white head coach in any major sport at NSU and the second ever in Miller, a native of Danville, Va., serves on the Norfolk Sports Club Board MEAC football history. of Directors and is a board member of the First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA. He was also elected to serve on the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Shortly thereafter, with help from alumni, fans, friends and the Honors Court beginning in 2009. Miller and his wife, Liz, have one son, Department of Facilities Management, the athletics department was Marty Eric, a former NSU outfielder. able to raise funds to renovate and purchase new equipment for the weight room. In 2007, the school completed a major renovation of the NSU Softball Field, which included the installation of new team dugouts and a press box. Bleacher renovations in Joseph Echols Hall were completed for the 2008–09 basketball season.

2010 norfolk state university baseball 27 NSU Athletics Four-Year Highlights (2005–09)

The Norfolk State University intercollegiate athletics program has Tennis player Stepanka experienced unprecedented success at the NCAA Division I level Velebova (left) during the past four years (2005–09). This period of progress has is presented with the 2009 been highlighted by improvements and upgrades in virtually every area Scholar Athlete critical to transforming NSU Athletics into a highly competitive program of the Year Award by NSU Professor that will consistently challenge for Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Dr. Norma Brumage. Velebova and NCAA Division I championships. was 1 of 42 members of the 2009 MEAC The catalyst for these advancements has been Marty Miller, who was All-Academic Team. appointed athletics director at NSU in December 2004. Miller believes that the mission of the athletics program is an extension of the mission of Norfolk State University. He places an emphasis on areas that impact Academics Had 31 student-athletes (sophomores or higher) named to the welfare of student-athletes. Improving graduation rates, gender • MEAC All-Academic team (min. GPA: 3.0) in 2004–05 equity and the retention of student-athletes are equally, if not more • Had 36 student-athletes (sophomores or higher) named to important, than winning conference and national championships. MEAC All-Academic team (min. GPA: 3.0) in 2005–06 However, the effectiveness of the programs and initiatives designed • Had 34 student-athletes (sophomores or higher) named to to enhance the student-athlete experience and improve the overall MEAC All-Academic team (min. GPA: 3.0) in 2006–07 administrative process are directly related to the success the teams • Had 42 student-athletes (sophomores or higher) named to and individual athletes have achieved since 2005. Perhaps the biggest MEAC All-Academic team (min. GPA: 3.0) in 2007–08 and 2008–09 achievement came in early 2009, when the athletics department • Had 63 student-athletes earn honor roll status in fall 2007 and was recertified to receive NCAA accreditation for the next 10 years. 62 in the fall of 2008 By achieving certification status, NSU is considered to be operating • Increased student-athlete graduation success rate from 40% to 56% its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles • David Kemboi was 1 of 50 student-athletes nationwide named adopted by the NCAA’s Division I membership. to the 2006–07 Division I Men’s Cross Country All-Academic team as selected by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Numerous staff and coaching hires have been made to enhance the Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) department’s efficacy. Sherie Cornish (Assoc. AD/Internal Operations), Alisha Tucker (Asst. AD/Compliance), Jacqueline Nicholson (Aca-demic Administrative Coordinator) and Jamar Ross (Asst. AD/Business Operations) were hired • Hired a full-time assistant sports information director (January 2007) to meet the department’s increasing demands in their respective areas. • Hired a full-time athletics academic coordinator (March 2008) A host of new head coaches joined the staff, signaling new beginnings in • Developed comprehensive gender-equity and catastrophic several sports: Pete Adrian (Football), Claudell Clark (Baseball), Anthony incident guideline plans Evans (Men’s Basketball), Jennifer Fry (Volleyball), Kary Kankey (Softball) • Hired a full-time strength and conditioning coach (August 2008) and Wilhelmenia Harrison (Bowling). Kenneth Giles (Men’s Track) and Ronda Berard (Women’s Track) were promoted from interim to full-time Football head coaches in their respective sports. • Matched the 2005 and 2006 win total (8-14) in 2007 with a record of 8-3 Giles’ cross country and track teams have dominated the MEAC. Adrian, • Record 10 NSU players named All-MEAC in 2007 who captured several coach of the year honors in 2007, has orchestrated • Pete Adrian named NSU’s first MEAC Football Coach of the Year in 2007 •  the steady progress of the football team, which came within a game of Earned school’s first-ever national FCS/I-AA ranking in 2007, reaching as high as 23rd capturing its first MEAC title in 2007. Evans capped his first season with • Had its first NFL draftee since 1996 when Don Carey was selected by co-MEAC Coach of the Year honors and led the Spartans to the MEAC the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2009 draft Tournament championship game in his second year. Kankey and Clark led their teams to runners-up finishes at the MEAC Championships in their respective sports in 2008, while Fry’s volleyball team advanced to the MEAC Volleyball Tournament in her first two seasons. Harrison guided the bowling team to its first MEAC Southern Division regular-season championship in Defensive back 2008–09. Don Carey became the first Spartan football The accomplishments of NSU student-athletes in the classroom since 2005 player to be drafted have been equally impressive. More than 30 student-athletes are annually in 13 years when the Browns selected named to the MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. him in the 2009 draft. The following is a list of accomplishments and improvements the NSU Athletics program has experienced since 2005.

