Memphis Sport September/October 2008

SPORTM E M P H I S

dbudbuDEFENSIVE BACK UNIVERSITY

SEP/OCT 2007 VOL 2 NUM 2FREE

STARTING FIVE

BRING IT ON

WHAT IF?

FOODFORUM

THE GREAT DEBATE

LAP IT UP

ALL-STARS

MEMPHIS MADE

CHIC IN THE FIELD

PRO TIPS

GET FIT

TAILGATING

JACK’S BACK

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SEP/OCT 2007 VOL 2 NUM 2

CONTENTS

23

TOP 25TOP 25MEMPHIANSMEMPHIANS

IN THE SECIN THE SEC

WHAT IF

FOODFO

THE GRE

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1010

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1414

2020AL

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Th e DBUTh e DBUInterviewInterview

GET FIT

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2 | Memphis Sport

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

1. the fi rst quarter2. pom-poms3. Saturday aft ernoons4. quarterbacks scrambling5. the Heisman pose6. pancakes (not the food)7. Sunday aft ernoons8. hope at the beginning of the season9. Sunday nights10. Monday Night Football11. the Tigers (see page 5, I still call ‘em Memphis State)12. “Tigerrrrrrrr Touchdown!” (I still hear Paul Hartledge in my head every time the Tigers score) 13. quarterbacks throwing over the middle 14. the second quarter15. I’m so glad...16. Tom II17. Pouncer18. T-Rac

19. D-fense (see page 23)20. marching bands21. RV’s parked everywhere22. trick plays (when they work)23. Fuuummmbbb-llleee!!!24. bowl games25. barbecue nachos26. tailgating (see photo above–I am on the right–my wife is the older of the two girls)27. the Heisman pose (by people tailgating)28. the wave29. halft ime30. kickers trying to make a tackle31. wild cards32. fl asks33. cheerleaders (see page 6)34. hating the BCS poll35. the third quarter36. sacks

Th e cover we didn’t use...

5050 reasons I lovefootballseason...

Mike Bullard, publisher

37. comebacks38. a tough schedule39. starting with Ole Miss40. the fourth quarter (‘til the clock says 0:00)41. rivalries42. the Titans (I still call ‘em the Oilers)43. the option44. going for two (especially for the win)45. hot wings (see page 10)46. kickoff returns47. SEC football played by Memphians (see page 20)48. sports talk radio49. the Hail Mary50. sudden death overtime

www.memphissport.net | 3

PublishersMike Bullard 901.229.4749 [email protected] Bullard [email protected]

Co-PublisherEd Land, Jr. [email protected]

Managing EditorKevin Cerrito [email protected]

Editorial DirectorsJan Michael HartelustChris Przybyszewski

Contributing EditorLaura Blanton

Contributing WritersJen AndrewsWill AskewJohn DennyJack EatonPeter EdmistonMaggie LouieRandy MaloneMandy PolkAdam Risinger

Contributing PhotographersSean DavisLeigh Ann Williams

Graphic DesignA Bull in a China Shop www.abullinachinashop.com

ContributionsMemphis Sport will consider, but assumes no responsibility for, unsolicited proposals, photos, and illustrations. Memphis Sport retains all reprint rights.

MEMPHIS SPORT1138 N. Germantown PkwySuite 101-176Cordova, TN 38016www.memphissport.net

©Copyright 2007 Memphis Sport MagazineLLC, All rights reserved

FOOD, FUN& FRIENDS

OPEN 11AM TIL 3AM DAILY695 WEST BROOKHAVEN CIRCLE

901-680-8118 901-680-8120 FAX

4 | Memphis Sport

5 Questions With...Earnest GrayA receiver for Memphis State from 1975-1978, Gray still holds many Tiger football receiving records,

including most receiving yards in a career. In 1979, he was draft ed by the New York Giants. He retired from the NFL aft er the 1985 season.

STARTING FIVE

4 | Memphis Sport

1. Any diff erence between Tiger fans today and Tiger fans back in the seventies?

Especially with the recent bowl games, I think the fans are really supporting Memphis. I went to the New Orleans Bowl myself and was surprised to see everyone down there. When we played, our

stadium only held about 50,000. I think we averaged 40,000 or so per game. Th e thing is, fans come when you’re winning.

While I was there, the Tigers had three winning seasons in a row, so that helped, I’m sure.

2. You were on the fi eld for several of the Tigers’ biggest wins, including Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Florida State, Louisville, and Houston. How does that feel?

I got to tell you, beating Houston was great, they were really good back

then. But, Florida State just wasn’t that good when we played them! Obviously, it was great to beat

those SEC teams. I wish we had some of them on our

schedule this season, like Tennessee, and

Mississippi State.

3. You had great individual success at Memphis (7 or 8 of your Tiger receiving records still stand today), but your Memphis teams also had a winning record (24-20) over your 4 years. What made those Tiger teams good?

Th at shows the type of athletes we had. Fred Pancoast did a great job of recruiting very good local talent and Richard Williamson did a great job of coaching us. I think a key is that we got the best local players to come to Memphis. Th ere had to be 10 guys from my senior season that made the NFL, most of them from here.

4. Why hasn’t Memphis gotten an NFL team?

Well, I think it just came down to numbers. Th ey just didn’t know if we had the number of passionate football fans it would take to support a team. Even though this has been a basketball town for so long, I do think we have a lot of football fans here.

5. What are you up to these days?

I’m a Lieutenant for the Fire Department and I handle all OSHA compliance regulations and on-the-job injuries. I love it.


5 Alternate U of M Helmets Guaranteed to Bring in the Crowds

5 Teams Th at Th e U of M Football Team

Has Never Beaten

1. Michigan (0-1)

2. Michigan State (0-1)

3. Texas A&M (0-2)

4. Blytheville High School (0-0-1)

5. TCU (0-1)


Top 5 Memphis Football Helmets

From Th e Past

1. Th e Tigers Helmet1982 - 1986

Th e only helmet Memphis ever had with the word ‘tigers’ on it

2. Th e Original1962 -1967

Th is helmet had no logo, only numbers. A classic representative of

Memphis’ best ever football teams

3. Th e M1997-2004

Grey with Blue “M” - Th e University of Memphis fi elds its’ fi rst football

teams

4. Seattle Tigers1989-1990

Almost a replica of the Seattle Seahawks helmet; a protruding Tiger from

back to front

5. Grey Area1977-1981

Th e fi rst grey helmet for any

Memphis team

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AlmoSeattle Sa protru

1. BBQ NachosMaybe with a ‘scratch and sniff ’ feature

2. Leather HelmetPure intimidation, though not very

smart

3. DeAngelo‘Nuff said

4. Basketball CrossoverWe always hear this is a basketball town,

so why not?

5. Bengal TigerSomehow, this one looks familiar

5 Teams Th at Have Never Beaten Th e

U of M Football Team

1. Southern Cal (1-0)

2. Auburn (2-0)

3. UTEP (2-0)

4. Somerville High School (4-0)

5. Austin Peay (6-0)

6 | Memphis Sport6 | MeeMeMeeeMeeeeMeeeeeMeMeeeeeeMeMeMeeMeeeeeMeMeMeMeeeMeeeMeMeMeMeM mpmpmpmmmmmmpmppmmpmpmpmmppm hhhhhihhihihiiiiihhiihhiiihiiiiiihhis sssssss ssssss ss s SpSpSpSpSSpSppSpSSpSpSpSSSpSppppSporooororororororororrroroorororororororororororrrororooorttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

BRING IT ON

by KEVIN CERRITOphoto courtesy of TENNESSEE TITANS

6 | Memphis Sport

TENNESSEE TITANS CHEERLEADER

How did you become a Titans cheerleader? I was part of a ballet company and danced for my university. Aft er college, I wanted to continue dancing. I tried out for the 2005 squad and made it all the way to the fi nals, but didn’t make the squad. I knew there was stuff I needed to work on. For a whole year, I worked on those things. I decided to try out again in 2006, and I made the squad.

Do you have a favorite Titans player? Travis Laboy. I had the opportunity to go on the Tennessee Titans Caravan with him this year. Th rough conversations with him, I found out he has done a lot of good things in the community like starting a foundation for autism.

Where is your favorite place to visit? Europe. I lived in Spain for two years. I liked everything... the food, the people, the culture.

Do the Titans cheerleaders get along with the Nashville Kats (AFL) cheerleaders? Yea. Actually, about half of the Titans cheerleaders are Nashville Kats cheerleaders too.

How many country music stars do you know? I’ve met Trick Pony and Phil Vassar. I had the opportunity to perform and dance with Phil Vassar at one of our appearances last year.

What is your favorite TV channel? HGTV and Cartoon Network. Family Guy and Robot Chicken crack me up. I

can’t get into Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Do you have a favorite football movie? Invincible with Mark Wahlberg

T-Rac or T-Mac? T-Rac.

