Raider Review Vol. 3 No. 1

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Former soccer star Laura Miguez-Howarth has become one of middle Tennessee’s most decorated educators

SUMMER 2017

Canon Rooker

Not your stereotypical placekicker Page 8

VOL. 3 NO. 1

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ON THE COVER Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raider Athletic Association Summer 2017 / Vol. 3, No. 1 Director of Athletics Chris Massaro Associate AD/Communications Mark Owens Associate Athletic Directors/Development Justin Morrison Bethany Thurston Art Director Kara Hooper Contributing Editors Justin Morrison, Mark Owens, Carol Stuart Contributing Writers John Galatas, Kayla Kort, Chris Massaro, Justin Morrison, Mark Owens, Tony Stinnett, Bethany Thurston, Josh Vardaman, Chip Walters Design David G. Lowry Athletics Photographer Brent Beerends Special thanks to Chong Hui and Wayne Dillingham, Zach Huston, Brad Tammen, Brody Wampler University President Sidney A. McPhee Vice President of Marketing and Communications Andrew Oppmann Address changes should be sent to Advancement Services, MTSU Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; alumni@mtsu.edu. Other correspondence should be sent to the Blue Raider Athletic Association, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37132.

900 copies printed at Falcon Press in Nashville, Tenn.

0617-4455 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs, and activities sponsored by MTSU. The Assistant to the President for Institutional Equity and Compliance has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and can be reached at Cope Administration Building 116, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; Marian.Wilson@mtsu.edu; or 615-898-2185 The MTSU policy on non-discrimination can be found at www.mtsu.edu/titleix.

R A I D E R

R E V I E W

Laura Miguez-Howarth was one of the soccer program’s early pioneers.

When she completed her eligibility in 2004, the dynamic forward was the program’s all-time leader in assists, goals, and points.

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Table of Contents 5

FROM THE DESK OF THE A.D. CANON ROOKER

FEATURES 6 BLAZING A TRAIL

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Former soccer star Laura Miguez-Howarth has become one of middle Tennessee’s most decorated educators

8 PLAYING “CANON” BALL

D E P A R T M E N T S

Canon Rooker is not your stereotypical placekicker

10 RUNNING INTO HISTORY

Track star Jacob Choge’s phenomenal freshman season will go down in Blue Raider athletic lore

12 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME

The 2017 induction ceremony of head women’s basketball coach Rick Insell in pictures

Thrill-seeker Chuck Crawford’s next peak to climb is elevating the Middle Tennessee volleyball program to new heights

16 THE RAIDERS' CHOICE AWARDS

25 BRAA DONOR CELEBRATION DINNER 26 2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

28 RAIDERS IN THE PROS 30 CALENDAR

18 RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME,

RIGHT CALL How quick thinking by trainer Keith Bunch saved one MT coach’s life recently

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21 COMPLIANCE CORNER

27 DONOR SPOTLIGHT

The 2017 award ceremony in photos

BEHIND THE SCENES

20 VIEW FROM THE PRESSBOX

22 BLUE RAIDER ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

14 REACHING FOR THE SUMMIT

JACOB CHOGE

14 R A I D E R

R E V I E W

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S U M M E R

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From Chris Massaro

the Desk of the

A.D.

Eye on the Horizon

What’s next?

W

hen it comes to MT Athletics I think that is a legitimate question we all should be asking.

We have enjoyed tremendous success in the past five years as a member of two different conferences. Our athletes are graduating in recordbreaking numbers, and our regional and national profile has never been bigger.

Many of the ingredients needed to perform at an even higher level are already in place. Notably, we have a tremendous stable of coaches who are supported by extremely talented and dedicated administrators. I have always believed that people are the key to success—and we are certainly very fortunate to have good people in place in this athletic department.

I firmly believe the next step MT Athletics needs to take is to elevate the quality of our facilities. More than any other improvement, world-class facilities would help our coaches

to better recruit great studentathletes successfully. In today’s ultra-competitive collegiate sports landscape, they are a necessary asset to boost any program.

We have significant facility needs in every sport. To help facilitate

A key question of the study is this: What would be the impact of moving the football program out of the basketball arena and putting staff and support in a new facility connected to the football stadium? And by extension, how might such vacated space in Murphy Center benefit our basketball programs and other sports?

The next step MT Athletics needs to take

I am excited about the possible outcomes and directions to be provided by this study and its potential impact on all of our sports.

I am confident you will be too.

is to elevate the quality of our facilities. the planning process, we recently engaged the architectural firm of Heery and Associates out of Atlanta.

They are truly one of the top sports architectural firms in the country, with references that run deep and wide in the college athletics world, from Atlantic Coast Conference and

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Southeastern Conference schools to fellow Conference USA programs as well. One of Heery’s charges is to develop a facility master plan for use as a planning guide for the future.

The master plan is scheduled for completion early this fall. At that time, we will be unveiling it to you and our other supporters.

Obviously, facility enhancements and major projects like this would necessitate a major capital campaign to help pay for each phase. Your support would be vital to any such effort to improve facilities and better compete on the national stage. I thank you for all you have done in the past, and I look forward to working with you in the future. RR

Chris Massaro Athletic Director

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F E AT U R E S T O RY

by Tony Stinnett

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Former soccer star Laura MiguezHowarth has become one of middle Tennessee’s most decorated educators

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he Middle Tennessee women’s soccer program was still in its infancy back in 2004 after starting Division I competition just eight years earlier.

Laura Miguez-Howarth was one of the program’s early pioneers. When she completed her eligibility in 2004, the dynamic forward was the program’s alltime leader in assists, goals, and points.

That was 13 years ago, and yet Miguez-Howarth’s production on the soccer field still ranks her amongst MT’s leaders in all three categories. In fact, she remains the all-time leader in assists with 31, is third all-time in career points with 87, and ranks sixth in goals scored with 28. Perhaps more so than her statistics, though, Miguez-Howarth’s steadiness in clutch moments remains a big part of her legacy. Her seven gamewinning goals rank her eighth on the all-time list in that crucial category.

Despite such on-field greatness and individual accolades, what MiguezHowarth values most was being part of the program’s first Sun Belt championship in 2004.

“One of my favorite memories is becoming regular-season conference champions,” said Miguez-Howarth, who married former Middle Tennessee baseball standout Jason Howarth following graduation. “I remember a preseason team meeting with (Coach Aston Rhoden) when he shared that team goal for the season.”

“In all honesty, I don’t know that any of us believed it was 100 percent possible at that moment, but we knew we had a chance to be really good. Probably five to seven games into the season, you could tell that we really had a special team. It’s really special to be a small part of that history for the program.”

Life-Changing Experiences Rhoden credits Miguez-Howarth with being one of the key players who helped steer the Middle Tennessee soccer program in the right direction.

“Laura was indeed a pioneer,” Rhoden said. “She was part of a group of players which helped change the path of our program over a three-year period and established a winning culture within the program.

Leaving a Legacy “She was able to lead a team of exceptional players while still being extremely successful on the field herself. Laura was a very dynamic player and the type of forward that defenders hated playing against. She was very aggressive and would force defenders into mistakes due to her strong work ethic.”

