Minnesota Escapes With A 24-17 Win Over Middle Tennessee
September 2, 2010
The Golden Gophers come to Murfreesboro and escape with a 24-17 win over Middle Tennessee. Chip Walters and Kelly Holcomb had the play-by-play on WGNS and talk about Minnesota’s size, which proved to be too much for the Blue Raiders…
Middle Tennessee will be back in action on next Saturday, the 11th, at home versus Austin Peay. Kickoff is at 6pm, with pregame coverage beginning at 3 on WGNS AM / FM.
Coach Rick Stockstill on the game…
Middle Tennessee Quarterback Logan Kilgore…
MTSU Soccer Back Home This Sunday!
September 2, 2010
A short trip to Huntsville, Alabama Friday will be the lone interruption of a four-match set for the Middle Tennessee soccer team in which it plays the other three games at home. The Blue Raiders begin weekend action at 4 p.m. Friday at Alabama A&M before returning to Murfreesboro for a 1 p.m. Sunday contest with Evansville.
Middle Tennessee opened its home slate last weekend, capping the two-game series with a thrilling, come-from-behind 2-1 double-overtime win against Tennessee Tech Sunday. The Blue Raiders received the tying goal from senior All-Sun Belt performer Vanessa Mueggler (left photo) with 31 seconds remaining in regulation and then junior Hope Suominen sealed the triumph with the game winner in the second extra frame, just 6:48 before the final horn.
"It is good we were able to pull out a win last weekend against Tennessee Tech," head coach Aston Rhoden said.
The victory was MT’s first of the fall, improved its record to 1-2 and provided the Blue Raiders with confidence heading into this weekend’s matches. Middle Tennessee knocked off Alabama A&M in last year’s home opener in record-breaking fashion, defeating the Bulldogs by an 11-1 margin. Two-time All-Sun Belt forward Shan Jones netted a school-record tying four goals on her way to earning her first league player of the week award.
The Blue Raiders own a commanding 5-0 series advantage against Alabama A&M, outscoring the opponent 26-3 in the five previous meetings. The Bulldogs, under the direction of head coach Frank Davies, enter the contest with a 0-4 ledger, being outscored 31-1 thus far.
"Alabama A&M has always posed challenges for us when we have played them away. They have had a shaky start this season, but a good result (1-0 OT loss) to Murray State recently. I am sure they are putting the pieces together. We are just hoping we can go to Huntsville and at least play a complete game."
Middle Tennessee then returns home Sunday to battle Evansville and to conclude the weekend by playing its third match at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium in the last four. The Purple Aces, led by head coach Kristy McKendree currently are 0-2-1 entering the weekend. They will travel to Bowling Green, Ky., to face Western Kentucky Friday before arriving in Murfreesboro.
The Blue Raiders secured a 4-3 triumph in Evansville last fall for their third win in as many meetings in the series. The scoring margin is closer than that against Alabama A&M, as Middle Tennessee has won the three outings by a combined 9-5 score. The Blue Raiders built a 3-1 halftime lead in last year’s matchup, only to need a goal by Jones late in the second half to combat a hat trick from UE’s Kasey Kutzler for the victory.
"Evansville is going to be a very strong opponent for us. The game last year was very close, so I suspect it is going to be a challenging game also. We are facing two opponents this weekend who are looking for their first wins, and teams that are in that mode, tend to always fight and battle a little bit harder. We have to make sure our heads are in the right place and do the simple things. If we can do that, I think we can get a positive result in both matches."
Sunday’s game will be International Day, as all fans in attendance are encourage to wear their blue or their favorite international jersey.
MTSU Basketball: Davis adds one more to 2010-11 squad
August 31, 2010
When junior college transfer Trevor Charles joins the Blue Raiders for the first time he will already know the team’s mantra "Family".
Jimmy Oden, who took a redshirt last season due to the NCAA transfer rule after transferring from Lipscomb, decided to give up his scholarship this season for his new teammate. Oden, who is a Murfreesboro native, made the decision after talking with his family and head coach Kermit Davis.
"Jimmy and his family have made a very unselfish commitment to pay his way this season and allow Trevor Charles to join our basketball team," Davis said. "Jimmy enjoyed a terrific redshirt year and will be a huge part of our team’s success this season. Jimmy will be on scholarship for the 2011-12 season."
Charles, a 6-9, 220-pound power forward/center, native of Bronx, N.Y., will join the Blue Raiders after playing two seasons at Western Texas Junior College in Snyder, Texas. Last season, Charles averaged 8.5 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. He also had a field goal percentage of .638(67-105).
"Trevor Charles is an extremely athletic front court player that will add a very physical presence around the goal for our team," Davis said.
As a freshman, Charles average 9.4 points per game with a .658 (50-76) field goal percentage and a .719 (41-57) free throw percentage. He also had 74 rebounds, averaging 3.4 per game, and 34 steals.
The Blue Raiders will begin team strength and conditioning this week with the beginning of classes with the first official practice set for Friday, Oct. 15.
Blue Raider tennis programs announce fall Pro-Am date
August 31, 2010
The Middle Tennessee men’s and women’s tennis programs have announced they will host the 24th Annual Wally Tidwell Pro-Am September 10-11 in Murfreesboro.
The festivities begin Friday evening with appetizers at the Buck Bouldin Tennis Center and a celebration of Fred Niemeyer into the Blue Raider Hall of Fame. Events continue Saturday with the Pro-Am, followed by the Hall of Fame induction and tailgaiting prior to the Middle Tennessee football game against Austin Peay.
The Pro-Am begins with the women’s portion at 8:30 a.m., followed by the men taking the courts at 11 a.m. Both groups will be allowed 30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time to warm up.
Blue Raider tennis alumni and local tennis enthusiasts who register for the weekend will be provided two tickets to the football game. Cost for the activities is $150 and includes all of the above events.
For more information, please contact head men’s tennis coach Jimmy Borendame at (615) 898-2957 or mttennis@mtsu.edu or head women’s tennis coach Melissa Schaub at (615) 898-5154 or mschaub@mtsu.edu.
MT Ticket Office expands hours
August 31, 2010
As a result of the interest in Middle Tennessee’s home game with Big Ten foe Minnesota on Thursday night, Athletic Ticket Manager Marco Born has announced extended hours for ticket availability on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
"Ticket sales have picked up dramatically since school started, and the phone lines have been busy all day," said Born. "We felt that we needed to expand our hours to make sure that everyone that wanted to come to the game got the opportunity to buy a ticket."
The main ticket office on Faulkinberry Drive will open at 8:00 am, and close at 6:00 pm on both Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition to the main ticket office, which will open at 8, all stadium ticket booths will also be open on game day, starting at 10 am, to prevent long waits to purchase tickets.
Season tickets may still be purchased as well, but only at the main ticket office, over the phone at 1-888-YES MTSU (937-6878), or online at www.GoBlueRaiders.com.
MTSU: Bailey to lead Cross Country in 2010
August 31, 2010
The Middle Tennessee women’s cross country team enters the 2010 campaign coming off back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Sun Belt Conference Championships.
Led by senior and 2009 All-Sun Belt team member Marla Bailey, the 2010 squad faces the uphill challenge of topping perennial champion Western Kentucky upon losing two of the team’s top runners from a season ago.
Bailey earned her first All-Sun Belt nod at last October’s championships in Monroe, La., after finishing fourth overall at the competition. The graduation of three-time All-SBC Cross Country member and 2008 Sun Belt individual runner-up Zamzam Sangau, coupled with 2009 All-Sun Belt runner Jackie Serem’s decision to leave to Middle Tennessee, the Barrie, Ontario, native is the lone returning all-conference athlete.
"Marla is prepared to step into the number one runner position," head coach Dean Hayes said. "In the past, she has always had Zamzam to lead the pack. Now it is her turn. She has gotten into good shape and should run strong for us."
Fellow Canadians, freshmen Deanna Brasz and Rachel Islam, join the team and could challenge for scoring position come conference time. Brasz is a two-time SOSSA (South Ontario Secondary Schools Association) Junior champion who is expected to push Bailey and challenge for the second position on the squad. Islam, primarily a middle distance runner, will be in the mix with returning sophomores Stephanie Smith and Alissa Ruggle for the third, fourth and fifth positions.
Smith, a talented runner on the high school level in her native Canada, battled through an up and down freshman season after recovering from a broken leg in 2008. She finished the season 27th at the 2009 conference championships, the fifth Blue Raider scorer.
Ruggle placed 42nd at the 2009 SBC Championships, sixth on the MT roster. She did have promising indoor and outdoor track seasons placing 12th in the mile run at the SBC indoor championships and running a PR time of 4:50.12 in the 1,500 meters at April’s Vanderbilt Invitational for the seventh fastest time in school history.
Kayla Bryan rounds out the ‘10 roster. She took 45th at last year’s Sun Belt Cross Country meet.
"The league is getting stronger, which is a good thing," said Hayes. "We want to be able to challenge Western for the title, but they are the defending champions and know how to win. It should be very competitive."
The team will open competition Friday at the Belmont Opener at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tenn., at 5 p.m.
Soccer: Suominen lifts Blue Raiders to double-overtime victory
August 29, 2010
Junior Hope Suominen (left photo) tallied the game winner with just under six minutes remaining in the second overtime to give the Middle Tennessee soccer team a thrilling, come-from-behind 2-1 victory against Tennessee Tech Sunday afternoon at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium in Murfreesboro.
Suominen capped the Blue Raider comeback, in which the hosts found themselves trailing early in the second half only to mount the win in dramatic fashion. Her game winner, at 104:12, came on a crossing pass from freshman Heidel Johannessen. Suominen placed her left foot on the pass and redirected it just inside the near post as the ball trickled through the outstretched fingers of Golden Eagles goalkeeper Becca Toler, providing Middle Tennessee (1-2) with its first triumph of the campaign.
Johannessen, one of two Blue Raider freshmen from Norway, also factored into the game-tying goal. With her back turned towards the goal, she fed a short pass to senior Vanessa Mueggler near the top of the 18-yard box, who then ripped the ball behind Toler for the equalizer at 89:29, sending the Middle Tennessee faithful into a frenzy with the late score.
The Blue Raiders had dominated much of the offensive attack throughout the contest and the home team had thought it had netted the game winner earlier in the second extra frame when sophomore Whitney Jorgenson’s header crossed the goal line. However, the far-side official declared her offside and play continued for another three minutes until Suominen’s clincher.
Tennessee Tech (0-3), despite being outshot 11-3 in the first half, came out more aggressive to start the second period and lit up the scoreboard first when Kerri Reid blasted a shot to the upper left 90 of the goal frame from 30 yards out for the 1-0 lead.
Middle Tennessee, which had scored only once in its two previous games to start the season, continued to struggle to find the back of the net despite a 20-6 advantage on shots. Mueggler led all players with six attempts, while Suominen registered five shots as the two players accounted for more than one-half of the overall Blue Raider total.
Toler finished with nine saves for the Golden Eagles, while MT keeper Rebecca Cushing stopped just a pair as both netminders played the full 104:12.
The Blue Raiders will return to action with their first road match of the young season at 7 p.m. Friday when they travel to Huntsville, Ala., to face Alabama A&M. Middle Tennessee opened the 2009 home slate with a record-breaking 11-1 win against the Bulldogs.
MTSU Volleyball wins 3-1 over BYU
August 28, 2010
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Facing their first deficit of the season, the Middle Tennessee volleyball team rebounded from a close first set loss to take home the next three for a 3-1 victory over Brigham Young in their second match of the State Farm Illini Classic in Champaign, Ill.
"I think it was a good match for us, we tried something different there at the start, and it didn’t really work well," said head coach Matt Peck. "We got back to what worked for us yesterday, and I think we started to run our offense more. We did a nice job blocking. I don’t think we passed as well as we could have, but it was a good match for us. They’re a tall and experienced team from a very good conference, and it was a good win."
Photo ID: Senior Izabela Kozon collected 16 kills and eight digs to lead the Blue Raiders back from an early deficit against BYU.
