Tiger Blogs :: Jeff Brightwell, Baseball and Women's Basketball Radio Announcer
October 7, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #39
On tap for today's coach's show's on Memphis AllAccess through GoTigersGo.com, we'll talk with Brooks Monaghan after his team split over the weekend, Richie Grant's soccer team knocked off nationally ranked SMU Sunday and April Jauregui's Volleyball team opened Conference USA home action.
We'll also welcome women's Golf coach Beth Harrelson as they prepare for the Arkansas State Tournament.
These four shows will be recorded this morning and should be up by this afternoon.
October 3, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #38
Tonight will be our first Tiger Volleyball broadcast on All-Access. April Jauregui is off to an 11-5 start which ties the best start through 16 games for a first-year coach. Tulane, preseason pick to win the conference, will provide a strong test for the Tigers tonight. We'll also be at the Elma Roane Field House on Sunday for the UTEP game. This weekend is also the first home conference games for the Tigers who started out 2-1 in CUSA on the road.
And finally, it will be my first Volleyball broadcast of my career, hope you enjoy!
Good win last night for football at UAB, our bus rolled back in around 3:30 this morning. Late night, but a win always makes it worth it!
October 1, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #37
I'll be taping our usual coach's show's Tuesday morning with Coach's Grant, Monaghan, and Jauregui. We'll also be taping a show with Coach Schoenrock to give us a fall baseball update. All the shows should be up sometime Tuesday afternoon.
We'll have our first Memphis All-Access internet broadcast of Tiger volleyball this weekend as well. The Tigers host Tulane Friday at 7:00 and UTEP on Sunday at 2:00.
September 24, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #36
Busy weekend coming up for Memphis Soccer and it begins tonight with the Men's Soccer team hosting Missouri State at 7:00 at Mike Rose. Tough year so far for Coach Grant's team. They're 1-6-0 early on, but four of the losses have been by a score of 1-0. Hopefully tonight, they'll break out. Tonight's game also marks the first time the Tigers have played at home since the Diadora tournament to start the season, we'll archive tonight's game on Memphis All-Access for those that have that package. The men host UAB Saturday as well.
The Lady Tiger Soccer team has a pair of Conference games this weekend at home, hosting Southern Miss Friday and UCF on Sunday afternoon. Both of those games will be archived on Memphis All-Access as well.
Women's Tennis coach Lee Taylor Walker joined us yesterday for an All-Access show which is now on their home-page on GOTIGERSGO.COM; next Tuesday, Baseball coach Daron Schoenrock will do a fall update show.
September 22, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #35
Things are going well with our new on-line coach's shows with men's and women's soccer as well as volleyball. Tennis coach Paul Goebel joined us last week and baseball coach Daron Schoenrock will join us on September 30th. The game broadcast are going well and volleyball is just around the corner. If you've seen any of them, we're still working out a few kinks but it's all coming together.
Men's soccer finally returns home Wednesday and we'll archive that game on "Memphis AllAccess" as well as Friday and Sunday's women's soccer game.
Women's basketball has released their schedule and it should be an interesting year. 15 home games plus the exhibition and the added bonus of a trip to the Bahamas the week before Christmas!
September 2, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #34
I had a weekend full of Futbol, Football, and more Futbol!
Things got started Friday night with the soccer double-header at Mike Rose. The Lady Tigers played to a 1-1 draw with Alabama and the Tigers fell to 21st ranked Bradley 4-0. However, the men played with seven freshmen and it was only 2-0 with under five minutes to go. It was a hot and humid night and the teams I felt most for were Oral Roberts and UAB, who played at 3:00 that afternoon in the heat of the day.
Down to Oxford with the football team on Saturday and things didn't end up like we wanted and now we'll have a very key home conference opener this weekend against Rice. Hope to see you there.
Then, back to Mike Rose Sunday night to wrap up the Diadora Tournament. The Tigers jumped out to a 4-1 lead with a little over twenty minutes left, but Oral Roberts made a furious comeback to get to within one. OR had a chance with under ten seconds and missed on a bicycle kick as time expired. Assistant Media Relations Director Brandon Kolditz made his broadcast debuts when he sat in on the second half with me, he did great.
That's my weekend of futbol, football, and more futbol!
August 18, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #33
Hello everyone, well today I turn 36, so now I'm closer to 50 than I am 20. It gives me time to reflect on how lucky I am to be able to do what I want to do where I want to do it, and that's be a broadcaster for my Alma Mater.
A lot has happened since I was born way back in 1972. Basketball has played in three Final Fours and two National Championship games. Who would have ever thought, being a child of the 80's that I'd see football go to four bowls in five years. Women's basketball has started a new era with just its fourth head coach, heck, when I was born; there was no NCAA women's basketball. Baseball will see a newly renovated stadium within the next year and football has started accepting pledges for a new weight room.
