WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:01.000 >> female announcer: This is a 00:01.000 --> 00:03.000 production of WKNO, Memphis. 00:03.000 --> 00:05.000 Production funding for "Sports 00:05.000 --> 00:07.000 Files" is made possible in part 00:07.000 --> 00:09.000 by.. 00:15.000 --> 00:16.000 >> Gaston: My guest today on 00:16.000 --> 00:17.000 "Sports Files" is the Head 00:17.000 --> 00:19.000 Baseball Coach of the University 00:19.000 --> 00:20.000 of Memphis Tigers, Daron 00:20.000 --> 00:22.000 Schoenrock. 00:22.000 --> 00:35.000 [instrumental music] 00:35.000 --> 00:39.000 ♪♪♪ 00:39.000 --> 00:40.000 >> Gaston: We normally don't 00:40.000 --> 00:42.000 think about America's pastime in 00:42.000 --> 00:44.000 early February, but believe it 00:44.000 --> 00:46.000 or not, the baseball season is 00:46.000 --> 00:47.000 upon us. 00:47.000 --> 00:48.000 At least it is for the 00:48.000 --> 00:49.000 collegiates. 00:49.000 --> 00:51.000 The Memphis Tigers will open the 00:51.000 --> 00:53.000 2013 campaign, their final one 00:53.000 --> 00:55.000 in Conference USA, a week from 00:55.000 --> 00:56.000 today at FedExPark. 00:56.000 --> 00:58.000 And when they do, skipper Daron 00:58.000 --> 00:59.000 Schoenrock will be manning the 00:59.000 --> 01:01.000 Memphis Dugout in his 9th season 01:01.000 --> 01:03.000 opener as Tigers Head Coach. 01:03.000 --> 01:04.000 "Coach Rock", as he's 01:04.000 --> 01:06.000 affectionately known, has been a 01:06.000 --> 01:08.000 pillar of stability for 01:08.000 --> 01:10.000 University of Memphis baseball. 01:10.000 --> 01:11.000 And while his 250 losses 01:11.000 --> 01:13.000 outnumber his 207 career wins at 01:13.000 --> 01:15.000 Memphis, "Rock" has picked up 01:15.000 --> 01:16.000 his share of big wins. 01:16.000 --> 01:18.000 In fact in 2007, in just his 3rd 01:18.000 --> 01:20.000 season on the job, the Tigers 01:20.000 --> 01:21.000 won 36 games and ended a 13 year 01:21.000 --> 01:23.000 post season drought as they made 01:23.000 --> 01:25.000 the NCAA Tournament field. 01:25.000 --> 01:27.000 Last season the Tigers won 31 01:27.000 --> 01:28.000 games and narrowly missed 01:28.000 --> 01:30.000 winning the Conference USA 01:30.000 --> 01:32.000 tournament championship, falling 01:32.000 --> 01:33.000 in the title game to UAB. 01:33.000 --> 01:35.000 And while criticism of the 01:35.000 --> 01:36.000 competition in the Conference 01:36.000 --> 01:38.000 can be made, and often is, about 01:38.000 --> 01:40.000 certain sports, it never is made 01:40.000 --> 01:42.000 about CUSA Baseball where the 01:42.000 --> 01:44.000 competition is always at a high 01:44.000 --> 01:46.000 level with several established 01:46.000 --> 01:47.000 national powers. 01:47.000 --> 01:49.000 In other words, Memphis has held 01:49.000 --> 01:50.000 it's own and Daron Schoenrock 01:50.000 --> 01:52.000 has been a major reason why. 01:52.000 --> 01:54.000 Today we'll not only look ahead 01:54.000 --> 01:55.000 to the 2013 Memphis Tigers 01:55.000 --> 01:57.000 Baseball season, but discuss the 01:57.000 --> 01:59.000 importance, with it not only 01:59.000 --> 02:00.000 being the swan song season 02:00.000 --> 02:02.000 before the Tigers head to the 02:02.000 --> 02:03.000 Big East, but also the 02:03.000 --> 02:05.000 celebration of 100 years of 02:05.000 --> 02:06.000 Memphis Baseball. 02:06.000 --> 02:08.000 We'll "rock" around the clock 02:08.000 --> 02:09.000 with the Top Cat of Tigers 02:09.000 --> 02:11.000 Baseball, Daron Schoenrock, next 02:11.000 --> 02:14.000 on "Sports Files." 02:14.000 --> 02:22.000 [instrumental music] 02:22.000 --> 02:25.000 ♪♪♪ 02:25.000 --> 02:27.000 >> Gaston: Rock, thank you so 02:27.000 --> 02:28.000 much for joining us. 02:28.000 --> 02:29.000 We appreciate it. 02:29.000 --> 02:30.000 >> Schoenrock: Thank you so 02:30.000 --> 02:31.000 much, Greg. 02:31.000 --> 02:32.000 Great to be here. 02:32.000 --> 02:34.000 >> Gaston: It's only February 02:34.000 --> 02:35.000 but we're already talking 02:35.000 --> 02:36.000 baseball. 02:36.000 --> 02:37.000 It's always good to talk 02:37.000 --> 02:38.000 baseball. 02:38.000 --> 02:40.000 >> Schoenrock: Well, anytime the 02:40.000 --> 02:41.000 sun comes out in February, I 02:41.000 --> 02:43.000 know it gets on a lot of 02:43.000 --> 02:44.000 people's minds. 02:44.000 --> 02:45.000 But we're going full speed now. 02:45.000 --> 02:47.000 >> Gaston: Yeah, it's been 02:47.000 --> 02:48.000 crazy. 02:48.000 --> 02:49.000 We had a 77 degree day. 02:49.000 --> 02:50.000 Then, you practiced then. 02:50.000 --> 02:52.000 Then, it was down to 32. 02:52.000 --> 02:53.000 So it changes real quick. 02:53.000 --> 02:55.000 >> Schoenrock: We told them we 02:55.000 --> 02:56.000 were getting ready for the 02:56.000 --> 02:58.000 conference tournament and for 02:58.000 --> 02:59.000 the opening season the same week 02:59.000 --> 03:01.000 is what we're doing, so.. 03:01.000 --> 03:02.000 >> Gaston: Hey, big day 03:02.000 --> 03:03.000 tomorrow. 03:03.000 --> 03:04.000 South Campus at the Murphy 03:04.000 --> 03:06.000 Complex in the turf room, you 03:06.000 --> 03:07.000 guys are going to have a 03:07.000 --> 03:09.000 celebration, a banquet where 03:09.000 --> 03:10.000 you're celebrating 100 years of 03:10.000 --> 03:12.000 Memphis Tigers baseball, the 03:12.000 --> 03:13.000 centennial year. 03:13.000 --> 03:15.000 You're going to have some former 03:15.000 --> 03:16.000 players. 03:16.000 --> 03:17.000 It's going to be a nice little 03:17.000 --> 03:18.000 shindig. 03:18.000 --> 03:20.000 Tell everybody about what's 03:20.000 --> 03:21.000 going on tomorrow. 03:21.000 --> 03:22.000 >> Schoenrock: Well, you know we 03:22.000 --> 03:24.000 thought with the 100 year 03:24.000 --> 03:25.000 celebration lasting all year, 03:25.000 --> 03:27.000 this is a good time to try to 03:27.000 --> 03:29.000 corral all the former players 03:29.000 --> 03:30.000 that we can get a hold of and 03:30.000 --> 03:32.000 get them back for one evening to 03:32.000 --> 03:34.000 renew old ties and tell stories 03:34.000 --> 03:35.000 and just celebrate. 03:35.000 --> 03:36.000 And we've had different types of 03:36.000 --> 03:38.000 events and banquets each year 03:38.000 --> 03:39.000 with speakers coming in. 03:39.000 --> 03:41.000 And we're going to have some 03:41.000 --> 03:42.000 former players speak. 