THE COACHING STAFF SECTION 3. COACHES AND ADMINISTRATION

Transcription

1 SECTION 3 COACHES AND ADMINISTRATION 59

2 Florida A&M Football

3 Rubin Carter HEAD FOOTBALL COACH 3rd Year University of Miami 75 Florida A&M s third-year coach brings a winning blend of vision, passion, discipline and experience to the program Rubin Carter was introduced as the 14th head football coach in Florida A&M University history on Wednesday, July 20, By season s end, this passionate firebrand had led the Rattlers to a 6-5 finish, capped off by a scintillating overtime win over archrival Bethune-Cookman in the Walt Disney World Florida Classic. The 2005 season witnessed the Rattler Football Program come firmly under the leadership of Carter, whose emphasis on discipline, resilience and execution helped FAMU defy the odds and finish in the top half of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings, after being picked anywhere from sixth to eighth in the preseason. The lessons that Carter taught his charges about mental toughness and resilience really bore fruit in the Florida Classic, as the Rattlers rallied from a 17-0 first quarter deficit to overtake the Wildcats for the thrilling overtime triumph in Orlando. Last season, the Rattlers showed marked improvement, posting a 7-4 record, winning five games in the final period, two in overtime, capping off the year with a second straight win over Bethune-Cookman. In the offseason, Carter continued his reshaping of the Rattler Football Program with an intense conditioning program for his returning players, as well as a revamp approach to recruiting of new players. Carter placed great emphasis on recruiting in the Sunshine State, particularly in the area of high school recruiting, and the result was a bumper crop of top prospects, along with a renewed visibility for FAMU Football across the state. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Carter brings over 18 years of previous professional and collegiate coaching experience to his role as head football coach at FAMU. Carter also has 12 seasons of National Football League playing experience on his resume. Carter s Coaching Resume... Carter, 54, served as the defensive line coach at Temple University in 2004, facing the Rattlers in an early September affair, giving him a peek at the program he would later take charge of. 61

4 Rubin Carter... was an All-America defensive tackle at the University of Miami in 1974, the first African American to earn that honor for UM. He went on to earn MVP honors at the 1975 Hula Bowl before embarking on a stellar 12-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos ( ), appearing in two Super Bowls. Temple prevailed, 38-7 in that September 18 clash at Lincoln Financial Field Prior to joining the the Temple staff in March 2004, Carter had served as the New York Jets Defensive Line Coach for three seasons (2001 to 2003). Before his stint with the Jets, he was the Washington Redskins Defensive Line Coach for two seasons ( ). Carter first coached in the NFL with Denver under Dan Reeves from , directing the Broncos defensive line while also assisting with strength and conditioning. Pro Bowl players under Carter during his NFL coaching tenure included John Abraham, Shawn RUBIN CARTER S CAREER AT A GLANCE Coaching Experience Florida A&M University: Head Football Coach, 2005-Present record/2 years. Temple University: Defensive Line, New York Jets (NFL): Defensive Line, Washington Redskins (NFL): Defensive Line, University of Maryland: Defensive Line, San Jose State University: Defensive Line/Strength & Conditioning, Howard University: Defensive Coordinator/Strength & Conditioning, Denver Broncos (NFL): Defensive Line/ Strength & Conditioning, Athletic Experience Denver Broncos (NFL): Defensive Tackle, Miami: All-America Defensive Tackle, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Stranahan High: All-star in football, track and field. Athletic Honors 1999: Inducted into Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame 1992: Inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame. 1986: NFL s Ed Block Award of Courage 1981: Inducted into the Fort LauderdaleSports Hall of Fame 1975: MVP Hula Bowl All-Star Game 1974: Kodak, AP and UPI All-American - first African American All-America ever at University of Miami. 1971: Broward County Athlete of the Year Florida A&M Football

