Memphis Sport September/October 2008 by Mike Bullard

SPORT FREE

SEP/OCT 2007 VOL 2 NUM 2

dbu DEFENSIVE BACK UNIVERSITY

SEP/OCT 2007

VOL 2 NUM 2

CONTENTS TOP 25

MEMPHIANS IN THE SEC

20 23 DBU

The DBU Interview

STARTING FIVE

BRING IT ON

WHAT IF IF?

10 FOODFO FOODFORUM 12 THE GRE GREAT DEBATE 14 LA LAP IT U UP 17 AL ALL-STARS MEMPHIS MADE 30 ME

32 CHIC IN THE FIELD 35 PRO TIPS 36 GET FIT TAILGATING 42 TAILGATI

44 JACK’S BBACK

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

reasons I love football season...

1. the first quarter 2. pom-poms 3. Saturday afternoons 4. quarterbacks scrambling 5. the Heisman pose 6. pancakes (not the food) 7. Sunday afternoons 8. hope at the beginning of the season 9. Sunday nights 10. Monday Night Football 11. the Tigers (see page 5, I still call ‘em Memphis State) 12. “Tigerrrrrrrr Touchdown!” (I still hear Paul Hartledge in my head every time the Tigers score) 13. quarterbacks throwing over the middle 14. the second quarter 15. I’m so glad... 16. Tom II 17. Pouncer 18. T-Rac

19. D-fense (see page 23) 20. marching bands 21. RV’s parked everywhere 22. trick plays (when they work) 23. Fuuummmbbbllleee!!! 24. bowl games 25. barbecue nachos 26. tailgating (see photo above–I am on the right–my wife is the older of the two girls) 27. the Heisman pose (by people tailgating) 28. the wave 29. halftime 30. kickers trying to make a tackle 31. wild cards 32. flasks 33. cheerleaders (see page 6) 34. hating the BCS poll 35. the third quarter 36. sacks

37. comebacks 38. a tough schedule 39. starting with Ole Miss 40. the fourth quarter (‘til the clock says 0:00) 41. rivalries 42. the Titans (I still call ‘em the Oilers) 43. the option 44. going for two (especially for the win) 45. hot wings (see page 10) 46. kickoff returns 47. SEC football played by Memphians (see page 20) 48. sports talk radio 49. the Hail Mary 50. sudden death overtime

Mike Bullard, publisher

The cover we didn’t use... 2 | Memphis Sport

Publishers Mike Bullard 901.229.4749 mike@memphissport.net Kim Bullard kim@memphissport.net Co-Publisher Ed Land, Jr. ed@memphissport.net

FOOD, FUN & FRIENDS

Managing Editor Kevin Cerrito kevin@memphissport.net Editorial Directors Jan Michael Hartelust Chris Przybyszewski Contributing Editor Laura Blanton Contributing Writers Jen Andrews Will Askew John Denny Jack Eaton Peter Edmiston Maggie Louie Randy Malone Mandy Polk Adam Risinger Contributing Photographers Sean Davis Leigh Ann Williams Graphic Design A Bull in a China Shop www.abullinachinashop.com Contributions Memphis Sport will consider, but assumes no responsibility for, unsolicited proposals, photos, and illustrations. Memphis Sport retains all reprint rights.

OPEN 11AM TIL 3AM DAILY 695 WEST BROOKHAVEN CIRCLE 901-680-8118 901-680-8120 FAX

www.memphissport.net | 3

STARTING FIVE

5 Questions With...

Earnest Gray A receiver for Memphis State from 1975-1978, Gray still holds many Tiger football receiving records, including most receiving yards in a career. In 1979, he was drafted by the New York Giants. He retired from the NFL after the 1985 season.

1. Any difference between Tiger fans today and Tiger fans back in the seventies? Especially with the recent bowl games, I think the fans are really supporting Memphis. I went to the New Orleans Bowl myself and was surprised to see everyone down there. When we played, our stadium only held about 50,000. I think we averaged 40,000 or so per game. The thing is, fans come when you’re winning. While I was there, the Tigers had three winning seasons in a row, so that helped, I’m sure.

2. You were on the field for several of the Tigers’ biggest wins, including Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Florida State, Louisville, and Houston. How does that feel? I got to tell you, beating Houston was great, they were really good back then. But, Florida State just wasn’t that good when we played them! Obviously, it was great to beat those SEC teams. I wish we had some of them on our schedule this season, like Tennessee, and Mississippi State.

3. You had great individual success at Memphis (7 or 8 of your Tiger receiving records still stand today), but your Memphis teams also had a winning record (24-20) over your 4 years. What made those Tiger teams good? That shows the type of athletes we had. Fred Pancoast did a great job of recruiting very good local talent and Richard Williamson did a great job of coaching us. I think a key is that we got the best local players to come to Memphis. There had to be 10 guys from my senior season that made the NFL, most of them from here.

4. Why hasn’t Memphis gotten an NFL team? Well, I think it just came down to numbers. They just didn’t know if we had the number of passionate football fans it would take to support a team. Even though this has been a basketball town for so long, I do think we have a lot of football fans here.

5. What are you up to these days? I’m a Lieutenant for the Fire Department and I handle all OSHA compliance regulations and on-the-job injuries. I love it.

4 | Memphis Sport

5 Teams That Have Never Beaten The U of M Football Team

Top 5 Memphis Football Helmets F rom The Past From

1. Southern Cal (1-0)

1. The Tigers Tige Helmet 11982 - 1986 The only helm helmet met Memphis Me ever had with the w word ‘tigers’ ‘ on it

2. Auburn (2-0) 3. UTEP (2-0)

2. The Original 1962 -1967 This helmet had h no logo, only numbers. A classicc representative repre of evver football foo Memphis’ best ever teams

4. Somerville High School (4-0) 5. Austin Peay (6-0)

3. The M 1997-2004 Grey with Blue “M”” - The University eldds its’ first football of Memphis fields teams

5 Teams That The U of M Football Team Has Never Beaten

4 Seattle Seat Tigers 4. 1989-1990 Almoost a re Almost replica of the SSeahaw helmet; Seattle Seahawks protruuding Tiger from a protruding ba to front back

1. Michigan (0-1) 2. Michigan State (0-1) 3. Texas A&M (0-2)

G 5. Grey Area 1977-1981 The first grey hel helmet for any Mem Memphis team

4. Blytheville High School (0-0-1) 5. TCU (0-1)

5 Alternate U of M Helmets Guaranteed to Bring in the Crowds 1. BBQ Nachos Maybe with a ‘scratch and sniff ’ feature 2. Leather Helmet Pure intimidation, though not very smart

4. Basketball Crossover We always hear this is a basketball town, so why not? 5. Bengal Tiger Somehow, this one looks familiar

3. DeAngelo ‘Nuff said

www.memphissport.net | 5

BRING IT ON TENNESSEE TITANS CHEERLEADER

by KEVIN CERRITO photo courtesy of TENNESSEE TITANS

How did you become a Titans cheerleader? I was part of a ballet company and danced for my university. After college, I wanted to continue dancing. I tried out for the 2005 squad and made it all the way to the finals, but didn’t make the squad. I knew there was stuff I needed to work on. For a whole year, I worked on those things. I decided to try out again in 2006, and I made the squad. Do you have a favorite Titans player? Travis Laboy. I had the opportunity to go on the Tennessee Titans Caravan with him this year. Through conversations with him, I found out he has done a lot of good things in the community like starting a foundation for autism. Where is your favorite place to visit? Europe. I lived in Spain for two years. I liked everything... the food, the people, the culture. Do the Titans cheerleaders get along with the Nashville Kats (AFL) cheerleaders? Yea. Actually, about half of the Titans cheerleaders are Nashville Kats cheerleaders too. How many country music stars do you know? I’ve met Trick Pony and Phil Vassar. I had the opportunity to perform and dance with Phil Vassar at one of our appearances last year. What is your favorite TV channel? HGTV and Cartoon Network. Family Guy and Robot Chicken crack me up. I can’t get into Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Do you have a favorite football movie? Invincible with Mark Wahlberg T-Rac or T-Mac? T-Rac. If you could be on the cover of a video game like Vince Young, what game would it be? I don’t play video games. I did play Sims on my laptop. But, I play board games. I like Scene It. So, I’d be on the cover of that. M

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WHAT IF? What if...

