Newspapers / Elizabeth City State University … / April 30, 1999, edition 1 / Page 7
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The Compass Friday, April 30,1999 7 Sports Keels Makes Early Run For Majors By A1 Randolph Staff Writer When was the last time you heard of an athlete from Elizabeth City State University foregoing their senior year and entering the pros? Maybe never. Now, Viking baseball player Alvin Keels will be the first to try and accomplish this task. The 5'11,170 pound Chesapeake, Va. native has high spirits about making it to the major league. In a recent interview with Keels, it was evident that this will be the biggest challenge in his life. Keels knows all the aspects of what it will take to make it to the pros, as well as what to expect. With the experience of playing in various summer leagues, he is mentally and physically ready to accept these challenges. Keels credits much of his enthusiasm to the Cape Cod Summer League that he participated in. He was also the first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association player to participate in one of the highest-rated leagues in the country. As a result, he was noticed by a pro scout after playing in the summer league. "I have no specific team that I would like to play for, I just want a chance to play in the majors," says Keels. He also mentioned that many major league teams have shown an interest in him and his talent. Alvin Keels' career at ECSU has been a very prosperous one. This season, he has been injury free while obtaining a batting average of around .400. He credits this to being a different, more intelligent player than last year. "This year's team is more talented and the pressure is off me due to my supporting cast," said Keels. His supporting cast of Vikings has contributed greatly and they won the By Xavier Wise Staff Writer The Intramural Sports program at Elizabeth City State University, imder the new leadership of Coach Anzell Harrell, Jr., has taken a turn for the better and is new and improved. This year's Intramural Sports Program has achieved much success. Intramural volleyball, flag football, and basketball contests have already taken place this year, and the student turnout was good. This year, an All-Star team composed of intramural basketball players participated in the Pepsi Five on Five Regional Tournament in Chapel Hill, NC. After winning the round robin portion of the tournament, the all-stars lost in the quarter finals. As a result, the team finished 14th among 53 other colleges and universities from across the nation. The University held its armual Intramural Sports Banquet and Awards Night on April 27 and honored the all-star team and others who were a part of this year's intramural program. Students who competed received awards and certificates for their participation. A pleased coach Anzell Harrell said he and his staff are ready and poised to take the program to even greater heights in the coming years. T- -^9 ■■ The Members of ECSU’s 1998-99 Women’s Softball Team CIAA regular season title. When most athletes enter the pros early, the question about education almost always haunts the them. Keels thoroughly explained his intentions of finishing his education status. He's aware that baseball isn't going to be there forever, and that he'll need something to fall back on. " I admit baseball is my first love, but I promised my mother that I would get my degree," says Keels. He also plans to achieve his second goal, having his own business after earning his degree in marketing. When you look at the NFL, NBA, and major league baseball, there's a limited number of CIAA players in all these leagues, if any. Coming out of a historically black conference like the CIAA, Keels says much responsibility rides on his shoulders. Dealing with the community and being a role model are just a few. "I think black athletes have an enormous responsibility, for the simple fact that there are role models in my community who helped me. And when I make it, I plan to come back to my community and provide whatever I can to help," said Keels. He highly praises the people of Chesapeake, Va., and especially Coach Chuck Cullens, who has advised and supported him over the past two years. According to Keels, there is no real pressure on him being the first CIAA player to leave early for the majors. Should he get drafted this fall, it will definitely turn heads. "If I'm drafted. I'll be setting the tone and opening the door for other players," said Keels. Although feeling of being drafted might not be in his near future in the near future for him, the thrill of winning a CIAA conference championship is. Viking Men and Women’s Track Challenge at Championship By: A1 Randolph Staff writer On April 17, Elizabeth City State's men's and women's track teams participated in the CIAA conference championship. The Vikings had a limited number of runners competing in all the events. However, everyone did place in the top ten. In the men's events, Leroy Fowler participated in the Javelin with a throw of 128 feet, 11 inches, which was good enough for seventh place. In the four-by-100 relay, the men's team of Steve Carter, Arnold Jones, Derrick Watkins, and Earl Jones placed fifth. ' ITP* the Omen's '^events, Krista Zeigler placed fourth in the javelin with a throw of 37 feet, six inches. Despite a valiant eftort by the women in other events, they did not place. Said Coach Tim Orr, aware of his team's lack of depth, "Basically, this year we tried to set a foundation for next season." Orr plans to bring in more athletes in an effort to improve the track program. "With the players coming back on both men and women's teams, recruiting will improve the program," he said. Intramural Sports At ECSU On The Move
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