The Snowstorm Game 2005: Delaware State vs Hampton

Over the weekend, the state of Delaware and almost entire east coast were covered with the biggest snow storm ever in decades.

While I was admiring the snow falling all over the place near my apartment something occur to me. When was the last time a Delaware State sporting event was ever played during a snowstorm?

Just like that I had a good memory. Lets go back to my freshman year January 22, 2005 when Delaware State was playing the Hampton Pirates in a basketball double header at Memorial Hall.

While it was cold and snowy was all day into heading into nighttime hours, inside the Memorial Gym was so packed and warm as students and fans braved the weather just to watch the best basketball game to begin their second semester.

On the ladies side, the Lady Hornets gave the lady pirates all they can handle. However, Hampton prevail at the end with 52-50 victory. That was when the DSU Die Hards were pre-rowdy for the men's game.

On the men's side, everyone knows that this will a very intense rivalry game and over 1,700 rowdy Hornet fans were on the edge of their seat the entire game as the Hornets took a 31-24 lead at halftime.

The second half was flat out crazy. Hampton started the second half on a 15-0 run as the Pirates took a 57-55 lead with little time left in regulation.

Hampton thought they were going to win the game by shooting 63% from the field but the Hornets Aaron Williams made a game-tying layup to force overtime with two seconds left. The gym went completely crazing with that shot.

In overtime, the Hornets and Pirates were struggling in a fight for survival but the Hornets made a fantastic finish. With the game tied at 64 DSU's Aaron Fleetwood miss the shot and then Terrance Hunter miss the shot as well until Sophomore Jahsha Bluntt made a 10 foot put back shot that set the Memorial Hall into a frenzy as the Hornets win overtime 66-64.

Bluntt told the Hornet Newspaper that shooters keep shooting you know? He said it best that he had a shooter's mentality and he was confident in his shot.

The Hornet fans partied in the gym for a while before playing in the snow for most of the night.

It was the best snow storm game ever to hit Delaware State University. I was glad I was there to witnessed that game and of course that shot was similar to the one when the Hornets beat that same team to win the 2005 MEAC Championship to play Duke two months later in the NCAA Tournament.

Like I said before snow bring good memories espcially in the Hornets Nest.

Lady Hornets Bowling MEAC North Division Champions

It's only the month of December and the Lady Hornets Bowling team have already clinch the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference North Division Title for the second straight year.

Now that was a quick accomplishment seeing as the Lady Hornets has eight bowling matches left in the regular season before the defending the MEAC Championship in March.

The Hornets captured the North crown after posting a perfect 10-0 record in division competition in Baltimore, Md., over the weekend. DSU was 5-0 in regular team games on December 5 and completed the sweep with a 5-0 mark in Baker matches on December 6.

In regular team play, the Hornets upended Hampton, Howard, Coppin State, Morgan State, and UMES (994-958).

Since DSU won the Northern Division crown that means that they earn the No. 1 seed in the 2010 MEAC Tournament.

Delaware State is currently 46-10 overall and 29-1 in the MEAC North this season.

Oh yeah did you know that the Lady Hornets are ranked number three in the nation in Bowling. Vanderbilt better watch out because if the Lady Hornets bowling team continue their winning ways they could be the #1 team in the nation.

Delaware State Shows University of Delaware Who Owns This State

For those who was at the Route 1 Rivalry game between DSU and UD December 1, we had a very early Christmas present. For those who miss it or heard it on the radio, this was the instate basketball game for the ages inside the Hornets Nest we called Memorial Hall.

During the Hornets 75-67 win over the Blue Hens, some questions came to my mind before tip-off:

1. How will will the Hornets fare against a Blue Hen basketball that hasn't played each other since 2000?

2. How many Hornets/Blue Hen fans will show up?

3. Which team will have gain momentum towards the rest of the season?

I have three answers to three questions.

My first answer is that the Hornets were ready for the challenge even though they trailed at halftime 25-23. Second half, different story, the Hornets were on fire shooting 58% from the field, 57% from 3-point land and going to the free throw line 37 times, making 28. The Hornets outscored the Blue Hens 52-42 in the second half.

Also the Hornets defense step up in a huge way with their swarming defense forcing the Blue Hen offense to make 20 turnovers which turned into 22 Hornets points to go along with 13 steals.

The Blue Hens defense was no match for Frisco Sandidge who scored a career high 26 points and Marcus Neal had 16 points to go along with his four three pointers. Plus
Most of the second half was a DSU free throw marathon as the Blue Hens were depressed to rally but they ran out of time by continuing to foul Hornet players left and right. Think out this Frisco went to the free throw line 16 times, Alibada Odd 10 times, Jay Threatt six times, while the rest of the Hornets roster went to the line a combine eight times. Wow we thought this game would never end. The Hornets made 20 of their 24 free throws in the final 2:56 of the second half.

My second answer over 1,300 fans packed up the Memorial Hall gym full of Hornets fans and only like 10 blue hen fans showed up. The Hornet fans was loud and rockin' the whole game. It almost became a war of words between Hornet fans and UD fans.

Speaking of war it was almost became one when UD player Jawan Carter fouled Jay Threatt with 20 seconds left with the game. Jay didn't like the foul that Carter commit but cooler heads prevail with both Carter and Alphonso Dawson received technical fouls as Hornets fans continued to chant and trash talk UD out the building.

Yep the First State Rivalry has been renewed not only in football but in basketball as well.

My third and final answer is that the Hornets has gain a huge momentum heading towards their December road trip starting with their conference game with University of Maryland Eastern-Shore this Saturday. Who knows the Hornets could have a good season ahead but its too early to tell at this point. If they keep their intensity, they could have a good season.

Next year will be Delaware State vs University of Delaware at the Bob Carpenter Center.

For now the Hornets will enjoy this win as DSU proved to UD that Delaware State University is now the Hornets State.

The Hornets Football Season Wrap-Up 2009

Head coach Al Lavan and the Hornets football team finished second to last in the MEAC Conference. 4-7 overall, 3-5 in the MEAC, including the forfeit lost to North Carolina A&T.

The 2009 Delaware State Hornet football season has come to a close. Just like last year inconsistency was the main attraction as head coach Al Lavan and the Hornets are left searching for answers.

When the season started I was hoping the Hornets would at least improve better than last year and win at least six games. However thanks to their toughest schedule in the Lavan era, the Hornets had games they would've won but couldn't get the job done.

Plus with the lack of inconsistency on offense, the hornets couldn't get the ball into the endzone when they had the chances to score touchdown in their opponents territory and the redzone. Instead they had to settle for field goals. The Hornets quarterback Anthony Glaud was supposed to help the offense get better. Instead he was overthrowing passes, throwing interceptions and scrambling to get passes thrown. No wonder he's only thrown five touchdown passes this season. Other than that he made plays when it count the most.

The reason behind those five passing touchdowns is our wide receivers. Sure they saw some signs of life late in the season but early in the season they kept dropping pass after pass. Especially when big plays occur to keep drives alive. In fact everytime they almost made a pass the Hornets hear footsteps of the defense as they are afraid to get hit costing the Hornets to drop passes everytime. Plus their routes where getting no where fast everytime they tried to get open.

As for the running game, it was injured riddle with Jason Randall and Tahree McQueen being out for the season. The question was who was going to step up? Survey says: Jaashawn Jones. Al Lavan kept saying every year that in order to win football you have to make big plays when you run the football and Jones made a huge production for the Hornets. Jones ran over 600 yards and scoring five touchdowns. Also he had more carries and yards than Randall and McQueen combine. Look for Jones to be the starting running back for the Hornets next year.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hornets kept giving up big yards and big plays. However, throughout most of the season they did a pretty good job picking up big time tackles, blitzing, getting sacks, and knocking passes down despite giving up 63 points to Michigan and 52 points to South Carolina State. The defense can't afford to stay on the field for a long time or they will tired themselves out.