5 Ellis, Marco Coleman, Greg Kragen, Rulon Jones and Karl Mecklenburg. Carter also coached at the collegiate level for nine years. He was Defensive Coordinator and Strength & Conditioning Coach at Howard University from 1989 to 1993, leading the Bison defense to a number one national ranking in Division I-AA in total defense (220 yards per game) and scoring defense (10.5 points per game) in He went on to serve as Defensive Line and Strength & Conditioning Coach at San Jose State in 1995 and Carter s last position at the collegiate level was at Maryland, where he instructed the defensive line from Rubin Carter - The Playing Days... Carter began his coaching career after playing 12 seasons ( ) at defensive tackle in the NFL with Denver. He was part of five AFC West Championship teams as a key member of the Broncos famed Orange Crush defense and played in two Super Bowls (1978, 1987). In 1977, Carter was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover which touted him as The Prototype NT in the 3-4 Defense. Upon his retirement, he had played in more games (152) than any other nose tackle in NFL history. He totaled 1,036 tackles and 33 sacks while missing only two games in his first 11 seasons. Carter was drafted in the fifth round by Denver in the 1975 draft out of Miami, where he was a Kodak, UPI and AP All- American as a senior in addition to being named the MVP of the Hula Bowl. He holds the distinction of being the first African-American to be cited as an All- American on the Hurricanes defensive line. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration in Carter was inducted into the University of Miami s Hall of Fame in Carter also has a proven record of community service as an active member of Pro Athletes Outreach and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has also served as a youth motivational speaker. In 1986 he received the NFL s Ed Block Award of Courage. A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Carter is a 1971 graduate of Stranahan High School. He was an accomplished track & field athlete, holding the Florida shot put record for 15 years. Carter is a member of the Florida Track & Field Hall of Fame (1999), the Fort Lauderdale Sports Hall of Fame (1981) and was the 1971 Broward County Athlete of the Year. Carter, and his wife Karen are the parents of four children, Andre (26), Diandra (21), Alvin (18) and Joshua (17). Andre attended the University of California, and was selected seventh overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by San Francisco. RUBIN CARTER S MISSION STATEMENT 1. We create an environment to mentor young men while developing the student athlete s skills to be competitive in today s society. 2. Relentlessly pursue the MEAC Championship, while always embracing the highest ideals of intercollegiate athletics and staying within the academic mission of the university. 3. Embrace and establish relationships with coaches, leaders and business throughout the community. 4. Maintain a highly successful program in compliance with university and NCAA guidelines. 5. Commitment to excellence while striving to develop leaders based on honesty, integrity and strength of character. 63

7 Robert Bob Cole Offensive Coordinator Quarterbacks 3rd Year Widener (Pa.) 82 Bob Cole is entering his third season as the Rattlers Offensive Coordinator. Cole likes a wide-open offensive style, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in his 20- plus seasons as a coach to the Rattler program. Last season, Cole tutored quarterback Albert Chester to one of the finest single season performances in school history, as he led the Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference in passing and total offense. Cole began his coaching career as an assistant football coach at Moreau High School ( ) in Hayward, Calif. He held that position until he became the head football coach at San Leandro (Calif.) High School ( ). After a six-year stint in the high school ranks, Cole was named the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach at Sonoma State University ( ) in Rohnert Park, Calif. During the 1992 season, his offense set school records for most passing yards in a season (2,988), most passing yards (278.6) per game and the most points per game (29.6). The 1991 offensive unit set school records for touchdowns passes in a season (26), most total yards in a season (3,958) and most wins in a season (9). Cole ventured to Portland State University ( ) as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach in 1993, and the Vikings offensive units quickly reached several milestones. They led the nation in total offense (464 yards per game) in 1998; finished in the Top Ten in the nation in total offense (472 yards per game) in 1995 and 1994 (464 yards per game). Cole produced a running back, Charles Dunn, who became the Vikings alltime leader rusher and a quarterback, Jimmy Blanchard, who led the nation in passing efficiency in After six seasons with Portland State, Cole headed east to the University of Montana (1999) to serve as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback coach, a position, he held for one season. The Grizzlies advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 1999 NCAA Division I-AA play-offs. They finished second in the nation in total offense (517.4 yards per game), passing offense (370.0) and their starting quarterback finished in the top five in the nation in passing efficiency. Under Cole s tutelage, the Grizzlies averaged over 50 points per game, produced a wide receiver to finish in the top ten in the nation in receiving yards per game and a running back to become the school s all-time rushing leader, by rushing for 1,350 yards in a season. Cole took over as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach at Division I-A Utah State University in the spring of The Aggies finished 13th in the nation in passing offense in 2001; finished seventh in the nation in passing offense and 40th in scoring in Cole produced a running back to lead the nation in allpurpose yardage and holds the single game record for all purpose yards (578 yards) in Cole was a three year starting quarterback at Widener University ( ), where he led the Pioneers to a 35-2 combined record during his tenure and they won the 1981 Division III National Championship. Also, the Pioneers made appearances in the 1979 and 1980 Division III play-off semifinals. Cole holds B.S. degree in Social Sciences from Widener (Pa.) University (1982). He and his wife Kathy have two children, a daughter Zoe, and a son Bobby. 65

