Memphis Tigers News Archives

March 2004

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03/31/04		Tiger Football To Hold Spring Game -- Game Will Be Held At Rhodes College This Saturday (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, TENN. - The Tiger Football Team will hold its Spring scrimmage on Saturday at Rhodes College. Kick off is set for 11:45 a.m. The game will be held at Rhodes because of ongoing construction at the Liberty Bowl. Rhodes College is located on University St., which is off North Parkway. Fans are asked to park on University or Jackson as there is not extensive parking at the stadium.

03/31/04		Two Tiger All-Americans Take Different Paths (Daily Helmsman)
		By Ben Cowens March 31, 2004 If you've walked around campus long enough, it is likely that you've run into two All-American athletes. It's even more likely that when it happened, you didn't even turn your head. In the high-profile world of collegiate sports, most All-Americans would be spotted from across campus, but sophomore Beth Tidmore and freshman Katie Benjamin have achieved their success in the publicity-starved sport of rifle. Without any fanfare, Tidmore and Benjamin have led The University of Memphis to national prominence. This winter, the two led The U of M to national rankings in both smallbore and air rifle for the first time. With the aid of scholarships, which were unavailable even two years ago, rifle coach Butch Woolbright has quietly built a nationally-recognized program. His first scholarship went to Tidmore, and this season, he's added Benjamin and Sarah Carr, another freshman shooter, to the roster. But Woolbright said it is his two standouts that have really made The U of M an attractive option for future collegiate shooters. "Everybody (in rifle) knows who they are," Woolbright said. "The kids in high school, they see Beth and Katie and they know they shoot for Memphis. They don't even have to say anything. They are ambassadors for our program." *** Rifle consists of two events, smallbore and air. In the smallbore event, the shooter must hit targets 50 feet away from standing, kneeling and prone positions. Air rifle participants must hit the targets from 33 feet from a standing position. The target sizes are adjusted relative to distance, so that the targets appear the same size in the sight, despite the varying distances. In the air event, the participants shoot at white targets the size of a silver dollar. The outer levels of the target are worth between one and three points. Inside the white target is a black area the size of a quarter, which is the smallest area the competitors can see through their sight. By hitting that target, shooters can gain four to ten points, depending on how close to the bull's eye. To gain 10 points, the shooters must pierce a bull's eye the size of the period at the end of this sentence. "To give you an idea of the accuracy at this level, we rarely score less than eights," Tidmore said. *** It is a sport where a matter of millimeters can make a difference. For example, this season, The U of M rifle squad missed a spot in the eight-team air rifle national championships by just three points. If each member had been a few millimeters closer to one target, Memphis would have advanced. Next year, Tidmore said she expects even better team results. "We were within three points of going to nationals," Tidmore said. "It's not like we didn't try, but I'm not sure we were ready to get there. That really lit a fire under this team. We know now that we're not just a joke anymore." While team success is relatively new here, Tidmore and Benjamin have been performing at a high level for years. At the NCAA nationals, Tidmore qualified individually for both events, finishing 14th in smallbore and 16th in air. Benjamin, Tidmore and Carr all qualified for the Junior Olympic Rifle event, which was held last week in Colorado Springs, Colo. Although Carr was unable to attend, Tidmore and Benjamin did, making The U of M the only school with two representatives at the prestigious event. Not only did they qualify, each made the final eight in air rifle. Tidmore took the bronze while Benjamin placed eighth. Benjamin, who also qualified in small bore, made the finals and finished sixth in that event. *** Despite all their success in the sport, the two are quite different with their approaches to rifle. Tidmore, a sophomore, has been in rifle just four years. The freshman Benjamin has spent eight years perfecting the trade. Tidmore is superior in the air rifle competition. Benjamin is better in smallbore. Tidmore would talk rifle with a stranger "all day," as she put it. Benjamin conceded that she doesn't really like interviews. They also have different philosophies about where their rifle careers might take them. Tidmore is quick to point out that her ultimate ambition is the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, if not sooner. As a member of the national team, an honor she received for winning a Junior Olympic competition last year, she can compete for a spot in Athens this summer at the Olympic trials in May. Benjamin is more inclined to let rifle take a back seat, preferring to let her career in nursing take shape and let rifle fill in the blanks. "I'll never make any money in rifle," Benjamin said. She would certainly take the opportunity for the Olympics in 2008, but takes a very levelheaded approach. "At rifle, if it's your day (at the trials), then you're going to go (to the Olympics)," Benjamin said. Despite the different approaches, the two are determined to make themselves better, and each is happy the other is at The U of M to help. "(Tidmore) pushes me in air rifle, and I push her in smallbore," Benjamin said, "It helps having somebody at your level." Tidmore agreed. "Our scores are very close, and we push each other," she said. "It's important to have somebody who can do that." And Woolbright is happy to have them both. "My mailbox is filling up with mail from kids that otherwise wouldn't give Memphis a second look," he said. It looks as if some people have noticed after all.

03/31/04		Darius Flies One Last Time As Prep (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact March 31, 2004 Darius Washington won the 3-point contest the other day in Oklahoma City. So there. Add that to the list. In addition to drive and dish and dunk, the kid can shoot, too. Which should make him a nice fit at the University of Memphis next season. But first, the Orlando Edgewater High star will shine one last time as a prep, in tonight's 27th-annual McDonald's All American game that will be broadcast live at 8 on ESPN. ''Darius is doing great up here,'' said Travis Jones, Washington's high school coach who accompanied his star prospect to Oklahoma City. ''He's having a good time.'' Remember the way people talked about Dajuan Wagner that summer before he enrolled at Memphis? How they were amazed by the way he could score at will on anybody? Well, the same scouting report fits Washington, the 6-foot combo guard who built his lofty reputation on the AAU circuit, backed it with a state championship at Edgewater this season, then backed that with a 30-point performance in last week's adidas/EA Sports SuperStars Game in Knoxville. Told that someone who watched that prep showcase labeled Washington the best player on the floor not named Dwight Howard, Jones didn't hesitate responding. ''I would agree with that,'' he said, noting that Howard could be the top pick in June's NBA Draft. ''Darius is going to have a big impact at Memphis. He'll do as much as Dajuan did, maybe more.'' Speaking of Wagner, the one-year Tiger wonder showed up at one of Washington's games last month. His Cavs were in town to play the Magic the next night, so Wagner dropped by the gym, watched Washington dispose of an opponent and then talked to him at length. The conversation ranged from off-the-court stuff to John Calipari. But mostly, Wagner's message was clear: Enjoy college. Don't rush it. ''Dajuan told Darius that he should really enjoy the situation he's in,'' Jones said. ''He told him that in the NBA, it's just like your job, so he should enjoy what he's doing now and have a good time.'' Though nobody doubts Washington's talent - he scored close to 3,000 points at Edgewater and averaged 32 per game as a senior - the question on most Tiger fans' minds is whether he can play point guard next season and fill the void left by Antonio Burks. That means running a team instead of trying to get 30. That means making other people better instead of making yourself the go-to guy. As for Jones, he has no doubts. ''Darius can play point guard,'' Jones said. ''I wouldn't have told you that last year, but this year I can. It's just going to depend on what Memphis wants him to do. Do they want him to be a scoring point guard like Allen Iverson was early in his career or do they want him to be more of a true point guard? But he can do either. Darius is kind of a player who is just indescribable. He's just a scoring machine.'' - Gary Parrish: 529-2365

03/31/04		Arkansas State Scores Late To Down Tigers (Commercial Appeal)
		By From Our Press Services March 31, 2004 The Arkansas State baseball team ran its home winning streak to eight games as it defeated the University of Memphis 8-2 on Tuesday night at Tomlinson Stadium in Jonesboro. The Indians scored six runs in the final two innings to break open the tight game. Four Indian pitchers combined to hold the Tigers just four hits on the game. The Tribe pitching staff tied a season-high with 15 strikeouts. Junior Ryan Hamilton (4-3) picked up the win as he pitched 22/3 innings of scoreless relief. Memphis (12-10) struck first in the third inning with third baseman Michael Lewis's solo homer. The Tribe (14-12) outhit the Tigers 13-4 en route to its third straight win over Memphis.

03/30/04		Men's Soccer Blanks Colaiste Ide, 2-0, In Spring Finale (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- - Andy Metcalf and Daniel Dobson scored second half goals to lead Memphis to a 2-0 shutout of Colaiste Ide in the spring finale for the men's soccer team. After the two teams battled to a 0-0 tie at the half, Metcalf put the Tigers ahead just five minutes into the second period after he settled a crossing pass from defender Cormac McArdle to knock home the eventual game-winner. Dobson put the Tigers on the board again with just five minutes left in regulation on a sequence in which he played a ball to Dayton O'Brien who then passed to Metcalf. Metcalf was able to slip a pass in to Dobson for the score and the 2-0 advantage. "I thought we moved the ball better in the second half," said Grant. "Andy (Metcalf) was exceptional and a continuous threat to their back four. He really stepped up to the challenge tonight." Notable Tiger performers included Metcalf, O'Brien, McArdle, defenders Gary Connolly and Justin Dyer. "Colaiste Ide's work rate was tremendous," Grant said. "They battled well for a full 90 minutes and made a great game out of it. It is always exciting to play someone different in the spring and tonight was no exception. They (Colaiste Ide) brought a great game." Memphis is now 3-0-1 in the four-year series against the Irish school.

03/30/04		Baseball Drops Third Consecutive Game In 8-2 Loss At Arkansas State (GoTigersGo.com)
		JONESBORO, Ark. -- - Four Arkansas State pitchers combined to strikeout 15 Memphis hitters and allowed just four hits as the Tigers lost their third straight game in an 8-2 decision Tuesday night in non-conference action at Tomlinson Stadium. The Tigers fall to 12-10 on the year, while the Indians improve to 14-12. Memphis took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a Michael Lewis solo shot to left centerfield, but Arkansas State answered with the tying in the home half of the frame. Brad Burkhead drew a walk to lead off the inning and Mike Sirianni followed with a single. Brad Hayes' RBI single to right centerfield scored Burkhead to knot the game at 1-1. After the Indians gained the lead with a single run in the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers rallied to tie the contest at two. Jordan Hart beat out a bunt to reach base and Brent Dlugach was hit by a pitch. Hart came around to score the tying run on a wild pitch after advancing to third on a Kurt Welch fielder's choice groundball. The Tribe, who has now won eight straight at home, took advantage of a Memphis error to score a pair of runs in the seventh and then put the game out of reach, 8-2, with four runs in the eighth. Reliever Ryan Hamilton (4-3) earned the win for the Tribe and struck out five and held the Tigers hitless in two-and-two-thirds innings. Brandon Rowan (1-1) was saddled with the loss for Memphis. Dlugach was the only Tiger with multiple hits in the contest, going 2-for-4, while Lewis' homer and Hart's bunt single were the only other Tiger hits. The Tigers travel to Louisville, Ky. for their next three contests as they battle Louisville in a three-game C-USA series, April 2-4.

03/30/04		Myklebust Named C-USA Track & Field Athlete Of The Week (GoTigersGo.com)
		CHICAGO-Memphis Senior Gaute Myklebust was named C-USA Male Track & Field Athlete of the Week for the week of March 30; as announced by the conference offices Tuesday. Myklebust won the discus competition at the Bulldog Invitational Saturday hosted by Mississippi State with a school record breaking toss of 59.33m (194-08.00). Myklebust broke his own record that he set in 2003 at the Sea Ray Relays (4/12/03) with a throw of 58.31m. His mark of 59.33m currently ranks third in the nation this year. The mark in the discus throw qualified Mylebust for the NCAA Mid-Eastern Regional in Baton Rouge, La. on May 27-29. The regional meet is one of four nationally in which track athletes will compete for the right to advance to the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas on June 10-13. Myklebust was one of three Tigers that qualified for the NCAA Regional Saturday as Senior Adam Martin earned a mark in the shot put with a throw of 16.96m and Senior Ivan Williams qualified in the 200m with a time of 21.05. As a junior, Myklebust was named the 2003 C-USA Male Outdoor Athlete of the Year after winning both the discus and shot put at the 2003 C-USA Outdoor Championships in Charlotte. He qualified for the NCAA Regional and eventually advanced to the NCAA Championships where he placed 14th in the discus.