03:42.000 --> 03:43.000 And then along with Tom Bowen, 03:43.000 --> 03:45.000 our AD, is going to speak at the 03:45.000 --> 03:46.000 end. 03:46.000 --> 03:48.000 So, mostly just to celebrate 03:48.000 --> 03:49.000 what they've done to build 03:49.000 --> 03:51.000 Memphis and then mainly to let 03:51.000 --> 03:52.000 our current team look and see 03:52.000 --> 03:54.000 what a proud tradition this 03:54.000 --> 03:55.000 program has. 03:55.000 --> 03:56.000 >> Gaston: Give us a few names 03:56.000 --> 03:58.000 of the former players who are 03:58.000 --> 03:59.000 showing up. 03:59.000 --> 04:01.000 >> Schoenrock: Well, I know Mark 04:01.000 --> 04:02.000 Little, who's been down in the 04:02.000 --> 04:04.000 big leagues, we'll actually give 04:04.000 --> 04:06.000 him the mic for a little bit and 04:06.000 --> 04:07.000 talk. 04:07.000 --> 04:08.000 And the Mike Paxtons of the 04:08.000 --> 04:10.000 world, several of the big league 04:10.000 --> 04:11.000 guys. 04:11.000 --> 04:13.000 You know I've got Brent Dlugach 04:13.000 --> 04:14.000 on my staff as a student 04:14.000 --> 04:15.000 assistant now, former major 04:15.000 --> 04:16.000 leaguer. 04:16.000 --> 04:18.000 We've chosen a guy from 04:18.000 --> 04:19.000 different eras to come. 04:19.000 --> 04:21.000 Jeff Hopkins is going to speak a 04:21.000 --> 04:22.000 little bit. 04:22.000 --> 04:23.000 Allie Prescott's going to speak 04:23.000 --> 04:24.000 a little bit. 04:24.000 --> 04:26.000 Ben Grisham, who is my team 04:26.000 --> 04:27.000 captain on the '07 team, nephew 04:27.000 --> 04:29.000 of John Grisham, will speak a 04:29.000 --> 04:30.000 little bit. 04:30.000 --> 04:31.000 So, we'll get a variety of 04:31.000 --> 04:33.000 stories and things that the 04:33.000 --> 04:34.000 Tiger program did for them to 04:34.000 --> 04:36.000 put them where they are today. 04:36.000 --> 04:37.000 >> Gaston: It's a nice 04:37.000 --> 04:39.000 fundraiser, a nice fundraising 04:39.000 --> 04:40.000 event. 04:40.000 --> 04:41.000 And that's big for you. 04:41.000 --> 04:43.000 You've done a great job with 04:43.000 --> 04:44.000 fundraising. 04:44.000 --> 04:45.000 Very important when you're 04:45.000 --> 04:47.000 talking baseball as opposed to 04:47.000 --> 04:48.000 maybe a football or a basketball 04:48.000 --> 04:49.000 program. 04:49.000 --> 04:51.000 Baseball, you got to get out 04:51.000 --> 04:52.000 there. 04:52.000 --> 04:53.000 You got to dig deep. 04:53.000 --> 04:54.000 You got to find those backers 04:54.000 --> 04:56.000 and that's very important to 04:56.000 --> 04:57.000 you. 04:57.000 --> 04:59.000 >> Schoenrock: Very important. 04:59.000 --> 05:00.000 We've got kind of a little goal 05:00.000 --> 05:02.000 each year that we put money that 05:02.000 --> 05:04.000 we raise through any fundraising 05:04.000 --> 05:05.000 efforts back in to some 05:05.000 --> 05:06.000 significant upgrade of the 05:06.000 --> 05:08.000 stadium every year whether it's 05:08.000 --> 05:10.000 a new camera system, a new sound 05:10.000 --> 05:12.000 system, updating a batting cage, 05:12.000 --> 05:13.000 fixing something on the field. 05:13.000 --> 05:15.000 So we put the money back in to 05:15.000 --> 05:16.000 the facility to help the 05:16.000 --> 05:17.000 program. 05:17.000 --> 05:19.000 And again, mainly, and it's 05:19.000 --> 05:20.000 really helped us locate where a 05:20.000 --> 05:22.000 lot of former players are. 05:22.000 --> 05:23.000 We're expecting anywhere from 05:23.000 --> 05:25.000 195 to 240 former players, plus 05:25.000 --> 05:26.000 their spouses. 05:26.000 --> 05:28.000 So we could get up in to the 350 05:28.000 --> 05:29.000 range in total number. 05:29.000 --> 05:30.000 >> Gaston: The season starts a 05:30.000 --> 05:31.000 week from today. 05:31.000 --> 05:33.000 You open up against Illinois 05:33.000 --> 05:34.000 State at home. 05:34.000 --> 05:36.000 I assume you like what you're 05:36.000 --> 05:37.000 putting on the field. 05:37.000 --> 05:38.000 You like this roster. 05:38.000 --> 05:39.000 Tell us a little bit about it. 05:39.000 --> 05:41.000 >> Schoenrock: Very different. 05:41.000 --> 05:42.000 You know, in my tenure here, 05:42.000 --> 05:44.000 we've been a little bit more of 05:44.000 --> 05:46.000 an offensive oriented club. 05:46.000 --> 05:47.000 We've won games offensively. 05:47.000 --> 05:48.000 The pitching is always the 05:48.000 --> 05:49.000 hardest to build. 05:49.000 --> 05:51.000 You're always one guy short. 05:51.000 --> 05:53.000 There's always, you know, one 05:53.000 --> 05:54.000 injury can kind of set you back. 05:54.000 --> 05:56.000 This club is built a little 05:56.000 --> 05:57.000 differently. 05:57.000 --> 05:58.000 We lost the four real key 05:58.000 --> 06:00.000 ingredients to our offensive 06:00.000 --> 06:01.000 club last year in Jacob Wilson, 06:01.000 --> 06:03.000 Eli Hynes, Adam McClain and TJ 06:03.000 --> 06:04.000 Rich. 06:04.000 --> 06:06.000 And replacing those guys are 06:06.000 --> 06:07.000 guys that played a lot last year 06:07.000 --> 06:09.000 as freshmen and sophomores that 06:09.000 --> 06:11.000 have at bats under their belt 06:11.000 --> 06:12.000 that are a little different cut 06:12.000 --> 06:13.000 of players. 06:13.000 --> 06:15.000 The biggest change is the amount 06:15.000 --> 06:16.000 of pitching depth. 06:16.000 --> 06:18.000 This is the deepest we've been 06:18.000 --> 06:19.000 on the mound as far as quality 06:19.000 --> 06:21.000 numbers, you know, one through 06:21.000 --> 06:22.000 twelve that can go out and 06:22.000 --> 06:24.000 function in a Conference USA 06:24.000 --> 06:26.000 game and we can actually build a 06:26.000 --> 06:27.000 true bullpen now. 06:27.000 --> 06:28.000 We've got a potentially building 06:28.000 --> 06:30.000 a maybe an all left-handed weak 06:30.000 --> 06:31.000 end rotation. 06:31.000 --> 06:32.000 We've got some interesting 06:32.000 --> 06:34.000 dynamics with this pitching 06:34.000 --> 06:35.000 staff that, you know, just 06:35.000 --> 06:37.000 looking back at the pro scouts 06:37.000 --> 06:38.000 and what they come out and see 06:38.000 --> 06:40.000 in the fall, there's a lot of 06:40.000 --> 06:42.000 guys getting a lot of attention 06:42.000 --> 06:43.000 now on our pitching staff which 06:43.000 --> 06:45.000 is a really good thing. 06:45.000 --> 06:46.000 >> Gaston: Twenty returning 06:46.000 --> 06:47.000 letter winners. 06:47.000 --> 06:49.000 Seven were started from a season 06:49.000 --> 06:50.000 ago, including a couple of 06:50.000 --> 06:51.000 pitchers. 