That same work ethic has spilled over into Miguez-Howarth’s successful professional life. In addition to being the mom of two children (5-year-old son Austin and 1-year-old daughter Sophia), Miguez-Howarth serves as principal of KIPP Academy, a highlyregarded, college prep charter school in East Nashville. She began her professional career as a teacher at KIPP before being elevated to assistant principal and eventually principal.

Miguez-Howarth first realized she wanted to be an educator while at MTSU. “My time at MTSU was lifechanging,” she said. “I would not be in the place I am today had it not been for many of my experiences and connections with great people I made there. Through my studies at MTSU, I was able to meet Dr. Shelley Thomas and learn about comprehensible input techniques for teaching foreign language. It was then that I started to think that I would be interested in teaching Spanish.”

Working with children and becoming an educator appear to be a perfect fit for Miguez-Howarth. “I have always enjoyed working with kids and working on high-performing teams,” Miguez-Howarth said. “I wanted a job and a career that were fulfilling in a meaningful way. It’s really important to me to do work that is powerful and can have an impact on the world in a positive way. I’ve been so blessed to have the opportunities I’ve had in life, and I am hopeful that I can help others have similar opportunities in their futures. Really, that’s what I believe education is all about.”

Nationally Recognized Educator Miguez-Howarth is proving to be a trailblazer in her professional life. KIPP Academy is one of the top performing

Laura Miguez-Howarth still ranks among the all-time leaders for MT soccer: Rank Category No. 1st Assists 31 3rd Career points 87 6th Goals scored 28 8th Game-winning goals 7

middle schools in the city of Nashville.

This past year, Miguez-Howarth was named a 2016 Ryan Award winner—a national award honoring transformational school principals in urban areas in the United States. The award came with a $25,000 honorarium and a chance to teach her methodologies at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Under Miguez-Howarth’s leadership, KIPP Academy also was named a Tennessee Reward School as a result of having achieved student academic growth in the top 5 percentile in the state.

“I’m very humbled to be recognized for my work and the work of my amazing co-workers,” Miguez-Howarth said. “The day I was awarded the Ryan Award was one of the biggest surprises of my life.

I think I have a great responsibility. I have the ability to have a greater impact on potential future leaders of great schools across the country as a result of this award.”

MTSU’s Rhoden is not surprised in the least by his former player’s success in her professional and personal life.

“Her drive to succeed, compete, and the love she has for people and life fits her role as an educator,” Rhoden said. “She has always been good at balancing her life as a student-athlete and continues to do so as a friend, principal, mother, and wife. Many years have gone by and yet some of her best friends today were once her teammates. Persons with her qualities will always be successful in life and whatever they choose to pursue.”

Clearly, just as she was doing on the soccer field and campus of MTSU as a bright student-athlete more than a decade ago, MiguezHowarth continues to find ways to make a difference. RR

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FEATURE STORY

Playing

“Canon” Ball

by Josh Vardaman

Canon Rooker is not your stereotypical placekicker

P

lacekickers oftentimes get a bad rap on a football team. They aren’t generally the most popular players. They might get made fun of by their teammates for not being super athletes. Sometimes, they aren’t really even a part of the team; they’re just on the team.

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Middle Tennessee kicker Canon Rooker shatters all of those stereotypes, though.

Unlike the prototypical placekicker, Rooker doesn’t keep to himself, or work quietly and pensively on his trade, or scram from practice and the workout facility as fast as possible.

By contrast boisterous and engaged, Rooker is as much a part of the Blue Raiders squad as anyone else, regardless of position or athletic ability.

“I don’t feel like just a specialist or just a kicker—we don’t care what position you play, we’re all a member of the team, and our goal is to win,” Rooker said. “I feel like the chemistry and the love we have for each other is something most people would say isn’t real, but it is.”

Rooker’s high-energy, highengagement, team-first mindset likely stems from his background. The product of a military family, Rooker learned the value of being a good teammate early on from his father, Robert, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Rooker even got his kickerappropriate name, Canon, from the work his father did in the service.

“Back in the mid-’90s, he was big into artillery,” Rooker said. “He shot cannons, so that’s where I got my name.”

Not only did Rooker learn how to be a team player from his father, but he also learned how to set goals and work hard to reach them.

“I was able to overcome all of that adversity and I want to be able to give other people the same feeling that I had.”

Having an All-Conference USA First Team season like that as a redshirt junior would have been unthinkable just two years earlier. That’s because, in the summer of 2014, Rooker had to have pelvic reconstruction surgery stemming from a hernia. The injury sidelined him for the entire season.

With a long road of recovery and no guaranteed starting spot available upon his return, Rooker could have given up kicking. Instead, he found a way to turn the injury into a positive in his life and said he dug deep to find

the drive to get back on the field.

“It really taught me that what I was doing before was working, but I needed to change some things to better myself as a person and in football,” he said. “It showed me that what I was doing wasn’t wrong, but at the same time now I’ve modified it and appreciate the little things a lot more.”

Football Finale and the Future The injury also gave Rooker a chance to take a step back and figure out his plan for life after football. Rooker had always had an interest in pursuing a career in the medical field, but following his surgery that interest piqued.

“I started realizing how much it affected me mentally and physically,” he said. “I was able to overcome all of that adversity, and I want to be able to give other people the same feeling that I had.”

The Biochemistry major is closing in on graduation and plans to attend medical school afterward.

But before then, Rooker has one more season to go as a Blue Raider, and he isn’t going to take it for granted. He said he plans to fully enjoy the ride with his teammates one last time, and his teammates have no doubt that it will be a boisterous, engaged, teamfirst ride quite different from many other kickers. RR

Overcoming Major Reconstruction Surgery This past season on the football field, the redshirt senior showed that his hard work is paying off.

In his first season as MT’s primary placekicker, Rooker knocked home 16 of his 19 field goal attempts, placing him fourth on the school’s all-time single-season list for makes. He also now has connected on the most PATs in school history (64) and set a record for MT kickers by scoring 112 total points, which is third overall regardless of position.

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FEATURE STORY

by Josh Vardaman

Track star Jacob Choge’s phenomenal freshman season will go down in Blue Raider athletic lore

M

iddle Tennessee head track and field coach Dean Hayes has seen a lot of talented studentathletes roll through his program in his 52 years at the helm.

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Incredibly, despite that half-century span of athletes, a runner entering his second year with the Blue Raiders may turn out to be the best in the legendary coach’s tenure.

Hayes and associate head coach Keith Vroman recruited current sophomore Jacob Choge during a visit to his hometown of Kapsabet City, Kenya. After a few meetings and discussions, Choge, who had never been to America, made the decision to venture across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to Murfreesboro, where he’s found a second home.

FIRST-YEAR FIRST PLACES Jacob Choge won five C-USA titles his freshman season: • Cross country* • Indoor 3K • Indoor 5K • Outdoor 5K • Outdoor 10K *Also won NCAA South Regional race

“My coaches are very good people, and my teammates are very nice. That’s why I like MTSU,” Choge said in his soft-spoken manner.

“The program fits me.

It’s made me stronger, and that’s why I’ve been able to be fast.”

When Choge arrived on campus, Hayes and Vroman expected him to compete well right away.

The distance runner extraordinaire did even more than that, though.

