MAY 2, 2007

LIVINGSTONE ANNOUNCES 21 SIGNEES FOR 07 FOOTBALL SEASON

Coach Massie announced today the phase one signings of his freshmen class.  “We got started a little late, but it has been fun getting to know the new areas we were recruiting.  Part of the challenge was letting coaches know we are here and will recruit the whole state, while keeping in mind we have limited scholarships to work with.  It has been exciting to go out and actually compete with similar colleges and even the big boys.  The caliber of athletes we are seeking will allow us to return to our winning ways.” says Massie.

The recruiting season for the new staff has been broken down into three phases for the Blue Bears. Phase One was to seek the ‘right fit’ of offensive and defensive linemen and add depth to all of the other positions.  The student-athletes that make up Phase One are true freshmen and selected transfers. 

Phase Two concentrate on junior college transfers.  The staff will be looking for linemen who can come in and play right-away.  Phase Three will consists of private work outs and late qualifiers. 

“We have a plan and all we will do, is work our plan.  We must keep in mind that we will always build our team with lots of freshmen opposed to half the team being transfers.  This Phase One signing class of 21 is a mixture of various positions that fit some of the immediate needs of the team.  Our recruiting has just began.” says Massie.

Prior to Lamonte Massie’s hire, Livingstone ended the 2006 season with a 1-9 overall record. From the final roster of 53, 21 student-athletes will return for tutelage under the new Massie.  Spring football had initially added 43 new members, however the ‘in your face’ style and the vigorous and challenging training that Coach Massie and his staff used had cut that number down to 15 spring newcomers. 

“We did lose a lot of S-A’s due to them not meeting our high standards of conduct and performance on and off the field and excellence in the classroom. We let some go because they missed numerous classes, misconduct on campus, and the lack of great effort in strength and conditioning, disrespect to the staff and teammates, and not having the right spirit of what it takes to be a Blue Bear.  I can’t recall a student-athlete being let go this spring due to athletic ability”, Massie informs. 

“We are building this team from the ground up and refuse to accept mediocre performance in any capacity associated with this program.  Nothing has change in our hair policy of no dreads or braids. Nothing has change in our high level of discipline; and nothing has definitely changed with us being tough enough to endure the challenges we face as a small black college program.  It takes a special kind of guy to be a Blue Bear.  I now believe we have a very good group of candidates,” says Massie.