NEW SIAC LOGOS: The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) unveiled its new logos, in connection with the rebranding initiative that will begin this fall.

Created by Peralta Illustration & Design based in Huntington, Conn., the contemporary logos will be used on apparel, merchandise, marketing materials, website and digital applications.

"It is my sense that our new brand should aesthetically reflect the bright future of the SIAC while also keeping with the traditional color scheme of the conference," said Commissioner Greg Moore. "I truly believe that the SIAC is one of the best kept secrets in all of intercollegiate sports. The new logo will serve the SIAC well in connection with our rebranding efforts this upcoming year."

The thirteen member-institutions of the SIAC, in a five-state footprint which includes Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee, are: Albany State University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Stillman College and Tuskegee University.

UDC HOOPS CLAIMS RULAND: After a season as a Philadelphia 76ers assistant, Jeff Ruland is returning to college basketball, agreeing to a multiyear contract as head coach of the University of the District of Columbia.

Ruland was a two-time All-Star during the five seasons he played for the Washington Bullets. He had a successful eight-year run as coach at Iona College where he led the Gaels to three NCAA tournament appearances. He will take over a Division II program with only two returning players and no conference affiliation.

New 76ers coach Eddie Jordan didn't retain Ruland for his staff after he was hired.

"The University of the District of Columbia wants to take this program to some new heights and really upgrade everything," Ruland said by phone Monday night. "I could have sat on my butt and collected another year of pay from the 76ers, but I really want to be a head coach again and this is a great opportunity for me."

Ruland was introduced at a news conference on Tuesday at the UDC campus

HOWARD DITCHES DATCHER: Howard announced Tuesday the resignation of Athletic Director Dwight Datcher and the appointment of Joseph Bell as Interim AD.

Bell, in addition to having served as the head coach of the Howard swim team, also previously served as the head baseball and assistant football coach at Hampton. Bell was director of Howard's nationally recognized and federally-funded Upward Bound Program. For many years, he has been a major contributor to an array of academic and student development initiatives.

Howard also said it will conduct a national search for a permanent Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. A search advisory committee will be created and will include faculty, staff, student athletes, alumni and other key stakeholders. The University hopes to have a permanent Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in place by January 1, 2010.

© 2009 Azeez Communications, Inc.

Return to Front Page