Memphis Sport May/June 2007

TAILGATING

JACK’S BACK

HOT SHOTS

GET FIT

MEMPHIS MADE

PRESS BOX

LAP IT UP

THE GREAT DEBATE

ALL IN

GAMING

WHAT IF?

BRING IT ON

STARTING FIVE

UNDER REVIEWUNDER REVIEW

KIDSPORT

ALL-STARS

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LARRY FINCHLARRY FINCHTHE LEGENDTHE LEGEND

2323

3131MIKEMIKEMILLERMILLER

MAR/APR 2007 VOL. 1 NUM. 5

TENTSTENTSCONTCONT

2 | Memphis Sport

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

It’s no news that Larry Finch is well liked in this city. Ask anyone. Go ahead—ask. We did. We found that an overwhelming number of sports fans in town love this guy like a brother.

Aft er all, he is the hometown wonderchild. He was a star in high school. He chose to go to college here, even though it meant staying in a town where the racial tension was palpable. He chose to play professional basketball in Memphis instead of in L.A. for the Lakers. Th en he coached for his college team. And despite all of the records he broke and all of the talent he recruited, he was pushed out of coaching before his time was through.

We found plenty of people that knew something about Finch’s history, but we were surprised at just how his memories have faded in the minds of many Memphians, not to mention how many locals are just too young to know about his legacy. So even though it’s just the tip of the iceberg, we felt it was our duty to revive some of these moments for those who were there and teach others who weren’t about the great Larry Finch. If we can’t jog your memory, hopefully we can help keep his alive.

Mike Bullard, publisher

Hometown Hero

Th e coverwe didn’tuse...Mike Miller made it to All-Star weekend, but the Larry Finch cover won out for this issue.

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www.memphissport.net | 3

PublisherMike Bullard 901.229.4749 [email protected]

Editor-At-LargeLaura Blanton

Editorial DirectorsKevin Cerrito [email protected] Malone [email protected]

Contributing WritersWill AskewKim BullardMike BullardBrad ClayTerry DavisJack EatonPeter EdmistonJan Michael HartelustHolly HughesElena JenkinsAndre T. JohnsonEd Land Jr.Benett MercerMandy PolkMichael L. Smith

Contributing PhotographersMike BullardJohn Coffi nSean DavisJoe Murphy

Graphic DesignMike Bullard

Account ExecutiveKim Bullard [email protected]

ContributionsMemphis Sport will consider, but assumes no responsibility for, unsolicited proposals, manuscripts, photos, and illustrations. All such materials not accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope will not be returned. Memphis Sport retains all reprint rights.

Memphis Sport 1138 N. Germantown PkwySuite 101-176Cordova, TN 38016

www.memphissport.net

©Copyright 2006Memphis Sport Magazine LLCAll rights reserved

FIT FOR LIFEAny chance you guys can put in some more articles on health and fi tness?

Sandra A.Cordova

PUBLISHER: Your wish is our command! We know that Memphians aren’t all that excited about working out and it shows. Memphis is annually ranked on every national health magazine’s fattest cities list. Well, in an eff ort to change all that, we will begin, in this very issue, off ering an expanded health and fi tness section. It is called ‘Get Fit’ and it starts on page 38, but don’t skip to it right now, read the fi rst 37 pages fi rst.

WHAT’S THE FOCUS?

As a long-time Memphis alum and fan, I am happy to see a magazine like yours. When I fi rst picked it up, I expected the same old, same old. You know what I mean...Tennessee Vols, Ole Miss and all the SEC, with a little Memphis sports thrown in. I have to say, I am happy to have been wrong. Keep the focus on Memphis, and let Knoxville and Oxford focus on their schools.

George R.Collierville

I’m an Ole Miss fan and have noticed a lack of coverage of the Rebels in your publication. It isn’t enough that the other local publications pass us over in favor of the University of Memphis? But now, you too?

Th e Rebels are of profound interest to many thousands of people in this market. In fact, there may be more Rebel fans in this market than Tiger fans. One would assume then, that it would undoubtedly be in your best interest to feature more Rebel athletes. I know I’d pick up the magazine more oft en in the future if I thought I could count on seeing more coverage of my team.

If you want to continue to neglect the Mid-South’s premier D-1 athletic program, fi ne. Just doesn’t seem like it makes good business sense to me. Maybe you guys, like most fans of the local U, have a case of “Rebel envy.”

Mike G.Germantown

PUBLISHER: You can’t ask for more in the sports world than such widely diff ering opinions as these. In any case, our main focus in Memphis Sport is on athletes and teams fr om the Memphis area. We will occasionally cover Ole Miss and Tennessee, mainly when we are highlighting their players who are fr om the Memphis area.

THE BRIGHTER SIDE

I’ve enjoyed the fi rst few issues of Memphis Sport. I’m a huge Tigers fan and have found the interviews with the Tiger QBs and Jeremy Hunt particularly refreshing. Nice to have someone in town who doesn’t seem to have either an agenda or an interest in drudging up the worst possible news they can fi nd to sell magazines. Th ere are so many wonderful things going on in our community, and now we can include a fi rst-class sports magazine as one of them! Keep up the great work!

Wayne N. East Memphis

EATON IT UPI am soooo happy to see Big Jack is still going aft er all these years. Th anks for putting him in your magazine.

Ralph G.Cordova

PUBLISHER: I agree. It wouldn’t be ‘Memphis Sport’ without him.

Do you love Memphis Sport or hate it? Send me an email at [email protected] and let me know what is on your mind.

CHATTER

4 | Memphis Sport

fi ve questions with...

Andre TurnerAndre Turnerformer University of Memphis Tiger basketball player

STARTING FIVE

1. What was your fondest game as a Memphis Tiger?If I had to say one, it would be the time we made the run in the NCAA to the Final Four in 1985, especially against the UAB team that had four or fi ve other Memphians on it.

2. What teams have you played for since you left college?I played in the NBA for three and a half years with Philadel-phia, Washington, Houston and had stints with other diff er-ent teams. I have played the last 14 years in Spain, aft er my time of running and jumping in the CBA, USBL and other leagues. I am currently still playing basketball—I will be leaving Memphis in a couple of weeks to return to Spain.

3. What are your plans aft er your playing days are over?Without a doubt, I will be involved in basketball in some capacity. I am considering coaching on some level; I don’t know if it will be in the high school or college ranks.

4. What is your current impression of Memphis high school basketball?Guys are getting a great deal of exposure to colleges and even pros these days. I think the level of talent is good, and it is great to see people paying attention to the South more.

5. Do you keep in touch with some of your former Tiger teammates?I try. I had an opportunity to talk with Bobby Parks the last couple of years during the summers, because that is the only time I’m here, but it is diffi cult to keep up with some of my regular friends, let alone my old teammates.

www.memphissport.net | 5www.memphissport.net | 5

5 Th ings the New Liberty Bowl Stadium Should Be Called:

1. Willie World

2. FedIPZone Stadium

3. Why I’m No Longer Mayor Stadium

4. Dunkyland

5. White Elephant Field

5 Th ings the New Liberty Bowl Stadium Should Have:

1. Turf TV

2. Two Jumbotrons

3. Valet parking

4. Automatic fl ushing urinals

5. Blue grass...wait, that’s been done

5 Reasons for Expanding Our Get Fit Section (see page 38)

1. Barbecue Nachos

2. Cotton Candy

3. Hot Dogs

4. Turkey Legs

5. Heisley’s Golden Nuggets

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6 | Memphis Sport

BRING IT ON

How does cheerleading work in hockey? When we dance, we wear dance shoes and they put out a mat for us. During intermissions, we skate around the ice and throw out shirts and things like that.

Any favorite teams besides the RiverKings? Ole Miss football, all the way.

What’s the single greatest moment in your life so far? Being on stage at the Miss Mississippi pageant this past summer. I was Miss Batesville.

Ice cubes or crushed ice? Crushed ice

Italian ice or sorbet? Italian Ice

Favorite ice cream fl avor? Homemade vanilla

Do you like iced coff ee? Yes

Do you like diamonds? Yes, I love diamonds.

Ever been ice fi shing? No

What’s your favorite Vanilla Ice song? I guess “Ice Ice Baby.”

Favorite TV show? Deal or no Deal

What’s on your iPod? My iPod was stolen.

What’s the last movie you saw? Night at the Museum

When’s the last time you went on a real date? Last night

Did you go for ice cream? No MM

by MIKE BULLARD photography JOHN COFFIN6 | Memphis Sport


WHAT IF?

There are two words fi rmly entrenched in the vocabulary of all sports fans. Whether a team is

having a good or bad season is irrelevant—these two little words boast incredible power. For better or worse, these words have the ability to alter the past, present or future of any team in any sport. Th ere’s just one catch: the only place the power can work is in the mind of the fan. Th e magic words? What if.

What if Bill Buckner had made the play on the routine ground ball hit by Mookie Wilson in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series? What if Earnest Byner had not been stripped by Jeremiah Castille on his way to the game-tying touchdown in the 1987 AFC Championship game? What if Herb Brooks had not been hired to coach the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team? Every sport invites its fair share of “what ifs,” including those played in Memphis.

Th ere are a number of scenarios that would have drastically changed the Grizzlies’ history. What if they had landed the number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft ? To see King James soaring through the air in the FedExForum would’ve been pretty nice. Or what if the FedExForum had never even been built in the fi rst place? Would the Grizzlies still be here, or would they have packed up and moved on to Nashville?

