Feature Interview: Lauren Sisler

Lauren Sisler joined the CBS 42 sports team in September of 2011.  As a native of Roanoke, Virginia and Giles County, Lauren Sisler was introduced to the Virginia Tech Hokies and Washington Redskins at an early age. Also kin to the Hall of Fame baseball player George Sisler, Lauren quickly learned that sports was part of being a Sisler.

She was enrolled in the sport of gymnastics at the age of 3 at Roanoke Academy and very quickly found out that was "her sport." At the age of 9, she had worked her way up to Level 10 where she competed for 8 years before earning a scholarship to compete for Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. As a Scarlet Knight and co-captain of the gymnastics team, Lauren earned several accolades including the Nobel Award and N4A Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award.

In 2006, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and then the pursuit of a sports broadcasting career began. She decided to learn the television business from the ground up, starting as a freelancer at CNBC, then moving back to her hometown station, WDBJ7, where she was a photographer and editor. From there she signed on with WTAP in Parkersburg, West Virginia where she had the opportunity to cover a multitude of high school and college teams on both sides of the Ohio River.

Editor's Note by Stan J. Griffin: I have quickly gotten to be friends with Channel 42's Lauren Sisler in a very short time, and I cannot thank her enough for the wonderful help she gave me for The Sports Connection. She has a very interesting story to tell about the journey which led her to Birmingham, and her own background in general. Although she loses some points for being a Washington Redskins fan (just kidding!), she does a great job as part of the Channel 42 sports crew, and she obviously put a lot into the interview that I was able to recently complete with her. I have no doubt you will find her story interesting and fun to read. 
 

THE SPORTS CONNECTION: I know that you are a native of Virginia. Talk a little about your journey which eventually led you to Channel 42 in Birmingham.

LAUREN SISLER: I have spent a lot of my adult life jumping around from city to city thanks to this profession. I must say I wouldn't have it any other way!  After I graduated from Rutgers University with a Communications degree in 2006, I was offered a freelance job at CNBC. As a technical associate, I spent a year honing my prompter operating skills for big money names like Maria Bartiromo and Dylan Ratigan. But that was only scratching the surface. It was at CNBC that I was ultimately introduced to the world of television and it just so happened I got a behind the scenes look on the network level. In 2007, I realized it was time to get my hands on a camera and start producing some of my own work. I accepted a position in my hometown of Roanoke, Virginia at WDBJ7. There I spent two years as a photographer and editor and eventually got the opportunity to do some sports reporting. That experience led me to my next job in Parkersburg, West Virginia where I primarily covered local high school sports. I spent two years at WTAP as the weekend sports anchor and reported during the week. Two solid years of that experience landed me here at CBS 42 in Birmingham.

TSC: You also come from some famous bloodlines. Talk about a certain Hall of Famer in your immediate family.

LS: George Harold Sisler, aka "Gorgeous George" is in fact my great great great uncle. My father actually was named after him and had plenty of stories to tell from his childhood including the one when he allowed an autographed wooden game bat given to him by George Sisler to dry rot by the creek (later he always regretted that). I'll never forget the day I was in St. Louis for a gymnastics meet. The day before the competition we took a tour of the city and there I was, admiring Busch Stadium, not paying attention to where I was walking and literally ran right into his statue. From that day on, I understood just how big of a deal my bloodline really was!

TSC: You were also an athlete yourself from a pretty early age. Talk about your early involvement in sports such as gymnastics.

LS: I was practically a gymnast from the day I was born. Once I was old enough to walk and keep my balance, I was bouncing all over the furniture in the house. My mom had had enough of rushing me to the hospital to get stitches. She found the solution.  Gymnastics! I started at the age of 3 at Roanoke Academy, quickly advanced, and by age ten I was a level 10 gymnast competing on the national level. While putting in 20 plus hours a week, I quickly realized my dream was to earn a scholarship and compete on the collegiate level. That is where Chrystal Norton and the Scarlet Knights came into play. When I got the offer I ran with it. I was part of the RU family and it was incredible!  Now like any sport, you always have your wins and losses.  For me personally I also had to deal with some trying times that included a fractured femur, a severe back injury, and several torn ligaments in my ankle but every tear shed and every ounce of pain was absolutely worth it. I was living my dream as a Division 1 scholarship gymnast.  It was an experience of a lifetime (that experience also included a National Championship in our division in 2005) that will be part of who I am forever.

TSC: Talk about the adjustment of getting familiar with sports in Alabama and the intensity of sports fans in the state. Obviously I know you were already familiar with the SEC and the tradition of Alabama football and things such as that.