06:51.000 --> 06:53.000 You got 12 pitchers back. 06:53.000 --> 06:54.000 Eleven newcomers. 06:54.000 --> 06:55.000 This is a team last year that 06:55.000 --> 06:57.000 went to the championship game, 06:57.000 --> 06:58.000 as you know, in Conference USA. 06:58.000 --> 07:00.000 Lost to UAB in the finals. 07:00.000 --> 07:02.000 So, that close to getting back 07:02.000 --> 07:03.000 to the NCAA tournament. 07:03.000 --> 07:04.000 And now you've added, as I've 07:04.000 --> 07:06.000 mentioned, 11 newcomers and have 07:06.000 --> 07:08.000 those quality pitchers back. 07:08.000 --> 07:09.000 So, you got to feel pretty good. 07:09.000 --> 07:11.000 >> Schoenrock: Feel really good. 07:11.000 --> 07:13.000 You know, we've got on a pretty 07:13.000 --> 07:14.000 good role waiting year. 07:14.000 --> 07:15.000 We had our struggles early. 07:15.000 --> 07:17.000 We had about four freshmen that 07:17.000 --> 07:19.000 were sprinkled in the line up 07:19.000 --> 07:20.000 that were getting their feet wet 07:20.000 --> 07:21.000 for the first time. 07:21.000 --> 07:23.000 And the last month of the 07:23.000 --> 07:24.000 season, they started going a 07:24.000 --> 07:25.000 little bit. 07:25.000 --> 07:27.000 And they added to what the 07:27.000 --> 07:28.000 seniors were doing. 07:28.000 --> 07:29.000 And we made a nice little run in 07:29.000 --> 07:31.000 the tournament and fell a game 07:31.000 --> 07:32.000 short. 07:32.000 --> 07:33.000 Those guys are back with a 07:33.000 --> 07:35.000 little different taste in their 07:35.000 --> 07:36.000 mouth now. 07:36.000 --> 07:37.000 They've been there. 07:37.000 --> 07:38.000 I think that's huge. 07:38.000 --> 07:40.000 This offensive team, this line- 07:40.000 --> 07:41.000 up were going to put on the 07:41.000 --> 07:43.000 field, we'll actually have this 07:43.000 --> 07:44.000 line-up together for two years. 07:44.000 --> 07:46.000 So, we won't lose any guy that 07:46.000 --> 07:48.000 will start opening weekend. 07:48.000 --> 07:49.000 They're all sophomores or 07:49.000 --> 07:50.000 freshmen. 07:50.000 --> 07:52.000 But the pitching being elevated 07:52.000 --> 07:53.000 gives us something to kind of 07:53.000 --> 07:55.000 hang out hat on early until this 07:55.000 --> 07:56.000 offense can get going. 07:56.000 --> 07:58.000 >> Gaston: Well, your ace, I 07:58.000 --> 07:59.000 assume, is Sam Moll. 07:59.000 --> 08:00.000 Last year, five an five. 08:00.000 --> 08:01.000 ERA under three and a half to 08:01.000 --> 08:03.000 three four eighty with second 08:03.000 --> 08:04.000 team all conference. 08:04.000 --> 08:06.000 He's a first team, pre season, 08:06.000 --> 08:07.000 all-conference selection. 08:07.000 --> 08:08.000 How pivotal is Sam Moll? 08:08.000 --> 08:10.000 >> Schoenrock: Huge and Sam has 08:10.000 --> 08:12.000 elevated what he can do and who 08:12.000 --> 08:13.000 he is and how he thinks and 08:13.000 --> 08:15.000 everything about his game now. 08:15.000 --> 08:16.000 He's a lot different level. 08:16.000 --> 08:18.000 And Fred Corral, my pitching 08:18.000 --> 08:19.000 coach, has done a tremendous job 08:19.000 --> 08:21.000 just elevating the mentality. 08:21.000 --> 08:23.000 He had a very good summer up in 08:23.000 --> 08:24.000 the Cape and they get valuable 08:24.000 --> 08:25.000 experience there. 08:25.000 --> 08:27.000 They come back different that 08:27.000 --> 08:29.000 they've been around, you know, a 08:29.000 --> 08:30.000 lot of first round pick. 08:30.000 --> 08:32.000 They've been around and seen how 08:32.000 --> 08:33.000 guys operate. 08:33.000 --> 08:34.000 Had a great fall. 08:34.000 --> 08:35.000 Picked right back up this spring 08:35.000 --> 08:37.000 where he left off in the fall. 08:37.000 --> 08:39.000 And he'll be our bell cow. 08:39.000 --> 08:40.000 You know, and then the next 08:40.000 --> 08:42.000 thing is to decide is he your 08:42.000 --> 08:43.000 Friday guy or Saturday guy. 08:43.000 --> 08:45.000 How you use him sometimes could 08:45.000 --> 08:46.000 depend on match ups and some 08:46.000 --> 08:47.000 other guys. 08:47.000 --> 08:49.000 But he's the guy coming back 08:49.000 --> 08:50.000 that the teams going to look to 08:50.000 --> 08:52.000 that has been there and done 08:52.000 --> 08:53.000 that but has also probably 08:53.000 --> 08:54.000 elevated what he can do. 08:54.000 --> 08:56.000 >> Gaston: Looking at the 08:56.000 --> 08:57.000 schedule for this season, once 08:57.000 --> 08:59.000 again, you'll play Ole Miss and 08:59.000 --> 09:01.000 Mississippi State at Autozone 09:01.000 --> 09:02.000 Park. 09:02.000 --> 09:03.000 Everything else, the home games 09:03.000 --> 09:05.000 are at FedEx park, including a 09:05.000 --> 09:06.000 series with Missouri. 09:06.000 --> 09:08.000 It's the first SEC team that you 09:08.000 --> 09:09.000 will host for a series since 09:09.000 --> 09:11.000 Tennessee back in '81. 09:11.000 --> 09:12.000 Now, you play teams for a single 09:12.000 --> 09:14.000 game but this is a full series 09:14.000 --> 09:15.000 with a newcomer to the SEC, 09:15.000 --> 09:16.000 Missouri. 09:16.000 --> 09:18.000 You got to feel pretty good 09:18.000 --> 09:19.000 about being able to host this 09:19.000 --> 09:20.000 team at FedEx park. 09:20.000 --> 09:22.000 >> Schoenrock: There's some very 09:22.000 --> 09:24.000 strategic things put on our 09:24.000 --> 09:25.000 schedule to help RPI. 09:25.000 --> 09:26.000 This is one of them. 09:26.000 --> 09:28.000 We went up to Missouri last year 09:28.000 --> 09:29.000 and played them a three game 09:29.000 --> 09:30.000 series there. 09:30.000 --> 09:32.000 So, it's a return trip and it's 09:32.000 --> 09:33.000 huge. 09:33.000 --> 09:34.000 We scheduled the series, 09:34.000 --> 09:36.000 actually, before they became an 09:36.000 --> 09:37.000 SEC member. 09:37.000 --> 09:38.000 And then talking to Coach 09:38.000 --> 09:40.000 Jamieson when they did join the 09:40.000 --> 09:41.000 SEC, he wanted to keep the 09:41.000 --> 09:42.000 series intact. 09:42.000 --> 09:43.000 So, I'm thankful for that. 09:43.000 --> 09:45.000 There's a lot of RPI elevation 09:45.000 --> 09:47.000 type things on that schedule. 09:47.000 --> 09:48.000 Kent State coming to town for a 09:48.000 --> 09:49.000 series. 09:49.000 --> 09:51.000 You know, and Omaha participant 09:51.000 --> 09:52.000 last year. 09:52.000 --> 09:54.000 Of course, they're our normal 09:54.000 --> 09:55.000 conference. 09:55.000 --> 09:56.000 So, we have opportunities. 