Hunters marked the opening weekend of Arkansas’ 10th annual elk season by killing three large bulls along the Buffalo River.

All three animals were taken just before sundown in three separate elk zones.

Here’s the info, courtesy of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission:
Read the rest of this entry »

Last weekend, for the first time ever, hunters were allowed to kill alligaors in the state of Arkansas.

Twelve permit holders had successful hunts - and managed to keep all their fingers and toes.

The largest alligator taken during the opening weekend was a 12-foot, 8-inch male that weighed 550 pounds. It was taken by John McClendon of Monticello on the private McClendon Wetland Complex in Drew County.

Other gators taken were as follows:
Read the rest of this entry »

The Griz completed their training camp roster by signing Dontell Jefferson, a 6-4 guard out of Arkansas, and Kasib Powell, a 6-7 forward out of Texas Tech.

Jefferson most recently played for the Dakota Wizards in the NBDL while Powell is returning from a stint in Russia. He also played for the Orlando Magic.

It is not known whether either player will travel to Spain with the team Oct. 3. But signing these players is a clear sign that coach Marc Iavaroni doesn’t intend to overwork his international players — Pau Gasol, Mike Miller, Juan Carlo Navarro and Darko Milicic — during the early stages of training camp.

This is just an odd game day for me. Being at home the morning of a football game just seems wrong. I haven’t been at home for a game at 8:00 in years except when I had my appendix surgery. The surgery was on Thursday and I attended the Memphis-ECU game that Saturday afternoon.

With media coming tomorrow and the start of training camp on Saturday there isn’t a lot of new reports to let you know about today. I did talk to Bruce Kreuter at Suwanee Sports Acadamy about Mark Price working out with the team as their shooting instructor. Apparently Mark’s involvement with the team will be more detailed than originally perceived. After Mark Iavaroni called, Mark was in town working with players for 3-4 days this month, will be back in town to work with the team during camp until the the team leaves for Spain and will return when the team does. He is not going to be travelling with the team but he will be on call for players when they want refreshers. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s kind of weird for me to be sitting at the house at noon on a football gameday. I know that many folks are going to make the trip. If you’re a Tigers fan go because they’ve got the honor system on getting in. Be honorable, support the Tigers.

You know the really interesting thing about college football is that what happens one week doesn’t matter the next for the most part. Last year ASU upset the Tigers in the Liberty Bowl a couple of weeks after losing to a really bad SMU team 55-6. They beat FIU and LA-Monroe between them but it shows that you can lose a game badly and rebound relatively quick.

I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on my blog earlier this week. My advice to Memphis fans is to keep asking questions about what our leadership is doing to improve our facilities.

I read a couple of editorials from the Helmsman this week. There is something to be said for doing a little background before you make assumptions. I did liked the way they used percentages to overstate a student activity fee increase. The fact of the matter is that even with an “100% increase” in SAF students at Memphis will still be paying one of the smallest SAF in the country. That’s not bad for 7 home football games and lower level seats for a top 5 basketball program. But to say that the “football team doesn’t deserve a new stadium” was probably the most irresponsible statement made in print over the past decade. It isn’t about deserving a stadium. It is about building a program that has the capability of making money for the school. It is about getting alumni back on campus so they can see the academic ventures and will be more willing to donate towards them. It is about maximizing the part of your athletic department that can in the long run make the school money. It is about kids getting on campus and becoming familiar with the school. It’s about a lot of things and yes, our team and our alumni deserve it.

Three games in 11 days is making me tired so I can only wonder how the kids will feel.

I have spoke with a few alumni players over the last few days. I learned some things very important that most probably don’t know. The school doesn’t have relationships with their athletic alumni like many other schools. One well known player who will remain nameless has never been asked for a dime and he’s not nor has he ever played in the NFL. There have been countless Tigers alumni who played in the NFL who have nothing to do with the school. Why? Because we haven’t cultivated the relationships like we should. I’d venture to say that if we got even a very small percentage from our NFL, MLB and NBA Tigers we would be in high cotton. Duece McCallister donated a million dollars to Mississippi. Why haven’t we attempted these things.

I’m looking forward to the MLB playoffs. I just hope the Angels get the Yankees.

John Calipari is showing why he’s worth every dime he’s paid. He’s increased the visibilty of Memphis athletics 100-fold. Personally, I’d give him a lifetime deal with a huge buyout on both ends. I think this would ensure Cal retires here and our program will remain stable.

Look for an angry group of Tigers tonight. I’m sure they will come out to make a statement. I expect it and won’t ever think any other way.

Anyone calling for Tommy West’s job is very misguided. Virginia Tech stuck with Frank Beamer despite having no bowls and only one winning season in his first seven years. Stability is the key to building a program. If a coach is constantly replaced every six to eight years it is a negative in recruiting. Tommy has proven that he can lead this team. The last two seasons were injury plagued. We’ll get past that. I think the job West and his staff did in 2005 was nothing short of miraculous. Think about it, he had to start a WR at QB and still got that team to a bowl. Be patient Tigers fans, we’ll be alright. Not to mention the fact we’re only 1/4 the way through the season. Talk to me in November.

later
j

THE BIG STORY

When Arkansas running back Darren McFadden sat out Tuesday’s practice, it was big news.

“It was my (sore) knee a little bit, but it was more just trying to give my body a day to rest,” McFadden said.

But McFadden was back at practice on Wednesday, claiming, “I’m 100 percent today.”

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said of McFadden, “He was running very, very well. He was very, very fast today. I think when he’s out here, it lifts everyone.”

McFadden, the nation’s leading rusher, is averaging about 28 carries a game. And as hard as he runs, he said he’s not going to change his running style to avoid injury. He already had a slight concussion against Alabama and last week against Kentucky was dehydrated at halftime, partially due to a virus.

“I’ve been (running hard) for as long as I’ve played football, and it’s what I’m going to continue to do, McFadden said.”

A look at the league: Read the rest of this entry »