Cane Ridge at Oakland Basketball Tuesday
November 30, 2009
High school basketball on WGNS Tuesday night has the Oakland girls and boys hosting Cane Ridge. Catch the pregame at 6pm with the tipoff at 6:30 with Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins.
AUDIO: Lincoln County at Riverdale Basketball Sir Pizza Game Highlights
November 30, 2009
Jon Dinkins had the play-by-play of the Riverdale girls win over Lincoln County…
Bryan Barrett had the play-by-play of the Riverdale boys win over Lincoln County…
TSSAA Mr. Football Awards – AAA Lineman of Year
November 30, 2009
The Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards have been presented. Not only were the awards handed out in Murfreesboro Monday at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, but two Murfreesboro athletes were nominated for the Class Triple-A Lineman of the Year.
Annual Christmas Tree lighting set for Thursday
November 30, 2009
The La Vergne Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place outside La Vergne City Hall on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. City Hall is located at 5093 Murfreesboro Road in La Vergne.
Featured singers of Christmas Carols will be the Ezell Harding Choir. Jimmy Carver, of Jefferson Pike Church of Christ, will give the annual prayer.
The public is welcome to attend this annual event.
Monday Swap’n Shop
November 30, 2009
For Sale; heavy-duty Whirlpool washer and dryer $300 for both; love seat and couch $1,150; full-size bed frame, mattress and box springs 569-0863
For Sale: 2 large boxes of Christmas decorations $40 for all; green corduroy chair $50; 3 piece living room suite with recliner, loveseat and couch $950 895-4235
For Sale: 2X leather coat with fur collar $35; wing back chair $50; table Christmas tree $10 867-8503
For Sale: new 6-foot pine pre-lit Christmas tree (never used) $20; George Foreman grill $10; miniature Christmas village 895-7954
Service: will do electrical work (laid off work) 589-1623
For Sale: 8 x 10-foot storage building (will deliver); fire wood 485-7305
For Sale: 4 piece setting of white stoneware $15; 2 drawer file $15; Lexmart printer $10 890-0707
For Sale: 2 loose diamonds (one is quarter karat and other is a little larger) 308-1082
Service: auto work 653-0769
For Sale: 1948 Plymouth coupe $7,500 243-7736
For Sale: shotgun with walnut stock; ammo; air compressor 663-3077
For Sale: rocking chairs (3 sizes and homemade); 4-foot tall glass display case; Wants: old pocket knives and razors 512-3412
Free: dog 848-7197
For Sale: wooden entertainment center and computer desk; Wants: glasses lost in Kroger’s on Middle TN Blvd. (gold glasses) lost 2-weeks ago 895-5746
Gas $2.62 nationally, $2.34 in ‘Boro…could drop more!
November 30, 2009
Concerns that Dubai banks might default on $60 billion in debt led to The Dow Jones Industrial average giving up 155 points Friday. The Dow fell as much as 233 points during a broad retreat and the dollar gained against most other major currencies while commodities tumbled. NYMEX crude oil ended the week at $76.05 per barrel.
Looking ahead, investors are expected to either shrug off the financial crisis in the Middle East or seek protection in more conservative investments. ”If the Dubai debt problem worsens, we should probably expect crude oil prices to reflect that and a decline in crude could bring a more pronounced decline in retail gasoline prices during December,” said Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations, AAA Auto Club South.
The national average price of unleaded regular gasoline today is $2.62 per gallon, a decrease of 2 cents from one week ago. The average prices in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee are $2.67, $2.50 and $2.49 respectively and each state’s average is essentially even with last week. With $2.49 being the average here in the Volunteer State, if you look around Murfreesboro you can find $2.34 per gallon petro!
Black Friday in Rutherford County – Shoppers Say They are Sick of Pushy Sales Practices
November 30, 2009
You wouldn’t know it by seeing the mobs at The Avenue, at Kohl’s and Stones River Mall on Black Friday, but a new survey by Consumer Reports reveals many Americans are tired of the shopping experience, especially when it comes to certain pushy retail practices. Here are the top gripes:
- 58 percent dislike the practice of cashiers asking for your zip code or phone number.
- 52 percent don’t like the fact that store credit cards are pushed when you’re trying to pay at the register.
- 62 percent of people are fed up with the extended warranty sales pitch.
- 68 percent hate "fake" sales, complaining that if something is always 20 percent off, it’s not on sale.
- 72 percent of respondents are annoyed by stores that never open all of their checkout lanes.
Feds to Get More Involved in Home Foreclosures
November 30, 2009
While the housing market has shown signs of life in recent months, home foreclosures have shown no signs of abating.
Since the economic recovery is highly dependent on people holding on to their most important asset, the White House will announce a plan Monday, quote, "to enhance servicer transparency and accountability."
In other words, the OBAMA administration will lean more heavily on mortgage companies to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.
The new strategy includes a plan to boost the rate that troubled home loans are transformed into new loans with lower payments.
Currently, the government uses money from the $700 billion financial bailout package to provide mortgage companies with cash incentives to make up for smaller mortgage payments that enable people to keep their homes.
However, this program has yet to stave off the record number of foreclosures that have occurred since the recession began in December 2007. An estimated 14 percent of homeowners at the end of September were either behind on mortgage payments or facing foreclosure.
Health Care Debate Update
November 30, 2009
Democratic leaders already know there are 40 senators on the other side of the aisle who aren’t likely to approve wide-ranging legislation to remake the health care industry.
What they need to do starting Monday is keep the 58 Democrats and two independents who voted to advance the health care reform bill for debate on their side when the measure is ready for a full vote either before the Christmas recess or when lawmakers return in January.
The only thing certain is that Senate Majority Leader HARRY REID has his work cut out of him over the next several weeks.
Some within the party won’t go along with the $850 billion, ten-year health care bill unless it contains provisions that assure federal money won’t be used to fund abortions.
Other are dead-set against a so-called public option that allows the government to provide a medical plan to some Americans in direct competition with private insurers.
Liberals say they won’t vote for any legislation that doesn’t contain a public option and abortion funding.
Despite the Herculean task before him, Reid insists he can keep the coalition from falling apart, proclaiming at a recent rally, quote, "Generation after generation has called on us to fix this broken system. We’re now closer than ever to getting it done."
Man Ejected from Truck in Sunday Accident in Nearby Watertown
November 30, 2009
Just outside of Rutherford County in Watertown, a man was ejected from a truck during a one vehicle accident late Sunday night. The wreck occurred on Highway 267. Evidently, the driver lost control and the truck ran off the roadway, flipping before coming to a rest . Authorities say they found a bottle of Vodka at the scene of the crash and are investigating if alcohol played a factor in the accident. The driver was rushed to Vanderbilt Medical Center with serious injuries. His name was not released.
AUDIO: Riverdale at Maryville Semi-Final Playoff Football Sir Pizza Game Replays
November 29, 2009
Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins had the play-by-play and color of the Riverdale semi-final game at Maryville…
AUDIO: Siegel at Independence Basketball Sir Pizza Game Replays
November 29, 2009
Jon Dinkins had the play-by-play of the Siegel girls win at Independence…
Bryan Barrett had the play-by-play of the Siegel boys win at Independence…
Blue Raiders getting votes in Top 25
November 29, 2009
Middle Tennessee is receiving votes in the latest ESPN/USA Today Football Coaches Top 25 Poll that was released today. The Blue Raiders have two votes which would put them in a tie for 38th nationally.
Middle Tennessee has never received votes for the Top 25 poll this late in the season and the only other time the Blue Raiders had votes in the poll was 2002 when they garnered one vote in the preseason.
The Blue Raiders capped off a successful 2009 regular season with a dominating 38-19 win on the road against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday to post a 9-3 record.
MT is also one of just 25 teams nationally to own at least nine wins this season and one of just 10 non-AQ teams. The Blue Raiders, vying to become just the eighth team in school history to get double digit wins, also won four games on the road for just the second time in the last 15 years. MT also won four road games in 2006.