03/30/04		Memphis Tiger Basketball Banquet Set For April 18 At 6:00 p.m. (CT) (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The 2004 University of Memphis Tiger Basketball Banquet is slated for Sunday, Apr. 18 at the Holiday Inn on the university's campus. The reception begins at 6:00 p.m. (CT), followed by dinner and awards ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. (CT). The cost for the banquet is $50 per person and $500 for a table of 10. Tiger fans can make their reservations by check or credit card (Visa/MasterCard/Discover) and send the reservation form to the Men's Basketball Office, 230 Athletic Office Building, Memphis, TN 38152. For more information or to have a reservation form mailed or faxed to you, call the Tiger basketball office at 901-678-2346. The deadline for reservations is April 13. The banquet will be a celebration of the 2003-04 Tiger basketball season. Memphis finished the year with a 22-8 overall record and earned a second-straight NCAA Tournament berth. The Tigers posted a 12-4 Conference USA mark and won a share of the league's regular-season crown, the program's first conference title since 1995-96. Memphis was ranked No. 24 in the final Associated Press (AP) poll, marking the first time the Tigers finished a campaign with a national ranking in consecutive seasons since 1985 and 1986. Memphis was ranked No. 19 in the 2003 final AP poll.

03/30/04		Men's Soccer Set For Final Spring Test Against Colaiste Ide Tonight (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- - The University of Memphis men's soccer team will wrap up spring competition tonight when they host Colaiste Ide of Ireland at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. This year's meeting will mark the fourth consecutive year that the Irish Soccer School has traveled to the U.S. to play the Tigers. Kickoff was originally set for 7:30 p.m., but has now been changed to 6 p.m. Current Tigers, John Reilly and Gary Connolly are former Colaiste Ide players. Head coach Richie Grant, former Tiger assistant and Tennessee U-23 Olympic Development coach Paul Conway and 2004 senior Graham Gibbs are also alumni of Colaiste Ide. The men's team holds a 2-0-1 record against the Irish school. In the first contest in 2001, Memphis was triumphant in a 4-2 win, but the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw in 2002. The Tigers routed Colaiste Ide, 4-1, last year as Dayton O'Brien had two assists and four Tigers scored goals.

03/30/04		Just Thinking About You (Daily Helmsman)
		from our press services March 30, 2004 In her last games as a Lady Tiger, Princess Swilley was fighting through significant pain in her right shoulder. University of Memphis senior guard injured her shoulder on Feb. 29, and will have surgery on April 1, to repair the damage. Swilley is no stranger to shoulder surgery. During the last off-season, she had to have her left shoulder repaired after a similar injury. Although playing with intense pain, Swilley managed two points against Western Kentucky in the second round of the WNIT. Those two points put her career tally at 1,000, as she became the second Lady Tiger in as many years to join The U of M 1,000 point club. "I was so happy with the fact that Princess got her 1,000 points," said. Memphis coach Joye Lee-McNelis following the WKU loss last week. "It would have broken my heart if she wouldn't have gotten it. She has been a joy to coach these last four years, and she is the type of player that coaches wish they had 10 of. My hat is off to her family because they have raised a quality woman who I am proud of." McNelis said Swilley never made a big deal about her injury, even though it seriously hampered her play. "Not too many people know that Princess has been playing with a lot of pain and has had to receive a shot before the last couple of games," said McNelis. "She has battled these last few weeks and has never complained. I am truly proud of her and will miss her greatly."

03/29/04		Baseball Set For Mid-Week Matchup Against Arkansas State (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- - The University of Memphis baseball will take to the road for the first of a five-game road swing when they take on Arkansas State Tuesday evening at Tomlinson Stadium in Jonesboro, Ark. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. The Tigers are coming off of their second straight C-USA series loss and looks to avenge last season's series sweep suffered at the hands of the Indians. Memphis dropped an 8-4 decision at ASU before being routed 14-1 at Nat Buring Stadium in mid-April. Memphis (12-9) has lost seven of its last nine contests, while Arkansas State (13-12) has dropped six of its last nine, including being swept by New Orleans in their Sun Belt Conference season-opening series. Along with the Ole Miss rivalry, the series with A-State is Memphis' oldest, dating back 88 years to the 1915 season. The Tigers have faced ASU 154 times and have defeated the Indians 103 times, both of which are tops against any school in the program's history. Memphis will remain on the road for a weekend conference series with Louisville, April 2-4.

03/29/04		Women's Soccer Goes Undefeated At Huntsville College Classic (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Memphis women's soccer team continued its successful spring season by going undefeated in two matches at the Huntsville College Classic in Huntsville, Ala. The Lady Tigers tied Vanderbilt 1-1 in their first match then shutout Tennessee Tech 3-0 in their second contest. Walk-on Heather Wilson scored for Memphis in the Vanderbilt match as Isabel Briones earned the tie in goal for the Lady Tigers. Senior Yuiko Konno, who led Conference USA in goals last season, added a pair of goals and senior Annika Moller also scored in the Tennessee Tech match. Sophomore Amy Clunie recorded the shutout against the Golden Eagles. "I was impressed with how our team improved from the first game to the second game," Head Coach Brooks Monaghan said. "I was not pleased with the overall effort in the Vanderbilt match, but we played much better against Tennessee Tech and it showed by the results. We were much more team-oriented and that is important for us to be successful." The Lady Tigers continue their spring schedule with a match against Arkansas Tuesday, March 30th at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The match between the Lady Tigers and Razorbacks starts at 2 p.m. and will be on Field 10 at the complex.

03/29/04		Twins Lead ECU To Defeat Tigers (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact March 29, 2004 If it's any consolation to the University of Memphis, it has seen two of Conference USA's better baseball teams the first two league weekends. And Sunday, the Tigers no doubt saw the league's best set of twins. East Carolina's Darryl Lawhorn and Trevor Law horn, struggling at the plate entering the three-game series at AutoZone Park, went 6-for-9 with three home runs and five runs batted in to lead the Pirates to an 8-4 victory before about 150 people. Darryl Lawhorn, a power-hitting left-hander and C-USA's Preseason Player of the Year, homered twice Sunday and Trevor Lawhorn went 4-for-5, including a solo homer in the fifth. It marked the second time this season the twins had homered in the same game and the first time they'd accomplished the feat in the same inning. For the weekend, the twins went 13-for-27 with three doubles, four homers and 10 RBI to help the Pirates (21-6, 3-3 in C-USA) win the series, 2-1. Trevor raised his average 42 percentage points to .316 and Darryl boosted his 21 points to .258, while increasing his home-run total from two to five. ECU coach Randy Mazey said he dropped Trevor several spots in the batting order Saturday to help him break out of a slump. Trevor went 3-for-4 in ECU's 7-1 victory. ''Trevor hadn't been swinging the bat real well as of the last three or four weeks, so we moved him down to the No. 7 spot,'' Mazey said. ''We tried to make him mad. I think it worked.'' Darryl, an all-America candidate, said his struggles have been more the result of teams not pitching to him, or pitching to him in unorthodox fashion. ''Teams are pitching backwards to me,'' Darryl said. ''In fast-ball counts, they are throwing breaking balls. In breaking ball counts, they are throwing fast balls. So I just have to sit on a pitch and if I get it, I'm going to have to hit it. It might be the only pitch I see in the whole at-bat.'' Darryl Lawhorn hit a deep, two-run shot to right off Stephen Gostkowski (1-2) in the fifth and blasted another homer off reliever Bill Edwards in the ninth. ''Both (home run) pitches (to Darryl) were on the inner half of the plate,'' said Memphis coach Dave Anderson. ''And he's a good hitter. You can't make mistakes on good hitters.'' The twins are in their first season of playing college baseball together. While Darryl signed with ECU out of high school in Wilmington, N.C., his brother was not offered a scholarship and went to Barton College, a small school 30 miles from ECU. Fortunately for the Tigers (12-9, 1-5), they won't be seeing double again until the C-USA Tournament, providing the U of M qualifies. Memphis had its chances Sunday, but failed to capitalize. The Tigers blew an opportunity in the first inning. Their first three hitters - Chad House, Patrick Hope and Jordan Hart - reached via an error, a walk and a single. But House was picked off first and the Tigers did not score. After rallying with a four-run sixth - highlighted by Brent Dlugach's two-run triple - Memphis cut ECU's lead to 6-4. The Pirates added a two-out RBI single in the seventh and Darryl Lawhorn's solo homer in the ninth to extend their lead to 8-4. Once again, the Tigers attempted a rally, loading the bases with two out in the ninth. But Hope fouled out to end the game. - Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

03/29/04		Editorial 03/29: Don't Spend Much On Liberty Bowl Fixes (Commercial Appeal)
		A BRAND NEW football arena to replace the aging Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium would be an exciting new addition to the growing array of Memphis sports venues, but the timing is not right. Unless the Liberty Bowl is too unstable structurally to ensure public safety, taxpayers shouldn't be expected to pay for another sports facility at a time of tight dollars and pressing public needs. The stadium could benefit from a substantial fix-up, but the money and political support may not be present for anything beyond basic repairs. The stadium is home to the University of Memphis Tigers, the Liberty Bowl and the Southern Heritage Classic football games. But the facility that opened in 1965 has lost its glow. Fans sit on seats without backs, locker rooms are small and, without a press room, post-game interviews sometimes are held in a tent. Sky boxes, concession stands and the field need work. Limited renovations in recent years produced new bench seats, a better scoreboard and new paint. But more comfortable seating would mean a costly restructuring of the seating area. A $50,000 consulting engineers' study on stadium options should be released in the next few days, but officials are guarded. Pete Aviotti, special assistant to Mayor Willie Herenton, said last week that it may make better financial sense to demolish and rebuild than to renovate. A major overhaul could cost $50 million, while a new arena could push the cost to $125 million or more. Aviotti didn't endorse either option. Neither did City Council members, though some warned that inaction would lead to more decay. Councilman Rickey Peete suggested spending $4 million to $5 million for minimal repairs if the work would buy a few more years of use. Others await the engineering report. It should be noted that the University of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the country, has seen 16 renovations since 1921, according to the school's web site. Renovations apparently have served UT well, since there are enough seats for 104,079 fans. By comparison, the 62,380-seat Liberty Bowl has been twice renovated since it was built, according to the university. Major costs for a renovated or new stadium seem to be out of step with public sympathies. Public funds built The Pyramid, now only 13 years old and begging for new tenants. Public money is paying most of the $250 million cost of the FedEx Forum, and public money, through sales-tax rebates, has helped finance AutoZone Park, the Memphis Redbirds' home. The city has a general obligation bond debt of more than $900 million, and city property taxes are likely to be increased this year to meet government costs. More money is needed to improve schools, fight crime and fix roads and streets. The city announced late last week that almost $14 million will be required for necessary lighting and landscaping improvements around the FedExForum. Taxpayer pockets in Memphis seem to be about empty. The third option for the Liberty Bowl looks like the most reasonable at this time: Fix the most glaring health and safety needs and press on.

