Fall 2009 Issue

Built byKINGS

CONTENTSFall 2009

Volume 4, Number 2

PUBLISHER

Mike Bullard 901.229.4749 [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR

Kevin Cerrito [email protected]

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS

Ken BillettJack EatonAndy FisherJan Michael HartelustAndre JohnsonSarah MatthewsChris PrzybyszewskiKim SperosKevin TackettJeff WhitefISH

CONTRIBUTINGPHOTOGRAPHERS

Sharon BicksChase GustafsonJD MeredithMichael NorrisAshley Tackett

MEMPHIS SPORT

1138 N. Germantown Pkwy Ste. 101-176Cordova, TN 38016

memphissport.nettwitter.com/memphissport.net

©Copyright 2009 Memphis Sport Magazine LLC, All rights reserved

Publisher’s Note

Nothin’ but Net

Starting Five

Bring It On

Live Debate

FoodForum

Grillin’

All-Stars

Hall of Legends

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

28

Memphis Made

Power Train

Gym Class

Treadmill Tunes

Get Fit With...

Love and Birdies

Fun n’ Games

Tailgating

Jack’s Back

30

32

34

35

36

38

40

42

44

24 Tommy TigerTommy Tiger

1818 Nationwide Race Brings Attendance Nationwide Race Brings Attendance InsuranceInsurance

20 20 Kings for a CauseKings for a Cause

2 | Memphis Sport

I know, I know. I should be. I am the publisher of the only all-sports publication in the Mid-South. But I am excited about Memphis sports for a diff erent reason.

Because the Memphis community is getting excited about Memphis sports.

Sports are an escape and maybe in these tough economic times, the people of the Memphis community are looking for a little bit more of an escape.

Skatelife Memphis is pushing for a skate park on Mud Island. Th is push for a world-class skate facility has gotten a large amount of support recently.

Mixed-martial arts got a boost last year when Tennessee legalized the sport. Th ree or four diff erent MMA organizations have started or held events in Memphis. Add to that the fact that the UFC along with “Rampage” Jackson will be making a trip to Memphis in December.

New ownership of the Raquet Club has breathed new life into the classic Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup as well as numerous other events held at the top-notch facility.

Th e Memphis Roller Derby is now more than 3 years old and is now a part of the national Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.

Justin Timberlake just spent a small fortune to build the fantastic new Mirimichi golf course in Millington.

Millington is now looking at the possibility of building a covered BMX venue that woud seat as many as 2,000 and could draw 100 events a year.

Speaking of Millington, though the sale of the Memphis Motorsports Park is in doubt, the park continues to prosper, and is pulling in top-name drivers for its fl agship event–the Kroger On Track for the Cure 250–in October.

First Tennessee Fields is still on track to build a basketball, hockey and fi tness facility on 28 acres adjacent to the baseball fi elds in Cordova.

Th en, there are the great yearly events like the St. Jude Classic, the Southern Heritage Classic, the National Youth Baseball Championships and the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

And I haven’t even mentioned the likes of the Redbirds, Grizzlies, RiverKings and Tigers.

So, yes, I am excited about Memphis sports. But I guess I am more excited about the future of Memphis sports. And from where we sit right now, the future is looking like a lot of fun.

– Mike Bullard, publisher

oking like a lot of fun.

ike Bullard, publisher

PPublishheer’s NoteTh e obligatory rant.

I am excited about Memphis sports.

www.memphissport.net | 3

4 | Memphis Sport

Southern Times, Girls and Sports

– From “Farve’s Legacy is Further Tarnished” posted by Ryne E. Hancock:

It was sort of like when Herenton left offi ce as mayor, who ironically became mayor the same year that Favre made his debut in Green Bay. Although I’m not and never will be a fan of Herenton, you had to realize that the big shoes they left for someone else to fi ll.

But, and this is the case with people who hold on to something too long, Favre couldn’t bring himself to be just a spectactor nor a middle-aged guy staying in shape with high schoolers in southern Mississippi...

While I never cared what Favre did or didn’t do, I feel that his constant desire to continue playing, like Herenton’s desire to run for mayor of Memphis, is driving fans crazy.

No doubt, Favre is a certain Hall-of-Famer, but his story, like Herenton’s is the classic example of holding on too long and when the schtick gets tiresome, the good things that he did are further overshadowed by his selfi sh desires.

Selfi sh desires that could screw up what could be a promising season in Minnesota.

Just ask the Jets.

The Grizz Fan – From “Entertainment on a Budget” by

Mark Jenkins:

Here is my list of my ‘must see’ home games this year.

October 17 - Detroit Pistons: It’s the Grizzlies home opener. Th ese game

Nothin’ but NetNothin’ but NetHighlights from memphissport.net.


are generally fun and it’s your fi rst chance to see the much improved Grizz squad in (meaningful) action. It could also set tempo for the rest of the season and I like our chances of pulling out a ‘W’ in this game.

October 30 - Toronto Raptors: Because I don’t have any other choice in October and I’m sure the Grizzlies marketing department will run some promo for half price tickets if you wear a Halloween costume.

What I’m Angry About This Week –

From “I’m Angry About Victoria’s Secret” by Mike Bullard:

Victoria’s Secret recently released a line of collegiate apparel. Notably absent – the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi.

Well, they could only include 33 teams in their line for some reason and I guess Memphis and Ole Miss just weren’t big enough sellers for VS. But somehow they managed to include schools like Howard, Binghampton, FAMU, NC A&T and Southern.

I am pretty sure you won’t be seeing Binghampton in the Final Four next year or Howard in a BCS Bowl.

Get on the ball VS! M

Read the latest M Reports, browse issue archives, listen to Memphis Sport Live and much more at the new beta veraion of memphissport.net.

5 QUESTIONS WITH 5 QUESTIONS WITH FANTASY LAPIDESFANTASY LAPIDES

Starting FiveStarting FiveFive lists of fi ve.

6 | Memphis Sport

FIVE favorite pieces of Lawlerslationfor more visit search.twitter.com and search for “lawlerslation”

1. Presented by Shane Adamstwitter.com/shaneofmemphis

“A fi libuster is now legal - as long as someone has their foot on thebottom rope.” 1:34 PM Aug 20th

2. Presented by Joey Hacktwitter.com/lawcomic

“Chair budget increased dueto expected us of them tosmash on the heads of vocalopponents during various meetings.” 1:41 PM Aug 20th

3. Presented by Chris Davistwitter.com/PeskyFly

“All losers of city wide electionsmust have their heads shaved beforeleaving town.” 12:11 PM Aug 20th

4. Presented by Stephen Coopertwitter.com/nufaxson

“All budget surplus money will be stored in two jukeboxes, one for city and one forcounty.”12:55 PM Aug 20th

5. Presented by Edward Valibustwitter.com/valibus

“All vehicle inspections to beheld at Dunn’s Transmission.”1 PM Aug 20th

FIVE other things Derrick Rose should have had someone else do for him1. Get in a fi ght with Steven Black.

2. Hold a press conference about theSAT scandal.

3. Pose in pictures with Antonio Anderson at parties.

4. Pick his diet.

5. Play the last two minutes of regulation in the Kansas game.

If you were stuck on a desert island with only three things... what would they be?

A soft -shell crab poor boy from Mr. B’s, a tin of Cashew Crunch from Dinstuhl’s, and my cell phone in case Archie Manning calls me back.

Which is better food - Mr. B’s or the Cupboard?

Th at’s like picking a favorite team between the Cardinals and the Tigers. Frankly, it’s impossible.

What is the worst tchotchke you ever gave away on trivia?

A Memphis Maniax media guide autographed by Jim Druckenmiller.

What do you think of Coach John Calipari now?

Cal’s a slick one, there’s no doubt about it. He’s slicker than the sausage casings used by the fi ne folks at the Fineberg packing company – makers of Starling label products.

What is the biggest difference between Fantasy Lapides and Reality Lapides?

With that wardrobe from Oak Hall, Reality Lapides is a much snazzier dresser.

A parody of the longest running sports personality on Memphis radio, Fantasy Lapides can be found at twitter.com/fantasylapides. Memphis Sport caught up with Fantasy Lapides through anonymous communication. Th ese are real answers fr om a fantasy radio host. Note: Th is photo may or may not be an accurate representation of Fantasy Lapides.


FIVE things that will happen before the U of M football team wins C-USA and plays in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl

M i n d . B o d y . S p i r i t . 9 01. 76 5 . 4 6 0 0 w w w. b r i a r c r e s t . c o m

B A L A N C EBriarcrest’s well-rounded education prepares students

to be in the world, not of it. In seeking Christ, they find balance

in academics, arts, athletics and more importantly, in life.

Discover how a balanced education can prepare not

only your child’s mind, but their body and spirit as well.1. Th e men’s basketball team will sell out the entire season playing outdoorsat the Liberty Bowl.

2. Th e Liberty Bowl will bedemolished.

3. Th e Showboats will return.

4. Reality Lapides will befriend Fantasy Lapides.

5. Adriana Lima will attend a Grizzlies game.

1. Drive-in movie theater.

2. Adventure River 2.

3. Willie H. Herenton museum.

4. Th e world’s largest cell phonetower.

5. A mud wrestling ring.

FIVE other things to build on Mud Island in addition to building a Sk8 park

Deescribe yourr first experience waalking thoouugh the Grove. My dadd toook me when I wwas little. It was overwhelming.

WWhat wouldd yyou do on your iddeal night ouut in Oxford? Goo to eat at Ajax.. ThTh en have coff ee on the ballcony of Squaree Boooks. Th en go to a bar.

WWhat is one wword that best deescribes yoou? Sarcastic.

WWhat is one wword that best deescribes Jeevaan Snead? Talented.

Onn a scale oof oone to ten, how greeatt is Tiim Tebow? Eigght… because I think he is ovverrrated..

