CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The West Alabama men’s basketball team overcame a 16-point deficit in Saturday’s matchup, but it was not enough to keep its winning streak alive. The Tigers fell 66-63 to Lee University inside Paul Dana Walker Arena in Cleveland, Tenn.

This week’s Gulf South Conference Player of the Week, Kortrijk Miles, led UWA in the effort with a 27-point, 10-rebound game for his fifth double-double of the season. The Dallas, Texas native hit 7 of 17 from the floor and 12 of 12 at the free-throw line for the game-high.

Two other Tigers scored in the double-figures, with Shardarrion Allen and Justin Allison picking up 10 points each. Other contributors include Robert Davis and Te Smith, with 9 and 7 points, respectively.

As a squad, West Alabama hit 19 of 59 (32.2%) from the floor, including 5 of 19 (26.3%) in three-point range. The Tigers made 95.2 % of their shots at the line, missing only one on 21 attempts.

The Flames were more accurate than UWA from the floor. Lee hit 23 of 46 shots (50.0%) from the field, with 8 of 17 (47.1%) from beyond the arc. The Flames had a little less success at the line, hitting 12 of 14 at 85.7%.

Lee dominated the first half, serving West Alabama its second-lowest scoring period of the season and outscoring the Tigers by 13 points.

The first couple of minutes of the competition started with a scoring back and forth, until the Flames went on a 7-0 run for a 13-8 lead with 14:27 left in the half.

After a three-minute scoring drought, Miles added points for UWA on a driving layup, cutting Lee’s lead to 13-10.

Despite several attempts to get back in the game, the Tigers closed the first half trailing the Flames, 37-24.

Coming back from the break, UWA struck first and kept the energy up to stage a slow comeback. With 7:24 left, the Tigers trailed Lee by three (50-47).

West Alabama received its first lead of the competition since the opening minutes. A jumper by Allen and back-to-back free throws by Miles gave UWA a 51-50 advantage with under five minutes remaining.

In the period, the Tigers outscored Lee 39-29. The Flames did not give up and outpaced UWA in the final minutes for the 66-63 victory.

UWA will look to rebound from Saturday’s loss as it travels to Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday, Jan. 12. The Tigers face Auburn Montgomery at 7 p.m. inside the AUM Athletics Complex.

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LIVINGSTON – West Alabama women’s basketball player Tazsa Garrett-Hammett has been named Gulf South Conference Player of the Week based on her performance against West Florida on December 31 and against Valdosta State on January 2.

Garrett-Hammett leads the Tigers offense, averaging 15.6 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.

The LaGrange, Georgia native saw a season-high game, leading the Tigers with 31 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in the 70-57 victory over West Florida on December 31.

The senior forward also scored eight points, brought down six boards, and dished out four assists against Valdosta State on January 2.

Garrett-Hammett and the rest of the Tigers will be back in action Saturday, Jan. 8. The Tigers battle Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.

To stay connected with the UWA women’s basketball team, follow @UWAwbb on Instagram and @UWA_WBB on Twitter. General athletic news, along with game recaps and box scores, can be found at uwaathletics.com. Additional updates and information are available @UWAAthletics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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TUSKEGEE – Gabriel Dunkle had the golden toe for West Alabama in its 33-7 victory over Tuskegee University Saturday afternoon. The senior kicker went 4-for-5 in field goals, including a career-long 47-yarder to begin the scoring effort for the Tigers.

UWA (2-0) had 467 yards of total offense (173 rushing, 295 passing) while holding the Golden Tigers (0-2) to 194. West Al’s defense was a stopping force and halted Tuskegee scoring attempts in the red zone with three interceptions and one forced fumble for a UWA recovery.

Quarterback Jack McDaniels was 23 for 38 through the air for 294 yards and one touchdown. James Smith, III rushed for 134 yards and a score for West Alabama, and Bayley Blanchard caught four passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, Josh Hatcher tallied 12 tackles (nine solo, three assist) with two tackles for a loss of five yards. Undraez Lillyrecorded seven total tackles (five solo, two assist) with 3.5 tackles for a loss of 10 yards, and Chris Terrell had five solo tackles, three for a loss of 10 yards.

Shamar Lewis, SchDarren Archie, and Michael Anderson have a single interception, and Anderson forced one fumble.

