Spring2020RaiderReview

Tanner Owens, one of America’s top amateur golfers, leads the way for his hometown university Page 6

COURT VISION

Charity Savage has blossomed into a basketball star, scholar, and patriot Page 10

Staying ON Course IN THE Groove s

MTSU vs COVID-19 Page 34

Middle Tennessee State University

Blue Raider Athletic Association

Spring 2020 / Vol. 4, No. 2

Director of Athletics

Chris Massaro

Associate AD/Communications

Mark Owens

Assistant AD/Development

Justin Morrison

Bethany Boyles

Art Director

Kara Hooper

Contributing Editors

Justin Morrison, Mark Owens, Drew Ruble, Carol Stuart

Contributing Writers

Bethany Boyles, Anthony Fiorella, Chris Massaro, Justin Morrison, Mark Owens, Daryl Simpson, Tony Stinnett, Josh Vardaman, Chip Walters

Designer

David G. Lowry

Athletics Photographers

Eric Beovich, Devin Grimes, Nathan Wallach

Special Thanks to

Chuck Arnold, Theo Bacot, Tom Cribbs, Dustin Henry, Charlie Legeman

University President

Sidney A. McPhee

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Andrew Oppmann

Address changes should be sent to Advancement Services, MTSU Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; alumni@mtsu.edu. Other correspondence should be sent to the Blue Raider Athletic Association, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. 900 copies printed at Lithographics in Nashville, Tenn.

0120-8678/ Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, colo r, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs, and activities sponsored by MTSU. The Assistant to the President for Institutional Equity and Compliance has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and can be reached at Cope Administration Building 116, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; Marian.Wilson@mtsu.edu; or 615-898-2185 The MTSU policy on non-discrimination can be found at www.mtsu.edu/iec.

Tanner Owens, one of America’s top amateur

leads the way for his hometown

Through maturity, perseverance, and well-aligned priorities, Charity Savage has blossomed into a basketball star, scholar, and patriot

Senior leader, role model, and graduate Antonio Green is the complete package for

Banner

How

From the Desk of the A.D.

In order for the Blue Raiders to perform at their best, we need to provide them with the proper nutrition, care, and tools

t Middle Tennessee, we’ve experienced high levels of success in recent years across the board in athletics, giving Blue Raiders fans lasting memories while winning Conference USA titles in numerous sports and competing in national championships. Our studentathletes, coaches, and support staff have helped put this University on the national radar, and now it’s time to help pay them back in a major way while at the same time making sure we’re set up for more success in the future.

We announced a new facilities master plan in 2018 where we outlined some big changes on the horizon, including to our weight room and nutrition area. I cannot stress enough the importance these improvements will have on the future of our athletic department. In order for our athletes, coaches, trainers, and other staff to perform at their best, we need to provide them with the proper nutrition, care, and tools. It’s no secret we’ve fallen behind our C-USA counterparts in some of these areas, and it’s precisely the reason we need to make the investment now to enhance our facilities. Plus, with other improvements currently taking place all across campus, it only makes sense that we would follow suit with our athletics facilities in helping to make the University a truly one-of-a-kind institution. Our coaches agree: Rick Stockstill (football): “Our players work so hard for this University, and they deserve to be rewarded for

the work they put in. I’ve said it before, we’re so far behind other Conference USA schools that now we’re just catching up, but we have to make that commitment. We’ve got to start moving some dirt, because it’s all about facilities with kids now, and our players deserve it.”

Nick McDevitt (men’s basketball): “Being able to provide our student-athletes with top-notch facilities is very important. The additions we’re making to our nutrition area will be another step in the right direction for our athletic department and University, and we’re excited to see what’s to come.”

Providing our student-athletes with top-notch facilities is very important

Rick Insell (women’s basketball): “Having a nutrition center will be a huge asset for our student-athletes, especially being easily accessible to them. Providing healthy nutrition options is vital and providing wellbalanced food options and a place for student-athletes to train better will certainly impact their overall experience. It will be a win-win for all parties involved.”

Currently, we are in the process of securing funding for our master plan. MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and I are excited about the possibilities we can achieve working together with various partnerships. I’m elated about where this project is heading. Look for announcements to come soon on our progress. Our student-athletes deserve everything we can provide them. RR

Chris Massaro

Athletic Director

IN THE Groove s

by Tony Stinnett

Tanner Owens, one of America’s top amateur golfers, leads the way for his hometown university

Two defining moments seemed to set Tanner Owens’ amateur golf career in motion, and both came by way of his dad. The first seemed innocent enough when, as a toddler, he received a plastic golf set from his parents. It was meant as nothing more than a toy for a 3-year-old youngster.

No one could have imagined where that purchase would lead Owens, who has embarked upon a top-flight amateur career on the links.

The Natural

Even at that early age, the sweet-swinging southpaw appeared to be a natural with a club in his hands.

“No one would tell Tanner anything, and he had the sweetest golf swing,” recalls his father, Mark Owens, who is associate athletics director for communications at Middle Tennessee. “I never played a lot of golf or got lessons, but people would comment about his swing and how natural it was.

“I remember asking [former Blue Raider golf coach] Johnny Moore what to do to aid Tanner with his golf as he got older. Coach Moore said to just let him go out and hit it as hard as he can.”

The other defining moment took place some 14 years later during the summer prior to Tanner Owens’ junior year at Blackman High School in Murfreesboro. This gesture was not nearly as nice or kind as the purchase of that plastic golf set that set his golf game in motion. In fact, it was just the opposite.

Although a solid golfer, Owens was not getting the same notice from college coaches as some of his competitors.

