MemphiSport Issue 31

Year One This former RiverKings defenseman has traded in his skates for a coaching gig

SEPTEMBER 2011

M E M P H I S P O R T. N E T

SEPTEMBER 2011 VOLUME 5, NUMBER 1

“ I’ve been fortunate enough to win a couple of championships, and I see what’s worked on those teams. I’ll be out there sharing all the knowledge I’ve gained over the years with the players.”

–Derek Landmesser 13

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13 King of Kings 13 As the Mississippi Riverkings head into their twentieth season, plenty of new challenges await, not the least of which is a former captain that will now serve as head coach.

Surprise! Coach Porter is Back 16 Looking for a winning season in his second year as head coach of the University of Memphis football program, Coach Larry Porter’s enthusiasm for the game and his hometown shine through.

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Front Nine 6 Featuring multiple awardwinning columnist and TV host, Geoff Calkins.

Hot Shots 8 Golden field of Grizz.

Live Debate 10 Was hiring Luke Walton a good move for Josh Pastner and Memphis Tiger Basketball?

Power Train 19 How one trainer discovered her passion for fitness.

Get Fit 18 A new identity after one hundred years.

The Rundown 20 One working woman attributes life balance to an uncommon running partner.

Varsity Spirit 22 A Hutchison dancer answers some tough questions and National School Spirit Day is here.

Picture Puzzle 25 Seven Red Hot changes.

Tailgating 26 Were you there?

Jack’s Back 28 Mickey Mantle, Mason Granger and Archie Moore.

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memphisport.net twitter.com/memphisport Publisher Mike Bullard 901.229.4749

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Contributing Photographers Justin Ford Bart Gilmer Joe Murphy Steve O’Dell Contributing Writers Jack Eaton Jamie Elkington Andre Johnson Michael Jones Brandi Hunter Marcus Hunter Beth Okeon Contributing Illustrator Andrew Chandler Cover Photos Chase Gustafson (Derek Landmesser, coach), Tim Long (Larry Porter, player), Mississipippi RiverKings (Derek Landmesser, player), Joe Murphy (Larry Porter, coach)

ŠCopyright 2011 Memphis Sport Magazine LLC, All Rights Reserved

FRONT NINE

Nine questions. Nine Answers.

Geoff Calkins

Written by Mike Bullard, photo courtesy of WKNO

An award-winning Commercial Appeal columnist and TV host, Geoff takes a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to answer nine questions for MemphiSport.

Who is the best interview you have had on the TV show? ow?

I had Gary Parrish interview me once. Does that count? Nah, I’d say Lionel Hollins was really good, especially becausee that one surprised people, the way he opened up. But we’ve had an interesting mix. John Kilzer, the former Memphis basketball player turned rock star turned minister, talking about addiction. Gene Bartow, unable to get through an answer about his old star, Larry Finch. Tarik Black and Will Coleman were hilarious. Houston Nutt was much better than I thought.

“I’m a columnist at heart. I like telling stories. That will always be my favorite part of any gig.“

In all your coverage of sports in Memphis, what story stands out?

More than anything, I’ve been impressed by the way the sports universe here has been transformed, almost entirely for the better. AutoZone Park was built during my tenure. The Grizzlies arrived.

John Calipari had his glorious rise and fall. Mike Tyson fought here twice.

And now, people are actually starting to get off their couches and move around, thanks to the Green Line.

Howard Stern calls himself the ‘King of All Media’. You might be considered the ‘King of all Sports Media in Memphis’, with TV, newspaper and radio gigs. Do you have any other irons in the fire? A book or a movie?

I recently turned down a two-hour radio show because, honestly, I’m already overcommitted. I’m not the king of anything. I’m an NBA halftime show, trying to keep all my juggling dishes in the air. I would like to assemble a book of columns, though. Possibly coming soon.

Are you concerned that you are contributing to the unemployment problem by having so many jobs?

I am concerned I will be contributing to my own personal unemployment problem if I don’t keep hacking away.

What has been the most fun part of your three jobs (newspaper, radio, TV)?

I’m a columnist at heart. heart I like telling stories stories. That will always be my favorite part of any gig. But the TV show has been much more fun than I thought. I can even read off a teleprompter now, like a certain other Harvard Law graduate who is in the news from time to time.