03/28/04		Baker sets new school record in the 800m, Russell and Bowen run personal best (GoTigersGo.com)
		STARKVILLE, Miss.-Gaute Myklebust set a new school record and earned an NCAA Regional Qualifying mark in the discus throw with a toss of 59.33m at the Bulldog Invitational Saturday hosted by Mississippi State University. Myklebust broke his own record in the event that he set in 2003. Three Tigers qualified for the NCAA Mid-Eastern Regionals Saturday. The University of Memphis Men's track team placed fifth at the Bulldog Invitational while the University of Memphis Women's team placed 10th. The Tigers did well in the distance events Saturday. Michael Mentz placed second in the 1500m run with a time of 4:01.12. Teammate Szilard Toth placed 4th in the event with a time of 4:03.92. Istvan Kerekjarto placed fourth in the 800m run with a time of 1:52.79. Abraham Shaposhnik placed seventh in the 800m with a time of 1:54.26. Szaboles Karadi placed third in the 5000m run with a time of 15.10.60. Jumper Janon Busby placed fourth in both the high jump (1.95m) and the triple jump (14.56m). Sprinter Ivan Williams placed fourth in the 200m with a time of 21.05. Williams earned a qualifying spot at the NCAA Mid-Eastern Regional with his time in the 200m. Adam Martin placed second in the shot put with a mark of 16.96m. Martin's mark qualifies him for the NCAA Regionals. The Tigers scored 65.50 points in the meet to finish fifth. Mississippi State won the meet with 178 points while Indiana State scored 111.50 points to finish second. Southwest Missouri State won the women's competition with 180 points and Mississippi State finished second with 149 points. The Lady Tigers scored 16 points to place 10th. Sue-Ann Bowen ran a personal best 55.62 in the 400m to place second. Ali Baker also ran a personal best 2:14.34 in the 800m to place third. Her time set a new Memphis school record breaking Julie Wright's record that was set in 2000. Tabitha Russell ran a 1:08.69 in the 400m hurdles placing seventh. Women - Team Rankings - 19 Events Scored ======================================== 1) Southwest Missouri State U 180 2) Mississippi State Univers 149 3) Indiana State University 129.50 4) University of Southern Mi 82 5) Lindenwood University 58 6) Middle Tennessee State Un 46 7) Arkansas State University 22.50 8) Jacksonville State Univer 20 9) Albany State University 16.50 10) University of Memphis 16 11) Mississippi College 8 12) Rhodes College 7 13) U-Memphis 5.50 Men - Team Rankings - 19 Events Scored ====================================== 1) Mississippi State Universi 178 2) Indiana State University 111.50 3) University of Southern Mis 80.50 4) Southwest Missouri State 67 5) University of Memphis 65.50 6) Lindenwood University 59.50 7) Arkansas State University 50 7) Albany State University 50 9) Middle Tennessee State Uni 36 10) U-Mid. Tenn. State 20 11) U-Indiana State 10 12) University of Alabama 4 13) Rhodes College 3 13) Hinds Community College 3 13) U-Jacksonville State 3

03/28/04		East Carolina Takes C-USA Baseball Series From Memphis With 8-4 Victory (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - No. 18 East Carolina used a pair of fifth-inning home runs by the Lawhorn twins Darryl and Trevor to earn a series win over Memphis with an 8-4 victory in Conference-USA baseball action Sunday at AutoZone Park. The Pirates (21-6, 3-3 C-USA) took games two and three from the Tigers (12-9, 1-5 C-USA) to win their first C-USA series of the season. Trevor had a season-high four hits in the contest while Darryl added a pair of home runs as the Pirates outhit the Tigers 14-7. Rightfielder Jordan Hart was the only Tiger with two hits as he had a pair of singles. ECU first baseman Ryan Norwood drove in runs with a single in the second and a double in the fourth to help give the Pirates a 3-0 lead. The Lawhorns then knocked in the Pirate's three runs in the fifth as Darryl hit a two-run homer and Trevor added a solo blast off Memphis starter Stephen Gostkowski. The Tigers rallied to score four runs in the sixth inning, but that would be as close as Memphis would get. Centerfielder Josh Payne and first baseman Adam Amar had RBI singles in the frame while shortstop Brent Dlugach added a two-run triple. ECU added a pair of insurance runs with one in the seventh on a RBI-single by Trevor and one in the ninth on Darryl's second home run of the game and third of the series. Memphis loaded the bases in the ninth on a trio of walks, but left the bases loaded as Phillip Powell picked up his first save of the season by getting Patrick Hope to foul out to Norwood at first to end the game. Pirate starter Shane Matthews (3-0) allowed three runs on five hits while Gostkowski (1-2) took the loss after allowing six runs and nine hits in 4.1 innings of work. The Tigers return to Tuesday on the road at Arkansas State with first pitch in Jonesboro set for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

03/28/04		Women's Tennis Battles Back To .500 Mark -- Lady Tigers Win Three Straight On The Road (GoTigersGo.com)
		CONWAY, S.C. - The University of Memphis women's tennis team evened its overall record at 9-9 with a 4-3 win over Coastal Carolina (11-4), in non-conference play, Saturday. The Lady Tigers jumped up early, winning the doubles point with victories from the No. 1 and 3 doubles squads. In the singles portion of the match, Marlene Dirnstorfer, Andrea Feichtinger and Alex Tjioe nailed down the 4-3 win by winning their respective singles matches. The Lady Tigers will return to Memphis only to depart again for the final regular season road trip of the year when they face UAB, Cincinnati and DePaul in a C-USA tournament preview next weekend in Birmingham, Ala. Memphis 4, Coastal 3 Singles 1 - Marlene Dirnstorfer (UM) def. Medina Bajrambasic, 6-3, 6-4 2 - Marie Matrka def. Viktoria Gruber (UM), 6-2, 7-6 3 - Andrea Feichtinger (UM) def. Virginie Dinh, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 4 - Petra Jantti def. Yesica Ares (UM), 7-5, 6-2 5 - Nicole Lemmerer def. Kristin Noble (UM), 6-0, 6-1 6 - Alex Tjioe (UM) def. Jessica Cleland, 6-0, 6-1 Doubles 1 - Dirnstorfer/Gruber(UM) def. Bajrambasic/Matrka, 9-8 (5) 2 - Dinh/Jantti def. Feichtinger/Tjioe (UM), 8-3 3 - Noble/Christina Wieser (UM) def. Lemmerer/Cleland, 8-3

03/28/04		Calipari Basketball Camp (Commercial Appeal)
		It's common to find the Finch Center filled on any summer day. Professionals. Collegians. High Schoolers. The place is typically packed with basketball players from dawn to dusk. Now, anybody with a check can get involved because the University of Memphis is taking registration forms for the John Calipari Basketball School. ''It's a way of giving back, and that's one of the things I like about it,'' said Tiger assistant Ed Schilling. ''We just try to put together a great camp that is cost efficient.'' The first camp runs June 14-18 with a cost of $175. Each session goes from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and all campers will receive a T-shirt and be eligible for various awards. There also will be two overnight weekend camps (June 18-20 and Aug. 6-8) and another day camp (Aug. 2-6). The least expensive route is a shooting camp from June 23-25 that will feature Grizzlies star Mike Miller. That costs $125, which includes a T-shirt and taped analysis of every player's jump shot. All camps are for players ages 7 to 18. For more information call the Tiger basketball office at 678-2346.

03/28/04		Pirates' Starter Tames Tigers (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact March 28, 2004 East Carolina righthander Greg Bunn shrugged his broad shoulders and said it wasn't really anything he couldn't handle. Before the start of this season, Bunn made the transition from the bullpen, where he was ECU's closer his freshman and sophomore years, to weekend starter. To him, it's the same approach . . . with maybe an additional 80 or so pitches. In Saturday's Conference USA baseball game at AutoZone Park, he displayed that quiet confidence, along with an impressive curveball, to lead the Pirates to a 7-1 victory against the University of Memphis before about 250. Bunn held the Tigers to five hits and struck out a career-high 11 in a career-best eight innings. Bunn (4-0) helped the 18th-ranked Pirates (20-6, 2-3 in C-USA) even the three-game series at one game apiece heading into today's 12:30 p.m. fi-nale, also at AutoZone Park. "The last couple of games I've pitched I've had a hard time getting ahead of guys," Bunn said. "Today, everything seemed to be working. And when they did hit the ball, guys behind me caught the ball. I didn't have that much to worry about. "It's easy to pitch on a day where the guys are fielding behind you." Bunn was helped by a 16-hit attack that saw the Pirates get at least one hit in every inning. Drew Costanzo, Ryan Norwood and Trevor Lawhorn had three hits each to lead ECU. Lawhorn's twin brother, Darryl, drove in two runs, including one with a deep homer to right. Memphis (12-8, 1-4) got its run in the third inning when Chad House's single brought home Kyle Scott to tie the game at one. Tigers coach Dave Anderson said his team helped Bunn by showing a lack of discipline at the plate and misplaying several balls that led to three ECU runs. "When you are facing good pitching, you've got to do some things right and we didn't do them," Anderson said. "Today we ran into a guy with some pretty good stuff, and we swung at some bad pitches and got ourselves into a hole." Trailing 2-1 in the fifth inning, the Tigers gave ECU a gift run when catcher Kurt Welch threw wide past first on a sacrifice bunt by Jamie Paige. In the sixth, ECU turned a bloop single by Costanzo - on a ball that could have been caught in short right field - into another run. And in the seventh, Norwood got credit for a two-run triple when Payne was unable to catch a line-drive in center. "If we don't throw the bunt away and we catch the fly ball, it's a 4-1 game," Anderson said. "You make a couple of mistakes, and good teams always make you pay." - Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

03/27/04		Myklebust Sets New School Record In Discus Throw, Qualifies For NCAA Regionals At Bulldog Invitational (GoTigersGo.com)
		STARKVILLE, Miss.-Gaute Myklebust set a new school record and earned an NCAA Regional Qualifying mark in the discus throw with a toss of 59.33m at the Bulldog Invitational Saturday hosted by Mississippi State University. Myklebust broke his own record in the event that he set in 2003. Three Tigers qualified for the NCAA Mid-Eastern Regionals Saturday. The University of Memphis Men's track team placed fifth at the Bulldog Invitational while the University of Memphis Women's team placed 10th. The Tigers did well in the distance events Saturday. Michael Mentz placed second in the 1500m run with a time of 4:01.12. Teammate Szilard Toth placed 4th in the event with a time of 4:03.92. Istvan Kerekjarto placed fourth in the 800m run with a time of 1:52.79. Abraham Shaposhnik placed seventh in the 800m with a time of 1:54.26. Szaboles Karadi placed third in the 5000m run with a time of 15.10.60. Jumper Janon Busby placed fourth in both the high jump (1.95m) and the triple jump (14.56m). Sprinter Ivan Williams placed fourth in the 200m with a time of 21.05. Williams earned a qualifying spot at the NCAA Mid-Eastern Regional with his time in the 200m. Adam Martin placed second in the shot put with a mark of 16.96m. Martin's mark qualifies him for the NCAA Regionals. The Tigers scored 65.50 points in the meet to finish fifth. Mississippi State won the meet with 178 points while Indiana State scored 111.50 points to finish second. Southwest Missouri State won the women's competition with 180 points and Mississippi State finished second with 149 points. The Lady Tigers scored 16 points to place 10th. Sue-Ann Bowen ran a personal best 55.62 in the 400m to place second. Ali Baker also ran a personal best 2:14.34 in the 800m to place third. Her time set a new Memphis school record breaking Julie Wright's record that was set in 2000. Tabitha Russell ran a 1:08.69 in the 400m hurdles placing seventh. Women - Team Rankings - 19 Events Scored ================================== 1) Southwest Missouri State U 180 2) Mississippi State Univers 149 3) Indiana State University 129.50 4) University of Southern Mi 82 5) Lindenwood University 58 6) Middle Tennessee State Un 46 7) Arkansas State University 22.50 8) Jacksonville State Univer 20 9) Albany State University 16.50 10) University of Memphis 16 11) Mississippi College 8 12) Rhodes College 7 13) U-Memphis 5.50 Men - Team Rankings - 19 Events Scored ================================ 1) Mississippi State Universi 178 2) Indiana State University 111.50 3) University of Southern Mis 80.50 4) Southwest Missouri State 67 5) University of Memphis 65.50 6) Lindenwood University 59.50 7) Arkansas State University 50 7) Albany State University 50 9) Middle Tennessee State Uni 36 10) U-Mid. Tenn. State 20 11) U-Indiana State 10 12) University of Alabama 4 13) Rhodes College 3 13) Hinds Community College 3 13) U-Jacksonville State 3

03/27/04		No. 18 East Carolina Defeats Memphis 7-1 In C-USA Baseball Action (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. -- - East Carolina starter Greg Bunn struck out 11 in eight innings of work as the 18th-ranked Pirates defeated Memphis 7-1 in Conference-USA baseball action Saturday at AutoZone Park. The Pirates (20-6, 2-3 C-USA) evened the series with the Tigers (12-8, 1-4 C-USA) at a win apiece and set up a rubber match in game three. A trio of Pirates each had three hits in the contest as ECU pounded out 16 in the game. First baseman Ryan Norwood was a home run shy of the cycle and second baseman Trevor Lawhorn added a pair of RBIs on a double and two singles. The Pirates grabbed a 1-0 lead off Memphis starter Derek Hankins in the first after Jamie Paige, who led off the game with a double, scored on a RBI-groundout by Darryl Lawhorn. The Tigers tied the game at one in the third on a RBI-single by Chad House. That would be the only run the Tigers could muster off Bunn (4-0) who struck out the side in the first and fifth innings and allowed only five hits and walked only one. The ECU offense tallied six unanswered runs scoring single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings before posting a three-spot in the seventh on Darryl Lawhorn's third home run of the season and a two-run triple by Norwood. Hankins (2-3) took the loss for Memphis allowing four runs, three earned, on 10 hits in six innings of work. Zach Cook tossed a scoreless ninth for the Tigers. Leftfielder Drew Costanzo posted three singles and scored two runs for the Pirates while leadoff hitter Jamie Paige and shortstop Billy Richardson each added two hits. Tiger shortstop Brent Dlugach went 2-for-4 at the plate to increase his average in league games to .421. Game three of the series has been moved up to a 12:30 p.m. start Sunday to accommodate East Carolina's travel plans.

