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LANGSTON ALUMNUS, QUINTON MORGAN, NAMED NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR THE LANGSTON LIONS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Former Langston University (LU) football player and alumnus, Quinton Morgan, was recently named the permanent head football coach for the Langston Lions football team effective immediately.

In October, he took on the role of interim head coach for the remaining five games of the season and his leadership strongly impacted on the team’s performance. Under his leadership, the team experienced success with no losses (5-0), averaging 43.6 points per game, and outscored their opponents 218 to 65. Although Langston finished No. 2 in conference, they completed the season with a better overall record of 7-3. “Hard work is the company of success,” coach Morgan said.

He is a proven leader in athletics and has served on the LU coaching staff for more than 10 years. In 2011, he assumed the role as interim head coach for the LU softball team. It was under his direction, the team secured a record of 31 wins and advanced to the Red River Athletic Conference postseason tournament for the first time. His leadership steered the women to one of the best seasons in LU softball history.

Upon his appointment as head football coach, he outlined his goals and a strategic plan for recruitment and player management initiatives for the football program.

“He is committed to improving the academic and athletic performance of his players, increasing the athletic program’s graduation rates, and plans to increase visibility in high schools to help boost recruitment and retention numbers,” said Donnita Drain Rogers, LU Athletic Director.

“The Langston Lions plan to come back strong next season, and after watching coach Morgan perform from the sideline, this is truly possible,” said Rogers.

Prior to coaching, he earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation in 2005 and a master’s degree in urban education in 2010 from Langston University.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more about Langston University, go to http://www.langston.edu or visit the newly updated http://www.langstonsports.com.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES 2015 HOMECOMING GRAND MARSHAL

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By Koshia Silver, Director of Public Relations

LANGSTON, Okla. —Langston University homecoming, the EvoLUtion will start off with Cheryl Miller as the grand marshal. Homecoming is Oct. 12-17, 2015, with Miller leading the annual parade and kicking off festivities on Saturday.

“We are excited to have one of Langston University’s newest members, Coach Cheryl Miller serve as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University.

“Cheryl has been a great addition to our campus and has shown she has the true spirit of a lion. Cheryl leads our girls not only on the court, but instills the quality of leadership and provides the mentorship they need to thrive.”

Coach Cheryl Miller was appointed as Langston University head women’s basketball coach in April 2014. Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.

The NCAA named Miller one of the top five collegiate basketball players in NCAA history. Miller was USC’s head women’s coach for two years in the mid ’90s, and then coached the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA from 1997 to 2000. Miller led LU’s women’s basketball team through a great 2014-15 season, finishing with a 28-4 record.

Homecoming is an anticipated tradition at Langston University. Events are scheduled each day during the week of homecoming, such as the annual Gospel Fest, President’s Scholarship Gala, Greek Step Show, and the coronation of Mr. and Miss Langston University. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17, while the football game begins at 2 p.m. against Southwestern Assemblies of God.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University homecoming and to purchase tickets, visit www.langston.edu/homecoming.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University has appointed a new head coach for volleyball, Jacob Rodriguez.

“Coach Rodriguez, a true man of integrity and great character, is a great addition to our athletic department,” said Donnita Rogers, the Director of Athletics. “His enthusiasm is contagious. Rodriguez will be a tremendous role model for our student-athletes and will play a pivotal role in putting Langston University volleyball on the map.”

Rodriguez comes to Langston from Bacone College, where he served as the head volleyball coach for three years. During his three years as head coach, the team went 46-52 overall and 24-16 in the Red River Athletic Conference.

Prior to Bacone College, he served as the assistant coach at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. During this time the team made tremendous strides, which included trips to the NAIA Regionals and the National Christian College
Athletic Association Regional and National Tournament in 2007.

Rodriguez currently holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Dallas Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Southwestern Assemblies of God University.

Stepping into this position, he has high hopes for the volleyball program’s fourth season. Last year the Volleyball program reached historic new heights, the team recorded its first win over East Central University, an NCAA Division 2 opponent.

The Lady Lions made it to the Conference Tournament last year; he knows the bar is already set high. He is ready to build a strong 2015 recruiting class and turn Langston’s volleyball team into a program that strives to win national championships.

“The most important thing for this team is to compete; the team will need to continue to build off of this foundation,” said Rodriguez.

“Our first goal as a team is to give a unified effort every time we step on the court.”