Playing at the Southern Junior in Jackson, Mississippi, he had just completed a round of 80. It wasn’t one of his better days on the course, but it was still

good enough to beat the golfer he was playing against— an Ole Miss commit who fired an 85.

“After that round, I asked my dad why I was not being recruited but he is. I know I played bad, but I still beat him,” Owens reflected. “My dad looked at me and said, word for word, ‘You are not being recruited because your golf game sucks.’

“This coming from your coach would be enough to fire you up, but coming from your dad? It put me in a different place mentally, and I proceeded to shoot somewhere like 11 straight rounds under par in tournaments and began being recruited by many schools.

“That is the moment that changed my golfing career.”

During his three years as a Blue Raider, the younger Owens has been part of back-to-back Conference USA championships. He was undefeated in match play during his junior year to help lead the way to the second consecutive C-USA title.

Last fall, Owens was dynamic as he posted rounds of par or better nine times in 11 outings while turning in five top-10 finishes, including two top-five efforts.

“I really don’t think people know how good Tanner is,” said Mark McEntire, MT’s head golf coach. “He had one bad [fall] tournament that has kept him from being ranked among the top players in college golf.

“Tanner has a tremendous work ethic. As a coach, you like to see a player improve every year. I believe that Tanner has done that and looks to be playing the best golf of his career.”

Committed to His Shot

The younger Owens is ultra-competitive and driven to succeed. Though golf is considered a “polite” pursuit, the game inspires competitive vigor in him.

That drive has led him to be ranked among the best to have ever played at Middle Tennessee.

“I have never seen anyone that does not like to lose more than Tanner,” McEntire said. “I feel that he gets down on himself sometimes too quickly if he does not have success early, but that is just his competitive nature. He does a very nice job of asking questions in practice rounds and after each round on the holes that he does not feel comfortable. I wish more of our players would watch and take note of that.”

That competitive nature is not reserved for the golf course. Owens also sports a 4.0 grade point average and is studying Healthcare Administration. He is as proud of his academic achievement as his golf success.

“Academics have always been a top priority since I was young,” Owens said. “My parents always stressed to me that school is more important than athletics, and I have tried to implement that all through my schooling.”

McEntire says Owens’ academic drive equals that of his golf swing.

“He is as good off the course as he is in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA,” McEntire said. “He works hard in the classroom

and takes that seriously. If we can have every player come through this program during my tenure here at MTSU and improve, mature, and handle school the way Tanner does, we will become one of the elite programs in college golf.”

Work ethic and a willingness to adapt to change when necessary are also hallmarks of Owens’ overall success, particularly on the course.

“I don’t know of a day that goes by when Tanner is not on a course doing something. He is willing to put in that effort,” said Rob McGill, Owens’ swing coach. “One of the things he does really well is he allows himself the ability to make change when it needs to be made, and he works very hard to make that change happen. A lot of guys in that situation are resistant to change because they know what looks good and feels good to them. He has the ability to make the change when he needs it.

“The good thing is Tanner hasn’t had to make many changes the last few years because he works so hard that he is consistent at what he does. He has a lot of really good things going right now. His golf swing is in a good spot.”

Mark Owens says his son’s drive to compete at the highest level always has been paramount.

“To his fault sometimes, Tanner is a perfectionist,” the elder Owens said. “Tanner wants to excel at all times. He is driven. He gets out of bed every day wanting to improve. It has always been that way as Tanner is a very, very, very competitive person.”

Owens has been part of back-to-back Conference USA championships.

The competitiveness was revealed at an early age.

When Tanner Owens was just 9 years old, his dad entered him in his first tournament—a nine-hole event in Chattanooga.

“He performed admirably right out of the gate,” his father said. “It was his first tournament. He never saw the course. He was the first player to tee off, and on his first hole he striped it down the middle. He birdies his first hole and goes on to win the tournament. From that moment, you almost knew he had something special.”

Tanner Owens believed so as well. While also a solid basketball and baseball player, he opted to put his efforts into golf following that one afternoon in Chattanooga.

“After I played in my first golf tournament and won, I knew I could

compete, and I enjoyed playing the game so I converted all of my time to being great at golf,” Owens said. It was a decision he would not regret.

The youngster also was drawn to the accountability that comes with competition in golf.

“The one thing that attracted me to golf was the individualism of the sport,” Owens said. “Everything I do in the game rests on my shoulders, which is a big reason I began playing. I am almost too competitive. Golf is great because whether I shoot 85 or 65, the only one to blame is me.”

Golf also has taught valuable life skills, such as discipline. Though it applies to golf in this sense, he believes it will be a respected quality for years to come.

“Staying disciplined to the process is the hardest part of the game,” Owens said. “No matter if you are making birdies or bogeys, you have to stick to your certain process. A change in this process can throw off your tempo, attitude, or confidence and lead to poor shots.

“Golf is one of the toughest sports in the world when it comes to mental focus. You have to pay attention to so many details, and one lapse can cost you a tournament.”

Owens aspires to play at the top of his game on a consistent basis. His performances at the national level of his amateur career suggests he already does.

Owens already has played in the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Junior Amateur, and the PGA Junior Championship. He was scheduled to compete in the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Tournament this May.

The summer of 2014 saw him enjoy one of the most prolific summers of any young golfer as he won the prestigious Future Masters in Dothan, Alabama, becoming only the second Tennessean in the first 65 years of the tournament to win the event. Owens also qualified for and advanced to match play at the U.S. Junior Amateur, where he defeated the No.-1 ranked junior in the world, Austin Connelly. Additionally, he was a medalist at the 2014 Tennessee PGA Junior qualifier and advanced to the National PGA Junior.

