Photo: Getting Down to the 'Roots' of Radio

        SMYRNA – WMOT Roots Radio’s Val Hoeppner (center) hangs out with Motlow Smyrna Mass Communications students following her talk, “WMOT Public Radio Of, By and For the People.” She spoke on Oct. 30 as a participant of the autumn “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.” Receiving her advice are (from left) Ricky Engle, Sam Fuqua, Brandon Smith, Wyatt Wilkerson, and Jackson Moore.

Motlow Smyrna Student Wins Lipscomb Transfer Trustee Scholarship

By Jonathan Graham

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

          SMYRNA -- As a society, we love tales of those who overcome obstacles and achieve success despite the harrowing challenges that they may face. As a college, we have students who not only do this, but who also embody character traits that humble us in our service to them. Jazzmin Mitchell is one of these students.

          Jazzmin Desiree' Mitchell is a 24-year-old Nashville native who lives in Murfreesboro. In 2013, she was the first in her family to graduate from high school and enroll on scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University. Unfortunately, due to stress and depression, Jazzmin was academically and financially suspended from MTSU in 2014. However, Jazzmin did not give up.

Jazzmin Mitchell

          In 2017, she enrolled at Motlow State Community College as a nontraditional student. Jazzmin took advantage of important resources at Motlow Smyrna, including the Student Success Center's tutoring services. This led her to conquer her first semester with a 4.0 GPA. She went on to serve as the 2018-2019 Tennessee Regional Secretary of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Due to her excellent academic performance, she received the opportunity to apply for the Lipscomb Transfer Trustee Scholarship.

          Each year, Lipscomb University awards this prestigious scholarship to eight community college students in the State of Tennessee. The application process is very competitive. Each of the 13 TBR Community Colleges can nominate up to five students to compete for this scholarship. Once a student is nominated by their community college, they participate in a panel interview at Lipscomb University. Out of the possible 65 students nominated by all 13 community colleges, only eight students are selected to receive the full-tuition scholarship. Qualifying students must plan to enroll at Lipscomb as a full-time student, earn at least a 3.5 GPA, and complete 30 or more credit hours at their respective community college.

          Jazzmin Mitchell’s hard work, determination and positive attitude paid off. She was one of eight students this year to be awarded the Lipscomb Transfer Trustee Scholarship and will be attending Lipscomb University this fall. Jazzmin made a comeback. She is a true success story, one which should be told and celebrated.

(Editor’s Note: Jazzmin Mitchell graduated from Motlow State on May 5, 2019.)

Op-Ed: Democracy Dies in the Darkness

By Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

(Editor’s Note: The following Op-Ed on the First Amendment expresses the subjective opinions and experiences of former Motlow State Community College student Mike Sparks. It serves as a good opportunity for educational discussion. Sparks is the co-host of "Rutherford Issues," a radio talk show on WGNS-AM/FM in Murfreesboro.)

            SMYRNA -- A few years ago, I decided to go back to Middle Tennessee State University and take the remaining few hours to complete my college degree. After attending a few semesters part time, I needed one additional class, and I decided to complete a Maymester course.

            I was searching the MTSU online platform and came across a class titled, “Free Expression.” The class at first really didn’t interest me until I met the professor, Dr. Larry Burriss. With the course titled “Free Expression,” I was expecting the class to be taught by someone in a tie-dye shirt and wearing sandals.

            On the contrary, the professor was a tough former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force who had served on active duty in various parts of the world and even at the Pentagon. Dr. Burriss held a wealth of knowledge and was well experienced in the many facets in the School of Journalism, including serving as the former director of the School of Journalism and dean of the College of Mass Communications.

            The subject was in regards to the expression of free speech and the First Amendment. I had often listened to Dr. Burriss’s commentary on WGNS-AM/FM Radio and enjoyed his insights and opinions. Needless to say, his “Free Expression” class and his lectures about the importance of the First Amendment peaked my interest.

            The subject of free expression encouraged me to take a few other journalism courses at the MTSU School of Journalism located in the John Bragg Building, named in honor of the former Tennessee State representative. All the MTSU journalism professors were thought-provoking and very helpful. I especially enjoyed completing former WTVF-TV legendary anchorman Chris Clark’s broadcasting class. Just hearing the sound of Professor Clark’s voice took me back to my younger years, since he was a huge part of coming into our family home via television and listening to him deliver the news every evening. 