On special teams, the return team has to do a better job of helping the Hornets offense in better field so they can scored a lot of points in opponents territory/red zone. On coverage I applaud them by putting their opponents if deep field position but they need to avoid giving up big returns. Plus when the Hornets are punting the football, always protect the kicker!!!

Last year I didn't trust Riley Flickinger kicking field goals and missing 10 of his 20 attempts. This year he improve alot better than last year by making 11 of his 18 field goal attempts. Even though he doesn't have a strong leg for making very long field goals, Riley kicked 7 for 8 from 20-29 yards, two between 30-39 yards and two between 40-49 yards. I'm been saying this for the last two years. Riley is no Peter Gardener from 2007. On some kickoffs, Riley kept kicking the ball out of bounds allowing their opponents to start their drives at the 40-yard line.

Now it's time break down the games if the 2009 Hornet Football season:

September 5 Florida A&M 21, DSU 12
The Hornets defense were no match against FAMU's running game which gained 327 yards. DSU gave up over 400 total yards on the day. Also there were mental errors on both sides of the football with penalties and turnovers that cost DSU the game. The Hornets tried to rallied but they fumbled twice deep in FAMU territory where the Hornets fumble at the FAMU 35 yard line late the in the third quarter and at FAMU 16 yard line in the fourth quarter.

September 19 (The Route 1 Rivalry)
University of Delaware 27, DSU 17
The last time these two teams meet was in the first round of the 2007 Football Championship Subdivision Playoff game where the Blue Hens, led my Joe Flacco and Omar Cuff demolished the Hornets in a blowout. This year, 2009, very different. One, this was not the same Hornets that got destroyed two years ago. Second, they came ready to play and put UD on the ropes for most of the game.

The Hornets got their feet wet in the first quarter but they were able to hold UD to just seven points by halftime including a goal line stance before the second quarter had come to a close.

In the second half, UD was able score drives that counted. while the Hornets struggle in the third quarter but late in the fourth quarter the Hornets scored a defensive touch and a offensive touchdown to keep the score as close as possible.

At the end of the game, the Hornets gained a lot of respect from UD supporters and can't wait for these two in-state schools to duke it out again on the grid-iron in 2012-2014.

September 26
DSU 20, Hampton 6
The Hornets defense dominated the Pirates all night long by forcing three interceptions (one return for a touchdown) and making big plays. On offense, the Hornets were able to finished drives with two touchdowns and a field goal.

October 10
Bethune-Cookman 9, DSU 7
"We let them hang around all game, and it came back to bite us." That was the quote that coach Al Lavan told reporters after the game. The Hornets only highlight of the game was when redshirt freshman Travis Tarpley returned the opening kickoff 85-yards to the Bethune-Cookman two-yard line. On the first play after the return, Jaashawn Jones rushed for a two-yard touchdown. That all occur early in the first quarter. Since then, Anthony Glaud was injured, the running game managed just 76 yards and the passing game continues to be a identity crisis.

This was the game the Hornets should have won on their home opener. Instead it lead to a ugly lost that made Hornets fans disappointed and frustrated.

October 17
Michigan 63, DSU 6
Instead of playing North Carolina A&T, the Hornets settle to play in the Big House of Michigan University. Even though it was historic event, the Hornets were outclassed from start to finish. Since May, there was a lot of criticism on why did the Hornets forfeit their own conference game to play Michigan for $500,000. The were some answers but there real answers was miscommunication between A&T, DSU, and Norfolk State.

October 24
Homecoming 2009
DSU 35, Morgan State 22
"Where have the Hornets offense been all season?" That was the question Hornets' broadcaster Scott Klaztin would asked as the Hornets offense scored a season high five touchdowns as the Hornets win a so-call homecoming shootout. It was a solid team effort on both sides of the football as Hornets continue to give Morgan State nightmares on homecoming games in Dover.

October 31
South Carolina State 52, DSU 10
The defending MEAC Champion Bulldogs made a whole lot treats and allowed the Hornets to fall into their tricks as the Bulldogs continue to dominated the MEAC Conference.

November 7
DSU 24, Winston-Salem State 21
It was the final meeting between these two schools as the Rams say goodbye to the MEAC Conference. The Hornets were up 24-7 at halftime but held on without scoring a point in the second as the Winston-Salem State rally felled short. It was almost a tale of two halves but Hornets defense has enough gas in the tank to pull out the victory.

November 14
Norfolk State 21, DSU 16
For the last two years, the Hornets rallied from double-digits down to secured the victory. This year, Norfolk State had the last laugh as the Hornet put up a disappointing fourth quarter performance on both sides of the ball as the Spartans score 21 straight points in the final 11:00 to get the victory. There was plenty of blame to go around in the fourth quarter due to bad play calling.

November 21
Senior Day
DSU 30, Howard 20
Both the Hornets offense and defense made big plays when it matter as DSU ended the season on a high note and left the Bison to finished dead last in the MEAC standings once again. What's worse Howard hasn't won a MEAC game in 19 straight games. How embarrassing.

So there you have it the Hornets football season has come and gone with some good memories, some bad ones, and a few ugly ones in-between. Next year, the Hornets better come up with new plays and new recruiting or there will be another inconstant year coming up in fall 2010.

Hornets Put On Their Best Performance Since Homecoming

Well, well it's the last home game of the season and the Delaware State Hornets football team had put up one of their best performances they had all season. In fact its their best performance since Homecoming.

Everything was put into place during Senior Day in the Hornets 30-20 home victory over Howard. Its only the second time the Hornets put up 30 or more points all season.

Offense and defense was the name of the game as Hornet fans were in for a treat they will never forget and a lot to talk about during the off-season.

Let start with the defense:
The Hornets made some great tackles to prevent the Bison from gaining big plays especially their running game when the Hornets held Howard for 29 yards on the ground and 187 yards of total offense. The Hornets made the big hits when it counts accept for a few defensive penalties that should be called back but overall the defense had a remarkable game.

Now on to the offense:
Every Hornet fan expects the Hornets to score more at least 30 points against a Howard team who hasn't won a MEAC game since last year. Well guess what the Hornets offense came in a big way by gaining 450 of total offense. The reason behind the 450 yards of offense was their passing game and their running game. Anthony Glaud put on his best games all season when completed 23 of his 31 passes for 315 yards.

Plus his wide receivers step up for the second straight game. Darius Jackson (11 catches, 123 yards) and Larrone Moore (five catches, 101 yards) each had over 100 yards catching, a personal best and career highs. Also Al Lavan's favorite play calling the running game was a complete success when Jaashawn Jones went 31 carries, 130 yards and two touchdowns. Plus once again they finished drives with two touchdowns and three field goals. Also the Hornets had more time of possession than Howard has the hornets offense kept the ball for over 38 minutes.

I was wondering why couldn't Hornets do that all season? Maybe they would've been a six win or seven win team. I just hoped next year the Hornets offensive playing will improve big time.

A 4th Quarter Hornet Collapse; This Time Norfolk State had the Last Laugh

Remember 2007 when the Hornets were down 21-3 with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Hornets rally to forced overtime and win the game and the MEAC Championship at home?

How about last year on the road at Norfolk when the Hornets were down 28-10 at halftime came back and scored 28 unanswered to win 34-28.

This time Norfolk were playing come from behind and getting the last laugh.

This was the most disappointing fourth quarter the Hornets had ever performed during their 21-16 lost at the hands of Norfolk State at home.

The Hornets had a great offensive/defensive agenda to keep the Spartans at bay for 60minutes. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. In order to win a football game you have top play hard for a full 60 minutes.

