Joseph Okoh’s job is to return Howard men’s soccer to national prominence. Okoh, who takes over the Bison after going 38-13-9 the last three years at Division II Shepherd (W.Va.) and is that school’s career wins leader. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to coach the men’s soccer program at Howard University,” Okoh said. “There is a great tradition here and the expectations are high among alumni, students and followers of the program. I am looking forward to the challenge of having a first-class program that is highly competitive on the field while also maintaining a high level of success in the classroom.” Howard has a pair of national championships (1971, ’74) and finished second in 1988, but hasn’t broken double-digit wins in several seasons. By the way, Okoh’s son Michael is a Bison player.

Former Norfolk State Star Honored

Former Norfolk State star James Roe is again recognized as one of the Arena Football League’s top players. Roe, a two-time all-America with the Spartans (1994-95) was named all-AFL second team at receiver, which puts him in contention for the league’s offensive player of the year honor. The eight-year AFL veteran led the San Jose SaberCats with 127 catches for 1,560 yards and 40 touchdowns during the regular season. He is San Jose’s career leader in receptions, receiving yards, scoring catches, points and touchdowns scored.

MEAC Baseball Players Make the Elite

The MEAC did more than represent when it comes to the best black college baseball players. Eleven players from league schools were named to blackcollegebaseball.com’s elite teams, in addition to Bethune-Cookman coach Mervyl Melendez earning coach of the year and Norfolk State’s Luke Foss taking pitcher of the year honors. First-team honors went to position players Lyall Foran, Norfolk State’s catcher; N.C. A&T third baseman Charlie Gamble and outfielder Joe McIntyre and Bethune-Cookman outfielder Angel Mercado. Foss was joined as a first-team pitcher by Delaware State’s Josh Schmidt and Bethune-Cookman’s Francisco Rodriguez.