            During Professor Clark’s first day of class, he handed each student a small card with the First Amendment written on it. As he handed it to me, I quoted Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” I keep his First Amendment card with me each day. It reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

            Serving in and around politics for many years, I have personally witnessed false narratives used to attack those whom that particular media outlet disagreed with or didn’t line up with its political persuasion. Often times I have witnessed a headline that seems like it is being used to shed a negative light on an elected official with his/her words twisted and taken out of context.

            One experience I witnessed that violated the First Amendment was of an African-American church, Word of Life. Members were not allowed to worship in their own church. The irony is that a white church, Giles Creek Baptist Church, helped build that congregation’s church building by donating all the labor. The small church of little means was not allowed to hold services for two years due to an easement dispute with the city. The church was out of pocket in excess of $56,000 on building payments, a considerable sum, yet members couldn’t worship in their own church.

            I recall sitting in the Tennessee General Assembly just after a session a few years ago, asking Pastor Wellington Johnson to update me on the situation.

            He said, “Brother Sparks, I don’t know what else to do but to let it go.“

            I responded, “Pastor, you can’t let the church go.”

            To my surprise, when I mentioned this to a few local reporters, no one seemed to be concerned. Finally, Mikal Lewis, a former reporter with Fox 17, returned my call and reported on it. (To view the news report, search “Word of Life Lavergne” on YouTube).

            I have also personally witnessed a reporter calling me to ask for an interview. I asked, “What is the issue?” The reporter, who I knew and thought very highly of me responded, “There was a prayer said at the opening ceremony of Stewarts Creek High School.” I asked, “Who complained and why is this newsworthy?” He said, “No one complained, but I have to cover what my producers want me to cover?”

            Needless to say, I was rather surprised that WSMV-TV Channel 4 thought this was even newsworthy. Ironically, the reporter couldn’t find anyone in our community who complained, so he contacted a “separation of church and state” group in Washington, D.C., to get a comment.

            I have also witnessed an African-American church, Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church, a beautiful old church much like the one on “Little House On the Prairie,” suffer vandalism. It was heavily reported, but the kindness of Smyrna’s Parkway Baptist and a few other churches who donated to them afterward was not reported. In my opinion, often the media is more about drama and more interested in “clickbait headlines” and ad revenue than helping to find solutions. Naturally, many in the newsroom will not like or agree with my thoughts or experiences. I have found that many of them are good people, and I consider them friends of mine. I do believe it is the editors and newsroom producers who seek that drama to attract more eyeballs, thus sell more ads.

          Edmund Burke, the Irish-born British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Today it seems that many are very reluctant to do something, take a stand and voice their opinion for what they believe is right. Bob Dylan said, “The Times they are a-Changin’.”

          The times they are a-changin’, especially in the newspaper industry. Newsrooms have been hit very hard with over 1,800 newspapers shutting down since 2004, over 32,000 news personnel losing their jobs, and many rural areas becoming “news deserts” due to lack of reporting.

          Recently, I was proud to see my colleagues, both Republican and Democrats, pass my House Bill 0899, which exempts the taxes off monthly periodical newspapers. The effort may be a small one for our mom and pop newspapers, but it is a step that could save them a few hundred dollars each month to pay a reporter to cover their local school boards, potential solutions to an overcrowded landfill, local sports, and other important issues facing ones community.

          The First Amendment should be a vital concern for all American citizens, both Republican and Democrat, rich and poor, black and white, conservative or liberal, and others. Freedom of expression, no doubt, is the cornerstone of a free democratic society. Without it our society will suffer and Democracy dies in the darkness.

Motlow Graduates Earn Honors Transfer Fellowships at MTSU

        MURFREESBORO – Members of Motlow’s faculty congratulate former students during a recent Honors Transfer Fellowship induction ceremony and reception at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Six Motlow graduates were among 30 qualifying incoming transfer students to receive an Honors Transfer Fellowship. It is the highest academic award for transfer students entering MTSU. Gathering to celebrate after the ceremony were (from left) Assistant Professor of Sociology Dayron Deaton-Owens, Motlow graduates Brittany Brown (Animal Science) and Lisa Hardie (Psychology), Assistant Professor of English/Writing Center Coordinator Jenna Caviezel, Motlow graduate Anthony Czelusniak (Communication), and Mass Communications Instructor Charles Whiting. Other Motlow graduates who were honored during the ceremony were Kaleb Askren (Computer Science), Angela Womack (Sociology), and Samir Qattea (Mechatronics).