If you could be on the cover of a video game like Vince Young, what game would it be? I don’t play video games. I did play Sims on my laptop. But, I play board games. I like Scene It. So, I’d be on the cover of that. M


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8 | Memphis Sport

WHAT IF?

by JAN MICHAEL HARTELUST

The Memphis Hound Dogs are ready to get back to winning football games, and the franchise

is banking on a familiar tandem to do just that. Aft er leading the University of Memphis to three straight bowl games, Tommy West and DeAngelo Williams return for their second season together with the Hound Dogs trying to convince the organization, along with the city of Memphis, that their partnership can be just as lucrative in the NFL.

Coming off a solid 8-8 start in West’s fi rst season, the Hound Dogs have reason for optimism. Williams started a strong rookie year by rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in the fi rst 12 games, leading the Hound Dogs to a surprising 8-4 start, but ended the year on the disabled list aft er a knee injury forced him to miss the last four games of the season. But with Williams healthy again, this Hound Dogs team has its sights set on returning to a place it hasn’t been in six years: the playoff s.

Just seven years ago, the Hound Dogs and the entire city of Memphis were riding high. Two prior playoff appearances had yielded little success, but in the teams third straight trip to the postseason all that stood between it and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV was the Jacksonville Oilers.

Th e city of Memphis was enjoying just as much success off the fi eld as it was on it.

Since the franchise was awarded to Memphis over St. Louis, Baltimore and the Jacksonville in 1993, everything seemed to be right in the city dominated by blues. Th e new stadium for the Hound Dogs opened in 1996 aft er the team played its fi rst season at Liberty Bowl

Memorial Stadium. FedExField was built on the large plot of land that used to be Shelby Farms, just in time for a rapidly improving Hound Dogs team to make its fi rst playoff run. In a speech before the fi rst game at FedExField, majority owner, Fred Smith said, “Th e city of Memphis has always been good to me. Th is stadium is something the city and the fans deserve and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

A series of disappointments, however, brought the city and the Hound Dogs down off their successful perch. An embarrassing loss to the Jaguars in the 2000 AFC Championship game was just the beginning. Th e 48-point loss prompted then head coach Pepper Rodgers to say, “I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life. We got beat in every phase of the game. I apologize to Hound Dogs fans and the city of Memphis. I hope everyone knows that we are a better football team than what we showed out there today.”

Hound Dogs fans hoped their team was better than what they showed that game, and there was no reason to think otherwise aft er a 13-3 regular season. Unfortunately, the team fell fl at in the 2001 season and missed the playoff s aft er fi nishing with a dismal 5-11 record. Th at same year the city would see another potential pro franchise slip away when Michael Heisley, owner of the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies, decided to relocate his team to Louisville instead of Memphis. In a statement to the Commercial Appeal, Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton said, “Heisley seemed to love the city of Memphis. He just didn’t think the market would be able to support two professional sports franchises.”

Four consecutive losing seasons later, Fred Smith was forced into the diffi cult position of having to fi re Pepper Rodgers, the franchise’s head coach since the teams’ inception.

“It’s never easy to fi re anyone, let alone a friend,” said Smith. “Unfortunately, this is the nature of the business and Pepper Rodgers knows that, but this organization now has to look to the future. Our goal is to win the Super Bowl and it always will be.”

For Memphis fans, the hiring of West was bittersweet. On one hand, they knew West as the leader of a resurgent Tiger football team. But they also knew that aft er seeing what he did with the U of M football team, he could be the perfect man to take the Hound Dogs to the next level. Ultimately, Tiger fans let go of their beloved coach, but only aft er West decided to select one of the most beloved Tiger football players of all time, DeAngelo Williams, in the 2006 NFL Draft .

With Tiger basketball on the verge of selling out Th e Pyramid as the preseason ranked #1 team and the Hound Dogs loaded and ready for a run to the playoff s, this winter will be a great one for sports fans in the Mid-South. Smith, West and the Hound Dogs are hoping that it will be Super. M

What if...What if...Memphis Built a Memphis Built a Football Stadium for Football Stadium for the Hound Dogs?the Hound Dogs?

10 | Memphis Sport

Hooter’s 911Dbo's Suicidal

Wingstop AtomicBuffalo Wild Wings Blazin'

All-Stars SuicideMr. P's Super Hot

Wings of Wolfchase SuicidalAdline's Flaming

Crumpy's Suicidal

Hephzibah's BoomerwangsAlex’s Tavern Hot

Dbo's HotWings of Wolfchase HotMemphis' Best Wings Hot

Memphis' Best Wings MildOutback Hot

TJ Mulligan's HotFox and Hound Hot

Chili's Hot

Dbo's Honey GoldMr. P's Honey Gold

Wings of Wolfchase Sweet HeatMemphis' Best Wings Honey Glaze

All-Stars Honey GoldAmerican Way Hot Wings Honey Gold

Fox and Hound Hot Honey

Crumpy's Lemon PepperMemphis' Best Wings SeasonedWings of Wolfchase Seasoned

Wingstop Lemon Pepper

Fox and Hound Spicy GarlicBuffalo Wild Wings Spicy Garlic

Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic

Alex’s Tavern GreekHooter’s Daytona

Buffalo Wild Wings Asian ZingBuffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk

Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQBahama Breeze Habanero

Fox and Hound Red Fox AmberBuffalo Wild Wings Sweet BBQ

Wingstop HawaiianBuffalo Wild Wings Mango

Buffalo Wild Wings Hot BBQCrumpy's Jerk

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FOODFORUM

In our quest to fi nd the best buff alo wing in the Memphis area, we visited wing-joints, full-scale restaurants and various

pubs, sampling as many styles of wings as our digestion systems would allow. We enjoyed the spiciest and sweetest of wings. We tested both the standard wings and those which are most unique. Each wing was rated in nine categories. Points were awarded in each category on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 representing a near unattainable level of perfection) except for the fl avor category which was rated on a twenty point scale (because fl avor is, by far, the most important ingredient.) M

Categories:FLAVOR: A t-shirt taken out of the dryer probably tastes like a lima bean. A great wing should have infi nite more fl avor than than the t-shirt or the lima bean.

SIZE: Th e bigger the wing, the higher the rating!

MEATINESS: Biting into a fatty wing just isn’t what you’re looking for.

APPEARANCE: You’ve seen ugly wings before. Th ey stifl e your excitement, end your anticipation and lower your expectations. Why even eat it?

FRESHNESS: Anyone can throw a pre-cooked wing into the microwave. We want ‘em right out of the fryer or straight off the grill.

TEMPERATURE: If it sits in the window for 10 minutes before it gets to your table, the wings will be as cold as the celery, carrots and ranch. No thanks.

SAUCINESS: Take a wing. Th row it into an Olympic pool of wing sauce. Swim to it. Th at would be a 10 in this category.

SPICINESS: It’s real simple. Whichever wing makes you perspire the most and drink the most water wins.

NAME: Sure, psychology is involved here. We’d rather eat a wing named “Red Fox Amber” than we would one named “Mild.”

Get your Wing On!MEMPHIS SPORT WING TOUR: STAGE I

10 | Memphis Sport


A FEW OF OUR COMPETITORS

Dbo’s: Truthfully, every bite was delicious. We now know why Dbo’s has been a Memphis’ favorite since 1990.

Alex’s Tavern: Th is family-owned corner pub on Jackson Avenue is a one-of-a-kind gem. A perfect balance between spicy and fl avorful, their “Hot” wings are to-die-for (we don’t want to know how much butter they used).

Hephzibah: Do not let this atypical name throw you. Hephzibah, on Park Avenue just east of the U of M, grills up some awesome smoky wings.

Hooter’s: If you’re looking for the “most fl avorful” wing at Hooter’s, try the Caribbean style “Daytona” wings.

Wings of Wolfchase: W.O.W. is the perfect acronym for this wing-joint, as the quality of their wings… and their environment… was a total surprise.

Wingstop: Fact: Troy Aikman, Wingstop’s national sponsor, probably doesn’t order the “Atomic” wings before going on-air every Sunday!

Buff alo Wild Wings: Of all the chain establishments, it’s the only one to off er multiple types of wings you’d only expect to fi nd at selective hole-in-the-wall wing joints, not that there is anything wrong with hole-in-the-wall wing joints.

Adline’s: Th e cooks laughed as they passed our wings to us. Suffi ce it to say that their “Flaming” wing was…for lack of a better term…HOT.

Mr. P’s: Fact: Mr. P’s is the perfect example of why we must go off the beaten path in search of the best wing experience. You’ve got to look for it; but your journey becomes worthwhile once you fi nd it.

To stock great University of Memphis Blue Planet apparelcall Bill Alexander at 489-1006 or visit us online at

www.blueplanetgear.com

T-SHIRTS AND APPAREL THAT ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD !

AVAILABLE AT: Tiger Bookstore Tennessee Sports Zone Grizzlies Store @ FedExForum

To stock great University of Memphis Blue Planet apparel

Tennessee Sports ZoneGrizzlies Store @ FedExForum Grizzlies Store @ FedExForum

12 | Memphis Sport12 | Memphis Sport

from MemphisMemphistoMississippiMississippi the riverkings make a name change

THE GREAT DEBATE

Featuring Sports56 Personalities: Peter Edmiston of Th e Morning Rush and Will Askew of Chip Shots

Peter: Th e RiverKings announced earlier this summer they’re changing their name to the Mississippi RiverKings aft er fan voting indicated that was the popular choice. And, frankly, I agree. It’s about time their name represented their real fanbase.

