FEBRUARY 2011

Titans of Compassion • Fighting Spirit • Like Father … Like Son • A Jewel

FEBRUARY, 2011 VOLUME 1, NO. 10

Don N. Olea / TSM

Leading Off

24 THE HARD WAY Tennessee Sports Magazine celebrates Black History Month featuring Joel Ward and his unlikely path to the NHL as the Predators first black player.

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12 Titans Of Compassion 31 Like Father…Like Son

Bowled Over

Aside from the X’s and O’s and high pressure of professional football many Titans’ players are making their mark off the field too.

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lowell Perry, Jr. is matching mentors with young hopefuls in the traditions of his father.

Mistakes and turnovers cost MTSU as they close out their season with a 35-21 loss to Miami of Ohio in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

18 Fighting Spirit

38 Ensworth’s Jewel

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At 15, Dickson teen, Connie Rymer, is focused on being the best and has set a path for mixed martial arts stardom.

28 The Boys Are Back

Brentwood’s Geoffrion brothers play in the first-ever NCAA hockey games in Tennessee.

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After running out of superlatives to describe talented sophomore Justice Swett, longtime coach Hubie Smith simply stated ‘she’s just a jewel’.

41 ABA Returns – Again

Nashville Soul set to play in South Central Division for 2011.

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

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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 Bill Traughber………………Contributing Writer Kathy Steakley…………………Guest Columnist Autumn Boaz……………………Guest Columnist

ADVERTISING Peggy Simmons………Office/Sales Manager Randy Sharber………………Account Executive Jon Williams…………………Account Executive

Photo courtesy Tim Clay

Roster OUR

16 FIGHTING SPIRIT At 15, Dickson teen, Connie Rymer, is focused on being the best and has set a path for mixed martial arts stardom.

Departments 8 Pre-game 10 New Products & Innovations 17 Shut Up & Serve 42 Ask The Jock Doc 45 Ask The Athletic Trainer 46 Looks Between The Lines

Inside

ART Don N. Olea………Art Director/Photographer Joel Smith……………………………Photographer Kevin Pieper…………………………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) 955-0545.

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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12 Football In Tennessee 22 The Great Outdoors 34 Basketball In Tennessee

Cover PHOTOGRAPH BY DON N. OLEA

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Moving On Up Several former Nashville area basketball standouts have taken their considerable talents to the college level and another rung up on the round ball ladder.

Back to Basics

Baying Beagles & Bouncing Bunnies There was a time when rabbit hunting was basic-training for outdoorsmen.

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Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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Tennessee defensive back Janzen Jackson (15) battles Erik Highsmith (88) for control of the ball.

The 2010 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl featured two teams which haven’t met on the gridiron since 1961.

Although the two teams were scheduled to play earlier this season, Tennessee opted to drop North Carolina from their schedule.

Their eventual meeting resulted in a controversial and exciting finish which will be remembered and talked about for years to come. In fact, it may result in a rules change during the off season – stay tuned.

North Carolina came away the winner, downing Tennessee 30-27 in a hard-fought, down to the wire, double-overtime Bowl game. The Tar Heels stopped Tennessee and kicked a field goal in the second overtime to clinch the victory.

The 69,143 – mostly Tennessee – fans set a Music City Bowl attendance record and most remained on their feet even after the game passed the four-hour mark.

Photographs by Don N. Olea

Tennessee’s Brent Brewer (17) and LaMarcus Thompson knock the ball loose from North Carolina tight end Ed Barham (80).

2010 All-America candidate Quan Sturdivant (52) sacks Tyler Bray (8), one of four Tar Heel sacks on the night.

Freshman quarterback Tyler Bray (8) completed 27 of 45 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions.

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North Carolina wide receiver Eric Highsmith (88) catches a 39-yard touchdown pass from T.J. Yates.

Tight end Luke Stocker (88) had five receptions for 58 yards including a 20-yard touchdown in the first overtime.

Shaun Draughn (20) earned MVP honors after rushing for a career-high 160 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown.

Senior receiver Gerald Jones (4) catches a 29-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Bray.

Tennessee's Janzen Jackson (15) strips the ball from Erik Highsmith (88) for an interception in the back of the end zone.

Pre-game

Building Bonds

by Jane Hutson

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It’s February and it’s the month America celebrates Black History Month.

At 50, I’ve been around long enough to see some sweeping changes in how we recognize and celebrate black history in our country. Born in eastern Kentucky, I’m a ‘coal miner’s daughter’.

We moved to southern Illinois to coal and corn country when I was in elementary school. There were very few blacks in either of these areas. Then I went to college to play basketball and, through sports, friendships and bonds were made for life. I We honor love how playing a game together broke through Black History stereotypes from both perspectives and improved Month in our our relationships and understanding.

February issue That was several years ago and while many things have changed, some things have stayed the with some great same. I still believe we continue to improve as stories. human beings at all ages because we play sports together – period.

We honor Black History Month in our February issue with some great stories.

T a l k a b o u t breaking Joel through Ward w i t h sports?

Joel Ward is one of only a hand full of black NHL players in the league today.

You’ll read his story of a dedicated player with a supportive family who came up through the hockey ranks the hard way.

Ward is making his mark in hockey right here in Nashville and giving back to the community all at the same time.

I think you’ll enjoy reading about his dedication on the ice and off through his involvement in Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

It’s also basketball season and we’ve got a great highlight for you with Justice Swett from Ensworth High School. Swett is a standout sophomore who is an incredible talent on the basketball court, in the classroom at Ensworth and internationally. She’s a game changer in every sense of the word. A talented young woman with a boundless future.

You’ll also get to catch up on several local high school basketball players who have gone on to play in college. It’s fun to read how they are doing now and how life and basketball after high school is going for them. Again, sport

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February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

is playing a big part in building lifelong friendships and shaping futures.

We’ve read and seen plenty of coverage of the Titan’s in the past several months, not all of that has been positive. Reporting news, good and bad, is a funny thing these days. There’s an old standard that’s often used to describe what is and what isn’t news. If a cat climbs to the top of the tallest tree in town it’s not news, but if a cat climbs to the top of the tallest tree in town and gets stuck – it’s big news. And that pretty well sums up the way the 24/7 non-stop news cycle is these days, bad news gets top billing over many good stories that go unreported. But, that’s where TSM comes into the picture.

As an example of that, John Lee has written a story for us on some of the great things our Titan’s do off the field in the area of community service -- great things that many people including fans might not even be aware. I think it’s important to know the impacts these guys have on the Nashville area through their foundations and other works.

You may be surprised to read how some big guys put their big hearts to work.

In our promise to cover more than the top spectator sports, we have a great story from Dickson about a mixed martial arts competitor. Connie Rymer is an MMA champion with a laser-beam focus on the next level. You’ll quickly find this isn’t your typical 15-yearold girl.

On a closing note, we took our oldest daughter to college the second week of January. The SUV was loaded to the roof and we had everything we thought she could possibly need as a freshman living in a dorm.

The one thing we didn’t know was if she would have a roommate or not since she was starting mid-year.

Turns out, her new roommate is a black basketball player from Jacksonville FL. Small world, her parents are from Kentucky and went to my alma mater, WKU, shortly after I played there.

Directly or indirectly, sport builds bonds and friendships that make us better and add to our lives. That’s something else to celebrate this month too.

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Sports Mom Spotlight

147 Million Strong

by Kathy Steakley

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eam 147 is, for Coach Scott Oatsvall, unique to his 20-plus years coaching experience.

The drills, plays and commitment level may be the same as other teams he coached, but the message has a new twist. This small group of boys 12-and-under is speaking for a much larger group – the 147 million orphans worldwide who need a voice.

Scott and Gwen are parents to six children: two biological sons and four adopted children. Gwen along with Suzanne Mayernick founded “147 Million Orphans” in 2009 to raise awareness for It helps that orphans, provide food and water, and help adopting Team 147 is families with fundraising. When basketball season rolled around that year, they decided to take their well coached mission to their team. and has major It helps that Team 147 is well coached and has talent. major talent. In July, they won the Youth Basketball of America (YBOA) national tournament in Orlando. Their success has given their message even greater exposure. With “Team 147” on the front of their jerseys and “Proverbs 31: 8” on the back, people are constantly asking the meaning, and giving encouragement. Even the officials ask questions. Their story is so compelling that the head official of the YBOA league contacted the Oatsvalls, a first in his officiating career. The result of their communication is that he is now in the process of adopting.

Jeremiah and Elijah Oatsvall, as well as Michael Mayernick are on Team 147. Jeremiah and Michael love to take full credit for starting 147 Million Orphans. They claim that if they had not been best friends, Gwen and Suzanne would never have become friends and there would be no Team 147!

Jeremiah, by the way, was named MVP of the tournament, and Michael WALKING THE WALK Coach Oatsvall, center, with members of Team 147 after a recent tournamnet.

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received the Hustle Award.

Other families on Team 147 are proud to be part. The Ellenberg’s, for one, feel blessed that their son, Barr, is part of a blend of quite frankly a great basketball team, but more importantly, coaches and parents teaching these boys that the world does not revolve entirely around them. You can be gifted, but you have to use those talents that God has given you. They see Coach Scott constantly teaching these boys to look out for those who can’t look out for themselves and to keep their eyes open to what is going on around them.

Gwen’s desire to pursue adoption stems in part from friends and family in her life who have either adopted or fostered children, but she could not have imagined how her family would one day look. She knew the day they went to China to get Emily that they would go back. When they did go back, they brought home Maggie, a burn and abuse victim.

Adoption is not an easy or inexpensive path, and for Scott, who is a teacher, and Gwen, a stay-at-home mom, this was no exception.

But their faith that God would provide did not allow the cost to be an obstacle to adoption. When they had the opportunity to adopt Joseph from Africa, there was a question about whether they could handle one more child. To help raise funds, Gwen had designed a shirt that said “147 Million Orphans Worldwide” on the front, and had a daisy on the back.

When the call came that a little girl named Daisy had been chosen for them that was all the confirmation they needed.

To glimpse their journey, visit oatsvallteam.blogspot.com, where Gwen invites the world to, “Join us as we play football, basketball, fundraise, run, have surgeries, laugh, cry, sing, shout, fall, dance, tumble, read, play dolls, wrestle, SPEAK UP FOR THE ORPHANS, and share our life with amazing friends and family ...”

By the way, Proverbs 31:8 on the backs of those jerseys says: ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.’

The Oatsvall family is walking the walk and talking the talk.

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Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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New Products & Innovations Photos courtesy Burgundy Group

Fields Of Dreams

By Maren Angus

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oaches work hard to care for it, players spend every day practicing on it and one school claims it to be a prized possession.

Precision Sports Fields, based in Nashville, provides “ground gear for athletes” in other words, the field, and it is just as important as any other piece of equipment that an athlete owns to protect his or her body.

“We believe the selection you choose is as important as the gear you wear,” said Patrick Remke, President of Precision Sports Fields.

Remke started the company with his brother in 2000 because it gave them the opportunity to use

laser grading technology to build athletic fields.

“Sports exploded,” said Remke, “there was an expectation of a higher level playing field.”

Precision Sports Fields uses laser grading technology with heavy equipment which enables better grading service. Along with the laser grading, the company also provides different types of fields; natural or synthetic turf.

Each process differs in some aspects. The natural turf process begins with excavation followed by a draining system.

Above the draining system is the roof zone which is a sand mix. The top layer is the turf which is primarily Bermuda sod.

The last two steps are irrigation and laser

BEST OF THE BEST The new baseball and softball fields at Father Ryan reflect the best of Precision Sports Fields' natural turf design and construction.

The fields are hailed as the best in the mid-state, and perhaps in the entire state.

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February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

GROUND GEAR A view of Father Ryan’s synthetic turf field from the 50-yard line.

grading.

“The synthetic turf is not like the old hard surface,” said Remke, “most schools in Tennessee are landlocked and need a field to hold up and be played on 365 days a year.”

