April 2011

The Iroquois Steeplechase • Band Of Brothers • Mr. Baseball • Fireworks!

APRIL, 2011 VOLUME 1, NO. 12

24 DIAMOND GEMS And ‘gem’ is exactly the right word to describe Nashvillearea softball players that are making a big impact at the college level

Cassie Bollin Belmont

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12 Iroquois Steeplechase

The Iroquois Steeplechase, now in its 70th year, is to Nashville kind of like what Mardi Gras is to New Orleans.

18 Band Of Brothers

In the sport of wrestling it’s often said that a fun day is when you get your hand raised – but everything else before and after that is hard work.

28 Mr. Baseball

Winning 58 games and a national championship will get you a lot of things: impressive hardware, media-

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darling status and a No. 1 ranking the following preseason, just to name a few.

32 Fireworks!

It's a bold baseball team that would guarantee fans will see more fireworks in a new season, but the Nashville Sounds are guaranteeing just that.

36 Perfect Pitch

After a standout career at UT Rick Honeycutt has had a top-notch career in Major League Baseball that spans more than three decades.

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

NCAA ROUNDUP

Moving On

As of press time The Lady Vols had advanced to the round of 16 as they defeated Marquette 7970 on Mar. 22. The remaing Tennessee schools were not as fortunate as all were defeated in their opening round matchups.

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Photo courtesy Belmont University

Leading Off

STAFF Jane Hutson…………………………………Publisher Jim Muir……………………………Managing Editor Jim Harwell…………………Contributing Writer Dave DeRocher……………Contributing Writer Maren Angus………………Contributing Writer Jillian Davis…………………Contributing Writer Carol Stuart…………………Contributing Writer Joe Synkowski…………Contributing Writer John Ferguson……………Contributing Writer John Lee………………………Contributing Writer Steve Lee……………………Contributing Writer Rudy Kalis……………………Contributing Writer Greg Ruff……………………Contributing Writer Dr. James Lohse…………Contributing Writer Larry Woody………………Contributing Writer Greg Sage……………………Contributing Writer Kevin Pieper…………………Contributing Writer Kathy Steakley…………………Guest Columnist Autumn Boaz……………………Guest Columnist

ADVERTISING Jane Hutson……………………………Sales Manager David Anthony Green…Sr. Account Executive Luis Coba…………………………Account Executive

ART Don N. Olea………Art Director/Photographer Randy Harris…….…………………Photographer David Warren…………………………Photographer Kenn Stilger…………………………Photographer Tennessee Sports Magazine is published monthly

by Mad Kat Publications; 9050 Carother’s Pkwy Suite 140 #73, Franklin, TN 37067 ph: (615) 485-7640.

Contents may not be reproduced without consent of the copyright owner. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. Tennessee Sports Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, articles, photographs or artwork.

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To submit information, photos or stories or to place advertising please contact Tennessee Sports Magazine at (615) 955-0545 or tnsportsmag@att.net www.tnsportsmag.com

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Photo by Maren Angus/TSM

Roster OUR

36 After a standout career at UT Rick Honeycutt has had a top-notch career in Major League Baseball that spans more than three decades.

Departments

Inside

10 11 41 42 45 46

22 The Great Outdoors 26 Baseball In Tennessee

Pre-game Standouts Shut Up & Serve Ask The Jock Doc Ask The Athletic Trainer Looks Between The Lines

17 Tips From the Pros What is your purpose for taking a golf lesson and what do you want to accomplish?

18 Band Of Brothers For Franklin High’s Zach Bennett, and his younger twin brothers, Andy and Alex, wrestling has become more than just a sport; it’s a way of life.

Reelfoot Lake

Paradise Exists Reelfoot Lake produces bountiful catches of bass, crappie and catfish, with inland deer and wild turkeys abound.

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Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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T S S A A

M E N S

B A S K

Hoops Mania

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t started as 'February Fever' and then turned into a full-blown case of 'March Madness' as boy's and girl's high school teams converged on Allen Arena at Lipscomb University and Murphy Center at MTSU for state tournament action.

Middle Tennessee was well-represented in the three week affair with teams from throughout the state competing. TSM certainly got caught up in the Madness also and captured the drama, joy and sometimes heartbreak through the lens of photojournalists Kenn Stilger and Randy Harris.

Siegel’s Stephen Hurt (52) huals in a rebound against West Creek

Ensworth players accept their DIVII-A championship trophy after their victory over McCallie.

Clarksville’s Chase Knott (5) eludes a White Station defender on the way to the hoop.

Siegel’s Cedrick Williams (40) splits the West Creek defense for an easy basket.

Ensworth’s Ensworth’s Quinn Quinn Hamilton Hamilton calls calls time-out time-out after after gathergathering ing up up a a loose loose ball. ball.

E T B A L L

C H A M P I O N S H I P S

Members of ECS hoist the championship trophy after their DII-AA victory over Franklin Road Academy.

ECS’s Steven Kasper (3) drives past FRA’s Rob Marberry.

FRA’s Rob Marberry (53) shoots over Micha Teed of ECS.

McCallie's Chad Lee (10) fouls Ensworth's Conor McDermott (42).

McCallie's 23 Corn Elde of Ensworth and McCallie’s Jay Meacham (42) fight for a loose ball.

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T S S A A

W O M E N S

Ladies Night congratulates all the teams who made it to the 2011 TSM TSSAA State Championships. High

school teams proudly representing Middle Tennessee include:

Riverdale's Shacobia Barbie (24) drives through Memphis Central defenders Nina Davis (13) and Tia Wooten (22).

Boys teams Ensworth – winner of Div II AA East Literature Giles County McMinn Co Siegel Franklin Road Academy Ezell Harding Montgomery Bell Academy Girls teams McMinn Central – winner Div I-AA Macon County David Lipscomb Riverdale Wilson Central Blackman Photographs by Randy Harris

North Green's Breanna Morrow (25) fights Wayne County's Tori Reed (33) for a rebound.

Memphis Central’s Marisa Knox (20) avoids pressure from Riverdale's Tyisha Petty (20).

McMinn Central's Caitlyn Casteel.

B A S

S K E T B A L L

C H A M P I O N S H I P S

Webb's Jane Romono (12) is picked by FRA's Derica Wyatt (10).

Macon County's Kailyn Brooks (12) shoots over McMinn Central's Caitlyn Casteel (21).

Riverdale's Alexa Middleton (33) drives the lane on Memphis Central's Danielle Ballard (5), and Nina Davis (13).

North Green's Megan McAmis (24) passes the ball as Wayne County's Kelsey Risner (10) applies pressure.

FRA's Derica Wyatt (10) is defended by Marjorie Butler (24).

Pre-game

Dance Fever

by Jane Hutson

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AP photo

elcome to the April issue of Tennessee Sports Magazine.

We’ve just completed three weeks of Tennessee high school championship basketball and now the start of the NCAA Road to the Final Four. Tennessee was well represented with Belmont, Vanderbilt, UT, and Memphis men’s teams and MTSU, Vanderbilt, UT-Martin and UT women’s teams were all invited to the ‘dance’. It’s been a tournament of upsets and buzzer-beaters with more last-second wins by underdogs than I remember seeing in years.

I remember it For those who know me, it’s one of my favorite like it was times of the year. It’s also when some funny yesterday things surface. I was on TSM’s Facebook the other night and saw a picture of a University of particularly the Kentucky ball cap next to a blue T-shirt that said, shock involved “I still hate Laettner.”

Some memories die in the dramatic hard. If you ‘google’ Christian Laettner, the youtube video of his incredible game-winning last ending. We second jump shot for Duke to defeat Kentucky in couldn’t the East believe it. regional final of 1992 is the first one on the list. You remember it. Grant Hill threw a pass the length of the court to Laettner, who dribbled once, turned, and hit a jumper as time expired for the 104-103 win.

Sports Illustrated deemed it the greatest college basketball game of all time. It’s number one on the USA Today list of the greatest NCAA tournament games of all time.

I remember it like it was yesterday. The shock. We were stunned, just couldn’t believe it. Rick Pitino and the promising Kentucky Wildcats were out. Duke was in and went on to win the NCAA Finals that year. Memories we will never forget as fans, players, coaches, and now encapsulated in the newest media of youtube.

BUZZER BEATER Duke's Christian So what’s your most memoLaettner puts up the game-winner rable sports moment?

Or is it over Kentucky's Deron Feldhaus. yet to be? The cool thing is

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

that it doesn’t have to be an infamous sports moment seen by millions. It could be as simple as finishing your first 5K race or watching the joy of your child as they block their first shot.

Making memories is a big part of sports.

The challenge is making them good enough to remember.

We’ve got some good stories this month and we start with photos from the DI and DII boy’s and girl’s state tournament games in Allen Arena and Murphy Center in March.

Great competition and some awesome games.

Memories were made again this year.

We transition into spring sports with Jim Harwell’s softball greats making their mark with college careers. We also take you to spring training in Arizona where our Maren Angus catches up with some impressive MLB players, coaches and owners. She called it her “best day ever!”

She made some great new memories when she did these interviews for TSM and her joy shows through.

We also welcome Mike Morrow to our roster. On a local note, Mike gets us up to speed on what’s happening with our Nashville Sounds. Also in baseball, I think you’ll enjoy Joe Szynkowski’s story about Woody Hunt’s Cumberland University baseball legacy.

Coach Hunt has two national championships and 30 years of coaching to his credit and he does it with a true heart for the game and especially for his players.

TSM introduces a couple of new sports to our line-up this month.

Ame Arlt brings us up to speed on the local equestrian scene with Steeplechase just around the corner. And Carol Stuart tells you about some impressive rugby players in middle Tennessee.

By the time some of you read this, new men’s and women’s NCAA DI basketball champions will be determined. I wonder what the most memorable moment will be this year.

Congratulations to our Tennessee teams who made it to the top 64 in the country. You give us something to look forward to next year.

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Emma Mason

Smyrna High School • Soccer A standout senior forward, Emma Mason has achieved her opportunity to play soccer in college. She recently signed with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mason scored 46 goals and added 15 assists during her high school career. Along with her outstanding career at Smyrna High School Mason also played for the Murfreesboro Soccer Club women’s team, who won nationals in her age group. Mason was announced as First Team All District this past season. “When you watch Emma play, you are watching somebody that wants to win, and will work extremely hard to get the ball and something with it,” head coach Bill McCloskey says. “I watch the intensity that she plays the game with and I’m amazed at her size. She will go through a brick wall if necessary in order to get the ball first and for a chance to score.”

Mick Hedgepeth

Belmont University • Basketball Belmont University’s men’s basketball team is fresh off their Atlantic Sun Championship, and standout player, forward/ center Mick Hedgepeth, helped the Bruins get to that point and an automatic bid in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket. In the championship game alone, Hedgepeth scored a career-high 23 points and had nine rebounds in Belmont’s 87-46 victory over North Florida. A junior from Crossville, AL, Hedgepeth was named Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP and also received honors as Second Team All-Atlantic Sun. Hedgepeth is fourth in the league in field goal percentage and among league leaders in scoring and rebounding. “Our staff and players are happy for the recognition received by Mick,” head coach Rick Byrd said. Hedgepeth was honored along with three of his teammates and Byrd.

