47 | Memphis Sport
CONTENTS MAY/JUNE 2009 Volume 3, Number 6
12
25 Things For Kids To Do This Summer
Mar/Apr 2009 Vol 3 Num 5
17 Fantastic Kids
24
The Third Annual M Awards Ballot
27
My Interview with OJ Mayo PUBLISHER’S NOTE 2 NOTHIN’ BUT NET 4
BRING IT ON 8 MEMPHIS MADE 32
FUN ’N GAMES 40 TAILGATING 42
CHATTER 4 STARTING FIVE 6
GYM CLASS 36 HOT SHOTS 38
JACK’S BACK 44
PUBLISHER’S NOTE The obligatory rant.
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Science Camps Sports Camps Summer School New Academic Adventures For more information on all summer programs, visit our Web site at www.musowls.org or call (901) 260-1300.
2 | Memphis Sport
I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty... Wait, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that a song? Anyway, something that Memphis Sport has never really focused on is creating topics for kids. To be honest, it never really crossed my mind before now. So, we decided to blow it all out in one issue. First, we have a look at some great activities and summer camps going on throughout the Memphis area over the summer. A bunch are sports related, like the brand-new Josh Pastner Basketball Camp and others are just plain cool, like the summer camp that focuses on building LEGO robots. Then we take a look at some of the most remarkable young athletes in the Memphis area. As young as 10 years old, these kids are already at the top of their game. Incredible isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a strong enough word to describe what these kids can do.
-53 IS A COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS IN GRADES &INANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE TO ALL QUALI½ED STUDENTS
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Kids. No matter how hard you might try you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get away from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re everywhere. Trust meâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;I know. I have two of them. And sometimes it seems like I have fourâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;or eight.
And to top it all off, we had a chance to interview OJ Mayoâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;you know, the kid two years out of high school who is the Grizzlies star shooting guard. But instead of having one of us old guys interview him, we sent a fourth grader. He did such a good job, we may have to hire him full-time. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not allâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Jack Eaton talks about growing up, we have a Grizzlies Jr. Cheerleader, some games and more. So let us know what you think of this issue. We hope to do this every year. Share it with you kids. (If you are a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;share it with your parents.) Enjoy.
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mike Bullard, publisher P.S. The Third Annual M Awards is upon us. Check out the ballot in this very issue or visit memphissport.net right now to enter. The voting ends on June 12, so get your entry in now.
FOOD, FUN & FRIENDS Publishers Mike Bullard 901.229.4749 mike@memphissport.net Kim Bullard kim@memphissport.net Managing Editor Kevin Cerrito kevin@memphissport.net Contributing Writers Preston Brady Jack Eaton Jan Michael Hartelust Andre Johnson Emily Joyner Contributing Photographers Carrie Brady Chase Gustafson JD Meredith Graphic Design A Bull in a China Shop abullinachinashop.com
OPEN 11AM TIL 3AM DAILY 695 WEST BROOKHAVEN CIRCLE 901-680-8118 901-680-8120 FAX
Memphis Sport 1138 N. Germantown Pkwy Ste. 101-176 Cordova, TN 38016 memphissport.net
ŠCopyright 2009 Memphis Sport Magazine LLC, All rights reserved
www.memphissport.net | 3
NOTHIN’ BUT NET
Highlights from the regular features at memphissport.net.
RiverKings Things – From “Tonight’s the Night”
The Poems of Jack Eaton –
posted by Joe Sports:
Are you cup crazy yet (or just plain crazy)? Because if you are then you must be a hockey fan and the playoffs are here!! The Big Green Machine (Mean Machine - Mean Machine)–that’s what the Kings are. It’s Playoff Time!! Wipe the slate clean. Records, standings, awards don’t mean a thing today. Playoffs are a new season.
Memphis Wrestling – From “Tigers Out, Remembering 1985” posted by Mark James: Well, the Tigers made it to the Sweet 16 before getting knocked out of the tournament Thursday night. Needless to say I didn’t get to sleep until after 3am Friday morning. What can I say; I’m a hopeless Tiger fan. As I stewed after the Missouri loss, I’m not sure why, but it made me think of the Final 4 loss we had to Villanova all the way back in 1985. Like lined up dominoes, I went on to think about what else was going on 24 years ago. I was nearing the end of my senior year at Bartlett High School. It had to have been almost time for my senior. prom. That’s whole other story that I won’t get into (even though I’m sure the statute of limitations has expired on all of it).
“Ode To Mason” by Jack Eaton:
Your team has precious little chance of winning, When the other one scores 14 in the second inning. Yankee haters had their biggest day, When Cleveland lit ‘em up just that way. But the Indians weren’t done I’m tellin’ you, Because they ended up scoring twenty two. Yankee fans sat in disbelief and despair, Ah, but here I won’t even try to be fair; I was delighted and wanted many more, I jumped up and shouted-run up the score. I can just imagine Mason there in the stands, With tears in his eyes and his head in his hands. Woe is me he cries we’re under a Satanic curse, And that Eaton loves it, makes it that much worse.
Read the latest M reports, browse issue archives, listen to The Memphis Sport Live Radio Program, and much more at memphissport.net.
CHATTER
Real letters (or emails) from real people.
Tomb of Doom I loved your magazine with Dozier and Anderson. I follow tiger basketball like a fiend and I went to your site for more info but your Tiger Zone was stale. I read a lot of blogs and maybe you should have something with more personality. Have you seen Tomb of Doom? I saw it in the Fox 13 Forum thing when Coach Calipari was doing his moving thing. Anyway, they are
4 | Memphis Sport
hilarious. Your writers should have more personality to go along with the information. Just a thought. Keep up the good work on the magazine. Robbie R. PUBLISHER: Couldn’t agree with you more. That is why we have recruited the guys from Tomb of Doom to be a part of the newly revamped Memphis Sport website. Look for it soon, along with a slew of other new features to go along with Jack’s poems, The Starr Treatment, Memphis Wrestling and more... Only on memphissport.net.
Internet Radio I heard the tail end of your radio show last week... I wanted to hear the whole thing, but your website didn’t have the episodes archived. I’m not trying to tell you how to do your job or anything, but you need to do something about that. - Deron A. PUBLISHER: Couldn’t agree with you more. The radio show will be a central feature of the newly revamped Memphis Sport website. Look for it soon, along with a slew of other new features to go along with Jack’s poems, The Starr Treatment, Memphis Wrestling and more... Only on memphissport.net.
The Starr Treatment – From
“I’m Deaf in my Left Ear, Part II” by Dustin Starr:
Maverick did not intend to harm me. He didn’t intend to hurt me. He did not intend to hit me as hard as he did.
Tomb of Doom – From “Why I have faith in Josh Pastner” by Blake Butler: Consider this, all the top recruits for 2010 that were looking at Memphis, are still considering Memphis. I expect this to be a slight hiccup before the Tigers run off a few more number one seeds, set some records, and bring us home that illusive national title. Pastner is Prodigy. You heard it here first (not two days later in the CA!).