The synthetic turf process begins the same way as the natural excavation, but with synthetic turf the site is sub graded.

After that comes the drainage system followed by a stone matrix which is a drainage blanket of stone. The top layer is the turf.

PSF received more calls for synthetic turf after the recent floods in Middle Tennessee. Remke said the fields that had been installed before the flood survived very well. The synthetic turf can handle excessive amounts of rain and never needs mowing.

About 60,000 recycled tires are used with the synthetic turf. The rubber holds heat so cold weather isn’t much of a factor on the playing field.

According to Remke the synthetic turf dries better

and faster. “It is environmentally friendly,” said Remke.

“A project is only successful as the qualified and experienced crew for any field,” said Remke. In Middle Tennessee, one can find PSF work at Father Ryan High School, The Ensworth School, Montgomery Bell Academy and Pope John Paul II High School. The qualified and experienced crews have taken Precision Sports Fields to the next level.

This past year, the company overhauled the field at the New Orleans Superdome and the New Orleans Saints practice facility. Traditionally, PSF has done football fields but in the past year they have done soccer, track and baseball, in both natural and synthetic turf.

“At Precision we strive to be different,” said Remke and according to the website, www.psfinc.net, “No matter the sport. No matter the conditions. Our fields hold up to even the toughest competition.”

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Jence Rhoads

Vanderbilt University • Basketball One of the most accomplished players in the history of a very successful program, Vanderbilt senior guard Jence Rhoads can do a little bit of everything for Vanderbilt’s basketball team. In January Rhoads became the 33rd player in school history to top 1,000 career points and she is on pace to become just the second player in school history with 1,000 points, 500 assists and 400 rebounds.

“Jence’s versatility is probably just about different than any point guard in the country,” Head Coach Melanie Balcomb said. “She is more than a point guard, she is a complete player for us.”

Caleb Chowbay

Mt. Juliet High School • Basketball Third year varsity starter for Mt. Juliet Golden Bears, Caleb Chowbay is a 5-foot-11 junior point guard. He’s a three-sport student-athlete also playing quarterback in football and pitcher/outfielder in baseball. Chowbay is currently averaging 17 ppg, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. Mt. Juliet head coach Troy Allen called Caleb “a very gifted athlete.” “Caleb has been playing varsity since his freshman year,” said Allen.

“He had a great sophomore year as our starting point guard averaging less than two turnovers per game. Caleb has a great understanding of the game and what it takes to be successful. He excels in the spotlight, is never afraid to handle the ball in pressure situations or to take the big shot.”

McCoy Newberg

Independence High School • Wrestling McCoy Newberg is a junior at Independence and has 112 career wins during an outstanding wrestling career. Newberg is currently ranked first in the state of Tennessee and has 34 wins on the season against only two losses with 32 of his 34 wins coming by major decision, tech fall or pin fall. He has won the Huntsville Invitational, the Franklin Invitational, the Independence Holiday Tournament and the Soddy Daisy Tournament.

McCoy is a two-time NHSCA High School All-American and also a NHSCA Academic All-American. He is also a two-time member of the Independence High “Takedown Club” surpassing 100 takedowns in a season and in 2010 was a member of the middle Tennessee “Dream Team” voted on by the coaches.

Rachel Raby

Trevecca Nazarene University • Basketball Rachel Raby, a 6-foot-3 post player from Nashville, Tenn., has built upon her solid freshman season at Trevecca, with a more consistent sophomore campaign. Raby has delivered the Trojans top field goal percentage this season and is the team leader in rebounding while placing second in scoring and blocks. The former Metro Christian Academy two-sport star is averaging 8.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. She led Metro Christian to a pair of TACS State Championships in basketball. She was also named all-state twice in volleyball at Metro. Raby has three games with double digit rebounding and has reached double digit scoring on seven occasions. Her top performance was a 20 point, 14 rebound effort in Trevecca's win at North Georgia earlier this season on November 27

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Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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Titans’ Love Equity Aside from the X’s and O’s and high pressure of professional football many Titans’ players are making their mark off the field too.

MTSU Bowl Recap At their third bowl appearance in five years, the Blue Raiders fall to Miami of Ohio 35-21 at the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan visits with school children during a visit to a local Nashville school while on a Titans Caravan.

Photographs courtesy Tennessee Titans

Football In Tennessee

Inside

Titans of Compassion

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ob Hyde, the V.P. of Community Relations for the Tennessee Titans, will sum up what it is his department does, simply as, “managing the love equity account.”

As vice president of community relations for the Tennessee Titans, Bob Hyde, can sum up in only a few words what his department does.

“We’re managing the love equity account,” said Hyde.

And since the franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997, and settled into Nashville two years later, there certainly has been a lot of love shown to the people of Tennessee and the region after Titans’ owner K. S. “Bud” Adams Jr. and his late wife Nancy created the Titans Foundation with a personal $500,000 grant.

Hyde credits the compassion and generosity of not only Mr. Adams, but of Mrs. Adams as well.

“Everything we do, programs or grants, everything starts with Mr. Adams and all of what we do is with his permission, guidance, and support,” said Hyde. But, often times when Bud worked from home, Nancy would be right by his side and listening in on speaker phone when it came to matters of the heart. “Mrs. Adams was very interested and active in what we were doing,” said Hyde.

With the Adams’ making the first official deposit into the love equity account, both literally and figuratively, the desire of the organization to have a positive impact on the community trickled down to the newest players or staffers for the team.

“That’s important because when we have meetings with rookies, I tell them that every time we go out, whether it’s to visit someone in the hospital, or at a school, or they are standing in line at the checkout in Kroger, they are going to have an

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impact on the team’s love account, and we hope that impact is positive, and sadly we know that sometimes there is something that comes along that is a negative impact on that love account,” added Hyde, “but we are cognizant of that and always working towards making those deposits so that when there is a withdrawal, we never go bankrupt.”

There is certainly no danger of that type of a “compassion” bankruptcy happening anytime soon, and there is no shortage of examples of how the Titans Foundation has touched the lives of the people of Tennessee. Between HOLIDAY CHEER Rob Bironas poses with an the Titans unidentified child during one of the Titans’ holFoundation and iday events this past December. numerous other community outreach programs and annual fund-raising events commitment he’s given to have that within and affiliated with the organmany people on staff working in the ization, over 18 million dollars has community,” said Hyde. “We are been raised and distributed to a incredibly blessed. The organization wide spectrum of charities, schools, does a lot of things that I am really communities, organizations, and proud of.” individuals throughout the state.

The outreach program most That is no small number, and it does familiar to fans in the region is the not take into consideration the hunTitan’s Caravan, which since 1997, dreds of hours of volunteerism peralong with a traveling troupe of formed over the years by the team’s Titans players, coaches, and occastaff, coaches, and players. sional celebrities has visited over The fact is, the Titans have 600 locations throughout stepped up for the community, and Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. it hasn’t simply all been for the purIt was through the Caravan that a pose of good public relations for the very special relationship was born team. with the members of the 101st “Our department exists because Airborne Division and the 160th there are a number of people and Special Operations Aviation organizations that look to us for Regiment at Fort Campbell, KY. assistance,” said Hyde. “Formally, “We came to realize that we wantcommunity relations in the NFL are ed to spend more time there, and so not much more than 20 years old, now we have a Fort Campbell day,” and we are very fortunate we have said Hyde. “We will go to the hospione of the larger community departtal and to the school and meet with ments. There are four of us and that the football team. The first year we goes back to Mr. Adams and to the

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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Football In Tennessee went up there and met with the team, they won the state championship.”

The team has won the state title three times, and former coach Shawn Berner attributes much of that success to the support and encouragement of the Titans. Very few organizations in Nashville recognize and honor the men and women in our military better or more often than the Titans, especially during home games.

“I give credit to Mr. Adams because he himself is a naval veteran, and strongly endorses all that we do for our military” said Hyde.

This year, during halftime of the Veteran’s Day game vs. the Washington Redskins, Jodi Foster and her 12-year old daughter Kayla

The dually successful Titans Charity Golf Classic, along with the Titans License Plate program has raised over $3.5 million for local and statewide charities. More than $550,000 has been distributed from a program funded by Bud Adams to improve football fields at area schools and parks. The Titans Community Involvement Award recognizes an outstanding volunteer within a non-profit, and the Titans give a grant of $10,000 to the winning volunteer’s organization. A recent winner was Tasha French, director of The Contributor, Nashville’s new street newspaper benefiting the homeless. “I am always proud of our winners, but that cause is one that is near and dear to me,” said Bob Hyde.

HONORABLE MAN Cortland Finnegan, right, and Steve Underwood during the presentation of the 2010 Titans Community Man of the Year.

were completely surprised with a reunion midfield with husband and father Staff Sergeant Mark Foster, just back from a fifth deployment in Afghanistan, something the team had worked quietly to arrange.

Shown on the TitansTron for all to see, the fans were on their feet and there were a lot of tears.

“Many fans and staff alike put that reunion as one of the most memorable moments on that field,” said Hyde.

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There is no shortage of Titans players past and present, who have struck out on their own, creating and starting their own charitable organizations and foundations, or lending their voice and support behind a local cause. Former players like Kevin Carter, who won the Titans Community Man of the Year for three consecutive years, and Chris Sanders, Kevin Dyson, Blaine Bishop, and Eddie George, to name a few, have all stayed active locally

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

in the community.

“They do so much on their own because they recognize the impact that they can have on the community,” said Hyde. “There are guys that just have the heart and the passion for it, and we are blessed to have so many (players) that do.” There are players relatively new to the community like Chris Johnson, who has started his own foundation, and then there are staff standouts like Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, who with his annual charity softball game and other affiliations has been a leader for the team in community involvement and giving back for more than 10 years.

One of several current Titans players known for his efforts in charity and volunteer work off the field was recently recognized for his commitment to the community.

Cortland Finnegan, the 2010 recipient of the Titans Community Man of the Year award, which he won in a close election that included fellow Titans Community All-Stars Rob Bironas, Ahmard Hall, Stephen Tullock, Michael Roos and Vince Young, took a few fans by surprise when they learned that the tough pro bowl cornerback also has a big heart for special-needs kids, and kids with disabilities.

“I love giving back and I realized over time that the platform I have I can do it in such greater form,” said Finnegan, who, thanks to his selection by the Titans will now be in the running for the NFL’s “Walter Peyton Man of the Year” award, to be named during Super Bowl week.

Finnegan was personally moved early on to start his own organization along with wife Lacey, called The ARK31 Foundation, having watched the movie Evan Almighty and being instantly inspired by the idea of “acts of random kindness” and then added the jersey number he wears on the field. His organization is committed to helping kids with special needs and disabilities, a passion that hits close to home having lost a sister to complications of Down syndrome. Finnegan stays grounded and to the point when asked about his opportunities to make a difference. “It’s innate to love one another,” said Finnegan.

“It’s about making the right choices for someone without a dad or that

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Football In Tennessee figure in their life to look up to.”

Finnegan’s time and activities spent off the field and giving back are some of what you’d expect; hosting a Christmas party for special needs kids, organizing and leading the activities for an event with Special Olympics, or holding a charity Karaoke contest. But pushing a young cancer patient down Belle Meade Boulevard in Nashville?

Finnegan met young Kelsey Towns during a Titans’ hospital visit, where she was undergoing chemo, and made the commitment to be there for her in a race she’d participated in for the last 11 years. They crossed the finish line together after he’d just pushed her in a wheelchair the entire five miles. Finnegan offers up his motivation and desire to get out into the community and do for others with special needs in a fairly simple way.

“It comes with surrounding yourself with the right people, and in life in general you have to do that,” said Finnegan.

“I always want to give back and at the end of the day we are all human and we want to be loved by one another”.

Titans kicker Rob Bironas literally heard the sounds of a different calling once he had settled in to the community to play football in Music City. Unlike the Pied Piper who played his music and people followed, his vision is to load up the instruments and teachers and take them to the kids, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to be introduced to music instruction.