Memphis Built a Football Stadium for the Hound Dogs? by JAN MICHAEL HARTELUST

he Memphis Hound Dogs are ready to get back to winning football games, and the franchise is banking on a familiar tandem to do just that. After leading the University of Memphis to three straight bowl games, Tommy West and DeAngelo Williams return for their second season together with the Hound Dogs trying to convince the organization, along with the city of Memphis, that their partnership can be just as lucrative in the NFL. Coming off a solid 8-8 start in West’s first season, the Hound Dogs have reason for optimism. Williams started a strong rookie year by rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in the first 12 games, leading the Hound Dogs to a surprising 8-4 start, but ended the year on the disabled list after a knee injury forced him to miss the last four games of the season. But with Williams healthy again, this Hound Dogs team has its sights set on returning to a place it hasn’t been in six years: the playoffs. Just seven years ago, the Hound Dogs and the entire city of Memphis were riding high. Two prior playoff appearances had yielded little success, but in the teams third straight trip to the postseason all that stood between it and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV was the Jacksonville Oilers. The city of Memphis was enjoying just as much success off the field as it was on it. Since the franchise was awarded to Memphis over St. Louis, Baltimore and the Jacksonville in 1993, everything seemed to be right in the city dominated by blues. The new stadium for the Hound Dogs opened in 1996 after the team played its first season at Liberty Bowl

8 | Memphis Sport

Memorial Stadium. FedExField was built on the large plot of land that used to be Shelby Farms, just in time for a rapidly improving Hound Dogs team to make its first playoff run. In a speech before the first game at FedExField, majority owner, Fred Smith said, “The city of Memphis has always been good to me. This stadium is something the city and the fans deserve and I’m honored to be a part of it.” A series of disappointments, however, brought the city and the Hound Dogs down off their successful perch. An embarrassing loss to the Jaguars in the 2000 AFC Championship game was just the beginning. The 48-point loss prompted then head coach Pepper Rodgers to say, “I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life. We got beat in every phase of the game. I apologize to Hound Dogs fans and the city of Memphis. I hope everyone knows that we are a better football team than what we showed out there today.” Hound Dogs fans hoped their team was better than what they showed that game, and there was no reason to think otherwise after a 13-3 regular season. Unfortunately, the team fell flat in the 2001 season and missed the playoffs after finishing with a dismal 5-11 record. That same year the city would see another potential pro franchise slip away when Michael Heisley, owner of the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies, decided to relocate his team to Louisville instead of Memphis. In a statement to the Commercial Appeal, Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton said, “Heisley seemed to love the city of Memphis. He just didn’t think the market would be able to support two professional sports franchises.”

Four consecutive losing seasons later, Fred Smith was forced into the difficult position of having to fire Pepper Rodgers, the franchise’s head coach since the teams’ inception. “It’s never easy to fire anyone, let alone a friend,” said Smith. “Unfortunately, this is the nature of the business and Pepper Rodgers knows that, but this organization now has to look to the future. Our goal is to win the Super Bowl and it always will be.” For Memphis fans, the hiring of West was bittersweet. On one hand, they knew West as the leader of a resurgent Tiger football team. But they also knew that after seeing what he did with the U of M football team, he could be the perfect man to take the Hound Dogs to the next level. Ultimately, Tiger fans let go of their beloved coach, but only after West decided to select one of the most beloved Tiger football players of all time, DeAngelo Williams, in the 2006 NFL Draft. With Tiger basketball on the verge of selling out The Pyramid as the preseason ranked #1 team and the Hound Dogs loaded and ready for a run to the playoffs, this winter will be a great one for sports fans in the Mid-South. Smith, West and the Hound Dogs are hoping that it will be Super. M

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SIZE: The bigger the wing, the higher the rating! MEATINESS: Biting into a fatty wing just isn’t what you’re looking for. APPEARANCE: You’ve seen ugly wings before. They stifle your excitement, end your anticipation and lower your expectations. Why even eat it? FRESHNESS: Anyone can throw a precooked wing into the microwave. We want ‘em right out of the fryer or straight off the grill. TEMPERATURE: If it sits in the window for 10 minutes before it gets to your table, the wings will be as cold as the celery, carrots and ranch. No thanks. SAUCINESS: Take a wing. Throw it into an Olympic pool of wing sauce. Swim to it. That would be a 10 in this category. SPICINESS: It’s real simple. Whichever wing makes you perspire the most and drink the most water wins. NAME: Sure, psychology is involved here. We’d rather eat a wing named “Red Fox Amber” than we would one named “Mild.”

10 | Memphis Sport

7 8 7 6 7 6 6 7 6 6

10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

88 87 82 76 75 74 73 73 73 73

8 8 8 7 8 7 7

9 9 9 9 8 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 10 8 8 8 8 9 8 9 9 8 8 8 8 8

6 6 6 7 8 7 7

7 7 9 7 7 7 7

84 83 82 81 80 80 79

8 7 8 8

7 7 8 6

6 5 5 6

5 5 5 5

75 73 73 72

19 19 18 18 15 15 17 15 15 18

8 9 8 8 9 9 8 8 8 6

8 9 8 8 7 7 8 8 8 8

9 10 9 10 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 7 8 10 7 8 10 8 7 8 8 7 8 9 7 8 8 7 7

Dbo's Honey Gold Mr. P's Honey Gold Wings of Wolfchase Sweet Heat Memphis' Best Wings Honey Glaze All-Stars Honey Gold American Way Hot Wings Honey Gold Fox and Hound Hot Honey

19 19 19 17 16 17 18

8 8 8 9 8 8 8

Crumpy's Lemon Pepper Memphis' Best Wings Seasoned Wings of Wolfchase Seasoned Wingstop Lemon Pepper

17 17 17 17

8 9 8 8

Fox and Hound Spicy Garlic Buffalo Wild Wings Spicy Garlic Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Alex’s Tavern Greek Hooter’s Daytona Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Buffalo Wild Wings Caribbean Jerk Wingstop Hickory Smoked BBQ Bahama Breeze Habanero Fox and Hound Red Fox Amber Buffalo Wild Wings Sweet BBQ Wingstop Hawaiian Buffalo Wild Wings Mango Buffalo Wild Wings Hot BBQ Crumpy's Jerk

9 8 8 9

8 10 8 8

7 5 6 5

18 8 7 8 8 8 8 7 5 77 17 8 8 7 9 8 6 7 5 75 17 8 8 7 9 8 6 7 5 75 19 20 18 19 19 17 19 19 19 17 17 17

9 9 10 8 8 10 8 8 8 8 8 9 8 8 9 8 8 9 8 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 8

9 9 9 9 9 9 8 9 9 9 9 8

9 9 9 9 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 7

9 8 7 10 5 10 8 6 10 8 7 7 9 7 6 9 7 7 8 6 10 8 6 6 9 6 6 7 7 7 8 7 5 8 6 7

89 89 84 84 83 82 82 81 81 80 79 76

SPICY

8 9 9 7 7 7 6 7 7 8

Hephzibah's Boomerwangs Alex’s Tavern Hot Dbo's Hot Wings of Wolfchase Hot Memphis' Best Wings Hot Memphis' Best Wings Mild Outback Hot TJ Mulligan's Hot Fox and Hound Hot Chili's Hot

STANDARD

86 85 85 82 80 80 80 79 79

9 8 9 9 8 10 8 8 8 8 9 8 8 7 8 8 8 8

HONEY

FLAVOR: A t-shirt taken out of the dryer probably tastes like a lima bean. A great wing should have infinite more flavor than than the t-shirt or the lima bean.

7 9 8 7 9 7 8 7 10 7 7 5 7 7 9 7 8 7

9 9 9 9 8 9 8 9 7 8 8 9 9 8 9 8 7 9

LEMON PEPPER

Categories:

19 8 18 8 18 8 18 8 16 8 18 8 18 8 16 7 16 8

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 8

Hooter’s 911 Dbo's Suicidal Wingstop Atomic Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin' All-Stars Suicide Mr. P's Super Hot Wings of Wolfchase Suicidal Adline's Flaming Crumpy's Suicidal

GARLIC

n our quest to find the best buffalo wing in the Memphis area, we visited wingjoints, full-scale restaurants and various pubs, sampling as many styles of wings as our digestion systems would allow. We enjoyed the spiciest and sweetest of wings. We tested both the standard wings and those which are most unique. Each wing was rated in nine categories. Points were awarded in each category on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 representing a near unattainable level of perfection) except for the flavor category which was rated on a twenty point scale (because flavor is, by far, the most important ingredient.) M

SPECIALTY

MEMPHIS SPORT WING TOUR: STAGE I

TOTAL SCORE

Get your Wing On!