What do you spend all your money on?

Legos for my three boys and chicken feed for my four bantam hens.

With all the awards you have won, you could get a job in nearly any market, why do you stay in Memphis?

I moved every two years until I got here. When I arrived, I thought I’d probably move again. But Memphis is home now, in every sense of that word. At some point, you realize that if you’re happy, you don’t have to go chasing jobs on the off chance that they might make you happier still.

What do you take away from your win this year in the M Awards for ‘Favorite Local TV Sports Personality’?

A handsome cash prize, with any luck. Also, profound concern regarding the legitimacy of the judging process.

If you were going to put together a band with only media members, who would be in the band and what part would you play (singer, violin, guitar etc)?

I’d play electric tuba. I’d put Jeff Weinberger in charge of chicks. George Lapides could handle promotions. Between sets, Gary Parrish could tell stories about himself. Chris Vernon would... you know, this whole enterprise is too perilous. I better stop now. Truth is, I like and respect most Memphis media members, especially – and, yes, I’m sucking up - my bosses at The Commercial Appeal.

Geoff Calkins made history when he became the first person ever to defeat Jarvis Greer in the M Awards’ “Best TV Sports Personality” category. Check Memphisport.net for the full list of winners in the 2011 M Awards.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

M E M P H I S P O R T. N E T

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L I V E D E B AT E

Kevin and Marcus go head-to-head.

Was hiring Luke Walton a good move for Josh Pastner and Memphis Tiger Basketball?

Written by Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter, Photos by Chase Gustafson Marcus: I think it is a great move. Why not? Luke Walton is where most of the guys on the Tigers want to be and he knows what it takes to get there. The Tigers are better now with the NBA firepower of Walton and Damon Stoudamire.

Kevin: First of all, you can’t hire the son of a guy who single handily cost the Tigers a national championship.

Luke’s father crushed the hopes and dreams of Tiger basketball fans in 1973 when he dropped 44 points in the NCAA title game. Are we 30 years away from Mario Chalmers’ son being offered an assistant job?

to get it together. With Stoudamire and Walton they can develop players and make the young Tigers better now.

Marcus Hunter “I wouldn’t be surprised to see other college coaches follow suit and try to get some NBA players on staff.”

Kevin: I don’t see how you think he is a great teacher already at such a young age.

Besides, he will be gone after the lockout. He is just stopping by the U of M on a short-term rental basis. Is Josh Pastner running a college basketball team or a coaching version of Netflix?

Marcus: It is a bit bizarre that Josh would hire someone who could up and leave when the lockout is over. However, this move says that a lot of NBA players believe this lockout will last awhile. And if Pastner is still in Memphis when Walton is done playing he can come back full-time.

Kevin: Every college team needs as many top recruits as possible. Why not guarantee yourself one by hiring someone who brings in the talent for you? Then you and your staff can focus on recruiting other premier prospects. Every big time coach does it at some point.

Marcus: Was Pastner even born then? Who cares that Luke’s dad put it on the then Memphis State Tigers? New name, new team, new rules. Luke was coached by Phil Jackson and played alongside Kobe Bryant. Maybe he can get a few Lakers to show up to practice and take on the Tigers. How cool would that be?

Kevin: He does bring minor star power to the team. But Mighty Mouse can bring in just as many NBA connections as Walton. The Tigers could always use more big time national recruits. Pastner should have hired a relative or high school coach of a top prospect. It could have taken his national recruiting ability to the next level like when John Calipari hired Dajuan Wagner’s dad.

Marcus: But Coach Pastner doesn’t need to do any of that. He has proven he can recruit. He needs assistants that can help him develop players. Last year’s Tigers team took too long

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Marcus: You don’t think having a NBA player on the coaching staff is going to help recruiting? I wouldn’t be surprised to see other college coaches follow suit and try to get some NBA players on staff. And having him running drills with the team will make them better.

Kevin: So you are saying Pastner is a trailblazer in college basketball by hiring a former Trailblazer’s son?

Marcus: He is. I bet you see many more NBA players get hired in college hoops.

Kevin: Besides the headlines that the Walton hire does, it is just too similar to the positives brought in by hiring Stoudamire, minus the real coaching experience. Get an assistant with coaching experience and a connection to a one-and-done player.