LS: Let's just say I have experienced something that I haven't seen ANYWHERE else! I spent my college career watching our football team go from a 1-11 record to their first bowl game my senior year. That was truly a neat experience to be part of the rise of the Rutgers football program (don't forget Rutgers played in the first ever college football game back in 1869, now that's history!). Post Rutgers, I spent time covering the ACC between Virginia Tech and UVA and later more Big East with West Virginia. But little did I know my next move would be right into the "sports empire" of the world. The traditions of the SEC speaks for itself. You have to be here right in the middle of it all to really understand it.

TSC: So I guess it would still be safe to say that your main loyalty is with the Washington Redskins that you've always followed and the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. Do you still keep up with both intensely?

LS: Very safe to say. I grew up in a household that all agreed on one thing, that was sports and the Redskins. Of course, I was born in the 80s and that was when they were in their prime. This season I became a big RG3 fan like the rest of the Redskins nation. As for Rutgers, I wear my Scarlet pride on my sleeve. You know they always say "No cheering in the press box." When Rutgers is playing, I always have that game pulled up on my phone or computer and let's just say I tend to break that rule. Of course, I am the only one cheering (or throwing my hands up on a bad play). Most of the other media folks who know me by now, say "oh Rutgers must be playing!" and I give them an update whether they ask for it or not.

TSC: You started with CBS 42 at a pretty good time in terms of excitement with teams in your viewing area, especially getting an opportunity to help cover national championship teams in several sports and also some major high school championship events here. Talk about that and if that has been overwhelming at all or just really exciting.

LS: I always like to say "I got thrown into the fire" when I started work here at CBS42. Imagine being new and in unfamiliar territory and starting day 1 on September 1st. Yea, that is right in the heart of it all! At that point it was sink or swim, and forget about any life preservers. It was game on, and things really haven't let up since.  After spending a year here, I have gotten acclimated to this area, the geography, and have a better idea of what to expect.  But the saying still stands true here in this business, "always expect the unexpected!"

TSC: What have you enjoyed covering most since you've arrived in Birmingham, or is it just a combination of everything?

LS: It would be really hard to pinpoint a particular sport or team that I have enjoyed covering the most. Of course, having great gymnastics to watch here is a plus, I have always been a "football" girl, and I grew up around racing.  I've been fortunate to cover just about every college and high school in the area and have grown to respect every team. Still waiting on my first National Championship assignment though!

TSC: What have been just your immediate observations about the intense love of college football in this state, and are Alabama and Auburn fans as crazy as you imagined they would be, in a good way of course.

LS: Immediate observation: WOW, these fans are passionate and love their football! It's great though. I absolutely respect it. When you have good football and the talent runs deep, it's hard not to get amped up on game day.  I start my work week on Friday, so for me it's like Monday but I can assure you it doesn't feel like it. I wake up on Friday morning knowing that I am going to be spending the next two days out on the sidelines. That isn't work, that is pure adrenaline!

TSC: Who have been some of your main "go-to" people at the station or maybe just in the city that have helped you get well versed on things that you may not have known about football and other sports in the state.

LS: There are several people that I credit for "taking me under their wing." Really the entire sports department (Patrick Claybon, Alex Corddry, Jim Dunaway, Chris McCulley, BJ Millican) has kept me in check and taught me the x's and o's of sports in the deep south. It's a revolving door and you have to have knowledgeable people and resources to help keep you up on your game each and every day. I will also say that members from other television stations from around Birmingham and all over the state have really been a big help. Despite the thought of constant competition, we really try and work together and help each other out. We all have the same purpose and that is to give the athletes, coaches, and community the recognition they deserve.

TSC: I know there are ups and downs at every job, and I know it's definitely true at a television station when it comes to deadlines and editorial meetings and things such as that, but how would you describe the atmosphere at CBS 42 and specifically with the sports staff. It seems on the air that you guys are a fairly close-knit group.

LS: That is very true. Every work environment comes with its ups and down but I think this is where "team" comes into play. We all strive to produce the best product. When one thing tanks, so does everything else and we are all in it together. We all work very hard every day including tireless hours spent late at night, on the weekends, and on the holidays. It isn't always glamorous but the end product is always rewarding.

TSC: Is there any part of your job that you enjoy the most, whether it be anchoring or actually being there on the sidelines or on the court?

LS: I enjoy different facets of my job for different reasons. I love being on the anchor desk. It allows me to take center stage and give my best shot. But being out in the field is fun too because I get to show a little more personality and soak in the environment. They both come with the adrenaline rush in their own way. The day I lose that I guess will be the day I say it is time to hang it up. I don't see that happening anytime soon!

