Month: September 2022

Miller, Wallace-Whitfield back in the pool

 Home|Sports|Miller, Wallace-Whitfield back in the poolSports

Both Bahamian collegiate athletes were in action in water polo this past weekend

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 29, 2022 212 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Bahamian collegiate water polo players Saequan Miller, left, and Nicholas Wallace-Whitfield, right, were in action for their respective teams in water polo this past weekend. Miller competes for the Salem University Tigers and Wallace-Whitfield plays for the Mount St. Mary’s University Mountaineers.

Bahamian collegiate water polo players Saequan Miller and Nicholas Wallace-Whitfield were once again competing in the pool in the sport of water polo for their respective schools this past weekend.

Miller was in action for his team, the Salem University Tigers at the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference Crossover on Saturday and Sunday. They finished with a 1-2 win/loss record.

Wallace-Whitfield competed for the Mount St. Mary’s University Mountaineers. He had a busy weekend as he played in four games. They were 

perfect, going 4-0. They also had a mid-week game against Navy on Tuesday, and their five-game winning streak was snapped as they lost 16-13.

Both Miller and Wallace-Whitfield played in Erie, Pennsylvania. Miller was in action at the Prep-Villa Event Center while Wallace-Whitfield was in action at the Junker Center Pool.

On Friday, the Mountaineers took down the Pennsylvania State University Behrend Lions 28-14 with Wallace-Whitfield coming away with two goals. The 28-goal outburst was a new school record for goals in a game.

They then played two games on Saturday, taking down Mercyhurst University, 18-8, and Gannon University, 24-21. On Sunday, they pummeled McKendree University, 22-14. All three of these matches were conference games.

On Tuesday, against Navy in Annapolis, Maryland, Wallace-Whitfield scored another goal for his team, but they could not pull off a comeback in the conference game despite scoring five goals in the fourth quarter. They put themselves in a tough position in the second quarter when they gave up six goals to go into the half down, 9-4.

The Mountaineers sport an 8-4 win/loss record on the season, including a 3-3 record in conference play.

Miller, who plays defense, had four shots in their first game over the weekend which was against Bucknell University, but they were all saved and Bucknell won 15-8. He had two exclusions in the match.

The Tigers regrouped, went back in the pool and were able to get a favorable outcome in their next game. They took down Johns Hopkins University, 18-15. Miller had a shot on goal and one steal in that contest.

On Sunday, the Tigers fell to George Washington University, 23-9. Miller had three shots but could not find the back of the net.

All three games were conference games for the Tigers. They now have a 5-6 record on the season and a 2-2 record in conference play.

The Mountaineers head to the west coast to play in the Gary Troyer Tournament in La Verne, California. Their first game is tomorrow against Chapman University.

Salem University returnS to action this weekend at the Penn State Behrend Invite in Erie, Pennsylvania. This time, they will play at the Junker Center Pool. Action for them starts on Saturday when they take on Washington and Jefferson College.

https://thenassauguardian.com/miller-wallace-whitfield-back-in-the-pool/

Bahamian ‘JTalon’ advances to IESF World Championships

 Home|Sports|Bahamian ‘JTalon’ advances to IESF World ChampionshipsSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 29, 2022 383 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Johnathon Lucius, whose username is “JTalon”, qualified to represent The Bahamas at the International ESports Federation (IESF) World Esports Championships, set for December 1-12 in Bali, Indonesia. He will be competing in Tekken 7. Lucius will have a chance to compete for the IESF Tekken title and a $25,000 prize pool.

To get to this point, Lucius had to compete in the IESF Pan American Regionals. In the end, he finished fourth overall with a 6-4 win/loss record in the competition to land a spot in Bali.

“When we got the news that we were able to qualify, I was shocked because when I lost I was down on myself because I know I could have played much better in my final match. I was ecstatic that I qualified because I saw it as a second chance. It feels good to represent The Bahamas because I never got a chance to do so in my entire time gaming,” Lucius said.