One of the most belabored “what ifs” is still fresh on the minds of many fans. Th e Grizzlies ended the 2005-06 season with a very respectable 49-33 record. But what if David Stern had changed the ridiculous playoff format a year earlier? And what if Damon Stoudamire had been healthy for the entire season? A healthy Stoudamire could have guaranteed six more wins, and that’s a conservative guess. Th is would

M E M P H I S

SPORTM E M P H I S

SPORTTHE

STARTING FIVE

Keep your radios tuned to Sports56 during your morning drive on Tuesdays because Memphis Sport is giving away prizes during our weekly segment. At 7:15 am every Tuesday morning listen for “The Starting Five” with Memphis Sport.

It's simply a trivia question with 5 or more answers. If you can call in at 901-360-8255 or 1-888-360-8255 with a correct answer, you win a prize from Memphis Sport and its advertis-ers.

Log on to www.memphissport.net for more info. Click on the “Starting Five” tab.

by JAN MICHAELHARTELUSTThe Magic

WORDShave given the Grizzlies a 55-27 record and, under the new rule, would have given them the number three seed. Home court advantage and a fi rst-round match-up with the Clippers would have been much diff erent from starting on the road in Dallas. It is safe to assume the Grizzlies would have picked up the fi rst playoff victory—and maybe even the fi rst playoff series win—in franchise history. Indeed, the current attitude toward the Grizzlies and even the city of Memphis would feel decidedly diff erent.

Th e University of Memphis men’s basketball team also warrants an endless slew of “what ifs.” What if John Calipari had never been hired? What if the Tigers had been invited to play in the Big East with rivals Cincinnati and Louisville? Or what if the NBA had instituted the age limit rule in 2001? Th ere is a strong possibility that at some point between 2001 and 2004, the Tigers would have put together a starting lineup that included Dajuan Wagner, Qyntel Woods, Kendrick Perkins and Amare Stoudemire. All four were fi rst team PARADE All-Americans. Who knows if they all would have stayed long enough to play together, but if Wagner had stayed for one more year, he would have played with Stoudemire and Woods, both of whom would have joined the Tigers in 2002. Th row in Jeremy Hunt, Antonio Burks, Rodney Carney and Earl Barron, and the Tigers could have been looking at a couple of Final Four appearances and possibly a National Championship.

And what if DeAngelo Williams had chosen the Razorbacks instead of the Tigers? Would the University of Memphis even have a football program anymore? No off ense to Stephen Gostkowski, but would he be the Tiger alumnus all of the

8 | Memphis Sport

fans wanted to watch on Sundays? Aft er the Tigers’ rough season last year, there is no question that the U of M football program would be vastly diff erent had Williams and Tommy West not been a part of it.

Of course, there are a ton of other possibilities involving the Memphis sports landscape. Remember when there was talk of building the Redbirds stadium out east? Can anyone imagine downtown without AutoZone Park? Many people who make the trek to a Redbirds game oft en stay downtown and spend their money at places like the Rendezvous, Jillian’s and Beale Street establishments. How many people would hang around Cordova aft er watching the Redbirds play at Shelby Farms?

Th e fact is, every fan in every city can obsess over hundreds of “what ifs,” but it is usually better to look forward with optimism. More oft en than not, fans are guilty of dreaming up “what ifs” that could have been instead of focusing on the positive “what ifs” that have come true. Th ere is no way to know the pain every Red Sox fan felt aft er the 1986 World Series, but most Boston fans would probably say it was all worth it aft er the Sox pulled off the most improbable comeback in sports history in 2004. Although the Grizzlies are having a tough season, their fans still have plenty of reasons to stay positive. With promising young players like Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay and Kyle Lowry, not to mention a high draft pick in a talented pool, the Grizzlies have a bright future. Th e U of M men’s basketball team has enjoyed yet another highly successful year playing an exciting brand of team basketball.

“What ifs” are a big part of what makes fans stick with their teams—they are part of the reason fans paint their chests and go shirtless to games in freezing temperatures and why websites like rivals.com and scout.com are in business. Because fans will always wonder, “What if this season is the dream season?” Indeed, the “what ifs” will run rampant every year, but it is important to be thankful for what is real in the sports world. Aft er all, what if there were no Tigers, Grizzlies or Redbirds in Memphis at all? MM

WHAT IF?


10 | Memphis Sport

play-calling function. You can select a post-up play, choose an isolation play, play a 2/3 zone or man-to-man and so on.

3. Th e “Go-To-Guy” is a superb feature as well. If your team scores several baskets in a row, your Go-To-Guy will receive an “Attributes Boost.” You can use his improved skills immediately or wait until crunch time.

4. Perhaps the best features involve the right stick’s capabilities. Th e left stick controls your player’s directional movements, as

usual. However, the right stick now allows you to pull off diff erent

GAMING

As you might expect, there are many ways to enjoy EA SPORTS’ NCAA 07 March Madness.

Th e “Online” mode is a favorite for today’s video game enthusiasts, as it lets you battle a friend computer-to-computer, saving you the drive across town to his house. Jump online and tip-off is less than two minutes away.

Under “Dynasty” mode, players are responsible for recruiting, scheduling, training, game-planning, starting rosters and player discipline. Handling these responsibilities requires an interest in management and coaching, to say the least. Like Calipari, you’ll have to deal with players leaving early to join the NBA. It’s not easy.

Th e “Season” mode isn’t as time consuming. Sure, you have to play in more than a dozen contests, but you never have to manage any off -the-court issues. If you play in this mode, please try to get the Tigers past the Elite Eight.

In “Tournament” mode, you can send your team on road trips to play in well-known NCAA tournaments. Take the Tigers on another trip to Hawaii for a Maui Invitational, if you want. Some of the best elements of this mode are found in the Frat Party tournaments. For you college grads, if this one doesn’t take you down memory lane, nothing will.

You can also play in College Classic games (Memphis versus UCLA 1973 and 2006), Rivalry games (U of M versus Louisville) and Mascot games (Th e Syracuse Orange is hilarious). And since we all know that practice makes perfect, if you have the patience and discipline, play on “Practice” mode. Yeah, right!

Th e Good Stuff :1. Th e overall college basketball environment represented in NCAA 07 March Madness is awesome. Th e cheerleaders, mascots and bands are all part of the game. Only a real-life Tiger basketball game would match the energizing atmosphere captured in this game.

2. Th e “Sideline/Floor General” is a great feature that enables you to call off ensive and defensive plays on the fl y. It’s very similar to NBA Live 07’s in-game

by ED LAND, JR.

It’s March Madness,

BABY!


dribbling moves while on off ense, or it can be used for “Lockdown Defense,” which prevents your opponent from catching passes, making cuts or posting up.

5. When competing in online play, you can receive real-time updates from ESPN Radio via in-game audio and from ESPN SportsCenter via the scrolling banner.

Th e Not So Good Stuff :1. Th e 2006-07 schedules were not entered into the game. As with all NCAA sports games, the actual player names have not been included either. You’ll have to do some serious manual data entry to remedy this problem. Jump on the internet to see if someone has already done the work for you.

2. Th e graphics leave much to be desired. Th e crowds and lighting are terrible, and players’ movements are sometimes out of sync with their feet. Transitions from one action to another are visually inconsistent and oft en choppy.

3. Although it made the Good List as well, the “Floor General” doesn’t have enough options. Using this feature essentially becomes a necessary evil.

4. Th e game is way too slow. You can try to speed things up through the game preferences, but it makes little diff erence.

5. Dunking is too easy. Even when using “Lockdown Defense,” your teammates typically give up dunks aft er only a few seconds of solid play. MM

12 | Memphis Sport

UNDER REVIEW

Aft er endless frustration at getting his headphone wires tangled while trying to run or ride his bike, Memphis optometrist M. L. Faulkner designed sunglasses that are perfect for the wireless world we live in. Th e Audio Visual AllStar MP3 sunglasses were specially designed with action in mind. Weighing less than two ounces, they have a unique seal to block out moisture from sweat and the outdoors. Flip-up polarized lenses and frame-mounted speakers make these sunglasses and headphones perfect for any outdoor activity, whether you’re running, motorcycling, working in the yard or just catching some sun.

Audio Visual AllStar Sunglasses include:

• Built-in speakers with great sound quality that can be adjusted to fi t almost anyone

• Th ree models with features ranging from a 1GB MP3 player to Bluetooth and phone call recording capabilities

• Prescription lenses available

• USB port that allows your computer to recognize the sunglasses as a removable disk for easy MP3 transferring

• Accessories include: USB cable, wall charger, car charger, case and cleaning cloth

• One-year limited warranty

Th ese sunglasses are riding the wave of the future. Th ey are

VisionQuestMP3 Player and Sunglases in one by KIM BULLARD photography by MIKE BULLARD

comfortable and lightweight, just as advertised. As with anything of this nature, it takes some time to adjust to the way they function. For those who have already transitioned into wireless phone pieces and iPods, these glasses should be a seamless adjustment. Th e best feature is available only on the top of the line “Go-Getter” model. If you are listening to music on the MP3 player and your cell phone rings, the music will shuts off so you can hear the ring tone as the call is received through the Bluetooth sunglasses. MM

PRICE: $245.00 to $345.00AVAILABLE AT: www.avasunglasses.com or call Dr. Faulkner at 877-ALL 4 AVAGRADE: B+

Several Memphis bars host free poker tournaments where the beginning poker player can learn about the game. Some pay out cash prizes, while others give away seats in real money poker tournaments. For those who want the chance to win even more cash, try the legal poker room

in Memphis on Quince called National Poker Challenge. Members pay monthly dues and have access to play in single table tournaments and other games. NPC

Aft er a few days in Tunica last month while the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour

were in town, everyone seems to have caught the poker bug. Hundreds of people fl ocked to the poker rooms, and the casinos had to stuff tables anywhere

they could to keep the players satisfi ed. But for many, this kind of playing is too pricey. Fortunately, there are alternatives to driving down to Tunica.

allows qualifying players to participate in several free tournaments every month with cash prizes, the biggest being a shot at $3,500. Th ere are also home games played all over the Memphis area, which are another way for new players to learn the game and for advanced players to improve.