Once again the Hornets football found another way to lose by letting Norfolk scored 22 unanswered points in the final 11:48 of the final period.

I'm still scratching my head asking myself, "How in the world did this happen?" Well there is old saying anything can happen in college football.

Plus early in the game the Hornets settle for three field goals instead of touchdowns after forcing three Norfolk State turnovers. It came back to haunt them in the 4th quarter.

Let's start with the offense of the 4th quarter. The Hornets tried to run out the clock or at least try to scored three or six points.

That wasn't the case because the Hornets only put up 20 plays for 81 yards, two punts, and a game ending interception. The Hornets tried to used the running game to their advantage just like the first three quarters and Norfolk was ready for that.

On defense, how in the world did the defense gave up 236 yards in final quarter and let Norfolk State score three touchdowns?

That question was easy, they were playing hard to lose by leaving receivers open even though they tried to blitz it didn't work. Plus there were poor tackling and leaving gaps open for big plays.

Give Norfolk State football team and their fans credit because they didn't quit on the game and themselves. When you down 16-0 in the 4th quarter, you fight to the very end and it paid off in a big way.

Now that the hornets lost the game to Norfolk I'm pretty sure a lot of Hornet fans are pretty upset about the way the game. Some are criticizing the coaches, the players, and the plays they made.

The Hornets better not lose to Howard on Senior Day or there will major changes come next season.

Lady Hornets Impressive In Their Season Debut on Friday The 13th

Even though I couldn't get a chance to see the 1st half due to a bus ride, I was able to catch the second half of the Lady Hornets 84-28 victory over Lincoln University. Oh did you know it was Friday the 13th? That's right and anything can happen on Friday the 13th good or bad.

Let's start with the positives during the game:
-Five lady hornets scored in double-figures: Brittany Washington 17 points (career high), Selena Galloway 17 points (game high), Courtney Crockett 15 points (career high), Alexis Abraham 14 points, and Stephanie Brush 10 points

-The Lady Hornets offense shot a sizzling 52% from the field, 77% from the free throw line, and 22 assists.

-Defense is nothing new to DSU as they had grabbed 43 rebounds, 19 steals and five blocks, and played in that "Detroit Piston" like defensive intensity all night.

Now on to the bad aka the Friday The 13th Jinx:
-DSU's Ashley Thompson played only six minutes after suffering a leg injury. Her status is unknown.

-Lincoln University's offense was so bad that they think it was actually a Jason lurking around Memorial Hall. None the less the offense shot a dismantle 23% from the field, 50% from the free throw line, a technical foul, and 34 turnovers ouch!!! No wonder they only scored 28 points.

-Lincoln was held under 20 points during the first and second half (18 in the 1st, 10 in the 2nd).

-Our attendance was 435 fans, c'mon Hornets fans we have to get better.

Other than that the lady hornets had a great night on offense and defense especially turning defense into offensive points. If they keep this pace maybe you might see another 20 win season. It's way too early to tell because anything can happen in college basketball but I liked their chances and that's no jinx

Another Tough Season For Lady Hornets Soccer

Once again it was another bad season for the lady hornets soccer team under head coach Nitan Soni. First the lady hornets were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Great West Conference tournament at the hands of Utah Valley 6-1. To make matters worse, already in his first two years as head coach of lady hornets soccer, DSU has only four wins, 26 losses, and three ties.

Ouch!!! Now that's pretty painful, but I'm not downing the lady hornets. Besides ever since they won the United Soccer Conference championship (USC) in 2006, they have lost a lot of good players. Their replacements has step up on defense but their offense has been their inconsistency. The lady hornets has only scored three goals or less all season.

It feels like nothing went right the last couple of seasons. I just hope next year the lady hornets will get back in rhythm next season in August 2010 in the Great West Conference and hopefully produce more wins and get a winning season. It maybe sound like tough task but it can be done.

Delaware State Plays Winston-Salem State One Final Time in Football

Winston-Salem State University continued their "Farewell to the MEAC Tour" with their final contest in football against Delaware State earlier today.

Ever since Winston-Salem State joined the MEAC during the 2007-2008 season, they were some high expectations for the Rams to challenge the MEAC schools in football. In their first year tenure of 2007, the Rams finished 6-5 defeating North Carolina A&T, Morgan State, Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman, and Hampton.

Last year, everything went downhill when the Rams finished with three wins and one of those wins as against Delaware State.

Did I say Delaware State? Yes I did because everyone will never forget the heartbreaking lost the hornets suffered on November 8, 2008, Alumni Stadium, Senior Day. The hornets led 26-14 at halftime thanks to their running game and almost 399 yards of total offense. The problem came in the second half when the Rams scored 13 second half points and the defense kept DSU out of scoring range the rest of the game.

Not only did the hornets lost the game 27-26 but over 900 fans were frustrated at the lack of effort the hornets made.

Okay, so I went a little overboard let's go back to 2007 when the Hornets rallied to win on a game winning field goal at Winston-Salem State's Homecoming 23-20. That gave the Hornets plenty of momentum on their way to beat Norfolk and Howard to win the MEAC Championship and go to their first ever playoffs.

I'm sure the Hornets will miss Winston-Salem State in the MEAC Conference but make no mistake about it, the Hornets and Rams will meet again in basketball in 2010. Sometime in the future the Hornets and Rams will compete for pride and respect of HBCU.

Lady Hornets Bowling Picking Up Where They Left Off

Junior Angela Reynolds led the Hornets with a total pinfall of 1073 at the FDU Fright Knight Invite.


Even with a new coach, the results remain the same for the defending MEAC champion lady Hornets bowling team.

On Halloween weekend, the Lady Hornets showed other teams that they could be the favorite to win another MEAC championship and possibily the national championship.

During the Fright Knight Tournament weekend the lady hornets defeated teams like #8 New Jersey City, Bethune Cookman, Long Island, #10 Kutztown, Florida A&M, #15 Morgan State, Fairleigh Dickerson, and Maryland Eastern Shore.

The Lady Hornets are 7-0 in Baker matches and 9-4 overall. Pretty good start for the defending champions.

Starting on the weekend of November 7th, the Lady Hornets will begin defending their MEAC title with a trip to Hampton, Virgina and the North Division Invitation.

Good luck to the lady Hornets this season on defending the MEAC Championship.

DSU bowling coach Ricki Williams-Ellison (left) talks with senior Kalyn Washburn during practice last week.

Hornets Cross Country Wrap Up the Season In the Top 10

The lady hornets cross country finished 6th in the MEAC Cross Country Championships


I am very proud of the men's and lady hornets cross country team this season. All season long both men and lady hornets cross country finished in the top 10 in almost every meet. 2009 is probabily one the best years the hornets cross country team has ever done. On October 31, the Hornets didn't dissapoint at the 2009 MEAC Cross Country when the men finished 2nd and the lady hornets finished 6th in the MEAC Cross Country Championships.

Here is the recap of the men's and lady hornets cross country team:
Maryland Eastern-Shore Course
Lady Hornets: 5th; Hornet men: 7th

Townson
Lady Hornets: 3rd; Hornet Men: 3rd

University of Delaware Invitational
Lady Hornets: 4th; Hornet Men: 4th

Hornet Invitational
Lady Hornets: 2nd; Hornet Men: 3rd

Delaware Blue & Gold Cross Country Meet
Lady Hornets: 11th; Hornet Men: 10th

MEAC Championships
Lady Hornets: 6th; Hornet Men: 2nd

I am very certain with their top 10 finishes in cross country DSU will gain momuentum toward the indoor track and field and get even more top 10 finishes and maybe the MEAC Championships. Only time will tell. Congratualtions DSU Cross Country on a wonderful season.