Will: I completely disagree. If the RiverKings could do one thing that would make their franchise irrelevant to everyone in Memphis, this was it.

But Will, has it ever been truly relevant in Memphis since they left the Mid-South Coliseum? Absolutely not. I know a ton of sports fans, and I can count on one hand the number of them that have traveled from Memphis to DeSoto County to watch a RiverKings game more than once.

You may not know many people who have traveled from Memphis to Southaven to a game, but at least the option is there. I do agree that most fans of the team live in Mississippi, but from a marketing standpoint, it doesn’t make much sense to alienate a city as large as Memphis with the team playing 15 minutes from downtown.

I don’t know that it amounts to alienating. You make it sound as if the new name is the “Forget You If You’re From Memphis” RiverKings. Besides, how can it be the Memphis RiverKings when the team plays, practices, and lives somewhere else? Do the Memphis Redbirds play in Marion, Arkansas? Th ey’re in Mississippi, they should be the Mississippi RiverKings.

People in Memphis who may have considered going to a game now won’t because they named the team Mississippi. Th e college teams that play here have a huge fan base throughout the area...the RiverKings don’t! Th ey need all the butts in the seats they can get. You should try and reach new fans, and the biggest population of those prospective fans is in Memphis. Besides, changing the name based on a fan vote is ridiculous.

Th at logic doesn’t add up. You talk about doing things to appeal to their fan base, yet you say that changing the name based on a fan vote is “ridiculous.” I’d say the RiverKings did precisely what you asked of them. Th ey have played in DeSoto County for quite a while now, and therefore, a massive percentage of Riverkings fans live in DeSoto County. Th e name change refl ects reality. Th e DeSoto Civic Center is not convenient for East Memphis, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville. People in these areas have to drive for at least 30-45 minutes to get there. Besides, DeSoto County is growing rapidly– up 35% in population since the year 2000– and it’s time they had their own team, with its own identity separate from Memphis, to support.

It seems silly to me to ignore a city of almost a million people that’s 15 minutes north of you. Th e RiverKings have a loyal fan base that is going to attend every game, regardless of their name. Th e RiverKings need to try and market to other people to fi ll their arena. All I’m saying is that the RiverKings need to appeal to the broadest amount of fans that they can, and by excluding Memphis from the name, they are not doing that. North

Mississippi is growing, that is certain, but it pales in comparison to Memphis.

Why not just call them the New York City RiverKings, then? Or maybe the China RiverKings, there’s a billion and a half Chinese people out there. And those names are just as accurate as the Memphis RiverKings would be. A population of 150,000 (which is the population of DeSoto County) is more than suffi cient to support a minor league hockey franchise, especially when they will be able to draw a few hundred per game from Memphis. DeSoto pride is running wild and the RiverKings are emblematic of the growing community! I salute the RiverKings for embracing Mississippi.

Peter, don’t be ridiculous. Memphis is 15 minutes away, not a 15 hour fl ight. Th e Dallas Cowboys are building a new stadium in Arlington. Are they going to change their name to the Arlington Cowboys? Th e RiverKings are going to get people from Desoto County, now try and get the fans back that you had when you were in Memphis.

Th e Cowboys have a bit more tradition than the RiverKings. And they’re not exactly struggling for fans, either. And the NFL is about 1.5 jillion times more popular than the CHL. No one who was going to go to a RiverKings game before is going to stop now, no matter what they are called. So, in conclusion, Will is wrong and I am right. As usual.

Hey, you’re the one that tried to compare the RiverKings to college football earlier. As usual, Edmiston fails to see the big picture. M

www.memphissport.net | 13wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.w.ww.ww.w.w.w.www.wwwwww memememememememmemememememememeemememmemememeemememmememmememeemmmm mpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmpmppmpmpmmpmpmmmpmpmm hihh ssport.net | 13

14 | Memphis Sport

The RaceThe Raceto Save Livesto Save Lives

LAP IT UP

by KEVIN CERRITO

Memphis area sports oft en lend a helping hand to St. Jude Children’s

Research Hospital. Th e Stanford St. Jude Championships has included the hospital as its charity for over 35 years. Th e Grizzlies House is a short-term stay facility for patients and their families at the hospital. Th e annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend will again fi nish at AutoZone Park on race day in December.

Th e upcoming Memphis Motorsports Park’s annual Sam’s Town 250 is another local sports event doing what they can for the children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

During a meeting earlier this year, Leverage Sports and St. Jude came with a unique idea to involve the hospital’s patients with the excitement of NASCAR. “Cover Racecars with the Color of Hope” is the theme for the Sam’s Town 250’s Design A Dream campaign. In an unprecedented move for any sport, the Design A Dream campaign’s goal is to allow the children of St. Jude to design paint schemes for the cars racing in the Sam’s Town 250 at the Memphis Motorsports Park on October 27.

“We’ve been the charity of this race since 2002, but we have never been able to harness a way to make it truly benefi cial to the children. We feel this could be it,” said Kevin Nienhuis, Manager of Sports

Marketing for ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude.

Currently, Leverage Sports Agency and St. Jude are inviting Busch Series teams and their sponsors to support St. Jude by allowing their vehicle’s paint scheme to be designed by patients. Th e objective is to have a diff erent child create a paint scheme for all 43 qualifying cars. Each of the participating race teams will select the design for their car and the St. Jude patient will become the driver’s “co-pilot” for the day.

Th e car designs are only part of what the Memphis Motorsports Park has in mind. At this year’s race, St. Jude patients are expected to participate in a variety of other activities like saying “start your engines”, doing driver intros, and possibly even singing the National Anthem. Material about the event and the hospital will be made accessible to ESPN for coverage during the live broadcast.

Th e plan is to have St. Jude incorporated in as many aspects of the event as possible. Th e only thing that could make the Sam’s Town 250 even more focused on St. Jude is if the race happened on Danny Th omas Boulevard. M

For more information on how you can help the children of St Jude or to donate, go to racingtosavelives.org.

901.229.4749abullinachinashop.com

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Upcoming games for the Saluqis *

OCTOBER25 Alumni 8 p.m.27 Spirit Express 4 p.m.

NOVEMBER2-3 Willie Little Classic (at Chicago, IL)9 Roane State 8 p.m.10 Walters State 4 p.m.13 Arkansas Tech JV 7 p.m.16 at Chattanooga State 8 p.m. EST17 at Motlow State 4 p.m.27 at Coahoma 8 p.m.

In 2006-07, the Southwest Men’s Basketball Team:• Had a final record of 28-7 • Finished 8th in NJCAA National Tournament • Ranked 16th in the final NJCAA regular season poll • Won the TJCCAA/Region VII Tournament • Regular season TJCCAA Western Division champions

Upcoming games for the Lady Saluqis *

OCTOBER25 Alumni 6 p.m.

NOVEMBER3 Wayne County 4 p.m.9 Roane State 6 p.m.10 Walters State 2 p.m.16 at Chattanooga State 6 p.m. EST17 at Motlow State 2 p.m.27 at Coahoma 6 p.m.

In 2006-07, the Southwest Women’s Basketball Team:• Had a final record of 26-2 • Won 23 straight games • Ranked 13th in the final NJCAA regular season poll • Finished third in the TJCCAA/Region VII Tournament • Regular season TJCCAA Western Division champions

Call (901) 333-5000 for more information

All home games for the Lady Saluqis and Saluqis are played at the Verties Sails Gymnasium on the Union Avenue Campus. Southwest is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, the governing body for all two-year colleges across the country. The Saluqis also compete in the Tennessee Junior and Community College

Athletic Association, which is comprised of all two-year colleges in the state of Tennessee.

Download a class schedule, course descriptions and your enrollment form at www.southwest.tn.edu

* Partial schedule only.Entire schedule available at

www.southwest.tn.edu

www.memphissport.net | 17www.memphissport.net | 17

Th e Memphis Sport All-Stars section sponsored by Velocity Sports Performance features only the best in

area athletics. From the pitching mound to the end zone and from the fairway to the ice rink, Memphis

Sport is always looking for new faces to highlight. If you have an achievement worth noting or know someone who does, e-mail your accomplishments along with a

photo to [email protected], and you just may see your face here in an upcoming issue.

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18 | Memphis Sport

If You Didn’t Know, Now Ya KnowIf You Didn’t Know, Now Ya Know

TOP 25TOP 25MEMPHIANS IN THE SECMEMPHIANS IN THE SEC Compiled by MEMPHIS SPORT

Th e SEC is clearly one of the strongest conferences in all of college football.

Most experts agree there. Talent-rich states like Florida, Texas, California

and Ohio are usually the fi rst places mentioned when recruiting debates

are waged. Tennessee has rarely been talked about in terms of producing an

abundance of talent, but given its location–fl anked by the Big XII and the

ACC, and wedged in between the Big Ten and the SEC–Tennessee is rapidly

becoming a hotly contested recruiting area. SEC powers have taken notice

and have been ravaging the Memphis area in recent years.