If you’re not quite ready to meet your match face-to-face, head out to the newly renovated Southland Park in West Memphis, where a $40 million renovation included adding electronic poker tables (no dealer needed) to the dog tracks. Each seat has a small screen displaying your hand, and the community cards are shown on another screen in the middle of the table.

Th ere are plenty of alternatives to risking big money in Tunica, so explore your options and fi nd the one that’s best for you. MM

Th ere are plenty of alternatives to risking big money in Tunica

ALL IN

14 | Memphis Sport14 | Memphis Sport

not just for Tunica,

anymore!

Poker... Poker... by BRAD CLAY


Poker...

16 | Memphis Sport

THE GREAT DEBATE

Should Memphis Build a New Football Stadium?

Featuring Sports56 Personalities: Peter Edmiston of Th e Morning Rush and Will Askew of Chip Shots

No. Mayor Willie Herenton has proposed that the city of Memphis build a new stadium to replace the outdated Liberty Bowl. I’m

as big of a sports fan as anyone, and I want this city to have a respectable stadium for the Tigers. While the Liberty Bowl is much closer to being obsolete than cutting edge, Mayor Herenton’s proposal is laughable, considering the other issues that Memphis has right now.

Eventually, the city will have to build a new football stadium. Before we do that, however, we need to address shortcomings in other areas. Th e city is operating in the red as it is, and a football stadium is not the most urgent problem that needs to be solved.

For starters, the quality of education available in Memphis city schools is one of the lowest in the state. How about spending some of the $50-100 million you would spend on a new stadium to improve the quality of the school system in our city? Th at money could go a long way toward improving salaries for teachers, providing better benefi ts and hiring new teachers.

Before building a new football stadium, how about addressing the crime problem in the city? According to Sperling’s list of the best places to live, Memphis has the second highest violent crime rate in the country and is ranked the second worst large city for crime in the United States. Perhaps we should devote the millions of dollars necessary to build a new football stadium to combat crime in the city?

Certainly, there are much more pressing issues to deal with before building a facility that would be used only a few times a year. Th e Liberty Bowl, while archaic, still has some of the best sightlines you will ever come across. Although the concession stands and bathrooms seem to fi t medieval dungeon more than a state-of-the-art football stadium, as long as the plumbing still works and I’m still getting my dog and a beer, I’m not concerned.

Th is city isn’t getting an NFL team anytime soon. Th e Memphis Tigers don’t need a diff erent stadium to accommodate their fan base. Eventually, I would like to see a smaller, more up-to-date stadium built for the Tigers. To do it now, though, would be to turn a blind eye to more pressing issues that our city needs to deal with. Eventually, let’s get a state-of-the-art football stadium with beautiful bathrooms and concession stands and acres of tailgating area outside, but until we remedy our other problems, I’m just fi ne with peeing in a trough.

- Will Askew

Yes. Willie Herenton has done it once again. Whether you like the mayor or not, you cannot deny his ability

to polarize the public and generate controversy. Th e latest lightning rod for controversy is his proposal for the city of Memphis to build a new football stadium. Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium isn’t quite what it used to be, you know. At fi rst glance, the idea of a new stadium seems ludicrous. Th e city is in quite a bit of debt, and I can almost hear you saying, “Shouldn’t that money be spent on improving our schools and city services?”

If it were that simple, there wouldn’t be much of an argument. But it isn’t. You see, the Liberty Bowl is old and outdated. In fact, it’s so outdated that it fails to meet many of the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act that public buildings must follow. Legally, the building must be retrofi tted with ADA-approved entrances, ramps and facilities for the handicapped. Th e retrofi tting process is estimated to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 million. According to Mayor Herenton, this process would also eliminate up to 10,000 current seats at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

So why even keep the dilapidated stadium around?

For $100 million, you could have a brand-new stadium. It would likely have a smaller capacity, but the Liberty Bowl will lose some capacity when the ADA retrofi ts are completed anyway. Th e new stadium could serve as the centerpiece to a rebuilding process in the Fairgrounds that could eventually be a jewel in the Memphis cityscape. Most importantly, the additional cost wouldn’t be particularly prohibitive, given that sinking $30-$50 million into the Liberty Bowl is already legally required.

Are sports as important as education? Hardly. But when it comes to the economics of this situation, I’d rather see the city start fresh with a new stadium—one that could bring better events and provide more beauty and utility—than continue using the eyesore that is the Liberty Bowl.

- Peter Edmiston

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SPORTMEMPHIS SPORT BLOGS

Check out the blog section on our website, www.memphissport.net, for all the latest ranting and ravings from your favorite writers. Plus, find links to other blogs about Memphis area sports.Log on to www.memphissport.net for more info.

18 | Memphis Sport

Fantasy NASCAR. If you haven’t gotten into NASCAR yet, it’s time to get with the program—most

sources rank NASCAR as America’s second most popular sport, behind only the NFL. And if you’re still avoiding fantasy sports in general, there’s nothing like a spring sports drought to make you change your mind about that too.

Fantasy NASCAR rules vary a bit, depending upon whether you use nascar.com, yahoo.com, espn.com or another forum, but the premise is the same on all sites. You’re usually allotted a mythical $100 or so to “draft ” a team of drivers—typically four or fi ve—and pit them against those of your competitors. If you’re a high risk/high reward player, you can spend serious cash on one or two guys expected to win every week, but you still need to know how to pick the sleepers to fi ll the rest of your line-up. For more of a low risk option, spread your money out wisely, and sign a full team of consistent performers.

What’s Next- by ED LAND JR.

Fantasy Nascar Fantasy Nascar In “head to head” leagues, you’re matched up each week against one other team for each of the 36 offi cial NASCAR races. If your drivers earn more points than those of your competitor, you win. If you earn the most wins in the season, you are the champion. In “total points” leagues, however, the championship is awarded to the team whose drivers put up the most cumulative points during the season. In both types of leagues, NASCAR’s offi cial point system typically is used in awarding of fantasy points, which keeps things very simple.

Some leagues now employ a “Chase for the Cup” play-off system, in which the better performing teams qualify for tournament play. Th is format corresponds perfectly with the offi cial NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase system.

So as you endure the expansive sports void created by football and basketball off -seasons, try indulging in this alternative weekend entertainment instead. MM

7 Reasons to Play Fantasy NASCAR:1. You will not fi nd a live football game on TV until August.

2. Th e Grizzlies and Tigers rarely play on Sundays.

3. Th ere are only four annual golf majors and we already know who wins.

4. You don’t want to do home or garden projects.

5. Today you’re on your couch. Tomorrow you’ll be back in your cube farm again.

6. Women like to play. Many of them select Carl Edwards.

7. You wish you could drive 200 miles per hour on I-40.

Ed’s Top 10 2007 NASCAR Drivers:1. Jimmie Johnson—20 Top 5s are in the bank.

2. Tony Stewart—“Th ere’s nothin’ he can’t do in a racecar.”

3. Kevin Harvick—Th ink of him as a silent assassin. He just wins.

4. Matt Kenseth—Are he and Kevin related?

5. Jeff Gordon—Now that Jimmie has arrived, is Jeff “old school?”

6. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.—Th e #1 fan favorite.

7. Jeff Burton—A wily veteran.

8. Kasey Kahne—Th e best of NASCAR’s young talent.

9. Carl Edwards—Chicks think he’s cute.

10. Denny Hamlin—Drives the FedEx #11.

LAP IT UP

NCAA football season is over. For Memphis Tigers fans, it was over before it began. For the rest of the country, it ended with an SEC beat-down on the Big Ten’s best as the Florida Gators demolished the Ohio State Buckeyes in the

National Championship game.

Sadly, the NFL season has also concluded. Th e Titans gave local fans hope with a tremendous second-half surge, and Peyton Manning inspired his Tennessee fan base with huge wins against the Patriots in the AFC Championship and the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

Even though the NBA is picking up around this time of year, what do Grizzlies get out of that deal? Whether or not tanking games to obtain a lottery pick is the right move for the Grizzlies, they will probably continue to lose, regardless of strategy. Fans will still go to some games, but let’s be honest—we’ve pretty much checked out. And unfortunately, the Tigers’ basketball team will only keep us entertained through March. So what do have to look forward to in the upcoming downtime?

18 | Memphis Sport

photography courtesy MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK


Not that long ago, a

man looking somewhat

ragged and having what appeared to be

his family in tow, walked through the

doors of Campbell Clinic and made his

way directly to the nurse’s station. Raising

his heavily bandaged hand high in the air, he declared

in a thick South American accent that he had just

arrived in Memphis that morning after flying 3,000

miles and would like to see Dr. Campbell immediately.

Having been deceased nearly 30 years, Dr. Campbell

was unfortunately not available. But the nurse assured

him that the physicians who were in the office that day

were more than qualified to treat him.