As a child, I was my dad's remote control for the TV, this year, I'll be calling games on the internet-and I thought my first Atari was great. Technology sure has changed.
As an Alum, I've seen our campus change from a grid of streets to a pedestrian campus, a new library added when I was a student. The Alumni Mall, Rose Theatre, and adjacent parking garage weren't even in existence when I was attending elementary at Memphis State Campus School.
I hope I've got another 36 years in me and they're all spent as a Tiger Broadcaster.
August 4, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #32
Well, the "Off-Season" is almost over with fall sports starting in a couple of weeks. The University put out the news last week that we will be doing play-by-play of a majority of men's and women's soccer home games as well as home conference volleyball games on the Memphis All-Access package. I'm really looking forward to calling these sports as well as doing the weekly coach's updates. Hope you've enjoyed the three preview shows we've already done.
I have to say I'm excited about adding these sports to the women's basketball and baseball I already call. Although I've got other duties with the network and local radio stations, my passion is doing play-by-play so doing five sports for the University will be a blast.
I also have to credit to Brandon Kolditz, assistant media-relations director, for his work. Brandon and I have been talking about doing this for over a year and he did the leg-work on finding out a way to make it happen. I also want to thank videographer Darby Dunnagan and her staff for their willingness to help with this project.
I haven't checked all the sites for the 300+ division one schools, but I have to think our live coverage of Tiger sports has to be among one of the most comprehensive. Between our Tiger Radio Network, WUMR broadcast, and All-Access package, we'll provide play-by-play and coach's show's for EIGHT sports
July 18, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #31
Happy birthday to Stan Bronson Jr. A big "How are you"! In honor of Stan. Great to see Stan celebrating his 80th birthday today and hope to see you at the Murphy Complex this afternoon. I bet you could count on one hand the number of people who have spent more time at South Campus than Stan, he certainly has been a fixture in the University's history.
Let's catch up on how our baseball players are doing in their summer leagues.
Adam McClain Luray Wranglers, Valley League, .250ba, 5hr, 24rbi ALL STAR
Cole Shelton, Woodstock River Bandits, Valley League, .228, 2hr, 12rbi
Brach Davis, Woodstock River Bandits, Valley League, 2-2, 6 starts, 4.70era, 35k's
Tyler Huelsing, Brazos Valley Brahmas, Texas Collegiate League .274, 10rbi, 3sb
Chad Zurcher, Northshore Navigators, New England Collegiate, .239, 3rbi
Worth Tate, Danville Dans, Central Illinois Collegiate, 1-3, 13games, 5.79era,
Chris Novikoff, Winter Park Diamond Dawgs, Florida Collegiate, 0-2, 8.57era, 5starts,
Hope your summer is going well.
July 2, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #30
Hope your summer is going well. I've had enough off-season and am ready to get back to work. I've started running this summer and am up to 3-miles per day, I'm trying to shape-up for the Lady Tiger's trip to the Bahamas this December.
Thought I'd give you all an update on our Tiger baseball pros.
Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins, National League .289, 23hr, 58rbi, 4sb
Johnathan Leicester, Norfolk Tides, AAA, International League (Orioles) 2-8, 6.17era
Ryan O'Malley, Birmingham Barons, AA, Southern League, (White Sox) 2-2, 4.79era, 11games, 32k's
Brent Dlugach, (Tigers Organization) Injured
Jarrett Grube, Tulsa Drillers, AA, Texas League (Rockies) 2-1, 5.20era, 26games
Derek Hankins, Altoona Curve, AA, Eastern League (Pirates) 1-5, 3.84era
Bill Edwards, Arkansas Travelers,AA, -Texas League (Angels) 0-2, 4.62era, 19games
Adam Amar, Auburn Double Days, A-Short Season, NY-Penn League, Blue Jays .313, 2hr, 7rbi, 12 games
Scott McGregor, Batavia Muckdogs, A-Short Season, NY-Penn League (Cardinals) IR
Will Hudgens, Billings Mustangs, Rookie Pioneer League (Reds) 2-0, 5.40era, 2games
Neil Schenk, Hudson Valley Renegades, A-Short Season, NY-Penn League, (Rays) 0-0, 4.50era, 6games, 10k's
Chris Kirkland, AZL Mariners, Rookie Arizona League, (Mariners) 1-0, 2.25era, 3games
Kevin House, Edmonton Cracker Cats, Independent, .245, 3hr, 19rbi, 9sb, 30games
June 23, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #29
Long summer waiting for Tiger Sports to crank up again. I'm very excited about the start of Lady Tiger basketball this fall. I have been really impressed with Coach McFerrin and her staff in the limited time I've spent with them. I think you'll be really impressed with them the very first season.