Hello, Coach Cal You should continue covering Coach Cal and the Kentucky basketball team. After all, Coach Cal should still be considered a part of Memphis sports after nine years here. - Jeff W. PUBLISHER: I couldn’t possibly disagree with you more, Jeff. What do you think? Do you love Memphis Sport or hate it? Send me an email at mike@memphissport.net and let me know what is on your mind.
www.memphissport.net | 5
STARTING FIVE Five lists of five.
What If Memphis Sports Stars Were Superheroes?!?
FIVE other lists RC always carries in his back pocket
Marc Gasol is Wolverine Wolverine never gives up, and never gets injured, thanks to his handy healing factor. Though Marc Gasol lacks the deadly claws of Wolverine (or a sustained offensive presence), his hard work ethic and never-say-die attitude definitely liken him to the popular X-Man.
Roburt Sallie is the Green Arrow You can’t always be up close and personal as a superhero. Sometimes you just have to shoot from long range. That’s what the Green Arrow does. And that’s what Sallie does, too. Although, Sallie would be more of a ‘Blue’ Arrow type.
1. The top 100 hair care products I can’t live without 2. Events that I can invite Priscilla Presley to 3. List of coaches to call if Coach Pastner doesn’t work out (Hint: #1 thru #5 is Coach Cal) 4. All the stupid clauses I will let our coaches put into their contracts 5. Secret Canadian handshakes
Antonio Anderson is the Punisher If you need to take out one of the bad guys, just bring in the Punisher. Good ‘ol Frank Castle will get the job done. If you want to stop the other teams best player, just bring in Antonio.
FIVE coaches we are glad Memphis did not hire for the U of M basketball job
OJ Mayo is Superboy Superboy has super strength, the power of flight, x-ray vision, and more... OJ is strong, a master of the high-flying dunk, has great court vision and more... But he isn’t a (super) man, yet. 1. Priscilla Presley
6 | Memphis Sport
John Calipari is Lex Luthor
2. Jimmy Hart
Do I need to explain? Jerry Siegel, the man who created Lex Luthor, describes him as “a power mad, evil scientist.” The only difference is in the hair. We can only hope that in the next few years that will change?!? ‘Nuff said.
3. Bruce Pearl 4. Tommy West 5. Marc Iavaroni
FIVE changes to the U of M Basketball coaches show next season
Discover the Tradition of Tomorrow at St. George’s Independent School. 1. No critiques of the past week’s games. Only positive reinforcement 2. It will air live at 3am, since Coach Pastner doesn’t sleep anyway 3. It will actually be fun to watch 4. Woloshin will be a brown-nose... wait, er... he does that now 5. Frequent musical guests from some of Coach Pastner’s favorites like the Jonas Brothers, The Cheetah Girls or Miley Cyrus
/ZW]X \W]Z[ IZM WNNMZML _MMSTa ;KPWTIZ[PQX I[[Q[\IVKM UIa JM I^IQTIJTM NWZ Y]ITQÅML IXXTQKIV\[ 4QUQ\ML [XIKM[ IZM I^IQTIJTM QV [WUM OZILM TM^MT[ .IUQTQM[ IZM MVKW]ZIOML \W KITT \PM ILUQ[[QWV[ WNÅKM \W QVY]QZM about options for fall 2009 and tours.
w w w. s g i s . o r g Collierville Campus (grades 6-12) 1880 Wolf River Blvd. 901.457.2000
Germantown Campus (grades PK-5) 8250 Poplar Ave. 901.261.2300
Memphis Campus (grades PK-5) 3749 Kimball Ave. 901.601-3000
Not associated with the Episcopal Church U.S.A., the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, or St. George’s Episcopal Church.
FIVE things we wish Coach Cal would take with him to Kentucky
1. Mayor Herenton 2. RC Johnson 3. Memphis crime 4. Cal’s Championship Steakhouse 5. The Plush Club
www.memphissport.net | 7
A simple formula - one cheerleader, questions and answers. by KEVIN CERRITO photo by CHASE GUSTAFSON
a i m What grade are you in? 2nd.
Who is your favorite Grizzlies player? Rudy.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Nurse.
What do you like most about cheering? The dance.
Do you think the Grizz Girls are jealous of the Junior Cheer Team? Yes. Every time we perform, the Grizzlies win.
What is your favorite book?
Junie B. Jones. I have three of them in my backpack.
Favorite subject? Math.
Candy or Ice cream? Ice cream. I like chocolate.
8 | Memphis Sport
s Grizzlie Junior ader Cheerle
Nickelodeon or Disney Channel? Disney.
Hide-and-Seek or Heads Up, Seven Up?
Hide-and-seek. Usually, I play with my cousin David. He always finds me at the side of the couch, cuz he can see my feet.
Why don’t you hide somewhere else?
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I dunno. It’s the best spot.
Do you have a summer job?
No. I just play a lot. That’s why I keep beating my dad on Mario Kart.
Which Mario Kart character do you pick most when you play? Peach… And I won a kart called Super Blooper.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would It be? Florida. Because there are fun roller coasters.
SIGN UP TODAY! @hAÅ.j^ =H7:; $$ hdXXZg $$ [ddiWVaa $$ WVh`ZiWVaa $$ aVXgdhhZ kdaaZnWVaa $$ iZcc^h $$ eajh Zcg^X]bZci! Vgih! gZXgZVi^dc VcY BDG: BWkiWdd[ Ikcc[h B_dai .%&#),)#&%&( aVjhVccZhX]dda#Xdb$hjbbZg
www.memphissport.net | 9
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Become a Preferred Player today! 1 Champions Lane Tunica Resorts, MS 38664 (662) 357-0777
10 | Memphis Sport
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H H T T
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S S D D I I K K R R O O F F S S G G N N I I H T TH DO
R R E E M M M M U U S 3 S S S I I H H1 TO
Love Your Serve an at MUS, ages 7-14, musowls.org, 901-51 d Volley 7-5620 Phil Chamberlain ta kes Camps are offered fo you inside and out of the game of tenni r beginners through s. experienced tennis Bring your racquet players. and get ser ving.
Horsebac k Riding at Shelby Farms, all ag es, shelbyfarmspark.org, 901-213-5001 Take an hour-long tra il beautiful wooded tra ride through the ils behind Beaver Lake. Little ones ca n ta ride for a few minut ke a hand-led pony es at the stables.
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Make a M o at Seize the Clay, ag nster es 7 and up, seizetheclay.net, 901323-2991
Lions and tigers and monstersâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;oh, my! Cr eate, paint and deco Summer P ra erforma machĂŠ monster of yo te the paper nc at Theatre Memphis, ur dreams (or your ages 5-12, theatremem e Fun nightmares) in phis.org, 901-682-52 61 imaginative this week-long camp for A week-long summ boys and girls. er camp, where kids will get a hands on learning and playin expe g music, dancing, sto rytelling and more.. rience .