As was the case in the 2007 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 match against BYU, Izabela Kozon impressed with a match-high 16 kills to go along with eight digs. Maria Szivos was second on the team with 10 kills, and showed off her service game with four aces. Morgan Peterson directed the offense to a career-high 40 assists.
Defensively, Middle Tennessee was led by Brynne Henderson with a match-high 11 digs. Peterson and Kendall Howard each were second on the team, chipping in 10. The Blue Raiders also looked sharp at the net, combining for ten blocks to BYU’s 5.5. Stacy Oladinni tallied a match-high in the category with one solo block and four assists.
Brigham Young took home the first set in a hard-fought affair, 20-25. The leads would switch back and forth until late in the match, when a number of attack and receiving errors by the Blue Raiders propelled the Cougars to a five-point lead at 18-23, a margin that would hold steady until the end. BYU also outhit MT .257 to .114 in the opening set.
Middle Tennessee would tie up the match with a 25-22 victory in the second set. Kozon led the way with seven kills, and Szivos pitched in four of her own to go along with three service aces. The Blue Raiders opened an early lead, and after extending it to 16-12 to force a BYU timeout, the Cougars took four of the next five points to cut the deficit to one at 17-16. MT answered with four consecutive points, including back-to-back service aces to go up five, and hung on to tie the match at 1-1.
Middle Tennessee would come out of the break on fire, never trailing in a dominating 25-14 third set win. The Blue Raiders grabbed an early lead, thanks in part to a dominating start from Lindsay Cheatham, who accounted for 4.5 of the team’s first 11 points. Wistrick would help MT take control down the stretch with five kills, and an Oladinni block sealed the deal to give MT a 2-1 lead.
The Blue Raiders clinched the match with a dramatic 26-24 fourth set victory. After Middle Tennessee raced out to an early lead, the Cougars came back to take a temporary edge at 11-10. The two sides would swap leads as the match wore on until BYU went up two points at 23-21. Kozon would lead the late MT charge collecting three kills in the next four serves to tie the set at 24. A Szivos kill set up the match point, which was converted with a Kozon and Cheatham block.
Middle Tennessee will now face host Illinois in the championship match of the State Farm Illini Classic. The sixth-ranked Fighting Illini enter the match after winning 3-1 over BYU and 3-0 over South Carolina. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 PM.
Season Opening Volleyball: MTSU 3 - South Carolina 0
August 28, 2010
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - As has been the case over the past six years, the Middle Tennessee volleyball team walked away with a win in their season opener, defeating South Carolina 3-0 (25-23, 25-12, 25-23) in the State Farm Illini Classic on the campus of the University of Illinois.
Photo ID: Senior Izabela Kozon notched a match-high 10 kills against South Carolina in Friday’s season opener.
"It was a typical first match for us," said head coach Matt Peck. "I don’t think we ran our offense, but we were effective. We served tough and we passed well, which is what you need at the beginning of the year, and I think we broke their team down. I liked coming back from behind in game three. We saw some really good things out there and some things we need to work on tomorrow."
After each earned a spot on the Preseason All-Sun Belt team on Thursday, Izabela Kozon, Stacy Oladinni and Maria Szivos led the way offensively. Kozon, an All-SBC First Team performer in 2009, collected a match-high 10 kills. Oladinni and Szivos chipped in eight and seven kills, respectively, with Szivos hitting a blistering .778.
Morgan Peterson made an impressive debut performance at setter and dished out a match-high 31 assists. Defensively, the Seymour, Tenn., native also tied Brynne Henderson for the team-high in digs with 11.
The Blue Raiders edged out the Gamecocks in an opening set nail-biter. Middle Tennessee jumped out to an early lead, as Kozon helped engineer a six-point run with her serving to go up 8-3 lead. As the set wore on, South Carolina inched back into it, cutting the deficit to one at 22-21. However, a pair of timely kills from Oladinni and Peterson and a Gamecock service error finished it off, 25-23.
Middle Tennessee went up 2-0 with an impressive second set victory, winning 25-12. After grabbing an early 8-4 lead, the Blue Raiders took control of the match by recording eight of the next nine points to go up 16-5. The Gamecocks went on a three-point run of their own, but the serving of Oladinni put the game out of reach. The junior recorded two service aces to put MT up 21-9. After swapping some points, an attack error by USC’s Taylor Bruns ended the set 25-12.
The Blue Raiders would seal the deal with a dramatic third set victory, 25-23. Kozon and Szivos led the way, recording six and four kills in the set, respectively. South Carolina would hop out to an early lead, but MT would tie the set at 11, eventually taking a 16-12 lead. However, the Gamecocks kept fighting, tying the set late at 23-23, but Middle Tennessee closed out the match with a Kozon kill and a Lindsay Cheatham block.
The Blue Raiders will now look to build on Friday’s performance with a pair of matches Saturday against Brigham Young at noon and sixth-ranked Illinois at 7 PM.
Soccer: First half goals down Blue Raiders Friday night
August 27, 2010
Middle Tennessee surrendered a pair of goals less than three minutes apart early in the first half to drop a 2-1 home decision to visiting Wright State in non-conference soccer action Friday evening at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
The Raiders from the north jumped out in front early as Brittany Persaud collected a loose ball just outside the 18-yard box on the left side and buried it behind Blue Raider keeper Rebecca Cushing from 20 yards out at 3:49 for a 1-0 advantage.
Wright State (1-2) would maintain the offensive pressure and netted its second goal in similar fashion. Amber Kasmer sent a right-side cross to Morgan Butler, who stood virtually untouched from 15 yards away and found the back of the net at 6:27 to put the visitors up, 2-0.
The host Blue Raiders, however, would not quit and quickly turned the tide in their favor and would play better the remainder of the game.
Middle Tennessee (0-2) was able to get on the scoreboard for the first time of the match, and the season, when Regina Thomas slipped past the WSU defense for a tally at 23:04. Senior All-Sun Belt selection Vanessa Mueggler found fellow preseason All-Sun Belt Team honoree, junior Shan Jones, along the left flank. Jones then turned and sent a through ball in the middle of the field, which located a streaking Thomas. The redshirt sophomore raced passed the defense and found herself all alone in front of the open net for her sixth goal as a Blue Raider with an easy tap-in from six yards away.
Middle Tennessee maintained the offensive pressure in the second half, as sophomore Whitney Jorgenson and Mueggler nearly registered the equalizer on two occasions. First, Jorgenson sent a shot just off the crossbar with just over 19 minutes remaining. Then, Mueggler played a soft shot behind the defense, only to have it saved just off the line by goalie Brooke McCurdy with 13:36 left.
The Blue Raiders held a 14-10 shot advantage against the Raiders and a 7-to-4 edge on corner kicks; however, McCurdy stopped six saves to preserve the win for the visitors. Cushing gathered three saves in between the pipes for MT.
Jorgenson led all players with four shots, including three on goal, while Butler and Persaud each posted three to pace Wright State.
Middle Tennessee will return to action at 4 p.m. Sunday when it plays host to in-state foe Tennessee Tech. The game will serve as Fan Day for all Blue Raider fans.
Dasher Deemed Ineligible to Play
August 27, 2010
Middle Tennessee football fans finally got an answer today about the outcome of an investigation into allegations against quarterback Dwight Dasher. Dasher was accused of failing to repay money that he allegedly borrowed from a local VA patient, 80-Year-old Oliver Donnell, who called MTSU Police. Donnell loaned $1,500 to Dasher, who gave him a blank check as collateral. In a press conference held earlier today, MTSU deemed Dasher to be ineligible for competition for now, but the process to seek his reinstatement with the NCAA is already underway. Dasher will be able to practice with the team, but will be forced to miss any games for the foreseeable future. MTSU is set to open their season against the Big 10’s Minnesota next Thursday, September 2nd. Coach Stockstill says that despite a handful of injuries and several cancelled practice days, the Blue Raiders are very excited about the game, which will be aired “LIVE” on WGNS (FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450 and worldwide at wgnsradio.com)
Soccer: Blue Raiders set to open home slate this weekend
August 26, 2010
The Middle Tennessee soccer team will begin its home schedule at 7 p.m. Friday when it plays host to Wright State at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium. The Blue Raiders will also welcome Tennessee Tech to town for a 4 p.m. Sunday contest.
"We are excited about playing at home, in front of our own fans and families," head coach Aston Rhoden said. "I think it is going to be an exciting weekend with two very good opponents."
It will mark the second meeting in the series with the Raiders after the two teams faced each other last fall in the inaugural matchup. Middle Tennessee pulled out a 2-1 double-overtime victory as Vanessa Mueggler netted the game winner with 6:22 remaining in the second extra frame. She fired home the clincher from 35 yards out to lift the Blue Raiders to the win.
Then-freshman Allison Stallard also posted her first collegiate goal, tying the match at 30:52, igniting the Middle Tennessee comeback.
The Blue Raiders started the 2010 campaign with a 1-0 setback at Mississippi last Friday. The defense kept the Rebels off the scoreboard until the 71st minute, while junior preseason All-Sun Belt pick Shan Jones and sophomore Whitney Jorgenson paced the offensive attack with two shots apiece.
Wright State, coming off an 11-7-2 mark a year ago, is under the direction of sixth-year head coach Pat Ferguson. The Raiders have begun this fall with back-to-back road losses to Central Michigan and Illinois by a combined 4-1 margin.
"Wright State was a difficult team for us last year. They pose a lot of challenges and I am sure they are a better team this year."
Middle Tennessee is 7-6-1 all-time in home openers entering the match. The Blue Raiders had a record-setting performance in last year’s first game at the field, knocking off Alabama A&M 11-1 and establishing several new school standards along the way. Middle Tennessee owns a 6-2 mark under Rhoden in home openers.
The match will serve as Camper Night, as all attendees of the Aston Rhoden Soccer Academy camps this past summer are invited back to cheer on the Blue Raiders.
The Blue Raiders will then play host to in-state foe Tennessee Tech to conclude the pair of weekend matches. In last year’s meeting, Middle Tennessee earned a 4-0 triumph in the season opener as Jorgenson tallied her first two collegiate scores. The Blue Raiders own a 10-2 all-time series advantage against the Golden Eagles and have won both tilts under Rhoden’s watch. Middle Tennessee won the first five games in the series, which dates back to 1996.
First-year mentor Daniel Brizard, who takes over a squad which posted a 7-12-3 mark in 2009, leads the Golden Eagles. Tennessee Tech is 0-2 on the young campaign with consecutive losses to Auburn and Chattanooga, both on the road, and having been outscored 6-1.
"Tennessee Tech has a new head coach, who is going to have them well-prepared coming into this game, especially because it is against an in-state opponent. I suspect both games are going to be really taxing for us."
Sunday’s contest will be Fan Day, as special giveaways will be available to all Blue Raider spectators in attendance.
MTSU Volleyball set to open at State Farm Illini Classic
August 26, 2010
After four consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Middle Tennessee volleyball team will begin trying for their fifth at the State Farm Illini Classic in Champaign, Ill.
"I think all of our players are aware of our past success, but we’re not dwelling nor harping on it," said head coach Matt Peck. "It’s a new year, which brings new challenges and new players. It’s like starting from scratch."
Under Peck, the Blue Raiders have experienced unprecedented success, a fact that is especially true of the past four seasons. In addition to making the successive NCAA Tournament runs, the Blue Raiders have compiled three Sun Belt Tournament Championships and finished first in the conference’s East Division standings twice.
This season, Middle Tennessee will lean heavily on contributions from their upperclassmen, specifically 2009 All-Sun Belt selections Izabela Kozon and Stacy Oladinni. The duo combined for 749 kills last season, with Oladinni hitting at a blistering .396 clip.
"I think Iza and Stacy are among the top returners in the conference, and I think they’ve earned everyone’s respect for their ability to take over matches," said Peck. "They’re two key players for us right now, especially going into the first weekend with some inexperienced players. We’re going to rely a lot on those two."
Also returning for the Blue Raiders will be seniors Alyssa Wistrick andSasha McGlothin, the latter coming back for a fifth year after missing 2009 with a knee injury. Defensive specialists Brynne Henderson andHalie Vannoy will be coming back as well after each appeared in nearly every set last season.