Derica Wyatt

Franklin Road Academy • Basketball Derica Wyatt is a sophomore guard from Franklin Road Academy where she averaged 15.3 points per game for the 2010 season, with a career total of 1346 points. A long list of honors follows Wyatt. She has made the Dean’s and Head’s List, was a 2010 Miss Basketball Recipient, 2011 Miss Basketball Finalist, and was two-time All-Region. Wyatt was also named 2011 Region and State Tournament MVP, as well as 2010 3rd Team All Mid-State. “Derica has been an incredible asset to our team since joining the Varsity as an 8th grader,” said her coach Chris Hart. “Derica has spent an inordinate amount of time on her own making herself better and working to be the player she has become today. Derica has many individual accomplishments, however, she is happiest when her team is successful.

Jason Millard MTSU • Golf

Senior golfer, Jason Millard, is the fifth different player to be named Sun Belt Conference Golfer of the Month for Middle Tennessee State University. However, this is Millard’s first time in his career to receive the honor. Millard currently leads the SBC with a 70.76 stroke average and ranks 10th nationally in scoring average. Millard scored a final round of 63, a school record, at the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate Tournament. Golfweek.com name Millard the National Player of the week. Millard is a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and attended Riverdale High School. Head Coach Whit Turnbow says of Millard, “When you look at Jason over the last four years, he's accomplished just about everything that a guy can accomplish. He's won golf tournaments, he's an All-American, he's been all-league, and been invited to compete in the World University Games in August. What a career.”

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Children, Thoroughbreds, Volunteers:

The Iroquois Steeplechase Celebrating 70 years as Nashville’s quintessential annual rite of spring

By Ame Arlt

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Horse and spring fever are at its highest curiosity this time of year with most horse racing fans just coming off the Kentucky Derby mania from the week before. The Iroquois Steeplechase, now in its 70th year, is to Nashville kind of like what Mardi Gras is to New Orleans, and most certainly, what the “Run for the Roses” represents to Louisville. It is the CONGRATULATIONS Winning Jockey Bernard time for sear-sucker, sundresses and Dalton riding Sunshine Numbers shakes the hands bountiful hats. It is a of Steeplechase fans in the Winner’s Circle at time for bodacious Steeplechase 2010. southern style and celebration. Simply put, it is a time to show up and show off.

Whether you choose to go as a ‘Tailgater,’ ‘Box Holder,’ or as a ‘General Admission Ticket Holder,’ the culinary extravaganza is as varied and eclectic as the colorful bonnets and the jockeys’ silks. From fried chicken to foie gras, from sterling goblets filled with mint juleps to plastic cups brimming with Budweiser, chasegoers are out to n the second Saturday in May Nashvillians have revered the richest racing day on the N a t i o n a l Steeplechasing Association spring circuit at the verdant track in Percy Warner Park along side Old Hickory Boulevard in southern Davidson County.

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

enjoy a day filled with food and frolic. Some folks are firing burgers on portable grills while others feast on roasted tenderloin under corporate hospitality tents.

Culminating a years worth of planning and coordinating, the Iroquois Steeplechase also represents the best of Nashville on display in front of the sprawling infield and hillside audiences. Old timers and newcomers to the event witness one of those special traditions that have made Nashville such a great place for natives to call home.

Here in Middle Tennessee we cherish our wholesome environment to raise our children. We hold dearly our pride of our horses and farms, and our long-standing historic equine heritage. And, we get a unique opportunity to showcase another reason why we call Tennessee the Volunteer State.

Attendees will see the power, speed and grit of some of the best steeplechase thoroughbreds in the country racing over fences. They will see hundreds of area volunteers

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HIGH FLYIN’ Horses and jockeys soar over National Fences at 30 miles per hour.

Photos courtesy of the Bradford Group

The Children working to make a great day for Parker Logan is the 2011 Child everyone. And, they will see Monroe Ambassador for Monroe Carell Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt being the biggest winner When he was 9 years old and in the of the day.

5th grade, Parker was diagnosed “We are fortunate to be the benewith Stage II Burkitt’s Lymphoma – ficiaries of this magnificent event a particularly aggressive type of that has raised more than $9 milcancer. lion for specialized medical equipAfter months of rigorous treatment, pediatric critical care and ment and countless rounds of tests, research into childhood diseases”, today at age 14, Parker’s lymphoma says Tyler Reimschisel, M.D., is classified to be in remission.

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics “Everyone there was nice to me and Neurology who is an honorary and talked to me and chairman this year for treated me like a normal Steeplechase. “For more kid,” Parker recalls. “I than 30 years the am glad to be helping Iroquois Steeplechase Vanderbilt so they can has greatly benefited help other kids who are the lives of our patients going through what I in immeasurable ways. went through.”

These generous donaParker’s statement is a tions help the Monroe true testament to the Carell Jr. Children’s integrity of the founding Hospital treat every principles at the hospital. child who comes The original goal was to through our doors, build a care center specifregardless of their abiliLOGAN ically for children where ty to pay.”

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they would receive the very best specialized services available to children of all ages.

Today, The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt has evolved to become a leader in pediatric care, ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and 15th in the nation by Parents magazine. The Children's Hospital provides 222 beds for the highest level of pediatric care and is also a top-level teaching and research facility.

“This prestigious event is a commemoration of our past achievements, a celebration of the care we provide every day, and a commitment to discoveries that will bring new hope tomorrow,” said Dr. Reimschisel.

The Horses

The steeplechase horse is a spectacular athlete. Speed, agility, stamina and what horse people call, “heart”, is all wrapped into one 1,100 pound thoroughbred running

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on four legs at 30 miles per hour and soaring 20 feet or more in the air over each hurdle.

The racetrack in Percy Warner Park consists of three different ovals: a flat track, a timber course and the brush hurdles known as “national fences”. The national fences are 52 inches tall – just over 4

from the number of races that have been lost here on this incline in the final stretch) towards the cheering crowds and finish line.

The Calvin Houghland Iroquois, the last race of the day, is one of the most grueling races on the circuit evidenced by the fact there has never been a horse to win the race

“Nationbuilder is owned locally by Mary Ann Houghland and she is the widow of Calvin Houghland, for whom last year the signature race was renamed in his honor”..

The Volunteers

New this year is the formation of the Iroquois Alliance with the mis-

HIGH STAKES With the total purse of $425,000 up for grabs spectators will see seven races throughout the day. Left: Jockey Darren Nagle, riding horse #7, Tax Ruling, wins the 2010 Calvin Houghland Iroquois, owned by Irvin S. Naylor. Right: Horses clearing a timber fence during a race over a course of jumps made of natural wood rails.

This prestigious event is a commemoration of our past achievements, a celebration of THE CARE WE PROVIDE every day … feet in height and are filled with plastic “brush” that the horses jump in stride at racing speed. The timber course is a different kind of jump for the horses – a wooden post and rail fence, also 4 feet in height. The flat track is simply a track without jumps; watch for big speed.

Each race will run over one of those tracks providing a thrill to every spectator watching the horses hitting their top speeds guided by their jockeys. The longest race, the Calvin Houghland Iroquois, is three miles over national fences with a prize purse of $150,000. Just after the final hurdle, the horses charge up “Heartbreak Hill” (so named

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three years in a row. We came close to seeing the “three-peat” in 2007 with Sur La Tete and in 2009 with Good Night Shirt, each having two consecutive wins behind them only to be foiled and remain two-time winners.

Dwight Hall says “it is still too early to know for certain what horses will compete in the Iroquois Steeplechase/”. But Hall, the Race Chairman, predicts “last year’s winner, Tax Ruling, will be back.” “Slip Away, the winner of the 2010 Eclipse Award for Top Steeplechasing Horse and a horse named Nationbuilder, will likely race”, he says.

Hall adds,

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

sion to support Nashville’s steeplechase event by providing volunteers on race day and for all related Iroquois events. Alliance members will also serve as ambassadors for the Iroquois Steeplechase, providing information about the event and its benefits to the greater Nashville community. Membership dues and donations fund the organization.

“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to support an annual event that serves our community in such a rich and outstanding way, year after year,” said Deborah Lovett, newly named president of the volunteer association. “It is certainly exciting to be part of this new

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By The Numbers $9 million plus Amount raised for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt $425,000 Amount of prize money 22,000 Number of people plus attendees 2010 The featured race name is changed to The Calvin Houghland Iroquois FASHION STATEMENT Hats and sunglasses are the order of the day.

1981 Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital designated as official charity of event 1941 The first year of Iroquois steeplechase

organization, which holds tremendous promise for helping one of America’s top steeplechase events to be even more successful.”

Individuals interested in joining the Iroquois Alliance should contact: iroquoisalliance@iroquoissteeplechase.org or call 1-800-619-4802. For tickets, reservations and more information about the Iroquois Steeplechase individuals should contact: www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call 1-591-619-2991.

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300 Number of volunteers 70 Number of years running 30 MPH The average speed of horses $15 Ticket price for General Admission 7 Number of races throughout the day 3 miles The length of The Calvin Houghland Iroquois – the final race of the day 2nd Saturday in May 1 Unique and special sporting event

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Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Sports Mom Spotlight

Franktown Open Hearts

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by Kathy Steakley

hen sportsmen assembled on March 26-27 for the Spring Youth Turkey Hunt, much more will be going on than just trying to bag a turkey. Look past the camo, rifles and turkey calls and you will see a unique community of guides and their young hunters. This group – Franktown Hunt & Fish Club – has matched 25 youths from Franklin’s inner city with individual mentors, who believe heart and soul in these young men.

The acrostic spells it out perfectly: Feed, pRay, trAin, eNcourage, franKtown, menTor, tutOr, Of these youths, felloWship, miNister, in Jesus’ name. The mission 98 percent have of Franktown Open Hearts, to bring spiritual & no father figure physical hope & life skills to Franklin’s inner city youth, has grown into a phenomenal program that at home. To hear connects with these kids four times each week. from a man, ‘I’m The focus on Sundays and Wednesdays is providing proud of you! transportation to church services. Mondays offer Way to go!’ is help with academics, tutoring for their homework, huge. and ACT/SAT test prep. The evening ends with a devotional and prayer. Thursday nights the group is fed a home cooked meal, taken to different locations to play basketball and then the night ends with a lesson or sometimes a guest speaker. Volunteer bus drivers have routes through specific neighborhoods.

The boys know exactly when and where to go to be picked for these events.

Three years ago, the beginnings of a new phase of Franktown began with the desire of one young man – Quintin Burns – to go hunting. In the spring of 2009, Quintin’s wish came true when Curtis Sullivan took him turkey hunting. After target practice and a trip to Academy for camo, he was ready. What an unforgettable day for both of them when Quintin got his first turkey! That fall, Curtis, along with Jim Payne, decided to pursue this means of bonding with these boys by offering a Hunter Safety Class. Three young men participated, were outfitted thanks to donat i o n s , worked with Curtis and Jim, and all three got a deer at the y o u t h hunt!

As exciting as it is to have that trophy kill, a deeper target is b e i n g sought.

According

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

to Curtis, “This is not just about hunting. We want to get to know the boys and establish relationships.”