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5
Check yo ur Mate or Pawn y our Bishop at La usanne, all ages, lausanneschool.com/su mmer, 901-474-1013 To learn chess or im prove your game–th is is your camp. Make your kids smarter in a fun, exciting and ch allenging environm ent. Learn from the best. Th numerous Internatio is camp features nal Grandmasters an d FIDE Grandmaster s.
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Story Tim e at the Dixon, ages 5-8, dixon.org , 901-761-5250
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Looking for someth ing different to do on Sa turday mornings? Families can enjoy an interactive story followed by a hands-on art activ ity. voyage through the un
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iverse.
Sleep Out on the Mississipp i Island, all ages, mud at Mud island.com, 901-576-7236
+('*,+
Campers sleep unde rneath the stars next to Ole M an River. Tent, dinner, enterta inment, campfire, marshmall ows and breakfast are all prov ided. All you need to bring is a sle eping bag.
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Learn to Play an Instrume nt at the Community Music Sc ho ages, memphis.edu/m ol, all usic/cms.php, 901-678-4244 A broad range of m usic classes and summer camps for newborns to accomplished yo ung musicians, from Kind ermusic to piano, flute and mor e.
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Basketba ll Memphis S tyle at the Coach Josh Pa stners Basketball Academy, ages 7-18 , coachpastner.com, 605-295-2646 Coach Pastner mov ed fast to set up this camp. Four differen t weeks feature four different camps–M emphis Madness, Summer Swish, Dril ls n’ Skills, and Fun & Fundamentals.
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Visit Oute r Space at the Sh arpe Planetarium, all ages, memphismuseums.o rg , 901-320-6320
Journey to distant ga lax the solar system and ies, explore settle back in a comfortable seat as you take a cosmic
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Tackle To mmy at the To mmy West Football Camp, ages 7-18, go tigersgo.cstv.com, 90 1-678-2341 Four days of pigskin fun. expert instruction fro Learn the fundamentals of the game and get m Tommy West, himsel the Memphis Tigers coaching staff in cluding f.
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Draw, Pain t and Scu at Memphis College lpt of Art, ages 5-16, mca .edu, 901-272-5142 Art is good for you. (D like comic books, di on’t tell the kids!) Explore specific type gital photography, dr s of art awing, painting and art. wearable
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Build a R obot at Harding Academy, ages 9-12 hardinglions.org , 90 , 1-322-3016 This week-long class teaches how to build and program the am LEG O Mindstorm robots. Teach your robots to navigate th azing terrain, or battle an rough opponent at Robot Sumo.
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Learn to Pass the Puck with the Ri verKings, ages 4-15, jrstreetkings.com, 90 1-870-7825
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+('*,+
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An introduction to the the fundamentals of great sport of hockey. Learn to inline sk hockey. Helmets, sk ate and ates and sticks are all provided. Discover Super Pow Invention, ages 6-11 ers at Camp , campinvention.org, 800-9668-4332 Think you could ha ve super powers or fin d Can you design a sle d to win an obstacle a long-lost Viking treasure? course ? Find these an more at this fantasti c week-long summer swers and camp.
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Hit the B all at St. Benedi ct, ages 9-13, sbaeagles.org , 901-26 0-2840
If baseball is your th ing, you can spend so me time focusing on the most important aspects–the swing. one of This summer mini-c premier instruction amp offers for development of proper hitting techni que. Get Wild at th memphiszoo.org/educ e Memphis Zoo, ages 4-12, ation, 901-333-6765 Send your wild child to will explore the fascin the wildest camp around–zoo camp. Ca mpers ating world of anim als while participati fun games, crafts, to ng in urs, keeper chats, liv e animal visits, and experiments. interactive
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Explore Science at Mad Science, ages 4-11, madscience.org/mid south, 901-213-3555
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Engage your kids in scientific explorations that ar e so much fun they will forget they are Programs range from learning. launching rockets to detective work to dinosaurs.
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Water, Wa t at W.C. Johnson Park er, Everywhere , ages 12 and under, colliervilleparks.org, 901-853-3225
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Become a Scuba Ranger at th eD ages 8-12, diveshop1.c ive Shop, om, 901-763-3483 Learn to snorkel an d scuba dive in a safe, fun sw im pool environment. Ki ming ds confidence, disciplin build e and respect for the water–all wh ile setting and accomplishing goals, and having fun.
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A 12-station water park unlike any othe r in town–a playground that fea tures water instead of slides or monkey bars. No lifeg uards are needed since there are no pools. Get Your M malco.com, 901-761- ovie On at Malco, all ages, 3480
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Get out of the hous e an Wednesdays all sum d see some great kids movies on Tuesd ays mer long (at a reduce d price, no less). Mov and include Horton Hea ies rs a Who, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Sp Chimps and more.. ace .
+('*,+
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Swim the Day Away at the Po ol School, ages 3 and up, swim poolschool.com, 901-386-1999 Learn to swim with the best classes in town. All classes are limited to four students with flexib le schedules and numerous locations . And the water is always 89 degrees.
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Design Yo ur Own Video Games at Bria rcamp, ages 8-12, briarcrest.com, 901765-4617 or 901-765-4613 Design, create and ed it style video game: de your own arcadesign the action, create the characters, and edit the objectives an d outcomes.
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Make an Animated Movie at St. Ge or sgis.org , 901-685-67 ge’s, ages 7-14, 01 Take a week to create th summer blockbuster e next great . Use webcams and stop motion animati on software to create movies. Then edit it and add transitions, effects, titles and so und.
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NSI: Memp h at Memphis Botanic is Ga rdens, ages 6-9, memphisbota nicgarden.com, 901-576-4126 Do you love to expl ore around you? Join th the world eN Investigators.) Grab SI (Nature Scene a magnifying glass an d take a closer look at the great outdoors!
www.memphissport.net | 15
The bank you wish would open here, is here. Triumph Bank is now open in our new headquarters, Poplar at I-240. We offer full service personal and business banking. But more than that, we offer something that seems to have disappeared in the Memphis area: A completely local bank. Everything we do will stay local, including loan decisions. We call this the power of here. You have more power over your finances, and we have the power to make things happen. Come see our new headquarters, or visit our Saddle Creek office. Triumph Bank is here. And here we will stay.