Tamika Whitmore is having another great year, playing this season for the Connecticut Sun. Through 13 games, she's averaging almost 14 points and over 5 rebounds per game. Hard to believe, but Whitmore is in her 10th season. The Sun is currently leading the Eastern Conference.
Summer wood-bat baseball is underway for several of the Tigers, here's an update on how they're doing.
Adam McClain Luray Wranglers, Valley Legue,16 games, .232ba, 3hr, 15rbi
Cole Shelton, Woodstock River Bandits, Valley League, 12 games, .204ba, 1hr, 5rbi
Brach Davis, Woodstock River Bandits, Valley League, 3games, 1-0, 3.32era, 19ip, 21k's
Tyler Huelsing, Brazos Valley Brahmas, Texas Collegiate League 8 games, .286, 2 doubles, 6rbi's.
Chad Zurcher, Northshore Navigators, New England Collegiate, 7games, .214ba
Worth Tate, Danville Dans, Central Illinois Collegiate, 4games, 0-1, 11.25era, 4ip
I'm spending my summer looking for a house and trying to drop all the weight I put on during the season travelling.
I'll talk again with you soon and give you an update on the Tiger Baseball pros.
June 9, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #28
A nice surprise on Friday. After I had left the house and arrived at AutoZone Park to do PA for the Redbirds, I found out that Chris Kirkland was drafted in the 36th round by the Mariners, making him the fourth Tiger drafted this year!
Kirkland was our primary catcher for the last two seasons after spending a year at Alabama and Chipola Junior College. This season, coach Rock let Chris throw a few innings because he had thrown at Chipola and in High School at South Doyle. Kirkland was gunned up to 96 mph so Seattle will take a chance and see if he develops.
Chris is one of the toughest players I've seen. In 2007, Kirkland had his jaw broken going into second base at Rice when he was hit with a relay throw, he stayed in for another inning. He missed the Conference Tournament the next week, but came back to catch both games of the NCAA.
June 6, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #27
Congrats to the three Tigers that were selected in today's Major League Baseball draft!
Junior Scott McGreggor went in the 15th round to St. Louis, senior Neil Schenk went in the 23rd round to Tampa Bay, and Junior Will Hudgens was taken in the 23rd round by Cincinnati.
For me, it was special to see Neil Schenk get drafted, couldn't have happened to a nicer guy or harder worker. Schenk signed with the Tigers out of Briarcrest and was immediately thrown into the weekend rotation as a true freshmen. It's a role that a true freshman usually isn't thrust into, but coach Rock had no choice his first year. But, Neil never complained and went out and did his job every start. His sophomore year he was moved to the bullpen and struggled his first year there, but made the transition his junior year and flourished in 2008. He logged his first and last careers wins against East Carolina. He was also the University's Male Scholar Athlete of the year. He's been a great ambassador for the baseball program, he'll definitely be missed.
Scott McGreggor has been a consistent presence in the weekend rotation for coach Rock. His first year McGreggor was all-freshman throwing three complete games. From that year on, SID Jason Redd and I referred to Scott as "CG" McGreggor for his complete games. Scott has been a strike thrower in his three years here and you can always count on him pitching you late into the game even when he didn't have his best stuff. Scott never made a big deal about a good or bad outing, just a guy that came in and did his job.
Finally, Will Hudgens. What a story it was. After playing football for a few seasons, Will got the itch to play baseball again and asked Coach Rock if he could have a chance. After the OK was given by Coach West, Will got his chance. Rock initially thought he may be a guy that could give him some bullpen innings during mid-week games, but nobody knew what was in store for 2007. Will's first appearance came in relief in Millington and he got the win against Mizzou, he followed that up with a relief win at #6 Clemson. As a starter, Will beat two more ranked teams, #30 Southern Miss, and #2 Rice. The win over Rice in the semi-finals at the Conference Tournament was a huge win for the program. But, what I'll always remember about Will is that he always had a smile on his face and something funny to say.
Although Schenk is gone, McGreggor and Hudgens will now have to weigh the pros and cons and make the best decisions for themselves and their families as to wether they will go pro or stay another season.
Congrats to all three Tigers, they were all a big part of this program.
June 3, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #26
As I promised, I'm checking in with you all and I hope the start of summer is treating you well.
What a year for Conference USA baseball. CUSA got 5 of 9 teams in the NCAA's, the most since 2002 when CUSA sent 5 of 12. What's more impressive is that all five made it to their regional championship games with Rice advancing to the Super-Regionals to Host Texas A&M this weekend.
About a dozen baseball players have made their way to their summer wood-bat teams that stretch from Texas to New England. This is a great tool in the development of young players. Each one will play about 50 games and get another couple hundred plate appearances swinging a wooden bat and the pitchers get some more innings on their arms. It's amazing how much these players have improved when they come back for fall workouts.