03/27/04		Future Tiger Shines In All-Star Showcase -- Washington Scores 30 In Loss (Commercial Appeal)
		By From Our Press Services March 27, 2004 University of Memphis basketball fans wondering how the departure of senior Antonio Burks will affect the team's point guard situation can rest a little easier. Tennessee fans, though, may have to sweat out the next few months. Tiger signee Darius Washington, a 6-1 floor general from Orlando playing for the T-Mac (Tracy McGrady) Superstars, scored 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting as his team fell 149-127 to the KG (Kevin Garnett) Superstars at the adidas/EA Sports Superstars game at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. Jackie Butler, a 6-10 Volunteer signee, made his first appearance on his home court, but it could also be his last. Two roadblocks could prevent the former McDonald's All-American from ever suiting up in orange. One, he would prefer to skip college and go to the NBA if his draft profile improves in the next two months. Two, if the NBA isn't a viable alternative, he has work yet to do to get qualified academically. After scoring 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting for the winning team, Butler made it clear his priority is the NBA. He has made himself eligible for the June draft, but still retains his college eligibility because he hasn't signed with an agent. Asked if he could see himself coming to college at UT, Butler took a long pause, looked as if he'd bit into a ripe lemon and said, "If I have to come to college, I'll come to college, but if I can go to the NBA, I'm going to go. "It's 50-50. I'm still deciding what I'm going to do." Butler and fellow UT signee Damion Harris both started for their respective teams. Harris' first move to the basket was stuffed by Butler. Butler then blocked two more Harris attempts in the second quarter. Harris scored two baskets, one on a goal-tending call against Dwight Howard By reputation, the best player on the floor was the 6-foot-10 Howard of Atlanta. Projected as the first pick in this summer's NBA draft, Howard was excellent in an understated way. He showed quick moves in the paint and a knack for running the floor and handling the ball, adding up 19 points on 9-of-9 shooting, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. The "little" guys had their way. Virginia signee Sean Singletary scored 24 points and Duke-bound DeMarcus Nelson had 20. Harris, the 6-9 center from Greenville, S.C., said he's looking forward to coming to Tennessee, but added he's willing to go to prep school for a year of additional seasoning if he comes up short of qualifying academically. "Prep school, it's like another step,'' he said, "and it's going to help me out even more. "But I think I'm going to be in good shape as far as getting here. I've got another attempt at the (standardized) test and I think I'll be OK.''

03/27/04		Means Earns Early Exit -- West Singles Out Defensive End For Impressive Scrimmage Play (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact March 27, 2004 Tigers coach Tommy West had called his University of Memphis football team together once during Friday's scrimmage to admonish them for periods of lackluster play. So when he summoned the offense and defense to mid-field for a second time late in the scrimmage, several players wondered what they had done wrong. Instead, West wanted to recognize someone who had been doing everything right. West asked defensive lineman Albert Means to step forward. Means had made several stops during the previous series, a continuation not only of his play during the afternoon, but the spring. "What I told our team when I stopped the scrimmage is that I don't know in my coaching career that I've had somebody put their heart and soul into this like he has this spring. And it's been every day, every play. "You could see he was making every play. We'd run a reverse and he'd make the play. We'd throw the ball, and he'd be hitting the quarterback. We'd run the ball up inside, and he'd make the tackle." West said it was the first time in his 11 years as a head coach that he'd stopped a scrimmage to recognize such an effort. After he praised the 6-4, 330-pound Means for his hustle, he told him he had earned the rest of the afternoon off. The rest of the Tigers applauded. "They knew what he'd been doing," West said. "To me, that showed the respect they had for him." Means, a nosetackle who has spent a productive spring at defensive end, wasn't the only Tiger making plays Friday in a workout that went 110 plays, about 38 fewer than the previous week's. Running back DeAngelo Williams rushed four times for 117 yards and two touchdowns, including a 71-yard sprint around left end to complete an afternoon shorter than Means's. Quarterback Danny Wimprine had a near-perfect scrimmage, completing 11-of-13 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. He completed his final nine passes. And receiver Maurice Avery, who missed last week's first full-scale scrimmage while playing for the men's basketball team, returned and looked as comfortable running routes as he did last fall. Avery, the team's leading receiver a year ago, had four receptions for 124 yards and two one-handed touchdown catches, including a spectacular grab from Wimprine that resulted in a 36-yard score. "Everyone was talking about was I trying to show off (on the one-handed reception)," Avery said. "I wasn't. They were holding my other arm, so I had only the one left." Avery, who had a team-leading eight touchdown catches last year, said playing for the men's basketball team kept him in shape. "I never felt like I was away (while with the basketball team), but it's always a at-home feeling to be back on the field," Avery said. Wimprine enjoyed having Avery has an option, even though the Tigers have a surplus of standout receivers, a group that includes Tavares Gideon and Mario Pratcher. "When a guy like (Avery) can come back and start practicing, it brings the whole level of practice back up," Wimprine said. "We're excited to see him back out here, and he's done a good job." Pratcher, who had 190 receiving yards in last week's scrimmage, had six catches for 83 yards. Tavarious Davis had three receptions for 74 yards and a 45-yard TD. Defensively, Lane Garcia had two tackles for lost yardage, Cameron Essex had a diving interception of a Robison pass intended for Gideon and linebackers Quinton McCrary and Carlton Baker had back-to-back sacks. "As a defense we ran to the ball better and we tackled better," Means said. "Since we've been going over our plays and our defense, we've been going into our gaps better. "But the offense has been doing a good job of catching the ball and running and block ing." - Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

03/26/04		Memphis Earns 6-5 Decision Over No. 18 East Carolina In C-USA Baseball Action (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis rightfielder Jordan Hart had three hits and scored three runs and centerfielder Josh Payne added a three-run homer as the Tigers defeated East Carolina 6-5 in Conference-USA baseball action Friday at AutoZone Park. Memphis improved to 12-7 overall and 1-3 in C-USA play while the 18th-ranked Pirates dropped to 19-6 overall and 1-3 in league play. Payne sent the first pitch he saw from ECU starter BrodyTaylor deep over the leftfield wall to give the Tigers a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning. Patrick Hope and Hart each singled ahead of Payne to set up the three-run homer. East Carolina loaded the bases in the second on a single and a pair of walks, but Memphis starter Jarrett Grube was able to induce Jamie Paige to fly out to end the threat. The Pirates did convert on their next chance to score rallying to tie the game with a trio of runs in the third. Darryl Lawhorn drove in a run with a single and he scored on a bloop double by Ryan Norwood. Hart gave Memphis the lead back in the sixth when he scored on a RBI-single by Brent Dlugach. Hart singled and put himself in scoring position with his fourth steal of the season. The Pirates tied it up again in the eighth as the Lawhorn twins came through for the visitors. Trevor led off the inning with a double and scored on a single by his brother Darryl. Hart led off the Memphis eighth with a double and moved to third on an infield single by catcher Kurt Welch. Hart then scored on a wild pitch by ECU reliever Mike Flye. Welch scored the game-winning when second baseman Trevor Lawhorn could not handle a grounder off the bat of Kyle Scott. East Carolina plated a run in the ninth, but Memphis reliever Bill Edwards (1-2) was able to retire the side when he forced Trevor Lawhorn into a game-ending double play. Edwards logged two innings of relieft work allowing a run on two hits. Payne's first-inning homer was his team-leading fourth of the season. Grube retired the last 12 batters he faced and equaled his season high for strikeouts with nine in seven innings of work. Dustin Sasser (1-1) took the loss for the Pirates after allowing an unearned run in the eighth. Memphis and East Carolina continue their series Saturday with a 2 p.m. contest at AutoZone.

03/26/04		Men's Soccer Defeats Tennessee Under-23 Squad, 1-0, In Spring Action (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn.-- - Andy Metcalf scored the game's lone goal, assisted by Dayton O'Brien, in the 70th minute to give the University of Memphis men's soccer team a 1-0 win over the Tennessee Under-23 Olympic Development team Friday night at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. The Tigers are now 2-2-1 in spring competition. Players of notable performances, along with Metcalf and O'Brien, include Harrison Kiser, Gary Connolly, Cormac McArdle and Justin Dyer. "Harrison had his hardest working display on the pitch tonight." said Tiger head coach Richie Grant. "It was an excellent game for us," Grant said. "There was great tempo and commitment from all players. This is the type of game we needed to play. It was tough and physical and we had to defend well to keep the win. Overall it was a great team performance." Memphis will return to action on Tues., March 30 when they play host Colaiste Ide from Ireland in their annual spring matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the MRSC.

03/26/04		Offense Is Explosive In Spring's 2nd Scrimmage (GoTigersGo.com)
		The Tiger coaching staff took another look at tailback DeAngelo Williams during Friday's scrimmage at Murphy Athletic Complex, but it was not a long look. The record-setting back from Arkansas had just four carries on the afternoon and that was enough for Tommy West to send Williams to the sidelines for the remainder of the scrimmage. Working with the first offensive unit, Williams reeled off 117 yards on four attempts and scored touchdowns on runs of 34 and 71 yards. Backup tailback LaKendus Cole, who received a game ball for his play in the New Orleans Bowl, totaled 81 yards on six carries and had a 62-yard run called back on offsetting penalties. "I liked what I saw out there today," said West. "Don't get me wrong, we still have to turn it up a notch or two before next fall but I like the way we are working with intensity." Quarterback Danny Wimprine completed 11 of 13 pass attempts, including his last nine consecutive attempts, for 190 yards and one touchdown. Lefthander Bobby Robison hit on 8 of 18 passes for 159 yards and two scores in helping the offense amass 378 yards in the air. Maurice Avery, who has spent the past two months with the Tiger basketball team, led all receivers with four catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. He his two, one-handed, touchdown catches came on passes of 55 and 36 yards. Mario Pratcher caught six passes for 83 yards and Tavarious Davis had three receptions for 74 yards and one score. Defensively, West singled out the play of defensive end Albert Means. The former Parade All-American made play after play throughout the scrimmage which prompted West to stop the action and send Means to the sidelines to take the remainder of the afternoon off. "I am very proud of Albert Means," West continued. "He never says a word but just goes about his business. He has become a leader for this team both on and off the field and I just can't say enough about what he has accomplished." The Tigers will practice on Saturday morning at Murphy Complex. The team will have two more practice sessions before the April 3rd Blue-Gray Scrimmage, slated for 11:45 AM at Rhodes College.

03/26/04		Princess Swilley Scheduled For Surgery -- Senior Guard To Repair Right Shoulder, A Year After Repairing Her Left Shoulder (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, TENN. - University of Memphis senior guard Princess Swilley will have surgery on April 1 to repair her shoulder. Swilley injured her right shoulder on Feb. 29, and played with pain for the remainder of the season. She is all too familiar with this type of shoulder injury, as she had her left shoulder repaired immediately following her junior year. Dr. Barry Phillips of the Campbell Clinic will perform her surgery. Swilley etched her name in the career record books with her two points against Western Kentucky in the second round of the WNIT. Swilley ended her career with 1,000 points and is the second Lady Tiger in two years to join the U of M 1,000 Point Club. "I was so happy with the fact that Princess got her 1,000 points," said McNelis following the WKU loss last week. "It would have broken my heart if she wouldn't have gotten it. She has been a joy to coach these last four years, and she is the type of player that coaches wish they had 10 of. My hat is off to her family because they have raised a quality woman who I am proud of. "Not too many people know that Princess has been playing with a lot of pain, and has had to receive a shot before the last couple of game" added McNelis. "She has battled these last few weeks, and has never complained. I am truly proud of her, and will miss her greatly."