28 2010 norfolk state university baseball NSU Athletics Four-Year Highlights (2005–09)

Football Attendance • • Ranked 20th in Division I FCS (I-AA) in 2005 • • Ranked 23rd in Division I FCS (I-AA) in 2006 • • Ranked 7th in Division I FCS (I-AA) in 2007 • • Had the 2nd and 3rd-largest crowds in Stadium history • in 2007: vs. Hampton (27,756) and vs. Virginia State (26,970) • • Set a stadium record in average attendance in 2007 (17,220 average for • 6 games) • • Men’s Basketball • • Won 16 games in 2007–08, a 5-win improvement over the • previous year • • Competed in the conference championship game in 2009 • for the first time since joining the MEAC • • The Spartans have won the last 5 Talmadge Layman Hill Awards, Men’s Cross Country • given annually to the MEAC top men’s sports program. • Won 8 of the last 9 MEAC titles, including a conference-record seven • straight from 2000–06 Program Awards • Sent a runner to the NCAA Division I National Cross Country • Won the last 5 MEAC Men’s All-Sports Awards (Talmadge Layman Championship for the first time in school and MEAC history in Hill Award) and earned the NSU athletics department $125,000 from 2006 (David Kemboi) 2005–09 • The baseball, men’s basketball and football teams all posted winning records in 2007–08 for the first time in the Division I era • TV/Radio Exposure • Hosted the school’s first 2 nationally-televised softball games in 2007 and 2008 • Began airing a weekly radio show, Inside Spartan Sports, on Fox Sports affiliate WXTG 102.1 FM in January 2009 • Had 5 sporting events televised on ESPN networks (3 football, 2 men’s basketball) in 2008–09 • Had 6 sporting events televised on ESPN networks (3 football, 2 men’s basketball, 1 softball) in 2007–08, most in school history The NSU men’s track and field team has won a total of • Had 4 sporting events televised on ESPN networks 8 MEAC championships in the last 4 years. (2 men’s basketball, 1 football, 1 softball) in 2006–07 Track & Field • Had 5 sporting events televised on ESPN networks • Became the first MEAC men’s track program to win both the indoor and (3 men’s basketball, 2 football) in 2005–06 outdoor conference championships for 4 consecutive academic years (2006–09) • Had 2 athletes (Marlon Woods, Corey Vinston) earn NCAA Division I All-America status in the same championship meet for the first time in school history in 2009

Facilities • Completed softball field renovations in 2007–08, including construction of a press box, dugouts and restrooms • Renovated the weight room in Gill Gymnasium in 2005, increasing the size of the existing room and purchasing new equipment • Completed the refurbishing of the women’s sports locker rooms in Gill Gymnasium (fall 2008) • Replaced the outfield wall at the Marty L. Miller Baseball Field (summer 2007) • Renovating the Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall basketball arena (August The NSU Softball Field was renovated in 2007 to add new dugouts and 2008 and 2009) a press box, one of several recent facilities upgrades.