Of these youths, 98 percent have no father figure at home. To hear from a man, ‘I’m proud of you! Way to go!’ is huge. These mentors are asked to commit to not only the youth hunt, but to adopt their hunter for the season, taking them hunting at least 3 times. There is a touching video on Facebook about the Hunt & Fish club that will leave you wanting to jump in.

So what does a program such as this mean to a parent? Christy Smith is thrilled about the impact on her 14-year-old son Tevin.

“God is so involved in this,” she said. “It foremost teaches the kids about Him, but also teaches them to be responsible.” Christy confides that every weekend instead of getting into trouble, Tevin is doing something positive. Tevin echoes, “This is turning me into a man!”

Franktown Open Hearts always welcomes volunteers for a multitude of services and much needed sponsorships, but one of the most significant things you can do, you will find on www.franktownopenhearts.com, is pray.

“Please pray for covering over the hearts of our boys,” said Christy.

“Many of them are hearing life giving truth only to have it choked out by the people and circumstances in their lives. We know that God desires that no man should perish (2 Peter 3:9) so please pray that these boys would truly see and experience the loving character of Jesus Christ!”

It is evident through men like Curtis, Jim and co-founder Wayne Howell, these prayers are being answered.

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Tips From The Pros

The Best Way To Improve Your Golf Game NOW

By Nancy Quarcelino ONE OF THE FIRST things I ask a golfer coming to me for instruction is: “What is your purpose for taking a golf lesson and what do you want to accomplish?”

Their response usually comes down to one or two of the following things.

They want more distance, they want to hit the ball with solid contact or they want to be able to control the ball flight. There are many factors that can affect each of these components, but the one that stands out the most and keeps golfers from playing to their potential is their grip.

The grip, in golf terms, is the handle of the club, but it is also how you place the club in your hands as well. I am going to help you discover how you can get more distance, more control and solid contact just by making sure you are gripping the club in the proper manner.

Distance – Why are the hands important in creating distance? Not only are the hands the only attachment to the club, but it is how the hands are placed on the handle of the grip that creates distance. Power has to come from your grip.

In the picture you will notice that the club handle is placed across the base of my fingers. When the grip is correct like this, you have the ability to hinge and un-hinge your wrists.

This hinging motion is call the “set.”

It is how the club gets parallel to the ground at the top of the back swing.

It is the power generator of the golf swing.

Holding that “set” or hinge on the downswing helps create “lag” and

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thus creates the most powerful swing a golfer can have. More power equals more distance. The leverage you are creating with “setting” your hands comes directly from how you grip the club. If you grip the club in the palms of your hands you cannot generate power and therefore you lose distance.

The easiest way to insure that you place the club in your hands correctly is by holding the club up in the air. If you set your hands on the club when the club is sitting on the ground at address you will be putting the club in the palm of your hands.

You will lose power and distance.

Control – What is control in a golf swing? It is the ability to move the ball in the air toward your target. When you have your hands set on the club in one position, you may curve the ball from left to right. If you set your hands on the club in another position, you may curve the ball from right to left. You must understand that the hardest shot to make in golf is the straight shot. You will almost always have some curve on the ball.

Controlling the ball also can mean that you should be able to curve the ball the same way most every time you hit the ball. The touring professionals call this their “stock shot.” If I

can help you find your “stock shot” you will have more control of your game. You will be able to play your best golf if you know where your ball is going when you hit it.

Solid contact – By placing the club across the base of the fingers, you will hit the ball more solid and gain distance and control. If you place the grip in the palm of your glove hand it will most likely move during the golf swing. This can cause you to miss-hit the ball off the toe or heel of the club face, the club may twist in your hands, and you will lose distance.

I mentioned earlier about the terminology of the word grip meaning the handle of the club. The size of your grips must fit your hands. When you buy a set of clubs you should be properly fit to those clubs with the proper length, club design, lie angle, shaft, and grip size.

The larger your hands are the grip should be thicker in diameter. The smaller your hands are the smaller your grip should be. If you have a thicker grip on the club when your hands are small, you may curve the ball from left to right. If you have a smaller grip on the club when your hands are large, you may curve the ball from right to left. Now you have lost control, distance and possibly solid contact.

Learning how to properly grip the golf club can improve your performance on the golf course and help to eliminate frustration. It is the simplest cure, but most often the most overlooked diagnosis! Your hands are the only connection you have with the golf club. Make sure you get it right!

With over 30 years of experience in the golf industry, Nancy is known nationally for her teaching expertise.

She first came to Tennessee as the Head Professional at Hermitage Golf Course

Nancy Quarcelino is a PGA/LPGA Professional and a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher. Nancy has received numerous honors in her career such as: LPGA National Teacher of the Year, Tennessee PGA Teacher of the Year, Golf Digest Top 50 Best Women Teachers in America, and Golf Digest, Best Teachers in Tennessee. She is currently listed among the GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teachers. She is the founder of the Nancy Quarcelino School of Golf currently located at King’s Creek Golf Club. For more information, please call 615-778-8823 or go to www.QSOG.com.

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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The Bennett brothers, sophomore Alex, senior Zach and sophomore Andy are Franklin High School’s popular wrestling trio.

Photograph by Don N. Olea/TSM

Franklin’s wrestling Bennett Boys go to the mat for faith and family

By John Lee Photo by Don N. Olea/TSM

FAMILY MATTERS Gathered around Zach’s senior trophy are: (clockwise) Joel, Sandy, Zach, Alex and Andy.

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n the sport of wrestling it’s often said that a fun day is when you get your hand raised – but everything else before and after that is hard work. For Franklin High senior Zach Bennett, 18, and his younger twin brothers, sophomores Andy and Alex Bennett, 15, wrestling has become more than just a sport; it is a way of life.

“Our family and wrestling go together,” said Andy Bennett. “It’s kind of the same thing.”

If asked to pick between the two, the brothers have no question of the priority. “Of course you’d say family, but wrestling would be right there with us,” said Alex Bennett. “Our family pretty much is wrestling and that is what we are interpreted as. If you think of the Bennetts you think of wrestling.”

At a PeeWee football practice, mom Sandy Bennett was approached about the boys’ interest in wrestling, and was given the info on a small club in Franklin.

All three brothers decided to give wrestling a try.

“In about 2001 the Bennett boys showed up in the wrestling room wanting to be wrestlers. Zach was a 3rd grader and the twins were 1st graders,” said Matt Oddo, who not only coached but was also instrumental in developing wrestling K – 8th in middle

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Tennessee. “I was running a wrestling program then known as Future Champions, Inc. which was later re-named the Williamson County Wrestling Club.”

But even before that day admiration for the sport was already running deep within the Bennett family.

“My dad went to Oklahoma State University, a big wrestling college,” said Sandy, a former gymnast and now a fitness and dance instructor. “I grew up hearing about wrestling and my brother wrestled, so I always wanted to get the boys involved in the sport.”

Dad Joel Bennett, who wrestled in junior high school, also thought it would be a good idea but only if the boys truly wanted to do it.

“I have seen parents push their kids into a sport because they (the parents) want to live through that experience,” said Joel.

Oddo said he remembers distinctly the day the three Bennett brothers showed up wanting to

wrestle.

“So into the room come the Bennett Boys,” said Coach Oddo.

“One was chubby, one was fat, and another was just plain pretty. But all three had great attitudes and a propensity to work.” Work hard they did, and in each case the determination for each brother to get better and learn the sport took hold. “Growing up I was not always the most-fit kid,” said Andy. “The more I worked the better I was getting and I won state in elementary school.”

For Alex, he recalls having some second-guessing due to intense practices and the required work.

“In the beginning when you lose a match you think why am I doing this?” said Alex. “But the more you put into it the more you get out of it and it became fun.”

In the beginning big brother Zach faced a different set of challenges as he had to wrestle in a division against older kids, and being defeated often was far from fun.

“I won every now and then but the first year was really tough, but after that I started to get the hang of it,” remembers Zach.

This was also about the time

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Photos courtesy Sandy Bennett

Senior Zach Bennett wrestling Science Hill High School at the Cleveland Duals on Dec. 11, 2010.

Sophomore Alex Bennett attempts to pin his Science Hill High School opponent at the Cleveland Duals Dec.11,2010

Andy Bennett prepares to pin his Brentwood opponent at Franklin High School's Senior Night event Jan. 26, 2011.

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

Sandy would take on a bigger role than just a “wrestling mom.”

Sandy Bennett is widely recognized in the local and state wrestling communities as being a wrestling ambassador helping grow the sport and getting other families and kids involved.

“At some point Sandy took responsibility as the club administrator,” said Coach Oddo.

“Whatever it was she did, the club grew from 20 to 100 kids that very year. She was so enthusiastic and tireless in promoting wrestling that other parents and kids wanted to see what this was all about.”

Sandy stepped in the year FCI was changed to WCWC. “There was a program in place but we saw it multiply,” said Sandy. “It went to another level. I even design clothes for the club because it can make these kids feel they are a part of something.”

Joel Bennett remembers the club beginning to take on a more focused and intense atmosphere.

“It became more organized with meets every weekend and it was no longer just a casual thing,” said Joel, a broadcast professional in sports television. “It became a club with coaches, depth, and scheduled practices.

Soon after that, one week we are going here and the next week we are traveling there.”

As their skills grew and they began to win, wrestling was not only beginning to shape the boys as individuals, but also their relationships as brothers.

“From the time I first met them until today I have never heard any one of them say a cross word about each other,” said Coach Oddo. “From the beginning each brother has been the others biggest fan.

In addition to their strong Christian faith and their parent’s involvement in all they do, another key factor in keeping a close and peaceful bond between the brothers has been that they never compete against each other. The Bennett boys are all in different weight classes.

“I think you should never be in the same weight class as your

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brother,” said Zach. “I like to hang out with them but I do not like to wrestle them. I like being the older brother helping them to get better.”

Not competing with each other allows more time to discuss improvement and set goals, rather than dealing with settling a spat over a practice or even a match that may have gotten too personal between brothers. “If you accidentally do something that hurts, then we would both get mad at each other,” said Alex.

Andy echoes the non-compete sentiment.

“This sport really has brought us together,” said Andy. “We are

Franklin High and possibly for the state of Tennessee when all three brothers went to the state tournament this year. Regardless of this achievement, they will each tell you that rank and wins are not what matters most to them. Andy Bennett may best sum it up for all of the brothers.

“I pray before matches not to win but to do the best that I can do, and to let me do what I know I can do, and to use the strength that God has given me.”

Becoming a champion in wrestling can be a rare thing, but for the Bennett boys of Franklin, when it comes to heart and character they are most certainly

I have worked with thousands of young wrestlers over the years, many with much more natural skills than the Bennett boys, but very few with the DEDICATION, DESIRE, AND HEART that these young men possess. together almost every single day.

We go to school together, we eat lunch together and work out together if we need to. Wrestling makes us be together but it also made it a good thing because I enjoy it.”

Coach Jeramie Welder runs Wosbo Wrestling and has known the Bennett boys for six years.

“Although each brother is gifted and unique in his own way, there are a couple of words that can describe them all,” said Wosbo. “They all have faith greater than a mustard seed and their work ethic is something many others can learn from. They understand that through hard work and faith anything is attainable.