03/26/04		Track & Field Opens Outdoor Season At Bulldog Invitational (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS-The University of Memphis Men's and Women's Track & Field teams will open up the outdoor season at the Bulldog Invitational hosted by Mississippi State University at the W.O. Spencer Stadium / Carl Maddox Track. The meet begins at 9:00 a.m. Saturday. Memphis Men's Track & Field Preview The Tigers enter the 2004 outdoor season with high expectations. Memphis returns both NCAA Championship competitors including double-medlaist Mate Nemeth and 2003 C-USA Male Outdoor Athlete of the Year Gaute Myklebust. The Tigers are very strong in the throwing events and have capable athletes in the sprints, distance and jumping events as well. Sprints Traditionally Memphis has produced elite sprinters. The Tigers lost last year's top sprinter Gary Nemeth to the 2004 Olympic Games. Nemeth, a native of Hungary, has temporarily left the university to train for the Olympics as part of the Hungarian 4x100m Relay team. Nemeth's father is the coach of that team in Hungary. Still the Tigers have talent in this area. Senior Ivan Williams has had a tremendous offseason of training and appears poised to become a top sprinter in the conference and bid for an NCAA Regional Qualifying spot in the 200m dash. As a true freshman, Willie Green proved why he was a prized recruit from the Peach State when he placed third in the 60m dash at the C-USA Indoor Championships. A hamstring injury prevented him from competing in the outdoor season, but a healthy Green has all the tools to be an impact sprinter for the Tigers in 2004. Adding depth to the men's sprint corps is senior Michael Woods. Woods is a capable sprinter that has improved with every year of training. He could be a pleasant surprise for the Tigers this year. In the hurdle events, Preston Taylor returns for the Tigers. Taylor ranked in top 10 of C-USA as a sophomore in the 100m hurdles. Taylor, standing at 6'4", possesses the tools of a good hurdler. Newcomer Daniel Kiss is expected to make a big impact for the Tigers. A former Hungarian national Champion in the 110m hurdles, Kiss competed in the European Championships and his best time in the 60m hurdles compares very favorably to the best times posted in C-USA last year. Freshman Larry Harris joins the team this year. A local high school standout at Cordova HS Memphis, Harris may be the future for the Tigers in that event. Austin Hunter, a former college soccer player has developed into a solid 400m man for the Tigers. Now entering his sophomore year, Hunter is experienced and should climb the rankings in C-USA in 2004. Distance The strength of the Tigers team in 2003 was their distance corps. That group may be even stronger in 2004. Led by C-USA Double-Medalist Mate Nemeth (3000m steeplechase, 5000m Champion), the Tigers will be a force in the distance events. Nemeth returns for his senior campaign and sets his sights not on only repeating as a conference champion, but perhaps advancing to the finals of the NCAA Championships in the steeplechase which he just missed in 2003. Sophomore Istvan Kerekjarto qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the 800m and 1500m run in 2003 as a freshman. The coaching staff loves his potential and believes Kerekjarto can accomplish a lot before his career is over at Memphis. Newcomers Michael Mentz, Szabi Karadi, Abraham Shaposhnik and Szilard Toth all have strong credentials as distance runners. Mentz won his first race as a Tiger winning the 800m with an impressive time and may be the strongest of the newcomers. Collectively, the Tigers can potentially accumulate a lot of points in the distance events at the conference championship meets. Throws NCAA rules allow a team to enter four competitors in each event. The Tigers look to take advantage of that rule in the throwing events this spring. Coach Kevin Robinson has assembled a very talented group of throwers that may be as a good as any group in the country. Returning Double-Medalist and NCAA Championship Qualifier and 2003 C-USA Male Outdoor Athlete of the Year Senior Gaute Myklebust looks to add to his trophy case in 2004. Competing overseas this past summer in amateur competition, the native Norwegian produced marks in the shot put and discus that rival the top marks posted last year at the NCAA Championships. The C-USA 2003 Indoor Shot Put Champion and NCAA Regional Qualifier Adam Martin is back for his senior season. Martin competes in all four events (shot put, discus, weight throw and hammer) with the hammer throw being his strongest, as he is a top five thrower in C-USA. Senior transfer Stein Syverson is a former Norwegian Junior Champion in the discus and shot put. In his first meet as a Tiger, he matched Myklebust's performance in both events and challenges his teammate in those events. Freshmen Darius Frye and Norbert Guylas will jockey for the final spot as a thrower. Although young, both have shown ability as throwers. Jumps After an absence of competitors in the jumping events in 2003, the Memphis brought in two athletes to compete in these events in 2004. Junior College Transfer Janon Busby was a top-five finisher in the high jump and National Champion in the triple jump at the NJCAA Championships in 2003 while competing at Wallace State in Alabama. Busby gives the Tigers an instant boost in those two events. Freshman Cody Rushing was the Tennessee High School State Runner-up in the pole vault in 2003. He is the first pole vaulter to compete for Memphis since 1999 C-USA Champion Christos Adamides. Memphis Women's Track & Field Preview The University of Memphis Women's track team opens its season this weekend at the Bulldog Invitational this weekend. The Lady Tigers enter the 2004 Outdoor Track campaign looking to build on last year's success which saw the Lady Tigers send their first ever competitor to the NCAA Championships and place sixth overall as a team in C-USA. The Lady Tigers are very young this year with 22 of 29 roster members being underclassmen. Memphis has only two seniors on the 2004 roster. Sprints With the loss of NCAA Qualifier Keenan Gibson, the Lady Tigers are looking for a candidate to compete with the top sprinters in C-USA. Junior Chanel Dunn may be that aspirant. In 2003, Dunn qualified for the 100m dash finals at the C-USA Outdoor Championships, but did not compete in the finals due to an injury. She finished in the C-USA top 10 rankings in both the 100m and 200m dashes in 2003. Dunn qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the 100m. She has gotten stronger heading into her junior season and looks to fill the shoes of Gibson and establish herself as the Lady Tigers top sprinter in 2004. Sophomores Josetta Brooks and Sue-Ann Bowen are both capable sprinters. As true freshman, they improved with every meet and are better conditioned entering their sophomore years. Brooks, a strong, powerful runner, is a hurdle specialist. She placed seventh at the 2003 C-USA Outdoor Championships in the 100m hurdles. She also competes in the 100m. Bowen is a tall long strider that specializes in the 400m. She ranked in the top 10 of C-USA in the 400m in 2003. Junior Sheena Ohlig is a veteran sprinter for the Lady Tigers. A multi-talented athlete, she has competed in several events for the Lady Tigers. Ohlig placed sixth in the 100m hurdles at the C-USA Championships. Her experience and versatility as sprinter and hurdler is a valuable asset for the Lady Tigers. The young Lady Tigers have strength in numbers in the sprints. Sophomores Tabitha Russell and Zsofia Nagy and freshmen Ashley Harris, LaShunda Flake, Alicia Marner and Franicia Barnett will all compete for the Lady Tigers. Coach Cash hopes that multiple sprinters in this young group will surface this spring as sound runners. Distance The Lady Tigers had four distance runners on the roster last spring for the outdoor season and two of those runners were true freshmen. Memphis failed to score a point in an event over 400m at the 2003 C-USA Championships, but Coach Cash and Coach Jonas Holdeman believe they have solved this problem by signing nine new distance runners within the last year. With 12 distance runners on the roster for 2004, including a stable of 10 able sophomores and freshmen, the Lady Tigers future in distance events appears bright. Leading the way is former standout Memphis soccer player senior Ali Baker. Baker, known for her endurance as a soccer player, joined the Memphis cross country program last fall and became the Lady Tigers top runner. She could be a top ten competitor in the conference in the 800m and 1500m. Freshmen Kara Cassel, Becca McMahon, Mary Claire Dake, Michel Wilson and Daniele Riendeau separated themselves from the group in cross country this fall and finished as the Lady Tigers top scorers. Track is a different type of running, but the confidence is there that their progression will carry over to the track. As true freshmen, these runners have ability, and are lacking only experience before they begin competing with the top runners in C-USA. Junior Nora Nemere has trained well and hopes to give the Lady Tigers a boost on the long distance events. She competed in the 5000m at the C-USA Championships in 2003 and looks to climb into the top 10 in 2004. Adding depth to the squad sophomores Heather Woolls, Karin Brooks and Shermekia Plez along with Freshmen Brittany Pieraccini, Sarah Janecek and Kimberly McVeigh. Jumps The Lady Tigers strength in 2004 will be in the jumping events. Three-Time C-USA Triple Jump Champion, Lisa-Marie Hyman returns for her senior year. Hyman won her third triple jump crown in 2003, set school records in both the indoor and outdoor triple jump and her personal best 12.67m was good enough to qualify her for NCAA Regionals. Hyman may have to be her best as a senior in order to defend her triple jump titles. Besides competition from other jumpers around the conference, Hyman's teammate, freshman Cassandra Harding may be tough to fend off in the triple jump. Harding was a highly touted prep star in Texas and one of the top athletes to ever sign with the Memphis women's track program. Her top marks in high school rivaled Hyman's mark that won the conference. Two-sport star Victoria Crawford will join the Lady Tigers for the outdoor season. A member of the Lady Tiger basketball team, her natural jumping ability is evident in the field events where she excels. Crawford ranked in the top-five in C-USA in the triple jump and long jump in 2003 and also competed in the high jump and shot put. Sophomore Lindsay Cade is a high jump specialist. A tall slender jumper, Cade has an opportunity to surpass her best marks as a freshman and climb up the rankings in C-USA. Freshman Shelly Alexin joins the team this spring. A successful prep jumper, Alexin is versatile and will compete in the long jump, high jump and triple jump and competed in the pentathlon in high school. Sophomores Josetta Brooks and Tabitha Russell have both competed in the long jump at Memphis, as did Junior Sheena Ohlig. It's probable each will see action in jumping events this spring. Memphis Track & Field Notes Hungarian Pipeline Plentiful for Memphis Track The Tigers and Lady Tigers currently have nine Hungarians, five hailing from the City of Budapest, on their respective rosters including some of Memphis's best athletes. Distance runners Mate Nemeth (Szekszard, Hungary) and Szilard Toth (Pecs, Hungary) are top runners in C-USA. Nemeth is a three time conference champion and Toth enters this weekend's C-USA Indoor Championships as the league's top-ranked mile runner. Gary Nemeth (Sopron, Hungary), although absent this spring as he prepares for the Olympics, was the Tigers top sprinter in 2003. Nora Nemere (Budapest, Hungary) is the Lady Tigers top long distance runner and Zsofia Nagy (Budapest, Hungary) is an active sprinter for the Lady Tigers. Daniel Kiss (Budapest, Hungary), a newcomer on the squad is a top contender in the 60m hurdles and Istvan Kerekjarto (Biatorbagy, Hungary) is a top middle distance runner for the Tigers. As a freshman he qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the 1500m and 800m. Norbert Gulyas (Budapest, Hungary) is a freshman thrower on the team with a bright future and Szaboles Karadi (Budapest, Hungary) is a distance runner on the squad. Tiger Throwers a Force Memphis has a collection of top throwers that arguably rivals that of any in the country. Led by 2003 C-USA Male Outdoor Athlete of the Year, senior Gaute Myklebust; Memphis has the potential to score many points in the shot put and weight throw competitions. Myklebust advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships after winning the 2003 C-USA Outdoor Championship in the shot put. Last Year's 2003 C-USA Indoor shot put champion was senior Adam Martin. Martin enters this year's competition as the highest ranked thrower among Memphis competitors with a season best mark of 16.19m which he threw at the ASU Kickoff Klassic (12/7). Martin also competes in the weight throw and is a contender in that event. Senior transfer Stein Syverson has the ability to challenge both Myklebust and Martin in the shot put. Syverson is a former Norwegian Youth Champion in that event. Freshmen Darius Frye and Norbert Gulyas are also talented throwers and present a bright future for the Tigers after the three seniors graduate. Like 2003, Distance Runners are Tigers strength in 2004 Led by NCAA Championships Qualifier Mate Nemeth, Memphis has a solid group of distance runners in 2004 that could amass numerous points at the C-USA Outdoor Championships. Nemeth is the defending 3000m steeplechase and 5000m run champion. He holds the school record in the indoor 5000m run at 14:52.78. Newcomer Szilard Toth is a league leader in the mile run. Teammate Istvan Kerekjarto ranked second in the mile run with a time of 4:11.77 durong the indoor season. Michael Mentz could push to be a top runner in the conference in the 800m run. Abraham Shaposhnik and Szaboles Karadi are both capable distance runners that provide a bonus for the Tigers. Hyman Sets School Record in the Triple Jump at C-USA Indoor Meet Lisa-Marie Hyman has won three of the last four C-USA Triple Jump Championships. Winning the 2002 Outdoor, 2003 Indoor and 2003 Outdoor Titles, Hyman is trying to become the first Lady Tiger to win four conference championships in one event. Already the first Lady Tiger to win three conference championships in one event, Hyman looks to add to her legacy. Despite earning a personal best mark and new school record of 12.98m at the C-USA Indoor Championships, Charlotte's Sharonda Johnson won the competition with a leap of 13.08m Lady Tigers are young kittens in 2004 On the Women's team, 22 of the 29 athletes are underclassmen with 15 freshmen and seven sophomores on the squad. Lisa-Marie Hyman and Ali Baker are the lone seniors on the team. Though Baker is a senior, it is her first year running track for the Lady Tigers. Freshmen and Sophomores that competed at the C-USA Indoor Championships are: Lindsay Cade (High Jump), Cassandra Harding (Triple Jump, Pentathlon), Kara Cassel (3000m), Josetta Brooks (60m hurdles), Daniele Riendeau (800m), Michel Wilson (800m), Sue-Ann Bowen (400m), Zsofia Nagy (200m), and Mary Claire Dake (Mile Run). Memphis's Top Sprinters Not Available for 2004 Season Junior sprinter Gary Nemeth has left the team this spring to train for the 2004 Olympic Games where he will compete for his native Hungary as a member of the 4x100m Relay team in Athens this summer. Nemeth's father is the coach of that team and they began training for the Olympics in December 2003. Nemeth qualified for the NCAA Regionals in the 200m and was the anchor of the Tigers 4x100m Relay Team. The Lady Tigers top returning sprinter is not academically eligible for 2004. Junior Chanel Dunn, who qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Regionals in the 100m, will not be available for competition this spring. She continues to train with the team and anticipates regaining eligibility for the 2005 season. Tigers Top Hurdler Out with Stress Fracture Daniel Kiss, the Tigers top hurdler and potentially one of the top hurdlers in C-USA will miss 4-6 weeks with a stress fracture in his right leg. Kiss suffered the injury training just before the C-USA Indoor Championships. He competed at the meet with the injury, but did not perform to his potential with the injury. Kiss is questionable to return in time for the C-USA Outdoor Championships on May 13-15. Former Soccer Star, now Lady Tigers top Distance Runner Ali Baker, a former soccer standout at the U of M joined the Memphis track team as a senior in 2003. She has asserted herself as the top distance runner on the Lady Tigers squad. Her time of 2:20.82 ranks in the Top-20 of C-USA. Green Returns to the Track for the Tigers Willie Green who missed all of last year's (2003) outdoor season and this year's (2004) indoor season with a left hamstring injury has returned to full-training in anticipation of the 2004 outdoor season. A sophomore from Augusta, Ga., Green is a former high school state champion and as a true freshmen he placed third in the 60m at the 2003 C-USA Indoor Championships. Green is potentially one of the top sprinters in C-USA when healthy. Injuries a Big Problem for the Tigers The Tigers lost sprinter Willie Green (hamstring) for the indoor season. Hurdler Danile Kiss (leg stress fracture), jumper Janon Busby (ankle), distance runners Mate Nemeth (achilles), Szaboles Karadi (back) and thrower Gaute Myklebust (shoulder) were all hampered by injuries during the indoor season. All but Kiss are near 100 percent now and hope to put the injuries behind them for the outdoor season. Kiss is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Tigers place Fifth at C-USA Indoor Championships The Tigers were shooting for a top-three finish this year, but injuries and luck weren't on the Tigers side as they placed fifth scoring 74 points. Houston won the Men's championship with 181 points. The Cougars blew away the competition with TCU finishing a distant second scoring 99 points and Marquette placed third with 89 points. Charlotte scored 76 points to edge the Tigers for fourth place. Myklebust Wins Shot Put, Four Tigers Place in the Event The Tigers scored 22 points in the shot put with four competitors placing. Gaute Myklebust won the event (17.42m), while Stein Syverson (17.00m) placed third, Adam Martin (16.22m) placed fifth and Norbert Gulyas (15.30m) placed seventh. Myklebust qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the shot put in 2003. He holds the school record at 18.33m. Martin won the 2003 C-USA Indoor Shot Put Championship, but was unable to defend his title in 2004. Lady Tigers place 13th at C-USA Indoor Championships The Lady Tigers knew at times this year they would take their lumps with such a young team in 2004. In a disappointing showing at the C-USA Indoor Meet, the Lady Tigers only had two competitors place in an event. Lisa-Marie Hyman placed second in the triple jump (12.98m) and freshmen Cassandra Harding placed eighth in the triple jump (11.70m). The two combined to score the Lady Tigers lone nine points at the meet. TCU won the C-USA Indoor Championship scoring 125 points. They were followed by USF (97.50) and Houston (92).

