WITH WITHAMENITIES AMENITIES LIKE LIKETHESE, THESE, > BOREDOM IS NOT AN OPTION. From its inception in 1990, Germantown Athletic Club has served
> 40-meter indoor pool and hot tub area
as the community’s focal point for health and fitness by providing
> Outdoor pool and splash park
individuals and families in the Mid-South an environment that
> Three-court gymnasium and three racquetball courts
fosters fitness and fellowship. The Club offers its members
> Pilates studio
numerous fitness and aquatic facilities, specialized classes and
> Cycling room equipped with 25 bikes
expert staff under the leadership of the City of Germantown.
> Nutritional counseling > Massage therapy
Amenities include:
> Club Cafe with smoothies, wraps, salads and more Indoor, three-lane, 1/12-mile walking track
> Certified and professional personal trainers available to assist in fitness programming > Fitness area, measuring more than 8,500 square feet with top-of-the-line aerobic and weight-training machines > New locker rooms and sauna > More than 75 group fitness classes offered each week – included in membership
www.GermantownAthleticClub.org
CONTENTS Summer 2010 Volume 4, Number 6
PUBLISHER Mike Bullard 901.229.4749 mike@memphissport.net MANAGING EDITOR
Publisher’s Note 2 Bring It On 4
Fight Club 26 Get Fit 28
Live Debate 6 All-Stars 8
Power Train 30 Tailgating 34
Give and Go 22 Hall of Legends 24
Jack’s Back 36
Kevin Cerrito kevin@memphissport.net CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jack Eaton Doug Gillon Jan Michael Hartelust Ben Hogan Marcus Hunter Andy Skrzat Ashlee Talley
14 Holes of Fame
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sharon Bicks Michael Cardwell Chase Gustafson JD Meredith Joe Murphy COVER PHOTO Joe Murphy
MEMPHIS SPORT
18 Zach Attack
1138 N. Germantown Pkwy Ste. 101-176 Cordova, TN 38016 memphissport.net twitter.com/memphissport
©Copyright 2010 Memphis Sport Magazine LLC, All Rights Reserved
10 Best Summer Ever
Publisher’s Note The obligatory rant.
We have holes!
One of the most exciting things we have going on this issue (and continuing into the next one) is our feature on the best golf holes in the Mid-South. No doubt that there will be more than a few arguments regarding our selections in the days to come, but after exhaustive research (err–play), we feel we have come up with 18 holes of golf not to be missed if at all possible. Play these courses. Play these holes. You won’t be sorry.
The Memphis Sport Holes of Fame is destined to be just that. The 18 most famous holes of golf in the Memphis/Mid-South area. We debated throwing this into the Fourth Annual M Awards (results coming up next issue–shameless plug–vote online now at memphissport.net), but ultimately decided that there were so many great holes that we couldn’t do them justice by only honoring one or two. Take a look at we have come up with and let me know your favorite area golf holes at mike@memphissport.net. issport.net.
Mike Bullard, publisher
THE COVER WE DIDN’T USE
2 | Memphis Sport
Bring It On A simple formula - one cheerleader, questions and answers.
Redhot Shannon
by ANDY SKRZAT photo by CHASE GUSTAFSON
What is i the one word that best describes you? Loud. I’m thee type of girl that at first is pretty shy but once you get to know k me I’m one of those that never shuts up.
Burger. I don’t participate but we have people who put on stuff like hotdog buns and Styrofoam condiments, and build a hotdog or hamburger with a bun on the ground to win.
What’ss your ideal summer day? Probably sitting by a pool with a People P le magazine i in i my hand h d and d li listening i to my iP iPod. d
What is your favorite food? Probably chicken quesadillas. IIt’s’ so good, d it’s i ’ one off those h ffoods d that h iit llooks k so goodd andd you know k you shouldn’t h ld ’ eat it, but b you stillll do. d I’ I’m really ll picky about my chicken quesadillas because I can’t have any onions or tomatoes on them. Just chicken and cheese.
What kind of music would you be listening to? Country, pop, songs from musicals. It’s a little bit of everything on there. Why did the RedHots switch from being a dance team to being more of a promotional team? My understanding was that management or the squad director changed. The first girl was more a coach person and Jessica McDaniels, the person currently in charge of the Redhots, is more of a promotion-centered person. What is your favorite promotion to do? We have a brand new one this year that is called Backyard Burger Build-a-
4 | Memphis Sport
Who is your favorite Redbird? Jon Jay. I like him, just because he’s a little guy. You don’t often see baseball players who are short and stocky, and I like the song he comes out to. Red Hots, Big Red or red M&Ms? Red M&Ms because they’re not spicy. And it has to be peanut not regular or else I’d have to change my answer. M
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www.memphissport.net www memphissport net | 5
Live Debate Kevin and Marcus go head-to-head.