Dunkle began the scoring effort on the game’s first possession. Opening the game with several first downs, the Tigers found themselves in a 4^th and 10 situation. Dunkle came on the field and scored the first points for his team while breaking his career-long record with a 47-yard field goal.

Minutes later, West Alabama scored its first touchdown of the game. Reggie Davenport racked up 30 rushing yards for five carries in a 7-play possession, punctuated by a one-yard carry for a touchdown. Dunkle landed the PAT, giving the Tigers a 10-0 advantage over Tuskegee.

West Alabama started off the second quarter with yet another scoring possession. Being unable to get a first down in the run, Dunkle scored another field goal. This time 30-yarder to extend the West Al lead to 13-0.

Later in the quarter, with 6:02 left in the half, McDaniels completed a 43-yard touchdown pass in the possession’s first play. The point after was good for a score of 20-0.

The only points in the third quarter came off the foot of Dunkle. The Glendora, Calif. native landed his third field goal of the night to add three points to the UWA score.

Tuskegee scored its only points of the game in its first possession of the fourth quarter. After eight plays and 59 yards, Golden Tiger quarterback Bryson Williams completed a 21-yard pass to Steven Hodges for a touchdown. The point after was good to cut UWA’s lead to 23-7.

West Alabama answered on its next possession. Dunkle grabbed another piece, this time a 25-yarder.

In the game’s final minutes, Senior running back James Smith, III ran for 62 yards for a touchdown.

UWA returns to action on Thursday, Sept. 16, when they take on North American University inside of Tiger Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

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LIVINGSTON – Jack McDaniels passed for 344 yards, and four touchdowns as West Alabama opened its 2021 season with a 48-7 victory over Morehouse College on Saturday at Tiger Stadium.

Graduate Student Darius Nalls had 200 receiving yards in the game with nine receptions and two touchdowns, while senior Reggie Davenport netted 111 yards on the ground.

UWA had 550 yards of total offense in its first game after the abbreviate spring season. The Tigers finished with 344 passing yards and 206 on the ground.

The West Alabama defense was firing on all cylinders Saturday evening. The Tigers held the Maroon Tigers to 131 total yards (98 passing, 33 rushing), keeping Morehouse scoreless for the first half and allowing only one touchdown in the second.

Graduate student Chris Terrel led UWA’s defense with five solo tackles. Terrance Carter, Shamar Lewis, SchDarren Archie, and Bishop Breauxhad three each, and Ricky Chatman, Undraez Lilly, and Jeremiah Boydhad tackles for losses.

“I thought we came out the first half and really established ourselves and did things that put us in a good situation especially early on,” said head coach Brett Gilliland of the victory. “The defense had several three and outs back-to-back, at least four. The offense had a couple of good drives pretty early. We just have to get better with consistency and having that same intensity regardless of what’s going on.”

West Alabama took the opening kick-off after Morehouse won the toss and deferred to the second half. UWA marched the ball down the field, and after 10 plays and 63 yards, the Tigers found themselves in a 4^thand 10 situation. A 28-yard field goal attempt was missed wide to end the drive.

Morehouse took its first possession of the game but came up hard against the D-Block. MC punted after three plays for just four yards, and UWA took control on its 31-yard line.

West Alabama took advantage of the quick turnaround, going 63-yards in six plays. A four-yard carry by James Smith, III punctuated the drive for a touchdown. Senior kicker Gabriel Dunkle added the PAT for the 7-0 lead with 7:33 left in the period.

UWA extended its lead in the second quarter, scoring three additional touchdowns and a field goal before the close of the half.

In the fifth possession of the period, the Tigers made it to the end zone in five plays for 76 yards. Closing the drive, Underwood carried for two yards for the touchdown, and Dunkle stuck the extra point.

At 6:07, West Alabama started another scoring drive that concluded with a 40-yard field goal by Dunkle to give UWA a 17-0 advantage.

Morehouse fumbled the punt return on the next drive, and senior Terrance Carter recovered for West Al on MC’s 17. After a first down incomplete pass, McDaniels connected with Darius Nalls in the endzone for his first touchdown as a member of the UWA squad. The Tigers claim the extra point for a score of 24-0.