Flavor Size Meatiness A Appearance Freshness Temperature Sauciness Spiciness Name

FOODFORUM

A FEW OF OUR COMPETITORS Dbo’s: Truthfully, every bite was

delicious. We now know why Dbo’s has been a Memphis’ favorite since 1990.

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

T-SHIRTS AND APPAREL THAT ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD ! AVAILABLE AT: Tiger Bookstore Tennessee Sports Zone Grizzlies Store @ FedExForum

Hephzibah: Do not let this atypical name throw you. Hephzibah, on Park Avenue just east of the U of M, grills up some awesome smoky wings. Hooter’s: If you’re looking for the “most flavorful” wing at Hooter’s, try the Caribbean style “Daytona” wings. Wings of Wolfchase: W.O.W. is

the perfect acronym for this wing-joint, as the quality of their wings… and their environment… was a total surprise.

Wingstop: Fact: Troy Aikman,

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

Buffalo Wild Wings: Of all the

chain establishments, it’s the only one to offer multiple types of wings you’d only expect to find at selective hole-inthe-wall wing joints, not that there is anything wrong with hole-in-the-wall wing joints.

To stock great University of Memphis Blue Planet apparel call Bill Alexander at 489-1006 or visit us online at www.blueplanetgear.com

Adline’s: The cooks laughed as they passed our wings to us. Suffice it to say that their “Flaming” wing was…for lack of a better term…HOT. Mr. P’s: Fact: Mr. P’s is the perfect

example of why we must go off the beaten path in search of the best wing experience. You’ve got to look for it; but your journey becomes worthwhile once you find it.

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THE GREAT DEBATE

from

Memphisto Mississippi the riverkings make a name change

Featuring Sports56 Personalities: Peter Edmiston of The Morning Rush and Will Askew of Chip Shots Peter: The RiverKings announced earlier this summer they’re changing their name to the Mississippi RiverKings after fan voting indicated that was the popular choice. And, frankly, I agree. It’s about time their name represented their real fanbase. Will: I completely disagree. If the RiverKings could do one thing that would make their franchise irrelevant to everyone in Memphis, this was it. But Will, has it ever been truly relevant in Memphis since they left the MidSouth Coliseum? Absolutely not. I know a ton of sports fans, and I can count on one hand the number of them that have traveled from Memphis to DeSoto County to watch a RiverKings game more than once. You may not know many people who have traveled from Memphis to Southaven to a game, but at least the option is there. I do agree that most fans of the team live in Mississippi, but from a marketing standpoint, it doesn’t make much sense to alienate a city as large as Memphis with the team playing 15 minutes from downtown. I don’t know that it amounts to alienating. You make it sound as if the new name is the “Forget You If You’re From Memphis” RiverKings. Besides, how can it be the Memphis RiverKings when the team plays, practices, and lives somewhere else? Do the Memphis Redbirds play in Marion, Arkansas? They’re in Mississippi, they should be the Mississippi RiverKings.

12 | Memphis Sport

People in Memphis who may have considered going to a game now won’t because they named the team Mississippi. The college teams that play here have a huge fan base throughout the area... the RiverKings don’t! They need all the butts in the seats they can get. You should try and reach new fans, and the biggest population of those prospective fans is in Memphis. Besides, changing the name based on a fan vote is ridiculous. That logic doesn’t add up. You talk about doing things to appeal to their fan base, yet you say that changing the name based on a fan vote is “ridiculous.” I’d say the RiverKings did precisely what you asked of them. They have played in DeSoto County for quite a while now, and therefore, a massive percentage of Riverkings fans live in DeSoto County. The name change reflects reality. The DeSoto Civic Center is not convenient for East Memphis, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville. People in these areas have to drive for at least 30-45 minutes to get there. Besides, DeSoto County is growing rapidly– up 35% in population since the year 2000– and it’s time they had their own team, with its own identity separate from Memphis, to support. It seems silly to me to ignore a city of almost a million people that’s 15 minutes north of you. The RiverKings have a loyal fan base that is going to attend every game, regardless of their name. The RiverKings need to try and market to other people to fill their arena. All I’m saying is that the RiverKings need to appeal to the broadest amount of fans that they can, and by excluding Memphis from the name, they are not doing that. North

Mississippi is growing, that is certain, but it pales in comparison to Memphis. Why not just call them the New York City RiverKings, then? Or maybe the China RiverKings, there’s a billion and a half Chinese people out there. And those names are just as accurate as the Memphis RiverKings would be. A population of 150,000 (which is the population of DeSoto County) is more than sufficient to support a minor league hockey franchise, especially when they will be able to draw a few hundred per game from Memphis. DeSoto pride is running wild and the RiverKings are emblematic of the growing community! I salute the RiverKings for embracing Mississippi. Peter, don’t be ridiculous. Memphis is 15 minutes away, not a 15 hour flight. The Dallas Cowboys are building a new stadium in Arlington. Are they going to change their name to the Arlington Cowboys? The RiverKings are going to get people from Desoto County, now try and get the fans back that you had when you were in Memphis. The Cowboys have a bit more tradition than the RiverKings. And they’re not exactly struggling for fans, either. And the NFL is about 1.5 jillion times more popular than the CHL. No one who was going to go to a RiverKings game before is going to stop now, no matter what they are called. So, in conclusion, Will is wrong and I am right. As usual. Hey, you’re the one that tried to compare the RiverKings to college football earlier. As usual, Edmiston fails to see the big picture. M

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LAP IT UP

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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER MEMPHIS, INC. would like to THANK Memphis Sport and everyone who helped make the 10th Annual SportsBall a SUCCESS!!!

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14 | Memphis Sport

The Race to Save Lives by KEVIN CERRITO

emphis area sports often lend a helping hand to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Stanford St. Jude Championships has included the hospital as its charity for over 35 years. The Grizzlies House is a short-term stay facility for patients and their families at the hospital. The annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend will again finish at AutoZone Park on race day in December. The upcoming Memphis Motorsports Park’s annual Sam’s Town 250 is another local sports event doing what they can for the children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. During a meeting earlier this year, Leverage Sports and St. Jude came with a unique idea to involve the hospital’s patients with the excitement of NASCAR. “Cover Racecars with the Color of Hope” is the theme for the Sam’s Town 250’s Design A Dream campaign. In an unprecedented move for any sport, the Design A Dream campaign’s goal is to allow the children of St. Jude to design paint schemes for the cars racing in the Sam’s Town 250 at the Memphis Motorsports Park on October 27. “We’ve been the charity of this race since 2002, but we have never been able to harness a way to make it truly beneficial to the children. We feel this could be it,” said Kevin Nienhuis, Manager of Sports

Marketing for ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude. Currently, Leverage Sports Agency and St. Jude are inviting Busch Series teams and their sponsors to support St. Jude by allowing their vehicle’s paint scheme to be designed by patients. The objective is to have a different child create a paint scheme for all 43 qualifying cars. Each of the participating race teams will select the design for their car and the St. Jude patient will become the driver’s “co-pilot” for the day. The car designs are only part of what the Memphis Motorsports Park has in mind. At this year’s race, St. Jude patients are expected to participate in a variety of other activities like saying “start your engines”, doing driver intros, and possibly even singing the National Anthem. Material about the event and the hospital will be made accessible to ESPN for coverage during the live broadcast. The plan is to have St. Jude incorporated in as many aspects of the event as possible. The only thing that could make the Sam’s Town 250 even more focused on St. Jude is if the race happened on Danny Thomas Boulevard. M For more information on how you can help the children of St Jude or to donate, go to racingtosavelives.org.

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers over 100 different Associate degrees and certiďŹ cate programs. With Southwest you can afford to be a little choosey; after all, it is Your College, Your Career and Your Choice. COME OUT AND SUPPORT THE SOUTHWEST SALUQIS IN 2007-2008!!! Upcoming games for the Lady Saluqis *

Upcoming games for the Saluqis * OCTOBER 25 Alumni 27 Spirit Express NOVEMBER 2-3 Willie Little Classic (at Chicago, IL) 9 Roane State 10 Walters State 13 Arkansas Tech JV 16 at Chattanooga State 17 at Motlow State 27 at Coahoma

OCTOBER 25 Alumni

8 p.m. 4 p.m.

NOVEMBER 3 Wayne County 9 Roane State 10 Walters State 16 at Chattanooga State 17 at Motlow State 27 at Coahoma

8 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. EST 4 p.m. 8 p.m.

