Memphis Tigers News Archives

May 2005

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05/31/05		Baseball Inks Chris Novikoff for 2006 Season -- Big righthander ready to become a Memphis Tiger (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Although the season is over, Tiger baseball head coach Daron Schoenrock continues to blaze the recruiting trail, signing right handed pitcher Chris Novikoff for the 2006 season. A native of Madisonville, Tenn., Novikoff prepped at Christian Academy of Knoxville where he was a two-sport standout in basketball and baseball. Novikoff was the top hurler for CAK in 2005, ranking third in Class 1A state with a 2.87 ERA. In 39.0 innings of work, he fanned 61 batters and allowed just 16 earned runs to lead the Warriors to a District 3 crown. As a result, he was tabbed District 3 MVP. Novikoff, who has topped out at 87 miles per hour, went 3-2 on the mound as CAK finished the season with a 19-12 record. Novikoff also saw success at the plate, hitting .494 (second in Class 1A) with five home runs, 28 RBI and 16 doubles. As a senior, Chris (Novikoff) posted 14 multiple-hit performances and recorded multiple-RBI games nine times. A center on the hardwood, Novikoff helped lead CAK to a District 3 and Region 2 championships in 2005. He was named the District 3 Player of the Year and Region 2 Tournament MVP. In addition, the six-foot, six-inch postman earned All-District 3 All-tournament honors, All-KIL second team and Prep X-tra third team recognition. "We are extremely excited to have Chris as part of our program," said Schoenrock. "He is a tremendous young man and we feel like his best pitching days are ahead of him. He has a live arm and will add depth to our pitching staff."

05/31/05		Sign Up for the Richie Grant Soccer Camp -- For Boys and Girls Ages 5-18 on July 17-21 (GoTigersGo.com)
		University of Memphis men's soccer coach Richie Grant will be holding his annual camp, The Richie Grant Soccer Camp, for boys and girls ages 5-18 at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., on July 17-21. A camp brochure and application form can be accessed by selecting the PDF link above. The Richie Grant Soccer Camp is well known for its instructional demonstrations which use quality collegiate players from the University of Memphis and other programs to support its lead staff. "I believe the success of this camp is influenced by the quality of the coaches we have on staff," Grant said. "We have trained coaches with unmatched enthusiasm for the game, and their passion is reflected in the staff demonstrations." Richie Grant - Camp Director A native of Dublin, Ireland, Grant was an All-American on three occasions as a player at Green Mountain College, Vermont. After playing professional soccer for the Minnesota Thunder, Grant became the assistant coach at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania before becoming the coach at Lambuth University. During his tenure at Lambuth, Grant was instrumental with the growth of the game in West Tennessee as a director of Jackson Soccer Club, and his influence spread throughout the state. In 1999 Grant was named the head coach at the University of Memphis. He was named the Conference USA coach of the year in 2000 and 2004. This past year Grant's team took home the C-USA Championship and a birth in the NCAA Tournament. Grant is heavily involved with the Tennessee State Olympic Development Program and holds the NSCAA Premier License. Coaching Staff • Robert Nicholson - University of Memphis, USSF National, Strength and Conditioning Certified • Carl Schmitt - University of Memphis, USSF A • Paul Conway - Lambuth University, FAI Qualified, ODP, Superclubs National Team • Gerry Cleary - Martin Methodist Women, FAI Qualified, NSCAA National, All American at Lambuth • Chris Leonardi - USJ Head Coach, USSF A, Won 3 conference titles at Lambuth • Jodi Fisher - University of Memphis Women, NSCAA National, Memphis All-time leading scorer Enrollment Information Residential July 17-21 Ages 12-18 $295 Commuter July 17-21 Ages 12-18 $245 Kids Camp July 18-21 Ages 5-11 $100 How to Enroll Complete application and parental consent form, and mail it along with a non-transferable deposit of $150 (or you may send complete camp fee at once). Make checks payable to the Richie Grant Soccer Camp. No telephone reservations or credit cards accepted. If applying after June 1, 2005 send full payment. Those who cannot attend camp for medical or other reasons will be refunded all but a $50 handling fee. (To receive a refund the camp office must be notified 24 hours prior to registration on Sunday) Frequently Asked Questions Q - Is there time to swim? A - Yes, there is an indoor pool available with a qualified lifeguard on duty. Q - How much money should I bring? A - Meals are all-you-can-eat and are included in the cost. In the evenings we have a social room that serves Pizza and drinks. ($1.50 a slice and $1 a drink) Q - Are trainers on duty? A - We have athletic trainers on staff 24 hours a day. Check In/Out Campers will register between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday. The first training sessions is Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Camp ends on the Thursday following the closing ceremony at noon. Roommate Policy We can honor your roommate requests if made before June 1st. Confirmation Your cancelled check confirms your enrollment in the camp. Camp Ball Each camper must have a ball at camp. Bring your own ball or purchase a custom-made, hand-stitched Diadora ball. The price of this ball is $15. Camp Insurance The Richie Grant Soccer Camp provides secondary accidental/medical insurance. Medical staff on site 24 hours. Team Discounts Teams of 10 or more are eligible for a $20 discount per camper. Family Discounts Brothers and sisters are eligible for a $20 discount per camper. $15 for non-residential. Please note: Cannot combine discounts. Only one discount per camper. Kids Camp 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday. Kids need to arrive by 8:45 a.m. Goalkeepers The camp will provide highly specialized training for the goalkeepers. Sebastian Vecchio, 2004 C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, will provide extensive training for goalkeepers. Every goalkeeper will be trained in the tactical awareness, proper technique and psychological approach to the position. Additional Camp Information Details will be mailed to you upon receipt of application with deposit. Directions and more information about what to bring will be included in that package. For more information, call 901.678.4141 or 901.678.2452. Lambuth University Lambuth University is located in Jackson, Tenn., a growing town of 80,000 people. Lambuth is just 80 miles east of Memphis and 120 miles west of Nashville. Jackson is easily accessible by Highway TN 20, U.S. 45 and 70, and Interstate 40. Stately Georgian buildings connected by shaded walkways and spacious lawns characterize the beautiful 50 acre campus. The campus also features air-conditioned rooms, indoor swimming pool, sand volleyball, and Bermuda grass fields. Camp Schedule Daily Schedule 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:45 a.m. Kids and Commuters arrive 9:00 a.m. Session 1 - technical session to goal 11:30 a.m. Lunch/ Kids camp ends 1:00 p.m. Film/ Games/ Indoor/ Pool/ Speed & Agility 5:00 p.m. Dinner 6:15 p.m. Champions League 8:30 p.m. Social Hour - games/ Pool/ Pizza/ Movie on the green 11:00 p.m. Lights Out Sunday 1:00 p.m. Registration 3:30 p.m. Small - Sided Games 5:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Small - Sided Tournament 8:30 p.m. Social Hour 11:00 p.m. Lights Out Thursday 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Champions League Final 11:30 a.m. Closing Ceremonies 12:00 p.m. Check Out

05/29/05		Sound off (Big East, basketball) (Commercial Appeal)
		The U of M should give up its Big East dreams Memphis fans, I am a Louisville fan all the way. I am so excited about leaving Conference USA. I enjoyed the rivalry, but it is time to move on. There are two reasons why Louisville is not playing Memphis anymore. The first reason is John Calipari. Calipari is a whiner and complainer. The second reason we do not want to play you is the reason you want to play us. Memphis wants to play us, to somehow find a way to get into the Big East and leave C-USA. If Memphis could have had better football facilities (Liberty Bowl is horrible), and better fan support (sell out home basketball games), it would have been invited to the Big East. If Memphis can do these things -- upgrade football facilities, at least sell out 80 percent of your home basketball games, tell John Calipari to do more winning with less whining -- the Big East will come. Most Louisville fans would love to have Memphis in the Big East, but Memphis has to prove it wants to be in the Big East. Delando Jones Louisville, Ky. Shawne Williams should worry about success at this level As a rabid Tigers fan, I was glad to read that Shawne Williams will be coming home to attend the University of Memphis ("Draft variables played role in Tiger's choice," May 21). As a citizen and UofM alum, I hope someone close to him has told him that besides, in his words, "coming in to do what it takes to get to the next level," he might find he actually likes going to class: learning philosophy, history, math, and zoology; listening to professors with something to say; reading great literature and discovering what heroes from other times and places have said and done when faced with insurmountable odds and difficult moral choices. Maybe Anthony Rice will take him to lunch one day. I'd be happy to. David Feigelson Memphis

05/28/05		Hyman and Winbush Automatically Qualify for NCAA Championships -- Jumpers record fifth-place finishes at Mid-East Regionals to reach NCAA meet (GoTigersGo.com)
		Bloomington, Ind. - With a pair fifth-place finishes in the triple jump and long jump at NCAA Mid-East Regional Championships on Saturday, University of Memphis jumpers Lisa-Marie Hyman and Brandon Winbush automatically qualified for NCAA Championships, which will be held June 8-11 in Sacramento, Calif. Hyman's qualifying performance came with a bound of 41-07.75" (12.69m) in the triple jump, while Winbush recorded his fifth-place tally with a leap of 24-07.25" (7.50m) in the long jump. Both efforts were the second-longest jumps of the season for the two U of M standouts and gave them automatic spots in at the NCAA meet for finishing in the top-five at Regionals. "I couldn't be prouder of two athletes right now," said Coach Kevin Robinson. "This is a huge step for Lisa and Brandon, as well as our track and field program." Hyman becomes the first Lady Tiger jumper ever to qualify for NCAA Championships and is only the second Memphis woman to qualify for the NCAA meet since 1979. Keenan Gibson was the last Lady Tiger to make it to the championship meet when she competed in the 100m and 200m in 2003. Winbush is the third Tiger to qualify for NCAA Championships in the past two years after Gaute Myklebust and Mate Nemeth competed in both 2003 and 2004. The Bartlett, Tenn., native is the first jumper to qualify since Delvit Rogers participated in the long jump at the 2000 NCAA meet. The two jumpers will return to Memphis on Monday and will have just over a week of preparation time before traveling to Sacramento. In other U of M action from day two of the Regional meet, Janon Busby finished 11th in the triple jump with a mark of 50-00.75", and Chen Edri finished in a tie for 11th place in the high jump and in 13th place in the javelin with marks of 5-07.25" and 137-11", respectively. With the four points each recorded by Hyman and Winbush the U of M women finished in tie for 33rd place, while the men tied for 34th place.

05/28/05		Mother Nature Halts Day 1 of NCAA Mid-East Regional Championships -- Gulyas improves ranking by 20 spots to finish 22nd in discus (GoTigersGo.com)
		Bloomington, Ind. - The action on day one of the NCAA Mid-East Regional Championships was moving along well until Mother Nature stepped in at around 8:30 pm Friday night. Rain and lightning then halted the meet with several events, including the men's long jump, in which Tiger Brandon Winbush was competing, still to be decided. Even with day one shortened, one Tiger did have time to put up a solid effort in his first Regional competition. Sophomore Norbert Gulyas, who ranked 42nd in the Region entering the meet, posted a toss of 160-09" (49.00m) in the discus to move up 20 spots and record a 22nd place finish. Auburn's Edis Elkasevic won the event with a throw of 188-05" (57.43m). After the shortened day one, action at the Mid-East Regional is scheduled to resume this morning with events that began last night to be completed first, followed by Saturday's full slate of competition. Winbush and the rest of the long jumpers, will recommence at approximately 12:10 pm determine their Regional Champion. Following that, the four remaining Regional competitors from Memphis will spring into action at various times throughout the day. Chen Edri, will be the first to compete when she enters the high jump at 12:05 pm before throwing in the javelin at 3:10 pm. Lisa-Marie Hyman and Janon Busby will close out the meet for Memphis when they vie for their respective triple jump titles in the final field events of the meet. The pair of seniors are scheduled to take to the runway at approximately 6:00 pm. Results and recaps from all of Saturday's action will be posted at gotigersgo.com following the completion of competition, while live results for the meet can be followed at www.iuhoosiers.com throughout the day.