13 9 19 1

8 10 18 15

7 4 14 17

MEMPHIANS

IN THE SEC

BY SCHOOL ARKANSAS:

Grreg GGatsonn Kevvin WWoodds

KENTUCKY:Darrylyl Faaulknerr

Jeremmy JJarmonnJoshh WWiinchelll

LSU:RJ Gillenn

JJoshh Jasperr

MISSISSIPPI STATE:CCCortez MMcCCraneyyAAAnthonyy Summmerrs

OLE MISS:TToddd Coxx

Rodeerickk DaviisTerryy Frreemann

Ceecil FrisonnGGreg Hardyy

Brandoon JJenkinnsAAndyy Keenn

Michchaeel OherrRoob Parkk

Prestoon PPowerrsKelvvin RRolackk

Jusstin SparkksMMMarkeithh Summmerrs

Cassiuus VVaughnnLLLaDerricck VVaughnn

Allelen WWalkerr

SOUTH CAROLINA:Chris Hammptonn

TENNESSEE:Kennaard BBrownn

Bramm CCannonnBraad CCottamm

Jeeff CCottammMoorgaan CoxxDarrius Myerrs

Victoor ThTh omaasChhrir s WWalkeer

Dann WWilliammsElllix WWilsonn

VANDERBILT:CCurtis GGateewoodd

Chhris GGriffi nnChhris MarveeJoohn Stokees

20 | Memphis Sport

MEMPHIANS

IN THE SEC

BY SCHOOL ARKANSAS:

KENTUCKY:

LSU:

MISSISSIPPI STATE:

OLE MISS:

SOUTH CAROLINA:

TENNESSEE:

VANDERBILT:


1. Michael Oher (OL) Ole Miss, 6’5” 325 lb. junior, Briarcrest Christian School

2. Curtis Gatewood (DE)Vanderbilt, 6’3” 245 lb. junior, White Station High School

3. Josh Jasper (K/P) LSU, 5’10” 155 lb. freshman, Ridgeway High School

4. Brad Cottam (TE) Tennessee, 6’8” 270 lb. senior, Evangelical Christian School

5. Allen Walker (LB) Ole Miss, 6’1” 205 lb. freshman, Olive Branch High School

6. Cortez McCraney (DL) Mississippi State, 6’4” 272 lb. junior, Southaven High School

7. Rob Park (P) Ole Miss, 6’0” 185 lb. junior, Memphis University School

8. Greg Hardy (DL) Ole Miss, 6’5” 255 lb. sophomore, Briarcrest Christian School

9. Jeremy Jarmon (DE) Kentucky, 6’3” 268 lb. sophomore, Collierville High School

10. Brandon Jenkins (DL) Ole Miss, 6’4” 300 lb. senior, East High School

11. Jeff Cottam (TE) Tennessee, 6’8” 260 lb. sophomore, Germantown High School

12. Preston Powers (LS) Ole Miss, 6’0” 240 lb. sophomore, Briarcrest Christian School

13. Kevin Woods (FS) Arkansas, 5’10” 194 lb. senior, Fairley High School

14. Cassius Vaughn (DB) Ole Miss, 5’11” 185 lb. sophomore, East High School

15. Chris Hampton (SS) South Carolina, 5’11” 194 lb. senior, Melrose High School

16. LaDerrick Vaughn (DE) Ole Miss, 6’2” 210 lb. freshman, Manassas High School

17. Ellix Wilson (DB) Tennessee, 5’10” 225 lb. junior, Melrose High School

18. Dan Williams (DT) Tennessee, 6’3” 310 lb. sophomore, East High School

19. Josh Winchell (OT) Kentucky, 6’3” 305 lb. junior, Southaven High School

20. Todd Cox (LB) Ole Miss, 6’1” 210 lb. senior, Harding Academy

21. John Stokes (LB/DE) Vanderbilt, 6’5” 230 lb. freshman, Memphis University School

22. Roderick Davis (WR) Ole Miss, 6’0” 193 lb. freshman, Wooddale High School

23. Markeith Summers (WR) Ole Miss, 6’2” 190 lb. freshman, Olive Branch High School

24. Chris Walker (LB) Tennessee, 6’3” 220 lb. freshman, Christian Brothers High School

25. Chris Marve (LB) Vanderbilt, 6’0” 230 lb. freshman, White Station High School


22 | Memphis Sport2222 || M Memphis S Sport


dbudbuUp by three late in the fourth quarter against a blood rival, the

quarterback gets cocky. His off ensive unit has driven 40 yards in the last four minutes. Th e quarterback can feel the game moving his way. He’s found the zone. Th e rival crowd seems to agree—silence covers the stadium like an old blanket.

Time to open it up, he thinks. He’s on national TV, aft er all. With a heave, the quarterback lasers the football thirty yards. He relishes the silence until he sees the unexpected. An opposing cornerback has snuck into a route. He has read the play.

Th ere’s a thud as the football nails the numbers of a wrong-colored jersey. Th e blood rival crowd has just gone berserk. As the larcenous corner races beyond the passer, the quarterback realizes he just got owned on national TV... interception.

by CHRIS PRZYBYSZEWSKIMike McKenzie photo courtesy MICHAEL C. HEBERT/NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, Idrees Bashir

photo courtesy DETROIT LIONS, Michael Stone photo courtesy NEW YORK GIANTS

24 | Memphis Sport

Th ere is no more devastating moment in sports. It’s worse than a fumble, worse than a safety, worse than a blocked fi eld goal. Such moments were once part of the University of Memphis game, when the football team had a reputation as a Defensive Back University (DBU). Memphis secondaries left many a

quarterback bouncing helmets off the sideline turf.

No Memphis opponent could play the Tigers without using phrases like “minimize turnovers,” or “protect the ball.” Defensive backs Idrees Bashir, Michael Stone, and Mike McKenzie roamed the zone, daring opposing quarterbacks to throw. Not by coincidence, all three DBU alumni still play in the NFL.

Times have changed. Th e national prominence of the Tiger secondary has eroded during the tenure of Head Coach Tommy West. Th e group that achieved a national Top 10 and Top 20 ranking in 2002 and 2003, respectively, has been ranked with

the bottom twenty (and even fi ve) teams since the 2004 season. In 2006, the Tigers were a miserable 96th in the nation in pass defense.

Th at yardage has translated into opponent points scored. In 2002, at the height of Tiger secondary dominance, opponents threw for only nine passing touchdowns all season. In 2004, 2005, and 2006, opponents threw for an average of more than 25 touchdowns per season, including a devastating 29 touchdowns in 2004.

Th is decline in on-fi eld production has resulted in a cold shoulder at the next level. Since the 1990s, the Tigers have sent six defensive backs to the NFL—

more than any other position from the school. However, the last of these DBU graduates were in the 2001 second round, when Bashir went to the Colts and Stone went to the Cardinals. Since then, only one Tiger DB, Brandon McDonald, has joined the NFL ranks by going to the Browns in 2006.

Th is drought comes in the middle of a DB boom in the NFL. According to nfl .com’s Gil Brandt, NFL teams have chosen more cornerbacks

in the last 10 draft s than any other position.

It doesn’t stop there. Th e NFL doesn’t see any prominent UofM DBs on the horizon. In a recent CBS Sportsline article, writer Rob Rang listed more than 20 NCAA defensive backs who might have a chance in the

professional ranks. His list included no Tigers. Sports Illustrated showed even less love. In its analysis, not a

single Tiger DB made the list of the top 44 DBs.

In 2006, West tried to stop a spiraling defense by fi ring coaching veteran Joe Lee Dunn. Th is year, West hired six new coaches, including a defensive coaching unit with only a single returning coach, Kenny Ingram, who is coaching his second year at the UofM.

For the secondary, West tapped two pass defense specialists, both sporting recent national and league

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www.memphissport.net | 25www.memphissport.net | 25

successes. Defensive coordinator Rick Kravitz, who is handling safeties, spent 2006 at North Carolina State, where he helped lead the Wolfpack to a 13th-ranked pass defense. Ole Miss graduate Derek Jones coaches cornerbacks, and he is most recently removed from C-USA rival University of Tulsa. Under Jones’ direction, the Golden Hurricanes posted the best pass defense in the league.

A day before fall practice begins, resplendent in a blue Tigers polo shirt, Jones does not make grand promises. Rather, he focuses on simplicity. “I’m going to stress two things: tackling and playing the deep ball,” he says. “We don’t want to allow small catches to turn into big gains. [Th e opposing receivers] are on scholarship too; those guys are there for a reason. Th ey’re going to complete some balls. At no point in time is it OK at the cornerback position to miss a tackle.”

For the latter, Jones notes that while an interception can kill an off ense, long pass plays can damage a defense. “We have to prevent deep balls,” he says. “If we are giving people 40–50 yard completions, that really depletes you as a defense.”

Jones argues that for the secondary, the stakes are higher. “A D-liner misses a tackle, [and the opponent] pick[s] up three or four more yards,” he says. “A linebacker misses a tackle, you’ve got safeties back there. But if we miss a tackle, now you’ve got a gain.”

