Newspapers / Elizabeth City State University … / April 26, 1996, edition 1 / Page 12
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72 The Compass Friday. April26. 1996 m senior catcher Brent Underwood played a consistent game against St Augustine at Knobbs Creek. Coach Charles Cullens considers Underwood to be "the l)est catcher In the league defensively." Moody resigns for Norfolk job by Donald Perkins George Moody has announced his resignation as head football coach of Elizabeth City State University, effec tive April 30. " I have been meeting vyrith players individually and I had a team meeting yesterday. They were shocked. It was one of the hardest things in the world looking in the face of some of those kids, but they understand that I am getting a better opportunity job-wise and for me and my family." According to the local media. Moody will become the assistant Coach at Nor folk State University. Players had mixed comments about Moody's resignation. "I think that he went with a better opportunity, " said player Omari Salsibury. "Others think Coach Moody's decision wasn't the best thing to do." One player expressed disappoint ment in Moody's resigr\ation. "I feel as though it was sudden," said junior running back, Malcom Mackey." Malcom said he noticed a change during Coach Moody during spring ball practice. "Everyone noticed it," he said. Moody was an offensive coordina tor at Norfolk State for three seasons. He was also head coach at Virginia State, from 1981-1990. Moody joined ECSU in 1993 just three and a half weeks before the sea son started. After being at ECSU three years he finished with a 14-18 record overall. Last football season the \^kings fin ished a winning 7-4 season, but lost to \^ipnia State in the CIAA champion ship game. " The keys to becoming a good coach are being able to maintain a sense of compassion and respect for opinions of others, and to not forget your rcx)ts," said Moody. Moody said that Walter "Doc" Harley, his high school football coach, was his greatest influence in coaching. "He had a great influence on me and he made the game fun." Moody believes he accomplished his goals at ECSU. "I came here to rebuild this program into a championship caliber in a three to four year period. That has been achieved." Moody said it was enjoyable work ing with his coaching staff. "It was really great to see these guys grow," said Moody. "They established discipline and overall team spirit." Moody added that the players should continue their work ethics of football. "They must continue conditioning year round, and they must dedicate their individual goals, which makes team excellence," he said. Coach Moody ended by saying that ECSU has been enjoyable. "This has been one of my greatest tours of my life," said Moody. "I have really enjoyed seeing these young men grow, as individuals and as a team unit." Vikes wrap up successful year by Tonia F. Polston The ECSU Viking baseball team once again finished in the top five of the CIAA tournament held in Raleigh, NC April 18-20. Last year the Vikings ended their season ranked third in the coriference, losing in extra innings to Shaw Uni versity. This year the Vikings were 9- 15 overall and 7-10 in the conference. "We played much better the last couple of weeks," said Coach Chuck CuUens. "We had a few games that were one run ball games that could have gone our way but didn't. It hap pens to a young team, which we fairly are with only four seniors." Cullens ciWits his sertiors as being the most consistent this past season. "Catcher Brent Underwood did an excellent job all year behind the plate," Cullens said. "I think he's the best catcher in the league defensively. He threw out quite a few base runners this year." Cullens praised Jason Pipken and Acuon Kelly's (the Viking's leading hit ter) hitting. Though the seniors were consistent the team lost more games than they would have liked. Cullens said that each loss seemed to be attrib uted to something different each time. "One game it was the pitching," Cullens said. "The next game it was errors. Then the next game the pitch ing and errors maybe fine but we just couldn't hit the ball." When tournament time rolled aroimd, the Vikes had to overcome rvagging injuries and fatigue. Though the team was tired from recent travel ing, Cullens felt that ECSU had a chance of winning it all. But during the first game Apr. 18, the Vikings lost to St. Augustine's 16- 5. The next game the \^kes won against Shaw Uruversity 15-7. During the Shaw game Aaron Kelly did well hit ting a home run for ECSU, Cullens said. Then once again the team had to face St. Augustine's and they lost 7-2. "We could have done much better," said Cullens. "We made quite a few errors. St. Aug. has been a thorn in our side all year. I think they've beaten us five times. We're a little disap pointed in the outcome." Cullens and company are waiting for next year to roll aroimd now that his young team has gained some ex perience. "Our boys gave it a good effort," Cullens said. "We'll wait and see what happens next year." Track and field team shine at tourney by Tonia F. Fobton The Viking men's track and field team gave a solid shovwng at the CIAA Tournament held the weekend of April 18 in Raleigh, NC. Senior Etorian Hubbard placed sec ond in the discus throwing about 132 feet. He placed sixth in Ae shot put throwing about 42 feet. Hubbard nude the All-QAA tournament team in track and received a second place trophy. Sei\ior Earl Owens placed ninth in the 100 meter and 200 meter. "I was impressed with Earl Owens," said men's track and field Coach Kelvin Brovm. "He acted as a team leader during the tournament. He gave real good leadership as far as the team goes." Brown says because Owens was the primary sprinter his loss due to gradu ation will be felt next season. But Brown is impressed with the way Hubbard has taken freshman Keith Manson under his wing. "Manson has improved in the shot put and discus," Brown said. In the 400 meter sophomore Damian Lynn ran very well, Aough he did not place said Brown. "He's a challenging athlete," Brown said. "They all are." Brown feels that because ECSU had a good showing at the tournament there will be an increase of track ath letes next year. Coach V^ams of the women's track and field team echoes this sentiment, though the women did not place in the tournament. Coach \^^lliams said that everyone wanted to begin to build a foundation for a solid track program at ECSU. At the end of the season the women's track and field team foimd their num bers tremendously dwindled. "We had a lot of members to begin with," V^lliams said. "This said a lot for the members who remained. They competed against those who were very competitive. It's easy to go on when you win, but when you're not placing it says something for those who stick aroimd." Though no one place Coach \^11- iams said that she was satisfied with the improvement that her athletes showed. Next year she expects an even better showing. "I hope to see continued improve ment," Brown said. "We took only a linuted number to Raleigh. Hopefully the number will increase with our overall performance this year."
Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper
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April 26, 1996, edition 1
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