05/28/05		Tiger AD Johnson hospitalized (Commercial Appeal)
		By From Staff and Wire Reports May 28, 2005 University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson has been hospitalized and is undergoing testing after suffering mild, stroke-like symptoms. Bob Winn, associate athletic director for external affairs, said Friday that Johnson will spend the next several days in the hospital undergoing tests. Johnson's hospitalization forced him to cancel most of the appointments on his schedule through the weekend. ''R.C. is in the hospital,'' said Reva House, Johnson's administrative secretary. ''They think he may have experienced a slight TIA.'' TIAs, or Transient Ischemic Attacks, are short-lived episodes of neurological deficit, usually lasting less than 24 hours. Most TIAs last a few minutes and then subside. Strokes take longer to resolve and reflect a more permanent and serious problem. TIAs are often warnings of a more severe or permanent stroke coming and should be evaluated by one's physician, according to MedicineNet.com. ''He's fine,'' House said after speaking with Johnson's wife, Melba. ''He's just having a battery of tests done.'' House said Johnson was admitted to the hospital Thursday night. Johnson, named the UofM athletic director in December 1995, attended last week's Conference USA spring meetings in Destin, Fla., where he and his wife have a vacation home. -- Phil Stukenborg

05/27/05		There's always lessons to be learned from baseball (Commercial Appeal)
		By Don Wade Contact May 27, 2005 No one knows for certain what Tommy West said in his first private moment with Daron Schoenrock, but maybe it was something like this: "Oh, boy, I have been there and done that." West, after all, took over the University of Memphis football program at a low point. Schoenrock did the same with the baseball program and just come through his first season with a 13-42 record. But all the more reason, Schoenrock says, to heed the advice of a man who has taken the Tigers to back-to-back bowl games. "Tommy actually become a good friend because we're going through some of the same things he went through," Schoenrock said Thursday at USA Stadium, where he and assistant coach Mike Federico were scouting the talent in the state tournament's Class AAA final four. "He told me, 'Set the parameters for your program and don't waver based on winning and losing.' " For Schoenrock, priority one was to become more visible in local baseball circles. "It's 180 degrees different," Bartlett High School baseball coach Phil Clark said of the visibility of this staff compared to previous Tiger coach Dave Anderson's staff. "These guys have seen more of my games this year than the other staff had seen in all their years combined." On Thursday, two of the four teams playing in Class AAA were local -- Houston and Collierville. Nashville Overton and Knoxville Farragut were also playing. Federico said there were at least "10 to 15" legitimate Division 1 prospects among the four teams. The Tigers already have signed two of them: Collierville pitcher/shortstop Marc Ashley and Houston outfielder Trey Wiedman. But there's also a caution flag: This season's Tigers had 27 local players. "There's a misconception that we can win a conference championship with all Memphis players," Schoenrock said. "Tulane (ranked first in the country) doesn't do it with all New Orleans and Baton Rouge players. The key is to recruit the correct local players. "Statistics are very important to professional scouts evaluating my guys, but that's not the sole basis of evaluation," Schoenrock said, adding that it's important to project what a player's potential is. "And that's where seeing guys multiple times helps. The local guys we've signed, we've seen quite a bit." Schoenrock is counting on two incoming Mississippi junior college players to make a big impact, but recruiting the local high schools will continue to be important. "I don't think kids are going to slip through the holes on these guys," Clark said. "The way these guys are working, if they're able to improve facilities, I truly believe they'll be a team that has a chance to compete to play in the NCAA Tournament. Nature of the beast On Wednesday, Collierville senior Marc Ashley pitched a no-hitter to keep his team alive. On Thursday, he was asked to protect a one-run lead in the seventh inning and wound up the losing pitcher as Nashville Overton struck for five runs in an 11-7 victory. So ended a Collierville season that saw the team go 37-7 and reach No. 25 in Baseball America's national poll. Baseball, the cruel game, had pulled one of its dirtiest tricks. Which left Collierville coach Jeff Hopkins (the Memphis coach before Dave Anderson in this small, small baseball world) to try and console Ashley. "He just told me he's proud of the way I played and to keep my head up," Ashley said, eyes still moist. "He said it was his mistake. It wasn't. It was mine. "My arm felt fine. I had good velocity. I just didn't have any movement. They hit a couple off the end of the bat and then they started teeing off. They're a good ballclub." Sophomore Drew Pomeranz had pitched 22/3 scoreless innings before yielding to Ashley. "Bottom line, I'll accept the responsibility," Hopkins said. "I wanted to go into the seventh inning with a senior and not a sophomore, even though Pomeranz is as talented as he is. It blew up in my face. ... "It breaks my heart to see a guy like Ashley go through this. It's a little bit different in high school than in college. They're more tender-hearted, younger. In college, you're dealing with 21, 22-year-old men. They're able to accept failure a little better. They've played longer and the understand the nature of the beast." Less than 15 minutes after the loss, Ashley was trying to do just that: understand the nature of the beast. "It's a game where, if you have a failure, you have to roll with it," he said. "But it's hard when you lose that last one." And now ... the championship game Rhonda Avant, mother of Houston first baseman Grey Avant, is like most parents out here: She appreciates a good game. But at this stage, who needs a good game? On Wednesday, Houston had to rally from a six-run deficit to beat Knoxville Farragut, 10-7. Rhonda spent much of that game pacing. The two teams met again Thursday. "This is a little bit more relaxing, up nine in the sixth," Rhonda said with a smile. Houston went on to win, 12-0, and will play Nashville Overton today for the AAA title. And for this baseball mom, it will close a chapter of life that started a decade ago as Grey began playing competitive baseball and competitive baseball grabbed the steering wheel of family life and took them, well, everywhere. "Hundreds of thousands of baseball games, all over the country," Rhonda said, in only a slight exaggeration. "Vegas, Dallas, Atlanta, Iowa ..." Next year, Grey will be in Jonesboro; he's got a scholarship to play for Arkansas State. And so Mom will make many trips westward. But she's also got two other sons playing sports -- they both like football -- and one is playing competitive baseball. So maybe this isn't an ending as much as it's new beginning. "It's sad one's leaving," Baseball Mom said. "But we've still got a lot more action behind him." -- Don Wade: 529-2358

05/27/05		West, Calipari say no to Cavs -- New Cleveland owner interested in twosome (Commercial Appeal)
		By Ronald Tillery Contact May 27, 2005 New Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has spoken with Grizzlies president Jerry West and Tigers coach John Calipari in his attempt to hire a president, general manager and coach. But Gilbert's ache to build a playoff team in Cleveland won't have him turning Memphis blue. West declared his desire to remain in Memphis, where he is under contract through the 2005-06 season, after Gilbert asked for and received permission to talk. And Calipari disregarded today's Cleveland Plain Dealer report that he is a candidate for the coaching vacancy. "They asked to meet and we talked," Calipari said. "But I'm not a candidate. We've got a good thing going and I'm not looking to do anything. I'm not going to be there. That's not happening. It's just that time of year. I was flattered that they wanted to talk." Gilbert has said the hiring process should be completed in two weeks. This development comes amid reports that Calipari friend and Detroit head coach Larry Brown will become the Cavs' president. Calipari was an assistant coach under Brown with the Philadelphia 76ers and in the college ranks at Kansas. "Even if (Brown) takes that job I'm not going to Cleveland," Calipari said. "We have a nice team and I'm anxious to continue what we're building." Calipari acknowledged that he's talked to other NBA teams. "I'm going to listen," Calipari said, "but the timing is all wrong. I'm very happy here." Calipari's only NBA head coaching job lasted two-plus seasons with the New Jersey Nets. Grizzlies assistant Eric Musselman, Indiana assistant Mike Brown and former Minnesota coach Flip Saunders have interviewed with the Cavs. Gilbert, speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, said the Cavaliers "are undergoing a massive transformation" but he wouldn't talk about specific candidates. "There's a lot of names that are kind of circulating out there and a lot of rumors," Gilbert said. "And unfortunately, or fortunately, I can't comment on any of them. ... There's nothing imminent right now signing with anybody but we're getting very close. We're very excited about the candidates we're talking to." Griz majority owner Michael Heisley didn't hesitate when he received Gilbert's request with regard to West. Not because Heisley is eager for West to leave. Heisley granted Gilbert permission in part because he wanted West to decide his future. Heisley also knew what West's answer would be. "I'll grant anyone permission to talk to anyone in any of my companies," Heisley said flatly. "The bottom line is Jerry's not interested. You're dealing with a different guy. He makes a commitment and that's it." -- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353

05/27/05		Tigers jump at the chance -- Mideast Regional meet could be a launch pad (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact May 27, 2005 U of M Track and Field The following lists Tiger athletes competing in today's NCAA Mideast Regional at Bloomington, Ind. Athlete Event Personal best Janon Busby triple jump 51- Lisa-Marie Hyman triple jump 42-* Brandon Winbush long jump 24-9 Norbert Guylas discus 165-4 Chen Edri javelin 142-1* Chen Edri high jump 5-8* * -- school record One could say the University of Memphis track team will leap into today's NCAA Mideast Regional Track & Field Championships in Bloomington, Ind. Two triple-jumpers, a long-jumper and a high-jumper will be among the five UofM participants. A sixth qualifier, hurdler Daniel Kiss, suffered a severe foot injury at the Conference USA Championships in Houston two weeks ago and will not participate. A seventh, sprinter Austin Hunter, chose not to participate. The Tiger contingent will be led by triple-jumpers Janon Busby and Lisa-Marie Hyman. Busby, a senior from Mobile, Ala., entered this month's C-USA Championships leading the league with a jump of 51 feet, 1/4 inch. The league's indoor triple-jump champ struggled at the championships and finished second. He said he's looking forward to making his NCAA Regionals debut. "(The Regionals) are an opportunity I missed out on last year," he said. "This year I hope to make the most of it." Busby, who is 6-8 and 190 pounds, said he has emerged this season because of assistant coach Kevin Robinson's workout regimen. Busby is ranked 10th in the Mideast Region and 35th nationally. "I don't think he's come close to the potential he has," Robinson said. "He has never grown into his body. I've had him for two years in a weight-training program and he works hard, but his body isn't prepared (to add weight). At 6-8, he doesn't even weigh 200 pounds. He's 190 pounds, skin and bones. The triple jump is a powerful event. You've got to be strong and explosive." Robinson is hoping Busby can erase a difficult performance at the C-USA Championships. He had five fouls in six jumps. Two of the illegal jumps would have been in the 53-foot range. Robinson said Hyman also has an opportunity to advance to the NCAA Championships in June if she remains focused. "If she jumps at, or near, her personal best (42 feet, 3/4 inch) she has a chance to move," Robinson said. "Both (Hyman and Busby) are seniors and have been with me for a while. They have a lot more competitive experience." Hyman said she is confident not only because of her experience, but because she attended last year's NCAA Regionals as a spectator (she sat out the 2004 outdoor season) to support her teammates. "It was difficult to not be able to participate last year," she said. "But I'm glad I went." Busby and Hyman will be joined by long jumper Brandon Winbush and throwers Norbert Guylas (discus) and Chen Edri (javelin). Edri also will participate in the high jump. Robinson said Winbush, who had a personal-best long jump of 24 feet, 91/4 inch at the C-USA Championships, has been "an incredible addition" to the team. "He's just a sophomore," Robinson said. "He spent last year in North Carolina at St. Augustine's College and came back and got involved in our program and has blossomed. "He has worked hard, and I think he'll be a major factor over the next couple of years." Robinson said it's going to be difficult entering the postseason without Kiss, from whom so much was expected. Kiss ranked in the top five nationally in the 110-meter hurdles most of the season. "He was our biggest bright spot," Robinson said. "To see him go down (in Houston) was heartbreaking. He was crushed."

