Rookie of the Year 1985

The Jacksons-Triumph (1980)

2009-11-01T19:52:00.005-05:00

Coming off the monster album that was Off The Wall, Michael Jackson went back into the studio with his brothers to record their fourth album as The Jacksons in 1980. The results of their work was a classic album that has gone largely ignored in light of Michael's mega-album, Thriller.

The epic single Can You Feel It kicks the album off. The song only managed to grab the number 30 spot on the R&B charts, but the music video was a huge hit. Little brother Randy does a good job singing lead, but is no match for the vocal intensity of MJ. Next up was the disco-inspired Lovely One, the album's biggest hit (no. 2 R&B, no. 12 Pop). My personal favorite Everybody sounds like it could have fit perfectly on OTW.

The first half of the album is great, but it is the second half where all of the Jacksons, not just Michael, show their talent for producing and performing top-notch music. Heartbreak Hotel, written by Michael and later renamed "This Place Hotel" for legal reasons, is cut from the same cloth as Michael's later work on songs like Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal. It's a must hear for any real MJ fan. Time Waits For No One, written by Randy and Jackie, ranks right with She's Out of My Life and Lady In My Life as MJ's best ballads.

Walk Right Now is a fun, upbeat song that deserved a much higher charting than number 50 rating it received on the R&B charts. Another favorite is Give It Up, a Michael-Marlon duet that shows Marlon capable of keeping up with his talented younger sibling, at least for one song. The album concludes with Jackie's solo performance of Wondering Who, a song that was ahead of it's time with it's use of synthesizers. The song could easily be a predecessor for the Gap Band's You Dropped A Bomb on Me.

Triumph was Michael's last album with his brothers before he achieved immortality with the success of Thriller a few years later. The group would come together with brother Jermaine in 1984 to produce Victory, but the album lacked the cohesiveness of it's predecessor. Triumph is a frozen moment in time that often gets overlooked in the worldwind life of Michael Joesph Jackson. In between classic albums, Michael submitted his superior talent to work with his brothers and produce an album that stands the test of time.

Battle of Baltimore- Pt. 2 The First Half

2009-03-13T18:05:00.002-04:00

Last season, Morgan State entered the MEAC tournament as heavily favorites to roll over the competiton and into the NCAA Tournament. But they ran into a huge problem in the form of the surging Coppin State Eagles and their star point guard, Tywain McKee. McKee scored a game-high 33 points, dished out 12 assists as the Eagles stunned the Bears. The two teams renew acquaintances today with a berth in the conference championship at steak.

1st Half

- Game tied at 7 all With 12:48 left in the first half.
- So far, the game has the intensity and the emotions of a championship game. Very physical.
- Morgan coach Todd Bozeman earned himself a little attention by letting out a yell after catching a loose ball out of bounds.
-MSU's Regie Holmes starts off 4 for 6, 3 for 4 from the 3pt line; has 12 points with a little more than 5 minutes remaining in the first half.
-Holmes finishes the half on fire, with 21 points, almost outscoring the whole Coppin team. MSU leads 36-22.

MEAC Thursday

2009-03-12T18:09:00.002-04:00

---6:27 p.m. The evening's first men's game, Norfolk State vs. Bethune Cookman is now underway. The Spartan's are up 20-13 at the seven minute mark.

--- NSU's Corey Lyons has come out hot with 13 points. Lyons is shooting 4-4 from the field and 3-3 from the three-point line.

---BCU star Clifford Reed struggles in first half w/ 10 points on 4 of 11 shooting.

Caldwell out

2009-02-09T16:04:00.002-05:00

Change is coming to Winston-Salem State Athletics in the form of a new athletic director. WSSU sent out a release stating that Percy "Chico" Caldwell has stepped down from his post, effective immediately. Caldwell, who has served as director of athletics since 2000, will be replaced by senior female adminstrator Tonia Walker on an interim basis. More to come on this later.