Nationally Known Photographer Thomas Sanders Speaks at MTSU

By David Delgado

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Portrait and landscape Photographer Thomas Sanders spoke to students and faculty at Middle Tennessee State University on Nov. 9, telling them that “Photographing and honoring the veterans act as a an opportunity for them to tell their story.”

            Sanders has received national notoriety for a touring exhibition of photos called “American Heroes: Portraits of Service.” He traveled the country photographing and interviewing hundreds of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

            More than 50 students and faculty gathered in the BAS State Farm Room at 6:30 p.m. to hear Sanders describe his war-related work and share some of the stories of the veterans he photographed. Storytelling has always been part of Sanders’ life. He was deeply inspired by his grandfather, who also dedicated his life and career to photography.

Photo by David Delgado   

  “My grandfather was a professional photographer for part of his life,” said Sanders. “Storytelling has been part of my whole life because of him.”

Sanders has used a good portion of his work to honor World War II veterans. Sanders used PowerPoint to show present-day images of the vets he photographed. He shared moving stories if soldiers provided them. One of the first World War II Vets he interviewed, Randel Paris, pulled down his pants to show a scar in his lower abdomen. He received the scar during a battle in Italy. He witnessed his accompanying commander triggering an S-mine and dying instantly. During the battle, Randel triggered an S-mine himself. The shrapnel hit his stomach and his intestines came out. He took his canteen belt and cinched it around his stomach to survive.

Photo by David Delgado   

A place where Sanders draws inspiration comes from fellow photographers Jeff Wall and Pieter Hugo. When the lecture was done, Sanders opened himself up for questions about his life and work. Several members of the audience asked questions.

When asked what adversities he sometimes faces, the artist said, “Challenges I face would be language barriers, and sometimes I would photograph the vets and ask them if they wanted to do an interview. Sometimes they did not.”

He added that he enjoys photographing current soldiers as well and would love to do a book on all of the wars. 

            Attendees were invited to visit the Baldwin Photographic Gallery at the College of Media and Entertainment to see the photos featured in his PowerPoint presentation. Many students snapped pictures while admiring the art with the people who organized the event. There was also a line to speak to Sanders and get autographs.

Photo by David Delgado   

“The Baldwin Photographic Gallery hosts up to four exhibitions each academic year,” said event organizer Jackie Heigle, curator and associate professor of photography. “It is important for the students to experience exhibitions of photographic works on and off campus, and to hear the stories of these ‘real world’ photographers who might inspire the students more directly to be aware of the challenges and the rewards of hard work, business acumen, and personal style." 

“I think he is a very interesting photographer who has done well in the span for himself,” said Andrew Miller, an MTSU student who attended the event. “I think the pieces are wonderful and very high quality. I love the expressions and the life you can feel coming from them. I hope this is a tribute that can live on to honor and memorialize these people and their place in history. For better or for worse, documenting history is important from an event standpoint as well as an individual.”  

Photo by David Delgado       

            To stay connected and learn about other events that are going on at MTSU, including the Photography Department, visit http://www.mtsu.edu/whatsup/ 

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Western Kentucky Defeats Blue Raiders in Overtime Thriller

By Gamari James

Motlow Buzz Contributing writer

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn.- The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, 41-38, in a frenetic three-overtime football game Nov. 17, potentially ending the Raiders' chances of making it to a bowl game.

With both teams coming in at a five and five record, each team needed a win to get over .500 and be bowl eligible. These two rivals went blow for blow all the way down to the last field goal from WKU kicker Ryan Nuss.

            Everything that you could expect from these high-powered offenses you got from each team. The crowd played a huge part in getting the win for the Hilltoppers. It seemed like they played the 12^th member on the field with how hyped and excited they were.

For most of the game, one could hear fans roaring as loud as the band and sad sighs throughout the night. Their student section was on an emotional roller-coaster as the night progressed, and it seemed like the Blue Raiders were on their way to victory in the fourth quarter when they took a 40-yard fumble for a touchdown.

The star of the game was WKU Senior Quarterback Mike White, who almost reached 500 passing yards with an amazing five-touchdown night. With a performance like that, White became the C-USA Offensive player of the week.  What a way to go out and perform for his school on Senior Night.

Three of his wide receivers had more than 100 yards through the air. One of his receivers, Lucky Jackson, caught a 93-yard bomb that went the distance in a late-game score that would break the tie from 17-24. This was one of the loudest moments of the game that had the stadium shaking in excitement.