Delaware State was runner-up in the 2009 MEAC Men's Cross Country Championship, its best showing since 1989.

Hornets Offense Captures Moments At Homecoming as Morgan State Continues to have Nightmares about DSU's Homecoming

As Hornets broadcaster Scott Klatzkin would asked during the Hornets 35-22 victory, "Where have the Hornets offense been at all season?" I was wondering the same question because for the last month and a half, the Hornets offense hasn't show up scoring only 12 points a game. To add insult to injury the Hornets hasn't scored a touchdown in the last eight quarters entering the game. Yesterday at homecoming it was a whole different ball game when the Hornets scored 35 points against the #1 ranked defense in the MEAC conference Morgan State.

When the the first quarter ended and the Hornets were down 5-0, I was going to say myself, "Oh no, here we go again." In the second quarter, the Hornets offense explode with 21 points with Anthony Glaud's two touchdown passes and Jaashawn Jones running game that kept the hornet drive to resulted in touchdowns including one for himself.

Speaking of Anthony Glaud, i was glad to see him back in uniform after suffering a concussion injury two weeks ago at the hands of Bethune-Cookman. However Glaud did went rusty in the first half throwing two interceptions, getting knockdown, sacked, and throwing passes that went a little out of sync. At the end of the day he kept his poise and completed 16 passes to seven different receivers.

Also the running game has wakened up from it's slumber when the Hornets ran the ball 37 times for 160 yards. Jaashawn Jones had 17 carries for 107 yards and a four yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

My best capturing moment is when Anthony Glaud threw a 30 yard pass to Donnell Dixon where Dixon had all day to get free see the ball and catch it for six points. Plus the offense kept marching down the field and into the red zone to score touchdowns.

Also I can't forgot the Hornets defense that helped out the offense and they deserved a much needed rest after turning defense into offense including scoring a interception for a touchdown thanks to Avery Grant.

Morgan State continues to struggle against DSU at Homecoming Games and the nightmares will continue for years to come.

Morgan State Still Has Nightmares from 2007

It's homecoming 2009 and yes I am a Delaware State Hornet Alumni. On October 24, the game will be very different when the Hornets play Morgan State. Morgan State are tied with South Carolina State for 1st place in the MEAC standings.

This will the Homecoming rematch from 2007 when the Hornets won on a game winning 99 yard fumble return for a touchdown by Akeem Green. Everybody remembers the 3:30pm game back in October 2007 when Morgan State almost had the game in the bag to dashed our homecoming dreams.

With nine minutes left in the fourth quarter and the bears up 17-16, Morgan State running back Courtney Anderson dives forwards to the goal line. Touchdown for Morgan State right, wrong!!! The ball was fumbled in the endzone and Akeem Green was the only hornet who knew that the play was not over. He picked up the fumble and ran 100 yards to the endzone that got Hornet fans gone crazy & excited while Morgan State were whining and crying that Anderson scored a touchdown.

There were no instant replays in the MEAC Conference and the referees confirm it was a touchdown and DSU went on to win the game 25-17.

Several days later the MEAC Conference refs admitted that the call should be change into a touchdown and not a fumble. As a result the MEAC suspended the referees and the Hornets went on to finished the season as MEAC Champions.

This year 2009, different. Morgan State has destiny on their side and since it is a raining day this should be the Bears advantage to win just like last years homecoming at Morgan State when they defeated the Hornets 20-3.

Anything can happen at DSU's homecoming remember the last time the Hornets lost a Homecoming game was 2004 when South Carolina State beat the Hornets 27-14. Morgan State ran into a problem with the Hornets at homecoming when the Hornets won at home in 2005 and their homecoming in 2006.

This is a special time for the Hornets because they are 8-2 at homecoming against Morgan State and 29-11 overall against opponents.

I hope the Hornets doesn't disappoint the fans when kickoff comes because if they lose at homecoming, you will hear a whole lot of frustrated Hornets fans.

Delaware State are No Strangers to the state of Michigan

Before the Hornets take the field against the University of Michigan, little do every sports fan know that the Delaware State Hornets' football team are no strangers to the Great Lake state of Michigan.

Let's give them a little history lesson shall we?

September 2, 2006 the Hornets took over Labor Day weekend with a 34-14 win over Florida A&M in the Detroit City Football Classic. A lot of people in Detroit didn't know who Delaware State University was. Guess what? The hornets let the people in Detroit know who the Hornets was by making their mark in Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. Two defensive touchdowns to start the game thanks to Stephon Hopkins and Russell "The Hitman" Reeves, then the offensive running game prove to be effective as Emmanuel March rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown while quarter back Vashon ran for a 11 yard scored to secured the win.

Hornets head coach AL Lavan coached at Eastern Michigan from 2002-2003. During his one year tenure, he was a running backs coach and a interim head coach where he won two of his three games he coached.

Offensive Coordinator Doug Sams was head coach of Northern Michigan from 2002-2005.

The hornets have some Michigan experience but they will in a dog fight with the Wolverines who are 4-2 and looking to forget the upset of what happen to Division I-AA opponent Application State back when they beat Michigan in September 2007.

Defense Very Well but Bad Offense Dooms The Hornets

The running game managed just 71 yards on the ground as the Hornets struggling offense continues.

This was a game that Hornets would've won the game. Instead the Hornets let the winless Bethune-Cookman hang around all game long in a disappointed, low scoring 9-7 loss.

This was a game that the Hornets should have no problem against a Wildcat team whose defense was not even impressive. Instead the Hornets shot themselves in the foot and let Bethune Cookman get chances to win the game.

First let's start with the defense. They did a very good job stalling drives, make the Wildcats offense to make terrible penalties, and pressuring Wildcat quarterback Maurice Francois all night long. Once again they give up a chunk of yards with 350yards and a few big plays down the stretch, plus the defense was on the field for over 40 minutes.

The Hornets can't rely their defense all the time to bail them out because the defense needs to rest and recharge for the next series. When you have that stayed in the ball game for 40 minutes something tells me that the defense will get tired if the offense doesn't help the defense out.

Speaking of the offense, the offense put on a terrible performance with only nine first downs the entire game (two in the second half). Also Anthony Glaud was injured late in the first quarter and didn't return. Before the injury, Glaud was overthrowing passes and the wide receivers are not getting their best routes to make catches.

The running game got abandoned most of the game where they only ran for 71 yards plus during the final 2:00 of the fourth quarter freshman quarterback Nick Elko made some great passes but the wide receivers couldn't catch the ball and then he overthrew the ball for a interception.

I don't know who the blame the lost on, the offense, the play calling, the offensive coaches, coach Al Lavan, or Riley Flickinger who miss two field goals.

Now the Hornets will have to face a very tough Michigan team this week on T.V. called The Big Ten Network before going back home against Morgan State for Homecoming. This is not a good October to start for the Hornets.

Keys To the Game for a Hornets Victory

The Hornets will host the Bethune Cookman Wildcats in their home opener under the lights. As the Hornets football team prepares to get their second conference win here are the keys to the game.

-On offense, the Hornets were able to finished drives with touchdowns especially when they get into the opponents territory. If they continue that trend then the Hornets will be successful. Also expect Tahree McQueen to be having a very good running game and Anthony Glaud and his receivers are doing okay but still need work on the deep throws and dropped passes.

-On defense, the Hornets are only have only opponents under 20 points a game this season forcing turnover and making big plays to stall drives. Apply pressure and pressure all game because Bethune Cookman's offensive game is very fast with speed to burn. The problem is that the defense has given up a chunk of yards against their opponents and making penalties.

-On special teams, the kicking game has got be sharp especially Riley Flickinger. He must connect on flied goals, extra points, and kicking off the football inbounds instead of out-of-bounds. The return team must give the offense a chance to gain good field position.