Rams run through Bison; pick up win no. 1

2008-10-06T10:24:00.004-04:00

Winston-Salem State managed to put together its' first complete game of the season against Howard on Saturday, coming away with a 34-10 win. Having lost all three previous home games plus the season opener to North Carolina A&T, the Rams were desperate. The Rams dominated the Bison in every facet of the game.

Quarterback Jarrett Dunston had a career night, completing ll 0f 16 passes for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added a 41 yard touchdown run. Defensive lineman-turned-fullback Devven Sutton scored 2 touchdowns, the first on a 7 yard catch from Dunston and the second via a 2 yard plunge into the endzone. Sutton's two touchdown's gave the Rams a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, their biggest of the season, and the route was on. Wide receiver Bryant Bayne also had a big day, catching 4 passes for 150 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately for Bayne and the Rams, the rest of the senior's season seems in doubt as he suffered a broken ankle late in the first half.

That was about the only bad news for the Rams, as the Bison never got closer than 14-7 in the second quarter. Now the Rams look to carry the momentum of the win with them as they travel to Tallahassee, FL to take on Florida A&M on Thursday. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU HD. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.

And the winner is.... Jefferson

2008-09-04T20:17:00.002-04:00

The competition for Winston-Salem State's starting quarterback decision appears to be nearing an end. According to a report by the Winston-Salem Journal's John Dell, redshirt freshman Tienne Jefferson was named the starter for the team's opener against North Carolina A&T.

At the Rams most recent press conference, Blount said that no matter who was named the starter, both would likely see time under center on Saturday.

The Rams and the Aggies will kickoff at 6:00 p.m. at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro.

Rams to name starter Thursday

2008-09-03T17:47:00.004-04:00

Just two days before his team's showdown with North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State coach Kermit Blount admitted that he doesn't quite know who will start at quarterback on Saturday. He said either redshirt freshman Tienne Jefferson or redshirt sophmore Jarrett Dunston will be named the starter on Thursday at the Rams weekly press conference.

"It's gonna be a tough decision for us," he said. "Hopefully both guys can get a chance to play."

Dunston saw limited action last year after transferring from Temple. Jefferson has yet to take a snap in college. Blount said that Dunston was having a strong camp, but his injury helped Jefferson get into the mix.

"Jefferson showed the ability to make things happen in the offense. Both of those guys were having really great camps," Blount said.

Blount said that no matter who is named the starter, he feels his offense will be in good hands.

"Either one of those guys can get it done," he said.

Wonge moves on

2008-08-05T23:14:00.006-04:00

Darrell Wonge's basketball odyssey has taken him from New York, to North Carolina and now to Japan. The spindly 6-foot-7 forward, who played for four years at Winston-Salem State has confirmed that he has signed a pro contract with tsusho toyota. Wonge will leave for Japan on Sept. 1. As a senior, Wonge finished second on the team with an average of 10.7 points per game and added five rebounds per as well.

"It makes me feel very lucky that i have the chance live my dream," Wonge said.

Hayes ready to play, signs with Titans

2008-07-22T23:02:00.005-04:00

Former Winston-Salem State defensive end recently signed with the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Photo courtesy of Winston-Salem State Athletics.

As reported in today's Winston-Salem Journal by John Dell, former Winston-Salem State defensive end William Hayes has signed with the Tennessee Titans and will be in camp on time. The four-year deal looks to be worth about $3 million, including a $500,000 signing bonus.

Hayes looks to be the backup at DE behind former All-Pro Javon Kearse based on his performance in the Titan's mini-camps. Given Kearse's history of injuries, don't be surprised if Hayes sees the field alot this year. If he can soak up some knowledge from the vets on the team, he could be a steal as a fourth-round pick. He's got 4.6 speed, which you can't teach at that position. He also lived up to the nickname, "Big Plays" in his senior season at WSSU, leading the nation with seven forced fumbles, and recovering two of them for touchdowns.

Five questions facing the Rams in '08

2008-06-12T16:32:00.005-04:00

Winston-Salem State's Michael Scarbrough breaks away from North Carolina A&T defenders in last season's game. (Photo courtesy of WSSU Athletics)

Winston-Salem State's 2008 football season is still two months away, but there are alot of questions that need to be answered by then.

