This Helmsman roundtable marks the last one featuring sports editor Omer Yusuf and sports reporters Austin Reynolds and J.T. Mullen. The Daily Helmsman asked each of them to reflect on their favorite story and moment, plus the story they least enjoyed working on at their time with the Helmsman.
How has your opinion of Tiger athletics changed since you started covering them?
OY: I was in the weird position of not growing up a Tigers’ fan, given I’m a Minnesota native. So, I had little emotional attachment to Memphis football and basketball. I will root for Memphis basketball and football to succeed, but I don’t think I’ll ever be confused with being a die-hard Tigers’ fan.
AR: I don't know if my opinion has changed much. I was always a Tiger fan, and at least in terms of basketball, that's waned a bit over the last seven semesters that I've been working at the Helmsman, but I feel like that has more to do with the general state of the program under Pastner than with me covering the team.
JM: My opinion hasn't changed of Tiger athletics, but rather Tiger athletics has changed a lot since I started covering them. When I started, the basketball program, led by former star point guard Joe Jackson, was very successful under Josh Pastner. Football was improving, but still posting losing seasons in Justin Fuente's first two seasons. Now football is the most successful, basketball is rebuilding, and both sports are facing coaching transitions.
What is story did you enjoy finishing the most?
OY: The two-part concussion story I completed last year. It took such a long time to get it all together, and to finish it was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve had, not just in journalism, but my life.
AR: My story on the Crying Jordan meme from this semester. I've definitely written better stories, but that one was without a doubt the most fun. Crying Jordan forever.
JM: I loved working on game stories for Tiger basketball. Being able to sit on press row and go to post game press conferences was great experience. It also helped me work on expedited deadlines, as the games would usually end late at night, and I would have an hour or less to turn them in.
What story did you enjoy working on the least?
OY: I would say any of the columns I’ve written on Tigers’ basketball over the past two seasons. Those were tough to write, but I was dissatisfied with the way the program was going, so they had to be written.
AR: I don't think there’s one particular story that sticks out as being the one I least enjoyed, but the ones about the rifle and tennis teams were probably the ones I least enjoyed. It's nothing against those teams, but those are sports that I just don't really personally enjoy, and I definitely don't understand them at the level that I do basketball, football, soccer or baseball.
JM: I didn't really hate working on any particular sport or story. The most difficult would probably have to be covering golf or volleyball at first. I had to learn a lot about each sport before I began covering them because I didn't know much about either. Now I really enjoy covering both.
What was your favorite Tiger basketball or football moment in your time at the U of M?
OY: Covering the Memphis vs. Ole Miss game last season was by far the best moment. Especially given Memphis overcame a double-digit first quarter deficit, which was the moment Tiger football became relevant on a national level.
AR: This one is easy. Memphis football pulling the blowout upset over Ole Miss at the Liberty Bowl this season.
JM: Favorite Tiger moment would probably be the Miami Beach Bowl. Paxton Lynch and the Tigers' stellar performance in the double-overtime game was incredible and it truly showed how far that program has come.
Finally, what is your favorite memory working at the Helmsman?
OY: I don't have one specific memory, but just working with all the people in the newsroom and covering all the sporting events. I’ll miss that, because this has been one of the best times of my life.
AR: Just all the stupid stuff we've done hanging out in the newsroom, from tossing footballs around to the constant sports-related arguments. Working at the Helmsman has been a ton of fun, and I'm going to miss it.
JM: My favorite Helmsman memory is probably after Nick King announced he would be transferring from the University of Memphis. I was in the Tiger Den writing about the transfer, when I looked up, and King was sitting right in front of me. With the help of sports editor Omer Yusuf, I secured the first interview with King on his transfer.