9 Charles Huff Defensive Coordinator Linebackers 3rd Year Presbyterian (S.C.) 85 Charles Huff is entering his third season as the Rattlers Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker coach and Special Teams Coordinator. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the game to the Rattlers defensive corps. Last season, FAMU placed three defenders - end Tyrone McGriff, linebacker Vernon Wilder and defensive back Jason Beach - earn All-MEAC honors. Huff begin his coaching career at Presbyterian College ( ) in Clinton, S.C., as their Running Backs Coach in 1989, and their Defensive Backs Coach for the 1990 season. As the Blue Hose Running Back Coach, Huff coached Steve Parsley, a first team Division II All- American, who rushed for 1,110 years in six games, before a season ending injury. In 1991, Huff ventured to Murray (Ky.) State ( ) as the Racer s Defensive Backs / Outside Linebackers Coach. The Racers finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference in pass defense for two seasons. Huff signed 10 players for the Racers for the 1992 recruiting season, which included Anthony Hutch, an eventual Defensive Lineman of the Year in the OVC. After a two-year stint at Murray State, Huff became the Defensive Backs /Outside Linebackers coach at the University of West Alabama (1993) in Livingston, Ala. The Tigers finished second in Gulf South Conference in pass defense in In 1994, Huff became the Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers/ Secondary and Special Teams Coach at Austin Peay State University ( ) in Clarksville, Tenn. Under Huff s tutelage, the Governors led the OVC in rushing defense (129.7 yards per game), finished second in total defense (239.9 yards per game) and finished 19th in the nation (Division I-AA) in total defense. In the spring of 1997, Huff joined the University of Central Florida Golden Knights staff ( ) in Orlando, Fla., as their Defense Ends Coach/Special Teams Coordinator. The Golden Knights led the nation (Division I-A) in blocked kicks (17), while holding opponents to under 30 yards on kickoffs for two seasons. UCF also finished in the top 10 in the nation in kickoff returns, while holding opponents to a net punt return of four yards per punt. Meanwhile, his punt returners ranked in the top 10 in the nation in punt returns (15 yards per return). Huff s defensive lineman led the nation in sacks (37) and he developed a pair of All-Americans - defensive ends Elton Patterson and Reshard Jeanty. In 2003, Huff worked with the Miami Dolphins in the team s Minority Coaching Program, working with defensive lineman and special teams. He also worked with the Carolina Panthers as a Mini-camp coach working with their defensive lineman and special team players. Huff returned to the coaching ranks in 2004 at Norfolk State University as their Defensive Coordinator, Co-Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers coach, a position, he held until he accepted the position here at FAMU. Huff holds a Bachelor s of Arts degree in Coaching from Presbyterian College (1985). He and his wife of 20 years, Maggie, have three children - Daron (14), Trevin (12) and Sharmar (10). 67