1. Where will the offense come from? The Rams lost their two biggest playmakers last year in Jed Bines and Monte Purvis. Purvis led the team in all passing categories and was second in rushing to Bines, who finished with 925 yards.

2. Who will start at QB? Jarrett Dunston and Justin Sherrod are the only two candidates with experience behind the center at the college level, but the Ram's could also go with true freshman Branden Williams. Redshirt Freshman Tienne Jefferson is also thought to be in the mix.

3. Will the defense hold up? The defense took heavy hits, most notably DE William Hayes, LB Thad Griffin and DB Nate Biggs.

4. Can Brandon McRae come back at full-strength? McRae led the Rams in rushing as a redshirt freshman in '06, but injured his knee last season. If he's 100 percent, the Rams rushing game is set.

5. Can the kicking game be counted on? Placekicker Matt Mitchell hit a game-winning field goal early last season as a freshman, and then went through a slump and made just one more field goal the rest of the way.

MEAC heading to W-S

2008-05-25T22:09:00.002-04:00

For at least the next three years, Winston-Salem will host a Divsion I conference tournament. According to a report by the Winston-Salem Journal http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/may/25/sources-meac-chooses-winston/?news, sources say the Mid-Eastern Athletic Confernce (MEAC) will call Winston home. The MEAC is a conference made up of historically black colleges up and down the east coast. Winston-Salem State has been accepted into the college and will be eligible to compete for a title in the 2009-10 tourney.

The tournament, held in Raliegh the past three seasons, continues to grow but lacks the luster and prestige, not to mention the revenue of the Central Intercoliegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament. After attending the MEAC earlier this year, this looks to be a great move for both the confernce and the city. The Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Colesium seats about 14,000, which is more ideal for a tournament its' size than the RBC Center which holds around 20,000. Although Winston isn't known (positively) for its' night life, I'm pretty sure that the tournament could bring some promoters to the area. This looks like a win-win situation.

Just when you think you've heard it all...

2008-05-09T21:50:00.006-04:00

Photo by rivals.com

How trifling is this guy? According to Rivals.com(http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=806250)Florida defensive back Jamar Hornsby is being accused of credit card theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. The worst part of it all is the card is the card belonged to a young woman who died in an accident that also claimed the live of his teammates, redshirt freshman Michael Gibson, last October.

I know times are hard, but using a dead person's credit card from an accident that also took the life of one of your teammates? That's low. Florida coach Urban Meyer has said that they guy is no longer a part of the program. I hope these allegations aren't true, but if they are he gets no sympathy here.

LB comes back to NC

2008-05-01T08:39:00.004-04:00

Courtesy of Remembertheaba.com -Larry Brown in his first pro coaching gig in Charlotte with the ABA's Carolina Cougars.

So by now most of you've heard that the Charlotte Bobcats (What do you mean? Yes we do have an NBA Franchise) hired Larry Brown as new head coach. Have to confess, I've kinda got mixed feelings about this one. I think LB's resume will command respect from the Bobkitties, but will his personality negate that? Remember how he and Iverson went back and forth in front of the media in Philly?

Hopefully after winning an NBA 'chip with the Pistons and after that disasterous year with the Knicks, LB will take a little more subdued approach in the Queen City. I know one thing, LB's hire can't do anything but help the Bobcats' image in Charlotte. Reading the boards online after every Bobcat article since the team's inception, I can't recall a time when race did not come up in the conversation. Not to call LB an affirmative action hire, but alot of people feel like Bob Johnson is a racist and only hires black people. (Funny thing, I've never heard anybody critique how many African-Americans are in Jerry Richardson's office, but that's another story.)

I just hope Larry stays around long enough to get the Bobcats headed in the right direction. Something tells me that Brown is biting at his chomp to apply for that Dallas job.