In the first two races of his career, Choge led MT cross country to a win in the Commodore Classic and runner-up finish in the Greater Louisville Classic. He came in second individually in both meets, blazing around the 8-kilometer course at the Commodore Classic in 24 minutes, 3.7 seconds, then setting a new 8K school record at the Greater Louisville with a 23:37.2.

As the fall season wore on, Choge never slowed down. He was named Conference USA Athlete of the Week twice and was ranked as high as seventh in the nation by FloTrack.

But more accolades were to come.

After becoming the first Blue Raider to win the C-USA and NCAA South Regional individual cross country titles, Choge ran in the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana. He didn’t have the type of race he wanted in the cold Indiana fall weather but still came home 40th overall, earning the first All-American honor in MT cross country history.

“It was rotten weather, and Kenyans don’t like that cold weather,” Hayes said.

“But, as a freshman, making All-American in his first national championship, that’s pretty tough.”

With cross country season coming to a close, Choge turned his attention to the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.

He never missed a beat.

During the indoor season, Choge set a school record in the indoor 5K and took home C-USA championships in both the indoor 3K and 5K. Then, in the outdoor season, he established two more MT bests in the 5K and 10K, taking home those C-USA titles and qualifying for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in both events.

Choge, who generally feels more comfortable in the longer distances, showed his prowess in the 10K at nationals. He took home All-American Second Team honors in the 10K with a 14th-place finish and followed it up with a nice showing in the 5K, finishing 21st.

“I prefer the 10K, but I like doing the 5K because of the speed work I have done,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of speed work, so I can use speed when I need to in the 5K.” Choge’s successful freshman campaign could be nothing more than a prequel for what is to come over the remainder of his career at Middle Tennessee. However, it is often thought that the sophomore season for a runner is the toughest (the so-called sophomore slump), so Choge will have to work hard to maintain his All-American levels.

Hayes doesn’t think that will be an issue.

“He works hard and concentrates and really loves to run,” Hayes said. “He’s very solid and is a good teammate, but he’s not a big talker, and he’s very modest. We just tell him what to do, and he does it.”

No matter what Choge does for the rest of his career, his freshman season will go down in Blue Raider athletic lore.

“In terms of distance running, he’s probably the best freshman we’ve ever had,” Hayes said. RR

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In June, women’s basketball coach Rick Insell was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville.

Insell, who is Middle Tennessee’s all-time winningest coach and holds the record for most Class AAA high school state championships in Tennessee with 10, was part of a six-member induction class. The 2017 class also included Sally Ball (official), Christine Grant (contributor), Louise O’Neal (veteran), Sheryl Swoopes (player), and Kara Wolters (player).

The inductees received their coveted Eastman Trophy and Baron Championship Induction Ring as part of the ceremony. With the induction of the Class of 2017, the Hall of Fame has honored 157 members.

Insell delivered a moving induction speech in which he took time to thank players, coaches, friends and family, while also praising the communities of Cannon County, Bedford County and Rutherford County for their passion of the women’s game.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame,” said Insell, who is now a member of six Halls of fame. “I have been very blessed to grow up, play, and work in communities that had respect, passion, and love for the game of basketball. These communities also happened to have a special love for the women’s game, in particular, which nurtured my love for the women’s game as well.”

A Middle Tennessee alum, Insell won 750 games at Shelbyville Central High School, winning 10 state championships and guiding his team into the title game 15 times in 28 years. He is also Middle Tennessee’s all-time winningest coach with 299 triumphs in his 12 seasons. Insell has guided the Lady Raiders into postseason play

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in all 12 seasons with nine NCAA Tournament appearances and three WNIT Tournaments.

His display in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which will be showcased throughout the year, includes memorabilia and keepsakes from both Shelbyville and Middle Tennessee. RR

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FEATURE STORY

A

SUMMIT

TH

E

RE

G FOR N I CH

by John Galatas

Thrill-seeker Chuck Crawford’s next peak to climb is elevating the Middle Tennessee volleyball program to new heights n avid rock and mountain climber, Chuck Crawford was featured in the Weather Channel TV series Epic Conditions climbing the nose of 3,300-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

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He also has summited 14,400-foot Mount Rainier in Washington state.

And, as if that wasn’t enough thrillseeking, Crawford previously spent three years riding bulls in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA).

I rode in the PRCA and had a pro card for a couple of years. Then, when I was graduating college, I was looking for the next thing to do. When I moved to Atlanta, that area is huge for rock climbing, so I got into that there. I actually asked my wife to marry me on a ledge about 550 feet in the air! I was going for shock value, not romance.”

“I grew up playing a variety of sports,” Crawford said. “I was watching the Crawford’s next peak to climb is movie 8 Seconds about Lane Frost and elevating Middle Tennessee’s volleyball thought it was cool and I could do that.

program to new heights. In January, Crawford was named the Blue Raiders’ 11th head volleyball coach in program history.

Most recently, Crawford was an assistant for three years at Auburn, where he focused on defensive game planning, scouting, recruiting, and development. Prior to that, he spent time as a coach at Georgia Tech, Miami of Ohio (his alma mater), and Jacksonville University. He also previously coached at the high school level in Georgia’s Fulton and Forsyth counties.

In taking over a Blue Raider volleyball program that has languished over the past five seasons, Crawford says one of his biggest priorities is re-establishing a winning culture at Middle Tennessee.

“When Middle Tennessee was going to the NCAA Tournament year after year, the culture was solid and established,” Crawford said. “That culture has to be re-established, and they have to understand what it means to be an elite-level program and how to compete against the top 25 or top 50 teams.

“If we accomplish culture change and understand how to compete this year, that would be a huge thing. If those two things happen, the wins will happen automatically.”

CHUCK CRAWFORD’S HIGH-ENERGY, INTENSE COACHING STYLE WILL BE PIVOTAL IN HIS PLANNED OVERHAUL.

Crawford’s high-energy, intense coaching style will be pivotal in his planned overhaul. Given his vast experience in education, the first-year head coach is also sure to approach the job at hand with a firm focus on fundamentals, instruction, and learning.

“No. 1, as a teacher, it’s all based in learning,” Crawford said. “I have super-high intensity, but I take the time to look at a kid’s learning style.

“The other thing is this: The standard I hold is extremely high, and I believe in being fair and consistent. Players nowadays really want structure and consistency, and if they don’t have that, they aren’t going to do what you need them to do.

“You can be hard on them and you can still expect a lot, but if you teach them and explain the reason behind the ‘why,’ you’re really improving them.

I believe those are the things a great coach does.”

THRILLS OF A LIFETIME

Some of Chuck Crawford’s adventures: Climbed 3,300-foot El Capitan Summited 14,400-foot Mount Rainier Rode bulls professionally for 3 years

Crawford said his belief in MTSU’s upside and the caring community of both MTSU and Murfreesboro were key factors that attracted him and his family to the new position. Crawford and his wife, Lori, have four children, Carson, Drew, Ty, and Ava, and are expecting their fifth child this fall.

“I’m a very relationship-driven person, so people matter first,” he said. “Also, I believe in this place. Every place I have coached, I have with all my heart believed in what they were doing academically, athletically, and also what the town itself was doing.

“There are some people out there who want to be a head coach because they just want to be a head coach, and then there are other people who want to be a head coach somewhere specific.