S E I L Z Z I R G E H T SHOULD J. MAYO . O E V O M ? T N I O P TO THE JD MERE
DITH
esdays on rt Live, Tu o p S is h p m osts of Me Hunter, h t memphissport.net. s u c r a M rrito and d online a Kevin Ce orts 56 WHB Q an Featuring p S KEVI N : Seee that is wheree wee dissagreee. I think Marcc Gasoll, Zach but th hat’s beccause wheen he got the balll Randolph, Rudy Gay, andd O.J. Mayo out on thee wing he was abble to dissh it could all someday be starrterss on na down low to one of th he big g uyys. He c h a m p i o n s hi i p t e am m . M ik k e C on n leey, KEVI N : Th The Grizzllies neeed is a good two g uard. Whyy noot work not so much. The Grizzzliees needd to to tr y movvingg O.JJ. Mayo to on makking hiim a greatt tw wo g uaard? upgraade the point g uaard possitioon in the poiint g uaard positiion.. order to move too the nextt levvel.. Mayo is th he bestt playeer on n th he KEVI N : Itt is easier to findd a shoooteer team and righ ht now hee isn n’t getttin ng fo your teeam th for han it is too find som meoone M ARCUS : The bigg questtionn beforre enough h toouch hess. Iff he is brin ngin ng the with liifeloong NBA skiills likee Mayo. last seeasoon was if theree woouldd be balll up the coourt, he iss guuaraanteeedd Pluus, tyypiccal NBA shootiing g uaardds enough h baalls to go arooundd. They weree a touch h evveryy possessioon. aree aroundd 6’77”. O.JJ. iss a shorrt 6’44”.. ablee to make it work with h th he g uys Hiss sizze makes it harder for him m to theyy haad becaause they hadd a poiint M ARCUS : Bad ideea. O.J.. dooessn’t dominant hiss cuurrent possitioon. g uard whoo diidn’tt demandd th he balll.. If have pooint guuard skillss. He iss a turn novver y o u m o v e O . J . t o p o in n t , th h e Griizzliies waitingg too happen. And makkingg him M ARCUS : I will addmiit O.J. is an w i ll l n e e d t o b r in n g i n th h e p erf fectt roll a pointt willl onlyy add to th hat.. The underssized sh hootin ng g uarrd. If he had g uy to keeep itt toogetherr. I don n’t thiink Grizzliies need a g uy who can n fill it upp. point g uard abillitiies, he coulld be a theyy coouldd geet luuckky liike that aggaiin. O.JJ. is the only one who can.. Taakee thaat Deron Williaams tyype. I juust don n’tt havve away and they loose thaat deepp sh aw hooter. confidence th hat O.JJ. caan be thatt good KEVI N : Do you rem mem mbeer the at the point g uard possitioon. The way last tiime a baskeetball team m in n th hiss KEVI N : The Juice hasnn’t beenn givenn thiss teaam is set up, theey don’’t neeed a citty moved itts bestt plaayerr froom the oppportuunityy too proovee wheth her or point g uard whoo is goiing to scooree a loot shootin ng g uard to the poiint?? not he hass pointt g uardd skkillss. Liion nel of poin nts. They need a gam me maanagger.. Holliins has been n too busyy pllayiing And th hat’’s whatt Mike Conleey was M ARCUS : Yeah, he wentt onn to a g uy at pooint who we all know hass doing lateer in n th he year.. I thin nk Conleyy become th he 2010 NBA A Rookiee off veryy litttlle NBA point g uaard skiillss. can n be a goodd seer viceaablee pointt in n the Yeaar. If th he Griizzliies wouuld have thiss leaag ue. He just needss teaamm mates drafted that playyer, he woulddn’tt hav ave M ARCUS : Mayo leed the teaam withh and fan ns thatt believe in n hiim. Soo far been Rookie of the Year, butt th he 2.115 tuurnoovers a game lasst yeear.. Yeaah, in Mem mphis,, he hasn’tt gotten n th hat.. Grizz would havve madde th he playyoffs. he was seccond on the team m with h assistts, photo by
6 | Memphis Sport
KEVI N : Not draftinng ‘R Rekke or Rubio in lastt yeaar’s draaft has dellayyed the proogreess of this teaam. I am not solld on Mikke Con nleyy beingg abble to lead thee Grizz to a plaayoff win.. Maybbe draaftingg or trading forr a point g uaard is th he wayy to go. I just th hin nk the Griizzliies need a change at poin nt, and rigght now w with h thiss rosterr, O.JJ. is the bestt opptioon.. M ARCUS : With thhis rosster,, Mayoo would be a gooodd g uy to havee ruun point when you need to go with ha biggger linee upp, but I doon’tt th hinkk he should be thee main n guuy at th he poiint. How nicce wouldd itt be if this teaam stilll had Juuan Carlos Navaarroo ? KEVI N : One thing is fo for suree— Grizzliies fanss sh hould be gladd th hat Kevin n McHalee was succh a hoorriiblle G.M. I doubtt we woulld be arguuin ng about wheether or not Kevvin n Loove should be moved to th he poin nt. M Kevin Cerrito and Marcus Hunter can be heard every Tuesday at 6pm on Sports 56 WHBQ. Podcasts of the broadcasts can be found online at memphissport.net
www.memphissport.net | 7
All-Stars The very best of prep athletics.
Camille Hayes
Hutchison School Lacrosse, Co-Captain/Attack Awards: US Lacrosse Academic AllAmerican 2009, All-Region and Best of the Preps All-Metro 2009
Lauren Browning
St. Agnes Academy Soccer, Captain Awards: 2006 TSSAA State Champion in 2006 and 2009, Katie Hunter All Tournament Team, TSSAA All Region Division II-AA All Tournament Team, THSSCA All Star team.
Maggie Donoghue
Hutchison School Tennis, Co-Captain Awards: Defending 2009 TSSAA D-2 AA State Champions, Doubles 2009 State Runner-Up, 2009 TSSAA D-2 AA West Doubles Champion, Best of the Preps Tennis Player of the Year Finalist
8 | Memphis Sport
If you’ve got kids, then you know that Summer is coming. You know your kids are excited and ready, but will likely be bored and wishing for school to start back ’ after the second week. It doesn t have to be that way. Memphis Sport scoured the summer camp offerings for the entire Mid-South to figure out how you can give your kids the...
BEST
SUMMER EVER! 10 | Memphis Sport
FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 5-6 JUNE
1
JUNE
M Mini-Mad Science JJUNE 1-4
28
Explore the wonders of the world of science at the Hutchison School. 901.762.6674 or hutchisonschool.org JUNE
7
Believe it. Art is good for you at the Memphis College of Art. 901.757.7375 or mca.edu JULY
G Gymnastics Summer Camp JJUNE 7-11
Jump into this one featuring gymnastics, crafts, inflatibles and more at River City Gymnastics. 901.388.3737 or rivercitygymnastics.com JUNE
14
14
JUNE
19
26
Ride off into the summer sunset on horseback at Oak View Stables. 662.895.4544 or oakviewstables.net
S Spy Academy JJULY 19-23
Master code breaking, fitness training, disguise techniques, and proper usage of highly intelligent gadgets at the Germantown Athletic Club. 901.414.2353 or wishmemories.com JULY
N New Pony PeeWees JJUNE 21-25
C Classy Critters JJULY 12-16
Mom might EEEK at the critters you can get up close and personal with at the Memphis Zoo. 901.276.9453 or memphiszoo.org JULY
S Superhero Fun JJUNE 14-18
S Solar Sensation JJULY 5-9
Everything you ever wanted to know about the solar system but were afraid to ask at Olivia’s Montessori School. 901.377-3081 or oliviasmontessori.com
12
Save the world everyday. Superman, Batman, Spiderman, The Green Lantern, and Captain America will help save the day at St. George’s Independent School. 901.261.2323 or sgis.org
21
5
JULY
L LEGO Mania Camp JJUNE 14-18
Challenge your imagination. Build rockets, cars and much more at Presbyterian Day School. 901. 842.4600 or pdsmemphis.org JUNE
S Summer Art Camp Jr. JJUNE 28-JULY 2
W Walk the Plank JJULY 26-30
Learn all things pirate, ye will, in the swashbuckling, high seas adventure at Christ Methodist Day School. 901.261.2147 or cmdsmemphis.org
FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 7-9 JUNE
7
A American Cooking Tour JJUNE 7-11
JUNE
14
Take your taste buds on a culinary journey that spans the United States at the Viking Cooking School. 901.763.3747 or vikingcookingschool.com JUNE