When asked about his insurance, the man laughed

incredulously. When asked about his prior medical

history, the man gave the nurse a phone number of an

office in Peru.

A little background check seemed to be in order.

It turned out that the phone number was for the man’s

personal physician. And the man turned out to be the

largest exporter of bananas in the entire world.

Frustrated with the fact that

his injured hand was not healing

properly, the Peruvian Banana King had

asked his doctor where the foremost

orthopaedic specialists in the world could be found.

Without hesitation, the doctor recommended Campbell

Clinic. So the man immediately boarded his private jet,

flew non-stop to Memphis, and proceeded directly to

Campbell Clinic.

So of all the medical resources available in the

world, why did the doctor recommend Campbell

Clinic? It’s simple — we wrote the book on

orthopaedics. Literally, the textbook used by

nearly all medical students and referenced by

all orthopaedic physicians was first written by Dr.

Willis Campbell in 1939. It has since been

revised 10 times, expanded to four volumes by

the experts on our staff, and been translated

into six languages. It is, for the lack of a better

word, the Bible of orthopaedics.

It follows then that all orthopaedists in one way

or another learn their craft from Campbell Clinic.

And whom would you rather have as your doctor, the

teacher or the pupil?

CAMPBELL CLINICOrthopaedics

www.campbellcl in ic .com

20 | Memphis Sport

PRESS BOX

20 | Memphis Sport

PIN

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Veindidos de Mayo is not traditionally celebrated worldwide like Cinco de Mayo. As a matter of fact, it has never really been celebrated anywhere before. However, more Memphians everyday are circling May 22, 2007 on their calendars. Move over Music Fest and BBQ Fest, Veindidos de Mayo could be the biggest party this year during the month that Riverside Drive is closed.

Why such a big fi esta? Well, Tuesday the 22nd of May is the day of the NBA draft lottery.

Th is year, the Grizzlies will not end the season on the losing end of a playoff sweep, but may end the season on the winning end of the Oden/Durant sweepstakes. With a season like the Grizzlies have had and the talent expected to be available, it is never too early to be thinking about Veindidos de Mayo. Th e Memphis in May International Festival is honoring Spain this year. So, the timing could not be better for such a celebration.

Unfortunately, like the weather has never been kind to Music Fest, the draft lottery ping pong balls have never been kind to the Grizzlies. It could be the best day in Grizzlies history or worse than all the three post-season sweeps combined. Th is is the team that was one bounce away from Lebron James. Th ings are diff erent now. Since the Grizzlies last trip to the lottery, the team got a new logo, the state of Tennessee started their own lottery, and

by K

EVIN

CER

RIT

OSilky O’ Sullivan’s lucky goat died.

Th e Grizzlies are losing in exciting and close games with the young players getting quality minutes. Th ere is not much more you could ask for when considering the future of the franchise. As long as the Grizzlies end the season last in the league, they have the best chance at getting the fi rst or second pick and are guaranteed not fall further down than number 4. If Tigers coach John Calipari wrote a book on this year’s Grizzlies season it would probably be called “Refuse to Lose ping pong balls.”

Even without a top two lottery pick, the Grizzlies are set up to be a much better team next season. While the current Grizzlies

roster may look like someone playing an NBA video game went to edit the team roster and just randomly smashed buttons for a few

minutes, next year’s squad should pull out of the bottom of the NBA standings with the return of Kyle Lowry, the development of Rudy Gay, a possible full year of Pau Gasol, cap room to sign a free agent, and a new coach.

Image if the ping pong balls bounce right and the Grizz get to select Kevin Durant in the draft this summer. Our local NBA franchise will be the second professional sports team in the great state of Tennessee in one year’s time to be “saved” by a Texas Longhorn. Th at is not saying Greg Oden would not be awesome too. Either the star player from the Big Ten or the one from the Big 12 could make a big impact on the future of the Grizzlies.

No matter what happens, Veindidos de Mayo will be the end of the short-lived Celtics, 76’ers, and Bobcats fan base in Memphis. Grizzlies fans will be able to return to cheering for their team to win.

Th at will be reason enough to celebrate.

Other random thoughts...Tony Barone was the second best choice for interim head coach. Barone was hired because has previous coaching experience, is already on the Grizzlies payroll, has a reason to care about the future of the franchise, and will play the younger players in an up tempo fashion. But, one other guy would have off ered all the same positives as Barone as well as 1,000 more fans a game. Th e Grizzlies should have promoted team consultant and former Tiger head coach, 76 year-old Gene Bartow….

Th e one way to get more big stars in the All-Star dunk contest is to move the competition to Sunday night and make it an in-game dunk contest. Have judges at the All-Star game score all the dunks and crown a winner at the end of the game…

ESPN will never hire former Grizzles coach Mike Fratello as a TV analyst. Th e Czar is not bad terms with the network. Th ere is just little chance the all-sports network will change the name of NBA Fastbreak to NBA Half Court. MM

Th is is the team that was one bounce away from Lebron James

is iTh

James


Th e Memphis Sport All-Stars section sponsored by Velocity Sports Performance features only the best in

area athletics. From the pitching mound to the end zone and from the fairway to the ice rink, the Memphis

Sport All-Stars are always looking for new faces to highlight each issue. If you have an achievement

worth noting or know someone who does, e-mail your accomplishments along with a photo to allstars@

memphissport.net, and you just may see your face here in an upcoming issue.


22 | Memphis Sport

Th e Memphis Sport All-Stars are proudly sponsored by Velocity Sports Performance. Velocity off ers the most proven speed, power and agility programs available, training more than 1,000 athletes a day. All coaches have a human performance-related degree. Velocity specializes in semi-private, small-group training in the only world-class, climate-controlled facility in the area- no matter what your age, gender, skill level, athletic or fi tness goals.

Call 901.756.7116, mention the Memphis Sport All-Stars and get a FREE training session.

22 | Memphis Sport


photography courtesy of THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

The Legend of Larry Finchby TERRY DAVIS

The Finch Line by MIKE BULLARD and KEVIN CERRITO

Finch Today with Kenneth Moodyby MIKE BULLARD

This Game Ball is For Youby TIM DUNCAN

Helping Coachby KEVIN CERRITO


The Legacy ofLarry FinchLarry Finch has been a Memphis icon for more than 40 years, starting as a star high school player and eventually becoming one of the most infl uential coaches that the University of Memphis basketball program has ever seen. When he suff ered a debilitating stroke in 2002, his fr iends and former players wanted to fi nd a way to repay the coach who had devoted so much of his life to them, so they established an annual golf and basketball tournament, as well as the Larry Finch Foundation, in an eff ort to keep his legacy alive. In a tribute to Finch, who has maintained his sense of humor despite the physical challenges of his stroke, we refl ect on the career of a man who made Memphis his life.

Finch set out on the road to basketball

stardom at Melrose High School, where he started with the Golden Wildcats varsity team as a freshman. Coach Verties Sails, the current head coach at Southwest Tennessee Community College and assistant coach of Finch at Melrose, says that Finch was one of the greatest players ever to come from a Memphis high school. At 6’2” tall and 185 pounds, Finch was well built and versatile enough to play in the low post against smaller guards or on the perimeter shooting lights out. He was a natural scorer and averaged more than 28 points per game, but he was conscientious about getting his teammates involved in the fl ow of the game as well. Finch knew he could score 40 points or more on any given night, but he was a smart player and realized

“One night, in 1970, aft er practice, I asked if anyone wanted to go to Melrose with me to watch a high school game. Finch said, ‘ Coach, you shouldn’t be doing that’ and I asked, ‘Why not?’ Th en he said, ‘Well, I am going with you.’ Th at is how it all got started. Aft er that, Larry and I went to a lot of high school games together”.

Gene Bartow, former Memphis Head Coach during Finch’s playing days

“Larry set the bar for all coaches. He’s got the most wins and probably always will. He connected the city. He could go into Orange Mound where he grew up or he could go to the Memphis Country Club and feel comfortable and people wanted his autograph and to have their picture taken with him. He brought a city together. He brought a university together. As a player, there was never a better high school player in the city. His legend lives on and always will live on. If he was not the best player ever in the city, (and people have told me he was), he was one of the top two or three.”

John Calipari, University of Memphis Head Coach

“While at Melrose during the summer there was a summer basketball league at Gaston Community Center in South Memphis and

1951 - Born on February 16th in Memphis, TN

1969 - Plays on the Melrose High School team in the City Championship game at a sold out Mid-South Coliseum.

1970 - Opts to stay in Memphis and enrolls at Memphis State University

1970 - Scores 24 points in his fi rst game as a Memphis State Tiger

1973 - Scores 48 points vs. St Joseph’s - remains the record for most points ever by a Tiger in a single game


1973 - Leads Memphis State to its fi rst win in the NCAA Tournament

that scoring alone was not the most eff ective way to better the team. When the situation called for either points or a pressure defense to stop an opponent from scoring, Finch was the go-to guy, delivering consistently in clutch situations.

One of Memphis’ most anticipated high school basketball games was the 1969 city championship game between Melrose and the Overton Rebels (now Wolverines). Th e Rebels featured the city’s leading scorer Johnny Neumann with 35.6 average points per game. Finch was the second leading scorer in the city with a 28.6 scoring average. Finch and Neumann were friends and Finch even tried to convince Neumann to play ball at Memphis so they could play together.