I wanted this job. I want to be here.” RR

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Football standout Brent Stockstill and golfer Samantha Gotcher (pictured below) were the big winners at the 6th Annual Raiders’ Choice Awards in April at Tucker Theatre.

The year-end Academy Awards-style show highlighted all the academic and athletic accomplishments of Blue Raider student-athletes in their fourth year of competition in Conference USA. Stockstill and Gotcher were honored with the True Blue President’s Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a current MT student-athlete who epitomizes all that is good in intercollegiate athletics.

Presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete, the President’s Award recognizes outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments, university/community service, and leadership.

Stockstill and Gotcher both excelled in the classroom. Stockstill earned his bachelor’s degree in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies with a 3.6 GPA to go with a perfect 4.0 in his graduate studies so far. Gotcher owns a 3.9 GPA in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and graduated in May. “This is always the highlight of the year when we can recognize the accomplishments of our student-athletes both in the classroom and in their respective sport,” said Chris Massaro, director of athletics. “This was another special night, and I want to thank everyone involved. We have had such an incredible year with a number of outstanding team and individual accomplishments, and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”

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BEHIND THE SCENES

RIGHT

PLACE

RIGHT

TIME

RIGHT How quick thinking by trainer Keith Bunch saved one MT coach’s life recently

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CALL

by Josh Vardaman

T

his past April 17 started out like every other Monday in the Middle Tennessee athletic training room in Murphy Center. By early afternoon, Keith Bunch, the Blue Raider football team’s primary trainer, was working with a few rehabbing athletes.

That’s when Rick Mallory, the MT football team’s offensive line coach, walked through the door of the training room, went to the door of Bunch’s office, then called him over.

“He went from lying down to sitting up, and he just couldn’t get comfortable,” Bunch said. “I’ve always been told that when you have an internal organ problem, it’s hard to find a comfortable position.”

Bunch, who is an associate athletic trainer, quickly realized that something wasn’t quite right.

Bunch reached Patel on his cell phone and told the doctor about the situation. It was decided that Mallory should go to the hospital right away.

Graduate assistant Nolan Genovese drove the O-line coach there.

“I thought initially he wanted to talk about some of the offensive linemen’s injuries, but he sat in a chair and looked at me and said he thought he overdid it in his workout,” said Bunch, now entering his fourth year with the MT program.

Mallory, who turns 57 in October, told Bunch he had some pain in his chest that started following his workout. A former NFL offensive lineman, the line coach had developed a reputation around the athletic department for his tough workout routines, so Bunch knew if he was complaining of pain there must be something really bothering Mallory.

“I pulled Nolan aside and told him there could be some heart problems and if he goes downhill to go straight to the ER,” Bunch said.

Heart Surgery Needed Stat Once they made it to St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, Patel facilitated an appointment with Dr. Ahmad Jaber Abu-Halimah, a cardiology specialist at nearby Vanderbilt Heart Murfreesboro. After an electrocardiogram (EKG) found an irregular heartbeat, it was determined that Mallory had indeed suffered a heart attack during his workout. He was immediately prepped for surgery, where four stents were placed to repair a torn and collapsed artery near his heart.

“Something just told

“You don’t get to play in the NFL the years that he did without being a tough guy,” Bunch said. “For him to complain about something really stuck out to me.”

Not the Classic Symptoms

me with all of the

little pieces coming together that we

needed to take the

The two quickly assessed Mallory’s recent health history, but his good physical fitness habits had Bunch puzzled as to what the problem might be. Plus, Mallory wasn’t complaining of radiating pain down his left arm, which is often a sign of a person having a heart attack.

next step.”

Bunch decided they should check Mallory’s blood pressure. When they did, they found it to be bordering on stage 1 hypertension, meaning a systolic blood pressure between 140 and 159 or a diastolic pressure between 90 and 99. The higher-than-normal blood pressure had Bunch leaning toward contacting team doctor Utpal Patel at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. Then, something happened that made Bunch positive they needed to get Mallory to Patel right away.

The surgery was successful, and after being transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Mallory began his recovery. He was released from the hospital three days later.

In retrospect, Bunch said he’s thankful that Mallory “chose not to just say ‘it’s indigestion’ and go in his office and close the door. That wouldn’t have been a good scenario.” According to Bunch, “something just told me with all of the little pieces coming together that we needed to take the next step.”

If it wasn’t for Bunch’s quick thinking and gut feeling that something was severely wrong, it’s hard to tell what might have happened to Mallory.

Luckily for the coach, and the rest of the Blue Raider football family, the right call got made. RR

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THE PRESSBOX

VIEW FROM THE

PRESSBOX

Chip Walters

The Voice of the Blue Raiders

HALL OF FAME CLASS BLUE RAIDER ATHLETICS SAYS MUCH ABOUT

B

ack in 1975 Middle Tennessee State University had already been fielding athletic teams for 64 years but did not have a Hall of Fame to honor its greatest student-athletes.

Thanks to the vision of MTSU Alumni director Homer Pittard, public relations director Gene Sloan, and sports information director Jim Freeman at the time, the Blue Raider Hall of Fame was born. The group, with the approval of then-President M.G. Scarlett, enlisted the help of Bob Womack and Joe Nunley to help lay the groundwork to select the first group of inductees.

The nominating and voting for the first several years was done by members of the old “T” Club, now reorganized and called the Varsity Club. Nominations were solicited, and the list of candidates was mailed to the voters. They selected Horace Jones, Charles “Bubber”

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R A I D E R

Murphy, and Teddy Morris as the initial inductees in 1976.

Since that inaugural class, more than 200 former student-athletes, coaches,

There is always healthy debate in the committee room before the votes are taken. and administrators have been immortalized in this elite group to represent the tens of thousands who have worn royal blue.

R E V I E W

The early years of the Blue Raider Hall of Fame were dominated by gridiron greats, but over time the induction classes have grown to reflect the broad-based athletic program at Middle Tennessee.

This year’s inductees are from football, baseball, men’s tennis, and women’s basketball.

As fans and supporters, you should know that the selection process is thorough and incredibly fair. At any given time, there are about 100 nominees from all eras and all sports.

One select committee cuts the list down to about 25. From there, a totally separate committee is guided through the accomplishments of the finalists before secret ballots are taken. To earn Hall of Fame status, an individual must be in the top five in points (from the ballots) AND appear on at least 50 percent of the ballots.

There is always healthy debate in the committee room before the votes are taken, and it always seems to come out right.

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COMPLIANCE CORNER

What Boosters Need to Know About

As you look at the 2017 inductees, who could argue with their merit?

Marco Born and Andreas Siljestrom will enter the hall as a doubles team, as they should. The pair won the NCAA Men’s Doubles Tennis Championship in 2007.

Wes Counts ended his career as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Blue Raider history and, at the time, held most of the career passing records at MT. He was the first signal-caller in the Division I-A (Football Bowl Subdivision) era for the Blue Raiders.

Chrissy Givens is one of only four All-Americans in Lady Raider basketball history, the school’s first WNBA draft selection, and one of only two players to play in four consecutive NCAA tournaments and win games in three of them.