09:56.000 --> 09:58.000 And we talk to our guys about 09:58.000 --> 09:59.000 this year. 09:59.000 --> 10:00.000 I think the focal point-We've 10:00.000 --> 10:02.000 held our own on the weekends, 10:02.000 --> 10:03.000 the Conference USA slate. 10:03.000 --> 10:04.000 Where we've come up short 10:04.000 --> 10:06.000 possibly is taking care of 10:06.000 --> 10:07.000 business in what they call mid- 10:07.000 --> 10:09.000 week games in baseball. 10:09.000 --> 10:10.000 And that's a lot of the regional 10:10.000 --> 10:11.000 type opponents. 10:11.000 --> 10:13.000 And that usually involves 10:13.000 --> 10:14.000 pitching depth. 10:14.000 --> 10:15.000 And we have an opportunity now 10:15.000 --> 10:17.000 to treat everyday unique and say 10:17.000 --> 10:18.000 today is the game. 10:18.000 --> 10:20.000 You know, Josh Pastner talks 10:20.000 --> 10:21.000 about it a lot in basketball is 10:21.000 --> 10:23.000 whatever lies ahead, this is the 10:23.000 --> 10:24.000 game that's important. 10:24.000 --> 10:26.000 Having the chance to do that in 10:26.000 --> 10:28.000 baseball, a lot of teams make or 10:28.000 --> 10:30.000 break themselves in what they do 10:30.000 --> 10:31.000 on Tuesday and Wednesday. 10:31.000 --> 10:33.000 We've got the weekend rotation 10:33.000 --> 10:34.000 intact. 10:34.000 --> 10:35.000 Now, we've got to use this 10:35.000 --> 10:37.000 pitching staff to build a tact, 10:37.000 --> 10:38.000 Ole Miss, Mississippi State, all 10:38.000 --> 10:40.000 the mid week opponents in a 10:40.000 --> 10:41.000 different matter. 10:41.000 --> 10:43.000 >> Gaston: Unlike, you mentioned 10:43.000 --> 10:44.000 Josh Pastner and basketball 10:44.000 --> 10:45.000 hurt. 10:45.000 --> 10:46.000 I'll go out and say it. 10:46.000 --> 10:48.000 So, don't get mad Conference USA 10:48.000 --> 10:49.000 supporters. 10:49.000 --> 10:50.000 But they're hurt by playing 10:50.000 --> 10:52.000 Conference USA opponents. 10:52.000 --> 10:53.000 Certainly for all these years, 10:53.000 --> 10:55.000 it enhanced your schedule 10:55.000 --> 10:56.000 because of the powers in 10:56.000 --> 10:57.000 Conference USA led by Tulane. 10:57.000 --> 10:59.000 You're picked to finish sixth 10:59.000 --> 11:00.000 this season. 11:00.000 --> 11:02.000 Same bell cows picked to win 11:02.000 --> 11:03.000 this thing? 11:03.000 --> 11:04.000 >> Schoenrock: Well, you still 11:04.000 --> 11:06.000 have Rice and Central Florida 11:06.000 --> 11:07.000 and East Carolina and Southern 11:07.000 --> 11:08.000 Miss and Tulane. 11:08.000 --> 11:10.000 You know, those are schools that 11:10.000 --> 11:12.000 three of those have been to 11:12.000 --> 11:13.000 Omaha. 11:13.000 --> 11:14.000 Three of those have been through 11:14.000 --> 11:16.000 our equivalent of the final four 11:16.000 --> 11:17.000 in my tenure here. 11:17.000 --> 11:18.000 So, you're in some talk. 11:18.000 --> 11:20.000 Usually, it evolves or revolves 11:20.000 --> 11:21.000 around pitching depth. 11:21.000 --> 11:23.000 And I think the league this year 11:23.000 --> 11:24.000 will be very strong on the 11:24.000 --> 11:25.000 mound. 11:25.000 --> 11:27.000 Obviously, Rice is always the 11:27.000 --> 11:29.000 program in our league that kind 11:29.000 --> 11:30.000 of gets the first attention. 11:30.000 --> 11:31.000 How's Rice going to be? 11:31.000 --> 11:33.000 They're going to be a typical 11:33.000 --> 11:34.000 Rice. 11:34.000 --> 11:36.000 They're going to be dominant on 11:36.000 --> 11:37.000 the mound. 11:37.000 --> 11:38.000 You've got to play perfect to 11:38.000 --> 11:39.000 beat them. 11:39.000 --> 11:41.000 You know, we had a big win 11:41.000 --> 11:42.000 against them in a conference 11:42.000 --> 11:43.000 tournament last year that 11:43.000 --> 11:45.000 propelled us to the championship 11:45.000 --> 11:46.000 game. 11:46.000 --> 11:48.000 We have actually played very 11:48.000 --> 11:49.000 well against them. 11:49.000 --> 11:50.000 Tulane has really made 11:50.000 --> 11:51.000 resurgence, you know, since 11:51.000 --> 11:52.000 Katrina. 11:52.000 --> 11:54.000 Their depth has been hurt a 11:54.000 --> 11:55.000 little bit. 11:55.000 --> 11:56.000 Their numbers, their enrollment- 11:56.000 --> 11:58.000 They weren't getting the quality 11:58.000 --> 11:59.000 depth walk on. 11:59.000 --> 12:01.000 They've built that back up now. 12:01.000 --> 12:03.000 >> Gaston: Well, let me ask you 12:03.000 --> 12:04.000 this. 12:04.000 --> 12:05.000 We know they're a quality 12:05.000 --> 12:06.000 program. 12:06.000 --> 12:08.000 We know there are some in the 12:08.000 --> 12:09.000 Big East. 12:09.000 --> 12:10.000 But it's going to be different. 12:10.000 --> 12:12.000 Can you give us a thought about 12:12.000 --> 12:13.000 moving in to the Big East? 12:13.000 --> 12:15.000 >> Schoenrock: Okay, we're 12:15.000 --> 12:16.000 leaving a league that's 12:16.000 --> 12:17.000 typically a four or five bid 12:17.000 --> 12:19.000 league in good years. 12:19.000 --> 12:20.000 Bad years, it's a three bid 12:20.000 --> 12:21.000 league at worst. 12:21.000 --> 12:23.000 The Big East on their good years 12:23.000 --> 12:24.000 have been a three bid league. 12:24.000 --> 12:26.000 So that means that they're just 12:26.000 --> 12:27.000 not the depth in the league. 12:27.000 --> 12:29.000 Now, the top to win the league, 12:29.000 --> 12:31.000 you've still got to go through 12:31.000 --> 12:32.000 some very good programs. 12:32.000 --> 12:34.000 You know, Louisville's been to 12:34.000 --> 12:35.000 the College World Series. 12:35.000 --> 12:37.000 Saint Johns has been in Super 12:37.000 --> 12:38.000 Regionals. 12:38.000 --> 12:39.000 UConn has been in Super 12:39.000 --> 12:40.000 Regionals. 12:40.000 --> 12:41.000 So, there's programs at the top 12:41.000 --> 12:43.000 that have been very good. 12:43.000 --> 12:44.000 But top to bottom, it's not as 12:44.000 --> 12:46.000 closely matched as the league 12:46.000 --> 12:47.000 we're in now. 12:47.000 --> 12:48.000 It will be an interesting 12:48.000 --> 12:49.000 culture. 12:49.000 --> 12:51.000 You know, from what they say, 12:51.000 --> 12:52.000 there's big arms. 12:52.000 --> 12:53.000 Their position player teams 12:53.000 --> 12:55.000 aren't quite as athletic. 12:55.000 --> 12:56.000 There's some differences. 12:56.000 --> 12:57.000 But, you know, I'm looking 12:57.000 --> 12:59.000 forward to what it does for our 12:59.000 --> 13:01.000 athletic department, one. 13:01.000 --> 13:02.000 And two, a change. 