Winter2018RaiderReview

Softball star Precious Birdsong makes history with her attempt to become Blue Raider royalty

Kermit Davis learned the game from great basketball minds Page 10

Middle Tennessee State University

Blue Raider Athletic Association

Winter 2018 / Vol. 3, No. 2

Director of Athletics

Chris Massaro

Associate AD/Communications

Mark Owens

Associate Athletic Director/Development

Justin Morrison

Bethany Thurston

Art Director

Kara Hooper

Contributing Editors

Justin Morrison, Mark Owens, Drew Ruble, Carol Stuart

Contributing Writers

Chris Massaro, Justin Morrison, Mark Owens, Alex Reid, Tony Stinnett, Bethany Thurston, Josh Vardaman, Chip Walters

Design

David G. Lowry

Athletics Photographer

Brent Beerends

Special Thanks to

Zach Huston, Charlie Legeman, Daniel Stiles, Brad Tammen, Guy and Maggie Wilson

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.

1017-4961 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, 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/titleix.

From the Desk of the A.D.

We did it! On Dec. 16, our Blue Raiders banded together and won the Raycom Camellia Bowl in a hardfought win over Arkansas State. It was truly a collective effort from the players, coaches, fans, the band, and the cheerleaders, all of whom propelled us to our second bowl victory in school history.

THANK YOU for your purchase of tickets to the bowl. You made a tremendous impact on the game— and with bowl organizers all over the country—by selling out of our initial ticket allotment.

A DOUBLE THANK YOU to those of you who made the four-hour drive to Montgomery, Alabama,

and turned this into a great bowl experience for all of us. It was a chilly night, but we trust you were a tad warmer when the clock hit zero. You were loud and you were definitely True Blue

Your purchase of the tickets and your tremendous support of the Blue Raiders are very much appreciated. Let’s do it again in 2018!

Chris Massaro Athletic Director

Queen of

the

Diamond

Softball star

Precious Birdsong makes history with her attempt to become Blue Raider royalty

by Josh Vardaman

s she stood on the field inside Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium wearing a beautiful dark blue dress with a silver sequin pattern, MTSU senior Precious Birdsong anxiously awaited the voting results of the 2017 homecoming king and queen contest. The announcer went down the line of students vying to become homecoming king and queen, making note of their majors and campus involvement. When he got to Birdsong, who was standing beside king hopeful Brandon Baker, one part of her bio stood out from all of the other queen candidates. Like the other hopefuls, Birdsong is a good student, is active around campus and in the community, and “bleeds blue.” But in this one way, Birdsong, a Chattanooga native, stuck out from the pack. As a studentathlete, Birdsong represented something no other homecoming king or queen candidate in MTSU history could claim.

“As far as I know, I’m the first student-athlete who has gone through the whole process,”

Birdsong said. “That’s pretty special to me.”

Becoming a homecoming king or queen candidate at Middle Tennessee isn’t an easy affair, and it’s understandable why no other student-athlete before Birdsong had ever taken on the challenge. Before they get to take the field in ballroom attire during halftime of the football game, the homecoming candidates must turn in an application and be nominated, get voted onto the final ballot, and campaign to try and secure enough votes to be named king or queen. With practices, conditioning, and classroom work daily, it was especially hard for a student-athlete like Birdsong to find the time to campaign.

That it is possible is what Birdsong set out to prove.

While technically in the offseason, last fall Birdsong had a lot to prepare for on the softball field for the Blue Raiders. She’s coming off one of the best seasons ever for an MT softball player, setting a new school single-season record with a .443 batting average and being named to the NFCA Mideast All-Region First Team and C-USA All-Conference First Team. She’s also the program’s all-time leader in triples (10) and steals (101).

Mixing her preparation on the diamond with schoolwork and campaigning for homecoming queen was a lot to handle.

We should all come together as one and support each other, no matter if you’re a studentathlete or anyone else on campus.

“It was a lot going on, from 6 a.m. workouts to class throughout the day and campaigning, then night practices and homework,” she said. “It was a lot, but that was my point of doing it—to show that, even as a studentathlete, you can be as involved in campus life and student life as non-athletes. That shows that we can be a united campus, a united community.”

But Birdsong said the support she got from the entire MT Athletics department made it both possible and worth the effort.

“That made me feel good,” she said. “I felt the support, and that made me feel like everything I’ve worked for throughout my career at Middle Tennessee has been noticed.

“I feel like I gathered a pretty good fan base and a huge support system behind me throughout the athletic department. That was a huge deal.”

