Talladega College Athletics Joins Ballers Against Bullets to Promote I WANT TO LIVE Campaign

Student athletes are using their platform to support gun violence prevention and encourage safer communities.

TALLADEGA, Ala. Before the final score could tell the story, Talladega College’s junior varsity men’s basketball team delivered a message about something bigger than the game.

The team opened its season against Snead State Community College on October 26 wearing shirts that read I WANT TO LIVE, introducing a partnership between Talladega College Athletics and the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention through its Ballers Against Bullets initiative.

The effort will extend beyond the basketball season opener. Talladega’s athletic teams plan to wear the campaign’s apparel at games throughout the academic year, bringing a message of safety and violence prevention to students, fans, and surrounding communities.

According to the announcement, the partnership follows recent fatal shootings in the local community. Through their participation, Talladega student athletes are calling attention to the impact of gun violence and encouraging young people to protect their lives and futures.

Ballers Against Bullets brings together athletes, barbers, entertainers, educators, and community leaders to promote responsible decisions and prevent gun misuse. The I WANT TO LIVE campaign carries that message through sports, fashion, music, and youth culture.

For Talladega, the partnership creates an opportunity to connect athletic competition with community involvement. Players can reach other young people who recognize them as teammates, classmates, friends, and role models.

Talladega College Athletics also recognized the basketball team’s participation on social media, reinforcing the campaign’s focus on the value of student athletes’ lives and the need for safer communities.

The effort reflects the longstanding connection between HBCUs and community leadership. By bringing prevention messages into its athletic programs, Talladega is giving students a visible role in addressing concerns that reach beyond campus.

As Ballers Against Bullets works to connect with more colleges and universities, Talladega’s participation offers an example of how athletic departments can help carry the message throughout the school year.

The Alabama based Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention leads the initiative as part of its work in community education and prevention. Through this partnership, a shirt worn before a basketball game becomes an invitation to keep the conversation going about safety, responsibility, and the futures young people deserve.

Tags: Talladega College, Talladega College Athletics, Ballers Against Bullets, I WANT TO LIVE, Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention, HBCU News, HBCU Sports, HBCU Original, Gun Violence Prevention, Student Athletes, Community Safety, Youth Advocacy, College Basketball, Talladega Alabama

SIAC Week 9: Edward Waters and Central State Headline Conference Showdowns

Conference title hopes and NCAA playoff positioning add weight to a weekend featuring Edward Waters at Central State, Savannah State at Benedict, and Tuskegee at Lane.

ATLANTA. The SIAC football race enters another important weekend as teams look to protect their championship hopes, improve their postseason standing, and build momentum heading into November.

Edward Waters and Central State headline Saturday’s schedule with matching conference records of five wins and one loss. Benedict also enters with one SIAC defeat, setting up a weekend that could shift the race near the top of the standings.

According to the conference’s October 29 preview, Edward Waters, Benedict, and Central State entered the week ranked second, third, and fifth, respectively, in the October 25 NCAA Power Index for Super Region Two.

Edward Waters and Central State Bring Offensive Firepower

Edward Waters travels to McPherson Stadium in Wilberforce, Ohio, for a 2 p.m. ET matchup Saturday against Central State. The game will stream on the SIAC Network.

The Tigers enter with six wins and two losses after overwhelming Clark Atlanta 62 to 14. Quarterback Tavion Faulk accounted for seven touchdowns, throwing five and rushing for two, as Edward Waters piled up 600 yards of offense.

Running back Johntarrious Thomas added 132 rushing yards, giving the Tigers another threat alongside their productive passing attack.

Central State arrives with five wins and three losses following a 48 to 20 victory over Miles. Quarterback Jackson Wasik threw four touchdown passes and added another score on the ground.

The Marauders also made their presence felt defensively, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers. That pressure could be a deciding factor against an Edward Waters offense coming off one of its strongest performances of the season.

Central State won last year’s meeting 21 to 17, leaving the series tied at two victories apiece.

Benedict Looks to Hold Its Position Against Savannah State

Benedict hosts Savannah State at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN+.