13:02.000 --> 13:03.000 A change is good. 13:03.000 --> 13:04.000 Different is good. 13:04.000 --> 13:05.000 Taking our guys to New York to 13:05.000 --> 13:07.000 play Saint Johns will be good. 13:07.000 --> 13:08.000 Going to Connecticut, you know, 13:08.000 --> 13:10.000 there will be some cultural 13:10.000 --> 13:12.000 things that are really good for 13:12.000 --> 13:13.000 development of the whole person. 13:13.000 --> 13:15.000 Half my locker room's never been 13:15.000 --> 13:16.000 to New York City. 13:16.000 --> 13:18.000 And they'll get to experience it 13:18.000 --> 13:19.000 next year. 13:19.000 --> 13:20.000 >> Gaston: Culture shock-two 13:20.000 --> 13:21.000 words for ya. 13:21.000 --> 13:23.000 I've be remised if I didn't ask 13:23.000 --> 13:25.000 you about Eric, your son. 13:25.000 --> 13:26.000 What's it like to coach this 13:26.000 --> 13:27.000 young pitcher who's done a 13:27.000 --> 13:28.000 phenomenal job? 13:28.000 --> 13:30.000 >> Schoenrock: Well, you know, 13:30.000 --> 13:31.000 he came in. 13:31.000 --> 13:33.000 He had a lot of options out of 13:33.000 --> 13:34.000 high school. 13:34.000 --> 13:35.000 It was a unique thing. 13:35.000 --> 13:37.000 I got out of the way and let my 13:37.000 --> 13:38.000 assistants recruit him. 13:38.000 --> 13:39.000 And he made a lot of visits and 13:39.000 --> 13:41.000 decided on his own to attend 13:41.000 --> 13:43.000 Memphis and, you know, play a 13:43.000 --> 13:44.000 very small role as a freshman, 13:44.000 --> 13:45.000 as a lot of freshman do. 13:45.000 --> 13:47.000 Had a good summer after his 13:47.000 --> 13:48.000 freshman year. 13:48.000 --> 13:49.000 Came back last year, sophomore 13:49.000 --> 13:51.000 year, much different pitcher. 13:51.000 --> 13:53.000 Had a pretty serious back injury 13:53.000 --> 13:54.000 that sidelined him for about 13:54.000 --> 13:55.000 half the season. 13:55.000 --> 13:57.000 So, didn't really come like we 13:57.000 --> 13:59.000 thought it would it would last 13:59.000 --> 14:00.000 year. 14:00.000 --> 14:01.000 Went to the Cape Cod league this 14:01.000 --> 14:03.000 summer and really improved and 14:03.000 --> 14:05.000 elevated and had a tremendous 14:05.000 --> 14:06.000 fall. 14:06.000 --> 14:07.000 Now, he's found himself 14:07.000 --> 14:09.000 somewhere in the midst of being 14:09.000 --> 14:10.000 our starting weekend rotation. 14:10.000 --> 14:12.000 So, he's gone from relative 14:12.000 --> 14:13.000 obscurity to probably on a lot 14:13.000 --> 14:15.000 of draft lists, as Sam has, as 14:15.000 --> 14:16.000 Jonathan Van Eaton. 14:16.000 --> 14:17.000 Our closer's on some draft 14:17.000 --> 14:18.000 lists. 14:18.000 --> 14:20.000 We have two or three junior 14:20.000 --> 14:21.000 college guys. 14:21.000 --> 14:22.000 It's neat to see the transition. 14:22.000 --> 14:24.000 I have not been involved in the 14:24.000 --> 14:26.000 daily individual grind and 14:26.000 --> 14:27.000 bullpens and the plan. 14:27.000 --> 14:28.000 I leave that to my assistant 14:28.000 --> 14:29.000 coaches. 14:29.000 --> 14:31.000 And Coach Corral and Eric have 14:31.000 --> 14:32.000 bonded very well. 14:32.000 --> 14:33.000 And he's got strike out 14:33.000 --> 14:34.000 capabilities. 14:34.000 --> 14:36.000 So, could be a unique rotation. 14:36.000 --> 14:37.000 Could be an all left-handed 14:37.000 --> 14:38.000 rotation. 14:38.000 --> 14:40.000 We've got a junior college 14:40.000 --> 14:41.000 pitcher named Alex Gunn that 14:41.000 --> 14:43.000 will factor in as possibly a 14:43.000 --> 14:44.000 Sunday starter. 14:44.000 --> 14:45.000 That can kind of throw an 14:45.000 --> 14:46.000 opposing coach in to a 14:46.000 --> 14:47.000 whirlwind. 14:47.000 --> 14:48.000 >> Gaston: Sure can. 14:48.000 --> 14:49.000 (laughter) 14:49.000 --> 14:51.000 Keeps them on their toes, if 14:51.000 --> 14:52.000 anything. 14:52.000 --> 14:53.000 Make sure you go to gotigersgo- 14:53.000 --> 14:55.000 dot-com to check out the 14:55.000 --> 14:56.000 schedule. 14:56.000 --> 14:57.000 But again, a week from today 14:57.000 --> 14:59.000 against Illinois State is when 14:59.000 --> 15:00.000 it all starts. 15:00.000 --> 15:01.000 Memphis plays a very rugged 15:01.000 --> 15:03.000 schedule, non conference and of 15:03.000 --> 15:04.000 course in conference. 15:04.000 --> 15:06.000 Rock, we like to do this with 15:06.000 --> 15:07.000 all our guests. 15:07.000 --> 15:08.000 We end our interview with five 15:08.000 --> 15:09.000 for the road. 15:09.000 --> 15:11.000 I give you five questions. 15:11.000 --> 15:12.000 Quick answers, first thing that 15:12.000 --> 15:13.000 comes to mind. 15:13.000 --> 15:14.000 Ready? 15:14.000 --> 15:15.000 >> Schoenrock: Ready. 15:15.000 --> 15:17.000 >> Gaston: Your favorite 15:17.000 --> 15:18.000 professional team of all time in 15:18.000 --> 15:19.000 any sport. 15:19.000 --> 15:21.000 >> Schoenrock: Of all time and 15:21.000 --> 15:23.000 any sport, I would probably have 15:23.000 --> 15:24.000 to say the Atlanta Braves and 15:24.000 --> 15:26.000 I'll say a series of teams when 15:26.000 --> 15:28.000 they were going with Maddux, 15:28.000 --> 15:29.000 Galvine, Smoltz and Avery. 15:29.000 --> 15:30.000 That pitching staff-Being a 15:30.000 --> 15:32.000 former pitching coach, that was 15:32.000 --> 15:33.000 a lot of fun to watch. 15:33.000 --> 15:35.000 >> Gaston: Imagine you were a 15:35.000 --> 15:36.000 big fan of Bobby Cox. 15:36.000 --> 15:37.000 Professional athlete-your 15:37.000 --> 15:39.000 favorite professional athlete of 15:39.000 --> 15:40.000 all time. 15:40.000 --> 15:42.000 >> Schoenrock: You know, I had 15:42.000 --> 15:43.000 the opportunity, Greg, as a 15:43.000 --> 15:45.000 volunteer coach in the Chicago 15:45.000 --> 15:47.000 White Sox organization in '94 to 15:47.000 --> 15:48.000 work with the Birmingham Barons 15:48.000 --> 15:50.000 when Michael Jordan played. 15:50.000 --> 15:51.000 And wasn't a huge Michael Jordan 15:51.000 --> 15:53.000 fan one way or the other before 15:53.000 --> 15:54.000 that. 15:54.000 --> 15:56.000 I got to see it up close and 15:56.000 --> 15:57.000 personal. 15:57.000 --> 15:58.000 And I say this about it. 15:58.000 --> 16:00.000 Spending everyday with Michael, 16:00.000 --> 16:01.000 throwing batting practice to 16:01.000 --> 16:03.000 him, the hardest working athlete 16:03.000 --> 16:04.000 that I've ever been around. 16:04.000 --> 16:06.000 >> Gaston: Playing chess, he 16:06.000 --> 16:07.000 would be competitive. 