Looks like Coach McFerrin has rounded out her staff and will stretch her recruiting grounds. I especially like how she's going to look nationwide for players, already targeting Chicago and Detroit. Hmm, broadening the recruiting base and targeting Chicago and Detroit, seems like I've seen this philosophy before and it really paid off. I'll have more about the Lady Tigers once I get a chance to sit down with coach later this summer.
May 20, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #25
Well, it's over and the baseball team, despite a disappointing year, went out on a good note, beating 30th ranked ECU Saturday afternoon. It was great to see the seniors have a big day in their final day.
In all, we said good bye to five seniors Phillip Utley, Chris Kirkland, Alex Fennell (Southaven), Neil Schenk (Briarcrest), and KK Chalmers (Southaven). Fennell, Schenk, and Chalmers represented the first four year senior class to leave under Coach Rock, I'm sure it was a special day for him as well. Schenk earned his first collegiate win of his career four years ago at East Carolina, and finished his career with the win on Saturday. KK Chalmers, from Southaven, has been the heart and soul of the Shoenrock era thus far. All the seniors will be missed.
It may have also been the last game we played at the park known as Nat Buring, It has been the Tigers home since they opened it with a win over Mississippi State on March 14th, 1972. It hosted 5 conference tournaments, was home to 5 NCAA Regional teams, 4 conference Champions, 9 All Americans, 94 All Conference players, and 57 Tigers who played pro baseball. Even though it has seen it's better days, It was kind of sad leaving the park on Saturday.
Just because the season is over, doesn't mean I won't be checking in. I'll be giving updates on how our baseball players are doing with their summer league teams and updating our pro players as well. I'll also update any info I have on the Lady Tigers.
May 15, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #24
Last chance for the baseball team to get into the CUSA tournament next week in New Orleans. The Tigers must win one more game than UAB does this weekend. UAB host Southern Miss while the Tigers host ECU at Nat Buring beginning tonight. If we qualify, it will be the first time since 1997-1999 that the baseball program has made three straight Conference Tournaments.
Tomorrow we'll honor five seniors and Saturday may very well be the last game played at the Park known as Nat Buring Stadium. I'll talk about the seniors Tomorrow as well as memories of Nat Buring.
Hope to see you at the park beginning tonight at 6:30, or you can email me at MEMPHISRADIO@HOTMAIL.COM
May 8, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #23
Well, just 7 remaining games in the regular season and today we bus down to my favorite place to go in the Conference for baseball, Southern Mississippi. Although our conference is filled with top notch ballparks and great fans, I think the best environment is Pete Taylor Park.
I will miss the old press box though. The old radio booth was located on the top of the grand-stands in the box-seat section. Fans would often turn around to talk with me between innings and I've always found that the Eagle fans had a very high baseball IQ. The right-field roost is also one of the best tail-gating areas you will find. It's a berm that runs from the right-field corner to almost center-field. This is where numerous fans pull into the park with their RV's, trucks, and other various set-ups.
The Tigers have had success over the last two seasons, winning 6 of the last 8 including a sweep in Memphis last year.
If you're ever wanting to go watch the Tigers on the road during a Conference weekend, this is the place you should start.
Hope to hear from you all this weekend during the broadcast at MEMPHISRADIO@HOTMAIL.COM
April 30, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #22
Just got back from Autozone Park where I do public address in the summer. Our new women's basketball coach, Melissa McFerrin, was there to throw out the first pitch..it was a strike. Great to see her getting out and being seen in the community. The Lady Tigers were there as well and looked like they enjoyed themselves.
Tiger baseball travels to Houston this weekend. Memphis split four games with the Cougars last year and Brennon Martin got his first complete game of his career when Memphis beat them 12-4 in the opening game of the conference tournament at East Carolina.
April 29, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #21
It's a beautiful day at Nat Buring Stadium as I sit in the press box a few hours prior to tonight's game with Ole Miss. This will be the last non-conference game in this park as it's known as Nat Buring.
The Tigers have 12 games left in the regular season and will be looking for a strong finish that will hopefully put them in the Conference Tournament in New Orleans.
After the two losses to Tulane over the weekend, the rain-out on Sunday may have been what the team needed, and extra day of rest for the stretch run.
I'm looking foward to a packed house tonight and I hope to see all of you out here.
April 25, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #20
It was a wild mid-week series at Middle Tennessee. We lost leads in the 9th inning in both games but were able to garner a split in Murfreesboro. The Tigers played the longest game in school history by time on Wednesday, over a five-hour, 14 inning marathon. The game featured a 7 run rally by the Blue Raiders in the 9th and a six run 14th to give Memphis the 17-11 win.
It was also the first time I've ever called a game from a bus. MTSU is in the middle of construction of their new $6.5 million stadium so the Blue Raiders had a bus in the right-field bullpen area that was used as the press-box.