Th e game was played at the Mid-South Coliseum in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 people; another 4,000 fans had been turned away due to capacity. Finch scored 14 points in the fi rst quarter and forced Overton’s coach to call four of his fi ve timeouts in the fi rst quarter in an eff ort to cool off the sizzling Finch. Neumann broken his hand in the fi rst quarter, but he knew he had to continue playing for the sake of the team. Melrose went on to win the game 76-65, and Finch fi nished with 21 points.

To no surprise, the All-American was recruited by every major college in the country. Although he could’ve had his choice, Finch decided to become a Memphis State

Tiger because he wanted his mother to be able to see him play regularly and he wanted to keep playing in his hometown. Th e decision to go to Memphis State might seem like an obvious one on the surface, but in 1969, Memphis was fi lled with racial tension aft er the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. as the struggle for civil rights raged on. Memphis State was not exactly beckoning inner city kids to attend college, nor did the basketball program

command the attention of the premier basketball players in the area. Despite warnings from friends and associates that Memphis State was not the right place for him, Finch decided to attend anyway.

Larry would walk from Orange Mound or fi nd other means of transportation there just to play in that league and I would take him home aft er the games were over. Th e league was very competitive with most of best high school players including Johnny Neumann playing in it”.

Leonard Draper, close friend of Finch

“One of the reasons I chose to attend Memphis State was, because of the story that Larry represented. He was an outstanding high school player, a great college player and

a good coach all in Memphis, and I wanted to a part of that. Coach was a great competitor. I do not know which meant the most to him, wanting to win or not wanting to lose”.

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, former player under Finch

“Larry used to come and pick up teammates from the girl friends houses in his purple Barracuda and four or fi ve players would pile up in his car and we would make

it back to dorms at 10:55 pm, because

curfew was at 11:00 pm. On road games, Larry

would keep to himself a lot go to his room watch

television and worry about the game we were about to

play”.

Fred Horton, teammate of Finch at Memphis

1973 - Scores 29 points to lead all Tiger scorers against UCLA in the NCAA Championship game

1973 - Draft ed by the L.A. Lakers in 4th round of the NBA Draft

1973 - Again opts to stay in Memphis and signs with the ABA’s Memphis Tams

1974 - Memphis State University jersey (#21) is retired

1974 - Plays for the ABA’s Memphis Sounds


1981 - Inducted into Memphis State University Basketball Athletic Hall of Fame

In his fi rst year, freshmen were not allowed to play on any varsity team, according to NCAA rules. Aft er the transitional fi rst year was fi nished, Finch joined the Tigers as a sophomore under “Clean Gene” Bartow and scored 24 points in his fi rst game against the University of California at Davis. Finch went fi nished the year with an average of 18 points per game, closing his fi rst offi cial season with an 18-8 record. By Finch’s fi nal year as a Tiger, he had led them to the national championship game, which they lost in a close match to the UCLA Bruins. He fi nished his college career as the leading scorer in Tiger history.

In 1973, Finch was draft ed by NBA to join the Los Angeles Lakers. Finch knew the Lakers were a successful franchise with a fantastic reputation among players and fans. However,

the lure to play in Tinseltown could not pull him away from Memphis. He played instead for the Memphis Tams during the 1973-74 season and switched the following season to the ABA’s Memphis Sounds.

In Finch’s fi rst year as a Tam, Finch played again with former teammate Ronnie Robinson and reunited with former cross-town rival Johnny Neumann. With a trio like this, the Tams should have been a successful team, but they fi nished the year with a 24-60 record; Finch played in 68 games and only averaged 6.8 points per game. Th e second season in the ABA was a little better, with Finch averaging 10.5 points per game and the team fi nishing 27-57. Ultimately, the fi nancial instability of the ABA was too much to bear, and the Sounds ceased operations in 1975.

Finch was called upon to restore the roar at Memphis State with less than 30 days to prepare for the 1986 season. He signed a two-year contract as an assistant coach,

but when head coach Dana Kirk was fi red shortly thereaft er, he immediately took the reins. Finch was widely known as a great recruiter, even without having previous head coaching experience, and he was responsible for obtaining most of the star players on the roster for the Metro Conference, which was one of the best basketball conferences in the country.

In Finch’s fi rst season as coach at Memphis, the Tigers’ roster was fi lled with local talent, including Marvin Alexander, Vincent Askew, Dwight Boyd, Rodney Douglass, Sylvester Gray, Kenneth Moody and John Wilfong. With so many players from the Memphis area, Finch was nicknamed the “gas tank recruiter,” because he could create a high-quality team on one tank of gas.

1985 - As an assistant coach, he helps lead Keith Lee and the Tigers to the school’s second Final Four appearance

1986 - Takes over as head coach of the Tigers

1987 - Named Basketball Times Rookie Coach of the Year

1990 - Signs the number one high school player in the nation, Anfernee Hardaway

1990 - Finch’s nephew, David Vaughn, signs with the Tigers

“Upon learning of Coach Finch’s current health challenges, my heart sank. I suspected that his health may have been aff ected by the tremendous amount of pressure that he placed upon himself.”

Leonard Blakely, former producer of the Coach Larry Finch radio show

“Coach Finch was a great player and coach who did more for the University of Memphis basketball than any other single individual. When the Tigers went to the Championship game in St. Louis in 1973, it unifi ed Memphians, as Tiger basketball oft en does. Larry Finch’s engaging personality and personal magnetism made him a

great recruiter and great representative for Memphis basketball.”

Steve Cohen, United States Congressman

“He was one of the most popular people at the university not because

he was a good player, but truly because he was a good person. He

had the choice to go to UCLA or North Carolina, but chose to stay

in Memphis and by doing so he brought this city together. Aft er the

assassination of Dr. King, this city was fractured. Sometimes we place

too much emphasis on sports. Larry was more than sports. He was universal. He respected his parents. He was a good son, a good athlete and a good coach. He was a star at all of them. He is the one person when you think about the foundation of the University of Memphis Larry Finch represents that person. He goes past that, in a sense he brought this city together in a time that if he had not been here, there is no telling where this city would have been in the 70’s. My God be with him, because he is in a trying time now. His lovely wife Vickie and family are doing all they can for him. He is in everyone’s prayers. If I could have one hope is that the university would come together and pay some type of tribute to Larry so that he could have a comfortable living.”

Harold Byrd, former Tiger Club President


“Larry did things that most people don’t know about, before game he would always go to some fans and talk to them. My

mother had cancer and she fought it hard

the last two seasons when Larry was the coach. Before the game, he would always go over to her and give her a kiss and wish her well”.

George Lapides, radio broadcaster

“When I graduated from junior college, I was being recruited by Memphis State and Dana Kirk scheduled me to tour the campus. Kirk had alerted the media that I was going to sign and this would be a good photo opportunity. I walked into Kirk’s offi ce and was about to sign until there was a knock on the door, it was coach Finch. Finch asked me if my mom knew that I was going to sign and I said no and he forcefully directed me to go home and get her then come back and sign. Finch knew how close we were as a family and wanted my family

to be apart of me signing with Memphis.”

Kenneth Moody, former player and current President of the Friends of Larry Finch Foundation

Th is Game Ball is For YouTim Duncan, former player under Coach Finch fr om 1988-1992, talks about the coach, success and respect

Larry Finch is an outstanding person and coach who I got to know very well during my time at Memphis State University. He recruited me as

an immature 18-year-old kid from Melrose High School, molded me into a responsible young man and ultimately helped plant the seeds for a successful adult life. Coach Finch was very infl uential in my life in many ways, but the one thing I think about the most is how he taught me to have respect and pride for our neighborhood and city.

It is well documented that Coach Finch played for Melrose High School. My father, also a Melrose graduate, wanted me to attend Melrose to play under the great coach Dorsey Sims at a school with a wonderful basketball history. Not only did Coach Finch and Coach Ronnie Robinson, my high school coach, attend Melrose and MSU, but there had been several others who paved the way before me, including James Bradley, John Gunn, Alvin Wright, William Bedford and DeWayne Bailey.

I can remember my father picking me up from school at Campus Elementary and walking over to the Field House to watch MSU practice. My father told me to watch how Wright always made his free throws and fi nished fi rst in the sprints. He beamed with pride as he told me they were a part of the Melrose family—once a member, always a member.

During my fi rst week on campus as a freshman forward at Memphis, Coach Finch and Coach Sims, who had left Melrose to become a Memphis State assistant coach, told me and my former high school teammate Tony Madlock that we came from Melrose, and the entire community would be watching what we did both on and off of the fl oor. Finch also told us that he would be tougher on us because we came from where he did; he expected more from us. Coach Finch taught us that we needed to carry ourselves in a way that instilled pride in the youth of that community—our community.

We were one of the fi rst teams to wear suits and ties to road games. He wanted us to dress like successful men and not like the college kids we were at the time. Th is was one of the many times we thought he was just being old-fashioned, but our beliefs slowly changed as strangers complemented us on how we looked and acted. We got a lot of comments like, “I hope you guys win, because you sure carry yourselves like men” and “Do all of the young men in Memphis dress and act so respectful?”

Coach Finch personally showed me what it meant to respect myself, my community, my university and the city I loved. He has been instrumental in the lives of young men for a generation, and on behalf of my former teammates, I want to say thanks, Coach, for all of your wisdom. Th ere is a phrase that goes something like, “Th e older I get, the smarter my parents get.” Th e same can be said for coaches, especially Coach Larry Finch!

1991 - Coaches the Tigers in their last game at the Mid-South Coliseum

1992 - Coaches Hardaway, Vaughn and the Tigers to the Elite Eight


28 | Memphis Sport

the Memphis area, Finch was nicknamed the “gas tank recruiter,” because he could create a high-quality team on one tank of gas.