TSC: Have there been any reporters or sports personalities that have served as main influences/mentors for you, whether it be men or women, and are there a few that you can name that you really enjoy watching today, also whether it be men or women?

LS: I think my closest mentors are the ones that have believed in me from Day 1. I have to start with my parents. They molded me into who I am today and even though their physical presence can't be seen or heard, their spirit lives through me each and every day of my life.  My Aunt Linda and Uncle Mike have kept me afloat.  My brother Allen is my go to guy for everything sports.  Then you have people like Mike Stevens who basically roped me into sports at WDBJ7 and told me that I would go places. My sports director at WTAP, Jim Wharton, showed me how it's done and convinced me it was okay to have a bad day. And then my countless friends have always supported me.  All of the times I had to pass up vacations, weddings, and going out on the weekends, they have been behind me 100%. Nobody has given up on me and nobody has allowed me to give up. Ultimately I have God to thank for all of the blessings in my life.

TSC: There has been a major increase in women sports anchors, reporters and analysts during the past decade or so. Is this something that has surprised you at all, or was it something that maybe you expected to maybe see a lot more of once more women journalists simply got the opportunity to show what they could do?

LS: It doesn't come as a surprise. I think it is the direction society is going. Women have always played an inferior role but now more than ever we have the opportunity to step up and level the playing field. Like anything else, it is a battle, but I think you will find that if you put in the work and build your credibility then people are going to respect that.

TSC: Are you hoping to stay mainly in the reporting/anchoring role for the most part or would you also like to maybe cross over at some point and maybe even do some other things such as writing.

LS: I absolutely love what I do now. I have worked very hard to get here and plan to continue growing and building what I have started. Where the road called "My Life" takes me though has yet to be revealed. I think that is the beauty of it. You don't really know when a door will open and an opportunity will be on the other side. I lost both of my parents at the age of 18 to prescription drug addiction. Unfortunately their pain was far too great and their reliance on medication won the battle. My parents though were two wonderful, loving people that have inspired me to stand up and make a difference. Now almost ten years later, I have a mission to make an impact on the growing problem of prescription drug addiction that our society faces. With that said, I hope to use the skills I have attained throughout my television career to be an active voice and to raise awareness to this devastating epidemic.

TSC: Are you loving life in the sports-crazed state that is Alabama, and maybe just list a few of the highlights you've experienced so far, in terms of events you've been able to cover and maybe even stories you've been able to do.

LS: Life is great here in Alabama. I don't think I could have picked a better place to continue growing my career (or perhaps Birmingham picked me). Some highlights that stand out to me are the 20 hour Saturdays spent covering college football. The trips to different college campuses. The great people and fans I've met along the way. Even the local high school tournaments are a thrill. Watching these young athletes develop and strive to get to that next level is so exciting. I was once there and it is great to see that drive and determination being duplicated by so many talented student-athletes in this area.

TSC: At what age did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in journalism, and has sports always been your main love?

LS: Now it's time to go way back again! I actually grew up with aspirations of being a sports doctor. I always had it in my mind I wanted to work with athletes. That vision never changed. After losing my parents my freshman year in college, I spent a lot of time figuring out who I really was and what I wanted to make of my life. I am outgoing, love being around people, and enjoy telling people stories. My passion for sports came into play, and there it was right in front of me. Sports Broadcasting. Here I am, now nine years later, living my dream!

Feature Interview: Gary Harris

Gary Harris is WVUA's Sports Director. Actually, he is the only Sports Director the station has ever had. Gary joined the station in 1998 when it went on the air as NewsChannel 49. Gary has over 27 years of television experience having started his career at WHMA-TV in Anniston, Alabama in 1982. He has also worked at WDBB-TV in Tuscaloosa, WTZH-TV and WTOK-TV in Meridian, Mississippi and Mississippi News Tonight in Jackson, Mississippi.

In addition to his duties at WVUA-TV, Gary is also the host and narrator for the award winning Crimson Classics DVD series which is produced by the Bryant Museum in cooperation with the UA Center for Public Television and Radio (CPTR). Crimson Classics spotlights the great games in Alabama football history. Gary is also the co-host along with Rodney Orr of Tider Insider TV. TITV has been recognized several times as the top sports program in Alabama by the Associated Press.

Gary is also the producer of the Tommy Wilcox Outdoors Show, which runs every week on WVUA-TV. The hunting and fishing show is hosted by former Alabama All-American Tommy Wilcox and features celebrity guests from the worlds of sports and entertainment.  Gary has won more than 20 Associated Press Broadcast Awards including Best Sportscaster in Mississippi and five consecutive Alabama Best Sportscaster Awards.