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
©2007 Triumph Bank
Poplar and I-240, Mem phi s • 2 1 7 1 J udi c i al D r i ve, S u ite 101, G e rma ntow n • 901-333-8800 • tr iu mp h b a n k .com
16 | Memphis Sport
S D I K C I T S A T N FA They are games and th at the top of their ey have ye high high school d school. By the time they re t to enter ip ceive their Selena Pruitt, lomas Collin Stephenson , Zach Olsen, Olivia Harriso Michael Ince n, Jordan Wil co ki universities as uld very well have an arra ns, and y of colleges an sembling a fu ll court press for their serv d It is, in fact, b ices. ec and-coming at ause of their early success as h essential to sh letes that Memphis Sport up felt it was ine the spotlig kids. Might as ht well cover them on these talented you never kn now. Because ow after all, six athletes w what the future holds, es pecially for ho could be h eaded for grea tness.
by ANDRE JO HNSON illustrations b y ANDREW C HA N D L E R
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N I L L CO N O S N E H P E T S
Seven years ago, Tonja Stephenson witnessed arguably the biggest scare of her life. Her then 5-year-old son, Collin Stephenson, was a couple of weeks removed from earning his first victory as go-kart driver at the Holly Springs Raceway. The racing venue also was the site where this up-and-coming driver flipped his kart for the first time. Tonja, as expected, leapt to her feet and watched in amazement as her son’s kart tumbled upside down on the protective roll cage. Luckily for the Stephensons, their young racing phenom escaped the accident unharmed. Of course, sitting out the rest of the race wasn’t an option for a kid with the huge aspiration of racing for legendary NASCAR stock car owner Rick Hendrick someday. He immediately got up and continued driving, offering a glimpse of the competitive drive his peers and spectators on the go-kart circuit have come to embrace in recent years. Now at 12-years-old, this Appling Middle School sixthgrader is a fixture on race tracks throughout the Mid-South and across the country. He is, in fact, coming off arguably his grandest season since his father, Keith Stephenson, introduced him to go-kart racing seven years ago. Having moved up from the Purple Class Champion to the Aqua Class Champion division, Collin won six feature races and the 40-lap survivor series, in what is considered the biggest class on the Atoka, Tennessee curcuit. He was eventually named the Aqua Class Champion, but the accolades did not stop there. He earned the 2008 Junior Sportsman Champ award after sweeping through the rest of the field with first-place finishes in the Mississippi Dirt Series, a feat that ultimately earned him invitations to compete in the prestigious Maxxis National Championship Race in North Carolina and the Cajun Nationals. He says what is most intriguing about competing at various venues is the exposure and the camraderie he establishes with other racers. “I get to meet other go-kart racers from all over the South,” Collin says. “I have made a lot of new friends and it’s fun to see who will have the best kart each weekend.”
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18 | Memphis Sport
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Getting Olivia Harrison to watch a soccer game is like pulling teeth. Getting out there and playing? Now, that’s an entirely different story. “Watching is hard for me because I just ache to get out there and play,” Olivia says. “Soccer is a game of skill, heart, and passion. And that’s why I love it so much.” To get an even bigger understanding of Olivia’s passion for the game, look no further than the accolades she has garnered since she started playing the sport for the first time, ten years ago. The 14-year-old not only enjoyed a memorable freshman season for Houston High in which she was recently named the Lady Mustangs’ Offensive Most Valuable Player, but her contributions (15 goals and 12 assists) helped Houston claim the Region 8 and District 15-AAA championships. She also advanced to the TSSAA Region 1-AAA quarterfinals, where the Lady Mustangs lost to the eventual state champion. Even before her stellar freshman campaign, she was already a fixture in her sport at the national and international levels. She is a starting forward for the Collierville Lobos that were state finalists last year, and a member of the Region 3 National Olympic Player Development team that is comprised of the nation’s top 72 players from all over the country. The team competed in a national event in Coral Springs, Florida during Thanksgiving weekend and in Pomona, California earlier this year. Additionally, she was selected to an international squad that recently participated in the International Soccer Festival in Costa Rica, the only female player from Tennessee to be named to the team. As usual, she was as good as advertised . “One coach said she is an impact player,” says Carter Harrison, Olivia’s father. “He said she changes the course of the game. It’s pretty neat. I think it says alot about how local organizations are in terms of teaching skills, and she’s really developed her skills.” Which, of course, is one of the biggest reasons this rising soccer star doesn’t get much fun out of sitting and watching a game. Getting out there and playing? Now, that’s an entirely different story.
AGE 14
OLIVIA HARRISON 19
www.memphissport.net | 19
S N O I T S E U Q THE HARD Movie?
e ur favorit o y is t a h . W e Streets o Th
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favorite TVontana. r u o y e r a What annah M aven and H R ? s w o sh don’t know and the e l p o e p g a boxer methin What is so? I have two dogs, one isand Caseyus. about you bull. Their names are Ali pit other is a
AGE 10
Selena Pruitt has yet to beat big sister Lauren Avant in a one-on-one game of basketball. That, according to her, isn’t such a bad thing. Pruitt realizes that Avant, a Tennessee commitment, will be among the nation’s top seniors heading into next season. She realizes it was Avant’s leadership qualities and ability to make good decisions on the floor that ultimately led to Lausanne seizing the Division 2-A championship last year and returning to the the title game this year. Not only that, she realizes that living under the same roof with arguably the best Lady Lynx player to ever wear a Lausanne uniform, she can learn a thing or two from big sis.
SELINA PRUITT
“She blocks my shots and plays against me hard, but it’s fun to play against her,” Pruitt says of playing pickup games against Avant, rated No. 8 in the latest ESPNU HoopGurlz Top 60 in the Class of 2010. For the 10-year-old Pruitt, who started playing organized basketball two years ago, taking Avant up on occasional one-on-one games apparently has aided her in terms of establishing her own identity as an up-and-coming basketball player. She knows that as she journeys her way through the high school ranks, people will often compare her game to that of big sis. But the way her Team Memphis Elite AAU coach, Wayne Kelley, sees it, with Pruitt’s tough work ethic, the sky is the limit in terms of what she can do.
“Obviously, as a 10-year-old, she has a lot to learn,” says Kelly, who also coaches Lausanne’s girls basketball coach. “But looking at her athleticism, she’s going to be a great athlete. She’s an extremely hard worker and a very coachable kid whose willing to learn. I’ve enjoyed having her. I think having coached her sister, I can see some of the things that Lauren had at this age.” If that’s an indication of what the future holds for Pruitt, big sis may want to create more space in the family trophy case.
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JORDAN WILKINS
Ask St. Francis of Assisi football coach Chris Jordan about Jordan Wilkins’ skills as a football player, and Coach Jordan immediately cracks a smile to suggests he knows something about this kid the rest of the Shelby-Metro area doesn’t.
“Just remember the name,” Coach Jordan quickly says. “He’s going to be a household name throughout his high school career. He’s just a phenomenal player.”
AGE 14
Among the obvious reasons Coach Jordan believes Wilkins will likely emerge as one of the Mid-South’s top players before his prep career ends is that Wilkins was seemingly a man among boys on the gridiron in recent years. The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder was the starting tailback on St. Francis of Assisi’s fifth-sixth grade and seveneighth grade squads in his brief time as an organized player, and has arguably been the best player on the field. Middle school coaches rarely keep stats. Even so, Wilkins’ skills were hard to miss. “His size and speed and athletic ability were just raw for a kid his age,” says Coach Jordan, who gets to coach Wilkins next season as one of St. Benedict’s assistant coaches. “I think he’s one of the most athletic kids I’ve coached and I’ve coached a lot of kids.” Coach Jordan also was quick to point out that he is mostly impressed with the 14-year-old speedy back’s well-disciplined demeanor, particularly when he isn’t blazing through opposing defenses. “He’s a ‘yes sir, no sir’ type of kid,” Jordan says. “I’m looking forward to coaching him next year.” One thing is for certain. When Jordan Wilkins enters the high school ranks this fall, the rest of the area could very well find out what his middle school coach has known all along. Just don’t forget the name.