Photo ID: Patrick Honeycutt (left) and Alex Suber celebrate Saturday’s win over ULM.
Basketball: Lady Raiders 76 - Tennessee Tech 39
November 28, 2009
An 11-0 run to start the game and a 16-2 spurt to open the second half coupled with 32 forced turnovers led the Middle Tennessee women’s basketball team to a 76-39 triumph Saturday evening over in-state foe Tennessee Tech inside the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro. The Blue Raiders opened the dominance early and never looking back in earning their fifth straight win in the series and second consecutive of at least 35 points.
Redshirt senior All-American Alysha Clark finished with game-high tying 20 points and four assists to go along with her nine rebounds in just 33 minutes, falling just short of her fifth double-double to begin the campaign. Classmate and fellow Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team honoree Brandi Brown also poured in 20 points, including a team-best two 3-pointers and a 6-of-6 effort from the charity stripe.
Junior Emily Queen made her first start of the season and chipped in eight points, while hauling in eight boards as Middle Tennessee (3-2) controlled the glass with a 41-37 advantage.
Kellie Cook paced the Golden Eagles with 13 points, while Tacarra Hayes added 10 on just 2-of-10 from the field. Haley Ervin and Katy Cooke each grabbed a team-best six rebounds.
The Blue Raiders forced a season-high 32 turnovers, while committing only 13 themselves. Among the 32 turnovers were a shot clock violation, three-second call and a pair of backcourt infractions.
Middle Tennessee raced out to an 11-0 lead after winning the tip, as five different players scored, including Anne Marie Lanning hitting a pair of foul shots at 15:03 after a technical was assessed to the Tennessee Tech (1-4) bench.
The Golden Eagles netted their first points on a pair of Hayes charity tosses at 11:05, but it was not until Kellie Cook registered a triple at 8:56 that the visitors posted their first field goal. Her trey trimmed the deficit to nine, 16-7, and that would be the closest margin the remainder of the game.
The first half lead swelled to as high as 19, 28-9, on a pair of Brown free throws with 5:32 remaining, as the Blue Raiders dominated the paint in the opening 20 minutes with a 12-0 edge and took a 32-16 lead into the break.
Again, five different MT players scored in the second-half opening 16-2 surge through the first six minutes, as Cook tallied Tennessee Tech’s lone bucket at 16:54. The advantage continued to grow, reaching a high of 40 on a pair of occasions, the first coming at 5:13 when freshman Dymon Raynor received a pass from Queen to make it 72-32.
The Blue Raiders continued to substitute to get their younger players experience and freshman Icelyn Elie tallied her first collegiate point on the back end of a two-shot foul with 2:15 left.
Middle Tennessee finished with a 34-12 advantage on points in the paint and 29-11 when scoring off turnovers.
The Blue Raiders will return to action at 6 p.m. (CST) Thursday when they travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face No. 9/10 Xavier. The two teams have met five times over the years with Middle Tennessee owning a 3-2 lead in the series, including wins in each of the last three meetings. WGNS is your BLUE RAIDER CONNECTION. Hear the games on the Good Neighbor Network of stations (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11; worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com.
Middle Tennessee Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Rick Insell:
Opening Comments
We played better tonight. We really cut down on our turnovers. We have got to do a better job with that. It is something we really emphasized before we came out here tonight. Thirteen turnovers is not terrible. Tennessee Tech is a good team that will win some games. I was really proud of the turnovers.
Emily Queen getting eight rebounds was big. That really freed up Brandi (Brown). We have a lot of kids who can play. We had a good rotation tonight.
On rebounds:
We were down at halftime in rebounds. It was something we talked about in there. We out rebounded LSU, we rebounded with Tennessee, and were not out-rebounding tonight. We talked about that and the way we played defense. I thought we played good defense tonight. They shot 28 free throws and we have got to quit reaching, but some of those were just putting a body against them. We did well trapping the ball.
On freshman Dymon Raynor:
Dymon did a good job. She did well going after the ball. I want her to get more aggressive on the boards and finish better. She impressed me. She is fine and playing tough.
On reserve point guards:
They did good. They had couple of turnovers, but one is a freshman and the other is sophomore with not much playing time.
On 3-point shooting:
I am not concerned a bit. I am concerned if they quit shooting. We will hit them when it counts.
On the next three games:
We have a big road trip ahead of us with Xavier, Louisville and South Dakota State. Three teams that are ranked and were all in the in NCAA Tournament last year.
Xavier is ranked in the Top 10. I doubt anyone in the country plays three Top 10 teams. I am proud of the girls. They will do well. They are fired up for it.
Tennessee Tech Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Sytia Messer:
On Alysha Clark:
Clark continued to do the things that she has done, and carried her team tonight, with 20 points and nine rebounds.
On foul trouble:
I was concerned. (Jackie) Pickel was shooting well and we thought about going to a zone, (but we did not) and I told our kids to always have a body on her, and that resulted in our 27 fouls.
On Tech’s hustle and scrappy play:
That is going to be the trademark of our team. Our kids played hard and right now, I only have freshmen and sophomores. We are learning how to win, how to finish games, how to compete.
On MT’s pressure defense the whole game:
I wasn’t surprised at all. I knew they were going to press us for 40 minutes. I hope our kids learned from this, that it is not a good feeling to lose. And if our kids learned from that, and return the favor a year from now, we will be just fine.
Volleyball: Blue Raiders fall 3-1 to Saint Louis
November 28, 2009
Saint Louis, Mo. – Middle Tennessee had four players with double-digit kills on Saturday afternoon but it was not enough in a 3-1 (18-25, 29-27, 20-25, 24-26) loss to Saint Louis.
Senior Ashley Mead, juniors Izabela Kozon and Alyssa Wistrick (left photo) and sophomore Stacy Oladinni recorded 11, 12, 10 and 11 kills respectively in the match with Wistrick leading the pack with a .467 hitting percentage.
As a team, the Blue Raiders (25-9) had 57 kills for a .270 hitting percentage while Saint Louis (24-7) recorded 63 kills with a .289 hitting percentage. Bridget Fonke and Sammi McCloud each had 19 kills in the match and were the only SLU players in double-figures.
Middle Tennessee’s net defense performed well with 10 total blocks while SLU had five blocks as a team. Senior Janay Yancey continued to play well at the block with six block assists while Wistrick added four of her own.
Senior Ashley Waugh guided the backcourt defense with 12 digs while Kozon and senior Leslie Clark added 14 and 10 respectively. As a team, Middle Tennessee had 56 total digs. Clark guided the offense notching 43 assists as the team had 52 total.
The Blue Raiders would like to invite the public to join them at Fanatics in the Double Tree Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1:45 p.m. to watch the NCAA Selection show. Middle Tennessee will learn if it will host the first and second rounds in addition to who its opponents will be at the national tournament.
Football: Win #9 MTSU 38 – ULM 19
November 28, 2009
Big Blue was on the road in Cajun country Saturday (11/28/09), and downed the University of Louisiana at Monroe 38-19. The Band of Blue then started chanting “bowl bound, bowl bound” and the fans joined-in. It was sunny and near 70-degrees when Lightning zapped the Warhawks in front of approximately 10,000 fans at Malone Stadium. This was the tenth meeting of these two gridiron foes.
Left photo: several team members joined the Band of Blue in that chant “bowl bound”.
The Blue Raiders (9-3, 7-1) notched their ninth win by putting an exclamation mark on a persuasive season that now includes: most single-season wins (9) of the FBS era, most SBC wins (7) in a single season, one of two SBC schools to win nine games in a season (North Texas, 2003) and a current six-game win streak. The nine wins for Middle Tennessee is the most in a season since 1992.
They will now await a postseason bowl destination they believe is sure to come. It would be the program’s second in four seasons under Head Coach Rick Stockstill.