“One of the things I am pushing for now is “The

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PITCHING IN During the aftermath of the devastating flooding in May, many Titans’ players and coaches made the extra effort to help with the cleanup. From the left are, punter Brett Kern, tight ends coach John Zernhelt, tight end Craig Stevens, guard Ryan Durand and Head Strength and Conditioning coach Steve Watterson.

Music Mobile,” partnering with the Nashville Symphony and their educational department to create something like we’d remember as a book mobile, to go around like a musical classroom to introduce music and gain the interest of kids who might not be exposed to it,” said Bironas.

He founded “The Rob Bironas Fund” to help bring this musical dream to a reality. His inspiration came from meeting local entertainers in Nashville and seeing them onstage and gaining a new respect for what they do.

“After learning more about music, and learning what it does for the kids, it’s a lot of the life skills that parallel what I learned in the form of athletics,” said Bironas.

“And, it’s (music) one of the first budgets cut out of schools, and I thought it was something that needed some help. As a professional athlete, we are looked up to by kids and the community and

it’s good to give back especially towards kids.”

He’d always had an appreciation for music,

and Bironas took lessons on the guitar, piano, and drums as a kid, but was always pulled away out-

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Football In Tennessee side for athletics, and had to make the choice to put off any music aspirations.

Is there still a musician in Rob kicking to get out?

“Once I retire I’d like to pick up an instrument and learn how to play it,” said Bironas. In the meantime, he’s gratified to know that there may be a kid out there who also aspires to play, and he may help them to get that chance. “Anytime you can put a smile on a kids face it is always rewarding.” said Bironas.

Rob has been named a Titans Community AllStar for the last three years, and he was named

honorary chair for the 10th anniversary of the Middle Tennessee Makea-Wish Foundation, an organization close to his heart to which he also gives a great deal of his time.

He sits on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Symphony, and has already gifted $20,000 towards getting “The Music Mobile” on the road.

“My favorite quote from my rookie year is, ‘the road to success is lined with many tempting parking spaces,’” added Bironas. “To me this means never give up on

your dreams - dream big.”

Playing professional sports unquestionably has its big rewards, but it can also be an uprooted, nomadic life, living parttime in a strange new city; often times far away from friends and family, trying to put down new roots and play for a new adopted home-town, and new fans.

There is no requirement on the books that says that these athletes must also do what they do off the field with their own time. It’s a personal choice and a desire to make deposits to the love equity account.

“The Titans do so much

for the community, and I am super excited to be a part of that,” said Finnegan.

Giving the extra time to get involved, to get to know, and to give back to the community speaks volumes for the character of these players, these contributors, these difference makers, these Titans of compassion.

(John Lee is a freelance writer with Tennessee Sports Magazine and can be reached at johnlee1@aol.com. Post your comments and feedback about this story on our website at www.tnsportsmag.com.)

MTSU Is A No Go Miami of Ohio tops MTSU in GoDaddy.com Bowl LANCE GUIDRY MIGHT be new to college coaching, but he's a veteran of the pregame speech.

So in an effort to motivate his team prior to the GoDaddy.com Bowl, Miami of Ohio's interim coach unveiled a new helmet, explaining how the numbers on the side, specific logo and stripes down the center were symbolic of the program's history.

Then this year's team went out and made some history of its own.

Miami beat Middle Tennessee 35-21 on Thursday night to become the first Football Bowl Subdivision program to win 10 games in a season one year after losing 10. The RedHawks (10-4) finished a dismal 1-11 in 2009, but recovered to win the MidAmerican Conference title and end this season on a six-game winning streak.

Redshirt freshman Austin Boucher, making just the fourth start of his career, completed 22 of 35 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas Merriweather

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rushed for 100 yards and two scores, while Nick Harwell caught seven passes for 86 yards and a TD. The RedHawks also forced five MTSU turnovers. Dayonne Nunley recovered a fumble and also returned a 52-yard interception for a touchdown – a spectacular play that included several broken tackles and a tightrope act down the sideline.

Boucher, who took over the offense in November after starter Zac Dysert was lost for the season due to a lacerated kidney, wasn't perfect in his first bowl, throwing two interceptions. But when the big throw had to be made, he delivered.

As for Middle Tennessee (6-7), which won three straight games at the end of the regular season to gain bowl eligibility, its hopes were undone by a familiar nemesis – turnovers.

“We got beat by a good football team tonight,” MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said. “But we helped them a ton.”

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

MTSU running back Phillip Tanner celebrates his 18-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Dwight Dasher completed 18 of 29 passes for 162 yards and also rushed for a team-high 90 yards, but threw four interceptions in the second half. It's been a tough season for the senior, who missed the first four games of the season after he was suspended by the NCAA for receiving an impermissible loan. He finished the year with six touchdown passes and 18 interceptions.

“It was my mistakes,” Dasher said. “I should have made better decisions.” – David Brandt/AP

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Shut Up & Serve

Experience The Scrum

by Dave and Mandy DeRocher

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chool has been out all week but we are still rocking volleyball up at A-Game.

Recently we had an amazing guest come and join us for our weekly volleyball clinics and I wanted to take a moment to highlight his life. His name is Ernie Kruger and he is an ex-rugby player for the “Springbok Sevens,” which is usually ranked the top in the world.

Four months ago, he retired from playing professional rugby due to a massive, nagging injury he sustained almost two years earlier. While Ernie was

He was tackled so hard he suffered a complete dislocation of his shoulder, which tore almost every ligament

about to forearm his opponent, he lost his footing and used his arm to keep himself up, like a kickstand BUNDLES OF JOY Ernie and Katy Kruger are for a bike. While his helping spread love and acceptance on an arm was fully extendinternational level. ed, his opponent’s shoulder went full force into shoulder.

He was tackled so hard he suffered a complete dislocation of his shoulder, which tore almost every ligament and his arm was literally facing the wrong direction.

As he lay on the field in pain the doctors were calling out a “Code Red” which meant he was severely injured and would not return to the game. While lying on the field, he felt a strange peace that everything was going to work out.

Ernie surprised the doctors because, while lying on the field, he asked them to pray for God to bring healing.

Two years before the injury, Ernie committed his life to Jesus Christ. In the culture of rugby, this is often looked down upon because the perception of Christians is weak on the field and boring in life. So Ernie’s change shocked many of his teammates, who lived a lifestyle filled with drinking and promiscuity. Ernie began building his faith and found himself volunteering at a local orphanage called “Baby Haven.”

Here’s where the story gets really cool. It was there

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that he met his super-sweet southern girl named Katy, a native of Middle Tennessee. Katy felt called to move to South Africa to help a few of the estimated 40,000,000 orphans in Africa.

The first time they met Ernie’s heart almost jumped out of his skin.

Thankfully for Ernie, Katy felt the same way and they were married here in the United States in December 2008.

Ernie continued playing rugby, fighting through his shoulder injury, while Katy began her challenging work of serving the orphanage.

While taking care of the children, Ernie and Katy had a deep desire to adopt one of them. His name is Omolemo and, like so many orphans, he is HIV positive.

Ernie is now a full-time daddy to Omolemo and a full time minister serving the orphans of South Africa.

Four months ago, he officially retired from rugby and like so many athletes, an injury simply “spring-boarded” him to a new way of life. Instead of taking a ball in his arms and crossing into the end zone, he is taking babies that no one wants and helping them find love and acceptance and hopefully a family of their own.

In rugby there is a term called the “scrum” when everyone is surrounding the guy with the ball, trying to take it away or tackle him. Ernie still experiences the “scrum,” but instead of rugby players, it’s kids without fathers and mothers all wanting to give him a hug or ask him to play.

Meeting up with Ernie Kruger made me realize again that you just never know what great person you are going to meet on the court.

I hope to meet you out there one day.

■

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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FightingSpirit At 15, Dickson teen, Connie Rymer, is focused on being the best and has set a path for mixed martial arts stardom

By Steve Lee Photographs courtesy Tim Clay

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hen Connie Rymer took up softball as a 6-year-old in the Dickson Little League, she wasn’t very good.

Soon after, though, she was a perennial all-star and, at 11, switched to travel ball. She did pretty well at that level as well, becoming a five-time most valuable player with the Xplosion.

“When she first went out (for softball) she couldn’t even swing a bat, but by the end of that first year she was the best hitter on the team,” said Gene Rymer, Connie’s father.

Pitching her teams to five district titles and numerous tournament championships, Connie also belted 19 home runs one season. At 14, she received an invitation from Florida State scouts to come to Tallahassee for a tryout.

Connie declined, having already discovered a new challenge by then.

“We decided that we didn’t want to waste their time, because she was making the transition to (mixed martial arts),” Gene said.

“She said she wanted to do something different and we said, ‘You have to do something,’” recalled Connie’s mother, Dana Rymer.

Dana’s brother, Zack Tomlinson, who is just eight years older than his niece, was into Jujitsu and one day Connie tagged along with him to the Dickson Athletic Club.

“It was great, because he’s like her big brother,” Dana said.

Just like she had done in softball, Connie quickly became quite adept at Jujitsu. She became so proficient, in fact, that she is now pursuing a dream of being a champion female fighter in MMA. “I think Connie can be a star in the future,” said promoter Mike Camp, who met her two years ago when she walked into the Dickson Athletic Club.

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February 2010 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

RISING STAR Connie’s rapid ascension in the sport has her battling with opponents nearly twice her age.

“She’s not your average 15-year-old mixed martial artist. With as young as she is, and her ability and work ethic, in four years when she’s ready to make her splash the opportunities could be tenfold by then.”

Currently, Strikeforce, which is second-largest promotion company to Ultimate Fighting Championships, has a female division. Nonetheless, that division is in its infancy and promoters like Camp envision it to expand dramatically in the near future.

“When I see girls fighting in Strikeforce, I’m like, ‘I want to be there one day,’” Connie said.

Connie no longer trains at the Dickson Athletic Club. Nowadays, she works out at the Nashville Mixed Martial Arts Academy, which in addition to offering Brazilian Jujitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing, has an extensive kids program. Her father

PRE-FIGHT PREP Prior to a recent bout Connie gets hers hands taped by trainer Lance Patrick, a certified military combatives instructor and 4th degree blackbelt in Combat Thai-Jitsu.

drives her there, which is about 30 miles east and sometimes takes an hour, four times per week.

“You can’t get no better training that that,” Gene said of the academy, owned by renowned trainer and black belt Ed Clay.

“That’s why I drive as far as I do.

There are gyms all around us, but it’s not the quality you’re going to get from Ed Clay.”

Connie’s age belies her growing list of accomplishment in martial arts. She may have started in the kids program, but she now has a personal trainer in Lance Patrick and in November defeated a 26year-old U.S. Marine in a Muay

“A lot of people are like, ‘I can’t imagine you fighting, but as soon as I step in the ring EVERYTHING CHANGES. I don’t get mad, I’m just really focused. I want to beat the crap out of (an opponent).

Thai kickboxing competition.

Her victories include numerous grappling and kickboxing tournament championships. Some of those titles have come in her home state while others were earned at national competitions in Kentucky, Georgia and New Jersey.

“Whenever I do something I’m not going to half-butt it,” Connie said of the all-out effort she puts forth each time she steps into the ring or on a mat.

Connie competes at 5-foot-10 and fluctuating between 155 and 160 pounds. Next up for Connie is a kickboxing competition in February at the Gameness

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THE WINNER IS Connie Rymer wins her fight against Tiffany Ferry, 29, of Ohio in her Oct. 20, 2010 match held at the Tennessee Sports Arena

Fighting Championships, which takes places at the Sports Arena inside the Nashville Fairgrounds.

Since MMA fighting is not allowed in Tennessee until the age of 18, Connie is training for her first sanctioned MMA bout next summer in Indiana, which has no such restrictions.