16:07.000 --> 16:08.000 Real quick, final three. 16:08.000 --> 16:09.000 Favorite music. 16:09.000 --> 16:11.000 What do you like to listen to? 16:11.000 --> 16:12.000 You got a group, a band? 16:12.000 --> 16:13.000 >> Schoenrock: Eagles. 16:13.000 --> 16:15.000 I am old Eagles guy, retro. 16:15.000 --> 16:17.000 >> Gaston: Favorite movie of all 16:17.000 --> 16:18.000 time? 16:18.000 --> 16:19.000 >> Schoenrock: Gotta say I'm a 16:19.000 --> 16:21.000 big fan of Hoosiers and the 16:21.000 --> 16:22.000 impact that that guy, that coach 16:22.000 --> 16:24.000 has on the team dynamic. 16:24.000 --> 16:25.000 >> Gaston: Surprised you went 16:25.000 --> 16:27.000 with basketball instead of a 16:27.000 --> 16:28.000 baseball movie. 16:28.000 --> 16:29.000 >> Schoenrock: Well, I spent 16:29.000 --> 16:31.000 sometime coaching at Kentucky, 16:31.000 --> 16:32.000 too, so I got a little 16:32.000 --> 16:33.000 basketball in me. 16:33.000 --> 16:34.000 >> Gaston: Absolutely, and 16:34.000 --> 16:36.000 finally, favorite television 16:36.000 --> 16:37.000 show. 16:37.000 --> 16:39.000 What do you like to watch when 16:39.000 --> 16:40.000 you're unwinding from baseball? 16:40.000 --> 16:42.000 >> Schoenrock: Tough-"Sports 16:42.000 --> 16:43.000 Files with Greg Gaston." 16:43.000 --> 16:44.000 How about that? 16:44.000 --> 16:45.000 >> Gaston: How about that? 16:45.000 --> 16:47.000 Our producer, David George, says 16:47.000 --> 16:48.000 bingo! 16:48.000 --> 16:50.000 That's two weeks in a row that 16:50.000 --> 16:51.000 our guest ahs said that. 16:51.000 --> 16:53.000 >> Schoenrock: And I didn't even 16:53.000 --> 16:54.000 see last week's show. 16:54.000 --> 16:55.000 So, there! 16:55.000 --> 16:56.000 >> Schoenrock: Right on cue. 16:56.000 --> 16:58.000 Hey, Rock, thank you so much. 16:58.000 --> 16:59.000 Always a pleasure. 16:59.000 --> 17:00.000 Best of luck to you. 17:00.000 --> 17:02.000 Enjoy the celebration tomorrow 17:02.000 --> 17:03.000 of 100 years and we'll be 17:03.000 --> 17:05.000 celebrating it all year long 17:05.000 --> 17:06.000 with the Tigers, their 100th 17:06.000 --> 17:07.000 year of playing baseball. 17:07.000 --> 17:08.000 Take a break. 17:08.000 --> 17:10.000 Come back with Overtime right 17:10.000 --> 17:12.000 after this. 17:12.000 --> 17:33.000 [instrumental music] 17:33.000 --> 17:38.000 ♪♪♪ 17:38.000 --> 17:40.000 >> Gaston: I can't imagine that 17:40.000 --> 17:41.000 starting a company from scratch 17:41.000 --> 17:42.000 is an easy task. 17:42.000 --> 17:44.000 So much goes into the process. 17:44.000 --> 17:46.000 The time, energy, financial 17:46.000 --> 17:47.000 commitment is just the tip of 17:47.000 --> 17:49.000 the iceberg because sustaining a 17:49.000 --> 17:51.000 new product is even tougher than 17:51.000 --> 17:52.000 initially getting it off the 17:52.000 --> 17:53.000 ground. 17:53.000 --> 17:55.000 Nick Harmeier is the President 17:55.000 --> 17:57.000 of V3 fights, an Amateur Mixed 17:57.000 --> 17:58.000 Martial Arts company that began 17:58.000 --> 18:00.000 in Memphis and is now branching 18:00.000 --> 18:01.000 out to Nashville. 18:01.000 --> 18:03.000 In fact V3 will put on a show in 18:03.000 --> 18:05.000 Nashville a week from Tomorrow. 18:05.000 --> 18:06.000 V3 is one of the fastest growing 18:06.000 --> 18:08.000 MMA companies in the nation. 18:08.000 --> 18:09.000 The show's production is 18:09.000 --> 18:11.000 impressive, leading to a deal to 18:11.000 --> 18:13.000 air it's product on regional 18:13.000 --> 18:14.000 network CSS, with hopes to go 18:14.000 --> 18:16.000 National in the near future. 18:16.000 --> 18:17.000 Fighters from all over the 18:17.000 --> 18:19.000 Southeast are catching wind of 18:19.000 --> 18:20.000 the quality of V3 and are 18:20.000 --> 18:22.000 seeking out opportunities to be 18:22.000 --> 18:23.000 a part of a V3 fight card. 18:23.000 --> 18:25.000 I recently had a chance to chat 18:25.000 --> 18:27.000 with Nick about the origin of V3 18:27.000 --> 18:28.000 and plans for the future. 18:28.000 --> 18:30.000 Just a word of caution to you 18:30.000 --> 18:31.000 parents, some of the footage in 18:31.000 --> 18:33.000 this piece may not be suitable 18:33.000 --> 18:36.000 for young children. 18:36.000 --> 18:38.000 >> Gaston: Well, Nick, thanks 18:38.000 --> 18:39.000 for being with us. 18:39.000 --> 18:40.000 How did V3 start? 18:40.000 --> 18:41.000 >> Harmeier: Well, it started 18:41.000 --> 18:42.000 off. 18:42.000 --> 18:43.000 You know I did a little 18:43.000 --> 18:45.000 promoting and stuff when I was 18:45.000 --> 18:47.000 back in college with parties and 18:47.000 --> 18:48.000 everything. 18:48.000 --> 18:49.000 And I'd worked with FedEx Forum 18:49.000 --> 18:51.000 on their initiative with 18:51.000 --> 18:52.000 legalizing MMA in Tennessee to 18:52.000 --> 18:53.000 bring in UFC fights. 18:53.000 --> 18:55.000 And I saw an opportunity for it. 18:55.000 --> 18:56.000 So, I jumped right in to it. 18:56.000 --> 18:58.000 And we started doing V3 fights. 18:58.000 --> 18:59.000 >> Gaston: Are you surprised at 18:59.000 --> 19:01.000 how much it has grown in such a 19:01.000 --> 19:02.000 short time? 19:02.000 --> 19:03.000 >> Harmeier: Not at all. 19:03.000 --> 19:05.000 I mean, out west, it's really 19:05.000 --> 19:06.000 taken off really well. 19:06.000 --> 19:07.000 It's taken off in a ton of 19:07.000 --> 19:08.000 different countries, also. 19:08.000 --> 19:10.000 So, Memphis with it's strong 19:10.000 --> 19:12.000 wrestling background in general, 19:12.000 --> 19:13.000 you know, from Monday night 19:13.000 --> 19:14.000 wrestling with Jerry King. 19:14.000 --> 19:16.000 I knew that this city loves that 19:16.000 --> 19:17.000 action. 19:17.000 --> 19:19.000 And it produces some of the best 19:19.000 --> 19:20.000 fighters really in the country. 19:20.000 --> 19:21.000 So, it works out well. 19:21.000 --> 19:23.000 >> Gaston: yeah, Jerry Lawler, 19:23.000 --> 19:24.000 the King. 19:24.000 --> 19:25.000 Well, did you expect to have 19:25.000 --> 19:27.000 this plethora of talent that you 19:27.000 --> 19:28.000 have assembled? 19:28.000 --> 19:29.000 And not only are you getting 19:29.000 --> 19:31.000 fighters from Tennessee, but 19:31.000 --> 19:32.000 nearby Arkansas, Mississippi, 19:32.000 --> 19:34.000 Alabama, and Missouri. 19:34.000 --> 19:35.000 But did you expect this part of 19:35.000 --> 19:37.000 the country to have this many 19:37.000 --> 19:38.000 young impressive fighters? 