President of the Bahamas Esports Federation (BESF) Michael Armogan said that Lucius is a hard worker, and he has been for years.

“We’re ecstatic about how far we made it, with even the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg calling it ‘great works’ for the country. Lucius has been putting in the work for years now, even ranking in the highest tier of players in the world for Tekken,” Amorgan said.

The 24-year-old Lucius wins came against countries such as Colombia, Guadeloupe, Ecuador, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama. His losses came against Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. He said his easiest win was against Jamaica and his toughest victory came against Guadeloupe.

“I was a little saddened because I was expecting to place a little higher than that,” Lucius said. “I normally play much better than how I did but I am still happy with the overall results. My easiest match was Jamaica because he used characters that I was knowledgeable about. Guadeloupe was my most difficult victory because the way he used the character that I had knowledge on forced me to get a deeper analysis on how to take him down. I had to change character to take him down.”

His primary character to use in the game is Ling Xiaoyu while his secondary character is Zafina.

To qualify for the IESF Pan American competition as the representative from The Bahamas, Lucius had to win a local tournament. Normally, the winner of the regionals would be the person or persons to represent the region against the other regions around the world. This year, the IESF had to host them online, so even though the regionals happened, all players for our region in select titles like Tekken and eFootball will get a pass directly to the World ESports Championships.

Lucius plays Tekken 7 on the computer. The computer platform is not his first platform as his Tekken journey began with Tekken 3 on PlayStation 1. He said he was introduced to it from when he was five years old. When Tekken 7 was released in 2017, Lucius said he decided that he wanted to be good at it so he can be competitive internationally.

“I never saw myself at this point competing. I competed before in another competition Combo Breaker in Chicago, Illinois, and there were people from around the world competing, but my results were not as good as in the IESF Pan American competition. It was my first big event and I enjoyed it,” Lucius said.

He said he will look to sharpen his skills between now and December by playing online or against his friends. Lucius will head to Bali at the end of November.

https://thenassauguardian.com/bahamian-jtalon-advances-to-iesf-world-championships/

ORU hires Andretti Bain as an assistant coach

 Home|Sports|ORU hires Andretti Bain as an assistant coachSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 29, 2022 275 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Bahamian Andretti Bain, center, is returning to his alma mater, Oral Roberts University, as an assistant coach. In his role with the ORU Golden Eagles, Bain’s main responsibilities will include recruiting and evaluating talent.

TULSA, Oklahoma — Oral Roberts University (ORU) Golden Eagles Athletics Head Coach Alick Musukuma has announced the addition of Bahamian Andretti Bain to the track and field/cross country staff as an assistant coach. In his role with the Golden Eagles, Bain’s main responsibilities will include recruiting and evaluating talent.

“We are proud to have Andretti Bain be a part of the track and field/cross country programs,” said Musukuma. “We are rebuilding the programs and need someone like Andretti to be on board. Andretti has done amazing things for ORU as he is the only track and field athlete from ORU to win an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Indoor and Outdoor Championship and an Olympic silver medal in the same year, 2008. This will inspire other alumni to see that the ORU track and field/cross country programs are going to be great.”

A 2014 ORU Hall of Fame inductee, Bain is the most decorated track athlete in program history. He claimed the program’s first national championship, winning the 400 meters (m) title at the 2008 NCAA Indoor Championships. Later that year, Bain captured the title in the same event at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships. During his career at ORU, Bain was a three-time All-American, 11-time conference champion and a nine-time Summit League Athlete of the Week.

After his career with the Golden Eagles, Bain went on to win a silver medal as a member of The Bahamas’ men’s 4x400m relay team at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. The other members of the team were Michael Mathieu, Andrae Williams and Chris Brown. Avard Moncur and Ramon Miller were the alternates.

Bain, 36, has personal best times of 21.15 seconds in the 200m, 44.62 seconds in the 400m, and 50.83 seconds in the 400m hurdles. He is yet to officially end his career, but is listed as the fourth fastest in Bahamian history in the men’s 400m, trailing just national record holder Steven Gardiner, and former national record holders Brown and Moncur.