11 Renato Diaz Running Backs Recruiting Coordinator 3rd Year South Florida 83 Beginning his third season as the Rattlers Running Back Coach is Renato Diaz, a seasoned veteran, who brings a wealth of experience to mentor a the FAMU backfield. In 2005, Diaz masterminded the 1,000-yard season of halfback Rashard Pompey, who finished as the third leading rusher in school history. He will also serve as the overall coordinator of Rattler Football recruiting efforts. Diaz began his coaching his alma mater, the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. ( ), where, he assisted the Offensive Coordinator in various duties: organizing and implementing the offense; evaluating player strengths and weakness, and needs of the offense; in coaching the quarterbacks in the classroom and on the field; practice plan and game plan development and coordination of all scouting efforts on opponents as well as quality control for the offense. In 1998, Diaz was promoted to Tight Ends Coach for USF, and also served as the Special Team Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator ( ). In 1998, the Golden Bulls punt return unit led the nation in total return yards (30 yards per return); seventh (7th) in the nation in net punting, by limiting opponents to 2.1 yards per return. For the 1999 season, his punt unit finished eighth (8th) in the nation in net punting and his kick return unit finished ranked 12th in the nation (22.3 yard per return). In August of 2000, Diaz ventured north to Columbia University (2000) in New York, N. Y., to serve as their Running Back Coach. At Columbia, Diaz coached Johnathan Reese, the school s first 1,000 yard rusher, who was a unanimous selection for All-Ivy league honors and led the conference in rushing (1,330 yards) in Reese also finished the season second in Division I-AA in all-purpose yards, sixth in the nation in scoring, with 19 touchdowns, and was a second team selection to the 2000 Eastern College Athletic Conference All-Star Team. After a one-year stint in at Columbia, Diaz became the Running Backs Coach at Florida International University ( ) in Miami, Fla. Under Diaz s tutelage, the FIU running backs amassed 1,621 net yards on 292 carries to average 5.6 yards per carry in Also Diaz coached Rashod Smith, a First Team Division I-AA All-Independent Team at running back and who was named twice the Division I- AA Independent Offensive Player of the Week. Smith finished the 2001 season with 785 yards on 131 carries in nine (9) games. In the summer of 2003, Diaz did a brief stint with the New York Jets during their training camp, working with the offensive staff in all phases of preparation for the season; assisted the Running Backs Coach in coaching tasks and responsibilities and also assisted the staff in weekly preparation for preseason contests. In the fall of 2003 Diaz, became the wide receivers coach at Christopher Columbus Catholic High School ( ) in Miami, Fla., while serving as a substitute teacher. Diaz returned to the collegiate ranks in the Fall of 2004 as the Running Backs Coach and Special Teams Consultant at Widener University ( ) in Chester, Pa. That season, the Pioneers finished the season ranked 11th in the nation in Division III in kick returns (23.3 yards per return). Diaz graduated from South Florida (1983) with a Bachelors in Geology. He is also a 2005 graduate of the NCAA Advanced Coaches Academy. 69

13 William Tim Orr Defensive Line Coach Defensive Ends 3rd Year East Carolina 88 Tim Orr is a young, energetic coach who will serve his third season as the Rattlers Defensive Line Coach in His charges will be talented and armed with rugged experience from the past two seasons and will be looking forward to his leadership to lead them to dominance. Orr began his coaching career at Bethel High School (1990) in Hampton, Va., as their defensive line coach. He then took a one year hiatus from coaching and served as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1991) in Atlanta. Orr returned to the coaching ranks in 1992 as the outside linebacker coach at Idaho State University ( ) in Pocatello, Idaho, where he produced several All-Big Sky performers. After his stint at Idaho State, Orr ventured to Austin Peay State University (1994) in Clarksville, Tenn., where he served as the defensive line coach for one season. For the 1994 season, APSU went from the worst to the best defense in the Ohio Valley Conference. They finished the season ranked first in rushing defense (126.7 yards per game) and ranked second in the conference in total defense (237 yards per game). The Governors also finished 19th in the nation in total defense in Division I-AA. The following season, Orr became the defensive coordinator / defensive line coach at Morehouse College (1995) in Atlanta, Ga. The next season Orr moved on to Elizabeth City State University ( ) to become the Vikings defensive coordinator / defensive line coach / linebackers coach. In 2000, the Vikings defense finished the season ranked 10th in total defense in Division II and produced the 2000 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association s Defensive Player of the Year. Orr returned to the high School ranks in 2002, at Heritage High School in Newport News, Va., ( ) to served as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. In addition, to his coaching duties, Orr taught Technology Education. In the fall of the 2004, Orr became the defensive line coach at Delaware State (2004). The Hornets increased their sack totals by 20 percent and improved their run defense by 10 percent. Also, the Hornets went from a last place finishin the Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference in 2003 to a third place finish in He coached first team allconference defensive lineman Brent Davis, the school s first defensive lineman to receive that honor since Also, he served as the Advisor for the Hornet s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and initiated an Academic Enhancement Program, in which 17 players finished the 2004 spring semester with a 3.0 GPA. Orr is a member of the American Football Coaches Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; was a member of the Deacon Board of the Galatia Missionary Baptist Church, Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the Prince Hall Masons. He was named the 2002 Galatia Missionary Baptist Church Man of the Year, and recipient of the 2001 Martin Luther King Community Service Award Orr graduated from East Carolina State University (1988) with a Bachelor degree in Industrial Technology and holds a Masters in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy (1993). He and his wife Pamela have two children Nyla (5) and DeVaughn (5). 71