2010 norfolk state university baseball 29 marty l. miller baseball field

In 1997, Marty L. Miller Baseball Field debuted as the home for Spartan baseball. It is named after former coach and current athletics director Marty Miller, who has spent more than 40 years as a player, coach, and administrator at NSU.

The field is located off Presidential Parkway on the NSU campus. It has metal bleacher seating for 1,500, as well as a spacious press box for game staff and working media. It also has full stadium lighting for night games, one of the few colleges with that distinction in Virginia.

The playing surface is enclosed by cyclone fencing and has an underground drainage system, a gravel warning track, and enclosed bullpens for both teams. The dimensions are 330 feet to left field, 318 to right, 395 to the gaps, and 404 to center field. A giant scoreboard sits behind the center-field wall.

Marty L. Miller Field hosted three consecutive MEAC Baseball Tournaments from 2006–08.

30 2010 norfolk state university baseball NSU Strength and Conditioning Program

The NSU Strength and Conditioning Program is administered by Reese Bridgman, the school’s first-ever full-time strength and conditioning coach. Bridgman has 26 years of coaching experience in athletics at the high school, college and professional levels. His resume includes a seven- year stint as head strength and conditioning coach at Central Florida, where he worked with future professionals such as Daunte Culpepper, Asante Samuel and Brandon Marshall of the NFL and Mike Maroth of Major League Baseball.

The NSU Strength and Conditioning Program exists to provide all 280+ NSU student-athletes with scientifically sound performance-enhancement programs in the areas of strength, speed, explosive power and sports nutrition. Programs are conducted in the NSU athletics weight room, a 2,000-square-foot facility in Gill Gymnasium that houses the equip- ment and accessories needed to develop championship-level NCAA Division I athletes. The strength and conditioning program also uses the NSU athletics department’s game and practice fields.

The program develops athletes by means of functional strength training for strength and power utilizing Olympic lifts, power lifts, plyometric drills and additional supplementary lifts, particularly dumbbell exercises. The program trains speed in both linear and change-of-direction movement. Athletes are taught recovery by developing good eating habits that are appropriate for athletes training at the Division I level and by emphasizing the correct amount of rest.

Athletes are trained in a team setting as part of a year-round program. Athletes train two times per week in season and three to four times per week during the remainder of the year with a break between semesters and at the end of their sport’s season. Their annual plan consists of in-season, off-season, preseason and holiday programs. All training schedules are administered within NCAA guidelines for contact time with athletes in both required programs and voluntary programs.

Part of the emphasis within the NSU Strength and Conditioning Program is on the athlete developing lifetime character qualities of teamwork, discipline, dedication, determination, respect for others and respect for hard work. Athletes are also expected to develop an interest in lifetime fitness.

“The Strength and Conditioning Program at NSU tries to remember that our athletes came to us to participate in and excel in their given sport, not to become weight lifters or body builders,” Bridgman says. “For this reason, we approach strength and conditioning as a means to an end, and we encourage our athletes to learn from and enjoy the journey.”