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When Mark Ince began taking his son, Michael, to church, he did not just want him to attend services regularly only because it was a weekly family ritual. He wanted his son become involved in some kind of youth activity. Good thing the Ince’s church assembled a recreational baseball team because Michael has become a fixture in this sport. The 14-year-old eighth grader at Briarcrest Middle School is entering his fourth season as a member of the Arlington Tigers recreational squad and is one of the team’s top players. He is also among the Tigers’ most diverse players and plays three different positions (catcher, pitcher, outfield). However, he enjoys the catcher’s spot the most but doesn’t mind filling in where it is necessary. “I’m doing good because of the hands-on training I get,” Michael says. “I like catching the best, but I will play where ever the coach asks me to.” Baseball is baseball and Michael’s primary objective is not what he can accomplish as an individual, but rather how he can help improve a team that has made its presence felt in state competition in recent years. He credits the Arlington coaches for helping broaden his mechanics.
AGE 14
L E A H C I M E C N I 22
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The possibility of pulling off the unthinkable upset certainly existed, considering Zach Olsen had battled his way to the state tournament.
ZACH OLSEN
“He is fabulous individual, a great athlete and, of course, a great golfer, Memphis University School coach Greg King says of Olsen.
AGE 14
And in only his first full season, he is among Tennessee’s best prep golfers after battling his way through an intense sudden-death playoff against Ryan Thornton of Chattanooga Baylor and claiming the 2008 TSSAA Division 2-AA state championship at Murfreesboro’s Old Fort Golf Course. Olsen’s unlikely upset of one of the state’s elite players, was, in a nutshell, one for the ages, especially since the 14-year-old standout became the youngest male to win the individual state golf title. He followed birdies on the 13, 14, and 16 holes with a remarkable thirty-foot putt on 18 to clinch a playoff against a more-experienced and seemingly Thornton, who shot 71 on the final day of the two-day event. Olsen eventually sealed the deal on the third hole, par 3, a short tap in for the win after Thornton failed to connect on his par putt. “It was really fun,” Olsen says. “I was really happy to land in that tournament. It felt good to know my game was at the level it was at.” He credits his father, with whom he has a strong relationship, for introducing him to golf years ago when he was the head pro at Quail Ridge Golf Course, a semi-private, 18-course facility in Bartlett. He first played it for recreational purposes, but seriously considered playing on a competitive level when he was 8-years-old. And for the past six years, Zach has seemingly held his own as a golfer. He takes part in at least a half dozen organized events during the summer months and his skills have earned him the chance to compete in tournaments in various cities, most notably West Palm Beach, Florida two years ago. “I want to see how my game compares to others my age,” Olsen says. “It’s just fun to compete.” Of course, pulling an unlikely upset every now and then isn’t so bad either.
THE HARD QUESTIONS Who is yo ur favo rite Athlet e?
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OFFICIAL BALLOT YOUR INFO
*Name____________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ City, State and Zip___________________________________________________________________ *email address_______________________________________________________________________ AWARDS ‘09
DEADLINE TO ENTER JUNE 12
GET FIT
Favorite Workout Facility____________________________ Favorite Healthy Store_______________________________ AT THE GAME Favorite Concessions_______________________________ Favorite Place to Spend a Nice Afternoon_________________ Favorite Place To Tailgate____________________________ Favorite Martial Arts Facility__________________________ Favorite Sporting Venue___________________________ Favorite Bike Shop_________________________________ Favorite Race_____________________________________ Best Game______________________________________ SPORTS MEDIA Most Memorable Moment__________________________ Favorite Sports Radio Personality_______________________ Favorite Annual Event_____________________________ Favorite Local Sports Radio Program____________________ Favorite Local TV Sports Personality____________________ Favorite Sports Website______________________________ SPORTS AROUND TOWN Best Place to Stock Up for the Big Game________________ Best Place to Buy Some Bling_______________________ Favorite Local Sports Bar/Restaurant__________________ Favorite National Sports Bar/Restaurant_______________ Favorite Place to Eat before/after a game_______________ Favorite Place to Take the Team After a Victory__________ Favorite Place to Buy a Victory Cigar__________________ Favorite Bowling Alley_____________________________ Favorite Place To Play Cards________________________ Favorite Private Golf Course________________________ Favorite Golf Store________________________________ Favorite Sporting Goods Store_______________________ Favorite Sports Apparel Store________________________
HIGH SCHOOL
Favorite Male High School Athlete_____________________ Favorite Female High School Athlete____________________ Favorite High School Coach__________________________ Favorite High School Program________________________
IN UNIFORM
Favorite Mascot___________________________________ Favorite Spirit Squad_______________________________ Favorite Uniforms_________________________________ Best Hair________________________________________ Favorite Fighter or Wrestler___________________________ Favorite Golfer____________________________________ Favorite Baseball Player______________________________ Favorite Football Player_____________________________ Favorite Women’s Basketball Player_____________________ Favorite Men’s Basketball Player_______________________ Favorite Female Athlete_____________________________ Favorite Male Athlete_______________________________ Favorite Coach____________________________________ Favorite Team_____________________________________ Most Hated Rival__________________________________ The awards will be presented to the winners at the 12th Annual Sports Ball on August 29, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis, Inc. Contact Dana Mister for tickets at 901-323-5440.
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INFLATABLE SALES & RENTALS AWARDS ‘09
M
YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY OR SPECIAL EVENT
stands for Memphis. M stands for major league. M stands for magnanimous. M stands for marvelous, master, and most of all, Memphis Sport. The M Award stands for all that is great in Memphis area sports. And the best part is, it’s all up to you. Remember, you–the readers–will be the only judges for this award. No referees, no coaches poll, and no panel of experts. You vote for the best of the past year in Memphis sports each year. This year’s nominees and winners are for the period between May 2008 and April 2009. You are in charge here, and what you say goes. You make the picks, we tabulate the results. That’s all there is to it. Look for the winners in the next issue.
DEADLINE TO ENTER
JUNE 12
Perfect for Birthdays, Reunions, School Events! Church Events • Block Parties • Grand Openings Fund Raisers • Advertising and Promotional Rentals Corporate Picnics • School Carnivals Any Party in Your Own Backyard or Gymnasium!
CUS TO M A TA BL E S ! I N FL ONE-OF-A-KIND INFLATABLES FOR SCHOOLS, SPORT TEAMS, ORGANIZATIONS, CORPORATE PROMOTION & MORE! MAKE YOUR RESERVATION EARLY SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT! CORDOVA, TENNESSEE
. (901) 754-7771
The Rules:
Only one ballot may be filled out per person. Your ballot must include your name and email address and be entered by June 12. It’s not necessary to pick a winner in every category. But in order to be counted, a ballot must contain at least five responses. No cheating. We know cheating when we see it. And we don’t like to see it. The online voting contains nominations for each category compliled by our staff at Memphis Sport. As always, you are free to use our nominations or enter a nomination of your own.