In 2006-07, the Southwest Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Team: â&#x20AC;˘ Had a ďŹ nal record of 28-7 â&#x20AC;˘ Finished 8th in NJCAA National Tournament â&#x20AC;˘ Ranked 16th in the ďŹ nal NJCAA regular season poll â&#x20AC;˘ Won the TJCCAA/Region VII Tournament â&#x20AC;˘ Regular season TJCCAA Western Division champions

* Partial schedule only. Entire schedule available at www.southwest.tn.edu

6 p.m.

4 p.m. 6 p.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m. EST 2 p.m. 6 p.m.

In 2006-07, the Southwest Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Team: â&#x20AC;˘ Had a ďŹ nal record of 26-2 â&#x20AC;˘ Won 23 straight games â&#x20AC;˘ Ranked 13th in the ďŹ nal NJCAA regular season poll â&#x20AC;˘ Finished third in the TJCCAA/Region VII Tournament â&#x20AC;˘ Regular season TJCCAA Western Division champions

Call (901) 333-5000 for more information All home games for the Lady Saluqis and Saluqis are played at the Verties Sails Gymnasium on the Union Avenue Campus. Southwest is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, the governing body for all two-year colleges across the country. The Saluqis also compete in the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association, which is comprised of all two-year colleges in the state of Tennessee.

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

BU I L D I N G B OY S , M A K I N G M E N F O R O V E R 5 0 Y E A R S .

In an era when boys are underperforming and disengaging from schools around the country, the boys of PDS are excited about learning, developing critical and creative thinking skills, and gaining a vision of what it means to be a man. 0RESBYTERIAN $AY 3CHOOL Â&#x201E; 0OPLAR !VENUE -EMPHIS 4. Â&#x201E; Â&#x201E; WWW PDSMEMPHIS ORG 0$3 IS AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR BOYS IN GRADES 0RE+ TO &INANCIAL AID AVAILABLE 0$3 MAINTAINS A NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY WITH REGARD TO RACE COLOR AND NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN

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16 | Memphis Sport

ALL-STARS The Memphis Sport All-Stars section sponsored by Velocity Sports Performance features only the best in area athletics. From the pitching mound to the end zone and from the fairway to the ice rink, Memphis Sport is always looking for new faces to highlight. If you have an achievement worth noting or know someone who does, e-mail your accomplishments along with a photo to allstars@memphissport.net, and you just may see your face here in an upcoming issue.

www.memphissport.net | 17

ALL-S STARS The Memphis Sport All-Stars are proudly sponsored by Velocity Sports Performance. Velocity offers the most proven speed, power, and agility programs available, training more than 1,000 athletes a day. All coaches have a human performance-related degree. Velocity specializes in semi-private, small-group training in the only world-class, climate-controlled facility in the areano matter what your age, gender, skill level, athletic, or fitness goals. Call 901.756.7116, mention the Memphis Sport AllStars, and get a FREE training session.

18 | Memphis Sport 18 | Memphis Sport

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MEMPHIANS IN THE SEC BY SCHOOL ARKANSAS: n Grreg Gatson Kevin Woods KENTUCKY: Darryyll Faaulknerr n my Jarmon Jerem ll el nch i W Josh LSU: n RJ Gillen r per Jas h Josh MISSISSIPPI STATE: Craneyy Cortez McC mmers Anthony Sum OLE MISS: Toddd Cox Rodeerick Daviis n Terryy Frreeman n Ceecil Frison Greg Hardyy ns Brandon Jenkin n Andy Keen chael Oherr Mich Roob Park Prestoon Powerrs Kelvvin Rolackk Jusstin Sparkks mmers h Sum Markeith n V s Cassiuu aughn n hn aug V k c ic err LaD e Walkerr Alllen

If You Didn’t Know, Now Ya Know

TOP 25 C E S E H T IN S N IA H P M E M SPORT Compiled by MEMPHIS

SOUTH CAROLINA : Chris Hampton TENNESSEE: Kennard Brown n Bram Cannon m Braad Cottam m Jeeff Cottam x Co n a Moorga s r er My ius r Da Victoor Thomas r s Walker hri Ch ms Dan William Elllix Wilson VANDERBILT: Curtis Gateewoodd hris Griffin Ch hris Marvee Ch Joohn Stokees

20 | Memphis Sport

lege football. gest conferences in all of col lifornia on str the of e on y arl cle is The SEC a, Texas, Ca Talent-rich states like Florid ruiting debates Most experts agree there. rec en wh ed on nti rst places me and Ohio are usually the fi ms of producing an ter in ut abo ked tal n rarely bee Big XII and the are waged. Tennessee has the by ed location–flank its en giv t bu , ent tal of e abundanc C–Tennessee is rapidly en the Big Ten and the SE we bet in d dge we and C, AC rs have taken notice recruiting area. SEC powe becoming a hotly contested mphis area in recent years. Me and have been ravaging the

L)arcrest Christian School (O er Oh el ha ic M 1. Bri , ior Ole Miss, 6’5” 325 lb. jun ooiord, W(DhitE)e Station High School w te Ga is rt Cu 2. jun lb. Vanderbilt, 6’3” 245 (Kan,/PRid) geway High School er 3.LSU,Jo5’1sh0” 15Ja5sp shm fre lb. tta0 lb.msen(TiorE), Evangelical Christian School Co ad 4.TenBr 27 ” nessee, 6’8 r (LB) 5.OleAlMiless,n6’1W” 20al5ke High School lb. freshman, Olive Branch

B)st High School (D hn ug Va s iu ss Ca . 14 Ea re, mo ho sop lb. 5 Ole Miss, 5’11” 18 (SiorS), Melrose High School pt4on am H s ri Ch . 15 sen lb. 19 1” 5’1 , South Carolina (DsasE)High School hn ug Va ck ri er D La . 16 nas Ma an, Ole Miss, 6’2” 210 lb. freshm (DiorB) on lix, 5’1W0” ils El . 17 , Melrose High School jun lb. 5 22 see Tennes T)East High School (D s m ia ill W an D . 18 re, mo ho Tennessee, 6’3” 310 lb. sop

T)aven High School l,(O el ch in W sh Jo . 19 uth So ior L) jun cCraney (D aven High School Kentucky, 6’3” 305 lb. 6.MissisCosiprtpiezStaM te, 6’4” 272 lb. junior, South (LsenB)ior, Harding Academy x Co dd To . 20 lb. 0 Ole Miss, 6’1” 21 b Park (P) mphis University School 7.OleRo Miss, 6’0” 185 lb. junior, Me B/an,DMeE)mphis University School ok0 lb.esfre(L St hn Jo . 21 shm 23 L) ” eg Hardy (D re, Briarcrest Christian School Vanderbilt, 6’5 8.OleGr Miss, 6’5” 255 lb. sophomo R) (W is av D ck ri de Ro . 22 oddale High School Wo E) (D 3 lb. freshman, 19 on ” 6’0 rm ss, Ja Mi e y Ol m re Je l 9.Kentucky, 6’3” 268 lb. sophomore, Collierville High Schoo R)High School s (W er m m Su ith ke ar M . 23 nch Bra ive Ol an, sHi(DghL)School in Jesennk n do Ole Miss, 6’2” 190 lb. freshm an Br . 10 st Ea , ior lb. 0 30 Ole Miss, 6’4” B)Christian Brothers High School (L r ke al W s ri Ch . 24 an, shm (ThoE)more, Germantown High School Tennessee, 6’3” 220 lb. fre Co” 26tta0 m ff Je . 11 sop lb. 6’8 , Tennessee (LB) ve ar M s ri Ch . ool 25 an, White Station High Sch shm S) fre lb. (L 0 s 23 ” er w 6’0 t, Po bil n der to Van 12. Prss,es arcrest Christian School 6’0” 240 lb. sophomore, Bri Ole Mi

(F, S) ds oo W n vi Ke . 13 Fairley High School ior sen Arkansas, 5’10” 194 lb.