Diid you dancee at the presidentiaal deebate last yeear? No. Th ey didn’t let us dance at thee deebate. But, we danced on Th e Early Show wwhenn they were here.

WWhat do youu llike to eat at the moovies? Cinnaamon sugar pretzels.

Doo you everr geet Raisinetes? Yes.

Is it your drreaam to be a Rockettee? Noo, but I would ttry oout for them.

WWould you rratther play roulettee orr the clarinnet? Roulette.

WWhy do you thhink Ole Miss fell tto Noo. 3 on thee paarty school list? I thiink it was becauuse we are a smaller school.

WWhat is your ffavorite party drrink? Baileyss annd Diet Coke. If you havven’t tried it, doo soo immediately.

8 | Memphis Sport

BRING IT ONA simple formula - one cheerleader, questions and answers.

D

by KKEVIN CERRIRITOTO phooto by RICK MAMAARRSHALL

StephanieOLE MISS REBELETTEOLE MISS REBELETTE


LOC

10 | Memphis Sport

Live DebateKevin and Jan Michael go head-to-head.evin and Jan ichael go head to head.

WHICH “FIRST” WOULD BE BETTER FOR TIGER FOOTBALL THIS SEASON:

BEATING UT FOR THE FIRST

TIME EVER IN KNOXVILLE OR

EARNING A FIRST-EVER TRIP TO

THE AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL?

Featuring Kevin Cerrito and Jan Michael Hartelust, hosts of Memphis

Sport Live, Sundays on Sports 56 WHBQ and online at memphissport.net.

KEVIN: Th is is easy… Th e Tigers technically have the opportunity to earn a trip to the Liberty Bowl every season. It is not every year the Tigers play the Vols.

JAN MICHAEL: True, but a win over the Vols doesn’t mean a successful season. If the Tigers can make it to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, it means that they’ve successfully run through a diffi cult conference schedule.

KEVIN: Wait… there is a diffi cult Conference USA schedule?

JAN MICHAEL: Funny, but it’s actually true. And given the Tigers’ lack of success in the conference, I’d say it’s always diffi cult for them. Th is year, they play at Southern Miss and fi nish the season at Houston and at Tulsa. All of those teams will be vying for the C-USA title.

KEVIN: Tiger football needs some energy right now. Fans need a reason to care. Who do Tiger fans brag to if they win the C-USA championship? Rice fans?

JAN MICHAEL: Th e best way to get people to care is to actually compete in conference and go to the Liberty Bowl. Th e fans need to see that this team can be more than just a one-game wonder.

KEVIN: Even if this year’s Memphis team went undefeated, the program’s problems are not going away.

JAN MICHAEL: I’m not saying all of the problems will be fi xed by going to the Liberty Bowl, but it would be

a much bigger step than one win over UT. How did that go for the Tigers team that beat Peyton Manning?

KEVIN: Th at win got the city excited. Bars and restaurants across town still have the front page of the next day’s newspaper hanging on the wall. Memphis fans think C-USA is an inferior league. Being best in C-USA means nothing to Tiger Nation. Being best in the state means much more.

JAN MICHAEL: Th at’s ridiculous. I guarantee you that nine out of ten Tiger fans would prefer a C-USA championship and a winning season to beating UT. One game does not make a season or a program. Th e front page aft er beating Manning’s Vols didn’t turn the program around. Th e only way to do that is to win consistently.A seven or eight win season with this schedule would be showing the fans this team can compete in this league, inferior or not.

KEVIN: A fi rst ever win over UT at Neyland Stadium would have fans ecstatic about an upset. A fi rst ever trip to the Liberty Bowl would have the Memphis athletic department trying to sell the illusion that what they are doing now with Tiger football is a formula for success. Th e last thing Tiger football needs is to create confusion

TIGER FOOTBALL NEEDS SOME

ENERGY RIGHT NOW

10 | Memphis Sport


over the state of the program. Th e team’s non-conference schedule is terrible, the funding is lacking, the facilities are subpar, and they get blown out at bowl games named aft er sponsors you’ve never heard of.

JAN MICHAEL: I’m not going to say that the U of M’s athletic department knows what they’re doing, but they could be forced to see the football program in a diff erent light if the team won a conference championship. And

what would be better for Tommy West to sell to potential recruits? “Hey, we beat UT once,” or “Hey, we won a championship.” Coach Benedict Arnold Calipari didn’t start turning anything around until he started dominating C-USA.

KEVIN: Coach Benedict Arnold also knew he had to have a great non-conference schedule and the support from the athletic department.

JAN MICHAEL: You’re nuts if you think Coach Arnold would have been able to get the type of recruits he got just by beating one good team a season and not even competing in C-USA.

KEVIN: We won’t get into how Coach Arnold got his recruits. It was much more complicated than just winning C-USA.

JAN MICHAEL: Ha. Nobody wants to get into all that. M

Kevin Cerrito and Jan MichaelHartelust can be heard every Sunday at 3pm on Sports 56 WHBQ. Podcastsof the broadcasts can be found online at the new beta version of memphissport.net

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Call901.767.4466

12 | Memphis Sport

FoodForumWhere sports collide with beer and food.

Huey’s remains a mystery to me. Not that I’m mystifi ed by the food. Th e food is always delicious. To me, the mystery is the toothpicks. How do they ascend to the ceiling? I’ve certainly tried. I was instructed clearly on how to shoot one into the ceiling through a straw. I missed. I missed repeatedly. Like a bad gymnast, I couldn’t stick the landing. Instead of the ceiling, they landed in a poor kid’s thigh while he was munching on a cheese and sausage plate. He received medical treatment, and I received a delicious burger, beer, and great service. Despite my toothpick shooting defi ciencies, I always have a great time at Huey’s.

Th ere’s always something to look at or to do at Huey’s. If

you are unlike me and are able to get those toothpicks into the ceiling, I hear that it provides hours and hours of endless entertainment. If toothpicks aren’t your thing, bring a marker and express yourself on the walls. Tell someone you were here, proclaim your love for what will be a short-lived relationship, or quote the greats such as Wordsworth, Hemmingway and Lil’ Wayne. If you don’t like to read, have no worries. Local sports programming is played continually on many television sets around the restaurant. I happened to catch the end of a Cardinals game aft er applying pressure to the wound of the young lad I had impaled with toothpicks.

Even though this city is loaded with barbeque joints, each

boasting a great cheese and sausage plate, Huey’s has my absolute favorite, hands down! My table also shared some killer cheese fries that were gone in 60 seconds. And just because we were feeling gluttonous, we also ordered the fried mushrooms. If you want great, glorious, guilt-ridden goodness, then Huey’s is the place for you.

Th e mini-burger craze (although some call them sliders for an

odd reason unbeknownst to me) is alive and well in the U.S. and it is has come to Huey’s. Huey’s has, by far, the best sliders I have ever had the honor of sliding down my gullet. I ordered the Miner’s Trio. Th ree miniature treats graced my plate, cheddar and bacon, pepper jack and jalapeño, and swiss and mushroom, respectively. And while I love me some steak fries, I couldn’t turn down onion rings to complete my meal. Huey’s has the best onion rings in the Mid-South! I invited the young, wounded lad over to my table to enjoy these onion rings with me as a token of apology.

Huey’s has some great beers on tap, but there is one in particular

that must receive a shout out. Next time you are there for the great apps

and burgs, wash it down with a Ghost River Ale. My waiter informed me that it was brewed by the good people at Bosco’s. It is a fantastic pale ale with

great hops and fl avor. Quite frankly, it’s like the nectar of the gods if you’re a beer drinker, and if you’re reading this magazine, odds are you’ve been known to drink the stuff . If you’re not into the pale ale, there is plenty more to choose from for a great price. I explained to the injured child that he had much to look forward to here at Huey’s once he turned 21 (besides, of course, being punctured by random toothpicks shot by a tall, boyish stranger).

Some of the best service in the city can be enjoyed at Huey’s. Th e

waiters are always friendly, prompt, and the orders are never incorrect. My favorite aspect of the culture at Huey’s is that they keep you hydrated. I asked

sld

So Much More thanSo Much More than Burgers and Toothpicks Burgers and Toothpicks

by JEFF WHITE


for a refi ll on my water, and I got a carafe of icy water. In fact, carafes

fi lled the table. We were never parched, and the beverages fl owed abundantly as if fl owing from Mt. Olympus itself. I mean, this meal was heavenly! Th e cheese and sausage plate and the burgers = ambrosia. Th e Ghost River Ale = Nectar of the Gods. Service = royal treatment and fl owing beverages. What else could anyone ask for?

We all know that Huey’s is a Memphis staple. People go there because they want the best burger in town, but when they arrive they get much more than that. Th is is a restaurant that loves Memphis and that Memphis residents love in turn. Large groups of people are always there at anytime of day. It’s a perfect place for families, sports fans, college students and toothpick lovers alike. Th ey all come to enjoy the great atmosphere, food and service. And, of course, there’s me… trying desperately not to injure anyone while shooting toothpicks into the air. Maybe one day I’ll stick the landing. M

No children were harmed in the writing of this article. Jeff White is a contributor to Memphis Sport Live on Sports 56 WHBQ. Podcasts of the broadcasts can be found online at memphissport.net.

Grillin’Read this and make it taste better.

14 | Memphis Sport

Have you ever gone to one of those fancy, hippie dippie grocery stores, bought some expensive piece

of fi sh, and taken it home with aspirations of sweeping your girl off her feet by making an amazing meal only to have it turn out to be

an awful mess? Me too. Don’t worry, Memphis Sport is here to help. Dating is a sport, right?

First off , let’s talk fi sh. We have all been in one of those pricy grocery stores advertising “Fresh Mahi” or “Fresh Yellow Fin Tuna” and tried to decide how best to spend our $20 to impress. Well here’s a little secret. It ain’t fresh. How could mahi be fresh in Memphis on a Saturday? Fact is, it was probably caught somewhere out in Hawaii a week ago.