As Birdsong started campaigning, she developed a social media strategy with the help of a former homecoming winner and quickly built a strong following. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, she said, especially from her fellow students who weren’t athletes.

She didn’t end up winning—Montavius Euwing and Paige Phillips were crowned king and queen—but that wasn’t the point. Birdsong proved that a student-athlete at Middle Tennessee could participate in major campus functions and even campaign to become homecoming royalty. She hopes more will follow in her footsteps.

“We should all come together as one and support each other, no matter if you’re a student-athlete or anyone else on campus,” Birdsong said. “I’m a people-person, but I met some awesome people throughout this process and really came out of my shell even more. I expected it to be more stressful, but I had a ball doing it. I hope other student-athletes will see that.” RR

One of the best and most anticipated events of the year is always the annual Homecoming Parade. It brings together our community of past, present, and future Blue Raiders, along with the entire MTSU campus. It may be football season, but nearly every athletic program comes out and participates. It’s a #TrueBlue day! RR

2017 MIDDLE TENNESSEE HomecomingParade

HOMECOMING 2017

MT men’s basketball coach Kermit Davis learned the game from great basketball minds like his father, and now he’s paying it forward by Josh Vardaman

Kermit’s Coaching Tree

In 1986, almost three decades before his Middle Tennessee men’s basketball teams would make school history with back-toback NCAA Tournament wins, Kermit Davis was a 26-yearold head coach at Southwest Mississippi Junior College. That year, he made the decision to pull up his Southern roots and take a new position as an assistant coach at the University of Idaho.

Davis said little did he know that his move out of the South, where he had spent his whole life playing and coaching basketball, would prove to be one of the most important of his life.

“I’d grown up around Mississippi State where my dad was a great coach and a popular name . . . but moving to Idaho was good for me, because I had to really mature and do things on my own,” Davis said. “I also learned how to be

Davis walked into a program in transition at Idaho, where 36-year-old head coach Tim Floyd had just been hired. Alongside Davis on Floyd’s coaching staff were Randy Bennett and Larry Eustachy, young assistants like Davis also trying to break onto the college coaching scene—and who, like Davis, would also later experience outstanding success running Division I programs of their own.

Floyd, who recently retired as head coach of the University of Texas–El Paso (UTEP) and whose coaching stops included the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and the University of Southern California, tasked this group of young coaches with rebuilding a struggling Idaho program. And rebuild it they did.

Under Floyd, the Vandals improved from 10 wins the year before his hiring to 16 in his first season, followed by a 19-11 record in 1987–88. Floyd is quick to credit Davis with a pivotal role in the turnaround.

“I knew that [Davis] was older than his age when we hired him, and that goes back to his relationship in the game of basketball, growing up in it with his father,” Floyd said. “[Davis] approached every day with intellect for the game and understood recruiting, loyalty, and the work ethic it takes. . . . In my opinion,

Branching Out on His Own

Looking back, Davis said he and his colleagues probably didn’t fully recognize at the time just how the lessons learned in Moscow, Idaho, would make each of them successful head coaches down the road.

“We were more worried about getting fired,” Davis said. “We were all on oneyear contracts, probably making $25,000, but having the time of our lives. We were all really good friends and took over a struggling Idaho program . . . and had a fun time building it.”

Floyd left for the University of New Orleans after his second season, and Davis was tabbed to take over the Idaho program. He did so for the next two years, guiding it to even more success. The Vandals went to the NCAA Tournament in the 1988–89 and 1989–90 seasons—and haven’t made it back to the Big Dance since then.

When Davis left Idaho in 1990 for a one-season stop at Texas A&M, he did so with a high level of basketball knowledge and experience on his sport’s biggest stage. He also left with three more friends added to his tree of coaching relationships, a list that has broadened through the years.

Davis has long said he owes a lot in his career to both the coaches he played for and the ones he’s worked alongside throughout his basketball life. It started when he was young, watching his dad, Kermit Sr., lead Mississippi State during 1970–77. From there, Davis played at Mississippi State during 1980–82 under Jim Hatfield and Bob Boyd before becoming a graduate assistant for Boyd for two years.

“Coach Hatfield gave me an unbelievable opportunity,” Davis said. “Then Coach Boyd came in and coached me and allowed me to be his graduate assistant for two years. What I learned in those staff meetings and being on the floor, that was invaluable.”

Davis names former LSU and Arkansas State head coach John Brady, Memphis assistant Butch Pierre, former Tennessee coach Donnie Tyndall, and previous MT and Idaho coach David Farrar, just to name a few, as other coaching influences in his life.