The Tigers go back into CUSA play tonight when they face Tulane. The Green Wave are good as usaual and will be very tough to beat. The Tigers are 3-3 against the Wave in the last six and won 2 of 3 in New Orleans last year. This is a rivalry that dates back to the old Metro Conference days.
Tomorrow will be Family Day at the Park Avenue Campus, only $5 to watch 2:00 baseball game and the 1:00 Softball double-header with stuff for the kids between the parks. Hope to see you out there, and if you can't make it, email me during the broadcast at MEMPHISRADIO@HOTMAIL.COM
April 22, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #19
I've had several people ask me about the current Tiger baseball season and the record so today I'm going to break it down.
First of all, yes, it's been a frustrating season and the record is not what we would like it to be. But, we have been in the majority of games. The Tigers have been in 21 games decided by 2 runs or less, including 16 1-run games. Our record in these contest thus far is 7-14, so if we just split those, we would be closer to .500.
The offense has struggled after being one of the best in the conference the last two years, let's take a look. The Tigers lost 7 starters in the line-up including 1 All-American (Amar) and three more All-Conference performers (Lieberman, Moss, and Murray). So, we are playing with three freshmen, two sophomores (one that didn't play last year due to injury), and a juco transfer. We have plenty of talent, but not a lot of experience which we will have after they get a year under their belt.
This season has seen an improvement in pitching which finished at the bottom of the Conference the last three years, we currently rank 6th in the league in ERA, just behind Houston. This is the first year that Coach Rock has had a healthy pitching staff and it's anchored by three juniors-Scott McGreggor, Matt Yokely, and Will Hudgens. If all three return, we should be very good on the mound next year.
The players that are currently starting are the best defensively since Rock came to Memphis. Memphis is currently 4th in fielding percentage and just two-thousandths of a point out of second in the league. The majority of our starting infield/outfield still have two to three years left here.
Although the record isn't where we would like it to be, the Tigers have been in most every game that includes at win on the road at Georgia and a win at AutoZone Park against Mississippi State.
We have four weekends left in the season and if the team can get on a roll, we have the potential to make some noise at the Conference Tournament. Our coaching staff is one of the best I've been around in 12 years of broadcasting, stadium improvements are on the way, and we have another outstanding recruiting class on the way.
April 21, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #18
Last Night I had the pleasure of meeting our new Lady Tiger coach, Melissa McFerrin, briefly after the Lady Tiger banquet. From the short time I got to spend with her, I was impressed.
She had just arrived from the airport and wasn't really expecting to be greeted by anyone, but myself, a few boosters, and four players were waiting. As soon as she entered the lobby, she knew who the majority of the group was. She knew the home-town of all four players that were there by heart, which showed me she was ready to dive right in to this program. I was also really impressed by how friendly and confidently she spoke to all of us; I'm sure the last few days have been a blur to coach McFerrin.
I also like the way she speaks about Memphis becoming the class of the Conference. I think that is so much better than just wanting to be competitive. It looks like she is really embracing this opportunity and I hope it will be a long and successful tenure for Coach McFerrin.
Tomorrow baseball plays at Middle Tennessee and I'll break down some numbers for you before we bus out.
April 18, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #17
It's a rainy day at the Ballpark, sitting here getting my prep work done a few hours before our game against Dallas Baptist. Hopefully this is the last batch and we can get our 6:30 game in tonight. Hope to see a lot of you out at the park this weekend because we only have 10 home games left at Nat Buring.
If you haven't heard of Dallas Baptist, they are a very good team. They are currently 32nd in the RPI and have two wins over Rice and one over Baylor and have the number 30 strength of schedule. They were an NAIA power and turned D1 a few years ago so this will be a very tough weekend. Baseball plays a double-header tomorrow beginning at 1:00 and it should be a beautiful day. As always, feel free to email me during the broadcast on 91.7 fm at MEMPHISRADIO@HOTMAIL.COM
April 15, 2008 --- Tax Day!
Brightwell's Blog #16
It's a beautiful day in Murray, Kentucky as Memphis is about 20 minutes away from first pitch against the Thoroughbreds. The MSU baseball team is the only team that didn't switch to Racers. It was an interesting trip today as the bus took a wrong turn and couldn't clear an over-pass, so we had to turn around in a farmer's field. But we made it on time and are ready to face the `Breds at 3:00. Tomorrow night, we'll be in Jackson, TN for the second time this year to face UT-Martin at 6:05, hope to see you in the "Big Potato Chip", Pringles Park.
April 10, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #15
Tuesday night provided some much needed relief after such a tough loss in Monday's title game.
The Tiger baseball team beat perennial power Mississippi State in 9-8 in 10 innings in dramatic fashion with Cole Shelton's 2-out, 2-run single in the bottom of the 10th. It was the first win over the Bulldogs since Ryan Martin hit a game winning Homer against State in 2003 at AutoZone Park.