Instead of spending all your hard earned money from your Fantasy Football league on something

supposedly fresh six days ago, the way to go

is to look around in your frozen food section and see what they have to off er.

My local store has mahi, sockeye, salmon, grouper, and other fi sh that have been fl ash frozen and vacuum sealed for maximum goodness.Th is is the way to go my friends.

You’ll save enough bucks to spring for that bottle of white wine that will have her thinking you actually know what you’re doing.

Th is month’s recipe is simple and easy, but don’t tell her that. It tastes like it came off the menu at Chez Phillippe. When you want to impress someone with your culinary talent, try this. Enjoy! M

GRILLIN’ TIP #41 Tired of hamburgers and hot dogs? Try grillin’ out some fi sh. Girls will love it!

by KEVIN TACKETT AND ANDY FISHER food photos by ASHLEY TACKETT trophy photo courtesy MEMPHIS IN MAY

14141 || | M Mememempphhiis Sport

Haveee yyou ever gone to ooonee of those fancy, hiipppppiie dippie grocery sststorores, bought some exexpensive piece

ee with aspirations of r feet by making an ve it turn out to be

Don’t worry, Memphisng is a sport, right?

have all been in one of vertising “Fresh Mahi” nd tried to decide how

press. Well here’s a littleuld mahi be fresh inct is, it was probably awaii a week ago.

ur hard earned money tball league on somethindays ago, the way to go

d of hamburgeiinn’ out some fi

by KKKEEVIN TACKETT Afooddd pphotos by ASHLEYroppphhyhy photo courtesy M

HHH

offf fi fifi shh, and takenen i itt t hohohomemesssweeepipipingng y youourr gigirlrl offff herammmaazziing meal only to hav

an aawwful mess? Me too. DSpooortt is here to help. Datint

FFFirsttt ooff , let’s talk fi sh. We hthhhoseee ppricy grocery stores advooor “FFrFreesh Yellow Fin Tuna” anbbbest ttoo spend our $20 to impsssecreeet.. It ain’t fresh. How couMMMemmmpphis on a Saturday? Facccaaughhhtt somewhere out in Ha

IInI steeaad d of spending all youfromomm yyour Fantasy Foot

suupppposedly fresh six d

Tiirreeddggrillllii

bffottr

Kevin Tackett is one half of the Baby Back Grillers barbecue team. Th e Baby Back Grillers won First Place Ribs in the 2009 Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.


You’ll Need:2 frozen mahi fi llets1 baked potatoSeveral squash1/2 sweet vidalia onion1 minced clove of garlic2 tablespoon of capers1/4 stick of butter1 lemonOlive oil, salt, pepper1 bottle of white wine1 healthy appetite

Th aw frozen mahi in cold water. Rub mahi with olive oil, salt, pepper.

Place the fi sh back in freezer for 10 min. Th is will help fi sh fi rm up and handle better on the grill. Cook mahi on med heat 3 min. on each side keeping grill closed. Fish will cook internally on the plate.

Sauce: Dice 1/2 sweet onion saute until translucent. Add 1 minced clove garlic, add 2tbs capers, 2 cups Chardonnay or Riesling, reduce by half. Take off heat and add 1/4 stick butter and the juice of one lemon.

Taters: Cut taters into wedges. Rub with olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat, turning oft en for about 25 min.

Squash: Cut squash into long thin pieces. Rub with salt and pepper. Place into freezer for about 10 min. Place on medium heat, turning once. Takes about 8 min. Don’t let it get too soft .

GRILLIN’ TIP #41 GRILLED MAHI GRILLED MAHI MAHI WITH MAHI WITH SQUASH AND SQUASH AND TATER LOGSTATER LOGS

16 | Memphis Sport16 | Memphis Sport

All-StarsAll-StarsTh e very best of prep athletics.

Senior BLAKE MYERS was a busy man last year. Playing competitive baseball for years seems to have paid off , as Blake was able to help lead his St. Benedict Eagles team to its fi rst appearance in a state championship and a Division II State Runner-up fi nish. Last season Blake was named to the All-Region, All-Region Tournament and All-Metro teams as well as being named SBA’s Best Off ensive Player 2009. He has recently committed to play with the U of M Tigers baseball team.

Th ough DJ MCNEIL has been playing football for nine years, last year was his fi rst at Briarcrest and he certainly made an impact, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. Th ose numbers could have been even better had D.J. not been missed two regular season games due to injury. D.J. also excels in the classroom as well with a 3.1 GPA. He is hoping to play his college football in the SEC.

In the fi ve years MEGAN JOHNSON spent on the fi eld for the Lausanne girls varsity soccer team, Megan Johnson scored 74 goals and notched a whopping 214 assists. She was also showered with numerous accolades during her career with the Lady Lynx including three All-State selections and two Commercial Appeal Best of Preps. Head Coach Spencer Lynch said Megan is a “fantastic ambassador for Lausanne Collegiate School and soccer in general.” Megan will be trying out for the girl’s soccer team at the University of Arkansas.

SPEED KILLSSPEED KILLS by JAN MICHAEL HARTELUST

Heading into her senior season at Hutchison, there is little that CAROLINE WEBB has yet to accomplish. Th e two-time All-Metro,

All-Region and All-Region Tournament selection came out of the gates early in her soccer career by scoring fi ve goals in one game against St.

Mary’s as a sophomore – a mark that stands third in the TSSAA record books. Th ough she considers speed to be her best attribute, an opinion

backed up by being an All-State sprinter as well, Caroline has continued to work on her game during the off -season.

“I have been working hard this summer on my foot skills, but my speed is defi nitely my best attribute,” Webb says.

Th ere were no seniors on the Hutchison roster last season, which gives Caroline and her teammates a reason to by optimistic about making it to state

this year – one of her main goals before she graduates.

She has not yet decided on a college, but Caroline knows what she is looking for in the university she ultimately chooses to attend. “I want to end up at the school

where I feel most comfortable,” Webb says. “If I can play sports at the school that I love, that would make it so much better.”


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18 | Memphis Sport1818 || M Mememphphisis S Spoportrt

Th e Kroger ‘On Track for the Cure’ 250, part of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will feature Kyle Busch and Karl Edwards – who currently sit fi rst and second, respectively, in the Nationwide Series points standings – as well as 2003 Sprint Cup Series Champion and reigning Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth. Doug Franklin, public relations director for Memphis Motorsports Park which is owned by Dover Motorsports, says the big names will only make an already great race even better.

“It’s just an added treat,” Franklin says. “Th e fans can come out and see some really exciting racing and basically be sitting right on top of the action.”

MATT KENSETH - 18 Sprint Cup wins, 24 Nationwide Series wins

Th e seating at the tri-oval does put fans right in the action and allows them to see the entire track from any spot in the stands.

“Th e fans don’t have to look at a jumbotron to see any of the action,” Franklin says. “It’s all right there in front of them and with the track being as tight as it is, there is a lot of rubbing and paint swapping going on.”

Th e KNASand Krespeas weDaytpublwhicnam

“It’s jcomebasicc

MAwin

Th e sin thentir

“Th eof thofofof this aaa lo

MATT KENSETH #16

Race Brings Attendance InsuranceRNationwide

Loud cars blazing through the turns of a 3/4-mile tri-oval track at blistering speeds won’t be the only reason for racing fans to make their way to Memphis Motorsports Park this October. Not only will fans get to see intense racing, but they will also see some of NASCAR’s biggest names behind the wheels.

by JAN MICHAEL HARETLUSTphotos courtesy MEMPHIS SOTORSPORTS PARK

www.memphissport.net | 19wwwwww.memempmphissport.net | 199

CARL EDWARDS #60

KYLE BUSCH #18

KYLE BUSCH - 16 Sprint Cup wins, 27 Nationwide Series wins, 11 Camping World Truck Series wins

Having big-name drivers on the track makes that kind of racing all the more compelling, but there are other reasons as well. Busch, Kenseth and Edwards will be pulling double duty that weekend, racing in Memphis on that Saturday and then fl ying to Virginia to race at Martinsville Speedway. While Busch and Edwards will most likely be in Memphis to qualify their cars (they both race a full schedule in the Nationwide Series), local driver Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. will practice and qualify Kenseth’s No. 16 car. Th at works out well for Stenhouse, who is from Olive Branch and is considered a talented up-and-coming driver, as he will get to show of his skills in front of some hometown fans. For Kenseth, however, it will make his race a little more diffi cult given that he will have to start at the back of the 45-car fi eld – even if Stenhouse gets the pole – since Kenseth will not be qualifying the car himself. But most experts expect the race to come down to Edwards and Busch, given the current points standings and with Edwards looking to repeat as champion.

CARL EDWARDS - Defending Champions of the Kroger ‘On Track for the Cure’ 250, 16 Sprint Cup wins, 22 Nationwide Series wins, 6 Camping World Truck Series wins

Dynamite racing and big names will certainly get people excited, but Memphis Motorsports Park is also a great venue to see up-and-coming drivers try to make their way. Edwards made his NASCAR Craft smen Truck debut at the park in 2002 before getting to the elite Sprint Cup level of racing. Th ough Stenhouse won’t be driving in the race, he will get an opportunity to work with Kenseth’s Roush Fenway Racing team, which will only help his chances to move up in the racing world.

Whether it’s hometown heroes or NASCAR elite, there are plenty of reasons to head out to Memphis Motorsports Park on October 24 for the Kroger ‘On Track for the Cure’ 250. Maybe Nationwide and the brains behind the biggest race in Memphis have delivered attendance insurance, but their will be no insurance for missing what is bound to be a classic race to the checkered fl ag this October. M

For more information about the Kroger ‘On Track for the Cure’ 250 or Memphis Motorsports Park visit memphismotorsportspark.com.