There will be a number of new faces for the Blue Raiders this year who have yet to earn consistent play in their collegiate careers. Lindsay Cheatham, Brandi Waller and Ashley Adams will figure to play a larger role for the team while Courtney Wilson and Morgan Peterson have been competing along with freshman Angela Peyton for the starting setter role.
Maria Szivos looks to headline the class of newcomers for Middle Tennessee. The Jaszbereny, Hungary, native was a prominent part of former Sun Belt school New Orleans’ squad, totaling 690 kills to go along with 87 service aces in two seasons for the Privateers and earning a spot on the 2009 All-Sun Belt Second Team. Due to New Orleans dropping down to Division III, the junior will be eligible to play this season.
Joining Peyton and Szivos as new members of the Blue Raiders will be defensive specialist Kendall Howard, who was considered one of the best liberos in the country as a high school senior last year, as well as Murfreesboro native and Riverdale standout Riana Cain.
Middle Tennessee will open play at the Illini Classic Friday afternoon at 4:30 PM against South Carolina before taking on both Brigham Young and sixth-ranked Illinois on Saturday.
Tanner on Doak Walker List
August 26, 2010
DALLAS, TEXAS - The PricewaterhouseCoopers SMU Athletic Forum announced today the candidates for the 2010 Doak Walker Award and Middle Tennessee’s Phillip Tanner is one of 49 candidates. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back.
Tanner, who missed most of the 2009 campaign due to a knee injury, was the Blue Raiders’ leading rusher in 2008 and is the team’s starter entering 2010. The Dallas, TX, native shares the school record for touchdowns in a game with six and has been voted the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week on one occasion.
The PricewaterhouseCoopers SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select the semifinalists on November 10, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on November 22. The Committee will cast a second vote beginning on November 29 to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.
The recipient of the 2010 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Thursday, December 9. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas, in February 2011.
The complete list of candidates, who were nominated by their universities, follows:
Anthony Allen (Sr.), Georgia Tech
Armando Allen (Sr.), Notre Dame
Victor Anderson (Jr.), Louisville
Jeremy Avery (Sr.), Boise State
Baron Batch (Sr.), Texas Tech
Donald Buckram (Sr.), UTEP
John Clay (Jr.), Wisconsin
Lennon Creer (Jr.), Louisiana Tech
Jeff Demps (Jr.), Florida
Noel Devine (Sr.), West Virginia
Lance Dunbar (Jr.), UNT
Darren Evans (Jr.), Virginia Tech
Mario Fannin (Sr.), Auburn
Jay Finley (Sr.), Baylor
Frank Goodin (Sr.), Louisiana Monroe
Cyrus Gray (Jr.), Texas A&M
Montel Harris (Jr.), Boston College
Dan Herron (Jr.), Ohio State
Kendall Hunter (Sr.), Oklahoma State
Mark Ingram (Jr.), Alabama
Eugene Jarvis (Sr.), Kent State
Dennis Johnson (Jr.), Arkansas
Mikel Leshoure (Jr.), Illinois
Dion Lewis (So.), Pittsburgh
MiQuale Lewis (Sr.), Ball State
Derrick Locke (Sr.), Kentucky
Christine Michael (So.), Texas A&M
Alfred Morris (Jr.), Florida Atlantic
Richard Murphy (Sr.), LSU
Vince Murray (Sr.), Navy
DeMarco Murray (Sr.), Oklahoma
Bernard Pierce (So.), Temple
Bilal Powell (Sr.), Louisville
Alexander Robinson (Sr.), Iowa State
Jacquizz Rodgers (Jr.), Oregon State
Evan Royster (Sr.), Penn State
Brandon Saine (Sr.), Ohio State
Da’Rel Scott (Sr.), Maryland
Chad Spann (Sr.), Northern Illinois
Rodney Stewart (Jr.), Colorado
Phillip Tanner (Sr.), Middle Tennessee
Vai Taua (Sr.), Nevada
Daniel Thomas (Sr.), Kansas State
Jordan Todman (Jr.), Connecticut
Matthew Tucker (So.), TCU
Derrick Washington (Sr.), Missouri
Ed Wesley (So.), TCU
Eddie Wide (Sr.), Utah
Ryan Williams (So.), Virginia Tech
MT Football Holds Beanie Bowl
August 25, 2010
With the season opener against Minnesota only 8 days away, Middle Tennessee fifth-year head football coach Rick Stockstill put his team through a dress rehearsal of sorts at Floyd Stadium Tuesday afternoon.
Middle Tennessee will kick off the 2010 campaign when it hosts Big Ten foe Minnesota Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m., and the Blue Raiders were put through every situation possibly imagined during the scripted scrimmage.
"It was a scripted practice where we went through different kicking plays that can occur in a game from onsides to hands teams to kick after a safety, a return after a safety, a regular kickoff, kickoff return punt safe and punt block," said Stockstill. "Then we put the first-team offense against the second-team defense in certain situations during a 10-play drive."
Not only did players go through the pregame and various situations created by the coaching staff but the Blue Raider offensive and defensive scout teams represented Minnesota’s offense and defense, respectively.
Attention to detail was prevalent throughout the scrimmage, from prior to kickoff when Stockstill addressed where players would be on the sideline, to the flip of the coin and other various situations throughout the nearly three-hour workout. Coaches wore headsets and relayed the plays onto the field. Officials were working the field and replay officials were in the booth.
As important as the run-through is for the players, Stockstill says it is equally important for the coaches and everyone who is involved with the program during the course of the game.
"A lot of times people think this is just for the players but this is a very valuable practice for our coaches as well," said Stockstill. "We work on everything from the pregame warmup to the coin toss. It’s all very important and we want to make sure everybody knows what to do during any type of situation."
Plays went according to a pre-determined script regardless of what the outcome of a particular play may have been.
"No matter what happened on the play, whether it was a 40-yard gain or a 10-yard sack, we moved the ball on the next play to a different situation," said Stockstill. "We did this so our coaches can call a game with 2nd-and-5, 3rd-and-2 or whatever, while also working in various kicking situations. Everybody had to be alert and attentive on the sidelines with our substitutions."
The Blue Raiders will practice again this afternoon (Wednesday, 8/25/10) at 4:10 PM and it will be closed to the public. The WGNS Good Neighbor Network of stations is again your connection for BLUE RAIDER games, coaches shows, and news. Tune to FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.
MTSU Volleyball: Replacing an All-American
August 24, 2010
For the first time since 2006, the Middle Tennessee volleyball team will be featuring a new setter in the line-up due to the graduation of four-year starter and school career assists leader Leslie Clark. Blue Raider head coach Matt Peck will look to his young setting corps of redshirt-sophomore Courtney Wilson, redshirt-freshman Morgan Peterson and incoming freshman Angela Peyton to replace her.
Clark boasted of a career beyond comparison at Middle Tennessee. The Olathe, Kan., native collected 5,692 assists in her career, 1,672 more than second place on the list. She was named an All-American in 2008 and earned First Team All-Sun Belt accolades in each of her final three seasons. Her career rate of 12.16 assists per set is also a school record.
With less than a week to go to the opener, Peterson put on a show in the Blue and White scrimmage, dishing out a match-high 41 assists.
"I think Morgan did well on Saturday," said Peck. "I think the year of redshirting for Morgan made a huge difference. She also did an outstanding job leading the team."
Peck said that he expects all three to earn significant playing time throughout the season, as he looks for every setter on the roster to contribute for the 2010 campaign.
"The nice thing about Courtney and Angela is that they’ve made training camp extremely competitive," said Peck. "They are also going to be on the court this year, there’s no doubt about that. Both Courtney and Angela bring different things to the table. Angela’s defense is outstanding and Courtney connects with the hitters a little bit better. I see a very bright future for Angela and I think Courtney will make contributions this year as well. I couldn’t be happier to have three setters who can run our offense because it makes practice very, very competitive."
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Q&A with Morgan Peterson and Courtney Wilson
With the graduation of Leslie Clark graduating, what did you learn in watching her play and learning behind her?
Wilson: "Leslie was awesome to play with because she really took the time out to show you the ropes and give you pointers. She was an amazing setter, and she’s a great leader. It’s been fun to play behind her."
Peterson: "Leslie was great, and she would always help us out whenever we needed help. In the games, we would just watch her and try to learn as much as we could because she was a four-year starter."
Both of you sat out a year with a redshirt as freshmen, how do you think that helped you as a player?
Wilson: "Coming in from high school, college is a totally different tempo. That year gives you the time to learn and soak it in. It also gives you the chance to get to know the players a little bit better so the next year you can step right in and get going with the offense."
Peterson: "Plus, the tempo here is a lot faster than everybody else’s. So that year really helped me get the tempo and the offense down."
How have you responded to coming into camp with open competition for the setter role?
Peterson: "It makes us better. With the amount of competition we’re all trying to be the best. I think it’s a good thing for our team because the setting has gone up because of the competition.
Wilson: "There’s three of us, so if one of us has a bad day, we all know there’s someone who can take over. It’s been fun though, nothing dramatic."
What are your expectations for this season?
Peterson: "I want to win conference again, win another ring and get past the second round. As far as personal goals, I want to try to be as good as Leslie."
Wilson: "I definitely want another ring and I want to get to the Sweet 16. Personally, I want to get to know my hitters a little bit better and push our team to their very best."
What are your thoughts on training camp so far?
Peterson: "It’s been a bit tougher than last year, simply because I have more of a role. Last year, I knew I was redshirting, so I was just trying to learn the system. This year, I’ve tried to step up and be more confident."
Wilson: "This one, by far, is the best one. My first training camp was really hard, but as I’ve gotten closer to the team, it’s been a bit easier as we’ve adjusted to our playing roles. I think this is my favorite camp by far."
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Middle Tennessee will now prepare for the season opener at the Illinois State Farm Classic in Champaign, Ill. The Blue Raiders will be facing South Carolina, Brigham Young and sixth-ranked Illinois with the tournament beginning play on Friday.
Dwight Dasher
August 23, 2010
Middle Tennessee football fans are still waiting on the outcome of an investigation into allegations against quarterback Dwight Dasher. He’s accused of failing to repay money that he allegedly borrowed from a local VA patient. 80-Year old Oliver Donnell is the one who called MTSU Police. The elderly man says that he loaned $1,500 to Dasher and Dasher gave him a blank check as collateral. Monte Hale, Junior, DNJ Sports Editor and host of WGNS’ All Sports Talk, says the university will decide the football star’s fate…
MTSU is set to open up with the Big 10’s Minnesota a week from Thursday, on September 2nd.
MTSU Basketball: Introducing Blue Raider Jimmy Oden
August 23, 2010
While Blue Raider football practice is well underway and the first game is set for September , MTSU basketball is starting to bounce. In fact, the first official team practice is less than 8-weeks away (October 15th). With that in mind, we remind you that the WGNS Good Neighbor network of stations will again be your local connection of football and basketball games, coaches shows and other MTSU specials. Tune to FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.
Introducing Blue Raider Jimmy Oden
This is the sixth installment of a series highlighting the 2010-11 Middle Tennessee basketball team as they begin preparation to defend their Sun Belt Conference title.
In this edition, GoBlueRaiders.com sat down with junior guard Jimmy Oden, who after redshirting last season will compete for a starting role.
Q: You sat out last year due to the NCAA transfer rule. What were you able to work on in practice during that time that has most improved your game?
A: I trimmed down, lost about 20 pounds, and worked on my jump shot as well as defense. I am happier with my skills now than I was then.
Q: A native of Murfreesboro, you attended Lipscomb University after high school. What made you decide that Middle Tennessee was the place for you?
A: I looked for perfect fits, better fits, plus its right in my backyard. Middle Tennessee had recruited me out of high school, so I already knew the coaching staff.
Q: Having lived here in Murfreesboro, what is your favorite thing about the city?
A: The community. I love living here. I love the people around here. I came to basketball games at MTSU before I went to Lipscomb.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
A: I’m looking forward to making an impact and helping my team take it to the next level.
