the s first phi family of sports in mem
MEMPHISSPORT.NET . NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 . VOLUME 3, NUMBER 3
CONTENTS Nov/Dec 2008 Vol 3 Num 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE 2 PUBLIS NOTH HIN’ BUT NET 5 CHATTER 5 STA ARTING FIVE 6 BRING IT ON 8 B ALL-STARS 11 TEAM WORK 12 GEET FIT WITH... 28 PAS SSING SHOT 30 GYM CLASS 32 ON THE RUN 34 O FFOODFORUM 36 HOT SHOTS 38 TAILGATING 41 JACK’S BACK 44 J
TH IS E FIR MPH ST FAM ILY OF SPORTS IN ME
16 John & Ellen Calipari
Big Jack
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE The obligatory rant.
It’s true. Change is good. Bigger and better. Always upgrading. Always looking ahead. That’s what we do here at Memphis Sport. Change is good. That’s why we have completely revamped our website at memphissport.net. We have added news and views which reflect our diverse readership. We have The Tiger Zone, which features all things related to the U of M. We have RiverKings Things, about your favorite skating stick-weilding warriors from Southaven. We have The Poems of Jack Eaton, which features the legendary poet of Memphis broadcasting with his latest stanzas and couplets. We have Rebel Yell, a look at Ole Miss from 90 miles to the North. We have Eat This: Memphis Tailgating, featuring recipes to make your next tailgating trip a memorable one. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Read back issues. Listen to our radio show. And more, more, more... Change is good. That’s why we have finally set up an online store. We have been working on getting this running for over two years. Purchase subscriptions from our secure website from anywhere in the world. Buy a subscription for your uncle in Katmandoo. Get a back issue that you missed. Get a lifetime subscription for you son. But subscriptions aren’t all. We have other Memphis Sport goodies available. T-shirts, hats and more. Change is good. That’s why we have completed our new online fan community at memfan.com. There has never been anything like it. The first fan community for Memphis fans to talk to other Memphis fans. Set up a profile for yourself and begin blogging. Add photos, audio, video and more. Talk Tigers. Rap on the Redbirds. Gossip about the Grizzlies. Rave about the RiverKings. Touch base on the Titans. Reach out to the Roller Derby. Created by Memphis fans for Memphis fans. Change is good. That’s why we are expanding into book publishing with the release of our very first book titled Jack Eaton: Great Scott! I rhyme a lot. Our own legendary back page columnist brings his unique poetry to the printed page in this one-of-akind book. Over one hundred of Jack’s best poems from the past twenty five years collected in this quality publication featuring a forward by our favorite wrestling commentator/weatherman, Dave Brown. Yes, change is good. We have made some big changes in the past few months and we don’t intend to stop. Look for Memphis Sport to continue growing and changing in 2009. – Mike Bullard, ppublisher
2 | Memphis Sport
MEMPHIS SPORT 1138 N. Germantown Pkwy Ste. 101-176 Cordova, TN 38016 memphissport.net
THE FITNESS CLUB WHERE EVERYONE FITS IN. Whatever your fitness goals, DAC has everything g you need to s will tailor hit them and shape a better you. Our expert staff ke advantage a workout plan speciďŹ cally to your needs. Take tness studios of our expansive facilities that feature group ďŹ ďŹ tness and childcare, along with racquetball and tenniss courts. From e entire family, personal training to specialized classes for the DAC fits your life and makes fitness fun.
50% OFF ENROLLMENT FEE PUBLISHERS Mike Bullard 901.229.4749 mike@memphissport.net Kim Bullard kim@memphissport.net MANAGING EDITOR Kevin Cerrito kevin@memphissport.net CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robert Biggs Jack Eaton Keith Evans Jan Michael Hartelust Andre Johnson Emily Joyner Doug Ruddle
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sharon Bicks Sean Davis Emily Joyner Lisa Long Chris Schmied GRAPHIC DESIGN A Bull in a China Shop abullinachinashop.com
ŠCopyright 2008 Memphis Sport Magazine LLC, All rights reserved
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19-ĂŠ7 t www.memphissport.net | 3
Not that long ago, a man looking somewhat ragged and having what appeared to be
asked his doctor where the foremost orthopaedic specialists in the world could be found. Without hesitation, the doctor recommended Campbell
his family in tow, walked through the
Clinic. So the man immediately boarded his private jet,
doors of Campbell Clinic and made his
flew non-stop to Memphis, and proceeded directly to
way directly to the nurse’s station. Raising
Campbell Clinic.
his heavily bandaged hand high in the air, he declared
So of all the medical resources available in the
in a thick South American accent that he had just
world, why did the doctor recommend Campbell
arrived in Memphis that morning after flying 3,000
Clinic? It’s simple — we wrote the book on
miles and would like to see Dr. Campbell immediately.
orthopaedics. Literally, the textbook used by
Having been deceased nearly 30 years, Dr. Campbell
nearly all medical students and referenced by
was unfortunately not available. But the nurse assured
all orthopaedic physicians was first written by Dr.
him that the physicians who were in the office that day
Willis Campbell in 1939. It has since been
were more than qualified to treat him.
revised 10 times, expanded to four volumes by
When asked about his insurance, the man laughed incredulously. When asked about his prior medical history, the man gave the nurse a phone number of an
the experts on our staff, and been translated into six languages. It is, for the lack of a better word, the Bible of orthopaedics.
It follows then that all orthopaedists in one way
office in Peru.
A little background check seemed to be in order. It turned out that the phone number was for the man’s personal physician. And the man turned out to be the
or another learn their craft from Campbell Clinic. And whom would you rather have as your doctor, the teacher or the pupil?
largest exporter of bananas in the entire world.
Frustrated with the fact that his injured hand was not healing properly, the Peruvian Banana King had
4 | Memphis Sport
CAMPBELL CLINIC Ortho p ae dic s w w w. ca m p b e l lc l i n i c . co m
NOTHIN’ BUT NET Highlights from the regular features at www.memphissport.net.
The Tiger Zone
Jack’s Rhymes
– From “Individual Workouts” posted by Ryan Luttrel: “Wesley Witherspoon continues to be a player that excites the staff. He is so versatile on both ends of the floor and has such a great attitude about contributing to the overall greatness of this team. If he, Evans, Dozier, Taggart and Garcia end up on the floor at the same time during an offensive set…I want to see who is going to stop them from scoring.”
RiverKings Things
– From “Thank goodness it was only an exhibition game” posted by Chris Schmied: “I would like to award a ‘Pretty Boy’ for last night. And no, it doesn’t go to our new MC. It goes to J.R. Bria, for taking off his helmet, smoothing his hair, beard and even adjusting his jersey before throwing punches at (Darrell) Stoddard. And he did it all with a smile.”
