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).

MTSU Students Perform Shakespeare’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'

By Shanice Green

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn.— The crowd at Middle Tennessee State University's Tucker Theatre roared with a standing ovation after actors completed their stirring performance of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," on Nov. 10.

            MTSU’s Theatre and Dance Department's faculty and students staged the classic play with professional actors from the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. The NSF has been remaking Shakespearean plays since the late 1900s. The organization’s motto is to further educate people in Middle Tennessee about how Shakespeare shaped the art of theatre.

            "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" is a famous play that displays the controversial love triangles springing up around the marriage of the Duke of Athens, Theseus, and the Queen of the Amazon, Hippolyta. The play included mystical creatures and falls into one of Shakespeare’s lovely fantasy genres.

            The production’s cast included students from MTSU and actors from the NSF. Student actors included Alex Pulley (Hermia); Chris Anderson (Lysander); Kryslin Williams (Helena); Conner McCabe (Demetrius); Justin Hand (Bottom); and Parker Chase (Puck). Actors from the NSF were Denice Hicks (Titania) and Brian Russell (Oberon).

            The show was directed by MTSU Professor of Theatre Santiago Sosa. The set for the play was funded by Ascend Federal Credit Union and organized by MTSU theatre students.

            The set was created to occur around Ancient Greece and a mystical forest as well. The stage had a beautiful scenery with neutral colors such as green and blue. The whole play was set at night, so the lights were dimmed over the projection of the Ancient Greek buildings and the projection of the moon with trees.

            MTSU’s costume artists matched the clothes to the setting of the play for the Ancient Greek culture. The men wore a chiton, a chlamys and sandals. The women wore a dress or a short cloak. The fairies wore floral garments with green body paint. The artists also attempted to make the characters appear fashionable by adding a ‘60s and ‘70s look.

            According to student actor Chris Anderson, a junior at MTSU, the experience of performing in one of Shakespeare’s play was an opportunity of a lifetime, although time-consuming and hard work.

            “Shakespeare is difficult to understand starting off," Anderson said. "However, if you take the time to dissect the language and make it your own, one will be able to project the true meaning of Shakespeare as he meant for it to be interpreted.”

            Anderson added, "We spent countless hours putting in the practice to make such a beautiful product, and to me it was well worth it.”

            Anyone was welcome to visit MTSU in Murfreesboro to experience the nature and words of Shakespeare. The 7:30 p.m. Friday show drew a large audience and filled the auditorium with laughter.

            Throughout the entire performance, the audience was full of happiness due to the actors’ additional dialogue. The audience consisted of mostly MTSU students who had classmates who were performing in the show. This made the comedic play that more entertaining for the audience.

            “It was a lot different than I expected due to it being funny, and I didn’t expect it to be funny,” said Motlow State Community College student Kortney Zienkiewicz.

            Following “A Midsummer Night’s Dream," MTSU’s Theatre and Dance Department will perform "Joys of the Season" on Dec. 3 during the university's "Winterfest." In Spring of 2018, MTSU students will take the stage on March 1 for "The Taste of Sunrise" by Suzan Zeder. All upcoming show and event tickets are on sale through Tucker Theatre at www.mtsu.edu/tuckertheatre/shows.

            Motlow students, faculty, administrators and staff can learn more about MTSU’s Theatre and Dance programs at www.mtsu.edu/theatreanddance.

            For more information about the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, visit www.nashvilleshakes.org.

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The Rise of Middle Tennessee State University Basketball

By Tyler Cobbs

Motlow Buzz Reporter

Middle Tennessee State University men’s basketball head coach Kermit Davis is in the mist of his 15^th season and has led the basketball program to a historic run in the last few seasons. Coach Davis has secured two Conference USA Championship titles, earned back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, and won at least 25 games in the last four seasons. Senior Reggie Upshaw Jr. and junior Giddy Potts are also responsible for MTSU’s recent success.  

Coach Davis has led the men’s basketball team to yet again another fantastic year, ending the regular season at 30-4 and becoming the 2016-2017 regular season Conference USA Champions. After this season, Kermit Davis is now the all-time winningest coach in program history with a total of 276 victories.

       Lightning Start for the Blue Raiders

The Blue Raiders started off this season with a bang, winning 10 out of their first 11 games. Also, early in the season, MTSU was invited to the Nashville “Music City Challenge,” a mid-season tournament held at Bridgestone Arena every year. Effortlessly, the Blue Raiders won the tournament title for the first time and defeated UNC Wilmington, Toledo, and Evansville along the way.    

Blue Raiders Gallop Through Conference USA 

After a grueling non-conference schedule, the Blue Raiders are focused and prepared for Conference USA play. Senior and four-year-starter Reggie Upshaw Jr. led the team to an incredible 10 game win streak to start of their conference schedule. On New Year’s Day, Upshaw scored a career and season high 34 points against the University of Alabama Birmingham in their conference opener. After the final buzzer, the crowed gave the senior a standing ovation after his unbelievable performance.