03/26/04		Women's Tennis Comes Back Again To Down UNC Wilmington, 5-2 (GoTigersGo.com)
		WILMINGTON, N.C. - The University of Memphis women's tennis team (8- 9, 2-0 C-USA) again came back after dropping the doubles point to pick up a win, with a 5-2 victory at UNC Wilmington, Thursday. The Seahawks picked up wins at No. 1 and 3 doubles to go up early in the contest, but the Lady Tigers stormed back with victories at No. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 singles to take the 5-2 victory. Memphis will have one day off before facing Coastal Carolina, Saturday, in Conway, S.C. Doubles 1. Lindsey Hess-Sallie Kiser (UNCW) def. Marlene Dirnstorfer-Viktoria Gruber (UM) 8-3 2. Andrea Feichtinger-Alexandra Tjioe (UM) def. Cary Wyeth-Lauren Filliettaz (UNCW) 8-6 3. Molly Molony-Kristin Mears (UNCW) Kristin Noble-Yessica Ares Singles 1. Marlene Dirnstorfer (UM) def. Lindsey Hess (UNCW) 7-5, 7-6 (4) 2. Viktoria Gruber (UM) def. Molly Molony (UNCW) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 3. Andrea Feichtinger (UM) def. Sallie Kiser (UNCW) 6-2, 6-1 4. Kristin Mears (UNCW) def. Yessica Ares (UM) 6-2, 6-2 5. Kristin Noble (UM) def. Cary Wyeth (UNCW) 6-3, 7-5 6. Alexandra Tjioe (UM) def. Lauren Filliettaz (UNCW) 7-6 (5), 4-6 (10-1) Team Records: Memphis 8-9; UNC Wilmington 8-7

03/26/04		Tyson Helton Hired As Assistant Football Coach For Tigers -- Former Hawaii Assistant Will Handle UM Tight Ends And Special Teams (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, TN - Tyson Helton, who has coached the Hawaii special teams for the past four years, has been hired by Tommy West as an assistant coach for the Tigers. He will coach the Tiger special teams and tight ends. "I am pleased to announce that Tyson Helton will join our football staff," said West. "He has proven over the past few years to be one of the best young special teams coaches in the country and brings a wealth of knowledge about special teams play to our program." The 26-year-old offensive assistant, who is the brother of Memphis assistant head coach Clay Helton, just completed his fourth season as a member of June Jones' Hawaii staff. Helton arrived on the Manoa campus in 2000 as a graduate assistant after receiving his degree from Houston. The son of former Washington Redskins offensive line coach Kim Helton has been primarily responsible for the Warrior special teams during his tenure. In 2001, Helton's first season as a full-time coach, the Warriors led the nation in kickoff return yardage and broke the NCAA record for highest average gain per return (30.3). Under the direction of Helton, return specialist/wide receiver Chad Owens tied the NCAA record and became the seventh player in the nation, first in the Western Athletic Conference, to return two kicks for touchdowns in the same game, a kickoff and punt against Brigham Young on Dec. 8, 2001. In addition, Owens broke the NCAA record for most yards gained on kick returns with 342 (249 kickoff, 93 punt return) against the Cougars. The Warriors averaged 21.4 yards on kickoff returns in 2002 and were ranked fifth in the WAC and 36th in the nation. Punter Mat McBriar, who is now with the Denver Broncos, averaged 43.7 yards per punt and finished his career ranked second on UH's all-time punting list, averaging 42.22 yards. Although the Warriors were likely to gamble on fourth down in 2002, placekicker Justin Ayat ranked fourth in the WAC and 49th nationally in field goals, averaging 1.07 per game. As a group, the Warriors ranked fifth in the WAC, converting on 65 percent on field goal attempts. In three seasons as a full-time coach, Helton produced three all-WAC performers in Owens, Ayat and McBriar. Ayat also earned first- team Freshman All-America honors by Football News in 2001. Helton grew up surrounded by football in Gainesville, Fla. His father was a college coach at Florida, Miami and Houston, and also with several NFL teams including Tampa Bay, Miami and Houston when Warrior head coach June Jones was on staff. Helton's playing career began at an early age but contact was limited until he was a high school freshman. His talents landed him a scholarship at Houston where he played quarterback for his father. He enjoyed a four-year career as a backup quarterback at Houston where he studied and took notes to prepare for his coaching career. Helton and his wife, April, have one daughter, Shelby Grace, age one year. He enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting.

03/26/04		Dry The Tears -- U of M Basketball Took Some Strides This Season. And Aims For More (Memphis Flyer)
		FRANK MURTAUGH This is about winning basketball. If winning basketball, the way we play it right is not good enough, then we go to the next season. It's not life or death for me, folks. Won't ever be. I've won enough games, done enough good things, I've taken this program to another level -- completely -- from when I took over." It's time for the University of Memphis basketball program to "go to the next season," and a little sooner than Tiger fans would like. But having won 22 games, shared a regular-season conference title, and spanked an SEC foe in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Calipari would be right to dismiss any whining or finger-pointing in the aftermath of the Tigers' whipping at the hands of Oklahoma State last Sunday in Kansas City. Once the pain of a season-ending loss subsides -- and remember, such is the fate for 64 of the 65 teams in the Big Dance -- the time comes for self-evaluation, from head coach to third-stringer. There is more to feel positive about with Tiger basketball than there has been in years, but Calipari would be the first to emphasize that the mission has hardly been completed. So what to expect for 2004-05? · Be true to the ones you love. Calipari simply has to step up and declare his intentions for next season. The St. John's rumors have some legs (just like those at Pitt not so long ago), and Calipari is the only man who can summarily take them out. The Memphis coach is as savvy in his media relations as he is in his substitution patterns. And despite having already received a six-figure raise and contract extension, Coach Cal is going to drive his ticket price as high as the market will allow ... and leave every door open that may have a bidder behind it. As much good as he's brought the U of M program, this waffling every spring is damaging. Calipari demands fierce loyalty from his team, his fans, his student body. He bristles when the local media "turn" on him and his program. He had the chance to eliminate doubts in Kansas City and ducked. Our arms are extended, Coach. · Build around Banks. You want a silver lining to the second-round dismissal in the NCAAs? Look no further than Sean Banks falling out of the national spotlight (having scored all of 17 points in the two games). Banks will be the most talented returning Tiger since Lorenzen Wright in 1995. Conference USA's reigning Freshman of the Year will be a favorite for All-America honors next season, and his team's humbling this month may simply accelerate his development. Unlike his coach, Banks has said the right thing when asked about the possibility of his leaving the program for the NBA draft ("no"). He'll be desperately needed to offset the loss of Antonio Burks, more in terms of leadership and guts than in his role on the court. · Find strength from within, not from Conference USA. Isn't it ironic that not one of the celebrated C-USA programs on their way out after 2005 survived the tournament's first weekend, while little ol' UAB knocked off the top-ranked team in the country and will carry the conference flag into the Sweet 16? All of Tiger Nation -- particularly those of us in the media -- need to quit the nostalgic fretting over what the U of M will do without Louisville, Cincinnati, and Marquette. Little can be done to reverse the mass exodus, and the fact is, these aren't the programs against which Memphis should be measured. Calipari was somewhat prophetic on the eve of the Tigers' season opener last November at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in New York. Said Coach Cal, "The whole point of coaching college basketball -- aside from teaching life skills and getting these kids prepared for life after basketball and helping them develop their game for their pro aspirations -- is to get in the NCAA tournament and advance. To be in a great league, but be in the weakest situation ... it hurts you." Ask Nevada how important a great league is. · Help is on the way. Presuming Calipari's incoming recruits are academically eligible, the roster for 2004-05 may be a good deal more complete than the seven- or eight-man rotation of this past season. Kareem Cooper, a 6'11" center from Washington, D.C., should bring some offensive presence to the post that was sorely lacking this year. Hamilton High's Shawne Williams is a taller version of Banks, if not equipped with the same skills. As for the void at point guard, Darius Washington of Orlando will compete with Clyde Wade (assuming the latter can put his legal troubles behind him) for playing time. With so much new blood being introduced, the value of stalwarts Anthony Rice, Rodney Carney, and Jeremy Hunt can't be overvalued.