Marcus: He may not have the experience but he has been coached by Phil Jackson and has see first hand how Kobe

We prefer to see our patients outside the office.

Kevin Cerrito “He is just stopping by the U of M on a shortterm rental basis. Is Josh Pastner running a college basketball team or a coaching version of Netflix?� works. I am sure he is there more for player development than X’s and O’s.

Kevin: Adam Morrison also played under Jackson, does that make him a good coaching prospect?

Marcus: Are we really talking about Adam Morrison?

Kevin: Want to talk about Kwame Brown too? Playing for Jackson doesn’t guarantee much. Now if Pastner hired Jackson himself that would be something no one could argue against.

Marcus: Luke is a smart guy. His dad is Bill Walton for crying out loud. I can promise you, Luke has picked up a lot of basketball knowledge and tools that can be used to help the Tigers this season.

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Kevin: If Walton has to leave halfway through the season, Pastner should replace him with Yo Gotti. That would be a creative and headline grabbing move.

Marcus: Isn’t Gotti already on the staff?

Kevin: Haha. Not officially.

Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter host the award-winning MemphiSport Live (MSL) every Saturday at 11am on Sports56 WHBQ. Listen anytime at memphisport.net.

M E M P H I S P O R T. N E T

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YOU LIKE MEMPHISPORT MAGAZINE? YOU WANT EVEN MORE FREE COVERAGE OF LOCAL, COLLEGE AND PROFESSIONAL ATHLETICS AND FITNESS? YOU GOT IT! Subscribe for email updates on all of the exclusive online content at MemphiSport.net. Content like game reports from your favorite local teams, commentaries on the latest sports news, weekly podcasts of the award-winning MemphiSport Live, classic poems from the legendary “Big” Jack Eaton, M Awards results, plus much more. And the best part is... all these updates are FREE, just like MemphiSport Magazine. Log on to MemphiSport.net, enter your email in the ‘Subscribe’ box and never miss any of our online exclusives.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

KING OF KINGS! Written by Michael Jones, Photo by Chase Gustafson, Game photos courtesy of Mississippi RiverKings

AS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVERKINGS HEAD INTO THEIR TWENTIETH SEASON, PLENTY OF NEW CHALLENGES AWAIT, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS A FORMER CAPTAIN THAT WILL NOW SERVE AS HEAD COACH.

M E M P H I S P O R T. N E T

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T

he RiverKings currently serve as the oldest continuously operating sports franchise in the Memphis metro area, and the 2011-2012 season marks the twentieth anniversary for a team that has twice hoisted the Ray Miron President’s Cup as Central Hockey League champions. Their run in the CHL also saw them make the playoffs on fourteen separate occasions including four conference finals appearances. However, they now find themselves in uncharted territory, as the upcoming campaign represents a move to the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Derek Landmesser had one of the most prolific playing careers in RiverKings history. He was a staple in the RiverKings lineup, having been with the team since it relocated to the Desoto Civic Center in 2000 where he has earned many accolades, such as being selected as the CHL’s most outstanding defensemen after the 2000-2001 season. He was also selected to the league’s all-postseason team three times and holds RiverKings records for season points by a defenseman, season plus-minus, career regular season games played, career assists, career penalty minutes, and career points by a defenseman. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native started his professional career in 1996 with his hometown team, the Thunder Cats, who played in the Colonial Hockey League and moved to the United Hockey League. In addition to his time with the RiverKings, Landmesser’s career has consisted of stops in Manitoba (IHL), Rockford (UHL), Muskegon (UHL), along with three games in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies. His leadership has always been counted on, but now that role will grow dramatically as he becomes the thirteenth coach for RiverKings’ franchise.

We caught up with the team’s new head man about his transition from player to coach, what to expect from the SPHL versus the CHL, his role in the community and more.

MemphiSport: What are your expectations for the team this year?

Derek Landmesser: Obviously to be successful. When I played the game, the ultimate goal was to win a championship, and I think as a coach, your goal has to be to win a championship.

If it’s anything else, I think it’s a disappointment and a bit of a failure. So we’re going into this trying to win a championship.

MemphiSport: Do you think that’s a realistic goal?