20 | Memphis Sport20202020200000200 | | | | | | M M M MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Memememememememememememmmemmememmememememphphphphphphphphphphphphphphphphphphphphphhphphhphphphphhiisisisisisiiisiisississssssssiisisssssssssisississsiiisisssssisisssssississsissiiisissiissisisssssissssssss SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SS SS SSSSSSSS S SSS SSSSSS SSSS SSSS SSSpppopoppopopopopopopopopopopoopoopopopopopoppopopopopoppopopopoopoopopopopopopooopoppopopopopopopopopopopoopppopppoop rrrrrrtrtrtrrrrrrtrrrrrtrrtrtrrrrrrrrrrrrrr20 | Memphis Sport


by Chris Przybyszewski photos by CHASE GUSTAFSON, BOB BAKKEN, WHITNEY RIVES

Ask Whitney Rives, Community Development Coordinator for the Mississippi RiverKings, what she thinks about community, and she’ll pause for a bit, thinking about her answers. Keep in mind that she will have started the interview with the caveat that she doesn’t do interviews very well. And then she pulls this out. “Community is an interesting word, depending on the way you use it,” she says, and then she continues to define how she uses it. “We have the inner community, which includes the fans themselves,” she says.“We sometimes refer to them as the RiverKings family because they have a thing in common they love. Th is builds community in the sense you have the chance to do something selfl ess for someone and they become better citizens. In the larger sense, the community involved, we’re helping people who don’t have the same advantages we have.“

So much for not knowing how to give an interview. In bare a few sentences, Rives manages to sum up the world of the RiverKings.

And, since many of our readers might not be familiar with them, the RiverKings are a hockey team, and they play in Southaven, right off Church Road, at the relatively new DeSoto Civic Center (maybe 20 minutes from Downtown Memphis).

It’s this area’s longest-standing sports franchise, having blessed our region since 1992. Th e existence of the franchise has

Built byKINGS


22 | Memphis Sport

the ‘doing-est’ people I have met,” says Riles, explaining her admiration for the people who make up the group.

According to Riles, the impact is two-fold. “It involves the players, so fans have personal contact with them,” she

says. “And it allows the fans to work in the community.” Denizens of Southaven are rarely surprised to see the distinctive gold, black, and green jerseys worn by towering athletes who are reading to students,

cleaning up a street, or doing various other good deeds.

Examples abound–Standard fare each RiverKings game is the puck toss, where fans purchase and toss ugly orange (part of the charm, I guess) pucks on the ice to win a price with all proceeds going to charity. Th e Kings recently adopted the DeSoto County Alternative Center/Magnolia school, bringing supplies to the classrooms, as well as hanging out with students.

Th e RiverKings have helped build houses through Habitat for Humanity, feature local nonprofi ts at every game (time that could be used for earning revenues by announcing advertisements), and bowl for dollars. RiverKings coach Kevin Kaminski recently gave a special pep talk to Sacred Heart Sixth Grader Patrick Dockery who was training to compete in the national spelling bee. Other charities include Assist for Autism, West Tennessee Border Collie Rescue, Ducks Unlimited, and SafeHaven.

Th e cumulative eff ect is signifi cant. Off the RiverKings website, “[We] made over $175,000 in direct donations and support to charitable organizations in northwest Mississippi, including tickets, merchandise, jersey auctions and other contributions.” Riles explains the RiverKings’ method of picking charities. “Mostly, we fi nd organizations that are doing a good job and we try to help them.”

If she keeps making quotes like that, Riles is going to have to admit she gives a pretty good interview aft er all. M

“They’re the ‘doing-est’ people I have met”

1 1 Assistant captain Louis Dumont off ers putting tips to Randy and Maxine Engel and Allison and Marygrove Gilbert on the 12th hole at the Ronald McDonald House Annual Celebrity Putt-Putt Tournament on June 27th at Golf and Games on Summer Avenue.

2 2 Mascot Sheldon gives the thumbs up sign aft er getting everyone off to a good start in the Elvis Run, Walk, Rock & Roll 5K race to benefi t United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South on August 15th.

5 5 Magnolia student Crystal Parker, 8, sits with team captain Derek Landmess-er, who visited with several students before distributing school supplies on August 20th as part of RiverKings With A Cause club’s participation in Adopt-A-School programs.

6 6 Mascot Sheldon tends the fl agstick for Kevin Parker during the Muscular Dystrophy Association charity golf tournament on August 10th. Th e an-nual tournament raises thousands of dollars for the local chapter every year.

3 3 Team captain Derek Landmesser mugs for the camera with Appling-wood Health Care Center resident and BINGO winner Dora Clemmons during a visit from the RiverKings for Celebrity Week at the skilled nursing facility on August 1st.

4 4 Aaron Waldo, 7, talks to “Coach” Louis Dumont aft er Dumont led Waldo and fellow campers in an energetic game of hockey during Camp BOLD, a summer day camp for chil-dren with autism. Th e camp was hosted by Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch on July 13th.

been largely successful –

actually, hugely – successful. To wit:

eleven playoff appearances (in only 17 seasons), fi ve trips

to the conference fi nals, three trips to the league fi nals, and two (back-

to-back, no less) league championships.

However, while the RiverKings are about success on the ice, they’re also about being steadfast and loyal citizens to the area. Enter “RiverKings with a Cause,” that Riles describes as “a fan based club that is RiverKings supervised. It’s an earmark of our fans and this region that our fans are community minded and they oft en want to participate, especially if there is a player involved. In order to do that, we felt the best thing to do is to give fans more say so in what is going on.”

Joining is a simple as fi lling out a form on the RiverKings’ website, paying a nominal fee, and then showing up for the next monthly meeting. Aft er that, it’s organize and get to work for a local charity the RiverKings have adopted. “Th ey’re

22 | Memphis Sport


11

22

33

44

55

66


24 | Memphis Sport

TOMMY TIGERHe has the third most victories

by a head coach in University

of Memphis football

history. He took the

Tigers to their fi rst bowl

appearance in 32 years. He

has sent numerous players

to the NFL. Now Tommy West

is ready to lead one of his most

talented Tiger squads to their fi rst

Conference USA Championship.

But before he does, the coach

that decided to stick around for

his 10th season talks about the

Ole Miss game, an on-campus

stadium and fantasy football.

H h h hi d i i

by JAN MICHAEL HARTELUSTphoto courtesy UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

24 | Memphis Sport


How talented do you think this team is and is there a particular position that stands out?

I think they’re talented. I think we’re more talented than a year ago and we fi nished one win away from playing in the championship game. So I think it’s a talented team. You know, I think wideout is pretty talented and I think our running backs are pretty talented. I like all three of our backs right now.

I’m sure it helps having Curtis Steele back after a great season last year.

Curtis is a really good football player. He’s just a really solid player. A real

intelligent player. He knows the down and distance. He knows when he’s

got to try and bounce it to get more yards. He knows when he’s

got to get up in there and get the fi rst down. Curtis does well

with the ball and does a lot of things without the ball.

Given the talent and just missing out

on the championship game last year, what

are your expectations for this season?

We want to get in our championship game. Th at’s our goal every year now. When we started here, our goal was to try to get to a bowl game. Now that we’ve been able to accomplish that on a consistent basis, our goal is to get in our championship game.

You have a number of transfers eligible to play this season. What kind of production do you expect from them?

It’s a way that we can get a more talented player. I think it’s a harder job for our coaches because it’s easier if you can grow them up in

your system. Th ese guys have been somewhere else. So we’ve got to do a really good job of getting these guys to play – getting them to play together.

How much do think it will help to have Duke Calhoun and Carlos Singleton on the fi eld at the same time this season?

It’ll help. We’ve got to take advantage of what they give us, but I think it’ll help. We’ve got to have two guys at that position. Th at’s our most important position. But Duke and Carlos still caught more balls than anybody on the team last season. So they got their balls. Like I’ve said, I can put them both on the fi eld at the same time, but there’s still only one football. But I do think that it creates more problems for the defense.

Do you think this is the year the 4-3 defense really asserts itself?

We made some progress, defensively, a year ago. If we can take another step then we’ll have a chance. I think this defense has to take another step. Th at’s the only way we’re going to get to the championship. We’ve been good enough on off ense, but we haven’t been good enough on defense.

You mention being able to grow recruits in your system. What is the best selling point for getting those recruits to the U of M?

Well, we win. Th at’s what I hear from them. Th at’s a good question because I always ask them ‘Why are you choosing

us?’ And they say ‘Because ya’ll win. Ya’ll win and you go to bowls.’ Th at’s been a big positive for us. Th e other thing is our city. We’ve got a city with things to do and places to go. Small college towns have their advantage, too. But I like being in the city.

In regard to the University, are there any traditions that stand out to you?

Unfortunately, we’re a football program that hasn’t had great tradition. I think the Highland Hundred is certainly a tradition because it’s been here for fi ft y years. When you’ve been able to sustain for that long, it’s certainly a tradition. I think our tiger is a tradition. Well we hadn’t been to a bowl in 32 years when we came in and it had been 27 years, I think, since we won seven games. So we’re trying to build tradition. Now I think going to bowls is a tradition. Five out of the last six years we’ve gone to a bowl, so that’s something we do

now. Th at’s a tradition.

How big has the Ole Miss game been for this program?

It’s a funny game. I love the game. I didn’t want the series to go away. I’d like to keep the

series. Although, it’s not a make or break game for either team. We’ve proved that. We’ve lost to them and had good years. Th ey lost to us back in maybe ’03 and won ten games. So it hasn’t been that type of game, but I think it’s a great opening game. It’s great for your fans. Maybe it’s even more important for your fans.