Bain has won medals at CARIFTA in the open 400m, the 400m hurdles and the relay, medals at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships and the CAC Games in the 400m and the relay, a gold in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Pan American Games, and a silver in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Commonwealth Games to go along with the Olympic silver medal.

Additionally, Bain was a member of The Bahamas’ men’s 4x400m relay team at the 2004 World Indoor Championships in Budapest, Hungary. The team of Bain, Brown, Timothy Munnings and Dennis Darling finished fifth in the final.

https://thenassauguardian.com/oru-hires-andretti-bain-as-an-assistant-coach/

UB Mingoes participate in anti-doping seminar

 Home|Sports|UB Mingoes participate in anti-doping seminarSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 29, 2022 171 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

University of The Bahamas (UB) student-athletes learned about the dangers of doping in sports during an anti-doping seminar in conjunction with the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) at the Michael Eldon Complex at UB.

Executive Director of BADC Petra Haven and her team informed the student-athletes about the substances on the prohibited lists, how tests are conducted, doping control and how athletes can assist in fighting doping in sports.

“It’s important for our student-athletes to understanding what is doping and why it’s important to fight against doping to keep sports clean,” UB Head Athletics Trainer Sasha Johnson said. “A violation is more than just taking a prohibited substance. It’s refusing a test, or having a prohibited substance and even giving someone else a prohibited substance. I’m glad our student-athletes got to learn about how far-reaching doping is in sports and how to fight it.”

The BADC, which is an independent body, promotes, coordinates and monitors the fight against doping in all sports in the country.

The student-athletes also heard about how it is possible to actually take a prohibited substance with a therapeutic use exception or TUE. Sometimes athletes can use a prohibited substance for a 

legitimate medical reason and the commission can grant these exceptions.

“These are rare but it’s important they know how to get this exception if they are sick,” Johnson said. “Even more important is the procedure to get this exception because it is not simply a case of having a doctor say it’s okay, there is a procedure and the athletes have to follow the procedure so as not to get a doping violation.”

UB Athletics holds educational seminars for its student-athletes throughout the academic year.

https://thenassauguardian.com/ub-mingoes-participate-in-anti-doping-seminar/

McPhee-McCuin and Rebels look ‘to go to the NCAA tournament

YOLETT McPhee-McCuin

YOLETT McPhee-McCuin

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#EXPECTATIONS loom large for Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball team for the upcoming 2022-23 campaign.

#The Rebels have improved each year under McPhee-McCuin’s tenure and, after a season that produced the programme’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 15 years, that continued development, that continuous improvement was a major talking point of media day.

#“We are just continuing to rebuild not as much as like at first, we were trying to rebuild completely. Now we are just trying to reconstruct,” McPhee-McCuin said. “I think that is the goal to expand from where we were and to where we are trying to go. Which is to be a programme that is expected to go to the NCAA tournament every year and beyond.”

#The 2021-22 season came to an end for Ole Miss in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to South Dakota.

#Ole Miss concluded the season 23-9, 10-8 in the SEC to earn an at-large bid and the no.7 seed in the Wichita Region. It was their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years.

#McPhee-McCuin led Ole Miss to its first top 25 ranking since 2007. The season was highlighted by a 13-game win streak, the third longest win streak in programme history. It also included wins over three ranked opponents.

#In conference postseason play, Ole Miss earned its first SEC Tournament Semifinal game appearance in 29 years.

#The Rebels also found themselves slotted in the national polls with its first AP Poll appearance since 2007, when Ole Miss came in at No. 24 on January 24.

#On the heels of a record-setting season and a new contract extension, McPhee-McCuin has landed another star-studded recruiting class for her Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball programme.

#McPhee-McCuin’s incoming class includes highly touted freshman prospects and some of the top rated transfers in the portal.