It was an emotional lift for a team that had lost 9 straight and now heads on the road for a 5-game swing beginning this weekend in Orlando against UCF.
April 7, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #14
It's been a frustrating season thus far for Coach Schoenrock to say the least. After watching the 12th ranked Rice Owls come from behind to win 7-6 yesterday, the team fell to 11-19 and lost their 9th straight. As in all other sports, a bounce here or there and it could be much different. Memphis has lost 9 one-run games, so if we win just four of those we are 15-15. The road doesn't get any easier because tomorrow we host Mississippi State at Autozone Park before going on the road to UCF. The good thing though about this team, is despite the struggles, the team is still a very cohesive unit and doesn't point blame, Rock's teams have always played hard and stayed together in the good times and bad. Tonight is obviously a historical night, being an Alum (1996), it's extra special to me. I was less than a year old when the Tigers played in their last title game and was in 5th grade when we lost to Villanova in the Final Four. I know it's been said before, but it's great to see how our city becomes one when Tiger basketball does well, no other entity in this city has as much unifying capability as Tiger basketball.
Mar. 24, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #13
It sure was great to wake up this morning and know that baseball is in first place in Conference USA! Memphis has won five straight and swept UAB over the weekend and are now tied with Rice at 3-0 in Conference and are above .500 for the first time this year.
Yesterday was one of those games that was slow and dragged on....except for the last inning. After watching two teams walk 18 batters and the game slow to a crawl, the Tigers found themselves down 6-3 with nobody on and one out. But Memphis was able to find a way to score four runs capped off by KK Chalmers 2-run single to win it.
I hope to see you in Jackson, TN tomorrow when we play our first game at Pringles Park. The Tigers will face Austin Peay at 6:30.
Mar. 20, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #12
What a beautiful day! The basketball team starts play in the NCAA tournament tonight in Little Rock and the baseball team opens Conference play at Nat Buring.
You've got time to do the double-header if you're in town. Baseball faces off against the Blazers at 6:30 and the men won't start until around 9:00. It should be around 70 degrees at first-pitch and hopefully with the warmer weather, the Tiger offense will continue to heat up after an 18 run outburst on Tuesday night. A good start in the conference is imperative for this young Tiger team.
Baseball also plays at 2:00 tomorrow and 1:00 on Sunday. If you can't make it out, shoot me an email during the broadcast at MEMPHISRADIO@HOTMAIL.COM
Mar. 19, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #11
A lot has happened since I last spoke with you. The baseball team got it's first shut-out in two years last week at Arkansas State in front of a very quiet record crowd, then lost two of three to SEMO over the weekend.
The basketball team cruised through the Conference USA Tournament and earned the number one seed in the south regional which we were all expecting. Have fun if you're getting to go over to Little Rock this weekend.
Then, baseball erupted for an 18-9 win over Samford last night. Great to see this young line-up finally explode. Most of them are learning a new hitting system and it's not always easy to adjust to. But, once they catch on, they'll be tough to get out.
Looks like another cold day for a game. Last night was great, 73 degrees at first pitch. I'm ready for it to stay warm.
Mar. 11, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #10
Back on the road with Baseball today. Sitting on the bus right now getting ready to roll out to Jonesboro to face Arkansas State. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum of our win at Georgia. ASU is pretty good this year, they're 8-4 and handed Mississippi their first loss of the season. Brach Davis gets his first start of the year for the Tigers. Should be a good crowd at Tomlinson Stadium.
Mar. 10, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #9
My long journey is over and I'm back. Ben Grisham and I arrived in Memphis last night around 11:00 after driving from Athens where the Tigers beat Georgia to salvage a game in the series with the Bulldogs.
It was a long tiring trip, but it's still one of my favorite weeks, I got to call six games in five days in three cities. I was really happy for coach Rock that he was able to get a win at Georgia, it holds a special place in his heart. He was an assistant for two years there and helped lead them to the 2001 College World Series. His good friend Dave Perno is now the Bulldog coach.
Back on the road tomorrow to Jonesboro to face Arkansas State.
Mar. 7, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #8
Well I made it to Athens. Following the Lady Tiger loss, I dashed to the Orlando airport, caught a plane to Atlanta and then drove over to Athens arriving at 10:00. Felt great to finally get some rest. Being on the road is tiring, but still wouldn't trade my job for anything. I'm in the lobby of the Holiday Inn, Athens writing today's blog. We'll be leaving for Foley Field in about 15 minutes to get ready to open our series with Georgia. I always look forward to playing the marquee teams since the Tigers have beaten 9 ranked teams in the Schoenrock era. It will be fun watching some of the freshman playing in a hostile environment with a big crowd for the first time.