Finch enjoyed great success as head coach of the Tigers and continue to lure very rich Memphis basketball talent to Memphis State. Th e Tigers’ most prized recruit was Anfernee Hardaway, who, along with David Vaughn, led the 91-92 Tigers to the Elite Eight in one of Finch’s most successful seasons. Finch’s tenure came to an end in 1997 aft er a National Invitation Tournament loss to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. He fi nished his career with the most wins

in Memphis State history, 10 out of 11 winning seasons and more than 200 career wins.

Finch was more than just a coach to his players—for many, he served as a father fi gure as well. When he took over the Tiger program, the men’s graduation rate was one of the lowest in the country, but it improved under Finch’s watch, because he made sure his players were attending class and completing their assignments. Although the public witnessed the tough side of Finch when they heard his unmistakable voice boom loud enough to be heard over the arena’s sound system, there was another side of Finch that the public never saw. It was the side that challenged his players to a game of HORSE aft er practice for a two-piece chicken dinner. Or the side that oft en helped others out of a bad situation, even if it meant doing something detrimental to himself in the process.

When Finch suff ered a debilitating stroke in 2002, it was heartbreaking to his friends and former players, like Kenneth Moody, who was moved to assist Finch

in some way. Between the golf and basketball tournaments and the Larry Finch Foundation, they have found a way to keep his legacy alive. Aft er years of Finch bringing Memphians together to watch his players on the court, now Memphians have been given a chance to give back to the coach who stayed loyal to the city for his entire career.

“I love him he is an ambassador for Memphis and I have had the opportunity to eat lunch with him on numerous occasions and we had a great time and I keep talking to him about getting better so my whole thing is to see him back walking again back moving around and being Coach Finch because he understands and he talks to me every time we get to see each other and it is just a blessing to get to see each other”.

Andre Turner, former player under Finch

“Larry was one of those players that made himself a great player. He was not that quick, not that fast, but he had heart. You could hit him, knock him down, but if he got his arm up the ball had a chance to go in. Larry was great a clutch player as I have ever been around.”

Verties Sails, former assistant coach of Finch while at Melrose High

1992 - Completes his 500th game as a Memphis State Tiger: as a player, assistant coach and head coach combined

1993 - Has recruiting class for 93-94 season ranked as high as number two in the country

1996 - Wins his 200th career game as the Tigers’ head coach

1997 - Announces he will step down as head coach at the conclusion of the 1996-97 season

2000 - Th e U of M recreational building and practice facility is dedicated as the Larry O. Finch Center

2001 - Suff ers minor stroke

28 | Memphis Sport


Finch Today with Kenneth MoodyTh e head of the Friends of Larry Finch Foundation answers questions about the foundation and Larry Finch’s current state

Talk a bit about Larry’s health.Larry’s health is what you would expect from someone who had a severe stroke. His challenges are being able to use his limbs and to speak. He is talking better, and we are looking for a physical therapist to assist with his physical challenges.

What is a typical day like for Larry?

A typical day for Coach is some therapy, watching TV and enjoying visitors. Jerry Springer is his favorite show. He also likes to watch ESPN Classic, where he sometimes will see a replay of the ‘72 championship game against UCLA.

Does Larry get a lot of visitors?He gets a good number of visits. In his condition, he can’t handle a lot of visitors. Coach Gene Bartow is one visitor that always perks him up.

Th e community as a whole has shown tremendous support for Larry. In particular, who in the community has really stepped forward?Apostle Alton Williams has been the most consistent and generous donor. He has no doubt a special interest in Coach’s welfare.

What is the main goal of the Friends of Larry Finch Foundation?Our main goal is to make the public aware of one of Memphis’ loyal citizen’s need for prayers, fi nancial support and whatever assistance they can give to Coach.

How has the University helped?

Th e University has supported all our events. Coach Cal has gone above and beyond in supporting Coach Finch and our eff orts.

Do you, personally, have any specifi c fond memories you could share?Coach’s commitment to making sure that I got my degree was the most personal memory I have. It is important to me, because it was the one promise my mother ask him to make and he did. Even now when I see him, that is the one story that makes him talk more than anything. He remembers that conversation with my mother to this day.

2002 - Suff ers debilitating stroke

2003 - Brought to center court at the Pyramid by Bill Russell during the inaugural Grizzlies MLK day game on TNT

2004 - Friends of Larry Finch Foundation is formed

2005 - First Annual Coach Larry Finch Benefi t Golf Tournament

2006 - Melrose High School jersey (#21) is retired

Helping Coach

Since Th e Friends of Coach Larry Finch Foundation was started, many diff erent ways have come about for Tiger fans to

help their beloved living legend. Finch continues to need the generosity of the people of Memphis in order to live with the proper medical care and assistance required in his situation. Here are just a few ways you can give back to the man who gave so much to the Memphis community:

Participate in Friends of Coach Larry Finch sponsored events. Th e annual Charity Gala and Golf Event is traditionally held in the spring at the Larry O. Finch Center and Galloway Golf course. Melrose High School will hold the second annual Coach Larry Finch Christmas Classic this December with all proceeds from the high school basketball event going to the Foundation. Get more information on these and other Finch events at CoachFinch.com and CoachFinch.org.

Purchase Finch tribute merchandise. Larry Finch replica jerseys are available at gochampion.net’s U of M online store for $110 with 100% of the money going directly to the Larry Finch Foundation. Eye of A Tiger: A Tribute to Larry Finch CD featuring a collection of 16 songs by various artists including Al Kapone, Rusty Lemon, Jimi Jameson and the Mighty Sound of the South is available at select local stores for about $14.99 with all proceeds going to the Larry Finch Foundation.

Donate. Th e easiest way help is to write a check payable to the Friends of Larry Finch Foundation and mail your donation to:

Att: John PrinceBANCORP SOUTH7800 Winchester RoadMemphis, TN 38125

MM


30 | Memphis Sport


by LAURA BLANTONphotography by JOE MURPHY/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

32 | Memphis Sport

It’s hard to imagine that any sporting arena could top the world’s only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. While the major claim to fame of the 15,000-person town is indeed the Palace, which annually displays murals devoted to the agricultural industry, its other point of pride being the birthplace of Memphis Grizzlies forward Mike Miller. “I don’t know if there’s anything that can compare to the Corn Palace,” Miller laughs. “I say I played there, and no one ever believes me.” Halfway through a six-year contract with the Grizzlies, Miller isn’t going anywhere anytime soon—and it’s not just the contract that’s keeping him here. “Th ere’s probably no better arena in the world than the FedExForum,” he says. “And Memphis has down-home people—it’s fun to be a part of.”

Last season’s sixth man of the year, Miller has excelled in the starting lineup under interim coach Tony Barone. As a result of trades (Shane Battier) and trade requests (Pau Gasol), the 2007 All-Star Th ree-Point Shootout contestant has become the most familiar and friendliest face of the Grizzlies franchise.

With a father and two brothers who played college ball, it seemed natural for Miller to follow in his family’s footsteps. Aft er years of dabbling in football track and baseball, the 6’6” player realized his senior year of high school that he might have a shot at playing professional basketball. “Th at’s an exciting moment, but you still understand there’s a lot of work in front of you,” he says. Because the walls of a small town are oft en barricades to those with big-city hopes, Miller had to look past some of the discouragement he encountered and stay focused on his goal to make it to the pros. “It looks like the chances of you playing in the NBA are slim to none, because you don’t see many [players] come out of South Dakota,” he says. “Th e bottom line is: you’ve got to understand who you are and what you’re doing and work as hard as you possibly can. And that’s what I did.”

Breaking out of the confi nes of rural America, Miller took his talents to the University of Florida—a campus triple the size of his hometown. He became the school’s all-time leader in eight diff erent NCAA categories and was draft ed as number fi ve overall pick in the

I have kids in this community, and that’s where I want to put my money, because of what they do to help kids and families.

32 | Memphis Sport


2000 NBA draft to the Orlando Magic. Th e Grizzlies traded for him in 2003, and he has been one of the team’s predominant players ever since.

Th e 27-year-old is not only a star to thousands of fans, but he also off ers inspiration to local children by devoting his spare time to fundraising eff orts for the Mike Miller Foundation. Miller’s inspiration for starting the organization came from within his own household. “My wife Jennifer has donated her time to a lot of diff erent philanthropies,” he says. “I loved what she was doing.” Jennifer, who was a record-setting Gator volleyball player, took her salary from assistant coaching at Houston High School and returned it to the school’s volleyball program. In 2002, the couple decided to utilize Miller’s professional exposure by establishing the foundation; they have since donated more than $350,000 to various charities, including Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Th eir own children, Mason (4) and Mavrick (2), who Miller jokes “could be a foundation fundraiser all in themselves,” are part of the couple’s motivation to give back to children’s causes. “St. Jude does so much for this community,” Miller says. “I have kids in this community, and that’s where I want to put my money, because of what they do to help kids and families.” Th ey try to grant at least six wishes a year for Make-A-Wish, a group with which Miller has had a long-time affi liation. “Aft er the game, I meet the kids who we’re going to grant wishes to, and I explain where we’re sending them or what they’re doing. To see them happy for that period of time is worth it,” he says.