The MTSU players had some of their own highlights with players like running-back Tavares Thomas, who almost racked up 100 yards rushing and bringing in two touchdowns for the Blue Raiders. Other players like Ty Lee, who almost has 1,000 yards receiving this semester, pulled in 11 receptions for 114 yards.

There wasn’t a lot of defense being played in this game between these two teams. The Hilltoppers only had one sack all night and only five tackles that were behind the line of scrimmage. The Blue Raiders did, however, have more of an impact on the defensive end with three total fumbles. They recovered two with one turning into six points. They also made 11 tackles for a loss and five sacks on the night.

The way the WKU players were scoring it reminded fans of how they played last year when they had star players like Taywan Taylor, now a receiver for the Tennessee Titans. They were putting up huge numbers week after week. This team has struggled some this year with putting up the same amount of firepower on the offensive end. With new up-and-coming young stars like wide receivers Lucky Jackson and Quin Jernigan, they have a lot of upside to build upon.

The MTSU players had a chance for revenge that they let slip through their hands once again. This was a rematch of last year’s that was held in Murfreesboro that also went into overtime. They also failed to get over the hump in the final moments of that game, losing 44-43.

When asked about what he thought about playing in such an exciting game, WKU wide receiver Quin Jernigan said, “It was super fun and emotional. Last year I had to sit on the sidelines because of an injury, but this year I had the chance to make some plays and us winning just made it even more turned up.”

Quin did make an impact on the field with three catches for 63 yards. When Quin was asked what type of player do you most compare yourself to in the NFL, Quin said “I’m like a Dez Bryant or Deandre from Houston. I like to go up and get that ball, no matter who is guarding me. They can’t guard me.”

With Quin’s height and strong arms and hands, those comparisons are good. Opposing cornerbacks will have trouble defending him every time he is thrown the ball.

Now that the WKU Hilltoppers are bowl eligible, fans will get to see this young team fight for another championship. The MTSU Raiders still have a chance to appear in a bowl for the sixth straight year after defeating Old Dominion, 41-10, on Nov. 25.

Next year, fans hope the Raiders can get some payback on the Hilltoppers when they bring them to their stadium for another annually rival. To keep up with these teams visit www.wkusports.com or www.mtsu.edu.

How Rugby Changed My Life

By: Andrew Isbell

 Motlow Buzz reporter

            I have always played a sport of some kind from baseball to football and in between. I didn’t find my real passion until rugby came into my life. 

Sports in My Life

            Earlier in life, basketball was my passion (or so I thought). I was on my grade school team and played in a summer league as well. Of course as most young kids think, I thought I was going to go pro because I was a decent player. Baseball just simply wasn’t my thing. I played for only a year and was absolutely terrible, so I had to drop that really quick. Then high school came, and as any kid who is interested in sports, I had to play high school football. I was obsessed with football early in high school and couldn’t think of anything else, but there was always one constant in my life that started in middle school and lasted the entirety of high school.

            I started playing rugby in seventh grade at Siegel Middle School, and it wasn’t anything special to me until high school. My sophomore year of high school, I quit football because I honestly wasn’t any good and knew I wasn’t going to play, but I saw and had many people who told me I was going to be a well-rounded rugby player at the time. So I turned all of my focus toward the sport. It turns out that it was the best decision of my life.

            Rugby broke me out of my very shy lifestyle and helped me branch out. I gained a new confidence because of how well our team was playing. It’s crazy how if a group of people are all helping each other to succeed on the field, brings you confidence. It’s great knowing off the field you that have at least 20 guys having your back at all times. I also started to get in the best shape of my life. By my senior year in high school, I was the strongest and most fit I had ever been.

            My senior year we were playing our rival Oakland high school. Oakland had beaten us the previous year to win the state championship. We went into the game the most prepared and intense I had ever seen a team at the time. We played a very well-rounded game, and I scored in the second half to solidify our win. I felt a sort of redemption after that game, and that paved our way to the state championship for a third straight year.

Now in college, I continue to play rugby for Middle Tennessee State University and have a close group of friends that even off the field hold me true. At Motlow, I along with two others are playing with MTSU, and we all see quality playing time. One of the game’s biggest aspects is the comradery that comes with it. I will have friends for the rest of my life because of rugby, and I am forever thankful.