Three Ways To Enter:
1. ONLINE VOTING: www.memphissport.net 2. MAIL YOUR BALLOT: (photocopies are accepted) MEMPHIS SPORT, 1138 N Germantown Pkwy, Suite 101- 176, Cordova, TN 38018 3. FAX YOUR BALLOT: 901-552-3508
MEMPHIS SPORT LIVE! The entertaining and informative Memphis Sport magazine comes to life with hosts Kevin Cerrito and Jan Michael Hartelust. Join them as they discuss and debate the topics that matter most to sports fans in the Mid-South.
For more on the show visit memphissport.net.
Saturdays at 9am... Only on Sports 56 www.memphissport.net | 25
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26 | Memphis Sport
by PRESTON BRADY photos by CARRIE BRADY
www.memphissport.net | 27
Don't ask me how I got the chance to do this. I don't know. I found out only two days before that I was going to get to interview OJ Mayo. Just me and OJ. I spent 30 or 45 minutes working on my questions and I was ready. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sleep much the night before. I woke up about every 30 minutes because I was so excited. OJ was very nice. But the best part is that he gave me his shoes!
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Who taught you how to play the great game of basketball? Probably my Grandpa...
Did you play any other sports when you were growing up? Baseball and Football.
Where did you grow up? Huntington, West Virginia.
What do miss most about West Virginia? I miss being around my friends.
If you could do anything else other than play basketball what would it be? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably be a doctor.
Who was your role model in basketball when you were growing up? Magic Johnson.
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How does it feel to be in the NBA?
What is your favorite T.V show?
A lot of fun. I’m really enjoying myself.
Martin.
So far does it seem easier or harder than when you played in college?
What do you like to do when you have time off?
Sometimes it seems the NBA is harder, but at times college was harder.
I, like, sleep–sleep and shop.
Were you happy that you got traded for Kevin Love? Yes. I was happy to be in Memphis instead of Minnesota.
What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis? Eat barbecue and go to Beale Street.
What is your favorite restaurant in Memphis?
What is your favorite condiment? I don’t know.
Ketchup? Mayonnaise? Mustard? It would have to be hot sauce.
What is your favorite breakfast drink? Orange Juice.
Mine too. Do you like your name?
Neely’s Barbecue and Blues City Café.
Yes...
Not the Rendezvous?
Did you get made fun of when you were younger?
I’ve only been there once, and that was my second day in Memphis. I got to go back.
I heard you love movies. What are your favorites? The Saw movies. One through five... and six, soon.
What is the last movie you saw at the theater? Bloody Valentine.
Who would play you in a movie? I don’t know. I’d like to see Will Smith.
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Of course.
Any knicknames? Juice.
What is your greatest memory from playing college basketball? Just getting an opportunity to play out West, like in Seattle, Oregon and Arizona.
Do you set goals for yourself in basketball? If yes, what is one of your goals?
This year one of my goals was to play every game this season–all 82 games. So, now, we’ll set some new ones for next year.
How do you keep yourself focused when a game is not going well? Just keep playing to win. Always playing to win.
Who do you want them to take in the draft? Blake Griffin. Please, get Blake Griffin.
Can I have your shoes? Yeah, I’ll get you some.
Did you watch the NCAA championship? Which team were you cheering for? I was rooting for North Carolina, ‘cause a lot of my friends that I grew up playing with, or against, were playing for North Carolina.
Was it fun to be in the rookie and sophomore game? Yes. A lot of fun.
What is your workout program to keep yourself healthy and fit? Really just stay conditioned. Work out with weights. Work on my core, which is my stomach, and my lower body to stay strong.
Who has been your toughest opponent? Kobe Bryant.
What would be your best advice to kids playing basketball? Just keep working hard and if you really want to do it, then commit yourself to playing basketball.
If you were Michael Heisley, what would you do this offseason? We need a low post player who can score really well.
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MEMPHIS MADE Keeping it real.
by ANDRE JOHNSON photo courtesy UT MARTIN
Hudson goes from high school dropout to NBA prospect He enrolled at the oldest public school in Memphis’ Central High, where students are encouraged to live up to the school’s longstanding motto of Enhancing A Tradition Of Excellence. But Lester Hudson, it seemed, couldn’t care less about catchwords and slogans. For two years, he skipped classes, roamed the halls, routinely played hooky, and hung out with the wrong crowd. When he found his way to the classroom, he paid no attention to his instructors. He hated school with a passion. His priorities were so screwed up he flunked ninth grade. Sure, it is safe to say that Hudson dodged high school the way a quarterback eludes defensive linemen. But unlike most of his peers with whom he ran the rugged and crime-ridden streets of South Memphis, this incredibly talented kid was blessed with a gift that has produced a golden opportunity for him to erase the memory of the setbacks he endured as a teenager.
After all, his willingness to clear a few educational hurdles is the number one reason the Associated Press AllAmerican (Honorable Mention) and two-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year is just weeks away from potentially embarking on the biggest break in his life. A few short years back, he was a high school dropout with fading hoop dreams who was on the brink of being all but forgotten, just like so many others who have put their skills on display in high school gyms throughout this basketball-rich city. But today, he is one of college basketball’s biggest success stories, the face of the UT Martin basketball program, and the guy
Curry of Davidson by finishing second in scoring nationally at 27.5 points per game. The 6-foot-3 Hudson picked up where he left off after quickly coming under the radar in his first full season of Division 1 basketball a year ago. For instance, he was the only D1 player to manage 20 or more points in the first 26 games of the season. Additionally, he scored 30 or more points 11 times, including a 42-point outburst against Tennessee Tech in the opening round of the OVC tournament. On the flip side, he’s proven he can compete against the nation’s big boys. Let’s not forget his coming-out-party last year against Memphis – the eventual national runner-up – when he scorched the Tigers for 35 points and 10 rebounds in his return to the Bluff City. Or his impressive showings against NCAA-tourney bound Vanderbilt (36 points, nine rebounds, and six assists) and Mississippi State (27 points, 11 rebounds). Furthermore, let’s not forget when Hudson became the only player in D1 history to record a quadruple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals in a 11674 win over Central Baptist College three games into the 2008-09 season, a performance that raised even more
“We’ve been poor all this time, so another year won’t hurt.”
For years, whether he was playing in pickup or organized games, Hudson’s presence on the basketball court was too difficult to overlook, particularly by those who worked vigorously to help him reach greater heights in the sport. And, if things turn out the way many draft experts predict during the June 25 NBA Draft, the ex-Tennessee-Martin star combo guard could wind up savoring the hefty paychecks that come with appearing on basketball’s grandest stage. For the 24-year-old Hudson, earning a spot on an NBA roster would be the greatest accomplishment since he earned his GED four years ago.