Derek Landmesser: Without a doubt. We are a new team in the league, but I’m giving the team the best of my abilities, and I definitely think it can be done.

MemphiSport: Speaking of the new league, for those who aren’t aware, the RiverKings are now a member of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Can you talk a little about the differences between the Central Hockey League and the SPHL and what we can expect?

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Derek Landmesser: The main thing you are going to see is a lot younger players. Players in this league are typically a lot younger. Kids in the league are using it as a stepping stone to make it to the next level. You have guys in the CHL who have made a career in the Central Hockey League, whereas here guys are trying to make that jump to the next level. You’re going to see a lot of guys that are juniors or just out of college trying to move up.

MemphiSport: I’m sure you look forward to working with the young players you just mentioned. Do you think you would have made a different decision as far as taking the job had the move to the new league not taken place?

Derek Landmesser: I don’t think so. I’m very happy with the decision that my family and I made. To still be part of this organization, we’re extremely excited, and we want nothing but success for this franchise.

MemphiSport: You played professional hockey for fourteen years, ten with the RiverKings. When you began your career, do you envision yourself as one day becoming a coach?

Derek Landmesser: You know, if you would have asked me fourteen years ago if I would have played for fourteen years, the answer probably would have been no. I’ve been extremely fortunate to play as long as I have, and to continue to be involved with hockey is something I love. It’s what I’ve done for so long, and I truly enjoy it, love it. I’m really excited to have this opportunity.

MemphiSport: Do you think it’s going to be difficult for you to not be out on the ice?

Derek Landmesser: I think for any former player, sure, that’s going to be something that’s going to be in the back of your head. But I realize now that I’m going to be behind the bench, and I’m extremely excited about that: guiding the whole team.

As a player, you solely concentrate on your job out there, whereas a coach you have to worry about everyone’s job. I look forward to the challenge, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.

MemphiSport: Being a younger coach, not far separated from your career, do you see yourself being fairly hands on?

Derek Landmesser: Oh, I’ll definitely be hands on. From my experience as a player and working with coaches over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to win a couple of championships, and I see what’s worked on those teams. I’ll be out there sharing all the knowledge I’ve gained over the years with the players.

MemphiSport: You’re a former defensemen, but you also scored a lot of goals. So do you see yourself being a defensive-minded coach?

Derek Landmesser: I think you always have to have a defensive mindset because defensive teams are successful in the long run.

But having said that, I also want to be an offensive team, a team that can run and gun with anyone and be entertaining. I think

any coach will tell you they want to be defensive minded, but it’s not going to be our goal. Our goal is going to be to go up there and score goals and to make the game exciting.

MemphiSport: Making the game exciting is definitely important, and let’s face it, you’re in Mississippi coaching hockey. Do you think in this kind of market that your duties as a coach also involve promoting the team?

Derek Landmesser: Without a doubt. I think you have to get out in the community and get involved as much as you can.

And ultimately for minor league sports, I think it’s all about entertainment. We want people to be able to come to the rink and say, ‘You know what? We got our money’s worth; it was entertaining and a great family atmosphere.’

MemphiSport: Speaking of community involvement, you’ve been part of a local organization that works with young people for a while now. Tell us a bit about that if you would.

Derek Landmesser: I’ve been involved with the Junior Street Kings roller hockey program for the past five or six years, and it’s been a lot of fun working with young kids in the area, introducing them to the game of hockey. It’s really cool. We have a really nice outdoor facility down in Hernando. It’s great to get out there to teach the kids and work with them.

So the RiverKings head into their twentieth season facing a bevy of new obstacles. Only time will tell, but it definitely seems as though the rookie coach is well aware of what challenges await him and is ready to take them on.

“YOU KNOW, IF YOU WOULD HAVE ASKED ME FOURTEEN YEARS AGO IF I WOULD HAVE PLAYED FOR FOURTEEN YEARS, THE ANSWER PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN NO. IT’S WHAT I’VE DONE FOR SO LONG, AND I TRULY ENJOY IT, LOVE IT.”

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SURPRISE! COACH PORTER IS BACK Written by Andre Johnson, Photos by Joe Murphy

LOOKING FOR A WINNING SEASON IN HIS SECOND YEAR AS HEAD COACH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS FOOTBALL PROGRAM, COACH LARRY PORTER’S ENTHUSIASM FOR THE GAME AND HIS HOMETOWN SHINE THROUGH.