The Hornets September Wrap-Up

September was a up and down month for the Delaware State Hornet Fall Athletics. There were several sports that couldn't fit the right notes but fought hard against non-conference opponents. As we begin the month of October here is the recap of the best of September for fall sports.

Lady Hornets Volleyball
The lady hornets Volleyball team had high expectations this season especially trying to compete for the MEAC Championship. Plus Cassandra Joyner had her 1,000th career kill on September 11th at home

So far August and September it's been a up and down season as the lady hornets are a game under .500 at 9-10. They begin the season losing their five of their first six games. Then on September 5th the lady hornets begin to get hot riding a five game game winning streak before losing tough matches to Bucknell, Rutgers, Radford, and La Salle. On September 25 and 26, the DSU begin MEAC play against North Carolina A&T, Winston Salem State, and the new member of the MEAC Conference North Carolina Central. St. Francis got pay back on September 29 to end the lady hornets three game winning streak.

October begins the lady hornets can breathe a little easy after participating in five tournaments in one month. They will begin October with their non-conference game at Lehigh on Tuesday and then begin their MEAC Conference schedule on the weekend of October 9 at home against Hampton and UMES. Then the remainder of October the Lady Hornets will have four of their five games on the road starting with Howard (October 16), Morgan State at home (October 18), Coppin State (October 23), Hampton (October 25), and UMES (October 30).

Lady Hornets Soccer
New Conference, Same Results

The lady hornets soccer are playing in their second season under new head coach Nitan Soni and in their new conference the Great West Conference. The problem is that the lady hornets offense has a tough time scoring goals and winning games. The lady hornets are getting shutout seven times by their opponents, getting outscored 35-2, and manage just two goals all season.

The Lady Hornets has got to find ways to score goals and prevent other teams to gain two or more goals. The lady hornets have whole month of October to turn this season around when they play South Carolina State (twice), Howard, St. Peter's, NJIT (twice), and Wilmington College. If they can do that they could gain momentum for the Great West Conference tournament.

Men's and Lady Hornets Cross Country
September 5 The UMES "Lid-Lifter"
Men and ladies finished 5th

September 12 The Towson Invitational
Men and ladies finished 3rd

September 19 The UD Invitational
Men and Ladies finished 4th

This was the best September for the men's and lady hornets cross country team as they finished in the top 5 in three straight meets. They have already started October by finishing in the top 5 at the their own invitational as the men finished 3rd and the ladies finished 2nd. If they finished in the top 5 at the Delaware Invitational on October 10th they could building momentum to take first place at the MEAC Championships on October 24.

Hornets Football
Everybody already knows what season the Hornets football team will progress. They have already started a season with a forfeit loss to North Carolina A&T, gave up over 350 yards against Florida A&M, then they put their in-state rival University of Delaware to the limit in a loss, and against Hampton the defense was strong by only giving up six points. The offense finished drives in the red zone for touchdowns and that's how you play Hornets football. Now October will be a interesting month when they finally return home against Bethune Cookman (October 10), then a non-conference game in the Big House of Michigan (October 17), Homecoming against Morgan State (October 24 remember the fumble in 2007?) finish off October against last year's MEAC Champion South Carolina on Halloween. I know we don't have a chance against Michigan but if we can win these conference games in October we could be in the driver's seat for a winning season.

Hornets End September with their First Win of the Season

What a brilliant Saturday night performance for the Hornets football team. The hornets build that momentum from their in-state rivalry game and defeat Hampton University 21-6 to earned their first win of the season. It was all defense for the Hornets as they intercepted three pirate passes (two by Greg Ligon and one return for a touchdown in the 4th quarter by Olusrgun Ayanbiola), blocked a field goal, and kept them out of scoring range through most of the game.

The offense in the first half was remarkable in the second quarter as the Hornets offense, led by Anthony Glaud, had two possessions in the red zone and scored two touchdowns. This was compared to September 19 were the Hornets had mad opportunities in Blue Hen territory and ended up with a touchdown and a field goal.

Also I seen a tricked play buy the Hornets punt team as they fake the punt to Tahree McQueen and went an extra eight yards for a first down to the drive going. He finished with 127 total yards of offense and earn MEAC Rookie of the Week Honors.

Hampton countered with a fake punt of their own to Isiah Thomas (no that the basketball player who used to play for the Pistons and coach the Knicks don't get it confused)and ran 55 yards for a first down.

There were three reasons on why Hampton beat themselves:

1. The kicking team was so sloppy all night long missing two field goals and a extra point.

2. Once again penalties have sunk the Pirate ship as they were flagged 14 times for 141 yards.

3. Even though the Pirates had 390 yards of total offense they were 0 for 2 in red zone scoring chances, 5 for 16 on third down conversations, and couldn't able to finish drives in Hornet territory.

The Hornets will have a big October coming up to determine if they could finish a winning season or a another dissapointing season. The test begins October 10 at home against Bethune Cookman.

Also a congratulations to punter Nick Lochner for being named MEAC Special Team Player of the Week.

Delaware State vs University of Delaware: Game 2 Football: Hornets Gained Respect but Missed Opportunities Cost the Hornets the Game

Everyone will remember that date from September 19 as the most competitive game Delaware State has ever played against the University of Delaware. The atmosphere was remarkable electric as both fans from their respective school begin kickoff.

The entire first half was a defensive struggle as the Hornets and Hens kept each other on pace. On the offensive side of the football, the Hornets had four of five tries to score in the UD territory/the red zone but end up with no points. There footballs that would've been caught by our wide receivers but end up being drop passes. Either that or Anthony Glaud kept overthrowing the football, also penalties has the kept the Hornets offense off rhythm for most of the game.

The biggest play of the first half is when the Hornets defense made a goal line stance and prevented the Blue Hens from scoring the one yard touchdown with one second left. Blue Hen fans thought it was a touchdown but it was not and Blue Hen fans were booing the refs before The Approaching Storm Marching Band begin their halftime show.

During the second half I thought the momentum will shift in the Hornets favor but wasn't the case because the Blue Hen had suddenly begin to come back to life late in the third quarter with the Blue Hens marched down the field and scoring in the red zone. Hornets tried to get the ball in the endzone where they were in the red zone but Glaud pass that was attended to a Delaware State player was intercepted and UD took over from there.

The fourth quarter really got interesting. After the Blue Hens scored some of the fans started to leave early because it look like another blow out since it was 21-3 UD. But the Hornets didn't quit, Jerome Struggs returned an interception for a touchdown and just like that we are still in business. That's all came crashing down when UD had a huge kickoff return to put themselves in good field position to score yet again until Delaware State's offense finally scored a touchdown with less than 30seconds to go.

After the game everyone talked about how the game was so different from their playoff game back in 2007 (remember 44-7 UD over DSU). Blue Hen coach K.C. Keeler was right the Hornets were better than they was two years ago when they won the MEAC Conference. The hornets gave the blue hens a run for their money but ran out gas late in the third quarter into the fourth quarter.

Give the Hornets credit for staying in the game all game even when they were down 21-3. The stats are almost even but we had the ball longer but we turned over the ball twice. The offense needs to finish drives for touchdowns if they want to have a winning season in the MEAC Conference.

Delaware State vs University of Delaware Game 1 Soccer

The Route 1 rivalry has started between the Hornets and Blue Hens. On Friday night the lady hornets was glad that they had the chance to play the lady blue hens but speed was the name of the game as UD shut out the lady hornets 7-0.

The lady hornets soccer team has been shutout for the 5th time this season.

The lady blue hens dominated the whole game by scoring 5 first half goals and 22 shots on goal.

The lady hornets has got to find a way to scored goals this season, avoid shutouts, and improve their defense because they will begin conference play next Friday against Howard University.