32 | Memphis Sport
who seized national headlines time and again since arriving in the small, rural northwest Tennessee town of roughly 11,000, two years ago. In fact, college hoops fans and national basketball writers couldn’t help but pay close attention to all the hoopla surrounding college basketball’s version of The Comeback Kid, whose game has drawn comparisons to Atlanta Hawks combo guard Flip Murray. All he did during his final season at UTM was share the national spotlight with fellow mid-major phenom and First Team All-American Stephen
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eyebrows among the college coaches who passed up the chance on a scoring whiz with the lengthy history of academic issues.
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Nevertheless, UT Martin was willing to a take a gamble on, shall we say, Central’s damaged goods and, boy, did the Skyhawks cash in. “Coming to Martin was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Hudson says. “I guess angels were looking over me.”
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His former high school coach, Andre Applewhite, was among those watching him intensely. Applewhite, who coached Hudson for one season at Central, is among those for whom Hudson credits for helping steer him in the right direction. Applewhite walked in the school’s gymnasium one day and noticed Hudson, a sophomore at the time, having his way with his varsity players. Fully aware of Hudson’s academic misfortunes, Applewhite yanked Hudson off the court and explained to him the importance of getting an education. He then invited him to try out for the team, but only if Hudson promised to do away with the foolishness. “Coach Applewhite said, ‘If I was to give you the opportunity to play, would you change?’ Hudson recalls. “He said, ‘Would you go to class? Would you come to school? Would you stay out of trouble?’” Hudson, of course, held up to his end of the deal and, as a result, went on to have a stellar junior campaign for Central. However, because he repeated one grade and months later, turned 19, he was ruled ineligible to play as a senior. It wasn’t long afterward that Applewhite began noticing the Hudson of old. “That was devastating to him,” Applewhite says. “He basically reverted back to his old self. That set him back for a while. I told him he’s still got to come to school and he’s got to do this for himself.” Without basketball, Hudson eventually quit school and returned to the dangerous streets of South Memphis.
34 | Memphis Sport
“Coming to Martin was the best decision I’ve ever made. I guess angels were looking over me.”
B A L A N C E Briarcrest’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.
His dreams were apparently gone. His talent was seemingly wasted. And there was no one to rescue him out of what appeared to be a dead end situation. Well, no one, accept Applewhite. “He told me he wasn’t going to let me waste my talent,” Hudson says. “He took me to [his old] junior college and coach [Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Verties] Sails put me in the GED program and helped me get ready for classes. He gave me the opportunity to play basketball.” Today, it is evident that basketball isn’t Hudson’s top priority, considering he is scheduled to earn a degree in University Studies in a few weeks. Not bad for a kid who went against his family’s wishes and put off entering the draft after a memorable season last year. Quitting school wasn’t an option this time around. “I told them, ‘We’ve been poor all this time, so another year won’t hurt,” Hudson says, laughing. If things turn out the way draft experts predict in the coming weeks, this comeback kid could very well find himself laughing all the way to the bank, with a college degree being his top reserve.
Mind. 9 01. 76 5 . 4 6 0 0
Body.
Spirit.
www.briarcrest.com www.memphissport.net | 35
GYM CLASS
Learn about the best fitness opportunities in the area.
by EMILY JOYNER
For moms... and babies, too!
For teens... who
Imagine being the mother of a brand new baby. Of course, you’re probably feeling an array of emotions— overjoyed, thrilled and proud of this little being that you created and now care for. But along with all that excitement, mothers often feel exhausted, isolated and overwhelmed. StrollerFit may be just the answer for new mothers wondering what they can do to take some time for themselves.
are just beginning to lose the baby weight, while some mothers of toddlers attend classes to stay in shape and involve their children in the fun!
Ridgeway Country’s Club Tennis Junior Development program uses the game of tennis to teach teenagers the importance of healthy activity, hard work and respect for the game, coaches and other players.
StrollerFit is an exercise class for mothers, combining resistance training, aerobic endurance, flexibility—and STROLLERS! That’s right, no need to leave the baby with a babysitter or day care because babies and young children are also included in the class.
“I had my preschooler throw a tantrum in class one time. And I’m an instructor! It happens. We’re all moms, and we all understand,” assures Gately.
Each instructor conducts classes that are beneficial for babies and young children, as well as moms. By singing nursery rhymes, counting in different languages and playing games with babies on mats, the children are constantly exposed to an educational environment where learning is fun. “I’m most proud of that fact that from the very beginning of their lives, children are exposed to an active and healthy lifestyle,” says StrollerFit franchise owner and instructor Jennifer Gately. The laidback environment, with mothers at all levels of fitness, allows everyone to feel at ease. Some mothers
36 | Memphis Sport
Perhaps you’re concerned about bringing an infant to an exercise class. What if she cries? What if he screams? What if I need to feed them? Because everyone in class is a mother, they all need a quick break at some point.
Babies are continually engaged through the songs and interactivity, while young children have fun participating and emulating the things the moms are doing. StrollerFit is dedicated to helping moms get in shape, while teaching children the importance of exercise at an early age. With classes held at Germantown United Methodist Church and Saint John’s Episcopal Church throughout the week, moms in and around Memphis have daily opportunities to get in an effective 50-minute-workout with their children. If you think this could be the fitness program for you, visit strollerfit.com for more information.
“We encourage students to play and practice, not only to improve their games but also for overall fitness,” explains program director Jay Horne. With programs for high school and middle school children, there are opportunities for advancement to the higher level depending on the development and improvement of each student’s game. Upon enrollment, students and parents are told the importance hard work and dedication to their lessons. With about 60 kids in the Junior Development program, most in the Collierville and Germantown areas, there is an array of talent throughout the program. While everyone does not begin on the same level, the coaches do hope that everyone is giving their greatest effort at each practice. Perhaps the biggest benefit of this program is that tennis is a sport for a lifetime, teaching children at a young age a way to stay in shape throughout their lives. “We try to keep it fun, but informative, too,” says Horne. “We expect the best out of them, and expect everyone to
work hard! work hard. It’s neat to see the kids improve and see them learn a lifestyle. I like seeing their confidence build. It’s neat to affect lives positively.” Ridgeway Country Club’s Tennis Junior Development program boasts a student moving on to play tennis for a Division I college program, a student who will soon play for a Division II college program and one student who is in the Top 20 of the South, which is arguably the best region in the country for tennis. This summer, young athletes in this program will participate in local tournaments, as well as begin traveling to tournaments throughout the region. Ridgeway Country Club offers excellent facilities, both indoor and outdoor, so practices and tournaments can always take place. The program is continually growing to include more tennis players, hoping to teach them confidence, camaraderie among teammates and a respect for health and exercise. For more information visit ridgewaycountryclub.com.