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S SE EP PT TE EM MB BE ER R 2 20 01 11 1

Sporting a gray sweatshirt, blue shorts, and white cap, University of Memphis football coach Larry Porter crept up on the assembled media that awaited him in the athletic hall at the Murphy Sports Complex following a recent practice.

Several reporters, many of whom were scattered throughout the facility, never witnessed Porter enter the building and make his way to the designated area to answer questions about a floundering program many anticipate will erase the memory of last year’s 1-11 freefall.

Nevertheless, Porter, to his credit, seemed unfazed that media pundits were preoccupied and caught off guard by his appearance for the brief interview session.

Though he may never publically admit it, catching the local press, boosters, and the rest of the Bluff City off guard could essentially emerge as a common theme, of sorts, for the 39-year-old Porter, especially if he can manage to help steer the Tigers to their first winning season in four years.

Heading into only his second full season as a Division 1 head coach, Porter sounds like a man who is destined to quickly resurrect a program and make U of M football relevant in this city once again.

“The enthusiasm is there,” Porter said a little more than a week into the Tigers’ training camp. “The spirit is still high and that’s something we have got to have to become a better football team.”

But whether Porter’s Tigers can win early and often this year is anybody’s guess. So far, all signs point toward them duplicating last year’s one-win season, a tumultuous campaign that included the Tigers going winless in Conference USA. Despite Porter’s ability to land a number of stellar recruits during the 2011 signing period, coupled with the team’s plan of implementing a spread offense this year, the Tigers are predicted once again to finish last in the C-USA Eastern Division by most writers who cover the league.

“Obviously, there were some growing pains (last year),” said

Phil Stukenborg, the Tigers beat reporter for The Commercial Appeal. “But he got through it.”

This year, however, Porter believes he and his staff will make strides toward shifting the program in the right direction. Surely, it won’t be easy, especially with the tough early non-conference schedule.

Add to that a brutal conference schedule that features six bowl teams from last year, and it becomes increasingly evident why Porter, a former U of M running back who starred for the Tigers in the early 90’s, hopes this year would be one in which he can sneak up on everyone.

If nothing else, his track record as one of the top recruiters in the country while serving under LSU coach Les Miles from 2005-2009 is among the reasons U of M athletic director RC Johnson and the Tiger faithful believe Porter is the right choice to revive a program that, for years, has been a revolving door, of sorts, for head coaches.

During a news conference after learning of his abrupt firing, then-U of M coach Tommy West emphatically said with regards to his successor, “Just give him a fair chance or get rid of it (the football program).”

So far, Porter believes school administrators have given him the necessities and leverage to help shift the program in the right direction. After all, coaching the Tigers have been what Porter said deemed “A dream of mine” ever since the U of M basketball team’s dramatic NCAA tournament run ended in a disappointing loss to the Kansas in the 2008 national championship game.

“It’s liking waking up and seeing your kids,” Porter said. “You are always happy and thrilled to see them.

Coming home was the same way.”

Only, this time, he hopes coming home will be just as memorable and enjoyable as not only his rookie campaign as a head coach, but his predecessor.

“THE ENTHUSIASM IS THERE. THE SPIRIT IS STILL HIGH AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE TO BECOME A BETTER FOOTBALL TEAM.”

That, after all, will certainly catch the local media by surprise. Once again.

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GET FIT

Feel better. Look better.

Campbell Clinic Unveils New Identity Extensive Process Leads to Logo that Represents 100 Years of History, Serving Memphis and Surrounding Areas Written by Beth Okeon Campbell Clinic announced its new identity – a logo that represents the clinic’s 100-year history of unsurpassed patient care and leadership in teaching and research related to orthopedic surgery.

“We wanted our new identity to leverage the equity in our current brand, but also show our commitment to growth and positive change as we head into the next century of our existence,” said Dr. Frederick M. Azar, Campbell Clinic’s chief of staff. “We proactively created a special committee of physicians, board members and key stakeholders who all spent

countless hours ensuring that the final identity accurately and professionally represented our brand.”