Middle Tennessee climaxed its dynamic regular season in the much the same manner it has achieved success all season - nasty defense, productive offense and special teams contributions, but the big story was junior quarterback Dwight 
Dasher who danced his way into the Blue Raider record books with his arm and legs.
Dwight Dasher ran (left photo) for two touchdowns and threw for two more to lead the offensive charge that included 306 yards total offense. Dasher’s two touchdowns enabled him to tie Mickey Corwins’s single-season mark of 21 touchdowns, set in 1984. He also became Middle Tennessee’s career leader for rushing yards by a quarterback with 88 against ULM, giving him 1,676 career rushing yards to break Marvin Collier’s mark of 1,652 set from 1985 to 1988. Dasher was 10-of-18 through the air for 116 yards. He did throw two interceptions.
Defense also was a staple as it dominated the Warhawks after allowing a touchdown on their opening possession. The dandy defensive effort included three interceptions, one for a touchdown, four sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Chris McCoy continued his stellar campaign with ferocious play that included three tackles for loss. Alex Suber was a defensive wizard with eight tackles, including one for loss, an interception and a pass break-up, and linebacker Danny Carmichael continued to make plays from one side of the field to the other, collecting 10 tackles including one for loss. Suber, Jeremy Kellem and Kevin Brown had the interceptions.
Special teams also played a role with kickoff returns that put the offensive in good field position and kicker Alan 
Gendreau added a 40-yard field goal.
After falling behind early, Middle Tennessee tied the game 7-7 late in the first quarter on another quick-strike touchdown as the Blue Raiders marched 66 yards on five plays in just 1:25 and scored on Dasher’s 2-yard run with 2:52 remaining in the opening frame. Garrett Andrews (left photo) beat the secondary for a 42-yard reception from Dasher to set up the short scoring run.
The staunch Blue Raider defense gave the offense another great opportunity when Brown registered his fourth interception of the season, which provided the defense with its 15 of the season, on the Warhawks’ next possession and returned it to the ULM 21. Middle Tennessee was on the move once again but Dasher threw his second interception of the first quarter. Dasher also was intercepted at the ULM 2 on the Blue Raiders’ first possession.
Although the offense had squandered two scoring opportunities in the first quarter, the defense continued to rise to the occasion and hold the opposition at bay. Warhawk Greg James returned the first interception to the ULM 20 but a Chris McCoy sack pushed them back and ultimately led to a missed field goal from 45 yards out.
The Blue Raiders tied the single-season sack record on the next defensive possession when Carmichael’s takedown of Trey Revell provided the 36th of the season, equaling the mark for most sacks set by the 2006 squad. It was a quarter in which the defense clamped down and established itself with two big sacks and an interception.
Middle Tennessee’s defense continued to flex its collective muscle at the start of the second quarter. ULM was looking to cash in on Dasher’s second interception when it drove to the Blue Raider 3; however, the defense forced a 25-yard field goal from Radi Jabour to provide ULM a 10-7 lead with 9:10 remaining in the first half.
Left Photo: DT Brandon Perry and Coach Rick Stockstill
The lead was short-lived as Dasher engineered an answer to ULM’s score with nifty running and an accurate arm. Middle Tennessee took its first lead when Shane Blissard reeled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Dasher and Gendreau followed with the extra point to provide the Blue Raiders with a 14-10 advantage with 6:33 remaining before intermission. Dasher ran for 32 of Middle Tennessee’s 45 yards on the scoring drive.
The fun was far from finished.
Defense, special teams and offense played a part in a momentum-building score just before the half. The blue-clad 
defense solved ULM’s offense to give the ball back to the offense late in the half. D.D. Kyles’ big kickoff return gave the ball to the offense at the ULM 45, where Dasher had 2:43 to make something happen.
It didn’t take that long. Dasher found Patrick Honeycutt for an 18-yard aerial strike in the back of the end zone and Gendreau added the point after to give Middle Tennessee a 21-10 cushion with 33 seconds remaining in the half. The drive covered 73 yards in six plays with Dasher connecting with Honeycutt for two critical receptions - the first of which was on third-and-9 from the ULM 44 to keep the drive alive. Dasher’s second touchdown of the half was his 21st of the season, tying Mickey Corwin for the single-season mark set in 1984.
The Blue Raiders dominated play in the first half as the offense rolled up 219 yards while holding ULM to just 165. If not for two interceptions in the red zone, the 21 points Middle Tennessee scored could have been even greater.
Defense continued to be a major part of the framework of this victory and forced its second straight three-and-out to start the second half when Alex Suber’s sack backed up ULM, forcing a fourth-and-13 and a punt. The sack was Middle Tennessee’s 37th of the season, breaking the 2006 mark for single-season sacks. Jabari Lattimore increased the sack 
record to 38 with his sixth of the season in the fourth quarter.
ULM would not go away. Middle Tennessee misfired on a 47-yard field goal on its second series of the third quarter and ULM followed it up with a 37-yard field goal to pull to within 21-13 with 6:13 remaining in the frame.
Suber continued to be a play-making ball-hawker and came up with his first interception of the season on ULM’s next drive but it was his dazzling 56-yard return inside the Warhawks’ 10 that was pivotal.
Two plays later Dwight Dasher (left photo) dashed in from the 9 and Gendreau added the extra point to give Middle Tennessee a 28-13 lead with 4:10 remaining. The run gave Dasher 68 yards rushing for the game and enabled him to surpass Marvin Collier’s mark of 1,652 for most career yards rushing by a quarterback.
Gendreau opened the fourth quarter scoring with a 40-yard field goal as the Blue Raiders stretched what proved to be an insurmountable lead of 31-13 with 13:08 remaining.
The dynamic Blue Raider defense got into the scoring act next when Kellem picked off a pass and raced 58 yards untouched to stake Middle Tennessee to a 38-13 lead with 10:50 remaining. It was Kellem who provided the exclamation point but Carmichael delivered the knockout blow that created it when he came off the edge and crushed quarterback Cody Wells to set the wheels in motion.
All of the teamwork and mechanisms that provided one of the greatest seasons in program history were on display in Monroe-Louisiana as Middle Tennessee continued its surge. And yes, follow the Blue Raiders on your local MTSU connection…the WGNS’ Good Neighbor Network (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11; worldwide on www.WGNSradio.com).
POSTGAME NOTES
9 IS FINE: With the win today over Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee ran its record to 9-3 on the season and reached the 9-win total for the first time in the FBS era (since 1999). The last time Middle Tennessee won nine regular season games was in 1992 when the Blue Raiders finished 10-3. Middle Tennessee is also just the second team in the history of the Sun Belt Conference to win nine games. The only other 9-win SBC team was North Texas in 2003 as the Mean Green finished 9-4. Troy could become the third team with a game later tonight at ULL.
SIX IN A ROW: Middle Tennessee has now won an FBS era record six games in a row to break the previous mark of five in a row set by the 2001 team. The six straight wins are the most by the Blue Raiders since they won six consecutive games in 1990. Above left photo: Emmanuel Perez in action.
PERMANENT CAPTAINS: Earlier in the week, the Middle Tennessee players voted on permanent team captains for the year. The winners were Patrick Honeycutt, Desmond Gee, Danny Carmichael, Brandon Perry, and Alex Suber.
BROWN, SUBER GET PICKS: Junior safety Kevin Brown (left photo) came up with his fourth interception of the season and the sixth of his career when he recorded one in the first quarter. Alex Suber also picked off his first pass of the season and the fourth of his career to set up a Blue Raider touchdown in the third quarter.
KELLEM TO THE HOUSE: Junior Jeremy Kellem scored his second touchdown of the season when he returned an interception in the fourth quarter 58 yards. It marked Kellem’s third interception of the season and the eighth of his career with two of them being returned for TDs. In 36 career games played, Kellem has been responsible for 23 turnovers (eight interceptions, four fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, four blocked punts).