05/25/05		Five U of M Athletes Set for NCAA Mid-East Regional Championships -- Qualifiers to compete in Bloomington, Indiana this Friday and Saturday (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - The University of Memphis track and field teams will send to five athletes to NCAA Mid-East Regional Championships this Friday and Saturday in Bloomington, Ind. Included in the group are Lady Tigers Lisa-Marie Hyman and Chen Edri and Tigers Janon Busby, Norbert Gulyas and Brandon Winbush. A pair of Tigers will open the meet on Friday. Gulyas will be the first U of M athlete to compete, as he will take part in the discus, the first event of the meet, at 12:00 pm Friday afternoon. Winbush, who will participate in the long jump, will be the second Memphis athlete to compete when he springs into action at 6:05 pm Friday night. Edri, the C-USA Female Freshman of the Year, is the only athlete who will compete in more than one event, as she will open competition for the U of M on Saturday, entering the high jump at 12:05 pm and the javelin at 3:10 pm. Hyman and Busby will close out the meet when they vie for their respective triple jump titles in the final field events of the meet. They are scheduled to take to the runway at approximately 6:00 pm Saturday night. In addition, the pair of seniors, who each took home runner-up finishes in the triple jump at the Conference USA Championships two weekends ago, are the top Memphis contenders to reach NCAA Championships. Hyman, with her mark of 42-00.75" (12.82m), and Busby, with his mark of 51-00.25" (15.55m) each enter the meet sporting a ranking of 10th in the region. The next highest rankings come from Winbush and Edri, who rank in 13th in the long jump and high jump, respectively, with leaps of 24-09.25" (7.55m) and 5-08.75" (1.75m). Edri, additionally, sits at 19th in the javelin with a throw of 142-01" (43.30m). Gulyas rounds out the rankings for U of M competitors, claiming the 42nd spot in the discus with his throw of 165-04" (50.39m). Results and recaps for the Mid-East Regionals will be posted at gotigersgo.com following the completion of competition on Friday and Saturday, while live results can be followed at the Indiana University website, www.iuhoosiers.com throughout the meet.

05/24/05		Pair of Former Tiger Tennis Players Advance to Finals of Futures Tourney -- Joe Schmulian and Ben Stapp advance to doubles finals, while Schmulian advances to singles quarters in Mexico (GoTigersGo.com)
		AGUASCALINTES, MEXICO - Former men's tennis players Joe Schmulian and Ben Stapp advanced to the doubles finals of the Mexico F6 Futures tournament in Aguascalintes, Mexico, on Friday. The duo fell 7-5, 7-6 in the doubles finals to the No. 2 seeded team of Sanjin Sadovich (Canada) and Carl Thorsen (U.S.). It marked the end of a strong week of play for both former Tigers, as Schmulian advanced to the singles quarterfinals, before falling 6-2, 6-3 to No. 3 seed Santiago Giraldo from Columbia. Stapp got into the main draw, where he fell to top seeded Victor Romero from Mexico, 6-3, 6-4. Schmulian got into the main draw after defeating three opponents in the qualifying tournament. Schmulian opened with a win over Gustavo Loza from Mexico, 6-2, 6-3, then advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Alex Lane of the U.S. He jumped into the main draw with a three-set, come-from-behind victory 4-6, 7-5, 6-1, over Guatamala's Israel Morales. The tandem is spending two more weeks in Mexico. Stapp was seeded fifth in the qualifying draw, and after receiving a first-round bye, downed Mexico's Luis Diaz-Barriaga, 7-5, 7-6 (4), to earn a qualifying round match against Schmulian. Schmulian downed Brazil's Ranieri Denadai, 6-0, 6-1, then defeated the U.S.'s Vicnente Casariego, 6-2, 6-2 to earn the match against Stapp. Results from Monday's qualifying round were not yet available Tuesday morning. The futures tour results are available from www.stevegtennis.com and selecting 2005 Calendar/Results, then scrolling down to May 23rd and clicking on the q next to Mexico F7. The main draw will be posted under the Mexico F7 link when it is provided by tournament organizers.

05/23/05		Calipari To Appear On Fox Sports Net National Television Show Tonight -- Check local listings for the air time in your area (GoTigersGo.com)
		LOS ANGELES, Calif. - University of Memphis head coach John Calipari will be a studio guest on Fox Sports Net's "Best Damn Sports Show Period" Monday night. Check your local television listings for the air time in your area. Calipari has been a guest on the show on several occasions the past three years, with his most recent appearance coming at the 2005 NCAA Final Four in St. Louis. Calipari will begin his sixth season as the Tigers' head coach in 2005-06. He has a 115-55 record at Memphis, and the 115 victories are the most by a Memphis head coach in his first five years. Calipari's overall record stands at 308-126, and he is one of six coaches to have 300 wins in his first 13 seasons as a collegiate head coach. Calipari joined that elite coaching group which also includes Roy Williams, Everett Case, Denny Crum, Jim Boeheim and Nolan Richardson.

05/22/05		U of M's long season ends -- Charlotte wins finale via 10-run mercy rule (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact May 22, 2005 The Conference USA umpiring crew of Scott Johnston, Hal Rozelle and Todd Henderson was simply following league guidelines. But, in the process, it also was doing a struggling University of Memphis baseball program a favor. Johnston, Rozelle and Henderson called Saturday's C-USA game between the Tigers and Charlotte after seven innings, invoking the league's 10-run rule and awarding Charlotte a 13-2 victory. Some brief confusion ensued as Charlotte coach Loren Hibbs thought the rule had been abolished earlier this month. But he eventually agreed to the decision that ended Memphis's record-breaking season of futility two innings early. The Tigers, in coach Daron Schoenrock's first year, finished 13-42, setting a school record for losses. Memphis, 5-25 in C-USA, failed to win any of its 10 three-game league series. In Saturday's lopsided loss, the Tigers, no-hit earlier this season at East Carolina, didn't get their first hit until Jordan Tolliver laced a double over the first-base bag and down the right field line with two outs in the fifth. Memphis managed only one other hit -- an opposite-field, two-out home run by Eric Smith in the sixth. On a day in which seniors Nick Bradshaw, Chad House, Brandon Rowan, Jordan Hart and Smith were recognized, the Tigers dropped a game that served as microcosm of the team's myriad shortcomings, including a lack of depth and pitching and injuries to key personnel. Bradshaw, perhaps the most savvy starter in the weekend rotation, pitched only to the game's first batter. Hampered by a torn shoulder muscle that severely limited his innings throughout the season, Bradshaw was granted an honorary start and was scheduled to throw only to game's leadoff hitter. Schoenrock said he couldn't have used Rowan, another starter with experience, had he wanted in the senior's final game. An injury to his pitching arm limited him to one inning during the season. Veteran pitching was sorely missed during the season, and the final three days. During the sweep by Charlotte, Tiger pitchers allowed 33 runs on 47 hits. Before this season, Memphis had never lost more than 37 games. Its 13 wins represented the fewest since 1971. ''I hope our returning guys see how a season like this (hurts) and that there'll be a sense of urgency next year,'' Schoenrock said. ''I hope a season like this stays in the back of their minds a bit.'' Schoenrock said the season, and its shortcomings, will stay with him, too. ''I've got to get better at what I do, too,'' he said. ''And I will. That was my first year as a head coach in 19 years. So there were a lot of things I learned along the way.'' He said he expects immediate improvement next season because of a better competition at each position. Fourteen signees will be joined by as many as five key additions during the next few weeks. The Tigers never mounted a threat Saturday. They fell behind 6-1 after three innings and couldn't solve Charlotte righthander Adam Mills, who pitched the complete-game two-hitter, striking out seven. Tolliver broke up Mills's no-hit bid by looking for, and driving, an outside pitch down the rightfield line. He said he's expecting better results after a majority of his teammates take a brief break and play in wooden-bat summer leagues. ''I'm looking forward to next year,'' Tolliver said. ''I'm hoping everyone has a good summer and plays hard, gets better and comes back and competes for positions.''

05/22/05		U of M notebook (football, track) (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact May 22, 2005 School lets TSF donors improve football seats For the first time in the football program's history, it will offer Tiger Scholarship Fund members the opportunity to select new season tickets or move their season tickets based on their donation levels. Bill Lansden, associate athletic director for development, said about 1,500 seats remain within the 20-yard lines on the west, or home, side of Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium and within the 30-yard lines on the east side. Only donors to the TSF may sit within those designated areas. Donations range from $100, which allows the purchase of four season tickets, to $25,000, which allows the donor to purchase up to 14 season tickets. Earlier this year, the athletic department informed season-ticket holders within those designated areas that a donation would be required to retain those seats. The decision resulted in 600 new TSF members. Lansden stressed this will not be a re-seating, rather an opportunity for donors to purchase new or additional season tickets or improve the location of their season tickets. "That we're doing this is a sign of the program growing," Lansden said. "This is a testimony to where (football coach) Tommy (West) has taken the program." The Tigers are coming off back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time in school history. Earlier this month, they launched a Heisman Trophy campain -- another first -- for senior running back DeAngelo Williams, the two-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year. Lansden said seat selection will be held June 6-9 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. TSF members who filled out a recent questionnaire will be informed of their upcoming appointment times. Goodbye Kiss Tiger track standout Daniel Kiss, ranked fifth nationally in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.49 seconds, has returned to his home in Budapest, Hungary, to seek further medical care for a foot injury suffered in last week's C-USA Championships in Houston. Kiss, a senior, is not expected to participate in next week's NCAA Regionals in Bloomington, Ind., thereby eliminating him from advancing to the NCAA Championships in Sacramento, Calif., in June. "He hurt his foot pretty bad," said assistant track coach Kevin Robinson. "He suffered tendon or ligament damage to his big toe."

05/21/05		Sound Off (basketball) (Commercial Appeal)
		Sound Off: The Cardinals just aren't that into you It is embarrassing to see Tiger fans acting like the lover scorned in "Fatal Attraction." What does it take to convince them that Louisville is not interested in a relationship? They have never seen the rivalry in the same way that Memphis fans do. They do not see us as equals. We just aren't that important to them. They see us more like a boorish acquaintance that they would rather forget. Forget them and move on. Develop new rivalries. Charles E. Dille Memphis Court martial I'm a University of Memphis Tiger basketball fan who is serving my country in the United States military. I've had one tour in Iraq, and am on my way to another tour in the end of the year. I am really disturbed that we missed the "Big Dance" this year and played really badly our last game against St. Joseph's. I am embarrassed each time we come up short, when we should have won games and get slaughtered by teams we should have shut out. People are from all walks of life in the military, and they come and get in my face when Memphis loses. Antonio L. Alsobrooks Fort Hood, Texas Glorifying all that's wrong with sports I thank The Commercial Appeal for glorifying everything that is wrong with prep, college and professional sports with its glowing tribute to "Team Thaddeus" in last Sunday's sports section. Why does a high school junior need an entourage? Why would The Commercial Appeal waste two pages of a section on such a bunch a money-hungry hypocrites? At least Geoff Calkins had the sense to see through this charade. As for Thaddeus Young having a 4.3 grade-point average and being a member of the National Honor Society, you would think he would be smart enough to see he's being used. I wish Thaddeus Young nothing but success, but the life of an athlete is fragile and short. Is Team Thaddeus going to stick around if its meal ticket is injured in his senior year of high school? Is Team Thaddeus going to stick around if Young's name disappears from NBA Draft consideration? No, it is going to latch on to the "next" big thing. Leo E. Alessi Memphis Is there a sports issue that makes you want to Sound Off? Send an e-mail to sports@commercialappeal.com. Please put "Sound Off" in the subject header and include your name and where you live.