19:38.000 --> 19:40.000 >> Harmeier: I didn't expect it 19:40.000 --> 19:41.000 to take off this quickly with 19:41.000 --> 19:42.000 the fighters. 19:42.000 --> 19:43.000 I knew that we were going to 19:43.000 --> 19:45.000 have to build them a little bit 19:45.000 --> 19:47.000 and get good strong fighters and 19:47.000 --> 19:48.000 kind of get everyone kind of up 19:48.000 --> 19:49.000 speed with it. 19:49.000 --> 19:51.000 I mean, you go in Memphis right 19:51.000 --> 19:53.000 now and everyone's, you know, a 19:53.000 --> 19:54.000 ton of great basketball players. 19:54.000 --> 19:56.000 But now you grab some of these 19:56.000 --> 19:57.000 guys and they're great strikers. 19:57.000 --> 19:59.000 They're great brawlers. 19:59.000 --> 20:00.000 And you get a little wrestling 20:00.000 --> 20:02.000 behind them, a little jiu jitsu, 20:02.000 --> 20:03.000 and they're, you know, pretty 20:03.000 --> 20:04.000 well-rounded fighters. 20:04.000 --> 20:06.000 So, Memphis has that attitude. 20:06.000 --> 20:07.000 It's that grit. 20:07.000 --> 20:08.000 Everyone has that grit here in 20:08.000 --> 20:10.000 this city, I think, and really, 20:10.000 --> 20:11.000 just in this area. 20:11.000 --> 20:13.000 And that's what, I think, really 20:13.000 --> 20:14.000 makes a lot of these fighters 20:14.000 --> 20:16.000 stand out from other fighters. 20:16.000 --> 20:17.000 >> Gaston: Nick, not only do you 20:17.000 --> 20:19.000 have great match ups, great 20:19.000 --> 20:20.000 fighters, but the show, the 20:20.000 --> 20:21.000 production. 20:21.000 --> 20:23.000 It's so important to you to put 20:23.000 --> 20:24.000 on for the fans out there as 20:24.000 --> 20:26.000 they're going to be entertained 20:26.000 --> 20:27.000 not just by what happens inside 20:27.000 --> 20:29.000 the cage, but everything that 20:29.000 --> 20:30.000 goes along with the fight. 20:30.000 --> 20:32.000 >> Harmeier: Exactly, you know, 20:32.000 --> 20:33.000 it's fight week. 20:33.000 --> 20:34.000 Once that's going-I mean, going 20:34.000 --> 20:36.000 from the weigh ins to tonight. 20:36.000 --> 20:38.000 I mean, you come to it and it's 20:38.000 --> 20:39.000 not just fights going on here in 20:39.000 --> 20:40.000 the cage. 20:40.000 --> 20:42.000 It's, you know, it's a very 20:42.000 --> 20:43.000 eclectic atmosphere. 20:43.000 --> 20:44.000 I mean, we have people that come 20:44.000 --> 20:46.000 in here that's 85, 90 years old 20:46.000 --> 20:47.000 to watch these fights. 20:47.000 --> 20:48.000 But then we also have people 20:48.000 --> 20:50.000 that come in here and, you know, 20:50.000 --> 20:52.000 six, seven year old kids come in 20:52.000 --> 20:53.000 here and watch it. 20:53.000 --> 20:54.000 So, a lot of that is because of 20:54.000 --> 20:56.000 how we set up the production and 20:56.000 --> 20:57.000 how the shows built. 20:57.000 --> 20:58.000 It's built just like. 20:58.000 --> 21:00.000 You know, we try to build it 21:00.000 --> 21:01.000 just like the Grizzlies or like 21:01.000 --> 21:03.000 the University of Memphis. 21:03.000 --> 21:04.000 You know, our team goes to all 21:04.000 --> 21:05.000 those events. 21:05.000 --> 21:07.000 You know, and so, it was a no 21:07.000 --> 21:08.000 brainer for us to try to say, 21:08.000 --> 21:10.000 "Hey, this is the blue print for 21:10.000 --> 21:11.000 what a sporting event is 21:11.000 --> 21:12.000 supposed to look like when 21:12.000 --> 21:13.000 you're at it." 21:13.000 --> 21:15.000 It's not just basketball when 21:15.000 --> 21:16.000 you go to a Grizzlies game. 21:16.000 --> 21:18.000 There's a ton of stuff going on 21:18.000 --> 21:19.000 there, also. 21:19.000 --> 21:20.000 You know, with different 21:20.000 --> 21:21.000 promotions and stuff. 21:21.000 --> 21:23.000 That's what we bring here, too. 21:23.000 --> 21:24.000 >> Gaston: Not only that, but 21:24.000 --> 21:26.000 you've also built on what MMA 21:26.000 --> 21:27.000 has become. 21:27.000 --> 21:28.000 You watch UFC fights and how 21:28.000 --> 21:29.000 popular that is. 21:29.000 --> 21:30.000 And I guess you put it all 21:30.000 --> 21:32.000 together and you come up with V3 21:32.000 --> 21:33.000 Fights. 21:33.000 --> 21:34.000 >> Harmeier: yes, exactly. 21:34.000 --> 21:36.000 And you know, we're getting 21:36.000 --> 21:37.000 there. 21:37.000 --> 21:38.000 And we still have a lot of work 21:38.000 --> 21:39.000 to do. 21:39.000 --> 21:41.000 We're moving around to a couple 21:41.000 --> 21:42.000 different markets. 21:42.000 --> 21:43.000 We're going to Nashville in 21:43.000 --> 21:44.000 February. 21:44.000 --> 21:46.000 And, you know, that's going to 21:46.000 --> 21:47.000 be a true test for us is check 21:47.000 --> 21:49.000 out how strong we can be in 21:49.000 --> 21:50.000 another market. 21:50.000 --> 21:51.000 >> Gaston: Yeah, we have the 21:51.000 --> 21:53.000 fights coming up in February in 21:53.000 --> 21:54.000 Nashville as you mentioned. 21:54.000 --> 21:56.000 And the expansion, is that a big 21:56.000 --> 21:57.000 part of it? 21:57.000 --> 21:58.000 You feel right now you are ready 21:58.000 --> 22:00.000 to take it to that next level 22:00.000 --> 22:02.000 and go beyond just what you do 22:02.000 --> 22:03.000 here in Memphis? 22:03.000 --> 22:04.000 >> Harmeier: Yes, definitely. 22:04.000 --> 22:06.000 I mean, we can be the biggest 22:06.000 --> 22:07.000 and best in Memphis. 22:07.000 --> 22:08.000 And that's great to be in 22:08.000 --> 22:09.000 Memphis. 22:09.000 --> 22:10.000 But as we just signed with 22:10.000 --> 22:12.000 Comcast Sports South, it makes 22:12.000 --> 22:13.000 sense for us to try to go around 22:13.000 --> 22:15.000 and start hitting some of these 22:15.000 --> 22:16.000 different markets and finding 22:16.000 --> 22:17.000 these great fighters. 22:17.000 --> 22:19.000 But also, we have a great show, 22:19.000 --> 22:21.000 a great production, great event. 22:21.000 --> 22:22.000 So, you know, we pride ourselves 22:22.000 --> 22:23.000 on being from Memphis. 22:23.000 --> 22:24.000 You know, the home on 22:24.000 --> 22:26.000 entertainment, home of Elvis 22:26.000 --> 22:27.000 Presley. 22:27.000 --> 22:28.000 You know, we know good 22:28.000 --> 22:29.000 entertainment. 22:29.000 --> 22:31.000 So, let's take it on the road 22:31.000 --> 22:32.000 and show people what we're 22:32.000 --> 22:33.000 about. 22:33.000 --> 22:34.000 >> Gaston: Right now it's the 22:34.000 --> 22:35.000 best amateur fighters. 