“That summer was one of the most incredible summers you could have as an amateur golfer,” McGill said.

“For the first time, you could see Tanner buying into the process and not worrying as much about the end result but how the process got you to the end result. What became important was the next shot and only the next shot, not just winning the tournament. Now, he was rolling.”

By the end of the summer of 2014, Owens was ranked the No. 1 player in the 2016 class for Tennessee and fourth overall in the state.

College coaches took note.

A Tale of Two Cities

Though it seemed he had choices to make as several schools came calling, Owens already had narrowed his decision to two finalists—Middle Tennessee and Virginia Tech, which happened to be the alma mater of both his father and his mother, Jane Lowe.

“While I took a few visits, my recruiting process was a little bit different because I knew the only two places that I wanted to go were Middle Tennessee or Virginia Tech, and there was no other option,” he said. “After taking my unofficial visit to Virginia Tech and finding out my golf offer, I got back home and wrote a note that I put under my bed. It read, ‘Virginia Tech, no matter what.’ I wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps, and the recruiting process pretty much ended at that moment.”

Though his mind was set on the Hokies, Owens says that choosing a college out of high school “was one of the hardest decisions of my life, given the support system I already had at MTSU. Whit Turnbow was the coach at the time, and he was a big reason for jump-starting my golf career. The decision was extremely difficult and took a lot of thought.”

It was also tough for Mark Owens. But the fact his son was going to be attending his alma mater in Blacksburg, Virginia, eased the pain of Tanner leaving home for the first time.

“Virginia Tech is where I went to school and my dad went to school, so when they came calling, it was very special,” the elder Owens said. “When Tanner committed, I burst into tears. It was a

dream come true to have my son be a student-athlete at the school where I graduated.”

As exciting as the situation was, it didn’t last.

At some point during his freshman year at Virginia Tech, Tanner Owens made the tough decision to return home to Murfreesboro and transfer to Middle Tennessee.

“There are a few reasons that were part of me being a somewhat dumb young adult that aided in me coming back, but overall it was a comfortability thing,” he said. “I had friends here. I knew the courses. The campus and all of those things played a role. I loved Virginia Tech and always will, but MTSU was the best place for my golf career to achieve the highest possible level. “It was a very tough decision but, in the end, God always has a plan and this one was best for me.”

Being able to share experiences closer to home has created a special opportunity for father and son. It is one that both relish.

“Having my dad here has been a blessing that many people do not have the luxury of getting in college,” the younger Owens said. “Anytime I have a question, need help on campus, want to say ‘Hi,’ or whatever the case may be, he is always there. “Growing up around MTSU, I know a lot of the administration. This makes me want to perform even more to not let my dad or the people around him down, as well as the University. I struggled with this when I first got to campus but have since grown into my own and started focusing more on my goals and let the rest fall into place.”

His father calls the situation “priceless.”

“I definitely think it is something that is unique,” Mark Owens said. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined having my son so close and playing the sport he loves at the same time. It’s not just having the chance to watch him play, but sometimes you are at the office and he may just pop in after a workout or class. Not everyone has that opportunity. It’s been awesome, and this is something I will never forget.”

It seems Mark Owens has been associated with many defining moments in his son’s blossoming career that began with a plastic golf set many years ago. No doubt, the bond between the two has only strengthened during Tanner Owens’ maturation into a top-flight amateur golfer. RR

Court Vision

by Tony Stinnett

In this age of the NCAA transfer portal, where student-athletes quickly opt for a change of scenery if they are dissatisfied for any reason, and especially if they are not getting the playing time they believe they deserve, Middle Tennessee’s Charity Savage is a breath of fresh air.

Through her first three years, Savage was seldom called upon to produce for the Lady Raiders. Her mom, Tammy Savage, was insistent that her daughter transfer following her first and second seasons.

“It was challenging not to see Charity play,” her mother admitted. “I would be so upset after the games, and Charity would tell me, ‘Mom, I’m OK, so I need you to be OK.’ I just had to be thankful she was happy and OK. Charity just believed her time would come.

“I remember texting [head coach] Rick Insell and telling him that he hasn’t seen the talent this kid has. I knew what was inside of her. I knew her drive and ability to help the team has always been there. I couldn’t understand why others didn’t see it.”

Through maturity, perseverance, and well-aligned priorities, Charity Savage has blossomed into a basketball star, scholar, and patriot

However, there was never a time when Charity Savage considered taking her talents to another school, even when her basketball life was not going as she had desired.

“Transferring definitely crossed Tammy Savage’s mind,” Charity chuckles. “My first and second year, she was really trying to get me out of here. But I chose to come [to Middle Tennessee] so I was going to stay.

That was my mindset.

“Coach Insell has a saying; ‘You sow corn, you get corn.’ I really believe that. I believe if you work hard and do good, you will get rewarded later in life, whether in basketball or whatever it is.”

Though it was difficult not being utilized on the court, Savage believed her main goal had in fact been achieved when she signed a national letter of intent to attend Middle Tennessee whether she played or not.

“My mom works very hard, and I did not want her to worry about paying for me to go to college,” Savage said. “I wanted to earn a scholarship so she wouldn’t have to worry about that. My end goal was for her not to pay for my education.

“When I got an offer to play at Middle Tennessee, the goal was met. I always kept that in mind. So, I was going to stick with things at Middle Tennessee

no matter what. Whatever happens, happens. But the end goal was still met, and I wasn’t going to jeopardize that by transferring.”