05/21/05		Charlotte Sweeps Memphis With 13-2 Route in Series Finale -- Eric Smith homers in final at-bat as a Tiger (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Charlotte (31-23, 13-17 C-USA) 231 160 0 - 13 17 1 MEMPHIS (13-42, 5-25 C-USA) 010 001 0 - 2 2 1 Charlotte posted 17 hits and Adam Mills allowed just two Memphis hits and struck out seven in seven innings as the 49ers races to a 13-2 win over Memphis in the season finale for both, Saturday afternoon at Nat Buring Stadium. Tiger catcher Eric Smith posted one of the Tiger's two runs with a homer to right centerfield in his final plate appearance in a Memphis uniform. Charlotte posted runs in five of the seven frames, highlighted by a six-run fifth that put them ahead convincingly, 13-1. The 49ers got a pair of RBI-doubles from Adam Willard and Spencer Steedley to go up 10-1. Mike Ambrose brought home runs number 11 with and RBI-single up the middle and Chris Lane capped the scoring with a two-run single. A two-run single to right in the first got Charlotte on the board. Willard drove in a run on a groundball and Kris Rochelle ripped a two-run single to open a 5-0 lead. Memphis got on the board without the aid of a hit in the second when Adam Amar and Chris Newsom each drew walks. Niner first baseman Steedley was then unable to handle a sharply-hit groundball off the bat of freshman leftfielder Brent Moss, allowing Amar to score. The 49ers posted single runs in the third and fourth and then six in the fifth before Smith launched his second career blast in the sixth to close all scoring for the game. Nick Bradshaw was the hard-luck loser for Memphis. Bradshaw faced just one batter in the first inning before being lifted for Chris Davis. However, that batter was leadoff hitter Cory Lane, who singled and later came around to score. Mills was the winning hurler, no-hitting Memphis through 4.2 innings. Jordan Tolliver broke his no-hit bid with a double to the rightfield corner. The Tigers finish the season 13-42 overall and 5-25 in Conference USA play.

05/21/05		Draft variables played role in Tiger's choice -- Number of early entrants, projection in second round swayed Williams (Commercial Appeal)
		By Daniel Ford Contact May 21, 2005 In the end, there were too many uncertainties for Shawne Williams. The 6-9 wing said the record number of early-entry candidates and wide-ranging draft projections played heavily into his decision to forego the NBA and attend the University of Memphis in the fall. "It's a relief for me because everyday, everywhere I go, everybody was asking me what I was going to do and when I was going to do it," Williams said at a press conference held Friday at Senses nightclub. "They were telling me how they'd do it if they were in my shoes, but they can't say that because no one is in my shoes." Williams, a forward from Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute Prep by way of Hamilton High, said he is eligible to play for the Tigers next season and plans to enroll in second session summer classes beginning June 5. Williams was projected as a late second-round pick by most mock drafts and said he thinks a year or two of college basketball will improve his stock. "I'm coming in to do what it takes to get to the next level," he said. "If it takes one year, two years, three years or four, whatever it takes." Travis King, Williams's former AAU coach, said the decision will benefit everyone involved. "He's got a great story to tell, and I'm glad he'll get to tell that story by playing at the University of Memphis and not going to the NBA," King said. "He did have that opportunity. He passed it up, and that's very good for the city of Memphis, the Tiger program and Memphians themselves." Williams told The Commercial Appeal in mid-April that he planned to declare for the draft, but said Friday he never filed the proper paperwork with the league office. The deadline to do so was May 14. "I was going to declare, but so many things can come into play," he said. "At that point nothing is a lock. Anything can happen. ... "One week you'll be this and the next week all this information says (something else). I was affected by information." Talk of raising the age limit for draft entrants likely sparked this year's record 108 early entrants, a factor that also played into Williams's final decision. "There so much going on with the NBA right now, so many negotiations (over an age limit)," Williams said. "I just felt like I didn't want to be out there in all that where anything could've happened. I just wanted to come home." -- Daniel Ford: 529-2343

05/21/05		Charlotte rallies to dump Tigers (Commercial Appeal)
		By Our Press Services May 21, 2005 Charlotte scored eight unanswered runs, including six in the seventh inning, to overcome a six-run deficit and become Conference USA's eighth 30-win team in a 9-7 decision over Memphis on Friday at Nat Buring Stadium. With the loss, the Tigers dropped their 10th straight league series. Charlotte closer Adam Walker recorded his school-record 12th save of the year after a scoreless ninth. The 49ers claimed a 9-7 lead in the seventh fueled by a six-hit attack in the inning. O'Brien Taylor reached on a Tiger error before the Niners posted six straight hits, including consecutive doubles by Spencer Steedley, Mike Ambrose and Chris Taylor. Charlotte is 30-23, 12-17 C-USA. Things looked promising for Memphis (13-41, 5-24) early as the Tigers scored two runs in the first on a sacrifice fly by Chad House and an infield single from Cory Barton. After a Charlotte run cut the lead to 2-1, Memphis extended its advantage to 6-1 with a four-run second. The Tigers wrap up their season today when they battle the 49ers in a noon start.

05/20/05		Baseball Losses Six-Run Lead, Falls 9-7 to Charlotte -- Brent Moss posts three hits for Memphis (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Charlotte (30-23, 12-17 C-USA) 010 011 600 - 9 16 2 MEMPHIS (13-41, 5-24 C-USA) 241 000 000 - 7 8 2 Charlotte scored eight unanswered runs, including crossing six in the seventh inning to overcome a six-run deficit and become Conference USA's eighth 30-win team with a 9-7 win over Memphis, Friday afternoon at Nat Buring Stadium. With the loss, the Tigers drop their 10th straight league series. Charlotte closer Adam Walker recorded his school record 12th save of the year after a scoreless ninth. The 49ers claimed a 9-7 lead in the seventh fueled by a six-hit attack in the frame. The inning saw Charlotte's O'Brien Taylor reach on a Tiger error before the Niners posted six straight hits, including consecutive doubles by Spencer Steedley, Mike Ambrose and Chris Taylor. Charlotte claimed the two-run cushion after Taylor scored on a double play groundball off the bat of Alex Bryant. Things looked promising for Memphis early as they posted two runs in the first, on a sacrifice fly by Chad House and an infield single from Cory Barton. After a Charlotte tally cut the lead in half at 2-1, Memphis extended its advantage to 6-1 with a four-run second. Brent Moss, who finished with a team-high three hits, led off rally with a double down the leftfield line and Jordan Tolliver, K.K. Chalmers and House drew consecutive walks to bring him in and make it 3-1. Tolliver came in on a wild pitch by 49er starter Matt Landphair. The inning was highlighted by a throwing error from the Charlotte infield that allowed Chalmers and House to score. Moss' sac fly to center would cap the Memphis scoring and it would be all Charlotte from then on as the Niners posted single runs in fifth and sixth innings to close the gap to 7-3 before the big six-run seventh. Both the Tigers and 49ers will wrap up their seasons on Saturday when they take the field for a Noon start. Saturday is Senior Day for the Memphis as five Tiger seniors will be honored in their final games in front of the home crowd at Nat Buring Stadium. Listen live to the tilt on 91.7 FM as the "Voice of Tiger Baseball" Jeff Brightwell calls the play-by-play action.

05/20/05		Tiger Scholarship Fund Will Host Community Reception in Bartlett -- Tiger fans are welcome to free community reception at the Bank of Bartlett's Wolfchase branch beginning at 5:30 p.m. (GoTigersGo.com)
		The Tiger Scholarship Fund invites you to a community reception on Tuesday, May 24th in Bartlett. The event will take place at the Bank of Bartlett's Wolfchase branch from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Memphis coaches and staff members will be in attendance. The reception is free and open to the public. The Bank of Bartlett is located at 7894 Highway 64 (Stage Road) near Wolfchase Mall.

05/20/05		Conference USA Spring meetings Atop the food chain -- Tigers pressuring C-USA teams to keep up (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 20, 2005 DESTIN, Fla. -- John Calipari was picking at a chicken sandwich the other day, ripping the thing apart to ensure only the good parts remained. No bread. No skin. No mayo. All the while, he was talking basketball, and the future of Conference USA, which, he insisted, is healthy, just the same. "UAB beat us last year, and they've got a lot of guys coming back," the University of Memphis coach said in between bites here at C-USA's annual spring meetings. "I don't know why people wouldn't pick them to win the league." Calipari, whose Tigers should be ranked in the top 15 of most preseason polls, didn't flinch when he said this. He was serious and meant it as a compliment to UAB. Still, he knows nobody is picking UAB to win C-USA. Not this year. Not next year. Not anytime in the foreseeable future. "I know we've got everything in place," Calipari said. "But we still have to do it." This is not a story about the greatness of Tiger basketball. This is a story about disparity. About advantages and disadvantages. About haves and have-nots. About how one C-USA program -- in terms of financial commitment and most other intangibles -- undeniably sits above all others. "Memphis does have a lot of advantages that some of us don't have," said UTEP coach Doc Sadler. "But they have a lot of history and built to this. You have to give them credit." Give them credit. Then apply the pressure. Because with apologies to UAB and UTEP -- two schools which have had more on-the-court success than Memphis over the past two seasons -- it's now hard to justify any scenario that doesn't involve the Tigers winning league titles on a regular basis. There are lots of reasons why, everything from the fact that no other C-USA program has a comparable budget (roughly $4.5 million), fan base (nearly 15,000 season tickets sold) or list of boosters willing to pay its coach the way Calipari is paid, at a rate of about $1.5 million per year. Then there's this: "Memphis has a lot of good players," said ScoutHoops.com recruiting analyst Jeff Goodman. "They're going to be very talented." Talented this year, and in years to come, assuming Calipari and assistants Tony Barbee and Derek Kellogg continue to attract prospects at the level they've consistently done since arriving at Memphis following the 1990-2000 campaign. Consider that, according to PrepStars.com's final rankings for the Class of 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, the Tigers have signed nine Top 100 prospects, six of whom -- Jeremy Hunt, Darius Washington, Antonio Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Robert Dozier and Shawne Williams -- should be on this season's roster. The other 11 C-USA members have combined to sign a total of zero Top 100 prospects over that same span, creating a disparity in perceived talent that is startling, even to people who regularly follow this stuff. "There's not another example in any other conference like that," said Rob Harrington, a recruiting analyst at PrepStars.com. "To me, this is one of the more intriguing aspects of all the conference realignments, that Memphis is now in a position where not only should they contend for league titles, but it would really be an upset in any given year if they don't win a conference championship. Really, if they can maintain any continuity at all and keep guys in the program, they should have a big leg up on everybody." Which is not something Calipari denies, by the way. He knows C-USA titles are to be expected, and understands that if he can string a few together, then every other program in the league will have to invest more to keep up. The byproduct? C-USA, as a whole, would improve, which would be a check in the plus column for the UofM. "That's what happened when I was at UMass," Calipari explained. "Temple knew they had to build a new building, or they were never going to beat us. Xavier had to build a new building. The schools just said, 'OK. That's it. It's on.' Like Dayton, they re-did their locker room and lounge. "So I hope everybody will realize that we are not stepping back, and that if you want to compete with us, then you've got to step up to the plate. But you know what? I think these teams will." Regardless, until they do, Memphis and all its advantages should be C-USA's favorite, this year, next year, and every year going forward. Now, it's just a matter of making good on everybody's predictions. "We still have to prove we have what it takes to be that kind of team," Calipari said. "But we're going to find out." -- Gary Parrish: 529-2365

05/20/05		C-USA Notes (basketball, football) (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 20, 2005 Dallas to host women -- Memphis may get shot for two events in 2007 DESTIN, Fla. -- After further discussions Thursday, Conference USA officials decided to keep the league's men's and women's basketball tournaments separated in 2006. "But we're still going to keep the task force in place and investigate everything," University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson said following the final day of the league's annual spring meetings. "I still think it makes sense and is doable. And our goal will be to get everything in place so that (Memphis) can host both of them in 2007." Memphis hosting both of them in 2006 was the first option and seemed likely as recently as Wednesday. But securing a building in addition to FedExForum for the women and moving the entire women's schedule back a week proved too great a task on such short notice, considering C-USA would've wanted to have everything finalized by mid-July. Consequently, the 2006 men's tournament will be in Memphis while the 2006 women's tournament will be held in Dallas at SMU's Moody Coliseum. Basketball two-timers C-USA decided long ago it would play a 14-game basketball schedule with each team meeting eight of the other 11 members once and three additional members twice. This week, it was determined John Calipari's Tigers will get home-and-home series with UAB, Southern Miss and Tulsa. Bowl talk Though C-USA is guaranteed five bowl spots this football season, after that things are up for discussion. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl and GMAC Bowl have extended contracts. But the Fort Worth Bowl, Hawaii Bowl and New Orleans Bowl can all break ties with the league, if they like. Still, Britton Banowsky isn't worried. "Last year, there were 28 bowls. That's (spots for) 56 teams, and there were only 58 teams that were ultimately (bowl) eligible last year," explained C-USA's commissioner. "This year, there are going to be 29 bowls. That's 58 bowl spots. So there's going to be enough bowls to go around." And what about the three bowls with expired contracts after this season? "We're in negotiations right now to extend them," Banowsky said. Furthermore, representatives from the Orange Bowl, Champs Sports Bowl and Senior Bowl took part in these meetings, researching and networking. -- Gary Parrish: 529-2365