Lady Hornets Get Their First Win Before Taking on Their In-state Rivial

Before the Lady Hornets soccer prepared to take on the University of Delaware this Friday night, the lady hornets received their first win of the season when they defeated VMI 1-0 on Monday.

When the season started, the Lady Hornets couldn't scored not one goal as they were shutout during the first four games of the season. Delaware State were shutout 16-0 by their opponents, but all that is put to rest when Chelsea Brown scored the game winning goal in the 72nd minute to win the game.

Like coach Soni said on the dsuhornets.com website, "The positive attitude of our team really pushed us through, and it is well deserved. We now need to carry this momentum forward for Friday night against Delaware, and for the rest of the season."

Now one day before both in-state rivals battle on the gridiron, the lady hornets and the lady blue hens will duke it out on the soccer field in Newark Friday night.

Route 1 Rivalry will Highlight Delaware State and University of Delaware In Sports

The 2009-2010 sports season will be fill excitement as Delaware State will take on the University of Delaware in not only in football on September 19, but in other major sports that will sure make the rivalry very interesting.

Before the two teams tackle on the grid iron, it's ladies first as the lady hornets will take on the lady blue hens on September 18 in soccer.

Also early in the morning on September 19th the men's and lady hornets cross country teams will travel to Newark, Delaware and participate in the Blue Hen Invitational followed by the Delaware Invitational on October 10. There is no word yet if the Blue Hen's cross country teams will participate in the Hornet Invitational.

October 11th the Lady hornets Equestrian team will be in a exhibition competition against the Lady Blue Hens at Hornets ranch. Time to get on that giddy up!!!

December 1st will be a very early Christmas present for Hornets fans as the Blue Hens invade Memorial Hall. I don't know if Memorial Hall will hold a lot of Hornets/Blue Hen fans. My advice is to come very early before the game starts because that gym will get packed in a hurry.

Also in spring 2010 look for Delaware State and UD to duke it out on the diamond in baseball and softball.

Mark your calenders and plan ahead because the Route 1 Rivalry is here to stay for all sports. Why, because it is a first state tradition.

Joyner Spikes A Milestone on a Special Day

Congratulations to Cassandra Joyner on accomplishing her 1000th career kill in the Lady Hornet's victory over Norfolk State on Friday night. Even though there were a lot of college sports games being played on that special day, Friday September 11th will be the one to be remembered for Hornet fans everywhere.

Even though I wasn't there to witnessed this historic milestone but I felt her spirits everytime she plays volleyball. Plus what a better way to get your 1000th kill on your very own tournment The Hornet Invitational.

Want to know how she got to that 1000 milestone, let's go by the numbers of her Hornet career:

Freshman year 2006: 309 kills

Sophomore year 2007: 271 kills

Junior year 2008: 319 kills

Senior year 2009: 101 kills and counting

Joyner has made her mark on being a leader of the lady hornets volleyball team and hoping to add a MEAC Championship to her remarkable career.

Once again congratulations to Cassandra Joyner's 1000th carrer kill. The first ever lady hornet to accomplish 1000 kills in volleyball.

The DSU Hornets Summer Wrap-Up

Dear Summer,

Summer 2009 was the year of making moves and starting over as we prepared for the 2009-2010 Hornets Sports season. Even though our Hornet Athletes have taken the summer break to train, take summer classes, jobs/internship, family and others, there were some summer headlines there were taken place on the campus of Delaware State University.

Lady Hornets Bowling

June 30 will be the most shocking day ever. After winning the MEAC Championship back in March and going to their first ever NCAA appearance, Kim Terrell-Kearney announced that she will be stepping down as the head coach of Lady Hornets Bowling. I was asking myself why did she step down? The answered is simple she accepted the job to work at United States of Bowling Congress in Arlington, Texas.

Kim told dsuhornets.com that it was very tough decision to leave Delaware State because of the wonderful student athletes and staff, plus she was privileged to work with the Lady Hornets for two years.

Terrell-Kearney guided the Hornets to a school-record 119 wins and first-ever appearance in the NCAA Women’s Bowling Championship Tournament this past season. The Hornets advanced to the national semifinals, two wins shy of reaching the national championship. Named the 2008-09 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Coach-of-the-Year, Terrell-Kearney also captured the bowling team’s first MEAC Tournament championship in March.

Kim has a very good resume as a coach and as a professional bowler. The Hornet family will miss Kim Terrell-Kearney. Is the lady hornets bowling program in trouble? We don't know but they are currently looking for a new head coach before the new season starts this winter.

Hornets Baseball

On June 10th, former Hornets pitcher Dan Perkins was selected the 27th Round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies. He was sixth Hornets player to be drafted to Major League Baseball since 1991 and the first since 2004. Welcome to the big leagues Rocky Mountian Perkins. (New nickname I made up).

Three days before the students begin their first day of classes head coach J.P. Blandin named former Delaware Blue Hen Scott Shockley as their new outfielders coach while assisting in hitting instructions with Assistant Coach Mike August. A great move for Hornets baseball.

Men's Outdoor Track & Field

Even though Alston Bolt may have dominate the summer breaking world records, the Hornets Track & Field took over the month of June. From Donte Holmes All-American recognition, advancing to the NCAA track Nationals, coach Bell's First State Track honorship, to Leslie Murray's accomplishment in the NCAA's and Nationals the men's outdoor track & field is gaining momentum for next season.

Lady Hornets Softball

Softball Jeff Savage signed Penn State transfer Janelle Lukens to compete for Lady Hornets for the 2010 softball season. She will bring a Big Ten experience and should be a team leader for the Lady Hornets. Lady Hornets is expecting to sign five new players before the upcoming season.

Lady Hornets Basketball

Head Coach Ed Davis has signed four new players to join the Lady Hornets family: Guard/Forward Crystal Pitt, forward Kianna D’Oliveira, guard Jamarra Robinson, and center Uchechi Ahaiwe. These ladies will bring a greater bench production for the lady hornets for the upcoming 2009-2010 season.

Also the new lady hornets schedule is out with 14 home games and some big non-conference games including being in L.A. for the Women of Troy Classic tournament playing USC. This will be a tough year but I think the lady hornets will pull through but they still have Hampton in their heads from the MEAC Tournament back in March.

Men's Basketball

Head coach Greg Jackson Sr. has wanted the Hornets to play the toughest non-conference games ever and this year will be no different from last year and the previous years. They will be playing 21 teams from nine different conferences. Here's some good news though the Hornets will begin the 2009-2010 season with five straight home games November 14-December 1. A lot of momentum heading towards their always brutal non-conference schedule. Mark your calenders for December 1 when the Hornets will play the Blue Hens of the University of Delaware at home. What an early Christmas present!!!

Delaware State Football

After 19 days of training camp the Hornets are ready for their first game against Joe Taylor and Florida A&M. But before the hornets prepared to look at game film they will begin the season 0-1. Why? Because of ESPN and other sports writers criticize the Hornets Football team for playing Michigan instead of the conference rival North Carolina A&T. The scheduling started back in the spring when Norfolk refuse to change the date with Delaware State and A&T didn't want to swap dates either forcing the Hornets to forfeit.

Finally we have a new Athletic Director back in April and his name is Derek Carter from Bowie State University. I wish him the best of luck on turing Athletic Department into a promising future without conflict.

Well Summer it was a great off season now the real season begins with fall sports. Until then see you again in Summer 2010 with more off season headlines.

Sincerely,
Clarence Varnado III
P.S. HORNETS!!!

Lady Hornets Bowling MEAC Champions

Congratulations to the Lady Hornets Bowling team for becoming the 2009 MEAC Bowling Champions.

The lady hornets took take of business against FAMU, Bethune-Cookman and the defending champion UMES.