Q: How hard was it to be able to practice with the team, and then be on the bench during the games, but not getting to play?
A: It was hard on me sitting out. I had always been a player, getting a lot of playing time, and it was difficult for me to be limited to being a cheerleader last year during games. I was tenser sitting on the bench but I could see the game from a different perspective. I could see all of the mistakes, how a play would unfold, and that part was beneficial to me. I understand better how things should look to the coaches. It helped me a lot.
Q: Why do you enjoy playing basketball?
A: I have been playing basketball since I was real little. My Dad and my granddad, we would always play basketball in the backyard. It is a tool to connections, and to help me better my future. My dad would try to post up on me and take me inside, but now he can’t. I think he played a little basketball at Central Arkansas.
Q: The team was very close, both on and off the court, last year. Is there anything that you or the team will do when the new players come in to maintain that closeness this season?
A: We do things together, like go out to eat, go to the movies, and things like that. Even more than last year, we are trying to get tighter as a group than we were last year. They made a great effort to bond with me last year, it felt like family, and I want it to be even more so this year. Now we know that there is going to be some arguing and fighting on the court during practice, but if we are close, then we can leave it on the court and learn from it.
Q: What is one thing about Jimmy Oden that Middle Tennessee fans probably don’t know, but would find interesting?
A: I tend to hold my head to one side when I get tired. I don’t know why, it just happens. That is when coach knows it time to take me out.
Lady Raider’s Volleyball Scrimmage Impressive On Saturday!
August 21, 2010
With a week left until the home opener, Middle Tennessee held a public scrimmage Saturday to preview the 2010 Blue Raiders with the white team coming away victorious 3-0.
"This was the best Blue and White game that we’ve had," said head coach Matt Peck. "I thought what are eventually going to be our top seven or eight players played extremely well. We had a lot of positives today, and I was really pleased with everything."
Izabela Kozon (left photo) led the way for the white team, recording a match-best 25 kills and hitting at a .309 clip. Stacy Oladinni and Brandi Waller chipped in 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Defensively, the White team was led by Kendall Howard, who had 17 digs on the day. The freshman also proved to be a service threat, tallying five aces.
Despite losing 3-0, the blue team was very competitive, taking the first and the third set into extra points. Alyssa Wistrick led the team offensively with 21 kills while hitting at a .362 rate. Junior transfer Maria Szivos was second on the team with 12 kills.
With the loss of All-American Leslie Clark at setter, the scrimmage served as the first chance to get a glimpse at the three candidates to replace her. Morgan Peterson, who sat out last year with a redshirt led the way for the white team with 41 assists. Angela Peyton and Courtney Wilson split duties for the blue team, recording 19 and 11 helpers, respectively.
MTSU Women’s Basketball: Harris takes over Director of Operations Post
August 21, 2010
Middle Tennessee head women’s basketball coach Rick Insell has announced Mariska Harris as the program’s Director of Operations beginning with the upcoming 2010-11 campaign.
"She is a great addition who gives us another look on things," Insell said. "The way she is able to communicate with our players and other coaches, along with her passion and work ethic, are unbelievable. When I witnessed her in camp, her work ethic was just unbelievable. Her rapport with the campers and our players was good and that is when I decided that I wanted her to be a part of the Lady Raider basketball program. We are excited about her coming on board."
Harris, a midstate native, played collegiately at Trevecca Nazarene in Nashville, Tenn., where she was a 2007 and 2008 NAIA All-American and Academic All-American. She played for four-straight NAIA National Tournament squads, including the 2008 national runner-up when she garnered First Team All-Tournament on the national stage.
"I am really excited about getting started and coming on board," Harris said. "Coach Insell has really turned this program around in the five years he has been here, becoming one of the top programs in the nation. I am excited about being a part of it and his vision for what he wants in terms of its growth."
She was a three-time All-TranSouth Conference First Team member and league Scholar-Athlete, who was voted to the 2007 "Brains and Brawn" First Team by the Tennessean and elected in 2008 to the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
In 2006 and 2007, Trevecca Nazarene recognized Harris as having a "Promising Future in Education". She completed her bachelor’s degree in physical education in 2008, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.921 GPA.
Harris played at the prep level with Ezell-Harding Christian School in Antioch where she was named a Miss Basketball finalist in 2004. She also was a member of the school’s state championship squad in 2002.
She arrives in Murfreesboro after serving as a varsity basketball coach and wellness teacher at Independence High in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee.
Harris has a variety of other camp experience, as either a coach or counselor. She worked the 2007 and 2008 Pat Head Summitt Overnight and Day Camps and a pair of Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Camps.
MTSU Football: Stockstill not happy with Blue Raider practice
August 21, 2010
STOCKSTILL ON FRIDAY’S PRACTICE SESSION: "I thought it was as bad a practice as we have had this camp. I know their legs are tired. I know we’ve got a bunch of people hurt, but that is no excuse. I was very disappointed in a handful of them, how they mentally approached practice today. That’s not to say everybody did bad, but we are not a very good football team right now. I told them that all this junk in the paper about winning 11 or 12 games is all it is, junk. We have to prove it on the field, and we’re not doing it right now. We’ve got to get better here in a hurry because we are not a very good team right now."
(Left photo) Reggie Whatley leaps over a player as he looks for daylight in a drill Friday morning.
STOCKSTILL ON SATURDAY NIGHT’S SCRIMMAGE: "Hopefully we will execute better this Saturday than last Saturday. We need to protect the ball better. We need to play faster; I hope our tempo will be good, I hope our execution is right. It won’t be about Minnesota, we haven’t started scheming for them yet. Its about us and trying to get better at what we can control, our effort, our assignments, how fast we can play, and of course our execution."
STOCKSTILL ON THE DEFENSIVE LINE TO THIS POINT: "Of course, coming in to camp the defensive line was a concern. I think Jamari Lattimore, Dwight Smith, and Emmanuel Perez have really had a good camp. They practice hard, they practice the way we expect them to practice, mentally as well as physically. They are good football players. Everybody else is still a work in progress, and we are trying to find a two-deep right now, so here in the next five or six days, we’ve got to come up with some guys at those positions."
GENDREAU ON LOU GROZA WATCH LIST: Junior placekicker Alan Gendreau is one of 30 players on the 2010 Lou Groza Award Pre-Season Watch List as announced by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Friday.
Gendreau, a semi-finalist for the 2009 Lou Groza Award, was a first team All-SBC selection last year after connecting on 18 of 22 field goals and 50 of 51 extra points. Gendreau’s 18 field goals, 104 points, and 12 consecutive made three-pointers were all new school records in 2009. The Apopka, Fla., native hit the game-winning field goal in the Blue Raiders’ upset at Maryland a year ago.
Kickers on the Lou Groza Award Watch List were chosen based on statistics from the 2009 season and 2010 pre-season expectations. The Groza Committee will be watching all FBS kickers during the season, and releasing a weekly "Stars of the Week" feature on www.lougrozaaward.com.
Accomplishments are tabulated throughout the season and the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award announces its 20 semi-finalists on Friday, October 29, 2010. From this list, a panel of over 300 experts selects the top three (3) finalists for the award by Monday, November 22, 2010. That same group then selects the national winner which will be announced Thursday, December 9, 2010, during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Award Show, broadcast live from Orlando, FL.
2010 Pre-season Lou Groza Award Watch List: Casey Barth (UNC), Tyler Bitancurt (West Virginia), Matt Bosher (Miami), Kyle Brotzman (Boise State), Wes Byrum (Auburn), Stefan Demos (Northwestern), Ross Evans (TCU), Erik Folk (Washington), Kai Forbath (UCLA), Alan Gendreau (Middle Tennessee), Kevin Goessling (Fresno State), Alex Henery (Nebraska), Dustin Hopkins (Florida State), Daniel Hutchins (Pittsburgh), Josh Jasper (LSU), Justin Kahut (Oregon State), Spencer Lanning (South Carolina), Daniel Murray (Iowa), Joe Phillips (Utah), Robert Randolph (Virginia), Grant Ressel (Missouri), Will Snyderwine (Duke), Erik Soderberg (Air Force), Jimmy Stevens (Oklahoma), Caleb Sturgis (Florida), Nick Tousch (Notre Dame), Blair Walsh (Georgia), Thomas Weber (Arizona State), Nate Whitaker (Stanford), and Alex Zendejas (Arizona).
TODAY’S FUN BLUE RAIDER QUESTIONS WITH SENIOR JAMARI LATTIMORE
1. What Blue Raider would do the best on "Dancing with the Stars"? Dearco Nolan
2. Who has the best nickname on the team, and what is it? Marquise Dixon - Slide
3. Which one of your teammates would be the most likely to appear on "Survivor"? OL Colin Boss
4. What teammate would most likely get involved in politics? OL Mark Fisher
5. From the Twilight series, do you like Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Jacob
6. Who should be the next judge on American Idol? Coach Stockstill
7. What Super Hero would you like to be? The Mask
8. What food did your mother have to make you eat as a youngster before you left the table? Pizza
9. What song would you pick to be played when the Blue Raiders run out onto the field before a home game? Ice Berg
TODAY’S FUN BLUE RAIDER QUESTIONS WITH SENIOR JARRETT CRITTENTON
1. What Blue Raider would do the best on "Dancing with the Stars"? Craig Allen
2. Who has the best nickname on the team, and what is it? Darin Davis - Wild Bill
3. Which one of your teammates would be the most likely to appear on "Survivor"? OL Colin Boss
4. What teammate would most likely get involved in politics? OL Jeremiah Black
5. From the Twilight series, do you like Team Edward or Team Jacob? Don’t know either team
6. Who should be the next judge on American Idol? Coach Steve Ellis
7. What Super Hero would you like to be? Iron Man
8. What food did your mother have to make you eat as a youngster before you left the table? Nothing really
9. What song would you pick to be played when the Blue Raiders run out onto the field before a home game? Pretty Boy Swagg
FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHT VIDEO IS READY: "March to New Orleans", presented by The Cavender Financial Group, is on its way to season ticket holders who took advantage of the early bird renewal special after the 2009 New Orleans Bowl and is available for sale in local stores.
The 49-minute video is a permanent record of the memorable 2009 season that included wins over Memphis and Maryland, the first visit to Floyd Stadium by an SEC team, a seven-game winning streak to close out the year, and the New Orleans Bowl victory over Southern Mississippi. Chocked full of highlights, the story of the incredible season is told from the point of view of many of the players and Coach Rick Stockstill.
"March to New Orleans" is on sale for $20 per copy at the Floyd Stadium Ticket Office, Lightning’s Locker Room, Phillips Bookstore, The Learning Circle, and Reeves-Sain Drug Store.
NEXT PRACTICE: Following Friday nights practice, the Blue Raiders will practice on Saturday at 5:15 PM. The practice is CLOSED.
SEASON TICKETS: 1-888-YES-MTSU or www.GoBlueRaiders.com.
Hear The Blue Raiders On The Radio: Once again, WGNS is proud to be the Murfreesboro Blue Raider connection. Hear MTSU football, basketball and coaches shows on the Good Neighbor network of stations: FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.
Volleyball to play Blue and White Match on Today (Saturday)
August 21, 2010
The Middle Tennessee volleyball team will offer fans the opportunity to preview the 2010 squad with a Blue and White scrimmage Saturday at 3 PM in Alumni Memorial Gym.
The Blue Raiders are coming off their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance after winning their third Sun Belt Tournament title in the last four seasons.
Despite a number of new faces in 2010, Blue Raider head coach Matt Peck expects that the leadership provided byIzabela Kozon, Sasha McGlothin andAlyssa Wistrick will help bring everyone into the fold for another successful campaign in 2010.
"They set great examples for the rest of the team," said Peck. "Whether it’s on the court, on the track or in the weight room, they are always pushing themselves. I just think their intensity is great and shows a real commitment to the program. They are true extensions of our coaching staff."
Q&A with Sasha McGlothin
This is your fifth and final training camp, is anything different about this year?
"Other than the new people, I think it’s been a lot like has in the past. It’s going to be a great year."