MTSU went on to finish with a record of 17-1 in the Conference USA, only suffering a loss to the University of Texas El Paso. Still with the best record in the conference, MTSU claimed the regular season conference championship for the fifth time in the last seven years.

  MTSU Thrives in Conference Tournament

The next big challenge for the Blue Raiders was the Conference USA Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. The winner is crowned champions and earns a guaranteed spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Raiders were the victors over Marshall University, 83-72, in the championship game, and were led by junior standout-guard Giddy Potts, who finished the game with 36 points.

NCAA Tournament Bound

The Blue Raiders clinched an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in a row. MTSU was rewarded the 12th seed in the South Region bracket and faced fifth seeded Minnesota University in the round of 64. The immaculate Blue Raiders advanced to the next round, defeating Minnesota, 81-72. In the following round, MTSU’s season came to an end. The Blue Raiders fought in a tough game and were defeated by fourth-seeded Butler University, 65-74. While at the watch party in the student union building at MTSU, students and I were left stunned after suffering from defeat.

        The Beginning of Something Great

The season may have come to an end for the Blue Raiders, but the start of a dynasty may be on the horizon. With head coach Kermit Davis at the helm and some talented incoming freshmen, anything is possible for MTSU’s men’s basketball program. The future looks bright for an already well-established ball club. Next year looks to be the year for the Blue Raiders to make the next big step towards greatness. 

To learn more about MTSU basketball, visit

http://www.goblueraiders.com/index.aspx?path=mbball

For more information about Conference-USA Men’s Basketball, visit

            http://conferenceusa.com/index.aspx?path=mbb

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   

 

MTSU Presents ‘Peter Pan’ to Adoring Fans

By Constance Allen

MURFREESBORO, Tenn— Middle Tennessee State University theater students took the stage for an original production of “Peter Pan” at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Tucker Theater, drawing smiles and tears from children of all ages.

MTSU theater students presented the musical based on the play by playwright Sir J.M. Barrie. Originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the musical was adapted for students, who performed and produced. The play consisted of two acts, with a 10-minute intermission.

"’Peter Pan’ pushed my students to think like real actors,” said Dr. Scott Boyd, theater professor at MTSU. “The play helped them to explore their inner creativity so that they could add their own flair to each character. This play has been done for centuries, and I’m very proud that my students could add to the success."

“Peter Pan” has many different stories. MTSU theater students took on the scenario of Peter Pan flying into Wendy Darling’s room and convincing Wendy and her siblings to come to Neverland with him. Jealous, the fairy Tinker Bell tries to sabotage them, but she is found out and temporarily banished for her efforts.

Directors of the Theater program at MTSU push the phrase "Creativity over Simplicity." MTSU has been recognized for having the most prestigious dance program in Tennessee.

 The cast member who played the notorious Tinker Bell, Tori Peterson, expressed how serious the directors are.

“I am not a dancer,” she said. “In this play, I was pushed and pushed to be the very best, although my position was in the back of the crowd. In the dance numbers, they focused on every move I made as if I was in the very front of the stage."   

Other main cast members in the play includes Wendy Darling played by Hayley Orozco, Mrs. Darling played by Hannah Ewing, Mr. Darling/Captain Hook played by Daniel Meeks, and Peter Pan played by Parker Chase.

Tucker Theater at MTSU will be hosting an upcoming play called “Joy of the Season” (Dec.9 - Jan.21). Tickets will be available online starting Dec. 1 2016. Individuals who enjoyed “Peter Pan” will definitely enjoy this next production.

For ticket and other information, visit http://mtsu.edu/tuckertheatre/index.php.

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Murfreesboro Hosts Walking Horse Show

By Jared Hennecy

Motlow Buzz Reporter

                MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—The Tennessee Walking Horse “Spring Fling Circuit” occurred from April 8-10 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, drawing in horse trainers from across Tennessee.

                Horses and riders were judged on various areas of horsemanship, including reigning, trail pleasure and types of horses.  After winners are chosen in each category, the judges chose all-around winners of the competition.  The all-around champion for the Youth Division was Joshua Reagor and his horse, “Answer To My Dreams,” from Karnak, Illinois.  The all-around champion for the Amateur Division was Dr. Katherine Draughon and her horse, “Absolute Purple Haze,” from Mt. Vernon, Indiana. 

                A large number of horses walked past the judges’ table in various patterns.  Between competitions, the trainers draped large overcoats on the animals to keep them warm and clean.  Everyone participating wore a cowboy hat and spurs. 

Getting ready for the event, (Photo By Jared Hennecy)

The judges of the event were Michelle Tidwell, Doug Rath, Kendra Weis, Bruce Walquist, Glenn wells and Benny Sergeant.  Doors opened at 8 a.m., and the show started at 10 a.m.