15 Kevin Thompson Offensive Line Coach 3rd Year Savannah State 96 Kevin Thompson is entering his third season as the Rattlers Offensive Line Coach, bringing an impressive resume to the FAMU Staff. Thompson began his coaching career at his alma mater Savannah (Ga.) State ( ) as their Offensive Line Coach. After a two-year stint at Savannah State, Thompson became the Offensive Line/Strength and Conditioning Coach at Johnson C. Smith ( ) in Charlotte, N.C. Under Thompson s guidance, the Bulls offensive line were the key factor in the 2001 season, during which the Bulls finished fourth in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in rushing offense (1,352 total rushing yards) and produced the 2001 CIAA Offensive Player of the Year. In 2002, the Bulls finished second in the conference in passing offense (1,976 yards). In the fall of 2003, Thompson became the Assistant Head Football Coach/Offensive Coordinator at Livingstone College ( ) in Salisbury, N.C. Thompson s offensive line surrendered only 10 sacks and produced the conference s all-purpose yards leader, during the 2004 season. In 2006, despite coming on board in August, Thompson marshalled his offensive line charges to help halfback Rashard Pompey rush for over 1,000 yards. Last season, left tackle Dan Parrish earned first-team All-MEAC honors and signed as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Thompson holds a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah State (1996). He won the Strongest Man contest in Savannah, Ga., in 1993 and earned second team All-SIAC Honors at offensive lineman in He was also named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Honorable Mention as an offensive lineman in

16 Marcus Hoover Interior Defensive Line Coach 2nd Year Stanford 02 Interior Defensive Line Coach Marcus Hoover, begins his second season at FAMU, working with a young, but talented cadre of players. Last season under Hoover s leadership, freshmen like Cameron Houston and Demetrius Lane headed the list of Rattler performers whose stock rose as the 2006 campaign wore on. Hoover was a three-year starter for Stanford ( ). He served as the team s captain in 2001 and was the PAC-10 Player of the Week in October in Hoover a received his degree in sociology from Stanford University in Hoover begin his coaching career at Springfield High School in Oreland, Pa., as their offensive and defensive line coach for the 2003 season. He also served at the Mid- States Sports Complex in Mechanicsburg, Pa Florida A&M Football

17 Gary Harrell Receivers Coach 2nd Year Howard 94 Gary Harrell, begins his second year as receivers coach at FAMU in His tutoring was responsible for the sizzling performances from the FAMU receivers, including All-MEAC selectee Roosevelt Kiser and second-team pick Willie Hayward, a preseason All-MEAC choice for Harrell was a four-year letter winner as a wide receiver and punt return specialist ( ) at Howard University, where he is ranked in the top five for receiving and punt returns. He currently holds the school record for most receptions in a game (13) and in a career (84). As a member of the Howard s 1993 Black College National Championship team, Harrell reaped first team All-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference honors. The former Howard University star played two seasons for the NFL s New York Giants ( ); a season for the World League s the Frankfort Galaxy (1996) and two seasons in the Canadian Football league with the Montreal Alouettes ( ). He began his coaching career at Howard University ( ), as their wide receiver coach. After two seasons at Howard, Harrell became the wide receiver s coach at Texas Southern ( ), until accepting the position as wide receiver s coach at Florida A&M. Harrell graduated from Howard in 1994 with a degree in Marketing. On November 4, 2005, Harrell was inducted into the Howard University s Hall of Fame and received a Proclamation from the City of Miami declaring it Gary Flea Harrell Day. Harrell attended a Miami Northwestern High School ( ), where he finished No.1 in receiving in