One of Campbell Clinic’s main objectives in this effort was to represent the clinic’s mission, Azar explained.

“The circle in the logo represents the continuum of care – the completion of the treatment and the healing process,” he said. “Interestingly enough, it can also serve as an ‘O’ for ‘Orthopaedics.’ Together with the two C’s, this makes a literal monogram of our organization’s initials. Graphically, the design is similar to a ball and joint, signifying the interlocking pieces of the body that work together to restore motion and activity, which is what we strive to do for our patients.”

The reason for the change was that Campbell Clinic has grown enough in its services and approach to require a shift in how the organization presents itself, Azar noted.

“We’re a patient-centric practice, and we’ve instituted ways to effectively monitor, measure and continually improve the patient experience,” he said. “It is our continual commitment to listening and responding to patient needs that has made us an industry leader for the last century. We felt like it was time for a refreshed identity that reflected our category leadership position.”

In the coming months, you will see Campbell Clinic’s new identity on their web site, signage, billboards and even on television.

“It is our continual commitment to listening and responding to patient needs that has made us an industry leader for the last century. We felt like it was time for a refreshed identity that reflected our category leadership position.”

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Campbell Clinic has locations in Germantown, Tenn.; Collierville, Tenn.; the Medical District in Memphis, Tenn.; and DeSoto, Miss.

Campbell Clinic also has an After Hours Clinic which is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. And, recently, Saturday hours were added from 8 to 11 a.m. For more information on Campbell Clinic, call 901.759.3100 or visit www. campbellclinic.com.

Train harder. Train with power.

POWER TRAIN

From Data To Deltoids How One Trainer Discovered Her Passion For Fitness Written by Brandi Hunter, photo by Justin Ford

Felicia Brown has been teaching the “Tighten Up” resistance training class at Power Life Fitness for almost a year. Her students might be surprised to know that a couple of years ago their fitness instructor was a “closet” smoking, yo-yo dieting college student who had more experience with crunching data in corporate America than crunching in a gym. While working towards a degree in business administration one of her final class assignments led her to the Midtown area gym. The research for the project led her to a new outlook on life.

“The last project we had was to go out in the community and find somebody that was making a difference.” After spending an hour with the trainers and clients at Power Life, Brown wanted to add healthy living to her life resume. “I signed up for personal training and I just loved everything about it.”

The changes she saw in her health made her want to help others improve their habits. But before she could start paying it forward, she had to convince her would-be boss. “I was six months into working out before he really took me seriously,” she said. “After that he totally started taking me through his mentoring program where he’d give me assignments to do.”

Brown started as a trainer officially in April 2010, and her jump from the boardroom to the treadmill continues to gain momentum. She works out five to six days a week, her family takes her class and other Power Life trainers join in when they’re not teaching. “We all carry a passion for wanting people to get healthy.”

“I signed up for personal training and I just loved everything about it.”

“This is one of those jobs where you really have to love what you do everyday because everyday you make a difference in what you show somebody and what you say to them.”

Apparently kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy show-and-tell.

For more information about “Tighten Up” and other classes at Power Life Fitness, call 901.454.0003 or go to www.powerlifefitness.net.

M E M P H I S P O R T. N E T

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THE RUNDOWN

Man’s Best Running Partner One Working Woman Attributes Life Balance to an Uncommon Running Partner Written by Jamie Elkington

At five o’clock in the morning, hardly a soul is stirring in Jean McGhee’s house. She uses this time to clear her mind before the hectic schedule that awaits her. For an hour or two, she can squeeze in a long run before shuttling her kids to school, running errands, and going to work, then reversing her schedule to end the day. It’s the only time she has to herself unless you count Nike, a 12-pound Chihuahua who shares Jean’s love for long-distance running.

“As soon as I put on my running shoes, and he hears those car keys rattling, he’s at the door,” Jean said, referring to her ever accountable running partner, Nike. “And on those mornings when I don’t exactly feel like working out or if the weather’s not so nice, he doesn’t care. Rain or shine, he’s ready to run.”

Jean, who serves as senior buyer for pet products at Hollywood Feed, took up running at an early age as a way to maintain lifelong health and endurance. Over the years, she’s logged 30-plus miles per week on average and participated in several half marathons. She is no stranger to running with dogs as she has done so with nearly every dog she has owned, but Nike is the only breed she could carry along the way if she had to.