RAIDERS BREAK SACK RECORD: With four sacks today against ULM, Middle Tennessee set a new single-season quarterback sacks record. Alex Suber’s sack in the third quarter broke the record. The Blue Raiders broke the previous mark of 36 set by the 2006 team. MT now has 38 sacks for the season.
DASHER TIES RECORD: Dwight Dasher registered two touchdown passes against ULM to run his season total to 21. The 21 touchdown passes equals the most in a single-season at MT with Mickey Corwin who set the school mark in 1984. Dasher now owns 32 career touchdown passes to rank sixth all-time at MT.
Left photo: Rob Issac and Cam Robinson
ROBINSON TOPS 100: Senior Cam Robinson joined an elite group at Middle Tennessee with today’s effort against ULM. With 10 tackles against ULM, Robinson reached triple figures for the season in stops with 104. Robinson is the first Blue Raider to hit triple figures in tackles since Will Martin had 100 tackles in 2003 and is just the third player in the FBS era. Mario Kelso had 106 stops in 1999 which was MT’s first year of I-A football. Robinson’s season total is the most by a linebacker at MT since Nathaniel Claybrooks had 108 stops in 1995.
DASHER BREAKS RUSHING RECORD: Dwight Dasher rushed for 88 yards against ULM to set a new career rushing record for 
quarterbacks at Middle Tennessee. Dasher now has 1,676 career rushing yards and broke the previous mark of 1,652 yards by Marvin Collier from 1985 to 1988.
Left Photo: Alex Suber interception
QUICK HITTERS: Middle Tennessee moved to 18-1 under Rick Stockstill when scoring 30 or more points in a game and a perfect 8-0 this season … Dwight Dasher recorded his 10th and 11th rushing TDs of the season to give him 14 for his career today against ULM … DE Chris McCoy recorded his seventh quarterback sack of the season early in the first quarter to tie him for the second most in a season with Tavares Jones and Anthony Hicks …Senior Mark Thompson played in his MT FBS record 49th career game today against ULM …The secondary of Alex Suber, Kevin Brown, Rod Issac, and Jeremy Kellem made their 17th straight start as a unit today against ULM … WR Shane Blissard’s second quarter touchdown reception was the second of his career … In the key month of November, Middle Tennessee has now won seven straight games dating back to last season (last loss was at Troy on Nov. 20, 2007 which was termed Black Tuesday) … MT ran its conference record to 7-1 and the seven wins are the most SBC victories in Blue Raider history … Dwight Dasher is now 13-4 all-time as the starter at quarterback … The four road wins this season equal the most since the Blue Raiders had four in 2006
Basketball: Blue Raiders 87 – Cumberland 54
November 28, 2009
Middle Tennessee rebounded from its loss earlier in the week taking an 87-54 win over Cumberland on Friday night.
Four Middle Tennessee players scored in the double-figures, seniors Theryn Hudson and Montarrio Haddock and freshmen James Gallman (left photo) and J.T. Sulton with Gallman scoring a team high 19.
Gallman ended the game 4 for 9 from behind the arc and 5 for 11 from the field. The Knoxville, native was a perfect 5 for 5 from the charity stripe.
The Blue Raiders (3-3) shot 44.9 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line after making 18 of 24 opportunities. Hudson went 6 for 8 from the field while Sulton was 4 for 8 and 4 for 5 from the free throw line.
“We’re still a work in progress and I thought we defended better in the second half. I’m just glad we got out of our little funk. James Gallman made some shots and that was a confidence builder for him. It was also a confidence builder for Theryn Hudson because he has played better in the last couple of games,” head coach Kermit Davis said. “Nothing against Cumberland, but we have to do this against higher levels of competition. There were a lot of positives, though, we got a few guys in who don’t normally get to play and were much better in the second half.”
Cumberland (1-6) shot 42.1 percent in the game with Brandon Springer leading the way with 24 points.
Middle Tennessee also picked up its defense with 34 rebounds, 14 of those on the offensive side of the ball. Sulton led the way with six while four different players grabbed four rebounds each.
“In the first half, Cumberland’s Brandon Springer got ahead of us a little bit and nobody could stop him. In the second half, we took it upon ourselves to lock him up. We went on a little run and came out playing strong defense,” Haddock said. “Defense makes everything better and that’s the best defensive game we’ve had since Marshall. Hopefully, that will carry over to the UAB game and we can beat them on the road.”
Junior James Washington guided the offense throughout the night as he had 11 assists and also had five steals.
The Blue Raiders led by seven, 37-30, at the half after leading by just two, 30-28 at the four-minute media timeout. Middle Tennessee led Cumberland throughout the first half but after it would get a significant lead the Bulldogs would come right back.
At the break, Sulton led the team with nine points while Gallman had eight. The team had just 14 rebounds, Sulton grabbed five, while Cumberland had 20.
Middle Tennessee did cut down on turnovers in the first half as it just six while the Bulldogs had 16 with seven Blue Raider steals.
The Blue Raiders extended their lead to 13-points early in the second half after a three-pointer by Gallman, 45-32. At the 25-minute media timeout, Middle Tennessee had taken a 20-point lead, 52-32 after playing solid defense and creating offensive opportunities.
Middle Tennessee never looked back making it 83-49 with five minutes remaining in the game.
The Blue Raiders will be back in action when they travel to Birmingham, to face UAB on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. And you’ll hear that game on Murfreesboro’s BLUE RAIDER CONNECTION—WGNS Good Neighbor Network (FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; TV 11; worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com).
Thanksgiving Games: Some Smiles, Some Tears!
November 27, 2009
To receive scoreboard updates by text message, click here.
State Football Semi-Final Tournament Game on WGNS
Riverdale 30 at Maryville 42 (Friday night)
Blue Raider Football on WGNS
MTSU 38 at University of Louisiana at Monroe 19 (Saturday afternoon)
Middle Tennessee State Men’s Basketball
Cumberland 54 at MTSU 87 (Friday evening)
Lady Raider’s Basketball on WGNS
MTSU 76 - Tennessee Tech 39 (Saturday night at Murphy Center)
Swap and Shop for Friday
November 27, 2009
For Sale: Hay and Lumber 542-3003
For Sale: 1990 Dodge Caravan and go carts 563-9844 WANT JUNK CARS
For Sale: 1995 Nissan Truck $2600 - 867-1010
For Sale: 20-gauage shotgun- SKB and ammunition and Xbox
Games 663-3077
For Sale: Cowl Induction Hood for Chevy Truck and a 1972
Ford Rollback and an ElCamino 893-1114
For Sale: 2007 Buick Lucerne CXL with 3200 miles - all
power, like new - 584-0748
NEED WORK - I am an electrician 653-3246
For Sale: Brown Leather brief case, cordless phone -
890-0707
For Sale: Washer and Dryer for $300, Leather Couch for
$250 and a loveseat for an offer - 569-0863
For Sale: FIREWOOD for $45 a rick and a Chevy S-10 for
$150 - 962-7474
For Sale: BABY Clothing and baby supplies call 895-1046
For Sale: Titans Tickets 971-1732
For Sale: 2-wheel trailer with 14″ tires for $250 and a
pair of donkeys and want feathered fowl 848-3590
MTSU Associate Professor to Spend Year in Jail
November 27, 2009
An associate professor at MTSU in the School of Nursing has been sentenced to serve one year in prison. Pamela Holder was accused of participating in a multi-million dollar mortgage scheme. Holder was convicted on bank and wire fraud charges. Holder allegedly defrauded the Bank of Nashville and First Tennessee Bank. The United States Attorney’s Office announced the result of the court case this past week. United States Attorney Edward Yarbrough noted in a press release that mortgage fraud is a serious crime.
Thanksgiving Travel was Reportedly Up Slightly
November 27, 2009
Travelers still have construction free roads throughout the weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation says they won’t resume current road projects until Monday and workers will have this time to remain home with their families.
