BCSP IX-48: BCSP Tidbits

Although no reason for the suspension was given in a press release from the University, Shaw did announce that defensive coordinator Deondri Clark will serve as interim head football coach.

"Coach Clark is clearly the kind of individual who can provide quality leadership for us at this time," said new Shaw President Clarence Newsome. "He has the capacity to inspire the confidence and support of the football program and the Shaw University family."

After playing last season as a club team, the Bears are set to participate in NCAA football for the first time since 1978. Shaw will also return to CIAA conference play this fall.

Clark is a 1992 graduate of Florida State and played defensive end on FSU's first ACC football championship team. He holds a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Central Michigan University.

Ruffin was introduced as Shaw's head football coach in January, 2002 and led the team to a 7-3 record ad a club team last season. The 1997 graduate of Lane College served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Benedict College prior to coming to Shaw.

Jinks assumes MEAC post
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference announced today the appointment of Michelle Jinks as the conferences' new Director of Media Relations.

"I am ecstatic to return home to the conference that has provided me with years of memorable moments, emotional highs and unforgettable sports highlights", said Jinks who has previously worked at Florida A&M. "As the Director of Media Relations it is my goal to assist each member institution with achieving local, regional and national prominence and recognition."

Prior to joining the MEAC staff, Jinks was Manager of Team Operations for the Charlotte Sting of the WNBA. Jinks began her career in sports nearly 10 years ago in Media Relations at Florida A&M, as the Coordinator of Women's Sports Information. Following her tenure at FAMU, she moved to the conference level, serving as Assistant Director of Media Relations for the Atlantic Sun Conference from 1998-2000.

The Miami, Florida native is 1993 graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Douglas already an all-star
Grambling State senior wide receiver Tramon Douglas has recently been selected to participate in the 2004 East-West Shrine Football Classic. The game will be played on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at PacBell Park in San Francisco, California.

The 6-foot-1 inch, 205-pound Douglas had an outstanding showing as a junior during the 2002 season. He was a consensus first team All-America selection by being named to the Associated Press, The Sports Network and the Sheridan Broadcasting Network teams along with being a first team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selection.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native led the nation in receiving yards (NCAA Division I-AA) by averaging 142 yards per game. He broke Jerry Rice's (Mississippi Valley State) SWAC single season receiving yards record of 1,682 yards with 1,704 yards on 92 catches including 18 touchdowns. In addition, Douglas is the only person in SWAC history to record over 1,700 receiving yards in a single season. He is also Grambling State's single season receiving record holder in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

Douglas is the eighth player from Grambling State to have been selected to play in the East-West Shrine Football game. Previous inductees were fullback Eric Gant (1993); quarterback and current Grambling State head coach Doug Williams (1977); wide receiver Carlos Pennywell (1977), defensive back Mike Harris (1977); defensive back James Hunter (1976); wide receiver and current Grambling State receivers coach Sammie White (1976) and defensive tackle Gary "Big Hands" Johnson (1974).

CIAA grid title game back in Durham
The CIAA Football Championship Game will return to Durham and North Carolina Central University on Saturday, November 15, 2003.

The Championship Game was played at NCCU's O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in 2000 when the event was resurrected after a 10-year hiatus. This will be the fourth time since 1990 that the CIAA will match the Eastern and Western Division Champions to decide the championship on the field.

The interdivisional conference championship game, a format pioneered by the CIAA, has become a staple in Division I Football with the Southeastern, Big 12, and Mid-American conferences utilizing the format. All began their championships in the 1990s. The Atlantic Coast Conference recently petitioned the NCAA to add a football championship game.

BCSP Tidbits . . .