#“This group has a quiet confidence. I think my teams in the past have been very loud. This group is more so quiet, they do believe in themselves. One thing that is unique with this group too is that they have experience in the NCAA Tournament here at Ole Miss so that is the expectation. Last year we were trying to paint the picture and say this is what it’s going to be like, and this group is like ‘coach we are going to the tournament’ that is the expectation,” she said. “This group works pretty hard as well and they get along pretty well. I think every year if I were to bring the same team it would be a different group you know the same people. Because you know time, maturity, experiences so I don’t think it’s much different from any team because every group would bring their own personality and character. But we definitely have a solid blend of personalities and characters you all will meet.”

#The class was recently bolstered by the signing of highly touted 6’4” freshman centre J’Adore Young. The class also includes four star freshman Ayanna Thompson along with transfers Marquesha Davis, Elauna Eaton, Rita Igbokwe, Broke Moore, Tyia Singleton, Myah Taylor and international prospect Marta Ostojic from Croatia.

#Ole Miss also returns a solid trio of experience, including starters Madison Scott and Snudda Collins, as well as the SEC’s Sixth- Woman of the Year in Angel Baker.

#McPhee-McCuin joined the Rebels in 2018 with expectations to rebuild a programme that struggled in recent years and was in the cellar of the SEC. This offseason, she signed a contract extension that will see her remain at the helm through the 2026 season.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/mcphee-mccuin-and-rebels-look-go-ncaa-tournament-e/?news

Deandre Ayton: ‘What’s said is already said’

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

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PHOENIX Suns’ Deandre Ayton, of The Bahamas, poses for a photo during an NBA basketball media day in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE relationship between Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton and head coach Monty Williams continues to be a point of contention for the franchise.

#Following a bitter end to the 2021-22 season and a lengthy contract negotiation in the offseason, Ayton addressed the relationship between the two on the first day of training camp.

#Ayton appeared in only 17 minutes of the Suns’ 123-90 elimination loss to the Dallas Mavericks in game seven of the Western Conference semifinals last season.

#He finished with just five points, four rebounds and Williams told reporters postgame that Ayton’s limited playing time was the result of an “internal” decision. “I haven’t spoken to him at all, ever since the game,” Ayton said when asked about the relationship between the two. “I can show him better than I can tell him. It’s life. Nobody cares about the uncomfortable nature of it, it’s how you perform and what you bring to the table. What’s said is already said.”

#Following a lengthy restricted free agency process, Ayton officially inked a four-year, $133 million contract in July to return to the Suns.

#A highly coveted restricted free agent target, Ayton signed a maximum offer sheet on July 14 with the Indiana Pacers and within moments, the Suns matched the offer to retain the no.1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

#“Yea I’m alright,” Ayton responded when asked if he’s happy to be back with the Suns. “When I’m in between those lines, man, I just work. I know I’m not playing for myself. I have an organisation across my chest and a name on my back I have to represent, I’m just here to work.”

#Williams downplayed any perceived tension between the two and indicated it was a standard practice this offseason to give his players “space” during the offseason. “I think one on ones are always needed between guys I’ve been around for awhile. “Some guys need it and some guys don’t. I’ll identify that as the season progresses,” Williams said.

#“I’ll talk to everybody as I always do during camp and it won’t be an issue at all.”

#In his fourth season, Ayton averaged 17.2 points on a career high 63 percent from the field and 10.2 rebounds per game in 58 appearances.

#Both sides reiterated that the improvement on the court will be the most important thing for the upcoming season.

#“I think the thing that people don’t see is how much he’s been in the gym and how much better he’s gotten this summer. I think having all that stuff behind him has given him a sense of relief. I think when players know you want them around and value them, it gives them confidence. That doesn’t mean you don’t have situations that come up — that’s part of coaching and part of being on a really good team with competitive players,” Williams said.