It’s been a very big game, attendance wise, for both teams as well.

is there a partposition that s

I think they’re talenmore talented than fi nished one win awin the championshipit’s a talented team. wideout is pretty talour running backs aI like all three of our

I’m sure it helpCurtis Steele bgreat season l

Curtis is a really gooHe’s just a really soli

intelligent player. Hand distance. He

got to try and bmore yards. H

got to get upfi rst down.

with the bof things

Givenand jus

on the cgame las

are your exfor this seas

We want to get in ogame. Th at’s our goaWhen we started heto try to get to a bowthat we’ve been ablethat on a consistent to get in our champ

You have a nutransfers eligibthis season. Wof production dexpect from th

It’s a way that we cantalented player. I thijob for our coaches beasier if you can gro

We’ve got a city with

things to do and places

to go. Small college

towns have their

advantage, too. But I

like being in the city.

26 | Memphis Sport

Yeah. I think we were number two in attendance for them last year. (Gets out his Ole Miss media guide) Let’s see. We were 57,000 for Auburn. So that was ahead of us. 55,000 for Mississippi State, so we outdrew that one.

You guys outdrew the Egg Bowl.

(Laughs) And that’s why the game is so good. It’s fan-friendly. It’s easy travel. It’s a great draw. And television loves it, you know? I kept saying that to them. ESPN dropped the Egg Bowl, but they keep wanting our game.

What would you like to see done to the Fairgrounds area around the Liberty Bowl?

I’d love to see them turn it into a park or something like that. Th ey’ve talked a lot about it. But if they could turn it into almost a rural-type setting of tailgate areas that would be good. And the room is there. I hope we can do that.

If that was to happen, do you think it would be better than having an on-campus stadium?

Well there certainly is more space there and we don’t have that. But I don’t think anything would take the place of an on-campus stadium. And the only reason I say that is because it’s just getting people on our campus. We don’t play basketball on our campus. We don’t play football here. We have a hard time getting people on our campus to know what we’re doing – know what we’re about. Th ere’s a lot of stuff going on here as far as building and things like that, but nobody really knows it. So I think it would help us. But right now I think we’ve got a better shot at getting something done around the Liberty Bowl than we do of getting an on-campus stadium.

Would playing in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl be the biggest thing to happen to the football program?

Yeah. I think at this time it would. I’ve tried really hard to sell our conference and get away from the mentality that we can make our season by beating an SEC school. Th at’s kind of my thing with the Ole Miss game. Th at would be a great game to win, but I’d rather win the league. I understand why our fans have had the mentality of the SEC games because that used to be all we had. We could make our year


by beating some of those guys. But now we’re in a conference and the way we’re going to move this thing is by being successful in our conference.

I’ll be sure to tell Kevin Cerrito your thoughts on this because we just had this debate, only it was about UT, and I couldn’t agree with you more.

You know, on that given Saturday beating UT would be great. Th e

euphoria of going to Knoxville and winning would be great since we’ve never done that. But in the long haul, for trying to continue to build to be a BCS school, there are more feathers in your hat for winning your league than winning one out-of-conference game.

You mention the conference. How do you feel about Conference USA? How does it stack up to other conferences and does it get the respect it may deserve?

Th e answer is probably no it doesn’t. We’ve got a great dilemma here because for us to get the respect, we’ve got to win some of these BCS games. Now here’s the problem though–in order to gain more national respect, we’re playing most of these games against the SEC. Th e SEC not only is separating from non-BCS, they’re separating from

the Big 12, the Pac-10, the Big Ten. When you look at a billion and a half TV contract, they’re separating from all of college football right now. And those are the guys we’re trying to keep up with. So in the long run, it’s probably making our league a little better, but it’s a hard fi ght right now. I’m just telling it like it is. It’s a hard fi ght.

What team in C-USA has the most dangerous offense? And you can’t say Memphis.

Houston. Whew, they’re good. Th ey can run it or throw it. Th at back’s pretty good, too.

What team has the best defense in C-USA? Again, you can’t say Memphis.

Th at’s who’ll win the league. Wow, well you’ve probably got to say East Carolina. Th ey were No. 1 a year ago and they’ve got a lot of them back.

Who was the best player you ever coached? Anywhere.

I would say DeAngelo Williams. I coached T.O. (Terrell Owens) at Chattanooga and he’s gone on to be a great player. He was a really good player at Chattanooga. I had some guys at Clemson, probably more defensive guys, like Levon Kirkland. But I’d say overall, DeAngelo Williams.

A lot of people say this is the year he really breaks out in the NFL.

Well I’ve said he’s a star in that league. Now they’re fi nally playing him and he’s proving it. He worries about yards per carry though. Th at’s all that matters to him. He led the league in yards per carry last season and didn’t make the Pro Bowl? Th at’s ridiculous.

Which player was the hardest to gameplan for?

Deion Sanders. He was at Florida State back when I was at Clemson. Punt returns, you know it was just impossible. Next would probably be Torry Holt when he was at NC State. In this league, I thought Chris Johnson from East Carolina was the hardest to defend because he could go inside and outside. Another guy I thought was really good was Kevin Kolb down at Houston. But we played good against him. We defended him pretty well. I’d say Chris Johnson.

You may have already tipped your hand on this one, but if you had the No. 1 pick in your NFL fantasy football league, who would you take?

Well, you’ve always got to look at the quarterbacks.

Well I took Tom Brady last year and that didn’t work out so well.

Yeah, turned out it wasn’t a good pick but it could’ve been. I’d pick DeAngelo because he’s my guy. But then my second pick would probably be Peyton Manning. It’s hard to go against him. But I think Brady’s hard to go against because he’s got a good cast and Belichick’s team always plays defense. Maybe I would go with you. Maybe I’d take Brady. And they’ve got a great kicking game, too.

So I’m assuming Stephen Gostkowski would be the fi rst kicker off your board?

Oh yeah. I just saw a thing the other day where he’s the most accurate kicker the Patriots have ever had. M

I’d pick DeAngelo

because he’s my guy.

But then my second

pick would probably

be Peyton Manning.

28 | Memphis Sport

Race relations in Memphis were downright disastrous at the time, primarily because of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Still, the young Larry Finch chose to attend Memphis State during an era when black athletes wearing Tiger blue and gray wasn’t a popular trend. But in spite of his controversial decision to stay home, few could debate that Finch chose to play for Memphis State and renowned coach Gene Bartow solely because of his unfathomable admiration and loyalty for the town in which he grew up.

Sure, there was colossal buzz among the citizens of this city when the University of Memphis produced one of the most remarkable runs in college basketball history with four consecutive thirty-plus-win seasons from 2005-2009, a stretch that included the Tigers coming within minutes of capturing that elusive NCAA title. Sure, there was an array of pandemonium throughout the city when former U of M coach John Calipari fl irted with the University of Kentucky job and ultimately ended up bolting Memphis for Lexington in March. And, in spite of all the uncertainty surrounding a Tiger squad that is expected to endure growing pains this upcoming season, few could argue that you can’t discuss Memphis hoops without mentioning Lary Finch. He is, aft er all, responsible for helping cast Memphis basketball into the national spotlight.

“He gave his life for the University,” says former U of M point guard Elliot Perry, the Tigers’ second all-time leading scorer who played for Finch from 1987-91. “It is a legacy that will always be remembered.”

A legacy that generally started when Finch was a senior at Memphis State during the 1972-73 season. One of only eight black players on that twenty-man roster, he will forever be remembered for leading the Tigers to their fi rst ever Final Four berth, a run that was eventually overshadowed by the heroics of former UCLA All-American Bill Walton,

Larry Finch:Larry Finch:

The Legacy The Legacy

by ANDRE JOHNSON photos courtesy UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

28 | Memphis Sport

Hall of LegendsTh e very best of Memphis sports.

Th e M Awards continue all year long with the addition of the Hall of Legends. Each year six new Legends will be inducted into the Hall, an honor given to a local sports icon whose athletic contributions and public infl uence have had perennial aff ects on Memphis and the Mid-South.


Larry Finch:

The Legacy

who went 21-of-22 from the fi eld in leading the Bruins to a lopsided win in the championship game. Nevertheless, Finch graduated as the school’s all-time leading scorer. He is currently the Tigers’ fourth all-time leading scorer with 1,869 points, and is ranked in the top fi ve in over twenty statistical categories.

Still obsessed with his hometown, Finch surprisingly turned down an off er to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, who draft ed him months aft er his senior season. He instead, chose to sign with the Memphis Tams of the defunct American Basketball Association. His professional career, however, was shortlived. He played just two seasons for four diff erent franchises.

Consequently, he gained an interest for coaching and was hired as an assistant at his college alma mater under coach Dana Kirk in the early 1980s. His stint included the Tigers advancing to the 1985 Final Four in Lexington, where they lost in the national semifi nals to eventual national champion Villanova. A year later, news spread quickly that Kirk was the subject of a criminal investigation. Such transgressions ultimately led to his forced resignation aft er the 1995-96 season. Finch, as a result, was named Kirk’s successor (the school’s fi rst black and thirteenth head coach), taking over a program that was characterized as a national embarrassment, a program mired in controversy and slapped with a postseason ban, a program that was seemingly headed for destruction.

But Finch, much to the delight of Memphians and university offi cials, emerged as the savior of Tiger basketball once again, revitalizing a

program that produced ten winning seasons during an eleven-year stint that included the Tigers making six NCAA tournament and three NIT appearances. Additionally, Finch became the school’s all-time winningest coach. Although his coaching career was highlighted with an Elite Eight appearance in 1991-92, his inability to land several local blue chip recruits led to fan dissatisfaction for a program that was accustomed to achieving national prominence at the disposal of Memphis-area talent.

He was fi red aft er the Tigers had limped to 16-15 mark following 1996-97 season. Th e news, indeed, materialized as a public relations fi asco for the University. Several of Finch’s detractors, in fact, expressed their displeasure regarding the way school offi cials went about dismissing the coach. Th e Tigers’ 66-62 loss at UNLV in the fi rst round of the NIT was Finch’s last as a college coach. Attempts to resurface as a college head coach were unsuccessful, particularly at mid-majors such as South Alabama, Georgia State, and Tennessee State. Subsequently, he ran for a Shelby County offi ce and nearly won, despite having no government experience.

