This Week in Blue Raider Athletics

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The Blue Raider Athletic Association will host the 13th annual Raider Round-Up & Auction on Friday, August 12, at the Middle Tennessee Foundation Reception House located on West Thompson Lane next to Miller Coliseum. The event begins with a 6 p.m. Cocktail Hour and the Cajun Feast will begin at 7 pm. The cost for the event is $50 per person.

"Raider Round-Up is the kickoff to the 2005-06 sports season and our committee has focused on improving the event and adding some features," Associate Athletic Director Alan Farley said. "This year's Raider Round-Up will have a Mardi Gras & Cajun theme in conjunction with our goal of playing in the New Orleans Bowl in December. The silent and live auction is always the highlight of the evening, with a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle, tickets to 2006 Super Bowl, trips and airline tickets, plus a host of other items, on the auction list this year.

"This event is open to the public so we invite everyone to attend. This is a great way to build excitement about the upcoming season, as all of our head coaches and their staff will be in attendance. I encourage all Blue Raider fans, alumni, friends of the university, and general sports fans to attend and meet our coaches to get an inside scoop on what to expect this year. We always have great food, a lot of fun and the chance to buy great items in the auction", stated Farley.

To make reservations, contact the BRAA office at 615/898-2210.

DURHAM WINS AGAIN; MCGILL, NELMS POST QUALITY OUTINGS: Middle Tennessee golfer Taryn Durham won her second event of the summer last week, claiming individual medalist honors at the 60th Marion Miley Invitational at Lexington Country Club in Lexington, Ky. The event is the oldest women's amateur event in the state of Kentucky. Durham posted rounds of 75 and 73 to edge veteran Joyce Abbott by one shot, as well as a pair of University of Kentucky golfers, Erin Faulkner and Beth Felts. The victory was Durham's second of the summer after claiming the Kentucky State Amateur title at the end of June. Just a few days prior, Durham and current teammate Maggie McGill both tied for 10th at the Fifth Third Bank Women's Kentucky Open at London Country Club in London, Ky. McGill posted rounds of 74 and 77, while Durham shot 76-75. Only one player in the field finished under par. Men's golfer Josh Nelms also had a fine tournament two weeks ago in the 49th Eastern Amateur at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club in Portsmouth, Va. Nelms tied for 20th in the 180-player field after posting rounds of 66-70-75-69=280. The Chattanooga, Tenn., product will be one of two seniors for the Blue Raiders and head coach Johnny Moore this coming season.

CHANGES MADE TO ALABAMA BRAA BUS TRIP: With a 6 p.m. game time now set for the Alabama contest on September 3 in Tuscaloosa, a couple of changes have been made to the BRAA-sponsored bus trip. The trip will now depart the Greenland Drive parking lot at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, and return on Sunday, September 4. The cost of the bus trip is $130 per person, which includes hotel and transportation or $180 per couple, which includes hotel and transportation. This does not include cost of ticket for the game. Tickets may be purchased through the Middle Tennessee ticket office by calling 615/898-2103. Cost of game tickets is $30. The BRAA will also sponsor a trip later in the season to Vanderbilt at a cost of $25. Tickets for the Vandy game are $30 and may be purchased at the ticket office. The Alumni Association will also be coordinating a tailgate event for all Middle Tennessee alumni and fans traveling to these away games. The BRAA will also be checking into bus trips to North Carolina State and Troy University. To make reservations for the BRAA bus trips, please call the BRAA office at 615/898-2210. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.

ALABAMA TICKET DEADLINE AUGUST 1: Middle Tennessee season ticket holders may purchase tickets for the Alabama game, September 3, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., through the Middle Tennessee Ticket Office. The complement of tickets Middle Tennessee has received from the University of Alabama must be returned on August 1. Fans may purchase tickets by calling the ticket office at 615/898-2103 or online at GoBlueRaiders.com.

NIEMEYER SET FOR ROGERS MASTERS: Former Blue Raider Fred Niemeyer will participate in the US Open Series event, the Rogers Masters, August 8-14, in Montreal, Canada. Niemeyer annually competes in Canada's ATP event which precedes the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. Middle Tennessee head coach Dale Short will once again see part of the tournament during a two-week excursion north that will include some vacation time as well as recruiting. Full results and a TV schedule for the Rogers Masters may be found at USOpenSeries.com.

SPIRIT PACKS AVAILABLE: The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce is again pleased to announce their endorsement and sale of Middle Tennessee Spirit Packs for the 2005 season. These Spirit Packs are an ideal way for local businesses to support Middle Tennessee athletics and help to "Paint the Town Blue" for all Blue Raider sporting events. The Spirit Packs come in two sizes, priced at $55 and $80, and include blue and white pennant strings, blue and white pom-poms, Middle Tennessee static window clings, car-size magnet and flags. To purchase a Spirit Pack, please visit the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce or contact 615/893-6565. Spirit Packs are also available for sale at the Blue Raider Marketing office located in the Kennon Hall of Fame building on the Middle Tennessee campus. For more information please contact Jodi Greeson in Blue Raider Marketing at 615/494-8951. Spirit Packs will be available beginning June 6 while supplies last.

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