#“There wasn’t a scenario where we felt like he wasn’t going to be around. He’s too good of a player and he’s a good dude. There’s times where you bump heads on certain issues, but that doesn’t define a person in totality. I think sometimes that stuff just gets blown out of proportion and rightfully so when you don’t know all the facts.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/deandre-ayton-whats-said-already-said/?news

Stephen Sears Jr and X-Men remain undefeated in the AUS

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

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STEPHEN Sears Jr

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#STEPHEN Sears Jr got his first start of the season and his St Francis Xavier X-Men won an early matchup of undefeated teams in Atlantic University Sport Football.

#The X-Men, currently ranked no.8 in Canada’s U Sports standings, improved to 4-0 with a 26-7 win over Mount Allison to hand the Mounties their first loss of the season last weekend.

#Sears, in his debut season with the programme, got the start at left tackle to anchor an offensive line that gained 434 total yards. “I got the news the Monday before the game, they said that I would have an opportunity to compete for the starting spot and I secured it,” he said.

#“I knew I was ready for the challenge so I had a strong mindset, and was not going to hang my head down if I messed a play up.”

#The X-Men allowed just a single sack and X-Men Silas Fagnan passed for 309 yards and two touchdowns while Malcolm Bussy rushed for 80 yards.

#“The first two drives of the third quarter stood out to me where we scored on passing touchdowns. The pass protection held up,” Sears said. “USports is a bit more fast-paced and physical. But it’s football at the end of the day. It was fun out there to be honest.”

#Both drives concluded in deep touchdown passes to wide receiver Zachary Houde.

#St FX head into a bye this weekend and will next see action on October 8 as they host Bishop’s for a 3pm tilt in Antigonish.

#“The season is going great so far,” Sears said, “Our running game is solid and passing is coming along on offence.

#Our defence has been holding it down.”

#Sears is the latest collegiate football prospect to follow the pipeline from The Bahamas to playing the game at the highest level in Canada.

#He committed to the X-Men of the Atlantic University Sport Conference following his standout tenure with the Holland College Hurricanes.

#Sears was named the Hurricanes’ 2021 Offensive Lineman of the Year when the team announced its annual athletic awards in the postseason.

#The business administration major was also named an Atlantic Football League All-Star offensive lineman after his second season with the programme.

#He said the transition to competing at a higher level has been a welcome challenge thus far.

#The X-Men are the reigning 2021 AUS football champions and have advanced to the national semifinal.

#“It’s been great, a bit more fast-paced, a tough schedule football wise with more meetings and practices and as always learning a new system is a bit challenging.

#“But I’m used to everything now and I love it,” he said.

#“A lot of talented athletes on one team going at it in practice and games.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/stephen-sears-jr-and-x-men-remain-undefeated-aus/?news

Nine Bahamian collegiate tennis players get prepared for fall season

As of Thursday, September 29, 2022

#BAHAMAS Lawn Tennis Association collegiate tennis athletes are getting prepared for the 2022-23 season and a number of the players have seen pre-season action with their respective colleges.

#There are approximately nine athletes who are on the tennis college circuit.

#Jacobi Bain, of the Xavier of University Louisiana (XULA) Gold Rush, was awarded the NAIA South Region rookie award for his performance for the 2021-22 season.

#Jacobi went 20-7 in singles and 26-9 in doubles last year. Kicking off his 2022- 23 season at the HBCU National Tournament in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in a season opener.

#In singles, Bain who was seeded 3rd, played well but lost in his first singles match against Jonasz Dziopak 3-6, 0-6.

#He obtained success in doubles with partner Woody.

#Jacobi and Woody captured the doubles title 6-3 over Du Preez and Bajracharya of Alabama State at the HBCU National Championships.

#The duo, seeded no.1, advanced to the semifinals after an impressive first-round win over Amadike and Lan 6-1. They won in the quarterfinals 6-4 over Alvaraz and Caraballo of Tennessee State.

#Congratulations on the Regional rookie award for the south region and your doubles title at the recent HBCU Tournament Jacobi.