Full-court press

The Memphis native has taken full advantage of her educational opportunities at MTSU, where she is a Biochemistry major with a Health minor and boasts a grade point average in excess of 3.0.

“I wasn’t going to take the easy route,” Savage said of her academic life. “I was very good with math and science in high school, so I felt I could do that in college. I want my diploma to say Biochemistry, and I will be graduating in May with a GPA above 3.0.”

Not only has Savage taken advantage of her education at at MTSU, but as an athlete she also has proven good things happen to those who put in the work. It may not have happened in the preferred time frame, but her time has come at at MTSU. She is thriving on the hardwood.

Through her first three seasons at Middle Tennessee, Savage averaged 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.7 minutes of playing time per game. As a junior last year, she played a total of 87 minutes, scoring just 29 points and pulling down 28 rebounds in 19 games played.

Oh, how times have changed.

Savage burst onto the scene her senior season and rated as one of the top players not only in Conference USA, but nationally as well. She had more rebounds in her first nine games this season (102) than her previous three campaigns combined (89). With 139 points in the first 14 games this season, she scored more than the previous three years’ total (127).

Savage averaged a double-double and ranked in the top 10 nationally for rebounds and for offensive rebounds per game. She was among C-USA leaders in rebounding, blocked shots, and steals and was named AllConference second team.

Practicing and Preparing

Indeed, good things come to those who wait.

“It just goes to show you what a good coach I am as I didn’t hardly play her the first three seasons,” Insell said jokingly. “Charity Savage is what it is all about. It would have been easy for her to give up, quit, or transfer, but she stayed the course. She came to practice, worked hard every day, never complained to me about playing time, and loved her teammates. She believed in herself, and I truly believe she knew her day would come. I’m so glad it has.”

To say Savage has made the most of her time would be an understatement.

The 6-foot forward, who is the lone senior on the squad, made Lady Raider history when she opened the 2019–20 campaign by becoming the first player to record double-figure rebounds in the first six games of a season. Savage turned in one of the best games nationally with a 22-rebound performance against TCU. The 22 rebounds were the fourth-most in a single game at Middle Tennessee and the fifthhighest total this season in NCAA Division I women’s basketball at the time.

After having no double-doubles in the first three seasons of her career, Savage supplied 12 in the Lady Raiders’ 21-win season.

“When I got my chance, I knew I would be able to show what I am capable of,” she said. “The results have been great, but I expected to play well when I got on the court. I was prepared because even when I wasn’t playing, I practiced hard. I listened, and I learned. I used those opportunities to prepare myself. I am not going to halfway do anything.”

Even when Savage wasn’t playing, she still made her mother proud.

There was never a time when Charity Savage considered taking her talents to another school.

“I admire the type of kid Charity is on the inside,” her mom said. “Even when she wasn’t playing, she was a team player. She felt she had to bide her time. She just knew her time would come. She was going to work hard and continue to be coached and support her teammates.

“I have to admit that I am so happy she stayed because she has learned so much. She loves MTSU. She loves the school, the academics, and her major. Just like she loves the challenge on the court, she loves the challenge of her major. If she never got on the court, she was never going to let up academically.”

Counted on for Country, Too

Savage appreciates being counted on by her coaches and teammates as much as she does the success she is having on the court.

“It’s a different weight on my shoulders,” she said in mid-season. “I feel like I went from zero to 100 really quick. No one has really counted on me in basketball, but now they do. I like the challenge. I know what Coach Insell wants because I listened for three years. Now I am getting the chance to put it all into motion. It’s a great feeling.”

Savage’s persistence and work ethic also caught the eye of retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber who, after almost 40 years in the U.S. Army, joined MTSU as senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives.

Huber attends many Lady Raider practices and most all home games. He’s become one of Savage’s many fans.

“Charity is a warrior,” Huber said. “She challenges herself every day physically, intellectually, and emotionally, always seeking selfimprovement and perfection. She leads by personal example on and off the court.”

Had college basketball not worked out for Savage, her backup plan was to join the military and serve either in the U.S. Air Force or Army. Now she is going to experience the best of both worlds. After graduation, Savage intends to apply for her graduate degree while attending U.S. Army Basic Camp training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. She plans to enter MTSU’s two-year ROTC program this August and receive her commissioning as an Army officer in May 2022.

“Charity came to me to discuss serving our nation in uniform,” Huber said. “Her physical and intellectual prowess gave her the full spectrum of options. I know she will excel as an inspiring Army leader.”

In an age where the transfer portal is littered with those who opt out, Savage is proof that perseverance pays off. RR

Senior leader, role model, and

graduate

Antonio Green is the complete package for Raiders

by Josh Vardaman

One of Middle Tennessee’s basketball senior leaders reached a major personal milestone off the court in December.

Antonio Green was among a handful of Blue Raider student-athletes who celebrated a special graduation ceremony before his team hit the road for a game at Ole Miss, where the man who recruited Green to MT, Kermit Davis, is now head coach.

Earning his bachelor’s degree was the culmination of a long road for Green, who started his college career at the only Division I school that gave him a scholarship out of Mississippi’s Tupelo High School—the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), 14½ hours away from his hometown.

It wasn’t exactly the situation Green imagined he’d be in, playing in Edinburg, a south Texas town of almost 100,000 people midway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican border. Although he made the most of it, Green jumped at the opportunity when Davis gave him the chance to move just a few hours from home.

“Being able to come here and play close to my family . . . it’s really just meant the world,” Green said.