The best lessons he learned along his path centered around attention to detail and bringing relentless energy to work every single day, Davis said. As is clearly evidenced by his tenacity during his enormously successful tenure at MTSU, those lessons have stuck.

His Turn to Mentor

Nowadays, the shoe is on the other foot. In recent years, Davis has helped mentor some of the sport’s best assistant and head coaches from around the country, including current Jacksonville University head coach Tony Jasick, Pittsburgh assistant Matt Woodley, Texas Tech assistant Al Pinkins, and Texas Tech basketball chief of staff Brian Burg.

This season, in an exhibition game on Nov. 2, Davis and the Blue Raiders got a visit by another one of Davis’ protégés, second-year Arkansas–Fort Smith assistant coach Zane Gibson, who played at MT during 2009–14 and served as a graduate assistant under Davis for two seasons. Gibson, named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ top 30-under-30 list last year, said he uses the skills Davis taught him both as a player and coach every day.

“The biggest thing I take from Coach is his attention to details,” Gibson said. “And then, it’s his passion and his energy every single day. There’s not a day he walks out there and just stands around on the floor. . . . He’s always out there trying to enthuse his players to get better every day.”

Gibson isn’t the only player from the 2014 squad who’s working today in the basketball business. Kerry Hammonds II, a Blue Raider forward who played 2010–14, joined Davis’ staff this season as director of operations.

It’s all part of the cycle of coaching that dots the college basketball landscape. One of the best parts of coaching, Davis said, is learning from great basketball minds and molding your own personal coaching style, then paying it forward and teaching the next batch of young coaches, like Gibson and Hammonds.

“It’s just what basketball is about,” he said. “When you get a call or a text from someone who’s been on your staff or from former players and they talk about the impact you’ve had on them, that’s why you start coaching and get into this business.”

From the South all the way to Idaho and back again, Davis has come a long way since being the 26-year-old assistant coach making $25,000 and fighting for his job. He said he could never fully thank all of those people in his life who’ve helped him.

“I owe an unbelievable amount to a lot of guys,” he said. “I’ve learned so much from them. . . . It’s still no fun to play them, because I hate playing against my good pals, but you sure feel proud when they have success.” RR

Hall of Fame INDUCTION CEREMONY

The 2017 class of MTSU’s Blue Raider Sports Hall of Fame featured six stars from the past who delivered greatness in their chosen sport.

This year’s honorees were Marco Born and Andreas Siljestrom (men’s tennis doubles team), Wes Counts (football), Chrissy Givens (women’s basketball), Rick Insell (women’s basketball), and Michael McKenry (baseball). RR

Out to the Ballgame

Following an offseason promotion, former MT baseball assistant Andy Haines now makes his home in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field

By Josh Vardeman

long, winding road through the coaching ranks has led to a new, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a former Middle Tennessee baseball coach.

During the 2003–05 seasons, Andy Haines served as a graduate assistant coach for the Blue Raiders. He parlayed that experience into stints with the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the Northern League and the Windy City ThunderBolts of the independent Frontier League before becoming a hitting coach in the Miami Marlins’ organization in 2008.

For eight years, Haines managed minor league teams at various levels for the Marlins, including the Gulf Coast Marlins, Jamestown Jammers, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Jupiter Hammerheads, and New Orleans Zephyrs. His stint with the Marlins came to an end in 2016 when the Illinois native was hired by the Chicago Cubs as their minor league hitting instructor.

After serving two seasons in that position, the Cubs organization announced last Oct. 26 that Haines was receiving a promotion. A whirlwind of a day, as Haines described it, ended with a new job title for the 40-yearold: Cubs assistant hitting coach.

“It happened really fast. I think we finalized everything about a half an hour before it was announced,” he said. Theo Epstein, Cubs president of baseball operations, told Haines “to get ready for my phone to blow up once everyone sees it, and sure enough, it was just like clockwork.

“It’s flattering, and it was pretty cool to see how many people were genuinely happy for me.”

Haines owes a lot of his career success and also success in his personal life to his time spent in Murfreesboro. In his three years at MTSU, he earned a master’s degree in physical education, health, and wellness and met his future wife, the former Erin Parsons, whom he married in late 2015.

It was at MTSU where he also affirmed in his mind what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Haines always figured he could make a good coach, but after watching former Blue Raider baseball coach Steve Peterson and current head coach Jim McGuire run the MT program on a day-today basis, Haines knew he just had to be a coach himself—specifically a coach at the highest level of the game.