14
Y Youngsters, Junk & Music JJUNE 14-18
Learn about music, rhythm, creative teamwork and environmental citizenship at the Junkyard Museum. 901.857.4877 or thejunkyardmemphis.org
Model M Car Building JUNE J 14-18
Contruct a model of a classic Ford vehicle at Christ Methodist Day School. 901.261.2147 or cmdsmemphis.org
JUNE
21
Weird W Science JUNE J 21-25
Discover some weird facts about the natural world at the Memphis Botanic Garden. 901-576-4126 or memphisbotanicgarden.com
www.memphissport.net | 11
JUNE
28
JULY
Star Wars Revisited JUNE 28-JULY 2
12
Cross over to this summer camp featuring light sabers, wookie cookies and more at Presbyterian Day School. 901.842.4600 or pdsmemphis.org JULY
5
Spend a few summer hours reading all about fairies and learning some old folk tales at St. Agnes Academy. 901.767.1356 or saa-sds.org JULY
Theatre Camp JULY 5-9
26
Perform on stage in this introductory lesson in theater at Saint Benedict at Auburndale. 901.260.2840 or sbaeagles.org
Folk and Fairy Tale Fun JULY 12-16
Boundless Balloons JULY 26-30
Have you ever played Balloon Worm or Balloon Juggle Tag? The games and activities are endless at St. George’s Independent School. 901.261.2323 or sgis.org
FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 10-12 JUNE
1
SLAM Sports JUNE 1-4
Learn more about sports in a week than you ever thought you could at Memphis University School. 901.260.1379 or musowls.org JUNE
7
Duct Tape Extravaganza JUNE 7-11
JUNE
28
Enter the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter and friends, and enjoy games, puzzles, crafts and more at Grace-St. Luke’s School. 901.278.0200 or gslschool.org JULY
5 Duct tape is awesome! Make bags, artwork, and other extremely cool things at St. George’s Independent School. 901.261.2323 or sgis.org JUNE
14
Strings Camp JUNE 14-18
Hip-hop, rock, and other types of music you may not realize are played with the violin, viola, or cello. Learn more at Harding Academy. 901.767.5344 or hardinglions.org JUNE
14
Wii Sports & Fitness JUNE 14-18
Bowling, tennis, and fitness, oh my! A virtual opportunity for campers to exercise body and mind at Grace-St. Luke’s School. 901.278.0200 or gslschool.org JUNE
21
Model United Nations JUNE 21-25
Learn the structure and operation of the UN, parlimentary procedure, international issues and more at Saint Benedict at Auburndale. 901.260.2840 or sbaeagles.org
12 | Memphis Sport
Camp Hogwarts JUNE 28-JULY 2
ZSI: Memphis JULY 5-9
From bugs to bones to bite marks, find out all about how animals help us to solve mysteries at the Memphis Zoo. 901.276.9453 or memphiszoo.org JULY
12
Rock School JULY 12-16
Put your band on the map with a week of training at Lane Music. 901.755-5025 or lanemusic.com JULY
12
LEGO Filmmaking JULY 12-16
Create stop-motion LEGO movies. Be the next Ray Harryhausen (Google him) at Briarcrest. 901.765.4662 or briarcrest.com JULY
19
Claymation JULY 19-23
Gumby will have nothing on you after this crash course in claymation at Presbyterian Day School. 901.842.4600 or pdsmemphis.org
• T H E M E M PH I S S P ORT •
by JAN MICHAEL HARTELUST photos by MICHAEL CARDWELL
So you’re out with your friends at your favorite local watering hole, just enjoying a few drinks and some great conversation, when a song starts up on the jukebox that inspires one of your friends to claim it as one of his favorites of all time. Naturally, this sparks an entirely new debate as to what the best songs of all time actually are. Everyone starts coming up with their own compilations, none of which can be labeled as wrong (unless, of course, someone includes Hanson) because songs say different things to different people. The same holds true when trying to come up with the best golf holes in the Memphis area. It is an impossible task to be sure, but one this writer took on tee to green, driver in hand. A mixtape, if you will, of great golf holes.
14 | M 14 Memphis eem mpph his is SSport por po rt t
Of course there are rules to making a great mixtape, rules that John Cusack brilliantly summarizes in High Fidelity, “The making of a great compilation tape… is hard to do and takes ages longer than you might think. You gotta kick off with a killer, to grab attention. Then you got to take it up a notch, but you don’t wanna blow your wad, so then you got to cool it off a notch. There are a lot of rules.” The same rules have been followed in this compilation. Without further ado, I present the Memphis Sport Holes of Fame. Enjoy the front nine this issue. We will present the back nine next issue. Let the debating begin. Note: All yardages are from the back tees.
1. Cherokee Valley Golf Club No.1 Par 5 – 467 yards This is the perfect opening hole for our course. The course is not particularly long and neither is this beautiful par 5. An elevated tee box reveals a lake straight ahead and within driving distance, bunkers on the right side of a fairway that doglegs to the right and another small pond in front of an elevated green. What it does is make the golfer think about his options. “It gives you a lot of options and could kick start a round with birdie or eagle,” said Golf Pro Adam Payne. “There’s also a lot of trouble there with water in play off the tee.” Birdie on this hole is just as likely as bogey.
2. Edmund Orgill No.4
3. Kirkwood National No. 4
Par 4 – 401 yards
Par 3 – 188 yards
“Tee shot’s a premium,” said Golf Pro Mike Laird. With Orgill Lake bordering the entire right side of the hole, it would be best to stay to left side of a relatively generous fairway. A good drive could set up a short to mid iron into an inviting green. Though this may not seem to be a particularly difficult hole, it’s beauty is in it’s simplicity and its difficulty lies in Orgill Lake – along with more than a few golf balls.
The shot to this elevated green will challenge even scratch golfers. A large bunker protects the front of the green, a lake protects the back and woods and a ditch stands guard on the right. If all of this sounds difficult, it’s because it is. The absolute best result can only come from a well-placed middle-long iron to the middle of the green and hope to get out alive with a two-putt. That won’t be too easy either, as the green slopes severely from back to front.
4. The Links at Galloway No.9 Par 5 – 473 yards At 473 yards, this revamped hole plays the shortest of all the par 5’s on our course, but generally plays as the most difficult on its course. Trees border both sides of a generous fairway and a good tee shot could certainly put you in range to be on this green in two. Sounds easy, but here’s where it gets difficult. Unless you’re Happy Gilmore, you’re probably going to have a blind approach to a twotiered green with water protecting the front and right. Not so easy anymore. For most golfers, a lay up to about 100 yards sets up a good birdie chance, provided you land on the correct tier.
www.memphissport.net | 15
5. Memphis National. Champions Course No.14 Par 4 – 450 yards
7. Mirimichi No. 16 Par 4 – 467 yards
The second longest par 4 on our course could actually play the longest as it usually plays into the wind or with a mean crosswind. With out of bounds on the left and two lakes on the right, it is highly critical to be perched in the fairway after the tee shot. Otherwise your playing partner could be having some fun drawing a corncob pipe and top hat on the snowman you put up. There is also water in play to the right of the green, to up the ante a little more. This is a beautiful and monstrous hole. Par is a great score here.