Mar. 6, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #7
I made it to Florida for the CUSA Tournament. After yesterday's double-header with Creighton, I hit the road to Atlanta arriving at 2:30 Eastern time. I got checked in a 4:00am and flew out at 7:20. Got to the team hotel and ate breakfast and hopped on the bus for UCF Arena. The team has finished their first warm-up and has headed to the locker room. Survive and advance as always during the conference tournament.
Our pregame begins at 10:45 am, Memphis time, on 91.7 FM.
Mar. 4, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #6
The next few days will be my annual dash between baseball and women's basketball. I'll start Wednesday with the baseball double-header with Creighton beginning at Noon. Following that game, I'm on the road to Atlanta so I can catch a 7:20 flight to Orlando to do tomorrow's CUSA tournament opener between the Lady Tigers and Tulsa. If the Lady Tigers are eliminated before Sunday, I'm back on the plane to Atlanta, then a short drive over to Athens to catch up with baseball and their series with Georgia. I'll be hopping around, but it's one of my favorite weeks of the year. I could end up doing six games in five days in three different cities.
On a somber note, Wednesday's baseball broadcast will be the first game I've called since the passing of Dr. Robert McDowell, the only general manager that our campus station, WUMR, has ever had. Like me, countless broadcast professionals learned under McDowell and he was a friend and mentor to us all. I'll be thinking of you during the broadcast Dr. Bob.
Mar. 4, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #5
Yesterday I received the news that Blair Savage had announced that she was stepping down after this weekends Conference USA Tournament. I know the wins and losses didn't add up to what she wanted, but I always appreciated the fact that she always was there for her post-game interview and told it like it was. Trust me, I've worked with coaches before that won't give you the time of day when they lose, but are everyone's best friend when they win. Here's hoping the team can make a run this weekend and end on a high note.
If the baseball team gets to play today, it could be the first time I do a game where I see a snowflake. Last year it sleeted during the Saturday game at Tulane, but no snow. I guess it's appropriate that the Blue Jays are in town, since the Toronto Blue Jays used to regularly play in snow at old Exhibition Stadium. This is a very good Creighton team, they won over 40 games last year and went to their 8th regional. If we don't get today's game in, we could be looking at our first double-header of the season tomorrow, in much warmer weather. By the way, several of the Creighton players were at Coach Cal's radio show last night since the Jays stayed at the Double Tree.
Mar. 3, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #4
I saw two disappointing losses to start the weekend, but two good wins to finish it. Friday night I got to see a great pitchers dual through six innings between the Tigers Scott McGreggor and Ohio's Chris Rigo. It was 2-1 Memphis through six, but unfortunately, Ohio edged the Tigers 5-4 to win the first game of the series.
Saturday, the Lady Tigers had a chance to finish .500 in the conference and hosted 12th place UCF, but the Knights went on an 9-0 run to close the first half with an 8 point lead and never trailed again beating us 81-69. It just seemed it the intensity that we had on Thursday night wasn't there. But, 7-9 in league play is a vast improvement over the 1-15 record we've had the last two years. We'll face Tulsa this Thursday at 11:00am Memphis time down at UCF Arena.
After the game, I went over to Nat Buring Stadium to catch the last few innings of the baseball game and got there just after a 4-run sixth inning put us on top 5-4. Marc Ashley (Collierville) got the his first win of the year and Matt Yokley (Collierville) got his second save of the season.
Sunday, the Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the rubber game of the series with Ohio. Trey Wiedman hit his third homer of the season and Phillip Utley notched his first win. Memphis is now 4-4 on the season and has a very tough 5-game stretch coming up with Creighton at home Tuesday and Wednesday and a weekend trip to Athens to face Georgia.
By the way, what great weather yesterday, partly sunny and temperatures in the 70's! Oh well, back to cold weather on Tuesday for our game with the Blue Jays.
This is my annual travel frenzy where I could do 6-games in 6-days in three different cities.
This weeks broadcast schedule on 91.7fm, WUMR.
Tuesday Baseball vs Creighton 4:00
Wednesday Baseball vs Creighton 4:00
Thursday Lady Tigers vs Tulsa CUSA Tourny 11am
Friday Lady Tigers vs SMU 11am OR Baseball at Georgia 5:30
Saturday Lady Tigers CUSA Tourny 2:00 OR Baseball at Georgia 2:00
Sunday Lady Tigers CUSA Tourny 2:30 OR Baseball at Georgia 1:00
Feb. 29, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #3
What an exciting night at the Elma Roane Feildhouse last night. Down by 9 early, the Lady Tigers fought back and knocked off Southern Miss to pull into a tie for 5th place with one game to go tomorrow against UCF. Great to see the crowd and they really helped out down the stretch. Gutsy performance by Jessica Hall who played though pain with a banged up shoulder and hit some key free throws late. Tomorrow will surely be an emotional day as we say good-bye to our lone senior, Aroha Jennings.