“Everybody has a different path, and you can learn from all of them,” Haines said. “I think there’s a certain power in learning from the bottom. . . . With Coach Peterson and Coach McGuire, I was able to just sit back and watch them work. I was able to pay attention closely . . . and I knew then, without hesitation, I wanted to coach.”

In many ways, Haines started behind the eight-ball compared to the way most other coaches who strive to reach the major leagues start out. He never played professional baseball, ending his playing career after four years as a catcher at Eastern Illinois University. That made learning the ins and outs of coaching and seeing how to run a successful program essential for Haines early in his coaching career.

“It’s an unbelievable story, really,” said McGuire, who was associate head coach for the Blue Raiders during Haines’ stint. “Andy never played pro ball and never really coached a whole lot in college. He’s just an extremely hard worker, and he’s been great at every step along the way.

“[His promotion] is a proud moment for him and a proud moment for MTSU and our baseball program. He’s a good friend, and I’ve watched him grow and develop. It couldn’t happen to a better guy and a better Middle Tennessee alum.”

The promotion hasn’t quite set in yet for Haines, considering the Cubs are in the midst of the offseason and taking a break from on-the-field stuff. Haines said he expects he won’t fully absorb the reality of his promotion and new job until spring training rolls around.

That’ll also be about the time he’ll have an eye on what’s happening in Murfreesboro.

While Cubs blue may be his employer’s colors, Haines said there’s another shade of blue that is on his mind each spring.

“Middle Tennessee is a special place for me,” he said. “I felt like I belonged there, like it was a home for me. I think the world of Coach Pete and Coach McGuire . . . and I keep track and text ‘Mags’ when they have a tough loss or a good win. I’m just rooting for all of Middle Tennessee.” RR

Cross Country News

Middle Tennessee’s men’s cross country team capped the best season in program history with a 23rd-place finish at the NCAA National Championships on Nov. 18.

The Blue Raiders were ranked as high as 19th nationally this season—best in school history—and had two athletes named All-Americans at nationals. Kigen Chemadi’s personal-best time of 29:45.33 earned him 23rd place on the All-American list (the highest finish ever for an MT runner), and Jacob Choge came in 34th for his second AllAmerican honor. Choge was the first Blue Raider All-American after finishing 40th in 2016.

MT’s successful season included first-time team titles at the Conference USA and the NCAA South Regional championship races. It marked the program’s second straight year advancing to the NCAA Championships. RR

MTSU Golf Hosts

INTERCOLLEGIATE TOURNAMENT AT The Grove

The Middle Tennessee men’s golf team hosted the MTSU Intercollegiate on Oct. 30 and captured its second victory of the season over a tough field.

The Blue Raiders finished with a 10-over-par 586 in the two-round

tournament, five strokes ahead of runner-up Tennessee Tech.

Sophomore Chip Thomas tied for first place individually with a 4-under-par 140, his first collegiate tournament win. Thomas led the field with 11 birdies.

MT senior Hoyeong Kim placed fourth, competing as an individual competitor. Other top finishers for the Blue Raiders’ winning team score were Tyler Johnson, tied for ninth, Tanner Owens finished 13th, and Ilari Saulo tied for 14th. RR

VIEW FROM THE

PRESSBOX

The Voice of the Blue Raiders

IS THE

Chip Walters

SPORTS GIFT YEAR ROUND THAT GIVES

It’s quite a world we live in today. One day the top story is a potential nuclear threat. The following day it’s a debate on how someone chooses to exercise a freedom that has been fought for and defended for well over 200 years. The next it’s the story of a horrific tragedy somewhere in our country or elsewhere in the world. Then, there’s the ongoing political divide the likes of which we’ve never seen. It can be a bit overwhelming and depressing at times. And then . . . there’s sports. Thank goodness for sports.

No matter which of the 17 sports takes the field or court, we are there together to revel in their successes.

Sports isn’t perfect, but it does provide us with a respite from things that can easily drag us down. It’s something that we can be thankful for every day on the calendar. How lucky are we to be able to have sports as a common denominator to bring us together instead of driving us apart. That doesn’t mean we won’t have differing opinions. But it does mean that sports is the gift that can pull us closer.

In the big picture, you and your friends may have a favorite professional, college, or high school team or athlete, but it’s the sport that brings you together—even if it’s to debate on who is the best team or player and throw down a little smack talk from time to time. But in the end, being able to watch a group of highly-skilled athletes perform and appreciate the work they have put in helps draw us tightly. It gives us

something positive to latch on to at a time when we need more of those kinds of things.