“I have worked with thousands of young wrestlers over the years, many with much more natural skills than the Bennett boys, but very few with the dedication, desire, and heart that these young men possess.”

The Bennett boys recently set a milestone for themselves and for

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champions. Zach Bennett has taken a lead as an example of this for his family and his younger brothers. Zach has had several offers for college wrestling scholarships, but his first choice is to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

Regardless of whether or not they’d ask him to wrestle, he wants to serve his country.

Joel and Sandy Bennett did not invent the concept of family and the Bennett boys won’t tell you that they are the best wrestlers in the state of Tennessee, but when it comes to family they have a winning combination. They have found an inspiring way to make it work successfully for them through faith and a collective passion for a sport that requires so much sacrifice and hard work.

The Bennett Boys of wrestling demonstrate a respect for themselves, their sport, family, and for each other not only as brothers but also in friendship. Every Tennessean, athlete or not, can hold up these qualities as an example of what matters.

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Inside

The Great Outdoors with Larry Woody

Reelfoot Lake

The Outdoorsman’s Paradise

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agles and ospreys stand sentinel atop Reelfoot Lake’s gnarled cypress, and lily pad-choked coves ripple and splash with fish, waterfowl, reptiles and other marshy denizens.

Every spring armadas of anglers seek the lake’s famous spawning bluegill, and in the fall duck hunters take their place for superb wingshooting. The lake also produces bountiful catches of bass, crappie and catfish, with inland deer and wild turkeys abound.

Reelfoot Lake, an 18,700-acre earthquake-created impoundment nestled in the northwest corner of Tennessee, is a paradise for hunters, fishermen and naturalists.

“If there’s a more scenic, relaxing spot I haven’t found it,” says Tommy Akin, a retired Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission member who grew up fishing Reelfoot.

The lake is festooned with submerged stumps and logs – remnants of the famous 1811-12 earthquake, tremors from which were felt all the way to Chicago. The upheaval caused the mighty Mississippi River to flow backwards, filling fissures and lowlands and creating the shallow, swampy lake.

The ancient stumps render Reelfoot immune to water skiers and watercraft-riders, and even fishing boats have to tread slowly when negotiating bays and slews.

Even though Reelfoot Lake is heavily utilized by fishermen, hunters and wildlife watchers (eagle tours are a popular attraction), prudent management protects the delicate eco-system.

“You can utilize a resource and protect it at the same time,” says Mike Hayes, a TWRC commissioner who owns famed Blue Bank Resort on the lake’s south shore. “This is a special place for me and my family,” says Hayes. “I’ll always do what’s best for it.”

pole behind. Eagles soar overhead and nest in the craggy cypress.

Ducks and cranes frolic in the shallows and basking turtles line logs like crowded church pews. Along toward evening when the dying sun paints the lake orange, hooting owls and croaking frogs provide a peaceful sundown serenade.

Reelfoot is as rich in history as in wildlife. Native Americans originally populated the area (the lake is named after a tribal chief). Davy Crockett hunted bear in the Obion bottoms before riding off for Texas and the Alamo. Civil War cannons once boomed in the distance and ghostly night-riders waged a bloody campaign against land barons.

Yesterday’s turmoil is today’s tranquility. Reelfoot Lake is a Tennessee treasure, an outdoorsman’s dream. No matter how many times you visit over the years, every return trip is special. You never get tired of paradise.

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Hayes is a third-generation Reelfoot resort owner. His grandmother operated a lakeside hotel in the 1940’s and his father founded Blue Bank in 1959. Mike’s son Michael plans to carry on the family tradition.

Blue Bank Resort is one of several on the lake that provide a wide range of accommodations. They offer everything from lodging and boat rentals to spacious dining rooms and even swimming pools.

Bait, ice and gas are available, along with fish-cleaning and guide service if wanted.

Springing for a guide is a wise investment for CATCH OF THE DAY Every spring armadas of Reelfoot first- anglers go after Reelfoot's big bluegill. timers unfamiliar with the underwater obstacles and the labyrinth of “cuts” – man-made channels that meander through thousands of acres of lily pads and cypress groves. It’s an easy lake to get lost on – literally and spiritually – and that haunting aura is part of its charm.

There’s no more relaxing place than Reelfoot. You can spend a delightful day exploring the lake even if you leave your fishing Larry Woody/TSM

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

www.tnsportsmag.com

The Great Outdoors

How To Court A Turkey

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very spring, Tom turkeys put on their Leisure Suits, dangle a gold chain around their necks and splash on some English Leather. Then they pop a Bee Gees tape into their car stereo and go a-courting.

OK, so maybe my dating is a tad out-dated – my plaid polyester bellbottoms have been in mothballs for sometime – but you get my drift.

When the dogwoods began to bloom, Saturday Night Fever hits Turkey Town.

Normally-wise old gobblers become as giddy as teenagers on prom night. They cruise fields and forests listening for the come-hither clucks and purrs of available hens. That’s when hunters can lure them in by mimicking the feathered femme fatales with an array of calls.

Some typical turkey-talk: Hen: cluck-cluck-cluck: (“Hello handsome. Come here often?”)

Tom: gobble-gobble. (“Yeah, quite a bit, ever since a knee injury ended my pro football career.”)

Hen: cluck-putt-purr: (“My name’s Mabel. I enjoy long walks on the beach, snuggling by the fire and eating bugs.”)

Tom: gobble-gobble. (“I like that too – that is, when I can work it in around my charity work at the orphanage, helping save the rain forest and rescuing baby sea otters.”)

Hen: putt-cluck-putt: (“My, how exciting.

Say, is that a Congressional Medal of Honor?”)

Tom: gobble-gobble. (“What?

Oh, this old thing? Guess I forgot to take it off after flying my private jet home from last night’s White House soiree.”)

Hen: purr-purr-cluck: (“Did you get to meet the President?”)

Tom: gobble-gobble: (“Well, just between you and me, Mabel, I arranged the pardon for the Thanksgiving Day Duo.”) Hen: putt-cluck-purr: (“Oh, how wonderful. Let’s hope that someday those dreadful Pilgrim-people www.tnsportsmag.com

will become civilized and start eating tofu instead of you-knowwhat.”)

Tom: gobble-gobble: (“Don’t hold your breath, doll-face; it’s not safe for a turkey to let his guard down for a second.”)

Hen: cluck-purr-cluck: (“I know; last spring my boyfriend Jake went out for some grasshoppers and never came back …”)

Tom: gobble-gobble: (“You don’t say? So you’re, well, unattached.”)

Hen: purr-cluck-cluck: (“Free as the breeze, Buster. Wanna go back

to my place, put on some Barry Manilow and toss a frog on the barbie?”)

Tom: gobble-gobble: (“Waiter!

Check please!”)

We’ll leave the turkey tryst at this point and allow your imagination to take it from there.

But let Tom beware: the next hen that beckons may not be Mabel but a camouflaged impersonator who has the stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce ready and waiting, and is on the hunt for the entrée. ■

Mark Your Calendar WOUNDED WARRIORS: Sponsors are being sought for the Wounded Warrior Turkey Hunt, April 15-16. The program provides hunts for soldiers who were wounded in battle.A sponsorship costs $500 and includes travel, lodging, meals and hunting gear. For more details, visit HYPERLINK "mailto:turkey@notalone.com" turkey@notalone.com or call 1-888-497-0379 (ext. 5). All additional sponsorship money will go toward supporting Warriors and their families.

■ ■ ■ EAGLE REWARDS: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is working with federal wildlife agents to apprehend the killer(s) of two bald eagles in Cumberland and Bledsoe counties. A reward of $8,500 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. It is illegal in Tennessee to capture, kill or otherwise harm an eagle, hawk or owl. It is also illegal to possess any part of the birds (feathers, talons, etc.) except for “educational purposes such as school exhibits.

■ ■ ■ TURKEY TIME: Turkey season opened April 2 and runs through May 15, with a limit of four bearded birds, not to exceed one a day.

Detailed information about rules and regulations are available in the 2011 Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide, available at most outdoors outlets or at tnwildlife.org ■ ■ ■ ELK SEASON: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has approved the state’s third annual elk hunt. Once again it will be held in October on the agency’s East Tennessee Wildlife Management Area. Tags for five bull elk will be available, four by random draw and one through auction. Details about when and how to submit applications will be announced soon — L.W.

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Courtesy Trap The Light Photography

Cover Story

Caroline Caroline Mason Mason Lipscomb Lipscomb

And ‘gem’ is exactly the right word to describe Nashville-area softball players that are making a big impact at the college level

By Jim Harwell

W

ebster’s New World Dictionary defines the word ‘gem’ this way: “a person held in great esteem; a person held to be a perfect example; a treasure; a person or thing likened to or prized.”

And when looking at the rosters of college softball teams in Middle Tennessee there is not a better word to describe the talented soft-

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ball players and programs that have officially made Nashville a softball destination. In addition to the annual Music City Hits 18U/16U tournaments, the largest college exposure tourney in the South, Nashville college softball is also setting the pace.

“The Hits Tournament” in Hendersonville every June features over 65 summer teams from around the nation, all converging for five days of nonstop softball

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

action. This year will be the 7th annual tournament, which features some of the best high school players in the country.

And some of those stars go on to play for four teams right here in the Nashville area: Lipscomb, Trevecca, Belmont, MTSU and Cumberland. Their rosters show why Tennessee is a great place to build a team. Of the 65 players on the four rosters, 53 percent (36) are from Tennessee and 45 percent

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(29) are from Nashville.

Trevecca Lady Trojans

So far in 2011, it looks like the Lady Trojans are poised to continue their dominant play in the NAIA. They have made it to the Final Eight of the NAIA National Championships four times in the past five years. In addition, the Trojans have won five of the last six regular season TranSouth Conference titles.

Trevecca began this season ranked No. 9 in the nation (NAIA coaches poll), the highest pre-season ranking in school history.

Coach Ben Tyree’s squad returns seven of nine starters from 2010. Of the 14 players on the roster, 11 are from the Nashville area.

Murfreesboro and Siegel High is a stalwart player. The power-hitting West is among the team leaders in RBI and at-bats. Last year, she batted .345 and led the TranSouth with 16 HRs. West played at Shorter University (Rome, Ga.) before Belmont.

Melinda Patterson from Camden, Tenn., is one of the best defensive players in the TranSouth and covers first base. Last year, she batted

Tyree says he has assembled a group that plays as a team.

Monica Monica West West “We have quite a few Trevecca Trevecca outstanding athletes this year,” said Tyree.

“But they work very .321 and finished with a .983 fieldhard as a team and also are outing percentage. standing students with character as Kelsey Lantrip (from Kimberly, well.”

Ala.) plays shortstop and last year The Trojans are led by a group of was named 2010 TranSouth local upperclassmen. The senior Newcomer of the Year. In 2010, she class features four Midsouth players batted .325 with 11 HRs and 41 who all earned All-TranSouth honRBI. ors last season.

The junior class is also talentCatcher Karli Rush from Mt. laden.

Juliet (Mt. Juliet High) is team capTwo of the TranSouth’s top pitchtain and a leader on and off the ers are Trojan juniors Lauren Baker field. So far this year, she is among from Hendersonville (Beech) and the team leaders in virtually every Riley Mashburn from Nashville statistical category and was recently (Father Ryan). Both were 20-game named TranSouth Player of the winners last year. Baker has already Week. In 2010 she batted .333 with been named TranSouth Pitcher of 35 RBIs while battling an injury. the Week this year.