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22 | M Memphis SSport

dbu by CHRIS PRZYBYSZEWSKI

Mike McKenzie photo courtesy MICHAEL C. HEBERT/NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, Idrees Bashir photo courtesy DETROIT LIONS, Michael Stone photo courtesy NEW YORK GIANTS

Up by three

late in the fourth quarter against a blood rival, the quarterback gets cocky. His offensive unit has driven 40 yards in the last four minutes. The quarterback can feel the game moving his way. He’s found the zone. The rival crowd seems to agree—silence covers the stadium like an old blanket. Time to open it up, he thinks. He’s on national TV, after all. With a heave, the quarterback lasers the football thirty yards. He relishes the silence until he sees the unexpected. An opposing cornerback has snuck into a route. He has read the play. There’s a thud as the football nails the numbers of a wrong-colored jersey. The blood rival crowd has just gone berserk. As the larcenous corner races beyond the passer, the quarterback realizes he just got owned on national TV... interception.

www.memphissport.net | 23

There is no more devastating moment in sports. It’s worse than a fumble, worse than a safety, worse than a blocked field goal. Such moments were once part of the University of Memphis game, when the football team had a reputation as a Defensive Back University (DBU). Memphis secondaries left many a quarterback bouncing helmets off the sideline turf.

Memphis emphis ssecondaries left many a q quarterback rt bac bouncing ng helmets helmets elin turf. tur off the sideline

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

Times have changed. The national prominence of the Tiger secondary has eroded during the tenure of Head Coach Tommy West. The group that achieved a national Top 10 and Top 20 ranking in 2002 and 2003, respectively, has been ranked with the bottom twenty (and even five) teams since the 2004 season. In 2006, the Tigers were a miserable 96th in the nation in pass defense. That yardage has translated into opponent points scored. In 2002, at the height of Tiger secondary dominance, opponents threw for only nine passing touchdowns all season. In 2004, 2005, and 2006, opponents threw for an average of more than 25 touchdowns per season, including a devastating 29 touchdowns in 2004. This decline in on-field production ha has resulted in a cold shoulder at the next level. Since the 1990s, the Tigers have hav sent six defensive backs to the NFL— more than any other position from the school. However, the last of these DBU graduates were in the 2001 second round, when Bashir went to the Colts and Stone went to the Car Cardinals. Since then, only one Tiger DB, Brandon McDonald, has joined the NFL ranks by going to the Browns in 2006. This drought comes in the middle mid of a DB boom in the NFL. According to nfl.com’s Gil Brandt, NF NFL teams have chosen more cornerbacks in the last 10 drafts than any other position. t It doesn’t stop there. The NFL doesn’t see any prominent th UofM DBs on the horizon. In a recent CBS Sportsline article, writer Rob R Rang listed more than 20 NCAA defensive backs back who might have a chance in the professional ranks. His list included no Tigers. Sports Illustrated sh showed even less love. In its analysis, not a single Tiger DB D made the list of the top 44 DBs. In 2006, West tried to stop a spiraling defense by firing t coaching veteran vetera Joe Lee Dunn. This year, West hired six new coaches, including a defensive coaching unit with in only a single returning coach, Kenny Ingram, who is re coaching his second year at the UofM. se For the secondary, West tapped two pass defense second specialists, both sporting recent national and league

24 | M Memphis emphiss SSp em Spo Sport ort rt

successes. Defensive coordinator Rick Kravitz, who is handling safeties, spent 2006 at North Carolina State, where he helped lead the Wolfpack to a 13thranked pass defense. Ole Miss graduate Derek Jones coaches cornerbacks, and he is most recently removed from C-USA rival University of Tulsa. Under Jones’ direction, the Golden Hurricanes posted the best pass defense in the league. A day before fall practice begins, resplendent in a blue Tigers polo shirt, Jones does not make grand promises. Rather, he focuses on simplicity. “I’m going to stress two things: tackling and playing the deep ball,” he says. “We don’t want to allow small catches to turn into big gains. [The opposing receivers] are on scholarship too; those guys are there for a reason. They’re going to complete some balls. At no point in time is it OK at the cornerback position to miss a tackle.”

New coa New coaches and recruits re uit alone lone wo won’t bring back k DBU

For the latter, Jones notes that while an interception can kill an offense, long pass plays can damage mage a defense. “We We have to prevent deep balls,” he says. “If wee are giving people 40–50 yard completions, that really depletes you as a defense.” se.” Jones argues that for the secondary, ry, the stakes are higher. “A D-liner misses a tackle, [and the opponent] pick[s] [s] up three or four more yards,” he says. “A linebacker misses a tackle, you’ve got safeties back there. But if we miss a tackle, now you’ve got a gain.” Toward the end of spring practices, es, West echoed Jones. “Our business is funny,” he says as he compares the coaching ng profession to the teaching profession. “If everybody in our class doesn’t pass, ss, we fail, because the one person who fails or who doesn’t get it can beat you.” He’s talking, of course, about a DB who lets a receiver get loose for a big run. The new coaching staff should be helped by transfers. Primary on that list is strong safety Dontae Reed (6’2”, 210 pounds), a transfer out of Ole Miss. During spring practices, s, Reed muscled himself to the top of the depth chart through physical cal play. A second transfer is Tony Bell (6’2”, 215 pounds), who transferred sferred from Auburn and had a distinguished high school career in Alabama. A third transfer is LeRico Mathis (6’1”, 185 pounds), ), who earned MACJC All-Star status at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The coaching staff also has more long-term ong-term ambitions, and Darius Davis (6’0”, 180 pounds) can be considered a star true freshman recruit. A Memphis native, tive, Davis was an All-State player at Whitehaven High School ol and earned status as the #38 cornerback prospect in the country. ry. Davis has company with a second freshman, Jermaine Richardson, rdson, who was an All-State selection in Georgia. New coaches and recruits alone won’t bring back DBU, and it is a long road back to national prominence. Jones himself does not suggest that he has an All-American ll-American or even an All-Conference player on the squad ad this year. After last year, though, everyone welcomes change. ge. If Jones has his way, the Tigers will once again welcome me the visitations of cocky quarterbacks and game-changing interceptions, as provided by future alumni of the DBU. M

w ww www.memphissport.net wwwww.memphissport.net www w ww ww. w.memp ssph hiissssppoort rt|..n n25 et | 2255 et

The DBU Interview by ED LAND, JR.

Detroit Lions

New Orleans Saints

Mike McKenzie—

Michael Stone—

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

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

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

Idrees Bashir

New York Giants

So you guys had to choose from tons of great schools. What led you to the Tigers? Stone: In college, I played up at Central State in Ohio for a semester, but then

they shut down the football program. I had a friend at Memphis, Trey Munson, who I had gone to high school with. When I was trying to figure out where to transfer to, he told me about the big win against Tennessee the year before. So I drove down to Memphis just to check things out.

McKenzie: Man, I could’ve played out west in Colorado. I could’ve played up north for a couple schools. But I just wanted to play in the South, you know? Memphis was independent, which was cool. I knew I’d be playing against Ole Miss, Mississippi State and some other big SEC schools. Bashir: To be honest, until I was a junior in high school, I didn’t even really know how good I was at football. I didn’t know anything about recruiting. I was just playin’ the game. To tell you the truth, Memphis was the first school to come after me aggressively. I really liked the camaraderie of the players and coaches. It was still in the South, which is where I wanted to play. And, I knew I was about to play some of the big schools. Looking back, did you know you were establishing Memphis as DBU? Bashir: Not really. We knew we were good, but we didn’t really know the

impact it was having with the draft picks and everything. But we knew a couple years later…

26 | Memphis Sport

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

What was the most memorable game of your Memphis career? Bashir: Both of the Tennessee games for sure. We had ‘em in

both. That one in Knoxville—there were like 100,000-plus people in the stands. When the game was over and we were walking off the field, the Tennessee fans gave us a standing ovation. It meant a lot to us, even though we lost the game. Those fans knew we had it won and they respected us for putting forth that kind of effort. I remember that whole week how big that game was for us, and for me personally. I didn’t sleep the entire week.

Stone: Probably the loss to Tennessee, 17-16, when they threw the last Hail Mary pass to win the game. The whole stadium was packed with people wearing all orange, but the crowd was completely silent. We had them boxed in the whole game. McKenzie: No doubt—Tennessee. Without a doubt. 21-17, baby.

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

Bashir: I always hung out with DeMario Shank and Frederick

Pile. If I had to say one or two, I’d say those were my best friends. I still talk to those guys every week.

