MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 71 RRickick Stockstill,Stockstill, a formerformer quarterbackquarterback aatt FFloridalorida SStatetate andand assistantassistant ccoachoach aatt CClemsonlemson aandnd SSouthouth CCarolina,arolina, bbecameecame thethe 14th14th headhead ffootballootball ccoachoach aatt MMiddleiddle TTennesseeennessee oonn DDecemberecember 112,2, 22005005

Rick Stockstill brings with him as the 14th head Stockstill was on the coaching staff at Clemson from football coach in Middle Tennessee history a 1989 to 2002, where he helped lead the Tigers to some tremendous vision, a blueprint for success, and of their most profi cient off ensive performances in school a desire to elevate the Blue Raider program to history. He served in a variety of capacities during his ten- unprecedented heights. ure with Clemson, working as recruiting coordinator, wide Along with his extensive background receivers coach, co-off ensive coordinator, passing game in collegiate coaching circles, the coordinator, and coach. One of his prize pu- driven and determined Stock- pils was All-America Rod Gardner, who now still also has had the advan- stars with the and was the number 15 tage of working alongside pick of the 2001 NFL Draft. Stockstill played an integral role in Clemson’s off ense some of the greatest setting more than 100 school records from 1998 to 2002. minds in college foot- Also recognized as a top-notch recruiter, Stockstill is credited with recruiting ball history. These ex- Clemson’s all-time leading rusher (Raymond Priester), second all-time leading periences will make a passer (Woodrow Dantzler), and all-time leading receivers (Derrick Hamilton and diff erence as Stockstill Rod Gardner). Stockstill has coached in 12 bowl games during his career. takes over the reins of the Stockstill also has coaching experience at the University of Central (1985- Blue Raider program in his 88), where he tutored wide receiver Shawn Jeff erson, who went on to a 13-year fi rst season as a head football career in the NFL, and at Bethune-Cookman (1983-84). coach. Born Dec. 23 in Sidney, Ohio, Stockstill grew up in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He was Stockstill, who makes his way to a three-year at Florida State as a where he was team cap- Murfreesboro after spending the past tain and earned honorable mention All-America honors in 1981 under Coach Bobby two years at South Carolina, has worked Bowden. During his career at FSU, the Seminoles had two top-10 fi nal Associated with legendary coaches , , , , Ken Hatfi eld, and Tommy West. Stockstill has demonstrated the abil- ity to develop and coach big-time players throughout his 24-year college coaching career and has recruited 16 players that have been drafted or signed as free agents over the last six years. He joined the Gamecock staff in December, 2003 and immediately made an impact in recruiting. Stockstill coached the Gamecock tight ends and served as recruiting coordinator in 2005 and was the wide receiver coach in 2004. Prior to joining Holtz’ staff at South Carolina, Stockstill was the off ensive coordi- nator at East Carolina in 2003, where he had a 1,000-yard rusher, a receiver to break the single-season receptions mark, and a quarterback who set a new completion percentage record. In his fi rst year at South Carolina, Stockstill coached Troy Williamson to one of the best seasons ever for a Gamecock receiver. Williamson made 43 receptions for 835 yards (75.9 per game average) and seven touchdowns. Williamson’s 835 receiv- ing yards stand as the fourth-highest single-season total in school history, and his seven touchdowns are tied for sixth on Carolina’s single-season list. Williamson was taken as the seventh pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the . In addition to his on-fi eld coaching at Carolina, Stockstill coordinated the signing of a top-20 recruiting class for the Gamecocks in his fi rst season and was recognized as one of the top 25 recruiters in the nation by Rivals.com. Rick and Sara Stockstill with son Brent, and daughter Emily.

72 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Head Coach Rick Stockstill

Press rankings and had wins over powers Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Ohio State, and WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT RICK STOCKSTILL Nebraska. Stockstill, who received his bachelor’s degree from FSU in 1982, made three bowl trips with the Seminoles. Steve Spurrier (Head Coach at South Carolina) Stockstill and his wife, the former Sara Fleischman, have a son, Brent, and a “I really enjoyed our time together at South Carolina. Rick is known as one of best re- daughter, Emily. cruiters in the country and I think he will be one of the best head coaches as well. We wish him the best at Middle Tennessee and feel like the Blue Raiders got a great man to lead their program.”

Tommy Bowden (Head Coach at Clemson) “Middle Tennessee could not have hired a better guy. He is an excellent coach. The players he coached at Clemson improved over their careers and his coaching ability had a lot to do with it. He will bring Middle Tennessee’s talent to a new level because he is an excellent recruiter. Rick has always had a great relationship with his players and their families, no matter where he has coached. And the surrounding commu- nity will really like Rick. He will embrace the community and the community will embrace him.”

Danny Ford (Former Head Coach at Clemson) “Rick comes from a great football family and did a super job during his time on my staff . He is very thorough, is an excellent teacher, and is one of the best recruiters I have been around. Rick is just a fi ne person who I know will do a great job leading the Middle Ten- nessee program.” THE STOCK REPORT Lou Holtz (Former Head Coach at South Carolina) “Rick is a very classy individual who possesses true character, integrity, and honesty. He BORN: December 23, 1957 is a great recruiter, has a calm demeanor, and is excellent with the student-athletes in all HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Fernandina Beach High School, 1977 facets. Middle Tennessee made an excellent choice in Rick Stockstill because he has high COLLEGE EDUCATION: Florida State, 1982 standards, is an excellent teacher, and possesses a great football mind.” DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in physical education (minor in driver education) : Played quarterback at Florida State (1977-82) (Head Coach at Florida State) HONORS: In 2005, Rivals.com ranked him as one of the nation’s top 25 recruiters “I think Middle Tennessee made a great choice. When you’re looking for a coach to lead WIFE: Sara your program, it’s good to have someone with a lot of diff erent experiences. Rick has CHILDREN: Brent and Emily that, having worked with diff erent coaches at diff erent schools. He knows football, he’s BOWL GAMES COACHED: 12 a terrifi c recruiter, and he knows a lot of people. He’ll do great.” BOWL GAMES PLAYED: 3 Tommy West (Head Coach at Memphis) COACHING CAREER “Rick is one of the classiest guys in the business. He is a great coach and a great recruiter who relates extremely well with his players. Rick is one of the best assistant coaches I 2006- Middle Tennessee Head Coach have ever been associated with during my time as a head coach.” 2005 South Carolina Recruiting Coordinator/Tight Ends 2004 South Carolina Recruiting Coordinator/Wide Receivers Bobby Johnson (Head Coach at Vanderbilt) 2003 East Carolina Off ensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks “I think Middle Tennessee made a great choice by naming Rick Stockstill as the head 1999-2002 Clemson Recruiting Coordinator/Wide Receivers coach. I really enjoyed my year at Clemson coaching with Rick. We have kept in touch and I have defi nitely followed his coaching career. Rick is an outstanding football coach. 1996-1998 Clemson Wide Receivers He will do a great job for Middle Tennessee.” 1994-1995 Clemson Co-Off ensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers 1993 Clemson Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coordinator (Head Coach at East Carolina) 1989-1992 Clemson Quarterbacks “I am a huge fan of Rick Stockstill. He is a bright, energetic, enthusiastic, upbeat player’s coach who will do a wonderful job bringing the players together. I think the world of 1986-1988 Central Florida Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers Rick Stockstill and believe Middle Tennessee made the right move in bringing him in to 1985 Central Florida Wide Receivers lead the football program.” 1983-1984 Bethune-Cookman Off ensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 73 Brent Brock In 1996, Brock took over head coaching and athletic director duties at Fitzgerald TTightight EndsEnds High School in Fitzgerald, Ga., where he had the challenge of rebuilding a program FFirstirst YYearear that had just 40 players his fi rst season. With hard work and determination, Brock fi elded 70 players and helped turn the program around during his short tenure. FFloridalorida State,State, 11982982 Under his reign, FHS took home the sportsmanship trophy for 2-AAA in 1996 and 1997. A head coach in the high school ranks of Georgia Before taking over at Jackson County, Brock spent two years as the past 14 years and a former teammate of Head Coach off ensive coordinator/strength coach at Westside High School Rick Stockstill, Brent Brock begins his fi rst season as tight under Robert Davis. Westside, only four years old at the ends coach for Middle Tennessee. Brock also has 14 years of experience as an athletic time, made it to the semifi nals of the state at the director on the high school level. Georgia Dome in 2002 and fi nished with a No. 4 Brock makes his way to Middle Tennessee after serving the past four years state ranking. In 2001, Westside advanced to as head coach and athletic director at Jackson County High School in Jef- the quarterfi nals of the state playoff s. ferson, Ga. Brock had the privilege of coaching in the GHSA North/South The Albany, Ga., native received his All-Star game (1995) and the Georgia/Florida High School All-Star game B.S. degree in health/physical education (1997). at Florida State in 1982 and furthered his Brock got his start in coaching as a volunteer assistant at Godby High education by receiving his master’s degree School in Tallahassee in 1981 and then left the following season to join at Albany State and his Ed.S. degree from FSU. Jim Hughes’ staff at Thomasville High School in 1982. As a player, Brock played four years for Coach Brock followed Hughes to Colquitt High School in 1983, where he Bobby Bowden at Florida State as an off ensive helped coach the Packers in the 1991 1-AAAA state championship lineman. He was a member of the 1977 Tanger- game. During his nine seasons at Colquitt, the Packers made the region ine Bowl team and the 1980 and 1981 Orange playoff s eight times, were region runner-up three times, and received Bowl teams. the region’s all-sports trophy on three occasions. Brock served as assis- Brock is married to his high school tant Head Coach, off ensive coordinator, off ensive line coach, and strength coordina- sweetheart, the former Missie Milton of Al- tor during his time at Colquitt. bany, Ga. He Earned his fi rst head coaching job in 1992 when he took over the Worth Coun- ty High School program in Sylvester, Ga. He took a struggling program that went 1-9 his fi rst year to an 8-3 mark and back-to-back playoff appearances in his third and fourth seasons.

THE BROCK FILE BORN: April 21, 1958 HOMETOWN: Albany, GA HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Albany High School (Ga.), 1976 COLLEGE EDUCATION: Florida State, 1982 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in physical education COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Played off ensive line at Florida State (1976-81) WIFE: Missie

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Tight Ends 2002-2005 Jackson Co. HS Head Coach 2000-2001 Westside HS Off ensive Coordinator 1996-1999 Fitzgerald HS Head Football Coach 1992-1995 Worth Co. HS Head Football Coach 1990-1991 Colquitt Co. HS Assistant Head Coach/Off ensive Coordinator 1983-1990 Colquitt Co. HS Off ensive Coordinator/Backfi eld Coach 1982 Thomasville HS Off ensive Line 1981 Godby HS Off ensive Line Brent and wife Missie.