Miller’s loyalty to the Memphis community is shared by his teammates, whom he says are not required to spend a specifi c amount of time with charities, but do so simply because of their close relationships with the city. “We understand how important Memphis is and that the city is what makes the Grizzlies successful,” he says. “Th ey do a great job of trying to give back and be a part of the community as much as possible.” Even though Miller’s career is far from over, he knows this time as crucial for making an impact on the people around him. “When I retire, there isn’t going to be a whole lot I can do, because people only know you when you’re a player and an athlete, and someday it’s going to run out,” he says. “So you’ve got a small window to aff ect people’s lives, and you want to try to do that as much as you can.” MM


34 | Memphis Sport

MEMPHIS MADE

Rick Allen must be very a proud man. Years ago, Allen developed close ties with a young lad named

Kevin Starks from fi rst coaching him in junior high and AAU basketball. Over the years, Allen did everything he could to instill positive qualities into Starks, who grew up on the dangerous streets of North Memphis. Allen, it seems, was the ideal mentor for a gift ed kid seeking direction and purpose for his life. He took Starks to church services regularly and even had the pleasure of baptizing him. Most importantly, Allen made it a point to oft en remind Starks to always maintain a positive disposition, even when people spoke negatively about him, for only he could control his response to people’s remarks.

Looking at Starks today, one would be hard pressed not to notice how Rick’s infl uence has impacted his life. “He taught me how to be a quality citizen in the city,” says Starks, a spiritually driven individual who starts each day by reading Psalm 62:7. Starks and Allen’s relationship started back when Starks’ enrolled in private school at Harding Academy in the seventh grade. For years, he had attended Grand Elementary School in his neighborhood, which today no longer exists. However, it wasn’t until he started at Harding that Starks began to realize his potential and the opportunities available to him at one of the city’s fi nest Christian and college preparatory institutions.

From the moment he set foot on campus, he established himself as all-around athlete, collecting All-State honors in basketball, football and track and fi eld. His ability to clog up stat sheets led to him breaking numerous school records in basketball and football. Although he was known in the community as “Speedy,”

Harding Academy’s Athletic Director has had a long journey from his days on the streets of North Memphis

he was offi cially dubbed the Best of the Preps’ Athlete of the Year by the local newspaper following a remarkable senior campaign that ended with Harding retiring his basketball jersey. And though he is reluctant to say it, many affi liated with Harding believe Starks is one of the school’s best athletes in its entire 55-year history.

However, if there’s one thing that no one can debate about, it’s that Starks took advantage of every opportunity given to him. Of course, that was Allen’s plan for

him all along. “Going to Harding was the best thing that has ever happened to me,” says the 31-year-old Starks, who went on to enjoy a stellar collegiate basketball career at Abilene Christian University in Texas. Given Sparks’ deep admiration for his school, his decision to relocate back to the Bluff City was a no-brainer when Harding contacted him three years ago in an eff ort to fi ll the athletic director and boys basketball coaching vacancies. It didn’t matter that Starks was settled in to what he labeled “a dream job” as the basketball coach for Fort Worth Christian Academy, a Class AAAA private school in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. He’d be the fi rst to tell you that Harding will always be his

By ANDRE T. JOHNSON

home. And because his alma mater was reaching out to one of its own to oversee a fl ourishing athletic program, Starks felt compelled to return to his stomping ground. “I fell in love with it,” he says of his fi rst coaching job in Texas. “However, I said that if I ever go anywhere else and coach, it would be Harding Academy. I think it was apart of God’s plan.”

Starks describes his return to campus as “unbelievable,” as he was embraced by the administration and community. While he is believed to be the only black private school athletic director in Tennessee, he is quick to point out that Harding’s decision to bring him aboard had nothing to do with race or the breaking of color barriers. If anything, he admittedly has placed high expectations on himself. “I don’t think it was ever a thought: Kevin’s black, let’s hire him,” Starks says. “It was one of those things where I felt I can’t come back to Harding and fail, because so many people have been good to me. I feel like I have the best life I know for someone who’s 31 years old.”

Th e athletic department has undergone a number of physical changes since Starks graduated from Harding in 1993, most notably upgrading of the weight room facility. However, Starks says he is most impressed by the fact that there are more minorities on campus who are involved in athletics just like he was. “Some private schools don’t work hard enough to make that happen,” he says.

As the Harding athletic director, he says one of the biggest changes he’d like to see is for the program to start competing at championship level, and that the key to that happening is to place the right coaches in the right place and monitor each sport hands on

Yes, Allen must be a very proud man, indeed. MM

Kevin Starks

“Going to Harding was the best thing

that has ever happened to me”


36 | Memphis Sport

KIDSPORTWhat have your kids learned about sports? Memphis Sport is looking for short stories like these. Th e authors must be age 15 or younger. E-mail your stories to [email protected]

On the Benchby Bennett Mercer

Th e score is tied. It’s fourth and inches with only seconds left on the clock in this pivotal game to win the championship. Th e ball is snapped; the quarterback runs to the right and he scores! Aft er the game, the team is a mob of screaming players, and I am among them as I cheer from the sideline.

As a Presbyterian Day School sixth grade Crusader, this was my story. I sat on the sideline every game, every quarter, every play. Being a benchwarmer isn’t the most fl attering position on a team. However, it is one of the most vital. Th e head of the Upper School at PDS, Mr. Fruitt, gave this illustration, which I have never forgotten. He said that a football team is like an iceberg: the players on the fi eld are only the tip showing above the water. However, the players on the bench are the base of the team—the part that keeps the iceberg fl oating. Th ey keep the morale of the team high, encouraging the players with things like, “Good hustle” and “Come on! Th e game isn’t over yet!” It is my job to keep the team in a fi ghting spirit and be there when they need me.

We ended up losing our championship game, and there were very few dry eyes in the huddle. Yet, I reassured the team that we tried our best, and that was all anybody could ask for. Even though you may not notice them, the players on the bench keep the team united and fi ghting strong. MM


B U I L D I N G B OY S , M A K I N G M E N F O R O V E R 5 0 Y E A R S .

In an era when boys are underperforming and disengaging from schools around the country,

the boys of PDS are excited about learning, developing critical and creative thinking skills,

and gaining a vision of what it means to be a man.

38 | Memphis Sport

stability required to succeed at any diffi cult task. “We are who God has made us to be. We each have been given unique strengths and talents,” says Denny. “We can have all the personal trainers and supplements we want, [but] it’s critical we spend the time and eff ort it takes to understand our bodies.” For Denny, identifying strengths and weaknesses is a prerequisite to establishing any long-term workout or fi tness routine. “We want to enjoy our exercise, so we should participate in activities that correspond well with our skills and gift s,” he says.

For the second developmental area, mental sharpness will keep us focused, energized and productive. “All of us face adversity striving to achieve loft y goals, but our mental decision making and intellectual discipline sees us through,” he says. “When push comes to shove, our thoughts determine our actions. We should approach challenges with a positive mindset.” But the mental aspects

by ED LAND JR.

GET FIT

SHAPE UP... strength training fads.” From TV commercials to grocery store magazines, they try to convince us of the best new ways to get ripped abs, drop our body-fat percentage or increase our muscular strength. But as he sees it, most nutrition and fi tness companies simply “put new looks on the same old school philosophies.” To them, it’s all about “repackaging common sense knowledge just to make money.” Many corporations, Denny says, “make the consumer feel like they have to have new products, special equipment and cutting edge methods to get in tremendous shape. Th e core elements of true health have remained unchanged for decades, and far more is involved than just diet and exercise.”

To achieve total body health, Denny says a person must focus on three major development areas: spiritual, mental and physical. First, spiritual identity provides people with the inner confi dence, moral fi ber and the long-lasting emotional

Baseball fans are quite familiar with John Denny. His Major League Baseball pitching career spanned from 1974 to

1986 and included stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds. He is best known for the success he achieved as a member of the Phillies in 1983, the year he won the prestigious National League Cy Young Award and Comeback Player of the Year. Denny also pitched the Phillies to a Game One win in the 1983 World Series versus the Baltimore Orioles.

Today, John Denny lives right here in Memphis, and to our delight, he wants to share with us his insights on getting fi t. So what does this former big-time ball player have to say? You’d be surprised, if not enlightened, by his unique perspective.

As Denny points out, we’re constantly barraged with “new weight loss and

John Denny

with a cy young award winner!


don’t stop there. To Denny, it’s all about common sense knowledge. “We must be smart enough to know there is no quick fi x for anything of value, but there is time,” he says. By slowing down and taking things step by step, we can develop lifestyles conducive to physical and mental improvement. “In a time where athletes must be bigger, faster and stronger, we must remember that more isn’t always better. Th e injuries we see amongst today’s youth prove this point perfectly.” As Denny sees it, putting to use our common sense intellect will help us keep things in perspective and continually move forward toward our goals.

To improve the fi nal component of total health and wellness, Denny says it’s crucial to focus on physical fi tness, which includes diet and exercise. As a physical education major with more than 40 years in the sports industry, Denny brings signifi cant insight to this arena. “Whether you use ‘new school’ or ‘old school’ techniques, exercise routines should be designed with the basics of fl exibility, strength and endurance in mind,” Denny says. “Regardless of which ‘diet’ you maintain, adhering to the well-known basics of nutrition is what’s most important.” MM

Denny’s Workout Regimen (4-6 times per week):

-5 to 10 minutes of cardiovascular warm-up.

-5 minutes of bolistic (simulating normal body movements) stretching.

-5 minutes of static (stationery) stretching.

-20 minutes to 1 hour of cardiovascular exercise, martial arts exercise or weight lift ing.

-10 minutes of light cardiovascular cool-down.