In August 2001, Finch suff ered a minor stroke and underwent bladder surgery. A year later, he suff ered a massive heart attack and had two strokes that disrupted his speech and left him partially paralyzed. Consquently, friends close to the former player and coach established the Friends of Larry Finch Foundation to help off set his medical expenses. In December 2006, the Foundation released a Larry Finch tribute CD called “Eye of the Tiger.” Th at, of course, was fi tting, considering Finch, who had became infatuated with Memphis despite its much-publicized racial strain of the 1960s, is the face of Tiger basketball. M

He gave his life for He gave his life for

the University... the University...

–Elliot Perry –Elliot Perry

RAVENS ROOKIE MICHAEL OHER TURNS DRASTIC RAVENS ROOKIE MICHAEL OHER TURNS DRASTIC SETBACKS INTO NFL RICHESSETBACKS INTO NFL RICHES

Memphis MadeKeeping it real.

30 | Memphis Sport

Michael Oher wasn’t a bit perplexed. He knew it was bound to happen at some point. So as the ESPN crew periodically aimed its cameras toward Oher during the April NFL draft , the star off ensive lineman seemed his usual reserved self, relinquishing any thoughts of displaying a front for the millions of viewers who watched the opening round unfold. He, in fact, remained poised throughout what was a lengthy process, much like the other eight fi rst-round locks who accepted the league’s invitation of hanging out in the green room on draft day. Even aft er being left as the lone prospect in the green room when the Houston Texans had taken former USC linebacker Brian Cushing with the fi ft eenth pick, Oher did not appear baffl ed. Instead, the 23-year-old Memphis native took a moment to envision which team was on the verge of landing arguably the most talked-about prospect leading up to the draft , the kid who several football analysts had christened the sentimental selection given the tumultuous life that was dealt to him prior to college. Aft er nearly three hours, his fate had fi nally been sealed, capping what many would label an off -the-fi eld comeback for the ages.

“With the 23rd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft , the Baltimore Ravens select Michael Oher, off ensive tackle, University of Mississippi,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced, fi nally.

Th e former Briarcrest Christian School star suddenly emerged from the green room, proudly put on his employer’s cap fearing its logo, embraced his family, made his way across the Radio City Music Hall stage, shook Goodell’s hand, and then posed for a few photos with the commish, while holding a No. 1 Ravens jersey. Such a sequence, in a nutshell, intrinsically marked yet another chapter in a remarkable story that only keeps getting better.

“It could have been shorter,” Oher, says of his wait in the green room. “But it doesn’t matter. I got draft ed and that’s the most important thing. I was excited because I knew I was going to get draft ed. Don’t feel sorry for me.”

While several teams had rejected the notion of draft ing Oher essentially because of what they perceived to be intelligence issues, the Ravens organization was ecstatic to see him fall to their position. Oher was a two-time First

Team All-American and All-Southeastern Conference player. His skills have drawn comparisons to seven-time Pro-Bowler Orlando Pace, now with the Chicago Bears.

Th inking the Buff alo Bills were in serious discussion to get Oher, the Ravens traded their fi ft h-round selection to New England to move up from No. 26 to 23. Unlike the teams that passed on him, they sensed this kid was a true mastermind on the fi eld.

Eric DeCosta, the Ravens director of player personnel, for example, was among those who watched Oher intensely during the club’s recent organized team activities and felt he would be a great fi t from the outset. Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh says he was among those surprised that Oher was

still available aft er nearly three-fourths of the fi rst round was in the books. Team general manager and executive vice

president Ozzie Newsome says not only have the Ravens picked up a special player, but the city of Baltimore got a really good person.

“I think over the course of his career, we’re going to be able to enjoy both of them,” Newsome says.

Th e Briarcrest community certainly can attest to both sides of Oher, whose life prior to college is the subject of author Michael Lewis’ 2006 New York Times bestseller book, Th e Blind Side: Evolution Of A Game, and a movie entitled Th e Blind Side that is scheduled to be released in November.

While growing up in North Memphis, Oher was left to fend for himself by age seven aft er his father, who was not involved in his upbringing, was shot to death and thrown off a bridge. His mother was an alcoholic and drug addict, and the fact that he was in school was a story in itself. He fl unked both fi rst and second grade, and attended eleven diff erent schools during his fi rst nine years as a student. Additionally, it was

Diamond in the RoughDiamond in the Roughby ANDRE JOHNSON photo courtesy PHIL HOFFMAN and BALTIMORE RAVENS

“WHERE I’M FROM, “WHERE I’M FROM, NOBODY GETS OUT”NOBODY GETS OUT”

Diamond in the RoughDiamond in the Rough

discovered that Oher had been absent from school as many as fi ft y days a semester, which ultimately resulted in him possessing a cumulative grade point average of .6 and an IQ of 80. Basically, he was a lost child, one of 13 siblings to be exact.

How else to explain why the poor lad wound up safeguarding himself on the brutal streets of North Memphis, not to mention spending time in various foster homes with no permanent address until he was sixteen years old? Nevertheless, there was a silver lining to a story that many, to this very day, still have a hard time believing.

With the help of an acquaintance, with whom Oher was staying temporarily, Oher enrolled at Briarcrest, a private, Christian-based institution in Northeast Shelby County. Despite Hugh Freeze, the former Briarcrest football coach, expressing interest in the kid, school administrators did not feel he was capable of fulfi lling the school’s academic standards given his checkered educational background. Consequently, he was granted admission through a home-study program that removed him from the public school system.

Although his grades did not refl ect it at one point, it is safe to say that Briarcrest was the perfect place for this miracle child. Leigh Anne and Collins Tuohy, a student at Briarcrest, spotted him walking to the gym one day during Th anksgiving break. Th e couple stopped their vehicle and gave Oher a ride. Th e giving, as it turns out, did not end there. Th e Tuohys, an upper-class white family, eventually ended up adopting Oher, despite being grilled by friends and extended family members for taking in a poor black kid. One moment, he is using someone’s front porch as a mattress. Th e next moment, a big-hearted family is tucking him in at night.

Th e Tuohys gave him a home. Th ey gave him his own room. Th ey gave him clothes. Th ey gave him a tutor. Most importantly, though, they provided a new beginning to the life of a kid who, not too long along, seemed headed for being yet another statistic.

“It’s just like a recycle thing,” Oher says. “You grow up, you drop out of high school, and go back to the hood. It took a lot of hard work for me to get out. I mean, I don’t know why I wanted to do it. I’ve never seen nobody just graduate and be productive. (Th e Tuohys) showed me the other side of the world.”

It was a world that ultimately landed Oher on football’s largest

stage, thanks to a high school career in which he was the number one off ensive tackle prospect in the nation, and a collegiate career in which many dubbed him the best off ensive lineman in Ole Miss history. He likely has already secured the Ravens’ starting right tackle position aft er the recent retirement of thirteen-year veteran Willie Anderson. So waiting hours in the green room and being left by himself was time well spent, if you ask Oher.

“Where I’m from, nobody gets out,” says Oher, who recently signed a fi ve-year contract that could be worth nearly $14 million.

Luckily for Oher, he managed to get out, capping what many would label an off -the-fi eld comeback for the ages. M


32 | Memphis Sport

Power TrainPersonal training with power.

KEVIN REED:

FITNESSALL-STAR

by ANDRE JOHNSONphoto by CHASE GUSTFASON

Although Kevin Reed never garnered All-State honors or earned mentions on Rivals.com’s website as one of Illinois’ premiere players when he starred at running back for Waukegan High in the late 1990s, he was among the leaders on the team in a category that did not appear on stat sheets.

Reed, a native of Waukegan, Ill. (45 minutes north of Chicago), has a fi tness training track record that dates back well before he began playing competitive football as a high school freshman. His versatility, in fact, at least as a seasoned fi tness trainer, has virtually gone unnoticed, especially throughout Memphis and the surrounding areas. Th at, of course, were among the reasons Power Life Fitness owner Steve Smith lured the fi tness guru to his facility at 2858 Poplar in Midtown.

Reed has been a member of the Power Life staff since February aft er a brief stint as the head trainer for the French Riviera Spa. His career also includes working as a personal trainer for Custom Built Personal Training and Training Manager. Th e former English

teacher for the Waukegan Public Schools earned his personal training certifi cation from the American College of Sports and Medicine Standard and the National Personal

Training Institute. He said his desire to train increased considerably upon his enrollment at Lake Forest College in Illinois to play football. He has been training professionally for three years.

“Oh man, as far as training as a profession, I can’t imagine there being a better job,” Reed says. “I mean, you are basically changing lives for the better. Once you build someone’s confi dence, that’s when it builds every facet of their life.”

Even aft er deciding to hang up his cleats aft er his freshman season at Lake Forest to concentrate on academics, the 28-year-old Reed still remained a fi xture in the gym. Every now and then, he convinced other students to join him for routine workouts. As a result, Reed chose to extend the leisure activity into a professional career. He was introduced to Smith through Kelvin “York” Brown, the director of training operations for Power Life. Aft er Smith learned of Reed’s awareness for the fi tness training industry, he said making him apart of his staff was a foregone conclusion. Reed oversees the Membership Outreach program for Power Life and is one of six professionally-licensed trainers at the facility.

“Kevin has been a big asset, a great addition for us as far as customer service,” says Smith, who founded Power Life in 2007. “He cares about the customers. If you tell him what you need, it gets done.” M

For more details, call 901-454-0003, or visit Power Life Fitness’ website at powerlifefi tness.net.

YOU ARE BASICALLY CHANGING LIVES FOR THE BETTER


Gym Class

CUSTOMERS FIRSTCUSTOMERS FIRSTLearn about the best fi tness opportunities in the area.

its overall cleanliness and attractiveness. Th e club almost looks brand new. Snellenberger says that Fitness Premier prides itself on the excellent care of all its facilities, and physical upgrades are done annually. “We consistently put money back into our clubs each year,” he says. Th at up-keep includes maintaining the rows of state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Th e Bartlett facility has 50 cardiovascular machines, 50 strength and toning machines, and an extensive free weight area. All equipment is brand name and easy to use. If any member has a question or concern, Fitness Premier staff are always available to help.