In the NCAA Bowling tournament, the lady hornets were one step closer for reaching the national championship round but they eliminated in the semi finals by Nebraska.

Give the lady hornets credit for winning the MEAC championship in a feat that was unaccomplished last season. Next year the lady hornets will be stronger than ever first by defending the MEAC Championship and second getting back to the NCAA Bowling tournament and capturing it's very first National Championship.

The End of Hornets Wrestling

April 27 was the toughest decision for the Hornets' Athletic Department. The Hornets wrestling program has come to untimely end. According to Acting Director of Athletics Candy Young Saunders, she told reporters that concerns of financial viability, academic deficiencies, and lack of improvement with the APR at a Division I level.

I understand about the APR scores even though they made a perfect score the last two years, Delaware State needs to sources to bring money on equestrian, this sport, soccer, track & field, and bowling. Yes we are in economic recession, but the athletic department has got to do a better job with their money.

I feel bad that the wrestling program has got to go because the program has been in this up and running since the 1950's. In the last four years, there have have many coaching changes and the program fail to recover.

As for wrestlers here at DSU, they will transfer to other schools and keep their scholarships.

Men's & Women's Tennis Elimamated from the MEAC Tournament

On April 17, the men and lady hornets tennis team were looking to become the MEAC Tennis champions. Unfortunately, they were at the losing ends by the MEAC favorites.

On the ladies side, the lady hornets were taking on the Lady Rattlers of Florida A&M. The lady hornets competed well but it was too much FAMU at the end of day as DSU lost three of their four singles matches and two doubles contests. Polina Razborova posted the lone win for the lady defeating FAMU's Latreece Olagbegi 6-4, 6-0 in the second singles match.

Razborova's teammates Anna Kovtun, Cassandra Newton, and Hannah Adewumi each fell in straight sets. There were two streaks that ended: Adewumi's 16 single match winning streak (fall and spring seasons) was snapped and the lady hornets three match win streak has also ended.
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As for the men's tennis team they got their hands as they took on four time defending champion South Carliona State University. The Hornets were looking for an upset in the MEAC tournament. However, the Bulldogs are looking towards to become five time champions and no show no signs of rust as the hornets were shut out 5-0 in singles and double matches.

Both men and lady hornets tennis teams finished with winning records and looking forward toward next with some unfinished business.

The Recap of Hornets Baseball So Far

The Hornets baseball had the longest home stead in the programs history, 14 straight games. Instead of playing great baseball with a winning record, the hornets played with no sense of urgency as they conclude their home stead at 4-10. The reason behind a disappointing home stead is pitching and and their offensive bats to scored runs.

Heartbreak and Controversy Dooms the Lady Hornets

March 12 will be the date the lady hornets basketball will let them stinging and searching for answers. During the quarterfinals of the Delaware State-Hampton game, the lady hornets were ready for a fight and hoping to get one step closer to their goal.

Delaware State, the number three seed knew that they had very few wins against the lady pirates in the series.

When I was watching the game on meacsports.com it was a great ball game. Both teams had a series of runs. In the first half the lady hornets took a 20-13 lead until Hampton scored 21 straight points (before halftime and starting the second half) to take a double digit lead.

Head Coach Ed Davis and the lady hornets were almost in panic mode but they manage to climbed back in the game with their offense. With less than seven minutes in regulation, the lady hornets went on a 13-2 spurt to tied the game and retake the lead.

That's when the game went down to the nitty gritty:

Hampton's Ashlee Finley tied the game at 52 a piece by hitting two free throws followed by a lady hornet put back to regain the lead at 54-52.

Keyhana Wakefield tied the game at 54 on a pair of free throws with 20.9 seconds and two seconds later, Quanneisha Perry gave the lead Hampton right back.

On the lady hornets final possession, Keyhana put the petal to the metal with a strong move to the basket for the bucket to the tied the game.

That's when things when horribly wrong:
Hampton threw a long pass down court to Sherelle Leslie to hit the game-winning shot with 0.8 seconds left. The hornets defense did not recovered on that possession. After the basket was scored, a Hampton player storm out of her bench area and on to the court and circle around her coach.

I don't know if the referees saw it or not but a technical foul should be called so the lady hornets will shoot free throws and tied the game to forced overtime. Instead the lady hornets got cheated and heartbroken with some 808's from an echo Kayne West.

The lady hornets had the defense but they need more offense in order to win games and the championship. Not only does defense wins games but offense wins as well.

Hornets Visit to Winston-Salem a One Night Stay

The Hornets were eliminated before the game even started. On Tuesday, the Hornets were playing the Hampton Pirates in hopes of getting a fresh start. Instead they were dismissed from the start of tip-off.

Before the game started the hornets were short-handed because Marcus Neal was suspended for the game for a altercation during shoot-around and Arturo Dubois was already dismissed from the team three weeks ago.

More problems begin to set in when the hornets could not get out Hampton's 2-3 defense zone all night as the hornets shot a miserable 26%. The hornets offensive could not find any rhythm in making shot as Donald Johnson put up Jashua Bluntt like numbers from the conference championship round by shooting 1-10 from the field for two points.

Not only did the hornets score 16 in the first half but the smae number of points in the second half.

It was the lowest scoring game in the 37 year history of the MEAC Tournament and the lowest scoring for the Hornets this season. It's been a dissapointing end to the hornets season but Greg Jackson says in his final interview, "We will be back better than ever." I hope Greg Jackson knows what he is doing.

One Down Two to Go

The lady Hornets bowling team continue their winning ways by being crowned the 2009 ECAC Champions back on Sunday. The Lady Hornets goal is not over because they have the Valderbelt Tournament on the weekend of March 13 followed by unfinished business at the MEAC Tournament (weekend of March 20) and then the big dance of Bowling the NCAA Tournament.

Congratulations to the three lady hornets who made the ECAC Tournament team: Adrian Jamie, Jazmyne Hefflefinger, and Brooke Peterson.

The lady hornets finished the weekend tournament by going 5-1 in regular team play when they defeated teams like Kutztown, Adelphi, St. Francis, Long Island, and New Jersey. They also won the Baker Quad and the Best of seven series.

The lady hornets has a lot of of work to do when they go to the Vanderbilt and the MEAC Tournament but I will assured you that they will get the job done.

Sonia Johnson: The MEAC Rookie of the Year

Congratulations to Sonia Johnson for becoming MEAC Rookie of the Year for 2008-2009. Johnson became the first lady hornet to become MEAC Rookie of the Year since Marin Hightower was award back in 1996.

I am so proud of Sonia for accomplishing her efforts all year as a freshman. During the beginning of the season, I had no idea who Sonia Johnson was but during Christmas break I begin to realize how good she had become.

Let's think about it, I thought either Keyhanna Wakefield or Jamkea Smith would be the leading scorers for the lady hornets. But, Johnson was making her presence felt at Delaware State by tallying four 20 point games, 18 double figure games, and the leading scorer on the team by averaging 11.5 points per game.

Sonia leads the conference in the rookie category by averaging 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds against MEAC opponents. To add more to her rookie resume, she is also named All-MEAC Second Team and All-MEAC Rookie Team.

So when ever Sonia plays next season as a sophomore, junior, and senior every Hornet fan will get to scream her name everytime she scores: SONIA!!!

Sonia can add one more award to complete her freshman year a MEAC championship. Let's see if Johnson and the Hornets can win the MEAC Championship tournament this week. First things first, the lady hornets will play the winner of the Norfolk/Hampton game Thursday.

A Successful Sunday for Hornets Indoor Track Team

It was a great weekend for the Hornet men Indoor Track Team. On Sunday, the Hornets finished third at the IC4A Championship that witnessed career bests in the fastest time.