Toward the end of spring practices, West echoed Jones. “Our business is funny,” he says as he compares the coaching profession to the teaching profession. “If everybody in our class doesn’t pass, we fail, because the one person who fails or who doesn’t get it can beat you.” He’s talking, of course, about a DB who lets a receiver get loose for a big run.

Th e new coaching staff should be helped by transfers. Primary on that list is strong safety Dontae Reed (6’2”, 210 pounds), a transfer out of Ole Miss. During spring practices, Reed muscled himself to the top of the depth chart through physical play. A second transfer is Tony Bell (6’2”, 215 pounds), who transferred from Auburn and had a distinguished high school career in Alabama. A third transfer is LeRico Mathis (6’1”, 185 pounds), who earned MACJC All-Star status at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Th e coaching staff also has more long-term ambitions, and Darius Davis (6’0”, 180 pounds) can be considered a star true freshman recruit. A Memphis native, Davis was an All-State player at Whitehaven High School and earned status as the #38 cornerback prospect in the country. Davis has company with a second freshman, Jermaine Richardson, who was an All-State selection in Georgia.

New coaches and recruits alone won’t bring back DBU, and it is a long road back to national prominence. Jones himself does not suggest that he has an All-American or even an All-Conference player on the squad this year. Aft er last year, though, everyone welcomes change. If Jones has his way, the Tigers will once again welcome the visitations of cocky quarterbacks and game-changing interceptions, as provided by future alumni of the DBU. M

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mage a defense. We have to e are giving people 40–50 yard completions, se.”

ry, the stakes are higher. “A D-liner misses [s] up three or four more yards,” he says. “A got safeties back there. But if we miss a tackle,

es, West echoed Jones. “Our business is funny,”ng profession to the teaching profession. “If ss, we fail, because the one person who fails or He’s talking, of course, about a DB who lets a

helped by transfers. Primary on that (6’2”, 210 pounds), a transfer out of s, Reed muscled himself to the topcal play. A second transfer is Tony sferred from Auburn and had a in Alabama. A third transfer is), who earned MACJC All-Star

Community College.

ong-term ambitions, andcan be considered a star truetive, Davis was an All-State ol and earned status as the #38 ry. Davis has company with a rdson, who was an All-State

won’t bring back DBU, and prominence. Jones himself ll-American or even an ad this year. Aft er last year,ge. If Jones has his way,

me the visitations of cocky interceptions, as provided by

New coaches and recruits alone won’t bring back DBU

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26 | Memphis Sport

So you guys had to choose fr om tons of great schools. What led you to the Tigers?Stone: In college, I played up at Central State in Ohio for a semester, but then they shut down the football program. I had a friend at Memphis, Trey Munson, who I had gone to high school with. When I was trying to fi gure out where to transfer to, he told me about the big win against Tennessee the year before. So I drove down to Memphis just to check things out.

McKenzie: Man, I could’ve played out west in Colorado. I could’ve played up north for a couple schools. But I just wanted to play in the South, you know? Memphis was independent, which was cool. I knew I’d be playing against Ole Miss, Mississippi State and some other big SEC schools.

Bashir: To be honest, until I was a junior in high school, I didn’t even really know how good I was at football. I didn’t know anything about recruiting. I was just playin’ the game. To tell you the truth, Memphis was the fi rst school to come aft er me aggressively. I really liked the camaraderie of the players and coaches. It was still in the South, which is where I wanted to play. And, I knew I was about to play some of the big schools.

Looking back, did you know you were establishing Memphis as DBU?Bashir: Not really. We knew we were good, but we didn’t really know the impact it was having with the draft picks and everything. But we knew a couple years later…

The DBU Interview

Mike McKenzie—New Orleans Saints

Originally from Miami, McKenzie played cornerback for the Tigers from 1995-1998. He was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers and is now entering his ninth season in the NFL.

Michael Stone—New York Giants

Stone roamed the secondary at Memphis from 1998-2000 and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft . He is now entering his fi rst season with the New York Giants.

Idrees BashirDetroit Lions

Bashir secured the defensive backfi eld for the Tigers from 1998-2000. A three-year starter at Memphis, he was draft ed in the second round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2001. He tallied 51 starts in Indy and is entering his seventh season in the NFL.

by ED LAND, JR.

26 | Memphis Sport


McKenzie: Th e coaches told me during recruiting we were gonna have to be really aggressive with our defense. I saw a bunch of tape, and I knew teams were gonna have a hard time dealing with our D.

What was the most memorable game of your Memphis career?Bashir: Both of the Tennessee games for sure. We had ‘em in both. Th at one in Knoxville—there were like 100,000-plus people in the stands. When the game was over and we were walking off the fi eld, the Tennessee fans gave us a standing ovation. It meant a lot to us, even though we lost the game. Th ose fans knew we had it won and they respected us for putting forth that kind of eff ort. I remember that whole week how big that game was for us, and for me personally. I didn’t sleep the entire week.

Stone: Probably the loss to Tennessee, 17-16, when they threw the last Hail Mary pass to win the game. Th e whole stadium was packed with people wearing all orange, but the crowd was completely silent. We had them boxed in the whole game.

McKenzie: No doubt—Tennessee. Without a doubt. 21-17, baby.

Who all did you hang with at Memphis?Stone: I hung with everybody, but there were three or four of us from Michigan that had a house off campus.

Bashir: I always hung out with DeMario Shank and Frederick Pile. If I had to say one or two, I’d say those were my best friends. I still talk to those guys every week.

McKenzie: I hung with everybody. [Mac] Cody, Reggie [Howard], Marcus [Bell], Michael [Stone]. A lot of my guys are coaching in Memphis right now: Keith Spann, Richard Hogan, Cedric Miller, Jason Stewart.

What was your favorite place to go eat in school?Stone: Huey’s. We used to eat there all the time.

McKenzie: South Hall.

What about wings?Stone: Don Don’s right by campus. Everybody ate at that place.

McKenzie: Crumpy’s and Dbo’s.

Bashir: Don Don’s, baby. Go up there, get you some Honey Gold, get all that grease and wing juice on you. Get you about 10 to 12 of ‘em and it’s gametime.

How are you involved with Mike McKenzie’s 34 Ways Foundation and its work in Memphis?

Stone: I defi nitely think helping others is so important, and I’ve worked with his camp for the past two years. I’ve been looking at building a charity foundation myself for a while, but my work as a Big Brother is really important too. I’ve been mentoring two kids for eight years now, and they’ve both made it to college. To make an impact on

28 | Memphis Sport www.memphissport.net | 2828 | Memphis Sport

someone’s life in the long term—nothing can replace that feeling.

McKenzie: Me, Reggie [Howard], Michael [Stone], Marcus [Bell] and DeAngelo [Williams] always get back to Memphis for the 34 Ways Youth Football Camp the weekend aft er Father’s Day and the Back to School program later in the year.

Bashir: I’m looking into a couple things like that for Atlanta and Memphis.

So Michael, you’ve played for the Cardinals, Patriots, Texans, and now you’re in New York. What are your thoughts on playing for several teams in your seven or eight-year career?

Stone: I defi nitely want a three- or four-year deal so I don’t have to travel as much. I’d like to settle down with my family. But, everything happens for a reason. Most people don’t get a chance to see the world like I do, so I appreciate this for everything it off ers me. I’d love to play somewhere warm, but I’ll go anywhere to play for a winner.

And Mike, you wanted to play in the South and you chose Memphis, but you got draft ed by the Packers. Does it get much more “North” than that?

McKenzie: Oh, no it doesn’t man. I used to whine about how cold it was in Memphis during November and December. Everybody used to always tell me I’d end up in Green Bay. Th en it happened. We all knew it was comin’.

Idrees, what do you have in store for us this season? Are you healthy and everything?

Bashir: I’m always saying my prayers, you know. Th at’s where it all starts. I hurt my thumb and pulled my hamstring last season, so it was frustrating, but I’m feeling quick and fast right now like before. If the Lord keeps me healthy, I’ll put a hurtin’ on some people. M

The DreadsMcKenzie: Th ey call me “Th e Predator” around here (smiling). Justbeing from south Florida, this is how we do it. You got the “retro fl o,” the afro, the braids, and the dreads. Th e fans love it.Th e ladies love it. A few years back I saidto a couple guys I wasn’t cutting it until we won the Super Bowl. I’m keeping my word.

The RookieTBashir:B I’ve got [Calvin Johnson] onock-down! But no, he’s a good guy. He’slock-down!

not cocky. He’s workin’ real hard.not cocky. He’s

esThe LosseStone: way I would change Th ere’s no way

ppens for a anything. Everything haphere, without evenreason. To come down th

walk on, and then talking to any coaches, woved up the ranks. It get a scholarship…I mov

for my future. really prepared me for

s. DBUELI vsStone: If Eli had played DBU in it’s I

e’d have thrown for at least three prime, he’d for sure.ure.INT’s, fo

LONGEVITYNGEVITYLONMcKenzie:e:McKenz Th ey tell me I’ve played Th ey

red games, but I can still run games, but I can stiover a hundredh the best of ‘em. You justhe best of ‘em. You‘em down with t

hy. And I’m playin’ until Iy. And I’m playin’got to stay healthnship.shiwin the champion

OUT OFBOUNDS


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30 | Memphis Sport

John “Bull” Bramlett may be one of the greatest athletes ever to have been born in Memphis, but his legendary on-fi eld performances only partially tell his life story.

