MemphiSport November 2011

The Will To Win An in-depth look at Memphis basketball’s 2011-2012 roster

NOVEMBER 2011

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

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

mike@memphisport.net Publisher’s Representative Jeff Martin 816-289-1372

jeff@memphisport.net Managing Editor Kevin Cerrito

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kevin@memphisport.net Contributing Photographers Justin Ford Chase Gustafson Joe Murphy

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Contributing Writers Jack Eaton Michael Jones Marcus Hunter C.J. Hurt Preston McClellan Beth Okeon

Cover Photo Joe Murphy

ŠCopyright 2011 Memphis Sport Magazine LLC, All Rights Reserved

N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 1 VOLUME 6, NUMBER 3

“Is Wheel of Fortune a Sport?

If so, that is my favorite. I also enjoy gigging frogs and noodling for catfish.”

– Fantasy Shirley 18

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8 18

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Tiger Basketball Preview 12 A look ahead at the Memphis Tiger Basketball team.

Hot Shots 6 Madness in Memphis.

Tiger Basketball Bingo 16

Nothin’ But Net 8 The Black Bear Rises.

Play with your friends at the game inside beautiful FedExForum.

Fantasy Shirley 18 The real Shirley turned us down, so we interviewed the next-best thing.

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Front Nine 9 The Lady Tiger Soccer coach answers nine questions.

Live Debate 10 R.C. Johnson or Pete Boone?

Get Fit 22 Six Memphis physicians named “Top Doctors.”

Varsity Spirit 24 America Needs Cheerleaders like Daly.

Picture Puzzle 27 Titanic changes were made to this photo of the Tennessee Titans.

Tailgating 28 Were you there?

Jack’s Back 30 How I lost the Quantico game.

HOT SHOTS

These pics are on fire!

Madness in Memphis Photos by Chase Gustafson Memphis Madness 2011 featured a last minute Yo Gotti performance and high flying dunks.

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

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NOTHIN’ BUT NET

A sampling from the online content at memphisport.net.

The Black Bear Rises Can the Black Bear be more successful than Colonel Reb? Written by C.J. Hurt, photo by J.D. Meredith

Ole Miss made some important changes this season replacing long time mascot and Rebel fan favorite Colonel Reb with a new mascot, Rebel Black Bear. Some fans are struggling to come to terms with the fact that Colonel Reb is gone and that is to be expected. After all, nobody got the crowd going at an Ole Miss football game like Colonel Reb. While Colonel Reb’s ability to motivate the fans was great, the success of Ole Miss on the football field was minimal.

Since the Colonel appeared on the sidelines in 1979 Ole Miss has not won a national championship or an SEC title.

The football team’s record with Colonel Reb on the sideline is an unimpressive 140-134-4, finishing ranked only five times with him on the sidelines of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium from 1979-2003.

Even with all the years of futility under Colonel Reb’s watch some Ole Miss fans are refusing to give Rebel Black Bear a chance. Few mascots are more beloved than Colonel Reb, but even fewer mascots carry the racial stigma that he does.

Ole Miss fans have always been slower than most to accept change and you do not have to look too far in the past to see examples of their stubborn nature. In 1997 when then chancellor Robert Khayat banned sticks from the stadium in an attempt to keep confederate flags out of sporting events Ole Miss fans responded the same way. Even though Coach Tommy Tuberville said openly on several occasions that the confederate flags make it difficult to recruit blue-chip black athletes.

Fans hid behind a misguided sense of tradition and fought the decision every step of the way, just like they are doing now with Colonel Reb. Supporters are now trying to pass a measure to put Colonel Reb on the 2012 election ballot to get him reinstated as the schools official mascot.

Since the Colonel appeared on the sidelines in 1979 Ole Miss has not won a national championship or an SEC title.

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Do the die hard traditionalist fans at Ole Miss not see that the traditions are making it difficult to recruit black athletes?

Young and talented black people are turned off by images of a plantation owner as a mascot, the confederate flag, and “Dixie”.

Ole Miss is losing top recruits because the school has not progressed with the times, and when the school does try and progress fans behave in such a way that it leaves a sour taste in the mouths of people across the country which hurts the perception of the university.

Maybe Rebel Black Bear is the mascot they need to get the job done at Ole Miss. He is a ferocious beast, does not offend anybody, and he has a great back story involving former president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. After all, Colonel Reb’s tenure at Ole Miss was not as successful as some might think on the field, and off the field he served as a reminder of our nations painful past.

This article originally appeared at memphisport.net on October 31, 2011.

FRONT NINE

Nine questions. Nine Answers.