You’ve been here since the NCAA successes began in 2006, how do you think this season’s team compares to the teams of the past?
"This is a younger team, but as we play more and more, I see great teamwork and togetherness. I think this is a really good team. We’re a little less experienced, but I don’t expect to lose anything as the season goes on."
Coming back from an injury that has caused you to miss so much time, what are your expectations for yourself this season?
"Sitting out last year was tough and I really wanted to be a part of it, but I was there spirit-wise. This year, I really want to help the team go to the Sweet 16 just like we did my sophomore year. Even though I’ve been out of the game a while, I plan to work hard and hopefully be successful.
Do you think you may have picked up some things last season while sitting out with as a redshirt?
"Even when you sit out, you still get to experience a lot. You can learn about who you’re playing with in the next year and how they approach things. I’m pretty excited about this season after watching so many players grow since I’ve been here."
Q&A with Alyssa Wistrick
Coming in as a junior transfer last season, was it hard to adjust to a new team and a new place?
"Yes, it was really hard. My junior college ran a completely different offense and defense. When I came here, I felt like had to squeeze two years of learning into one year, but it worked out."
How do you think junior college prepared you for Middle Tennessee?
"I think it helped me off the volleyball court more than anything. It was what I needed. It prepared my approach things more mentally than it did physically."
Being a native of Washington state, how is it to play so far away from home?
"It’s not so hard when I’m on the court, but outside of volleyball is way different. Especially the heat, but the people down here are really nice."
What do you expect out of your final season in Murfreesboro?
"I expect nothing but the best from my team. I know that everyone in practice is working so hard, and I know it’s going to be a great season. I can’t wait."
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The Blue Raiders will begin the 2010 season with the Illinois State Farm Classic in Champaign, Ill., beginning Aug. 27. The tournament will feature matches against South Carolina, Brigham Young and sixth-ranked Illinois.
Soccer: Blue Raiders drop season opener at Mississippi
August 21, 2010
OXFORD, Miss. - A second half goal by host Mississippi was the lone difference in a very evenly played soccer season opener, as Middle Tennessee dropped a 1-0 decision on the road Friday evening in Oxford, Miss.
The Blue Raiders, playing on the heels of a 12-6-2 campaign last fall, started off strong in the first half with a couple solid scoring chances. Redshirt sophomore Regina Thomas and true sophomore Whitney Jorgenson each had an opportunity to net the game’s first goal during the opening 45 minutes. Both players used their speed to get around the Rebel defense, but their attempts at placing the ball between the pipes went just wide.
The second half pitted the two teams in a very similar situation with neither able to find the back of the net early. Mississippi (1-0) then opened up its offense and had several chances, only to be stymied by the Blue Raiders. However, with just over 19 minutes to play, Kelsey Breathitt sent a cross from the right side which found the head of teammate Dylan Jordan. Jordan then redirected the pass with her head past Middle Tennessee (0-1) keeper Rebecca Cushing for the only tally on the board all night at 70:59.
The Blue Raiders continued to push forward but were unable to mount much of an offensive threat, as they were outshot in the final period, 12-2, after trailing by just one, 7-6, in the category during the first half.
Junior Laura Lamberth earned her second career start and first since her freshman season against Belmont, August 31, 2008. She had played 27 games in between her two starts, including 16 matches last fall.
Freshmen Jessika Oseguera, Maddie Harper, Birgitte Hauge, Morgan Jones and Heidel Johannessen all saw action in their first collegiate contest.
Shan Jones and Jorgenson paced the Middle Tennessee attack with two shots apiece, while Jordan and Taylor Cunningham countered for Mississippi with five shots each at the Blue Raider cage.
Cushing finished with six saves, while Alley Ronaldi stopped four MT shots in the shutout.
The Blue Raiders will look to regroup and garner their first win of the season when they open the home slate at 7 p.m. Friday against Wright State at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium. The game will serve as Camper Day, as all participants in the Aston Rhoden Soccer Academy Camps this summer are invited back to watch Middle Tennessee in action.
High School Football: Smyrna Blanks Beech 23-0
August 20, 2010
It took Smyrna a half to get the offense rolling, but once they did – Beech was never in the game. Senior Alex Vick scored two touchdowns in the game as the Bulldogs routed the Buccaneers 23-nothing. Smyrna ended the first half with a 19-yard field goal to go into the locker room leading 3-nothing. In the second half, Vick went to work scoring on a 28-yard touchdown catch and the final score coming on the run…
Bryan Barrett with the play-by-play. Last night’s game was the first of over 160 prep games and shows on WGNS. If you missed the game, you can download and listen to highlights and even download the entire game at goprimetimesports.com. Catch the Oakland Patriots hosting Ensworth tonight on WGNS. Dennis Weaver will host the Friday Night Thunder pregame show from 6-7, with the First Bank Pregame Show 30-minutes before our 7:30 kickoff.
MTSU Soccer: Blue Raiders land trio on preseason all-conference team
August 19, 2010
Middle Tennessee placed three soccer players on the preseason All-Sun Belt Team it was announced by the league office Thursday morning, while the Blue Raiders were picked to finish fifth in the 12-team race after a vote by the league’s head coaches.
Seniors Fran Howells and Vanessa Mueggler were joined by junior Shan Jones as Middle Tennessee was matched by Denver for the most players on the preseason team. Howells and Jones earned a spot on the squad for the second-straight season, while Mueggler’s preseason honor is the first of her career.
Howells, a defender, started 17 of 18 matches last fall, including 10 of 11 in Sun Belt action. She scored a career-high two goals and finished with a career-best five points, tallying her scores on her only shots of the campaign. She registered goals against Alabama A&M and Arkansas State, while adding an assist on the team’s only goal against UALR.
Mueggler, a midfielder, is a Sun Belt Commissioner’s List academic honoree who earned Third Team All-South Region honors by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 2009. She was chosen as an All-Sun Belt Second Team pick after placing fourth in the league for points (24) and goals (10), while ranking sixth in shots (53). She started 19 of 20 games last fall, adding four assists and two game-winning goals. Both her game winners came in overtime, lifting the Blue Raiders to victories at Wright State and against Florida Atlantic. She also netted the team’s only score in the Sun Belt Tournament match versus North Texas.
Jones, a forward, collected All-Sun Belt First Team honors for the second-straight season in 2009 after being listed among the top players in the conference for shots (2nd, 67), points (3rd, 25), goals (3rd, 11) and game-winning goals (T2nd, 4). Her stellar campaign also was recognized by the NSCAA on its Third Team All-South Region. She was tabbed the August 25, 2009, Sun Belt Player of the Week after tying the single-game school record with four goals in the home opener against Alabama A&M.
Middle Tennessee received 101 points in the preseason poll in the vote. The Blue Raiders return 17 letterwinners, including 10 starters, from last year’s team which finished 12-6-2, tying for the third-best record in school history.
The season gets underway at 7 p.m. Friday as Middle Tennessee travels to Oxford, Miss., to face Mississippi.
MTSU Soccer: Blue Raiders set for season opener Friday
August 19, 2010
Middle Tennessee will open its 15th soccer season at 7 p.m. Friday when it travels to Oxford, Miss., to face Mississippi. The Blue Raiders, who began preseason camp two weeks ago, held their final practice in town Thursday morning before departing to face the SEC opponent.
"From the beginning of the preseason, everyone has worked hard," head coach Aston Rhoden said. "Everyone is in good spirits. I think every other team in the country right now is also itching to play to see where we are against an outside opponent.
"Mississippi has a lot of great tradition and is coming off a fantastic season last year. They have a lot of players coming back, along with a new staff that we are familiar with and will bring a lot of quality to the program. It is certainly going to be a challenging game for us I feel like we have prepared well and now it is up to the players to show is more prepared."
Middle Tennessee concluded the 2009 campaign with a 12-6-2 record, tying for the third-best mark in school history. The Blue Raiders were led by National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-South Region members junior Shan Jones and senior Vanessa Mueggler. Both players reached the double-digit scoring plateau and received All-Sun Belt accolades as well, including Jones’ second-straight first team honor.
Rhoden, who is entering his ninth season on the sideline, welcomes back 17 letterwinners, including 10 starters, from last season’s squad. He begins the year just six wins shy of 100 for his Middle Tennessee tenure.
Mississippi finished last fall with a 13-6-2 record, including a 7-2-2 mark in the rigorous SEC. The Rebels welcome Matt Mott as their new head coach and he takes over the team which features six starters among 15 letterwinners returning. Mississippi was selected to place third in the SEC’s Western Division in the preseason poll by the league’s head coaches.
The two teams have met four times previously with Middle Tennessee snapping a string of three losses with a win in the last contest. The Blue Raiders prevailed 1-0 Sept. 19, 2008, in the only meeting of the series in Murfreesboro when Jones netted the game winner at 44:58, just before halftime.
MTSU Football: Blue Raiders at halfway point of fall camp!
August 18, 2010
STOCKSTILL ON THE REST OF THE WEEK: "We will really spend the rest of this week focusing on fundamentals. It’s still not about scheme right now. It’s giving great effort and everyone knowing their assignments. We simply have to execute better on both sides of the football and that comes with reps and studying what you have to do."`
TODAY’S FUN BLUE RAIDER QUESTIONS WITH SENIOR ANTWAN DAVIS
1. What Blue Raider would do the best on "Dancing with the Stars"? Dearco Nolan
2. Who has the best nickname on the team, and what is it? Josh Walker - Dirty Man
3. Which one of your teammates would be the most likely to appear on "Survivor"? OL Jordan Johnson
4. What teammate would most likely get involved in politics? S Jeremy Kellem
5. From the Twilight series, do you like Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Jacob
6. Who should be the next judge on American Idol? Shaq
7. What Super Hero would you like to be! Batman
8. What food did your mother have to make you eat as a youngster before you left the table? Broccoli
9. What song would you pick to be played when the Blue Raiders run out onto the field before a home game? "I see you"
TODAY’S FUN BLUE RAIDER QUESTIONS WITH SENIOR ROD ISSAC
1. What Blue Raider would do the best on "Dancing with the Stars"? Craig Allen
2. Who has the best nickname on the team, and what is it? Jamari Lattimore - Bozilla
3. Which one of your teammates would be the most likely to appear on "Survivor"? OL Colin Boss
4. What teammate would most likely get involved in politics? OL Mark Fisher
5. From the Twilight series, do you like Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Jacob
6. Who should be the next judge on American Idol? Chris Brown
7. What Super Hero would you like to be! Superman
8. What food did your mother have to make you eat as a youngster before you left the table? Lasagna
9. What song would you pick to be played when the Blue Raiders run out onto the field before a home game? "Lets go get em"
SMITH LIKES DIRECTION OF DEFENSIVE LINE: Dwight Smith has started at defensive tackle for Middle Tennessee for two seasons, and is looking forward to his senior year being the best ever. The 6-2, 272-pounder from Swainsboro, GA has earned three letters during his time with the Blue Raiders.
Not big by defensive tackle standards, Smith makes up for it by exceptional quickness, and an uncanny knack for knowing where the ball will be. He recognizes that the front seven on the Blue Raider defense is a point of concern, having lost five of the seven to graduation last year. But he also knows that there is a wealth of young talent waiting to fill their shoes.
"Losing Chris McCoy, who was the Defensive Player of the Year in the conference, and Brandon Perry is going to be huge, because they were more than just great football players, they were great people. They led the team on and off the field, and were big in the bonding of the D-line players.
"This year, Jamari Lattimore, Emmanuel Perez and I are trying to take over the bonding part that McCoy and Perry did last year. We also have guys with a lot of experience like SaCoby Carter and Gary Tucker who will step up," Smith declared.
"We also have a lot of young guys like Derrek Upshaw, a red-shirt freshman, who we call ‘Diesel’. He could have played quite a bit last year, but we had enough depth that we were able to red-shirt him. Coach Palermo has done a great job with him this year, and he’ll help us a lot. Also, Jesse Kirkland, a junior college transfer, will help us in the middle. He’ll take Brandon Perry’s place in a lot of situations."