Triple A predicted holiday travel is up for Thanksgiving when compared to last year. As far as how much it inched up in Tennessee, an estimated one million people are expected to travel by automobile in Tennessee and those travels will come to an end at midnight on Sunday for most people. One million travelers is an increase of 14,000 drivers.
Nearby DeKalb County: Resident Says When She Checked on Turkey, She Found Overnight Fire
November 27, 2009
A fire early Thanksgiving morning destroyed the home of Roscoe and Marie Rigsby in the Smithville area near Center Hill Lake.
DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green says Mrs. Rigsby had set her alarm clock Wednesday night to awaken her to check on a turkey she had placed in the oven and when the alarm sounded, she awoke and went to the kitchen. She got the turkey out of the oven and set it out to cool before placing it in the refrigerator. While she was in the kitchen, Mrs. Rigsby heard popping and crackling sounds coming from the basement. When she opened the door to the downstairs, she saw the basement engulfed in flames and the fire was beginning to spread up the stairs.
Mrs. Rigsby awoke her husband and they escaped unharmed, but the home and all their belongings were lost in the blaze. Green says the cause of the fire is undetermined but it apparently started in the basement. - WJLE
Congestion in front of local Stores on Black Friday
November 27, 2009
Lines gathered in front of some local retailers as early as 10-PM, Thursday night in Murfreesboro for shoppers to get what they call, “Black Friday Deals".” No fights were reported this year. Last year you may recall a small scuffle occurred in front of the Kohl’s Department Store between two women who had been waiting in line for over an hour. That fight was reported because one of the two women broke line. This year, one unknown female had what was described as a possible heart attack in front of the Walmart store on Old Fort Parkway. That incident was reported at about 6:15 on this Friday morning. The female was rushed to Middle Tennessee Medical Center. No word on the shopper’s condition.
As far as the actual shopping goes, economists will be watching how much people are willing to spend today (Friday, Nov. 27th), as a stronger than expected holiday season could signal that the recovery may not be as lackluster as most are predicting.
SEE THE PICTURES of THE CROWDS
Black Friday Bargain Hunters Campout For Savings!
November 26, 2009
Early signs of a strong Christmas shopping period in the ‘Boro was seen right after many finished their turkey. That’s when campers started setting-up tents at area retailers. In all but one location, it appeared that computers was the big draw. Around 10:00 o’clock Thursday night (11/26/09), the WGNS News cruiser discovered these determined shoppers.
Best Buy in the Avenue of Murfreesboro (above) had the largest crowd with a row of tents, sleeping bags and others continuing what some said was a tradition. Toys R Us drew the second largest crowd (below). There were no tents for these shoppers. Just heavy coats, a few lawn chairs and blankets.
Staples (below) drew the third largest crowd. Computers again was the customer draw. Notice the air mattress, cots and even “man’s best friend” along for the overnight treat.
Office Depot on Memorial drew the smallest number of early bird shoppers. There were two cars parked in front of that store around 10:00 o’clock Thursday night. People were sitting with windows closed and engines running in both vehicles. A video system playing movies could be easily seen in the SUV awaiting bargains there.
Abundance of Caring, Sharing and Hope Thanksgiving At Salvation Army
November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving (11/26/09) found the Murfreesboro Salvation Army’s Center of Hope filled with a cross-section of our community. This diverse group shared approximately 500 meals and conversation with each other. It appeared that most walked away with a feeling of hope and a better grasp on the blessings each of us enjoy!
The gym of the complex on the corner of the New Salem Highway and Bridge Avenue was filled with conversation and a spirit of love. Lieutenant Joe Crawford told WGNS News that a record number of volunteers and members of the community came together to encourage one another. When someone complimented him on the thorough organization of the event, Crawford quickly gave credit to his wife Loraine, who is a fellow lieutenant. Photo Below: The boxes along the back wall of the Salvation Army gym are filled with non-perishable food to distribute to needy families this Christmas. Volunteers were packing and stacking the crates in preparation for the holidays.
Wonderful Stories of Thanksgiving Heard In “Live” WGNS Radio Broadcast
One man shared that he was homeless and lived there and was a recovered alcoholic trying to get his life back together. He told how it took two programs to get him free of the addiction, and now he is seeking employment in the metal fabricating field in which he is trained. The tall bearded man confided, “You have to be the one to decide to make a change. Others who love you can’t do it for you. It’s hard, but definitely worth the struggle.” He said that his only living relative was a daughter in Memphis. Greg told radio listeners that he had disappointed so many, but wanted to get a job and prove he has changed before contacting his daughter. His moving story had even greater impact on this Thanksgiving day.
A mother in her 50s told how her daughter received brain damage when a chair was broken over her head 20-years ago. She was so thankful to be able to take care of the thirty-plus-year old, and that her child was her life. The woman confided that she felt her daughter’s injury was misdiagnosed when it occurred. The mom was at the Salvation Army to give encouragement to others who faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges. On the WGNS broadcast she said, “Especially at Thanksgiving, you realize how much we have and how we need to help others who are suffering.”
One volunteer looked around and said, “There are so many who need help…so many who simply need a caring ear to listen. It’s a shame we can’t have concern like this the other 364 days of the year.”
Lt. Crawford Hopes Childcare Will Again Be Available
Lieutenant Crawford was thankful to be in Murfreesboro, and noted the Center of Hope’s childcare center is large, equipped, but empty due to lack of funding. “Our Red Kettle campaign is encouraging at this point, and hopefully will enable us to once again offer this much needed service.”
Bell Ringers Needed
Lieutenant Crawford was looking for volunteers who would help ring the bells and be a part of their Red Kettle campaign. When asked about legendary bell ringer John Verge, the lieutenant said, “I wish we could clone him. His personal goal is $10,000 for his kettle, and with John’s love and determination—I truly feel he’ll make it.” John rings at K-Mart on Broad. You might want to go by and thank him for this service to our community. If you would like to help, call the Salvation Army at (615) 895-7071.
Census Office Opens December 3rd On Memorial Boulevard
November 26, 2009
2010 is a Census year, and once again one of the offices will be located here in Murfreesboro. State Senator Mae Beavers will help to cut the ribbon at 1:00 o’clock Thursday afternoon (12/3/09) to open the office at 833 Memorial Boulevard (suite E). That location is between DeJarnett Lane and Osborne Lane. WGNS News will take you there when the Riverdale High School Junior ROTC presents the colors and Justin Mangrum sings our National Anthem. World Outreach Pastor Alan Jackson will give the invocation and Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg will welcome the group to our community.
Swap and Shop for Thursday (Thanksgiving Day)
November 26, 2009
For Sale: Whirlpool Washer, Dryer and a Couch (leather) and a love seat - call 569-0863For Sale: Gocarts, riding mower and want junk 563-9844
For Sale: 2HP Air Compressor and a 12 Volt Cordless Drill, Amunition, 663-3077
For FREE: Small Dog 893-9369
WANTED: Old Radio’s, Lamp’s or anything old and free
896-2867
For Sale: 1948 Plymouth Coupe 243-7736
For Sale: 6-windows and a door for $200 - 893-3285
For Sale: 3-rocking chairs and want old razors 512-3412
For Sale: Round Bales - 631-1096
For Sale: Baby Stuff - tons of it 895-1046
For Sale: Holiday Rambler 895-0455
For Sale: Seats on the Riverdale Fan Bus to Maryville - 207-5809
8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge January 2nd At Outdoor SportsCom Pool
November 26, 2009
Calling all Polar Bears: Preregistration for the 8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge begins December 1.
Wake up from hibernation, Polar Bears, and let’s take the plunge! The 8th annual Polar Bear Plunge will be held on January 2, 2010. Brave men, women and children from around the area will don costumes and swimwear and take “polar” dips into the Sports*Com Outdoor Pool. There’s a reason to be freezin’…families to be benefited by the Murfreesboro City Schools Family Resource Centers!