For the purposes of this audience, the common bond is Blue Raider Athletics. No matter which of the 17 sports takes the field or court of competition, we are there together to revel in their successes and share the hurt when things don’t go our way. We all invest our time, energy, and resources to help our teams succeed in all arenas. We’re in it together.

A prime example is MTSU Homecoming weekend and how it brings Blue Raiders back to campus from points all across the map—Blue Raiders of all races, backgrounds, and points of view, but Blue Raiders one and all. It’s a common bond. We may even have our own internal squabbles, but at the end of the day, it’s something we can all grab on to and pull in the same direction and do our part to help reach a common goal. All the individuals that were here that weekend (or for any athletic event) have their own lives, their own families, their own jobs, and their own life issues that make them unique from any of the others. But it was their memories and love of Middle Tennessee, the friendships they forged, and the spirit that lives on this campus and inside of them that brings them back.

As my friend and broadcast partner Wes Counts said in his Hall of Fame induction speech, “I may be a former quarterback, but I’ll always be a Blue Raider.” Keep that thought in mind and remember that sports and being a Blue Raider is a daily gift for each and every one of us. S o, Be Loud, Be Proud, and Be Blue! RR

COMPLIANCE CORNER

Alex Reid Compliance Coordinator

Permissible BOOSTER Activities & Actions

On a regular basis, boosters are told what they can’t do with MTSU studentathletes and recruits. However, let’s change it up a bit! I am going to tell you some of the activities and things you are allowed to do with current and future MTSU student-athletes. Keep in mind that all of these actions still must be approved by the compliance office each time, so make sure that you are following the proper channels before taking action.

1) HOSTING AN OCCASIONAL MEAL FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

Boosters are allowed to open the doors to their home and provide a homemade (or catered) meal to student-athletes. These meals must be on an occasional basis and may only be provided to current student-athletes and staff. No recruits may be in attendance, and the meal must be provided at the home of the booster. While this may prohibit a booster from taking the team to eat at the restaurant, the booster can still order the food from that restaurant and bring it back to the booster’s home, or to MTSU’s campus, to serve the meal. If you wish to provide a meal, also remember to fill out an Occasional Meal Request form, which can be found on the Compliance page under the Inside Athletics tab on goblueraiders.com.

2) ATTENDING EVENTS

Regardless of whether it is a high school game or an MTSU contest, boosters are encouraged to attend and show their support for the teams. However, they must keep in mind the regulations for having face-to-face interaction with the players. Boosters are allowed to speak and interact with current MTSU student-athletes, but not with recruits.

So if you are attending a high school or junior college event, be vocal during the game and show your support—but avoid speaking with the recruits. Doing so would be an NCAA violation.

3) EMPLOYING MTSU STUDENT-ATHLETES

Boosters are allowed to employ studentathletes to work for them. However, certain guidelines must be followed. First, the student-athlete must be paid the typical, going rate for the position they hold. Student-athletes should not be given preferential treatment based on their status as an athlete. Second, compensation must be provided for work actually and already performed. Finally, boosters/employers shall not utilize the name, likeness, reputation, or fame of the student-athlete to promote their business. If you wish to employ a student-athlete, also remember to fill out an employment form, which can be found on the Compliance page under the Inside Athletics tab on goblueraiders.com

There you have it—a few activities that boosters may orchestrate. As you can see, while these activities are still allowed, there are some fine lines with NCAA regulations associated with each of them. If you have any questions, my advice would be to reach out to the MTSU Compliance Office to ensure that we protect our recruits’ and student-athletes’ remaining eligibility! As always, thank you for supporting Blue Raider Athletics and being #TrueBlue RR

A GREAT 2017 , BUT LOOKING AHEAD TO A BETTER 2018 !

What a wonderful year 2017 was. Our men’s basketball team captured its second consecutive C-USA championship and won an NCAA Tournament game for the second year in a row. Our women’s basketball team advanced to the third round of the WNIT, Coach Rick Insell was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, our men’s cross country team capped the best season in program history by finishing 23rd at the NCAA National Championships, our football team won the Camellia Bowl, and to close out 2017 we had the best fundraising month in the history of the organization. Thank you for making 2017 a success for MT Athletics

We have great hopes that 2018 will be as wonderful. We began the year with a thrilling men’s basketball conference win over UAB and anticipate a successful National Signing Day for football in February. Our very own Brent Stockstill was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works footballteam based on his service in our community. We are eager to begin the spring sports in February, even though it hasn't much felt like spring outside!