The Game of Rugby

            Now if you don’t know the game of rugby at all, it is very entertaining and action-packed. Unlike football, the players have no pads or helmets but make the same tackles. Instead of passing forward, you must pass lateral or backwards. Also, you can kick at any point of the game.

Every person on the field plays both offense and defense during this entire 80-minute game consisting of two, 40-minute halves. A “try” is similar to a touchdown in football except that you must touch the ball to the ground. It is worth five points, and the conversion kick or points after try is worth two points. Field goals, penalty kicks, and drop goals (practically all the same) are worth three points.

There are 15 players on the field from both teams, eight in the forward pack, a “scrumhalf” and six in the back line. The game also consists of scrums, which are similar to the line of scrimmage in football. Lineouts which are similar to the throw in at a soccer game. And rucks, which are similar to nothing, which makes the game unique. A “ruck” is when the ball carrier gets tackled to the ground and he must release the ball back towards his team. Then his teammates will rush over him to protect possession of the ball until the scrumhalf can pass it out.

Learn More

            Visit www.mtrugby.com to learn more about how to get involved at MTSU and come out to a practice or two to see all the hard work we put in and the fun we have doing it. You can also learn more about the game and see how the USA national team is doing at www.usarugby.org.  

Middle Tennessee State University Basketball Plows Through Exhibition Game

     


                                                                               

                                                   
                                                                                By Justin Razor

       MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—The Middle Tennessee State University basketball team beat down the University of Northern Alabama on Nov. 3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, by a final score of 96-65.

       MTSU got off on a run early, and from there it was over. UNA couldn’t find the scoreboard until MTSU already had 10 points on it. And even then, just a little bit later, they found themselves down 21-6, which is a big deficit to overcome.

       Even just being an exhibition game, the crowd was electric all night. The crowd erupted after big plays on a consistent basis and really helped pump the Blue Raiders throughout the game. This was especially true after one of many three-point shots made by Giddy Potts, in which some people started cheering even before the shot went in.

       MTSU was very scrappy when it came to rebounding and putting those second-chance points back in the basket as they had 24 second-chance points. They also capitalized on UNA’s turnovers by finishing with 18 turnover points.

       MTSU was very strong behind the arc, finishing 13 of 31. While that might not seem impressive, that’s 39 points. They were near perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 23 of 25, showing that they can capitalize when they are fouled.

        MTSU junior guard Giddy Potts led the team in scoring hitting five of his three-point shots out of eight attempts. MTSU redshirt senior forward JaCorey Williams finished the game with 14 points. He hit 83 percent of his attempts, showing how important he is to the team. Other noteworthy scorers were senior forward Reggie Upshaw with 13 points, freshman guard Tyrik Dixson with 9 points, and junior guard Edward Simpson with 9 points.

       “Those guys played lights out,” freshman forward Davion Thomas said. “Glad they’re on my team that’s for sure.”
       And while MTSU did score a lot, they played excellent on both sides of the ball all night. Their defense created turnovers while limiting UNA to a paltry 65 points. It was that harmony that resulted in the team’s huge win, as their offensive output was directly influenced by their stifling defense.

       “Great team win,” redshirt freshman guard Chase Miller said. “Even in exhibition it’s good to see us execute how we did tonight.”

       MTSU will need to keep executing just like they did tonight to keep being successful once their season starts. It’s time for the Blue Raiders to prepare to start their season against Milligan College Friday. The season tip-off is at 11 a.m. at Murphy Center, with ticket prices and such located at the following website. https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/mtsu/EN/buy/browse

        For more information about the Blue Raiders men’s basketball team and its upcoming schedule, visit http://www.goblueraiders.com/index.aspx?path=mbball   

 

Dick Gregory fills the stage with laughter at Zanies

By Akira Siharaj

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. ----- Comedian Dick Gregory preformed at Zanies comedy club in Nashville on Nov. 6, drawing laughs and tears from the sold-out audience.

A variety of comedians perform each day at the popular club on Eighth Avenue. The jokes are never the same.                

After walking up to 10 minutes, guests enter the club to the cheering and excitement of fans happily waiting for the show. After paying, the maître d’ escorts guests to a table. The club has a variety of places to sit, including the bar, close to the stage, or far from the stage. Sitting in one of the corners gives individuals a wide view of the audience and the stage, allowing them to see people’s faces as they laugh. 