Smith missed part of spring drills after suffering an injury, and has been a little behind in his conditioning as a result.
"But I have been working hard to catch up and feel like I am real close to 100 percent," he added. " I’ll definitely be ready before the Minnesota game."
KELLEM JUST WANTS THE BALL: In his three seasons of starting at safety for Middle Tennessee, senior Jeremy Kellem has earned the reputation as a ball hawk for the Blue Raiders, a fact he is proud of, but won’t take credit for.
Kellem has eight interceptions, four fumble returns and four blocked kicks in his career. He returned both a fumble and an interception for touchdowns last year. The TD on the fumble return came on a lateral from Jamari Lattimore. He has played in all 37 games, starting 30 of them, including every game the past two seasons. He has played an incredible 2,437 snaps in three years, including 1,019 in 2009.
"There is nothing special about me," says Kellem. "I have been blessed by the Lord with my mindset of ‘I Want the Ball’.
"I tried to play offense a little in high school, but didn’t do too well, and was moved to defense. Well, the only way I can get the ball on defense is on turnovers. I just want the ball. I love to touch it, to knock it away from my opponent, to have it in my hands with the clock running."
Kellem has seen a lot of progress in the program since he came to Middle Tennessee three years ago, along with Kevin Brown and Rod Issac. All three are from Florida, and have nine letters and 78 starts between them.
"As a group, all of our defensive backs have played a lot. We are the most experienced segment of our defense. We have experience and we have a lot of speed. Guys like (Rod) Issac, Malcolm Beyah, Sammy Seamster and Kenneth Gilstrap could put a relay team together with no problem," said Kellem.
But Kellem points out that there are other factors as well.
"We are very close as a defense, and as a team," he added. "It was that way last year, too. The best teams are the ones that are close. The positions are close, the units are close and the whole team is close. We’ve got each others back. For that reason, I really believe that we are going to have a better season than we did last year."
Blue Raider fans will take it.
FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHT VIDEO IS READY: "March to New Orleans", presented by The Cavender Financial Group, is on its way to season ticket holders who took advantage of the early bird renewal special after the 2009 New Orleans Bowl and is available for sale in local stores.
The 49-minute video is a permanent record of the memorable 2009 season that included wins over Memphis and Maryland, the first visit to Floyd Stadium by an SEC team, a seven-game winning streak to close out the year, and the New Orleans Bowl victory over Southern Mississippi. Chocked full of highlights, the story of the incredible season is told from the point of view of many of the players and Coach Rick Stockstill.
"March to New Orleans" is on sale for $20 per copy at the Floyd Stadium Ticket Office, Lightning’s Locker Room, Phillips Bookstore, The Learning Circle, and Reeves-Sain Drug Store.
NEXT PRACTICE: Following Wednesday nights practice, the Blue Raiders will practice on Thursday at 4:10 PM. The practice is CLOSED.
SEASON TICKETS: 1-888-YES-MTSU OR GoBlueRaiders.com.
BLUE RAIDER GAMES ON THE RADIO: The WGNS Good Neighbor Netowrk of stations is again proud to be your Blue Raider Connection. Hear the coaches’ show and games, along with 3-hours of pre-game fun from home games, on FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com
MTSU’s Dasher on Paul Hornung Watch List
August 17, 2010
The Louisville Sports Commission, with football legend Paul Hornung, today announced the Watch List for the inaugural Paul Hornung Award that will be given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. Middle Tennessee’s Dwight Dasher is one of 48 players on the list.
Dasher, who was the New Orleans Bowl MVP after rushing for an NCAA bowl record 201 yards, became just the fourth player in NCAA history last season to throw for more than 2,500 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.
Dasher has also been named this preseason to the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List, the Manning Award, and the Walter Camp National Player of the Year Watch List.
The Paul Hornung Watch List was compiled by a panel of college football experts based on 2009 statistics and expectations heading into the 2010 season. The list will be updated during the course of the season based on players’ performances.
"Paul Hornung was a playmaker and the spirit of the Paul Hornung Award is to recognize versatile, high-level performers who make an impact on the game," said Karl Schmitt, executive director of the Louisville Sports Commission. "The Watch List is a work in progress, and we are particularly pleased from the outset to draw attention to almost two dozen individuals that have not received recognition with other awards."
Nearly half of the players - a total of 23 - do not appear on any major college football award watch list published to date. Most candidates had a minimum of three different "touches" in 2009 - catching, running, passing, returning kicks, returning punts, holding for placements, tackling, deflecting / intercepting a pass or recovering a fumble.
There are 25 seniors, 18 juniors and five sophomores on the list, representing all 11 conferences that are part of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Go to www.paulhornungaward.com/candidates for more information on the players. Players from all FBS teams are eligible. Appearing on the Watch List is not a prerequisite for winning the Award.
The Selection Committee will narrow the field to approximately 10-15 Finalists at the end of the regular season in early December then will select the winner at or near the end of the bowl season in early January.
2010 Paul Hornung Award Watch List
Douglas Beaumont, Louisville
Leon Berry, Mississippi State
Brandon Boykin, Georgia
LaVon Brazill, Ohio
Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Tyron Carrier, Houston
Randall Cobb, Kentucky
Graig Cooper, Miami
Dwight Dasher, Middle Tennessee
Ricky Dobbs, Navy
Tandon Doss, Indiana
Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
David Gilreath, Wisconsin
Dwayne Harris, East Carolina
T.Y. Hilton, Florida International
Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
Damaris Johnson, Tulsa
Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa
Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
Jeremy Kerley, TCU
Derrick Locke, Kentucky
Owen Marecic, Stanford
Doug Martin, Boise State
Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech
James Nixon, Temple
Warren Norman, Vanderbilt
Chris Owusu, Stanford
Eric Page, Toledo
Niles Paul, Nebraska
DeVier Posey, Ohio State
Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky
Chris Rainey, Florida
Greg Reid, Florida State
Reggie Rembert, Air Force
Dyrell Roberts, Virginia Tech
James Rodgers, Oregon St.
Jock Sanders, West Virginia
Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
Da’Norris Searcy, North Carolina
Torrey Smith, Maryland
Shaky Smithson, Utah
Jerrard Tarrant, Georgia Tech
Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
Shane Vereen, California
Demond Washington, Auburn
Devon Wylie, Fresno State
MTSU Softball: Fall Clinics Sept. 12 – Oct. 17
August 17, 2010
Middle Tennessee softball pitching coach Megan Rhodes Smith will host a series of fall clinics focusing on six crucial aspects of pitching fundamentals for youth athletes. The camps will run Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. beginning September 12th and concluding October 17th at Blue Raider Softball Field.
Smith commented, "I am excited about introducing a new structure to the Blue Raider softball camps. It is my hope to reach as many youth pitchers, so that MT Softball can do its part in helping the young players in Tennessee achieve their top potential on the field."
Smith, a WCWS Finalist and former pitcher on the PFX (Professional Fastpitch Extreme Tour), will conduct the clinics in a six-part series beginning with a speed work session on September 11th focusing on improving velocity and strength. Sessions two through five will work in depth on specific pitches including drop ball, rise ball, curve ball and screw ball with attention and explanation of biomechanics and full understanding of the pitching process. The final session on October 17th will focus primarily on mental aspects and toughness in the game.
Individual sessions are $65 or $350 for all six.
Volleyball: Blue Raiders set to open season next week
August 17, 2010
Two-a-days continue as the Middle Tennessee volleyball team began its second week of camp at Alumni Memorial Gym on Tuesday.
"We’ve had a really good training camp so far," said head coach Matt Peck. "We still have a number of positions up for grabs, and I can honestly say that this is our most physical, athletic and well-skilled group. Practice has been a lot of fun."
Middle Tennessee will continue two-a-day sessions through the rest of this week as the team plans to repeat the successes of last season, which saw the Blue Raiders win the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
"I think we’ve been doing a good job spacing out our practices with two-a-days," said Peck. "We’ve been alternating sessions a bit to give more time off after night sessions to try and keep everyone fresh because this is a shorter training camp for us. We don’t have anyone out with real injury problems, but we have a luxury in that if we do need to switch someone out, we can do that and not lose anything on the court as far as competition or intensity."
Sure to play a key role in the success of the 2010 Blue Raider volleyball team will be incoming junior Maria Szivos, who is joining the team after playing the previous two seasons with the University of New Orleans.
"One of the great things about Maria is that she’s a great teammate," said Peck. "She has done everything she’s needed to do to make herself part of the team in a quick way. We’ve been changing some things with her, and she responds positively each time. I couldn’t ask for someone easier to coach with a more agreeable attitude and a good hard work ethic than Maria. She’s a perfect fit for our program."
QUICK Q&A WITH MARIA SZIVOS
You’ve gone from Hungary to New Orleans to Murfreesboro in the past few years, how has that transition been?
"It’s been very hard. The practices are more intense in America, and every single practice is like a game here. The practices here at MTSU especially have been a bit more intense because the girls are champions and want to be champions. The goals are very high, which is one of the reasons I came here."
How is it making that change from living in New Orleans to living in Murfreesboro?
"New Orleans is one of my favorite cities, but Murfreesboro is a bit quieter, and it’s good because it allows me to focus more on school and practice. I get more of a college feeling here, and there are more fans."
Any other reasons you chose to join the program at Middle Tennessee?
"To get better. I know that the girls are very athletic here. They practice hard and the coaches push them a lot, and I think that will help me improve."
You had 690 kills and 87 service aces in two seasons for UNO, what do you plan on bringing to Middle Tennessee?
"I really like to serve, and I think I’m good at it. My hitting isn’t as strong as some of the other girls, but I think I can focus some more on skills, placement and playing smart."
—
The Blue Raiders plan to show off some the new faces on Saturday with a Blue and White scrimmage at 3 PM at Alumni Memorial Gym. The 2010 volleyball campaign will then start off on the road at the Illinois State Farm Classic in Champaign, Illinois on Aug. 27.
Dasher on Paul Hornung Watch List
August 17, 2010
The Louisville Sports Commission, with football legend Paul Hornung, today announced the Watch List for the inaugural Paul Hornung Award that will be given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. Middle Tennessee’s Dwight Dasher is one of 48 players on the list.
Dasher, who was the New Orleans Bowl MVP after rushing for an NCAA bowl record 201 yards, became just the fourth player in NCAA history last season to throw for more than 2,500 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.
Dasher has also been named this preseason to the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Watch List, the Manning Award, and the Walter Camp National Player of the Year Watch List.
The Paul Hornung Watch List was compiled by a panel of college football experts based on 2009 statistics and expectations heading into the 2010 season. The list will be updated during the course of the season based on players’ performances.
"Paul Hornung was a playmaker and the spirit of the Paul Hornung Award is to recognize versatile, high-level performers who make an impact on the game," said Karl Schmitt, executive director of the Louisville Sports Commission. "The Watch List is a work in progress, and we are particularly pleased from the outset to draw attention to almost two dozen individuals that have not received recognition with other awards."
Nearly half of the players - a total of 23 - do not appear on any major college football award watch list published to date. Most candidates had a minimum of three different "touches" in 2009 - catching, running, passing, returning kicks, returning punts, holding for placements, tackling, deflecting / intercepting a pass or recovering a fumble.
There are 25 seniors, 18 juniors and five sophomores on the list, representing all 11 conferences that are part of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Go to www.paulhornungaward.com/candidates for more information on the players. Players from all FBS teams are eligible. Appearing on the Watch List is not a prerequisite for winning the Award.
The Selection Committee will narrow the field to approximately 10-15 Finalists at the end of the regular season in early December then will select the winner at or near the end of the bowl season in early January.
BASEBALL: Former Blue Raider Michael McKenry Faces Nashville Sounds This Week
August 17, 2010
Former Blue Raider Michael McKenry will play near his old stomping grounds this week when the Colorado Sky Sox play a four-game series with the Nashville Sounds.
McKenry, a catcher for the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, was drafted by the organization in the seventh round in 2006 after a stellar career with the Blue Raiders.