Brooks Monaghan A Tiger as a player and coach since 1992 and now in his 12th season as head coach of the Lady Tiger soccer program, Coach Brooks Monaghan has won four straight C-USA titles and has positioned the Lady Tigers as a national powerhouse.

Written by Mike Bullard, photo by Joe Murphy

Do you call the sport soccer or football?

Soccer.

What has been the single biggest reason for the strong Tigers season so far?

I think it is the character of the team and the leadership we have amonst our upperclassmen — Lizzy Simonin, Lizzy Hidebrandt, Elise Kuhar-Pitters, and Tara Telford.

What goals did you have for this team at the start of the season?

One of the goals was to win the conference outright and we have done that.

Our number one goal is to go further in the NCAA’s.

How much better can this team play?

“These seniors weren’t the players they are now.

They developed into these players. Lizzy Simonin has always been a talent but she’s improved every year.“

I‘m very critical of our team, and I don’t think we have put together to many 90 minute matches. I don’t think that we have peaked by any means. They are still improving with every match.

We have some talented redshirt freshman coming in. They have some huge shoes to fill but these seniors weren’t the players they are now. They developed into these players. Lizzy Simonin has always been a talent but she’s improved every year. It’s hard to say, but I expect is to be a top-20 program.

Why would a potential recruit choose to play soccer in Memphis?

Obviously kids want to go to successful programs and we have been consistently in the top-20 the last several years Who is the best soccer player you have had in your 12 years of coaching?

I can’t name just one. I would have to say Lizzy Simonin and Vendula Stradnova. But the best leader we have ever had? By far it is Lizzy Simonin. But both kids are tremendous talents.

What can you do personally to improve as a coach?

Just continue to bring the passion and work ethic. We have to continue to work as hard as we can.

Is there one team you would like to play in the NCAA Tournament?

Stanford. Everybody says that they are the best team. But I wouldn’t want to meet them til the finals.

Will the current success be continued into the future after these seniors leave?

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L I V E D E B AT E

Kevin and Marcus go head-to-head.

Would you rather have R.C. Johnson or Pete Boone as the athletic director of your university??

Written by Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter, Photos by Chase Gustafson

Kevin: This is a tough question. It is like asking if I would rather be stuck in the middle of a hurricane or the middle of a tornado.

Marcus Hunter “ I wouldn’t want either one of them.”

Marcus: I wouldn’t want either one of them. Though while University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson has numerous faults, he has done something that Pete Boone has still yet to do- make one of his sports national contenders.

Kevin: Just because Ole Miss isn’t winning at the moment, doesn’t mean Boone hasn’t made good moves. He got an experienced Houston Nutt straight out of Arkansas. Then Nutt when to back-to-back Cotton Bowls. Boone also hired Bob Huggins’ handpicked successor straight out of Cincinnati. Could Johnson have gotten a better coach to come walk the sidelines at the Tad Pad? I doubt it.

Kevin: If I was forced to pick between the two, I would select Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone because it is obvious he cares about football. In college sports, football is king.

Marcus: Nutt won with Ed Orgeron’s players… and oh yea, didn’t Boone hire that Orgeron guy? Now Nutt can’t get a conference win it seems.

Marcus: Johnson may not care as much about football, but he cares about winning. Right now neither football nor basketball are winning in Oxford. At least R.C. has a Top 10 basketball team at his university.

Kevin: At least Orgeron has some experience as a coordinator before he was hired as the head coach at Ole Miss. The same can’t be said about Larry Porter.

Marcus: No NCAA Tournament birth since 2002?

No SEC West Championships in football ever?

Kevin: I’d like my athletic director to at least appear like he has a grasp on reality. You don’t see Pete Boone bragging about the Oxford airport or the Central time zone. All of Boone’s coaching hires have been great on paper. Unfortunately for Black Bear fans, things just aren’t working out. But if I had to hire a new football and basketball coach tomorrow, I would trust Boone more than Johnson to make the decision in the selection process.

Marcus: Like you said…on paper. Larry Porter was a good hire on paper. He still may be a good coach. At this point, paper isn’t doing Ole Miss football or basketball any good.

Kevin: The Cotton Bowl is a much more attractive destination than the New Orleans Bowl.

Marcus: Um, the best bowl the Tigers can go to is the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

Kevin: That is because the Tigers are still stuck in C-USA. And why are they still there? Mr. Johnson.

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Kevin Cerrito “It is like asking if I would rather be stuck in the middle of a hurricane or the middle of a tornado.”

Marcus: I would hire R.C. because at least I know he would sacrifice one program so the other can be good, instead of being like Ole Miss with two programs that are below average. At least Memphis basketball has had its NCAA tournament runs and it now considered a national program.