                Gregory, who is 85 years old with 10 children, is known as a Civil Rights activist and a comedian. He spent part of his career helping Martin Luther King.  Now he is a performer who makes memorable jokes for adults while offering insights about political issues. Two other comedians opened for Gregory, giving the audience a good laugh before he took the stage. Their job was to loosen the nerves the audience had built up after waiting for more than an hour.

                During the show, staff members visited the tables to take orders for food or drinks. Attendees ordered items such as chicken wings, burgers and fries.

One of the jokes that was funny and memorable to the fans was Gregory describing the difference between an ape and a human. He told the crowd how humans’ mid-sections are not as big as an ape’s belly or lips nearly as wide. The way he described it made the audience howl.

After the show, attendees were clapping hands and whistling. Some even cried after seeing Gregory’s performance.

“We love you Dick Gregory,” said one female audience member.

 A man named Joe and his wife love Zanies for giving them good laughs every time they visit. They have been to Zanies seven to eight times and have never been disappointed.

“I liked how Dick Gregory was different from the other comedians,” said Joe. “He was slow sharing, not to mention we are talking about a legendary speaker. In his comedy talk, he challenges you to think and exposes you to something very different.”

                Soon after everyone stop clapping, fans gathered around Gregory to get an autograph or picture, shirt or book. He was happy to answer any questions a customer had, and people didn’t mind the wait.

One fan asked Gregory how he got his talent for comedy.

“How I developed my comedy is time,” said Gregory. “It’s like lifting weights; you keep doing it. You are funny, you just have to look in the mirror and practice.”

Audience members left with a smile, looking forward to returning soon for another Zanies comedy show. For more information about Zanies, visit http://www.nashville.zanies.com/.

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MTSU Takes Big Win Over KSU

By Andrew Isbell

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee State University rugby team grabbed a big win over conference rival Kennesaw State University at 1 p.m. on Nov. 5 by a score of 39-10.

            MTSU and KSU are both in the South Independent Rugby Conference and have developed as big rivals. The two teams are incredibly physical, which made for an exciting match. This time around, the MTSU Moosemen took the victory.

The game of rugby is big internationally, a main sport for many countries including New Zealand, Fiji and Ireland among many others. It is often described as soccer and football combined. It’s football in the sense of tackling and passing, but without the pads. It’s soccer in the way of kicking. Passes are only allowed to go backwards or lateral, and a player can kick virtually whenever.

A match involves scrums and line-outs. A scrum looks identical to the offensive and defensive lines in football. A line-out looks almost like the ball being thrown back in soccer with a couple extra rules. A “try” is worth five points, and the conversion kick is worth two. A field goal is worth three points.

            The beginning of the game favored the Moosemen, who scored three times within the first 20 minutes. Scores came from MTSU starting Wing Devante Beasley, starting Second Row Trevor Wingerter, and starting Flanker Marcus Leuluai. The back end of the first half was more of a stalemate with both teams scoring once, which made the score at half time, MTSU 20, KSU 5. The last “try” in the first half came from MTSU starting Second Row Deshun Richardson.

            “The first 20 minutes of the game were fantastic for us,” MTSU Forwards Coach Jeff Pittman said. “We looked incredible.”

            In the second half, the Moosemen seemed to slow down, although almost doubling their halftime score. Conditioning is a huge part of the game, and being the beginning of the season, both teams started to tire out. The kickers seemed to shine in the second half, converting on three scores and making a penalty kick.  

            “In the second half, they (KSU) started to realize they weren’t going to win, so they started to hit us a lot harder, and I was gassed,” Richardson said. “It seemed like they were trying to hurt us.”

            The atmosphere during the game, although a small crowd, was electric. The fans loved to see their Moosemen score again and again.

MTSU has two remaining games this semester. The first will be played at 7 p.m. on Nov. 12 against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The second will be played at 1 p.m. on Nov. 19 against the University of Memphis in Murfreesboro.

            MTSU remains undefeated on the season and is in first place in the SIRC Conference. They will take time off for Christmas break, then start right where they left off playing conference games to try and advance to the championship in May.  

            For more information about how to get involved either as a player or a spectator, visit www.mtrugby.com.

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Tennis and My Life

By Taylor Graalman

Tennis has been a great sport and asset in my life. It has blessed me with the chance to do something with myself. I have Played tennis from when I was a little child to high school and college.  

When I was around 5 years old, I was fortunate enough to play on a stadium court in front of a crowd of people. In the picture below, Wayne Bryan, father of the most winning doubles team in history, is asking me questions. I had been playing tennis for a few years at this point. This really was the spark of my love for tennis and how it has shaped my life.