During his time at WVUA-TV, Gary has done play-by-play for live and delayed telecasts of Alabama football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball and gymnastics. His experience also includes radio play-by-play for high school football and junior college baseball and basketball. "The best thing about living in Tuscaloosa is covering the Crimson Tide and being part of one of the best communities in the country," Harris said. Another highlight for Gary at WVUA is producing and hosting Football Friday, a 30 minute live show featuring high school football in West Alabama. "We do the only television show that is focused on all the great high school football played in West Alabama," said Harris.

Gary is a native of Miami, Florida although he also lived in Michigan, Texas and Alabama while growing up. Gary graduated from Cleburne County High School in Heflin, Alabama and attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. Gary currently resides in Northport.

Editor's Note  by Stan J. Griffin: If you live in or near Tuscaloosa and follow sports on any level, than you are no doubt very familiar with the familiar face and good work of WVUA Sports Director Gary Harris.  He has been a fixture regarding sports coverage in Tuscaloosa and in the state for several years, whether it be during his usual duties of anchoring the station's regular news telecasts or his great work with projects such as Tider Insider TV and Crimson Classics. I recently interviewed Gary on a wide-ranging host of sports topics and he graciously was ready and willing to help us. I appreciate his insights and his help on the interview and I think you will thoroughly enjoy his thoughts. 

THE SPORTS CONNECTION: You recently got to to cover yet another national championship for the University of Alabama football program. Is this beginning to be "old hat" for you, or is it still as exciting as ever getting to cover a team on the biggest stage at all?

GARY HARRIS: It is still  very exciting but I have to admit, having covered three in the last four years I have learned what to expect so the "surprise factor" is gone. I do enjoy it though!

TSC  I know you are from Miami, so was it especially special getting to return to South Florida to cover Alabama's championship game this time around?

GH:  Yes,it's special anytime you can return to the place where you were born.

TSC: What were your general impressions of the overall atmosphere of the title game this time around, how that atmosphere changed fast with Bama jumping to an early big lead with a lot of Notre Dame fans in attendance, and Alabama's performance in the game overall?

GH: Before the game the atmosphere was electric and the Notre Dame fans were as loud and excited as any group of fans I have ever seen. By halftime though, it was like someone let the air out of a balloon...they were deflated!

TSC: With its third championship in four years and second in a row, what are your thoughts about Alabama's current dynasty and how you think it ranks in the annals of college football history?

GH: I think this run by Alabama is as impressive as any in the history of college football when one considers the era in which it is taking place. The way the rules are set up today and with the scholarship reductions, there is no way one team should be dominating the way that the Crimson Tide is right now.

TSC:  What does this title also do for Nick Saban's legacy now?

GH: It earns him a spot among the all-time coaching greats.

TSC:  As far as your station's coverage of the championship event, did you feel that everything went smoothly both in terms of the coverage in Miami and also the coverage back here in Tuscaloosa of the celebration, etc?

GH: Everything went very smoothly and I would put our Championship Game coverage up against anyone.

TSC:  I know the process of covering such a major event is the result of  a lot of planning and a lot of hard work......Describe the thrill of being able to put together such a team effort in regards to covering such an event and I am sure it's probably a little exhausting as well........

GH: Very good question. That is the most gratifying part of something like this. It's a team effort and takes a lot of hard work from everyone on the team! I loved being a part of it.

TSC:  Obviously one of your most popular roles for WVUA is as host of Tider Insider TV, which also features college football insider Rodney Orr. How long do you think conversation about the Tide's latest title will dominate conversation on the show and do you still feel a huge buzz about the title in Tuscaloosa, even a week after the fact?

GH: My guess is that the the latest championship and the anticipation of another next season will dominate the conversation on the show from now until next season.

TSC:  What do you enjoy most about this show, and it seems like you and Rodney have always had a pretty good on-air chemistry... Have you also gained a great enjoyment from narrating the Alabama football greatest games DVDS and things such as that too?

GH: Rodney and I get along very well off the set and talk football all the time. I think that comes through when we are on the air doing the show. Hosting and narrating the "Crimson Classics" DVD series has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

TSC:  You also have worked with former Tide football star Tommy Wilcox on his outdoors show....Discuss that program and working with the former Bama All-American.

GH: Tommy and I are good friends as well and he loves the outdoors. Being able to take what he and the crew video in the field and turning it into a finished product is challenging but enjoyable. Of course, I love hearing Coach Bryant stories from him as well.

TSC:  Although I know you really don't still have much of a chance to rest even after the football season ends, but it is tough for you making the transition from football to other sports such as basketball?

GH: It's not tough at all because I am not just a football fan...I'm a fan of all sports and look forward to covering them all.