Michael Jordan Shatters Backboard

2008-04-22T23:24:00.000-04:00

This is incredible. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. MJ never ceases to amaze me. The most amazing thing is that I've never heard of this. First God gives us light, now Youtube. Thanks God:)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=te-8MJ84834

Prediction: WSSU's Hayes will be drafted this weekend

2008-04-22T22:47:00.002-04:00

Photo by Garrett Garms- Winston-Salem State defensive end William Hayes has a great shot at being drafted this weekend.

Good story about Winston-Salem State's DE William Hayes on the sports page of today's Winston-Salem Journal.http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/apr/22/a-waiting-game/?sports

Hayes has an excellent shot at getting drafted. A couple of times this past season I heard scouts raving about Hayes' speed and ability to get to the ball. A scout from the Giants was impressed with him during halftime of the game against Hampton. And this was before he got two sacks in the second half. He has the combination of size (6'3, 275 lbs) and speed (6.2 seconds in the 40) that scouts covet for a DE-LB hybrid player . If he lands in the right system, (New England, Pittsburg maybe?) he could be a steal. Look for him to go anywhere from the fourth to the sixth round.

MEAC Championship: Morgan vs. Coppin

2008-03-15T20:06:00.000-04:00

- This should be an interesting game. Coppin started the season 0-7, but have

- Two minutes in, and we've alreadyhad a player get flipped. This is gonna be a physical game. Coppin 4-2.

- Coppin is looking like a team with some special March Magic. This doesn't look like a team that started out 0-7. CSU 14-13.

-This is a physical game, resembling a like a backyard brawl and it looks like it's gonna be that way until the final buzzer sounds.

- CSU's Tywain McKee has been clutch the entire game. He's putting a dagger in Morgan's NCAA tournament hopes with 31 points so far.

-Tied at 60 with less than five seconds remaining, Walker blows by his defender to give CSU a 62-60.

-The agony of defeat. MSU's Reggie Holmes' 3pt attempt clanked off the front iron and CSU's celebration began. Final score 62-60 Coppin State.
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Rams vs. Eagles second half observations

2008-03-15T17:29:00.000-04:00

- 16:56 Futrell picks up where he left off in the first half, in the air. NCCU 39-36.

- 16:04 The Rams need to body up on Marius Vaskys, he's owning them down-low early in the second half.

-14:00 NCCU is on fire from the three-point line so far. NCCU 45-42.

-Central just seems to want the game a little more than WSSU. Guess that's what winning just three games will do to you.

- Wonge 3pt basket makes it NCCU 51-50 with less than eight to go.

-Peake's free-throws tie the game at 56.

-Davis misses two free-throws with the game tied at 56 with 3:10.

-Futrell makes two to give Eagles 58-56 lead with 2:30 to go.

- WSSU has had it's chances, but keeps coming up empty.

-1:10 NCCU called for traveling, Rams still have a chance.

-Futrell misses the free throw, but Isaiah Tucker makes an ill-advised pass and the Rams are forced to foul.

-Roy Peake drives to the basket, throws up a layup, Jamal Durham misses the tip-in and the Rams have to foul again.

-The Futrell hits both free-throws, and that's the ball game. NCCU wins 60-56.

Rams vs. Eagles first-half observations

2008-03-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

- NCCU's Charles Futrell is starting to get it going. The Eagles have managed to cut the lead to 20-16 with less than 10 minutes to go, hitting a couple of 3's to do the damage.

-WSSU needs to get the ball to Durham. He's too valuable for the Rams to go 10 minutes without seeing the ball.

-The RBC Center is a nice facility. It'd probably be alot nicer if the crowd was a little larger. I'd say the attendence is about 1/5 capacity of the arena's capacity.

- If Paul Davis can put on some weight during the off-season, he will be a problem for opposing teams. WSSU leads 29-22 with 3:40 left to play in the first half.

-Futrell finished the half-off with two crowd-pleasing slams, and the game is tied at 31 heading into the half.

Rams vs. Eagles pt. 1

2008-03-15T16:41:00.000-04:00

-I don't know who had a tougher five minutes, me (I had to start a new blog) or the Rams and the Eagles. WSSU hit just one of its' first six free-throw attempts but still leads 18-6 with 13 minutes to go. The Eagles look flustered so far.