Gene is more than just his daughter’s chauffer to practice.

Aside from the emotional support he provides he also holds pads and bags when Connie practices.

Occasionally, he has taken the brunt of an errant punch or kick.

“Connie’s hit me so hard she almost knocked me out,” Gene said with a chuckle.

“My dad’s always been there for me, even when he’s hurt or

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

sick,” Connie said.

Connie’s dogged determination to be the best stems, in part, from a Little League coach once telling her she could not do certain things.

“That really pushed her,” Gene said.

Unlike Gene, Dana is not quite as enthusiastic about her daughter fighting in a ring.

Nonetheless, she is supportive.

“I can’t tell her to stop,” Dana said.

As for Connie’s pursuit to go pro in MMA, Dana said, “I’d be happy as long as she’s happy. I want her to set goals for herself.”

As if she were not busy enough, Connie, a sophomore, went out for her high school wrestling

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team this year and at 4-0 had yet to lose by mid-December.

Whether or not MMA works out, Connie aims to pursue a scholarship for wrestling and attend the University of Tennessee to become an obstetrician.

“I want to do both,” Connie said of fighting in MMA and becoming an obstetrician.

Having a 3-year-old brother, Aiden, no doubt influenced that decision.

“She begged me for years to have a little brother or little sister, but I said, ‘No, you’re perfect,’” Dana said. “She’s very good at being a big sister.”

“I love babies,” Connie said, adding that she and Aiden “normally just play with his cars and watch movies.”

At home, Connie is nothing like a fierce combatant in the ring.

She described herself as “fun-loving and girlish.” Her boyfriend and parents concurred.

“She’s so nice and, actually,

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she’s really girlish,” said Erik Salazar, a junior who relishes what little time Connie has to share. “I can’t imagine her doing (martial arts fighting).”

While Connie’s close friends are well aware of her success in martial arts, other classmates express surprise upon learning of her extracurricular activities.

“A lot of people are like, ‘I can’t imagine you fighting,’” Connie said. “But as soon as I step in the ring everything changes. I don’t get mad, I’m just really focused. I want to beat the crap out of (an opponent).”

With her busy training regimen, schoolwork and wrestling, there is little time to spend with Salazar and some of her girl friends. There have been times, Connie admitted, when she got mad at her parents for not allowing her to attend a social event that would conflict with her workout schedule.

“I’m glad they make me train

and stuff, because it keeps me out of trouble,” said Connie, agreeing with her parents that her training is a priority at this point in her life.

Camp noted the tight family bond of the Rymers, which he feels will keep Connie grounded and able to handle whatever comes her way. Church also is a positive factor, Connie added.

“It plays a big role,” said Connie, who says a silent prayer before each bout. “I think without God I couldn’t do none of this.”

Like Connie’s mother, her father is extremely proud and supportive.

“I’m very, very proud of her,” Gene said. “Fathers and daughters are going to have some times where they get on each other’s nerves, but she’s a daddy’s girl.”

Maybe so, but some of his daughter’s opponents who have come up short against Connie, might not share that sentiment. ■

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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Inside

The Great Outdoors with Larry Woody

Back to Basics

Baying Beagles & Bouncing Bunnies

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February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

Larry Woody/TSM

sters could simply walk out he pack of beatheir back door and into a gles scurried neighbor’s field or woodlot. around in Today those areas are shrinkexcited circles, ing, and with them go easilytails wagging accessible hunting opportunilike windshield ties. wipers, big ears flopping, At the same time there has noses sniffing the frosty been a change in the mindset ground. of many hunters who once Finally one – Lucy – pursued small game. picked up the scent of a rabWhitetail deer and wild bit and her genetics took turkeys, once rare, have over. She threw back her become increasingly abunhead, bayed, “Follow me!” dant. Why spend time and and off they went on the travel expense to chase a rabbunny’s trail. bit, squirrel or quail when for It was a nippy January the same investment you can morning when I joined have the opportunity to bag a some buddies for an oldbig buck or majestic gobbler? fashioned rabbit hunt on a I was among the number of Wilson County farm. Once youthful hunters who grew the rabbit was rousted and up pursuing small game and the chase underway, host over the years gravitated Roy Denney positioned us toward bigger quarry. It had at strategic intervals been 30 years since I’d huntaround the field of rusty sagebrush to await the cot- JOB WELL DONE Vince Adkins’ beagles give a ed rabbits when Roy invited me to join his hare-brained tontail’s return. (Usually a victory sniff at the end of the chase. group for an old-fashioned chased rabbit will circle rabbit hunt. back to the starting point, The morning was cool and crisscrossing its trail to conThere was a time when rabbit crisp and the ground damp – ideal fuse its pursuers.) hunting was basic-training for outfor holding a sent. The rabbits were For some 10 minutes the baying of doorsmen. Most young hunters got abundant, having made a comeback the beagles drifted away, further and their start tromping through fields in areas with suitable habitat. The fainter, then the pack began to swing and forests with a single-shot .22 or beagles got up more than a dozen. back toward our direction. The yelp.410 shotgun over their shoulder, trySome rascally rabbits went to ground ing grew closer and louder. ing to jump a cottontail from a in the limestone catacombs that Suddenly Roy shouted, “There it brushy fence row. abound on Roy’s farm and others goes!”

Gradually over the years that successfully dodged patterns of No. 5 Across the field the rabbit ran, Tennessee tradition dwindled virtushot to evade our gaggle of Elmer darting and zigzagging, white tail ally to extension, for a number of Fudds. bobbing. A scattergun popped. Then reasons.

At the end of the hunt we had popped again. And again.

For starters, nowadays there bagged 10 rabbits – plenty for a deliThe rabbit shifted into high gear aren’t all that many brushy fence cious hasenpfeffer stew for each and kept going, disappearing into the rows and fields of tangled briars and member of the group. safety of an impenetrable briar thickbrambles. Changes in farming pracBut as is the case with any hunt, we et. tices eliminated much of the natural came away with much more than the Minutes later the pack of panting habitat that provided food and cover makings of a meal. We got to enjoy a hounds trotted up and looked around for rabbits, as well as for bobwhite bracing morning in the outdoors with to see who was holding the rabbit. quail. good buddies, listening to the beagles None one of us was. They shrugged – Also once-rural areas continue to sing harmony on a frosty morn and as only a beagle can shrug – put their give way to suburban sprawl. A few reliving the simple pleasures of an noses back to the ground and raced decades ago it was easy to find good old-fashioned rabbit hunt. off to strike another trail.

■ rabbit hunting sites – most young-

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The Great Outdoors

Candy Camo & Goo Goos For Gobblers

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while back a Nashville veterinarian made news by patching up a Whooping Crane’s wounded wing while dressed as a “giant, mute marshmallow.”

He said he donned the disguise in order to gain the crane’s confidence. I can’t speak for the crane, but personally I’d be nervous if I looked up from the operating table and saw my doctor dressed as a mutant marshmallow.

The marshmallow suit would, theoretically, keep the crane from growing used to the sight of humans and letting its guard down when released back into the wild. I suppose that makes sense, although there’s always the risk the crane could someday fall prey to a rogue marshmallow.

Anyway, the story gave my hunting buddy Earl a brilliant idea: During turkey season he’s going to dress as a giant Goo Goo candy cluster.

“I know it might seem a bit odd to see a 6-foot tall chocolate Goo Goo standing in a cornfield with a shotgun on its shoulder,” Earl said, “but it wouldn’t be any odder than seeing a giant marshmallow in a vet’s office attending an ailing whooping crane.

If a big marshmallow can fool a crane, it makes sense that a giant Goo Goo can dupe a gobbler.”

Wild turkeys are among the craftiest critters in the wild. They can hear a twig snap in the next county and their eyesight is phenomenal – they can read the help-wanted ads in the New York Times at a hundred paces, although several have dropped their subscriptions in protest of the paper’s editorial stands.

Ben Franklin proposed making the majestic wild turkey the national symbol but it lost out to the bald eagle – a shameless scavenger whose table manners rank only slightly above the buzzard’s but who has a better press agent.

Since a turkey is so all-fired smart – a feathered Bill Gates – could it be tricked into strolling within scatter-

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gun range of a suspicious looking giant gob of chocolate? Will a gobbler go gaga over a Goo Goo? Earl figures its worth trying, and plans to have his candy camo costume ready in time for the spring turkey season. (He’s making two outfits, one plain and one with peanuts.)

If Earl’s Goo Goo outfit works on gobbers it could open up a whole new line of confectionary hunting apparel.

Imagine the possibilities: Deer hunters dressed as giant Twinkies. Bear hunters disguised as huge Tootsie Rolls. Wild boar hunters masquerading as mammoth BonBons. Dove hunters wearing (fittingly) Dove Bars.

A group of quail hunters could take the field camouflaged as a box of Candy Kisses, although the individual aluminum wrapping might make it difficult to swing a scattergun on a flushed covey.

I’m not poking fun at Marshmallow Man because I realize that he tried to do a good deed and help a bird in need. And you certainly have to admire his imagination and creativity.

I hope the crane mends and leads a long and happy life of whooping it up.

Meanwhile I’ve got to go help Earl with his Goo Goo gobbler suit. He says his caramel underwear keeps sticking.

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Mark Your Calendar TALKING TURKEY The 35th annual National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention and Sport Show will be held Feb. 16-20 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. One of the gathering’s traditional highlights is a national turkey-calling competition. Past NWTF conventions drew around 40,000 visitors, making it one of the biggest such events for the city. Over 700 booths will feature the latest in gear, gadgets and outdoors art-work. In addition to the turkey-calling contest there will be hunting seminars conducted by famous outdoor personalities and a concert by Trace Adkins. For ticket prices, a daily schedule of activities or other information visit NWTF.org ■ ■ ■ SEASONS WINDING DOWN The final segment of Tennessee’s lengthy deer season ended Jan. 9, but hunters will have an opportunity to pursue squirrels, quail, grouse and rabbits through Feb. 28. Spring squirrel season runs May 14-June 12 with a daily bag limit of 10. The spring turkey season is April 2-May 15, with a season limit of four bearded birds, not to exceed one per day. For a complete list of hunting seasons, bag limits and other regulations visit tnwildlife.org or consult the Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide, available at most outdoors outlets.

■ ■ ■ WINTER TROUT The TWRA’s annual winter trout-stocking program is underway, with thousands of rainbows stocked in area waters. The fish average 12-14 inches, are fun to catch and delicious to eat.

For information about stocking dates and locations, along with trout license requirements and other regulations, visit tnwildlife.org or consult the Tennessee Fishing Guide.

■ ■ ■ NO FISHING CHANGES The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission has finalized the 2011 fishing regulations and there are no major changes that affect Middle Tennessee anglers. To review size and creel limits visit tnwildlife.org or the Tennessee Fishing Guide. — L.W.

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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Cover Story Tennessee Sports Magazine celebrates Black History Month featuring Joel Ward and his unlikely path to the NHL as the Predators first black player.

The Boys Are Back Brentwood’s Geoffrion brothers play in the first-ever NCAA hockey games in Tennessee

As an undrafted player Nashville liked what they saw in Joel Ward, because on July 15, 2008, the Predators signed the free agent to a one-year deal. In the 2008-09 season, he made the opening night roster right out of training camp, and on October 10, 2008, he scored his first goal against St. Louis.

Photographs by Don N. Olea

Hockey In Tennessee

TheHardWay Through perseverance, Nashville Predator Joel Ward has brought excellence and diversity to hockey and to the community

By John Lee Photographs by Don N. Olea

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ashville Predator’s right wing Joel Ward approached becoming a mentor and a “Big” for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee much in the same way he approaches everything else that he does, by doing the preparation, the footwork, and then making the commitment.

“Joel impressed me so much because he was doing his research”, said Lowell Perry, Jr., C.E.O. of the organization’s local branch. Ward was intent upon becoming a Big Brother, and he spent several hours in the office and meeting with staff, and was finally matched. “When you first meet the guy, the first thing you notice is, that’s a big dude, but he has a very gentle demeanor about him, and you notice that this guy is walking the talk,” said Perry.