After another Morehouse punt, the Tigers scored again. McDaniels completed a 33-yard pass to Smiley Martin for the touchdown and West Alabama closed the half up 31-0.

Early in the third quarter, West Alabama scored again. McDaniels connected with Nalls for a 30-yard touchdown pass for his second of the game. Dunkle’s PAT made it a 38-0 game.

With the new possession, Morehouse recorded its first points of the game. The Maroon Tigers found the endzone in nine plays for 84 yards to cut UWA’s lead to 38-7.

The Tigers answered with a 6-play, 26-yard drive to score. This time, McDaniels connected with wide receiver Bayley Blanchard for the 16-yard touchdown pass for the last TD of the game.

In the game’s final quarter, UWA added three points on a 39-yard field goal by Dunkle to end the game with the 48-8 victory.

Looking to their next opponent, Coach Gilliland said, “We have a lot to fix on special teams and some things to tweak on offense and defense. But these things are fun to fix after a 48-7 win.”

UWA football returns to field on Saturday, Sept. 11 when it travels to Tuskegee, Ala. to face the Tigers of Tuskegee University. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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LIVINGSTON – West Alabama head rodeo coach Daniel Poole is pleased to announce the signing of Rebecca St. Martin, an incoming women’s rodeo student-athlete for the 2021-22 season.

“We have fortunately been able to watch Rebecca compete for some time now in college rodeos,” Poole said. “She’s really been clicking with her new horse that she started riding in last year’s spring semester. We believe the two of them are going to be a great asset to our women’s team.”

St. Martin comes to UWA after attending the University of Mississippi and graduating from Our Lady Academy in St. Louis, Miss. During her high school career, she was named Mississippi High School Rodeo Champion Barrel Racer in 2015 and 2016.

St. Martin finished in the top-5 at the University of Arkansas – Monticello and Pearl River Community College rodeos as a collegiate athlete. She was also the reserve champion at the Northwest Community College rodeo in 2021.

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LIVINGSTON – The University of West Alabama Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2021 has been announced with Jana Fields (softball), Larry Lightfoot (football), and Football Head Coach and Director of Athletics Bobby Wallace chosen for induction, as well as the 1971 National Championship Football Team.

“We are so thrilled to announce the 2021 class of Coach Wallace, Jana Fields, and Larry Lightfoot in the 2021 class,” said current athletic director Kent Partridge. “Each is long overdue for this recognition.”

Along with the class of 2021, the 2020 class of Malcolm Butler (football), Kyle Caldwell (football), Kent Partridge (administrator and athletic communications), Tanner Rainey (baseball), and Houston Young (Track and Field) will also be inducted on the morning of October 16, 2021, prior to the Tiger football game against conference rival Valdosta State.

“We are also happy to finally be able to present the 2020 class that missed last season’s induction due to the pandemic,” Partridge continued. “Malcolm Butler, Tanner Rainey, Kyle Caldwell, and Houston Young make up a stellar class that I am humbled to be inducted with.”

The event will be the first in a revamped UWA Athletics Hall of Fame induction celebration ceremony that gets underway with a Hall of Fame Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. at the Bell Conference Center on UWA Campus.

Previous inductees will be honored alongside this year’s class with a newly-minted HOF medallion in the ceremony that begins at 9 a.m. HOF members will also be introduced on the field during the football game, while 2020 and 2021 inductees will serve as honorary game captains versus Valdosta. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.

The first UWA Athletics Hall of Fame induction was in 1981 to honor former student-athletes, coaches, students, and administrators who have represented the university with outstanding play, coaching, or leadership, both while on campus and/or in their careers. Since its inception, 90 members, including the three new inductees, have been recognized.

For those wishing to submit a nomination, there is a five-year waiting period for former UWA student-athletes and coaches. Administrators have no waiting period.

Following are the thumbnail sketches for each of the 2020 inductees:

JANA FIELDS – SOFTBALL – 1994-97
Two-time All-Gulf South Conference pitcher (1996, 1997) … 1997 GSC All-Tournament Team … Held UWA’s single-season and career strikeout records when career ended … Owns UWA record for shutouts in a season with nine … Currently second all-time at West Alabama in career wins (55), shutouts (22) and strikeouts (531) … Third on UWA career list in appearances (119), starts (109), complete games (100) and innings pitched (732.2) … 1.62 career ERA is fourth all-time … Double-digit years of NCAA coaching experience at IUPUI, Saint Leo and Eckerd … Sunshine State Conference softball chairperson in 2000-01 … Served on NCAA Division II South Region Advisory Committee from 2000-04.