Kevin: I’d rather have an AD that tried in both basketball and football. Ole Miss football is bad right now because of the coach. Memphis football is horrible right now because of the coach, the AD, and the president.

Marcus: Right. The Tigers winning problems don’t fall on Johnson’s shoulders as much as you are saying they should. R.C. isn’t that bad. President Dr. Shirley Raines is more to blame.

Kevin: Well yea, it is Raines’ fault because she won’t replace her athletic director.

Too bad Memphis and Ole Miss no longer play each other in football. Next season’s game could have a “loser leaves town” stipulation for the athletic directors.

Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter host MemphiSport Live (MSL) every Saturday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Sports 56 WHBQ. MSL was voted 3rd Best Sports Radio Show in the 2010 & 2011 Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis poll. Follow the MSL hosts on Twitter @cerrito & @marcus_hunter

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2011-2012

MEMPHIS Written by Michael Jones, Photos by Joe Murphy

The University of Memphis basketball team has enjoyed tremendous success over the years, including a trio of Final Fours and a couple of NCAA Championship Game appearances. But could this be the year that sees the Tigers finally capture their first national title?

Led by a pair of national player of the year candidates, a host of talented sophomores and a heralded freshman, U of M hoops is poised to have a season that could rival any of their previous best.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the key players on the roster and what to expect from them this year. MemphiSport also talked to each player about what he thought the best part of his game was, what the coaches want from him and what they need to improve upon.

WILL BARTON 6’6” Guard, Sophomore - Baltimore MD Barton will be counted on this year to be the team’s leader and primary scorer. Wiry but athletic, he often showed signs of brilliance in his freshman season but often took plays off and was nearly invisible during some games. The majority of the players MemphiSport spoke with expect Barton to be their leader, both on and off the court. Assuming he displays those characteristics, this will likely be his last year of college basketball. If the team is to make a run deep into the NCAA tournament, it will take something special from Barton to get them there.

Primary role, best part of game: “My scoring ability of course. I’d like to say my versatility. I think I have a lot of offensive tools. I can score; I can pass. My will to win and compete. I think those are my biggest strengths.”

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Needs to work on: “I think I still need to keep improving on my body. My defense. I think I need to work on my 3-point shooting. Last year I delivered sometimes, and sometimes I didn’t. I think my team needs me to be more consistent. Be the go to guy and deliver on a regular basis.”

JOE JACKSON 6’1” Guard, Sophomore - Memphis TN Jackson, having often been referred to as the “King of Memphis,” faces possibly more pressure than anyone else on the roster. His status as a local high school legend probably forces him to try to do too much at times. Primarily viewed as a scorer before he debuted on the college level, last year saw Jackson struggle to adapt to the role of distributor. During the C-USA tournament however, it appeared as though Pastner began

WILL BARTON

GUARD

using Jackson as more of a scoring threat coming off the bench. In order for the Tigers to achieve the kind of success they want, Jackson will need to find balance between being a scorer and a passer.

Primary role, best part of game: “Leadership. And scoring. I can score with the best of them.”

Needs to work on: “Just cutting back on turnovers. Because you know, turnovers equal losses. As long as I can control the game and not turn the ball over, I’ll be fine.”

TA TARIK BLACK 6’ 6’8” Forward, Sophomore - Memphis TN

MEMPHIS

JOE JACKSON

MEMPHIS

TARIK BLACK

GUARD

GUARD

Dur its recent glory years, Memphis has relied mostly on beating its During opp opponents off the dribble and driving to the basket to get points. Black offe offers something the Tigers have lacked during this period. A solid inte interior offensive presence. It became evident early in the year during his fres freshman season that he was already the best post player the U of M has fea featured since Chris Massie donned the blue and grey during Calipari’s ear early years. Although he struggled defensively at times and found himself in foul f trouble, Black quickly became an irreplacable part of the team and was even named as one of the team captains. Pastner expects Black to see frequent double teams this year, which should open up the 3-point sho shot, something their coach wants them to capitalize on.

Pri Primary role, best part of game: “They expect me to be a big man. But I think th this year they’re relying on me to be a great defender as well. I thin think that’s one of the big parts of this team, because the saying is, like eve every coach uses, defense is everything. Defense is your offense. It wins cha championships. We played a lot of good players last year at my position tha that I wasn’t able to hold last year simply due to the times I used to get in fou foul trouble. I got fouls very easily last year. And coming into this year, I thin think the team expects me to be a bigger matchup problem for people. I’m lon long, athletic and versatile, so at the four or five spot, that’s supposed to be my advantage.”

Nee to work on: “I think the thing I need to get better at the most is Needs my defensive rebounding. Offensively I rebound very well. But defensively I tend to box out and not go for the ball because I think, ‘okay, I have my man boxed out. So somebody else is gonna get it.’ But that’s the wrong mentality, especially as a big man, I’m supposed to be focused on getting rebounds.”