The Lady Lions open the 2015 season on August 21, 2015, against Southwest Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information or to view the Langston Sports schedules please visit www.langstonsports.com.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PLAYERS INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

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By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla.—Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson and Mike Garrett, athletic director at Langston University, will induct 10 football players into the Langston University Hall of Fame as a part of the halftime festivities at Homecoming on Oct. 18, 2014.

“These are deserving men,” said Henderson, a retired NFL linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and a Langston University alumnus. “They are great football players and each has provided valuable contributions to Langston Athletics.

“I am pleased to be part of this activity, and I hope it begins a tradition to acknowledge student-athletes who have made contributions at Langston University.”

Inductees were chosen by a selection committee for their performance as a student-athlete. The men will be presented with a medal and recognized for their contributions to the university.

Men being honored will include the coach and several players of the 1973 team that won the title of Oklahoma Collegiate Conference Champions.

Thomas Henderson, Mike Garrett and Langston University alumnus Clarence James will present the medals.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five master’s degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University Athletics, please visit www.langstonsports.com.

NEWARK NATIVE APPOINTED AS LANGSTON UNIVERSITY’S NEW POINT GUARD

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University has named Karon Abraham of Newark, New Jersey, as point guard for the men’s basketball team.

Abraham averaged 13.7 points per game on 41.9 percent shooting with the NCAA Division 1 Robert Morris Colonials, a NCAA Division 1 program located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 2009-2012.

Langston University finished under .500 for the third straight year. Newly appointed Head Coach Stan Holt has been working to build a strong 2014 recruiting class and turn Langston’s men’s basketball team into a program that strives to win national championships. Holt is optimistic about the upcoming season.

“This is an exciting day for Langston Basketball,” Holt said. “Karon brings NCAA Division 1 experience. He has played at the highest level, and we expect him to use that experience to excel at Langston.”

During his two years at Robert Morris, Abraham was particularly dangerous from beyond the arc, making 43.4 percent of his three-point attempts.

“I feel excited and blessed to have this opportunity,” Abraham said. “I definitely see where Coach Holt and Mike Garrett (LU Athletic Director) are taking this program, and I know I will be able to help.”

Abraham will provide an immediate threat from the backcourt, along with returning sophomore Renard Green. Green led the Lions in scoring last year, averaging 12.3 points per game. Landon Gray also comes back to the team after shifting in and out of a starting role in 2013-2014.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW HEAD COACH FOR MEN’S BASKETBALL

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By Koshia Silver, Director of Public Relations

Langston University has named Stan Holt as head coach for the men’s basketball team.

“We are excited and pleased to welcome Stan Holt, he is young and eager“, said Mike Garrett, LU Athletic Director. “I look forward to a successful season and to one day look back on our future success and be able to say, we got him first.”

Holt brings with him over seven years of progressive experience as well as a Master of Education in post-Secondary Administration and Student Affairs. Holt has developed and impacted such names as Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls and Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic.

“The athletic administration at Langston University has brought tremendous passion and energy to the department”, Holt said. “I sincerely welcome the support and involvement of the community, Langston alumni, administration, faculty and staff as we bring unparalleled effort and enthusiasm to the court.”

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMES HALL OF FAMER CHERYL MILLER HEAD WOMEN’S COACH

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By Koshia Silver, Director of Public Relations

Cheryl Miller has officially been named head coach of women’s basketball at Langston University and was formally introduced to the team and the student body during center court ceremonies today in Langston.

Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.

“This is a historic moment for Langston University athletics as we welcome legendary player and coach Cheryl Miller as women’s basketball head coach,” said Langston President Dr. Kent Smith. “Securing a coach of the caliber and character of Coach Miller is a tribute to Athletic Director Mike Garrett’s stature in the sports world.”

“Coach Miller’s credentials as a player and coach are unsurpassed in women’s basketball. We are thrilled and honored to have her here wearing Lion blue on our courts,” said Mike Garrett, athletic director at Langston University. “Coach Miller has the skills and tools to lead our women’s basketball team to domination in the NAIA.”

“I am excited to be a part of a university with such a rich heritage”, said Cheryl Miller, women’s coach at Langston University. “We are talking championships. The bar has been set high, but I look forward to raising the bar even higher. I also hope to develop the player’s potential both on and off of the court. “

Langston’s women’s team ended the season with a 20-13 record. Leading scorer, Lynette Holmes (28 ppg) was named player of the week for two consecutive weeks.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program.