“I’ve run with dogs for protection, but only larger breeds like Labrador retrievers before Nike. They could run six to 10 miles on a given day,” she said. “So when I decided to take Nike out, I thought he may be able to run a couple miles. I’d attempt to drop him off at home after running that distance before continuing my workout, and he’d do figure eights in the front yard. I realized at that moment he was more than capable of keeping up.”

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SEPTEMBER 2011

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“His personal best is 12 miles and even then, he’s not tuckered out.”

Jean began training Nike as any runner would train, gradually tacking on miles until he was passing her at mile 10.

“His personal best is 12 miles,” she said. “And even then, he’s not tuckered out.”

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She attributes a good portion of Nike’s energy and conditioning to the diet she and her husband carefully chose from a collection of natural and holistic options available for dogs and cats.

“We feed Nike a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, food and treats made from fish mostly, which help strengthen his joints and heart,” Jean said. “They also give his coat a healthy shine.”

Nike’s regular workout also improves his overall demeanor. For a breed notorious for its visible anxiety, this Chihuahua displays no signs of behavioral problems, much to the enjoyment of his owners.

“He’s such a great dog,” Jean said. “He provides our family with companionship in every possible way, and all we can hope to do is return the favor.”

Hollywood Feed has 14 locations to serve the entire Mid-South. For a listing of locations or information about upcoming events and products offered at Hollywood Feed, visit www.hollywoodfeed.com..

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VA R S I T Y S P I R I T

Go. Fight. Win.

ROQUEL

Hutchison Dance Team Written by Steve O’Dell, Photo by Steve O’Dell Age: 16 Grade: 11th Grade How much time do you spend each week on the dance team? More than six hours a week, depending on how close competitions are! Every Varsity Basketball game adds a couple of hours to the week as well.

What is your favorite part of being on the dance team? The best part of dance team is competition. It feels great to have all of your hard work paying off and it’s so much fun!

What events does the dance team perform? The dance team is responsible for cheering and performing at every Hutchison Varsity Basketball game. We also perform at select MUS games and various UDA competitions.

Do you or your team do any work in the community?

Yes! I am a very active in community service and so is the team. We actually have done community service projects together such as teaching and performing pom routines at The Children’s Museum of Memphis.

“The best part of dance team is competition. It feels great to have all of your hard work paying off and it’s so much fun!”

Have you guys won any awards? We won lots of awards at UDA summer camp. We’ve won Superior and “Team all Out” trophies every year as well as individual ribbons for excellent performances.

We also placed in a UDA regional competition.

What is your favorite cheerleading (or dance) movie?

It’s not really a movie, but Beyoncé Knowles has a DVD for her recent “I am.. World Tour,” and I’ve watched it over a hundred times, as well as learned every dance.

What is your favorite song to dance to? I actually have two favorites: Took the Night by Chelley and Rumor Has It

by Adele.

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National School Spirit Day Save the date: 9.9.11 Written by Brandi Hunter

Since 2009 cheerleaders and dancers around the country have been celebrating National School Spirit Day to highlight the difference athletes can make outside their school gyms and stadiums. If you want to join the spirit of service movement in contributing more than one million hours of help to local communities here’s how: How? Do at least 4 hours of community service in the week leading up to National School Spirit Day, September 5-9, 2011. Go to community. varsity.com/tellusyourstory.aspx and talk about what you’re doing to make a difference, and your team will be entered to win a school spirit prize pack from Varsity Brands, Inc. Why? Spirit squads have always supported their athletic teams throughout the year at schools.

National School Spirit Day is an opportunity for cheerleaders and dancers to show leadership in other areas of their communities.

For more information about National School Spirit Day visit nationalschoolspiritday.org or community.varsity.com/tellusyourstory.aspx.

SERVICE IDEAS S • Visit a nursing home and perform simple cheers for thee residents • Offer to clean up the school grounds – pull weeds, pick up trash, plant flowers, tear down old signs • Ask if you can visit young patients at a children’s hospital or children’s wing in your community • Read to younger schoolchildren – for inspiration, visit cheereader.com for ideas on running a reading project • Dust off the trophy cases for all of your school’s teams and make sure they reflect everyone’s accomplishments • Collect money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Play. Play. Play.