The newest hole on our course does not disappoint, as it is the longest of the par 4’s and perhaps the most difficult. A winding creek hugs the left side of the fairway and takes you all the way to a small, deep bunker just short and left of the green. A large, reachable bunker guards the right side of the fairway with a fleet of trees mounted on wild grass. The fairway itself is not particularly wide and is packed with undulations, adding to an already difficult approach. Water awaits both behind and to the left of a good sized green that slopes severely from middle to front. This will almost certainly play as one of, if not the toughest, hole on our course.
6. TO Fuller State Park No.4
8. TPC at Southwind No. 14
Par 3 – 196 yards
Par 3 – 231 yards (Pictured on page 14)
Without a doubt the signature hole at TO Fuller, this fantastic par 3 is both beautiful and daunting. It certainly plays longer than its 196 yards, as it is played to an elevated green and almost always directly into the wind. It doesn’t help most average golfers who struggle with long par 3’s that this is a small green. Hitting the target will not be easy, but if so, a birdie is not out of the question. But of course, like the majority of the holes on our course, a much higher number is not out of the question.
Those fortunate enough to have attended the St. Jude Classic at the TPC at Southwind know all too well about No. 14. Some of the best golfers in the world have struggled on this brilliantly designed hole. At 231 yards it is the longest par 3 on our course, but length is not the only concern here. Water guards the front and flanks the right side of the green and two bunkers await behind the green for those who can’t stop their ball on this narrow green filled with undulations. There is no real safe place to miss on this hole, so it’s best to just hit one of the best shots of your life and put it on the green. Good luck with that.
9. Tunica National No.18 Par 4 – 443 yards Take advantage of the 360-degree practice facility, because you’ll need all the work you can get before reaching Tunica National’s finishing hole. “The greatest thing about it is the decision off the tee,” said Golf Pro Matt Brunetz. “A lot of times you can’t hit a driver.” Not being able to hit a driver off the tee of any 443-yard par 4 would make it more difficult, but on this hole that possibility just adds to the challenge. The large green is guarded almost entirely by water and according to Brunetz, there could be a three club difference on the approach, depending on pin placement.
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE
16 | Memphis Sport
Look for the back nine in the next issue of Memphis Sport. If you have questions or comments about this story, email me at jm@memphissport.net
www.memphissport.net | 17
18 | Memphis Sport
Zach Attack by DOUG GILLON photo by JOE MURPHY/NBAE
It did not take Zach Randolph long to feel at home in Memphis. In just one season, the Grizzlies’ forward has made the Grizzlies’ relevant again and become the town’s newest and biggest sports celeb. He did it without a lot of flash, but was consistent. He outlasted debacles with brighter stars like Allen Iverson with hard-nosed and consistent basketball that re-established him as one of the best 20-10 power forwards in the league and sent him to the all-star game. Now he’s ready for more. Ready to keep the Grizzlies’ attendance figures improving with play that’s more punch than promise, and ready, hopefully, to take this team to that first playoff win and beyond.
When did you first know that you had a talent for basketball? When I was young. Just playing at the park, playing at the boys and girls clubs, just having a knack for the ball and loving the way I felt about the game. I always wanted to play. Just like now, I want to play, play, play.
Do you feel like the Grizzlies are moving in the right direction?
I definitely think this is a team that’s coming up. We’ve got a great point guard, a great two-guard, great three, great four, great five, so definitely. This is a team that’s on the rise. Young guys that love to play and love the game. That’s all you can ask for.
What can you guys improve going into next year? I think we can improve on the bench. Improve on some long distance shooters that can knock down shots, and just have a stronger bench.
Did anything change for you this year, from a personal perspective? Nothing. Really, nothing. People just go off what they hear from three of four years ago but they really don’t know a person. What happened was so long ago. So, nothing. Just being in a great situation. Memphis is a great city and this is a great organization. I’m just surrounding myself with the organization and the team. Young guys that love to play. We got out to a slow start but we picked it up and started winning.
www.memphissport.net | 19
What kind of relationship do you have with a lot of the guys on the team? I look at these guys like my little brothers. Not like somebody I can just talk to about basketball, but can talk to about anything. I can tell them about stuff I’ve been through and what to do, and how to grow in the league. It’s the NBA and you can hit a lot of bumps in the road.
Does a good relationship with the coach have any effect on your success? I just become focused. This is just my job and I love to play basketball, so I just approach it serious and take it serious, and try to win.
Did you change anything about your preparation this year? Just my conditioning. Putting time in, working out, shooting jump shots, running, treadmills, all that stuff. I love the game. So I’m like this 82 in and out, even before I came to Memphis. If you can’t get inspired by the job you do, you shouldn’t be doing it. I work hard and I love to play.
Why do you think Memphians identify with you so well? They respect people that work hard. There’s nothing that comes easy in Memphis, and they respect a hard worker.
southern hospitality. Great food. Beale Street is great. Just feels like a small town. Close knit.
What’s your favorite restaurant? I’d say Behinana’s.
How did you enjoy the Stax museum at Staxtacular [Grizzlies’ Charity Event]? I was glad I got to go there and see that, it was a great event. It was nice, real nice. Learned a lot of stuff I didn’t know. Got to see Issac Hayes’ nice car, it was great.
You also gave away 500 tickets to one game. There’s a lot of people that want to see our games that aren’t able to. For me to do something like that, it was real important to me. To see the line that was out there, the scene, you know, the people that wanted to see us play, it meant a lot to me.
Attendance was up this year, but still could improve. What can you What about the team visit to the Civil Rights museum? guys do to get more people coming to the games? That was emotional. You get to go out there and stand on the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King got shot, it was real touching. There was a lot that I learned there.
Do you not like to dunk? Naw, (laughs) I just leave that up to the young guys. You know, I just like to get it done.
Where did the headband first show up? I’ve been doing the headband since Portland, since my rookie year. I like wearing it. A lot of the guys on my team, older guys, were wearing it, so it was cool.
Does your family like it here?
You paid several people’s MLGW bills during the winter, what inspired that?
Yeah, of course! Man the city is great. Real family oriented with
That was just something I wanted to do. I’ve been in that situation
20 | Memphis Sport
where I’ve been without lights, or food or whatever. It’s just something I wanted to do to help. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a little bit or a lot. I was just trying to help out.
We just have to play well so the fans will support us. Fans are a big part of the organization. Players feed off energy from the fans. We just got to keep on winning games and make them understand how important it is for them to come to these games. It ain’t fun playing in front of an empty house, or when we score we just hear a little clap. We love having the fans in the stands.