74 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Manny Diaz sharing play-calling duties for all 11 games. Diaz also made all the defensive calls DDef.ef. CCoord./Safetiesoord./Safeties during the bowl win over Kansas. FFirstirst YYearear In his fi rst year as a full-time coach, Diaz helped the Wolfpack to one of their best seasons ever: they fi nished 11-3 and defeated FFloridalorida State,State, 11995995 Notre Dame in the . Diaz, who coached All-ACC per- former Dantonio Burnette, shared in the play-calling duties, Manny Diaz begins his fi rst year as defensive and N.C. State ended the year ranked 14th nationally in coordinator on Rick Stockstill’s staff at Middle Tennes- total defense and 10th in scoring defense. In back-to- see. Diaz, who will also coach the safeties, joins the back games against Florida State and Notre Dame, Blue Raiders after spending the past six years on Chuck Amato’s staff at N.C. State did not allow an off ensive touchdown. N.C. State. Diaz, the 10th youngest coordinator in college Diaz has been involved in seven bowl games during his eight years on football, spent the 2000 and 2001 seasons at the collegiate level and played a major role for one of the country’s top- N.C. State as a graduate assistant working pri- ranked defenses over the past four years by coaching safeties in 2004 marily with the linebacking corps. During this and 2005 and handling the linebackers in 2002 and 2003. time, the Wolfpack went to two bowl games In 2005, the Wolfpack fi nished eighth nationally in total defense, and became the fi rst ACC team to beat FSU in Tal- sixth in third down percentage, and 12th in scoring defense en route to a lahassee. 7-5 record and a shutout win over South Florida in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Diaz, whose father is currently serving his sec- Diaz, who also served as the special team’s coordinator, saw his kickoff return ond term as mayor of the City of Miami, began his unit fi nish fi fth nationally while his punt return team recorded four blocked coaching career at Florida State in 1998, working kicks. alongside defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews for In his fi rst year as safeties coach and special teams coordinator in 2004, two seasons. During his stint, the Seminoles won a N.C. State’s defense fi nished the year as the top-ranked unit in the country in national championship in 1999 and were runners-up total defense by allowing just over 220 yards per game. The Wolfpack defense in 1998. also held national powers Ohio State and Florida State to under 130 yards of The 1995 Florida State graduate (B.S. in com- total off ense during the 2004 campaign. Diaz, who coached All-ACC performer munications) is married to the former Stephanie Cerow and current New York Jet Andre Maddox, also had his punt return team block and they have three sons, Colin, Gavin, and Manny. Diaz, three kicks and take two returns for touchdowns. who worked at ESPN from 1995 to 1997, was a Miami The Miami, Fla., native handled the linebackers for N.C. State in 2002 and Herald Honorable Mention All-Dade County Scholar- 2003. In 2003, the Wolfpack won the Tangerine Bowl and fi nished 7-5 with Diaz Athlete for football, basketball, and baseball in 1991.

THE DIAZ FILE BORN: March 13, 1974 HOMETOWN: Miami, FL HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Miami Country Day, 1991 COLLEGE EDUCATION: Florida State, 1995 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in communications WIFE: Stephanie CHILDREN: Colin, Gavin, Manny BOWL GAMES COACHED: 7 (1 national championship)

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Defensive Coordinator/Safeties 2004-2005 N.C. State Safeties/Special Teams Coordinator 2002-2003 N.C. State Linebackers 2000-2001 N.C. State Graduate Assistant (Linebackers) Manny and Stephanie Diaz with sons (l-r) Manny, Colin, and 1998-1999 Florida State Defensive Cinematographer (Secondary) Gavin.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 75 Dick Crum and current Texas Head Coach Mack CCornerbacks/ornerbacks/ Brown. SSpecialpecial TeamsTeams Coord.Coord. Goss went on to spend six years with the , playing with future Hall FFirstirst YYearear of Famers , Ronnie NNorthorth CCarolina,arolina, 11989989 Lott, and Joe Antonio Goss, a seven-year veteran of the Na- Montana, and tional Football League with the San Francisco 49ers and playing a part in two the St. Louis Rams, begins his fi rst season at Middle Tennessee as cornerbacks coach. wins. Goss Goss, who also serves as special teams coordinator, comes to the Blue Raiders after was a backup linebacker fi ve years at the University of Buff alo, where he served as linebackers coach for three and also served as captain of years before taking over the cornerbacks his fi nal two seasons. special teams during his tenure with the The 39-year-old Goss is a two-time Super Bowl Champ with the 49ers (XXIV and 49ers. After leaving San Francisco, he played XXIX). In Super Bowl XXIX, Goss was chosen by his teammates to represent them as one season with the St. Louis Rams, in 1996, the special team captain along with defensive captain Tim McDonald and future where he started fi ve games and again led Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. the special teams unit. During Goss’ time as the cornerbacks coach at Buff alo, he tutored freshman All- His fi rst coaching job was as linebacker and MAC performer James Evans and Buff alo standout Gemara Williams, who fi nished strength and conditioning coach at East Chapel the 2005 season with a school record 13 pass breakups. Buff alo went on to lead the Hill High School in Chapel Hill, NC, where he MAC in passing defense and rank eighth nationally in 2005. served for two seasons (1998-99). Prior to making the move to cornerbacks, Goss coached linebackers and tutored In 2005, Goss furthered his coaching ability Bobby Johnson, who had 112 tackles in 2003. by entering the NFL internship program with the Before joining the staff at Buff alo, Goss coached one year at North Carolina Cen- Buff alo Bills under Head Coach Mike Malarkey. tral, where he was the linebackers and special teams coach. Goss was tutored by defensive coordinator Jerry Goss spent three years coaching in and around the Durham/Chapel Hill area after Gray and linebacker coach Don Blackmon, while earning his degree in sociology at the University of North Carolina in 1989, where helping out special team’s coach Bobby April. In he starred on the football team as a linebacker and safety. Goss was coached by 2004, Goss spent time with the staff . He is married to the former Marvine Johnston and they have two daughters, Antoinette and Al- exandria. His hobbies and interests include playing with his kids and date night with his wife.

THE GOSS FILE BORN: August 11, 1966 HOMETOWN: Randleman, NC HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Randleman High School, 1984 COLLEGE EDUCATION: North Carolina, 1989 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in sociology WIFE: Marvine CHILDREN: Antoinette and Alexandria OTHER: Played in two Super Bowls with 49ers (XXIV and XXIX)

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Cornerbacks/Special Teams Coordinator 2004-2005 Buff alo Defensive Backs 2001-2003 Buff alo Linebackers 2000 NC Central Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator Antonio and Marvine Goss with daughters Antoinette and 1998-1999 East Chapel Hill HS Linebackers Alexandria (front).

76 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Les Herrin stints as defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach DDefensiveefensive LLineine at East Carolina (1985-87) working for , a former FFirstirst YYearear Citadel head coach. He also spent one season (1988) with Mack Brown as outside linebackers coach at the University of WWesternestern CCarolina,arolina, 11971971 North Carolina before returning to Clemson as defensive line coach, where he continued to produce nation- A veteran of 24 years in collegiate coaching, ally renowned defenses. In 1989 Clemson ranked Les Herrin begins his fi rst year as the defensive line fi fth in the nation in rushing, scoring, and total coach at Middle Tennessee. Herrin has been out of defense. In 1990, the Tigers led the nation in coaching the past two seasons. total defense and were second in rushing and Once referred to as the “dean of football coaches at Clemson,” Herrin spent scoring defense. 14 seasons on the Tigers’ staff , and coached defenses for Danny Ford, Ken In 1991, Herrin’s defensive group led Hatfi eld and Tommy West. He was linebackers coach on Clemson’s 1981 na- the nation in rushing defense and was tional championship team. instrumental in the Tigers’ ACC champi- Prior to joining Rick Stockstill’s staff , Herrin was the defensive coordinator onship. His players included the likes of at The Citadel from 2001 to 2003. During Herrin’s tenure at The Citadel, he Chester McGlockton, Brenston Buckner, saw vast improvement on the defensive side of the football and coached and Rob Bodine, all of whom were either three All-Southern Conference performers in three seasons. Herrin was also all-Americans or all-pros (or both). In 1996, instrumental in the play of two-time All-American linebacker and Buck he coached Trevor Pryce, who later won a Buchanan Award Finalist Travis Stephens. Herrin teamed with Head Coach Super Bowl ring with the . As Ellis Johnson to form two of the best defensive minds in the Southern Con- a coach, Herrin participated in the 1982 Or- ference. ange Bowl, 1989 Gator Bowl, 1991 Hall of Fame Herrin’s leadership ability was evident at a young age when he was named cap- Bowl, 1992 Citrus Bowl, 1993 , 1996 tain of the football team in his playing days at Western Carolina. He was also the Gator Bowl, and the 1997 and 1998 Peach Bowls. team MVP as a senior and defensive MVP as a junior. Herrin earned his B.S. degree Overall, Herrin has coached 12 players who went in education from Western Carolina in 1971 and his master’s degree in health and on to enjoy professional careers including three who physical education the following year. earned Pro Bowl honors. After serving as defensive coordinator at Appalachian State in 1980, Herrin He began his high school coaching career, which joined the Clemson staff in 1981 and guided the inside linebackers. At Clemson, he spanned eight seasons, as an assistant at R/S Central coached ACC MVP Jeff Davis, later a captain, and eventual High in Rutherfordton, NC (1972-74). He then became 1989 all-pro linebacker of the New England Patriots. an assistant at Lexington Senior High in Lexington, NC Herrin, who was inducted into the Ware County Hall of Fame in 1998, had brief (1975-76) and athletic director and head coach at Cen- tral Davidson High in Lexington, NC (1977-79), where his teams went 29-6. Born February 18, 1948, in Waycross, Ga., Herrin has a son, Deke, who is also a member of the staff . THE HERRIN FILE BORN: February 18, 1948 HOMETOWN: Waycross, GA HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Waycross High School, 1966 COLLEGE EDUCATION: Western Carolina, 1971 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in education; masters in health & physical ed. CHILDREN: Deke BOWLS GAMES COACHED: 8 (1 national championship)