– The poem “No End in Sight” by Jack Eaton: Over the years I have observed that in the main Ole Miss fans view the Tigers with great disdain. They often show their contempt, my-oh-my By calling the University of Memphis-Tiger High. Tiger fans grit their teeth and feel the heat Then their team goes out and usually gets beat. There is a remedy for this and we all know what The Tigers have to start kicking the Rebels butt. Oh boy would that be a lot of fun But it’s gonna be a whole lot easier said than done. So Tiger fans we all know it’s a lousy bum rap But you’re gonna have to keep taking the Ole Miss crap.
Read the latest news and views, join the MemFan social network, purchase Jack Eaton’s new book of poems, listen to Memphis Sport Radio, browse issue archives, and much more at memphissport.net.
CHATTER Real letters (or emails) from real people.
Greetings from a Tiger fan in NC! Thank you for your great publication. It is a great way for a former Memphian like me to keep caught up on the Memphis sports scene–especially the Memphis Tigers. I’ve lived in North Carolina longer than in Memphis, but growing up in the Bluff City was the greatest. The best part of your magazine to me is the monthly feature by Jack Eaton. To me, Jack Eaton is the King. I have so many memories of listening to Jack calling Tiger games on the radio. Back then so few games were on TV that listening to Jack was a treat. I was
smart enough to record the radio broadcasts from the ‘73 NCAA tournament, and they are “classic Jack.” I also enjoy your magazine for the unapologetic way it support U of M sports above all others. I know Memphis is loaded with UT freaks & Ole Miss and Arkansas fans, and it’s easy for Tiger sports to be overlooked. Thanks to John Calipari, he’s helping keep the Tigers at the forefront, and you’re there to chronicle it. Thanks, again, and I hope you have continued success. - Rick H. PUBLISHER: Rick also sent in a copy of the “classic Jack” recording from
the ‘73 Tourney. What a treasure! There will never be another Jack Eaton. He is truly a Memphis legend.
Out with the old... I would like to see more current stories and less stuff about the past. Our best days in Memphis sports are ahead of us. - Martin L. PUBLISHER: We think the past, present and future work well together. What do you think? Do you love Memphis Sport or hate it? Send me an email at mike@memphissport.net and let me know what is on your mind.
www.memphissport.net | 5
STARTING FIVE Five lists of five.
Five things we would like to see from the Grizzlies this season 1. The recently retired J-Will hired as the team’s new radio color guy 2. O.J Mayo as Rookie of the Year 3. Pau checking for blood after an elbow from Marc
five questions with...
ANDRE ALLEN Following a recent practice, newly-acquired Crichton College point guard Andre Allen found his way to the bleachers at Streets Ministries gymnasium in South Memphis and immediately changed clothes. He took his sneakers off first. You know, those same royal blue and white Adidas he was last seen wearing in Houston’s Reliant Stadium after the Memphis Tigers had punched their ticket to the Final Four with a lopsided win over Texas. You remember, those same kicks he never got a chance to sport on college basketball’s grandest stage because of a failed drug test days before Tigers were to board a plane for San Antonio. While the 23-year-old Allen still sounds a bit remorseful for putting a damper on the Tigers’ chances of conquering Kansas in the NCAA championship game, the ex-Booker T. Washington star tells Memphis Sport it’s time he puts his poor judgment where it belongs: behind him.
1
With two minutes and nine seconds remaining in regulation, Memphis was ahead of Kansas by nine, while the entire city was holding its collective breath. What was going through Andre Allen’s mind? Man, I was like, ‘We about to win the championship and I don’t have to hold over my head that I let the city down.’ I talked to all of them before the (Kansas) game and they said they would win this game for me.
2
Had the Tigers claimed the NCAA title, do you feel you would have been worthy of getting a ring? Yes I do. I was there the whole season. I only missed two games. It’s just like a person getting hurt and missing two games. Do you feel a hurt person deserves a ring?
6 | Memphis Sport
3
Why Crichton College? It’s home. I considered Lemoyne-Owen, but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to play. It’s a Division 2 program.
4. TNT’s studio crew in FedExForum for the MLK game 5. Wins.
Who would play the Tigers in a Tigers movie
1. Shirley Raines - Kathy Bates
2. Tyreke Evans - Mekhi Phifer
4
What’s next for Andre Allen upon graduation? Either coaching somewhere or going overseas to pursue my professional career.
3. John Calipari - Jimmy Fallon
5
How’s your relationship with Coach Cal these days? Man, Coach Cal is not just a coach. He’s a father figure. Not only does he teach you about basketball, he teaches you about life. I’m just a smarter person now. It’s not what I’m doing or what I do. I’m just a smarter person now.
4. Antonio Anderson - Chiwetel Ejiofor
5. Pierre Niles - Anthony Anderson
Top five upcoming Grizzlies promotional giveaways 1. November 29 - Grizz Girls Photos 2. January 24 - Grizzlies Hat 3. November 22 - Rudy Gay Bobblehead 4. December 12 - O.J. Mayo Jersey Backpack 5. April 10 - O.J. Mayo Bobblehead
Who would play the Grizzlies in a Grizzlies movie Friday, November 21st ~ 7:00PM University of Memphis Campus 1. Marc Gasol - Jeff Daniels
Register online today! Early registration ends October 31, 2008
http://trueblue5k.racesonline.com/ 2. Michael Heisley - Jiminy Glick
3. Michael Conley - Will Smith
4. Marc Iavaroni - Vincent Schiavelli
5. O.J Mayo - Rockmund Dunbar
www.memphissport.net | 7
BRING IT ON A simple formula - one cheerleader, questions and answers.
Where did you go to high school? Houston High School.
What do you like most about Ole Miss? The Grove.
What is your favorite type of nut? I like cashews.
What does Hotty Toddy mean? Honestly, I really couldn’t tell you, but the crowd loves to yell it. Do you miss Coach O? I liked him. He was very nice to us. He sent food to us during some of our practices for nationals. Did you attend the presidential debate? No. I went to Gainesville for the Ole Miss vs. Florida game!
OLE MISS CHEERLEAD CHEERLEADER DER D ER 2008 Princeton Review list of top party schools? It is a little disappointing, since we are not used to being first in anything.
About how many times es I wouldn’t consider myself a huge partier. I probably attend six to eight parties.
What do you need to have for a good party? Lots of fun people and nd good food. Where is the best place ace to party in Oxford? As cheerleaders, we love to party at the Library (Bar and Grill). We are not on the dance team, but we love to dance.
Dinner party or pool party? Pool party. They have a lot more action and more fun.
Do you feel like you are missing out since you don’t get to wear your Sunday best to football games? No, it is a good thing. I would never be caught in a dress and heels at a football game.