After all this, how big of a priority is it for you to stay in Memphis after next season? It’s real big to stay here and grow with this team because we’re right there. It’s real important to bring Rudy back, first of all. First priority is to bring Rudy back. It’s a good core and we need to keep it. We’re right there. M
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Give and Go You gott ttaa giive sometim mes..
A VISION WITH A HEART OF GOLD by A ASHLEE S LEE TA SH TALL TALLEY L EY
Has there ever been a moment in your life where you stopped and wondered “what if ”? What if I actually pursued my dreams? What if I could provide a service to the community? What if I could make a difference? These were the very questions that John Talley asked himself y almost 15 years ago. Unbeknownst to him, he would start the pursuit of a dream. Through unexpected and life-changing news, he would wo then begin to use his dream for the betterment of our community. comm John Talley, the father of three who all played soccer, socc had personally felt the need for a centrally located socc soccer complex in his community. John provided the inspiration inspirat and business plan that turned his dream into a realit reality. He was the visionary behind the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Com However, the completion of the complex would only be half of his contribution to our community. In 1997, th the construction of the Mike Rose Soccer Complex got under w way. Three years later, John received news that would change chan his life forever–the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Many peop people would feel the need to put life on hold to focus on th their battle with cancer, but John chose to continue with constr construction of the complex and tackle his cancer at the same tim time. It was this choice that would manifest itself John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research into the Joh Fund. Due to circumstances beyond his control, the local neurologist that John had been working with moved away. It was then that John was referred to Dr. Frederick Boop, MD, a pediatric neurologist. This caused John to have to visit Dr. Boop’s pediatric office for his appointments. It was there in the waiting room that he witnessed the plight of very young children who were facing the same battle that rested on his shoulders. This chance meeting between a 44-year-old man and these brave children confirmed to John that this world is so much bigger than him. Through much prayer and reflection, John and his family decided to set up a foundation at Le Bonheur in order to help the children who are struggling with the very obstacle that he was facing. In August of 2001, John’s vision of the Mike Rose Soccer Complex was complete and the final touches were put on the 2,500+ seat stadium. In the spirit of community and fellowship, the University of Memphis Tigers and the
22 | Memphis Sport
Christian Brothers Buccaneers played the inaugural game on the stadium field. Three months later, the John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund held its first event, The Le Bonheur All Star Game. The game featured 25 Major League Soccer players, one of whom was Carey Talley, John’s oldest son. Clark Talley, John’s middle son and goal keeper for the University of Memphis, was also added to the roster. The event was a huge success and raised more than $25,000. This would be the only time John saw his two sons play soccer on the same field. It was also the only charity event that he was able to oversee due to his untimely passing in March of 2002. Over the past eight years, the Talley family has carried on John’s dream of the complex and the charity. Each year there is at least one event to support the John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund. This year the family has decided to host the third “Fore the Kids” golf tournament. All of the proceeds from the tournament will benefit John’s fund at Le Bonheur. The community’s participation and donations will help the hundreds of patients and their families as they visit Le Bonheur for the treatment of brain tumors. Since John’s passing the John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund has helped raise more than $132,400 for Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center. The most recent project that was launched with the help of John’s fund is “Beads of Courage,” an arts-in-medicine program that transforms the treatment experience for children coping with chronic, life threatening illnesses. Through the fund, so many children and their families have been touched by John Talley’s heart of gold. John had the boldness to wonder “what if ” and use his passion to positively impact the lives of many people. M If you are interested in participating in the “Fore the Kids” a charitable golf tournament supporting the John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund, please contact Simon Lacon at (901) 751-4223 or at simonlacon@mikerosesoccercomplex.com. To make donations to the John C. Talley Pediatric Neurological Research Fund please contact the Le Bonheur Foundation at (901)287-6308 or visit www.lebonheur.org/give.
A world-class golf experience
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www.memphissport.net www. ww w me w. m mphi mphiissport.n net | 2233
Hall of Legends The very best of Memphis sports.
the king bbyy A AND ND DRE JOHNSON JJOH OH HNS NSON ON ANDRE photo by SHARON BICK C S BICKS
Ask Jerry Lawler why he believes his professional wrestling career has been so successful over the years, and chances are he will strike up an engaging conversation about his feud with entertainer Andy Kaufman in the early 1980s. “It put me in a unique position to be a professional wrestler who had nationwide publicity,” Lawler said in a recent interview from an East Memphis restaurant. It all unfolded in July 1982. Lawler, a local professional wrestler and commercial artist who was beloved by Memphians, was invited to appear on the David Letterman Show with Kaufman, who starred in the ABC sitcom Taxi in the late 1970s and early 80s. There, the two sat in a New York studio, where they were brought in to air out their differences surrounding their ongoing quarrel and Lawler’s disqualification after his pair of piledrivers during a match which hospitalized Kaufman three months earlier. In one of the most shocking commercial lead-ins in the history of television, a seemingly perturbed Lawler stood up and smacked a neck-brace wearing Kaufman, whose chair tumbled off the platform and onto the canvas as the live
24 | Memphis Sport
audience applauded in wonderment. While the altercation, which many believed had been staged, made national headlines, it heightened Lawler’s celebrity throughout a wrestling career that spans nearly four decades. He was 16 years old when he was first introduced to wrestling and was trained by his hero and mentor, Jackie Fargo, who wrestled professionally from the early 1950s until his retirement in June 1980. Fargo said among the things that separated Lawler from his peers was his willingness to hearken his advice, particularly after he beat Curt Henning for his first world championship in 1988. “I taught him to be a gentleman when he needed to be and to be a butthole when he needed to be,” says Fargo. “He’s just come a long way. He doesn’t give up. Jerry Lawler does not give up. I’m very proud to have taught him. He followed in my footsteps.” After winning the American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight title from Henning during what was a historic night in the Mid-South Coliseum, Lawler saw his career soar to immense heights. He feuded with World Class Championship Wrestling champion Kerry Von Erich for months before ultimately upending Von Erich on December 15, 1988 at Superclash 3 to unify both titles. Three years later, during
his brief tenure in the United States Wrestling Association, Lawler teamed with Jeff Jarrett to defeat the Moondogs for the USWA World Tag Team titles. His thrust, consequently, caught the attention of World Wrestling Federation chairman Vince McMahon, who hired Lawler as an announcer on WWF Superstars of Wrestling in December 1992. His WWF stint was marred by an array of controversy, most notably his run-ins with Bret “The Hit Man” Hart that led to the infamous “Kiss My Foot” match won by Hart during the King of the Ring event in 1995. Lawler assumed a number of roles for what is now WWE over the next few years before controversy surrounding his then-wife Stacy Carter’s abrupt firing prompted him to resign from the company in February 2001. His absence, however, lasted only nine months, as he rekindled his relationship with McMahon who, reintroduced Lawler on Raw as a commentator replacement for the previously-fired Paul Heyman. He has been with WWE ever since and is a fixture on the weekly twohour wrestling show. Three years ago, Lawler—whose 140-plus career championships is most among any active WWE wrestler—was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime actor William Shatner, with
hey , it’s time to start thinking about summer Five Cool Things to Do this Summer at MUS: 1. Launch miniature rockets. 2. Create your own video game. 3. Throw the perfect spiral. 4. Become an improv comedy genius. 5. Master your three-pointer. For more information on all summer programs, visit our Web site at www.musowls.org or call (901) 260-1300.