He has also been “skating the talk,” you might say since he laced up his first pair at the age of two, and was playing hockey by the time he was six years old. After attending his first NHL hockey game as a kid, and watching his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Chicago Blackhawks at Maple Leaf Gardens, the NHL dream was born.

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“Growing up in Toronto as a kid, you always wanted to play in the NHL and lift that Stanley cup, and that passion has never left me, even though I went through (college) school,” said BY THE NUMBERS As of this printing Joel. “It just Joel had played in all 46 games compiling took a bit 5 goals and 11 assists for 15 points. longer path to get here, that’s all.” few days later.

He gives a big nod to his neighbor “For my father to have a stroke at down the street growing up, former one of my hockey games was tough”, pro hockey player “Downtown” said Joel. “It was tough, but I had the Jimmy Brown as a very early influ- good support of my family, my brothence, often taking time to teach Joel ers, and my friends and teachers at and other kids the fundamentals of school who helped me get through the game. But Joel credits his father it.”

Randall Ward, himself a big hockey Still, his world was turned upside fan as the one who most encouraged down, and yet he found healing and and inspired him, and also pushed a way of coping just by putting on his him as a young man to do the work skates and hitting the ice. when he needed it most, especially “Thank God for hockey,” said Joel. when it came to practices and hockey “It was another way of therapy, so to school. “He drove me to a lot of hock- speak. I just liked to be on the ice, ey practices and hockey school on and when I was on the ice, I could Saturdays when I didn’t want any deal with it.” part of it, but he’d drag me there,” It speaks volumes to who the persaid Joel. son Joel was even at that time, and When Joel was 14 and on the ice the person that he is now, to not give during a game, his father Randall, up on the game, not to quit, and to be his biggest supporter, suffered a able to put such a loss behind him stroke while sitting in the stands and move forward. “It was tough but watching the game and died only a it is one of those things that just hap-

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

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Hockey In Tennessee

Ward attended University of Prince Edward Island prior to signing his first pro contract with Minnesota where he was assigned to the Wild’s AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros.

pen and its life and you have to move on as best you can and just deal with it,” said Joel.

Following his father’s death and with money tight, Joel’s mother, Cecilia, was determined to keep making things work, and to not let

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Joel or his older brothers, Julian and Shane, who also played hockey, give up on their dreams.

“All three of us had to get to hockey rinks and she had to work two jobs to pay for registration and equipment, and she never once complained,” said Joel. “Whenever I needed a ride, she always found a way and I had lots of help from my former teammates and parents chipping in to help me get to and from the rinks.”

Still, the schedules didn’t always pan out with his mother’s workload.

“I remember times I stayed at the hospital with my mother because she had to work a night shift,” said Joel. “So in order for her to get me to and from the game and home the next morning, I had to spend the night in a hospital bed.”

When it comes to what inspired his exceptional work ethic, Joel gives the bulk of the credit over to his mother, and for all of the sacrifices she made for him and his brothers.

“She has been an inspiration through her actions – more than words,” said Joel. “I think it had a lot to do with how strong she is, and the dedication she had. It was very inspirational”, said Joel. “I just try to follow her examples as much as I can, and I think it was the good

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

upbringing and staying positive along the way.”

After the family had begun to settle into a life without the support of his father, Joel quickly found himself faced with the kinds of decisions he would at one time have thought to turn to his dad for direction and answers. His hard work and success in the minors, including winning the city championship for the Hillcrest Summits, led to an opportunity and an invitation to play in the Ontario Hockey League, and at sixteen years old, Joel was faced with the decision to stay put and play for his school, or sign a junior card, which meant moving away from home.

He reluctantly made the decision to leave home, and after just a short time away and now feeling homesick, he turned to his mother for her steady advice.

“I kind of wanted to come home, and my mother said ‘you’ve come this far just stick it out and you can always come home at some point,’” said Joel. “But I stuck it out and I was fortunate enough to make the big club, the Owen Sound Platers, after just a couple of games.” He was also fortunate to be matched with Rodger and Wendy Minard, who were his host family during his years in the juniors, and developed ties with the couple that grow even stronger to this day. After that, everything began to fall into place for Joel. “It was just a great feeling and I just kept on playing from there.”

Ward played hockey for Owen Sound all four of his junior years from 1997 to 2001, finishing his last season with a lower-tiered team, the

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Hockey In Tennessee

Long Beach Ice Dogs of the West Coast Hockey League. At the beginning of the 2001-02 season he was an unsigned free agent and visited the Detroit Red Wings training camp as a try-out, but still undrafted he was later recruited by the University of Prince Edward Island.

By spending four years in intercollegiate league hockey – thought by many in the hockey world as an

minors, Ward spent more than eight years on the ice in league play, and now found himself in the position of again seriously eyeing the NHL dream. “I just wanted to finish school and once I got that, I knew I just needed to challenge myself,” said Joel. “Just play hockey and go with it and see how far I could go, and I knew I could play hockey at a high level and it was a good time to

2008-09 season, he made the opening night roster right out of training camp, and on October 10, 2008, he scored his first goal against St. Louis7, not only as a new Nashville Predator, but also as the first black hockey player in the history of the franchise to do so.

When asked about the personal significance of that history-making achievement Ward puts it into a

To me, Joel is a great story because he just had to do it the hard way. He wasn’t a high draft choice or anything like that. He just had to do it the hard way and he did it. opportunity but also the longest and the hardest way to get to the NHL. Joel saw it not only as hard work, but also a more meaningful opportunity, and he was awarded Rookie of the Year in 2002, and during his four seasons from 2001 to 2005 in the CIS (Canadian Intercollegiate Sport) for the Island Panthers, he was named MVP three times, and more importantly, graduated with his Bachelors Degree. “I was fortunate to get my degree there,” said Joel. “I have a BA in Sociology, which I am proud of.”

It was indeed the longer road, but there are very few of his Nashville teammates who can claim a college degree. “He appreciates it more because he had to do it the hard way,” says Predators head coach Barry Trotz. “Nothing was ever given to him and I think from that he has a real good foundation for life.”

His teammates would agree, especially the younger players.

“Obviously coming up through college he took the hard way to get here”, said second year Predator’s left wing, Nick Spaling.

“It’s a good thing for a lot of young kids who are still trying to play to look at Joel’s story realize that you never give up. He went the hard way and not a lot of guys make it that way,” added Spaling. “But if you keep with it, I think he showed you can.”

Not including his years playing youth hockey and playing in the

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challenge myself and my abilities.”

In 2005, still undrafted, the eyes of the NHL were finally upon this gifted and dedicated athlete, when Ward was invited to training camp for the Minnesota Wild, and on September 27, 2006, he signed his first professional hockey contract, and was assigned to the Wild’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Houston Aeros. It had been a long road to here for a kid playing on the iced-over ponds and streets of Toronto.

“I never doubted it,” said Joel. “It was just going to be a bit longer and I always believed in my abilities.”

During the 2006-07 season, he played 11 games for the Wild, but continued his play mainly for the Aeros, under then head coach Kevin Constantine.

Ward credits Constantine for helping him to learn to set higher goals for his play and also to assistant coach Matt Shaw, now with San Jose.

“He taught me the game, and what it takes to play at the NHL level,” said Joel. “And that gave me an opportunity to showcase myself.”

“A good player is a good player and it doesn’t matter what his age is or where he came from or what his background is, if you are playing well we want to look at you and see if you can help us,” said Predators’ head coach Barry Trotz.

Obviously, Nashville liked what they saw in Ward, because on July 15, 2008, the Predators signed the free agent to a one-year deal. In the

broader perspective.

“I think it’s big you know, and it just goes to show that it’s not just hockey, but you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. It’s a game and I think everyone can play it. I just want people to realize that regardless of where you are or where you came from, you can always achieve your goals,” said Joel.

Big Brothers Big Sister’s Lowell Perry, Jr. sees it as an even bigger milestone.

“Joel, because of who he is, can plant the seed in the minds of kids that there might be the possibility of something beyond basketball and football, and bring some awareness that there are other sports out there that are worth pursuing,” said Perry.

Joel Ward’s story of sacrifice, hard work and perseverance in becoming a professional hockey player in the NHL is something that he likes to share with everyone, especially children. With a desire to give back and also pay homage to the Minard family and his two older brothers who were all there for him after the death of his father, Joel is now a mentor and a Big Brother to thirteen-year old Malik Johnson, of Nashville and also from a single parent home.

“It was another challenge for me and we definitely feed off each other and he learns a fair bit from me and I learn quite a bit from him,” said Joel. “A lot of people have given me

Tennessee Sports Magazine • Februaryy 2011

27

Hockey In Tennessee a lot over the years, and it’s just kind of a way to give back here to the city of Nashville. I appreciate everything since I have been here and the people have been tremendous to me.

It’s been pretty inspirational as well.”

The hope is that inspiration will spread.

“The more we get high-profile people like Joel to step out there by example and call on other men to reach out, the better, because we know that our young boys have to see men to become men, and right

now every kid has a mentor,” said Perry. “The problem is in our society often times it’s not the right one, and so it’s important to have quality people like Joel step up and be role models for these kids.”

Joel won’t be finished with the kids just because he may someday leave the high profile world of the NHL. “I will try to stay in the game and if not, teaching or coaching, or in the classroom teaching some little ones,” said Joel. “I’m not trying to save the world, but if I can help out

an individual, yeah, that’s great.”

Joel’s advice to kids thinking about a future playing hockey is simple.

“Follow your dreams and just keep going and don’t let anyone tell you no.”

Coach Trotz perhaps sums up Joel’s journey best.

“To me, Joel is a great story because he just had to do it the hard way. He wasn’t a high draft choice, or anything like that,” said Trotz.

“He just had to do it the hard way and he did it.”

■

The Boys Are Back Photos by Don N. Olea/TSM

Brentwood’s Geoffrion brothers play in the first-ever NCAA hockey games in Tennessee AFTER PLAYING HOST to NHL, AHL and the Greater Nashville Area Scholastic Hockey (GNASH) games over the past 11 years, Bridgestone arena in Nashville finally hosted the first-ever NCAA hockey games played in the state of Tennessee.

The January 15-16 series featured the University of AlabamaHuntsville Chargers against the

Brice Geoffrion

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15th-ranked Merrimack Warriors.

The series also marked the return of UAH forwards and Brentwood, TN natives freshman Brice and sophomore Sebastian Geoffrion – brothers of the Predators’ Blake Geoffrion, currently assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals.

Sebastian got things rolling in front of the hometown crowd in the Friday night opener as senior center Neil Ruffini (Roswell, Ga.) grabbed the puck on a two-on-one breakaway with Sebastian and fired a wrister that Merrimack goalie Joe Cannata blocked, but Sebastian found the loose puck at his skates firing the rebound past Cannata giving UAH an early 1-0 lead only 6:26 into the game.

Sebastian also had an assist on the Chargers third goal staking UAH to a 3-0 lead midway through the second period.

Unfortunately for the Chargers, Merrimack showed why it is a nationally ranked team as they reeled off four straight goals to take a 4-3 lead midway through the third stanza, eventually taking the Friday night contest 5-4.

In the second game of the series Brice Geoffrion made an early impact – for all the wrong reasons – as he was called for a

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

Sebastian Geoffrion

five-minute major for checking from behind allowing the Warriors to score two goals. Merrimack rounded out the scoring as Jesse Todd lit the lamp with only 18 seconds remaining in the first period.

It was all down hill from there for UAH as the Warriors pushed past two goals in the second period and two more in the third, cruising to a 7-0 victory – their fifth in a row.

Merrimack's Joe Cannata (Wakefield, MA) turned aside 24 shots for his first shutout of the season and fifth of his career.