Above photo: Last year’s Polar Bear Plunge, and yes—that is “ICE” being poured into the pool.
The Polar Bear Plunge is hosted by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department and will take place in the outdoor pool at Sports*Com. The Polar Bear Plunge is open to anyone 5 years or older who is a fan of having a good time for a good cause. For plungers under 18 years, a waiver/release form must be signed by a parent/guardian.
Each Polar Bear is required to bring nonperishable food items for the Family Resource Centers. All plunging Polar Bears can purchase an official Polar Bear Plunge commemorative t-shirt on the day of the event. Last year’s event raised over 1200 pounds of food with over 600 plungers!
The average water temperature hovers around 40 degrees but for the not-so-brave souls, there is a Chicken Plunge into the heated indoor pool. Plunges will commence with Vice-Mayor Chris Bratcher as emce, at 10:00 a.m. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. In addition to the plunges, there will be the “Arctic Adventure” with games and activities for the whole family and the “coolest costume” contest. The winner, voted by the crowd, will receive a trophy.
Preregistration will be available at Sports*Com beginning December 1. Sports*Com is located at 2310 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129. For more information, please contact Plunge Coordinator Nate Williams at 895-5040, nwilliams@murfreesborotn.gov.
About the Family Resource Center
Murfreesboro City Schools, through a partnership with the Murfreesboro Housing Authority, has two Family Resource Centers. Both of these centers serve Murfreesboro City Schools’ children and the residents living in their surrounding communities. The centers provide emergency transportation, clothes and food closets for families. Parenting classes, community events, and activities for the children are focuses of the Family Resource Center.
United Way Now Has $1,508,033.35
November 26, 2009
The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has now officially surpassed the half-way mark of its goal. At this time $1,508,033.35 has been collected. That represents 53.9 per cent of the total campaign goal of $2.8-million.
Electricity Providers Give $35,500
L-R photo ID: Ken Breeden, executive vice president for customer resources for TVA; P.D. Mynatt, chief financial officer for Murfreesboro Electric; Steve Sax, general manager of Murfreesboro Electric; Campaign Chair Andrew Oppmann of The Daily News Journal; Frank Jennings, president and CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corp.; and Brian Hercules, president and CEO of United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.
It’s A Team Effort
2008 Campaign Chair and now President and CEO of the local United Way Brian Hercules noted that while the United Way reached its highest fundraising amount in 2008 with $.734 million, there were $1.4 million of requested needs that went unmet. As expected, with this year’s challenges in the economy, the volume of need tends to be even greater.
This years Campaign Chair Andrew Oppmann commented, “We’re starting the Over The Top Club earlier, because the needs in our communities have never been greater in recent memory. The Over the Top Club is yet another way for our readers to help the 45 local agencies and programs that depend upon United Way for funding.”
To contribute and be recognized as an Over the Top Club member, please call United Way at 615-893-7303 or visit www.uwrutherford.org. Individuals who make a new or additional donation of $100 or more, and businesses and organizations who donate $250 or more, will be recognized in listings printed in the Daily News Journal. The United Way and its 45 partner agencies and programs work to advance the common good in Rutherford and Cannon counties by focusing on the essentials for building a strong community: education, income and health. The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties is located at 615 Memorial Boulevard, Suite 200, in Murfreesboro.
City School Board Sets Interviews With Director Finalists
November 26, 2009
A new month brings changes to the Murfreesboro City School system. The board is down to two finalists for director. They interview Dr. Linda Gilbert at 4:00 o’clock Tuesday afternoon (12/1/09). Dr. Lela Bridges from Harvey, Illinois will go before the board at the same time Wednesday (12/2/09). The Murfreesboro School Board will announce their decision in a special called meeting at 7:30 Thursday night (12/3/09). WGNS News will be there to let you know who is the new director of the Murfreesboro City School system. L-R photo ID: Dr. Linda Gilbert; Dr. Lela Bridges
Murfreesboro’s Dr. Linda Gilbert, who was formerly with the city system, is one of the final two. She is a professor in MTSU’s Department of Educational Leadership.
Harvey, Illinois Public School Director Dr. Lela Bridges is the other finalist. Harvey is a community of approximately 31,000 persons and is about 8-miles southwest of Chicago.
Basketball: UT 69 – Lady Raiders 52
November 26, 2009
A Murphy Center women’s record 11,802 witnessed Middle Tennessee dropping a 69-52 decision to No. 6 Tennessee Wednesday (11/25/09) night in Murfreesboro. The crowd ties for the second-largest attendance in school history and is the most by the Blue Raider women’s program in its 35 years, surpassing the previous standard of 10,010 against Maryland November 10, 2006.
Redshirt senior All-American Alysha Clark paced Middle Tennessee (2-2) with her fourth double-double to start the season, as she netted a game-high 23 points and added 10 rebounds in playing all 40 minutes. She raises her MT double-double total to 21 and her career mark to 59.
Joining her in double figures was fellow senior Jackie Pickel (left photo) with 16 points, keyed by four 3-pointers. She contributed one-half of the team’s long-range shots and made three straight triples during the opening 10 minutes, the last pulling the Blue Raiders within one, 18-17, at 11:13.
Seniors Chelsia Lymon added eight points and Brandi Brown connected for five, as the quartet was the only Middle Tennessee players to score against the much taller Lady Vols.
Glory Johnson paced Tennessee (4-0) with a double-double of her own, netting 21 points and grabbing a game-best 12 boards. She hit 10-of-15 field goals, leading a Lady Vol attack that piled in 30-of-55 (54.5 percent) from the floor for the game. UT knocked down 16-of-26 (61.5 percent) during the opening 20 minutes.
Angie Bjorklund poured in 16 points, while Shekinna Stricklen chipped in 12 to give Tennessee a trio in double figures. Kelley Cain hauled in a game-best 11 caroms.
The score only changed hands once, on a Lymon 3-pointer at 19:28 for a 3-2 MT edge. Taber Spani responded with a layup to put the Lady Vols back on top. After Johnson added a jumper for a three-point cushion, Pickel answered with her first of the three-straight triples for the game’s only tie.
Following Pickel’s third trey, Cain recorded a pair of back-to-back jumpers to build a five-point margin, 22-17, with 8:41 remaining in the first half. Brown drilled a 3-pointer to pull the deficit back to two, but an 8-0 UT spurt pushed the lead to 10, 30-20, on a Johnson tip-in with 3:58 to play.
(left photo: MTSU’s Anne Marie Lanning)
The first half advantage grew to 13, but Brown added a layup with 32 seconds left to take the teams into the intermission, 35-24.
Cold shooting tripped the Blue Raiders early in the second stanza. Tennessee increased its edge to 16, 47-31, on an old-fashioned three-point play by Johnson at 14:49. Clark then countered with one of her own and the margin stayed at least 13 for the next six minutes until the All-American hit consecutive shots to trim it to 12, 54-42, with 8:31 to play.
Bjorklund scored seven of the Lady Vols’ next 13 points, expanding the lead to a game-high 20, 67-47, with 3:30 on the clock. Clark would outscore the visitors 5-2 the remainder of the contest, including her only 3-pointer, to decide the final score.
Middle Tennessee will return to action at 7:30 p.m. Saturday when it plays host to another in-state foe, its third in a row, when it welcomes Tennessee Tech to the Murphy Center.
Middle Tennessee Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Rick Insell (left photo):
Opening statement:
I was real proud of our kids. They gave great effort. We had some possessions that we wasted. Against a team like that, with the length that they have got, and as good as they are, we cannot have wasted possessions. I felt like we missed a layup and missed a foul shot and then they hit a three, and they were able to stretch the lead out a little bit.
