REY TAKES OVER AT ALCORN:

Alcorn State University has named Barrett Rey as head baseball coach. Rey takes over the Braves' baseball program after the retirement of legendary coach, Willie "Rat" McGowan, Sr.

Prior to becoming Alcorn State's head coach, Rey was head baseball coach at Grambling State University where he took over a 6-36 program which had not made it to the conference tournament in seven years. During the past two seasons, the GSU Tigers earned a berth in the SWAC tournament. Rey compiled a 56-94 record over a three year span and in 2009; GSU advanced to the semi finals.

The New Orleans, Louisiana native says that he is "excited to be a part of the Braves family."

As an undergraduate at Southern University, he was also part of the Jaguars' baseball team from 1993 to 1997.

"I've observed him as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach over the years," said Brenda Square, ASU's interim athletic director. "He is highly capable of leading the Braves and moving the program forward."

While at Southern University, Rey was part of nine championships, and recruited a host of draft picks.

Rey received both his B.S. in psychology in 1997 and master's in therapeutic recreation and leisure services in 1998 from Southern.

He is the Chairperson of the SWAC Head Baseball Coaches and is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association.

NEW GSU BASEBALL COACH:

James Darrell Cooper has been tabbed as the new head baseball coach of Grambling State University as announced by GSU Athletics Director, Lin Dawson in a press conference held Friday in the student union atrium on the GSU campus.

Cooper, 27, has long been a staple of the Grambling community and has most recently served as an assistant coach on the Tigers baseball staff.

A graduate of GSU, Cooper received a bachelors of science in marketing (2004) as well as a Masters in Sports Administrations (2008) while serving as a graduate assistant coach. During his playing days at GSU, Cooper was twice named second team all-conference and following his senior campaign received first-team All-SWAC honors.

A native of Cullen, LA, Cooper followed up his playing career at Grambling with a brief stint in the Houston Astros organization, before playing a year with the Sussex Skyhawks.

Cooper, only the fifth head baseball coach in school history, replaces former coach Barrett Rey who resigned earlier this summer after leading the team to a 17-37 record and within one game of the SWAC Baseball tournament finals.

JAMES RETIRES AT MILES:

Miles College Athletic Director Augustus James has retired effective June 30, 2009. James, a native of Centerville, Alabama has worked with the Golden Bears Athletic Department for 38 years, 19 years as Athletic Director.

He spearheaded the college's increased commitment to intercollegiate athletics, transforming Miles into a contender in the SIAC.

He served as chairman of the SIAC Athletic Director's Association, a member of the SIAC Basketball Expansion and Tournament Committees, Co-Chair of the SIAC Baseball Tournament Committee, South Region Football Committee and a member of the NCAA South Region Basketball Committee.

School officials announced that an interim director will be named during the search process.

© 2009 Azeez Communications, Inc.

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