In the last 10 games, the Knoxville native is batting .235 with eight hits, four home runs, eight RBI and has scored eight runs. This season, McKenry is batting .277 with 17 doubles, nine home runs, 44 RBI and has scored 42 runs for an OPS of .773.
A three-year letterwinner for the Blue Raiders, McKenry received All-America honors as a junior after batting .390 with 82 hits, 68 RBI, 13 home runs and 13 doubles.
All four-games of the series between the Sky Sox and Sounds are set for 7:05 p.m. at Greer Stadium in Nashville
Blue Raider golfers enjoying great summer
August 16, 2010
Middle Tennessee’s Head Golf Coach could barely suppress a smile as he talked about he summer exploits of his 2010-11 Blue Raider team.
"The whole team has had a good summer, but we have had three that have been exceptional," said Turnbow.
Brett Patterson, an incoming freshman from McMinnville, paced a trio of Middle Tennessee golfers who have had highly successful summers. He won the Tennessee Amateur Match Play Championship, becoming the youngest winner ever.
He also won the Spirit of America Championship in Decatur, AL and he was the youngest ever to win that one as well. The most youthful winner before Patterson was PGA Tour player Heath Slocum. Patterson’s win at the Spirit of America got him an exemption to play on the Hooters Tour as an amateur. He competed in week 13 of the Carolina Series at the Tidewater Golf Course in Little River, SC held on Aug. 11-13. Patterson will be paired with Grant Waite, who has spent time on the PGA Tour, for at least the first couple of rounds.
"In match play, Patterson beat several good players, but in the second round, he beat Danny Green, a legendary amateur out of Jackson, TN, who is a two time Masters participant. From that point on, he went right thru the field," noted Turnbow. "After that, he finished 8th at the State Amateur Stroke play, shooting rounds of 68-78-69-67 for a 282 total. He was 8th out of a very competitive field of 144 golfers.
"Patterson has, without question, had the best summer of any incoming freshman that I can remember in nine years, and has firmly established himself as one of the top five players on our team already, and we are so proud to have him."
Junior Hunter Green (above photo) was also singled out for having a great summer. He tied for 16th at the Southern Amateur, a major amateur tournament, then finished second in the Tennessee State Amateur in stroke play. He shot 70-68- 66-69, for a total of 273.
"Hunter is one of those kids who seem to get a little better every year, and this summer he’s taken another step. He can now put four rounds like this together, when two years ago as a freshman, he couldn’t do that," said Turnbow. "Now he’s able to go 72 holes and put it together for an entire week, which shows he is maturing and getting better every year.
"Jason Millard, my only senior, Old Steady, tied for sixth at the State Amateur Stroke Play, and shot 67-72-69-73 for 281. Earlier this week he qualified for the second time for the U.S. Amateur, at Willow Point in Knoxville. That is always a huge accomplishment. He shot 67-63 for a 130 total, the second lowest score in a qualifying round at this point," said Turnbow.
The U.S. Amateur will take place at Chambers Bay, in University Place, Washington, August 23-29. Chambers Bay will also host the 2015 U.S. Open.
"All three of these players have had great summers, and we are looking forward to getting them in here and continuing with that momentum," said Turnbow.
"Another incoming freshman, Jordon Jennings, from Dandridge, Tennessee, won the TSSAA state tournament, with Patterson finishing second. The same two also finished 1-2 last year as juniors.
"The whole team has had a good summer, which includes Paul Sansom and Sammy Thompson from Kentucky," declared Turnbow. "It is indicative of their work ethic and the way they go about their business as a whole. We can’t wait to get all of them in here and get going."
MTSU Basketball: Blue Raider Guard Rod Emanuel
August 16, 2010
More on MTSU’s series on meeting the Blue Raider basketball team. This is the fifth installment of a series highlighting the 2010-11 Middle Tennessee basketball team as they begin preparation to defend their Sun Belt Conference title. In this edition the focus is on guard Rod Emanuel, one of three seniors on this season’s team.
Q: You played in all 33 games last season as a junior college transfer. What do you think your biggest improvement will be this season over last?
A: I think I will be tougher, and will know more about how the game is played at this level. Last year was a learning process for me, with how big a jump it is from juco to Division 1. We also had a lot of new guys last year that were adjusting as well. It was definitely a learning experience.
Q: You had lots of schools interested in you last year. Why did you choose Middle Tennessee?
A: I just felt like it was the best choice for me. I had a lot of schools who were recruiting me, but Middle Tennessee felt like the best fit. They needed guards here, plus it felt like home.
Q: The team was very close, both on and off the court, last season. What can the veterans such as yourself do to maintain that closeness when the new players come in this year?
A: They did a good job of bonding with us last year. Most of our seniors lived off campus, so it was a little bit different. We are already bonding with the players that are coming in this year. A whole bunch of us went out to eat together last week, and most of the team was there. Doing things like that makes you closer together off the court, and that helps when you are on the court together. We’ve already started hanging out together, and play pickup all the time, so we are getting close together before the season even starts.
Q: You’ve only been here one year, but you are a senior leader? Does that put any pressure on you?
A: We learned a lot from all of the fifth-year seniors last year, and while all of this year’s seniors have only been here one year, we know that we have to step up and be team leaders. We had good leadership last season, so we know what to do.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the city of Murfreesboro?
A: Orlando is much bigger than Murfreesboro, and things like traffic move a lot faster. Everything is more laid back up here, and I do like that.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
A: I know what to expect this year. Last year, it was like I was thrown into the fire. I was expected to do a lot of things, and I didn’t live up to it, but this year I know what to expect, and I know I can do it this year. I plan to have more fun on the court this season, being more relaxed and more productive. Also, I feel really good about our chances of going farther than we did last year, and having a better season. We don’t want to tie for the conference championship this year; we want to win the whole thing.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete, and why?
A: I like Dwayne Wade, and I Carmelo Anthony, he’s probably my favorite player. I like Tiger Woods, too. I’m not a golfer, but I plan to take it up.
Q: Your Mom and other members of your family made the trip up from Orlando a number of times to watch you play? What does it mean to you to know they are in the stands, to see them sitting there?
A: It means a lot because I am so far from home. Most of my teammates are closer to home and their families get to see them play a lot more than mine do. When they were able to come up, it really felt good to look up in the stands and see them there.
Q: What is one thing that the fans don’t know about you that they would find interesting?
A: I’m a big Spider Man fan. I have some Spider Man T-shirts. I used to tell my little cousins that I was Spider Man, and sometimes I think they believed me.
It’s Prep Football Week
August 15, 2010
This is the week high school football fans have been waiting for. It’s the kickoff to the season, beginning this Thursday night. Bryan Barrett, Jon Dinkins and Donnie Johnson will have the “LIVE” play by play of Smyrna at Beech. Pregame begins at 6:30 with kickoff at 7. Then Friday night, it’s Oakland hosting Ensworth. Dennis Weaver will host the Friday Night Thunder Pregame Show from 6-7, with the First Bank Pregame Show starting a half-hour before the kickoff at 7:30.
With one successful Prentice Alsup Heating and Air Coaches Corner under their belt, the Primetime Sports crew has 30-more shows planned between now and April. Join Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins each Saturday morning beginning at 9am. If you miss a week, you can log-on to goprimetimesports.com and click on coaches corner podcasts to hear the playback of what your coach had to say or download it.
MTSU Football: Coach Stockstill pleased with first scrimmage
August 15, 2010
After a three hour and fifty-minute lightning delay, Middle Tennessee finally got in its first scrimmage of fall football camp on Saturday evening at Floyd Stadium. The Blue Raiders got in 107 plays with most coming under the lights due to the delay.
"I thought it was a good first scrimmage," said Head Coach Rick Stockstill. "I was impressed with our mental approach, after having a nearly four hour lightning delay, I thought we showed some maturity in how we came out and played.
"At the beginning, the defense really did a great job. I like the effort of our team, I thought we played extremely hard, with great effort, and that was the thing that stood out the most to me, how hard we played. I told them beforehand that I want to see you play hard, protect the ball, and eliminate mistakes."
The Blue Raiders started the scrimmage at 5:13 PM and got in four plays before play was halted for lightning. The team resumed play at 9:03 PM.
Senior Dwight Dasher looked sharp as he completed his first seven passes and finished the evening 17-of-24 for 170 yards and a touchdown. He also had one interception.
"I thought Dwight (Dasher) played well," added Stockstill. "He was accurate and made some really nice throws. From where I was standing, behind him, I could see what he was reading, and he really made some difficult throws into some tight alleys. I was really impressed with Dwight."
Sophomore Logan Kilgore completed 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Jeff Murphy went 6 of 12 for 60 yards and a score.
Andrew Banks led all rushers with four carries for 53 yards and a touchdown while freshman Reggie Whatley had 51 yards and two scores on seven attempts. Senior Phillip Tanner looked in mid-season form as he picked up 42 yards and a touchdown on seven attempts to go with two receptions for 19 yards.
Junior wide receiver Malcolm Beyah is having a solid camp and it showed Saturday night as he led all pass catchers with five receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. His score came on a 34-yard strike from Dasher.
Harold Turner added four catches for 46 yards and a touchdown (18 yards from Kilgore), while running back Benny Cunningham hauled in four receptions for 38 yards. William Pratcher added three catches and Arthur Williams collected a 24-yard touchdown pass from Murphy.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders came away with six sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and two interceptions.
Defensive end Dearco Nolan led the way with 2.5 sacks followed by two from linebacker Antwan Davis. Derrek Upshaw and Jimmy Staten also had sacks.
Linebacker Justin Jones picked off Dasher on the 19th play of the scrimmage and returned it 27 yards. Walk-on Bryan Armstrong recorded the other interception.
Placekicker Alan Gendreau continued his consistent play by making four of five field goals with the only miss coming from 49 yards. The junior had makes from 27, 34, 35, and 45 yards.
The Blue Raiders will have off Sunday for Fan Day before returning to practice on Monday morning at 8:15 AM. Get ready for Blue Raider football on all WGNS Good Neighbor network stations this season. Follow MTSU on FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.
MTSU Football: Blue Raiders have first two-a-day
August 13, 2010
Blue Raiders set last three home game times: Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro announced today the game times for the final three home games of the 2010 season. The Homecoming game against Louisiana-Monroe on Oct. 23 will kickoff at 3:30 PM while the Nov. 13 game against North Texas and the Nov. 27 contest against FAU will both begin at 2:30 PM. The WGNS Good Neighbor Network is your BLUE RAIDER connection. Hear the games at FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, and worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.
Stockstill on Friday’s Practice: Offensively we turned the ball over too much this morning and we have to start doing a better job in that department. I have been harping on this for a few days and nothing kills you more than turnovers in this game. On one hand it was good of the defense to come up with the turnovers, but offensively you don’t beat people putting the ball on the ground.
Photo: Emmanuel Perez fights through a double-team during Friday’s practice.
"I thought we pushed through pretty good today but there is still another level we have to get to if we want to accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves this season. We have to learn how to compete better when we get tired. Right now we are just an average bunch of guys."
What Stockstill will look for in Saturday’s first scrimmage: "I will be more interested in the effort than what we do schematically. One area I will focus on will be ball security on offense and cutting down on missed assignments and penalties."
TODAY’S FUN BLUE RAIDER QUESTIONS WITH SENIOR JEREMY KELLEM
1. What Blue Raider would do the best on "Dancing with the Stars"? Dearco Nolan
2. Who has the best nickname on the team, and what is it? Kenneth Gilstrap - Radio
3. Which one of your teammates would be the most likely to appear on "Survivor"? LB Roderic Blunt
4. What teammate would most likely get involved in politics? OL Mark Fisher
5. From the Twilight series, do you like Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Jacob
6. Who should be the next judge on American Idol? Jeremiah Black
7. What Super Hero would you like to be! Captain Planet
8. What food did your mother have to make you eat as a youngster before you left the table? Fried Chicken and Cabbage
9. What song would you pick to be played when the Blue Raiders run out onto the field before a home game? "Turnt Up"
SCHULTZ TALKS ABOUT THE OFFENSE: First year Middle Tennessee Offensive Coordinator Mike Schultz is never satisfied, but he does see progress in the shaping of the Blue Raider offense as the season opener with Minnesota now looms less than three weeks away.