ADONIS THOMAS 6’6” Guard, Freshman - Memphis TN

MEMPHIS

As the only true freshman on the team, Thomas has something his predecessors did not. There are four players around him every day that went through the exact same thing he is going through now. Instead of having to learn how to adjust to the college level on the fly, he can turn to any number of players at any point in the day and get advice on how to handle just about any situation. A tremendous athlete and heady player, Thomas will be counted on to contribute right away. His defensive ability is something the Tigers will look to utilize. His strength and athleticism

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WESLEY W

ITHERSPO

ON

FORWARD

MEMPHIS

should allow him to become a reliable rebound on the both the offensive and rebounder defensiv end. defensive

considered a bonus. However, if he manages to display the type of pay he is capable with moderate regularity, it could make Memphis even better than most pundits expect.

Primary P rimary role, best part of game: “Offensive the coaches want me to drive “Offensively, hol use my athleticism. The whole to the hole, w known as a defensive player, summer I was just locking down the high ranked, high level schoo all-star) players. So they want me (high school to guard the best players, wings... any position, w 1-4. They want me to just be everywhere on the court.”

Primary role, best part of game: “I’m just a versatile basketball player. I’m able to do a lot of the things to keep me out on the floor longer, and I’m able to help my team in different ways.

Needs N eeds to wo work on: “Right now, I just need to learn who college level. I have to continue to about the whole da And I have to be able to take a lot learn every day. be the only freshman on the team. of criticism., especially being It’s going to come to me though. I’ll be ready.”

CHRIS CRAWFORD 6’4” Guard, Sophomore - Memphis TN Crawford was billed as a knock-down shooter but rarely lived up to that billing in his first season for the Tigers. However, many were surprised by his passing skills and ability to the lead the team; he was counted on to play point guard on quite a few occasions. He also became the team’s primary lockdown defender, often assigned to guard the opposition’s best player.

With Jackson often looking to score from the point guard position, Crawford’s ability to run the offense when he is on the floor will be key.

Primary role, best part of game: “My main role on the team is to be the lockdown defender. To hold and contain the other team’s best player. That’s what they want me to do..”

Needs to work on: “More consitent shooting. I shot 29 percent from 3-point range last year. That’s terrible. They want me to be a consistent shooter, and also work on my explosiveness, getting to the rim, stop settling for jump shots all the time.”

WESLEY WITHERSPOON 6’9” Forward, Senior - Atlanta GA Witherspoon’s career has been about as enigmatic as it can possibly get. Though he has never consistently delivered, his talent has never been questioned. With the size of a power forward and ball-handling ability of a point guard, it’s hard to believe that he hasn’t become an All-American. But lack of consistency and off the court issues have led to tempered expectations from fans and coaches alike. With the depth and talent on this year’s roster, Witherspoon will only be asked to fill a limited role, and anything he gives the team will likely be

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Needs to work on: “Just playing hard on every possession. A lot of times I take plays off, and that’s what hurts.”

CHARLES CARMOUCHE 6’3” Guard, Senior - New Orleans LA Carmouche provided a leadership role last year that was probably a bit underrated. Surrounded by a contingent of unpredictable freshmen, he was the model of consistency.

Knocking down key shots in pressure situations and providing solid defense, the University of New Orleans transfer added some stability to an otherwise inconsistent roster. Late in the year as some of the younger players started to step up and become a more involved in the offense, Carmouche found a way to stay relevant without getting in anyone’s way. As one of only two seniors on the team, Carmouche will be asked to provide a steady presence over a still young team.

Primary role, best part of game: “I feel like I’m a good all around player. I think if I stay healthy, you get everything you want out of a player from me.”

Needs to work on: “Just leading more, being more vocal.”

STAN SIMPSON 6’10” Forward, Junior - Chicago IL Simpson is a Junior College transfer who will be asked to provide an immediate contribution to a thin frontcourt. With Tarik Black being the only other real big man available to start the season, Simpson’s efforts will be crucial, especially if Black is unable to avoid the kind of foul problems that plagued him during his freshman year. In preseason workouts, he has not been as aggressive as coaches would like, and that will need to change as the year goes on.

Primary role, best part of game: ”Scoring in the low post, and blocking shots. I have to be more aggressive on the rebounding side.”