Memphis University School 6191 Park Avenue Memphis, TN 38119
whom he had an altercation during a January 1995 episode of Raw. Still, Lawler, who is in no rush to retire from wrestling, believes it was his well-publicized dispute with Kaufman that helped elevate not only his career, but wrestling with regards to bridging the gap with celebrities and high-profile athletes. In 1999, Lawler even starred as himself in the movie Man on the Moon with renowned actor Jim Carrey, who played the character Kaufman. “If you notice every week, Raw has had a celebrity as a guest host,” Lawler said. “I think (the feud with Kaufman) provided wrestling with a tremendous rub in that wrestling is seen as a late night television show. Andy Kaufman was not just big for me, but it was big for wrestling. It was the most famous wrestling match in history.” M The M Awards continue all year long with the addition of the Hall of Legends. Each year six new Legends will be inducted into the Hall, an honor given to a local sports icon whose athletic contributions and public influence have had perennial effects on Memphis and the Mid-South.
www.memphissport.net | 25
Fight Club You gotta fight for your right...
JUST A FAN by BEN HOGAN photo by MICHAEL CARDWELL
Nick Harmeier is a 29-year-old man with some big goals in mind and if his track record is any indication, he seems to be well on his way to making himself a household name around the Mid-South, if not further. Harmeier is the founder of V3 Fights, a mixed martial arts (MMA) brand that is based in Memphis and puts on events around the Mid-South. While many people around the Mid-South may not know Harmeier by name, a few might know his writing, as he was the marketing director of Quentin “Rampage” Jackson before he became a member of the UFC brand of MMA. He wrote press releases for Rampage, as well as booking him to fight. Harmeier and Rampage actually go way back. They met in their high school days when both were involved with their school wrestling teams: Harmeier, at Craigmont, and Rampage, at Raliegh-Egypt. Both also participated in an amateur wrestling squad for the Jr. Olympics. Their friendship continued on throughout Harmeier’s college years. Harmeier has very strong roots with MMA in the MidSouth. From the beginning, he was involved with the process of legalizing MMA in Tennessee. This eventually led to the Forum hosting a nationally recognized payper-view UFC fight in December of last year. Last year, Harmeier was working promotions and marketing for another local MMA brand. He eventually got fed up with the direction the company was going. It was then he decided to start V3. V3’s first event was last fall at the Delta Fair in DeSoto County. Soon after, three other events were held at Newby’s on Highland. And this June, V3 will be holding its highest profile event yet in the FedExForum Grand Lobby. This event will be making history for V3, as it will boast three title matches. Later in the year, V3 will be putting on shows at the Delta Fair and the Mid-South Fair, as well as hoping to put on a few more fights in the Grand Lobby of the Forum before basketball season tips off. Harmeier knows that there is potential to become big time and eventually hold an event
26 | Memphis Sport
inside the bowl of the Forum, as MMA is definitely an up and coming sport that is gaining more and more popularity. There are many amateur MMA brands popping up around the country, but Harmeier feels he knows how to keep his brand above the rest. When asked what sets V3 apart from the other MMA brands, Harmeier responded, “Staying true to the brand, being true to MMA.” In his words, he is “just a fan” of MMA. He says that helps because he knows what the people want and he will do what it takes to deliver a product that creates buzz and gets people to come back time after time. This includes not cutting corners and spending a little extra money on production. He is always looking at the little things and what he can do to make his overall product better. Obviously Harmeier hopes to eventually sell out the FedExForum main arena, but more important to him, would be to become a “Triple-A” to the UFC, becoming sort of a feeder brand to the big time. But, for now Harmeier is focused on the immediate future and next month’s fight in the FedExForum Grand Lobby. M
Why do we play sports? Why do we exhaust ourselves endlessly chasing
Our sports medicine staff specializes in getting athletes off the training table and
one another within fence enclosed grassy meadows or
back on the field as quickly as possible. But
frustrate ourselves by attempting to thwart the laws
we’re not just experts in sports medicine,
of physics that dictate an object at rest will remain at rest
we’re also the leader in general orthopaedics.
or punish ourselves with the unnatural pursuit of
So is it any wonder that the most serious of
conquering environments we have no business
athletes, those from the professional and
wading into?
college ranks, choose Campbell Clinic?
Why? Because it is there. Because the human
And if people whose careers are dependent
spirit won’t take no for an answer. Because adrenaline is
upon healthy bodies think we’re the best, then
a drug that feeds the soul. And because for those lucky
odds are we’re a pretty good choice for weekend
few able to run faster, jump higher, throw farther and
warriors, long-time couch potatoes, or anyone
dive deeper, glory awaits.
who turns an ankle, wrenches a back or twists a wrist.
So we play. But not all of us are built for speed. Fewer still are built to absorb the punishment sports inflict. And none of us are eternally sixteen years old.
So we get hurt. But we don’t mind. Even the biggest, strongest, and fastest of us get hurt. We accept that as part of sport. What we
Because even if you’re tough enough to play with pain, there’s no reason you should have to.
#43
campbell clinic is proud to be the official sports medicine providers for the memphis grizzlies, the memphis redbirds, university of memphis athletics, rhodes college athletics, christian brothers university athletics, the memphis river kings, the kroger st. jude tennis tournament, and ballet memphis.
#43
don’t like, what we detest, is not being able to play.
That’s where Campbell Clinic
CAMPBELL CLINIC O r t h o p ae di c s w w w. ca m p b e l lc l i n i c . co m
comes in.
www.memphissport.net | 27
Get Fit Everyone can use some more.
CLUB PERSONAL TRAINER HELPS CLIENTS REACH GREAT HEIGHTS Jon Mungle, a personal trainer at Germantown Athletic Club, has found a way to incorporate his background in baseball and his passion for fitness into his daily life. Playing a variety of sports growing up, Jon decided to focus on baseball during high school, and put everything he had into developing his skills. The hard work paid off, and he went on to play college baseball at Mississippi State University. With an undeniable passion for sports and fitness, Jon decided to major in kinesiology. His studies in class went hand-in-hand with his life on the field. They even tied into his career-ending ACL injuries. “I tore my ACL the fifth game of the season in my junior year. Ironically enough, the day I tore it, we were studying the ACL in class. After going through 11 months of rehabilitation, I tore it a second time. It was very difficult – two surgeries on such an intense
28 | Memphis Sport
injury are extremely hard to come back from,” Jon said. “If there was an upside, it was the fact that through the hours and hours of therapy, I actually learned a lot about sports-related injuries. And not only how to properly rehabilitate them, but also how to avoid them.” Jon now specializes in sportspecific training for athletes, weight management, flexibility and nutrition. Drawing from his own personal experiences, he is able to bring a lot to the table as a personal trainer at Germantown Athletic Club. “My main goal is to teach the importance of posture and proper technique in order to avoid injury and excel on the field or in the gym,” Jon said. Jon utilizes a workout technique called rate-of-force development, which involves taking movements and motions athletes use on the field and applying resistance in order to build strength.