2010 norfolk state university baseball 31 Athletics Administration

Craig Cotton A native of Severna Park, Md., Cornish earned her bachelor’s assistant athletics director for compliance at the University Associate Athletics Director, degree in sports administration from Morgan State in 2002 of Richmond from June 2004 to January 2005. External Operations and her master’s in sports management from Temple in 2004. Tucker earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature Craig Cotton is in his ninth year Karen Holmes and composition from the University of Virginia in 1996. as associate athletics director for Associate Athletics Director for She earned her master’s in sports management from Old external operations. He is also in Dominion University in 2001. his sixth year as executive director Development of the NSU Athletics Foundation. Karen Holmes is in her first year A Hampton native, Tucker was a track and field athlete at Cotton joined the NSU athletics staff Hampton High School. She was also a sprinter and hurdler on after serving as marketing manager at Howard University. as associate athletics director for development at NSU. Holmes’ the U.Va. track team. Tucker was also the liaison between the student-government and the athletics department, serving Cotton’s primary duties at NSU include developing and primary responsibilities will be to plan, coordinate and implement all on various committees. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta managing marketing and public relations projects with Sorority, Inc., and currently resides in Portsmouth. particular focus on the “Team Spartan Corporate Partners development and fundraising activities for the Department of Athletics. The ultimate goal is to increase funding for Program,” a comprehensive sports marketing initiative Jamar Ross designed to attract corporate sponsorship and funding for athletic scholarships, capital projects and other athletic Assistant Athletics Director, the athletics program. enhancements. Business Operations Prior to NSU, Holmes served as the foundation manager at Previously, Cotton worked for seven years in the Delaware Jamar Ross was hired as Norfolk the Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2006. She State University Public Relations Office. He arrived at the State’s assistant athletics director was responsible for planning and directing the foundation’s Dover, Del.-based institution in 1992 and served as sports for business operations in April of operations to include fundraising, staffing, budgeting and information director for two years before his appointment as 2009. the university’s director of public relations and marketing in research. 1994. Ross served from July 2007 to Holmes has also held positions as a business account April 2009 as associate sports information director at Old representative at Opportunity, Inc. and as a marketing From 1988–92, Cotton was associate director of sports Dominion University. At ODU, he was the primary media consultant at LNC (local news on cable) Channel 5 and the information at Temple University. He worked for seven years contact for the Monarchs’ start-up football team. (1981–88) as sports information director and administrative Hampton Roads Radio Group in the Southeastern Virginia area. assistant to the director of intercollegiate athletics at the Previously, Ross was the sports information director at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Hampton University from 2002–07. While at Hampton, Holmes, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., graduated magna cum Ross served on the Governance and Commitment to laude with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies Cotton was also was a press operations manager for the Rules Compliance Subcommittee for Hampton’s NCAA United States Olympic Committee (USOC) at the 1996 from NSU in 1998. Recertification Self-Study. Summer Games in Atlanta, Ga.; the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina; and the 1994 U.S. Mitch Callis Ross also served as sports information director at Winston- Olympic Festival in St. Louis, Mo. Assistant Athletics Director, Salem State University in 2001–02, was the assistant SID Sports Medicine at Hampton from 2000–01, and completed a postgraduate Cotton is a native of Greensboro, N.C., and a 1980 graduate Mitch Callis is in his 25th year as internship at Southern Illinois University in 2000. He also of North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a assistant athletics director for served as a press room attendant at NCAA men’s basketball bachelor’s degree in English-mass communications. He sports medicine at Norfolk State tournaments in 1997 and 2000. received an M.Ed. degree at Temple University in 1995. University. One of the leading practitioners in the field of sports Ross graduated cum laude from Winston-Salem State Cotton and his wife, Cynthia, reside in Norfolk, Va. medicine in Hampton Roads, Callis University with a bachelor’s degree in sports management is known both regionally and nationally for his outstanding in 1999. He received his master’s in sports management Sherie Cornish contributions to the field of sports medicine. from ODU in 2008. He also completed the NCAA Leadership Interim Associate Athletics Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females in 2008. Director, Internal Operations Prior to accepting his position at Norfolk State, Callis was Dr. Delanyard Sherie Cornish is in her third an athletic trainer for Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia year working in the NSU athletics Phillies franchise. During the fall of 1983, Callis served as Robinson department. After previously serving head athletic trainer for the Phillies’ Florida Instructional Faculty Athletic Representative League Team in Clearwater. as assistant athletics director for Dr. Delanyard Robinson is in business operations, Cornish was his 17th year as faculty athletic Callis has also served as a graduate assistant at the College promoted to interim associate representative for the Norfolk State of William & Mary and at Old Dominion University. athletics director for internal operations in February Athletics Department. Robinson is 2009. She also serves as the department’s senior woman also a professor in the Department A native of South Hill, Va., Callis received his bachelor’s administrator. of Psychology at Norfolk State. degree from Radford University. He earned his master’s degree in sports medicine from Old Dominion. Previously, Cornish worked as the senior administrative Robinson, a native of Bessemer, Ala., earned a bachelor’s assistant in the American University athletics department degree in social sciences in 1965 at Tuskegee Institute. He Callis and his wife, Sharon, are the parents of five children: during the summer and fall of 2005. received his master’s degree in experimental psychology Michelle, Scott, Jordan, Taylor and Justine. from St. Mary’s College (Texas) in 1971, and in 1980 he Cornish also served as an athletics department intern at received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Rutgers the University of Maryland in 2004–05 and as an assistant Alisha Tucker University. women’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at her Assistant Athletics Director, alma mater, Morgan State University, during the 2003–04 Compliance Dr. Robinson and his wife, Barbara, are the parents of two school year. Alisha Tucker is in her third full sons, Michael and Delanyard II. year as assistant athletics director Cornish currently serves on the National Association for compliance at Norfolk State. Matt Michalec of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) Previously, she served as the Sports Information Director Sponsorship Committee and the College Athletic Business athletics eligibility specialist and Management Association (CABMA) Program Committee. Matt Michalec is in his seventh full curriculum coordinator at Marshall year as sports information director at University from 2005–06. Cornish was an accomplished basketball player at Morgan NSU. He is in charge of coordinating State, where she scored more than 1,000 career points. She media relations efforts for all 15 Tucker began her career as an assistant compliance of NSU’s athletics programs. His was a four-year letterwinner and was team captain her final coordinator at Michigan State University from 2001–02, three seasons. duties include the production of and then earned a promotion to compliance coordinator at press guides, fielding media MSU in 2003. She also worked as director of compliance requests, keeping statistics at all home athletic contests and at Villanova from November 2003 to June 2004, then was