Myself wearing a MTSU shirt next to Wayne Bryan

In the picture above, you see that I am currently wearing a Middle Tennessee State University shirt. After what happened, I was beginning to make connections. I was fortunate enough to become the first live mascot for this college. I was 8 years old at the time and was always around the guys on the team. They had an amazing season where they made it into the NCAA Tournament.

Tennis at Siegel Middle School

While at Siegel Middle School in Murfreesboro, I was fortunate to play at the number one spot out of six and I would meet lifelong friends. We had a stellar team, winning the team tournament all three years. We were one of the best teams to come through middle school in Rutherford County history.

Tennis Tournament for the USTA in Huntsville, Alabama 

During my time at Siegel High School, I played in many tournaments around the South traveling to such states as Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama for the United States Tennis Association League. Like life, these tournaments had many ups and downs. The best part was always learning something new about myself good or bad. I won more matches than I lost, but the loses always stuck with me more. If anyone is interested in signing up for the USTA and play in tournaments, visit this. https://www.usta.com/

Playing for Siegel High School

While I was at Siegel, I was fortunate to play number one for all four years. I was coached by Jeff Martin, who also taught me how to be a better person on and off the court. Siegel and I were three-time state semifinalists. I made it to state competition as an individual four times and winning a quarterfinalist twice, and a semifinalist twice. Also, I was fortunate enough to be The Daily News Journal Male Tennis Player of the Year for three years in a row. It really gave me confidence and helped me accomplish what I did this summer.

Coaching in Connecticut

This summer, largely due to my connection as a mascot for MTSU, I was fortunate enough to get a job as a tennis pro in Connecticut. I taught many different people from young to old and made great connections. As a tennis pro, I worked six days a week from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It was not an easy job as most might think. I learned more this summer than I did my freshman year of college.

For anyone wanting to improve their game and to win more matches, key to greater improvement is to increase footwork and focus. When I was playing a match where I was losing 6-2, 5-2 that is what I did to create a comeback. I have seen plenty reach new heights by increasing these two simple things. Here is a link to improve your consistency. http://www.active.com/tennis/articles/10-steps-to-improve-your-consistency

That is just a few ways how tennis has helped to shape my life. Like a tennis match, life has many ups and downs. I have been fortunate and blessed to be able to live the life I want because of this sport. If you want to know more follow me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/taylor.graalman and https://www.instagram.com/graalmanater/?hl=en

"Boro Art Crawl" Bridges Local Artists and Small Businesses to the Public

By Kevin Wurm

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn.— “Boro Art crawl” drew hundreds of art lovers to downtown Murfreesboro and beyond on April 8, providing outlets for local artists to show their work, exposing the locals to new art and mediums, and getting local businesses involved.

            Although Murfreesboro is home to the largest undergrad university in the State of Tennessee, the “art scene” is nonexistent and a few pioneers in Murfreesboro changed this. Two art gallery owners and Middle Tennessee State University affiliates took this into their own hands. These Murfreesboro art pioneers later created a committee that formed the “Boro Art Crawl”.

 This event showcases local artists’ work in local art galleries and small businesses around the city. Galleries that are participating are Tone-Two Art Gallery and Moxie Art Gallery. A few of the local businesses that participate in the crawl are Liquid Smoke, Mayday Brewery, Top of the Block Salon, and Cultivate Co-Working.

            “Cultivate Co-Working is a small business located in downtown Murfreesboro where work-from-home business owners and entrepreneurs can come and rent office space to work out of,” said Gretchen Bilbro. “Also we have a local Murfreesboro magazine renting space here as well.”

She also noted that this is a great way for small businesses to get exposure and an even better way to get people in their doors.

            Beth Moore of Gallatin, Tennessee, was an artist showing her mixed-media pieces at Cultivate Co-Working. Not only is she an artist, but Moore is also a kindergarten through fifth grade art teacher. One might ask, “What is mixed media, and what does it look like?”

            “Mixed-media is art with more than one media,” Moore explained.

One of Moore’s pieces was titled “Sting”. After just a few moments of looking at “Sting”, one could easily see why it was titled that. There was a honeycomb and waxed paper with a poem written on it, encased in an old wooden frame --a gorgeous piece that would complement any wall. Moore would later sell this piece, and she went home with more cash than she came in with.