If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would it be?
Archie, Eli, and Peyton. M
8 | Memphis Sport
by K by KEVIN EV E VIN NC CERRITO E RITO ER RIITO O ph photo hotto b byy MI MIKE KE EB BULLAR BULLARD UL ULLA LLA L R RD D
www.memphissport.net | 9
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ALL-STARS The very best of prep athletics. by JAN MICHAEL HARTELUST “Tough, unselfish and incredibly competitive” is how Head Coach Ryan Derrick describes DREW CHICK, a versatile senior from Harding Academy. Drew, who plays quarterback, running back and defensive back, has done just about everything for his team during his entire career. Through seven games this season, he has accounted for 13 touchdowns (4 rushing and 9 passing), and leads his team in tackles with 54.
Harding A C A D E M Y C H R I S T- C E N T E R E D
Harding Academy provides your BRYANT REAMS, a junior and a 6’3” 170lb. guard, averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game for Lausanne Collegiate School and Head Coach Rob Sabau. Although he excels on the basketball court, Bryant is also extremely focused on his studies, boasting a 3.4 GPA. He is interested in studying engineering.
children a solid education, a safe Christian environment, and a lot of fun as they shoot for their goals in life.
CHARLIE COLLINS, a senior pitcher for the Germantown High School varsity team, is a standout not only for the Red Devils, but also for his Dulin’s Dodgers summer team. In addition to being selected for the 2008 Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association showcase team that competed at Lipscomb University, Collins will be competing in the WWBA tournament in Marietta, Georgia in July.
SARAH MATTHEWS, a senior for the St. Agnes golf team, is a big reason the school won its fourth straight D2-AA West Region title. Sarah helped lead her team by placing second in the tournament. She is a two-time Division 2 West Regional champion as well as a 2007-2008 Best of the Preps Golfer of the Year finalist. Sarah will be playing her college golf right here at the University of Memphis. If you are in high school athletics and have an achievement worth noting or know someone who does, email your accomplishments along with a photo to allstars@memphissport.net, and you just may see your face here in an upcoming issue.
Call 767-4494 today! www.hardinglions.org Harding Academy is dedicated to serving all qualified students regardless of race, creed, national or ethnic origin.
www.memphissport.net | 11
TEAM WORK Area sports teams playing at a high level.
by JAN MICHAEL HARTELUST photos by LISA LONG
“Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.” It is an oft-quoted line from the popular NBC series, Friday Night Lights – a show about how intense, possibly to a fault, high school football has become and how it affects players, coaches, students and families. The line, according to the show’s executive producer, Peter Berg, was about “players playing with love in their hearts and winning not being the fundamental indication of success.” It is a theme many in the high school football world may need to adopt, but it is one not lost on Tim Long. Long, who is an offensive line coach for Briarcrest Christian School in Collierville, is also the father of two boys, Austin and Hunter, who play on the Saints’ offensive line. Austin, a senior offensive tackle, is committed to play for Georgia next season and is a four-star prospect according to Rivals. com. He has also been selected to play in the U.S. Army High School All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas in January. Hunter, who is a talented sophomore lineman, is understandably taking his time in making his college decision. The recruiting process, however, is one that Tim can’t imagine going through at their young age. “Being recognized in a restaurant because you are the father of a top recruit is something I just can’t believe,” Long says. “Things are just a lot different these days with the way the media is.” He should know. Long played football in college at the University of Memphis and he suited up in the NFL as well. Recruiting, and the coverage and attention given to it by sites like Rivals.com and Scout.com combined with the constant barrage of college football message board activity, has taken prep sports to an astounding level. It becomes an increasingly difficult task to keep high school athletes grounded and focused on things other than tracking their own recruiting rankings. “It’s something their mother and I preach
12 | M 12 Memphis emph em hiiss SSport port po
every day, to stay humble,” Long says. “I don’t hesitate to knock them down a notch or two.” Long says that his boys have been blessed with a lot of God-given talent, but he also knows that they could not be where they are today without plenty of help from people outside the family as well. “There are so many people that have helped along the way,” Long says. “It seems as though every one [at Briarcrest] really cares about the kids.” With the continued emphasis on recruiting rankings, combined with the me-first athletes high school players see every Sunday in the NFL, it is understandable to see young players inflate their egos. But keeping them humble and grounded is not impossible. The clear eyes and full hearts of the entire Long family and all those who have helped along the way have added up to a formula that can’t lose. M Memphis is full of talented sports teams from all walks of life . If your team is one of those, send us some information about your team along with some photos to teamwork@memphissport.net and your team may just be the next one profiled here.
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www.memphissport.net | 15
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TH IS E FIR MPH ST FAM ILY OF SPORTS IN ME
by MIKE BULLARD photos by SHARON BICKS
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Luckily in college athletics, there are no term limits for coaches. Over the past eight years, Coach John Calipari has emerged as one of the most passionate and inspiring leaders in the Memphis community. It could be said that he puts “Memphis first”... after his family of course. Recently, Memphis Sport sat down with John and Ellen Calipari to talk about life at home and the issues that are important to them as they prepare for Tiger basketball’s 2008-2009 campaign. How did you two meet? Ellen: I worked in the athletic business office at KU and he used to come into my office.
Who would play you in a movie?
Who wins in an argument?
John: They say she looks like Sarah Palin I say her jaw is not as big. Who would play me? Someone with a big nose.
John: We don’t fight that much. I’m not into arguing.
Ellen: People always say you and Rick Pitino look alike.
Ellen: Oh, whatever. I don’t tell him what to do in his territory. And I run the house and stuff.
What’s the last movie you saw? John: It was awful.
So you don’t see him get fired up at home like he does on the sidelines?
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?
Ellen: Oh, no. He’s not like that at home.
John: I can’t remember the name of it. They were just shooting everybody. Wanted? Is that what it was?
Coach, how did you propose?
Ellen: Step Brothers was the last one.
Who would play me? Someone with a big nose.
John: Umm. You know we just uh...
John: Our daughter said we’d love it.
–John Calipari
Ellen: We had been dating a while and he had just gotten the PITT job–
Ellen: Wanted was the one before that. That’s the one with the assassins.
John: So, she came with me and I said let’s get married.
John: Yeah, yeah, yeah with the assassins where they are bending the bullets. Yeah. They were both awful.
Were you prepared for her to say no or did you “refuse to lose”?
Ellen: Yeah.
John: She had already moved so I knew that I was in good shape (laughter).
Ellen: It WAS awful.
Can you go to the movies without being attacked? John: It’s not that bad.