"As a coach, you are not ever satisfied," said Shultz, who came to Middle Tennessee from Big Ten member Illinois just in time for spring practice.
"Right now, turnovers are probably our greatest concern. We need to get our turnovers scaled back. We have set the bar awfully high, and with that, you have to have great execution."
Schultz has the reins of a Blue Raider offense that was one of the best in the nation last year. Headed by senior quarterback Dwight Dasher, who is on four different quarterback watch lists for the 2010 season, the Blue Raiders also boast a veteran offensive line and a trio of quality running backs.
"Dasher has had a good fall camp, we have a sophomore running back that is doing a real good job in Bennie Cunningham, and several receivers have also done a good job," noted Schultz.
He singled out juniors Tyler Mason and Sancho McDonald, as well as senior Garrett Andrews as those standing out so far. Wide receivers had figured to be an area that needed work, due to inexperience, and Schultz is making sure they get it.
"Coach (Justin) Watts is doing a great job handling those kids. Everybody knows that area has to get better, and the kids are responding to the challenge real well," Schultz declared. "They have come into camp with a great energy level, great work ethic, and a lot of enthusiasm on the practice field. We are getting pretty comfortable with them right now.
"We’ve got a good group of young receivers, and hopefully this fall camp experience will mature them and get them farther along in the process."
Schultz is thrilled to have senior offensive tackle Mark Fisher back. Fisher missed spring practice because of class conflicts, and Schultz is getting his first real look at Fisher in fall camp. Fisher is a pre-season All-Sun Belt Conference pick.
"It’s good to see him back. He brings a lot of leadership to that offensive line group," pointed out Schultz.
Overall, Schultz feels that the O-line will be a team strength as long as they can keep injuries to a minimum.
"Right now, Coach (Jimmy Ray) Stephens is facing a challenge. We have to have some younger kids to help bring us farther along. To sit here right now and think we can go thru a 12-game schedule and not have an offensive lineman miss any games, that’s a little far-fetched. That’s not going to happen.
"We feel like we have a pretty decent nucleus of veteran offensive linemen, and we are trying to take that younger group and get them as far along as we can during camp. At some point in time, I know we are going to go to those kids, and they are going to have to be ready to step in and play."
Again, Schultz goes back to his emphasis on eliminating turnovers.
"Any offensive coordinator in the country will tell you that the biggest area of concern is turnovers. It is certainly not a new concept, everybody knows it, but the team that wins the turnover battle has a heck of a chance of winning the ball game."
"We have to keep coaching that as coaches, we’ve got to keep policing each other as players, and I talk to the kids about accountability to each other to have great ball security. And it’s not just fumbling. Quarterbacks have to make good decisions, not throw into coverage, throw the ball away if you have to. And they have to do a great job of ball security, too. That’s part of making decisions and managing the offense," concluded Schultz.
Middle Tennessee will open a highly-anticipated 2010 season on Thursday evening, September 2nd, hosting Minnesota of the Big Ten in a 6:30 PM game. It will be True Blue and College Colors Day, and the game will be shown nationally on ESPNU.
MCCRAY SAYS GORBY LOREUS HAS ELEVATED HIS GAME: Earlier this week, defensive coordinator Randall McCray told GoBlueRaiders.com that linebacker Gorby Loreus has stood out in camp because he has elevated his game from the spring. Loreus, a junior from Tampa, FL, is currently running behind senior Antwan Davis at the Mike position.
"I appreciate Coach McCray saying that. I just felt like it was time for me to step up and be a leader on the team and lead these young linebackers. I’d been sitting around the last two years, not really getting any action, but it was not really about that, it was about being a leader. I want to set an example just to make the team better. As a person, I felt like I had to come into the summer and work a lot harder, to establish myself as a leader.
This has been eating at me since I’ve been here. When I got here as a freshman, I wanted to play right away. I got some reps on special teams, but I was hungry for more, wanted to be a bigger factor, to be one of the key players that everyone could look at as an example.
I want to be a leader by example more than vocal. I want to run faster to the ball, to work harder, and then have them see me on film and inspire them to work harder. Now that doesn’t mean I’m not vocal as well. I am always talking to the younger guys. They come and ask me questions and I try to give them advice, to pass on what the coaches have told me and taught me."
STUART HAS FOUND A HOME AT CENTER: Junior center Alex Stuart came to Middle Tennessee two years ago, and got a lot of snaps as a true freshman. He has played both tackle and guard in his first two years, and will be the starting center when the Blue Raiders open the 2010 season on September 2nd against Minnesota.
"I am hoping that I have found a home at center," said Stuart, who played high school football at Oak Ridge. "I came from a tackle my freshman year, to a guard last year, to center. I am thinking that center is probably where I will end up staying. I am looking forward to that.
"I have been practicing a lot, getting a lot of reps in, a lot of mental reps, too."
The mental aspect of playing center is part of what Stuart likes.
"You’ve got to think out there. You have to make the line calls. You get a running back call; you have to make an opposite running back call. You call protection, you call the other team’s defense, and you have to know where their "Mike" is. If you are a thinker, it comes natural to you."
Stuart remembers playing alongside All-Sun Belt Conference center Mark Thompson the last two years, and how good Thompson was on his calls.
"Thompson was really good at that. He has actually helped me out a little on that, understanding the calls, things like that. And, of course, Coach Stephens has helped me tremendously by understanding how to get my keys."
Stuart feels like the Blue Raiders have more depth on the O-line than they did his first two years, and that should benefit the team.
"There is not much drop-off in our first two offensive lines. I would say we are ahead of where we were the last two years. We are clicking and working hard out there," noted Stuart. "We have some flexibility, too. I can play tackle, guard, or center, so can Chris Hawkins. Colin Boss can play anywhere. Like Coach Stephens said, those guys are invaluable to us. Now if someone goes down, they can step in and we won’t miss a beat."
FAN DAY: Meet the 2010 Blue Raiders and coaches at Middle Tennessee’s annual Football Fan Day, Sunday, August 15 from 2 PM - 4 PM at Murphy Center. Autographs, inflatables, free hotdogs and drinks, and loads of fun will be on hand for all members of the Blue Raider family. Bring your kids and friends to get them ready for the 2010 football season. Show you’re Blue Raider Pride and pick up 2010 football posters, schedule cards, and much more. Blue Raider fans who would like to purchase the official BLACKOUT t-shirt may do so for $15.00 which will include a ticket to the Oct. 5th game versus Troy. IdeasTees will also be on hand to sell other Blue Raider gear.
FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHT VIDEO IS READY: "March to New Orleans", presented by The Cavender Financial Group, is on its way to season ticket holders who took advantage of the early bird renewal special after the 2009 New Orleans Bowl and is available for sale in local stores.
The 49-minute video is a permanent record of the memorable 2009 season that included wins over Memphis and Maryland, the first visit to Floyd Stadium by an SEC team, a seven-game winning streak to close out the year, and the New Orleans Bowl victory over Southern Mississippi. Chocked full of highlights, the story of the incredible season is told from the point of view of many of the players and Coach Rick Stockstill.
"March to New Orleans" is on sale for $20 per copy at the Floyd Stadium Ticket Office, Lightning’s Locker Room, Phillips Bookstore, The Learning Circle, and Reeves-Sain Drug Store.
NEXT PRACTICE: The Blue Raiders will practice on Tuesday at 5:20 PM. The practice is open to the public.
SEASON TICKETS: 1-888-YES-MTSU OR GoBlueRaiders.com.
MTSU Football: Coach Stockstill Responds To Thursday’s Practice
August 13, 2010
Head Coach Rick Stockstill on Thursday’s Blue Raider practice: "We had a much better practice today from a competitive standpoint. We worked hard, played with enthusiasm, and finished the practice. Offensively, the line played well today and Sancho McDonald made some nice catches. Defensively, the secondary showed out with Rod Issac and Khari Burke picking up interceptions. We still need to do a better job protecting the football, but overall we had a good day."
MTSU Blue Raiders add one more to complete 2010 class
August 13, 2010
The Blue Raider baseball team has added middle infielder Johnny Thomas to its 2010 class as announced by head coach Steve Peterson.
Thomas will transfer to Middle Tennessee after playing his freshman season at New Orleans and will have three years of eligibility remaining. Thomas will not have to sit out a season due to the NCAA transfer rule because New Orleans is dropping down to Division III next season.
As a freshman, Thomas batted .269 with 35 hits, eight doubles and 15 RBI in 42 games. Thomas also scored 17 runs for the Privateers. He received Male Newcomer Athlete of the Year at New Orleans.
"We are proud to have him come our way. Johnny has three years of eligibility remaining and played one year at the Division I level after being the starting short stop at UNO and had a solid freshman year there. He showed what we’re looking for, an experienced middle infielder to play short or second and should compete for a starting spot in one of those positions," Peterson said.
Thomas was a four-year letterwinner under Mark Wisniewski at Brother Martin High School. As a junior and senior, he received All-District honors. As a senior, Thomas hit two home runs and drove in 22 runs.
The Blue Raiders have now inked 11 student-athletes for the 2010 class.
MTSU Basketball: Davis announces 2010-11 schedule
August 13, 2010
The defending regular season Sun Belt champions, Middle Tennessee will play 15 home games during the 2010-11 season, including an exhibition game against Lincoln Memorial, as announced by head coach Kermit Davis on Thursday.
One of the highlights of this season’s home schedule is Vanderbilt who will visit Murphy Center on Tuesday, Dec. 21. It is the first time since the 1994-95 season the Commodores will play the Blue Raiders on their home court. Middle Tennessee won that meeting 93-90 in overtime.
UAB, Evansville, Tennessee State and Sun Belt foes Denver, North Texas, Troy, and Western Kentucky also highlight the home slate for the Blue Raiders. Middle Tennessee will face five teams this season who competed in postseason play last season with all but one paying a visit to Murphy Center.
“Obviously we are very excited about our home schedule which includes Vanderbilt, UAB, Evansville, Furman and longtime rival Tennessee State in non-conference action,” Davis said. “When you have three SEC teams on your schedule in Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Auburn to go along with a very demanding Sun Belt Conference slate it will challenge our team at a very high level.”
Including the exhibition doubleheader with Lincoln Memorial, Middle Tennessee’s first three games will be held within the friendly confines of Murphy Center. The Blue Raiders open play with the Railsplitters on Thursday, Nov. 4 and eight days later will play host to Tennessee Temple. Middle Tennessee will wrap-up the opening home stand on Wednesday, Nov. 17 against UAB.
The Blue Raiders then hit the road playing just one of their next seven games at Murphy Center. The stretch begins with three games as part of the Auburn Tournament Nov. 19-21 in Auburn, Ala. At the Auburn Tournament the Blue Raiders will play Campbell, Samford and host Auburn. Then Middle Tennessee will play Evansville at home on Wednesday, Nov. 24 before traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, to play Tennessee on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
The Blue Raiders will then play host to Tennessee State on Dec. 29 in their final game before Sun Belt action begins on Jan. 2 when the team travels to Mobile, Ala., to face South Alabama. From there, Middle Tennessee will begin the traditional Sun Belt format of Thursday, Saturday games.
North Texas, Florida Atlantic, Troy and Denver will all visit Murphy Center in January as the Sun Belt season gets into full swing while the Blue Raiders travel to UL-Lafayette, Arkansas State, FAU and FIU.
“We will work with tremendous effort as a department, staff and team to reach new heights in season ticket sales, as well as student involvement in creating a fantastic environment we all can be proud of in Murphy Center.”
In February, the Blue Raiders will play host to UL-Monroe and South Alabama before traveling to rival Western Kentucky on Thursday, Feb. 10. The team then plays three of the final five games on the road including a return to Murphy Center for the second meeting with the Hilltoppers.
The home game with rival Western Kentucky on Saturday, Feb. 26 will conclude regular season action prior to the start of the Sun Belt Championships which will be held March 4-8 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
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