05/20/05		Williams not on official draft list -- Banks, reportedly with agent, sharpening skills (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 20, 2005 DESTIN, Fla. -- John Calipari said earlier this week that though he had no indication Shawne Williams actually entered the NBA Draft, he'd not rest easy until the league office released its list of early entrants. That list has been released. Now the University of Memphis coach can relax. An astounding and record 108 early entrants -- there are only 60 draft spots -- officially declared for the June 28 draft by last Saturday's deadline. But Williams, a Tiger signee, was not one of them, something reported Sunday by The Commercial Appeal and confirmed Thursday by the NBA. He will hold a press conference this afternoon to explain his decision. Some players of local interest who did declare are Arkansas's Olu Famutimi, Mississippi State signee Monta Ellis and Georgia signee Louis Williams, a Memphis native. Any player who does not sign with an agent or otherwise lose his amateur status can withdraw and return to school so long as he notifies the league office by the June 21 deadline. One player that exit route won't effect, however, is Sean Banks, the former Tiger standout who is also in the draft. He has been working out at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., alongside the likes of Ellis and other draft hopefuls like Florida's Matt Walsh and South Carolina's Carlos Powell. Banks has reportedly hired an agent and will not be returning to the UofM. A 6-8 wing, Banks has first-round talent, most agree. But his troubled past -- including a demise at Memphis that culminated with the New Jersey native being declared academically ineligible in January -- has damaged his stock. Consequently, nobody of note has Banks projected as a first-rounder, though he was a projected lottery pick last preseason. Now, he will likely go somewhere in the second round, if at all.

05/20/05		Lady Tiger dismissed from team -- Basketball's Booker out after fight with volleyball players (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact May 20, 2005 University of Memphis women's basketball player Latrice Booker said she has been dismissed from the Lady Tiger basketball team as a result of her role in an on-campus incident last month involving members of the women's basketball and volleyball teams. Volleyball player Melenaite Fehi Tuivai told police Booker punched her and held her against the wall of an on-campus apartment during the April 23 incident. Tuivai's teammate, Emily Steckel, also said she was assaulted during the incident, telling police she was shoved and pushed up against the wall by Raven Rogers, Booker's teammate. Rogers has completed her eligibility and graduated two weeks ago. Booker and Rogers are scheduled to appear in General Sessions Criminal Court next week to face simple assault charges. Rogers's court date is Tuesday, and Booker's is Thursday. Booker, a native of Winnfield, La., said she met with Dwayne Scott, associate dean of student judicial affairs, last week and was informed she would not be allowed to return to school. The punishment is more severe than the one men's basketball player Jeremy Hunt received earlier this year. Hunt was charged with domestic violence assault in January for allegedly striking his former girlfriend, Rogers's sister Tamika. The incident happened off the UofM campus. Hunt received a two-game suspension administered by the athletic department. University officials said Thursday that Booker's case is being treated differently than Hunt's because Booker's incident occurred on campus. "The difference between disciplinary actions is that Hunt's alleged activities happened off campus," said Curt Guenther, the university's director of communication services. "Hunt's suspension was strictly an act on the part of the athletic department to discipline a player, whereas in this case it was handled not by the athletic department, but by the student judicial affairs system." University counsel Sheri Lipman said the school can "step in and discipline students" for on-campus incidents and for those that occur off campus between university students or at university-sponsored events. Booker, who said she couldn't discuss the incident, played in 26 games last season and averaged 4.2 points. She did not start. As a sophomore she started 18 games and averaged 5.0 points and 3.9 rebounds. Booker would have been the team's most experienced post player for second-year coach Blair Savage. "I met with the dean of judicial affairs, and that was his decision ... to suspend me from the university next year," Booker said. Booker, a sports and communications major, will be allowed to complete her senior project over the course of two summer sessions, the first of which begins June 6. She'll graduate in August. Booker said she'll likely transfer to a NCAA Division 2 school in Arkansas, where she can play her remaining season of eligibility. "I'm pursuing it," she said. "I'm looking to go somewhere closer to home." Booker, who scored a career-high 18 points against Tennessee-Martin in 2003, had a career average of 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds. Savage said she had sent a release to the Arkansas school Booker is considering. "She was our most physical post player inside and had the ability to score outside," Savage said. "Someone else is going to have to step up." Savage said she regretted the incident and added "we are wrong in what we did and are having to deal with the consequences." Volleyball coach Carrie Yerty declined to elaborate on Booker's punishment, saying only that "the university has made (its) statement." -- Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

05/19/05		Baseball Unable to Post Third Straight Win in 11-5 Loss to Charlotte -- Tigers pound out 12 hits in losing effort (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Charlotte (29-23, 11-17 C-USA) 120 220 040 - 11 14 1 MEMPHIS (13-40, 5-23 C-USA) 110 000 300 - 5 12 1 Four Tigers recorded multiple hits and Memphis posted 12 hits in the contest, but Charlotte put up four runs in the eighth to claim an 11-5 win in the series finale on Thursday evening. Niners closer Erik Walker tied the Charlotte record with his 11th save after shutting the Tigers down in two and one-third innings of relief. The 49ers four-run eighth came after Memphis had cut the lead to 7-5 with a three-run seventh. Charlotte sent eight batters to the plate and got RBI-doubles from Alex Bryant and Cory Lane to take a commanding 10-5 lead. Adam Willard's single drove Lane in for the final 11-5 tally. The Niners opened the scoring in the first on Willard's sacrifice fly that scored O'Brien Taylor. However, Memphis got a leadoff home run from Jordan Tolliver to tie the contest at 1-1. Tolliver's leadoff blast was the first for the Tigers since Jordan Hart lined a homer over the left centerfield wall in the U of M's first game at Nat Buring last year on Apr. 9 against UAB. Charlotte took the lead for good with two runs in the second on a two-run blast by Chris Lane. Memphis put up a run in the second to cut the lead to 3-2, but Charlotte scored two in both the fourth and fifth innings to go ahead 7-2. The Tigers rallied for three runs in the seventh to close the gap to 7-5. Cory Barton ripped a bases loaded RBI single and Patrick Hope drew a bases loaded walk to make it 7-4. Memphis scored its final run of the game on an infield single off the bat of John Peterson. Chad House led Memphis offensively, with a 3-for 5 night, while Tolliver, Barton and Hope finished with two hits each. Memphis's starter Neil Schenk (1-8) took the loss after giving up seven runs in four and one-thirds innings. Derek McDaid picked up the win for Charlotte. The righthander fanned three and gave up just two runs in six innings. The Tigers and 49ers will hit the field for a 2 p.m. contest on Friday at Nat Buring Stadium. Listen live to the tilt on 91.7 FM as the "Voice of Tiger Baseball" Jeff Brightwell calls the play-by-play action.

05/19/05		2005 Women's Soccer Recruiting Class Ranked #27 Nationally by Soccer Buzz -- Incoming Lady Tigers also ranked 8th in Central Region (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - Head coach Brooks Monaghan's 15-member recruiting class of 2005 for the Memphis women's soccer team has been ranked the 27th best in the country by Soccer Buzz, which released the national top 100 recruiting classes today. The class was also ranked 8th in Central Region. The online publication devoted to women's soccer has ranked recruiting classes every year since 1998 and this is by far the highest ranking, both nationally and regionally for a Memphis recruiting class. The previous highest national ranking for a Memphis recruiting class was #46 for the 2003 recruiting class and their previous high for a regional ranking was #11, also in 2003. The Tigers recruiting class last year was ranked 23rd in the Central Region. Memphis was the highest ranked Conference USA school this year at #27, as just one other school, Rice, was ranked in the top 50. SMU, Tulane, UAB, and UTEP were ranked in the top 100. The Tigers #8 ranking in their region was also the highest regional ranking for any team in Conference USA. UAB and Rice, which were both ranked #13 in their respective regions, were the next highest. The Tigers' recruiting class also topped regional rivals and 2005 opponents Ole Miss and Mississippi State both in the region and nationally. Conference USA was ranked ninth out of the 30 conferences plus the independents that sponsor women's soccer. "This is good for our program to get recognition like this and it should also serve to make future recruits aware that there is an up-and-coming program here in the Mid-South," said Memphis coach Brooks Monaghan. "You try to win in everything you do and we did pretty well with recruiting this year. However, these rankings won't mean all that much if it doesn't add up on the field. With that in mind, we will have a lot of work to do when fall practice starts and all throughout the upcoming season to mesh this recruiting class with our returnees and to help all of our players improve so that we can reach our ultimate goal of reaching the NCAA Tournament." Memphis' 2005 recruiting class includes the following student-athletes: Caroline Allen (Little Rock, Ark.), Joanna Alexopulos (Mississauga, Ontario), Alexandra Atkinson (Mississauga, Ontario), Katy Booth (Colleyville, Texas), Lauren Everhart (Sevierville, Tenn.), Kylie Hayes (Piqua, Ohio), Chloe James (Cincinnati, Ohio), Lindsey Joseph (West Chester, Ohio), Asuka Kubota (Saitama, Japan), Maggie Leone (Cordova, Tenn.), Sarah MacGregor (Indianapolis, Ind.), Kate Murphy (Anchorage, Alaska), Laura Pfeffer (Rochester, Mich.), Emiko Schwab (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), and Aika Young (Tumon, Guam). The complete rankings for both the national and regional recruiting class can be accessed along with much more regarding collegiate women's soccer at www.soccerbuzz.com.