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Favorite TV Show? John: I’m watching History Channel, MSNBC, Discovery, news – trying to keep up. Ellen: My stuff is usually mindless. What shows do you TIVO? Ellen: We don’t have TIVO. YOU DON’T HAVE TIVO? Ellen: If we miss it – we miss it. If you had not become a coach, what would you be? John: I always thought I’d enjoy law. But, where I grew up, you look around and there is a cap you put on yourself. The thought of lawyer or doctor when I was young–we didn’t know it. That was another world. So I grew up just saying I wanted to be a teacher and a coach, because that’s who was in my realm of who I respected and who I knew. Where do you see yourself in ten years? John: In ten years, I don’t believe I’ll be coaching.
WHAT SHOWS DO YOU TIVO?
You once said while at UMASS you expected to give up coaching at age 45?
We don’t have TIVO. –Ellen Calipari
45.
John: Did I say 45 or 55?
John: I considered it. Ellen: I told you to get a job. John: Yeah. That’s right. When I was 40 years old, I said how about if I don’t do this anymore. And she said– Ellen: No – Not an option. John: You said get out of the house. You’re not staying here. I love what I’m doing, but I don’t want to be 70 years old and still doing this. Only because I’m not sure I can give to the kids, the players, what they deserve. And I’d only
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18 | Memphis Sport
be doing it for numbers. Now if for some reason, I’m older and I can still give it and I know it. You know, I just can’t imagine, more than ten years of me being able to go like I go. Two days ago: I do three individual workouts, get on a plane, go to Oklahoma City, have a midnight meeting, wake up early the next morning and have a morning meeting, fly to Atlanta, have an afternoon meeting, fly to Raleigh, have a meeting in Raleigh, meet some people that evening, get up the next morning, fly to New Hampshire, have a meeting, fly back here, had a charity dinner last night, and now here I am. If I can still do that when I am fifty or sixty, OK. In twenty years are you on a boat, fishing? John: No, it wouldn’t be that. What I would hope to do would be something that would help people, like this book I’m writing about bouncing back. My talk had always been about building championship organizations. Businesses want me to talk about building a championship organization, so I have a talk that I’ve given for 15 years. Now the talk is bouncing back. I went on Jim Rome and talked twenty minutes about bouncing back, what you have to do – staying positive. Blah, blah, blah. Well, I get like fifty emails from around the country. One from a guy from Utah that says: “I was driving. I pulled over. I just lost my job. I listened to what you were saying. I did what you said I made calls to people to ask for help. It was my dream job. And I got a better one. I just want to let you know.” That’s like a W in basketball. What would I be doing? I hope it would be something like that. And I hope this book leaves more of a legacy. That it has more of an impact than coaching. But we’ll see. When will it be released? John: Next September. Any chance of a dribble-drivemotion offense book?
John: I’m doing it on video. We have eight tapes in the can. But doing it on video, I don’t give up ownership of it. If there was one thing you could change about the job, what would it be? Ellen: (laughing) The train tracks. John: My hope always has been that the state takes on this school, and says we are gonna make it a research institution. That the rest of the country comes to look at and says, “How did you do this?” And we are going to invest for the next ten years in the infrastructure and the institution – the bricks and mortar. We are gonna close down Central – so Central ends at the University. And move the railroad tracks. The diversity of our city is a huge advantage. Having a pro franchise is a huge advantage for us. The history of the program gives us the fan base that you have to have. I always come back to that you need a village to do this here. Its not a basketball coach by himself. If you think you can come in here – shut your doors and coach your team – you’re getting fired here. If you think you are going to do it within the city limits – you’re getting fired. You have to have a bigger footprint. You have to include the whole city. You have to recruit all the kids from the city but you can’t take
‘em all. And you have to have people buy into what you are doing. Academically, we’ve graduated 16 of 19. Robert Dozier, Chance McGrady, and Antonio Anderson will graduate on time and Shawn Taggart will graduate a year ahead of time, because he transferred. So, not only are you winning – you are on national television, you are graduating kids, you’re doing it within the rules that are out there. And it’s hard here. We are right in the middle of the SEC and the ACC comes in here and recruits. Is there anything an athlete has ever said to you that you will never forget? John: Marcus Camby came up to me before a game and said I love you coach. Derrick Rose calls me and thanks me for what we did to teach him.
YOU ONCE SAID, WHILE AT UMASS, YOU EXPECTED TO GIVE UP COACHING AT AGE 45? Did I say 45 or 55? –John Calipari
Were there any of those heartfelt moments with Shawn Bradley? John: Shawn Bradley was a nice kid. His wife was about 4 foot 2 (laughing). Is that who your son Bradley was named after? Ellen: Oh, no (laughing).
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What can your daughter Erin do that you can’t? John: Just about everything. We are trying to figure out who she came from because she’s taking – Name some of the classes she’s taking. Ellen: She has a double major in Neuroscience and Biology. Double degrees she’s getting. She has gone to school every summer to try to graduate on time. She’s going to graduate with honors with two degrees. She’s got that drive that he has. If you tell her she can’t do something. She will prove that she can do it.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN WHEN THERE ARE NO KIDS AROUND? Different things. She likes to be out in the yard, messing around, cleaning the gutters, planting plants, cutting grass. And I want no part of that. –John Calipari
What about Megan? Bradley?
John: No, but he was a really nice guy. He was a really nice guy. Do your kids have the same positive attitude that you two have? John: My basketball children – Ellen: They haven’t grown up in those kinds of environments. Our kids aren’t pessimistic though. John: They do expect good things to happen to them. One thing that Ellen has done has grounded the kids. They don’t think they are special. There is no elitist attitude. We live like we live. One of the things we tell them is everything we have is borrowed. None of it is ours. We try to teach them to understand and live that way. Ellen: But in the whole scheme of things they think we are pretty cheap. Well, you don’t have a TIVO.
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20 | Memphis Sport
Ellen: Megan is more flexible. She says don’t ever expect me to do that. John: Megan is more of a homebody. Bradley loves going with me. Ellen: He likes the action. John: The hotels. Room service. “Are we getting in a limo?” Can you imagine that? Ellen: Flying on a private plane. John: If we have to fly commercial “Are you outta your mind?” What do you do for fun when there are no kids around? John: Different things. She likes to be out in the yard, messing around, cleaning the gutters, planting plants, cutting grass. And I want no part of that. Ellen, what do you normally cook for the players? Ellen: Macaroni and cheese. They’re like little kids. They like their hot dogs and
hamburgers and macaroni and cheese.
doing that.
John: You try to make steaks and they are like – Jeez.
John: What’s the last thing I helped you with while you were doing that.
Ellen: Yeah, they would rather eat hamburgers and hot dogs. I try not to change things up too much. Willie likes the Minute Maid frozen things. And some of the others like fruit rollups. Some like the gushers and yeah – they’re like little kids.