“Karli is one of those players that Junior Kari Mason is an infield come around once in awhile who starter and is among the team leadhas the desire to be the best, no ers in average, stolen bases and atmatter what she is doing,” said bats. Mason, from Springfield, Tyree. “She has been one of our capplayed at Columbia State and East tains for two years and definitely Robertson High before Trevecca. leads by example.”

Sophomore outfielder Breanna Monica West (C, 3rd base) from

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Zeis from Murfreesboro and Blackman High is one of the TranSouth’s and the NAIA’s top hitters. Last year, she led the Lady Trojans with 68 hits and a .368 batting average, including 13 doubles, 9 HRs and 42 RBI.

Lipscomb Lady Bisons

The Lady Bisons are coming off the best season in school history, including the Atlantic Sun

Lauren Lauren Baker Baker

Trevecca Trevecca

Championship, 50 wins and a NCAA Regional Finals trip. They finished last year ranked 36th in the nation.

The program is now nationallyknown and attracting players from all over the country. The 2011 roster has players from seven states, including Texas, California and Washington. Head Coach Kristin Ryman (Lipscomb ’03), now in her fifth year at the helm, is the catalyst.

“Finishing in the mid-to-upper 30s in almost every poll shows what this program is capable of,” Ryman said. “I think people are starting to pay more attention to us.”

The 2011 team is young, with five upper and 11 underclassmen, representing seven states. There are seven players from Tennessee.

Three starters who are pacing the Bisons are from the Nashville area.

Juniors Carolina Mason and

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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LipscombSports.com. Recently, she wrote about teammate Kristen Sturdivant’s original rap song that has brought some high-energy fun and motivation to the squad.

Harmon is a four-year starter and one of the Bruins’ top pitchers. In 2010, she earned Atlantic Sun AllAcademic honors. Julie prepped at Brentwood High for Coach Jamie Chiariello. Cash and Smith are both starters as well and play a variety of Belmont Lady Bruins positions. Cash was third on the Belmont has high hopes for 2011 team last year with a .243 BA. and faces a very tough schedule, The junior leaders on the team including the tough Atlantic Sun include two Nashville area standout playersCassie B o l l i n Karli is one of those players that come f r o m Madison around once in awhile who has THE a n d H a n n a h DESIRE TO BE THE BEST , no matter Irwin from Mt. Juliet. what she is doing. She has been one of our Bollin, captains for two years and definitely who went to Humeleads by example.

Fogg High, is a twoy e a r starter and Thurman, an outfieldled the team last year with a .278 er, is among the team leaders in Conference. The squad has 7 BA and nine stolen bases. She plays numerous categories, including Nashville area players on the 16infield. average, on-base percentage, walks person roster. Coach Chris Irwin, from Mt Juliet (Mt. Juliet and stolen bases.

Kuhlmeyer is in his third season at High), is also a two-year starter and The Bisons have faced a brutal the helm. plays catcher and 3rd base. The preseason schedule, including par“We have a veteran ball club and daughter of a Belmont graduate, ticipating in four prestigious preseahave been through many battles in Irwin is one of eight siblings-four son tournaments in Georgia, the Atlantic Sun,” said Kuhlmeyer. sisters and three brothers.

Alabama and South Carolina, as “With the pre-season schedule we After a very challenging preseawell as the annual Lady Bison put together, we hope that we will son schedule, including the War Classic at Lipscomb. The Bisons continue to head towards that goal Eagle and Georgia Tech Classics, have fared very well against the topof consistency and be ready to comthe Lady Bruins will face a very level D-1 competition. pete for a spot in the Atlantic Sun tough A-Sun regular season schedAnd the Bisons are having fun in tournament.” ule. the process. Third-year veteran The Bruins are led by seniors Vanessa Medina, from Bakersfield, Julie Harmon from Brentwood, Calif., gives highlights of the season Kelly Cash (Ohio) and Ashley Smith MTSU Lady Blue Raiders in her weekly blog on (Alabama).

MTSU has solid senior leadership Courtney Billington are from Mt. Juliet, and Sophomore Breanna Thurman is from Columbia. All three are among Lipscomb’s top hitters. Mason (Mt. Juliet High) and Billington (Wilson Central) are team leaders and play primarily outfield. Billington was a 1st Team All-Conference selection last year and won the A-Sun batting title with a .373 BA.

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

www.tnsportsmag.com

Amanda Buntin Belmont Belmont

and looks to battle in the tough Sun Belt Conference under Coach Sue Nevar. The Blue Raiders have players from eight different states, with

seven players from the Midstate.

The Lady Blue Raiders have also faced a tough preseason schedule and have picked up solid wins over Murray State (twice), Georgia Southern and Marshall, among others. They also went 2-2 at the War Eagle Classic in Auburn, including a narrow, 6-5 loss in a rematch with Georgia Southern.

The Raiders are led by seniors Kandra Singleton, Corrie Abel, Kelsey Dortch and Brittney Banania.

Singleton is a threeyear letterman and 2nd baseman from Clarkville Northwest High.

Abel, from Illinois, is one of the Sun Belt’s best hitters and led the team last year with a .347 BA and 60 hits. She is a three-year starting

outfielder. As a sophomore, she was a Second Team All-Sun Belt selection and batted .381.

Dortch, from Milan, Tenn., starts in CF and provides offensive power. She had 7 doubles and 4 HRs last year. Banania is a fouryear starter at SS and one of the Raiders leading hitters. She is from San Pedro, Calif.

Junior catcher Natalie Ysias from Riverside, Calif., is a key player. Ysais led the team last year in HRs, RBI and slugging percentage.

Jessi Couch from Lebanon and Friendship Christian provides solid play at catcher as well.

Freshman Kayla Toney from Hendersonville and Beech High is already an impact player. Toney is one of the Raiders’ leading hitters so far this year and plays infield.

She was a consensus All-State selection last year for Beech.

In both college and high school softball action in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, you won’t have to go far to see Tennessee’s diamond gems.

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Have you dreamed of playing pro basketball?

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27

Labor of Love Ordering lunches for road trips is all part of the job description for an NAIA baseball coach. The detail work is what has kept Woody Hunt happy and busy for the last three decades.

Fireworks!

It’s a bold baseball team that would guarantee fans will see more fireworks in a new season, but the Nashville Sounds are guaranteeing just that.

Perfect Pitch After a standout career at UT Rick Honeycutt has had a top-notch career in Major League Baseball that spans more than three decades.

Cumberland University baseball head coach Woody Hunt guided his team to 58 wins last season as the Bulldogs steamrolled their way to the NAIA World Series title last June – their second in four seasons.

Photographs courtesy Cumberland University

Inside

Baseball In Tennessee

Mr. Baseball Fresh off another World Series championship Cumberland coach Woody Hunt just keeps on winning

By Joe Szynkowski

W

inning 58 games and a national championship will get you a lot of things: impressive hardware, media-darling status and a No. 1 ranking the following preseason, just to name a few. But it will also get you a busy offseason. Cumberland University baseball head coach Woody Hunt blazed through the banquet circuit this winter the same way his Bulldogs bulldozed their way to a World Series title last June.

He was recognized in January as NAIA National Coach of the Year at the American Baseball Coaches Association conference, “Man of the Year” at the 87th Annual Lebanon/Wilson County awards banquet and “Mr. Baseball” at the 73rd Annual Nashville Old Timers event.

Hunt, who had experienced similar offseason obligations in 2004 after leading Cumberland to its first title in school history, wasn’t exactly caught by surprise. And it’s not that he has anything against banquet halls, he just feels more at home in the dugout.

“It’s definitely overwhelming,” said the skipper, who recently began his 30th season at the helm of the Bulldogs. “It’s good to get things settled back down. Really, it happened as soon as our season was over. I just tried to take the attention that was on me and direct it back toward our team and what we accomplished.”

Cumberland won 29 of its final 30 games last season, including its 4-3

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championship-clincher over Lee University. The Bulldogs finished with a school-record 141 home runs and boasted four first-team all-Americans.

“It was just a great group of guys,” said Matt Greener, who played third base for the Bulldogs last season and was named NAIA Player of the Year.

“Coach Hunt is a great recruiter. He gets great commitments from all over the country and the pieces just fit perfectly last season.”

Greener is gone after a standout senior season. He hit .466 and led the nation in hits (116), home runs (27) and RBIs (101). Also missing are fellow all-Americans Troy Frazier, Shawn Schaefer and Kris Miller, who was named World Series MVP. If Cumberland was struggling to replace that many star players, it wasn’t showing it in the early-goings of this season. The Bulldogs were “just trying to find our own identity,” according to Hunt, and jumped out to a 14-6 record compared to last year’s 16-4 start through 20 games.

Greener says Cumberland will be successful as long as Hunt is in charge.

“Coach Hunt is a great motivator and he’s going to tell you exactly what he expects out of you,” Greener said.

“He will get in your face and knows how to push the right buttons for each individual player.”

Greener knows this from experience. During his junior season, he struggled to find his power stroke at the plate. Although a gold-glover at the hot corner, Greener finished his

WOODY HUNT

By The Numbers 30:

Years as Cumberland University’s head baseball coach

2: 74:

NAIA World Series titles Hunt has won

Number of Hunt’s former players who have signed professional contracts

17:

Conference titles Cumberland has won during Hunt’s tenure

8:

Number of seasons Hunt has led Cumberland to at least 50 wins

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Baseball In Tennessee junior year with only four home runs and 29 RBIs. Hunt didn’t beat around the bush about what he expected from Greener before last season began.

“He got right in my face and told me I was supposed to be a leader. He told me I could be the best player in NAIA if I held my own. That really fired me up and got me working hard right from the beginning of the season.”

GREENER PASTURES Matt Greener is gone after a standout senior season but helped lead Cumblerland to a NAIA national title. Greener hit .466 and led the nation in hits (116), home runs (27) and RBIs (101) during a 589 2010 season.

Hunt tries to apply his motivational ability to every player who comes through the Cumberland program. Greener’s all-American classmate Frazier got off to a slow start last season after transferring from the University of Kentucky, and was appreciative of the patience Hunt doled out while he adjusted to his new surroundings.

“Woody is awesome,” Frazier said.

“The main thing he does well is he lets his players go out and play. I struggled for a little while in the first three games and he told me not to feel pressure. Some guys just take time. He doesn’t yank those guys out of the lineup. He sticks with them.”

The Cumberland baseball landscape looks much different this season. The Bulldogs opened their season with only three returning starters in the field and only one pitcher – ace Aaron Wilkerson – who

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Labor of Love

F

ans of Cumberland University’s baseball team are used to seeing head coach Woody Hunt ordering his players around on the field. He’s been the Bulldogs’ unquestioned leader for 30 years. But ordering their lunches for road trips? Yeah, he does that, too. And more. It’s all part of the job description for an NAIA baseball coach. The detail work is what has kept Hunt happy and busy for the last three decades.

“You just get so wrapped up in what you’re doing for your program,” he said. “It kind of consumes you and the years pass by so quickly. And age kind of creeps up on you, too. You’re just so focused on the goal of winning a national championship.”