Clean facilities, well-maintained equipment, helpful staff , and fl exible memberships

all contribute to Fitness Premier’s welcoming atmosphere. Snellenberger describes it as feeling like part of a family. He says that “nobody feels left out.” And when you treat your customers like family, then your customers know they’re truly important. M

For more information visit fi tness-premier.com.

by KEN BILLETT

According to Dictionary.com, the adjective form of the word premier can mean “fi rst in status or importance” and “chief or leading,” as in being a leader in your industry. Fitness Premier in Bartlett intends to be a leader in aff ordable fi tness for Memphians. It’s not just that Fitness Premier simply wants to be a successful company. Fitness Premier wants its members to be successful in meeting their personal fi tness objectives, and it wants to play a leading role in helping them achieve their goals.

Ryan Snellenberger, Regional Manager for Fitness Premier, says that what makes his fi tness centers stand out in the somewhat crowded and competitive health club market is “the overall atmosphere (of the club).” Atmosphere, as Snellenberger explains, is the feeling that each Fitness Premier location is inviting and not intimidating. “Our goal is to make everyone feel comfortable,” he adds. Snellenberger believes that making Fitness Premier’s members and guests feel welcome is the fi rst step towards helping them get fi t.

Fitness Premier started in Chicago over ten years ago. Th e company has slowly grown to include locations in Nebraska, Arkansas, and the Mid-South. Fitness Premier has been in Bartlett for almost three years. (Snellenberger splits his time between the Bartlett location and another Fitness Premier club in Horn Lake, Mississippi.) Th e company’s focus is on combining aff ordable and fl exible memberships with a high-quality workout environment. “While we’re not focused on power-lift ing, we do have all the necessary equipment to provide a great workout for people of various abilities,” says Snellenberger.

It’s that combination of aff ordability and value that attracts an ample cross-section of the local community. Th e Bartlett club’s members range from young singles to working parents to retirees.

What is most impressive about the Bartlett location is

Our goal is to make everyone feel comfortable

One Mid-South fi tness center has made it their mission to put their members fi rst.

34 | Memphis Sport

CUSTOMERS FIRST


Treadmill TunesMusic for the stationary run.

by fISH

Memphis Sport Magazine wants to help get you in shape. To help you out, we would like to recommend a ten song playlist to keep you motivated on the treadmill. We feel it’s important that our readers have the coolest music in the gym. Now get to it, fatty.

1 Chop ‘em Down MatisyahuProbably one of the top fi ve Orthodox Hasidic Jews in the Reggae game right now- and quite possibly the best live album ever. Check it out.

2 Heard ‘em Say Kanye West Complete nutjob? Check. Occasional fl ashes of genius? Possibly. Best Maroon 5 song ever? Absolutely.

3 Sex on Fire Kings of Leon Th ree Brothers form a band, they are the sons of a preacher, hhmmmm, sound familiar? Jonas Brothers? No wait. Th ese brothers actually have talent! And they are from Hendersonville, Tennessee! Bonus! Th eir huge hit Use Somebody is burning up the charts but this song is the real winner in my book.

4 Addicted Saving AbelKiller track that is a new modern rock standard. And it was produced by the infi nitely awesome Skidd Mills at his 747 studios over on good ole Brookhaven circle. Who knew? 747 Studio is arguably the coolest business on the circle-aft er the Tap Room of course.

5 Testify Rage Against the MachineAm I the only one wondering why they haven’t come out with a new album?

Hey Mr. Political, Zach de la Rocha, surely enough bad stuff going on around the world to write about. Get it together, punk.

6 Hella Good No DoubtTh e sight of Gwen Stefani is always a good motivator. Can’t wait to check them out on tour this Fall.

7 327 Sammy’s Good Eye If you are like me- you are wondering what in the world these guys are doing. Recent inquiries came up inconclusive. Let’s hope for the best. In the meantime check out this bad boy recorded back in 2002 that still sounds like it could be tomorrows hit.

8 New World Order RancidHands down the coolest band where the singer is still rockin’ a foot high Mohawk and a kilt.

9 Whatever You Like Taco & the MofosIf you haven’t seen these local favorites live yet; you’ve got to check them out. Killer live show with rock solid tunes to back it up. Check out this cover of T.I.’s tune on iTunes. I like this version better. You can look them up on myspace.

10 Trenchtown Rock (remix) Bob MarleyA lot of stuff has been done with Bob’s music since his passing, but this is by far the coolest, laying new beats and bass on some classic pre-Island tracks.

To download this entire iTunes playlist, visit memphissport.net. For questions, comments, suggestions, or hate mail, fi [email protected].

Get Fit With...People you know getting fi t.

36 | Memphis Sport

As summer winds down, race season continues to sizzle. Labor Day weekend marks the annual Chick-fi l-A 5K Run/Walk. Dubbed by Memphis Runners Track Club as one of the area’s best 5K events, the Chick-fi l-A 5K mixes food, rides and games into a day of fi tness and fun for the whole family at AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis.

Th e Chick-fi l-A 5K starts promptly at 9 a.m. at the corner of Front and Gayoso and fi nishes on the fi eld inside AutoZone Park. Participants enjoy many Memphis attractions along the route such as the Mississippi River, Beale Street and, fi nally, our own Redbirds’ home stadium.

Fitness partner for this year’s race is the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South. Runners can look to the YMCA for a special Chick-fi l-A 5K workout program and personal trainers who can help runners reach their full potential. Th e Fogelman Downtown YMCA is open for runners to shower and change aft er the race.

I caught up with the Chick-fi l-A Cow in the midst of preparing for the big race with his personal trainer Corey Klein at the Fogelman Downtown YMCA. Th e duo was

kind enough to let me snap a few pictures and get the scoop on what it takes to run a lean, mean race.

What makes the Chick-fi l-A 5K special?

Besides the opportunity to Eat Mor Chikin? Th e Chick-fi l-A 5K benefi ts Junior Achievement of Memphis, the Mid-South’s only organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness, and fi nancial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. Junior Achievement reaches over 25,000 students per year in over 1,000 classrooms and aft er-school locations. Th ere are more than 220 schools participating in Junior Achievement programs.

How do you prepare for the race?

Th e YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South is the offi cial fi tness partner for the Chick-fi l-A 5K. Th e trainers have put together training plans based on the amount of time before the race, available at ymcamemphis.org. Specifi cally, I have been hoofi n’ it by doing a combination of running, walking and some cross-training.

What has been your favorite moment in training?

Beefi ng up my diet with high protein chikin sandwiches, salads and milkshakes. Mmm..mmm, does a body good. Of course, training can get a little tense so Corey took me into the boxing ring to get some cardio in and aggression out. Mixing it up can really help give your training an added kick. I don’t think Corey was quite ready for mine!

What has been the hardest part about training for the race?

Th e toughest part was getting a plan and getting started. Once I signed up at the YMCA, I found a bunch of classes that I could take that would help make my cross-training fun, a herd of people to work out with and personal trainers to help mooo-tivate me.

How can people sign up for the Chick-fi l-A 5K?

People can sign up by going to Chickfi la5K.com. M

As summer winds down, race season kind enough to let me snap a few Beefi ng u

The Chick-fi l-A Cow:

BEEFIN’ UP FOR THE

CHICK-FIL-A 5K

The Chick-fi l-A Cow:The Chick-fi l-A Cow:

BEEFIN’ UP BEEFIN’ UP FOR THE FOR THE

CHICK-FIL-A 5KCHICK-FIL-A 5K

by KIM SPEROSphotos by MICHAEL NORRIS


SEPTEMBER 20–27 IS AMERICA ON THE MOVE WEEK.

AND AMERICA MOVES MORE AT THE Y.

Collierville: 901.850.9622 Davis: 901.398.2366 Fogelman: 901.527.9622 Mason: 901.458.9622 Millington: 901.873.1434 Nuber: 901.682.8025 Olive Branch: 662.890.9622 Sweeney: 901.765.3105

We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

With programs like America On the Move, the YMCA is not just talking about Memphis’ fitness problem. We’re doing something about it. Visit us (free!) September 20–27 for America On the Move Week and join with no joining fee or contracts. Let’s get moving, Memphis! www.ymcamemphis.org

38 | Memphis Sport

Love and BirdiesInside tips for bettering your game.

A SWINGING TEMPOA SWINGING TEMPOGolf is a continuous learning process. Once you think you have fi xed one swing fl aw, there is something else that needs to be tweaked. Th is is not news to the avid golfer. We understand and can relate to this continuous battle. However, sometimes there is no major issue with our swing, rather an issue of timing and tempo. Your tempo defi nitely comes and goes; partly because that’s just the game of golf, but also because we wake up every day feeling a little bit diff erent–sometimes good and sometimes bad. As golfers, that is something we need to always be aware of. Our tempo has a lot to do with the quality of shots we hit, whether we want to admit it or not.

In fact, my tempo was my main problem at the TN Women’s Open in the beginning of July. My swing plane was great, mechanically there was “nothing” wrong with my swing. Th e week of practice prior to the Open was a defi nite confi dence booster. I felt comfortable with my move going back and through, and liked my ball fl ight and slight, controllable draw, which is half of the battle in golf. For those who know me, they know I am a perfectionist, so for me to feel this was was a huge deal.

When I fi nally arrived in Crossville and played my practice round, I was happy with the solid shots I was hitting. It all seemed so natural. I didn’t force anything and what happened, happened. However, as the tournament progressed and my shots became less solid and I tried to fi gure out what was

wrong with my swing. So, I started thinking mechanics. Was I

taking it too far inside?