McKenzie: I hung with everybody. [Mac] Cody, Reggie [Howard], Marcus [Bell], Michael [Stone]. A lot of my guys are coaching in Memphis right now: Keith Spann, Richard Hogan, Cedric Miller, Jason Stewart. What was your favorite place to go eat in school? Stone: Huey’s. We used to eat there all the time. McKenzie: South Hall. What about wings? Stone: Don Don’s right by campus. Everybody ate at that place. McKenzie: Crumpy’s and Dbo’s. Bashir: Don Don’s, baby. Go up there, get you some Honey Gold, get all that grease and wing juice on you. Get you about 10 to 12 of ‘em and it’s gametime. How are you involved with Mike McKenzie’s 34 Ways Foundation and its work in Memphis? Stone: I definitely think helping others is so important, and I’ve

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

www.memphissport.net | 27

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

McKenzie: Me, Reggie [Howard], Michael [Stone], Marcus [Bell] and DeAngelo [Williams] always get back to Memphis for the 34 Ways Youth Football Camp the weekend after Father’s Day and the Back to School program later in the year. Bashir: I’m looking into a couple

things like that for Atlanta and Memphis.

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

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

And Mike, you wanted to play in the South and you chose Memphis, but you got drafted by the Packers. Does it get much more “North” than that? McKenzie: Oh, no it doesn’t man. I used to whine about how cold it was in Memphis during November and December. Everybody used to always tell me I’d end up in Green Bay. Then it happened. We all knew it was comin’.

OUT OF BOUNDS The Dreads McKenzie: They call me “The Predator” around here (smiling). Just being from south Florida, this is how we do it. You got the “retro flo,” the afro, the braids, and the dreads. The fans love it. The ladies love it. A few years back I said to a couple guys I wasn’t cutting it until we won the Super Bowl. I’m keeping my word.

The Rookie T B Bashir: I’ve got [Calvin Johnson] on lock-down! ock-down! But no, he’s a good guy. He’s not cocky. He’s workin’ real hard.

The Losse es Stone: There’s no way I would change

anything. Everything happpens for a reason. To come down th here, without even talking to any coaches, w walk on, and then get a scholarship…I mov oved up the ranks. It really prepared me for my future.

ELI vs s. DBU Stone: If I Eli had played DBU in it’s

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

LONGEVITY LON NGEVITY Idrees, what do you have in store for us this season? Are you healthy and everything? Bashir: I’m always saying my prayers, you know. That’s where it all starts. I hurt my thumb and pulled my hamstring last season, so it was frustrating, but I’m feeling quick and fast right now like before. If the Lord keeps me healthy, I’ll put a hurtin’ on some people. M

28 | Memphis Sport

McKenzie: McKenz e: They tell me I’ve played

over a hundred red games, but I can sti still run ‘em down with h the the best of ‘em. You just got to stay health hy. y. And I’m playin’ until I win the champion nship. shi

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MEMPHIS MADE

BULL by ED LAND, JR.

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

As a senior at Humes High School, Bull won All-Memphis, All-West Tennessee, All-State and All-American football honors, having played on offense, defense and special teams for the entire season (as he did throughout his high school career.) His furious and violent play helped earn him a reputation as one of the nation’s most feared high school football players. Bull was recruited by several big-time college football schools, including Tennessee and Kentucky, but his dream came true in the summer of 1959 as coach “Spook” Murphy awarded him a fullscholarship to join the Tigers. As a junior in 1961, he led a Memphis defense which allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns in Tiger history (2) and was awarded placement on the All-Southern team. During his senior campaign of 1962, his dominating Tiger defense allowed the fewest rushes, rushing yards, passing yards, total yards (both game and season) and touchdown passes (1) in all of Memphis history. His individual production that year resulted in Honorable Mention AllAmerican honors. Bull lettered in football (and baseball) at Memphis for 4 consecutive years, playing on both offense and defense. Amazingly, at the time of graduation he weighed only 173 lbs. Perceived as too small to play professional football, he secured a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals’ minor league baseball

30 | Memphis Sport

affiliate. Ironically, it was here that he earned the nickname “Bull,” having once run through the outfield wall while making a catch. Bull’s time in baseball lasted only 2 years. Ray Malavasi, his defensive coordinator at Memphis State, had become the Player Personnel Director for the Denver Broncos. Having seen his ferocity first-hand, Ray offered him a tryout conditional upon a weight gain of at least 20 pounds. Six months and 43 pounds later, he showed up at Bronco’s training camp and earned a spot on the team. In his first professional season, he earned AFL All-Rookie honors and finished 2nd place in the AFL Rookie of the Year voting, just behind the Jets’ Joe Namath. He would go on to play for the Miami Dolphins (1967-1968) and New England Patriots (1969-1970.) He won Pro-Bowl honors twice and was the Patriots’ MVP in 1970. As Marty Schottenheimer (then John’s teammate with the Patriots) once said, “What Dick Butkus is to middle line-backing is what John Bramlett is to the outside. I say he’s the best in all of football.” Unfortunately, Bull’s greatest strength had also always been his greatest weakness. Throughout his life, the hostility with which he played governed everything he did off the field as well. As a young teenager, he set out to prove he was tougher than anyone else in his social or sporting circles, despite his smaller physical stature. In every game he played, he fought. As the years progressed, his violence grew. This way of life led him to the heights of collegiate and NFL athletic

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success, but his personal life remained a wreck. Until 1973. One evening, two Christian men visited his home to share the word of Jesus. They told him of Jesus’ love for him and shared with him the opportunity to be given a brand new life. The things they spoke of reminded him of the love and forgiveness shown to him by his wife Nancy, who continued to support him through so many years of his immoral and selfish behavior. That night, John “Bull” Bramlett became a Christian. Since then, Bull has applied his trademarked intense passion towards his work in Christian ministry. Today, Bramlett Ministries reaches people in high schools, universities and prisons all across the country. Much of Bull’s work is done through his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where he was recently inducted in the “Hall of Champions.” For 19 years running, he has run an annual golf tournament benefiting the Memphis area FCA. He was also a key factor in the establishment of the FCA “huddle” at the University of Memphis. Today, John “Bull’ Bramlett and his wife Nancy, live in Cordova and will soon approach their 50th wedding anniversary. They have two sons, Andy and Don, as well as 4 grandchildren, Rebecca (“Puddin’”), Rachel (“Punkin’”), Hunter (“Pistol”) and Jordan (“Pro”). Both Andy and Don attended Memphis State. M

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

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19-Ê7 t

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www.memphissport.net | 31

CHIC IN THE FIELD D

Another Cold One, Please Redbirds vs. New Orleans By MAGGIE LOUIE Last Sunday I had a hysterically embarrassing experience while covering my first baseball game. Of course, I know nothing about baseball and it was only the second sporting event I’ve ever attended.

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

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

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

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

Yep–unquestionably Yep–un time for fo another beer! I flagged agge down the “icy cold” guy g and then resumed my search for resum decent unoccupied a dec seat. I headed down another aisle to get anot some som shots of the cheerleaders. They che were we wilting in the heat, he like the rest of o us, and looked y gu cute more m like ‘let’s just make m it though the th game-leaders’. I found another great spot for getting close-ups of the players; right p behind the dugout.

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

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

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

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

32 | Memphis Sport

She said, “Don’t you know how dangerous that is? You can’t stand there! People have had to go to the hospital from being hit by foul balls and pop-fly’s!” I apologized emphatically and told her I

the bee r girl a nd the ding

was writing a column and was just tr trying ying i to get good pics. Laughing embarrassedly, I told her, “Actually, I just got kicked out of the owner’s box, too.” She perked up and kind of smiled at me and replied, “Ah, then you met my husband Dick!” Turns out, Thelma is Dick’s wife and they work security together. She pointed once more to the spot and reminded me how dangerous it is. The beer girl happened to overhear the conversation and she interjected. “She’s right. I’ve almost been hit a couple times standing way up here.” She then showed me a ding on her booth that had taken one of the hits. It was 4:12pm and the game nearing the end, so I figured I better get to the parking garage before traffic got bad. I never did find out who won and only got a few photos of the players. The Umpire and the Pitcher seemed to be in greater peril than the other players. That’s all I really gathered. I gotta remember to get one of those hotdogs, too! They smelled great, but I had already used up all my extra calories on beer. I must say, Memphis fans were full of team spirit despite the agonizing heat. All and all I had a fantastic time getting kicked out of everywhere and really enjoyed the whole atmosphere and watching families have a great afternoon together. I hope to see more of the game next time and be able to report the final outcome and highlights. M

www.memphissport.net | 33

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Our sports medicine staff specializes in getting athletes off the training table and

one another within fence enclosed grassy meadows or

back on the field as quickly as possible. But

frustrate ourselves by attempting to thwart the laws

we’re not just experts in sports medicine,

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

we’re also the leader in general orthopaedics.

or punish ourselves with the unnatural pursuit of

So is it any wonder that the most serious of

conquering environments we have no business

athletes, those from the professional and

wading into?

college ranks, choose Campbell Clinic?