32 2010 norfolk state university baseball Athletics Administration maintaining the university athletics web site. In 2006, he Shirley Brooks A native of Clayton, N.J., Nicholson was a was named the Black College Baseball SID of the Year. Football Administrative Assistant four-year letterwinner for the Hokies track and field team as a sprinter and hurdler. She wasa Previously, Michalec worked for two years as a part-time Shirley Brooks is in her 10th year as member of the Virginia Tech all-academic team sports reporter and editorial assistant at the Daily Press the football administrative assistant and athletics director’s honor roll. She earned her newspaper in Newport News, Va. for the NSU athletics department. bachelor’s degree in human development in 2005 and Brooks oversees all administration her master’s in educational leadership in 2007, both from Michalec graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s of the program, including coordi- Virginia Tech. degree in English and a minor in communications from Old nating special events, player files Dominion University in 2002. He served as sports editor for and maintaining the recruiting Reese Bridgman database. ODU’s student newspaper during his time there. He got his Strength and Conditioning Coach professional start by working for two years as a sportswriter at the York Town Crier and Poquoson Post newspapers in A native of Hertford, N.C., Brooks has three children: Derek, Reese Bridgman is in his second York County, Va. Dietrich and Verletita. She is currently working toward year as the Spartans’ strength and her degree in tourism and hospitality management at conditioning coach. Bridgman MIchalec is a member of the College Sports Information Norfolk State. oversees the strength and Directors of America (CoSIDA) and the Virginia Sports conditioning efforts for all 15 of Information Directors (VaSID). Jessica Cole NSU’s sports programs. Head Assistant Athletic Trainer Michalec and his wife, Annie, live in Newport News and have Bridgman previously served as the strength and conditioning one son, Brandon. Jessica Cole is in her first year as coach for the Newport News Apprentice School’s football the head assistant athletic trainer at program from 2005–07. He was also the Builders’ defensive Karen M. Carty Norfolk State University. Previously, coordinator in 2007 after coaching the defensive line in 2005 and 2006. Assistant Sports Information Cole served as the assistant athletic Director trainer at Virginia State University in Petersburg, for two years (2007– Before moving to the Hampton Roads area, Bridgman was Karen M. Carty is in her third full 09). She also worked for two and a half years as the athletic the head strength and conditioning coach for the University year as assistant sports information trainer at Chelsea Community Hospital Outpatient Physical of Central Florida from 1997–2003. Bridgman helped train 20 director. Previously, she worked on Therapy in her native Chelsea, Mich. UCF football players who went on to make active NFL rosters, a part-time basis in the NSU sports including the likes of Daunte Culpepper, Asante Samuel, information office for two years. Her Cole earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Travis Fisher, Atari Bigby, Steve Edwards, Brandon Marshall primary duties include assisting in Florida Southern College in 2004. She completed her senior and Rashad Jeanty. Other top-notch athletes he helped tutor the day-to-day operations of the sports information office, internship with the WNBA’s Detroit Shock in 2004, and at UCF include major league pitcher Mike Maroth. the publication of media guides and the coordination of game earned her master’s degree in exercise physiology from day operations with an emphasis on the women’s basketball, Eastern Michigan in 2008. Along with his strength and conditioning expertise, Bridgman women’s cross country, volleyball, softball, women’s tennis has an extensive background as a football coach at the and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs. high school, college and professional levels. Bridgman William Wright coached two seasons in the Arena Football League. He Carty graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree Head Equipment Manager coached linemen and was the strength coach for the Orlando in general