                The event was free for attendees.  The cost to participate was $20 per class or $60 per horse per day.  Horse owners were required to be amateur horse trainers.  Owners who wished to compete were required to be members of the Walking Horse Owners Association, or to purchase a temporary WHOA permit for $20.

                The event was founded by Rawhide Blackwell, who was unable to attend.

                “We were located in Martin, Tennessee, until a couple of years ago,” said Mrs. Shirley Jones, a WHOA representative who works in the event planning office.    “People drive in from all around  Judges can be very strict.  They don’t mess around.” 

                Drinks and snacks were available at the concessions stand.  There was also a gift shop area with plush toys and t-shirts. 

For more information about WHOA, visit: http://www.mtsu.edu/tmc/

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Relay For Life Surges Through Middle Tennessee State University

By Danial Grant Elam

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Relay For Life, an event that raises money for the American Cancer Society, was held at the Middle Tennessee State University campus early April 17.

            Relay For Life helps people and families cope with the disease that is cancer. The global event has spread all over in efforts to reach millions upon millions of people and families who have been affected by cancer. The Murfreesboro event featured 23 teams with 263 participants who raised $15,000.

Locally made Relay For Life sign.

            Relay For life is an event that brings communities together in hopes of raising money that goes towards the American Cancer Society. Each year, more than 3 million volunteers and supporters across the country help the American Cancer Society work to achieve this life-saving mission. Each year volunteer’s come together and make a team to see just how much money can be raised. "This event is something that is very personal to me," said Courtney McCracken, a senior at MTSU and an assistant to the coordinator of the event. “I had a great-grandfather and grandfather who both died from cancer." 

             Relay for Life occurred from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday at the Recreation Center on campus.  The event was open to the general public.

             When asked why she kept with this event after she left home, Courtney said, “Because this is something that is very close to my heart and is something I want to continue to help grow”.

One of many great facts in the gym.

            The event is more than putting teams together to help raise money. It is an opportunity to help people cope with cancer. Even though one might not be directly affected by cancer, that doesn't mean cancer hasn't had an impact on someone. Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world.

            “This event is huge because it helps people who have been affected by cancer directly and indirectly, and with the help of all these great volunteers, I think this event will continue to grow throughout the area," said McCracken, when she was asked why she thinks the event is so important and if it will continue to be a success at MTSU.

            To learn more about the Relay for Life, visit www.RelayForLife.com.  To learn more about the American Cancer Society's efforts to change lives, visit www.Cancer.org.

Vandy Baseball to Struggle Even After Thumping MTSU

 

By Thomas Zaleski

Motlow Buzz Reporter

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- - The Vanderbilt University baseball team defeated Middle Tennessee State University, 19-1, at Hawkins Field in Nashville, Tenn., on April 15 with 2,364 people in attendance, but Vanderbilt continues to struggle this season.

Coach Tim Corbin and the Commodores thumped MTSU after a great pitching performance by Vanderbilt starting pitcher Walker Buehler, a sophomore from Lexington, Ky. Buehler pitched 5.1 innings, giving up only three hits and one run, and striking out nine MTSU batters. It was one of the best outings Buehler has had this season and was much needed for the struggling 'Dores.

Vanderbilt started the game off on the right foot to say the least. The 'Dores opened up the game by scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning, and they never looked back. The team poured in another four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and slammed the door shut on the Blue Raiders after scoring 10 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

            The 'Dores were led by Xavier Turner, a sophomore third baseman from Sandusky, Ohio, who extended his hitting streak to an SEC-best 23 games with an RBI double to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Turner has been Vanderbilt’s most reliable hitter on the season. Turner is batting .310 and has two home runs, along with 26 RBI’s on the year.

“I was just pleased with Walker more than anything,” said Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin. “He established himself right out of the gates, which was good for us because you’re coming out of a weekend where we lost and we needed some good mojo to start. I think he did that. The energy, the pace, the delivery was on queue."

As of April 14, Vanderbilt is 29-10 overall this season and 8-10 in the SEC, which is a huge disappointment following the 2013 season. In 2013, the Commodores ended the regular season 54-12 overall and 26-3 in the SEC. The 26 SEC wins set a record in the Southeastern Conference for conference wins in a single season.

“We really aren’t worried about the regular season records and standing, but here at Vanderbilt we have big expectations from our baseball program in the post season, especially after being ranked in the top five for the first half of the season this year,” said current MTSU student and lifelong Vanderbilt fan Tyler Short. “With that being said, I still believe with the talent on this roster Vandy should be winning more games than they have at this point in the season."

The Commodores, ranked 15th in the nation, look to finish the season strong with a series win against the Arkansas Razorbacks, a single game against the Memphis Tigers, a series against the Georgia Bulldogs, a series against the Missouri Tigers, a series against the Florida Gators, and the final series on the season against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

For more information on Vanderbilt baseball, visit www.vucommorodores.com

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