LARRY LIGHTFOOT – FOOTBALL – 1971-73
Star running back on the National Championship team of 1971….Rushed for 458 yards after being moved from receiver in mid-season….caught 10 passes for 240 yards that season….Had 201 yards rushing in 1972 and 318 in 1973….caught 11 passes for 165 yards in 1972 and 20 passes for 211 yards in 1973….returned 23 kickoffs for 783 yards in his career, an average of 34 yards per return……averaged 42.6 yards a return in 1972…scored 17 touchdowns in his career, including 12 in 1971….drafted in the 8^th round by the New York Jets.

BOBBY WALLACE – FOOTBALL COACH – DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Served as both head football coach and director of athletics at UWA … Generally credited for the positive change in Tiger football and in UWA athletic facilities while serving in both positions … Served as head football coach from 2006-10, laying the cornerstone for the success the program has enjoyed over the last few years, including three Gulf South Conference championships since 2012 … 40-year coaching career, 28 as a head coach in both NCAA Division I and Division II … Won three consecutive Division II national championships (93, 94, 95) … 11-time Division II football playoff participant … GSC and Division II Coach of the Quarter Century (1972-1997) … Member of the Division II Football Hall of Fame, GSC Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and UNA Sports Halls of Fame … Winningest coach in GSC history (152 victories) … National Coach of the Year three times … GSC Coach of the Year four times … Only coach to win seven GSC Championships … Three national championships ties him for the most championships by any coach in the division’s 39-year history … Led 1993-95 UNA teams to 41-1 record, making him the first coach in college football history to win 40 games in just three seasons …. Multi-sport athlete at Callaway High School in Jackson, Mississippi … Lettering three years each in football, basketball, baseball, and track at CHS … Also earned prep All-America honors … Three-year starter at Mississippi State as a defensive back while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1976.

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LIVINGSTON – University of West Alabama softball coach Carie Dever-Boaz announced her decision to retire from coaching on Tuesday after 13 seasons as a collegiate head coach, five of which were with the Tigers.

The former softball coach will now assume the role of associate athletic director at Magnolia Heights School in Senatobia, Miss.

“Retiring from college coaching was not something I expected to happen this year, but when God opens a door, you say yes,” Dever-Boaz said of the decision. “I adore my team and will miss them greatly, but this amazing opportunity is allowing me to put my family first. Livingston has a huge part of my heart and always will. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.”

Dever-Boaz was named the UWA softball coach in June 2016. Since that time, she led the Tigers to a 97-121 record with five All-GSC team members, one NFCCA All-South Region team member, two GSC Players of the Week, one GSC Pitcher of the Week, and one GSC All-Tournament Team honoree.

“We appreciate everything Coach Dever-Boaz has contributed during her tenure as head coach at UWA. We wish her nothing but the best in her new role,” said Director of Athletics Kent Partridge. “Collegiate softball will miss her presence.”

Before joining the West Alabama staff, Dever-Boaz served as an assistant coach for three years at Northwest Community College and eight seasons as the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

In eight seasons at Arkansas, Dever-Boaz coached the Razorbacks to five SEC Tournament appearances and two NCAA Regional berths. In 1999, the SEC named Dever-Boaz Coach of the Year after leading the Razorbacks to a 46-29 record and a runner-up finish in the conference tournament. She coached eight All-SEC players, one all-region performer, and two NCAA regional all-tournament players at Arkansas. Her record at Arkansas was 244-274-1 overall, 103-135 in Southeastern Conference play.

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LIVINGSTON, Ala. – To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Livingston University football team’s national championship, the entire team will be inducted into the University of West Alabama Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 16.

The event will be the first in a revamped UWA Athletics Hall of Fame induction celebration ceremony that gets underway with a Hall of Fame Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. at the Bell Conference Center on UWA Campus. The team and the other hall of fame inductees will also be honored later that day at the Tiger football game against conference rival Valdosta State.