In addition to anticipating our thriving sports teams bringing us enjoyment this year, we have plans for an exciting year in the Blue Raider Athletic Association as well. MTSU’s first University-wide giving days will take place on Feb. 15–16, titled the True Blue Give. We encourage you

There is more excitement to come in 2018! We hope you have been keeping up with the announcement we made in January about our future project to Build Blue. This facility project will be transformational not only for athletics, but for the whole University. This project cannot happen without your generous support.

As always, thank you. Thank you for what you are doing, big or small, for the lives of student-athletes who put on the Blue Raider uniform each week. It is important for us to continue to value philanthropy as the spectrum of collegiate athletics continues to change. Because of you, we are successful and our studentathletes are successful both on and off the field of play. RR

to renew your Blue Raider Athletic Association membership for 2018–19 during those two days and assist us in spreading the word to support the True Blue Give campaign. We are confident we are going to make a statement in the Murfreesboro community with this effort.

2017 CHUCK TAYLOR BLUE RAIDER GOLF CLASSIC

The Chuck Taylor Blue Raider Golf Classic is hosted annually by the Blue Raider Athletic Association and serves as an opportunity for golfers in the

Murfreesboro community to enjoy a fun-filled day of competition while supporting the mission of BRAA. All proceeds from this event go toward funding for student-athlete scholarships, upgrades and maintenance of our facilities, and student-athlete success programs.

The 2017 Chuck Taylor Golf Classic was held Sept. 25 at Stones River Country Club in Murfreesboro. We had a great group of Blue Raider fans that came out to play golf and support the BRAA. The top three finishing teams were entered into a drawing for a trip to play and represent MTSU at the Acura College Alumni Team Championship at Pinehurst! Housing for three nights, meals, and golf are all provided for the winning team during their trip. RR

Goal: Raise $250,000 with 500 friends of the University leaving their mark on any program, scholarship, college, or team that you choose. If you’ve ever said “I

now is the time to show your love during MTSU’s INAUGURAL giving days feeling the love right now? make your impact today! The first $50,000 in gifts will be matched by TRUE BLUE supporters like you who Love MTSU!

Every student, grad, faculty, and staff member has left a mark on our University. Through the True Blue Give, we can all impact MTSU and support our 22,000 students even better. You can once again leave your mark with a gift of service or financial support.

MEN’S AND

WOMEN’S

HOME CONFERENCE BASKETBALL

SCHEDULES

Men’s Basketball

Feb. 8 vs. Rice

Feb. 10 vs. North Texas

Feb. 24 vs. UAB

March 1 vs. Western Kentucky

March 3 vs. Marshall

Women’s Basketball

Feb. 1 vs. Louisiana Tech

Feb. 15 vs. Western Kentucky

Feb. 17 vs. Rice

March 3 vs. Old Dominion

Donor SPOTLIGHT

Guy and Maggie Wilson

n Consecutive Years Giving to the BRAA: 5

n Currently Reside: Greenville, N.C.

Q Tell us about you and your family.

AI was born and raised in Murfreesboro and graduated from MTSU in 1977, and my wife Maggie grew up in Virginia and attended Lipscomb University. We met in Richmond, Virginia, where I was working for Phillip Morris and she was in dental school. We hit it off immediately and discovered that she was college friends with several of my childhood friends. We married in 1982 and lived in Virginia, then moved into Maryland where we lived for close to 25 years. In 2009, we moved to North Carolina where we reside now. For the past 35 years, Maggie has joined me in being a dedicated MTSU fan. We have one son, Alex, who lives in Nashville, and I have a sister Loretta, who graduated from MTSU in 1974 with a degree in Home Economics.

Q How long have you been a part of the BRAA? How did you get involved?

A

We joined the BRAA 12 years ago, right after Chris Massaro became athletic director. Before that, I had been active in the National Alumni Association’s D.C. chapter for many years and we wanted to expand our support into athletics.

Q When your friends/family ask you why do you give to Blue Raider Athletics, what is your response?

AMy family has always believed in Blue Raider Athletics. I can remember going to games with my parents, who taught me the importance of supporting what you believe. In the ’60s, I can fondly remember going to see the Blue Raiders play Pensacola Navy (a base football team) with Roger Staubach as quarterback. In the ’70s, I supported my high school teammate and friend Mike Robinson, who played quarterback for the Blue Raiders. As a fan it is only natural to support your team by wearing blue, attending games, and giving financially.