TSC: Can you describe a typical workday for you as you get ready to plan shows such as Tider Insider and your daily sports segmentsduring the day as well.......

GH: I usually get in around 1:30 in the afternoon and go home around 11:00 at night. Of course my schedule varies depending on what goes on. Once I get in, I am busy writing, editing and producing the shows.

TSC:  You have been with WVUA since the very beginning and I know you have worked with a variety of people during your time, with some having moved on to other cities and other news jobs. Are you still perfectly happy and content being a key part of the Tuscaloosa sports scene and the Tuscaloosa community overall. Would you still like to be in the same role, say maybe 10 years from now? What do you enjoy most about being the sports anchor in Tuscaloosa, other than obviously being able to cover championship teams on a yearly basis?

GH: I love working at WVUA-TV and living in Tuscaloosa. I don't know if I will be here in ten years from now, but if I am I hope I am still as happy as I am now. The best thing about being a sportscaster here in Tuscaloosa is that people love sports. It isn't a "part time" love either. People love sports "all the time" here...win or lose. It's a great sports town!

TSC:  WVUA is a unique station in that many University of Alabama journalism students gain a great deal of education, and really begin their careers by working at the station. Do you get a lot of joy or satisfaction seeing these students begin to bloom into full-fledged journalists?

GH: I really do. We have former students working all over the country at different stations. It is a very rewarding aspect of my job.

TSC:  Are there any other projects that you would like to be involved with in the future, including other possible DVDS and maybe even books at some point?

GH: I have thought about writing a book. It is something that interests me. I would like to do more play by play in the future as well.

TSC:  Who were some of your main journalist influences, whether it be sports or news, and are there some that you can name now that are some of your favorites, whether it be national or local writers/announcers, in terms of their style or things that really impress you about them?

GH: Growing up, I was a huge fan of Curt Gowdy, Howard Cosell,  Keith Jackson, Jim Simpson and Pat Summerall. While I was in high school, I  enjoyed watching Herb Winches when he was on in Birmingham. Currently, I like watching Jim Nantz and I have always admired Brent Musberger. I also really enjoy listening to Eli Gold call Alabama football on the radio. Eli is a real pro.

TSC:  Early thoughts about an Alabama three-peat?

GH: Right now today, I really like Alabama's chances to make it three in a row. A great program with the best coach in the game. It's a terrific combination!

Destined For Sports Greatness?

The recent death of  iconic St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Stan "The Man" Musial somewhat hit home with a little personal meaning for yours truly. 

Not that I am a big St. Louis Cardinals fan, as the Chicago Cubs (please quit laughing) is my team of choice, and the heyday of Musial as a tremendous and classy baseball standout took place way before I was even born. My dad, however, has always been a huge Cardinals fan, and for that reason, he named me after Musial, his favorite all-time baseball player.  And just like Musial, I have pretty much been branded with the moniker of "Stan the Man" pretty much my entire life. I have been perfectly fine with this, knowing full well that a person could be stuck for a lifetime with far worse nicknames, such as "No Neck," "Stinky,"  "Stumpy" or even "Crater Face."  So take life's little gifts or blessings when you can get them. 

 

While dad named me Stanley out of affection and admiration for Musial, always known for being even a far better person than he was a baseball hero, I certainly hope he didn't name me for Musial with any type of pretense or expectation that this would dictate any type of future involving athletic greatness for his only son. If so, those hopes surely crashed and burned early. Like many of the other members of my family, I was born with no significant or unique athletic skills to speak of at all.

Even from an early age, my coordination level ranged anywhere from Chevy Chase in the various Vacation movies to Jerry Lewis, and I always ran like someone who not only had a piano on his back, but also the piano bench as well. Yes, I was always the one who was picked last when it came to making up a team for football, basketball, dodgeball or whatever sport was being played in gym class on a particular day. It is a wonder that I am not somewhere in a fetal position even now or having to undergo intense therapy sessions  for the numerous "adventures" I encountered during those glorious days of P.E. back in my high school.  Let's just say it was not pretty.

So while my old man did not get much of an athlete for a son, I guess I was able to redeem myself by eventually gaining an addiction to watching sports and following certain athletes, even to the point that I found myself wanting to make a career of writing about sports. I have done  this for nearly 20 years or so.  I think I have also become a pretty-good sports watching buddy to him, especially when it comes to our favorite pasttime, Alabama football. This is a good thing, as although I have marveled and been awestruck at the athletic prowess and physical attributes of standouts such as Bo Jackson, Cornelius Bennett, Trent Richardson and Derrick Thomas over the years, I have struggled at many times to even keep my body in fairly suitable working condition. 

