Troy University Athletics
Looking Back, and Ahead
11/12/2008 6:00:00 AM | General
To say the last two weeks have gone by in a flash would be a terrible understatement. A blink, a single breath, would be a better description of the last two weeks.
It was two weeks ago today that I found out my father was coming to the end of his life. He passed away after a two-year battle with lung cancer just a couple of hours before the Troy football team kicked off against ULM on November 1.
In the days since his passing, my family and I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from friends near and far. The cards, e-mails, text messages and Facebook messages have numbered into the hundreds and I am truly thankful to everyone who took the time to reach out to us during this most difficult time.
I have lost loved ones in the past ? grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles ? but nothing quite prepares you for the loss of a parent. Even though I have known for some time that the day was coming, you are still never prepared when it arrives.
Since returning to Troy late last week I have tried to jump back into work with the same energy and dedication I have always given, but I find that my mind often wanders off. My level of focus is just not where it normally is.
I understand that this is normal and, with time, it will pass.
I do want to extend a special thanks to the members of my staff here in the Media Relations Office. Travis Jarome, Jason Wright, Taylor Bryan and all of the other students stepped up in my absence and, even during the homecoming game against Western Kentucky last Saturday they allowed me a chance to just watch the game.
Words can't express my thanks.
I'd also like to thank Julius Pittman, who took care of our animals while we were away, and Alicia Bookout, who took over the ticket office so that my wife, Joan, could be with me.
Joan is my rock, and I doubt that I could have made it through this without her.
Over the last couple of weeks there have been quite a few news items that have piled up, so I thought I'd pass them along here.
Happier News ? On Monday, while the Troy men's basketball team was squaring off against West Alabama in an exhibition game, Travis was in Montgomery with his wife, Courtney. After a long day of waiting, the couple welcomed their first child, Riley Grace, to the world. Both mother and daughter are doing well.
Most at Troy don't know that Travis played soccer at a fairly elite level as a younger man, so I expect that Trojans coach Chris Bentley will be working his recruiting magic on Riley as soon as possible.
Wuerffel Award Finalist ? I received word today that Troy senior offensive lineman Will Chambliss has been selected as a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy. The award is presented annually to the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. The award is considered to be the “Humanitarian Heisman” and I can think of no one more deserving than Will.
The award winner will be announced on December 9. For more information on the award, visit www.wuerffeltrophy.org.
ESPN ? If you didn't see it, Graham Watson of ESPN.com had a short piece on Troy quarterback Levi Brown on October 30. It talked about all that Levi had overcome to get to where he is now, leading the Trojans. You can read it here.
ESPN also apparently had a televised piece that featured sophomore receiver Jerrel Jernigan. I didn't see it, but they had his catch in the FAU game ranked as the fourth best reception in the country this year.
On The Links ? For those golf fans out there, a couple of former Troy golfers have been making names for themselves in recent weeks.
Josh Broadaway, who is completing his third season on the Nationwide Tour, had his highest finish ever on the money list thanks to a strong showing at the Nationwide Tour Championship. He holed a bunker shot for eagle at the final hole to stay in the top 40 on the money list and earn an exemption into the final stage of q-school.
He finished the season 36th on the tour money list, earning $172,881 on the tour this year.
I hope to have a more in depth feature with Josh in the coming weeks.
Golf Channel fans have also been keeping up with another former Trojan, David Mobley, on the reality series “Big Break X”. Mobley, who is a former Re/Max Long Drive World Champion, is competing with Sally Dee, who also made her mark on the long drive circuit.
Despite some discord between the two in the most recent episode, they are still in the running for the top prize. The show was filmed during the summer in Michigan. I also hope to get David on the phone in the coming weeks to talk about the experience.
You can see a schedule for the upcoming episodes here.
Coming Attractions ? This Saturday's football game at LSU will not be available on television for free, but Troy fans not planning to be in Baton Rouge can still watch the game.
The game is being televised as a Pay-Per-View event and will be available on the ESPN Gameplan package. Internet savvy fans can watch the game for free at www.ESPN360.com.
Next week's home game against UL Lafayette will have a lot on the line for the Trojans. Troy trails the Ragin' Cajuns by a half game in the race for the Sun Belt title entering play this week. ULL has a tough road game on Saturday at Florida Atlantic before visiting Troy. They close their season with a home game against Middle Tennessee.
In addition to the drama that will surely unfold on the field, next Saturday's game will be special in that it will serve as Troy's annual Salute to Armed Forces day. Many members of the U.S. Military are being invited to attend the game. In addition, efforts are being made to make the television broadcast of the game available to military men and women stationed around the world via the Armed Forces Network.
Details have not yet been finalized, but I'll let you know when they are.
Baseball Alumni Return ? While there were plenty of Troy alumni on campus last weekend for homecoming, there was a fun gathering Friday night at Riddle-Pace Field. More than 40 former Trojan baseball players turned out for an alumni game.
The event was put together rather quickly, but the response was great and it seemed, from the short time I was there, that everyone had a great time.
Also on the subject of baseball, it looks as if all five of Troy's recent statistical national champions will be on hand for the football game on December 6 against Arkansas State. I'll give you more on that as the date draws closer.
Don't forget that the Troy basketball teams open their seasons this weekend. Coach Michael Murphy's women's team opens Friday night in Atlanta against Georgia Tech while coach Don Maestri will open his 27th season on Saturday afternoon against UAB.
It will be the first meeting ever on the court for Troy and UAB and, if you aren't going to be in Baton Rouge for the football game, you owe it to yourself to be at Trojan Arena at 2 p.m. for what should be a great game.
I just wish I could be in two places at the same time.
Until next time, Go Trojans!
RH