With a huge hockey fan base, here's to more NCAA hockey in Nashville. — D.N.O

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Like Father…

Like Son Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lowell Perry, Jr. is matching mentors with young hopefuls in the traditions of his father

By John Lee Photographs courtesy Lis Cousel

I

n 1957, Lowell W. P e r r y became the first AfricanAmerican to coach in the NFL, as an assistant for the Pittsburg Steelers, and was later the first black color announcer for CBS for the NFL. Later, he also went on to become the first AfricanAmerican to direct operations for a major American manufacturing plant for Chrysler.

Yet his son, Nashvillian Lowell Perry, Jr. recalls that his father was equally as big on giving back to the community, as he was on encouraging his children to set and achieve their personal goals.

“He taught me at a very early age of being involved in the community and of striving to be significant and not just successful,” said Perry. “Success means having those material things, and it’s what we do for ourselves.

Significant is what we do for others.”

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In 1953, Lowell W. Perry was a standout receiver for the University of Michigan and afterwards was drafted by the Steelers in the eighth round, but Perry had already committed to three years with the Air Force ROTC, and so the Steelers had to wait for this All-American until 1956, when he then had five big games in a row, averaging an amazing 24 yards per reception.

In his sixth and what was to be his final game for the Steelers, he was taken down on the sidelines by three players including Rosey Greer, and landed on a steel yard marker, breaking his hip and pelvis, and never played the game again.

While recovering in the hospital, a compassionate Art Rooney, owner of the Pittsburg Steelers offered Perry a job with the organization, and once he’d finally left the hospital, Perry took the promised position and became the first black assistant

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

coach in the history of the modern NFL. After milestones in television and pro sports with CBS and the NFL, and having earned his law degree at Detroit College of Law, Perry went on to a career of public service, including an appointment by President Ford as the commissioner to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, and then later as director of Michigan’s Department of Labor and Office of Urban Programs.

Throughout that time, he was known for being not only an inspiration, but also for encouraging and helping black youth attend college, especially law school.

“I think I honor my father by doing this more than anything else I could do because he was always dedicated to kids and helping young people”, said Perry, Jr., now as C.E.O. manning the helm of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. “My dad helped a lot of people throughout his career and he did it quietly,” added

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Perry, Jr., who has taken on the task of improving the ratio between young, black men and boys who need and desire a positive role model, and the deficit of men such as Nashville Predator Joel Ward, the first black player for the franchise, willing to step forward and be that mentor.

“The more that young black youth are exposed to positive people like Joel Ward that are trying to do things with their lives and are encouraging kids to be all that they can be, to reach their full potential,” said Perry, “helps to explode the myth that all black men are missing in action when it comes to being involved in their communities, which is absolutely not the case.”

Another of the men Lowell Perry, Jr. counts on for stepping up is former Tennessee Titan safety and radio host Blaine Bishop, who Perry sees as kind of a poster child for the organization.

“What makes Blaine so unique is that he is a product of the program, and he is a perfect example of what we achieve as an organization,” said Perry.

As a kid in Indianapolis, Blaine’s mentor and Big Brother encouraged him to use his athleticism as a tool to gain a higher education, and that along with dedication and hard work led to a career in the NFL. “He has been a national spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and because of the fact that he did come up through the program, and it’s kind of come full circle now, he is giving back on that regard and is a real ambassador for the program,” said Perry. “Just a quality guy and one of those players that when asked to show up to support something, he would do it.”

Joel Ward has a connection along with Lowell Perry, Sr. to a legacy within professional sports, and one within the NHL that goes all the way back to 1958, when Canadian Willie O’Ree took the ice with the Boston Bruins as the first black player in the National Hockey League.

Against insurmountable odds,

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FULL CIRCLE A product of the Big Brothers program, former Titans safety Blaine Bishop poses with boys some of the boys from the Big Brothers program at the Titans’ training facility.

O’Ree made it all the way to the NHL when most black players at the time were passed over and never got beyond the minor leagues.

As if the odds weren’t already against O’Ree, earlier in 1956 Willie suffered an injury that cost him 95 percent of the vision in his right eye.

Willie O’Ree

Remarkably, and unbeknownst to very few in the hockey world at the time, he played hockey for the next 20 years in various leagues with the use of only one eye.

O’Ree’s story had very little mention in the press at the time, and it was a milestone that passed by without a great deal of fan-fair.

Yet, he is up there with the history of men and women who have diversified professional American sports with the likes of Jackie Robinson in Major League Baseball in 1947, Earl Lloyd, the first black player in the NBA in 1950, and Kenny Washington and Woody Stroad, first in the modern NFL in 1946.

An important parallel between Joel Ward and the legacy of Willie O’Ree is giving back to the community and raising awareness.

“It is significant because it exposes an entire community to

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

31

I think I honor my father by doing this more than anything else I could do because he was ALWAYS DEDICATED TO KIDS and helping young people.

African-American culsomething that they might ture, but also America’s not otherwise have been culture. Let’s celebrate exposed to,” said Perry. these men and women, “Hockey has never been past and present, regardhuge in the black commuless of the sport that can nity if you will. I think it be held up as role models sends a message to kids for us all. that if you put your mind Let’s salute not only to it, you can accomplish those athletes who anything.” decades ago took those In 1998 O’Ree was honfirst steps out onto a field ored by the NHL and or a court or a rink, with named director of youth no one ever having hockey development for walked in that path the NHL/USA Hockey FAMILY AFFAIR Lowell Perry, Jr., right poses before them; a path once diversity task force.

He continued to travel with his brother and Lowell, Sr., center, at a civic off-limits or thought to be unattainable; but also around the US and function. the men and women who, Canada going into neigheven now, in 2011, men borhoods hoping to raise ing,” said Perry, Jr. “They are like our own adopted awareness and attract more watching, and so are the kids.

Tennesseans Joel Ward and minorities to the sport.

For a guy like Joel Ward to step Blaine Bishop, continue to set “That is why other leagues up and do it because he felt commilestones, and continue to have thrived,” said Perry. pelled to do that, he wants to inspire us all.

“They’ve connected with the give back, and we need to cele(John Lee is a freelance writer communities and young kids by brate that kind of thing.” with Tennessee Sports Magazine playing7e or not, how you conFor Black History Month, let’s and can be reached at johnduct your business and carry celebrate all of Tennessee’s and lee1@aol.com. Post your comyour life, celebrities and profesour nation’s great black athletes ments and feedback about this sional athletes and people in the and coaches, like Lowell W. story on our website at public eye, people want to see Perry, who have shaped not only www.tnsportsmag.com.) what kind of walk you are walk-

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February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

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For The Record St. Cecilia Academy cross country coach and athlete honored

TEAM EFFORT The St. Cecilia Academy Cross Country Team accepts its second place trophy at the state tournament. Coach Teresa Marchetti is on the far right and Emily Peters is third from the right.

ST. CECILIA ACADEMY cross country state champion Emily Peters was recently named to The Tennessean AllMid-State Cross Country 1st Team and Coach Teresa Marchetti was named The Tennessean Mid-State Cross Country Coach of the Year.

The honors come after a banner season for the St. Cecilia Academy Cross Country Team. The team won second place in state and first in the region for the TSSAA Division II A. Emily Peters, a freshman, won the state individual championship with a 19:34.60 run in the 5000m at TSSAA State Cross-Country Championships.

“It was great; kind of unbelievable both in terms of the team and my individual accomplishments,” Emily said of her first season as a Scarab.

The state champion said Coach Marchetti helped guide the team all season and never doubted their abilities.

“She was really encouraging,” Emily said of Coach Marchetti. “She helped motivate our whole team. She pushed us and she knew we could do it.”

Emily said her goals for next year are to keep improving her times and to do more cross training to grow stronger.

St. Cecilia Academy is Nashville’s oldest private high school founded in 1860 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation. The Academy has been named to the Top 50 best Catholic high schools in the U.S. list five times since 2004.

Emily Peters Eighty-five percent of the 53 runs in one of Class of 2010 members were the final cross offered college scholarships country meets totaling $5.5 million. That of the season. equals an average of over $100,000 in offered college She is the state scholarships per graduate. individual champion.

Upwardly Mobile A group of area basketball players that grew up together as friends and honed their considerable skills in Nashville are now making headlines away from Music City as college stars.

Justice Is Served Her name alone – Justice Swett – is enough to make her stand out. It’s unique, it rolls off the tongue easily, and it’s a name that once you hear it you’ll never forget it.

The ABA Returns “If at first you don't succeed, try try again,” stated Joe Newman, American Basketball Assoc. CEO, as he announced the return of the ABA to Nashville,. TN for the 2011 season.

Morehead State senior and White’s Creek High alum, Demonte Harper was a preseason All-OVC pick and hopes to play at the next level.

Photograph courtesy Morehead State

Basketball In Tennessee

Inside

Moving On Up

By Jim Harwell

A

group of area basketball players that grew up together as friends and honed their considerable skills in Nashville are now making headlines away from Music City as college stars.

Demonte Harper and Wil Peters

Demonte Harper, Tennessee State’s Wil Peters and Vandy’s Jamie Graham grew up together in Nashville and prepped at Whites Creek High. They all have gone on to outstanding collegiate careers and remain close friends.

Harper, a 6-foot-4 senior, is a threeyear starter at Morehead State and one of the OVC’s top guards. He is among the OVC leaders in scoring, 3's and 3-point percentage and in the top ten in assists and steals.

Demonte’s best friend Kenneth Faried, one of the nation’s top players, have helped the Eagles become a power program. They were 24-11/153 (15-3 and second in Ohio Valley Conference play) last year and made the NCAA Tourney (1-1) in 2009.

This year’s team is centered around Harper and Faried.

“We do everything together,” said

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Harper about Faried. “I think the fact that we are close off the court helps our chemistry on the court. We gel together.”

Harper plans to play pro ball but advises young people that academics should be the top priority of a student-athlete.

“It takes dedication and hard work to play in college,” he said. “But it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Harper and Peters have been longtime best friends. Peters, a 6-foot-1 junior guard at TSU, is starting for the second straight year for the Tigers. He is among the team leaders in points, minutes and the leader in assists.

Like Harper, Peters is among the OVC leaders in 3's and 3-point accuracy. Peters enjoys TSU. “It’s a great experience here,” said Peters. “I’ve been challenged in every area, and everyone is supportive and friendly.”

Harper, Peters and Graham continue the strong Whites Creek athletic tradition which has thrived under such wellknown coaches as Richard Coure, Dorris Armstrong and Bill Nollner.

John Jenkins

A Nashville and Commodore favorite, John Jenkins continues to show why for several years,

he’s been considered one of the top guards in the nation. He leads Vandy in scoring and is among the SEC leaders as well at over 18 per game.

His Station Camp High Coach Seth Massey and Athletic Director Mike Hayes know what sets him apart.

“There’s nobody who works harder than John,” said Hayes. “And he’s always been a humble, regular guy, always making time for other people.”

Massey coached “Johnny J” all four prep years and stays in close touch with him. Both Massey and Hayes know the Jenkins family very well.

“John’s character sets him apart,” said Massey. “He’s a better person than he is a player. As an athlete, he’s never satisfied, and he’s always striving to learn and get better. “ Massey points out that John and his parents never get caught up in “success and awards.”

“His success hasn’t changed him. He’s still the same guy he’s always been,” said Massey. “His parents raised him that way.

And I think John plays basketball because he really enjoys it, not for an ego HOT SHOT A Nashville thing.” and Commodore favorite, John Jenkins continues to show why he’s considered one of the top guards in the nation. He leads Vandy in scoring and is among the SEC leaders as well at over 18 ppg.

Photo by Joe Howell

Several former Nashville area basketball standouts have taken their considerable talents to the college level and another rung up on the round ball ladder.

Gerald Robinson

G e r a l d Robinson is already impacting the SEC as a

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

35

Georgia Bulldog. As the Dogs’ two-guard, Robinson is among the SEC leaders in assists and is averaging double figures in scoring, second on the team.