As a senior at Humes High School, Bull won All-Memphis, All-West Tennessee, All-State and All-American football honors, having played on off ense, defense and special teams for the entire season (as he did throughout his high school career.) His furious and violent play helped earn him a reputation as one of the nation’s most feared high school football players.

Bull was recruited by several big-time college football schools, including Tennessee and Kentucky, but his dream came true in the summer of 1959 as coach “Spook” Murphy awarded him a full-scholarship to join the Tigers. As a junior in 1961, he led a Memphis defense which allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns in Tiger history (2) and was awarded placement on the All-Southern team. During his senior campaign of 1962, his dominating Tiger defense allowed the fewest rushes, rushing yards, passing yards, total yards (both game and season) and touchdown passes (1) in all of Memphis history. His individual production that year resulted in Honorable Mention All-American honors.

Bull lettered in football (and baseball) at Memphis for 4 consecutive years, playing on both off ense and defense. Amazingly, at the time of graduation he weighed only 173 lbs.

Perceived as too small to play professional football, he secured a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals’ minor league baseball

MEMPHIS MADE

BULLBULL by ED LAND, JR.

affi liate. Ironically, it was here that he earned the nickname “Bull,” having once run through the outfi eld wall while making a catch.

Bull’s time in baseball lasted only 2 years. Ray Malavasi, his defensive coordinator at Memphis State, had become the Player Personnel Director for the Denver Broncos. Having seen his ferocity fi rst-hand, Ray off ered him a tryout conditional upon a weight gain of at least 20 pounds. Six months and 43 pounds later, he showed up at Bronco’s training camp and earned a spot on the team.

In his fi rst professional season, he earned AFL All-Rookie honors and fi nished 2nd place in the AFL Rookie of the Year voting, just behind the Jets’ Joe Namath.

He would go on to play for the Miami Dolphins (1967-1968) and New England Patriots (1969-1970.) He won Pro-Bowl honors twice and was the Patriots’ MVP in 1970. As Marty Schottenheimer (then John’s teammate with the Patriots) once said, “What Dick Butkus is to middle line-backing is what John Bramlett is to the outside. I say he’s the best in all of football.”

Unfortunately, Bull’s greatest strength had also always been his greatest weakness. Th roughout his life, the hostility with which he played governed everything he did off the fi eld as well. As a young teenager, he set out to prove he was tougher than anyone else in his social or sporting circles, despite his smaller physical stature. In every game he played, he fought. As the years progressed, his violence grew. Th is way of life led him to the heights of collegiate and NFL athletic


success, but his personal life remained a wreck. Until 1973.

One evening, two Christian men visited his home to share the word of Jesus. Th ey told him of Jesus’ love for him and shared with him the opportunity to be given a brand new life. Th e things they spoke of reminded him of the love and forgiveness shown to him by his wife Nancy, who continued to support him through so many years of his immoral and selfi sh behavior. Th at night, John “Bull” Bramlett became a Christian.

Since then, Bull has applied his trademarked intense passion towards his work in Christian ministry. Today, Bramlett Ministries reaches people in high schools, universities and prisons all across the country. Much of Bull’s work is done through his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where he was recently inducted in the “Hall of Champions.” For 19 years running, he has run an annual golf tournament benefi ting the Memphis area FCA. He was also a key factor in the establishment of the FCA “huddle” at the University of Memphis.

Today, John “Bull’ Bramlett and his wife Nancy, live in Cordova and will soon approach their 50th wedding anniversary. Th ey have two sons, Andy and Don, as well as 4 grandchildren, Rebecca (“Puddin’”), Rachel (“Punkin’”), Hunter (“Pistol”) and Jordan (“Pro”). Both Andy and Don attended Memphis State. M

For further information on John “Bull” Bramlett, or Bramlett Ministries, please visit www.bramlett.org

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32 | Memphis Sport

By MAGGIE LOUIE

Last Sunday I had a hysterically embarrassing experience while covering my fi rst baseball game. Of course, I know nothing about baseball and it was only the second sporting event I’ve ever attended.

I arrived at AutoZone Park in heels & dress, loaded down with my camera and side bag, drinking a cold one and trying to match numbers from ticket to seat.

I ended up in what I think is called the “nosebleed” section. I realized that to get good shots I was really going to have to just go sneak a closer spot. Th at’s when I noticed a whole section of prime seats– completely empty! I jumped the small safety chain and sat down. I had just begun to take pictures when I felt someone grab me by the arm and yank me out of my seat. “You can’t sit here! Th is is the owner’s box!” said Dick, the security guard. I was mortifi ed.

A group of little girls all dressed in baseball uniforms sitting across from me giggled. How sad am I! “Don’t worry. He’s had to kick out a few other people, too.” said one of the girls.

Walking away– far away– from my humiliation, I saw an exceptionally cute guy, so I went to take his picture. I yelled at him, “Hey, can I get a smile for Memphis Sport?” He turned for a second and almost smiled then quickly furrowed his brow and turned his back to me, as if I’d caught him off guard.

He resumed swinging his bat. I was just about to have my feelings hurt when a kid sitting near me said, (with astonished befuddlement) “You aren’t allowed to talk to the players! Geez!”

I felt so bad! Yikes! Not another faux pas. Without thinking, I turned back to the player and called out to him, “Sorry!” Th e kid shook his head at me again.

Yep–unquestionably time for another beer! I fl agged down the “icy cold” guy and then resumed my search for a decent unoccupied seat. I headed down another aisle to get some shots of the cheerleaders. Th ey were wilting in the heat, like the rest of us, and looked more like ‘let’s just make it though

the game-leaders’. I found another great spot for

getting close-ups of the players; right behind the dugout.

I was leaning over the little gate and shooting down the stairs when someone grabbed my shoulder and spun me around. Th is time a female security guard pulled me all the way to the top of the stands near a beer booth. I felt like mom was dragging me by the ear. She shook her

fi nger at me and pointed down to where I’d been standing.

She said, “Don’t you know how

dangerous that is? You can’t stand there! People have had to go to the hospital from being hit by foul balls and pop-fl y’s!”

I apologized emphatically and told her I

CHIC IN THE FIELD

Another Cold One, PleaseAnother Cold One, PleaseRedbirds vs. New OrleansRedbirds vs. New Orleans

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getting close-ups of the p

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cute guy

I told her, “Actually, I I told her, “Actually, I just got kicked out of just got kicked out of the owner’s box, too.”the owner’s box, too.”


was writing a column and was just trying to get good pics. Laughing embarrassedly, I told her, “Actually, I just got kicked out of the owner’s box, too.”

She perked up and kind of smiled at me and replied, “Ah, then you met my husband Dick!”

Turns out, Th elma is Dick’s wife and they work security together. She pointed once more to the spot and reminded me how dangerous it is. Th e beer girl happened to overhear the conversation and she interjected. “She’s right. I’ve almost been hit a couple times standing way up here.” She then showed me a ding on her booth that had taken one of the hits.

It was 4:12pm and the game nearing the end, so I fi gured I better get to the parking garage before traffi c got bad. I never did fi nd out who won and only got a few photos of the players. Th e Umpire and the Pitcher seemed to be in greater peril than the other players. Th at’s all I really gathered. I gotta remember to get one of those hotdogs, too! Th ey smelled great, but I had already used up all my extra calories on beer. I must say, Memphis fans were full of team spirit despite the agonizing heat.

All and all I had a fantastic time getting kicked out of everywhere and really enjoyed the whole atmosphere and watching families have a great aft ernoon together. I hope to see more of the game next time and be able to report the fi nal outcome and highlights. M

was writing a column and was just tr iying

the beer girl and the ding

34 | Memphis Sport

Why do we play sports?

Why do we exhaust ourselves endlessly chasing

one another within fence enclosed grassy meadows or

frustrate ourselves by attempting to thwart the laws

of physics that dictate an object at rest will remain at rest

or punish ourselves with the unnatural pursuit of

conquering environments we have no business

wading into?

Why? Because it is there. Because the human

spirit won’t take no for an answer. Because adrenaline is

a drug that feeds the soul. And because for those lucky

few able to run faster, jump higher, throw farther and

dive deeper, glory awaits.

So we play.

But not all of us are built for speed. Fewer still are built

to absorb the punishment sports inflict. And

none of us are eternally sixteen years old.

So we get hurt.

But we don’t mind. Even the biggest,

strongest, and fastest of us get hurt. We

accept that as part of sport. What we

don’t like, what we detest, is not being

able to play.

That’s where Campbell Clinic

comes in.

Our sports medicine staff specializes in

getting athletes off the training table and

back on the field as quickly as possible. But

we’re not just experts in sports medicine,

we’re also the leader in general orthopaedics.