This type of training is commonly used by baseball players to increase the speed and power of their swing and overall quickness on the field. One professional player that uses this training technique is Ed Easley, a friend of Jon’s and catcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Ed started playing baseball as a child and decided his freshman year in high school to make it his main sport. When his senior year rolled around, Ed was offered full scholarship from every school in the Southeastern Conference and a few from the Atlantic Coast Conference. “Mississippi State had a strong baseball tradition, was close to home and offered me the best opportunity to play as a freshman,” Ed said. Before deciding to go to Mississippi State, however, Ed was approached by scouts from the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees. Both teams
flew him to their respective facilities for a workout, but after much consideration with his family, he decided to forgo the pros and play college baseball. After three years of catching at Mississippi State, Ed was selected as a first-round draft pick for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2007. With his all-time goal of playing in the majors within reach, Ed realized he needed to use the off-season to build and develop his strength and technique. “Ed called me and wanted me to build him a custom workout program. His primary goal was to get stronger and build flexibility,” Jon said. “He told me, ‘I need somebody to make me do it, and make me do it right.’ So that’s exactly what I did.” Ed trained at the Club four to five times a week during the past offseason. After each training session, the pair headed to the batting cages where Jon would throw to Ed and critique his swing. The partnership is dynamic, and both men use the relationship as an opportunity to grow. “I have been fortunate enough to workout at high-end gyms with professional trainers, and the Club is no exception. It has everything I need to achieve my goals. I really appreciate Jon and the rest of the staff taking time to not only help me but also the community get healthier,” Ed said. “I would recommend Jon to anyone looking to improve their athleticism. He comes from a strong sports background, which makes him great at what he does. And he’s an all-around good guy.” In addition to training during the off-season, Ed gives back to the community by giving catching and batting lessons and hosting an annual pre-season baseball camp at Olive Branch High School, featuring professional and college baseball players. Jon helps lead the baseball camp with Ed and also uses his sportspecific training and coaching skills as an assistant coach for the St. George’s Gryphon’s varsity baseball team. M
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Power Train Personal training with power.
THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT! by ANDY SKRZAT
I recently wrote about the great experience I had at Power Life Fitness while training with Kelvin “York” Brown. During my most recent trip, I learned how devoted each member of the staff is. Lauren Everhart, a former Tiger soccer and cross country athlete, took the time to run through exercises with me while pointing out the right techniques while demonstrating the things most people do wrong. Aside from her on the field accolades, Lauren is also a Power Life certified trainer and will be attending the University of Memphis this coming school year to earn her physical therapy degree. She informed me that often, when people perform a motion wrong while working out, they can end up injuring themselves. This is why I am appreciative to Lauren for taking the time to instruct me and pose for photographs. So without adieu, here are a few of the many things we went over at Power Life Fitness. As has been said many times before, Power Life Fitness puts the “personal” back in “personal training.” Lauren Everhart emphasized two things above all else: maintain a fluid motion in your exercises and take your time. People who rush through their workouts will not only waste their time but also run the risk of injuring themselves. The staff at Power Life Fitness truly care about you and your body and will do everything they can to help you maximize your workout sessions. To schedule a session with Lauren, give Power Life a call at 901-454-0003, or email her at Lauren@PowerLifeFitness.net
30 | Memphis Sport
BENCH PRESS
SIT AND STAND
Who hasn’t done a bench press? This is an easy enough exercise when one simply lowers the bar and pushes it back up, right? Wrong.
This is an easy exercise for toning the legs. All you need is a box that is slightly shorter than a house chair.
DO
DO NOT
DO
Place your hands evenly apart on the bar. Most bars have a dash or line to indicate the center of it. Make sure this line is between your eyes. Lower the bar down to your chest just below the breast onto your ribcage.
DO NOT
Be sure to not lower the bar too high or too low onto your torso. Above the ribcage or too far below will put strain on your shoulders or arms. Likewise, if your elbows drop below a 180 degree plane created between them and your torso, there will be added pressure to your arms.
DO
DO NOT
DO Stand four to five inches away from the box and, with a straight back and your feet shoulder width apart, bend your legs to a 90 degree angle. DO NOT
Bend your back over your toes. If you do this you will only strain your lower back. Also, be sure to not plop down onto the box, as this will not work your legs in the proper fashion.
LAT PULL DOWN
PLANKS
This is a great exercise for your back. It will sculpt your shoulder blade region while working your shoulders too. You can do it with either a close or open grip on the bar.
Also known as “bows and toes,” planks is a workout that is great for your car. It is simple and very easy to do and utilizes isometric contractions to tighten your abs.
DO
DO
DO NOT
DO
DO
DO NOT Pull the bar down behind your head.
DO NOT
Slowly and steadily pull the bar straight down to your chest. Be sure that, as you get closer to the bottom, you pinch your shoulder blades to ensure you’re working your back.
This will cause unnecessary strain on your neck. Also be sure to not jerk the bar down, as you will not work your back, but your arms instead.
DO NOT
Lay your body on the floor then hold yourself up only on your elbows and toes. Make sure your feet are shoulder width apart and you pinch your core while in the position. Be sure to not raise your butt too high or too low. Too high and you will not emphasize your core muscles; too low and you will strain your back.
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32 32 | M Memphis emphiss Sp Sport port
HOUSTON LEVEE CAMPUS ÇÈÊ-°Ê ÕÃÌ Ê iÛiiÊ, >`ÊUÊ >`Ã]Ê/ ÊÎnäÓn
The M Awards ‘10 The voting is open until June 18. Vote Now at memphissport.net
M
stands for Memphis. M stands for major league. M stands for magnanimous. M stands for marvelous, master, and most of all, Memphis Sport.
The M Award stands for all that is great in Memphis area sports. And the best part is, it’s all up to you. Remember, you–the readers–will be the only judges for this award. No referees, no coaches poll, and no panel of experts. You vote for the best of the past year in Memphis sports each year. This year’s nominees and winners are for the period between May 2009 and April 2010. You are in charge here, and what you say goes.
You make the picks, we tabulate the results. That’s all there is to it. Look for the winners in the next issue.