 

Just in the few months that preceded this recent cold/rain spell in Alabama, I had found myself in pretty good shape due to being able to walk everyday. This helped me to get down to the lowest weight that I had been in several years, and it was also helping me to combat the effects of a daytime job that sometimes leaves me walking and feeling like I am 87-years-old and in dire need of the nearest cane or walker.  Of course when it turns cold and the weather changes often, like it always tends to do in our state, I invariably get sick two or three times.  I have been struggling with various colds and that has sapped me of a lot of energy and it has basically killed my daily walking routine for the past month.  That has translated into me putting a few too many pounds back on, and if things don't change soon, it will require the use of actual cranes to transport me from place to place. 

 

This little predicament takes me back a couple of years  when I was working as the lead reporter for a now-defunct newspaper in St. Clair County.  I had ballooned up to my heaviest weight ever and I was having to cover this Block Party in Pell City, and if my memory serves me right, I believe the temperature that night was right at 121 degrees, plus or minus a few degrees.  Being the overall genius I am, I arrived for my beat that night wearing this heavy shirt bearing the logo of our paper and blue jeans.  I think you know where this is going.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I tend to sweat pretty easily, and it did not take long before I began to sweat actual buckets (I hired a few lackeys to carry those buckets around) as I began to march around, taking pictures and documenting all of the dandy activities occurring at this event. 

As my layer of sweat grew even thicker (there are actual pictures of this on the Internet somewhere), I not only began to scare young children and small animals, but also grown folks, who no doubt wondered when, not if, my passing out or massive heart attack would occur. I lived to tell about that night, but that is not the end of the story regarding that particular fateful weekend back in my old hometown. 

I guess, out of total shame and embarrassment regarding my sweatfest at that Block Party, the next morning I headed to the local walking track, determined that I was going to start my mission to get in much better shape and quit scaring children and grown folks.  I found myself wanting to bellow to them all, "I am not an animal."

 

Perhaps I overdid it a bit as instead of starting gradually and increasing my load as time went on, I did over an hour of walking on that hot morning, sweating up another small lake as I lumbered around that small little track.

Later that day, as I was kicking back at my apartment perhaps enjoying some Chex Mix and an episode of "Seinfeld," out of nowhere came a huge cramp that totally sent me into third-degree agony whenever I tried to move my right leg and it totally crippled any movement of that leg for about two hours. I had no doubt that the massive amounts of perspiration that had left my body during the preceding hours at the party and the track had finally caught up to me. I was paying for it hard at that point.

Of course, there is no escaping when nature calls, so despite the still-intense pain of this cramp, I somehow had to get up and answer that call. I could not put any weight on my leg so I basically crawled over to my door where there was a steel rod device that I always put under my door knob to help keep creepy and bad people out. I used the rod device to help prop me up and I used that device as a crutch to get me to my necessary destination.  

Laying there on the floor and crawling like a hobo to get to my door, all kind of crazy thoughts went through my head, but the main message was that I could not continue to live this way, and my weight was no doubt slowly but surely killing me. 

After that point, I think I have done pretty well for the past couple of years in keeping my weight down to a tolerable limit and I plan to get back to working on that soon, if the weather and my own health will allow it. I need that walking time, as it not only benefits my body, but often my mind and spirit as well. 

I guess my own lack of athletic skills, and the overall difficulties I have had over the years in just achieving and maintaining decent physical shape have only made me appreciate the amazing feats and the physical prowess of so many great athletes even more. 

It has also made me a lot less patient and sympathetic for great athletes who fail to fully utilize their abilities, and they waste or blow their enormous opportunities in some form or fashion. 

Like everyone, I have had those moments where I have longed to have the body of a LeBron James or Bo Jackson, the skills of a Michael Jordan or the riches and fame of a Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez. 

Fortunately, though, God gave me the gift of writing and the ability to tell the story regarding the sports I love with the written word. 

I guess through that blessing, and with the love and passion that I have for the sports that I follow and cover so intensely, I was able to, at least in a small way, fulfill the destiny of being named after the one and only, "Stan the Man." 

 

GUEST COMMENTARY DAY: Abbey Minor "The Road to 15"

Editor's Note by Stan J. Griffin: Abbey Minor is a freshman Crimsonette for the University of Alabama's iconic Million Dollar Band, and is a native of Fayette County, having attended Fayette County High School. She offers a unique perspective about being part of the Alabama Crimson Tide football program's quest for its 15th national championship during the 2012 season. I think that you will find her commentary very interesting, and I appreciate her contributing her writing talents and her enthusiasm about the Crimson Tide to The Sports Connection.

The “Road to 15” began for me on April 28, 2012 after I was selected to become a member of the University of Alabama Crimsonette line.

