What's Happening Now?
See all the great things Coach Hill has on his agenda.
Three WSSU Coaches Selected to Take Part in True North Sports Coach Development Academy
For Immediate Release
August 18, 2020
Three WSSU Coaches Selected to Take Part in True North Sports Coach Development Academy
Rams coaches among 24 CIAA coaches to participate
CHARLOTTE, NC – Three Winston-Salem State University Coaches were selected for participation in the True North Sports Coaches Academy, Tuesday afternoon. The WSSU trio will be among 24 coaches from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) who selected to participate in the academy. The coaches were WSSU volleyball head coach Chanel Davis, WSSU men’s basketball head coach Cleo Hill, Jr., and WSSU track & field/cross country head coach KayMarie Jones. The coaches from the CIAA schools were nominated by each institution and will represent the conference in the academy.
The three coaches will take part in the True North Sports Coach Development Academy, which is a virtual course program designed to support and assist coaches in developing their authentic philosophy, team culture, and program structure. Eight classes will be will be held online every Tuesday, beginning August 18th. Each class will feature guest speakers that include professionals in coaching, mental health, and business leadership. Among the speakers will be Dartmouth head football coach Buddy Teevens, Florida Men’s Tennis Head Coach Bryan Shelton, Clemson Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach Shimmy Gray Miller, Alabama State Football Head Coach Donald Hill-Eley, Certified Mental Performance Consultant Dr. Tiff Jones of XFactor Performance, and CEO and Chief Visionary Celia Slater of True North Sports, the hosts of the academy.
COVID Faculty Walkthrough 2020
WSSU student receives unexpected job opportunity on golf course - Winston-Salem State University
Justin Ross, a business administration major, finance minor from Philadelphia, has secured a full-time, post-graduation job with Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management companies. READ MORE
The HBCU Report is back tonight at 7 pm
HBCU Report (@HBCUReport) tweeted at 11:45 AM on Tue, May 26, 2020:
The HBCU Report is back tonight at 7 pm! #WSSU Head Men's Basketball Coach Cleo Hill Jr. @cleohilljr joins the show to talk @WSSU_Athletics as well as the #covid19 effect on sports. Listen Live: https://t.co/94cyS1aWUF #hbcu #spotify #iheartradio #spreaker #TUNEINAPP #applepodcast https://t.co/7hLLqEI8xP
( https://twitter.com/HBCUReport/status/1265307958751031296?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
We Work In The Dark
“We work in the dark - we do what we can - we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.” ― Henry James, The Middle Years, Famous Quote from the Novelist
Video of Coach Cleo Hill Jr. and his son
The 2020 CIAA Men's Basketball Team Receives A Shout-Out At 10:00
Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson's radio show, Future Focus, is back on a new platform with a new name: Future Focus Now. The webcast will air on live on Tuesday evenings on WSNC 90.5 FM’s Facebook page.
In each episode, Robinson will discuss important issues that impact our lives today with some of the nation’s top thought leaders, researchers, artists, and personalities. Scheduled guests include:
May 5, 7:30 p.m. – Carl Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health
May 12, 8 p.m. – Mark Owens, president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc.
May 19, 8 p.m. – Stephen A. Smith, commentator on ESPN’s “First Take”
May 26, 8 p.m. – Norman Anderson, research professor of social work and nursing and assistant vice president for research and academic affairs, Florida State University.
WSNC 90.5 FM is WSSU’s public radio station, which provides jazz, blues, reggae, Latin and gospel music programming; news and public affairs content from National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Radio International (PRI); and local public affairs programming. The station’s studio and tower are on WSSU's campus.
Mask the City Provides Free Masks for Seniors Throughout Winston-Salem NC.
It was Senior Day on Tuesday for Winston-Salem's Mask the City project. Teams of volunteers provided free face masks to people 65 and older at nine drive-thru locations throughout the city. Officials said last week that 20,000 masks would be given away.
"Our group was the WSSU Athletic Department. Anytime we can help the community as an Athletic Department, we are more than ready. Our athletic department is truly Ramily! Our chemistry is great and we make a great team. Our Athletic Director (A.D. Thomas) led the charge and as a staff, we responded. In addition to A. D. Thomas, Chancellor Robinson was up for the task as well." - Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
CATCHING UP WITH COACH CLEO HILL JR.
I miss you all. My prayers are with you and your loved ones, as we go through this pandemic. Please be sure to stay safe, stay strong, and stay home.
While we are all quarantined and practicing social distancing, I wanted to keep you updated on “What’s Happening.”
A very special and heartwarming THANK YOU to the alumni chapters listed below. They all congratulated your 2020 CIAA Men’s Basketball Champions for bringing the title where it belongs and a successful all-around 2019-2020 season.