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Defensive Line 2001-2002 The Citadel Defensive Coordinator 1994-1998 Clemson Assistant Head Coach 1989-1993 Clemson Defensive Line 1988 North Carolina Outside Linebackers 1985-1987 East Carolina Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1981-1984 Clemson Linebackers 1980 Appalachian State Defensive Coordinator 1977-1979 Central Davidson HS Head Coach 1975-1976 Lexington HS Assistant Coach 1972-1974 RS Central HS Assistant Coach Les with son Deke.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 77 Art Kaufman outside linebackers coach at Northwestern State Univer- LLinebackersinebackers sity (La.). In 1987, he was named defensive coordina- SSecondecond YYearear tor/linebackers coach at Northwestern State. He left there the following year for Ole Miss to coach the Rebels’ AArk.-Monticello,rk.-Monticello, 19801980 outside linebackers and defensive ends. While at Ole Miss, Kaufman helped guide the Rebels Art Kaufman, a veteran of 23 years of to back-to-back bowl appearances (1989 coaching at the collegiate level, begins his sec- Liberty Bowl and 1991 Gator Bowl) for the ond season at Middle Tennessee and his fi rst fi rst time since the 1970s. under Rick Stockstill. Kaufman will coach the Blue Raider linebackers Four years later, Kaufman for a second straight year. was named the defensive coordina- In his fi rst year at Middle Tennessee, Kaufman made a huge tor/linebacker coach at Louisiana Tech impact on the defense: the Blue Raiders fi nished 17th nationally University, where he remained until in scoring defense and 28th in total defense. Both rankings went returning to Ole Miss in 1995. In 1992, down as the best since the Blue Raiders joined the I-A ranks in his defensive unit ranked in the top fi ve 1999. Kaufman guided newcomer J.K. Sabb, who led the team in nationally. tackles, to second team all-conference honors. He served again as the Rebels’ defensive Kaufman, who has coached in six bowl games during his career, coordinator/linebacker coach for the next made his way to Murfreesboro after two seasons as defensive line coach at six years. During his second stint at Ole Miss, East Carolina. Kaufman helped the Rebels to four straight Prior to joining the staff at ECU, Kaufman spent two seasons as the defensive bowl berths (1997-2000), and his 1999 defense coordinator and linebackers coach at Arkansas Tech. ranked fourth nationally in rushing defense. A 1980 graduate of the at Monticello, Kaufman spent 10 Kaufman, a native of Dermott, Ark., has three years as an assistant coach at the University of Mississippi including six years as de- daughters: Tara, Taylor, and Madison. fensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Kaufman, a two-time all-American linebacker during his playing days at Ar- kansas-Monticello, followed his four-year career with the Boll Weevils by taking a graduate assistant position at Delta State University. Kaufman earned his fi rst full-time coaching job in 1983 when he became the

THE KAUFMAN FILE BORN: December 23, 1957 HOMETOWN: Dermott, AR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Dermott High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: Arkansas-Monticello, 1980 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in agriculture CHILDREN: Tara, Taylor, and Madison BOWL GAMES COACHED: 6

COACHING CAREER 2005- Middle Tennessee Linebackers 2003-2004 East Carolina Defensive Line 2000-2002 Arkansas Tech Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1994-1999 Ole Miss Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1992-1993 Louisiana Tech Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1988-1991 Ole Miss Outside Linebackers/Def. Ends 1987 Northwestern State Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1983-1986 Northwestern State Outside Linebackers 1982 Delta State Graduate Assistant Art Kaufman with his daughters Tara, Taylor, and Madison (front).

78 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship in AAsst.sst. HHC/RunningC/Running BBacksacks 1992. Kirksey’s running back corps led the SEC in rushing FFirstirst YYearear that season with an average of 252 yards per game. The Harlan, Ky., native also coached running EEasternastern KKentucky,entucky, 11974974 backs at the under Charlie Pell and Galen Hall from 1984 to 1988. During his tenure at Larry Kirksey, a 31-year coaching veteran in the Florida, he coached star running backs Lorenzo collegiate and NFL ranks, is an assistant head coach on Hampton, Neal Anderson, John L. Williams, and Rick Stockstill’s staff and is in charge of the running backs. Emmitt Smith. After leaving Florida, Kirksey Kirksey, who has a national championship and a Super Bowl title to his credit, was spent one year as running backs coach at Pitts- out of coaching in 2005 while serving as deputy executive director of the Kentucky burgh. Sports Authority. Prior to joining the Gators, Kirksey gained Kirksey spent 10 years in the NFL with stops at San Francisco valuable experience by taking over head coach- (1994 to 1999), Detroit (2001 to 2002) and Jacksonville (2003) and ing duties at Kentucky State in 1983. as a volunteer at Denver (2004). He was a wide receivers coach his fi rst Kirksey got his start in coaching when he be- nine years in the league and tutored the likes of Jerry Rice, John Taylor, Terrell Ow- came the wide receiver/tight end coach at Miami ens, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Morton, Ed McCaff rey, and J.J. Stokes. of Ohio in 1974 and remained with the Redskins In 1995, Kirksey earned a Super Bowl ring when the 49ers defeated the San Di- for three seasons before joining the staff at Ken- ego Chargers, 49-26. Rice grabbed 10 passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns tucky. He also coached wide receivers and tight under Kirksey’s guidance, and the receiving corps set a Super Bowl record with six ends for the Wildcats from 1977 to 1981, then touchdowns. spent the 1982 campaign coaching the same po- In between his stint with the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions, Kirksey was sitions at Kansas. an assistant head coach in charge of the wide receivers at Texas A&M in 2000. That Kirksey earned a bachelor’s degree from East- year he helped lead the Aggies to a berth in the Independence Bowl while injecting ern Kentucky in 1974, where he was a four-year hints of the West Coast off ense. letterman and three-year starter as a wide In 1996, Kirksey was rumored as a candidate for Kentucky’s head coaching posi- receiver. As a senior, he earned all-conference tion and was dubbed one of college football’s “Next 10 Geniuses” by Athlon Sports honors. in 2001, along with Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis, Florida State’s He is married to the former Anita Combs of Mickey Andrews, and Kansas Head Coach . Hazard, Ky., and they have two children, Jes- From 1990 to 1993, Kirksey coached running backs for Alabama, where he sica and Jared.

THE KIRKSEY FILE BORN: January 6, 1951 HOMETOWN: Harlan, KY HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Harlan High School, 1969 COLLEGE EDUCATION: Eastern Kentucky, 1974 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in education WIFE: Anita CHILDREN: Jessica, Jared BOWL GAMES COACHED: 10

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Asst. Head Coach/Running Backs 2004 Denver Broncos Asst. Special Teams/Volunteer 2003 Wide Receivers 2001-2002 Detroit Lions Wide Receivers 2000 Texas A&M Asst. Head Coach/Wide Receivers 1994-1999 San Francisco 49ers Wide Receivers 1990-1993 Alabama Running Backs 1989 Pittsburgh Running Backs 1984-1988 Florida Running Backs 1983 Kentucky State Head Coach 1982 Kansas Wide Receivers/Tight Ends 1977-1981 Kentucky Wide Receivers/Tight Ends Larry and Anita Kirksey with son Jared and daughter Jessica. 1974-1976 Miami (Ohio) Quarterbacks/WR/Tight Ends

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 79 G.A. Mangus The 2004 success followed a 2003 campaign that OOffff eensivensive CCoord./QBsoord./QBs saw Mangus direct the Aggies to the fi fth-greatest one- year turnaround in Division III history. They fi nished with FFirstirst YYearear a 9-2 record and captured the Eastern College Athletic FFlorida,lorida, 11992992 Conference (ECAC) Southeast Championship with a 54- 37 victory over he College of New Jersey. Mangus Former Delaware Valley Head Coach G.A. was named MAC Coach of the Year for his ef- Mangus is in his fi rst season as off ensive coordinator forts. on Rick Stockstill’s staff . Mangus, a two-time Coach Mangus was a quarterback at the of the Year, was a quarterback at Florida under Steve Spurrier. University of Florida from 1988 to 1991, Mangus, who also oversees the quarterbacks, took the Delaware Val- including two years under former Wash- ley program over in May of 2002, went 2-8 in his rookie campaign, and ington Redskins and current South Car- turned the team into an NCAA Division III championship contender during olina Head Coach Steve Spurrier. Dur- his four seasons. Since 2002, Delaware Valley notched a 33-4 record, won ing that time, he was a member of the three conference championships (ECAC in 2003, MAC in 2004 and 2005), school’s fi rst-ever SEC championship reached the 2004 NCAA quarterfi nals in the school’s fi rst-ever trip to the team in 1991 and was on the sidelines national playoff s in a team-qualifying sport, and followed that up with for the . another quarterfi nal appearance in 2005. Following his 1992 graduation, Man- In 2004 and 2005, Mangus led the Aggies to perfect back-to-back gus remained at Florida for three years regular season records and the team’s fi rst overall Middle Atlantic Con- and served in the roles of graduate as- ference championship for an automatic bid to the NCAA postseason in sistant and assistant off ensive line coach. 2004. The 2005 squad also earned a MAC title and advanced to the NCAA The Gators won two SEC titles (1993, 1994), playoff s. Delaware Valley hosted and won their fi rst two playoff games in reached the championship game in 1992, 2004 and 2005 before falling in the quarterfi nals and fi nishing with a 12-1 and made three bowl appearances during that record each year. tenure. The accolades poured in for Mangus following the 2004 season. He was named Mangus moved on to Widener in February of 1995 MAC Coach of the Year for the second year in a row and also earned the East Region and was part of the powerhouse program for four Coach of the Year Award from Don Hansen’s Football Gazette. Mangus was then vot- seasons. He fi rst began as the running backs and ed as the Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Region 2 Coach quarterbacks coach and was eventually elevated to of the Year and was a candidate for the national honor as well. Mangus’ off -season off ensive coordinator. The Pioneers had two eight- was capped when he was named the Tri-State Coach of the Year by the prestigious win seasons and made two postseason appearances, Maxwell Football Club. including an NCAA Division III playoff berth in 1995. Mangus became the assistant head coach and of- fensive coordinator for Ursinus College in June of 1999 and joined a program that had gone 3-7 the previous year. The 1999 squad posted a school-record 10 wins (10- 2), including the school’s fi rst-ever NCAA Division III playoff win in the fi rst round. The Bears came back the next year and went 8-2 for the fi rst back-to-back winning seasons since 1954. Mangus and his wife Lauren have a daughter, Grace. THE MANGUS FILE BORN: December 4, 1968 HOMETOWN: Marietta, GA HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Walton High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: Florida, 1992 DEGREE: Bachelor of Arts in economics WIFE: Lauren CHILDREN: Grace BOWL GAMES COACHED: 3

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Off ensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks 2002-2005 Delaware Valley Head Coach (35-12) 2001 Salesianim HS Off ensive Coordinator 1999-2000 Ursinus College Asst. Head Coach/Off ensive Coord. 1995-1998 Widener University Off ensive Coordinator (1997-98) 1992-1994 Florida Graduate Assistant G.A. and Lauren Mangus with daughter Grace.