For kids... self-confidence! We’ve all heard it before. Parents send their child to a martial arts class to learn discipline, respect or self-confidence. But does it always work? Are they learning a true respect for martial arts, as well as a true respect for themselves and others? Memphis Judo & Jiu-Jitsu is dedicated to raising the bar in the martial arts community while teaching children in the Mid-South the significance of selfdefense and self-confidence. Starting at age six, children can enroll in a Judo or Jiu-Jitsu class with a master instructor. Each child participates in a hands-on format teaching them how to defend themselves, while creating a bond with other children and a passion for martial arts. “Kids naturally express themselves through wrestling, whether for fun or in anger. Children naturally grapple; they don’t throw punches,” explains Memphis Judo & Jiu-Jitsu owner David Ferguson. Using those natural instincts, instructors are able to teach children to harness those actions to use for selfdefense, not out of anger or frustration. Because instructors are so involved with each class, the children build a true respect for their coaches.
since they began classes,” says Roman Chirasanta whose daughter Kiana, 8, and son Darius, 10, have been taking classes for two years. Ferguson feels that, “learning true selfdefense equals a true confidence, while allows kids to have a higher self-esteem and maturity level.” “My daughter took ballet, tap, gymnastics and lost interest in them all. Her judo class really keeps her interest all the time,” says Jason Kennedy, father to six-year-old Mia. Parents believe that when the children see their instructor competing in martial arts matches, using the skills he is teaching them, the kids have a greater connection with the lessons. Seeing the tools they are learning in classes each week helps them understand how significant each lesson is. “We want kids to have fun, which is why we include so many games in each class, but we also want kids to improve their skills and understand that the classes take hard work and discipline,” says Ferguson. For more information, visit memphisbjj.com.
“They really enjoy it. They love Steven [instructor] and Judo. I see more maturity and camaraderie in my kids
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HOT SHOTS Everyone has a camera.
Send your photos to hotshots@memphissport.net We just may print them in our next issue.
38 | Memphis 38 | Memphis Sport Sport
www.memphissport.net | 39 www.memphissport.net | 39
FUN ‘N GAMES Play. Play. Play.
TRIVIA CHALLENGE
Make a drawing or painting of a Memphis sports star– like OJ Mayo or Derrick Rose. We’ll send a Memphis Sport prize pack to a few of the ones we like best. Email us photos to art@memphissport.net or mail them in at Memphis Sport, 1138 N Germantown Pkwy, Ste 101-176, Cordova, TN 38016.
Last Last March, March, John John Calipari Calipari and and Derrick Derrick Rose Rose led led the the U U of of M M Tiger Tiger Basketball Basketball team team to to the the Final Final Four. Four.
ART CONTEST
Who Who is is the the last last coach coach to to bring bring the the Tigers Tigers to to the the Final Final Four was Four and and who who was ’ star that that team team’s s star player? player?
GRIZZLIES PICTURE PUZZLE Do these two photos look the same to you? Look again. The original photo is the first one. We made seven changes to the second photo. Time yourself to see how long it takes you to find all seven.
TIME
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Find the last names of these Memphis Sports stars: • Winner of the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year Award • Brother of Pau • New Coach of the U of M basketball team • Former “Voice of the Tigers” for 28 years, who now writes a column in this magazine • Tiger football player drafted in the final round of this year’s NFL draft • Coach of the Riverkings
www.hardinglions.org Harding Academy is dedicated to serving all qualified students regardless of race, creed, national or ethnic origin.
www.memphissport.net | 41
TAILGATING
Sports was happening and you were there.
TITANS
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CARAVAN Featuring Cortland Finnegan and T-Rac April 22, 2009 at Shoe Carnival in Cordova
photos by CHASE GUSTAFSON 1. Drake and Lee Hite 2. Cortland Finnegan
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3. Paige, Petra, Karol, Paris and Patrick Lyon 4. Bryan, Natasha and Tyler Malone 5. A T-Rac autograph 6. Jackie, Rob, Johnathan and Anna Carol Kish 7. Tony and Beth Anthamatten 8. Reagan and Payne Ritchie 9. The Drake and Zeke van 10. Terran Tabor
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11. Andrew Boeche 12. T-Rac signs autographs 13. Jonathan Kish 14. Matt and Marco Cervetti, Cortland Finnegan and Sander “ Peanut” Smith 15. Hunter and David Filsinger 16. Tiya, Chris and Eli Hardin
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JACK’S BACK A Memphis legend takes a look back.
Proudly From Warren by JACK EATON
Growing up in Northwestern Pennsylvania many years ago, baseball was the sport of choice. People were always split between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Indians. Both teams radio broadcasts were available and on a hot summer day it was possible to walk “over town” and listen to both games. In those days, there was no air conditioning so the doors to the houses were open and the radios turned on. Sometimes when there was a crucial situation–bases loaded, two outs, and the bottom of the 9th–I would stop and listen. Both teams had exciting announcers, Jack Graney and Jimmy Dudley for the Indians and Rosey Rosewell for the Pirates. I liked Rosey better and so I became a Pirates fan. I can still hear Rosey, “Bottom of the 9th and the Buccos trail the Cubs by a run. We have the bases loaded, two outs and our star shortstop, Arky Vaughn steps in. Arky, hitting 345, is two for four this afternoon and there is no one we would rather have in this clutch situation. First pitch on the way... low ball one. Arky has the good eye. Next pitch... swung on and missed and the count evens at one and one. Next pitch... CRACK! Swung on and a line shot over second base. It’s a hit and two runs score! We win! We win!” Stuff like that made me a lifelong Pirates fan. My best buddy, Pat, was a Cleveland fan and we had many spirited discussions
about the merits of each team. Later, when we had summer jobs we’d save our money and go out to Cleveland where Pat had an aunt living and we would stay with her and go to baseball games. Lots of fun. NFL football wasn’t nearly as popular. I don’t remember any Steelers broadcasts in Warren, PA and it wasn’t until I got to Washington and Jefferson College, near Pittsburgh, that I came into close contact with the Steelers. I do remember driving to Pittsburgh for a Steelers game. They had an exciting announcer, Joe (I forget his last name), and slowly but surely I became a Steelers fan. ( Joe’s last name just occurred to me... Tucker.) In Warren, we had our own professional football team, the Warren Red Jackets. They played their home games on Sunday afternoon and Pat and I would climb trees around Russell Field and watch the games. At the end of the third quarter they would open the gate and let the kids in free. Talk about good living. Recently, I had a polo shirt made up with “Warren Red Jackets” proudly displayed. I have the only shirt like it in the world. Life in those days was so different. There was no TV. Radio was king and for news film one had to go to the movies for the “newsreels.” No one gets to pick his time and place to grow up but, Warren, PA was as good as any and, I say proudly, better than most. My high school basketball team made the state “Final Four.” We actually thought that because we were from Warren we were somehow better. The town slogan was, What Warren Makes, Makes Warren. I have a feeling that today’s kids are much more sophisticated and would make fun of such stuff. Pity. Big Jack’s new book, “Jack Eaton: Great Scott, I Rhyme A Lot”, is still available for purchase in both autographed and non-autographed versions at memphissport.net.
44 | Memphis Sport
Save Energy, Save Money. The choice is yours. Save energy and money by: • Using compact fluorescent bulbs. They use less electricity and last 6-10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. • Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher this summer. Every degree above 78 degrees can save four percent on your cooling bills. • Caulking around windows and weatherstripping around doors to keep warm air in and cold air out. • Replacing your heating air filters every 30-90 days.
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