Moreover, “G-Money” – as he referred to by his teammates – is proving to be a clutch performer, providing late-game heroics in no less than five wins so far this season.

Georgia Coach Mark Fox described Robinson as “a great kid and a winner.”

“Gerald’s got a complete game, and he’s really made an impact on our team with his ability to score, to shoot, to break down a defense and find a teammate and with his defense.

He’s a pretty complete player.”

After his two impressive years at TSU, when he was second team All-OVC in

2 0 0 9 , Robinson had a lot of highmajor opportunities and settled on UGA and the SEC. He upped his level of play during his year off.

“I worked on my game both mentally and physically,” said Robinson. “I put a lot of work in the weight room.” Robinson added 20 pounds of muscle to his 160-pound frame.

Robinson is part of the vaunted TSU legacy.

His father Gerald, Sr., is the men’s tennis coach and his uncle A l l e n Robinson is

Professional basketball returns to Nashville!

• Enjoy high-quality, enter-

taining pro basketball action

• Pro-active ownership both

on and off the court

• Opportunities for both

players and coaches to secure NBA & highlevel overseas contracts

• Team will form strong

partnerships with local businesses

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February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

Photo by Dale Zanine

Basketball In Tennessee

BATTLIN’ BULLDOG Georgia junior Gerald Robinson is helping the Bulldogs battle in the rugged SEC East.

the head baseball coach and a member of the TSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Gerald’s high school coach, Doc Shelton, now in his 21st year at MLK Magnet, was coached by both Gerald and Allen at TSU. Shelton saw the young Robinson grow up and develop.

“It was a privilege and joy to coach Gerald,” said Shelton. “He is a top student, he’s intelligent, bright. He was raised right by his father and mother.”

Shelton recalls that teams would double and triple-team Gerald but still could not stop him.

Shelton remembers a game against top competition in Memphis when Gerald sat out the first quarter of a game – and finished with 64 points.

Josh Slater and Brandon Brown

Lipscomb seniors Josh Slater and Brandon

Brown continue to be two of the Bisons top players.

Both have been starters throughout their four years on the squad.

Slater, a 6-foot-3 guard, is making a strong case for repeating as a first team All-Atlantic Sun selection.

He is among the top five leaders in the conference in five different statistical categories – second in scoring (18 ppg) and fifth in rebounding (7 rpg). Brown also leads the Bisons in blocked shots and is third in rebounds.

Slater is a Lipscomb ‘lifer’ – from K-12 to college. Brown attended Brentwood Academy along with their teammate Brian Wright, a junior, brother of NBA player Brandan Wright. They all fit into the type of program Coach Scott Sanderson has built.

“We want to develop the whole person,” said Sanderson. “And we want quality young men who

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Photo courtesy Trap The Light Photography

Basketball In Tennessee back playing in his home state, at Union University in Jackson. The Bulldogs are coming off back-toback Transouth Conference Championships.

Davis, a sophomore point guard, is leading the team in scoring with 15 ppg.

After playing out of state and then redshirting last year at Union, Davis is glad to be playing in his home state and enjoys Union.

TWICE AS NICE Lipscomb senior “It’s great to be Josh Slater is a candidate to be an close to family Atlantic Sun First Team All- and friends,” said Conference selection for the second Davis. “I love it here at Union. year in a row.

It’s a place where I can grow in my faith.” understand what Lipscomb Davis starred at means, that it’s more than Goodpasture and in AAU just athletics.” ball in high school. He All three players excel in played at Los Angeles City all areas and, according to College before returning peers and coaches, are role to Tennessee. A dual models to others. Slater is threat as point guard and featured in a 6-minute scorer, Davis is a candiBison promotional video date for All-Transouth about his journey at honors.

Lipscomb.

During high school and “Josh has been a major college, Davis has become part of the success we’ve good friends with many of had here,” said Sanderson. those mentioned above“He deflects a lot of the Peters, Harper, Slater, attention from himself, and Wright and many more.

I think that’s why he’s very Another AAU buddy is successful.”

Jewuan Long, guard for During recent years, Murray State (from Slater has undergone a Jackson, TN). In 2007, spiritual transformation.

Peters, Davis and others “I’ve built so many good helped the Nashville relationships with people at Stallions win the AAU 17Lipscomb who have helped under National guide me along my spirituChampionship in 2007. al journey,” says Slater.

The old adage, ‘Make “It’s been a place that has new friends but keep the allowed me to explore faith old, one is silver the other and what it means to have gold,’ certainly holds true a relationship with God.” both on and off the court for a talented group of former Nashville high school C.J. Davis standouts.

■ Nashville’s C.J. Davis is

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Basketball In Tennessee

Ensworth’s Jewel After running out of superlatives to describe talented sophomore Justice Swett, longtime coach Hubie Smith simply stated ‘she’s just a jewel’

By Jim Muir

H

er name alone – Justice Swett – is enough to make her stand out. It’s unique, it rolls off the tongue easily, and it’s a name that once you hear it you’ll never forget it.

But, be assured that there is much more to this 16-year-old Ensworth sophomore than a catchy name.

Despite the fact that Justice just

captain of our team by her teammates and that in itself speaks volumes about how she handles herself,” said Smith. “I’ve coached 28 years and I’ve never had a sophomore elected by her teammates – boys or girls.”

Smith said Justice’s success has been garnered the old-fashioned way – through plain old hard work.

“She’s the first one in the gym and the last one to leave and she works harder every single day to get better,”

watching an NCAA women’s national championship game and I knew right then that’s what I wanted to do when I grow up,” she recalled. “And from that time on basketball became very important to me and I have just never stopped playing. It’s still my goal to get there.”

I can’t say enough accolades about her.

I’ve coached boys and girls and I have never c o a c h e d A B E T T E R Q U A L I T Y K I D than Justice – ever. recently got her driver’s license she has already built a quite impressive resume. She's been a starting point guard on a state championship basketball team as a freshman, traveled to China as part of a study abroad program and played throughout the nation on multiple national championship-caliber AAU teams.

Ensworth coach Hubie Smith, with nearly three decades of coaching under his belt, doesn’t mince words when talking about his prized sophomore.

“I can’t say enough accolades about her,” said Smith. “I’ve coached boys and girls and I have never coached a better quality kid than Justice – ever.”

Her maturity both on and off the court showed a maturity level far beyond her years, Smith said.

“As a sophomore she was elected

said Smith. “She is one of the most coachable young people that I have ever been around. Always paying attention, always giving you eyeto-eye contact the entire time you’re talking. She’s just a jewel to coach, really a quite amazing young lady.”

Smith said that the early success that the 5-foot-9 Justice has enjoyed has certainly not changed her preparation or style of play.

“I’ve never coached a young person as mature as she is that understands all the things that she has to do to get better,” said Smith. “She is just very unique.”

Perhaps as a prelude of things to come, Justice said she recalls the exact moment she established a goal to become a basketball player.

“I was about five years old. I was sitting on the couch with my dad

FAST START Justice was Ensworth’s starting point guard for their state championship basketball team as a freshman.

Photographs by Don N. Olea/TSM

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February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

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Basketball In Tennessee Playing AAU ball and facing some of the best competition in the nation, Justice said she realized at a young age that the overall level of competition was off the charts and that an equally strong work ethic was a must.

“Basketball is definitely the most competitive sport I’ve played,” said Justice.

“There are so many girls trying to get to the same place that some- SCORING TOUCH This season Justice times it seems sort has transitioned to more of a scoring and of overwhelming. defensive player.

There are just so many talented players that you Chinese language for three have to continually keep years but admitted that improving your game and there was a two-fold thrill getting better or somebody in making the two-week is going to catch up with trip. you. It’s an ongoing “It was good to get to process, it never ends and I practice what I had learned just try and work harder during the past three than other people.” years,” said Justice. “And Justice traveled last while we were there I got summer to China with a to play basketball against contingent of Tennessee the Chinese national high teens as part of a study school championship team. abroad program sponsored It was a totally different by the University of style of basketball but it Memphis Confucius was a cool experience.”

Institute. Justice said she Justice began playing has been learning the AAU basketball at age nine

and plays for Tennessee Flight, one of the top teams nationwide.

She said the AAU schedule is demanding but has afforded her the opportunity to play against top-caliber competition across the United States.

“We flew in from China one day and flew out for an AAU tournament in Dallas the next,” said Justice.

“We’ve played everywhere but I never get tired of it.”

In her two seasons at Ensworth, Justice has seen a 180-degree turn in her duties on the court. Last year as

a starting point guard and a freshman starter playing with four seniors her job was to run the offense and distribute the basketball to teammates.

This year, with 80 percent of last year’s state championship starting five graduated, Justice has been called on to take on more of a scoring and defensive role this year.

While it’s an adjustment it is one that she relishes.

“It’s been hard and I’m still learning,” she said.

“But in the end it will make me a better player.”

Smith agreed that her role has changed dramatically this year.

“She has a tremendous burden this year because our team is so young and inexperienced,” said Smith. “We had a game recently where we had

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Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

39

Basketball In Tennessee nine girls playing and five of them were freshmen.”

Smith said despite the fact that Justice handled point guard duties last year and is in that role again this year she is probably playing out of position – by necessity.

“Her natural position would probably be a twoguard, but hopefully after this year we can change that,” said Smith.

“Right now we count on her to handle the ball, score, rebound and she always has the toughest defensive assignment. It probably hurts her overall performance this year but she will benefit by it in the long run, it will make

40

her a better player.”

Justice gave high marks to her parents, David and Deatrice along with twin brother Jourdan and older brother Jalen and sister Jazman, for their collective support.

“Family means everything to me, I’m all about family,” she said. “I have great parents, they support me in everything they do, take me to tournaments and never miss a game. My brothers are at every game, I have just a very supportive family.”

Smith joined his star player in offering kudos to the Swett family.

“It’s a very close-knit family and she has great support from her

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

parents. They attend every game and that is certainly not always the case in today’s culture,” Smith said.

“Justice has a great work ethic, tremendous determination and focus but her family support has contributed to her success.”

While Justice still has two years of high school ball remaining after this one she has already established some lofty college goals. She hopes to play Division I basketball at perennial women’s powerhouse Stanford University, located in Palo Alto, California.

“I think it would be great to go to a new area and meet new people,” said Justice. “I know it’s a lofty goal but it’s what I want to do and I’m going to work hard to make it happen.”

Considering all that has been accomplished since five-year-old Justice Swett was watching a women’s basketball game with her dad – maybe it’s not that lofty of a goal at all.

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Basketball In Tennessee

Fourth Time’s A Charm ABA to return to Nashville in 2011 “IF AT FIRST you don't succeed, try try again,” stated Joe Newman, American Basketball Assoc. CEO, as he announced the return of the ABA to Nashville,.

TN for the 2011 season.

“This will be the fourth time for an ABA team in Nashville. The first time was very successful but ownership changed for personal reasons; the second two attempts were simply the wrong people. It was no fault of the city of Nashville.”

John and Angi Rowe, the new owners, were asked why have they chosen Nashville?

“There's just something special about Music City USA,” stated Rowe. Nashville has long been a major force in the music industry.

College and professional sports are also a very big part of the culture. With the addition of the Nashville S O U L , Nashville is once again represented at the professional level in basketball, football, hockey, baseball and soccer.

“We are confident that the Nashville Metro area will embrace the organization as we will be out building those relationships from Day One, something the previous ownerships have not done. This is their basketball team and Angi and I want them to have a connection with the ownership, players and support team.”

The Nashville SOUL will be owned by John and Angi Rowe.

John will be handling the basketball operations while Angi will be

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heavily involved with the community events and outreach programs. With four children (Emma 12, Taylor 10, Sam 8 and Cooper 3), “you will be sure to see them all around the community at one youth sporting event or another,” added Angi.

