This Sun., Nov. 27th, 2011

MIKE UTLEY(www.MikeUtley.org)

Date of Birth
December 20, 1965 - Seattle, WA

Grade School
St. Paul - Seattle, WA

High School
John F. Kennedy High School - Seattle, WA
Football Coach: Tom Merill
“Mike Utley was the greatest football player in the history of John F. Kennedy High School in Seattle, Washington”.
Lettered in football and basketball-served as captain on both teams.

College
1984 - Scholarship to Washington State University in Pullman, WA
In 1989 he led the Cougars to their most successful season since 1929 with a 9-3 record and their fourth ever post-season bowl bid, an Aloha Bowl invitation. The WSU Cougars won the Aloha Bowl with a win over the Houston Cougars (score 24-22)

Bowl Games Coca Cola Bowl-Tokyo, Japan 1987
Aloha Bowl-1988 (Mike was MVP)
Hula Bowl-1989
East West Shrine Game-1989

All American
He became only the second player in WSU history to earn consensus first team All-American honors.
He received this recognition from:
American Football Coaches Association
Football News
Football Writers of America
Kodak
Scripps- Howard
United Press International
Voted WSU Most valuable player
Mike was one of 10 nominees for the Seattle Post
Intelligencer’s Sports Star of the Year Award.

Drafted 1989 by the Detroit Lions-3rd pick in the third round. In Mike’s rookie year, he became the starting right guard for the Lions.

Injured
November 17, 1991-fractured 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae. Hospitalized and had surgery at Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. Started rehabilitation December 13, 1991 at Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO.

Mike Utley Foundation
With the help of his agent, Bruce Allen, Mike founded the Mike Utley Foundation. Established to find a cure for spinal cord injuries the Foundation supports select research, rehabilitation and education for SCI.

Sam Perkins
(www.onebidwonders.com)

Sam Perkins has had his finger on the pulse of the America East for the better part of a decade, starting his America East journey as a high school student and finishing it as a member of the media. During that time he has been in attendance for over 500 America East contests. He traces his passion for the America East back to a gray Sunday in March of 2002, when he watched Stijn Dhondt’s miracle buzzer-beater propel Boston University on to the America East championship game and NCAA Tournament, and Trevor Gaines leave his heart and soul on the court in Vermont’s upset loss. Widely regarded as the “America East insider” (or in other circles as “that guy who should really get a life”), Sam spent the previous 3 years as Hoopville.com’s America East beat writer and has established working relationships and friendships with a host of current and former America East players, coaches, administrators, and officials. Sam has had pieces published by the Associated Press, as well as several other publications and newspapers; he was also co-authoring a book with the late Gaines, a close personal friend, entitled “Stronger at the Broken Places,” and is now finishing it posthumously in his honor. Sam resides in the greater Boston Area with his fianceé and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Journalism at Northeastern University.

Ben Zobrist
(www.thezobrists.com)

http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=450314

Sun., Nov. 20th:

RUSTY "The Logger" DeWEES

"Rusty DeWees: Entertainer, comedic artist, actor, producer, writer, musician, master of duct tape…and the Logger of course! Rusty does it all and keeps his fans and audiences laughing, as he puts it, "till their backs get better." Rusty grew up in Stowe, Vermont where he was actively involved in theatre throughout high school and college. As a young adult, he performed with the award winning Vermont Repertory Theatre, before moving to New York City where he trained at the George Loris Actors Theatre School and the Lee Strasberg Institute. This professional training was followed by scores of notable roles off-Broadway, and in television, film, and national commercials. Missing his home state, Rusty moved back to Vermont where he continued his acting career and developed the Logger character. An eclectic and innovative act, THE LOGGER one-man comedy show is best described as "Blue Collar Comedy" meets "Prairie Home Companion", and has been steadily selling out theatres, large and small, throughout New England ever since it hit the stage in 1998. The success of the live act has spawned three Logger DVDs, two CDs, five calendars, Logger apparel (duct tape wallets and Logger thongs included), and Scrawlins, a compilation of Rusty's columns for syndicated and regional newspapers. Rusty also writes, voices, directs, and produces radio and television spots for various companies throughout New England, and has always, throughout his career, donated his time to promote positive lifestyle choices among high school age kids." courtesy www.TheLogger.com

Jim "The Rookie" Morris

Last night I had the extreme privilege to interview Jim "The Rookie" Morris on my show.  This was the second time I was fortunate to share his story with the Radio Vermont audience.  Wow.  Awesome.

A few specifics stand out.  First, the lack of relationship with his father; but closeness to his dad's father ... if everyone had one to teach and challenge while displaying unconditional love ...
Second, Jim Morris was challenged by high school kids; and Jim Morris kept his word.

Find more at www.jimtherookiemorris.com

"Jim "The Rookie" Morris' inspirational and transformational message about following your dreams and having a game plan for success connects with audiences, young and old, male and female. His life story is the inspiration behind the Walt Disney blockbuster film, "The Rookie," starring Dennis Quaid. It is also the model for the greatest sports film of the 21st century, “The Blindside.”

To motivate his rag tag high school baseball team, Jim, as a 35-year-old schoolteacher, made a bet that he would try out for the big leagues if his team won a district championship. When Jim's team won, he followed through on his promise, going to a tryout where he threw 12 consecutive pitches at 98 mph! Three months later in front of family and his high school team, Jim achieved his dream of pitching in the big leagues by striking out the first hitter he faced. That’s what Jim Morris accomplished and—it doesn’t matter who you are—we can all relate to fulfilling our goals and dreams. Jim Morris’ story takes place on a baseball diamond, but it’s really about life.

Imagine having Jim tell you his story over a cup of coffee. Jim Morris brings that level of intimacy to your corporate meeting, church, school, or fundraiser. A schoolteacher by trade, Jim Morris is a polished inspirational and motivational speaker, but never slick. In a world lacking in real-life heroes, Jim connects with his audience, because he transformed himself from a man who was struggling into an incredible success. Audiences connect with him because they see themselves in Jim Morris.

Jim Morris is a great speaker who inspires and motivates his audience with honesty and humor. He is candid about his early-life failures and he uses them to provide a roadmap for success in business, family, and community. His is an uplifting, heroic tale about overcoming a tough upbringing. One of the most magical things about Jim Morris is how he takes his stories and weaves them into a roadmap for changing all aspects of your life for the better, whether in business, family-life, or within your community.

Jim Morris can tailor his inspirational and motivational message to a corporate setting, to a school, an association/non-profit, or a church. He works closely with customers to deliver a great meeting and he is a great storyteller! Long after he has left, Jim Morris’ message will continue to resonate with your group.

We invite you to view video samples of Jim Morris and to read comments from happy customers that have had him in as a speaker."

I'd certainly enjoy the opportunity for him to share with Vermonters!

PEOPLE

"People I've met and the stories they've told."

Tune in Sun. nights, www.wdevradio.com