80 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Jimmy Ray Stephens

The Eustis, Fla., native coached on the Gators’ 1996 national OOffff eensivensive LLineine championship team and helped Florida to nine January bowl FFirstirst YYearear games. During that span, Florida’s off ense was ranked among the nation’s top 15 six times and its passing off ense FFlorida,lorida, 11977977 among the top 10 seven times. Stephens rejoined the Gators staff in 1993 after A former NFL player and national championship a stellar high school coaching career that saw him winner, Jimmy Ray Stephens is in his fi rst year as the of- compile a 63-7 head coaching mark. That record fensive line coach on Rick Stockstill’s staff at Middle Ten- came during a pair of three-year coaching and nessee. Stephens comes to the Blue Raiders after four years with the University of athletics director stints from 1987-92 at Williston Tennessee program. and Fort Walton Beach. As off ensive line coach of the Vols, Stephens helped develop one of the top lines All told, Stephens spent 13 years in the Florida in the SEC. During his tenure, Stephens tutored Michael Munoz to consensus All- high school coaching ranks as either a head or America status in 2004 after placing Scott Wells into a starting position with the assistant coach. His recruiting ties to the Sun- Green Bay Packers in 2003. Stephens went to three bowls with the Vols and was shine State are strong and he will be a huge asset part of the 2004 SEC Eastern Division Championship squad. there for the Blue Raiders. Prior to arriving at UT, Stephens spent nine seasons coaching the Florida of- Stephens is married to the former Regina Gouge fensive line -- part of a high-powered off ense that led to fi ve SEC champion- and has two sons, Chris -- who recently completed a ships for the Gators. At Florida, Stephens coached four Jacob’s Blocking Trophy football career at North Carolina -- and Timmy. winners (Best Off ensive Lineman in SEC) and eight players who were drafted in the NFL. Stephens himself sparkled both on the off ensive line and at tight end during his playing career at Florida. He was a second-team All-SEC performer at center under Gators head coach Doug Dickey before making the move to tight end and earning second-team all-league honors there as well. Stephens went on to be drafted in the 12th round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. His most recent responsibility at Florida was as off ensive line coach and run- game coordinator during the 2001 season. Prior to that, Stephens also coordinated the unit’s pass protection.

THE STEPHENS FILE BORN: October 2, 1954 HOMETOWN: Bradford, AR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Eustis High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: Florida, 1977 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in physical education WIFE: Regina CHILDREN: Chris and Timmy BOWL GAMES COACHED: 12

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Off ensive Line 2002-2005 Tennessee Off ensive Line 1993-2001 Florida Off ensive Line 1990-1992 Fort Walton Beach HS Head Coach 1987-1989 Williston HS Head Coach 1985-1986 Gonzales Tate HS Off ensive Coordinator 1984 Florida Graduate Assistant 1981-1983 Buchholz HS Off ensive Coordinator 1980 Union County HS Off ensive Coordinator 1979 Vanguard HS Wide Receivers 1977-1978 Florida Assistant Off ensive Line Coach Jimmy Ray and Regina Stephens with son Timmy.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 81 Justin Watts squad that faced . WWideide RReceivers/eceivers/ He was also a member of RRecruitingecruiting CoordinatorCoordinator the team when Clemson competed in the 1996 and FFirstirst YYearear 1997 Peach Bowls. The Florence, S.C., na- CClemson,lemson, 22000000 tive was honored as one of A former player under Head Coach Rick Stock- Clemson’s scholar-athletes still, Justin Watts is in his fi rst year at Middle Tennessee as the program’s wide re- at the 1999 Peach Bowl ceivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Watts makes his way to Murfreesboro after Awards Luncheon and was spending the past three years at Chattanooga. selected as a BB&T Student- In 2005, Watts helped lead Chattanooga to its fi rst winning season since 1997 by Athlete of the Week by the coaching the Southern Conference’s leading receiver. Watts tutored Emanuel Has- Clemson Sports Network. sell to fi rst team All-Southern Conference honors after he paced the league with 52 An outstanding quarterback receptions. at South Florence High School, he In his fi rst two seasons at UTC, Watts coached All-America and All-Southern was ranked as the 17th best quar- Conference receiver Alonzo Nix. Nix set the school and Southern Conference single- terback in the nation by SuperPrep and season receptions record in 2003 with 90 catches and the single-game record of 18 the sixth-ranked player in the state. Watts receptions. He signed a free agent contract with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans in 2005. completed 132 of 238 pass attempts Prior to joining the staff at Chattanooga, Watts served two years as a graduate for 1,746 yards his senior season. That assistant at Clemson. During that time he was a part of Clemson’s 2001 Humanitar- year, he played in the North Carolina- ian Bowl team and the 2002 Tangerine Bowl squad. South Carolina Shrine Bowl and was Watts, a former receiver at Clemson, has the rare distinction (one of only two nominated for the state’s Mr. Football players) of winning fi ve football letters at the South Carolina school. He began his Award. He fi nished his career with career in 1996, and saw action in three games as a sophomore before suff ering a 7,979 total yards and 74 touch- season-ending injury against Florida State. He was able to use a medical redshirt for downs. that season. Watts was born Oct. 1, 1977 in He fi nished his career with 51 catches for 561 yards. He was a member of the Florence, S.C. He earned a degree in 1999 Peach Bowl team that played Mississippi State and the 2000 Gator Bowl sports management from Clemson in 2000. Watts and his wife Lauren were married this past summer.

THE WATTS FILE BORN: October 1, 1977 HOMETOWN: Florence, SC HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: South Florence High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: Clemson, 2000 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in sports management WIFE: Lauren BOWL GAMES COACHED: 2

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. 2003-2005 Chattanooga Wide Receivers 2001-2002 Clemson Graduate Assistant Justin and Lauren Watts

82 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Danny Lewis Lewis played tight end and lettered at Charleston DDirectorirector ofof Southern before graduating in 1995 from the Uni- FFootballootball OOperationsperations versity of South Carolina. He began his coaching career at Newberry College under Mike Taylor from SSouthouth CCarolina,arolina, 11995995 1998 to 1999, and guided the off ensive line and acted as the Indians’ recruiting coordinator. While at Newberry, Danny Lewis, a former assistant coach and ad- which broke various school records during his stop ministrator in the collegiate ranks, joins Rick Stockstill’s there, Lewis coached four all-South Athletic Con- staff as director of football operations. Lewis makes his ference performers, including left tackle Van way to Murfreesboro after spending the past fi ve years at The Citadel. Williams, who participated in the Division Along with overseeing the day-to-day logistics of the football program, Lewis II All-Star Game. will organize all recruiting eff orts while working closely with the head coach. He spent the spring of 2000 on Coach Lewis, who spent last year as an assistant athletic director for compliance and Tony Felder’s staff at Benedict College as academic services, was an assistant coach for the Bulldogs his fi rst four years. From the off ensive line coach and recruiting coordi- 2001 through the 2004 season, Lewis served as the running backs coach and recruit- nator before accepting a graduate assistant’s po- ing coordinator. In 2003 and 2004 he was elevated to assistant head coach. sition under Holtz at USC, working primarily with Much of the Bulldogs’ successes with recruiting from 2001 to 2004 were a direct recruiting. He was a member of the USC coaching result of Lewis’ work. Lewis had strong recruiting ties in the state of South Carolina staff that led the Gamecocks to one of the most and was a driving force behind two of the largest recruiting classes in school history. memorable seasons in their history, including He came to The Citadel from the University of South Carolina, where he assisted with a victory over Ohio State in the 2000 Outback recruiting for Coach Lou Holtz’s Gamecocks. Bowl in Tampa. During Lewis’ tenure at The Citadel he coached back-to-back-to-back-to-back Born June 16, 1972, Lewis is married to the All-Southern Conference performers at running back with Maurice Murphy taking former Kim Shaw of Lexington. They have two home the hardware in 2001 and junior Nehemiah Broughton earning all-league ac- sons, Eric and Alex. colades in 2002 and 2003. Under Lewis’ guidance Broughton excelled and became only the 11th Bulldog in history to for over 1,000 yards in a season in 2002. Broughton was taken in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. A native of Lexington, S.C., where he played wide receiver at Lexington High,

THE LEWIS FILE BORN: June 16, 1972 HOMETOWN: Lexington, SC HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Lexington High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: South Carolina, 1995 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in sports administration WIFE: Kim CHILDREN: Eric and Alex

COACHING CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Director of Football Operations 2005 The Citadel Assistant Athletic Director 2001-2004 The Citadel Assistant Head Coach 2000 South Carolina Graduate Assistant 1998-1999 Newberry College Off ensive Line/Recruiting Coord. 1996-1997 Heatherwood Hall HS Assistant Coach Danny and Kim Lewis with sons Eric and Alex (sitting).

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 83 Chris Matusek that went 8-3, won a share of the AAdministrativedministrative AssistantAssistant Championship, and became the fi rst team to ever win FFourthourth YYearear a game against a team from the SEC. He also carries the distinction of being on the last I-AA team at MMiddleiddle TTennessee,ennessee, 20022002 Middle Tennessee and on the fi rst I-A team. In 2001, Matusek served as captain for three Chris Matusek, a four-year lettermen in games during the season. football at Middle Tennessee, is in his fourth year as Matusek, who went his entire a full-time employee with the program. Matusek career without a bad snap, was origi- spent the fi rst two years as the program’s equipment manager before be- nally a walk-on before being earning ing elevated to administrative assistant in June 2005. a scholarship for his fi nal two years Matusek oversees the equipment operation and the team’s prac- as a Blue Raider. tice facility while assisting with the football program’s day-to-day At Shelbyville, Matusek played operations. These duties also include ordering, distributing, and quarterback for the Eagle football maintaining equipment and apparel for players and staff f, and team. He earned four letters and overseeing the operation of Middle Tennessee’s student equip- tossed 10 touchdown passes as a ment managers. He also assists the director of football operations senior. Matusek also lettered four in various day-to-day responsibilities. years in baseball. Matusek will also act as the program’s former player contact, Matusek earned his a responsibility Head Coach Rick Stockstill says carries great degree from Middle Tennessee in signifi cance because of the importance of developing and main- industrial technology in 2002. taining relationships with former players and making sure they are Matusek is single and resides in informed of upcoming football-related events and feel welcomed Murfreesboro. back to campus. One aspect of Matusek’s personality that has earned him respect among coaches and players is the consistency in which he achieves multiple tasks. That trait was evident during his Blue Raider playing career. A native of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Matusek played and started all 43 games as a deep snapper from 1998 to 2001. Matusek was a member of the 2001 team

THE MATUSEK FILE BORN: June 3, 1979 HOMETOWN: Shelbyville, TN HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Shelbyville High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: Middle Tennessee, 2002 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in industrial technology

CAREER 2005- Middle Tennessee Administrative Assistant 2003-2004 Middle Tennessee Equipment Manager Chris Matusek played for the Blue Raiders from 1998 to 2001.