Q

What is your favorite Blue Raider athletic moment?

A The 2008 win over the University of Maryland in football in Murfreesboro!

Q

Who is your all-time favorite Blue Raider coach and player? Why?

A

This will surprise people! This is really a personal choice: Dr. Don Fuoss. He was hired as MTSU’s head football coach in 1969. He left after one year and went on to become the athletic director

and a professor at California State University in Sacramento. Coach Fuoss lived down the street from us and taught me how to effectively long snap the ball to the punter. He was a great teacher, and his tutelage allowed me to successfully make the team at Murfreesboro Central and Oakland high schools, where three out of the four years I was the center on fourth down and on extra points. My favorite player is actually a group of four— the Mod Squad—Ray Oldham, Ray Bonner, Ed Miller, and Ken Coffee. I really liked the great team play these individuals brought together back in our OVC days. Two of them are in the Blue Raider Sports Hall of Fame.

Q Do you have a message to share?

ARobust athletics and strong academics are key components of a well-rounded, competitive university, which makes MTSU a desirable educational institution. Blue Raider Athletics continues to be a success. Maggie and I think it is wonderful to see the accomplishments of our student scholars and athletes. They need our support—both financially and through our attendance at their games. Go Blue!! RR

RAIDERS IN

Football

Kevin Byard (2012–15)

NFL Tennessee Titans

Benny Cunningham (2009–12) NFL Chicago Bears

Jeremy Cutrer (2015–16) NFL Jacksonville Jaguars

Logan Kilgore (2010–13) CFL Hamilton TigerCats

I’Tavius Mathers (2016) NFL Jacksonville Jaguars

Keon Raymond (2004–05) CFL Toronto Argonauts

Sammy Seamster (2009–13) NFL Dallas Cowboys

Maurquice Shakir (2015–16) NFL Baltimore Ravens

Jimmy Staten (2010–13) NFL Tennessee Titans

Erik Walden (2004–07) NFL Tennessee Titans

Josh Walker (2010–13) NFL Houston Texans

Baseball

Hunter Adkins (2010–12) Independent Lake Erie

Bryce Brentz (2008–10) MLB Boston Red Sox

Zac Curtis (2013–14) MLB Seattle Mariners

Nathan Foriest (2012–15) A- San Diego Padres

Jonathan Frebis (2012–15) A Chicago White Sox

Andy Haines MLB Chicago Cubs Assistant Hitting Coach

Ronnie Jebavy (2015) A+ San Francisco Giants

Michael McKenry (2004–06) MLB Tampa Bay Rays

Heath Slatton (2013–15) A- San Francisco Giants

R yan Stephens (2011–14) A- Colorado Rockies

Women’s Soccer

Shan Jones (2008–11) Long Island Rough Riders

Vanessa Mueggler (2007–10) Ottawa Fury

Lisa Marie Woods (2004) Adelaide (Australia)

IN THE PROS

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

K.C. Anuna (2008–11)

Nigeria

Tim Blue (2006–07) France

Raymond Cintron (2012–13) Puerto Rico

Michael Cuffee (2004–05) Ger many

LaRon Dendy (2012) France

Dar nell Harris (2014–16)

Jani Hiltunen (2000–01)

Belgium

Finland

Neiko Hunter (2012–14) Italy

Jason Jones (2010–13) Bolivia

Shawn Jones (2010–14)

Israel

Marcos Knight (2011–13) Ger many

Bruce Massey (2012–13) NBA D-League

Reggie Upshaw (2013–17) Ger many

Steve Thomas (2005) Venezuela

James Washington (2009–11) Sweden

JaCorey Williams (2017) NBA D-League

Alysha Clark (2009–10) WNBA Seattle Stor m

Chrissy Givens (2004–07) Euro CS Municipal Targoviste

Amber Holt (2006–08) Euro

Cheyenne Parker (2014–15) WNBA Chicago Sky

Men’s Tennis

John Peers (2008–10) ATP Doubles #7

Andreas Siljestrom (2004–07) ATP Doubles #98

Track and Field

Noah Akwu Nigeria

Ann Dudley U.S.

Stanley Gbagbeke Nigeria

Cordairo Golden U.S.