This was truly my dream come true. My first fall semester of college would have lacked so many wonderful and cherished memories if I was not a member of the Million Dollar Band.

There is no denying the strenuous amount of hours both the MDB and Crimsonettes put into practice during the fall, but the vision of experiencing another national championship firsthand, kept us all moving forward with anticipation. It is unquestionable that being a member of such a famed band and majorette line for a nationally ranked school is one of the most rewarding and enthusing feelings.

We are all fortunate enough to be students at a college with the most AMAZING football environment in the south. I consider it a huge honor to be able to represent a school like The University of Alabama as a Crimsonette. This year was also extremely special to be a member of the Million Dollar Band because this year was the celebration of 100 years; the “Centennial Season.”

I got to be a part of the celebration with numerous MDB Alumni, in which we performed a halftime show consisting of  over 500 MDB alumni and nearly 75 Crimsonette alumni. It was such a great feeling to be surrounded by a historic group of alumni family.

Kicking this past football season off in Dallas, Texas at Cowboy Stadium in the game against Michigan was more than one small-town girl could ever hope for!

This experience has allowed me to attend and perform at most all Alabama football games this past season. As most all games this season ended in cheers, the two most memorable games for me have been, without a doubt, LSU and Georgia (in the SEC Championship). It was certainly a blessing to experience such historic but nerve-wracking games which ended with close victories for the Crimson Tide.

Coach Nick Saban did an excellent job this year with our team on and off the field. We all hope he sticks around as long as he possibly can, leading us on the road to 16, 17, & 18! Our guys are all talented football players, but they also possess a great amount of character off of the field as well. We are so grateful to be cheering them on every game day and feel supported by them as well!

Our team successfully led us upon the road to No. 15 just as we had all hoped for throughout the season. Luckily, Santa did not have to bother bringing us tickets to the big game this Christmas, because the MDB had already provided everything we would need for a life changing trip.

So our trip to Florida for the BCS championship game finally began with a prolonged 16- hour bus ride, and we finally arrived in Boca Raton, FL.

We had a set agenda for each day that included practice each morning as well as performances throughout our three- day adventure. We began Day 1 with a slightly rainy practice. We then traveled to South Beach, Miami where we performed a parade leading us to the beach for the BCS Discover Championship Fan Experience.

There the MDB and cheerleaders performed a pep rally for the Alabama fans on the beach. After our performance we had a chance to mingle around South Beach. The atmosphere was ecstatic with Notre Dame fans flooding the streets as well as  Crimson Tide fans appearing every now and then. Day 2 consisted of a rather hot practice and free time to enjoy the beach with the girls and stop at a few shopping malls, followed by a nice dinner.

Waking up on Monday morning the day of the championship, we all had a sense of excitement. The only thing standing  between the MDB and the most anticipated football game all season was one extremely rainy practice.

We managed to stick it out and overcome the setback so we could head back to the hotel and prepare for the big game. As soon as we arrived at Sun Life Stadium a small pep band went to perform at a pep rally. We began to line up and get ready to move into the stadium. I think we even converted a few Notre Dame fans before the game began; as several fans dressed in green asked for pictures with Crimsonettes.

As we walked into the stadium chanting our usual “Roll Tide” we all knew that this would be a night we would never forget.  We made our way to perform pregame with excitement. Hearing the fans join us in “the big BAMA spell out” is definitely one of my favorite parts of pregame! When our team made their way onto the field it was evident that they were here for one thing, to bring another trophy back to Tuscaloosa. After the first quarter, it was pretty obvious to everyone they were not leaving Sun Life Stadium without No. 15.

Performing my last halftime as a freshman Crimsonette at the BCS National Championship was truly a moment I will cherish forever.

The big win was such a moment of rejoice and celebration, and I cannot imagine celebrating it any other way than with my Crimsonette sisters, the Million Dollar Band, cheerleaders, fans and most of all the football team and staff.

To be a part of the era of a National Championship football team, and cheering them on by marching in the year of the Centennial season of the iconic Million Dollar Band was such a historic and once- in- a- lifetime opportunity. ROLL TIDE!

It’s time to begin the journey to 16!

 

A Legacy Of Shame

"I am not a role model."

These were the jolting words uttered by former Auburn University basketball star and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley during acontroversial Nike advertisement back in 1993. 

At the time of the ad, many members of the general public were ready to stone the always-blunt and never-politically correct hoops legend, and to hang his image in effigy for somehow mocking the responsibilities that accompany a status as a popular public figure. 

I felt, however, as I am sure most members of the reasonable public did, that the commercial 

was perhaps one of Sir Charles' finest moments, and perhaps did as much for his overall legacy as all of the points he tallied and all of the rebounds he collected. 