03/26/04		Beer Sales At U of M Games Up To Regents (Commercial Appeal)
		By Rick Locker and David Williams Contact March 26, 2004 Alcohol sales during University of Memphis basketball games at FedExForum wouldn't violate Tennessee Board of Regents policies or require a policy change because the arena isn't state-owned or controlled. But Board of Regents Chancellor Charles Manning, who must sign off on the school's FedExForum contract, is seeking the regents' opinions because alcohol sales at state university athletic events are "such a departure from normal practice," said board spokeswoman Mary Morgan. Alcohol has been sold at some state university events, including Tiger baseball games at AutoZone Park and select Tennessee State football games in Nashville at The Coliseum, which is owned by the city and controlled by the Tennessee Titans. "There's certainly some events, special kinds of events, at which that happens," Morgan said. "But the reason this is of particular interest to the board is because it would be the first of its kind in terms of a regular season of play in a facility that sells alcohol." The Grizzlies, who will operate the arena, say their agreement with the Tigers is off without alcohol sales. The U of M, in its only public comment on the issue, notes that the Grizzlies would control the alcohol sales and receive all revenue. Regents contacted Thursday generally withheld comment until they can get more information. They'll discuss the issue at their quarterly meeting next week in Johnson City. "I suppose that I would certainly want to be convinced (alcohol sales should be permitted), but I'm not going in with a strong opposition," said board member Edgar 'Buddy' Bowers. "I'd want to get more information." He added: "We have never exercised a lot of micromanagement of athletic activities of any of our universities." State Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens, a member of the Board of Regents, said he will consult with Gov. Phil Bredesen on the alcohol issue before next week's meeting. "At this point, I don't have an opinion one way or the other," Givens said. "I've got to get the facts before I say anything. Because I serve on the board by virtue of my appointment as Agriculture commissioner by the governor, I will be consulting with the governor's office on this." State Education Commissioner Lana Seivers, also a board member, declined to comment because she's been out of town this week and hasn't been briefed on the issue, a spokesman said. Dr. Richard Rhoda, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and a nonvoting member of the Board of Regents, said, "I have no insights or position on the matter. It should be an interesting discussion next week." Along with state approval, the Tigers' move to FedExForum from The Pyramid must be approved by the city. The county commission approved the move this week. Contact Nashville Bureau chief Richard Locker at (615) 255-4923. - David Williams: 529-2310

03/26/04		Editorial 03/26: A Game Plan For The Tigers - Move On (Commercial Appeal)
		THE UNIVERSITY of Memphis men's basketball team is on the verge of a move that could help keep the team interscholastically competitive. It has much to gain if, as the Shelby County Commission did this week, state and city authorities agree to release the university from its life-of-the-building lease at The Pyramid. The release would allow the school to play home games at the newer, better equipped and more prestigious FedExForum, a move that would help the team attract highly rated recruits, coaches and fans. It would also permit local officials to focus on the future of The Pyramid without the handicap of being forced to maintain it as a basketball venue. As Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton noted this week, without a major new tenant The Pyramid will continue to operate at a deficit whether the Tigers stay or go. More important, the move would help what is still, despite the resurgence of the school football team, the U of M's signature sports franchise. In intangible but important ways, the basketball Tigers are a valuable community institution. They're a source of pride for thousands of local sports fans and a rallying point for a diverse cross-section of the community. Their fan base may not be as strong as it was before big-time professional basketball came to town in 2001 in the form of the Memphis Grizzlies. The men's basketball team also must adjust to new conference alignments that will make it more difficult to schedule some of its traditional rivals such as Louisville and Cincinnati. But hopes still rise and fall with the fortunes of the team that has retired the numbers of legendary figures such as Larry Finch, Keith Lee and Penny Hardaway. The Shelby County Commission lent valuable support to the team's goals this week when it agreed to release the university from its 16-year-old contract at The Pyramid. The commission also voted to allow the school to use up to $350,000 in excess interest earnings from the FedExForum construction project to build a locker room for the team. The school still faces some challenges before it can pack its bags for the FedExForum. A steady source of funding must be found for a $125,000 annual payment that, according to the calculations of university officials, would guarantee the move's financial viability. Permission to abandon the lease also must come from the Memphis City Council and the Tennessee Board of Regents. Regents must also sign off on a requirement by the building's main tenant, the Memphis Grizzlies, to permit concession sales of alcoholic beverages at the new arena during Tiger games, but that should not present a serious stumbling block. All in all, the Tigers and the FedExForum should be a good fit. The Pyramid has produced some great memories for Tiger fans over the last 13 seasons, just as the Mid-South Coliseum did in its time. But it's time for the Tigers to move on.

03/26/04		Out Of Left Field -- Late Addition Provides Pop To Batting Order (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact March 26, 2004 Former major league lefthander Frank Viola, the 1988 Cy Young Award winner, hasn't made a pitch since retiring from baseball eight years ago. Unless, of course, you count the one he made to University of Memphis baseball coach Dave Anderson last year. Viola, a high school coach in the Orlando area, sent Anderson a 6-5 first baseman - Adam Amar - who wasn't highly recruited, but a player Viola knew had the background and work ethic to succeed. Viola said he didn't push Amar on Anderson as much as Amar and his parents campaigned for Memphis, where a friend of Amar's, receiver Bobby Good, had accepted a football scholarship. Anderson, trusting Viola's evaluation of talent and character, was willing to take a chance on the walk-on. As the Tigers enter a three-game Conference USA homestand against 18th-ranked East Carolina - beginning with today's 7 p.m. opener at AutoZone Park - Amar is an early candidate for C-USA Walk-on of the Year. In 16 games, Amar leads the team with a .368 average, a .596 slugging percentage and a .446 on-base percentage, and is tied with Josh Payne for the team lead in home runs (three). Amar has struck out only seven times in 57 at-bats. "He executes what we are trying to do offensively," said Anderson of his first baseman/designated hitter. "And he's done it pretty consistently." His start is impressive when one realizes Amar was projected to sit out his freshman season, honing his fundamentals under Anderson and acclimating himself to the college game. "I knew I wasn't going to get much playing time because I was a freshman," Amar said. "There were a lot of veterans on our team that were experienced and who could really play. "I was just hoping to get a couple of at-bats and maybe keep a redshirt (year)." But Amar's modest expectations were altered by several early-season injuries. Starting first baseman Kyle Scott injured his shoulder during the team's opening week at the Coca-Cola Classic in Houston. Third baseman Bill Moss broke his finger the following weekend during the Service Academies Spring Classic in Millington. Amar was inserted into the starting lineup during the Service Academies Spring Classic and debuted with two hits in a 5-2 victory over Navy. "I was nervous at the beginning in that first game, but I got my first hit and got real confident at the plate," said Amar, a righthanded hitter. Viola said Amar's emergence with the Tigers has some parallels to his career in high school. "In his junior year, I told my staff I loved (Amar's) work ethic, but we had a senior ahead of him," Viola said. "But a door opened, and he walked through it. That's just the way he is. He is a blue-collar worker." After the Service Academies Spring Classic, Amar hit in 11 of 12 games to keep his average hovering around the .400 mark. He also homered in back-to-back games at Murray State. "He's made some mistakes on the bases and he does some things (wrong) because he is a first-year player," Anderson said. "But once you tell him something, he goes out and does it." Anderson said Amar originally was interested in coming to Memphis because Good, who also attended Lake Highland Prep in Orlando, had signed a National Letter of Intent. Good, however, did not report last fall, opt ing out of his scholarship to play at East Carolina, where his uncle was an assistant. Amar stayed and has enjoyed the experience of going from one former major leaguer as a coach to another. "(Viola) was my coach my junior and senior year," Amar said. "He brought a knowledge of the game, and that's what Coach Anderson brings, too. He played in the majors for 10 years, and he knows what he's doing. I'm very fortunate to be able to play for two coaches like that. You can learn a lot from them." Amar said Viola "taught me to be confident, to be myself and not to pressure myself." He said Viola also embedded a basic knowledge of the game, from the proper way to handle cutoff throws to what to look for in certain pitch counts. Viola, 43, said Amar has earned his playing time and his opportunity. "You talk about a kid who has dedicated himself to baseball," Viola said. "Memphis has worked out for him, and I can't be more proud of him. I'm so thankful Dave gave him the opportunity. As a player, Dave got the most out of his ability. Adam gets the most out of his. That's why I think they are the perfect fit." - Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

03/26/04		Five Questions With Dave Woloshin, Tigers Broadcaster (Commercial Appeal)
		Q: Talk about the situation you've been in this season, broadcasting the school's first bowl appearance in 32 years and its first NCAA Tournament win in nine years? A: I think on behalf of all the announcers that preceded me, I fully accept the honor of being able to do that. It was such a joy. It makes me think of guys like Paul Hartlage and Jack Eaton, who did this before me but didn't get that opportunity. Q: From your perspective, how did the two successful seasons mirror one another and how did they differ in terms of fan reaction? A: For football, it was overwhelming because these people were so hungry. They were the greatest people of all time. You think of these Highland Hundred (football booster) people that have given their hearts and souls to the program. In basketball, they had a nice roll in the NIT (National Invitation Tournament) two years ago, so those fans are used to traveling and winning and having fun. Q: Did you witness anything particularly endearing while you were in New Orleans? A: After the postgame show (on WMC-AM 790), I went back to the hotel with (color analyst) Bob Rush and we were relaxing and having a cocktail in the lobby when all of a sudden (football coach) Tommy (West) and his wife and son walked in, and the place went nuts. It was like a 30-minute standing ovation when they walked through the lobby. It was like a coronation. The fans, they couldn't get enough that night. Q: What kind of relationship have you fostered on air with each of the coaches, West and John Calipari. Describe how they handle their call-in shows. A: Each is different, but it's a lot of fun doing their shows. Tommy is more folksy and open, Cal likes it to be dramatic. Q: Did you have any particular saying that you were waiting to unleash at the New Orleans Bowl, something along the lines of 'Do you believe in miracles?' A: No, I really didn't. The only thing I did do was on the first Memphis touchdown I tried to recreate it like (the late) Paul Hartlage would have described it - you remember, Tigerrrrrr touchdown - to honor him. - Phil Stukenborg

03/26/04		Where Are They Now: Jonathan Lyons, Baseball 1994-96 (Commercial Appeal)
		Jonathan Lyons remembers being part of something special 10 years ago. Lyons was in his first season as a pitcher for the University of Memphis baseball team, which was putting together a rarity for the program, a 50-win season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers went 52-11 that season and Lyons, a freshman who had attended Christian Brothers High, was enjoying the run. "That was a special team," Lyons said. "The biggest thing that sticks out in my mind is learning so much that season." No Memphis team has won 40 or more games since 1994, a year the Tigers had former major league outfielder Mark Little in their lineup. Lyons, 29, a financial adviser at Morgan Keegan, played five years of minor league baseball in the Boston Red Sox system, spending most of his career in high Class A. He earned a shot at pro ball by having a remarkable summer league season in the Cape Cod League following his junior year. Hampered by back problems at the U of M, Lyons pitched relatively pain free in New England to attract interest from the Red Sox. "I had never thrown over 90 or 91 mph at Memphis, but I went to the Cape Cod League and starting throwing 95," Lyons said. "It was like I was in a different body." Lyons said his fondest memory of pro ball was following Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez in a 1999 spring training game. "Every one of my fastballs must have looked like a changeup to those guys," Lyons said. "But I did well. I pitched an inning and didn't give up any runs." - Phil Stukenborg

03/26/04		Tigers Look To Incoming Class -- 3 Recruits On Track To Become Eligible, Including All American (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact March 26, 2004 Darius Washington is in Knoxville today. But relax, University of Memphis fans, it's not for an official visit. Instead, the McDonald's All American, who has signed with the Tigers, will participate in the Adidas/EA Sports Superstar Games. If you can't get to Vol Country to watch the U of M's next point guard, here's what you'll miss: "When you watch him play, he has an uncanny ability to let more than one player cover him," Memphis assistant Derek Kellogg said of Washington, who averaged 32.5 points per game as a senior and led Orlando Edgewater to a state championship. "Darius should come into our program and be a nice fit." A 6-0 playmaker, Washington is the lone Tiger signee participating in tonight's 8:30 boys game at Thompson-Boling Arena. The others remain in school, focusing on academics and staying in shape. At no place is that more important for Memphis than Laurinburg, N.C., where three other Tiger recruits - Richard Dorsey, Shawne Williams and Kareem Cooper - reside. Of that trio, Dorsey seems primed to make the biggest impact next season. He will be given every opportunity to start in the middle, thanks to his 6-8, 255-pound frame that is solid muscle. "He just got better and better this season," said Laurinburg Prep coach Chris Chaney. "We don't keep official stats, but I bet he averaged about 15 points and 10 rebounds a game. "He just eats up a lot of space. He's something Memphis needs. He could've helped them this year." Washington, Dorsey and Cooper are all on track to be eligible as freshmen. The only question marks among the Tigers' five-player class are Williams and Booker T. Washington's Andre Allen, who plans to walk on at Memphis. Meanwhile, the U of M staff continues to recruit the Class of 2004, though no prospects are visiting campus this weekend. Waki Williams and Jesus Verdejo are possible targets. Williams is a 6-9 forward from Mt. San Jacinto (Calif.) Junior College. Verdejo is a 6-5 guard at Winchendon (Mass.) Prep who once played with current Tiger Ivan Lopez. - Gary Parrish: 529-2365

03/26/04		ARM Will Represent Tiger Star (Commercial Appeal)
		Antonio Burks didn't waste much time turning his attention to the business of basketball. This week, the University of Memphis senior signed with Athletic Resource Management, a locally based agency that will assist in preparation for June's NBA Draft. "If you look at most of the projections, he's a second-round pick," said ARM agent Jimmy Sexton. "I'll be disappointed if he's not drafted and playing somewhere (in the NBA) next year." A 6-0 point guard, Burks finished his career at Memphis last Sunday when the Tigers lost to Oklahoma State, 70-53, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 16.0 points and 5.5 assists per game as a senior while earning Conference USA Player of the Year honors. According to Sexton, Burks will now focus on graduating in May and continue working-out with the U of M staff at the Finch Center. Once school is finished, the former Booker T. Washington High star may actually move to Houston and work out with ex-NBA coach John Lucas. "John will have eight to 10 first-round guys down there with him," Sexton said. "So we'll talk to Antonio and see if that's something he'd like to do."