05/19/05		A silver lining -- Schoenrock sees hope for '06 (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact May 19, 2005 There will be no winning season to celebrate, no year-end conference tournament to prepare for and no league accolades for first-year University of Memphis baseball coach Daron Schoenrock. But when the season ends Saturday against Charlotte at Nat Buring Stadium, Schoenrock won't label the season a failure. He said despite a school-record number of losses, player suspensions and a lack of pitching depth, there have been successes. "I feel like we've implemented the way the program is going to operate," Schoenrock said. "I'm OK. I can see the future and the direction we're headed and I'm encouraged by that. I think we can be good here quicker than people think. "Selfishly, I wanted to win this year and get to the conference tournament for the second year in a row." Instead the Tigers (13-39 overall, 5-22 in Conference USA) will end the season with a three-game series against Charlotte that begins tonight. Through a difficult four-month season, the Tigers have learned to persevere through adversity and losing streaks. Assistant coach Mike Federico, a former head coach at Meridian (Miss.) Community College, said during the process, the team has gained a grasp of what Schoenrock expects. "Sometimes it's more than wins and losses," Federico said. "It's about accountability and being a good citizen and doing the right things on and off the field. You don't ever want to go through a season thinking you are going to lose this many games, but you also realize in the process (Schoenrock) is building a foundation." While implementing his philosophy, Schoenrock watched a team operate without key contributors. Left-hander Brandon Rowan and right-hander Nick Bradshaw, experienced seniors, were limited. Rowan, who had pitched 95 innings the previous two seasons, made one appearance because of a ligament strain in his pitching elbow. Bradshaw, the most experienced starter, battled through a torn shoulder muscle and was limited to five appearances. Bill Moss, who led the team with a .342 average in 2004, did not play because of a bad back. And among those suspended late in the season for a violation of team policy was leading hitter Ryan Martin. "It's been a tough season," said shortstop Jordan Tolliver. "It hasn't gone the way we had hoped. But you get through it and move on." Schoenrock said the program will move on and be competitive in 2006, when a revamped Conference USA adds national power Rice and the Tigers add a mix of prep and junior college standouts. "We got very aggressive in the early signing period (last fall), probably more aggressive than they've ever been here," Schoenrock said. Drawing upon contacts he made while serving as an assistant to Ron Polk at Mississippi State -- and upon Federico's familiarity with the Meridian program -- Schoenrock put together a strong class. The list of signees includes: Philip Utley, a 6-3 junior college right-hander drafted out of Jackson-Central Merry High by the Minnesota Twins; Jackson State (Tenn.) Community College left-hander Lance Scoggins, a 2004 New York Mets draft pick and a former Bolton High product; Meridian Community College standouts Dusty Davis, Joseph Lieberman and Michael Murray and Middle Georgia College outfielder Will Peterson, a former Texas Rangers draft pick and a base-stealing threat. Among the highly regarded prep standouts are Southaven High's Brach Davis, Collierville's Marc Ashley and Houston High's Thomas Wiedman. "The coaches have done a good job of recruiting," said Tiger freshman outfielder K.K. Chalmers. "They are building a program and taking the right steps to get there." Tolliver played at an Illinois junior college that won nearly 90 games during his two-year stay. He's expecting a Memphis turnaround in 2006. "I might as well say it," he said. "We've got some good players coming in. We'll be good next year. We'll compete against a lot of teams." Despite its shortcomings, Memphis is attempting to finish strong. A win tonight would give the Tigers three straight and their longest streak of the season. They'll also be trying to win a C-USA series for the first time this season. "You look at a college baseball program and you evaluate four areas," Schoenrock said. "You evaluate coaching staff, talent level, facilities and the conference you're in. "Obviously the conference is going to be outstanding. I think we've had an impact on the talent level of players we've attracted (for next year). We've got plans on what we'd like to do to catch up with other teams in our league with facilities (a $2 million project) and I've put a good coaching staff in place." Tiger athletic director R.C. Johnson understands the need to upgrade Nat Buring Stadium to stay competitive in what will be a strong baseball league. He said informal talks have been held to discuss renovating the stadium. While that may take several years to come to fruition, Johnson is confident that Schoenrock will move quickly to upgrade the program on the field. Johnson said he talked recently to Tulane athletic director Rick Dickson, who was unaware of the Tigers' struggles this season when they played at top-ranked Tulane May 6-8. What Dickson noticed in the closely contested series Tulane swept was a glimpse at the foundation Schoenrock has laid. "Rick was impressed by how hard we played," Johnson said. "He told me he was talking to (Tulane coach) Rick Jones and Jones told him 'There's no doubt Memphis is going to have a successful baseball program.' " -- Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543 ---------------------------------------------- This weekend Matchup: Tigers (13-39) vs. Charlotte (28-23). When, where: Today, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday, noon at Nat Buring Stadium.

05/19/05		C-USA tourney returning -- Officials look at possibility of city hosting women's event at same time (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 19, 2005 DESTIN, Fla. -- The Conference USA men's basketball tournament is returning to FedExForum next March, the league's athletic directors formally agreed Wednesday here at their annual spring meetings. "We're excited," University of Memphis athletic director R. C. Johnson said. "Obviously, it's big for us." But could it get bigger? It appears that way, because C-USA also decided to simultaneously hold its women's tournament in Memphis, if possible. That's the plan. But before finalizing things the league must first research whether it is realistic to undertake the task with such a short timeframe. If it's viable to run the tournaments together in Memphis, that's what will happen. Otherwise, the women's tournament will be held in another C-USA city, perhaps Dallas. "Bringing both events into town at the same time would mean an enhanced economic impact for Memphis," C-USA commissioner Britton Banowsky said. "It can be a wonderful, wonderful thing if we can figure out a way to do it." Among the things to figure out is the possibility of pushing the women's tournament back a week from its normally scheduled time while maintaining a slot on ESPN for the title game. Also, because it's not feasible for FedExForum to host all the men's and women's games, other venues have to be explored. So C-USA must secure a second building, like The Pyramid, Mid-South Coliseum, DeSoto Civic Center or maybe the Elma Roane Field House. For that, the league has put together a task force designed to research and report back. Taking on that job are Johnson, UofM associate athletic director Lynn Parkes and Lady Tiger basketball coach Blair Savage. Asked when a final decision needed to be made, Johnson didn't hesitate. "Yesterday," he said with a laugh. "Seriously, we're going to try to do it, but there are a lot of issues. So we have to get on the fast track." Though holding both the men's and women's tournaments in the same city at the same time is a rarity in major college athletics, C-USA wouldn't be the first league to do it. The Big 12 has conducted its postseason basketball events in this manner for nine years, which is where Banowsky learned the concept while working in that conference's office prior to taking over C-USA. This past season, for example, Kansas City hosted both Big 12 tournaments. The men played at Kemper Arena and the women played at Municipal Auditorium. "We are the only league that does it, and it's been a success," said Rob Carolla, the Big 12's director of communications. "From a school's stance, all the administrators and fans are in the same city. So they can support both their men's and women's teams at the same time, and that helps make it more of an event." Or, as Banowsky put it, "It can be a festival of basketball. It would be really wonderful." -- Gary Parrish: 529-2365

05/19/05		Tiger series with Cardinals appears over -- Move 'a little surprising'; Louisville leaving substantial money on table (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 19, 2005 DESTIN, Fla. -- It appears the University of Memphis is finished playing Louisville in basketball for the foreseeable future. A day after Conference USA commissioner Britton Banowsky told The Commercial Appeal the Cardinals might have to play the Tigers or risk losing an estimated $1.6 to $2 million in NCAA Tournament revenue, Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich indicated he's willing to leave the money behind. Jurich did not return multiple calls from The Commercial Appeal, but he did tell ESPN.com that although a final decision hasn't been made, "we're moving in that direction." "It's a little surprising," said UofM athletic director R. C. Johnson, here in the Florida Panhandle for C-USA's spring meetings. "That's a lot of money to leave behind." True. But there could be more money to be made elsewhere, something that might explain Louisville's decision and help it make financial sense. For Louisville to keep its NCAA Tournament revenue, it would be required to play 10 basketball games -- five at home and five on the road -- over the next five years against C-USA members, at the discretion of ESPN. But if the school replaces those mandatory road games with home games and thus adds five otherwise impossible home games, Louisville could actually generate the same amount or even more revenue, considering the school nets roughly $400,000 per home game. Louisville appears set to leave somewhere between $1.6 and $2 million on the table in order to keep Rick Pitino from being locked into playing anybody he didn't want to play, specifically Memphis and John Calipari, for whom no love is lost. What this means for C-USA is that there is going to probably be extra revenue to divide. Now the league just has to figure out how to divide it. "We talked about it this morning under the assumption this might happen," Johnson said. "We're still trying to decide." One way is to divide it between members who aren't newcomers to C-USA: Memphis, Tulane, Houston, Southern Miss, East Carolina and UAB. Using a middle figure of $1.8 million, each school would get $300,000. Another way is to divide it between all 12 current C-USA members. Using a middle figure of $1.8 million, each school would get $150,000. Then there's a third option, one Johnson explained with a grin on his face. "I stood up this morning and suggested we should get it all because we were the ones who were supposed to play them anyway," he said. "You can imagine the reaction of my compadres. It wasn't fit for print."

05/19/05		C-USA meetings notes (basketball rpi, football instant replay) (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 19, 2005 Calipari: Tougher schedule needed -- Tigers need to raise their RPI next season DESTIN, Fla. -- John Calipari walked out of a room at the Conference USA spring meetings Wednesday morning, all smiles and without a care. Then he was asked if he had heard about the Preseason NIT. "No," Calipari answered. You're opening with Wisconsin-Milwaukee. If you win there, you get either Alabama or Miami-Ohio. "Who?" he asked. Alabama or Miami-Ohio. "Oh, geez." So much for those days of opening with two cupcakes, specifically Savannah State and George Mason. This time the University of Memphis is starting -- on Nov. 15 at FedExForum -- with a team that advanced to the Sweet 16 last season and returns four starters. If the Tigers get past that presumably they will meet Alabama on Nov. 17. The Crimson Tide spent most of last season ranked in the Top 20. "It looks like it's going to be another hard schedule," Calipari said. "We're just going to have to be a better team than last year." The Preseason NIT is a 16-team event consisting of two rounds of campus-site games before four schools advance to New York. Other participants are Duke, Boston University, Manhattan, Seton Hall, Sam Houston State, Missouri, Drexel, Princeton, Army, Temple, New Mexico State and UCLA. Anybody from that group could ultimately be a Tiger opponent. Memphis already has nonleague games scheduled with Texas, Purdue and Tennessee (all at home), and Cincinnati, Providence and Ole Miss (all on the road). And then there's this: "We're going to move the East Tennessee State game back to the next year, and we're going to try to move the Austin Peay game back too," Calipari said. "Nothing against East Tennessee State and Austin Peay. Those are good programs with good coaches. We just need to schedule somebody who we think will win more games." Translation? "Now I've got a better feel for the RPI," Calipari said. "So we are looking at teams for strength of schedule (purposes) who we think are going to win a lot of games. I don't care what their name is. If they're Division 1 and they're going to have a good record, that's who we want to schedule so that we don't get drilled (by the RPI) like we just did." Last season the Tigers' schedule was rated 80th, despite games against Syracuse, Maryland and Pittsburgh. The problem was Memphis also played Savannah State (328 RPI) and East Tennessee State (293 RPI). "I cost us with that schedule," Calipari said. "So I have to schedule smarter." Yes to instant replay C-USA football coaches voted unanimously Wednesday to implement an instant replay system for the upcoming season. "It will include referee-on-the-field involvement," C-USA commissioner Britton Banowsky said. "It's similar to the NFL model." Similar, but not exact. For instance, coaches will not be allowed to challenge calls. That will be up to an official in the press box who watches every play. If he sees something subject to review, he will buzz the referee on the field who will halt the game and watch a replay on a sideline monitor. Banowsky said the plan is for any costs of replay equipment to be covered by the league office, meaning a particular school will not endure additional expenses for the rule change.

05/18/05		Tiger Scholarship Fund to Hold Community Reception Thursday -- Fans are invited to the free reception at Patriot Bank in Millington from 5-6:30 p.m. (GoTigersGo.com)
		The Tiger Scholarship Fund invites you to our next community reception on Thursday, May 19th at Patriot Bank in Millington. The event is from 5:00pm - 6:30pm and will feature Memphis coaches and staff members. The reception is free and open to the public. Approximately 100 people attended the last community reception in Hernando, Mississippi. Patriot Bank is located at 8376 Highway 51 in Millington. An additional community reception is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24th in Bartlett.

05/18/05		Tigers Look to Finish Season Strong in Weekend Series versus Charlotte -- Series game times changed (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Winners in three of its last five games, the University of Memphis baseball team looks to wrap up the season on a positive note when the Tigers host Charlotte in the final Conference USA series of the season. Due the C-USA Tournament that begins on Wed., May 25, this series will be played on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Game times have been changed and are now set for 6:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and Noon, respectively. Memphis has won back-to-back games for the first time since late March when the Tigers pummeled USF 15-5 and then handed Murray State a 10-9 setback. The Tigers knocked off Cincinnati on Sunday before getting a three-hit effort from three pitchers to post a 5-1 win over Arkansas State in Jonesboro on Tuesday night. The win over the Indians snapped a four-game losing to ASU. First baseman Adam Amar has been on a tear for the Tigers as of late, hitting .526 with 17 RBI, six doubles and two homers in the last nine games. The Lake Mary, Fla., native has hit safely in all nine games since the Tulane series and improved his average 14 points, to .313 with a four-hit night Tuesday. He has started in all 52 games and leads the team in hits, doubles, RBI and total bases. Tiger reliever Drew Jaudon continues to pace the pitching staff with a 3.07 ERA. The juco transfer from Itawamba Community College has not allowed an earned run in his last six outings and 13 innings of work. Drew Kimmelman checks in with a 4.50 ERA after hurling a six-inning one-hit gem in the A-State win. In his last two starts, Kimmelman has maintained a 1.64 ERA and has held opponents to just two earned runs in 11.0 innings of work. Charlotte, like Memphis, been eliminated from the upcoming C-USA Tournament. The 49ers are 28-23 after an 11-6 win over Furman on Tuesday night. Sophomore Cory Lane fell just a double short of the cycle and tied the Conference USA record with his 11th triple of the year. Lane, who is hitting .301 on the year, is just one of six Niner hitters with plus-.300 averages. Senior Adam Willard leads the charge at a .363 clip with 16 doubles and 46 RBI. Charlotte is an aggressive team on the bases as four have reached the 10-stolen bases plateau. On the mound Charlotte has a 5.56 ERA and are led by closer Erik Walker and reliever Keith Moreland. Walker is second in the league with a 1.98 ERA and leads all C-USA pitchers with an opposing batting average of just .184. His 10 saves ranks second in C-USA. Adam Mills has a team-high 72 strikeouts in 15 starts and 94.1 innings. Opponents have been successful against the Charlotte staff, coming away with a .308 average. Memphis did not play Charlotte in 2004, but split a two-game series in the 2003 season. The Tigers and 49ers have only met on the baseball diamond nine times, with the U of M holding a 6-3 advantage.

