Connell Maynor was named Male Coach of the Year at the 2013 HBCU Awards on Friday. (Winston-Salem Journal photo)
(JACKSON, MS) The 2012-2013 season was a year to remember for several players, coaches and teams in HBCU athletics. Several of those individuals that achieved were honored at the third annual HBCU Awards on Friday night.
The award ceremony was held on the campus of Jackson State University as part of the inaugural HBCU Media Week.
Southern University’s men’s basketball team was recognized as the Male Team of the Year. The team, coached by Roman Banks, won the SWAC Tournament and nearly became the first no. 16 seed to beat a no. 1 seed in an eventual 64-58 loss last March.
The women’s basketball team at Hampton University took home the crown in its category. The team, coached by David Six, rolled through the MEAC undefeated and won its fourth consecutive conference tournament before falling to Duke in the NCAA Tournament. That loss snapped a 19-game winning streak.
Winston-Salem State football coach Connell Maynor was named men’s Coach of the Year. The third year head coach led the Rams to a historic 14-1 record, picking up its second consecutive undefeated regular season and CIAA title. The Rams became just the second HBCU in history to make the Division II national championship game, before falling to Valdosta State last December.
Toyelle Wilson was named Female Coach of The Year after leading Prairie View to a SWAC Conference Championship in 2013. Wilson recently announced her resignation from Prairie View to accept a spot on the coaching staff at Baylor.
Xavier’s SiMon Franklin and Jackson State’s Anaso Jobodwana were recognized as Female and Male Athletes of The Year. Franklin was a stand out guard for Xavier, garnering NAIA All-American honors as a senior. Jobodowana won SWAC titles in both the men’s 100 and 200 meter sprints.
Check HBCU Digest for a full list of winners.