#Donte Armbrister and partner Emiliano Jorquera won the Elon Fall Invitational Powell Doubles Tournament for the Hampton University Pirates.

#Donte and Emiliano won over Steveker and McNamara of Queens 6-4.

#In the next round, they won 7-5 over Moskovitz and Johns of the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNC G), in the Finals they were victorious over Bharathy and Sneed from Central 7-5.

#In singles, Donte made it to the quarters with a win over Oliver Saarinen of Central and fought hard against Blanco 4-6 6-7. He lost in the second round 2-6 6-7 to Blanco NC A&T.

#At the Christopher Newport University (CNU) Fall Invitational held the prior week, Donte Armbrister was perfect going 4-0 in singles and doubles against the competition.

#Against the host university CNU, Donte defeated Ahun Vodela 6-4, 6-3 and in #1 Doubles Donte with partner Ange-Kevin defeated Strause and Truong 8-5.

#Against North Carolina Weslayan, Donte won 6-2, 6-4 in singles and 8-4 in #2 doubles with partner Emiliano Jorquera.

#Elana Mackey and Mars Hill Lions competed in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II Southeast Regional Championships.

#In singles, Elana won over Ami Miya of Catawba 7-5, 1-6,6-1. She then defeated the #16 seed Cardenas from Newberry 6-0,6-7, 7-5. Elana then went on to win over Labat from Columbus State 6-2, 6-3.

#In the round of 16 Elana faced the 6th seed Dana Heimen losing in a hard-fought match 4-6, 4-6.

#In doubles, Elana partnered with Kadiri losing 4-8 to Pugina and Whelan of Lenoir-Ryne University. Wonderful advancement in the ITA regional championships Elana.

#Sydney Clarke, with the University of Alabama at Birmingham(UAB) Blazers, competed in the Samford round-robin.

#Sydney defeated Karen Yibirin of Middle Tennesee State University 6-0, 6-1 and Sean Mullen of Tulane 6-4,6-0.

#In doubles, Sydney Clarke and Annalisa Smith won over Samford’s Nanere and Mares 7-5 and comeback with partner Ratkic from 0-5 down to win against Tulane’s Mullen and Walther 7-5.

#Sydney and UAB opened up their fall season in Austin Peay Tournament where Sydney won over Arbelaz Maria 6-0, 6-2 and had some well-fought matches where she lost against Emma Honore of Murray State (MuR) 1-6, 4-6, Coco Bosman of UT Martin College (UTC) 3-6, 2-6 and 8-1 0-6, 7-10 Melody Hefti of Austin Peay State University (APSU).

#In doubles Sydney and partner Mackenzie White won over Torrealba and Lascheck of APSU 6-4. Sydney also teamed up with Annalisa Smith defeating Bosmanand Billman of UTC 6-2.

#Sydney would rack up another doubles win with Alexandra da Silva over CU’s Sungatullina and Mendez 6-1.

#Abigail Simms and the Indiana Warriors, coming off a 2022 season capturing back-to-back WHAC Conference Championships, started the season opener at Goshen College.

#Playing in no.2 Singles, Abigail won over Aliaga 6-0, 6-0 and in the no.1 doubles with Carvahlo defeated Aliaga 6-4. The team won 6-0 against Goshen.

#In the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Fall classic, Abigail and partner Echavaria lost to the host IWU’s Antezana and Munoz in doubles 2-6.

#Kofi Bowe and Shatonya Missick are expected to see action when Johnson C Smith University (JCSU) face Elana Mackey and Mars Hill University this week.

#And Anthony Burrows Jr will make his debut for the University of Missouri- St Louis (UMSL) Tritons against Missouri Baptist on October 7.

#Peyton Anderson is also in her debut for the Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Mustangs.

#In singles, Peyton played against Nemmers of MSU Moorhead 6-4, 7-5. SMSU also faced Nebraska Kearney in fall season play.

#Peyton teamed up with Roz Oye in doubles falling 2-6, in singles, she also lost 0-6, 3-6 to Plachy Clare.