84 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Joe-Joe Petrone Petrone’s eff orts didn’t stop there. For four years HHeadead AAthleticthletic TTrainerrainer he was a co-organizer of the American Cancer Society’s FFifthifth YYearear Longest Day of Golf Fundraiser, and he was a three-year volunteer with the University of Tampa’s Renne Martinez VVanderbilt,anderbilt, 11980980 Golf Fundraiser. He also participated in Paint Your Heart Out Tampa for four years. One of the most respected men in his fi eld, Petrone and his wife Allyson have twin sons, Joe-Joe Petrone begins his fi fth year at Middle Ten- Chas and Michael. His hobbies include yard nessee as the program’s head athletic trainer. work, golf, and Little League baseball with A native of Nashville and a graduate of Father Ryan High School, his kids. Petrone oversees the entire training operation and is also the primary liaison for the football program. Petrone came to the Middle Tennessee family after spending fi ve years as the athletic trainer and therapist at Healthsouth Sports Medicine Center in Tampa, Florida. He was responsible for the reha- bilitation of all injuries and in charge of the sports medicine outreach program. Prior to his time at Healthsouth, Petrone was the assistant athletic trainer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1987 to 1996. While with the Buccaneers, he saw to the care and prevention of player injuries and handled all road trip needs for his team physicians. From 1981 to 1987, Petrone was the assistant athletic trainer at the University of Mississippi. At Ole Miss, he assisted with the football program and was the head athletic trainer for basketball. For fi ve years, Petrone worked as an athletic trainer for the New York Yankees Fantasy Camp and also do- nated his time and knowledge as an athletic trainer for Florida College and Hillsbor- ough High School football. During the summers of 1979 and 1980, Petrone served as a summer assistant athletic trainer for the Football Club in Hempstead, New York. A certifi ed member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Petrone earned his bachelor’s degree from in 1980. In 1994, he re- ceived his master of science degree from the University of South Florida. Petrone has also been very active in the community, off ering his services and expertise in a number of ways. While living in the Tampa area, he delivered lectures on athletic training and steroid education at several schools. He also participated in the Great American Teach-In at four schools.

THE PETRONE FILE BORN: February 15, 1958 HOMETOWN: Hermitage, TN HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Father Ryan High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: Vanderbilt, 1980 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in health and physical education WIFE: Allyson CHILDREN: Chas and Michael

CAREER 2002- Middle Tennessee Head Athletic Trainer 1997-2001 HealthSouth Athletic Trainer/Therapist 1987-1996 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Assistant Athletic Trainer 1981-1986 Ole Miss Assistant Athletic Trainer 1981 (summer) NY Yankees AA Team Interim Head Athletic Trainer 1980-1981 Kentucky Graduate Assistant Trainer 1980 (summer) New York Jets Assistant Athletic Trainer Joe-Joe and Allyson with sons Chas (far right) and Michael. 1979 (summer) New York Jets Assistant Athletic Trainer

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 85 Russell Patterson During his time at Clemson, Patterson was an integral part of SStrengthtrength CCoachoach seven bowl teams while working closely with Head Coach Tom- 11stst YYearear my Bowden on a daily basis. Patterson was responsible for the speed, strength, and conditioning of the Tiger linebackers, de- PPresbyterian,resbyterian, 11992992 fensive linemen, and safeties while coordinating scout days and organizing the winter conditioning program. Russell Patterson, the American A two-year letterwinner in football at Presby- Football Monthly 2005 NCAA Division I-AA terian College, Patterson earned a bachelor’s degree National Strength and Conditioning Coach of from the school in 1992. Upon graduation, he spent the Year, begins his fi rst year as the director of strength, speed, and fi ve years as an assistant football coach and strength conditioning for the Middle Tennessee football program. coach at North Augusta (S.C.) High School before Patterson, who spent the previous two years at Appalachian joining the Clemson staff . State, played a key role in the Mountaineers’ run to the 2005 Patterson is a member of the National Strength national championship. In addition to his eff orts with the ASU and Conditioning Association, the Collegiate Strength football squad, Patterson worked directly with the men’s and and Conditioning Coaches Association, and the Interna- women’s basketball and volleyball teams while overseeing tional Sports Sciences Association. He is also certifi ed by the strength and conditioning program for all 20 of ASU’s var- USA Weightlifting as a sports performance coach specializ- sity sports. ing in Olympic lifts. A native of Easley, S.C., Patterson developed a fi ve-year plan A regular speaker in the strength training fi eld, Patterson for an improved training facility at ASU, increased his staff from two to six has delivered talks with titles such as “Strength Training for through a graduate assistant program, and counseled student-athletes on the Speed,” “Proper Warm-up Techniques,” “Force Training and the importance of nutrition. Westside Principles,” and “Techniques at Improving Change of Prior to his stint at ASU, Patterson spent four years as an assistant strength Direction.” and conditioning coach at Clemson, where he had the opportunity to work Patterson is married to the former Laura Sharp of Greens- with Rick Stockstill. At Clemson, Patterson served as the top assistant in the boro, N.C. Tigers’ football strength, speed, and conditioning program and director of per- formance nutrition. Before being promoted to a full-time capacity, he spent three years as a graduate assistant in the strength and conditioning depart- ment at CU.

THE PATTERSON FILE BORN: July 23, 1969 HOMETOWN: Easley, S.C. HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Easley High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: Presbyterian, 1992 DEGREE: Bachelor of Science in mathematics WIFE: Laura

CAREER 2006- Middle Tennessee Head Football Strength Coach 2004-2005 Appalachian State Head Strength Coach 2000-2003 Clemson Assistant Strength Coach 1998-1999 Clemson Graduate Assistant 1993-1997 North Augusta HS Strength Coordinator 1992 Palmetto HS Assistant Football Coach Russell and his wife Laura with Chester.

86 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Football Support Staff JJanan DDekeeke TTyleryler WWorleyorley HHerrinerrin WWilliamsilliams Executive Aide Defensive GA Off ensive GA Jan Worley is in her Deke Herrin be- Tyler O’Brian Wil- 17th year in the Middle Ten- gins his fi rst year on Rick liams embarks on his second nessee Athletic Department Stockstill’s staff as a graduate tour of duty as a graduate as- and currently has the role of assistant. sistant with the Blue Raiders executive aide for the Blue Herrin, who spent in 2006 after serving in the Raider football program. the previous six years as a construction superintendent same capacity during the 2005 campaign. Worley joined the athletic department in 1990 as for Southern Homes in South Carolina, will work pri- Williams works with the off ensive staff . Among his a secretary for football, baseball, and track. With the marily on the defensive side of the ball. many responsibilities include assisting with the video leap to I-A football in 1999, Worley dropped baseball Herrin was a walk-on wide receiver at Western Caro- staff , setting up meetings, and working with recruit- and track to become executive aide for football. lina in 1994 before earning a scholarship in 1995. After ing, as well as various on-fi eld tasks. A 2005 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Wil- The Manchester, Tennessee, native graduated from two seasons with the Catamounts, Herrin transferred liams played for the Volunteers from 2000 to 2004. He Middle Tennessee in 1980 and earned her Certified to Clemson, where he played the 1998 campaign under was a member of the team’s off ensive line and was a Professional Secretary rating in 1993. Rick Stockstill. three-time Academic All-SEC honoree (2002, 2003, Before coming to Middle Tennessee, Worley lived Herrin, who is coaching on the same staff with his and 2004). in Atlanta, where she worked at a computer company father Les for the fi rst time in his career, earned his de- Williams earned his bachelor of science in commu- called Data General. gree in sports management from Clemson in 1999. nications, majoring in journalism and electronic me- Worley resides in Murfreesboro with her husband, dia, and graduated magna cum laude from Tennessee Mike, and daughter, Lyndsay, who is a junior at Middle in May, 2005. He is currently pursuing an M.S. with a Tennessee. concentration in sports management from Middle Ten- nessee and will graduate in December 2006. Williams also graduated as valedictorian at Cosby High School. Williams and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Murfrees- boro. WWilliamilliam LLanceance JJ.P..P. BBrownrown KKazorazor SShellyhelly Video Coordinator Academic GA Student Assistant William Brown is Lance Kazor begins J.P. Shelly begins in his fi rst year as coordina- his second season as a gradu- his second season on the Blue tor of video operations for the ate assistant on the Middle Raider coaching staff as a stu- Blue Raider football program. Tennessee staff . His primary dent assistant. Brown is the fi rst full-time responsibilities are monitor- The hard working video coordinator at Middle Tennessee. ing academics and assisting with the day-to-day op- Shelly assisted with the linebackers, signaled in plays The Georgetown, S.C., native makes his way to Mur- erations of the program. during games, and held various administrative duties freesboro after spending two years at South Carolina A 2003 graduate of Michigan State, Kazor already in 2005. His role in 2006 will be working with the de- as an assistant video coordinator. Brown worked under has developed a wide range of experience on both the fensive side of the ball and assisting in recruiting. former Blue Raider football player Joe Lisle and over- professional and collegiate levels. The Michigan native In 2002, Shelly was a preferred walk-on at Middle served as an undergraduate assistant with the Michi- saw the video operations for the women’s basketball Tennessee who accepted a Presidential Scholarship gan State football program in 2002 before beginning program while assisting with football. based on academics. The Nashville, Tenn., native was various stints at the professional level. Brown, who also was in charge of weekly motiva- the Tennessean’s Off ensive Player of the Year in 2001 Kazor worked with the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe tional highlight tapes for the football program, assist- in 2001-03, and he also served in football operations after passing for a state record 48 touchdowns to lead ed in scoreboard productions for football, basketball, with the in 2004 and 2005. The well- Ezell-Harding to a 15-0 record and a state champion- and special events. rounded Kazor also worked for NFL Europe’s League ship. Prior to his arrival at South Carolina, Brown served Operations, where he was based out of New York, Shelly enrolled at Harding University in 2003 where three years as the student video coordinator at Bene- Florida, and Germany in 2005. he remained until returning to Murfreesboro in the fall dict College. Kazor earned his bachelor of Arts degree from of 2005. Brown earned his degree in recreation from Bene- Michigan State in 2003 and he is currently working on dict College in 2004. an M.S. with a concentration in sports management at Middle Tennessee, and he will graduate in December 2006.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 87 Football Support Staff Security and Technical Support

Chip Miller John Albertson Tommy Wright Roger Evans Tennessee Highway Tennessee Highway MT Public Safety Technician Patrol Patrol

Student Video Assistants

Erik Bartlett Jay Carter C.J. Lewis Glenn Suggs Rob Williams 5th Year 2nd Year 2nd Year 4th Year 1st Year

Other Support Personnel

Ginger Freeman Vicki Justice-Lowe Robbie Snapp Donna Victory Alumni Director Athletic Housing Athletic Financial Aid Athletic Certifi cation