19 THE COACHING STAFF Akima Dina Head Athletic Trainer Coordinator of Sports Medicine Akima Abrakata Dina begins her 13th year as Head Athletic Trainer at Florida A&M, serving as the primary coordinator of FAMU s Sports Medicine services for all 18 sports. She has been an integral part of the school s Sports Medicine program since 1988, serving in virtually every capacity from graduate assistant to head trainer. A native of Nigeria, Abrakata Dina was a former track All-American at Lincoln (Mo.) University in both 1981 and 1982, performing in the javelin and high jump. She graduated from Lincoln with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education in She obtained a master s in Sports Medicine, from the United States Sports Academy in Mobile, Alabama and received her formal certification as an athletic trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) in November The personable Abrakata Dina began her sports medicine career at the University of South Alabama as a graduate assistant trainer ( ), before coming to Florida A&M in the fall of 1988 to fill a similar role for one year. She was then elevated to Assistant Athletic Trainer in August of Prior to her permanent promotion to Head Athletic Trainer in 1994, she had twice served as the interim head athletic trainer in the school year and again in the winter and spring of KYLE GAINES Assistant Athletic Trainer 77

20 Arnold Bell Athletic Physical Therapist Dr. Arnold Bell has been one of the most valuable support personnel in FAMU Athletics for over two decades, beginning his work with athletics in Bell is a highly decorated practitioner of the theraputic arts with a wide range of experience in the field. A quite personable gentleman, Bell worked the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta, as head trainer for the rifle competition. In 2004, Bell was honored by induction into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame. A licensed physical therapist and certified athletic trainer, Bell is a tenured professor of Physical Therapy in the FAMU School of Allied Health Science. In 1989, he was accorded a Doctor of Philosophy from Florida State University. Bell, who has served as head trainer for FAMU, is a rehabilitation consultant, coordinating rehab regimens for student-athletes, serving the entire athletic program. A native of New York, Bell earned his bachelor s degree from Springfield (Mass.) College, obtaining a Professional Certificate in Physical Therapy from New York University and a master s from Columbia University of New York. Bell has had a lengthy involvement with the United States Olympic Committee, serving at the Training Center in Colorado Springs. He is also a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy, by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. FLORIDA A&M s SPORTS MEDICINE TEAM AT WORK Florida A&M head trainer Akima Dina (center) and Dr. Garrison Rolle, Team Orthopedic Surgeon (right) and Eusebius Jinks (left), tend to an injured player during a night game in Bragg Florida A&M Football

21 Travis Blue Athletic Equipment Manager Travis Blue is in his fifth year as head football equipment manager at Florida A&M. This year however, Blue will continue in the additional role of as equipment chief for FAMU s other 17 sports. In 2003, Blue had the unenviable task of stepping into the enormous shoes of the legendary George The Godfather Thompson, who retired after 54 years in Blue will be responsible for the outfitting all of the Rattler sports teams, as well as overseeing the upkeep of all athletic equipment. A native of Callahan, Florida, the personable and highly resourceful Blue, spent six years as Assistant Equipment Manager for the football program, working with Thompson. A highly motivated professional, who deveised new and sometimes innovative approaches for his work, Blue is a 2001 graduate of FAMU. He holds a Masters degree with honors in Applied Social Science from FAMU (2003) and is presently pursuing a doctorate in Education Leadership. Travis Blue (far right) with brother Tyrone Blue (far left), the Rev. Dr. Edward Scott, Team Dentist (2nd from left) and a student assistant on the sidelines prior to a recent game. 79