#SMSU also faced Minnesota State University where Peyton and Roz won 6-0 in #3 doubles but lost in singles 0-6, 6-2, 1-6 in a hard-fought match.

#In an official release, BLTA executives said:

#“We are excited for our returning athletes and our new athletes who will be adjusting to the college scene. We pray that you all are successful on the courts and in the classroom. You can follow the athletes online as they continue in their fall preseason.

#“We congratulate once again Joshua Turnquest, Sierra Donaldson, Hannah-Joy Simms, and Afrika Smith, who graduated last season and wish them well as they undertake their varied pursuits.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/29/nine-bahamian-collegiate-tennis-players-get-prepar/?news

Archer to run for president

DRUMECO ARCHER

DRUMECO ARCHER

As of Wednesday, September 28, 2022

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#When the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations holds its election of officers in November, incumbent Drumeco Archer says he intends to seek another four-year term in office as president.

#No date has been finalised as yet, but Archer said he will be running. There are reports that at least three other persons, including immediate past president Rosamunde Carey, former executive Dawn Johnson and Bahamas Association of Certified Officers (BACO) president Ray Hepburn are all expected to throw their names in the hat.

#Looking back at his tenure in office, Archer said it was quite an unusual one.

#“We were in the midst of COVID-19 and in the midst of a lockdown, but still we were able to manage in the process in that we never stopped working,” Archer said. “Track never shut down, except for a very short time.

#“We celebrated the idea that we were probably the only sport that established our own protocols that resulted in not one single case of COVID-19 being transmitted during the worst of times. I think that’s an amazing reporting to the Bahamian people and to the membership.”

#Even when some of the COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed, Archer said the Bahamas was able to achieve two medals at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan and the junior athletes were able to shine at their international competitions.

#“I know people look at results, but I look at results in a progressive way,” Archer saiod.

#“I believe we are developing a programme that is sustainable and the Government of the Bahamas has committed to working in concert with the federation to pinpoint athletes all throughout the archipelago to identify athletes outside of New Providence for the future development of the sport.”

#While he admitted that his team of executives has done some things that have never been achieved before, he’s not concerned about who is expected to challenge his leadership during the elections.

#“When you are dealing with a large amount of people, you will always be politically charged,” said Archer, who also ran, but lost his bid for the Free National Movement’s seat in the 2021 General Elections.

#“One of the things I don’t do is discuss individuals. If you want to ask me anything about the sport, I’m prepared to take that on. But what I would say is there is a strong focus on creating a new sports economy that will have a direct benefit for track and field and its coaches.”

#If re-elected, Archer said he will introduce a plan to reward coaches for putting in the work and achieving some level of success.

#“There will be a shift. Either you are on board as we try to grow our programme, or you will move on,” Archer said.

#“So, what I’ve done in four years is to speak to coaches and our stakeholders. I don’t know what it is to campaign because if I’m at the track every day, trying to resolve issues, you would be able to judge me on my contributions.”

#Once the elections are over, Archer said the federation will be heading into a new direction and he’s hoping that he will be given the opportunity to serve once again so that he can set the stage for the revitalisation of the sport going forward.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/sep/28/archer-run-president/?news

Jimmy Butler: ‘Seriously, I’m here all the time’

As of Wednesday, September 28, 2022

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MIAMI Heat’s Jimmy Butler poses for a photo during the NBA basketball team’s Media Day in Miami on Monday. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SMALL forward Jimmy Butler, calling himself the greatest domino player in the world, said he’s excited to be back in the Bahamas with his Miami Heat team-mates for the start of their five-day training camp.

#Butler, centre-forward Bam Adebayo and veteran forward Udonis Haslem were among the players who addressed the media during the completion of day one of their training session yesterday in the Convention Centre at Baha Mar.

#“This is special. So many good people here who I can now call my family and my friends,” said the 6-foot, seven-inch player. “Seriously, I’m here all the time. I love the people here. I’m so glad that the Miami Heat organisation and our people are here.”