John Rowe is originally from Upstate NY but grew up in Kingsport TN and worked in the wholesale flooring industry for nearly 20 years building relationships with many Tennessee business owners and helping them to market their businesses.

For the past year, he has been an Agent Advisor with Sports Management Worldwide, a full-service sports agency and online sports career educator based in Portland OR. He has also been very active in various youth sports programs as well as many programs for children at church.

Angi Rowe has been a wedding coordinator and has organized catered events for both large church activities as well as private parties and has been active in many church programs for children, less fortunate families and recovering addicts. “John and I chose the ABA because the league is rapidly growing and improving with many great things on the horizon,” stated Angi.

“John and I found that we also share a lot of the same vision with

the ABA leadership.

We are just as passionate about what this organization accomplishes off the court as we are about the results on the court. The SOUL will offer not only high quality basketball for certain, but we will also be providing a great family venue for fun and entertainment as well as reaching out to help the community in many ways.

“We have already identified a number of initiatives that we want to work towards and will be rolling out programs very soon.”

The Nashville SOUL website will be unveiled soon to keep fans informed of team news and events.

Until then, a temporary site will be utilized at www.rowesports.com. You can also contact John Rowe via email at johnnyrowe@aol.com or by phone at 865 389 2115. Or visit www.abalive.com.

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ABA South Central Division The Soul will be competing in one of the ABA's toughest divisions. Divisional foes will include: • • • • • •

East Kentucky (Pikeville, KY) Memphis, TN Bowling Green, KY Indiana (Columbus, IN) Indianapolis, IN St. Louis, MO

Many of these teams appear in the ABA's Top 24 Power Rankings each week.

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

41

Ask The Jock Doc

Do you have F.A.T.?

Recognizing and Preventing Female Athlete Triad

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

S

ports, exercise, and a balanced diet are the essential components to a healthy lifestyle for all athletes.

Did you know, high school athletes who participate regularly in sports or exercise are healthier, obtain better grades, are less likely to experience depression, and less likely to use alcohol, drugs, or smoke cigarettes as compared to a non-athlete student? However, for some female athletes, not balancing the needs of their bodies and their sports can have major consequences on their health.

Female athletes who play sports or exercise intensely while focusing in on being thin or lightweight are at risk for a problem called female athlete triad, which is a combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis.

Any female athlete can have one, two, or all three parts of the triad.

Female athletes who play sports or exercise intensely while focusing in on being thin or lightweight are at risk …

What are the risk factors for F.A.T.?

Any athlete who is highly competitive while playing a particular sport that requires you to check your weight often. As well as athletes who focus on their sport constantly while avoiding spending time with friends and family. Finally, those athletes who exercise more than necessary for their sport and any athlete who is being pushed by their coach or parents to win at all costs.

Which type of female athletes are at the highest risk?

Female athletes who participate in sport that reward being thin for appearance (such as dance, ballet, gymnastics, figure skating, and div-

February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

I am a cross-country coach, are there any ways to screen my female athletes?

At risk athletes are any athletes who answer “yes” to these three questions: 1. Are you dissatisfied with your body?

2. Do you strive to be thin?

3. Do you continuously focus on your weight?

Could you explain the three conditions in detail?

Disordered Eating refers to simply as abnormal eating habits such as crash diets, binge eating, restriction of essentials foods, nutrients, and calories, purging, etc. or excessive exercise to keep the body from getting enough nutrition.

These types of behaviors can become an obsession and lead to very serious disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

Menstrual dysfunction can occur from poor nutrition, low calorie intake, high-energy demands, physical and emotional stress, or low percentage of body fat can lead to hormonal changes that stops your menstrual periods called amenorrhea.

The lack of regular periods disrupts the body’s bone-building processes and weakens the skeleton architecture, which can make bones more likely to break. This is called premature osteoporosis (low bone density for age) most commonly seen as stress fractures in athletes.

42

ing) or improved performance (such as distance running or rowing).

What are the signs and symptoms I should be looking for as a coach or parent?

Female athletes will experience weight loss, no periods or irregular periods, fatigue and decreased ability to concentrate, stress fractures, and muscle injuries. Girls with the female athlete triad often have signs and symptoms of eating disorders: • Preoccupation with food • Frequent trips to the bathroom during and after meals • Using laxatives • Continued dieting in spite of weight loss • Brittle hair or nails • Dental cavities and tooth enamel wear from frequent vomiting • Sensitivity to cold • Low heart rate and blood pressure • Heart irregularities and chest pain How is the female athlete triad treated?

The first step toward treating this disorder is by recognizing the signs and symptoms of the female athlete triad. The next step is to visit your primary care physician or sports medicine specialist right away if you miss several menstrual periods, get a stress fracture while playing sports, or think you have disordered eating.

A complete history, physical, blood work, and EKG (heart tracing) can provide your physician with the extent of damage these

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behaviors have caused on your body.

However, a team approach of medical professionals is the best treatment to ensure complete recovery.

Your team would include your primary care physician, gynecologist, nutritionist, athletic trainer, psychological counselor as well as support from your coaches, par-

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ents, and friends.

Can I prevent my athletes from having F.A.T.?

The best prevention to the female athlete triad is to eat a daily nutritious and well-balanced diet, exercise in moderation, and tell your physician about any changes to your periods.

So, I highly recommend all my

female athletes to keep track of their periods and don’t skip meals or snacks. I encourage all athletes to play sports and exercise for themselves and not for coaches, parents, or judges.

At the end of the day, any damage sustained to your body under stressful conditions can have some serious and long-term consequences. â–

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

43

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February 2011 • Tennessee Sports Magazine

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Ask The Athletic Trainer

A Healthier You in 2011

By Eric Claas, Med, ATC AS ALWAYS the start of a New Year brings resolutions. Goal setting, behavior modification and commitment to change are popular to this yearly tradition. Millions of Americans will commit to a fresh start with goals such as smoking cessation, spending more time with loved ones and getting out of debt.

However, one that seems to top the yearly charts involves weight loss. With roughly 65 percent of U.S. adults overweight or obese, this goal can offer the highest reward ... life.

Understanding Weight Loss – The Basics

How do we lose a pound of fat? A pound of fat is equal to approximately 3500 calories. So if a person were to consume 2,000 calories in a given day and burn 2500, they would have a 500 calorie deficit. After seven days this individual would have burned 3,500 calories or one pound. Unfortunately, an excess of 100 calories a day x 365 days would equal 36,500 calories.

This would equal a weight gain of 10.42 pounds of fat in only one year.

It is important to allow medical professionals to diagnose and treat.

Daily Values, Being Safe And Eating Smart

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) was established to cover the needs of healthy people with individual’s caloric needs ranging from 1600 to 2200 calories a day. These numbers may vary based on body size, sex (pregnancy) or age. In general, it is safer to try and gradually reduce your caloric intake when you begin dieting. A reduction of more than 500 calories daily may reduce your metabolic rate. This could lead to a lowering of metabolism which forces your body to conserve energy/calories instead of burning them.

Choosing your food wisely is one of the most important aspects of weight loss.

Following the Food Pyramid and eating portion controlled meals while establishing your daily caloric needs is likewise important. Remember the basics.

Anything in excess of what your body burns daily eventually will turn to fat. It takes roughly 100 calories to run a mile. However, eating a Snickers bar (271 calories) or a Whopper (670 calories) would equate to running 2.71 and 6.7 miles respectively.

Getting Started and Staying With It

There are many tips to getting started once a commitment has been made. First, plan a program that makes sense to you. Your program should include things that you enjoy.

Exercise programs should involve activities you can see yourself sticking to. New meal plans should contain pleasurable foods that are available in your community. Feel free to explore new foods and recipes. This will allow you to spice up your meals and get you out of the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Don't make unreasonable goals which cannot be met in a reasonable timeframe. Then develop a strategy or a game plan to how you are going to go about this lifestyle change. Set short term and long term goals.

Maybe four pounds weight loss by end of the month, finishing a 5K or fitting into an old pair of jeans. Make a calendar and plan out your days, weeks and months.

This calendar needs to be accessible and in a place that is viewed daily.

Put a star, check or smiley face on the day after completing the task, this will help you track your progress.

Give yourself rewards or incentives once goals have been made such as a golf outing, shopping spree or day spa visit.

Lastly, remember you made this program, you own it and you can adjust it as needed. Good Luck.

Exercise Is the Best Medicine

The effects of exercise on the human body have been researched for years and have proved to have short and long term benefits. Exercise contributes obviously to weight loss but can have significant positive effects on reduction of osteoarthritis, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and heart disease among others. The Cleveland Clinic showed a significant cardiovascular risk reduction in those burning 1,000 calories of vigorous activity per week (example: 2 miles brisk walking X 5 days or 3.5 miles brisk walking X 3 days/wk).

According to a new study, published on the leading medical journal Archives of Internal Medicine, the amount of exercise needed for weight loss have been found to be 55 minutes a day for 5 days a week.

You say you don’t have 55 minutes a day to dedicate to exercise. UC Berkeley researches found the average American spends 170 minutes/day either watching television or movies. A 2009 survey found Americans 15 and over spent an hour plus socializing and leisure time on the computer. The time is there but the dedication to a healthier lifestyle must exist.

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Eric Claas is a licensed Certified Athletic Trainer for STAR Physical Therapy, in Franklin, Tennessee. A graduate of Ball State University, Eric also received his Master's Degree in Exercise Science at University of Georgia. Eric spent six years as the Assistant Athletic Trainer with the NHL's Nashville Predators. The last four years, he has been with Father Ryan High School in Nashville, TN.

Tennessee Sports Magazine • February 2011

45

Looks Between The Lines

The Last Words He Saw

by Rudy Kalis THIS MONTH MARKS the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of racing legend Dale Earnhardt.

He was killed in a crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb.18th, 2001.

There is some haunting video of that day in our sports archives that will forever be burned into my mind. Our camera crew was there before the start of that race shooting video of Dale Earnhardt getting ready to get into his car. People were pressed in on all sides. He was with his wife Teresa next to the car. All of a sudden he motions to someone to come over to him. It was Darrell Waltrip's wife Stevie She There is some comes forward, gives him a note, he reads it, whishaunting video pers in her ear and she walks off. Dale kisses his wife and gets into his car for the last race of his life. of that day in What was that note? For years, while her husour sports band Darrell, a three time driving champion was archives that racing, she would always give him a note just before will forever be the start of every race, with a bible verse in it. They burned into my would say a prayer and he would go on about his business of racing. mind.

Darrell and Dale were intense rivals on the track, battling for championships. Two prideful men, determined to be the very best. But as they matured, their respect and friendship grew as well. Stevie told me that somewhere along the way, on a given Sunday, Dale asked her what she was giving Darrell and she told him. Dale asked her if she could do the same for him, so on race day she'd have two notes and give them each one. Dale would take his and tape it to the dash of his car.

But Darrell had retired after the 2000 season and taken a job as a racing analyst for FOX. He was in the broadcast booth on Fed. 18. 2001 and Stevie wasn't sure if Dale would want her to continue the tradition. So she

stood there, on the edge of the crowd, not wanting to intrude, but Dale saw her and called her to his side.

The video is as clear as day. He takes the note, reads it and, as Stevie told me later, turned to her and said “That's a good one.” You can almost read his lips on the video. She smiles and they hug.

The passage was from the book of Proverbs and reads “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the mighty run to it and are safe.”

Those were the last words that Dale Earnhardt read on this earth.

He taped the passage to his dash and Darrell told me that when he saw the mangled car after the race, that note was still, in place almost illuminated.

None of us know when that last moment will come.

Little did Stevie Waltrip know that when she questioned if she was doing the right thing, she was doing the most powerful thing that she could possibly do.

We have within each of us, the power to touch people’s lives with faith, if we only listen to that still small voice that tells us not to be afraid.

The last words that Dale Earnhardt, the man known as “The Intimidator” read were the most powerful words he could have ever seen.

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