We were playing one of the best fundamentally coached teams in the county, they are ranked 7th (AP-6th) in the country, they have size and length. They do not have the senior leadership like we have got, but they have got a lot of great athletes and they took advantage of that.
We had Brandi Brown (left photo) and Alysha Clark inside battling the (Kelley) Cain kid, and we let (Glory) Johnson in for a couple of easy rebound shots. And we were having to shut down their threes with (Angie) Bjorklund and (Alicia) Manning, and we were not able to get to Johnson on the backside.
On the crowd:
We need to do this more often. I was proud of our fans. We are building. We are getting there. We have come from five years ago when we had 300 a night to having people begging to get in tonight. It is these kids right here (Jackie Pickel and Alysha Clark) and the rest of them that the fans come to see.
On rebounds being only seven behind Tennessee:
That is because of heart; that is because we were battling. Everybody we had was battling. We had to. We knew that. And Tennessee made the plays. Bjorklund was making some shots on Jackie, you have a kid out there that is having to battle thru a screen against a girl that outweighs her by probably 100 lbs. And it is tough to ask a young lady like her to get thru. And Chelsia (Lymon) was playing with a hurt shoulder and she was giving it everything she had.
I am really proud of our team. We have a 2-2 record, but we have lost to LSU, who is No. 6 and to Tennessee, who I think is No. 7. You have to play those type games to get your program where you want it to be. We could have picked some teams that we could have manhandled, but we did not do that. We need to play the Xavier’s, the Louisville’s, the Kentucky’s, in order to get better.
On MT’s 3-point shooting: 
No I was not worried about shooting so far out. They have the freedom to shoot any time and they know that. I was not disappointed about how we shot the ball.
Alysha Clark (left photo):
Opening statement:
In the first half, our shooters were hitting, so I was not going to try to battle inside for shots. Coach always says, if something is working, keep going to it, and that is what we were doing. I was playing defense and finding our shooters. In the second half, they started closing out on the threes, so I had to start working inside to open that up more. I was trying to read her (Cain) inside and see what she was doing, and adjust to that.
On the crowd:
I thought it was great. I was really excited to see all of that blue in the stands. Our fans are great anyway, but all the students we had in the student section, they could have easily gone home today, but they stayed to support us, and that means a lot to us.
On the overall atmosphere of the game:
I think it helped us. I think it helped our young girls the most, to see us in the game, and that we never quit. Even getting down 16, then 20, we never stopped playing. Even with 30 seconds left in the game, Jackie is diving out of bounds to get a ball.
On playing against Tennessee’s much taller inside girls:
Like I say all the time, I am undersized at 5-10, and I am always playing against girls bigger than I am. I have to use the talents that I have. A lot of girls are bigger than me, but they are not as mobile.
Jackie Pickel (left photo):
On early game shooting:
We talked about bringing Alysha out and doing the pick and roll with big Cain. Most teams try to trap, or at least hedge, where I cannot get that shot. We talked about zippering it and it worked. I was open on it and they had to adjust their defense. When Alysha would come out, they had to choose between me and an All-American.
Tennessee Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Pat Summit
Opening comments: I thought our basketball team did a good job coming in and embracing our defensive schemes with what we wanted to do and how we wanted to defend certain people. We shot the ball pretty well, and that always helps. Our defense was much stronger in the first half. We had some lapses in the second half. I am overall really pleased. Glory Johnson is playing extremely well for us. Her efficiency in getting paint points and now she is shooting from the free throw line out and rebounding. She and Kelley Cain have a great presence for us inside which opens up a lot of things on the outside. I wish our bench play had been better and I would have liked to have gotten more minutes off of the bench. They made some runs at us and we never felt safe so we stayed with who was playing the best. (Left photo: Dana Garrett)
On Glory Johnson:
She has just matured so much on and off of the court and she has tremendous confidence now because she has been working on her offensive game a lot. She is a quick jumper, can get inside people and get the ball up on the glass. She has been terrific for us and I like her competitiveness and composure. Dean Lockwood deserves a lot of credit for the composure she is bringing.
On the importance of this game to the state of Tennessee:
You can look at the crowd that was here and know that the people in this area embrace and support women’s basketball. Rick has done a great job of getting out in the community which a lot of coaches in our game are not passionate about. He has people here because they love basketball, but they also like the style of play and they know Coach Insell is going to continue to win. It is great to have that fan support and it continues grow year in and year out.
On having a higher scoring percentage than last year:
This group has invested in getting into the gym. It is no secret, if you are not going to work on your skills, then do not expect them to improve. Get in the gym and get extra reps in and come in and shoot the ball. Taber (Spani) is in there all of the time. Angie (Bjorklund) is in there all of the time. And (Shekinna) Strickland is in there all of the time. Glory is working out with Dean all of the time and this is outside of practice on their own. They are much more invested and last year was a tough lesson for us to live through, but it is the best thing that happened to us because they took ownership. It was not about the coaches; it was about the players taking ownership.
On defending Alysha Clark:
Limit her touches, deny her the ball and double team when she got the ball. We did a great job with our defense in the first half and she did a better job of getting open in the second half. We mixed up our man and zone defenses and she got more looks out of our zone.
Glory Johnson
On her performance:
I got to show off a lot of what I worked on over the summer. Taking the ball down the floor and shooting jump shots early in the game. I surprised myself with how consistent my shots were from the free throw line.
On playing in hostile environments:
We had a lot of energy. Before the game we were pumping ourselves up a little bit. We got really hyped before the game. We started off slow, but we knew what we had to do to win. So we started picking up our game.
Taber Spani
On road games:
The biggest thing that is preached to us is sticking together and being our own support system. Like coach says, everyone but Tennessee fans hates Tennessee and is going to root against us. It has helped our team and we realize that we have to be our energy and that we cannot rely on our fans for our energy. That and the work ethic and compassion we put in every play has helped us and we have gotten better at that.
Murfreesboro Police Watching…Hopefully An Even Safer Thanksgiving!
November 26, 2009
This week and week-end will be one of the highest travel holidays in the year. Thanksgiving weekend highlights an extremely heavy travel period. Murfreesboro Police Major Clyde Adkison said, "We are asking all citizens to wear their safety belt and make sure you travel with your headlights on low beam."
And attention to driving by motorists as well as law enforcement agencies is paying off. Statistics just released by the State Department of Transportation show fatalities down by almost 100 persons for this year to date as compared to 2008.
Division Commander Adkison noted, " Between Thanksgiving and New Years is our busiest traffic flow season and typically is our highest reported number of traffic crashes. The police department will be looking for all traffic violators, but will be putting an emphasis on: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs; Speeding; Disregarding Traffic Signals or Signs; Failure to Yield the Right of Way; Child Restraint; Seat Belts; Improper Passing; Following too Closely; and Lane Violations; among others."
In the weeks ahead, WGNS Talk Radio will devote special programs covering ways to reduce your risk of being a holiday crime victim. That includes while shopping or at your home.
Murfreesboro Rotary Gives $1,000 To Oakland High Interact Club
November 25, 2009
The Murfreesboro Rotary Club donated $1,000 to the Oakland High School Interact Club. Interact President Suzanne Sallaj received the gift from Rotary President Beth Smith. Rotary International created the Interact concept in 1960 as a way to encourage service among youth and foster their active interest in a community, along with developing leadership skills.
After students from the Oakland High School Interact Club spoke, Cindy Tinker shared how Rotary has impacted her life. In 1990 she was awarded a Rotary scholarship for a year’s study in Australia. (L-R photo ID) Suzanne Sallaj receives check from Smith, and Cindy Tinker addresses the group. The Murfreesboro Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon at the Stones River Country Club.
Unemployment Down Again for Rutherford Co.
November 25, 2009
The unemployment rate for Rutherford County has dropped again. The October unemployment rate stands at nine-point-three percent. That’s down point-two percent from September’s nine-point-five percent. There are 11-thousand 990 unemployed in Rutherford County. We are among the 42 counties that saw a decrease during October. The rate increased in 38 and stayed the same in 15. The Tennessee unemployment rate is 10-point-five percent…unchanged from the rate of unemployment in September.