#The Heat is using this opportunity to prepare for the National Basketball Association’s pre-season that starts against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 4 and the regular season October 19 against the Chicago Bulls.

#While head coach Erik Spoelstra was visibly missing from the first day of practice because of the birth of his daughter – Ruby Grace Spoelstra – on Monday, the session was conducted by assistant coach Chris Quinn. Spoelstra is expected in town today.

#Miami got a chance as well to introduce some of its new faces, including first-round pick Nikola Jovic and two-way contract players Marcus Garrett and Darius Days.

#For the regulars, including Butler, the trip will be used as an opportunity for him to spend some time with his daughter and to play some dominoes.

#“Nobody,” said Butler, when asked if there’s anybody on the Heat’s team that can compete against him in dominoes. “I’m the best in the world, so …” Butler, who signed with Miami on July 6, 2019 via a sign and trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in a four-team trade, said he will be in streets of Nassau playing dominoes. He warned the public that he’s “here” and is willing to take on any challengers.

#All jokes aside, Butler, spotting a new hair style, said the Heat’s line-up should be an interesting one this year, despite the fact that they lost one of their top defenders in PJ to the Philadelphia 76ers during the off-season.

#“I’m comfortable. I have a good group around me to allow me not to worry about anything,” he said. “We got some shooters and we have some really good players.”

#The 33-year-old Butler, who averaged 21.4 points with 5.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, said he’s confident that the Heat can be a contender for the NBA title this year after they finished as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, only to lose out to the Boston Celtics in the Conference Finals.

#On his new hair style, Butler said he’s just being himself.

#“I like it. I’m going to keep it,” said Butler, who has grown dreadlocks. “I might shave my face again. I might have half of my face shaved.”

#Haslem, the oldest active player in the league at age 42, is now entering his 20th consecutive season with the Heat, whom he began his campaign with in 2002.

#Haslem is the only player who has participated in all three training camps Miami conducted here, the first two in 2013 and 2016 at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

#“It’s very important to be here again. The Bahamas has been great to us. I’m part Bahamian. I love coming over here,” said Haslem, who attended the University of Florida. “It’s like family. We’re very close.

#“The people here support us throughout the season. They might not get a chance to come and see us play, but it’s great for us to come here and get this personal experience with us. We appreciate them, knowing that they are supporting us, so we want to give them that love back.”

#The 6-9 power forward, who dismissed Butler’s claim of being the best in the world in dominoes, noting that he beat him before and he would beat him again, said his team-mates keep him going.

#“Every year, there’s always a new crop of guys coming in and they are hungry for knowledge and for opportunities,” Haslem said.

#“I know it seems like a long time ago, but it hasn’t been that long. I was one of those guys, searching for knowledge and searching opportunities to be great.

#“Every year we have those guys come through here and they respond to me and I’m able to help them reach their goals so as long as I can keep playing and God gives me the strength, I’m going to keep playing.”

#While dominoes is a side thing for Butler to do, Haslem said he intends to visit one of his favourite spots as he hangs out at the McKenzie’s under the foot of the bridge and “enjoy the culture and enjoy the people.”

#Adebayo, the 6-9 centre out of the University of Kentucky, said this is his first trip to the Bahamas since his playing days in AAU. He said he’s looking forward to spending the time bonding with his team-mates.

#After averaging 19.1 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season as he completed his fifth season in the NBA, he said he’s looking forward to making a difference for Miami this year with the team that they have assembled.

#However, he said he was a little concerned about his dog he left at home with the Hurricane Ian heading to Florida this week. Nonetheless, he said he will make the best of his trip here and he’s not even going to entertain Butler about beating him in dominoes on the plane ride from Miami.

#The Heat will hold closed session practices through Thursday and will stage a mini-scrimmage game on Saturday where they will entertain the Bahamian public at Baha Mar before returning to Miami for the start of the pre-season.

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