Benedict enters with seven wins and one loss after defeating Albany State 29 to 8. Its defense held the Golden Rams to 152 total yards, recorded four sacks, and forced three turnovers.

Running back David Smith supplied 113 rushing yards and a touchdown. Kicker Zane Spires added field goals from 53, 54, and 48 yards.

Savannah State has one win and seven losses, but its latest performance gives Benedict reason to pay attention. The Tigers generated 481 yards against Kentucky State and held a 24 to 20 lead with just over a minute remaining before falling 27 to 24.

That effort included 221 rushing yards and 260 passing yards. Repeating that balance against Benedict’s defense will be a major test.

The teams needed double overtime to settle last season’s meeting, with Benedict winning 16 to 13.

Albany State and Clark Atlanta Seek a Response

Albany State visits Clark Atlanta at Panther Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN+.

Both teams are looking to recover from difficult losses. Albany State fell 29 to 8 against Benedict, while Clark Atlanta surrendered 600 yards in its 62 to 14 defeat at Edward Waters.

The Golden Rams enter with three wins and five losses overall and an even conference record through six games. Their offense will need a stronger showing after producing only seven first downs and converting two of 18 third down attempts against Benedict.

Clark Atlanta enters with two wins and six losses, including two conference victories. Limiting big plays and sustaining possessions will be priorities as the Panthers return home.

Morehouse Returns From Break to Face Allen

Morehouse heads to Charles F. Bolden Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, for a Saturday matchup with Allen. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on the SIAC Network.

The Maroon Tigers enter with three wins and five losses after an open weekend. In their previous outing, Morehouse tied Howard at 17 in the third quarter before the Bison pulled away for a 31 to 17 victory.

Quarterback Miles Scott accounted for both Morehouse touchdowns, while Steven Copeland II led the defense with 11 tackles and a sack.

Allen enters with two wins and six losses after falling 26 to 23 against Tuskegee. Quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. produced 260 yards of total offense and a rushing touchdown, helping the Yellow Jackets stay within reach.

Allen won last season’s meeting 28 to 17.

Tuskegee Visits Lane for Homecoming

Tuskegee will try to earn its third straight conference victory when it visits Lane Field in Jackson, Tennessee, on Saturday. Lane’s Homecoming game begins at 3 p.m. ET, or 2 p.m. CT, on the SIAC Network.

The Golden Tigers enter with four wins and four losses overall and four victories in six conference games. Their rushing attack produced 287 yards in last week’s 26 to 23 win over Allen.

Ja’Khael Rowser led the way with 131 rushing yards and a touchdown. Preston Parker delivered a major special teams play, returning a punt 50 yards for a fourth quarter score.

Lane earned its first victory of the season by defeating Fort Valley State 16 to 6. The Dragons forced four turnovers and finished a lengthy fourth quarter drive with a touchdown pass from Tametrius Pogue to Landon Wilson.

Lane will look to carry that defensive effort into its Homecoming matchup against a Tuskegee team that won last year’s meeting 18 to 13.

Thursday Matchup Opened the Week 9 Schedule

The conference’s Week 9 schedule also included Fort Valley State at Miles on Thursday, October 29.

Entering that matchup, Fort Valley State was coming off its loss to Lane, while Miles was looking to respond after falling to Central State. Ball security was a concern for both programs after they combined for seven turnovers in their previous games.

Saturday’s slate now puts the focus on the conference contenders, with Edward Waters, Central State, and Benedict each looking to strengthen their position as the regular season winds down.

Tags: SIAC Football, SIAC Week 9, HBCU Football, HBCU Sports, HBCU Original, NCAA Division II Football, Edward Waters, Central State, Benedict College, Savannah State, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse College, Allen University, Tuskegee University, Lane College, Fort Valley State, Miles College, Tavion Faulk, Jackson Wasik, College Football

Albany State WellFest Draws More Than 1,100 Students for a Day of Health and Wellness

The fifth annual event connected students with free health screenings, fitness activities, groceries, and mental health support.

ALBANY, Ga. Albany State University put student health at the center of campus life during its fifth annual WellFest, drawing 1,159 students, faculty, staff, and community members to the Jones Brothers HPER Complex on East Campus.