03/26/04		More Honors For Banks, Burks (Commercial Appeal)
		University of Memphis forward Sean Banks was named Thursday to Basketball Times's national All-Freshman Team, while senior point guard Antonio Burks received All-South honors from the monthly magazine. Banks, who led the Tigers in scoring (17.4) and rebounding (6.5), had already been named ESPN.com's National Freshman of the Year and to national all-freshman teams by CollegeInsider.com, Rivals.com and The Sporting News. Burks, the Conference USA Player of the Year, was also named an Associated Press honorable mention All-American earlier this week.

03/26/04		FedEx Deal Halts Until Alcohol Approval By Board Of Regents (Daily Helmsman)
		By John Scruggs March 26, 2004 The agreement for The University of Memphis basketball team to play in the FedExForum now hinges on getting approval to sell alcohol at Tiger games, officials say. That decision is up to the Tennessee Board of Regents, which meets next week to discuss the Tigers' move, including the issue of alcohol sales. A recent contract between The U of M and the Memphis Grizzlies, which will operate the Forum, calls for the Tigers to play in the new arena starting next basketball season. Under terms of their deal with The U of M, the Grizzlies will pay The University $800,000 a year. In return, the NBA team will keep all concession revenue from Tiger games. The sale of alcohol at U of M games is important because it would significantly boost concession revenues. Without alcohol sales, the deal will be off, Grizzlies officials told The Commercial Appeal this week. Shelby County government has already agreed to let the Tigers out of a lease at The Pyramid to move to the Forum. Similar action is needed from the City of Memphis and the Board of Regents. "The University of Memphis plays no role in the sale of or profit from concessions," said U of M president Shirley Raines in a Wednesday press release. A 2001 Boston College survey reported that 88 percent of higher education institutions do not allow alcohol sales at athletic events. If alcohol sales are approved, The University would join C-USA schools Cincinnati, Louisville, and Tulane, in selling alcohol at some sporting events. "I don't see the big deal about it," said Jeremy Gratton, senior sports and leisure studies major. "There are already other schools in our conference that sell alcohol and they don't seem to have any problems." Though The U of M will not receive any revenues from concessions, alcohol sales would increase revenues for the Memphis Grizzlies. "Money is a big issue for the entire structure," said Trent Davis, undecided freshman. "Anyway they can make more money, I say go ahead." Telephone calls to Raines and U of M Athletic Director R. C. Johnson were directed to Curt Guenther, The university's communications director. He, in turn, referred all questions to the March 24 press release. Daily Helmsman calls to the Memphis Grizzlies business office were not returned.

03/26/04		Women's Soccer Preseason Starting Well (Daily Helmsman)
		By Ben Cowens March 26, 2004 The University of Memphis women's soccer team is doing everything it can this spring to erase the memories of a difficult 2003 season and for good reason. The Tigers concluded their 2003 campaign with a discouraging 5-10-3 record. Junior midfielder Heather Wilson said the team played much better than the record indicated. "(Last season) we had (opposing) coaches say we were one of the most difficult teams they had to play," said Wilson. "We could dominate for 75 minutes and struggle for the last 15." Wilson cited youth as part of the reason her team struggled to be consistent, and sophomore forward Robyn Smart agrees. "Last season, we all played as individuals," Smart said. "This spring we've seen it come together." Although spring contests don't count statistically, Memphis players are encouraged by their performance so far. On Feb. 28, the Tigers went 2-0-1 at the College Classic Cup at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. They earned 1-0 victories over Alabama and NSA Club, while playing Auburn to a 2-2 draw. This weekend in Huntsville, Ala., the Tigers have two more chances to build confidence. Memphis will face Tennessee Tech and Vanderbilt and will also host Tennessee Tech during the regular season. "Spring is a time when most teams play everybody," U of M coach Brooks Monaghan said. "It's really a time for individuals to improve." Monaghan said Smart is among those making the biggest strides. After appearing in every Memphis game last season as a midfielder, Smart is making the switch to defender for 2004. Smart isn't the only player leaving a vacancy in midfield. Standout junior midfielder Nikki McLeod tore her ACL last week. McLeod started every game for the Tigers last season. Her eight points (two goals, four assists) ranked third on the team. The injury could sideline McLeod well into the season, but Monaghan said he is optimistic she will return by September to help her team during the conference schedule. While it's too early to tell who will replace McLeod if she is unable to start the season, Monaghan said the improvement of his players, combined with a good recruiting class, will help ease the loss. But he concedes McLeod is irreplaceable. "Those shoes can't really be filled," Monaghan said. "She's a very special player." Even with the loss of McLeod, the Lady Tigers say their newfound chemistry will carry them through the injury. "(Spring practice) tends to be tiring, but in the end, you develop a sense of camaraderie," Wilson said. "It's neat to see how we've come together as a team."

03/25/04		Banks Named To Basketball Times National All-Freshman Team (GoTigersGo.com)
		MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Memphis' Sean Banks has been named to Basketball Times' (BT) National All-Freshman Team, the publication announced Thursday. Antonio Burks received All-South honors from the monthly basketball magazine. Wake Forest's Chris Paul, Duke's Luol Deng, Minnesota's Kris Humphries and Iowa State's Curtis Stinson joined on the BT National All-Freshman Team. Banks has also received several other honors since the postseason began in early March, including ESPN.com's National Freshman of the Year, CollegeInsider.com National All-Freshman Team, Conference USA Freshman of the Year and All-Conference USA first team. Banks led the Tigers in scoring (17.4 ppg) and rebounding (6.5 rpg), and is ranked among the Conference USA statistical leaders in scoring (2nd), rebounding (11th), three-point field goal percentage (12th) and blocked shots (13th). The 6-foot-8 forward led all league freshmen in scoring and rebounding. Banks scored 20 or more points 12 times in 2003-04, including the final six games of the regular season. He scored a career-high 29 points against Charlotte Jan. 17. Banks is the only player in Memphis basketball history to hit at least six three-pointers in a game on four different occasions. Burks was named to the BT's All-South Team. This is the second honor this week for Burks as he was selected an Associated Press All-America honorable mention Tuesday. The Memphis, Tenn., native has also been piling up the hardware since the beginning of March. Burks has received several accolades, including Conference USA Player of the Year, ESPN.com Conference USA Player of the Year, All-Conference USA first team, CollegeInsider.com All-America team and National Association of Basketball Coach (NABC) All-District 7 second team. He was also a finalist for the inaugural Bob Cousy Award. The 6-foot guard finished his career with 1,028 points (11.3 ppg), 487 assists (5.4 apg) and 177 steals (1.9 spg). He is only the fourth player in Tiger history to have 1,000 points, 450 assists and 170 steals. Andre Turner, Elliot Perry and Otis Jackson are the other three Tigers to accomplish that feat. Burks completed his career on the Memphis career charts for scoring (No. 34), assists (No. 6) and steals (No. 5). Burks was second on the 2003-04 squad in scoring (16.0 ppg) and led the team with 165 assists. He is ranked among C-USA leaders in scoring (8th), assists (2nd), steals (1st), three-point field goal percentage (6th) and assist-to-turnover ratio (3rd). The Tigers finished 2003-04 with a 22-8 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament second round. Memphis was ranked No. 24 in the final Associated Press (AP) poll, marking the first time the Tigers finished with a national ranking in consecutive seasons since 1985 and 1986. Memphis was ranked No. 19 in the 2003 final AP poll.

03/25/04		Calipari Is Definitive: No Interest In St. John's (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact March 25, 2004 Those University of Memphis fans who spent the Tigers' NCAA Tournament appearance worrying about the future of John Calipari can relax. "I am not interested in the St. John's job," Calipari told The Commercial Appeal on Wednesday. The statement comes after the Memphis coach twice in the past week refused to rule out a possible move to St. John's, once saying only that he wasn't interested "at this moment." Another time, Calipari called the situation "irrelevant" despite a national publication writing that he had been "targeted" by the Red Storm. Now, most New York papers have the top guy as Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt, whose Yellow Jackets are still in the NCAA Tournament. That might explain why Rev. Donald J. Harrington, the St. John's president, left Wednesday for a weeklong trip to Rome, apparently in no hurry to name a new coach. Others reportedly drawing consideration for the St. John's opening are Manhattan's Bobby Gonzalez, Providence's Tim Welsh, Ohio State's Jim O'Brien and former North Carolina coach Matt Doherty. According to the U of M, St. John's (6-21 last season) never asked for permission to speak with Calipari, though the New York Daily News reported that the Big East school did have an outside agency do a background check on him recently. Either way, it's business as usual around these parts. The St. John's job joins South Carolina and Pittsburgh as possible moves for Calipari that got significant media attention since he came to Memphis prior to the 2000-01 season. "Every year coach Cal is going to be a wanted commodity," explained Tiger assistant Ed Schilling. "You just learn to not even take it seriously. "Coach is really happy here," Schilling added. "It would take something really special to take him away." Calipari led the Tigers last season to a 22-8 record, a tie for first place in Conference USA and a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance. - Gary Parrish: 529-2365

03/25/04		Tiger Shift May Hinge On Alcohol -- Griz Say Forum Deal Off If Sales Not Allowed (Commercial Appeal)
		By From Staff and Wire Reports March 25, 2004 The University of Memphis is asking the state to allow alcohol sales at the school's men's basketball games next season at FedExForum, a request that, if rejected, could break the deal between the university and the Grizzlies. The U of M and the Grizzlies recently agreed to a contract that would allow the Tigers to move from The Pyramid into the new arena, which is operated by the NBA team. Included in the deal, which will pay the university $800,000 annually, is a stipulation that allows the Grizzlies to sell alcohol at Tiger games. Approval for the move, already granted by the Shelby County Commission, is also required from the City of Memphis and the state. The Tennessee Board of Regents has not signed off on the move, but will meet next week to discuss it. Regents vice chairman Stanley Rogers said no other school in the state is allowed to sell alcohol at regular-season games. Asked about the consequences of the regents voting against the sale, Grizzlies senior vice president of business operations Mike Golub said Wednesday, "Then the deal is off. "Our deal with the Tigers is subject to approval of necessary parties and approval of the deal we negotiated, not a revised deal." University of Memphis president Shirley Raines issued a statement clarifying that the tentative contract stipulates the arena is responsible for alcohol sales - not the school. "The University of Memphis plays no role in the sale of or profit from concessions," Raines said. Other regents are less concerned that alcohol would be served around underage students. "Students have been drinking beer for years, that's not going to change," said regent R. Jack Fishman. Conference USA said Memphis wouldn't be alone in allowing alcohol sales, since Cincinnati, Louisville and Tulane already do it. Even though a tentative contract has been signed, and the university says it doesn't have much room to negotiate with the operators of the FedExForum, the regents think the alcohol sales can be removed. "It's a service to the fans," Golub said, "Clearly there's a demand. . . . We looked at AutoZone Park (where beer was sold at Tiger baseball games). There was no problem. That was a good precedent for us. "When we hashed out the deal with the Tigers, revenue from the sale of alcohol was a consideration. It was an important part of the deal." Attempts to re