Emmanuel Tugumisirize Uganda

Men’s Golf

Kent Bulle (2006–10) Web.com Tour

Rick Cochran (2005–09) Web.com Tour

Hunter Green (2009–12) Swing Thought Tour

Jason Millard (2008–11) Web.com Tour

Chase Narramore (2005–09) Web.com Tour

Women’s Golf

Avery George (2012–16) Symetra Tour

Allie Knight (2011–15) Symetra Tour

Emily Miller (2012–16) Symetra Tour

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 2018

1 Men’s Basketball vs. WKU, Murfreesboro

3 Men’s Basketball vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro

3-5 Women’s Golf at Hurricane Invitational, Miami

3 Women’s Basketball vs. Old Dominion, Murfreesboro

3 Men’s Tennis vs. Tulane, Murfreesboro

4 Women’s Tennis vs. Brown, Fort Worth

7 Women’s Tennis at North Texas, Denton, Texas

7–10 Men’s & Women’s Basketball at C-USA Tournament, Frisco, Texas

8 Men’s Tennis at North Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.

12–13 Men’s Golf at 3M Augusta Invitational, Augusta, Ga.

16 Men’s Tennis vs. Old Dominion, Murfreesboro

17 Women’s Tennis vs. Georgetown, Norfolk, Va.

17 Men’s Tennis vs. Charlotte, Murfreesboro

18 Women’s Tennis at Old Dominion, Norfolk, Va.

18–20 Men’s Golf at Linger Longer Invitational, Reynolds Plantation, Ga.

18 Men’s Tennis vs. Florida Atlantic, Murfreesboro

23 Women’s Tennis at Memphis, Memphis

23–25 Women’s Golf at Mountain View Collegiate, Tucson

24 Men’s Tennis at South Alabama, Mobile, Ala.

25 Women’s Tennis vs. Western Kentucky, Murfreesboro

31 Men’s Tennis vs. Drake, Murfreesboro

31 Men’s Tennis vs. Alabama A&M, Murfreesboro

APRIL 2018

1 Baseball at Old Dominion, Norfolk, Va.

2–3 Women’s Golf at Charleston Invitational, Charleston, S.C.

3 Baseball vs. Vanderbilt, Murfreesboro

4 Softball vs. UT-Martin, Murfreesboro

6 Women’s Tennis vs. FIU, Murfreesboro

6 Softball at Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

6 Baseball vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro

7 Men’s Tennis vs. VCU, Murfreesboro

7 Softball at Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

7 Women’s Tennis vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro

7 Baseball vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro

7–8 Men’s Golf at Irish Creek Invitational, Kannapolis, N.C.

8 Men’s Tennis vs. William & Mary, Murfreesboro

8 Baseball vs. Marshall, Murfreesboro

10 Baseball vs. Belmont, Murfreesboro

11 Men’s Tennis at ETSU, Johnson City, Tenn.

11 Softball at Austin Peay, Clarksville, Tenn.

11 Baseball at Tennessee Tech, Cookeville, Tenn.

13

Women’s Tennis vs. South Alabama, Murfreesboro

13 Baseball vs. Rice, Murfreesboro

13–15 Men’s Golf at Mason Rudolph Championship, Nashville

14 Softball at FIU (DH), Miami

14 Men’s Tennis vs. Georgia State, Murfreesboro

14 Baseball vs. Rice, Murfreesboro

Golf at Puerto Rico Classic, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Basketball at UAB, Birmingham, Ala.

Tennis vs. Chattanooga, Murfreesboro

Men’s Basketball vs. UAB, Murfreesboro

25 Women’s Basketball at Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.

25 Men’s Tennis vs. Tulane, Murfreesboro

25 Women’s Tennis vs. Tulane, Murfreesboro

28 Men’s Tennis at Rice, Houston

31 Women’s Tennis vs. Alabama A&M, Murfreesboro

15 Softball at FIU, Miami

15 Women’s Tennis vs. Xavier, Murfreesboro

15 Baseball vs. Rice, Murfreesboro

16–18 Women’s Golf at C-USA Championship, Fort Myers, Fla.

17 Baseball at Lipscomb, Nashville

18 Softball vs. Belmont, Murfreesboro

19–22 Women’s Tennis at C-USA Championship, Norfolk, Va.

20–22

Men’s Tennis at C-USA Championship, Houston

20 Baseball at Southern Miss, Hattiesburg, Miss.

21 Baseball at Southern Miss, Hattiesburg, Miss.

21 Softball vs. FAU (DH), Murfreesboro

22 Softball vs. FAU, Murfreesboro

22 Baseball at Southern Miss, Hattiesburg, Miss.

22–25 Men’s Golf at C-USA Championship, Texarkana, Ark.

Blue Raider Athletic Association

Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU Box 576

1301 East Main Street

Murfreesboro TN 37132