business with an emphasis in marketing from Predators in their ArenaBowl runner-up season of 1995. NSU in 2004. She was a member of the women’s tennis William “Ray” Wright is in his The following year, he worked in the same capacity for the team and was named to the 2004 MEAC Commissioner’s seventh year as the head equipment Milwaukee Mustangs (now defunct). All-Academic team. She is also a lifetime member of Golden manager at NSU. Previously, Wright Key International Honour Society and Beta Gamma Sigma, an worked as a parking supervisor Bridgman’s one stint as a head football coach came at East honor society for business majors. in NSU’s Office of Parking and Central Community College in his home state of Mississippi Transportation. He has also served from 1992–94. He has also worked as an assistant football Carty is a member of the College Sports Information Directors as a security officer at NSU. coach at NAIA Georgia Southwestern College and at a pair of America (CoSIDA) and the Virginia Sports Information of Division II schools, Southeast Oklahoma State and East Directors (VaSID). A native of Portsmouth, Wright lettered in football and track Texas State (now known as Texas A&M-Commerce). He also at NSU in the early 1980s. He was a member of the 1984 was the men’s track coach during his tenure at Southeastern The St. Croix, U.S.V.I., native earned her master’s degree in CIAA championship football team. Oklahoma State. sports management from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala., in 2009. Wright earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary Bridgman, a native of Tylertown, Miss., got his football studies with a minor in physical education in 1995. He is coaching start at Hattiesburg (Miss.) Prep in 1983. currently pursuing his master’s in administration. Shirley Whitaker Bridgman received his bachelor’s degree in athletic Administrative and Program Wright has four daughters, Chiquita, Nikeya, Britney and administration and coaching from the University of Southern Specialist III Ashley; two granddaughters, Kyra and Destini, and one Mississippi in 1985. He earned his master’s in physical grandson, Michael. education with an emphasis in exercise physiology from East Shirley Whitaker, Administrative Texas State (Texas A&M-Commerce) in 1986. and Program Specialist III, has Jacqueline Nicholson been a part of the NSU Athletics Atthletics Academic Coordinator Bridgman is certified through the National Strength and Department for more than 30 years. Conditioning Association, the Collegiate Strength and Whitaker, who joined the athletics Jacqueline Nicholson is in her Conditioning Coaches Association, and the National department in 1971, began working second year as the athletics Association of Speed and Explosion. He and his wife, Kelly, with the department under then-athletics director William academic coordinator at NSU. Archie. Since then she has assisted succeeding athletics Nicholson’s responsibilities include reside in Chesapeake. directors , William “Dick” Price, Orby Moss and advising all NSU student-athletes the department’s current director, Marty L. Miller. on issues of NCAA eligibility Nate Bell requirements and monitoring Assistant Equipment Manager Whitaker’s duties cover a variety of specialized areas to progress toward their degrees. Nicholson is also in charge Nate Bell is in his 14th year as include administrative, technical and compliance support for of coordinating the academic support efforts for each team assistant equipment manager the athletics department. along with the academic enhancement counselors. for the Norfolk State University athletics department. A native Whitaker is a native of Newport News, Va., and a 1971 Previously, Nicholson worked as an academic coordinator of Norfolk, Va., Bell is a 1994 graduate of NSU, where she received a bachelor’s degree in intern at Virginia Tech during the 2007–08 school year, graduate of Maury High School, business education. She earned a master’s degree at NSU in assisting with the Hokies football team. She also served as a where he lettered in football and wrestling. Bell and his urban affairs with an emphasis in human resources, planning graduate assistant in the university academic advising center wife, Jeanette, reside in Norfolk. and administration. at Virginia Tech from 2005–07.