First, congratulations to Donte Holmes for qualify to the NCAA Championships with a first place finish at the 800 meter run with a time of 108 seconds. He is also has the sixth best finish in Division-I indoor track this season. Remember, Holmes is the reigning MEAC Indoor champion when it comes to 800-meters.

Holmes was also a team player when he helped his teammates Leslie Murray, Kelli Thibou, and Burton Clarke finished first in the 4x-400 meter relay with a time of 3:09.49.

It was double Sunday treat for Larrone Moore posted victories in the 55 meter and 200 meter dash.

Also, Murray finished second in the 400 meter dash with a career best of 47.09 seconds.

With all the victories and best the hornets has posted, Boston witness history as DSU exceeded the NCAA provisional qualifying standards.

What other Hornets will join Donte Holmes in the NCAA championships? The answers may and will surprise you.

The Tournament Begins This Week for the Hornets

Well Hornet fans the regular season is over and it is time for a new season: The 2009 MEAC Tournament in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. What better place to play in but at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum aka "The Joel."

Now people wonder who usually plays at "The Joel," well it is home to the Wake Forest Demon-Deacons where the CIAA Tournament was held from 1994-1999. It's the place where the NCAA Tournament was held three times and the same the court where the Harlem Globetrotters performed for the fans.

Wait...what I am talking about? I'm here to talk about the Hornets not the history who performs "The Joel."

The Hornet men have a short time to prepared because 10th DSU will played 7th seed Hampton in the first round of the tournament. The winner of that game will play number two seed South Carolina State on Wednesday in the quarterfinals.

As for the lady hornets they are the number three seed but they have a lot of time to prepared as they await the winner of 6th seed Hampton and and 9th seed Norfolk State in quarterfinals on Thursday.

I understand that Raleigh has given the Hornets nightmares when the Hornet men lose three straight heartbreak games:

• Championship game 2006 Hampton,


• Championship game 2007 Florida A&M,


• Semi-finals 2008 Morgan State
  

It also gave lady hornets some good memories like 2007 when they won the MEAC Tournament against Morgan State and dance their way into the NCAA Tournament as a 15th seed.

However there are nightmares that the lady hornets will never forget:

• 2006 Losing to Coppin State in the championship game

• 2008 Losing to the same team in the semi-final
  

Maybe Winston-Salem will be a fresh start to both the men and lady hornets basketball and who know they can pull a Coppin State mircale from last year.

Like I always anything can happen in the MEAC because the MEAC Tournament is open season.

Cathell Earning a Birth to the National Championship

Congratulations to Matt Cathell for capturing his second straight NCAA East Regional wrestling title in the 149 pound division. He is also placed a birth at the national championship in St. Louis (March 19-21).

During the East regional, in the which the Hornets finished 4th in the team standings, Cathell made record times in three of his competitions in under two minutes.

In the the first match, Matt need just 50 seconds to defeat Jacob Villaret of Wagner University to advance to the semi-finals. During the semis, he pinned Campbell University's Matt King with a time of 109 seconds. In the championship round Matt made hornet wrestling history by defeating Frank Gayeski of Liberty University with a time of 95 seconds.

Matt is still undefeated at 16-0 where he will become the first ever hornet wrestler to compete in back-to-back national championships since Francky Francois accomplishments in 1997 and 1998.

Last year in the 2008 NCAA Nationals, Cathell, who was a freshman, has a 1-2 record including a loss to Indiana University's Kurt Kinser.

Good luck Matt in the NCAA Nationals and represent Delaware State proud with hornet pride.

Lady Hornets Picking Up Where They Left Off

Through March 8th, the Lady Hornets Softball team have continue their winning ways ever since they won the MEAC Tournament last spring. Even though last year was all a distant memory, this year there are some different changes in the lady hornets softball team:

• Shai Tabor has not played during the first eight games of the season
• The Lady Hornets has not hit a home run yet
• Lady Hornets are 5-0 when scoring five runs or more and 0-3 when scoring four runs or less

Softball coach Jeff Savage knows how to find ways to win. Compare to last year their pitching this year has improve successfully with a team ERA of 2.80 with their starting pitching ERA of 2.51

What's even more impressive is that Delaware State is doing what they do every season and that is getting runners on base and scoring runs what ever they can with walks, hits, stolen bases. If the lady hornets continue their Lady Hornet Recipe, you might be looking at the Lady Hornets as being the MEAC Tournament Champions for the second straight year. Remember the lady hornets are predicted to finished first in the MEAC.

Good Start for Hornets Baseball

Well hornet fans the Hornets baseball team, who was predicted to finished fourth in the MEAC, is getting off to a terrific start with a 4-1-1 through the first six games of the season.

The Hornets are batting .331 with 46 RBIs, and 61 runs scored.

What's even better is that four hornets are hitting .300 or better:

• Wynton Weather .375
• Jose Sanchez .444
• Justin Bittner .563
• Ross Babineaux .600

You have to give the pitching a lot of credit so far because the hornets have a ERA of 3.56 while striking out 52 batters and allowing their opponents to bat .220.

Big props to Justin Schmidt because he lead their pitching staff to a 2-0 record with a ERA of 3.29 with a shutout, a save, striking out 16 while only walking two.

Even though Delaware State don't hit a lot of home runs (2), they will finds a way to scored runs by good base running, solid pitching, good defense (.966 fielding percentage and six errors) and being patience at the plate.

If the Hornets can follow the baseball science formula, they can be a dangerous threat in the MEAC Conference and a challenge to defending MEAC champion Bethune-Cookman.

Finally a DSU vs UD Matchup in Football

For those who did or did not hear the news, last Tuesday both Delaware State and University of Delaware will play each other in football for the first time ever.

According to the News Journal, both the Hornets and the Blue Hens will begin their first ever regular season in state rivalry game this season on Saturday September 19. After that game they will meet again for three straight years September 8, 2012, September 7, 2013, and September 6, 2014. All games will be played at Tubby Raymond Field on the campus of University of Delaware.

Now everybody remembers what happen when these two teams met. It was November 2007 (the day after Thanksgiving) when Joe Flacco and Omar Cuff dominated against the Hornets best defense and the offense had no answer as University of Delaware defeat the Hornets 44-7 in the first round of the Football Championship Sub-Division playoffs.

I guess Jack Markell wanted to have in-state rivalry football so Delaware can have a great time. This is something that Former Gov. Ruth Ann Miner failed to accomplish.

I'm glad that both presidents, both coaches and the Governor of Delaware had a chance to sit down and talk about the game that Delaware had been waiting for many decades.

There was no heated discussion nor ducking out of way of a million excuses but just a good conversations and nice press conference just to make a agreement. Both coaches K.C. Keeler and Al Lavan are looking forward to these meetings on a regular basics and who know they might spend Thanksgiving together every year starting November 2009.

A Hornet Football Legend is in the MEAC Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Bryant "Gene" Lake for being inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame. On March 12, Lake will join four other MEAC Hall of Famers during the ceremonies of the MEAC Tournament.

For Hornet fan that don't know who Bryant Lake is, here are his highlights:

• Led all college players with a school record 1,722 rushing yards
• Holds the Hornet records in rushing yards in a game (336), 20 rushing touchdowns in one season, and 35 career rushing touchdowns.
• Named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year and State Athlete of the Year in 1984
• Third all time at DSU and ninth all time in MEAC history with 3,123 career rushing yards
• Inducted to the DSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001
• Named Kodak Division I-AA and Sheridan Black College All-American in 1984

Wow, that's an impressive resume for a all time Hornet Legend liek Bryant "Gene" Lake. Once again congratualtions on Bryant Lake for being honored to the MEAC Hall of Fame. Who knows we might see Shaheer McBride and Darnerien McCants in the MEAC Hall of Fame in the near future.