Green brought a sharpshooting offensive skillset to Middle Tennessee, though he had to take a redshirt season in 2017–18 due to NCAA transfer rules. He had made 111 3-pointers as a sophomore at UTRGV, 12th-most in the nation, while averaging more than 16 points per game.

When Green stepped onto the floor as a junior last season, he proved the hype was warranted. In Nick McDevitt’s first year as Blue Raiders head coach, Green led the team in scoring at nearly 18 points per outing and shattered the program’s single-season 3-pointer record with 105 treys—20 more than Giddy Potts made the year before.

In early December 2018, a few days after turning 22, Green scored his 1,000th career point at home against Murray State. In the stands that day were some special fans: his mom, daughter, and other family members, who made the trip to see him play in a Blue Raiders uniform in person for the first time.

“For them to be able to be there to walk with me through this journey, that means a lot to me,” Green said. “That was a special day for all of us.”

Getting to play in Murfreesboro in front of his daughter, Azyla, 5, was a dream come true for Green.

To have her there a year later when he graduated—that was something entirely different.

“How much she looks up to me and how much I inspire her, I just know this is one thing in my life that we can share and a goal I hope she gets to reach one day,” he said. “It was really satisfying for me and my family.

“. . . I want to show my daughter I did a lot with basketball but I did a lot more with my mind. I just want to keep being a good role model for her.”

Green will use his Organizational Communication degree now that his basketball career is over, though he isn’t quite sure how. No matter what, he just wants to keep being a good dad and a good role model. Nothing new for this Blue Raider senior leader. RR

Earning his bachelor’s degree was the culmination of a long road for Green.

Pamela Kosgei

Banner year leaves MT cross country itching for more Running to Glory

by Josh Vardaman

Everything aligned properly for Middle Tennessee’s cross country teams teams last fall, leading to the most successful season in the storied programs’ history—especially for the men’s team.

It all started on the final day of August when the Blue Raiders traveled a few hours west to Memphis to take part in the City Auto Memphis Twilight XC Classic at the Mike Rose Complex. Head coach Keith Vroman expected a strong showing, with preseason hype surrounding his teams perhaps higher than ever before.

The men’s squad earned a No. 22 FloTrack preseason national ranking, its highest ever, before being picked as the favorite to win a Conference USA crown. The women received four first-place votes in the conference and were predicted to finish third.

Individually, the dynamic duo of redshirt junior Jacob Choge and redshirt senior Kigen Chemadi, the only All-Americans in program history, were poised to lead a talented group on the men’s side, with junior Eusila Chepkemei and sophomores Joice Jebor and Pamela Kosgei pacing the women’s team. The buzz proved worthy, as the men would go on to win the meet easily, sweeping the top four positions, and the women finished third in a tough field. Chemadi won the men’s race, while Kosgei took the women’s title, and Choge and Jebor finished second in their respective races. Junior Lebo Mosito and freshman Hillary Kimaiyo rounded out the top four for the men.

“We had redshirted everybody [on the men’s side] the year before because we were predicting to have a good season this year,” Vroman said. “It’s not easy to take that redshirt year . . . but to come back and have the year like they did for the team, that was definitely great having them back.

“They performed historically. For both genders, it was definitely the best season in cross country Middle Tennessee has ever had.”

The Twilight Classic championship was the first of five straight victories for the men. Their

Proudly serving MTSU Athletics

winning streak lasted all the way until the NCAA South Regional in Tallahassee, Florida, where they finished second. The women would go on to win twice in six events, including sweeping the Conference USA Championships along with the men’s team.

Choge, who rose to as high as eighth in the national FloTrack individual rankings, won the C-USA XC Male Athlete of the Year by capturing his third conference title. He then placed third at the NCAA South Regional and had six podium finishes, including two firsts and two seconds.

Chemadi earned his third All-Conference first team honor in cross country, crossing the line just behind Choge as runnerup at the C-USA Championships. He

then finished fourth at the NCAA South Regional and placed on the podium five times, including two firsts and two seconds. He was ranked as high as ninth in the nation by FloTrack and was named National Athlete of the Week on Sept. 16 by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

On the women’s side, Chepkemei also was named C-USA Athlete of the Year following her individual title, and Jebor earned AllConference honors after finishing third at the C-USA Championships.

The men would climb to their highest national rankings in program history, No. 9 by FloTrack and No. 15 in the USTFCCCA NCAA Division I National Coaches’ Poll.

It was quite the season and one Vroman and the Blue Raiders won’t soon forget. It’s all about building on those successes now, though. Getting Choge back thanks to a redshirt season will help ease that transition this fall.

“It’ll be exciting to have him back for that one more semester,” Vroman said. “That was a big decision for what we’re trying to accomplish here in the next couple of seasons. He’s done a phenomenal job, and right now he’s running out of his mind on the track.” RR

Reaching Her GOALS

by Anthony Fiorella

How five seconds changed Peyton DePriest’s career and MTSU’s season

The clock read 34:44 Middle Tennessee found itself deadlocked at 1-1 with conference rival UAB in its last home soccer game of the season last fall.

34:43

“I can remember being a bit nervous before the game just because it was in the back of my mind,” said MT star women’s soccer player Peyton DePriest.

The “it” DePriest referenced was Middle Tennessee’s all-time career goal record set by Holly Grogan in

The clock ticked down to 34:43. MT defender Casey Riemer lofted the ball toward the center of the UAB box, where it came down near Blue Raider teammate Sam DeBien. A UAB player jumped out of her position in front of DePriest to defend the pass to DeBien, freeing up DePriest, which would prove to be a big mistake.

defender’s eyes lit up as she realized she was grossly out of position. She’d left DePriest all alone in front of the box as DeBien struck the ball with her forehead. The clock kept winding toward history.

