The Memphis 100

 

Bobsledding Memphian Hopes for a Second Shot at Olympics

When you think of Memphis sports, bobsledding hardly tops the list, which makes what Sable Otey is doing even more impressive.

Otey is a Memphian and member of Team USA. She’s training at Mid-South Ice House in Olive Branch, Mississippi, in an attempt to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics. In 2015, her god brother introduced her to bobsledding. She began training and entered the bobsled combine. Between her job as a P.E. teacher at Lowrance Elementary and being a mom, Otey has a full plate.

She will find out in November if she made the Olympic team.

– Sudu Upadhyay, WMC Action News 5

 

MMA Promoter Works to Bring Boxing Program to Memphis

A Memphis MMA promoter hopes to unlock the best in Mid-South children.

World Boxing promoter Sam Watson was honored by the city, county and state Thursday, which is now recognized as Sam Watson Day in the Bluff City. Between promoting the recent Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor fight, World Boxing promoter Sam Watson got a key to the city from Mayor Jim Strickland.

Watson is also partnering with the Police Athletic League (PAL) to give children an outlet for energy that otherwise could result in negative outcomes and life choices. He also hopes to bring more boxing to FedExForum.

– Kym Clark, WMC Action News 5

 

Mid-South Man Is Tennessee’s First Tour de France Competitor

A west Tennessee man is making cycling history as one of just three Americans participating in the esteemed Tour de France.

Nate Brown, 25, earned a polka dot jersey, which is given to the cyclist dubbed “King of the Mountains” for gaining the most points while reaching mountain summits first.

Brown is clearly a natural, having learned to ride a bike by the age of two on back-country roads just outside Covington. Now, he wears a coveted Tour de France jersey.

Brown’s 21 days of cycling — a total of 2,200 miles — began right here in the Volunteer State.

– Kym Clark, WMC Action News 5

 

On and off the Court: NBA Star Returns Home to Teach Life Lessons

A basketball star from Memphis is helping influence local kids on and off the court this summer.

NBA player Tarik Black, who attended Ridgeway High School before playing for the University of Memphis Tigers and Los Angeles Lakers, led the Transformation 50 Basketball and Life Skills Camp, which he hopes will help improve relationships with law enforcement.

The camp kicked off at Ridgeway, where Black coached the boys in basketball and talked about the importance of receiving an education, networking, dating and police relations. Black hopes this will bridge the gap in communication between officers and the communities they serve.

– Kym Clark, WMC Action News 5

 

Grind City Getdown Dodgeball Tournament

The Grind City Getdown Dodgeball Tournament is slated for Saturday, June 3. (Photo courtesy of Grind City Getdown)

Teams of friends and colleagues will compete in the Grind City Getdown, a caged dodgeball tournament set for June 3, 4-10 p.m., in Downtown Memphis.

In addition to the double elimination-style friendly competition, the evening will include food trucks, live music and a beer garden.

The event is hosted by LUVMUD, the same folks who brought the epic mud-in-your-face charity race to Memphis. Proceeds will benefit Memphis Family Connection Center, providing trauma-informed care and services for the adoptive, foster and special needs community. Teams are encouraged to set up fundraising pages when registering.

– Aisling Maki, KQ Communications

 

Take Them out to the Ballgame

Family fun at the Redbirds (Photo courtesy of Memphis Redbirds)

Although basketball, football and hockey may garner more regular fans than baseball, baseball is still America’s favorite pastime.

There’s nothing like being in the stands, enjoying park food and rooting for the home team. It’s Redbird’s season in Memphis. Whether you bring the family, employees or both — whether the home team wins or not — it’s still a great way to enjoy downtime together.

And for the boss, there are bonuses to taking your employees out to the ballgame: it builds loyalty and bonding, and a big portion could be a tax-deductible expense, whether you talk about business or not.

– Joyce McKinney, KQ Communications

 

Memphis Roller Derby Season on Track

Memphis Roller Derby at the Pipkin Building (Photo courtesy of Aisling Maki)

Memphis Roller Derby is back on track for the season. The league recently hosted an Earth Day double header, with Blues City Bombers facing off against a team from Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The next event will be a June 10 double header with Memphis Hustlin’ Rollers taking on Red Stick All Stars and the Blues City Bombers facing off against Clarksvillian Roller Girls.

Bouts take place at the Pipkin Building, 940 Early Maxwell Blvd. Admission at the door is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12 and free for kids four and under. Snacks, beer and merchandise are available.

– Aisling Maki, KQ Communications

 

East High, Coached by Hardaway, Leads State in Basketball Titles

East High School now has more basketball titles than any other high school in Tennessee. (Photo courtesy Shelby County Schools)

Memphis’ East High School has once again come out on top. The Mustangs won their eighth state title in school history when they beat the Southwind High School Jaguars last month, ending with a decisive 65-45 victory.

The Mustangs are coached by former University of Memphis All-American and former NBA All-Star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, who grew up in Memphis’ Binghampton neighborhood. Hardaway’s son, Jayden, an East High School senior who plays for the Mustangs, scored two points and two rebounds during the game.

East High now has more basketball titles than any other high school in Tennessee.

– David Brown, KQ Communications

 

Basketball-Obsessed Memphis Preps for March Madness

NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship South Regional Tournament takes place in Memphis. (Photo Credit: PrimeSport)

March Madness is taking over Memphis. The 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship South Regional Tournament takes place March 24-26 at FedExForum, in the heart of the Beale Street Entertainment District.

With a plethora of restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions within walking distance of the arena, fans will enjoy both the NCAA Tournament and the sites and amenities of Downtown Memphis. The Sweet 16 games are set for Friday, March 24, and the Elite 8 round is set for Sunday.

Memphis basketball fans can take part in the action by purchasing NCAA Experience® official ticket packages through PrimeSport.

– David Brown, KQ Communications

 

Governor Declares March 25 Irish Sports Day in Tennessee

The week after St. Patrick's Day, Tennessee will celebrate Irish Sports Day. Pictured are Memphis Gaelic football players. (Photo courtesy of Aisling Maki)

The month of March turns attention to Irish culture in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day, and Governor Bill Haslam has proclaimed March 25, 2017, Irish Sports Day in Tennessee.

Irish sports include the ancient games of hurling and Gaelic football, which have spread throughout the world as a result of the Irish diaspora. Tennessee has Gaelic Athletic Association clubs in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville, as well as a team at Middle Tennessee State University.

On Tennessee Irish Sports Day, hurling teams from all over North America will travel to Nashville to compete in the Music City Invitational tournament. Read more.

– Aisling Maki, KQ Communications

 

Gaelic Athletic Association Brings Irish Sports to Memphis

Members of the Memphis GAA, which will host a co-ed adult league this spring for those interested in playing Irish sports such as hurling. (Photo courtesy Memphis GAA)

The Memphis Gaelic Athletic Association is introducing Memphians to Irish sports, including hurling, camogie and Gaelic football. Gaelic football and hurling are the most popular sports in Ireland but are also played by people around the world.

The club plans to host a co-ed adult Spring 2017 “pub league” for Gaelic football from March through May, with four teams sponsored by The Brass Door, Celtic Crossing, The Majestic Grille and Murphy’s Bar.

No previous experience or special equipment is necessary to sign up for the league – all will be provided by the GAA club. Visit here for more information.

– Aisling Maki, KQ Communications