Students accounted for 1,107 attendees, more than 95 percent of the total, according to an October 29 university news release.

Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the event used the theme The Wellness Playbook to encourage students to build healthier habits and learn where to turn for support.

Dedra Williams, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Holistic Development, said the turnout reflected students’ interest in taking care of themselves beyond their academic responsibilities. She emphasized physical activity, nutrition, preventive screenings, and asking for help as part of student success.

Throughout the afternoon, students joined yoga sessions led by Honey Flow Yoga, tried water aerobics, and participated in fitness challenges. Hydration stations and smoothies offered refreshments, while Better Way Grocers provided free healthy groceries.

Attendees also had access to biometric health screenings, first aid education and supplies, and an American Red Cross blood drive. The ASU Cheer Squad brought energy to the event, with interactive activities and door prizes adding to the atmosphere.

The gathering also gave students preparing for health professions an opportunity to put their training into practice.

Nursing students from ASU’s Darton College of Health Professions conducted biometric screenings and helped classmates understand their results. The experience connected classroom learning with direct service to the campus community.

Orlandria Bennett-Reed, director of Student Health Services, said student nurses explained screening results and connected participants with additional care when needed, helping students take an informed approach to their health.

The ASU Dental Hygiene Program shared oral health information and scheduled appointments at the university’s Student Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Mental health support was another focus. Members of ASU’s Active Minds student organization encouraged conversations about emotional wellness and seeking help. Students also met with mental health professionals and community organizations to learn about available services.

In all, WellFest brought together 11 campus and community partners. Participants included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Phoebe Behavioral Health, Aspire Behavioral Health, The Change Center, Better Way Grocers, the American Red Cross, and Honey Flow Yoga.

Campus partners included Student Health Services, Counseling and Student Accessibility Services, Active Minds, and the Darton College of Health Professions.

Now in its fifth year, WellFest continues to connect Albany State students with practical support for their physical and mental health. From picking up groceries to scheduling a dental appointment, attendees had opportunities to address everyday needs while learning about resources available beyond the event.

Faulk’s Seven Touchdowns Lead SIAC Football Weekly Honors

ATLANTA — A seven-touchdown outing by Edward Waters quarterback Tavion Faulk and two school-record field goals by Benedict’s Zane Spires highlighted the SIAC football awards announced Oct. 27.

Faulk earned Offensive Player of the Week after powering Edward Waters past Clark Atlanta, 62-14. The senior completed 19 of 22 passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns without an interception, adding 33 rushing yards and two scores.

Kentucky State defensive back Lawrence McConnell claimed Defensive Player of the Week following a 27-24 win over Savannah State. He collected nine tackles, seven solo, and two interceptions, returning one 84 yards for a touchdown. McConnell also recorded a sack.

Spires secured Special Teams Player of the Week in Benedict’s 29-8 victory over Albany State. His 53-yard field goal established a school record that he broke with a 54-yarder before halftime. He later connected from 48 yards.

Edward Waters receiver Tylon Williams received Newcomer of the Week after catching six passes for 171 yards against Clark Atlanta, including a 78-yard touchdown.

Allen’s Habibu, Albany State’s Haywood Earn SIAC Cross Country Honors

ATLANTA — A school record for Allen’s Salisu Habibu and a personal best for Albany State’s Sydney Haywood earned the runners SIAC cross country recognition Oct. 27.

Habibu claimed Men’s Runner of the Week after completing an 8-kilometer race in 25:44, lowering his own Allen record. The junior finished second among 112 runners and helped the Yellow Jackets place seventh in a 16-team field.

Allen posted a team average of 28:42 in what the conference described as a program-best performance.

Haywood received Women’s Runner of the Week following the UAH Chargers XC Invitational on Oct. 24 in Huntsville, Alabama. She covered the 6-kilometer course in 23:30.8, improving her previous best of 24:36.5 by more than a minute.

The sophomore finished 177th overall and was Albany State’s third runner across the line. Her performance contributed to the fastest team 6K finish in school history, according to the conference.