So is it any wonder that the most serious of

athletes, those from the professional and

college ranks, choose Campbell Clinic?

And if people whose careers are dependent

upon healthy bodies think we’re the best, then

odds are we’re a pretty good choice for weekend

warriors, long-time couch potatoes, or anyone

who turns an ankle, wrenches a back or twists a wrist.

Because even if you’re tough enough to play with pain,

there’s no reason you should have to.

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and ballet memphis. #43

#43


PRO TIPS

by JOHN DENNY

Today, pitchers do not take seriously holding runners on base as they should.Here are a few guidelines to help a pitcher to hold runners on base:

1. LEARNING TO MULTI-TASK Pitching with a runner on base causes a pitcher to divide his attention. Th e highest priority is to attend to the batter while holding a runner on base. Once a pitcher decides to deliver the pitch to the catcher, the quality of the pitch should be as if there was not a base runner.

2. KNOWING AND SEEING THE RUNNER A pitcher should have a clear understanding of the type of runner he is dealing with. Is he a smart base runner? Is he fast? Part of answering some of these questions is the ability of the pitcher to always see the runner when he comes set in the stretch position.

3. HAVING A QUICK PICK-OFF MOVETh e quicker the feet, the quicker you can release the ball. Practice, practice, and more practice is essential to having a quick ‘pick-off ’ move.

4. VARYING THE CADENCE A good base-runner will time your delivery if you deliver the ball to home plate in the same timing rhythm. Vary the cadence when pitching to home plate.

5. HAVING A QUICK DELIVERY TO HOME PLATEOnce a pitcher decides to pitch to home, he should quicken his delivery to give his catcher a chance to throw the runner out in case he steals. Delivering a quality pitch to home is key with this move.

Th ese ‘Pro-Tip’s come fr om Th e JAD Baseball Experience and Coach JD (1983 Cy Young winner John Denny)

Hold that Runner

FAST

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36 | Memphis Sport

by ED LAND, JR.

GET FIT with David Nugent page 36

three standard daily meals. Even once you’re eating 5-6 smaller meals a day, you must still consume the right kinds of calories, including a balance of protein, good carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Benefi ts:

Nugent’s weight training regimen enables you to build muscle safely and in alignment with your body’s capabilities. His cardiovascular program not only helps get and keep you in great shape, it also sparks tremendous weight loss and fat reduction. Th e nutrition plan to which he adheres keeps your body in high gear all day long and enables you to burn more calories than the vast majority of 3 meal/day programs allow. It should also help you save money when eating out!

Words to the Wise:

Earning success with these programs will likely require a major adjustment on your part, both physically and emotionally. It will take patience to remain dedicated to a new weight training regimen, will-power to get up in the morning and run, and discipline to pay attention to calories. Sometimes, you might feel as though you aren’t consuming enough calories, but remember, these feelings and related symptoms are typically associated with the very weight loss we seek. Anytime the human body’s metabolism or energy intake is altered, changes may be noted. So stick with the program, even when it’s hard, and enjoy the results as they come! M

For more information about David Nugent’s workout regimen visit www.memphissport.net

GET FIT WITH...

Super Bowl ChampionSuper Bowl ChampionDavid NugentDavid Nugent

David Nugent played as a tight end and defensive end at Memphis’ own Houston High School from 1992–1995. Aft er graduation, he accepted a full athletic scholarship to Purdue University, where he starred at defensive tackle for 4 years. As a senior, Nugent won All-Big Ten honors. He was draft ed by the New England Patriots in 2000 and two years later earned a starting position for the Super Bowl Champions.

Today, Nugent works locally in surgical device sales and remains passionate about strength and nutrition. Using knowledge gained through his exercise and physiology degree, as well as insights provided by his former strength and conditioning coaches in the NFL, he has put together weight training and nutrition programs that enable total body health and fi tness.

Strength Training: Weighted Bat Program

You’ve seen batters in the on-deck circle swinging bats that carry weight collars. Th e idea is that by swinging a heavier bat before going to the plate, your swing will have more strength and speed once you use a lighter bat in the real game. Nugent applies this principle to each of his weight training exercises. Cardiovascular Fitness: Th e Early Morning Jog

A 30-minute early morning run three times per week dramatically increases weight loss, muscular strength, and cardiovascular health. Running on an empty stomach will turn your body into a calorie-burning oven, especially if you do not eat anything for an hour aft er the run is complete.

Nutrition: Less Calories, More Meals!

For a 4-6 week period, divide your daily caloric intake by half. For the second 4-6 week period, try dividing your daily food intake by half, this time saving the remainder for snacks in between the

“All workout and nutrition regimens will fail unless the participant is honest with himself, consistent in his approach, accountable during times of weakness and patient when seeking results.”

- David Nugent


Fall is upon us, and with it comes more predictable schedules and the absence of vacations. What better time to closely examine your fi tness goals and training habits? Since we have started this series, you have made up your mind to dive into your fi tness pursuits, you have made the time to do so, and you have reinforced the commitment to yourself by sticking with it for a few solid months.

In my experience coaching athletes, serious exercise devotees, and beginners alike, there are some common problems that need to be addressed right about now. Th is segment of our series will focus on troubleshooting for those of you who have decided to embark on your fi tness journey but might be getting stuck or tripped up along the way.

Forgive yourself

I cannot count how many times I have seen someone go into a “downward spiral” aft er one bad weekend or a couple of missed appointments. Th e reality is that you cannot be 100% perfect all of the time. One of the best things to do to avoid this mentality is to schedule or allow for regular deviations. For example, have a date night and eat what you choose, and possibly stay up later during that outing. Or you could allow yourself to cut loose once a week; so if you fi nd yourself at a birthday party at the offi ce, you know that this is your free day, and you might not work out either. However, the next day, you are right back on track.

Do not beat yourself up about your divergence from the regimen. Apply it to your short term memory and move forward. Self degradation leads to defeatand/or punishment. Punishment can direct someone straight to dangerous behaviors like over restriction and yo-yo dieting, both of which have no place in a successful training protocol or a healthy mindset.

Be more consistent

Many times, I see people approach exercise or fi tness with the attitude of “Th is is something I might like to do once in a while” and they become frustrated when they’re not reaching their goals. Th e reality is, if you’re working out once a week and going for a leisurely stroll in the evenings occasionally, of course you’re not seeing the results you desire. To eliminate this occurrence, you need to identify

Troubleshooting page 37 Stretching the Truth page 39 The Shoe Blues page 40

Fall is upon us, and with it comes more predictable schedules and the absence of vacations. What better time to closely examine your fi tness goals and training habits? Since we have started this series, you have made up your mind to dive intoyour fi tness pursuits, you have made the time to do so, and you have reinforcedthe commitment to yourself by sticking with it for a few solid months.

PERSONALPERSONAL TRAINING TRAINING

Troubleshooting Troubleshooting by MANDY POLK

(continued on page 38)

38 | Memphis Sport

the habits and behaviors preventing your consistency. Be honest with yourself. Do you need to set appointments with a trainer or a workout partner to promote accountability? Do you need to pack your gym bag the night before so that you’re not tempted to stay on the couch aft er work?

It can be diffi cult to appoint the time that should be devoted to exercise. Financial experts always say “Pay yourself fi rst!” when discussing about saving strategies. Invest your time into you fi rst. Schedule your appointments that relate to your training goals as a priority in your schedule. As long as you follow through aft er that, you’re on your way to a better you!

Get out of a rut

An excellent way to get out of a training rut or just mental staleness is to address your excuses head-on. I want you to try an exercise with me. Physically write down your excuses you have been making up to this point and address each one and its validity, or lack thereof. Try to come up with at least eight. I will give some very common examples:

1. I’m just too tired aft er work.2. I don’t like going to classes because I feel stupid when I don’t know the format.3. I feel like everyone in the gym is staring at me.4. Cardio machines are boring so I don’t do it.5. I’m too busy with my kids’ activities to exercise.6. I hate to sweat.7. Work is too hectic right now… maybe when things slow down.8. My (insert relative here) is having surgery/is sick right now. I need to be available.

From here, you address each excuse and either combat it or fi nd a way around it. Th is heightened self-awareness will breathe new life into your training program, and will empower you.

Now get moving! M

Mandy Polk is a professional fi tness competitor and personal trainer

(continued fr om page 37)


With football season just around the corner, many athletes are already ramping up their

training regimens in preparation for the upcoming season. Athletes, coaches, trainers, and others will employ a variety of techniques over the coming months to attempt to avoid injuries and improve on-fi eld performance. Stretching exercises have been promoted over the years as a way to achieve both of these goals. However, recent evidence suggests that this is not the case in all instances. Th e eff ects of acute stretching (immediately prior to exercise) and regular stretching (not prior to exercise) have been found to be in many ways diff erent.

Several good quality research studies have been performed on acute stretching and all have found that this type of pre-exercise or competition stretching has no eff ect on injury prevention. You might think, “Well, at least stretching before competition will help my performance.” I’m sorry to say that this is also likely not the case. In fact, studies have shown that there can be up to a 2%-5% LOSS in muscle power and force production following acute stretching. Th e relevance of this is not signifi cant for someone who is simply seeking to live a fi t and active lifestyle. However, in instances of athletic competition, where inches and split-seconds matter, there could be a very relevant loss of performance when compared to not stretching prior to competition.