Why? Because it is there. Because the human

And if people whose careers are dependent

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

upon healthy bodies think we’re the best, then

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

odds are we’re a pretty good choice for weekend

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

warriors, long-time couch potatoes, or anyone

dive deeper, glory awaits.

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

So we play. But not all of us are built for speed. Fewer still are built to absorb the punishment sports inflict. And none of us are eternally sixteen years old.

So we get hurt. But we don’t mind. Even the biggest, strongest, and fastest of us get hurt. We accept that as part of sport. What we

Because even if you’re tough enough to play with pain, there’s no reason you should have to.

#43

campbell clinic is proud to be the official sports medicine providers for the memphis grizzlies, the memphis redbirds, university of memphis athletics, rhodes college athletics, christian brothers university athletics, the memphis river kings, the kroger st. jude tennis tournament, and ballet memphis.

#43

don’t like, what we detest, is not being able to play.

That’s where Campbell Clinic comes in.

34 | Memphis Sport

CAMPBELL CLINIC Or t h opa ed i c s w w w. ca m p b e l lc l i n i c . co m

Hold that Runner

by JOHN DENNY

Today, pitchers do not take seriously holding runners on base as they should. Here are a few guidelines to help a pitcher to hold runners on base: 1. LEARNING TO MULTI-TASK Pitching with a runner on base causes a pitcher to divide his attention. The highest priority is to attend to the batter while holding a runner on base. Once a pitcher decides to deliver the pitch to the catcher, the quality of the pitch should be as if there was not a base runner. 2. KNOWING AND SEEING THE RUNNER A pitcher should have a clear understanding of the type of runner he is dealing with. Is he a smart base runner? Is he fast? Part of answering some of these questions is the ability of the pitcher to always see the runner when he comes set in the stretch position.

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3. HAVING A QUICK PICK-OFF MOVE The quicker the feet, the quicker you can release the ball. Practice, practice, and more practice is essential to having a quick ‘pick-off ’ move. 4. VARYING THE CADENCE A good base-runner will time your delivery if you deliver the ball to home plate in the same timing rhythm. Vary the cadence when pitching to home plate. 5. HAVING A QUICK DELIVERY TO HOME PLATE Once a pitcher decides to pitch to home, he should quicken his delivery to give his catcher a chance to throw the runner out in case he steals. Delivering a quality pitch to home is key with this move.

These ‘Pro-Tip’s come from The JAD Baseball Experience and Coach JD (1983 Cy Young winner John Denny)

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GET FIT

with David Nugent page 36

GET FIT WITH...

Super Bowl Champion David Nugent by ED LAND, JR.

David Nugent three standard daily “All workout and nutrition regimens played as a tight meals. Even once you’re will fail unless the participant is honest end and defensive eating 5-6 smaller end at Memphis’ meals a day, you must with himself, consistent in his approach, own Houston still consume the accountable during times of weakness High School from right kinds of calories, 1992–1995. After including a balance and patient when seeking results.” graduation, he of protein, good - David Nugent accepted a full carbohydrates, and athletic scholarship healthy fats. to Purdue University, where he starred at defensive tackle for 4 years. As Benefits: a senior, Nugent won All-Big Ten honors. He was drafted by Nugent’s weight training regimen enables you to the New England Patriots in 2000 and two years later earned a build muscle safely and in alignment with your starting position for the Super Bowl Champions. body’s capabilities. His cardiovascular program not only helps get and keep you in great shape, it also Today, Nugent works locally in surgical device sales and remains sparks tremendous weight loss and fat reduction. passionate about strength and nutrition. Using knowledge gained The nutrition plan to which he adheres keeps your through his exercise and physiology degree, as well as insights body in high gear all day long and enables you to provided by his former strength and conditioning coaches in the burn more calories than the vast majority of 3 NFL, he has put together weight training and nutrition programs meal/day programs allow. It should also help you that enable total body health and fitness. save money when eating out!

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

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

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

36 | Memphis Sport

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

Troubleshooting page 37

Stretching the Truth page 39

The Shoe Blues page 40

PERSONAL TRAINING

Troubleshooting by MANDY POLK Fall is upon us, and with it comes more predictable schedules and the absence of vacations. What better time to closely examine your fitness goals and training habits? Since we have started this series, you have made up your mind to dive into your fitness pursuits, you have made the time to do so, and you have reinforced the commitment to yourself by sticking with it for a few solid months. In my experience coaching athletes, serious exercise devotees, and beginners alike, there are some common problems that need to be addressed right about now. This segment of our series will focus on troubleshooting for those of you who have decided to embark on your fitness journey but might be getting stuck or tripped up along the way.

Forgive yourself I cannot count how many times I have seen someone go into a “downward spiral” after one bad weekend or a couple of missed appointments. The reality is that you cannot be 100% perfect all of the time. One of the best things to do to avoid this mentality is to schedule or allow for regular deviations. For example, have a date night and eat what you choose, and possibly stay up later during that outing. Or you could allow yourself to cut loose once a week; so if you find yourself at a birthday party at the office, you know that this is your free day, and you might not work out either. However, the next day, you are right back on track. Do not beat yourself up about your divergence from the regimen. Apply it to your short term memory and move forward. Self degradation leads to defeat and/or punishment. Punishment can direct someone straight to dangerous behaviors like over restriction and yo-yo dieting, both of which have no place in a successful training protocol or a healthy mindset.

Be more consistent Many times, I see people approach exercise or fitness with the attitude of “This is something I might like to do once in a while” and they become frustrated when they’re not reaching their goals. The reality is, if you’re working out once a week and going for a leisurely stroll in the evenings occasionally, of course you’re not seeing the results you desire. To eliminate this occurrence, you need to identify (continued on page 38)

www.memphissport.net | 37

(continued from page 37)

the habits and behaviors preventing your consistency. Be honest with yourself. Do you need to set appointments with a trainer or a workout partner to promote accountability? Do you need to pack your gym bag the night before so that you’re not tempted to stay on the couch after work? It can be difficult to appoint the time that should be devoted to exercise. Financial experts always say “Pay yourself first!” when discussing about saving strategies. Invest your time into you first. Schedule your appointments that relate to your training goals as a priority in your schedule. As long as you follow through after that, you’re on your way to a better you!

Get out of a rut An excellent way to get out of a training rut or just mental staleness is to address your excuses head-on. I want you to try an exercise with me. Physically write down your excuses you have been making up to this point and address each one and its validity, or lack thereof. Try to come up with at least eight. I will give some very common examples: 1. I’m just too tired after work. 2. I don’t like going to classes because I feel stupid when I don’t know the format. 3. I feel like everyone in the gym is staring at me. 4. Cardio machines are boring so I don’t do it. 5. I’m too busy with my kids’ activities to exercise. 6. I hate to sweat. 7. Work is too hectic right now… maybe when things slow down. 8. My (insert relative here) is having surgery/is sick right now. I need to be available. From here, you address each excuse and either combat it or find a way around it. This heightened self-awareness will breathe new life into your training program, and will empower you. Now get moving! M Mandy Polk is a professional fitness competitor and personal trainer

38 | Memphis Sport

Harding

PERSONAL TRAINING

Stretching the Truth by ADAM RISINGER

ith football season just around the corner, many athletes are already ramping up their training regimens in preparation for the upcoming season. Athletes, coaches, trainers, and others will employ a variety of techniques over the coming months to attempt to avoid injuries and improve on-field performance. Stretching exercises have been promoted over the years as a way to achieve both of these goals. However, recent evidence suggests that this is not the case in all instances. The effects of acute stretching (immediately prior to exercise) and regular stretching (not prior to exercise) have been found to be in many ways different. Several good quality research studies have been performed on acute stretching and all have found that this type of preexercise or competition stretching has no effect on injury prevention. You might think, “Well, at least stretching before competition will help my performance.” I’m sorry to say that this is also likely not the case. In fact, studies have shown that there can be up to a 2%-5% LOSS in muscle power and force production following acute stretching. The relevance of this is not significant for someone who is simply seeking to live a fit and active lifestyle. However, in instances of athletic competition, where inches and split-seconds matter, there could be a very relevant loss of performance when compared to not stretching prior to competition.