            Two-Tone Art Gallery featured local pop artist and fashion designer Liz Kelly Zook. Zook displayed a wide variety of painted pop-art pieces. There were paintings of the nude female body, and there were pieces with a Neil Degrasse, Bill Nye, and Barak Obama selfie. Zook is a stay-at-home Mom and full-time artist who makes a living selling her work.

            “I have been doing Art pretty much all my life,” Zook responded when asked how long she has been painting. “Things got serious when my husband told me I should stay at home to take care of our child and take on my art full-time.”

Zook also sold several pieces and made new networking opportunities.

                        The “Boro Art Crawl” is a bi-monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of every month. The next crawl will be a two-night event in June. The first night’s will occur from 6-9 p.m. on June 9, and the second night’s event will occur from 6-9 p.m. on June 10. With this being estimated as the largest “Boro Art Crawl” to date, there will be several new locations participating in the city.

                        More information about the event can be found at www.BoroArtCrawl.com or the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BoroArtCrawl.

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Experienced MTSU Defensive End Uses Life Lessons to Make Impact

By Sylvester “Sly” McCaulley, III

Motlow Buzz Reporter

MTSU's Steven Rhodes

 

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Steven Rhodes, a junior year defensive end on Middle Tennessee State University’s football team, made key defensive plays at the team scrimmage on April 16.

            Rhodes, who is no stranger to overcoming life’s hurdles and achieving success, continues to make great strides both mentally and physically in improving his on-field play.

Rhodes with USMC Commandant Gen. James Amos

            Rhodes’s success in overcoming adversity goes back to his years in serving in the United States Marine Corps, as it is known for being the toughest out of all the military branches. He served five years of active duty while stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, N.C., and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. His experience with the Marines taught him discipline, a good work ethic and humility.

           “I feel it gave me a lot of grounding and foundation for what I do out here on the field,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes made national headlines in 2013 when the NCAA denied him eligibility due to his 2012 participation in the MCAS Miramar football recreational league that was held on the base. The NCAA originally considered it an organized competition. The school immediately launched an appeal in favor of Rhodes.

When the story broke onto social media, it immediately gained national attention, which helped gain plenty of support for Rhodes. MTSU head coach Rick Stockstill was one of those supporters.

Rhodes

“I’m always going to battle for our players,” he said. “For the NCAA to say that Steven wasn’t eligible to compete his first year because of what he did in the service, I didn’t think it was fair. I didn’t think it was right, so we stood up for him.”

This caused the NCAA to look further into the case, and once it realized the on-base league was only recreational, it changed the ruling to allow Rhodes to play immediately.

“It was a challenge,” Rhodes said with a laugh as he reflected back on the incident. He also felt that the incident made him the “lead blocker” for future veterans coming out of the military and want to play collegiate sports, so they won’t have to face the same struggle. His advice to those veterans who hope to achieve the same goal as he did: “To come out and work, don’t be outworked by anybody, and do the things that the next man won’t do. Stay extra, do extra things to get better, and focus on good work ethic.”  

Coach Stockstill believes Rhodes is having his best spring practice since he arrived on campus in 2013, and is playing at a high level.

MTSU Head Coach Rick Stockstill

“He’s got great energy, great intensity, a great focus,” Stockstill added. “He comes out here with a good attitude to get better every day, so I think he is really playing well right now through the spring practice.”

The coach also believes Rhodes has a good chance to be a starter this upcoming season if he keeps up his work ethic and maintaining his humbleness.

            Rhodes has big goals for this upcoming season that will be a challenge to accomplish, but he is ready to take it on.

            “Goal number one is to get a championship, go to a bowl game and win,” he said, adding that he wants “to be the best player I can be.”

            MTSU will have a tough schedule this season, facing Alabama, Vanderbilt and Illinois. However, Rhodes is still maintaining his extreme confidence.

            “I never strap on my helmet to go lose, so I plan on winning and dominating at my position," Rhodes continued. "I feel that we will come out victorious.”

            Coach Stockstill also commented on the upcoming season, as well as his current team. “I like the team," Stockstill said." I like our attitude right now. Our schedule is going to be incredibly tough with who we play. But I think we’re improving fundamentally this spring to give us an opportunity to be successful."

           For more information about the MTSU Blue Raiders football team and their up upcoming season, visit http://goblueraiders.com/index.aspx?path=football and http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-15/conf-usa/2015-middle-tennessee-blue-raiders-football-schedule.php.

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