In contrast to the fi ndings for acute stretching, the results of regular stretching routines seem to have some benefi ts. A few studies have been performed to identify to eff ect of regular stretching on injury risk. Each of the studies showed a clinically signifi cant reduction in injury risk. However, these results failed to reach a level of statistical signifi cance, meaning that more research is needed to determine if a true benefi t exists. Where the real benefi t of regular stretching exists is in performance enhancement. In fact, the results of regular stretching routines are opposite of the eff ects of acute stretching. A mild improvement of 2%-5% in muscle force and power production has been noticed aft er a regular stretching routine is performed over several weeks. Again, these modest diff erences can account for a relevant diff erence in on-fi eld performance.

Depending on your goals, stretching exercise can be a very valuable part of your training routine. If you are committed to long-term performance enhancement, then a regular stretching routine is a must. However, I’m afraid that the days of partner stretching before your football game to prevent injuries need to end…unless, of course, you are looking to give your opponent an edge. M

Adam Risinger is a Physical Th erapist at Rehab, Etc.

by ADAM RISINGER

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40 | Memphis Sport

Runners, walkers, hikers and most fi tness enthusiasts know that comfortable gear makes exercise more enjoyable. What you might not realize is that your workout wardrobe can be hazardous to your health. If you’re still wearing a beat-up pair of running shoes, it might be time to make a new purchase.

Checking for Wear and TearYou can usually fi nd tell-tale signs of too much wear just by looking at the shoe.

“Check for signs of pronation or supination,” says professional shoe-fi tter, Kara Wall. “If you fi nd wear and tear on the outer heels and inner balls of your foot on your shoe, you probably pronate. Th is means that you strike the ground with the outside of your heel and roll your forefoot in when you run or walk.”

Pronation is usually a sign of a fallen arch, which can be easily controlled with arch support inserts or shoes that specifi cally control pronation. Supination is the reverse problem and can be controlled with fi rm support on both sides of your shoe. Look for shoes with a good amount of rubber support on the inner and outer edges that cups your foot and keeps you from rolling your forefoot outward as you’re running.

Finding a Good FitWhen it’s time to buy new shoes, consistency is key. Try and simulate the conditions in which you’ll wear your shoes. Wear the same socks you’d wear on a long run and tie your laces and tight as you would before a run. Before you stand up, kick your heels on the fl oor. When you stand, make sure your weight is evenly distributed and have someone check the length of the shoe.

“You should comfortably be able to wiggle your toes—as if they were playing the piano—and there should be a half-to-full thumb nail’s length between your longest

toe and the end of the shoe,” says Wall.

Women’s feet are commonly narrower at the heel and wider at the forefront while men’s feet are more likely to be the same width throughout. Regardless of your individual shape, remember that the shape of your shoe should roughly match the shape of your foot. You want your shoe to fi t your foot, not the other way around.

“Th e most common mistake people make when they buy shoes is that they buy the same size every time without re-measuring,” says Wall. Th ere is no standardization of shoe sizes, so while you may need a 9.5 in one brand or style of shoe, you may wear a 9 or even 10.5 in another.

An investment in a good pair of shoes can make a big diff erence in your performance and a big impact on the health of your feet. Th ere’s a diff erence between “warn-in” and “worn-out.” Kick your worn-out running shoes to the curb. Wearing bad shoes can seriously aff ect your body while you run, walk or hike, leading to discomfort and possibly injury.

Dos & Don’tsDon’t put your shoes in the washing machine. Th is breaks down the structure of the shoes. Your shoes may look better on the outside, but the integrity of the inside is destroyed. If you’re shoes are fi lthy, wash them with soapy water and stuff newspapers in them to help keep their shape as they air dry.

Don’t continue wearing a pair of shoes that are turning your toenails black. Th is bruising means your shoes are too small and can lead to blisters and compromise your performance.

Do make the best of your buys. Many people wear their running shoes every day. But, to prolong the life of your shoes, buy one pair strictly for exercise and another for day-to-day wear. M

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TAILGATING

the 10th Annualthe 10th Annual

SPORTS BALLSPORTS BALLbenefitting Big Brothers Big Sistersbenefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters

of Greater Memphis, Inc.of Greater Memphis, Inc.

1. Brett Donnals, Jennifer Donnals, Barbara Standing, and Ken Hudson

2. Dave Cera and Donna Dearon

3. Chris and Kris Amen

4. Robin Harwell

5. LaCara Black and Tarence Kinsey

6. Katie Land and Natalia Leigh

7. Allison Bloodworth and Melody Usdan

8. Candice Bonner and Yolanda Webb

9. Reginald Webb 10. Jon Roser

11. Stacy Addison and Nick Harmeier

12. Michael Donahue

July 21, 2007 photos by SEAN DAVIS

by JACK EATON

JACK’S BACK

Back in 1960 the Tigers football program was coming of age. Billy “Spook” Murphy had a couple of years under his belt as head coach and he had a quarterback who could–and did–play with the best of them. His name was James Earl Wright. As a sophomore in 1959 James Earl caught the fancy of Tiger fans. He wasn’t especially fast and his arm wasn’t the strongest but when he rolled out the fans stood up expecting thrilling results. Against Alabama, Wright scored the tying TD only to have the offi cials dis-allow the score. It scared the Tide so badly they didn’t play the Tigers again for 20 years.

Tiger fans were primed for the 1960 season and fi rst up were the mighty Rebels of Ole Miss. Th ey were ranked number one in the nation. Ole Miss was favored by 32 points. It was going to be a runaway. But no one told the Tigers.

Ole Miss took the opening kickoff and returned to their own 20. Enter Jake Gibbs, the Rebels All-American quarterback. Gibbs was set to show the Tigers how it was done. But on the very fi rst play from scrimmage, Gibbs rolled out and aimed a pass at Johnny Brewer, but the ball bounced off his shoulder pad into the hands of Tiger cornerback, John Griffi n who quickly returned it for a Tiger TD.

Ole Miss quickly drove down the fi eld and tied it up at 7-7.

Th e game settled down to a punting contest. Neither team could get much going. Th en a break for the Tigers. Ole Miss fumbled at their own 34-yard line and Wright took over. He gained 10 yards on a keeper and then passed to freshman Charlie Killett for a TD.

It marked the fi rst time Memphis State had ever scored twice against Ole Miss and it was also the fi rst time since the 1958 Tennessee game that anyone had scored twice against the Rebs.

Th e Rebels took the next kickoff and Gibbs went to work. He guided Ole Miss on an 80 yard drive for the TD. Ole Miss scored again before the half and they led 19-14 at halft ime.

I did the radio play-by-play and I vividly remember the excitement in the press box. Little ‘ol Memphis State still in the ball game against mighty Ole Miss. Was an upset at hand? For sure, MSU was not the least bit intimidated by the number one

team in the nation…

Th e Tigers defense tightened up in the third quarter. Ole miss was unable to get past it’s own 47 yard line and fans sensed that the Tigers were waiting for a break. Th at’s just what happened.

Jerry Bell intercepted a Jake Gibbs pass deep in Rebel territory. Th e Tigers couldn’t move the ball and went for a fi eld goal. Wright fumbled the snap but picked the ball up and passed to Charlie Killett for a TD and the 3rd quarter lead, 20-19.

I remember the score on the Associated Press Ticker: Memphis State 20, Ole Miss 19 3Q (correct)–Nobody would have believed it with out the “correct.”

A blocked kick in the 4th quarter was the turning point. Ole Miss recovered deep in Tiger territory and it only took James “Hoss” Anderson three cracks at the Tigers defense to score. Art Doty added a fi nal Ole Miss TD and the Tigers lost–fi nal score, 31-20.

Th e game taught us three things. One, the Tigers could play with anybody. Two, the Rebels had better watch out the next time they came to Memphis. And three, it marked the emergency of James Earl Wright as a household name in Memphis. Wright was named the AP national back of the week for his play. He ran and passed and outplayed the great Jake Gibbs.

Th e Tigers were 8 and 2 in 1960 and Wright was the star of the show – no doubt about that. Everyone looked forward to 1961.

James Earl fi nished his career at MSU with all of the passing records but in the years since all those records have been broken many times over. Wright suff ered a career ending knee injury on Oct. 31, 1961. Shortly before his surgery, Time Magazine described Wright “the key man in the Tigers attack… the most dangerous back in the South…. the sturdy 6 footer is the ideal split T quarterback.”

James Earl Wright has long since passed into history and not many Tiger fans remember him, but those who do will say–He was the noblest Tiger of them all. M


The University of Memphis is a basketball school, everyone knows that! Two Elite 8’s in a row, the nation’s longest winning streak, unbeaten in conference play-regular season and post-season tournament. A year ago the Tigers had two NBA fi rst round draft picks; yes the U of M is a basketball school. But it hasn’t always been like that. Let me take you back…

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Memphis Sport September/October 2008

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Transcript of Memphis Sport September/October 2008