In just a matter of seconds, Barkley spoke volumes about the importance of sports observers, and especially young and impressionable fans,  in not necessarily choosing athletes as their main guiding influences. 

Although he did not exactly do it in a warm and fuzzy fashion, Barkley, who has generated plenty of negative headlines himself over the years, rightfully pointed out in so many words that just because athletes can perform amazing feats in whatever sport they excel in, this hardly means that these talented individuals should always be put on a pedestal where kids or anyone else seek to pattern their way of thinking or living after them. 

That is hardly an indictment of all athletes as through the years there have been a number of sports standouts who not only were gifted physically, but were also very good and even remarkable citizens, whether it be  Stan Musial,  Cal Ripken Jr. or Dale Murphy and even now with Derek Jeter and Tim Tebow. 

During my journalistic career, I have even covered a number of high-school student-athletes whom I can honestly say that any parent would be elated if their own children turned out just like them. Although there are way too many of them to mention from my former home in St Clair County, where I covered sports for about 15 years, I know that all of my friends there would agree that the late and very talented former Moody High School student-athlete Farrah Seals was a prime example.

But for every Ripken, Tebow, Murphy and Seals that comes along to inspire us and to give us all hope that we can still believe in heroes, someone like an O.J. Simpson, Pete Rose or a Michael Vick comes along to stomp our collective hopes and leave us feeling jaded, disillusioned, heartbroken, empty and disappointed. 

For this reason, Barkley was right on the mark when he correctly noted that it's perhaps wise for us to remember that when it comes to choosing our role models, we need to look to the people that matter most in our lives, such as our parents or other family members, our closest friends and perhaps even our teachers and pastors.  Although certainly no one is perfect, we still need to look for guidance and advice from the real and significant people in our lives, and those are usually the best individuals to seek out in locating our true role models. I know my wonderful parents have always been my main influences and they are role models in every sense of the term. The same goes for my two sisters.

With Alabama having recently won its 15th national championship in football, and second in a row, and with Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban having won his fourth BCS title overall, there still continues to be much discussion regarding the legacies of the Alabama program and for Saban as well. Legacy is a word that is thrown around quite a bit in the world of sports, much like the word legend. 

But when we hear from an athlete that he or she has cheated their sport, or if we are given overwhelming evidence to support that fact, it leaves a true legacy of shame and disappointment, not only on his or her career and in the record books, but also in our minds and hearts and for everyone who perhaps now feels that the world of sports is devoid of any innocence or purity.   And with good reason.

Recently at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., the anticipation that usually comes from the announcement of the newest inductees into this prestigious group was replaced by the emptiness of there actually not being any inductees chosen this year. 

This is of course due to the fact that inductee candidates such as Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens have been linked to the National Pasttime's performance-enhancing drug scandal, and although all of the candidates have issued repeated denials regarding their use of PEDs, there was seemingly much evidence to contradict their denials and because of their continued link to the scandal, none of them will likely ever make the Hall of Fame in my opinion. 

This means there will always be questions when it comes to their records and achievements, and this scandal will always cast a black mark on the history of the sport. 

Former bicycle racing superstar Lance Armstrong is another former athlete who was once considered a hero by millions of people, but thanks to his recent acknowledgement to Oprah Winfrey that he did in fact use PEDS after many years of often-arrogant denials, he is now just another disgraced former star whose achievements and good deeds are tarnished, much like his reputation 

I think the news about Armstrong, while not a complete shock to many people, is particularly disappointing still to a lot of people because there were a significant number of good deeds.

As a cancer survivor himself, Armstrong helped to raise tons of money for cancer research and used his stardom to raise much awareness about the disease.  Many viewed him as a hero because he was the individual who fought valiantly against the deadly disease to become a biking champion and legend and an athlete who many believed was one of the rare clean athletes in a doping scandal-plagued sport. 

But as more allegations continued to surface on a yearly basis about Armstrong, it was getting more difficult to believe that all of these were untrue, and it ultimately reached the point where Armstrong was finally stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. More reports have surfaced that as he continued to issue strong and defiant denials to questions about his use of PEDs, the biker became threatening and vindictive toward his accusers. So even before his titles were stripped and his confession to Winfrey, much of the goodwill and admiration regarding Armstrong had already been lost while scrutiny only continued to intensify. 

Armstrong's fall from grace is yet another sad chapter in a sports world where fans are becoming increasingly disappointed and heartbroken by their so-called heroes.

It is also yet another reason why Barkley was so apropo in his memorable advertisement some 20 years ago when he told sports fans to look elsewhere for their role models.