Hunt has accomplished that goal twice – Cumberland added its second title with last year’s outstanding 58-9 season. Annual success by the Bulldogs has led to much-improved baseball facilities like Ernest L. Stockton Field, Benton Jennings Indoor Hitting Complex and Jeanette C. Rudy Clubhouse. But these amenities weren’t borne from tuition spikes or tax hikes.

“It’s been a labor of love to build this thing,” Hunt said of his overall program. “I’m most proud of our players and how we’ve really raised the majority of the funding that it took to get these facilities built. A lot of effort was put into getting to where we’re at and it’s been kind of an evolution over the years.”

Hunt has passed on his work ethic and small-school approaches to his son, Ryan, who played at Cumberland and is now an assistant coach.

“We’ve had to work hard for everything,” Ryan Hunt said. “I’ve been around it so much that it’s just the way I think things are supposed to go. I don’t how I would handle being at a bigger school where some things are just handed to you. If I ever do get a head coaching opportunity, I will run my team just like him.”

Woody Hunt says an unwavering support from both his university and community is a main reason he has stayed at Cumberland for so long. It’s hard to leave, he says, when you’ve put in so much time and energy into building a program practically from the ground up.

“Sometimes the grass may look greener, but then you make the move and it turns out it’s actually a different color than what you were thinking,” Hunt said. “You just get so attached to a place and committed to the former players. You don’t want to let them down by leaving and risk losing that connection you’ve built.” — J.S.

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

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Baseball In Tennessee pitched more than 35 innings last season. Wilkerson rattled off 14 straight wins after losing his first game last season, and finished with a 2.14 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 101.1 innings.

Also back are senior catcher David Fanshawe and senior infielders Greg Appleton and T.J. Murphy. With such limited experience coupled with the champion bulls-eye on Cumberland’s back, Hunt is depending on his three seniors to deliver another deep run into the postseason. His seniors don’t want to let their leader down.

“Coach Hunt is a special guy,” said Murphy, who played a solid second base and hit .315 last season. “He’s well-respected by all the players and you listen to every word he says because he’s done it all in the past.

He’s just such a good man.”

Appleton hit .361 with 13 doubles, 17 home runs and 58 RBIs for the Bulldogs, spending half of the season sparking Cumberland from the leadoff spot. The Canada native began his college career playing in British

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SENIOR CLASS Returning for his senior season, T.J. Murphy hit .315 for last year's national championship team while playing a solid second base. Murphy is one of only three returning starters from last year's record-setting team.

Columbia and Texas before landing in Lebanon. “I’m very competitive and I take winning seriously,”

Appleton said. “It’s great to play for a coach who approaches the game the same way.”

It’s hard to approach baseball any differently when winning is all you know. Hunt entered this season with an overall record of 1,284-523-3 and is one of only six coaches in NAIA history with 1,000 career victories. He has impacted many lives during his 30 years, none more than his son, who shares the Bulldogs’ bench with him as assistant coach. Ryan Hunt played for Woody at Cumberland and was part of the 1998 team that made it to the World Series. He has aspirations to become a head coach and says he’s learning from the greatest.

“I can’t put it into words how much he’s done for me,” Ryan Hunt said.

“I’ve had the privilege of observing him behind the scenes and how he does things. I’m not just saying this because he’s my dad, but he’s the best baseball coach in the country.”

Joe Szynkowski is a freelance writer for TSM. He can be reached at joeszynkowski@hotmail.com

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Photos courtesy Mike Strasinger/Nashville Sounds

The Sounds will provide a bang both on and off the field during the 2011 season

By Mike Morrow

I

t's a bold baseball team that would guarantee fans will see more fireworks in a new season, but the Nashville Sounds are guaranteeing just that.

That's because the Sounds will have 21 fireworks shows -- on every Friday except the first Friday on the schedule and on all Saturdays throughout the season at Greer Stadium.

“We put on a tremendous fireworks show for a minor league ballpark,” said Brad Tammen, a 22-year veteran minor league executive who is vice president and general manager of the Sounds. “When I first came to this team last year I was blown away by the fireworks show we put on.”

But fireworks come in all kinds in baseball, and there is good reason to expect fireworks in the form of a good, solid baseball club as the AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, which is committed to instilling a winning spirit throughout its minor league system.

The Sounds figure to have a club noted for a strong pitching staff, some star players that are already fan favorites and a veteran coaching staff headed by Manager Don Money, who is entering his third year with the

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Sounds.

Opening Night for the club in the Pacific Coast League is April 7 against the New Orleans Zephyrs, the AAA affiliate of the Florida Marlins.

Sounds fans are accustomed to seeing the kind of minor league stars who go on to become major league mainstays, with Brewer standouts like Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and Rickie Weeks establishing themselves in Nashville before heading to the big leagues.

It can be dicey at this point to nail Don down exactly whom Sounds fans will see Money on the roster, since so many decisions are made in spring training camp in Arizona.

For example, righthanded pitcher Mark Rogers, a top prospect, has appeared to be a likely candidate for Opening Night starter in Nashville. But the Brewers' expected ace, Zack Greinke, obtained in a trade from Kansas City that involved Brewer prospects, was injured in a basketball game in March, and

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

Rogers has been in speculation as a replacement for Greinke in the Brewers' rotation at the start of the season.

Nevertheless, Rogers could be a standout on the Nashville staff. So could Amaury Rivas, named minor league pitcher of the year in the Brewer system.

Sounds fans can count on seeing popular power-hitting outfielder Brendan Katin, who could become the franchise's all-time leader in home runs and RBIs. There is already a Katin bobblehead night scheduled for July 14.

Another bobblehead night, for manager Money, is July 30.

Another player to watch may be Mat Gamel, normally a third baseman.

Since the Brewers have Casey McGehee at third base, there may be a need to find another place for Gamel in the field, so he could be tried in other positions in Nashville. Another player in that category is second baseman Eric Farris, since the Brewers have Weeks. Catcher Martin Maldonado,

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Baseball In Tennessee solid defensively, will likely play in Nashville. In all, Sounds management figures about half the players Sounds fans saw last year will be in Nashville this season.

Any discussion of Sounds baseball these days, of course, comes with the question of the potential for a new ballpark. There is Mat every reason Gamel to expect the Sounds will find a new home after more than 30 years at Greer Stadium. But it has been a long, drawnout issue. The Sounds' management is diplomatic about the matter, but it is clearly on everyone's mind.

“Every day, I get a question about the location and the status of the new stadium,” Tammen said. “The city is eager and excited about the prospects of a new stadium. In 90 percent of my meetings, whether it's with my son's Little League team or when I have a business meeting in the community, it is a common question. It shows the excitement of what these fans want. The city is ready for a new ballpark.”

As even the site of a new ballpark has become a subject of considerable debate, it's likely there will be few answers on the stadium issue for several months.

But there is little doubt that a new park is on the minds of city leaders – even though efforts in recent years have fallen through.

The Brewers have been a patient parent club, but the fact remains there have been 119 new stadiums built in minor league baseball since 1990. The ballpark debate promises to be

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a constant conversation piece in and out of Nashville's baseball circles.

And any talk of replacing Greer Stadium has to include the giant guitar scoreboard. The mechanisms inside one of the city's most enduring sports icons are literally 18 years old, so it's fairly certain the scoreboard itself would not follow the Sounds to a new home.

But management knows the importance of that image, and it's a safe bet the guitar would be in a new Sounds ballpark in some fashion, even if it's only emblematic.

Meanwhile, Greer Stadium can bask in some of the charm that comes naturally with old ballparks. It's not exactly Fenway Park, but the playing field itself at Greer Stadium is looking wellgroomed, and the atmosphere for affordable family entertainment appears to be as dependable as ever.

Promotions are an integral part of any minor league baseball franchise, and the Sounds offer far more than fireworks. The club will have Money Mondays, based on the manager's name and perks like $1 hot dogs. Money will be part of special promotions, like hanging out with him during batting practice. Other Money-related prizes are in store.

Tuesdays will bring Kraft two-for-one deals for fans that have Kraft Singles wrappers. And here's a statistic made to order: Nashville ranks in the top three among all minor league sites who use the Kraft promotion. “We have

Baseball In Tennessee

Nashville Sounds mascot ‘Ozzie’

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a very big following in Kraft cheese in Middle Tennessee,” boasts Tammen, who admits he is not quite sure why that is.

Wednesdays will feature kids-eatfree days for those 12-and-under, who will get a hotdog and soda upon entry.

Thursdays will be Throwback Thursdays, when the Sounds will wear 1980s uniforms and turn back the clock with $2 dollar hotdogs and similar price breaks on soda, beer, nachos and popcorn. The fireworks provide the biggest bang on Fridays and Saturdays as well as July 4th.

There will be special nights for Tshirts, hats, baseball cards and nights for Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, with sleepovers scheduled.

Parking for Sounds home games will be $3, same as last year. Ticket prices will also be the same as last year.

“It’s all about affordable family entertainment,” Tammen said.

“Good wholesome entertainment, in a safe environment that’s affordable, that's what we're about.”

On the affordability issue, which is

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

especially important to families in the current economy, the average ticket price in AAA baseball is $7.44, compared to $26.64 in Major League Baseball, $49.46 in the National Hockey League, $49.47 in the National Basketball Association and $74.99 in the National Football League.

The average price of a hotdog is $3.02 at AAA baseball games, compared to $4.40 in the NFL. The average price for parking in AAA baseball is $4.57, compared to $12.40 in Major League Baseball.

So the Sounds remain a bargain for a family.

But even if you don't care for baseball, the Sounds have something special in store this season. The famed Boston Pops symphony will play at Greer Stadium with Kenny Loggins on Aug. 20, when there is no game scheduled.

The orchestra played at the ballpark in Pawtucket last year, and it was such a hit it plans a tour this year. The Pops did not want to miss the chance to play Music City.

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Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt keeps a watchfull eye on pitcher Ted Lilly during a spring training practice at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ. Photograph by Maren Angus/TSM

Photo courtesy Dustin Bradford/Icon SMI

Baseball In Tennessee

After a standout career at UT Rick Honeycutt has had a top-notch career in Major League Baseball that spans more than three decades

By Maren Angus

I

n 2008, Grady Little was let go as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and soon after, Joe Torre took over – a legendary manager taking the reins of a legendary organization.

In 2010, Torre retired from managing and left the team in the hands of Don Mattingly.

One of the consistent names through the turnover of coaches in the past five years has been Rick Honeycutt. “Honey,” as everyone calls him in the clubhouse, has been the pitching coach for five years and has helped the Dodgers to a major league best in earned run average and opposing batting average.

Frederick Wayne Honeycutt grew up in North Georgia but always felt like he had a Tennessee connection.

His parents grew up in Tennessee and he had love for Tennessee Orange. He attended Lakeview High School in, Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, which is located just 15 minutes from Chattanooga. He was a three-sport athlete at Lakeview, playing football, basketball and baseball. During his junior and senior years at Lakeview, he helped lead his baseball team to back-to-back state championships

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PITCHING CHANGE Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and catcher Russell Martin visit starting pitcher Derek Lowe during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

but he wasn’t just a pitcher, he also played first base.