April 17: It was my pleasure to be a guest on a Zoom call with Winston Salem's Brown Alumni Chapter. President Rev. Reginald McCaskill asked me to be on the call, Thursday night. I didn’t speak long, but I did want to keep everyone encouraged that this dark time will pass and we will be back to some kind of normal soon. I also wanted to thank them for their support all year—especially during the CIAA tournament. I also gave an update on recruiting during the call. It’s going well and a lot is due to their support.
April 19: I continued with another Zoom meeting. After meeting with the Charlotte Chapter, I met with the Winston Salem State University Salisbury Chapter. I was running a little late for the Zoom call. They were great in accepting my apology. Teresa Knox also contacted me a few weeks ago about being a guest. I started the same way with the Salisbury Chapter, echoing the country's social distancing guidelines as well as the advice of gloves and masks. I gave them an update on the team, the family, and thanked them for their support during the year. I also spent time praising them for providing snacks and drinks when we played rival Livingstone College. I received an ovation for our team winning the CIAA Tournament. There was a brief Q&A that included the Chapter asking if they could do anything for the team during this pandemic. It is always "love" with all of the Chapters. My team and I are so blessed!
April 20: Monday was a busy day. Of course, it starts with cooking and homework but it also involved meeting with the Winston Salem State University Charlotte Alumni Chapter in a Zoom meeting. It is always great to hear from Thesha Woodley. They invited me to their monthly Zoom meeting some time ago and I was excited to come on. I gave an update on my family and team during this quarantined time. I also, acknowledged them for their support during the year, at home games, and dinner on the road when we play arch-rival JC Smith. Besides, I met with some during the week of the CIAA Tournament and the RED was in full effect. I gave them an update on recruiting as well and opened the chance for Q&A. It was a great meeting to attend. Their support is LOVE! – Coach Cleo Hill Jr.
FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW Podcast: 3/7/20
Winston-Salem State head men’s basketball coach Cleo Hill, Jr. stops by after the Rams won the CIAA Tournament championship. Plus Donal gives his thoughts on the North Carolina A&T/North Carolina Central basketball game which determined the men’s MEAC regular-season championship. Click to download or listen to the podcast here: https://boxtorow.com/from-the-press-box-to-press-row-podcast-3720/
BOXTOROW - w/ Bo Torow
There are two really good shows for you this weekend. First, Dr. Ben Chavis will join me to talk about the state of Black newspapers, Wilmington Ten, etc. Listen to BOXTOROW tomorrow morning (Saturday) 7:00 in the East, 6:00 for my Central Time folks and 4:00 out West, exclusively on SiriusXM Channel 141. On FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW this weekend, I'll give you my thoughts on A&T/NCCU and have interviews with LeVelle Moton and Will Jones. Plus Winston-Salem State won the CIAA tournament title and head coach Cleo Hill Jr. stops by. Got to be NC. Tune in to one of these radio stations across the country www.boxtorow.com/affiliate-stations or tomorrow 9:00 in the East, 8:00 for my Central Time folks and 6:00 out West on SiriusXM Channel 142. — with Bo Torow.
Winston-Salem State Men's Basketball Wins the 2020 CIAA Tournament Championship Over Fayetteville State
Ram Ramblings: Earl "The Pearl" Monroe cheering for WSSU men's team today from a hospital bed in New York City
By John Dell Winston-Salem Journal
CHARLOTTE – I could hear it in Earl “The Pearl” Monroe’s voice over the phone.
What I heard was his pride coming through in a big way as Winston-Salem State was gearing up to play in the CIAA championship game later today against Fayetteville State... CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
WSSU's Cleo Hill Jr. is named CIAA coach of the year; Rob Colon named All-CIAA
Cleo Hill Jr. of Winston-Salem State was named the CIAA coach of the year after guiding the Rams to a 16-10 record and co-champions of the Southern Division.
Cleo Hill Jr., who has brought back Winston-Salem State’s basketball program to relevance in his two seasons on the bench, has been named the CIAA coach of the year.
The voting was done by CIAA coaches and sports information directors. READ MORE
THE 2020 CIAA TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
It was great to attend the 2020 CIAA Track and Field Championships held at the JDL Fast Track facilities to support our RAMS. The Rams had their game faces ready for battle.
In speaking with the coaches, they felt like our athletes were more than prepared. It was my first time witnessing the event, and the tension in the facility was thick.
So many events were going on at one time. I was intrigued by the skill and preparation that goes into the high jump. Those practices must be rigorous.