Baseball opens up it's first series of the year this afternoon against Ohio out of the MAC. Both pitching staffs have been superb through the first week. I'm predicting a low scoring weekend, which means I'll be wrong and tons of runs will be scored. We play at 4:00 today so come on out after you get off work, this team is young and exciting to watch. It will be fun to watch them grow up this season.
Here's the broadcast schedule for this weekend for the Lady Tigers and Baseball on 91.7fm WUMR.
Friday Baseball vs Ohio 3:45
Saturday Lady Tigers vs UCF 1:45
Sunday Baseball vs Ohio 11:45
And as always, you can email in during these games at MEMPHISRADIO@HOTMAIL.COM
Feb. 28, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #2
Big weekend for Lady Tiger basketball team starting tonight. We face Southern Miss at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, and after Saturday night we could finish anywhere from 5th to 9th in the league standings. Regardless of where we finish, it's a nice improvement from the last two years. We know what to expect out of the Eagles tonight, full-court pressing and a lot of running on offense. Hope to see you out there this weekend. Your attendance could be the difference.
Last night was a disappointing loss on the diamond to Murray State, our third straight loss to the Thoroughbreds. After getting behind early, the Tigers took the lead in the 7th on Brett Bowan's three-run homer, only to lose in the 9th. Here's an interesting story about Bowan, a juco transfer from Pensacola JC. According to Bowan, who's a Florida native, when the temperature got around 50 in Florida, they broke out the heaters in the dugouts. The last two nights, the temperature has been in the mid-30's at Nat Buring, but it didn't seem to bother Bowan's play.
Talk to you tomorrow, hopefully about a Lady Tiger win!
Feb. 19, 2008
Brightwell's Blog #1
Well here I am, my first blog entry. First of all, I want to think Jennifer Rodrigues for asking me to do this, along with Tammy DeGroff and Jason Redd, it's truly an honor. Now for those that don't know me, let me tell you just a little about myself.
I am in my fifth season as the radio voice of Lady Tiger Basketball and Tiger Baseball. It's been a great five years because I'm an alum of Memphis and would not want to be any where else. I graduated in 1996 and actually started as an elementary student at then-Memphis State Campus School. My mother, Peggy, worked in Human Resources and retired from the University about five years ago and I still have family that works on campus. So, I've been around the school for a long, long time.
What a wild weekend for Tiger Sports. I was at the UAB game Saturday night. Dave Woloshin, Matt Dillon and myself drove down on Friday night and the expanded highway 78 makes the trip much quicker. It was a great win despite how bad things looked with just over a minute to go. Every team that has gone deep into an NCAA tournament or won a championship usually gets one of those types of wins. We didn't get a great view of all the post game 'activities'. We sat across from the Tiger bench and when the fans went on to the court, a lot of our view was blocked. Ugly situation to say the least, but we got out of Bartow with the win, our perfect record and our #1 ranking.
Sunday took me to the Elma Roane Fieldhouse to broadcast the Lady Tiger game against Tulsa. We were coming off a 44-point loss Thursday at SMU and Tulsa had already beaten the Mustangs twice this season. However, the Lady Tigers got off to the hot start, scoring the first 10 points of the game en route to a 17-2 run and went on to beat Tulsa. Memphis is now 5-7 in CUSA and in 7th place. Now we can really do something. Marshall, ECU, and Southern Miss are our next three opponents, and if we can grab some wins, the Lady Tigers could finish as high as 5th, which would be a great turnaround from two straight years in last place.
Later Sunday night, I went over to the Holiday Inn on campus for the 'Meet the Tigers' Baseball banquet featuring Jim Morris. For those that have seen the Disney movie 'The Rookie', he is the guy Dennis Quaid portrayed. He was a great speaker and what stuck out most was what he said about 'Dream Killers'. Don't ever let anyone kill your dreams by telling you that you can't do something. I'm very optimistic about the upcoming season. We're coming off the first NCAA Regional since 1994 and have several new faces. Our pitching has a lot of experience after last year, but we'll have four freshmen in the line-up a lot of times. I won't make any specific predictions, but I won't be shocked if we're playing in June despite being picked 7th in the CUSA preseason poll.
You should come out to Nat Buring this year if you get a chance, it's really becoming a great experience even if you're not a big baseball fan. The tailgating in right field has become extremely popular. Help support Coach Rock by joining the Bullpen Club, you can call Al Woods at 351-0062 or email him at AWOODS4@MEMPHIS.EDU.
I look foward to updating this blog on a very regular basis. By the way, as you have seen in this entry, I use 'We' a lot. Some people say broadcasters shouldn't say we because their not on the team, but being an Alum, I consider myself a Tiger by blood and will always say 'We'!