34:41

DePriest gathers the ball with her left foot and swings her right leg back violently, as if she intends to take the net off its moorings with her kick. And make record-holder Grogan a former record-holder.

34:40

DePriest’s right cleat smacks the ball squarely, sending it rocketing toward the net. She’s now on the precipice of history.

34:39

The ball careens off the side post and in to the back of the net. The Blue Raiders take a 2-1 lead, and DePriest etches her name into MT’s history books.

“The UAB center defender had to leave Peyton to try and pick up the ball going to Sam,” MT head coach Aston Rhoden explained. “I remember a UAB coach yelling at the defender: ‘All you have to do is stay with [Peyton]!’”

It’s likely she’ll break more records as a senior

A Coaching Perspective

Although Peyton DePriest’s 39th goal on Nov. 1 was the goal that broke Middle Tennessee’s career record, women’s soccer coach Aston Rhoden says that wasn’t necessarily DePriest’s most important goal of the season.

“The goal that summed up the year she had may have been the goal at UTSA,” on Sept. 22, Rhoden said.“I say that because it was the first game she came back from her injury. I think that was the goal that instilled a tremendous amount of confidence in her as a forward and led her to a lot of the other goals after that.”

The Blue Raiders went through a lull in the middle of the season when DePriest went down with an injury, dropping four out of five contests. Following her goal in the overtime victory in her first game back, DePriest and the Blue Raiders went on to earn points in six of their remaining 10 matches of the year.

“After Peyton scored that goal at UTSA, the team started to score more,” Rhoden said.“Everybody knows that Peyton is a player they need to worry about, but if they do that and they overplay her, then the other players can score. Opponents can’t focus solely on her.”

Five seconds was all it took to write a storybook ending to the Blue Raiders’ season and add an exclamation point to DePriest’s three-year career.

“The record is something special for me because I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a player,” DePriest said. “I feel like everything is coming together with all the hard work we’ve all done together as a team.”

DePriest would go on to score another goal, helping Middle Tennessee win the game 4-2 and qualify for the conference tournament.

“Every single one of my teammates contributed to what I was able to do this season, including the record,” DePriest said. “The girls challenged me in practice every day. The seniors really pushed me to be better this season. I really wanted to do the best I could for them. But, really, all of the girls helped me so much.”

The prolific forward later acknowledged that Blue Raiders of old and the chance to break a school record drove her this past year. RR

school- record goal total this fall.

The Blue Raiders have done a nice job sprucing up the baseball facilities, including a state-of-the-art scoreboard

BASEBALL BEFORE FACILITIES RENOVATIONS

RENOVATIONS

The Blue Raider softball program had a new scoreboard and a number of other facility upgrades before the start of the 2020 campaign

TBlue Raider

Café at Saddle Woods Farm

MT

he second annual Blue Raider Café fundraiser took place Feb. 13 at Saddle Woods Farm in Murfreesboro. A benefit for the Blue Raider Athletic Association (BRAA), this year’s event featured a trio of Nashville songwriters, Josh London, Steven McMorran, and Adam James.

London, labeled as an “up-and-coming songwriter/artist” by Music Row magazine, has played at the 2014 CMA Music Festival and ASCAP’s “We Create Music” showcase. His first major single, “Best Shot,” which was co-written and performed by Jimmie Allen, hit No. 1 in November 2018 and held the top spot for three weeks. London also had a recent hit on the Texas charts with “Waiting for the Fall.” Other credits include the Spotify hit

“Same Beer Different Day,” which had well over a million streams, and the debut single “Right Here, Right Now” from Warner Brothers artist Ryan Griffin that dropped in January.

McMorran always had a passion for songwriting. His father is a studio engineer who brought him up on the music of James Taylor and Jim Croce. After college, McMorran headed to Los Angeles and wrote songs for Celine Dion and Michael Bolton, among many others. He formed the band Satellite and released an album in 2013. After moving to Nashville, McMorran wrote the

song “Still on the Line” that landed on Tim McGraw’s No. 1 album Sundown Heaven Town. McMorran also has worked with the Eli Young Band and Allen on recent cuts.

James is a country music songwriter, whose songs have been recorded by Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, and Chris Lane.

A great crowd turned out to watch these talented songwriters perform their songs and enjoy a wonderful meal catered by The Alley on Main. The mission of this unique fundraiser for the BRAA is to strengthen MTSU’s commitment to student-athlete excellence both academically and athletically.

Make sure and mark your calendars for the 2021 Blue Raider Café next February! RR

PRESSBOX VIEW FROM THE

Chip Walters

The Voice of the Blue Raiders BRAND AMBASSADORS

Here I sit in Concourse C at Nashville International Airport waiting on a flight on some airline to some place to play a game. I’m not alone. I’m in a group of about 25 all decked out in Middle Tennessee gear. There are players, coaches, and support staff, but mostly players.

This trip happens to be with the men’s basketball team on a hastily put-together trip to Houston for Conference USA bonus play at Rice. In truth, though, it could be any of the 17 Blue Raider sports teams heading off for a competition somewhere. They all have the flavor of #BNACarpet.

As the players walk down the concourse and make their way through security to the gate, other travelers notice their MT Athletics gear. Over the years, I’ve always enjoyed walking close to the players to visually experience the reactions from other people in airports.

First of all, they almost always get noticed. If it’s a small child, it’s almost a sure thing that they’ll be looking up at the tall basketball players. And it always comes with an ear-to-ear grin from child to player and player to child. There’s a connection there.