She was also a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Rick Insell has won more women’s basketball games at MT than anyone else, and his Blue Raider Hall of Fame selection comes on the heels of his induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame this past summer. Additionally, each of his teams at MT have advanced to postseason play.

Michael McKenry was a first-team All-American selection, seventhround major league baseball draft pick, and simply one of the best catchers Blue Raider baseball has ever seen. He helped lead the 2004 squad to a 40-win season and the Sun Belt Conference championship.

Additionally, he has played more MLB games than any Blue Raider.

I hope you will be on the lawn of the Rose and Emmitt Kennon Hall of Fame Building prior to the Sept. 23 game against Bowling Green to celebrate the great history of Blue Raider athletics with the induction of the Class of 2017. RR

R A I D E R

Kayla Kort, Compliance Coordinator

RECRUITING

Once someone is classified as a “representative of an institution’s athletics interests,” or to what we more commonly referred to as a “booster,” that label will be retained by an individual forever. As a booster, the NCAA has certain rules and regulations as it relates to recruiting. It is important to understand that only MTSU coaching staff members are permitted to recruit prospective student-athletes. NCAA rules strictly prohibit anyone else from contacting prospective studentathletes or their family members for recruiting purposes. Additionally, students are still considered prospective student-athletes in the eyes of the NCAA even after they have signed a National Letter of Intent or an MTSU financial aid agreement.

Below are examples of impermissible recruiting activities by boosters: • Contacting a prospective student-athlete on or off campus • Contacting a prospect by telephone, email, via the internet, or by letter • Providing gifts or free or reduced-cost services to a prospective student-athlete or their family • Employing relatives, guardians, or friends of a prospective student-athlete as an incentive for the prospect’s participation in Blue Raider athletics • Directly or indirectly making arrangements for financial aid assistance to a prospect or their family members

R E V I E W

• Providing transportation for a prospective student-athlete or their relatives • Providing free or reduced-cost tickets to a prospect or their family for an athletics event • Providing any material gift to the coach of a prospect, including high school, two-year college, AAU, and summer team coaches While there are several recruiting activities that are prohibited by the NCAA, it is permissible for boosters to notify MTSU coaching staff members of potentially worthy prospects and attend high school or two-year college athletics events where prospective student-athletes compete (provided that no contact with the prospect occurs).

Additionally, it is permitted for boosters to continue their established relationships with families who have prospect-age children; however, they may not encourage the prospect’s participation in Blue Raider athletics or provide them with benefits that were not previously provided as a part of the preexisting relationship.

The Blue Raider compliance staff is always available to answer any questions you may have about recruiting. Thank you for your continued support of our entire athletics program. Our studentathletes, athletics staff, and administration are extremely appreciative of your commitment to the #TrueBlue Family. Remember, always ASK BEFORE YOU ACT! GO BLUE RAIDERS!! RR

ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!

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BRAA NEWS

Blue Raider Athletic Association

THANK YOU

Justin Morrison Assistant Athletic Director/Development

FOR YOUR

MEMBERSHIP

As a new fiscal year begins and we reflect on the most recent one, we can only think of two words to sum up our feelings: Thank You! Thank you for choosing to spend your hard-earned money on investing in the lives of more than 350 studentathletes from across the nation here at Middle Tennessee State University.

It may sound cliché but it is entirely true—we cannot operate without the kindness and generosity of loyal members like yourself. You are the lifeblood of our program, and all that is provided to our deserving studentathletes is because of your devotion to our 17 varsity programs.

This past spring, 47 senior studentathletes graduated from MTSU. Many of these 47 young adults may not have graduated or even gone to college without the financial support you provide to the Blue Raider Athletic Association. Your membership helps make it possible for student-athletes to receive scholarships and play the sport they love at our great University.

This opportunity allows them to advance their education to provide an opportunity at a career and a life after college. We hope that you are proud of what your dollars go toward and of the men and women these student-athletes have become. Thank you for making a positive impact on their lives.

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R A I D E R

Your support provided Middle Tennessee student-athletes the opportunity to learn from quality professors in an engaging environment. In the Fall 2016 semester, 123 student-athletes had a

Your membership helps make it possible for student-athletes to receive scholarships and play the sport they love.

3.5 GPA or higher, with 44 studentathletes earning a perfect 4.0 GPA. Additionally, our Academic Progress Rate (APR) was a 981 out of a possible 1,000. Our student-athletes found

R E V I E W

Bethany Thurston Assistant Athletic Director/Development

success on the playing field as well.

This athletic year saw two teams bring home C-USA championships (men's basketball and men's indoor track), five teams qualify for the postseason (football, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's cross country, and men's golf), football earn its sixth bowl game in 11 years under Coach Rick Stockstill, 12 individuals crowned C-USA champions, and seven student-athletes receive AllAmerican honors. MT Athletics is thriving, and your support is crucial to our success and the success of our student-athletes. Thank you.

Thank you for making the 2016–17 fiscal year a successful one. MTSU is a special place, and we have a great group of student-athletes who work hard on the field and in the classroom while representing our University and community in a positive manner.

We are humbled to be the stewards of your gifts to the BRAA and hope we make you proud in growing this University and athletic department.

We look forward to meeting with you and learning what your vision is for the BRAA for the future and will do our best to make that a reality.

We look forward to an even better 2017–18 season and can’t wait to see you at an upcoming game or event.

Thank You and Go Blue! RR

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2017–18 BRAA MEMBERSHIP CARD Your 2017–18 Blue Raider Athletic Association membership card should have been delivered to you.

This new card is effective July 1, 2017– June 30, 2018. Use this card to access BRAA events throughout the year, as well as get discounts on Blue Raider merchandise from Lightning’s Locker Room.

If you have not received your membership card, please contact Justin Morrison at 615-898-5206. RR

2017 FOOTBALL SEASON TICKET AND PARKING PASS BOOKLET Your 2017 Middle Tennessee football season ticket and parking pass booklet should be on its way to you if it hasn’t arrived already. We are excited to present your tickets and parking passes in a new way to you this year.

Ticket and parking regulations will also be included in your booklet, along with other important game day information. RR

Keep up with the Blue Raider Athletic Association and connect with other members on Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook.com/BRAA

@MT_BRAA

Chuck Taylor

Golf Tournament The 2017 Chuck Taylor Golf Tournament takes place on Monday, Sept. 25, at Stones River Country Club. To inquire about purchasing a team for the tournament or sponsorship opportunities, contact Bethany Thurston at 615-898-5953.

R A I D E R

R E V I E W

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BRAA NEWS

110% DONORS The following members all increased their membership to the Blue Raider Athletic Association by 10% for 2017–2018. The Blue Raider Athletic Association would like to thank each and every person on this list for their generous contributions and their willingness to go above and beyond to support the Blue Raiders! The names listed made their Blue Raider Athletic Association membership payment on or before August 1, 2017.