2007 RICK STOCKSTILL FOOTBALL CAMP Contact: Danny Lewis ([email protected] or 615-898-2311)

88 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Dr. Sidney McPhee

Council for the Humanities, and PPresidentresident the U.S. Senate confi rmed him. SSixthixth YearYear McPhee is a member of the Rutherford County Chamber of PPrairierairie VView,iew, 19761976 Commerce and chairs its mem- bership council. He is a member Dr. Sidney A. McPhee is the tenth president of of the SunTrust Bank Board of Middle Tennessee State University. Prior to his appoint- Directors (Nashville), SunTrust ment at MTSU in 2001, he was executive vice chancellor Regional Bank Board of Direc- at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) in Nashville. In addition, he served as chief tors (Murfreesboro), Adventure academic offi cer and interim chancellor for the Board of Regents System. Before his Science Center Board, Middle appointment at TBR, McPhee served in various administrative capacities at several Tennessee Medical Center major universities including University of Louisville and University of Memphis. Board, Murfreesboro Noon Ro- McPhee earned his B.A. degree from Prairie View A&M University; a master’s degree tary, and the Middle Tennessee from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and a doctorate in Applied Be- Council Boy Scouts of America havioral Studies in Education from Oklahoma State University. He is also a graduate Executive Board. He is co-chair of Harvard University Management Development Program and has completed pro- of the Tennessee Legislative fessional development programs at St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, Texas, and Retreat Task Force on Higher Dr. McPhee congratulates student-athlete Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Education. Paul Wheeler at Senior Day. As an academician, President McPhee’s scholarly publications and presentations Since McPhee’s arrival at MTSU, the University has experienced signifi cant growth are extensive. His publications have appeared in local, national, and international in student enrollment and new academic degrees at the undergraduate and gradu- professional journals. In addition, he is the senior author of a college textbook, ate levels. Guiding these changes is a new academic master plan focusing on three Understanding the Campus Culture: An Introduction to College, and has co-authored strategic areas: strengthening academic quality, forging partnerships with business a chapter for a major college textbook on academic advising. McPhee’s scholarly and industry, and creating a student-centered environment. For the fi rst time in pursuits include several international visits and presentations in locations such as the history of the University, four Ph.D. programs were established: in Economics, Beijing, China; Penang, Malaysia; Tokyo and Osaka, Japan; Seoul, Korea; Jerusalem English, Human Performance, and Public History. New undergraduate programs and Tel Aviv, Israel; Antwerp, Belgium; Montreal, Canada; Oxford, England; and Nas- include Art History; Concrete Industry Management Production, Sales, and Service; sau, Bahamas. and Sport Management. Since 2001, MTSU has seen an increase in research funds, McPhee currently serves on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and the NCAA federal funding, and philanthropic donations. Executive Committee. In April 2006, the Chronicle of Higher Education identifi ed him In addition to the increase in new academic programs, the University has been as one of the “most active leaders in intercollegiate athletics.” In May 2005, he was successful in raising admission standards, resulting in an increase in high-quality appointed to the NCAA Presidential Commission on the Future of Intercollegiate students. MTSU has been the institution of choice for midstate valedictorians and Athletics. He was appointed in 2006 to a second consecutive term as president of salutatorians in recent years. During the past three years, MTSU has enrolled a sig- the Sun Belt Conference Executive Committee, in which MTSU’s Blue Raiders com- nifi cant number of National Merit scholars and Achievement scholars. Great prog- pete. In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed him to serve on the National ress has been made in academic accomplishments of student athletes. The gradu- ation rate for athletes exceeds that of the general student population and several conference championships have been won in a variety of sports. McPhee’s tenure has seen major improvements in campus facilities. A ten-year, $70 million housing renovation project, sched- uled for completion in 2013, includes the refurbishing of all residen- tial facilities. Over $9 million was spent to renovate Andrew L. Todd Hall, which now houses the Art Department and has state-of-the- art equipment for its students and faculty. New facilities completed include “Tennessee” Miller Coliseum, the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building, the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame, and the Wood-Stegall Building, housing the Offi ce of Development. Presently, the University is involved in proposed or active capital projects totaling nearly $300 million. Additionally, McPhee and Director of Athletics Chris Massaro worked extensively with the City of Murfreesboro to secure a $5.5 mil- lion gift in late August 2005 to improve the soccer and track complex and upgrade the Reese Smith baseball facility. President McPhee is married to Elizabeth McPhee and they Dr. McPhee joins in the celebration following Middle Tennessee’s Sun Belt Confer- have two children, Seneca and Sidney-Anthony. ence Tournament championship this past March.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 89 Chris Massaro of Memphis to play DDirectorirector ofof AthleticsAthletics football. The series SSecondecond YYearear will get underway in 2007. Part of this NNorthernorthern CColorado,olorado, 11983983 contract includes Memphis playing Chris Massaro, who spent 20 years at the Uni- in Floyd Stadium, versity of South Carolina, was named the sixth director of which will make athletics in school history on April 8, 2005. In a short time, the Tigers the fi rst Massaro has made a huge impact by hiring a new head football coach, announcing in-state Division I- the school’s fi rst-ever capital campaign for athletics, and initiating a series of major A football team to renovations to existing athletic facilities. play the Blue Raid- On December 12, 2005, Massaro made his highest profi le hire when he selected ers in Murfrees- Rick Stockstill to take over the football program. Stockstill became just the second boro. Massaro has head coach in the I-A era at Middle Tennessee. also worked out a There was little time for Massaro to take a break from the rigors of the previous series with nearby hectic months because in February 2006, still less than a year from his hiring date, Georgia Tech that the ambitious administrator unveiled the fi rst capital campaign for Blue Raider ath- will see the Yel- letics. This vigorous campaign will lead to a multimillion dollar renovation to Reese low Jackets come Smith Field, which is home to the Blue Raider baseball team, and will provide an to Murfreesboro in opportunity for economic impact and national exposure giving Middle Tennessee 2011. the possibility of hosting national tournaments. Massaro, who This was not the fi rst time Massaro was involved in a project that led Middle helped the BRAA Chris and Cindy (back) with (l-r) Lainey, Rachel, Ben, and Hank. Tennessee entering into a lucrative agreement to benefi t the Blue Raider athletics set a fundraising department. Massaro and President Sidney McPhee worked extensively with the record for annual giving in 2005-06, quickly made his second hire in early June 2005 City of Murfreesboro to secure a $5.5 million gift to improve the soccer and track when he brought on board a new women’s tennis coach, Alison Ojeda, and devel- complex and assist with the renovation to the baseball stadium. oped a new radio deal to bring Blue Raider football and men’s basketball back to Not too long after unveiling the capital campaign, Massaro made another major local station WGNS 1450. Massaro also worked out an agreement with television announcement involving the future of Blue Raider football at the annual Blue-White station WB 58 in Nashville to become the “Home of the Blue Raiders.” WB 58 carries Spring Game. Massaro announced that generous contributions made it possible to a weekly magazine show and the Rick Stockstill and Kermit Davis coaches’ shows install a new synthetic surface in Floyd Stadium for the 2006 season. The Blue Raid- while cross-promoting Blue Raider athletics on three stations (WB 58, Fox 17, and ers will be the fi rst school in the country to use the top-of-the-line Sportexe Power- UPN 30). Blade brand, which is touted as the softest and most durable turf on the market. As senior associate athletic director at South Carolina, Massaro provided signifi - Hitting the ground running was the trademark of Massaro’s fi rst year at Middle cant leadership to the department. He became a senior staff member in 1994. Tennessee. At South Carolina, Massaro oversaw the men’s basketball program and all as- Two days following his hiring, Massaro was pressed into action to fi nd a replace- pects of the department’s ticket operations and group sales; helped coordinate the ment to lead the nationally recognized women’s basketball program. Massaro made department’s marketing eff orts; and was involved in all aspects surrounding the his fi rst hire when he brought on board legendary high school coach Rick Insell to planning, building, marketing, and opening of the $60 million 18,000-seat Carolina take over the program. Center. Massaro also handled football scheduling and negotiating game contracts. If the business of hiring coaches, fundraising, and running the day-to-day opera- The Glenwood Springs, Colo., native joined the Gamecock staff under the Ohio tion of the athletic department wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Massaro also has University sport administration program in 1985. Massaro helped usher the Game- made a signifi cant upgrade in the Blue Raider football schedule. During the summer cocks into the and learned under legendary athletic direc- of 2005, he announced a home game that will make Virginia the fi rst team from the tor Dr. Mike McGee. highly regarded ACC to visit Floyd Stadium. On his 100th day on the job, Massaro Massaro, who is a member of the Rutherford County Sports Council, earned his made one of his biggest announcements: a fi ve-year contract with the University bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Northern Colo- rado in 1983 and his master’s degree in sport administration from Ohio University in 1986. At UNC, Massaro was a fi ve-year football team member. A 1994 graduate of the Sports Management Institute, Mas- saro has had experience in developing SMI’s class programming on diff erent occasions while also serving on the Executive Committee. The SMI is a cooperative educational eff ort between the schools of business and the athletic departments from Notre Dame, Texas, Michigan, Southern California, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Massaro and his wife, Cindy, have four children: Hank, Lain- ey, Rachel, and Ben.

Director of Athletics Chris Massaro was part of a panel discussion with NCAA President Myles Brand (center) and MT President Sidney McPhee.