Needs to work on: “Talking on D. And I need to work on learning the offense”

CHRIS CRAWFO RD

GUARD

A ANTONIO BARTON 6 6’2” Guard, Baltimore MD O Once thought of us as simply part of the package deal required to sign hhis brother Will, Barton was a critical piece of last year’s freshman-laden tteam. Whereas Jackson is a scorer in a point guard’s body, Antonio is m more of a conventional floor leader who excels in getting others involved iin the offense. A capable shooter as well, The Baltimore native hit some bbig shots down the stretch last season and will be counted on to make oopen perimeter jumpers this year as well.

PPrimary role, Best part of game: “Facilitating.”

N Needs to work on: “My attitude. Sometimes I get mad out on the court, aand that takes away from my overall game. It’s just mental. I need to lock iin sometimes and let some of my bad plays go.”

MEMPHIS

E

CHARLES CARMOUCH

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D STEPHENS D.J. 6’5” Forward/Guard, Junior - Killeen TX Stephens was an afterthought in Pastner’s first recruiting class, a last minute addition who has turned out to be a steal for the Tigers. He is a tremendous athlete whose dunks always seem to come at just the right time to energize the team and the crowd. He is a bundle of energy and effort, and witnessing his attitude tends to make his teammates play with fire and purpose.

Primary role, Best part of game: “feel like my strong point is... forcing the ball into the hole. Throwing the ball through the rim vigorously with a ton of force. Ferociously. Being angry at the rim and trying to rip it off of the backboard.”

Needs to work on: “I think I need to get better at being confident and shooting the basketball.”

MEMPHIS

JOSH P ASTNE R

MEMPHIS

COACH

JOSH J O PASTNER, Coach This is Josh Pastner’s third year as head coach of the Tigers, and fans are expecting his team to make a big splash in the posteason this time arou around. Jack Murphy is the lone returning assistant, but the addition of Luke Lu Walton and Damon Stoudamire brings a wealth of NBA playing expe experience that can only help the growth of these young players. New stre strength and conditioning coach, or as he prefers to be called,”life chan changer,” Frank Matrisciano will be doing all he can to ensure that a fast, athl athletic team will take advantage of their physical edge over lesser foes.

Wha the players will have learned from last season: “Every possesWhat sion you have to play hard. Players now understand that. In high school you could take a possession off, take a quarter off, and still win. At this leve level you can’t do that. At my house last year when we were watching the sele selection show, a couple of players came up to me and said, ‘Coach we know what you mean now that every game means something. Because ever every game or two that you lose affects seeding.’ It’s not about our oppone ponent, it’s about us and our effort.”

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and Kevin Cerrito Created by Mike Bullard

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Created by Mike Bullard and Kevin

Cerrito

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Fantasy Shirley Written by Kevin Cerritoo, Photo courtesy of The U of M, Photo Illustration by Mike Bullard

Last month, MemphiSport sat down with the real University of Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson to discuss the current state of the athletic department and its future. To follow up, we formally requested an interview with University of Memphis president Dr. Shirley Raines. Here was the response from her office: “President Raines has asked me to let you know that she feels that R.C. covered your athletic questions well. She will keep your request active.”

All of our follow up requests were ignored despite our explanation that the interview would cover a broad range of topics about the university, her career, etc.

So with the real university president out of the picture, we turned to the fake university president on twitter - @fantasyshirley.

Here is our real interview with the fake Dr. Shirley Raines.

Do you consider yourself more of a “Dreamer, Thinker or Doer”?

When is it not a great day to be a Tiger?

I consider myself equal parts Thinker, Dreamer and Doer. Basically what you would use if you were making the ideal person to run a fine university.

Take those attributes and sprinkle in a keen fashion sense and you get me!

The day John Calipari left wasn’t a great day. The day Rick Ross couldn’t make it to Memphis Madness wasn’t great either. The Whopper bar at the UC was out of ketchup one day and that wasn’t a banner day for the Tigers.

Everyone knows athletic director R.C. Johnson is a fan of Elvis. Who is your favorite music artist of all time?

I would say that is a three way tie between Clay Aiken, Barry Manilow and the 2 Live Crew. But recently I have been jamming out on my IPod to Susan Boyle- that girl throws it down.

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You have been president at the University of Memphis since 2001. How long do you plan to continue at your position?

I want to be the Joe Paterno of university presidents.

You recently set a $250 million dollar goal for fundraising - how much will your salary rise if this goal is ever achieved?

Nominally.

“I want to be the Joe Paterno of university presidents.”

If someone called you tomorrow and offered $100 million for the university, how would you allocate it?

I’d build an on-campus stadium...psych!

What is biggest reason to avoid building an on-campus stadium?

I was for it before I was against it. But because the construction would be really noisy and my house is near the proposed site, I had to say no. Would you want to put up with that mess? Also, Geoff Calkins was for it, so I had to be against it.

If Memphis fielded a badminton squad, would they have better facilities than the football team?

No, we would just let the football players try their hand at being on the badminton team and they could use the same facilities. Got to work smarter, not harder.

a mathlete, but books were more of my thing. I’m a published author you know.

Who would you consider the U of M‘s most important alum?

Why is Memphis not already in a BCS conference?

Jerry “The King” Lawler. At least he represents something I would consider as a real sport. Wink Martindale also.

We aren’t? Why is R.C. always telling me we are? He said it is because of our airport.

What was your last conversation with R.C. Johnson about?

Oh, I told him about the upcoming Kohl’s One Day Sale and how I was going to stock up on some blue blazers. He asked me if it was okay if he had a hammock installed in his office. We made lunch reservations at Houston’s and then we talked about getting LA Tech, Alcorn State, Belmont and UT Martin together in one conference to go after these so called “super conferences”. We would call it the Mega Mighty Super Duper Conference.

Do you ever talk to the students?

If so, what do you say?

Rarely...

What has been your proudest moment as president of the university?

I starred in a series of commercials for the U of M. “Dreamers Thinkers. Doers” was my line.

What has been your biggest regret as president?

Not having that John Calipari bronze statue made yet.

Is there something you are trying to accomplish before retirement?

If I said total destruction of the athletic department, would you keep it off the record?

On a scale of 1 to 10 - how important is athletics to you? π What is your favorite sport?

Is “Wheel of Fortune a Sport”? If so, that is my favorite. I also enjoy gigging frogs and noodling for catfish. I wanted to be

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What do you want your legacy to be?

I’ll leave that to the historians, but frankly, I’m the best thing that ever happened to this institute of higher learning.

Would you consider teaming up with R.C. Johnson to wrestle against Geoff Calkins and Jerry Lawler in a wrestling match for charity?

Heck yes, but only if we can have it at the Mid-South Coliseum, if Bill Dundee is the special referee and if R.C. and I can be managed by Jimmy Hart. And tell Lawler that he might be the King of wrestling but I am the Queen of Memphis…I’ll be throwing the fire.

Which university property is more important- the English department or the Bursars office?

Please, the Bursar’s Office. Do I really need to tell you why?

What is your favorite building on campus?

The Ned McWherter Library.

Especially the 3rd floor. Cleanest bathrooms on campus.

You were recently offered a job at Kentucky? Why didn’t you take it?

Can you imagine trying to sell a house in this market...Plus I wanted R.C. to replace Mitch Barnhardt so we could have the gang together again, but the UK Board of Regents said no dice. They called R.C. “a liability?”

Did you paint any of the 100 Tigers around campus?

I couldn’t risk getting paint on my blue blazer, so no. R.C. sure liked being in the room when they were all being spray painted. He said it really helped him make great decisions. Matter of fact, I think he was around all that painting on the day he said we deserve to be in the SEC. Would the world be a better place if sports didn’t exist?

Not just the world, the galaxy.

Back-To-Back Thank you for voting MSL back-to-back Best Sports Radio Show 3rd Place Winners in the 2010 & 2011 Memphis Flyer Best of Memphis.

Join Kevin Cerrito and Fox 13’s Marcus Hunter for MemphiSport Live, the only show in the world based on MemphiSport magazine.

Saturdays at 11am on Sports 56 WHBQ or anytime at memphisport.net.

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

21

GET FIT

Locals Named Top Doctors Six Campbell Clinic physicians were named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Top Doctors list. Dr. James Beaty, Dr. Terry Canale, Dr. David Cannon, Dr. James Guyton, Dr. Drew Murphy and Dr. William Warner were named to this list that is comprised of over 27,000 physicians who have been recognized by their peers as excellent physicians in their subspecialty. “This is a peer-nominated process, and we are proud that other physicians feel strongly enough about the quality of our staff that they took time out of their busy schedules to nominate our doctors,� said Dr. Frederick Azar, Campbell Clinic’s chief of staff.

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Six Memphis Area Locations

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SEPTEMBER 2011

U.S. News Top Doctors was developed in collaboration with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., publisher of America’s Top DoctorsŽ and other guides, and was built upon data from Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors™. Doctors can not apply or nominate themselves. Rather, a peer doctor may nominate one or more of his or her colleagues. The compiled list serves to help consumers find the doctors who can serve their healthcare needs. The Top Doctors list may be searched by physician name, by area of specialty or by hospital.

The peer nomination process encourages physician involvement in creating awareness of which peers are worthy of a referral.

Nominations are only accepted from licensed doctors. “With nearly 800,000 physicians in America, we are proud that 6 of our team members are highlighted in this list representing the top 3.5% of doctors referred by their peers nationwide,� remarks Azar. “This particular type of honor is indicative that medical professionals have the same confidence in our abilities as our patients do.�

For more information on the U.S. News & World Report’s Top Doctors list or the peernomination process, visit health.usnews. com/top-doctors. For more information on Campbell Clinic, call 901.759.3100 or visit campbellclinic.com.

Join the Team!

Beaty, James H., MD

Canale, S. Terry, MD

Sub-Specialties:

Sub-Specialties:

Pediatric Orthopedics

Pediatric Orthopedics,

Sports Medicine, Elbow, Knee

The all-new Memphisport is looking for a motivated and energetic freelance advertising account executive for print, online and radio sales.

The ideal team member will have a proven track record, with skills and knowledge of the advertising/publishing/media industries.

Must be target driven, passionate, committed to excelling in sales. Must be computer literate and have access to email.

Memphisport offers the highest commissions of any local media outlets.

Submit your resume to sales@memphisport.net.

Cannon, David L., MD

Guyton, James L., MD

Sub-Specialties:

Sub-Specialties: Trauma, Total Joint

Hand

Replacement

Murphy, G. Andrew, MD

Warner, William C., Jr, MD

Sub-Specialties:

Sub-Specialties:

Foot and Ankle

Pediatric Orthopedics

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

23

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

Go. Fight. Win.

Daly

Memphis Elite Written by Preston McClellan

How did you get started cheerleading?

I started cheering for Bartlett youth sports when I was seven-years-old, and my mom was a cheer coach her whole life so it ran in the family. I cheered recreationally for about two years, then from there, started at Memphis Elite.

What are your goals for the future in cheerleading?

I want to cheer in college. It my ultimate goal I want to achieve in life.

Have you ever worked with Varsity cheerleading? If so, what was your position and how would you describe your experience?

I love the football games and the huge student section and how all of the students get involved.

I actually am a Varsity IT girl this year. It has just started but I love working with all the girls and meeting new people!

What’s the biggest difference between cheering for club and for an actual high school?

The competitiveness between the two is the most important according to how much time you spend with club compared to actual high school cheer. Club cheer is so much more important and how many hours and the dedication put into it.

Do you think cheerleading is a sport?

Explain why or why not.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Yes, cheerleading is a sport. All the time the girls and boys put in cheer can clearly explain that. Also the activities and injuries that occur in cheerleading can also demonstrate to everyone how cheerleading can be a very dangerous sport.

Do you have any advice for young girls that want to become cheerleaders?

Go for it! Never give up or have doubt about something you want to do. It’s awesome, and you meet so many new friends!

What are your practices like? How long do they last? What type of fitness do you do?

Practices are usually about two and a half hours. At the beginning of practice we go outside and run for a little bit to get warmed up, then condition for 30 minutes. Also, at the end of every practice we condition for 30 minutes as well.

What’s your favorite thing about cheerleading?

My favorite thing about cheerleading is meeting new friends and putting all my time into something like this. Cheerleading is challenging, and I love to challenge myself and to see what I can really do.

What’s your favorite event (football, basketball, etc.) to cheer at and why?

Football. I love the football games and the huge student section and how all of the students get involved. The football games are so much fun to cheer at and to be involved with your school activities and student body.

America Needs Cheerleaders

Positive changes sought by cheerleaders nationwide Written by Preston McClellan From its beginnings in the 1880’s at Princeton University to the first all-girl cheering squad in 1923 at the University of Minnesota, cheerleading has been an integral part of athletics. That’s why Varsity Cheerleading founded the American Needs Cheerleaders campaign to help promote positive contributions made by cheerleaders across the world.

Led by Varsity staff members, all of whom were former cheerleaders, the program seeks to help people understand that cheerleaders do more than root on their favorite teams — they also make a difference in community and people’s lives.

“We recognize that a cheerleader has a very powerful voice in her community,” Nicole Lauchaire, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications for Varsity said. “Teams of cheerleaders have the power to create positive changes wherever they are, whether at games, community service functions, fundraisers or alumni events. We applaud the enthusiasm they bring to everything they do and know that the school experience would not be nearly as rich without cheerleaders.”

Varsity strongly believes that cheerleading is a positive, team-building activity that teaches and inspires generations of young people every day. Cheerleaders become active in activities outside of their teams and lead by example.

Promoting sportsmanship, raising money for charitable organizations such as the MakeA-Wish® foundation, and helping others are just some of the values taught by Varsity and its many cheerleaders across the world.

Founded in 1948, Varsity is an institution when it comes to all things cheerleading.

Varsity sponsors education camps, clinics, and competition as well as uniforms for many squads around the country. The company’s online video system provides access to cheerleading video of all kind which has become popular among fans and coaches alike. The company is based in Memphis and employs more than 5,000 workers nationally.