05/18/05		C-USA Meeting Notes (UM vs. UL basketball, football instant replay) (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 18, 2005 C-USA meetings notes Banowsky firm on Louisville role -- Says basketball game vs. Tigers up to ESPN DESTIN, Fla. -- Conference USA commissioner Britton Banowsky on Tuesday said the league hasn't begun working on basketball scheduling, and thus there is no definite word on whether Louisville and Memphis will play during the 2005-2006 season. Still, he made one thing clear. If ESPN wants the Tigers and Cardinals to play, then they will play. Otherwise, Louisville will be in violation of an agreement that enabled it to leave for the Big East without forfeiting revenue in exchange for competing against two C-USA schools per season at the discretion of ESPN. "It is fairly cut and dry," Banowsky said, The good news for Tiger fans? "ESPN is going to ask for the game," Memphis coach John Calipari said. "They've already asked for the game." But Louisville hasn't accepted. So the staredown will continue, with four apparent possibilities: 1) Memphis and Louisville play. Or ... 2) ESPN backs off and settles for the Cardinals playing another C-USA team instead. Or ... 3) Louisville voids the contract, forfeits the revenue -- valued at more than $1.7 million -- and schedules how it pleases. Or ... 4) Louisville fights the wording of the contract, wins and avoids the game and keeps the revenue. "We entered into an agreement with some schools that would enable them to leave the league and take some (revenue) with them so long as they scheduled back," Banowsky said. "For those schools that do (like Cincinnati), we'll be able to honor our agreement. For those schools that don't, there's going to be financial implications." An attempt to reach Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich for comment late Tuesday was unsuccessful. Instant replay a must One of the things C-USA football coaches spent Tuesday morning discussing here was instant replay. It appears the league will have it this season, though the format is yet to be determined. "I think it's normal progression," UTEP athletic director Bob Stull said. "I like it." Though most seem to feel that way, Stull has a built-in bias. When he was the football coach at Missouri in 1990 Stull was burned when officials let Colorado have a fifth down that resulted in a touchdown in the final seconds. The Buffaloes won the game and went on to win a share of the national title. "I wish we could've replayed that," Stull said with a laugh. Recruits on-line Can't wait for next basketball season, and the opportunity to see Memphis's star-studded recruiting class? No problem. In the next couple of weeks videos of each incoming freshman will be available at www.coachcalipari.com. "You'll be able to go on there and watch Kareem Cooper play, and go on there and watch Shawne Williams play," Calipari said. "How about that?"

05/18/05		Tigers get a third national TV game -- U of M vs. UTEP will be carried on CSTV (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact May 18, 2005 Conference USA added another opportunity Tuesday for University of Memphis Heisman Trophy candidate DeAngelo Williams to receive national exposure. C-USA announced its TV schedule for the 2005 season, and the Tigers' Oct. 1 home game against league newcomer UTEP was added to CSTV's schedule. CSTV, or College Sports Television, is in its first year of a six-year deal to carry C-USA events. Recognized as the fastest-growing independent cable network, CSTV has agreements with distributors that serve more than 65 million households. Comcast, Time Warner and DirecTV are among the distributors. CSTV is expected to be available on cable systems in each C-USA market by August. The league schedule features a minimum of 31 national games carried by either ESPN, ESPN2 or CSTV. The addition of the UTEP-Memphis game gives the Tigers three nationally televised games for 2005. Earlier this spring ESPN announced it would carry the UofM's season opener against Ole Miss Sept. 5 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium and the team's Nov. 1 C-USA home game against UAB. Tiger athletic director R. C. Johnson said the game, originally set for an afternoon kickoff, will start at 7 p.m. to accommodate the national telecast. "We're pretty excited about it," Johnson said. "We're excited that it's on a Saturday. That's something we haven't been able to play (a nationally televised game) at home." Memphis made four national television appearances in 2004, including the GMAC Bowl. Of the two regular-season nationally televised home games, both were weekday affairs. "Interestingly enough, ESPN and CSTV (officials) are down here (at the C-USA Spring Meetings in Destin, Fla.) and it's amazing how the ratings for weekday games are climbing," Johnson said. "But Saturday telecasts are important." UTEP, which joins C-USA this fall, is expected to challenge in the league's newly formed West Division. UTEP will make five national appearances. Williams, the UofM's career rushing leader with 4,062 yards, is the first Tiger to be promoted as a Heisman candidate. Last week the university launched a Heisman campaign by unveiling a Williams-themed model race car. The 2,450 cars available to the public sold out in four days. Williams enters his senior season as the NCAA's active career leader in several categories, including rushing TDs (37), yards per carry (6.2) and rushing yards. -- Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 Tiger football on national TV Sept. 5 (Mon.) -- Ole Miss at Memphis 3:30 p.m.; ESPN Oct. 1 (Sat.) -- UTEP at Memphis, 7 p.m.; CSTV Nov. 1 (Tues.) -- UAB at Memphis, 6:30 p.m.; ESPN2

05/18/05		Tigers to play Wis.-Milwaukee in NIT (Commercial Appeal)
		By Our Press Services May 18, 2005 NEW YORK -- The University of Memphis will open the 2005-2006 basketball season with a Preseason NIT game against Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament last season. Wisconsin-Milwaukee, making its debut in the Preseason NIT, will take on the Tigers at FedExForum in one of four first-round games Nov. 15. On Nov. 14, Duke hosts Boston University, Manhattan is at Seton Hall, Sam Houston State is at Missouri and Drexel is at Princeton. On Nov. 15, Miami, Ohio, is at Alabama, Army is at Temple and New Mexico State is at UCLA. The second round will be played Nov. 16 and 17 at campus sites while the semifinals are at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 23, with the title game on Nov. 25. Wisconsin-Milwaukee stunned Alabama and Boston College before losing to top-ranked Illinois in the round of 16. Coach Bruce Pearl left for Tennessee after the school's most successful season, and Wisconsin assistant Rob Jeter takes over the program.

05/17/05		Tiger Pitchers Hurl Three-Hitter in 5-1 Win at Arkansas State -- Drew Kimmelman holds Indians hitless through five and one-third innings (GoTigersGo.com)
		JONESBORO, Ark. -- - MEMPHIS (13-39) 000 003 011 - 5 10 1 Arkansas State (31-20) 001 001 000 - 1 3 5 Memphis starter Drew Kimmelman tossed five and two-thirds innings of no-hit ball and Adam Amar went 4-for-4 with a pair of RBI as the Tigers posted its second consecutive win in a 5-1 decision over Arkansas State Tuesday night at Tomlinson Stadium. With the win, Memphis posts its first back-to-back triumphs since Mar. 27th and 29th when it defeated USF and Murray State. Kimmelman faced the minimum through five innings and retired 15 batters at one point in the contest. Kimmelman gave up one hit in his six-inning outing before giving way to the Tiger bullpen. Blake Richardson hurled two innings of scoreless relief before Drew Jaudon closed the game out with a perfect ninth for the 5-1 win. Jaudon has now held the opponent scoreless in his last six outings, 13 innings. Memphis left seven men in scoring position in the first five innings before breaking a scoreless tie with three runs in the top of the sixth. Brent Moss ignited the inning with a leadoff walk and fellow freshman Chris Newsom reached on a fielder's choice sacrifice bunt. Moss was safe at second on a throwing error by ASU pitcher Andrew Bishop. A successful sacrifice bunt by Jordan Tolliver advanced both runners before K.K. Chalmers drew a walk to load the bases. Indian third baseman Mike Siriani misplayed Chad House's groundball as Moss was able to cross the Tigers' first run of the night. Memphis finally got the clutch hit it had been looking for when Amar's RBI-double scored Newsom and Chalmers for a 3-0 lead. Drew Rogers broke Kimmelman's no-hit bid in the sixth when he reached on an infield single. ASU used a Tiger error to put runners on second and third before a groundball by Siriani made it 3-1. The Tigers posted insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Amar started the rally with a one-out double in the eighth and Cory Barton provided another clutch to give Memphis a three-run cushion. Brent Moss lined a double to gap in left centerfield and later scored when Chalmers reached on an errant throw by the Indian infield. Along with Amar's four hits, Barton and Newsom added multiple hits in the ballgame. Bishop took the loss on the mound for A-State after giving up three runs in an inning and a third of work. Memphis will now return home for its final three games of the season in a Conference USA series with the Charlotte 49ers, May 19-21. First pitch for Thursday's series opener is set for 6:30 p.m. at "The Nat". Listen to the live broadcast with the `Voice of Tiger Baseball', Jeff Brightwell on WUMR 91.7 FM.

05/17/05		C-USA to return to Forum? (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 17, 2005 DESTIN, Fla. -- R.C. Johnson can think of many reasons why the Conference USA men's basketball tournament should return to Memphis. From FedExForum to fan interest, he has no problem listing rationale. But on this day, we asked him to play devil's advocate. All we wanted was one reason the league should consider moving its premier event. "I can't think of any," Johnson said. "I really can't." After that answer, and a quick laugh, the University of Memphis athletic director admitted his bias. But Britton Banowsky isn't biased. He's the commissioner of Conference USA and has no more of a tie to the Bluff City than he does to Birmingham or Houston. So he'd be able to give a reason the event might relocate, right? "Not really," Banowsky answered. "I think our experience last season was positive, from the support we got in the community to the venue, which is world-class with a set-up to Beale Street and a retail area that is perfect for our fans. So as I've said before, as long as the community supports the event, we've got a high level of comfort to play it there." The first session of these C-USA spring meetings came and went Monday with no real developments. But it already appears any forthcoming discussions about the 2006 C-USA Tournament will be nothing more than formality. An official announcement on the site is expected later this week. And barring a change in mindset, the event seems destined to return to FedExForum, meaning Memphis is set to edge other cities like Dallas, Tulsa and Biloxi, Miss., for the right to host what Tiger fans hope will turn into the John Calipari Invitational. "That's the only downside people can say (about the tournament coming to Memphis), that it's our homecourt," Calipari said. "Well, it was at Louisville's homecourt (multiple times). And it was at Cincinnati's homecourt (multiple times). So ... "But I understand (the other side), because I was on the other side and had that same complaint," Calipari added. "But I don't think there's a better place to have it, plus everybody who came last season and brought people with them, they all said, 'Whoa. This is great.'" Great experiences aside, Banowsky acknowledged not everything went perfectly last March for the four-day event, which closed with, arguably, the most gripping ending to any game all year, one that gave Louisville the title over Memphis after a pair of missed free throws by Darius Washington. One problem was that the upper level of FedExForum, save a few diehards, was empty most every session. Even the championship game, an ideal match-up between the Tigers and Cardinals, drew fewer than 11,000. Why? Because the cheapest ticket -- the Bob Uecker special -- cost $40. The solution? This time, the prices won't be as high as the vantage point. "We're talking about re-pricing the house," Banowsky said. "We made a mistake last season because we priced the house consistently throughout. But the seats in the lower bowl, frankly, are better seats than those in the upper bowl. So they should be priced more, and the upper bowl should be priced less to make the event more affordable for everybody." -- Gary Parrish: 529-2365