Donna Berg Wins The First “Shop & Stroll” Christmas Money Stocking From Downtown Merchants
November 25, 2009
Bill Shacklett joined County Mayor Ernest Burgess “live” from City Cafe on WGNS Wednesday morning (11/25/09). The station’s broadcast from the 109-year old downtown eatery was the perfect setting, since this was the first of several $100 “Shop & Stroll” giveaways sponsored by downtown merchants. Donna Berg was the winner, and she entered the contest at Smotherman’s Antiques. The next drawing will be during the Christmas Tree lighting in front of the historic courthouse at 6:00 o’clock Friday night, December 4th. Those festivities begin at 5:00 o’clock with puppets from First Baptist Church on East Main Street. And at 6:00 o’clock that evening, holiday music and dance favorites will be performed from the stage on the east side of the courthouse. Santa arrives later and helps local officials light our county Christmas tree. WGNS’ Bart Walker serves as emcee of this down home Christmas gala. Shacklett notes that many merchants will be open and offering hot cider, cookies and other favorites throughout the evening. (photo L-R ID) Bill Shacklett holds the bag filled with entries, and County Mayor Ernest Burgess reaches-in and pulls-out Donna Berg’s card.
Lady Raiders vs. Lady Vols…Coaches Speak at Breakfast of Champions
November 25, 2009
In a WGNSRadio.com website exclusive…you can hear the audio from Lady Raider coach Rick Insell and Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. They both spoke at the Breakfast of Champions at Embassy Suites Wednesday morning.
FROM CITY OF M’BORO: Free Prescription Discount Cards for Residents
November 25, 2009
The City of Murfreesboro is trying something new that will reportedly help local residents save money on prescription drugs. The city will be issuing drug discount cards. The city issued the following press release outlining the program…
The City of Murfreesboro is introducing a program that will provide its residents with a new tool to help hold down the high cost of prescription drugs. Administered by CVS/Caremark, the largest company of its kind in the country, and sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC) , which represents the interests of approximately 19,000 cities, towns and villages around the country, the program makes free prescription drug discount cards available to all Murfreesboro residents.
The cards offer average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs not otherwise covered by insurance. There is no enrollment form required to get a card, no membership fee of any kind and city residents and their family members can use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. Applicants need only retrieve a card from one of the small kiosks in the City Hall and follow the instructions.
NLC (National League of Cities) and Murfreesboro are able to make these money-saving cards available to city residents at no cost to the individual. “For now,” city spokesman Chris Shofner said, “signup cards are available only in City Hall (111 West Vine St.) but they will soon be available in a variety of high-traffic areas and facilities around the city. “These areas will include sports facilities like Sports*Com and Patterson Park Community Center and utilities like Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Department and Murfreesboro Electric Department,” he added, "and they should be available in these locations within the next couple of weeks."
The discount cards are available to any Murfreesboro resident, Ralph Frissore, CVS/Caremark account advocate for consumer programming, pointed out. The cards are not an insurance program. They are part of a national prescription drug discount program.
“This card is for everyone,” he said. “Uninsured, underinsured, even people with prescription insurance can use it on prescriptions that may not be covered by their prescription insurance.” The cards may be used by all residents of Murfreesboro and have no restrictions based on the resident’s age, income level, or existing health coverage. Nine out of 10 pharmacies around the city are participating, as well as more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country, Frissore said. The cards are easy to use and they save residents an average 20 percent on their prescription costs. “That savings will vary from drug to drug and pharmacy to pharmacy,” he said, “but the overall average is around 20 percent.” “Watch for additional kiosks in city buildings and facilities,” Shofner said.
$280,000 Christy-Houston Gift Enables Linebaugh Library To Better Serve Patrons
November 25, 2009
The Christy-Houston Foundation has awarded more than $280,000 to Linebaugh Public Library System for the implementation of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, to help boost efficiency and allow staff members to spend more time working one-on-one with its patrons. Along with the RFID system, the library will be able to purchase some much needed items that were not funded in the normal operating budget.
The library system currently maintains over 281,000 items, circulates over 1 million items annually, and has a patron base of over 125,000 at its four branches and bookmobile. RFID technology will assist the library’s staff members in their efforts to meet increasing patron needs for services, said LPLS Director Rita Shacklett. The system will also enhance the security of the library’s collection.
Despite the overall national economic downturn, Rutherford County continues to be ranked as the fastest growing county in Tennessee (U.S. Census Bureau, May 2009). “Our county’s residents deserve to have a library system to meet their increasing needs. With the state of the economy, many of our patrons coming in need resources for jobs,” Shacklett said. “We will be able to offer more one-on-one customer service once we have the new technology.”
RFID will allow for materials to be checked out and returned faster, which helps put the items into the hands of library patrons more quickly. RFID will also enable the library system to exercise better control of the books, DVD, audiobooks, music CDs, and other materials in its collection, by allowing it to more easily conduct inventory. “We consider library materials to be a community resource, and it is important for us to be good stewards of materials purchased with public funds,” Shacklett said.
An independent nonprofit agency, LPLS is jointly funded by Rutherford County and the governments of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Eagleville. This year, it received level funding, or no budget increase from the previous year. Although the library system did not have to cut hours or services, there were many budget areas where cuts had to be made, to offset increased costs. The grant from Christy-Houston will help the library acquire much-needed equipment and materials that were not funded in its budget, including:
- New materials for all LPLS branches. Up to $20,000 will be spent to purchase books, audiobooks, and DVDs to replace existing materials which are out-of-date, worn out, or have been lost.
- A new microfilm reader/printer for Linebaugh Library’s Historical Research Room to replace the current 10 year-old machine
- A new service desk for the Youth Services Department at Linebaugh Library to replace the recycled 50 year-old circulation desk which is not child friendly or ergonomically designed.
- A DVD cleaner, to extend the life of the library system’s DVD collection.
- A new public copy machine for Linebaugh Library. Currently, the library leases its public photocopiers, receiving none of the revenue. By owning the photocopier, Linebaugh Library will recoup its costs for paper, as well as potentially gain a new revenue source.
- Replacement computers and other equipment, such as a carpet steam cleaner and a vacuum cleaner.
“We want to say, many thanks to the Christy-Houston Foundation for their generous donation. LPLS is very grateful for their support. Their forward thinking will allow our library system to provide faster, more dependable service to our patrons by providing this latest technology,” Shacklett said.
Riverdale Warrior Fans Could Ride The Bus to the Friday Game
November 25, 2009
A group of parents and fans of the Riverdale Warriors are considering the charter of a bus to take to Maryville on Friday night. The bus the group is looking to charter on game night will hold a total of 55-passengers and the cost will be $22-per passenger. If you are interested, you are encouraged to reserve a seat today by calling 207-5809 or 904-4244.
Middle TN Electric Rates Moving Down
November 25, 2009
MTEMC members will see their rates go down about four percent in December as TVA will reduce its Fuel Cost Adjustment for the sixth time since the first of the year.
However, the impact on member bills will depend on the amount of energy they use because the Fuel Cost Adjustment is a per kilowatt-hour charge.
“In November, TVA changed its Fuel Cost Adjustment from a quarterly to a monthly calculation,” MTEMC’s Chris Jones said. “TVA officials have said this will allow for more accurate forecasting of fuel and purchased power costs and less dramatic swings in the FCA charge.”
Beginning Dec. 1, the FCA will decrease from -0.322 cents per kilowatt-hour to -0.689 cents per kilowatt-hour.
TVA cites the continued FCA decreases as a result of higher than planned hydro generation, which has reduced the demand for more expensive resources; lower than expected sales; and continued lower prices for fuels like coal and natural gas, which are used to produce electricity.
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