22 F ATHE M U COACHING A T H L ESTAFFT I C S DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Nelson Townsend Florida A&M s quest for a man of vision, experience and consensusbuilding to lead its storied athletic program ended when veteran administrator Nelson E. Townsend, was presented as the school s Director of Athletics during a news conference at the Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse on December 20, Mr. Townsend brings the depth and quality of leadership experience which will be critical to moving our athletic program forward in the coming years, FAMU President Castell Bryant said. His familiarity with our program and our conference, not to mention his extensive work on all levels of sports administration will serve us well, as we seek to elevate FAMU Athletics to higher levels of competitive excellence, Bryant concluded. Townsend brings over 30 years of experience as a director of athletics and as an administrator in education at both the collegiate and secondary levels to Florida A&M, where he previously served as Director of Athletics from 1986 to His overall administrative experience spans athletics, student affairs, educational support services and secondary education. I am looking forward to this opportunity to lead a program like Florida A&M Athletics with its tradition of competitive success and national acclaim, Townsend said during the news conference. Our charge will be to build a consensus among all aspects of the Florida A&M family and marshall all the resources necessary to move Athletics forward, Townsend added. Already during his second tour, Athletics at FAMU has witnessed several milestones: A dramatic improvement in the department s Academic Progress Rate (APR) in the past two years, with all 18 sports in full NCAA Compliance academically. Facility improvements including air-conditioning of Gaither Gymnasium and weight room expansion of the Galimore-Powell Football Fieldhouse. The creation of a fund-raising initiative - the Rattler Sports Fund - which will generate financial donations toward scholarships and facility improvements. Townsend comes to Florida A&M from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he had been serving as Director of Athletics since January of He previously served as Director of Athletics at UMES from 1976 to Prior to returning to UMES as Director of Athletics, Townsend worked as Director of Collaborative Programs between Salisbury (Md.) University and UMES, from 2000 until January of For 12 years, Townsend served as Director of Athletics at the University of Buffalo ( ), spending the two years after that as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs ( ). At Buffalo, Townsend worked to move that athletic program from NCAA Division III to Division I in three-and-a-half years. While at Delaware State University, he engineered the move of the school s athletic program from NCAA Division II to Division I. Townsend has been a leader in the sports and education administration at the state, national and international levels. He held significant leadership roles in intercollegiate athletics, international sports and even at the level of Olympic administration. While at the University of Buffalo, Townsend served as chairman of the NCAA Olympic Liaison Committee. In that role, he was named as an active member of the United States Olympic Committee. From , Townsend traveled extensively to such places as Germany, Canada, Bulgaria, France, England, and Spain in preparation to host the World University Games in Buffalo in 1993, The Games, using the University as the major site, marked the only time that this event has been hosted in the United States. The World University Games are considered the largest international sports event other than the Summer Olympics. For his effort and leadership in those games, Townsend was the recipient of The Buffalo Achievement Award in Townsend is a native of Horntown, Virginia, where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elijah B. Townsend still reside. He and his wife Diane have four adult children, Tracy Lynn, Marc, Eugene and Eboni, and two grandsons Florida A&M Football

23 Athletic Support THE THE COACHING UNIVERSITY Staff STAFF Head Coaches Coretta Ellison Sr. Administrative Assistant to AD Robert Raines Regina Battle Senior Associate Ticket Sales Athletic Director Manager Akima Dina Head Athletic Trainer Marlynn Jones Associate AD/ SWA Jeanese Frison Academic Advisor Kyle Gaines Assistant Athletic Trainer D Wayne Robinson Associate AD/ Academics Travis Green Academic Advisor Dwanna James Academic Advisor Clyde Alderman Assistant AD/ Athletic Operations Joseph Durant Assistant AD/ Game Operations Lisa Luna Basketball Office Mgr. Pat McClees Admin. Assist. Academic Office Mickey Clayton Exec. Director Willie Pettigrew Transportation William Ravenell Faculty Athletic Clayton Smith Assistant AD/ Rattler Boosters Specialist Representative Development Joyce Thomas Academic Advisor Robin Wallace Athletic Office Manager Faydre Hawkins- Brown Compliance Assistant Erica Wilcox Athletic Business Manager Shelia Martin Athletic Office Staff Angela Black Business Office Staff/Purchasing Rubin Carter Football Coach Debra Clark Women s Basketball Robert Lucas Baseball Coach Novella Franklin Women s Bowling Coach Travis Blue Mike Gillespie Athletic Men s Basketball Equipment Mgr. Coach Nikki Goldthreate Women s Tennis Coach Maicel Malone Rey Robinson Women s Track Men s Track Coach and Field Coach Tony Trifonov Volleyball Coach Veronica Wiggins Softball Coach 81