Was I coming over the top? Was I stopping my hip rotation? No, no, and no. I was doing none of this; in fact, my problem had nothing to do with my mechanics rather my timing and tempo.

Yes, tempo can be easily changed by nerves and the pressure of competition, but the key is to realize when tempo is the problem and not your mechanics. I believe this is something that needs to be practiced when on the range.

How do you practice your tempo?

Since one tempo does not work for everyone, you need to fi nd a tempo that is controllable and helps you maximize your power and distance in every shot. You can do a couple of diff erent things. You can either use a jingle like, “One and two, back and through,” or just simply count to yourself, “One, two.” Th ey are both simple and eff ective.

Th e jingle has a built-in timing, but if you use the one-two approach, make sure you keep the same rhythm during the one and the two. When taking the club back count one and on the down swing count two.

Like a friend of mine who is a great golfer said, “You can have a swing with good tempo that may not be technically correct, yet still score better than the person who has a technically sound swing with no tempo.” Th at is how important your tempos are. M

Sarah Matthews is fr eshman on the University of Memphis golf team.

by SARAH MATTHEWSphotos by SHARON BICKS

38383838383838383833838383838388 | | | |||| MM MMMMMememememphpphphphphhhhhhhhhhhhhpphphhhhhhhhhhhhphpphhhhhhhhphpphphhhhppphhhhphhhhhphhphhhhhhhphhhhhphhhphhhhhhhhhhhhhhhpphhhphhphhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiisiiisisisisisisisiiiiiiiiiisiiiiissisiisisiiiissisiiiiiiiiissiisiiiiiiiiii SSS S S S SSpopopooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrtrtrtrtrtrtrtttttrtrrrrrrrrrrrrt

pin the beginning of Julyplane was great, mechawas “nothing” wrong wTh e week of practice pwas a defi nite confi denI felt comfortable withgoing back and througmy ball fl ight and slighdraw, which is half of tgolf. For those who knknow I am a perfectionto feel this was was a hu

When I fi nally arrived and played my practicehappy with the solid shhitting. It all seemed soforce anything and whhappened. However, asprogressed and my shosolid and I tried to fi gu

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taking it

38 | 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.

CAMPBELL CLINICOrthopaedics

www.campbellcl in ic .com

campbell clinic is proud to be the official sports medicine providers for the memphis grizzlies,

the memphis redbirds, university of memphis athletics, rhodes college athletics, christian

brothers university athletics, the memphis riverkings, the kroger st. jude tennis tournament,

and ballet memphis. #43

#43

40 | Memphis Sport40 | Memphis Sport

Fun ‘n GamesFun ‘n GamesPlay. Play. Play.

EASYEASYFind these Memphis Sport advertisers:

BOUNCE-A-MANIATIGER GIFT SHOPCAMPBELL CLINICLINDA ARNOLDSTARRNATIONTIGER BOOKSTORERIVERKINGS

MMEDIUMEDIUMFind these Memphis Sport advertisers:

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HARDHARDFind the abbreviations of these Memphis Sport advertisers:

Lemoyne-Owen CollegeMemphis Roller DerbyChristian Brothers UniversitySt. Benedict at AuburndaleMemphis Motorsports Park

SEEK AND FINDSEEK AND FINDO L B O U N C E A M A N I A H

T I G E R G I F T S H O P C P

S W C S G N I K R E V I R M O

E E O G H I S M A D T T O Y W

R E L H E S G N I D R A H S E

C A M P B E L L C L I N I C R

R A Z A L P X O F A R R I C L

A E H Z O I A V O S N R O R I

I E L O D E N N A S U A L L F

R T I G E R B O O K S T O R E

B E L U B C M M P B R S G I T

S G A R L I N D A A R N O L D

Th e Arlington High School trap shooting team had a great season, winning district and regional championships and fi nishing up as

the SCTP National Runner-up. Pictured below (left to right) are Keaton Irving, Cameron Shexnaildre, Josh Sexton, Jarrett Spegele, Ethan Kish. Do these two photos look the same to you? Look again. We made seven changes to the second photo. Time yourself to see how long it takes you to fi nd all seven.

PICTURE PUZZLEPICTURE PUZZLE

OUT OF 7SCORESCORETIMETIME


ART ART CONTESTCONTEST

Make a drawing or painting of a Mid-South sports star–like OJ Mayo or Derrick Rose, Josh Pastner or DeAngelo Williams. We’ll pick one winner to display here each issue. Th e winner will also receive a Memphis Sport prize pack.

Th is issue’s winner is tenth grader, Tiara Gill from Fairley High School. Tiara received a Memphis Sport prize pack which includes a Memphis Sport shirt, cup, koozie and an issue of Memphis Sport autographed by Chris-Douglas Roberts. Congratulations!

Email us photos to [email protected] or mail them in at Memphis Sport, 1138 N Germantown Pkwy, Ste 101-176, Cordova, TN 38016.

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HONESTY INTEGRETY EXPERIENCEHONESTY INTEGRETY EXPERIENCE

42 | Memphis Sport

TailgatingTailgatingSports was happening and you were there.

2121

7

22

88

4

33

1. Dustin Ginder and Chris Fleming

2. Rambo Sambo and Fully Addomattic

3. Charlotte Gabel and Reilly Gabel (aka OMG! RollerGirl!)

4. Kristie Lewis and Renee Hammons

5. Chris “Th e Baron” and Mike “Major Wood” Kunkel

6. Death Dealin’ Drew and Delia Pain

7. Heather “Smashcraft ” Ashcraft and Annie Freres

8. Asian Invasion, Hell Razor and Eracer

5

August 8, 2009Youth Building at the Fairgrounds

photos by CHASE GUSTAFSON

11

66

42 | Memphis Sport


1. Contestant #117

2. Contestant #123

3. Contestant #114

4. Th e judges

5. Contestant #119

6. Contestant #146

7. Th e potential Grizz Girls

8. Contestant #136

August 22, 2009FedExForum

photos by CHASE GUSTAFSON

AUDITIONSAUDITIONS


77

22

88

4433

55

11

66

44 | Memphis Sport

Coaching Changesby JACK EATON

LAST ISSUE Bob Vanatta brought knowledge of the game, Dean Ehlers brought the up-tempo game, and Moe Iba brought the “Mom and Dad Waltz Off ense.”

Exit Moe Iba. Enter Gene Bartow.Murphy began a nationwide search for a new coach but, he had to coach an up-tempo game, be friendly to the media, and be able to recruit. Gene Bartow fi lled that bill to a T. So Clean Gene, as he became known, got the job and boy did we take off . Bartow had the good fortune to inherit Larry Finch and Ronnie Robinson as sophomores. With Finch and Robinson, leading the way Tiger basketball prospered like never before. Bartow produced winning seasons in each season he coached, culminating in the 1972-73 season. Th at was the year we played UCLA for the NCAA championship. Th e story goes that following the game, Bartow was given a $500 bonus for coming close to the championship. Th at was really chincy. My recollection is that relations between the coach and the athletic director went downhill rapidly. Th e next year when Bartow was off ered the head job at Illinois, he took it.

Exit Gene Bartow. Enter Wayne Yates.Bartow’s sudden departure caught the Tigers by surprise. To give the illusion of a tight ship, the job was given to Bartow’s assistant Wayne Yates. Wayne was not a bad coach. His fi ve year record was 93-49, but he had discipline problems with some players and generally became unpopular–though not with me. I liked him and was sorry to see him go when he got the axe. So once again, we needed a new coach.

Exit Wayne Yates. Enter Dana Kirk.Th e new coach turned out to be Dana Kirk, who at the time was an assistant to Denny Crum at Louisville. Kirk came in like a lion. He had a reputation as a good bench coach and he showed his stuff . He was 13-14 in his fi rst two years, but then he recruited Keith Lee and things began quickly to turn up–WAY UP! With Keith showing the way, the Tigers

won more than 20 games in each of his four seasons and in 1985 made their way to a Final Four appearance. In 1986, the Tigers were 28-6 and lost in the NCAA to LSU on a last second shot. Aft er that game, Coach Kirk has tax troubles with the IRS and he was dismissed shortly aft er the season.

Exit Dana Kirk. Enter Larry Finch.Th ere was no hesitation this time. Larry Finch rose from No. 1 assistant to head coach and his tenure lasted for 11 seasons. He was fi red by R.C. Johnson on live TV at Th e Pyramid. I thought that was chincy, but that’s the way things are done sometimes.

Exit Larry Finch. Enter Some Other Guys.Now what follows is hearsay as far as I am concerned because I had retired from WMC-TV and had no contact with the Tigers. I understand that they were determined to hire a black coach and Tic Price got the job. He was sacked and his assistant Johnny Jones took over. He lasted one year and was let go.

Exit Johnny Jones. Enter John Calipari.

Th is set the stage for Coach Cal. He annoyed me right off the bat when he wanted to drop Ole Miss and UT off the schedule to make way for “national” games. Coach Cal is too fresh in my mind to say anything good about the guy. I’m glad he’s gone. I hope Josh Pastner stays for many years and breaks all of Cal’s records. Go Tigers Go and to #@%! with Kentucky. If you don’t know what I mean–you’re lucky! M

Big Jack’s new book, “Jack Eaton: Great Scott, I Rhyme A Lot”, is available for purchase in both autographed and non-autographed versions at memphissport.net.Big Jack can also be heard every Wednesday and Friday at 8am on KWAM 990 alongside former County Commissioner John Willingham.

JJack’s Backack’s BackA Memphis legend takes a look back.

44 | Memphis Sport

Th is year has produced one of the craziest coaching changes in the history of the Tiger Basketball program. I can remember quite a few during my tenure with the University.

Get set at...

3533 Walker, just off Highland | 324-2808 | www.tigerbookstore.com

facebook.com at “Tiger Bookstore - University of Memphis”

FOOTBALL?

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Fall 2009 Issue