WILSON RELEASED AT TSU: Texas Southern Athletics Director Alois Blackwell announced today that Steve Wilson has been released as the head coach of the Tigers football team. Defensive Coordinator DeChon Burns will serve as interim head coach for the final two games of the season. Wilson was in his fourth season as head coach with a record of 4-38. His best season was in 2006 when the team went 3-8. "We appreciate Steve's tireless effort and commitment to our football program," said Blackwell. Blackwell added that a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately. "We are moving forward and want to provide the new head coach with every opportunity to recruit quality staff and student-athletes to our program." The Tigers face Arkansas Pine-Bluff on November 17th at Durley Field and the University of Houston on November 24th at Robertson Stadium.

DURANT GIVES BACK: Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker and former Hampton standout Justin Durant announced last week that he is endowing an athletics scholarship at his alma mater. In the 2007 NFL draft, Durant was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 16th pick of the second round and the 48th overall, making him the highest selection in Hampton history. Durant said that he simply wants to give back. "I have been blessed. Now that I am in a situation where I can give back, I want to put a blessing on someone else." Durant will also give a donation to his former high school, Wilson High School in Florence, S.C. Durant was a three-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Year and led Hampton to three conference championships. His NFL selection marked the sixth Hampton player drafted since 2000 and the 11th since head coach Joe Taylor took over the program in 1992. "We are very proud of Justin," said Taylor. "He had a great career here. For him to come back and do this honorable thing for his university shows what kind of person he is."

© 2007 Azeez Communications, Inc.

Return to Front Page