22:35.000 --> 22:37.000 They make their mark right 22:37.000 --> 22:38.000 inside this cage, the V3 cage. 22:38.000 --> 22:40.000 And then they move on to the 22:40.000 --> 22:41.000 professional ranks. 22:41.000 --> 22:42.000 Are there any thoughts about 22:42.000 --> 22:44.000 expanding to professional MMA? 22:44.000 --> 22:45.000 >> Harmeier: Yes, ultimately 22:45.000 --> 22:47.000 our goal is we really kind of 22:47.000 --> 22:48.000 want to be the triple-A for UFC. 22:48.000 --> 22:50.000 So, with that being said, we 22:50.000 --> 22:51.000 want good, young, strong 22:51.000 --> 22:52.000 fighters. 22:52.000 --> 22:54.000 And what we have right now is we 22:54.000 --> 22:55.000 have-We're getting a really 22:55.000 --> 22:56.000 good, deep pool of amateurs. 22:56.000 --> 22:58.000 And so as those generations of 22:58.000 --> 22:59.000 amateurs turn pro, it makes 22:59.000 --> 23:01.000 sense for us to turn pro with 23:01.000 --> 23:02.000 them because now, we know that 23:02.000 --> 23:03.000 we built that supply. 23:03.000 --> 23:05.000 And whenever we turn pro, that 23:05.000 --> 23:06.000 demand will be there and we 23:06.000 --> 23:08.000 already have the supply with is 23:08.000 --> 23:09.000 also. 23:09.000 --> 23:10.000 So, it makes sense for us. 23:10.000 --> 23:12.000 But to go pro, there's just not 23:12.000 --> 23:13.000 enough pros out there, 23:13.000 --> 23:14.000 especially just around in this 23:14.000 --> 23:15.000 area. 23:15.000 --> 23:17.000 But I think, I always say 23:17.000 --> 23:18.000 generations. 23:18.000 --> 23:19.000 It's our third generation right 23:19.000 --> 23:20.000 now. 23:20.000 --> 23:22.000 So, this next group of guys that 23:22.000 --> 23:24.000 go pro makes sense for us to go 23:24.000 --> 23:25.000 pro with them because, again, 23:25.000 --> 23:26.000 we'll have a deep pool of 23:26.000 --> 23:28.000 fighters to pull from and 23:28.000 --> 23:29.000 continue to match good, strong 23:29.000 --> 23:30.000 and exciting fights for the 23:30.000 --> 23:31.000 fans. 23:31.000 --> 23:33.000 >> Gaston: Alright, final 23:33.000 --> 23:34.000 question for you. 23:34.000 --> 23:35.000 I'm a genie. 23:35.000 --> 23:36.000 You've already went like this to 23:36.000 --> 23:38.000 my shoulder and poof, I give you 23:38.000 --> 23:39.000 a wish. 23:39.000 --> 23:40.000 I give you one wish. 23:40.000 --> 23:41.000 You can not say unlimited 23:41.000 --> 23:43.000 amounts of money because then 23:43.000 --> 23:44.000 obviously, you can do whatever 23:44.000 --> 23:45.000 you want. 23:45.000 --> 23:47.000 There's one thing that you want 23:47.000 --> 23:48.000 to be able to do. 23:48.000 --> 23:50.000 What would it be if you had that 23:50.000 --> 23:51.000 wish? 23:51.000 --> 23:52.000 >> Harmeier: Ah, there's so 23:52.000 --> 23:53.000 many. 23:53.000 --> 23:54.000 There's so many. 23:54.000 --> 23:55.000 >> Gaston: I mean, to help 23:55.000 --> 23:57.000 expand what you're doing right 23:57.000 --> 23:58.000 now with V3 Fights. 23:58.000 --> 24:00.000 >> Harmeier: I mean, national TV 24:00.000 --> 24:01.000 deals a no-brainer. 24:01.000 --> 24:02.000 I mean, you know, if we really 24:02.000 --> 24:04.000 want to push it strong, if we 24:04.000 --> 24:05.000 can get on NBC or something, you 24:05.000 --> 24:07.000 know, once a week, that'd be 24:07.000 --> 24:08.000 great for us. 24:08.000 --> 24:09.000 Once a month, I mean, I'd be 24:09.000 --> 24:10.000 happy with that. 24:10.000 --> 24:12.000 >> Gaston: And the popularity is 24:12.000 --> 24:13.000 still very much there. 24:13.000 --> 24:15.000 When the MMA hit and boxing took 24:15.000 --> 24:16.000 a step back and people still 24:16.000 --> 24:18.000 wanted that excitement, they got 24:18.000 --> 24:19.000 it with MMA. 24:19.000 --> 24:20.000 And its till continues today in 24:20.000 --> 24:21.000 2013. 24:21.000 --> 24:23.000 >> Harmeier: Well, unless you've 24:23.000 --> 24:24.000 been to a fight- 24:24.000 --> 24:26.000 I mean, its one thing watching 24:26.000 --> 24:27.000 it. 24:27.000 --> 24:28.000 And it's great to watch. 24:28.000 --> 24:29.000 But when you come and when you 24:29.000 --> 24:31.000 experience it, it's a whole 24:31.000 --> 24:32.000 'nother kind of level of 24:32.000 --> 24:33.000 excitement. 24:33.000 --> 24:34.000 >> Gaston: It's an absolute 24:34.000 --> 24:35.000 show. 24:35.000 --> 24:37.000 And folks, it's right here 24:37.000 --> 24:38.000 inside the cage with V3 Fights. 24:38.000 --> 24:39.000 Nick, thank you so much. 24:39.000 --> 24:41.000 >> Harmeier: Thank you. 24:41.000 --> 24:44.000 >> Gaston: Appreciate it. 24:44.000 --> 24:46.000 >> Gaston: So Jason Levien and 24:46.000 --> 24:48.000 the Grizzlies top brass did it. 24:48.000 --> 24:49.000 They dealt Rudy Gay. 24:49.000 --> 24:50.000 They dealt a member of the 24:50.000 --> 24:51.000 team's "Core Four". 24:51.000 --> 24:53.000 Many thought it wouldn't happen 24:53.000 --> 24:55.000 until after the season concluded 24:55.000 --> 24:56.000 because the team's previous 24:56.000 --> 24:58.000 trade with Cleveland got them 24:58.000 --> 24:59.000 under the luxury tax threshold. 24:59.000 --> 25:01.000 Well, if there's one thing we've 25:01.000 --> 25:03.000 learned about the new Ownership 25:03.000 --> 25:05.000 and Management group with the 25:05.000 --> 25:06.000 Grizzlies is to "Expect the 25:06.000 --> 25:07.000 Unexpected". 25:07.000 --> 25:08.000 No, dealing Rudy was not a 25:08.000 --> 25:10.000 shocker, but I just feel 25:10.000 --> 25:11.000 anything is possible. 25:11.000 --> 25:12.000 Of course, as I've stated before 25:12.000 --> 25:14.000 on "Sports Files", Jason Levien 25:14.000 --> 25:16.000 was brought in by his buddy 25:16.000 --> 25:17.000 Robert Pera to shed spending, 25:17.000 --> 25:19.000 but to do so without damaging 25:19.000 --> 25:20.000 the team's ability to compete. 25:20.000 --> 25:22.000 And while the jury is still out 25:22.000 --> 25:23.000 on what will occur in the 25:23.000 --> 25:25.000 future, right now they have 25:25.000 --> 25:26.000 accomplished that goal. 25:26.000 --> 25:28.000 And that will do it for this 25:28.000 --> 25:29.000 week's show. 25:29.000 --> 25:30.000 Remember to see any of our 25:30.000 --> 25:31.000 previous programs, head to our 25:31.000 --> 25:33.000 website at WKNO-dot-org and 25:33.000 --> 25:34.000 click on KNO Tonite. 25:34.000 --> 25:37.000 And we'll see you next time. 25:37.000 --> 25:54.000 [instrumental music] 25:54.000 --> 25:58.000 ♪♪♪