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A and L RV Sales Robert and Susanne Adams Dotty Adams Carla Adamson G. Curtis Akard Tim and Tammy Alexander Brad Allison Genie Alsobrook Zeke Anderson Josh Archer Kent and Amy Ayer Michael Aymett Backer EHP, Inc. Carl Baker Cyle Baker Billy and Annette Balch Joe Barnes Capt. P.J. Barnett Geoffrey Barrett Robert Batcheller John and Melissa Batey John Charles and Kari Batey, III Bill and Marilyn Bell Cameron and Elise Bell Steve Benefield Joel and Jeannie Bigelow Patricia Bloomfield Sara and Travis Blunt Jerry and Susan Boney Jimmy and Ginny Borendame Tim and Margaret Bowling Roy and Judy Boyd Kyle Bradley Patricia Branam Duane Brasfield Jeff Breeden William and Penny Brittain John and Teresa Brockwell David and Margie Brown Norman and Beth Brown Michael and Kaley Brownlee Roger Brunsvold Austin Bryant Kirk and Sandy Bugg Jim Burkard Phillip Calahan John and Andrea Calfee, Jr. John Callow Tommy and Milbrey Campbell Marshall and Helen Campbell Al and Carol Canterbury Steve and Kerry Cantrell Dan and Robyn Carmichael Arlen and Jessica Carter Jimmy and Barbara Chandler Jay Chaudoin Alee Clark Chuck, Kathy and Hannah Clark Suma Clark Tom and Patti Clarke Charlie and Megan Clarke John and Pamela Collins John Comer, Jr. Chris and Jenny Copeland

David and Candyce Corcoran Drew and Rebecca Cox Don and Connie Craig Bill and Gayle Crawford Thomas Cribbs Randy and Margaret Cunningham Steve and Connie Custin Boyd Dagley Charles Daniel Jennifer Danylo Scott Davidson Kermit and Betty Davis Jim and Myrna Davis James and Donna Dean Betty Dempsey James and Mary Alice Dickson Brenda and Jeff Dwyer Andre and Cheryl Dyer Phil and Clancy Eakes James Earle Phillip Earles Edward and Victoria Eastham Robert and Leann Eaton Chuck and Tammy Endsley Debbie Eubanks David Eubanks Eddie and Lisa Ezell Alan and Kelly Farley John and Sue Farmer Justin and Rebecca Few Robert and Anita Fischer Mitch Fitzpatrick John Floyd Wayne and Margaret Fox Eddie and Sharon Freeland Gloria Freeman Wayne and Cindy Fults Russ and Sherry Galloway Garage Solutions Nolan Genovese Mike Gentry Cody Gibson Robert and Emily Gibson Mary Belle Ginanni Kris and Christy Gingrow David and Allison Glasscock Goco Center for Aesthetics Bonnie Good Fred Goodwin Ashley Elizabeth Graham Brenda Graham Jeff and Mary Graham Dustin Gray Ron and Judy Green Don and Janet Greever Greg and Michelle Grensing Chris and Carrie Groce Ben Groce Allen and Terri Hale Nell Haltom Page Hampton Kyle Hancock Payne and Evelyn Hardison Jonathan Harmon Reginald and Twila Harris

Ramsey and Melody Hassan Brandon Hawkins Michael and Pat Hayes Russ Henderson Don Henry D. Mark and Jessica Hicks Marvin Hill Felicia Hix Tommy and Dean Hodges David and Ann Hoke Eugene Hollman Alan and Donna Holt Bill Holt Shelby and Andrew Hooper Nancy Hoover Steve and Kelly Hopkins David and Carolyn Hopper Jim Howard Bill Huddleston Raymond Huffines James and Betty Hutchinson Matthew Hutzler Raymond and Sarah Hutzler Rick and Deb Insell Jacobs Construction Kitty and King Jamison Rob and Kristin Janson Dorris and Amelia Jernigan Robin and Thomas Jones Dawn Jones David and Kathy Jones Michael and Mary Katherine Jordan Michael and Katie Jordan Tim and Pam Keach David and Debbie Kennedy Richard Key Mike and Teresa Kidd Rodney and Sandy King Mary Kinney Mary Kiser Katherine Kohlbeck J.P. and Ashley Kraft Reuben and Carroll Kyle Brad Lamb Leigh Ann Lamb Clifford and Nell Lane Shirley LaRoche-Powell Pete and Robin Lasalandra Richard and Peggy Lewis Fred and Mary Lovelace Derrick and Kim Maddox Paula Mansfield Norman and Barbara Martin Martin Industrial Sales Curtis and Peggy Mason Vicki Massey Joe McAdoo David McDugle James and Yvonne McFarlin Ed and Melinda McFarlin Ernest and Brenda McKinney David and Jennifer McKnight Ron Meers Edward and Betty Miller Tyler Mingle

Newton and Charlotte Molloy David and Carol Beth Mooneyhan Bud Morris Justin Morrison Ron Moser James Mullinix Pat and Jo Murphy John and Elizabeth LaRoche Murray Stuart Myatt Bill Myatt James Nelson Ken Norfleet Nutrishop Pat O'Leary Andrew and Elise Oppmann Danny Page Townes and Lisa Parsley Kevin Pascoe Casey and Dennis Pash Buddy and Bernice Pate Rob Patterson Dwight and Patricia Patterson Willard and Evelyn Peery Steve and Rita Peterson Jimmy and Kristi Phillips Audene Phillips Mark Pickle Robbie Pigg George Pope Clinton Poston Joe and Julia Powell Les and Pat Price Eric and Leslie Price Gale and Jonelle Prince Shawn and Jan Puckett Michael Quinn Johnny Radford Pettus Read Matthew and Justin Reed Liz Rhea Joey Richardson Lester Rizor Michael and Robin Robertson Fred Rolater Rob and Missy Rooker W.T. Rowe Steve and Carol Ruckart Chase and Fran Salas Joe Sawyer John and Martha Scarbrough Greg and Vicki Schaffer Jason and Lisa Schrader Robert and Patsy Schroer Chris Scott Brent and Cristina Secrest Lana Seivers Samuel Sells, M.D. Charles Shelby Andy and Beth Shelton John and Deanna Shires Elaine Short Col. John and Karen Simpson Ray and Pam Singer Betty Smithson

William and Nancy Smotherman Nelson Smotherman Mike and Kim Snell Michael and Deborah Spiroff Tim and Jill Spry Paul and Suzanne Stampley Andy Stephen James Sterle Horace and Catherine Stogner Fred and Sandra Stott John and Mary Rose Stracener Steve Strawn Rick and Charlotte Swafford Walter and Patsy Taylor Scott Taylor Lee Tenpenny Mike and Lisa Terry Frank and Mary L.Thomason Jim and Billie Thompson Nolan and GeGe Tippens Bruce and Cindi Todd Tony and Sonya Todd Clara Todd Stu and Susan Todd Mark Todd Bruce and Susan Truitt Whit and Lori Turnbow Bobby Turnbow Don and Patsy Turner Rebecca and Lee Upton David and Gina Urban Lili Vaught Volunteer State Bank Kirt Wade Karen Ward Jim Warden Brad and Tuba Warden Marcus and Pat Warren Ben Weatherford Bob and Nancy Webb Brennan and Carrie Webb David Whitaker Alex Wiggs, Jr. Robert Williams Meredith Williams Guy and Maggie Wilson Tommy and Carol Ann Wilson Tim and Karen Wilson Richard and Amy Wise Cy and Rhonda Wiser Gary Wiser, Jr. Don and Hanna Witherspoon Woodfin Memorial Chapel Andee and Lara Woodward Pamela Wright Don and Melissa Wright William Carter Wright Paul Wydra Harold and Kreda Yokley David and Carrie Youell Susan Young Pam Zimmerman

2017 BRAA DONOR CELEBRATION DINNER The Blue Raider Athletic Association and the Jones College of Business enjoyed our annual Donor Celebration Dinner at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro on August 11. Donors at the True Blue level and higher were invited to the special dinner in their honor as we celebrated their contributions as BRAA members.