Do these two photos of the Red Hots look the same to you?

Look again. We made seven changes to the photo on the bottom.

Time yourself to see how long it takes you to find all seven.

PICTURE PUZZLE

Red Hot Redux Photo by Justin Ford

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TA I L G AT I N G

Sports was happening and you were there.

14th Annual Sports Ball Benefitting Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Memphis July 30, 2010, Minglewood Hall Photos by Kevin Cerrito

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1. Marcus Hunter and Chalise Macklin 2. Blake Piel and Paige Suroviak 3. Michael Blair and Brad Brown 4. Trey DeHart and Jessica Howe 5. Angie and Lionel Hollins 6. Chris Vernon, Jon Roser, Mark McCleskey and Brandon Harris (Hoop Family) 7. Ben Hogan and Anne Albrecht

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8. Yvette Davis and Lethelea Jackson 9. Michael Donahue, Adrienne Bailey and V. K. Nagrani 10. Josh Bell and Mandy Polk 11. Gary Parrish’s mom and Kevin Cerrito 12. Kim Winston and Ernie Freeman 13. Yulonda Gatewood and H. Townsend 14. Marcus Hunter pleading his case after losing to Kevin Cerrito in the joust.

15. Kim Bullard and Sara Nelms

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SEPTEMBER 2011

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JACK’S BACK

A Memphis legend takes a look back.

Of Mantle, Mason and Moore

Written by Jack Eaton, Illustrated by Andrew Chandler

I spent a big part of my life as the sports anchor on Channel 5 and had the opportunity to meet and interview many world famous personalities...

we appreciate his support over the years.” He looks right in the camera and said, “Mason, on behalf of the New York Yankees, may I just say thank you.”

It was back in the 80’S at the All-Star Break. Avron Fogelman hosted a party at his house to watch the game and mingle with several big leaguers he had invited to enjoy the game. At the time, Mr. Fogelman was part owner of the Kansas City Royals, so he was well connected with big league players. He also invited several of the “local sports guys,” knowing that we would be in hog heaven.

Off I went, back to the station to get ready for the news, which came on late because NBC carried the All-Star Game. So the news comes on around 11:00pm and I did the game highlights, then announced my special presentation and showed the Mickey Mantle piece.

One of ball players in attendance was Mickey Mantle.

I asked if I could interview him and he said, “OK.”

To say that Mason was stunned would be a gross understatement — he was flabbergasted. It was the first time I saw him at a loss for words. I had nailed him good.

Of all the people I met and interviewed, I only got one autograph — Archie Moore. It was back in 1945 My buddy Pat and I were in Cleveland seeing some baseball games, when we saw in the paper that Archie Moore and Jimmy Bivens were going to fight for the heavyweight chsampionship. And the tickets were cheap enough that we could afford to go. Here is what happened.

Bivens knocked Moore down in the center of the ring and with Moore on his knees, Bivens blasted him with a right uppercut.Moore was knocked across the ring and was out like a light.

What to do? It was an illegal punch — Moore was on his knees and unable to defend himself. So, to give him the fight would have been a travesty.

So they gave Moore a five minute rest and started the fight up again!

I asked him the usual questions — biggest moment with the Yankees, what is he doing now and other mundane stuff.

Then it hit me like a ton on bricks. I knew that Mason Granger, our news anchor and my foil on the set was a huge Yankees fan, so I asked Mickey if he would ad lib a tribute to Mason to be played on the news that night.

Mickey said, “Sure. I know just what you want.”

“I just want take a minute to pay tribute to Mason Granger.We Yankees know of his love for the team and

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Moore was still half unconscious as he went back and took a terrible beating, but he would not quit. What courage. What moxie. What a man. He lost the fight, but I never forgot what a display of pure guts.

Wow. So when I met archie I had to have his autograph.

I’d like to say, ”Now you know the rest of the story,” but that would be too corny, even for me.

“Big“ Jack Eaton can be heard every Friday at 8am on

KWAM 990 alongside former County Commissioner John Willingham. In February, Jack was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

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Year Two This former Tiger running back is back on the field in his second year of coaching the Tigers’ squad

SEPTEMBER 2011

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