For more information about Varsity or the America Needs Cheerleaders program visit varsity.com.

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

25

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26

SEPTEMBER 2011

Play. Play. Play.

Do these two photos of the Tennessee Titans look the same to you?

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

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

PICTURE PUZZLE

Titanic Changes Photo by Joel West

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

27

TA I L G AT I N G

Sports was happening and you were there.

Memphis Madness FedExForum October 14, 2011 Photos by Chase Gustafson

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1. The Memphis Tigers Pom Squad 2. Monterriuc Norman and LaDarrius Cemons 3. Caroline and Lauren Roberts 4. Tonya Willet and Angelica Love 5. Marina Barrett and Thomas Carrier 6. Ashlee Fiene and Judith Durrell 7. Gina and Jay Ringle 8. Mark Kaplan, Jon Roser and Chris Vernon

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SEPTEMBER 2011

Alabama vs. Ole Miss Vaught-Hemingway Stadium October 15, 2011 Photos by J.D. Meredith

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9. Emilie Street, Sheila Kumar and Grace Haines 10. Michael Jacobson and Sean Wade 11. Richard and Stephanie Barrett 12. Jason and Kyp Van Every 13. Jason Waldrop, Elizabeth Dosset and Brock MIlls 14. Worth Duperier, Dr John and Leah Cook and Lloyd Hewitt 15. Cofield, Tim and Owen Collins

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29

JACK’S BACK

A Memphis legend takes a look back.

How I Lost the Quantico Game Written by Jack Eaton, Illustrated by Andrew Chandler

It’s true that I was once blamed for the Tigers losing a football game with the Quantico Marines. And therein lies a strange story.

It was back in 1966. I was the play-by-play broadcaster for the Memphis State football team. Part of my job was to host the Tigers TV show on Channel 5. On the show, Tiger Football Coach Billy “Spook” Murphy would join me to look at film of the previous game, interview players and generally talk Tiger football. But on the first show of the season, we would preview all of that season’s games.

Here is where I stuck my foot in my mouth.

We talked about games with Ole Miss, South Carolina, Southern Miss, Mississippi State and more. Then we got to the last game the schedule — the Quantico Marines. I said to coach Murphy, “Coach, suppose we get to the Quantico game unbeaten and lose to those clowns?

Would that count as a loss since they are not a college team?

Murphy lost it. He said, “For heaven‘s sake, don’t call them clowns. I was a marine and I know how mad this is going to make them. Please don’t call them clowns.”

But, by this time it was too late and the clowns remark was out there for everyone to see.

Great Scott.

The Tigers lost three in a row to open the season.

Then won five straight. That left the Quantico game.

Win that and we have a winning season.

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SEPTEMBER 2011

So the final game finally arrived. The Quantico stadium looked like it had been built by the WPA back the depression — a real dump. The broadcasting booth looked like a World War One pill box. It was a bad scene — real bad.

What I didn’t know was the Marines had taken my “clowns” crack very seriously and had searched the Marine Corps world wide for football talent.

They came up with a former Texas All-American quarterback, whose name I have forgotten, and a bunch of other guys I don’t remember either. I really can’t recall a lot about the game — only the final score.

Quantico 20. Memphis State 14. Great Scott.

Red Hoggatt, the Tigers offensive guru, said on the plane ride back home, “I hope your satisfied Eaton, you lost this game.”

It was ridiculous, but what could I say. The Marines loaded up, fought like it was Iwo Jima, and darned if they didn’t do it.

Coach Murphy didn’t say a lot to me on the way home. But on the TV show the next day he did elude to my “clowns” crack. I just wanted to forget it.

But no. The next day I’m in my little office and the phone rings. “Hello Jack. This is Colonel (can’t remember his name) and I’m one of those clowns you were talking about.” Then a big laugh and he hung up.

Ye Gads. Me and my big mouth.

I think it is safe to say that I am one of a very few playby-play guys who lost a game. And I have never called anyone, especially Marines, clowns again. To say that I learned my lesson would be a gross understatement.

Maybe one day I will forget the loss to Quantico, but hey, at least it wasn’t Tennessee. I would have been run back to Pennsylvania.

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

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

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

31

EXPERIENCE

MORE

EXPERIENCE MORE at a school that inspires ambition and nurtures sportsmanship in an extraordinary learning environment. www.sgis.org

JOIN US FOR OUR FALL ADMISSION EVENTS: Middle School and Upper School (grades 6-12) Collierville Campus | November 2 @ 8:30 a.m.

Lower School (grades PK-5) Germantown Campus | November 3 @ 6 p.m.

Memphis Campus | November 17 @ 6 p.m.

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photography by sggryphons.com