Awards were given throughout the night to the Jeff Hendrix Business Person of the Year (Tim Keach), Roxie McHenry Loyalty Award (Tony and Carolyn Matusek), Liz Rhea Member of the Year (Michael Wade), and the Bill and Theresa Ketron Lifetime Leadership Award (Howard Wall).

Tommy Bowden, former Clemson head football coach and current college football analyst on television, served as the special guest speaker for the evening. RR

Sidney A. McPhee

Meagan Flippin, Tim Keach

in, Carolyn Meagan Flipp y Matusek Matusek, Ton

Tommy Bowden, featured guest speaker

Head football coach Rick Stockstill

Michael Wade, Liz Rhea

Theresa Ketron, Howard Wall

tron,

State Sen. Bill Ke

Dr. David Urban, Dean of the Jones College of Business

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BRAA NEWS

2017 BLUE RAIDER FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 20 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 17 Nov. 25

vs. Vanderbilt at Syracuse at Minnesota vs. Bowling Green at FAU vs. FIU at UAB vs. Marshall vs. UTEP at Charlotte at Western Kentucky vs. Old Dominion

Murfreesboro Syracuse, N.Y. Minneapolis, Minn.

Murfreesboro Boca Raton, Fla. Murfreesboro Birmingham, Ala. Murfreesboro Murfreesboro Charlotte, N.C. Bowling Green, Ky. Murfreesboro

BRAA NEWS

Donor SPOTLIGHT Wayne and Chong Hui Dillingham n Consecutive Years Giving to the BRAA: 5 n Currently Reside: Murfreesboro

Q: A:

Wayne, tell us about you and your family.

After my graduation from Auburn, I flew as a Marine Corps A-6 bombardier/navigator for five years, attended law school at UT–Knoxville, and served as an Air Force JAG for 20 years.

I then served as an FBI attorney in Washington for five years, performing counterterrorism duties.

During that time, I met Chong Hui, who was managing a ladies’ clothing store in the D.C. region.

We married two years later and moved to Tennessee to care for my elderly father until he passed away.

I’ve been an MTSU employee since 2013.

Q:

When did you attend your first Blue Raider game? Tell us about your experience.

A:

As I recall, it was the 1960 football season. Joe Windham, who married my cousin Faye, was an All-OVC lineman for the Blue Raiders that year. My parents took me to a home game to see him play. It was my first college football game—truly a thrill and an everlasting memory.

Q: A:

What is your best memory as a Blue Raider?

My father was a proud MTSU alumnus, Class of 1950.

For several years, I flew home from Washington to take him to one football game each season. I

especially enjoyed our tailgating.

Fond, fond memories! But the most meaningful game was Sept. 29, 2012, when the Blue Raiders beat Georgia Tech 49–28 in Atlanta.

Dad’s health was declining rapidly, and we watched the televised game from his hospital room. What a victory! Dad and I were ecstatic.

He died 11 days later. That game was the last truly happy experience we were able to share together. I’ll always treasure it.

basketball teams. And you can’t imagine how thrilled I am when our baseball team beats Vanderbilt!

Q:

As a Murfreesboro resident, tell us the importance of supporting your home team.

A:

After Dad died, Chong Hui and I attended several Blue Raider football games. We enjoyed them so much that we decided to get more deeply involved. In 2013, we became Silver Raider donors and began our annual purchase of Jeff Hendrix Stadium Club tickets.

Not only is it the ideal way for us to enjoy Blue Raider football, we’re extremely happy that our donations support all Blue Raider student-athletes.

My military and FBI careers took me around the world.

I even lived overseas for seven years. Yet I always remained fiercely proud that I was born in Murfreesboro and called middle Tennessee home. I experienced my earliest and fondest childhood memories in Murfreesboro. It’s a very special place; Chong Hui and I are so happy to call it our home now. And how extremely fortunate we all are to have a wonderful educational institution such as MTSU right here at home! Yet it amazes me that we don’t have better attendance at many of our games. Our outstanding studentathletes deserve much better from us. They work so hard and perform so well. They deserve our support and encouragement any way we can offer it.

Q: A:

Q: A:

Q:

When and how did you get involved with the Blue Raider Athletic Association?

A:

What is your favorite MTSU sport to watch and why?

Football! It’s the sport I played during grades 7–12 and the sport my father and I most enjoyed watching together. Yet that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy other Blue Raider sports as well— especially our men’s and women’s

Do you have a message to share?

Our Blue Raider studentathletes are absolute treasures. I can think of no better way to invest in the future of our University, our state, and our nation than to invest in these fantastic young men and women. RR

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RAIDERS IN Football Kevin Byard (2012–15) Benny Cunningham (2009–12) Jeremy Cutrer (2015–16) Logan Kilgore (2010–13) I’Tavius Mathers (2016) Keon Raymond (2004–05) Sammy Seamster (2009–13) Maurquice Shakir (2015–16) Jimmy Staten (2010–13) Erik Walden (2004–07) Josh Walker (2010–13)

NFL NFL NFL CFL NFL CFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL

Tennessee Titans Chicago Bears Jacksonville Jaguars Hamilton TigerCats Jacksonville Jaguars Toronto Argonauts Dallas Cowboys Baltimore Ravens Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans Houston Texans Hunter Adkins Photo by MLB

Photo by Tennessee Titans

Erik Walden Photo by Indianapolis Colts

Baseball Hunter Adkins (2010–12) Bryce Brentz (2008–10) Zac Curtis (2013–14) Nathan Foriest (2012–15) Jonathan Frebis (2012–15) Andy Haines Ronnie Jebavy (2015) Michael McKenry (2004–06) Heath Slatton (2013–15) Ryan Stephens (2011–14)

Independent MLB MLB A- A MLB A+ MLB A- A-

Lake Erie Boston Red Sox Seattle Mariners San Diego Padres Chicago White Sox Chicago Cubs Minor League Hitting Instructor San Francisco Giants Tampa Bay Rays San Francisco Giants Colorado Rockies

Women’s Soccer Shan Jones (2008–11) Long Island Rough Riders Vanessa Mueggler (2007–10) Ottawa Fury Lisa Marie Woods (2004) Adelaide (Australia)

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Zac Curis Photo by Craig Mitchelldyer/ Hillsboro Hops

N THE PROS Men’s Basketball K.C. Anuna (2008–11) Tim Blue (2006–07) Raymond Cintron (2012–13) Michael Cuffee (2004–05) LaRon Dendy (2012) Darnell Harris (2014–16) Jani Hiltunen (2000–01) Neiko Hunter (2012–14) Jason Jones (2010–13) Shawn Jones (2010–14) Marcos Knight (2011–13) Bruce Massey (2012–13) Reggie Upshaw (2013–17) Steve Thomas (2005) James Washington (2009–11) JaCorey Williams (2017)

Nigeria France Puerto Rico Germany France Belgium Finland Italy Bolivia Israel Germany NBA D-League Germany Venezuela Sweden NBA D-League Shawn Jones Photo by Dave Eggen/ NBAE via Getty Images

Alysha Clark Photo by Seattle Storm

Women’s Basketball Alysha Clark (2009–10) Chrissy Givens (2004–07) Amber Holt (2006–08) Cheyenne Parker (2014–15)

WNBA Seattle Storm Euro CS Municipal Targoviste Euro WNBA Chicago Sky

Men’s Tennis John Peers (2008–10) Andreas Siljestrom (2004–07)

ATP Doubles no. 7 ATP Doubles no. 98

Track and Field Noah Akwu Ann Dudley Stanley Gbagbeke Cordairo Golden Emmanuel Tugumisirize

Nigeria U.S. Nigeria U.S. Uganda

Rick Cochran Photo by Getty Images

Men’s Golf Kent Bulle (2006–10) Rick Cochran (2005–09) Hunter Green (2009–12) Jason Millard (2008–11) Chase Narramore (2005–09)

Web.com Tour Web.com Tour Swing/Thought Tour Web.com Tour Web.com Tour

Women’s Golf Avery George (2012–16) Allie Knight (2011–15) Emily Miller (2012–16)

Symetra Tour Symetra Tour Symetra Tour

Jason Millard Photo by Bob Donnan USA Today Sports

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CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST 10

OCTOBER

Soccer at Alabama (Exh.), Tuscaloosa, Ala.

BRAA Celebration Dinner, Embassy Suites, 11 Murfreesboro

13 Soccer at Martin Methodist, Pulaski, Tenn.

18 20 25

Soccer at Belmont, Nashville Soccer vs. Austin Peay, Murfreesboro

Volleyball vs. Missouri–Kansas City, Clarksville, Tenn.

25 25 26 27

Volleyball vs. Missouri, Clarksville, Tenn.

Soccer at Jacksonville State, Jacksonville, Ala. Volleyball vs. Northern Iowa, Clarksville, Tenn.

Volleyball vs. Arizona, Nashville

SEPTEMBER 2017 1 1 2 2 3 5 8

Volleyball vs. Idaho State, Nashville Volleyball vs. Texas–Arlington, Nashville Football vs. Vanderbilt, Murfreesboro Volleyball at Belmont, Nashville Soccer vs. Tennessee, Murfreesboro Volleyball vs. Chattanooga, Murfreesboro Volleyball vs. South Carolina State, Morehead, Ky.

9 9 10

Football at Syracuse, Syracuse, N.Y.

8

15 15 15 16 16 17 22 23 24 24

Volleyball vs. La. Tech, Murfreesboro Soccer vs. WKU, Murfreesboro

Soccer vs. Illinois–Chicago, Murfreesboro Men’s Golf at Ocean Course Invitational, Kiawah Island, S.C.

27 29

Football vs. FIU, Murfreesboro Men’s Golf at Franklin American Mortgage Intercollegiate, College Grove, Tenn.

Volleyball vs. FAU, Murfreesboro Soccer vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro Soccer at Rice, Houston Volleyball at UTSA, San Antonio Football at UAB, Birmingham, Ala. Volleyball vs. Charlotte, Murfreesboro Soccer at UTEP, El Paso, Texas

Volleyball vs. Rutgers, Moon, Pa. Soccer vs. Kennesaw State, Murfreesboro

Volleyball vs. Austin Peay, Murfreesboro

4 5 9 10 11 11 13 16 17

Football vs. UTEP, Murfreesboro

Men’s Basketball vs. Arkansas– Fort Smith, Murfreesboro Volleyball vs. WKU, Murfreesboro Volleyball vs. FIU, Murfreesboro Men’s Basketball vs. Trevecca, Murfreesboro Football at Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C. Volleyball at North Texas, Denton, Texas Men’s Basketball at Murray State, Murray, Ky. Men’s Basketball vs. Belmont, Murfreesboro Football at WKU, Bowling Green, Ky.

Volleyball at C-USA Tournament, 17–19 Bowling Green, Ky.

Soccer vs. La. Tech, Murfreesboro Football vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro Volleyball at Southern Miss, Hattiesburg, Miss.

18

Men’s Basketball at Tennessee State

Volleyball at UAB, Birmingham, Ala.

Men’s Basketball vs. Fla. Gulf Coast, 21 Murfreesboro

Soccer vs. Southern Miss, Murfreesboro

25

Football vs. Old Dominion, Murfreesboro

2

Conference USA Football Championship

Soccer at UAB, Birmingham, Ala. Volleyball at UTEP, El Paso, Texas

Men’s Golf at MTSU Intercollegiate, 30 Murfreesboro

Volleyball at Robert Morris, Moon, Pa.

1 2

25 Volleyball vs. Tennessee State, Murfreesboro

Volleyball at Morehead State, Morehead, Ky.

11–12

Fla.

Volleyball at WKU, Bowling Green, Ky.

8–10

8 8 13 13 14 15 15 19 20 20 22 22

1–5 Soccer at C-USA Tournament, Boca Raton,

Soccer at FIU, Miami

Men’s Golf at Quail Valley Collegiate, 23–24

Vero Beach, Fla.

Volleyball vs. Troy, Morehead, Ky.

1 1 6 6 7

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER 2

Men’s Basketball at Fla. Gulf Coast, Fort Myers, Fla.

6 Men’s Basketball at Vanderbilt, Nashville 9 Men’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss, Murfreesboro 16 Men’s Basketball vs. Auburn, Birmingham, Ala. 22 Men’s Basketball vs. Princeton, Honolulu Men’s Basketball at Diamond Head Classic,

23 Honolulu

Men’s Basketball at Diamond Head Classic,

Football at Minnesota, Minneapolis

25 Honolulu

Volleyball vs. Penn, Moon, Pa.

30

Soccer vs. Evansville, Murfreesboro

Men’s Basketball at UAB, Birmingham, Ala.

Volleyball vs. UAB, Murfreesboro Football vs. Bowling Green, Murfreesboro Volleyball vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro Soccer vs. UTSA, Murfreesboro Men’s Golf at Bearcat Invitational,

25–26 Cincinnati

29 Volleyball at Rice, Houston 29 Soccer at FAU, Boca Raton, Fla. 30 Football at FAU, Boca Raton, Fla.

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R A I D E R

R E V I E W

S U M M E R

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Prsrt Std US Postage

PAID

Permit #893 Nashville, TN

Blue Raider Athletic Association Middle Tennessee State University MTSU Box 576 1301 East Main Street Murfreesboro TN 37132

PA R T N E R W I T H B L U E R A I D E R AT H L E T I C S Blue Raider Sports Properties can spotlight your company and help you exceed your marketing goals.

Floyd Stadium signage, Murphy Center signage, Corporate hospitality events, Game day sponsorships, Game program advertisement, On-court and in-arena exposure, Schedule posters and cards, On-site sampling, Premium item giveaways, Social media, Internet

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E A S E C O N TA C T B L U E R A I D E R S P O R T S P R O P E R T I E S AT 6 1 5 - 9 0 4 - 8 3 8 1