On some occasions, Denny wears wrist/ankle weights to increase diffi culty and add strength. If necessary, he ices sore muscles aft er working out, each for three 30 minute sessions. Finally, from time to time, he’ll use a hot-pack to relax tight muscles.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Develop Your Vision by MANDY POLK

The clients I train range from high end competitive athletes to people looking to gain mobility and restore general health. My job is to lead people in accomplishing their vision and to promote a healthy lifestyle in the community

and beyond. I invite you to follow my series on how to make 2007 the year that you move forward with your fi tness pursuits.

People oft en want to start or continue the pursuit of their vision with an optimal program. Th ey want the most bang for their buck, and for every facet of their training, nutrition, and supplemental activity to be covered. For almost all people seeking general fi tness, the very best thing to do is... are you ready? I’m going to tell you the secret! I’m about to let the cat out of the bag!!! Here we go:

SPORTS MEDICINE 101

Golf Conditioning And Your Lower Back by MICHAEL L. SMITH, PT

With springtime approaching, enthusiasm high and the temperatures

not quite warm enough to consistently play golf, now is the perfect time to focus on the most important piece of equipment you have. Your body!

Beginning a golf conditioning or fi tness program can not only prevent injuries throughout the golf season but improve your game as well. One of the

INSIDE YOUR BODYIs Your Body A Toxic Waste Site?by HOLLY HUGHES, RN

If you’ve ever eaten junk food, fatty food, sweets, caff eine, soda pop, chemically treated and preserved foods, processed food –this article is for you. Th e body’s colon, or large intestine, becomes the repository of accumulated plaque and numerous, unhealthy

toxins which may disable the body’s purifi cation system. Th e useless material ends up reentering our body’s blood stream, getting deposited in our cells instead of passing on its way. Some favorite spots for storage are fat cells, joints, muscles, arteries, the liver and other organs.

By cleansing this tract we may reverse what could be a lifetime of neglect!

Th is process is called Colon Hydrotherapy. It is the gentle infusion of fi ltered, temperature-controlled water into the colon to cleanse the body of waste material that

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Prone Press Up

40 | Memphis Sport

most frequent injuries I see with someone who plays golf is low back pain. Th ere are three things that can decrease your chance of having low back pain: good posture, strong muscles and excellent fl exibility.

Listed below are three stretches, one exercise and one drill that are safe, easy and eff ective in improving these areas.

1. Prone Press Up (pictured on previous page) While lying on stomach press up with arms keeping hips fl at on the fl oor. Hold 3 seconds and repeat 10x to improve lower back fl exibility at which is essential for good golf posture.

2. Side Lying Trunk RotationLie on one side with elbows, hips, and knees bent at 90 degrees. Rotate top arm backwards as far as possible without bottom arm coming off the fl oor. Hold 5 seconds and return to starting position. Repeat 10x and perform the same exercise while lying on opposite side to improve trunk/ shoulder range of motion for backswing and follow through.

3. Hamstring StretchHold each leg 30-60 seconds alternating each leg 2-3 times. For a more intense stretch straighten leg that is on fl oor. Improving hamstring fl exibility will allow you to maintain the correct golf posture and lower the amount of stress on your low back.

4. Kneeling Golf RotationIn a kneeling golf position hold a swiss ball between forearms. Turn in direction of backswing to hold 3-5 seconds. Finish by turning in direction of follow through and holding 3-5 seconds. Repeat 10times to improve trunk rotation strength and range of motion.

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Side Lying Trunk Rotation


5. Hip Hinge DrillFeet should be shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. With a golf club vertically behind your back; bend forward 30 degrees making sure the club continues to touch your back and head. Continue to practice this drill to teach yourself to bend your from the hips rather than the mid to upper back. Th is drill will improve your golf posture, your balance & the ability to rotate your spine as you address the ball and swing each club.

Please remember these are helpful hints to prevent injury and improve the game of those already in good health. If any pre-existing injuries are present, please contact your doctor or one of our licensed clinicians at Th e Smith Clinic for Physical Th erapy before attempting any of these exercises. MM

Michael Smith, PT has a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Th erapy and owns the Smith Clinic in Cordova.

Hamstring Stretch

Kneeling Golf Rotation

Hip Hinge Drill

42 | Memphis Sport


has accumulated over a long period of time—sometimes many years—breaking down and becoming toxic. Some of the signs of a toxic colon include: coated tongue, bad breath, sallow complexion, abnormal body odor, dark circles under the eyes, brittle nails and hair, sagging posture (pot belly), tension, fatigue, indigestion and chronic headaches to name just a few.

Colon Hydrotherapy is a simple procedure. A specially designed bed is used in the process. Patients lie there comfortably draped and aft er the small device is inserted, they are left in total privacy to adjust the bedside controls. Th ese controls are for temperature and volume of water. A drain is built right into the bed, so that fl uids are carried away immediately. No mess, no odor. M

Holly Hughes, RN, is owner of Ha Lee’s Alternative Health Solutions in East Memphis. She is trained in administering Colon Hydrotherapy.

And the main thing is: EAT LESS, MOVE MORE

Frequent roadblocks coupled with fast-paced living leads to disaster. How do you ensure you follow through?

Develop Your VisionInstead of “I would like to…” think “ I will...”Instead of “It would be great if…” think “I can...”Instead of “In a perfect world…” think “When I...”

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”

– Japanese proverb

Your personal vision should be something clear, precise, and applicable to YOU.

It is a general rule that people will not allocate the time to something unless they are inspired or motivated to prioritize this

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facet of their life and include it in their daily schedule.

VISION gives you a reason to prioritize your time around YOU, putting your pursuit in the forefront of your mind. Every single day becomes one step closer to the bikini you want to wear, the 5k you want to run, the fl ight of stairs you want to take eff ortlessly, etc.

Hone your personal vision this month, even creating a vision sheet if you so choose. My most successful clients all have a personal vision sheet. Th is should include something visual as well as a “power word” or “power quote” that speaks to you. It can include as much or as little as you like. Get inspired and get moving! MM

Mandy Polk is a professional fi tness competitor and personal trainer.

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INSIDE YOUR BODY

PERSONAL TRAINING

44 | Memphis Sport

Send your photos to [email protected] just may print them in our next issue.

44 | Memphis Sport


46 | Memphis Sport

U of M vs. GonzagaBasketball Watch Party at Brookhaven Pub

February 17, 2007

1. Jim Hagmaier and John Holmes

2. Katie Tidwell, Preston Bringhurst and Amy Robertson

3. Jack Marsh and Kathie Hughes

4. Ralph Griggs

5. Blake Strickland and Erica Walker

6. Laura Schwindt, Sandy Spell, Jeff Davis and Sharon Adkins

7. Chris Jenkins, Josh Ulrich, Michael Higginbotham, Mike Moore and Nick Penelsbeck

8. Wes Walker, Chris Nichols, John Spangenberger and John Perkins

9. Michelle Ward and Lee Herbers

10. Bob Musolf and Mike Schroeppel

11. Melissa Melton and Jackson Wadsworth

12. Chris Lewis and Denise Cantrell

13. Samantha Jones and Chris James

photography by MIKE BULLARD

46 | Memphis Sport


48 | Memphis Sport

One of a Kindby JACK EATON

JACK’S BACK

Larry Finch has been a household name in Memphis for almost 40 years. He fi rst became a big name during his senior year at Melrose High School. Th e Golden Wildcats

were 26-1 as they got ready for the City Championship game against Overton. Racial tensions in Memphis were high back in ’69. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination was still fresh in everyone’s minds, and here were two high school teams set to play for the city title. Overton had a player of Finch’s caliber named Johnny Neumann, a phenomenal talent who averaged something like 35 points per games. So the stage was set.

It was a sellout at the Mid-South Coliseum. I did play-by-play on WMC Radio, and it was something I’ll never forget. Neumann suff ered a broken bone in his hand and missed more than half the game, but somehow Overton hung in there and only lost by a few points.

When Finch’s high school career ended, the natural question was, where will he go to college? Just about everybody recruited him—Ole Miss, Tennessee, Arkansas and lots of schools in between. To many people’s surprise, Finch signed with Memphis. In those days, the Tigers were awful. Moe Iba was the coach, and he almost ruined the program. He was 6-19 in 1968 and 6-20 in 1969. Since freshmen weren’t allowed to play with the varsity back in those days, Memphis fans went to see Finch play with the freshmen instead because they already knew how the varsity game would turn out.

But in 1970, boy did things change. Iba was fi red, Gene Bartow was hired and the Tigers’ fortunes took a drastic turn for the better, leading the ‘72-73 team playing UCLA for the National Championship. Th e result of that game is too painful for me to recall.

Looking back at Finch’s career, many people have credited him with helping to calm racial tensions in Memphis. Here was a kid with talent to spare and a personality that could charm the devil himself. As someone wrote, “Larry got people thinking not of black and white, but of blue and grey,” the MSU colors. Th e whole city got behind the Tigers, and when we came back from Houston from the Final Four, there were thousands of people, including Channel 5, at the airport. Larry Finch was the star of the show and he loved it.

Aft er many successful years of playing coaching, fate has dealt Finch a tough hand. Disabled by a series of strokes and a heart attack, he is now undergoing extensive rehabilitation in a nursing home, which prompted several of his former players to band together to raise money for continued treatment. Finch served his community well, and now that he needs help, the city needs to get behind this genuine hero.

LARRY FINCH

48 | Memphis Sport

Documents

Memphis Sport May/June 2007