Ellen: Uh, nothing.
John: What you have to do is when they are coming over – you have to tell the kids – if there is something you don’t want them to eat, take it to your room. They’ll eat it. They’ll eat a bag of cookies. Whatever is in there they are eating.
Do they still have the library at UMASS named after you guys? Ellen: Yes, my daughter has been embarrassed by that. She stays out of the library pretty much. Ever thought about running for office? John: No. My mother still thinks I should run for president. If you had to campaign every
IF YOU HAD NOT BECOME A COACH – WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
What is the best thing you cook? John: Cookies. Ellen: Brisket, probably barbecue brisket. John: Yeah, she’s good with that. Ellen: And chocolate chip cookies. What is the last thing you built with your table saw? Ellen: Probably a console upstairs. I like
four years for the job of U of M coach, what would be your campaign slogan? John: Campaign for the job? Whew. It’s a hard job. Campaign to get the job? What I would tell somebody that wanted the job? You better strap a helmet on – You better bring it – you have to be deaf. You can’t be able to read.
I always thought I’d enjoy law. –John Calipari
And you probably can’t always say what you want to say? John: (laughing) No. I do that. I’m gonna say what I feel. M
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k c a J Big by KEVIN CERRITO
Sitting in his recliner in the living room of his East Memphis home, Jack Eaton reaches below the table next to him and pulls out a maroon college ruled spiral notebook. Almost all 100 sheets in the book are full of poems he’s written just within the past few months. “My favorite thing to do is to write poems. Who knows how many I’ve written,” Eaton says. A staple in the Memphis sports scene for over 50 years, Big Jack has been penning poems for almost as long. Eaton’s poetry skills were first unveiled to the Mid-South following a Tiger basketball victory over the Louisville Cardinals. After he read the poem offcamera to people at Channel 5, the late Dick Hawley asked if he could read the poem on the five o’clock news. Hawley read the poem. “Dottie Vizell, the night time receptionist, came and told us that a lot of people had called the station, asking to hear the poem again.” Eaton remembers. “ So, I read it on the ten o’clock news.” A Memphis news tradition was born. Big Jack would soon start delivering poems regularly during his sportscasts. “No one at the station ever came to me and said to do it or not do it. They never mentioned it,” he recalls. But it was apparent that the viewers enjoyed every line of it. He continued to deliver poems throughout the rest of his television career as part of Channel 5’s original anchor dream team. His poems became so widely known around the area that he was invited to read in front of the Tennessee Poetry Society.
24 | Memphis Sport
A Second Chance Bruins fans were co cky, they had paid their dues And they could see no way that they co uld lose. They had two supers tars, each one Doub le O tough Surely Kevin Love and Darren Collison would be more than enough. But the Tigers also had some arrows in their quiver After all CDR and D Rose aren’t exac tly chopped liver. The Tigers hit the ground running then poured on the coal And by the second half they put it on cruise control. Back in ‘73 in the final four we were soundly beaten So here is the very latest according to Eaton; I’m glad we whippe d ‘em but I want yo u to hear I wish we could ha ve stuck the ball in Bill Walton’s ea r....
After leaving WMC-TV5, Eaton continued to read his poetry regularly on Jeff and Jack, one of local radio’s most popular shows ever. Memphis radio’s Odd Couple are no longer on the airways, but the two remain good friends and better enemies. They talk on the phone often and can frequently be seen arguing on press row at FedExForum.
Many of Big Jack’s funniest poems are those that insult Weinberger. But, Eaton is at his best when he rhymes about the Memphis Tigers. “He taught me everything I knew… Fortunately, I forgot it,” Jeff Weinberger says with a grin. “I love the Miami Hurricanes because Weinberger hates them,” Eaton explains. “I saw him the other day, he looked scraggly. He needs a haircut.” Many of Big Jack’s funniest poems are those that insult Weinberger. But, Eaton is at his best when he rhymes about the Memphis Tigers. To many Memphians, Jack Eaton will forever be “The Voice of the Tigers.” He was Memphis State’s play-by-play announcer for 28 seasons throughout the team’s glory years, including the 1973 national championship game. Today, Eaton remains one of the most recognizable celebrities in town. “I don’t care where we go, people always know him,” says his wife Erma. “At the grocery store, people come up and talk to him.” Eaton still writes about four or five poems a week and many of them can be seen at memphissport.net. “It is strange. The ideas just come to me,” Eaton says as he tries to explain how he
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keeps coming up with new material. “Sometimes he’ll wake up in the middle of the night and can’t sleep because he needs to write something that he thought of,” his wife Erma explains. What is his favorite one recently? “The one about O.J. Simpson and John Ford,” he says. Big Jack never had any formal poetry training, though he will be quick to tell you that as far as he is concerned, all poems should rhyme. He sites the late Ogden Nash as his favorite poet of all time. When asked the difference between his two most widely known catch phrases“Great Scott” and “Great Caesar’s Ghost,” Jack uses a game analogy to explain: “ ‘Great Scott’ is ‘that was a bad call.’ ‘Great Caesar’s Ghost’ is ‘you cheating son of a gun.’” His nickname came from the last line of a Channel 5 promo parody of the 1979 “Mean” Joe Green Coca-Cola commercial, where a kid says “Thanks, Big Jack.” At 79 years young, the local legend is still as witty and knowledgeable as ever. “Did you hear? Next year, the Vols will be Vanderbilt’s homecoming game,” he jokes. For the first time ever, the best of his poems have been collected into a book called Jack Eaton: Great Scott! I rhyme a lot, available in November. In the book’s forward, Channel 5’s Dave Brown points out that Big Jack “is more conservative than Carl Sandberg, more conventional than E. E. Cummings, easier to decipher than Bob Dylan and much funnier than that Shakespeare guy.” The twelve-chapter collection features over a hundred timeless poems about topics ranging from the NBA to local politics. Now just like Big Jack, people in living rooms across the Memphis area can sit in their own recliners with a copy of the legend’s poems by their side. M
26 | Memphis Sport
Better Late Than Never Recently it suddenly came to mind That O.J. and John Ford are two of a kind. O.J. got away with murder so the story goes John Ford never murdered as far as anyone knows. But each man had one critic al flaw Both thought that they were above the law. Ford served in the state sen ate for 30 years And was highly regarded by some of his peers. He was caught taking bribes in that Tennessee Waltz mes s But how much else he stole over the years is anyone’s guess. Simpson beat a murder rap but he did not win Because everyone knows he’s as guilty as sin. So O.J. and John both face a long time in jail I guess you could say that finally justice did prevail.
ve ‘Em The Playoffs - I Lo be. Spurs-who will it The Lakers vs the . me ow ll fo so please I say Los Angeles d day; simple as night an LA’s offense is as the way. of t ou be and get Give the ball to Ko off at the pass, tates and cuts him ro e ns fe de s ur Sp If the s critical mass. ngle offense reache ia tr e th en wh ’s That Pau; en,either Derek or , that’s how.. Somebody will be op ss and an easy shot pa ok lo no k ic qu Then a m takes it to the ri is similar-Parker Tim. en op de wi a The Spurs offense t re-Great Scot he am te le ub do a If there’s n night rs who on any give Each team has othe e light. th t ou ingo- shoot Can open up and -b ll you man win because I’ll te I hope the Lakers n... fa l -carat Pau Gaso I am a certified 24
www.memphissport.net www ww w.me w. memp mphi h sssspo porrtt.net .n net | 2277
GET FIT WITH... The pros tell you how they do it.
by ANDRE JOHNSON photos courtesy MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES Fans can’t he help elp but notice him, given he is the most recognized and d animated i d personality li iin F FedExForum dE F on game night. i h Hi His jjobb description incl includes executing various stunts, from bouncing off the trampoline and tthrowing down emphatic dunks, to toying with kids in helping keep the atmosphere pleasant for fans even when the the stands, to helpi product on the court isn’t meeting their expectations. In fact, many may view being the mascot of a professional sports franchise as some ordinary hobby for someone who thrives ooff entertaining large crowds. But Eric McMahon – the Grizz, the Memphis Grizzlies official game day mascot mastermind behind Gr – sees it from an entire entirely different perspective. In other words, like Grizzlies Gr star Rudy Gay being selected with the eighth overall pick of the 2006 draft, showcasing his skills on the National Nat Basketball Association stage h has become a dream come true for this Mesa, Arizona native.
“You have to listen to your body. I wasn’t always listening to my body.”
says “Easily,” McMahon M chuckling, when asked if chucklin being a mascot isthe best job he’s ever had. “A lot of people don’t realize it’s my career. I think it’s the coolest job in the whole world. This is something I plan on doing for an another fifteen worl years.” ye
To get a clear understanding why this 29-year-old, Arizona St State University alum anticipates springing 25 to 30 feet in the air off trampolines well into his 40’s, one must first learn th of all the hardship he has endured within the past year. Exactly one week before Christmas last year, McMahon was diagnosed Hodgkin’s disease, news that sent shock waves not just throughout with Hodgkin the Grizzlies organization aand the Mid-South, but throughout various organizations d th around the lleague. One day, he’s pulling pranks with fans at courtside. The next day he’s lying motionless from a Baptist East hospital bed, fighting for his young life, realizing just how precious, but fragile life is. “I was devastated,” McMahon recalls. “Obviously, I had all the fears someone would have when the doctor tells them they are diagnosed with cancer. It was a wild string of emotions. I thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to lose my job as well.” Turns out, canning McMahon never crossed the organization’s mind. Bringing in a replacement for him didn’t either. The team, to McMahon’s credit, elected to move
28 | Memphis Sport
forward without a mascot, retiring its fuzzy costume for the final five months of season, while its main man recovered from his illness. At one point, however, the odds were stacked against him. In early January, McMahon was hospitalized for nearly a month after sustaining a severe stomach infection. His blood became toxic, leading to blood poisoning. Consequently, his liver and kidneys shut down. Then his lungs eventually collapsed. Having lost all movement in his body, McMahon essentially had to be taught to walk again, a far cry for a guy who had become accustomed running at full speed and throwing down electrifying acrobatic dunks.
B A L A N C E Briarcrest’s well-rounded education prepares students to be in the world, not of it. In seeking Christ, they find balance in academics, arts, athletics and more importantly, in life.
After approximately thirty rounds of chemotherapy and treatment at the MayoClinic in Phoenix, McMahon was surprisingly put into remission on July 1, capping one of the franchise’s most memorable comebacks. A comeback you won’t find in the team’s media guide. “I’m a lot mentally stronger now,” McMahon says. “The thing I’ve learned is that there are people out there that are willing to help you. The truth, unfortunately, is that it took me getting cancer to realize that.” Now that he’s had what he calls a “humbling experience,” he admits he’s taken on an entirely different disposition on life. He received a warm reception when he returned to the team in August. Additionally, the Grizzlies arranged a training program for him in which one of the team’s trainers routinely helps monitor his progress. He works out at least three times a week, doing everything from weightlifting to taking part in jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. “You have to be in tune to your body,” says McMahon, explaining the importance of staying physically fit. “You also have to listen to your body. I wasn’t always listening to my body. And to be honest with you, it’s something I will never do again.” On the flip side, don’t think for one second you’ve seen the last of him sporting that fuzzy blue outfit. M
Mind. 9 01. 76 5 . 4 6 0 0
Body.
Spirit.
www.briarcrest.com
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PASSING SHOT A quick look at the game of tennis.
by KEITH EVANS photos courtesy TUNICA NATIONAL When I was playing on the tour a while back, I was at a tournament in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and my doubles partner that week was John Sullivan from New York. John’s coach, Gene Mayer, was with him that week. Gene played on the tour back in the early 1980’s and was consistently ranked in the top ten. Gene is still known as a player who had one of the greatest volleys ever! This is what he told me, and I would like to share it with you. 1. Stand about 3 feet in front of the service line and drop your racket on the ground. Take 3 steps back. 2. Stand at the service line and act like you have your racket in your hand. Have someone toss a tennis ball at you and reach up and catch it. When you catch the ball, freeze. Repeat this move several times and while you are doing this pay close attention to the hand that is catching the ball. Your hand is following the ball. 3. Now pick up your racket and stand in the ready position. You have to now imagine that your racket face IS your hand. Take your racket face to the ball exactly the same way you did when you caught the ball with your hand. You will notice that there is NO backswing whatsoever. Your racket moves to the ball forward, and there is a slight press through the ball. Notice I said press and not punch. Also notice in the pictures how far out in front my racket is from my body. If you can visualize and adopt this method of “Catching the Volley”, you will see a huge improvement at the net. If you are interested in learning more about this awesome game or to play on indoor clay courts, come see me at Tunica National Golf & Tennis!
Keith Evans is a former ATP pro and Director of Tennis at the Tunica National Golf and Tennis Center. You can contact Keith at keith.evans@tunicagov.com or 1-866-TEE-OFF-1
30 | Memphis Sport
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GYM CLASS Learn about the best fitness opportunities in the area.