Next, comments come from many different sources. It could be a gate agent whose child goes to MTSU and who takes a moment to wish the guys

luck. It might be a TSA agent who is taking an online class and who will utter a “Go Blue Raiders” battle cry while checking the players through. Other travelers will always ask where we are heading and who are we playing. You could play a fun game of six degrees of separation with almost anybody you meet in the airport and would most likely find a connection to MTSU.

As

the

players walk down the concourse, other travelers notice their MT Athletics gear

It’s not uncommon for us to board a flight and then get word that our pilot is a graduate of our world-renowned Aerospace program. These MTSUtrained pilots take an extra bit of pride knowing that a team from their alma mater is on their plane.

Today’s interaction was pretty cool. Stopping at a kiosk for a cup of coffee, I was asked by the server (after seeing my Blue Raider gear) if I was a professor at MTSU. Being the oldest person in the travel party, I should have said “yes,” but instead I came clean and told them what my actual role was with the team. Turns out, this person is an international student at the University studying to be a pilot themself.

The message here is twofold. First, our student-athletes, while traveling thousands of miles each year for competition, are ambassadors for our school and our brand. I hope they understand that there’s some responsibility that goes with wearing the logo. I’m sure our coaches are doing a good job teaching them about those responsibilities.

The second part of the message is that through these travels over the years I have found that there are Blue Raiders literally everywhere. From airports to hotels to restaurants to vacation destinations to simply walking down the street in a different city, our alums are out there everywhere and they want to talk about the place they love—MTSU.

Our student-athletes are highly visible in the community. They are de facto ambassadors of the University. We should all do our part to be brand

ambassadors as well. That MTSU sweatshirt, jacket, or lapel pin that you wear is an automatic conversation starter. Keep the conversation going and give your fellow citizens of Blue Raider Nation out there a handshake, a smile, and a heartfelt “Go Blue Raiders!” Make a connection!

They’re calling our flight now. Boarding group C? Again? RR

Daryl Simpson Compliance Coordinator

Booster Education

Student-athletes are not permitted to be involved in the advertisement, recommendation, or promotion of a commercial organization or a commercial product or service of any kind. Use of a student-athlete’s name, picture, or appearance to support any charitable, educational, or nonprofit promotional activity requires prior approval from the athletics department.

A student-athlete’s eligibility is jeopardized when his or her name, picture, or likeliness appears on commercial items or is used to promote a commercial product with or without the athlete’s knowledge or permission. Regardless of the student-athlete’s knowledge of the promotional activity, their eligibility can still be affected.

There are certain instances when student-athletes are permitted to be involved in charitable, educational, community engagement, or nonprofit promotional activities. If you are interested in involving studentathletes for this kind of activity, please contact the compliance office prior to the occurring activity.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about rules regarding promotional activities for studentathletes, please feel free to contact the compliance office.

Thank you for your time and as always, ASK BEFORE YOU ACT, and GO BLUE RAIDERS! RR

Morrison Assistant Athletic Director/Development

ENHANCED MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

Spring usually means the athletic fields and courts around campus are a busy place. Although baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field teams saw their seasons cut short this year, our basketball teams just wrapped up their 2019–20 seasons. Football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country could begin gearing up soon for their fall campaign. Spring also means a busy time of year in terms of BRAA membership. Your 2020–21 BRAA membership statement should have arrived in February.

The annual fund remains the top priority in our fundraising office due to the overall needs of our athletic department. Whether it be scholarship costs, travel needs, recruiting expenses, or any other operational expenses, our annual fund is what keeps the department operating. Across Conference USA, we were fourth-lowest in the league in terms of annual fund dollars raised this past year. We had the fifth-lowest number of donors amongst our C-USA peers, but have the fifth-highest total number of alumni amongst the group. We have a great base of Blue Raider alums out there that we need to get involved.

The annual fund is what keeps the department operating and remains the top priority for scholarships, travel needs, and recruiting expenses.

Boyles Assistant Athletic Director/Development

We have a strong desire to be at the top of our league in dollars raised and total number of donors, which would mean we would be able to provide our student-athletes with an even better educational and athletic experience. Our total expense for student-athlete scholarships is approximately $7.5 million, and our goal is to be able to supplement this from private funding as much as possible.

As renewals begin, we hope that you will renew your membership for the upcoming year. If you are feeling more philanthropic than last year, we welcome increased giving and assure you that your gifts are going to provide a quality education and experience for a deserving MTSU student-athlete. We also ask that you spread the word about the Blue Raider Athletic Association. As scholarship costs and operational expenses continue to rise, we become more dependent on private funding from generous people like you.

Our gratitude cannot be expressed enough for your generosity, and we hope to grow this program to be something that you are proud of for generations to come. RR

2020 Groundhog Day Luncheon

Head coach Jim Toman and the Blue Raider baseball team hosted the 47th annual Groundhog Day Luncheon on Jan. 31 in the Student Union Ballroom, an event that officially kicked off the 2020 baseball season. The coveted railbird jacket was given this year to Pat Fones, who recently retired from the MT Athletics baseball administrative staff. The popular luncheon featured the traditional menu of ham hock, white beans, tomato salad, green onions, cornbread, chocolate cake, and ice cream. RR

2020 Football Signing Day Celebration

Coach Rick Stockstill and his staff were on hand Feb. 5 at the BRAA’s annual Football Signing Day Celebration to break down each incoming player from the 2020 recruiting class. Fans at the event in the Jeff Hendrix Stadium Club were able to get the first look at each signee, gain insight on every recruit, and learn about the expected impact that each new player will have on the Middle Tennessee football program—all directly from the coaching staff. RR

Donor SPOTLIGHT

Tom Cribbs

n Year Graduated: 1989

n Currently Reside: Murfreesboro

Q:How long have you been a fan of MT Athletics, and what/who encouraged you to support the Blue Raiders?