There were Rams in the house supporting the program. It is always great seeing the athletes put everything on the line. I believe a lot of character building comes with collegiate sports. These experiences and friendships last a lifetime. - Cleo Hill Jr
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
I had a great time supporting my good friend Donna M. Jones at her Open House and Ribbon Cutting, on Friday. I've known Donna for close to two years. She is a huge supporter of the Winston-Salem community. She had so many supporters stand by her and her attend the event. It was like a who's who of Winston-Salem. Joining in the support and saying a few words was our very own mayor, James Allen Joines.
Please take the time to visit and support my friend, Donna M. Jones - State Farm Insurance Agent, 690 Jonestown Rd Ste 300-D, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. - Cleo Hill Jr
LONGEST TRIP OF THE REGULAR SEASON
Last Sunday, we traveled to Pennsylvania. That was our last and longest trip of the regular season. Although we played on Monday, we spent the entire Sunday traveling.
We enjoyed the time we were able to spend with the Lady Rams basketball program. It's always great to spending time with Coach Lamonte, her staff, and her team.
We want to give a special thank you to the Ross family. We were hosted by our current student-athlete, Justin Ross' family. His father, Monte' Ross (former Ram/MBB, current Temple University asst. coach MBB) and his lovely wife, Michelle hosted both teams at their beauty Media, PA home. We all had great fellowship, Thanksgivings style food, intense card games, and great basketball talk. The RAMILY has long arms..there are RAMS all over the globe and we are so thankful.
A Special Thank You to the Winston-Salem State University's Raleigh Alumni Chapter
It is with a joyful heart and complete gratitude that I thank our Raleigh Alumni Chapter for their generosity and thoughtful kindness. A Championship Program often has tremendous leadership out in front, but also behind the scenes. The time and effort to feed two college athletic programs are not to be overlooked. The Raleigh Alumni Chapter did not just feed the Women's WSSU Basketball Program, but also the Men's WSSU Basketball Program, after defeating Shaw University Bears. Two big dubs, two great grubs. #Ramily
Observing Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday
It was an amazing morning at the Benton Convention Center, as many gathered to celebrate the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The day started with hearty breakfast and an amazing speaker. General James Gorham's message inspired young people to remember the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our community is filled with many caring, professional people looking to promote change and peace in this beautiful neighborhood. I met new influential people and got reacquainted with professionals I haven't seen in some time.
After the lobby, we gathered for our march throughout the city. We were led by the dance team and band of Carver High School. The students did a marvelous job despite the elements. My hands and fingertips can testify that it was the coldest day ever recorded in the history of man! The students were in step with smiles shining bright. I have no idea how they did that.
The march ended at Union Baptist Church where the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated feed the marchers and attendees hot soup and chili. I ALSO PARTOOK IN THAT!!
I think it was a beautiful morning to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each person in their own small or large way took the time to share their thoughts on Dr. King, his era, or anything which might give a younger person a better view of what Dr. King stood for. - Cleo Hill Jr
Ram Ramblings: WSSU coach Cleo Hill, Jr. a part of the video that celebrates the upcoming 75th CIAA Tournament
MBB: Rams Men's Basketball at Fayetteville State to Air on Aspire TV
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2019
Rams’ Men’s Basketball at Fayetteville State to Air on Aspire
WSSU returning to national television for CIAA Southern Division game
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Winston-Salem State University Rams are set to appear on a national stage as their men’s basketball game at Fayetteville State on Saturday, February 15th will be televised live on AspireTV. The game will a part of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) broadcast schedule.
The Rams and the Broncos will meet as a part of a 10-game conference slate that will include a pair of regular-season games and eight games during the 2020 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. The CIAA Southern Division match-up between the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls and the Claflin Panthers will be the only other regular-season game to be a part of the 2019-20 CIAA broadcast schedule.
This season’s appearance will be the Rams’ first appearance on AspireTV since February 17, 2018. The Rams made some clutch plays to claim a 67-64 road win over the Broncos. Former Rams forward William Crandell led the way for the team with 22 points and seven rebounds in the game while fellow former Ram Derrick Farquarson added 17 points.
Local listings for the game will be forthcoming. For more information on Rams men’s basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.
GIVING TO THE WINSTON-SALEM COMMUNITY
Winston-Salem State's Men's Basketball Program, The Salvation Army, and Ken Carlson Boys and Girls club joined together this holiday season to give back to children and families in need.
Over three-thousand requests were answered and organized through this event, along with granting the wishes of homes throughout Winston-Salem. It pleases the heart to answer the gift requests from books to luxury bikes and everything in between.
Happy Holidays, from the Winston-Salem State Men's Basketball Program.