90 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Athletic Administration

staff responsible for multimedia sales, event promotions, and the production and AAlanlan FarleyFarley distribution of the school’s radio network and game programs. AAssociatessociate AD/FundraisingAD/Fundraising Prior to his tenure at Southern Mississippi, Meadows was the director of spe- cial projects for a joint venture between ISP and Learfi eld Communications at the 33rdrd Year/MiYear/Middleddle TTennessee,ennessee, 19921992 from Jan. 1998 to Jan. 2000. While at Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, Meadows initiated and managed several projects including vending op- Alan Farley, who has been with the athletic erations at home athletic events, the merchandise catalog, retail product develop- department for three years, was elevated to associate ath- letic director for fundraising in June of 2005. Farley, who ment, and the Crimson (Hospitality) Village. spent his fi rst year as an assistant athletic director in the Before assuming his duties with ISP/Learfi eld, Meadows sold radio, television, Blue Raider Athletic Association, heads up all of the ath- scoreboard, and print advertising for the Alabama Sports Network and corporate letic department’s external aff airs. Farley is a 1992 Middle sponsorships for the SEC from June 1990 to Dec. 1997, working for both Host Com- Tennessee graduate. munications and Collegiate Sports Partners. Farley is responsible for all major gifts and an- From April 1993 to Jan. 1998, Meadows also served as the vice president of Colle- nual fundraising for the Middle Tennessee athletic depart- giate Sports Partners, Ltd. In his role there, he developed sales, marketing, and pub- ment. He has been instrumental in overseeing the development and fundraising lishing opportunities for clients in Alabama. Among his clients were the University for the synthetic turf that was installed on Horace Jones Field and the new baseball of Alabama, the Alabama High School Athletic Association, and the Alabama Sports stadium and track and soccer stadium that will be built on campus. Farley worked in Hall of Fame. Meadows later moved into a role as the VP and general manager of conjunction with Middle Tennessee President Sidney McPhee and Director of Athlet- CSP’s University of Alabama project, working more directly with the Crimson Tide ics Chris Massaro on securing a $ 5.5 million dollar investment into facilities by the athletic department. City of Murfreesboro. Aside from his career in athletics, he has also served as a commissioned offi cer During Farley’s short tenure as associate athletic director, the Middle Tennessee in the Alabama Army National Guard for over 27 years. His current assignment is as athletic department has completed phase one of its baseball stadium expansion, phase 1 of the track and soccer stadium, secured the fi rst athletic scholarship en- a logistics planning offi cer (LTC) with the 167th Theater Sustainment Command in dowment for women’s basketball, implemented courtside seating in Murphy Cen- Birmingham. ter, established a business directory of companies that support Blue Raider athletics, A Tuscaloosa, Ala, native, Meadows earned his B.A. in communications from and established BRAA clubs in surrounding counties in middle Tennessee. In 2006, Alabama in 1978. During his time as a student at Alabama, Meadows served as a the BRAA expanded its membership benefi ts and constructed a new donor wall in student manager for the football team, eventually serving as the head manager for Murphy Center. Coach Paul W. Bryant during his senior year. Prior to arriving at Middle Tennessee, Farley spent six years running his own Meadows and his wife Elon have four children: Maggie, Anna Kate, John Bross, consulting fi rm in Nashville. The fi rm deals with fundraising, government relations, and Kristen. public relations, and political campaign strategies. During that time, he wrote and managed fundraising plans that raised more than $3.2 million. In 2000, Farley served as the Tennessee political director for President George W. Bush’s presiden- MMikeike MoletaMoleta tial campaign. Farley also has served as campaign manager and political advisor to U.S. Congressman Ed Bryant and served as a political advisor to U. S. Senator Fred DDirectorirector ofof ComplianceCompliance Thompson. Prior to running his consulting fi rm, Farley spent 12 years in management with 55thth YYear/Soear/Souuthernthern MMiss,iss, 19871987 the United Parcel Service. Entering his fi fth year in the Middle Tennessee A lifelong resident of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Farley is currently the vice chairman athletic department, Mike Moleta serves as the director of for the Rutherford County Industrial Bond Development Board and the Rutherford compliance. County Health and Education Facilities Board. Farley also serves on the board of di- Moleta has been a key fi gure in setting up the rectors for Cookeville’s based LINC Preferred Group, Inc. athletic department’s new academic game plan while Farley and his wife, Kelly, who is also a graduate of Middle Tennessee, have two children, Dalton and Ally. keeping daily tabs on Middle Tennessee’s Academic Prog- ress Rate. Moleta also serves as a game management ad- MMarkark MMeadowseadows ministrator for men’s basketball, baseball, and soccer. Moleta came to MT from Northern Arizona Uni- AAssistantssistant AAD/MarketingD/Marketing & SSalesales versity, where he served in the same capacity as director of compliance. While a member of the Lumberjack athletic department, Moleta also held the position of 44thth YYear/Alear/Alaabama,bama, 11978978 director of operations for tennis and golf. Mark Meadows, who is Middle Tennessee’s as- Moleta’s career in compliance began at Southern Mississippi, where he was an sistant athletic director for marketing and corporate sales, honors graduate in the sports administration program. He began working in the begins his fourth year in Murfreesboro. USM athletic department as a student assistant to the athletic director in 1996 and Meadows made his way to Murfreesboro after became the school’s assistant compliance director in 1997. Moleta then took over serving as the assistant vice president and general man- as the associate athletic director for compliance in 1998, holding that position until ager for International Sports Properties at Southern Mis- moving on to NAU in 2001. sissippi. During his stint at Southern Mississippi, Meadows Moleta’s academic career was distinguished: he received the Sports Adminis- coordinated all marketing and broadcast activities for the tration Distinguished Leadership Award and the D.C. Leach Academic Scholarship Golden Eagle athletic department. He also supervised a MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 91 Athletic Administration Award. He also received the U.S. Army’s Achievement Medal twice during his four- year stint in the military. After leaving the service in 1984, Moleta was awarded the MMarkark OOwenswens Biloxi Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Award and the Executive Leadership AAsst.sst. AAD/MediaD/Media RRelationselations Award before beginning his academic pursuits at Southern Mississippi. Away from the offi ce, Moleta is active in coaching youth baseball and is a mem- 99thth YYear/Virear/Virgginiainia TTech,ech, 11989989 ber of both the National Association of Compliance Directors and the Collegiate Ath- Mark Owens is in his ninth year as Middle Ten- letic Business Managers Association. nessee’s media relations director and seventh as assistant A native of Biloxi, Miss., Mike and his wife Pam are the parents of two children, athletic director. Kirsten and Chandler. Since his arrival on campus, Owens has been instrumental in doubling the size of the media relations JJohnnyohnny MMooreoore staff , improving the quality and quantity of the depart- ment’s publications, and overseeing the launch of the AAsst.sst. AAD/OlympicD/Olympic SSportsports award-winning offi cial athletics Web site. The Tennessee Sports Writers Association voted Owens’ 2001 Blue Raider 118th8th YYear/Miear/Midddledle TTennessee,ennessee, 11961961 football media guide best in the state of Tennessee. In 2002, Owens engineered Beginning his 18th year at Middle Tennessee, Middle Tennessee’s fi rst-ever Heisman Trophy campaign with Dwone Hicks, an ef- Johnny Moore has been an invaluable resource for the fort that garnered the University national attention. athletic department. He is in his ninth year as assistant A 1989 graduate of Virginia Tech, Owens spent seven years at the University of athletic director/coordinator of Olympic sports. He also Memphis as associate media relations director. He joined the U of M staff in 1991 continues to coach the Blue Raider men’s golf team. and handled the publicity and promotion of Tiger basketball while also assisting As coordinator of Olympic sports, Moore over- with football. In addition, Owens was responsible for the design and layout of foot- sees all administrative facets of baseball, golf, and tennis. ball and basketball media guides that won numerous awards including two national Moore was one of three former Middle Tennes- honors. see athletes inducted into the Blue Raider Hall of Fame in Owens, a native of Stuart, Virginia, was responsible for the promotional cam- June 2001. He was selected for his football accomplishments and joined Howard paigns that landed All-America honors for Anfernee Hardaway, David Vaughn, Alsup (football) and Greg Artis (track) an inductee. Lorenzen Wright, and Cedric Henderson. His promotional penny design for Hard- During his tenure as head coach of the men’s golf team, Moore has led the Blue away in 1993 earned national acclaim. Owens also helped promote Tech athletes Raiders to fi ve Ohio Valley Conference titles and six other tournament titles since Will Furrer (for academic All-America honors) and basketball standout Bimbo 1989. Moore was also named OVC Coach of the Year three consecutive years: 1994, Coles. ’95, and ’96. He won the honor again in 1998 and 2000. Owens, who was the local media relations director for the 2006 Sun Belt Con- A native of Nashville, Moore graduated from Middle Tennessee in 1961. As a stu- ference Basketball Tournament, has also served as assistant media coordinator for dent-athlete, he was a star in both golf and football. As a big, rangy halfback, Moore three conference basketball tournaments and the 1997 NCAA Tournament. played in the Blue Raiders 21-12 Tangerine (now Citrus) Bowl victory over Presbyte- A member of CoSIDA, Owens served on the group’s radio and television liaison rian in 1960. Moore is also a two-time Nashville Metropolitan Open Champion and committee from 1997 to 1998. He is a member of the University Relations commit- one of the top-rated amateur golfers in the state of Tennessee. He qualifi ed for and tee at Middle Tennessee and the athletic department’s scholarship committee. participated in the 1990 United States Senior Open, which was won by Lee Trevino. In April of 2005, Owens was honored by the All-American Football Foundation For 32 years, Moore has been a member of the Tennessee Golf Association Board with the Scoop Hudgins Outstanding Sports Information Director award. of Directors. He is a former president and now serves on the executive board of di- Owens has a son, Tanner, who is eight years old. rectors. Nine years ago, he was appointed to the sectional aff airs committee of the United States Golf Association. MMattatt RileyRiley Moore is married to the former Andrea Jo Lehning. The couple has four chil- dren—Laura, Anne Marie, Johnny, and Mike—and two grandchildren. The Moores AAsst.sst. AAD/StrengthD/Strength & CConditioningonditioning reside in Gallatin. 114th4th YYear/Miear/Midddledle TTennessee,ennessee, 11988988 Matt Riley is assistant athletics director and Athletic Director Chronology oversees the strength and conditioning program for more than 300 student-athletes at Middle Tennessee. Riley, who 1947-81: Charles M. “Bubber” Murphy is in his 14th year, was also instrumental in the design of 1981-87: Jimmy Earle the current weight room located adjacent to the football stadium. 1987-94: John Stanford A former off ensive lineman under former ath- 1994-2000: Lee Fowler letics director and football coach , Riley 2000-2005: James “Boots” Donnelly returned to his alma mater to head up the weight and conditioning program and serve as strength coach in 1993 after heading two other 2005-Present: Chris Massaro programs following his graduation from Middle Tennessee.