DAC
Full Circle Fitness
W
is why we want to educate people and make folks feel comfortable,” explains Membership Service Director, Matt Hale.
ith a tanning salon, massage therapy and full-service smoothie bar, what else could a person need? Oh right—what about worldrenowned group exercise programs, gravity training, personalized exercise regimes and state-of-the-art cardio and resistance training equipment? That just offers a glimpse of what all is inside Southaven’s DAC Full-Circle Fitness gym. The only thing missing is a Memphis Tigers flag flying alongside the other schools above the gym. After enduring management changes and over $11 million in renovations, DAC is ready to offer something for everyone—from the once-a-month gym avoider to the daily-grind-junkie. After taking advantage of the 14-day free trial membership, you’ll quickly realize how easy it is to get focused on getting in shape. For some people (ok, a lot of people) a personal trainer can be a scary person to meet, which is why DAC has more than one option available for members who want a personalized workout routine. A program called ActivTrax allows members to input data based on their personal strengths and activity level. The data is then evaluated and used to generate personalized workouts as often as a member would like, providing guidance and accountability. “The biggest factor keeping people away from the gym is intimidation, which
32 | Memphis Sport
by EMILY JOYNER
Fortunately for DAC, their trainers are not only skilled and educated about producing healthier, smarter bodies, but they are also friendly and reputable. One DAC trainer, Lisa Delgado, was recently featured by ABC and People Magazine for her work in the “Half Their Size” program, for which she trained dieters about the healthy way to lose weight. Programs such as Les Mills group exercise, including classes like Body Pump and Body Jam; and the Parisi Speed School allow members of all ages to enhance their athleticism and improve their health while working with others who have the same goals and obstacles. Nowadays, it seems making time for visiting the gym gets tougher everyday. DAC understands that dilemma and tries to ease its members’ minds by offering month-to-month membership packages, corporate wellness programs and on-site childcare. DAC currently has two locations—Southaven and Collierville—but will continue to grow and educate people in the Mid South as long as people are looking for smart ways to stay healthy. And, don’t worry, I checked—a Tigers flag will soon be flying high at Southaven’s DAC Full-Circle Fitness. I just hope it’s flying a little higher than all the others. M
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ON THE RUN Getting there by the power of legs.
Fourth Season Training by DOUG RUDDLE
Lookout, here they come. Yep, it’s the holidays fast approaching – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. There will be get togethers, office parties – one after the other and buffet line after buffet line. I love all these holidays and the temptous food that goes with the celebrations. However, like many of you I have attained a certain level of fitness and weight loss that I am not willing to forfeit during these few short months or what I like to call the fourth season. The first three seasons are familiar to most athletes in one form or another. Season one is the time right after New Years. That is when we start setting new goals and typically try to begin some form of activity. Season two is spring time when we get motivated to start ramping up our workouts. Season three is summer time, when we are all out; literally, we’re outside enjoying the weather and really pushing and getting some great workouts. Sound somewhat familiar? All right, we kind of know what to do during the first three seasons but what about November and December or the fourth season. Let’s get prepared in advance to move through all of the wonderful holidays without taking huge steps backwards with our fitness gains. Here are a few guidelines to help you put together a perfect fourth season
Trim down on the amount of training. 34 | Memphis Sport
Let’s get prepared in advance to move through all of the wonderful holidays without taking huge steps backwards with our fitness gains. For those of you that have been running road races, participating in triathlons or any type of competitive sport that has required large amounts of training and high levels of stress on the body, the 4th season will be about taking three weeks of rest and recovery. This will include only a minimum of easy training (up to a maximum of 30-60 minutes per day) after your last race or competition of the year. Simply do light exercise that still moves the blood through your body with the focus of enjoyment. If you plan an hour jog, but at 20 minutes your body is saying enough, then in the fourth season it truly is enough. This theory applies to all levels of fitness and all types of athletes. You should cut back on intensity as well as duration. Your body and mind get depleted from months of hard workouts and continuous stress. Activity is essential, but rigid structure is not.
Do workouts that don’t feel like workouts.
The key here is to do something new and fun without worrying about training miles. Try mountain biking, hiking, tennis, racquetball or rock
climbing to help use the heart. Don’t be concerned with putting training times in your log book.
Snooze!
If you have sacrificed sleep hours to get to those early morning master swims and runs, now’s the time to get them back. If you are way behind in this area give yourself the entire fourth season to get caught up. Just as getting fit takes time, so does regaining appropriate levels of sleep. If after a few good nights rest, you feel more tired than before, take that as a good sign your body is in full recovery mode. Isn’t it nice for someone to tell you sleeping more is what you need?
Stay Flexible.
The fourth season is the best time to start a great flexibility routine. This tends to be the biggest area neglected during the other three seasons and remains the main reason for injuries during the year. If you establish a good rhythm now, it will make it much easier to continue that routine into the early season.
FOOD, FUN & FRIENDS Spend quality time with family and friends.
Did someone in your life sacrifice time or energy to help you reach your fitness goals? Or, did they support you along the way in your fitness journey? Thank themâ&#x20AC;Ś..more than once. Now is the time to invest your time and energy back into them, in a big way. Do something with them they enjoy and if you have to hang up your training shoes for a season, do it!
Motivate others to healthy lifestyles.
Now that you are on the right track with your fitness, help get someone else started. Invite a coworker on a walk at lunch, a neighbor on a bike ride, a son to go to the gym or your spouse on a brisk walk after dinner. How rewarding to know that you have a part in adding productive, healthy and happy years to someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life by simply inviting and encouraging. Think about what it took to get you motivated and moving; now use that knowledge and determination to help others. Transformed peopletransform people.
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Start with the fourth season - that sounds good to me! M
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FOODFORUM Eating, drinking and watching sports in public.
DAN McGUINNESS by ROBERT BIGGS photos courtesy DAN MCGUINNESS
What makes a great sports bar? That’s easy–it’s the quality of the atmosphere, service, food, beer and home team support. How many sports bars get it right? Not as many as we would like. In the quest for the perfect Memphis sports bar, I took a trip to Dan McGuinness Pub.
ATMOSPHERE FoodForum Mantra: A great sports bar should captivate your attention. During the halftime report, I need something to keep me entertained, while I ignore whatever filth Seth Davis is spewing about my Tigers. Last year, I would have told you not to go to Dan McGuinness. The bar section of the establishment felt confining. However, on my last visit, I noticed they had expanded the bar area. LCD TVs cover the establishment, but not all of the TVs were on sports. That is because they have GoldenTee, arcade bowling, and EA Golf on flat screens. They also have table soccer, three pool tables, and three dartboards. But don’t worry, they also have ten TVs and a projector on the games.
SERVICE FoodForum Mantra: A great sports bar needs great service. I want my next beer to be served before my last is finished. And whenever possible, I want my server as hot as my beer is cold. I went to Dan McGuinness to watch the conclusion of the Colorado and WVU game. It was a phenomenal game, but apparently not too many people were interested in it, because the bar was somewhat dead. The service could not have been better. My server had plenty of time to be attentive to every detail and our beer mugs were never empty. Not to mention she was definitely not ugly.
FOOD FoodForum Mantra: A great sports bar must have great food with no knife or fork needed. I want 3 a.m. college drunk food. Dan McGuinness has a great standard menu because of the restaurant portion that is open during the day, but Irish pub food does not always make for great bar snacking. So, Dan McGuinness offers a late night bar menu. Most notably, the jalapeno bottle caps (fried jalapeno slices) are fantastic and have just the right amount of spice.
BEER SELECTION FoodForum Mantra: Beer selection is my favorite part of any sports bar. I want a PBR if my team throws an interception to lose the game or an IPA to celebrate after watching the raising of the National Championship Game banner at Memphis Madness.
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Dan McGuinness takes its beer seriously. It is known for its varied selection of beer. Each of the ten beers on tap are served in a Guinness Draught glass. The owners of Dan McGuinness take their passion for great beer and utilize it in the kitchen. They even fry their pickles in Harp Beer batter.
HOMETOWN SUPPORT FoodForum Mantra: A sports bar should support the local teams all year long. It is easy to support a winner, but it takes real commitment and dedication to support a team during its down years. The only real problem I have is the blatant omissions of almost everything Memphis related. If you could move the bars into any other city, neither would have to change their wall décor.
OVERALL Dan McGuinness does not have many flaws for me to “harp on.” Nevertheless, completely missing the most important characteristic for a local sports bar drops them to 4 balls out of 5. PLEASE put up a Tiger jersey or an autographed basketball or something.
Dan McGuiness Pub 4698 Spottswood Memphis, TN 38111 901-761-3711
FOODFORUM BONUS: BAND OF THE MONTH Martin and Taylor: I heard Martin and Taylor while I was at Dan McGuinness. They play a medley of “Oh yeah, I remember this song. It was one of my favorites. Who sings it again?” to “I haven’t heard this song in forever.” They will have you updating your Pandora account the moment you get home. Check them out at MartinandTaylor.com. Memphis Sport’s ace sports bar reviewer takes on one sports bar each issue. Send us your suggestions for the next FoodForum review to foodforum@memphissport.net.
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HOT SHOTS Everyone has a camera. Send your photos to hotshots@memphissport.net We just may print them in our next issue.
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TAILGATING Sports was happening and you were there.
RIVERKINGS FAN FEST • October 11, 2008 at the Desoto Civic Center • photos by CHRIS SCHMIED 1. Butch “Puckhead” and Cathy Heirtt 2. Randy & Deborah DePriest 3. A balloon hat 4. James Farris 5. Inflatable fun 6. Dennis and Bonnie Hickle 7. Matt Miller, Abby Miller and Moriah Riggs 8. Phyllis Farris 9. Sonny Dalehite
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10. Kent & Frankie Lee 11. Altered Egos 12. Greg Woitesek & Coy Watson 13. Brad Wilson and Dori Jackson 14. Joey Peters and Danica Wetzel 15. Whitley Reaves 16. Nina Riggs, Dhaedra Wilson, Isabella and Zachary Wilson 17. Hand & Gwen Dalehite, Alan McKee 18. Norma & Arnold Owings 19. Deborah DePriest 20. Refreshments
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21. The Roman Family, featuring Bobbie Sue, Victori and Mikel 22. Brigitte McKee
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JACK’S BACK A Memphis legend takes a look back.
The Ole Fox of Memphis by JACK EATON
photo courtesy UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
It was a marriage made in basketball heaven— Gene Bartow and the Memphis State Tigers.
The year was 1970, and Tiger basketball was at an all-time low. The last two years of the Moe Iba Era had seen the Tigers win only 12 games and lose 39…something drastic had to be done. Fortunately for Memphis State, Gene Bartow came along. Bartow had been successful as head coach at Central Missouri State and Valparaiso University. The Moe Iba Era was characterized by a slow, deliberate style of play that was not only boring to watch, but it didn’t get us many wins. So the Tigers needed a coach who would play an up-tempo game and win more than they lost. The story goes that when asked about his coaching style, Bartow answered, “If there was a 10-second clock, we would beat it every time down the floor.” Sure enough, Bartow hit the ground running and things were never the same. He was out to sell Tiger basketball, and he worked night and day. He spoke to the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, and any and every group in between. It was a new day in Tiger Land, and you didn’t want to miss it. He once remarked, “This would be the greatest job in the world if we just didn’t have to play those games.” The Tigers won their first two games in routine fashion, and it set the stage for the big game with Union. Wait a minute—a big game with Union? That’s right, Union. They had beaten us the last two times, and Tiger fans were spoiling for revenge. We beat them by 15 and never looked back. The Tigers were 18-8 in Coach Bartow’s first year. Finch averaged 18.4 points a game that year, but the best was yet to come. My nickname for the coach was the Ole Fox, because like a fox, he knew just what to do and when to do it. His most memorable moment for me happened at the Vanderbilt gym. It was the ‘72-73 season. We started off 2-3 and by the time we hit Vandy, we were on a roll. The Commodores were nationally ranked, and we needed a big time win. Their home court advantage was huge. In my opinion, the officials were overly generous when it came to calling fouls on the visiting team. That particular night, we were getting hosed by the officials worse than usual (to the point that I even called one official a Communist). Down on the floor, Bartow was madder than me. He jumped off the bench and ran to midcourt. He made a sweeping motion with his right arm as though to say, “Come on boys, we’re going home!” The team gathered around the coach for a quick conference until the referee broke them up. The game went on, but a strange thing happened—the officiating changed dramatically, and we won the game. That was what I considered to be the greatest single moment in Tiger history. On the post-game show, I asked the coach if he was going to take the team off the floor and go home. He said anyone who would do a thing like that should be fired—the Ole Fox! Coach Bartow, you were a great coach—may you live long and prosper. M Log on to memphissport.net to order “Jack Eaton: Great Scott! I rhyme a lot,” a brand new book of classic Big Jack poems. Be friends with Jack at myspace.com/bigjackeaton.
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Memphis area fans ready, willing and able e to talk sports, meet othe er fa ans and get generally sporty. Must h ave a clear set of priorities (ie.,, 1. you r favoritte Memphis area team or pla yer, 2. everything else). Applicants m ust have passion, enthusia asm and know w at least enough about th heir team m to be dangerous. Simply lo og on to www.m memfan.com and join your fellow Memphis area sports fans. Set up your profile and begin blogg ing, uploa ading video, audio, photos and more. The first 100 who sign up get a free MemFan hat. Sign up, then email m ike at mike@memphissport.n net witth your addre ess.
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