The Rules:
Only one ballot may be filled out per person. Your ballot must include your name and email address and be entered by June 12. It’s not necessary to pick a winner in every category. But in order to be counted, a ballot must contain at least five responses. No cheating. We know cheating when we see it. And we don’t like to see it. The online voting contains nominations for each category compliled by our staff at Memphis Sport. As always, you are free to use our nominations or enter a nomination of your own.
VOTE NOW!
DEADLINE TO ENTER
JUNE 18
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Tailgating Sports was happening and you were there.
3 Memphis Redbirds Season Ticket Holder Picnic
4
May 4, 2010 010 AutoZone Pa Park Par ark rk
1. Richard, June, Edward dward and a Laura Starkings 2. Rhonda Campbell 3. The Rangers
2
4. Fred, Wilma and Michael Brinkley and Kayla Cantercraft
5
5. Marcus Wilhelm and Al Gustafson 6. Van and Loni Dupree 7. Koreen Simmons, Belinda Caldwell and Lorena Freestone 8. Joseph, Mavis, Holland and Joe Clark
7
6
1 34 | Memphis Sport
8
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Former University of Memphis Standout and NBA Player, Cedric Henderson, will offer a basketball camp this summer 2010 for young athletes ages 9 – 17 to enhance theirr skills rsonal and become better ball players. In addition, he will also offer one hour personal basketball training sessions during the summer.
Registration Fee: $25.00 Cost of Camp: $75.00
For personal training and camp info call: Cedric Henderson at 901.846.9010 www.memphissport.net | 35
Jack’s Back A Memphis legend takes a look back.
by JACK EAT TON
In my man ny yeaars in Mem mphiss, I haad con ntactt with h lots of peooplle. Somee I likked and some I didn n’t buut onee off my favoorittess was Willl Carruttherrs of th he Preess Sccimitaar. Aft fter hiis retiireementt he becam me thee gen neral managger off the Memphiss Bluess. The name of our basebballl teaam foor maany, manyy years wass th he Ch hicckss but the name was changged too the Bluuess for some reaasoon thaat I diddn’’t understaand an nd diddn’t realllyy care.. Butt I am getttin ng aheead of myself. Will covereed hiigh schoool spoortss an nd hee wass a biig fan of Ch hristiaan Brroth herrs Collleege an nd Caatholiic higgh. Back in n thosse dayys, th heree wass no CBHS (th heyy hadd a hiigh sch hool on th he colllegee campus,, errgo, th he higgh scchool was calledd CB B C). I was broaadcastting high school foootball in th hose dayss and th hey playyed thrree nigghts a weeek on n Weddnesddays, Thurssdayys and Friddays. Siince I had lots of otther th hin ngs to doo I relliedd on Will’s writee-uups in thee papeer foor any backkgrouund I woulld neeed. I remem mberr his favoriite lin ne– –It’ss pickkem m’ night ig in thhe prrepp leaggue. Willl was as goood as gold. I reemembber on ne nigght I feltt lousy and the lasst thin ng I wanteed to do was caall a foootbaall gam me. I had a colorr man n butt I neeededd a bigg timee g uesst at the haalf so I couldd goooff off. I callled Willl att the paperr andd he saaid soometh hing likke, “My boy, I’lll be prouud too be on n youur proogram m.” He wass a greaat half time in ntervvieew and he huung arroundd for thee secondd halff and gaave hiis insigght in ntoo what was goingg on. Goodd guyy. Thee prepp leagg uee in Th nteegrateed laate in the 600’s an nd theere were loots moree teaams andd it was abbout that time that Coca--Coolaa ceassed it’s spponsoorsh hipp of th he brroadcaasts and my higgh sch hoool careerr wass overr. WMC trieed to encouragee otheer spoonsorrs butt no luck. My memor y is a littlle vagg ue here buut myy recoollecttion n iss thatt Willl rettireed aboout th hat tiime and toook ovver ass GM M off th he Mem mphis Bluuess. Dr. Bern nardd Krausse ow wned the ball cluub. He an nd Willl weeree a heckk of a team m. For somee reasson,, the Bluess wereen’tt draw win ng weelll an nd Wiill askked me if I woould helpp by intter vieewingg playyerrs and otthers.. Onee of th he oth hers wass Whiteey Herzogg. He bacam me a semi--reguular on n T V5 sportts. Lotts of basebball big sh hots caame too tow wn an nd Will wouuldd alw ways caalll mee. Th Thee coommisssioneer of basebball caame for a visiit and I thinkk I was th he onlyy onee to in ntervview w him.
36 | Memphis Sport
Butt my favvoritee was Clevvelan nd Inddians strikee-out kin ng,, Bobb Felllerr. Bobb was one of beest evver.. Hee lost fourr yearss beecaause of Worldd War II butt didn n’tt coomplaain. He waas in Mem mphis to pittch in n a hoome ruun hitttin ng conttest and naaturaally Will wan nteed as much h freee meddiaa as posssible so I was filmed batttin ng agaain nst the great Bob Fellerr. Wh hat a thrilll. Aboout a weekk laateer Bob was back in n tow wn with h a trravveliingg exxhiibitioon frrom th he Basseballl Halll of Fam me. I interr view wed him m aggain. At that tim me,, I was alsoo th he cooloor man on n WM MC-T TV teleecaastss off th he Mem mphiss Rog ues, our sooccerr team m in n th he Norrth h Americaan Socccer Leaguue. Rudi Schiff ffer waas th he GM M and he wan nteed me too be a cheeer leaader foor th he Rogg uees. I couldd haanddlee th hatt. Herre is where th he stoor y geets goood. OK . Th The Roguees plaayed a Satuurdayy nigh ht gam me in n Attlaanta and werre bookked too fly home aft fter th he game– –arouund middnight. The old Atlaantta airpport was sm malll and crampped and th his nigght itt was jaammed. I mean n paccked to th he rafters. I was walkiing with Rudi wheen I saw w a siggn reaadingg–Clevelaand–aand th here wass Bob Feller lean nin ng aggain nst the wall. I saiid, “Heey Ruudi, th here is Bobb Felller.” “Do you know him,“ he askkedd. “Suree,” I reepliedd. I waalkkedd overr andd said,, “Hi Bob..” He loookedd att me andd saidd, “O Oh, hi Jack.”” Ruddi was impreesssed.. Butt lateer I adm mittedd to him thatt I onlyy in nteer viiew wedd him tw wicee in n lesss than n twoo weeeks and thatt Bob Feelller and I weree not best budddies. I wonder if he wouldd rem mem mber mee. Proobabbly not but I sure reemem mber him. Loookingg backk I had so much fun th here were tim mess when n I allmostt feelt g uilltyy getttin ng paid. Thee key wordd th Th here is–allmosst. M
Big Jaack caan be heardd everry Friiday at 8am m on KWA AM 990 alon ngsidde form mer Couunty Com Commissiooner John Willlingh ghaam.