The 1971 team has 13 players and coaches already inducted into the UWA Hall of Fame: Head Coach Micky Andrews, Steve Davis, Tony Holmes, Ken Hutcherson, Robbie James, Coach Jim King, Larry Lightfoot, Herbie Malone, Coach Buddy Nix, Jerry Pitts, Clemit Spruiell, Nels Strickland and Leo Wright.

“I can think of no better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our 1971 football national champions than to induct them into our Hall of Fame as a team,” UWA Director of Athletics Kent Partridge said. “In addition to being our only national championship team, their contributions to UWA both as a team and as individuals over the last 50 years can’t adequately be put into words.”

The 1971 Tigers posted an 11-1 record and claimed the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics by defeating top-ranked Arkansas Tech, 14-12, in the national championship game at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.

On the way to the championship, the Tigers beat West Liberty 25-2 in a semifinal game in Steubenville, Ohio.

In addition to taking home the championship trophy, several coaches and team members received major honors during that season. Andrews was named Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year and NAIA District 27 Coach of the Year.

As a senior quarterback in 1971, Clemit Spruiell was named the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year and was a second-team NAIA All-American. He passed for 1,281 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 229 and five scores. He led the team with 1,509 yards of total offense.

Middle linebacker Nels Strickland was a first-team All-American and was named the most valuable defensive player in the title game for his 15 tackles, seven assists, and one interception. Strickland was the first West Alabama athlete to be named First Team All-American.

Ken Hutcherson was a starting outside linebacker for the Tiger’s 1971 NAIA National Championship team and a two-time All-American.

Spruiell, Adrian Gant, Larry Lightfoot, Herbie Malone, and Strickland were first-team All-GSC selections. Lightfoot set a school record with 74 points scored.

Tommy Hoffman, Malone, and Jim Berryman were honorable mention All-American.

Andy Coats was named GSC player of the week for his efforts against Jacksonville State on Sept. 11, while Spruiell earned the same honor for his play against Florence State (UNA) on Oct. 31. Malone was GSC player of the week for his efforts against Delta State on Dec. 6.

Spruiell and Lightfoot earned first team All-Alabama Small College offensive honors, while Gant, Malone, and Strickland were first team defensive choices. Leo Wright, Eddie Blake, Berryman, and Sam McCorkle were named to the All-Alabama Small College second-team offense, along with Barry Bledsoe and Hoffman, whose six interceptions led the team on the defensive side of the ball. Jimmy Duncan, Hutcherson, Tommy Cartwright, and Coats were honorable mention choices.

Lightfoot, who would eventually be drafted by the New York Jets, led the team in rushing with 458 yards and 10 touchdowns despite not being a starter at running back until the fourth game. Cartwright was the teams’ leading receiver with 30 catches for 374 yards and two TDs. Wright averaged 21.9 yards on 14 kickoff returns.

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EUGENE, Ore. – Raven Saunders, West Alabama’s track and field graduate assistant, finished second in shot put at the U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, qualifying for her second Olympic Games.

On her third throw of the finals, Saunders unleashed a meet record and a personal best of 19.96 meters, placing her second overall.

Jessica Ramsey also broke the meet record and finished first in the event with a throw of 20.12 meters. Adelaide Aquilla placed third with a throw of 18.95 meters.

Saunders is a four-time NCAA champion in college and took fifth in shot put at her first Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

The 2021 Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo, Japan at the Japan National Stadium from Friday, July 23 to Sunday, August 9

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LIVINGSTON – Right-handed pitcher Cade Miller has chosen the University of West Alabama as his college home. While at UWA, Miller will be an active part of the Tiger baseball team under the direction of head coach Gary Rundles.

“We are excited to add Cade to our roster,” said Rundles of the incoming freshman. “He has a tremendous upside and outstanding working ethic and character.”

“Cade has the ability to help our team as a freshman with an upper 80s fastball that will continue to get better over time. He is the brother of Evan Miller that pitched for the Tigers a few years ago and will be another great addition to our 2022 roster.”

Miller is a recent graduate of Curry High School in Jasper, Ala. As a Yellow Jacket, he aided the team in back-to-back Walker County Championship titles. In the most recent tournament, Miller struck out 16 batters, leading Curry to a 3-1 victory over Dora High School. He was honored as the tournament MVP.

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