24 NOTES THE COACHING FOR SUPPORTERS STAFF NCAA Compliance Guidelines The Florida A&M University Athletic Department is committed to operating its athletics program according to the rules and spirit of both the NCAA and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. As a member institution Florida A&M is subject to rules and regulations designated by these bodies and it is responsible for ensuring all representatives of the University including faculty, staff, alumni, students-athletes and friends, abide by these rules. A Florida A&M representative of athletic interest [a booster] is anyone who: Is or has been a member of a Rattler Athletic booster organization, such as The FAMU Boosters, Inc., The Rattler Club, The Rattler Diamond Club or Rattler Boosters; Has made a financial contribution to the Florida A&M athletics department or a booster club; Is or has been a season ticket holder in any sports; Has provided or arranged employment for enrolled or prospective student-athletes; Has contacted a prospective studentathletes to encourage his or her participation in any of Florida A&M s athletic program. PLEASE NOTE: The NCAA prohibits such contact. Boosters may not solicit the enrollment of prospective student-athletes in any manner. Only NCAA-certified coaches may recruit prospective studentathletes. Has provided benefits to an enrolled or prospective student-athletes or the student-athletes relatives or friends PLEASE NOTE: It is impermissible to provide extra benefits to student-athletes or recruiting inducements to prospective student-athletes. Doing so may render a student-athlete ineligible. Once a Booster... Once a person is identified as a booster, that person retains that identity indefinitely. A Prospective Student-Athlete is... Any Student who has started ninth grade classes. Additionally, a student who has not started ninth grade classes becomes a prospective student-athlete, if Florida A&M provides the student, or the student s relatives or friends, any financial assistance or benefits that it does not provide to prospective students generally. Boosters may not have contact with prospective student-athletes. A contact is: Any face-to-face encounters between a prospect or a the prospect s parents, relatives or legal guardian(s), and a booster during which any dialogue beyond a simple greeting occurs. There are several permissible contacts, including: A luncheon or dinner sponsored by an alumni group where prospective students ( athletes and non-athletes) of that immediate local are invited; Phone conversations, initiated by the prospect, providing no recruiting conversations occur; and Viewing a prospect s athletic contests on one s own initiative, provided there in no contact with prospect. As a booster, you may not provide extra benefits to current student-athletes or recruiting inducements to prospective student-athletes. Example of impermissible benefits and inducements include: Cash or loans of money; Signing or cosigning a loan; Any tangible gifts, including holiday or birthday gifts; Free or discounted meals, good (e.g. clothing) or service (e.g. dry cleaning, haircuts, cell phones, long distance calls); Free or discounted entertainment (e.g., movie tickets, professional sports tickets); Assistance in paying bills (e.g., utility bills, rent payment, telephone or cell phone bills); Transportation or the use of an automobile; Hospitality in your home, other than for an occasional home (e.g., birthday, holiday). The Compliance Office must approve all occasional home meals in advance. Arranging employment for a prospective or current studentathlete s relative or friends; Any other special arrangement by a booster to provide a benefit not expressly authorized by the NCAA. The above information provided a brief overview of booster and their interaction with current and prospective student-athletes. It is not an exhaustive discussion. If you have any questions about this overview or any NCAA rules, please feel free to contact: Robert Raines Sr. Associate Athletic Director NCAA Compliance 1835 Wahnish Way Florida A&M University Tallahassee, FL (850) Florida A&M Football