Latest news with #MorganState
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
3 suspects arrested in shooting death of former high school football player
Three people suspected in the shooting death of a former high school football player have been arrested. Pittsburgh Public Safety officials announced on Wednesday that Zion White, 21, was taken into custody on Tuesday. John Kyles, 20, and Marcus Johnson, 23, were arrested on April 25 and May 23, respectively. They are being held in the Allegheny County Jail. The trio is facing charges in connection with the killing of Gavin Yarbough, who was shot multiple times on Sept. 16 in Larimer and died in the hospital. Yarbough was a standout football player at Woodland Hills High School who went on to play at Morgan State, a historically Black university in Baltimore. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Head coach of sole DI HBCU acrobatics program steps down
Regina Smith, the trailblazing coach who introduced acrobatics and tumbling to Morgan State University, has officially stepped down. Her departure marks the end of a historic era and leaves a powerful legacy at both Morgan State and across HBCU athletics. Smith joined Morgan State in 2022, bringing a strong background in cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics. She began her coaching journey after earning a degree in Business Communications from Illinois State University in 2006. Her early success came at Bolingbrook High School in Illinois, where she led competitive cheerleading teams to state-level achievements. From there, she moved into college athletics, coaching at Thiel College, Ottawa University, and Adrian College. In 2012, she launched Adrian College's first acrobatics and tumbling program. Under her leadership, the program quickly earned national respect. Smith's teams went on to win over 30 national championships and secured more than 50 top-three finishes in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and mascot competitions. At Morgan State, Smith applied her deep expertise to create a program that balanced competitive performance with cultural representation. The Bears became the first HBCU Division I acrobatics and tumbling team, a groundbreaking achievement that reshaped the sport's landscape. Smith's influence went far beyond competition. In March 2024, her team made history by visiting the White House during Women's History Month. They became the first NCAA NCATA and HBCU team to receive this recognition. The impact didn't stop there. In February 2025, the team's "two feet split with straddle" routine went viral, earning over 12 million views online. Off the mat, Smith emphasized academics and service. As a result, 13 student-athletes were named to the NCATA Academic Honor Roll, and the team completed more than 400 community service hours. In a statement, Regina Smith expressed her appreciation: Dena Freeman-Patton, Vice President and Director of Athletics, praised Smith's leadership: Morgan State has already started a nationwide search for Smith's successor. But this moment is about more than just one coach's departure. It's a call to continue elevating HBCU acrobatics and tumbling and to keep pushing the boundaries of collegiate athletics. The post Head coach of sole DI HBCU acrobatics program steps down appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Breakout HBCU WBB star transfers to ACC
Morgan State forward Naya Ojukwu is on the move. After a breakout season in the MEAC, the 6'1" redshirt freshman has committed to the University of California, bringing her game from an HBCU program to one of the Power 4's newest members in the ACC. Ojukwu averaged 17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game for Morgan State during the 2024–25 season in just 15 appearances. Her efficiency and dominance in the paint helped her earn second-team All-MEAC honors. Despite missing several games, she shot nearly 48% from the field and quickly became one of the conference's most impactful players. Originally from Idaho, where she was the 2020-21 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year, Ojukwu began her career at Utah before transferring to Gonzaga. As a freshman at Utah, she played in four games, averaging 5.3 minutes, 3.3 points, and 2.3 rebounds per game. After receiving a hardship waiver from the NCAA, she transferred to Gonzaga as a true freshman, appearing in nine games. She totaled 11 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in 56 minutes before transferring again, this time to an HBCU. However, she found her rhythm at Morgan State and delivered on her potential. Her time at the HBCU allowed her to lead, develop, and showcase her skills on a national level. That growth caught the attention of the University of California, which is reloading its roster as it prepares to enter the ACC. Her departure is a significant moment for Morgan State women's basketball, which recently saw longtime head coach Ed Davis Jr. retire after more than a decade leading the program. Ojukwu's move continues a growing trend of elite HBCU talent earning opportunities in major conferences through the transfer portal. As she transitions to the next chapter of her career, Ojukwu represents the level of talent developing within HBCU programs like Morgan State. Her success underscores the growing visibility of HBCU women's basketball and the impact players from these programs can have at every level of college athletics. The post Breakout HBCU WBB star transfers to ACC appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU basketball player named Miss New Jersey USA 2025
Before Ivy Harrington ever walked across the Miss New Jersey USA stage, she was logging minutes in at an HBCU basketball program, helping Morgan State compete year after year. The former Lady Bear turned pageant queen was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025 earlier this month, adding another chapter to her story of persistence and HBCU excellence. Harrington played four seasons at the HBCU from 2013 to 2017, appearing in 114 games and starting 26. She totaled 457 career points and averaged 16.1 minutes per game over her career. Her freshman season was her strongest statistically, averaging 7.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 30 games, 20 of them starts. She finished her career with 261 rebounds, 101 steals, and 185 made field goals. A 5'7" guard out of Neptune Township, New Jersey, Harrington was known for her hustle and team-first mentality. That same drive carried over to her life after basketball. "Our family dynamic changed drastically after my dad died," she told NJ Advance Media. "And trying to navigate the world during a global pandemic while grieving made it that much harder." Harrington began competing in pageants in 2021 and faced multiple setbacks before winning the crown in 2025. "The pageant world is such a niche space to be in," she said. "You have to be mentally tough to open yourself up to be critiqued and judged." Off the stage, Harrington works in education as a social media manager for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District and leads a mentorship program called MVP-Most Valuable Pivot-focused on helping young women in sports. "I want to teach female athletes to become the architects of their identity outside their athletic jersey," she said. Now, as she prepares for Miss USA 2025, Harrington is once again representing her state-and her HBCU-with pride. The post HBCU basketball player named Miss New Jersey USA 2025 appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU star earns Baltimore Ravens Pro Day invite
Elijah Williams isn't just chasing an NFL dream—he's chasing history. The Morgan State defensive lineman, fresh off a record-breaking college career, has been invited to participate in the Baltimore Ravens' NFL Local Pro Day, setting the stage for one of the most important workouts of his life. Williams leaves Morgan State as the program's all-time leader in sacks (31) and tackles for loss (52)—numbers that underscore his relentless presence on the defensive front. In 2024, he was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and became a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the best defensive player in FCS football. His accolades also include being named a Stats Perform and AFCA All-American, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated defenders in HBCU football. Advertisement The NFL Local Pro Day offers regional players the chance to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches and scouts. For Williams, that means competing in the very city where he built his college legacy. Unlike the national combine, these workouts are more intimate—allowing overlooked talent a closer shot at making a roster. Williams' invite from the Ravens is part of a growing tradition; the franchise has long shown respect for HBCU programs, hosting events like the HBCU career combine and actively scouting talent from schools like Bowie State and Morgan State. Related: Charlie Ward emerges as top candidate for FAMU basketball head coach opening Williams' journey reflects more than personal ambition—it represents a broader movement. As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, he's one of the top HBCU prospects in the class. His presence at the Ravens' facility is a reminder that elite talent exists across all levels of college football. And for every young athlete at an HBCU dreaming of the NFL, Williams' grind is proof that the path is real. Related: Stephen A. Smith: 'I have no choice' but to consider presidential bid As fans of HBCU football, it's time to rally around Elijah Williams. His story deserves attention, and his shot at the league deserves support. Follow his journey, spread the word, and let NFL teams know: the next great defensive disruptor may be coming straight out of Morgan State. Related: Morgan Price makes history as a repeat champion Related: Reality star sparks buzz by dating Morgan State hooper