05/17/05		Calipari has reason for optimism on season (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 17, 2005 C-USA meetings notes DESTIN, Fla. -- Forgive John Calipari if he seems a little more giddy than normal for this time of the year. It's just that usually he's either having hip surgery, or losing a player or a recruit. Or all three. But this off-season is going much smoother. Granted, the University of Memphis basketball coach is still noticeably limping. But past that ... "It's good," Calipari said Monday here at the Conference USA Spring Meetings. "It's the first time in my six years (at Memphis) that everybody who is supposed to come is coming and everybody who is supposed to stay is staying." The latest good news came Saturday, when the deadline for underclassmen passed without Shawne Williams filing paperwork with the league office. In other words, it appears he's coming to college, just like Laurinburg (N.C.) Institute Prep teammates Antonio Anderson, Robert Dozier and Kareem Cooper. That foursome is scheduled to join fellow signee Chris Douglas-Roberts of Detroit and a solid group of veterans -- headlined by Rodney Carney and Darius Washington -- to comprise the 2005-2006 Tigers. ESPN's Dick Vitale has already ranked the team 10th in the nation in a (very) early preseason poll. "When you have a point guard the caliber of Darius, you've got a chance right off the start," Calipari said. "And the other good news is that four of the new guys all played together (at Laurinburg). "So we just have to take those four, and what we have coming back, and Chris Douglas-Roberts and just mix them together. But I'm ready to have at it." Carney gets invited, too Calipari said he's received word that Carney will get an invitation to try out for Team USA's Under-21 World Championship team, and join Washington at the trials in Dallas July 21-23. "We're supposed to be getting the stuff in the mail," Calipari said. "So it will be Rodney and Darius." Which means two of the 20 invitees -- or 10 percent -- will be U of M players. That was also the case last summer, when Carney and Sean Banks each earned invitations, though the end result wasn't great considering Carney got cut, and Banks didn't show up. The group of 20 invitees will be whittled to 12 after tryouts. The final roster will compete at the World Championships in Argentina on Aug. 5-14.

05/16/05		Women's Soccer Completes 2005 Recruiting Class with Signing of Aika Young of Guam -- Tigers will now have five different countries represented on 2005 squad (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - Memphis head women's soccer coach Brooks Monaghan announced the signing of Aika Young to a national letter of intent on Monday. The signing of Young completes the Memphis recruiting class of 2005 and gives the Lady Tigers a total of 15 new members to the team for the upcoming 2005 season. Of the 15 newcomers, 14 will be freshmen. Eleven student-athletes signed letters of intent with the Tigers back in February while three additional student-athletes signed in April. Young, a native of Tumon, Guam, is a 5'6 midfielder/forward. As a captain of the soccer team at the Academy of Our Lady of Guam this past year, she led her team to a first place finish on the island of Guam and she was also named to the All-Island first team and has been a two-time All-Island MVP. She will also bring international experience with her to Memphis as she is currently a member of the Guam National Team and has been a member for three years. Also a standout in the classroom, Young has a 4.2 grade point average, is ranked in the top five percent of her class, is a member of the principal's list, honor roll, and the National Honor Society. Young will make Guam the fifth different country to be represented on the 2005 edition of the Tigers, joining representatives from Canada, England, Japan, and the United States. Memphis will have natives of not only five countries on the women's soccer team next year but also will have representatives from 10 different states. Guam is an island country located in the North Pacific, roughly three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to The Philippines. It is currently an unincorporated territory of the United States and has one non-voting representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. "Aika has represented her country so she will bring international experience with her, which is something not many incoming freshmen have," said Monaghan. "We feel that she can come in here and contribute right away and will continue to get better. She is the top player in Guam right now and being in this type of environment will only make her improve."

05/16/05		DeAngelo Williams Race Car Sold Out (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, TENN. - Fans were excited about the U of M Heisman campaign that was unveiled last Thursday, and 2,450 cars were sold by Monday morning. The cars, which were sold for $30 each plus a $5 handling charge, will be mailed out in late August once the cars are sent out to national media outlets.

05/16/05		Tiger Baseball Rounds Out Non-Conference Slate versus Arkansas State on Tuesday -- Tigers look to break four-game losing streak to Indians (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Coming off a close 8-7 win in Sunday's series finale with Cincinnati, the University of Memphis baseball Tigers will wrap up both its non-conference schedule and its road line up against Arkansas State on Tues., May 17. The Tigers are still in search of their first back-to-back wins since wins over USF and Murray State on Mar. 27th and 29th. Memphis is coming off of its first two-win week since early in the year. Adam Amar led the Tiger offense going 10-for-21 with 10 RBI, three doubles and a grand slam. K.K. Chalmers again had a solid week, hitting .368 in five starts and swiping a pair of bases. The duo combined for six of the Tigers' 12 hits in the series finale. Drew Jaudon continued his success on the mound for the Tigers lat week. The junior righthander picked up the win on Tuesday and then earned his second save on Sunday. Jaudon held opponents scoreless on just five hits in 6.2 innings. He now paces the Memphis staff 3.15 ERA. Junior southpaw Chris Davis held Cincinnati to just four hits in five and two-thirds innings of work. He struck out a pair to pick up the win in his first career start. Arkansas State took two of three from South Alabama over the weekend to improve to 31-19 overall. The Tribe held USA to a combined two runs in the first two games of the series. Geoff Desmond leadS A-State, who is hitting .312 as a team, with a blistering .385 average. Six Indians are hitting higher than .310. Desmond paces the team in runs (59), home runs (17), RBI (67), total bases (145) and slugging (.725). Brett Kinning is a close second with a .382 average and 11 doubles, seven round trippers and 36 RBI. The Tribe pitching staff has a 4.91 ERA. Tuesday's starter Michael Williams Jr. has posted the lowest ERA's on the team at 3.04. Opposing hitters have recorded a .229 average against him in 13 appearances. Opponents are hitting .281 against the ASU staff with 40 home runs. Memphis has lost four in a row to Arkansas State after dropping a 10-1 decision last Tuesday. First pitch for Tuesday's contest is set for 6:30 p.m.

05/16/05		Savage Rounds Out Staff With Hire of Emily Owens -- Owens named Lady Tiger Director of Basketball Operations (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Lady Tiger basketball coach Blair Savage filled her final staff opening with the hire of Emily Owens, Savage announced Monday. Owens has spent the past two seasons as an assistant basketball coach and senior woman's administrator at Kentucky Wesleyan College. "We're really fortunate to have Emily join our staff, " Savage said. "She knows all the facets of running a basketball program, from recruiting to all the administrative stuff that goes on to keep both our team and our staff organized." With the Lady Tigers, Owens will be responsible for overseeing the Lady Tiger student managers and will serve as the team liaison for tape exchange and team travel arrangements. At Kentucky Wesleyan, Owens helped a team that finished 5-22 in her first year improve to 12-15 the following season. She was responsible for the team's scouting, film exchange and student hall coordination, in addition to helping in fundraising and camps. She also served on the KWC compliance committee and as the faculty advisor for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Under her guidance, KWC's women's basketball team had the highest team GPA on campus with a 3.53. She also taught in the Kentucky Wesleyan physical education department. Owens was a student-athlete at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, where she helped the women's basketball tam to the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen in 1999 after they won the American Southwest Conference Championship. A native of Celina, Texas, Owens received her bachelor's degree in 2000 from Hardin-Simmons while serving as a student-assistant coach at her alma mater. Following Hardin-Simmons, Owens took a position as a graduate assistant coach at Life University, an NAIA program that ranked No. 1 and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals. Following her time in Marietta, Ga., with Life University, Owens joined the staff at Mercer University as a graduate assistant coach under current East Carolina women's coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener, where she coordinated team travel, assisted in scouting and coaching and conducted pre-season conditioning and game day operations duties. Following one year at Mercer, Owens returned westward to serve as a graduate assistant coach at Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Ark. There, she again coordinated film exchange, assisted with on-court coaching, recruiting and scouting and oversaw the student managers. She left Ouachita Baptist to join the staff at Kentucky Wesleyan, completing her master's degree in Sports Administration from Henderson State in December of 2004. Owens replaces Tyler Williams, who joined his fiancée, Brooks Donald, in Hattiesburg, Miss.

05/16/05		Brand new C-USA gathers Name tags will come in handy as altered league holds meetings (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact May 16, 2005 DESTIN, Fla. -- With sunny skies and sandy beaches as a backdrop, Conference USA has returned to the panhandle, officially, for business. But it's the consummate business/pleasure scenario. Drinks and decisions. Tans and tangents. Swimming and sorting. The next four days are a juggling act of work and play complete with busy mornings and lazy afternoons. All the while, the goal is simple for these spring meetings: Get familiar. Get to work. "We have a fairly full agenda as we complete the planning for the transition of the league," said commissioner Britton Banowsky. "But most of all, I want us to continue to get to know each other and be prepared to work well together as a league." A new league. As in the new C-USA. The one without Louisville, Cincinnati, TCU, South Florida, Marquette, DePaul, Saint Louis, Charlotte and Army. The one with Central Florida, Marshall, Rice, SMU, Tulsa and UTEP. This afternoon at 3, C-USA will formally gather as a fresh, 12-school, all-sport league for the first time here at the Hilton Sandestin resort. Then Tuesday morning, all the athletic directors, football coaches, basketball coaches and athletic faculty representatives will begin meeting in hopes of shaping the future. Lots of issues will be addressed. Two major ones are: Instant replay: Exactly how it would be implemented is unclear, but a discussion on instant replay for football is planned, and the review mechanism is likely to be put into place in some fashion, perhaps as early as this season. The main obstacle is that not all games are televised, and the cost of adding camera coverage for such events can cost as much as $25,000. The C-USA Tournament: FedExForum appears to be the favorite to host the event again, especially considering how the Memphis & Shelby County Sports Authority made good on a "gentleman's agreement" and paid the league a $1 million guarantee it was not legally obligated to pay thanks to a contract never being signed and tournament profits falling slightly short. That plus the fact that Memphis appears positioned to be the basketball power in C-USA makes moving the tournament unlikely, though other cities like Dallas, Tulsa and Biloxi, Miss., are interested in the event. "We hope to have a decision on the 2006 event (this week)," Banowsky said before noting he was pleased with how things went in Memphis last March. After those two items, everything from branding to promotions to scheduling to officiating will be kicked around in meetings. And though the 7 a.m. starts can come early -- especially for those who spend too much time in the hospitality room -- Banowsky assured the impression he's received is that everyone is ready to get going. "I think there is a genuine sense of excitement about meeting and getting these sports seasons under way," he said.

05/16/05		Tigers outlast Bearcats (Commercial Appeal)
		By From Our Press Services May 16, 2005 CINCINNATI -- University of Memphis pitcher Chris Davis held Cincinnati to just four hits in 52/3 innings of work, and Drew Jaudon held off a strong Bearcat charge as the duo helped lead the Tigers to an 8-7 win in the Conference USA series finale Sunday afternoon. Tiger southpaw Davis struck out a pair to pick up the win in his first career start. Jaudon held UC scoreless in 22/3 innings of relief to record his second save of the year. Adam Amar led the 12-hit Tiger attack with three hits, three RBI and a pair of runs scored. Freshman K.K. Chalmers made up for a hitless outing in game two, with a 3-for-4 performance with three runs scored. Freshman Brent Moss also posted multiple hits. The Tigers grabbed their first lead of the weekend in the first. Consecutive singles by Jordan Tolliver and Chalmers got the inning going. Chad House drew a walk to load the bases. Memphis scored its first run on a double play groundout by Amar. Bearcats rightfielder misplayed a line drive off the bat of Cory Barton to allow the U of M to score its second run of the contest. Barton was able to advance all the way to third on the fielding error and then scored on a wild pitch by UC starter Justin Minges to make it 3-0.

05/15/05		Tiger Baseball Holds off Late Cincinnati Rally for 8-7 Win -- Tigers break nine-game C-USA losing streak (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS (12-39, 5-22 C-USA) 303 100 100 - 8 12 1 Cincinnati (24-27, 10-16 C-USA) 000 013 300 - 7 10 1 Chris Davis held Cincinnati to just four hits in five and two-thirds innings of work, and Drew Jaudon held off a s