“When I grew up, I played every position,” said Honeycutt, “I loved to pitch but I loved to hit.”

Honeycutt, who was recruited by several SEC teams, took that love of hitting into consideration when it came to the recruiting process.

with five. He led the staff in strikeouts his sophomore year, 49, and innings pitched, 69.2.

It wasn’t until his junior year that he started to gain national recognition when he was named to the AllSEC team, leading the Vols in innings pitched with 67.2. And in 1975 Honeycutt also became a well-

Tennessee was WHERE MY HEART WAS, where I deep down always wanted to be.

“Part of the deal was getting the opportunity to play both positions, not just a pitcher,” said Honeycutt.

As the end of recruiting approached, Vanderbilt started to push harder but Honeycutt knew no matter how hard the Commodores pushed, he would end up a Tennessee Volunteer.

“Tennessee was where my heart was,” said Honeycutt, “where I deep down always wanted to be.”

Honeycutt jumped head first into his career at UT and in 1973 during his freshman year he led the Volunteers pitching staff in wins

known name at the plate hitting a team high 15 doubles and six homeruns.

His senior year numbers surpassed his junior year. Leading in just about every category pitching and hitting, Honeycutt finished 1976 with an 8-2 record and a 2.88 ERA. While setting records for pitching, he also set records hitting, finishing the season with a .404 average, 65 hits, 17 doubles, four triples and 10 homeruns. After that year he was named an All-American along with All-SEC. Honeycutt left UT with a .377

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Baseball In Tennessee career batting average which ranks him among the top five in Tennessee baseball history and in June of ’76, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates traded Honeycutt to the Mariners a year later and when he arrived, Seattle turned him into a pitcher and only a pitcher. “I was traded to Seattle and was in AA one day, then big leagues the next,” said Honeycutt.

On August 31, 1977, he made his first professional start at Yankee Stadium against the team he idolized as a kid. “My first career start was at the Yankees,” said Honeycutt, “needless to say I knew who they were.”

Honeycutt recalled his nerves walking into the stadium and thinking about how many great players he had watched growing up but one

his first memories of Yankee Stadium was while he was warming up in the bullpen and he saw his pitching coach, Wes Stock, chatting with Catfish Hunter. “In my mind I wondered if he would sign a ball for me,” said Honeycutt.

When the game started, the nerves took over for him. “I went into my windup and my knees were shaking,” said Honeycutt, “I threw a fastball and almost hit Mickey Rivers.” Honeycutt said the second pitch was worse than the first and came even closer to hitting Rivers in the head, “After I released the third one I yelled, ‘Watch Out!’” Honeycutt remembers the starting lineup for the Yankees, top to bottom – remembers it like it was yesterday. He struggled through his first few batters and thought he wasn’t going to get an out. “I

pitched seven and a third and got a no decision,” said Honeycutt, “but those first pitches were something I would never forget.”

When he was traded to Oakland, he was moved to the bullpen and was the setup man for Dennis Eckersley. “At first I didn’t think it was a good thing but it turned out to be great,” said Honeycutt on playing in Oakland.

In 1989, Honeycutt won his only World Series but winning was bittersweet for the A’s. The 1989 World Series is also known as the Earthquake Series and the celebration was overshadowed by tragedy in the Bay Area. “We didn’t get a chance to celebrate,” said Honeycutt, “there were mixed feeling because of all the tragedy.”

“It really opened my eyes; baseball is just a game and this was life

Photo courtesy Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

GOOD COMPANY Rick Honeycutt poses with actor James Assi, Joe Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer prior to a game against the New York Yankees on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

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and death. It is something you can never get out of your mind.”

Honeycutt played professional baseball for 21 seasons and was a twotime All-Star, pitching for the Rangers, Cardinals, Dodgers, Athletics and Mariners. It was during his time with the A’s that he got his first taste of coaching. “The latter part of my career, he (Dave Duncan) would match you up with a younger guy and talk pitching to them,” said Honeycutt.

Honeycutt was injured in 1997 and finished his playing career with former coaches Tony La Russa and Duncan in St. Louis.

“I wanted to stay in the game,” said Honeycutt, “the Cardinals offered me a job to coach but I promised my wife that I would stay at home until my son graduated.”

He finished his career with 109 wins and 38 saves, while making 268 starts and 529 relief appearances, for a total of 2,160 innings.

In 2001, Honeycutt joined the Dodgers organization as a pitching consultant, from 2002-05 was the minor league pitching coordinator and in 2006 became the pitching coach for the Dodgers. Along with Mariano Duncan, Honeycutt is the longest tenured coach in uniform.

Over the past five years, his pitching staff has lead the major leagues with a 3.88 ERA. The Dodgers saw a large turnover in the coaching staff this past offseason with the retirement of Torre. “Part of the reason I came back was when (Tommy) Lasorda called and said there would be a change in pitching philosophy,”

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Photo by Maren Angus/TSM

Baseball In Tennessee

PITCHING MAKEOVER Honeycutt gives instruction to Kenley Jansen, who prior to the 2009 season was a strong-armed catcher who had never before pitched as new Dodgers manager Don Mattingley looks on.

said Honeycutt.

Part of that philosophy is communication and some of the pitchers stress how important communication with their coach is. Opening Day starter, Clayton Kershaw has worked closely with Honeycutt the first thing he said about his coach was, “He communicates with me.”

Another thing “Honey” has been good with is making his pitchers comfortable.

Jonathan Broxton, closer, had the opportunity to play three years in the minors for Honeycutt and was able to transition to the majors easily.

“It’s been very comfortable,” said Broxton, “he knows my ins and outs.”

Starting pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda had an easy transition moving from Japan and thanks Honeycutt for that. “He had an in depth knowledge about pitching in Japan,” said Kuroda, “I really have to thank him for making the transition easy.” Kuroda

also said that being able to play American baseball was a big question but, “it is because of him that I have been able to transition.”

In 2006, Honeycutt was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the induction was unexpected.

“A doctor in Chattanooga was on the committee and kept nominating my name,” said Honeycutt, “it’s a great honor to receive that award.” Honeycutt was also named to the University of Tennessee All-Century team in 2009.

In the offseason, he resides with his wife, Debbie, in Georgia. They have a ranch for special needs children.

“Heartland Ranch came in about nine, 10 years ago,” he said, “we were able to have funds to cover what she wanted.”

Debbie’s vision was therapeutic riding and Heartland has given children with needs an outlet.

Heartland Ranch is a 100 acre, 42-stall ranch, located in Ringgold, GA. The Honeycutt’s have two children, Ricky and Holli. Holli played volleyball at Belmont University while Ricky played baseball at Samford University then transferred to UT to play golf.

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ONE-ON-ONE Training with former MLB outfielder Michael Coleman Prepare mentally and physically for the next level 1412 Antioch Pike, Antioch 615-474-4336 www.m3baseball.com m3baseball@yahoo.com

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Lets Dance!

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he Belmont men's basketball team reacts with to the announcement that the Bruins would head to Tuscon, Arizona to take on Wisconsin in a first-round game in the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins (30-4) were the first team in the nation to secure 30 victories in NCAA Division I basketball and appeared in the 'Big Dance' for the fourth time in the past six years.

The party was short-lived, however as the Bruins fell in their opening round game against the fourth-seededBadgers 72-58 on Mar. 19 in Tucson.

Photo courtesy J. Michael Krouskop/Belmont

March Sadness Of the eight Tennesee universities to qualify for the NCAA tournament only the Lady Vols advanced beyond the opening round

N

O DOUBT, basketball fans throughout the state of Tenneessee were more than disappointed with the early exits of their favorite school or alma mater during the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Truth be told, many of us knew some schools had very little chance of advancing based on their seeding and experience – or lack thereof.

We had hoped that the 11th-seeded Lady Raiders of MTSU could rally around the tradgedy that befell their squad prior to the tournament with the death of Tina Stewart.

They were dispatched 5641 by the sixth-seeded Georgia Bulldogs.

Fans of the UT men’s program had faith that the team could overcome the drama surrounding head coach Bruce Pearl and grab their 20th win of the season. Apparnetly, it was just too big a distraction as the eigth-seeded Mighigan

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Wolverines whipped the boys from Knoxville by 30.

The 12th-seeded Memphis Tigers broke our hearts as they nearly pulled off the upset against the Arizona Wildcats.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, Wesley Witherspoon had a potential game-tying layup blocked in the closing seconds.

For those die-hard fans out there, feel free to hitch a ride on the No. 1 seed Lady Vols’ bandwagon.

They are the lone representative left from Tennessee and many pundits feel a Final Four berth is expected of them. Lady Vols fans expect nothing short of a National Championship. — D.N.O.

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

NCAA Recap ■ Vanderbilt's Jeffery Taylor (44) goes to the hoop against the Richmond Spiders.

The fifth-seeded Commodores were upset by the No. 12-seed Spiders 69-66 during second round action at the Pepsi Center on March 17.

■ Tennessee center Brian Williams (33) and Michigan forward Jordan Morgan (52) vie for a rebound in the first half of play.

Michigan rolled past Tennessee 75-45.

■ Derrick Williams (23) of the Arizona Wildcats fights to maintain possesion against the Memphis Tigers during the secondquarter action.

The Wildcats defeated the Tigers 7775 in the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament.

■ Even Pat Summitt had a hard time finding fault with Tennessee's start

to the NCAA tournament as Tennessee forward Glory Johnson (25) grabs a rebound against the Hatters. The Lady Vols cruised to a 99-33 win over Stetson.

■ Vanderbilt guard Jasmine Lister, right, drives against Louisville freshman point guard Shoni Schimmel. Schimmel directed a young-but-poised offense with 19 points as the Cardinals marked their return to the NCAA tournament by beating Vanderbilt 81-62 in their firstround game in Cincinnati.

■The UT-Martin Skyhawks were a bit of a novelty for the NCAA tournament games in Durham, NC on Saturday, March 19. Duke was making its 17th straight appearance, while the women from northwest Tennessee were making their very first trip to the NCAA tournament. Second-year coach Kevin McMillan admitted his team was a bit ''shell-shocked'' by the prospect of playing the Blue Devils in their first NCAA tournament game. The results speak for themselves as the Blue Devils rolled past the Skyhawks 90-45.

Shut Up & Serve Photo courtesy Dave DeRocher

Malibu Bound

by Dave and Mandy DeRocher

T

his month, I am so encouraged to highlight a great young volleyball player named Scott Rhein. I have known Scott for four years and had the privilege of watching him grow as an athlete, person, and student.

As an athlete, Scott is one of the top volleyball players in the country. As one of his coaches, I have been approached by almost every college coach in the country. His 6-foot-5 frame and 36-inch vertical leap enables him to play at an extremely high level for his age. College coaches are amazed at his fun… Scott has damentals and how fluidly he plays the game. emerged as a The amazing part about Scott’s story to most college coaches is not only how skilled he is on the dominant playcourt, but where he’s from, Pleasantview, er. He has Tennessee. One Olympic coach called me and said, caught the eye “How in the world is one of the best players in the country from Tennessee?” He travels over an of the U.S. hour each way to play on a club team, which travels Olympic coachall over the southeast in search of competition. es as a future In the midst of that setting, Scott has emerged as a dominant player. He has caught the eye of the candidate …

U.S. Olympic coaches as a future candidate and they selected him as one of twelve athletes to represent the Junior National Team last summer in Mexico.