A:I have been a fan of the Blue Raiders since 1971 when my T-ball team was the Blue Raiders!

Q:When did you attend your first Blue Raider game?

A:I attended my first Blue Raider game in 1972. It was a men’s basketball game.

Q:What is your favorite MT sport and why?

A:Basketball

Q:What is your best memory of MT athletics?

A:Beating the University of Kentucky in the 1981 NCAA tournament!

Q:What is the farthest distance you have traveled to see the Blue Raiders play?

A:In the United States, it’s Detroit, Michigan, but I also have watched the Blue Raiders in the Bahamas.

Q:How did you first get involved with the Blue Raider Athletic Association?

A:When I moved back to Murfreesboro after college

Q:Why do you give back to the BRAA?

A:I feel that all alumni should support their alma mater, and I choose to do this through supporting the athletic programs that I am passionate about.

Q:How do you encourage others to give to MT Athletics through the BRAA?

A:I constantly stay positive about our athletic teams through the good times and the bad.

Q:What are you most excited for about the future of Blue Raider Athletics?

A:I hope that we can soon move forward with new facilities that will enhance our programs! RR

BRAA 25-Year Donors

The BRAA annually recognizes our 25th consecutive year donors in an on-court ceremony during a basketball game. This year we honored Betty Smithson, Mary Belle Ginanni, Gary and Lois Garrett, Jimmy Earle, Nellie Wilson, and Donna Victory during the Jan. 23 men’s home game against Louisiana Tech.

Massaro with (l–r) Mary Belle Ginanni, Betty Smithson, and Nellie Wilson

Mr. MTSU Baseball

Longtime MTSU baseball coach

Steve Peterson, known as “Mr. MTSU Baseball,” retired following the 2012 season as the Blue Raiders’ all-time winningest coach with a record of 791-637-3 during his 25 years as head coach. Peterson, 68, died March 11 following a heart attack. During his tenure at MTSU, Peterson accumulated 16 seasons with 30 or more wins. He also had four seasons with 40 or more victories, including 2009 when the Blue Raiders set a new program record with 44 wins. The Blue Raiders captured 11 conference regularseason championships, won nine conference tournament titles, and made nine NCAA Regional appearances (two at-large selections) with Peterson at the helm. He was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association, Blue Raider, Huntsville-Madison County (Alabama) Athletic, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association, and Rutherford County Old Time Baseball halls of fame.

George Zimmerman

1966-2020

George Zimmerman (’90) was a former Blue Raider baseball standout and longtime MTSU employee. Zimmerman, 53, died Jan. 31 after battling cancer. A pitcher and first baseman, he was the OVC Player of the Year in 1987 and was later awarded MTSU’s Male StudentAthlete of the Year. After earning his B.S. in Criminal Justice, Zimmermann began working for his alma mater, which he served loyally for 25 years as an employee of Sodexo/MTSU Sports and Leisure.

Staying ON Course

In March, MTSU as well as the rest of the world found itself in uncharted territory as the University took its first major steps in combatting the dangerous novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

As a result of the pandemic, the NCAA canceled all winter and spring sports national championships. Conference USA canceled the men’s and women’s conference basketball tournament and all spring sports seasons and championships. The NCAA and C-USA both suspended all athletic activities, competitions, formal and organized practices, and all in-person recruiting—tough decisions made in the best interest of public health.

Chris Massarro, director of MT Athletics, said at the time of the announcements that these were “really hard decisions to make, because you know how hard every kid on every campus has worked.

“Your heart does break for them; but this is a very serious health issue,” he added. “Any way we can help flatten the curve, that’s what we’re going to do.”

MT Athletics quickly turned its focus on the academic success and the mental and physical well-being of our student-athletes. The University made accommodations for students

to finish their semester academic requirements by online/remote delivery. To help our student-athletes navigate this more unstructured environment, our coaches and academic staff have worked hard to provide the best possible structure from remote locations.

“Any way we can help flatten the curve, that’s what we’re going to do.”

To help fill the sports void, the MT Athletics communications team put together some fun and engaging sports content for fans to enjoy. One example was a live Twitter feed on the fourth anniversary of the win over Michigan State in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

MT Athletics also spun off a Facebook page called “Raiders Helping Raiders,” immediately becoming a place where all Blue Raiders could connect and help others in need.

Let’s not forget what MT studentathletes achieved in the winter and

spring. The Blue Raiders were poised for great success in several sports.

H The Lady Raiders basketball squad was seeded No. 4 in the conference tournament, and a national RPI ranking of 46 could very well have earned them an NCAA Tournament at-large bid if they didn’t win the C-USA tourney.

H Middle Tennessee’s baseball team had just swept in-state rival Memphis in two games and had won four out of six going into C-USA play. The Raiders had the league’s top RPI and the sixthstrongest schedule in the country.

H Softball was 8-3 in its last 11 games, and senior Summer Burgess was only 22 hits away from the career school record.

H The reigning C-USA champion men’s tennis team sported a 13-5 record heading into league play, while the women had won six straight.

H Blue Raider golfers were gearing up for prestigious tournaments, the men at Georgia Southern’s Schenkel Invitational and the women scheduled for a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the Hawkeye El Tigre.

H The track and field teams, both ranked in the top 10 nationally, were about to send several runners to the NCAA Indoor Championships. RR