In contrast to the findings for acute stretching, the results of regular stretching routines seem to have some benefits. A few studies have been performed to identify to effect of regular stretching on injury risk. Each of the studies showed a clinically significant reduction in injury risk. However, these results failed to reach a level of statistical significance, meaning that more research is needed to determine if a true benefit exists. Where the real benefit of regular stretching exists is in performance enhancement. In fact, the results of regular stretching routines are opposite of the effects of acute stretching. A mild improvement of 2%-5% in muscle force and power production has been noticed after a regular stretching routine is performed over several weeks. Again, these modest differences can account for a relevant difference in on-field performance.

A C A D E M Y C H R I S T- C E N T E R E D

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

Call 767-4494 today! www.hardinglions.org Harding Academy is dedicated to serving all qualified students regardless of race, creed, national or ethnic origin.

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EQUIPMENT

The Shoe Blues by JEN ANDREWS

Runners, walkers, hikers and most fitness enthusiasts know that comfortable gear makes exercise more enjoyable. What you might not realize is that your workout wardrobe can be hazardous to your health. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still wearing a beat-up pair of running shoes, it might be time to make a new purchase.

Checking for Wear and Tear

You can usually find tell-tale signs of too much wear just by looking at the shoe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Check for signs of pronation or supination,â&#x20AC;? says professional shoe-fitter, Kara Wall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you find wear and tear on the outer heels and inner balls of your foot on your shoe, you probably pronate. This means that you strike the ground with the outside of your heel and roll your forefoot in when you run or walk.â&#x20AC;? Pronation is usually a sign of a fallen arch, which can be easily controlled with arch support inserts or shoes that specifically control pronation. Supination is the reverse problem and can be controlled with firm support on both sides of your shoe. Look for shoes with a good amount of rubber support on the inner and outer edges that cups your foot and keeps you from rolling your forefoot outward as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running.

Finding a Good Fit

When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to buy new shoes, consistency is key. Try and simulate the conditions in which youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wear your shoes. Wear the same socks youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d wear on a long run and tie your laces and tight as you would before a run. Before you stand up, kick your heels on the floor. When you stand, make sure your weight is evenly distributed and have someone check the length of the shoe.

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40 | Memphis Sport

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You should comfortably be able to wiggle your toesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as if they were playing the pianoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and there should be a half-to-full thumb nailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length between your longest

toe and the end of the shoe,â&#x20AC;? says Wall. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet are commonly narrower at the heel and wider at the forefront while menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet are more likely to be the same width throughout. Regardless of your individual shape, remember that the shape of your shoe should roughly match the shape of your foot. You want your shoe to fit your foot, not the other way around. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most common mistake people make when they buy shoes is that they buy the same size every time without re-measuring,â&#x20AC;? says Wall. There is no standardization of shoe sizes, so while you may need a 9.5 in one brand or style of shoe, you may wear a 9 or even 10.5 in another. An investment in a good pair of shoes can make a big difference in your performance and a big impact on the health of your feet. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a difference between â&#x20AC;&#x153;warninâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;worn-out.â&#x20AC;? Kick your worn-out running shoes to the curb. Wearing bad shoes can seriously affect your body while you run, walk or hike, leading to discomfort and possibly injury.

Dos & Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put your shoes in the washing machine. This breaks down the structure of the shoes. Your shoes may look better on the outside, but the integrity of the inside is destroyed. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re shoes are filthy, wash them with soapy water and stuff newspapers in them to help keep their shape as they air dry. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t continue wearing a pair of shoes that are turning your toenails black. This bruising means your shoes are too small and can lead to blisters and compromise your performance. Do make the best of your buys. Many people wear their running shoes every day. But, to prolong the life of your shoes, buy one pair strictly for exercise and another for day-to-day wear. M

www.memphissport.net www.memp phisspo p rt.net | 41

TAILGATING the 10th Annual

SPORTS BALL benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis, Inc.

July 21, 2007 photos by SEAN DAVIS

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

8. Candice Bonner and Yolanda Webb

2. Dave Cera and Donna Dearon

9. Reginald Webb

3. Chris and Kris Amen

10. Jon Roser

4. Robin Harwell

11. Stacy Addison and Nick Harmeier

5. LaCara Black and Tarence Kinsey 6. Katie Land and Natalia Leigh 7. Allison Bloodworth and Melody Usdan

42 | Memphis Sport

12. Michael Donahue

www.memphissport.net | 43

JACK’S BACK

by JACK EATON

The University of Memphis is a basketball school, everyone knows that! Two Elite 8’s in a row, the nation’s longest winning streak, unbeaten in conference play-regular season and post-season tournament. A year ago the Tigers had two NBA first round draft picks; yes the U of M is a basketball school. But it hasn’t always been like that. Let me take you back… Back in 1960 the Tigers football program was coming of age. Billy “Spook” Murphy had a couple of years under his belt as head coach and he had a quarterback who could–and did–play with the best of them. His name was James Earl Wright. As a sophomore in 1959 James Earl caught the fancy of Tiger fans. He wasn’t especially fast and his arm wasn’t the strongest but when he rolled out the fans stood up expecting thrilling results. Against Alabama, Wright scored the tying TD only to have the officials dis-allow the score. It scared the Tide so badly they didn’t play the Tigers again for 20 years. Tiger fans were primed for the 1960 season and first up were the mighty Rebels of Ole Miss. They were ranked number one in the nation. Ole Miss was favored by 32 points. It was going to be a runaway. But no one told the Tigers. Ole Miss took the opening kickoff and returned to their own 20. Enter Jake Gibbs, the Rebels All-American quarterback. Gibbs was set to show the Tigers how it was done. But on the very first play from scrimmage, Gibbs rolled out and aimed a pass at Johnny Brewer, but the ball bounced off his shoulder pad into the hands of Tiger cornerback, John Griffin who quickly returned it for a Tiger TD. Ole Miss quickly drove down the field and tied it up at 7-7. The game settled down to a punting contest. Neither team could get much going. Then a break for the Tigers. Ole Miss fumbled at their own 34-yard line and Wright took over. He gained 10 yards on a keeper and then passed to freshman Charlie Killett for a TD. It marked the first time Memphis State had ever scored twice against Ole Miss and it was also the first time since the 1958 Tennessee game that anyone had scored twice against the Rebs. The Rebels took the next kickoff and Gibbs went to work. He guided Ole Miss on an 80 yard drive for the TD. Ole Miss scored again before the half and they led 19-14 at halftime. I did the radio play-by-play and I vividly remember the excitement in the press box. Little ‘ol Memphis State still in the ball game against mighty Ole Miss. Was an upset at hand? For sure, MSU was not the least bit intimidated by the number one

44 | Memphis Sport

team in the nation… The Tigers defense tightened up in the third quarter. Ole miss was unable to get past it’s own 47 yard line and fans sensed that the Tigers were waiting for a break. That’s just what happened. Jerry Bell intercepted a Jake Gibbs pass deep in Rebel territory. The Tigers couldn’t move the ball and went for a field goal. Wright fumbled the snap but picked the ball up and passed to Charlie Killett for a TD and the 3rd quarter lead, 20-19. I remember the score on the Associated Press Ticker: Memphis State 20, Ole Miss 19 3Q (correct)–Nobody would have believed it with out the “correct.” A blocked kick in the 4th quarter was the turning point. Ole Miss recovered deep in Tiger territory and it only took James “Hoss” Anderson three cracks at the Tigers defense to score. Art Doty added a final Ole Miss TD and the Tigers lost–final score, 31-20. The game taught us three things. One, the Tigers could play with anybody. Two, the Rebels had better watch out the next time they came to Memphis. And three, it marked the emergency of James Earl Wright as a household name in Memphis. Wright was named the AP national back of the week for his play. He ran and passed and outplayed the great Jake Gibbs. The Tigers were 8 and 2 in 1960 and Wright was the star of the show – no doubt about that. Everyone looked forward to 1961. James Earl finished his career at MSU with all of the passing records but in the years since all those records have been broken many times over. Wright suffered a career ending knee injury on Oct. 31, 1961. Shortly before his surgery, Time Magazine described Wright “the key man in the Tigers attack… the most dangerous back in the South…. the sturdy 6 footer is the ideal split T quarterback.” James Earl Wright has long since passed into history and not many Tiger fans remember him, but those who do will say–He was the noblest Tiger of them all. M

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The Smith Clinic for Physical Therapy is dedicated to improving the life of those injured at work or at play. Our commitment to you, our patient, is expert physical therapy in a relaxed atmosphere. Every team member is aware that our first priority is our patients’ well being. The combination of professional physical therapists, “one on one” care and state of the art equipment is our plan for success. The Smith Clinic provides over 4,000 square feet of space for all of your rehabilitation needs.

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