Also, he has signed his letter of intent to play for Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA coached by Olympic Coach, Marv Dunphy.

As a person, Scott shines like a star. Last year he called me to tell me about his grandfather who passed away at age 86. Scott held his hand as he gave his last breath. He had been helping take care of his grandfather for over ten years. His grandfather had suffered from a stroke and diabetes, needing assistance everyday.

His family decided to bring him into their home instead of putting him in a nursing home. Scott learned how to live selflessly and love his grandfather through many trials. Scott would play board games, talk about his life, change his dressings, help with baths, change linens and the list goes on and on.

The amazing part about Scott is how much love he developed for others through his relationship with his grandfather. I am confident that if Scott never played another game of volleyball, he would still make an amazing impact in this world with such love in his heart.

Lastly, as a student, Scott stands taller than his 6foot-5 frame. Scott’s family chose to home school him after fourth grade, and that decision has produced a beautiful result. Scott has learned the art of being selfmotivated and the ability to teach himself. As a senior, he takes college classes at his local community college and maintains a 4.0 GPA. This mentality of self motivation and self learning will give him all the tools necessary to excel in the classroom, the business world, and someday as a father.

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Scott Rhein, one of the top outside hitters in the country, has signed with Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.

It’s an honor to coach Scott and I pray that his story encourages you to rise to the top of your game, no matter where you are from. Come by and watch him and his teammates in action on Tuesday and Thursday nights at A-Game Sportplex. Next month I will highlight another rising volleyball star from Father Ryan Academy.

Hope to see you on the court… ■

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

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Ask The Jock Doc

Are Pitch Counts Necessary?

Understanding and utilizing pitch

counts in youth baseball

S

b y D r. J a m e s L o h s e

ince April is both the start of the baseball season and considered to be the Youth Sports Safety Month, I found it fitting to bring awareness to one of the major safety innovations made in youth Little League baseball, the pitch count.

With the increasing growth and early participation of our youth in sports such as baseball, we as a community of parents, players, coaches, fans, and sports medicine physicians have witnessed an alarming increase in injuries to the throwing athlete, particularly the pitcher. After years of extensive scientific research monitoring arm problems and potential contributing factors, the number of pitches thrown was the most significant contributor of arm problems. As a result, in 2007, the pitch count was implemented as a regulation by governing youth baseball leagues around the country to curtail the number of throws a pitcher can make each game, during double-headers, consecutive games, and throughout the baseball season. Ultimately, the goal of a pitch count is to protect young pitching arms and keep our pastime safe for our growing athletes.

Below are the most common questions asked with regards to a pitch count.

Ultimately, the goal of a pitch count is to protect young pitching arms and keep our pastime safe for our growing athletes.

How does the pitch count system work?

During each game, an official pitch count recorder is designated and in most cases it will be the game’s scorekeeper. Each pitcher’s pitch count is computed by adding the number of balls and strikes, the number of foul balls hit with two strikes, and the number of fair-batted balls. The pitch count recorder will provide the current pitch count for any pitcher requested by either manager or any umpire. The official pitch count recorder will inform the chief umpire when a pitcher has delivered his/her maximum number of pitches in a game. If achieved, the pitcher is removed from the pitching mound.

What determines the maximum number of pitches are allowed?

After extensive research and medical expert opinion, pitch counts are determined by a baseball player’s league age.

For example: League Age 17-18 — 105 pitches per day • 15-16 — 95 pitches per day 12-14 — 85 pitches per day • 9-11 — 75 pitches per day 7-8 — 50 pitches per day What types of pitches can my player throw?

The average recommended ages for learning pitches are the following: Pitch: Fastball

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Age: 10 and under

April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

Changeup 11-12 Curveball 14.5 Slider 18 A Little League pitcher should concentrate on mastering two pitches, the fastball and changeup.

How many days of rest are needed between pitching outings?

The amount of days of rest is determined by the player’s age and the number of pitches thrown in one calendar day. A calendar day is defined as one full day as it is seen on the calendar, which begins at midnight and ends at midnight the following day.

For example: Pitchers league age 17-18 must adhere to the following rest requirements: • If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, three calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 51–75 pitches in a day, two calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 26–50 pitches in a day, one calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 1–25 pitches in a day, no calendar days of rest must be observed.

What happens if a pitcher reaches his/her maximum pitches while facing a batter?

The pitcher may continue to pitch until that particular batter has either reached base or is put out.

Are pitching counts the cure of all baseball arm injuries?

Clearly the pitch count is a major prevention to protect our pitcher’s arms but there are many other contributing factors. We need to pay special attention to the types of pitches thrown, again based on age, the quality of unique throwing mechanics each player exhibits, and decrease the emphasis on ball velocity while living in today’s “radar gun” generation. I recommend focusing on the control, speed variations, and the quality of pitching mechanics as being the backbone for healthy pitchers.

Remember, no game is more important than protecting pitcher’s arms!

■ www.tnsportsmag.com

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April 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

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Ask The Athletic Trainer

When a Headache is Not Just a Headache

By Megan Mitchell Occipital Neuralgia: A Case Study

Most everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their life. Typically we can even associate a reason as to why we think we have a headache. For example, I need to eat, I need caffeine, my allergies are acting up, etc. However, the typical headache becomes atypical when that headache will not resolve. If a football or soccer player developed a continued headache that worsened with activity, one may even incorrectly suspect concussion as the culprit.

Therefore, it is important to remember that there are other causes of atypical headaches such as occipital neuralgia.

The typical headache becomes atypical when that headache will not resolve.

a headache specialist who diagnosed her with occipital-neuralgia as a result of spinal column compression that occurred during her fall. The headache specialist prescribed 100units of Botox, injected into the frontal, temporal, cervical, occipital, and supraorbital areas of the head.

The Botox injections resolved her headaches for two months. She received another dose of Botox three months after the initial treatment.

The plan was to continue the Botox treatment with an increasing number of months in between doses.

Uniqueness

Background

A 19-year-old female equestrian athlete reported to the athletic training room complaining of left sided back pain following a fall from a horse. Upon evaluation the athlete was diagnosed and treated for a spine strain. She reported no head injury and no other symptoms.

Pain resolved with conservative treatment in ten days. Three weeks later, the athlete reported to the athletic training room after workouts complaining of a severe headache. She stated the pain was sharp, throbbing and localized to the left occipital region (back of skull). She rated the pain an 8/10. She also reported brief dizziness and tinnitus. She had a family history of migraines but reported no self history.

The headaches continued with exertion for a week and decreased with rest.

The headaches began to increase in intensity and became constant and unchanged by activity. Meanwhile, along with the occipital headaches, she began to experience brief episodes of tachycardia with heart rates reaching 170 bpm.

Her blood pressure was slightly elevated to 135/83. Symptoms then increased to five episodes of tachycardia daily, sweating, shakiness, and a severe burning sensation in the back of her head. Her headaches began interfering with daily activities, schoolwork, and sport participation.

All diagnostic tests were negative for any cause of occipital headaches.

Pain continued to increase over five months with no medicinal relief. She developed other symptoms including tachycardia due to the severity of pain. This diagnosis was traced back to an injury that initially had no head or neck pathology.

Conclusion

It is important to support the athlete in cases where several diagnoses must be ruled out. It can be frustrating to the athlete to experience severe pain of an unknown cause, making it crucial for the athletic trainer to remain supportive and continue researching and considering all possibilities.

Differential Diagnosis

Exertional-headaches, migraines, supraventricular-tachycardia, pheochromocytoma, occipital-neuralgia.

Treatment

At the onset of headaches an MRI and MRA of the head and cervical spine were ordered to rule out trauma related to the fall. These tests came back clear and she was allowed to resume activities as tolerated. Headaches continued and she was diagnosed with migraines and given a prescription for medicine.

The medicine provided no relief so she was referred to a neurologist. The neurologist again diagnosed her with migraines and she was prescribed several different new medications. None of the medicines provided relief and she experienced adverse side effects (dilated pupils and dizziness) with each. The only medicine that caused temporary relief was an IV mixture of Reglan (500cc) and Benadryl (25-mg), which she received in the emergency room. At the onset of heart palpitations she was given an event monitor and was referred to the cardiologist who ordered an Intracardiac Electrophysiology Study to rule out supraventricular-tachycardia. This study was negative. The headaches and palpitations continued so the team physician ordered a 24-hour urine test and specific blood work to rule out an increase in stress hormones caused by pheochromocytomas. These tests were also negative. She was then referred to

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Megan Mitchell, PhD, ATC. is the head athletic trainer at the Ensworth School. Previously, Megan worked as an assistant athletic trainer at the United States Military Academy (West Point) for various Army collegiate athletic teams.

Megan earned her academic degrees from the following: University of Florida, Eastern Kentucky University, and Middle Tennessee State University. Kenlyn Shepherd, MS, ATC. is an assistant athletic trainer at the Ensworth School.

Kenlyn earned her academic degrees from the following: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and University of Georgia.

Additional contributors: Elliott R and Bryant S.

Tennessee Sports Magazine • April 2011

45

Looks Between The Lines

Too Much Pampering

I

by Rudy Kalis

was talking to a women’s college basketball coach recently, asking her if she was coaching differently now than she did 10 years ago. She just seemed a little more laid back on the sidelines. Was she mellowing in her “old age,” I asked.

She said absolutely, not mellowing, but coaching differently out of necessity. She grew up, like many of us, playing under tough coaches – even as a child – but it toughened her up as an athlete. She knew they cared but she knew that she had to earn playing time and learn to take criticism. It’s called coaching.

They can’t And that’s the way she started her coaching take criticism. career, successfully I might add, but the difference It’s like a pernow is that players are different.

As openly confident as they are, she told me, or at sonal attack on least seem to be, they are far more insecure than their character. ever before. They can’t take criticism. It’s like a perThen tears sonal attack on their character. Then tears follow. follow.

It made me think and I quickly realized two things. First, there are coaches who “coach for life” and realize that they impact young athletes deeply.

But it also made me realize that nowadays we don’t teach children how to fail. Most youth leagues, that I’ve seen, hand out trophies or plaques to everybody – every kid on every team. They don’t want anyone to feel bad.

I understand and applaud the concept of instilling significance into chil-

dren … building their self esteem, but on the other side of the coin, we have to be careful that we don’t build an unrealistic vision of the world in them either.

I have a relative in the education system, who told me of parents that have called her requesting and even demanding that she greet their child each day by saying: ‘Are you going to have a great day today ______?’

This is in high school, mind you.

That’s a parent’s job. Her job is to prepare the child for the real world and in the real world not everyone wins and learning how to lose with dignity and sportsmanship is a powerful lesson in itself.

So what I see out of the comment from the college coach is a subtle concern that goes beyond the playing field into the future lives of these young people.

Some day that child will find out that a boss, if you get a good one, will compliment you AFTER you follow their orders and do the job the way they expect you to do it.

The raising and nurturing of the child is done at home by faith, love and care and by example.

It’s a tough world out there and too much pampering won’t prepare young people for it.

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