2010 norfolk state university baseball 33 NSU Athletics Foundation

TOTAL SPORTS — 15

Men’s Sports A Brief Overview Baseball Basketball Founded in 1980, the mission of the NSU Athletics Foundation is to provide Cross Country funding to the NSU Athletics program that will enable student-athletes to achieve excellence in both academics and athletics. Additionally, the NSUAF Football will support overall program enhancement including funding for scholarships, Indoor Track & Field facility improvements, equipment, and services and programs that promote a Outdoor Track & Field high-quality intercollegiate athletics program. Tennis

Norfolk State University’s proud legacy of achievement in intercollegiate athletics began at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Central Women’s Sports Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). NSU was one of the league’s most Basketball dominant programs, winning championships in each sport. Bowling Cross Country In 1997, NSU was admitted into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Track & Field — one of only two NCAA Division I conferences composed of historically black colleges and universities. Other conference members include Bethune- Outdoor Track & Field Cookman University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida Softball A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, University of Maryland Tennis Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Volleyball South Carolina State University and Winston-Salem State University.

NSU made an immediate impression within the conference in 2000–01 Norfolk State University when the Spartans won the Talmadge Hill Award — presented annually to Athletics Foundation the member institution whose men’s teams compile the most points based Board of Directors on team finishes in conference play. The Spartans won the Talmadge Hill Fran Steward, President Award again each year from 2005–09. In all, NSU has won conference titles Merv Pitchford, Vice President in men’s and women’s track, men’s and women’s cross country and women’s basketball during its brief tenure in the MEAC. Phillip Brooks, Treasurer Craig Cotton, Executive Directory Why Support Norfolk State University Athletics? Marty Miller, Athletics Director • NSU competes at the nation’s highest level of intercollegiate athletics competition — National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I — Robert Boyd and is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). • There is a need to increase funding for scholarships for deserving student- Jacob L. Cheeks athletes motivated by achievement both in athletics and academics. Harold Hagans • Improvements and maintenance of equipment and facilities will enable John Hornbeck NSU student-athletes to perform at their full potential. * • A competitive athletics program of the highest quality is consistent with Langston Powell the institution’s mission of “Achieving With Excellence.” • A competitive athletics program contributes to the enjoyment of the Zackery Rogers student-athlete experience. James Satterfield* Donna Sample Smith John Warren

* Emeritus

34 2010 norfolk state university baseball Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation

2009–10 membership Million Dollar Club Heard Robert Easter George R. Horsey Earlie & Charolette Epps Anthony C. last Name First Name Jamison William Forbes Emmet Callis Mitch Jordan Leon Foxx, Jr. Charles Cheeks Jacob & Bernice Larrimore Donald & Mabel Garrison Herman Gregg Elverette & Joyce Lassiter Steve & Shirley Garrison William L. Howard Jocelyn Mack Norman Gilchrist II Walter Miller Marty & Liz Martin Michelle Goodman Christopher NSU Alumni Association—Norfolk Chapter Myrick Floyd & Dianne Holmes James T. Steward Chester & Fran Nicholson Malverse A. Holmes Robert Sweat James & LaVerne Paige, Sr. Vincent Hunter Charles Parker Jules G. Hurdle Russell E. President’s Club Patterson Dennis Jackson Marvin $5,000.00 Pitchford Merv Jarvis Clifton W. Sparrow Donald Powell, Jr. Langston Johnson William Robinson Delanyard Johnson Willie Championship Club Robinson Ulysses S. Jones Emily E. $2,200.00 Rogers Zach Jones Linda V. Sessoms Clarence L. & Geraldine A. Keeys Wayne Hurdle Curtis Smith James & Linda Langhorne Doris Spencer Ronald & Beverly Lawrence Harvey P. Spartan Club Spicely Lincoln McKissick Deborah & Jacqueline $1,350.00 Spruill, Jr. Lionell McNair J. Clinton Barnes Elsie Staton, Jr. Joseph A. Moss Donald R. Betts William & Brenda Taylor Lewis & Constance Paige John Gunn Louge & Mond Turner Lynwood A. Piersawl Linda V. Minor Anthony & Jo Ann Twitty Melvin Smith Linda L. Weaver Sterling Wall Walter & Heather Terrell Patricia Warren John & Rose Turner Rosser & Sylvia White, Jr. Charlie R. Walker Michael & Darlene Gold Club Williams Davida Whitehead, Jr. James W. $850.00 Wilder Arasble Allen Rhonda L. Green Club Williams Robert Aursby Carey Wynn Porter Avery Albert & Leonthia $500.00 Anderson Mr. & Mrs. William W. Bell Levi Avery, Sr. Ashley D. Basic Membership Bogger Tommy Ballard-Baker Jennifer Brabble Cassell & Shirley $200.00 Barksdale, Sr. Frank Brown Michael K. & Diane B. Brinkley Demetria C. Barmer Gladys Brown, Jr. James L. Bristow Christopher Bradby Sarah Bynum Jerome & Thelma Collins-McCall Barbara Brown Joan Byrd Shedrick Harris Vincent Brown Charles N. Calloway Raymond S. Kent Elijah Cason Sharon F. Chappell Larry & Olga Lee, III Robert B. Chavous Frances W. Daniel Joyce D. Melvin Donald Christian Charles O. Dennis, Jr. James L. Riddick Lloyd Coley Jesse E Edmonds Stanley & Marolyn Steward Alfred R. & Vanessa R. Cotton Joseph C. Elliott Clarence Walker David J. Cromuel, Jr. March Hagans Harold Whitaker Shirley

Hairston Hillard & Michael

2010 norfolk state university baseball 35 The Norfolk State University Baseball Booster Club

The NSU Baseball Booster Club conducted its first golf tournament as part of the 2009 Baseball Alumni Weekend.

The NSU Baseball Booster Club was founded in 1998, with the club cookout and the baseball alumni weekend. Other fundraisers mission of providing supplemental funding and support for the include the 50/50 raffle during home baseball games, the sale of Spartans’ baseball team. Founded by Claude and Ives Clark, the T-shirts, coupon books and game concessions, and the collection parents of current Spartans coach Claudell Clark, the booster club of annual membership dues. was the first on-campus booster organization at NSU to work directly with one sport. The club meets at Marty L. Miller Field on the first Saturday of each month that school is in session. For more information on The booster club conducts numerous activities during the year how to join the NSU Baseball Booster Club, call (757) 449-8948. aimed at increasing its membership and raising funds for the NSU baseball program. Annual projects include the baseball booster

2009–10 Officers President...... Joyce Gregg Vice President...... Peggy Brown Treasurer...... Rebecca Abetz Secretary...... Kim Barker

36 2010 norfolk state university baseball