92 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Athletic Administration

Riley, a master strength and conditioning coach, is certifi ed by the International ticket manager for two years beginning in 2001. In that role he managed daily de- Sports Science Association (ISSA) and CSCCA and is a member of each association as posits for all ticket and parking revenue; managed all activities surrounding ticket well as the NSCA and MSCC. As a player at Middle Tennessee in the mid-1980s, Riley sales for basketball, football, and baseball; and handled all ticket and business func- started on the off ensive line of two of the most successful teams in program history. tions for postseason play. The Blue Raiders advanced into the Division I-AA national semifi nals in 1984 and Szul joined the staff at LSU after serving as ticket manager at VMI for a little more were undefeated and the No. 1-ranked team nationally in 1985. than a year. Along with his duties as ticket manager, he was also project manager Riley was an assistant to strength coach Doc Kreis at Middle Tennessee in 1988 for the VMI Sports Hall of Fame, served on a committee to help redesign the athletic before being hired as the head strength and conditioning coach at Tennessee Tech in department Web site, and played a key role in securing corporate sponsorship dol- 1989. He served in that capacity for two years before being named the strength and lars. conditioning coach at Southern Mississippi in 1991, where he worked for two years From July 1999 to June 2000, Szul was a graduate intern at South Carolina where before returning to his alma mater. he fulfi lled the role of group sales/marketing assistant. Prior to that, he was a grad- Riley and his wife, Rajayna, have two children: daughter, Madison Cate, and son, uate assistant at University of Pennsylvania. Jackson Rhoad. Szul earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1998 from Robert Morris University and his master’s in sports science in 2000 from Indiana University ZZackieackie SandersonSanderson of Pennsylvania. AAsst.sst. AAD/BusinessD/Business MManageranager DDianeiane TurnhamTurnham 77thth YYear/Beear/Bellmont,mont, 11982982 AAssociatessociate AAD/SWAD/SWA Zackie Sanderson is in her seventh year as the 226th6th YYear/Lipscomb,ear/Lipscomb, 11980980 athletic business manager at Middle Tennessee. Although her work often goes unnoticed by the general public, she is Diane Turnham, one of the most dedicated and one of the most important persons in the athletic depart- loyal employees in the athletic department, is in her 26th ment. year with the Blue Raiders. Voted Middle Tennessee’s em- She assumed her duties after spending two ployee of the year for 2001-02, Turnham has served two years working in the school’s budget offi ce as a fi nancial stints as the department’s interim athletic director. On March 1, 2004, Turnham was appointed the management analyst and assisting with the preparation acting athletic director when former AD Boots Donnelly of the University budget. underwent heart surgery. Turnham handled the position Her duties include overseeing all fi nancial reporting and budgeting related to for two months. athletics. President Sidney McPhee then turned the reins back over to Turnham as interim Sanderson spent nine years with SunTrust Bank as an internal auditor, senior athletic director on January 12, 2005, following the resignation of Donnelly. Turn- accountant, and internal control offi cer. She has also worked with Kraft CPAs in ham served in that role for nearly fi ve months until Chris Massaro was hired on April Nashville, National Health Investors, Inc., Medisphere Health Partners, Cumberland 8, 2005. Science Museum, and Grassmere Wildlife Park in Nashville. In January of 2001, Turnham was promoted to associate athletic director. She Sanderson, a Belmont graduate, is a native of Nashville and is married to Ron oversees women’s sports in addition to handling the department’s personnel Sanderson of Lexington, Kentucky. The couple has two sons, Steven and Ben. changes. Prior to her new role, Turnham was an assistant athletic director for compliance MMichaelichael SSzulzul for seven years. She was in charge of overseeing the entire athletic department’s compliance with all NCAA rules. AAssociatessociate ADAD A member of the Sun Belt Conference and NCAA women’s Division I soccer com- mittee, Turnham was chair of the SBC’s Senior Women’s Administrators and also 11stst YYear/Robertear/Robert Moorris,rris, 11998998 served on the league’s executive staff committee up until last spring. Michael Szul, a native of Ford City, Pa., is in his In May of 2003, Turnham was honored by the All-American Football Foundation fi rst year as an associate athletic director at Middle Ten- as the outstanding associate athletic director. nessee. Turnham served as head coach of the women’s volleyball team for many years Szul oversees event management, facilities, while also serving as the only assistant coach with the women’s basketball team. contracts, licensing, and apparel for the athletic depart- During her tenure as a basketball coach at Middle Tennessee, Turnham earned eight ment. Ohio Valley Conference championships and six trips to the NCAA tournament and Szul spent four years at LSU with the previous was responsible for recruiting possibly the best women’s basketball player, Kim Webb, to ever don a Lady Raider uniform. Webb’s jersey is now retired. two years as the Tigers’ business manager. He oversaw and In volleyball, Turnham is the second winningest coach in school history. balanced the athletic department’s $50 million budget. The 1980 graduate of Lipscomb spent four years playing college basketball and Among his other duties were coordinating travel plans for all football away games, was named the team captain her senior year. serving as the liaison with the Tiger Athletic Foundation, and regularly working with Married to Kyle Turnham, the Mount Juliet, Tennessee, native enjoys spending legislative and internal auditors. time with her family and cooking in her spare time. The couple has one son, Steven Prior to being elevated to business manager at LSU, Szul served as an assistant Charles.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 93 Athletic Support Staff

Boniface Amuzu Janet Blaylock John Brooks Jodi Chmielewski Allison Clark Joy Conley Murphy Center Ticket Offi ce Ticket Manager Assistant Assistant Women’s Ticket Offi ce Operations Coord. Softball Coach Basketball Coach

Andrea Curran Kermit Davis Myra Fishback Pat Fones Roxanne Forth Chris Gannar Assistant Marketing Head Men’s Assistant Women’s Athletic Department Athletic Department Murphy Center Director Basketball Coach Basketball Coach Secretary Secretary Event Crew Foreman

Phil Gharib Dean Hayes Tom Hodges Cindy Hughes Rick Insell Thomas Johnson Murphy Center Head Track Coach Women’s Basketball Athletic Director’s Head Women’s Assistant Men’s Director of Operations Secretary Basketball Coach Basketball Coach

Roger Kerr Shirley Luscinski Jim McGuire Mike McLaury Kevin McMillan Roy Mewbourne Assistant Track Coach Academic Center Associate Baseball Assistant Baseball Assistant Women’s BRAA Assistant Secretary Coach Coach Basketball Coach Director

Jeff Motluck Alison Ojeda Matt Peck Steve Peterson Artie Pepelea Al Pinkins Assistant Volleyball Head Women’s Head Volleyball Head Baseball Coach Assistant Men’s Assistant Men’s Coach Tennis Coach Coach Basketball Coach Basketball Coach

94 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL Athletic Support Staff

Leigh Podlesny John Pointer David Reed Aston Rhoden Lillian Rucci Adam Sayers Head Softball Coach BRAA Assistant Director of Head Soccer Coach BRAA Administrative Assistant Soccer Director Broadcasting Assistant Coach

Dale Short Rachael Short Jim Simpson Brad Smith Debbie Strobel Whit Turnbow Head Men’s Head Women’s Director of the Assistant Marketing Account Manager Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach Golf Coach Varsity Club Director Golf Coach

Cathy Vaughn Linda Watson Rita Whitaker Jaunelle White George Zimmerman Athletic Department BRAA Administrative Interim Murphy Assistant Compliance Concessions Manager Secretary Assistant Center Manager Coordinator

PPresidentialresidential EExecutivexecutive SStafftaff

Kaylene Gebert Joe Bales John Cothern Robert Glenn Lucinda Lea Kim Edgar Executive Vice Presi- Vice President/ Vice President/Busi- Vice President for Vice President/Infor- Executive Assistant dent/Provost Development ness and Finance Student Aff airs mation Technology to the President

MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL 95 Staff Directory Directory (Area Code 615) Administration ...... 898-2450 Director of Athletics ...... Chris Massaro (898-2452) Associate AD/SWA ...... Diane Turnham (898-2938) Associate AD/Fundraising ...... Alan Farley (898-2915) Associate AD ...... Michael Szul (898-5563) Assistant AD/Media Relations .....Mark Owens (898-5057) Assistant AD/Marketing ...... Mark Meadows (904-8381) Assistant AD/Business ...... Zackie Sanderson (898-2207) Director of Compliance ...... Mike Moleta (898-5491)

Academic Advising ...... 904-8492 Director ...... Jim Rost Assistant ...... Debbie Carroll Assistant ...... Wynnifred Counts Assistant ...... Lewis Gray Secretary ...... Shirley Luscinski

Baseball ...... 898-2450 Head Coach ...... Steve Peterson Assistant ...... Jim McGuire Assistant ...... Mike McLaury Murphy Center houses the majority of the Blue Raider athletic personnel. Basketball (Men) ...... 898-2916 Head Coach ...... Kermit Davis Linebackers ...... Art Kaufman Softball ...... 898-2968 Assistant ...... Artie Pepelea Cornerbacks ...... Antonio Goss Head Coach ...... Leigh Podlesny Assistant ...... Al Pinkins Video ...... William Brown Assistant ...... Jodi Chmielewski Assistant ...... Thomas Johnson Executive Aide ...... Jan Worley Secretary ...... Debbie Bartlett Secretary ...... Cathy Vaughn Golf (Men) ...... 898-2452 Sports Medicine ...... 898-2412 Basketball (Women) ...... 898-2968 Head Coach ...... Johnny Moore Director ...... Joe-Joe Petrone Head Coach ...... Rick Insell Assistant ...... Whit Turnbow Assistant ...... Drew Shea Assistant ...... Myra Fishback Secretary ...... Cindy Hughes Assistant ...... Alison Ness Assistant ...... Kevin McMillan Assistant ...... Allison Clark Golf (Women) ...... 898-2450 Strength and Conditioning ...... 904-8196 Director of Basketball Operations ...... Tom Hodges Head Coach ...... Rachael Short Director ...... Matt Riley Secretary ...... Debbie Bartlett Assistant ...... Whit Turnbow Assistant (Football) ...... Russell Patterson Secretary ...... Pat Fones Assistant ...... Cedric Walthaw Blue Raider Athletic Association ...... 898-2210 Assistant ...... Jason Spray Director ...... Alan Farley Marketing ...... 494-8677 Assistant ...... John Pointer Director ...... Mark Meadows Tennis ...... 898-2916 Assistant ...... Roy Mewbourne Assistant ...... Brad Smith Head Coach (Men) ...... Dale Short Executive Aide ...... Linda Watson Assistant ...... Andrea Curran Head Coach (Women)...... Alison Ojeda Administrative Assistant ...... Lillian Rucci Director of Broadcasting ...... David Reed Secretary ...... Cathy Vaughn

Business ...... 898-2207 Media Relations ...... 898-2968 Ticket Offi ce ...... 898-2103 Manager ...... Zackie Sanderson Director ...... Mark Owens Manager ...... John Brooks Accountant ...... Debbie Strobel Assistant ...... Tony Stinnett Assistant ...... Joy Conley Assistant ...... Jo Jo Freeman Assistant ...... Janet Blaylock Compliance ...... 898-5491 Assistant ...... Denise Gideon Director ...... Mike Moleta Internet Services ...... Bradley Lambert Track and Cross-Country ...... 898-2450 Assistant ...... Jaunelle White Secretary ...... Debbie Bartlett Head Coach ...... Dean Hayes Assistant ...... Roger Kerr Concessions ...... 898-8173 Murphy Center Complex ...... 898-2753 Secretary ...... Pat Fones Director ...... George Zimmerman Interim Manager ...... Rita Whitaker Administrative Assistant ...... Melissa Vann Volleyball ...... 494-8677 Event Management ...... 898-2450 Manager ...... Boniface Amuzu Head Coach ...... Matt Peck Associate AD ...... Michael Szul Event Crew Foreman ...... Chris Gannar Assistant ...... Jeff Motluck Director of Compliance ...... Mike Moleta Facility Technician ...... Roger Evans Assistant ...... TBA Sound Technician ...... Phil Gharib Secretary ...... Roxanne Forth Football Offi ce ...... 898-2926 Custodial Supervisor ...... Diane Batey Head Coach ...... Rick Stockstill Custodial Lead Worker ...... Leon Bell Other Key Numbers Director of Football Operations ...... Danny Lewis Secretary ...... Jo Ann Goodman Baseball Press Box 898-2117 Administrative Assistant/Equipment ...... Chris Matusek Scheduling and Event Coordinator ...... Melinda Tate Cheerleading 898-8907 Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs ...... Larry Kirksey Faculty Representative (Terry Whiteside) 898-2621 Off ensive Coordinator ...... G.A. Mangus Soccer ...... 494-8677 Football Press Box 898-2312 Off ensive Line ...... Jimmy Ray Stephens Head Coach ...... Aston Rhoden MTSU Police 898-2424 Tight Ends ...... Brent Brock Assistant ...... Adam Sayers Murphy Center Press Row 898-2807 Wide Receivers ...... Justin Watts Secretary ...... Roxanne Forth Murphy Center Security 898-5358 Defensive Coordinator/Safeties ...... Manny Diaz Defensive Line ...... Les Herrin

96 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOTBALL