Andrew Branson, class of 1993

Section I: Technical Sergeant Andrew Branson, where are you now?

I am currently stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, SC. I have been married for 6 years to Heidi. I have a 5 year old son, Jack, and a 2 year old daughter, Molly. Heidi is a registered nurse, and originally from Rochester, NY. We met while I was stationed in Las Vegas, NV. My Air Force specialty is Civil Engineering, Utilities Systems.

Section II: Q & A

SORSN: Tell us what you have been up to since you graduated from Midway High School in 1993?

Andrew: After graduation, I attended Tennessee Tech in Cookeville for a year before enlisting in the Air Force in 1994. After basic training, I spent my first 3 years at Hickam AFB in Hawaii, everyone’s dream assignment! I guess I got lucky. I then spent 4 years in Las Vegas, and have been in South Carolina now for almost 4 years. I recently received an assignment to Spangdahlem AB, in Germany, and will leave November ’05. My wife and I are pretty excited about that.

SORSN: Tell us some of the places you have visited since joining the United States Air Force? Any favorites? Any, shall we say, not so favorites?

Andrew: I have been to so many places since being in. I already mentioned Hawaii, Las Vegas, and South Carolina, but from those places, I have deployed all over the world. I have been to Guam, Okinawa, St. Lucia, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Germany, Ireland, Cyprus, Sicily, Hungary, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kyrgystan, Pakistan, and South Korea. While in Korea, I had the opportunity to visit the Demilitarized Zone, and actually stepped about 10 feet into North Korea, so I can add that to my list. I have had a few 2 and 3 month stays in Colorado, Alabama, and Texas, and have at least driven or flown through about 30 other states. My favorite place is obviously Hawaii. I would be crazy to say anything else. I visited all the islands in the chain while I was there, and even learned to surf. My least favorite would be Saudi Arabia. The heat wasn’t that much different from the Mojave Desert in Vegas, but the people are not friendly.

SORSN: You recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East. Can you tell us what it was like and some of your activities there?

Andrew: I was deployed to Pakistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. It wasn’t much of a glory mission, as we were closing the base. However, it was one of the first forward bases to open after 9/11, and I was one of the last 60 people to step foot off the base. That is a pretty good story for my grandkids. It was a toss up for being my least favorite place on Earth, but I think the people I was deployed with made it worthwhile.

SORSN: Tell us about growing up South of the River? Some of your best memories of wearing the Green and White of Midway High School? Do you keep in touch with anyone from those days?

Andrew: I don’t get too many chances to stay in touch with my hectic schedule, but when I am home, I usually run into some old friends. I always keep up with what is going on through my parents. They usually run into people and ask the questions I would ask. I ran into Michael Rose here in South Carolina and see him often. I also e-mail Travis Ingram every so often to check on how he is doing down in sunny Florida. Feel free to e-mail me at Andrew.Branson@shaw.af.mil anytime.

SORSN: The 1988 Midway Green Wave Kickoff Program has you wearing number 16, playing wide receiver and weighing in at a whopping 125 lbs? Any comments here? Could you provide some insight or dieting tips for how you maintained the 125 lb frame? Has your wife ever seen picture of you from those days?

Andrew: Yes, my wife has seen those pictures. She can’t believe I was that small. Now I have a daily workout, I am 6’1”, and weigh in at 240. People have a hard time recognizing me who haven’t seen me for awhile.

SORSN: Any advice for any of our younger readers who are thinking of joining the military?

Andrew: Take advantage of the education opportunities early. I have just recently started taking advantage of them, but I got my associated degree pretty fast. I will continue to take classes when I get to Germany. Tuition is free, so you can’t beat it. You can even take classes at some deployed locations. Also, manage your money early in your career. You don’t get paid much at first, so don’t blow it. I am now an E-6, and make a pretty good living. I am a very strong advocate of the military and the things we do, so I obviously think it is a great idea for almost anyone. Just be prepared for anything.

SORSN: Can you tell us what ever happened to the white Monte Carlo SS?

Andrew: I don’t really know for sure. I was only allowed to drive it once or twice. My dad was afraid I would try to race it or something. He was right, and I now understand his reasons. I did get to wash it a few times, though. I only hope the current owner takes care of it as well as I did.


Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, and thanks for serving your country. SORSN.com and its legions of followers are proud of you!

Todd Wheaton, class of 1985

Section I: Todd Wheaton, where are you now?

I now live with my wife, Susan, in Marietta, Georgia. We both work at Kennestone Hospital, where I am an Anesthesiologist and she is a nurse in the Cardiac Cath Lab. We work on separate floors of the hospital and thus are still happily married after almost 2.5 years! We have no children as of yet. We have a little time, as Susan was in the 4th grade when I graduated from Midway. (cradle robber)

Section II: Q&A

SORSN: You come from a family rooted deeply in Midway High School lore. Your mother, Janet, a long time school teacher at Midway, your father, Glenn, legendary football coach, principal and community member and your brother, Lance, still holds most of the football passing records at Midway. Tell us how the Wheatons of Middle Tennessee and western North Carolina ended up South of the River. Tell us what it was like growing up SOR.

Todd: To be honest I am not sure how they ended up here after they finished college in Middle Tennessee. (Job opening I suppose)

Small, isolated area especially in hindsight after living in Memphis, Atlanta, and Durham, NC. BUT the isolation is missed!!! SOR is not as isolated as it used to be. I can still remember the curves along the river just after Hilltop on your way to Kingston. They would add 10-15 minutes to your trip into town and take 1-2 years off of your life if the wrong person was behind the wheel! Six Flags over Georgia has nothing on Coach Branson or Sybil Jean driving a “big yellow dog” around those curves. (Both were excellent drivers, but the ride was something else in a school bus going through 90-degree hairpin turns)

SORSN: Your dad, Coach Wheaton, there is so many stories, many of which can be read and reminisced on this website. The pant leg cutting incident, the "Coach Branson, somebody shot me in the back of the leg" during the Kingston game story, the legendary "Whoop, Whoop, Whoop" during tackling drills. Do you have a favorite story you can tell about your Father?

Todd: Here’s one that not many know about. Dad grew up on a farm and had, of course, chores to be done around home. His parents did not believe in or allow him to play sports during early high school. So Dad did what he had to do. He sneaked off to practice football after school and eventually did his chores, much later than usual. It didn’t take long before my grandfather figured out what was happening and punished my dad. And back then there was no sitting in a corner, time out, or being grounded from watching television! Dad however continued to practice and my grandparents soon realized the boy’s love for the game since the beatings didn’t seem to be working. My grandparents eventually relented and allowed dad to play. They soon understood the benefits of team sports and all are lovers of the game today.

SORSN: Tell us about growing up the son of the elementary school principal/football coach and a schoolteacher. Could you get away with anything at school without your parents knowing about it?

Todd: With Mom at the high school (7th-12th) and dad at the elementary school! Are you kidding? I didn’t even try to get away with anything that an adult parent might frown upon. ☺

SORSN: You played for head Coach Stanley Branson during your high school football days and played basketball for long time Coach Stanley Galyon. Tell us what you learned from pulling on the Green and White number 81 in football and lacing up the high tops for Coach G.

Todd: They taught me a great deal about cooperation, patience, competition, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat. The friendships, laughter, struggles of practice and getting your butt kicked in game all came together to help me establish an identity. Twenty or thirty different individuals coming together for a common goal. Part of me didn’t need football or basketball but I chose not to quit. Team sports are a great deal like life outside of school. Most jobs and careers will have a need for cooperation, patience and will be filled with competition, struggles and defeat. Many different individuals coming together for a common goal. Life lessons learned early and how to deal with them; that’s what these two coaches helped to foster at Midway HS. The second most important thing Coach Galyon taught me was “only a stupid man continues to make the same mistake.”

SORSN: Has your wife seen a photo of you in either of these uniforms? What was your 40 time back in those days? 4.5 and if the wind was blowing just right, 4.4. Those shorts you used to wear were kinda short weren't they?? How about the basketball warm-ups? Pure polyester?

Todd: Those shorts were in style back then! As for the warm-ups, pure polyester and plenty warm. But I never understood why we had warm-ups in the first place? We only wore them for what seemed like 5 minutes and spent the next 10 trying to get them off!

SORSN: Growing up in Anglers Cove, you were part of what would be considered by today’s standards, a gang. You, your brother, your neighbors Lance, Lori, Lisa and Lucky Easter, Mary Jo Sneed, Brian and Melissa Ogle, David and Eddie Eastburn, Keith Thornton. Who have we left out? Were you a participant or recipient of any "drive by eggings", or any all out "assaults by water pistols or water bombs?"

Todd: I’m afraid that I am too old to remember much about the good ole days and “all that we did” back then. Next question, please!

SORSN: There were some vicious hits in the "Annual Anglers Cove Ice/Snow Bowl" that traditionally was held in your side yard (cedar tree is out of bounds) on a snow days from school.

Todd: It is a miracle that no one broke any bones or a skull with those games, especially with the large out of bounds trees! Those cedar trees ate more footballs, kickballs, Frisbees, and spears. Spears!? Yes, spears, sticks, broom handles, rakes, anything that could be thrown into the tree to dislodge the ball that was stuck there after being thrown or kicked into it. Of course, the spare balls were the first things that were thrown into the tree to dislodge the ball we were originally playing with. Many a game was forfeited or ended prematurely this way (obviously, I did not have the privilege of being taught by Coach Galyon yet).

SORSN: Anything you look back on and say "how did we survive doing that?

Todd: Bottle-rocket wars with my best friend Jimmy Russell against my brother and Lance Easter. Never knew that little thing could knock down a 200+ pound man. Learned something new about physics that day, didn’t we Jimmy.

SORSN: Did you or anyone you know ever participate in the "long standing but difficult to pull off without getting caught" tradition of rolling Coach Mike Hayes yard? Do you keep in contact with any of the old "gang"?

Todd: I personally never attempted such a feat, but did hear several stories from a few close acquaintances. But then again didn’t just about everyone try to roll Coach Hayes yard?? In my younger days, around Halloween, I was usually at Coach Wheaton’s trying to scare off any would be TP rollers because Lance and I would be the only ones cleaning it up the next day!!

SORSN: Summers growing up SOR were spent on Watts Bar Lake, in the hayfield making a couple dollars or cruising the Dairy Queen or Kingston Park in "town"? As a grown up resident in the big city of Atlanta, do you ever long for a day when you can hang up the white coat, skip the endless stream of northbound traffic, jump in the Old Blue Ford truck and head down highway 58 and spend the day fishing for some crappie/bluegill or chucking some hay bales onto the wagon at the Tilley farm? We know you have a lake story or hay hauling story you can tell.

Todd: Lance and I would go “inner tubing” in the early fall when the lake was no longer busy with summer boaters. Dad’s bass boat would easily scream 45-50 mph down the lake. One day after trying to break each other’s neck on the tube, we decided to go down the main channel as fast as we could on the way home. Lance said if the surface was just right and he set the trim just right we might hit 55+ mph. Well, I think we hit the mark, but I KNOW we hit a big wave made by a passing fisherman. The boat as well as everything and everyone in it went airborne. Time stood still, my heart stopped, and my life passed before my eyes. Needless to say, I have never tried to go that fast again. Neither has my brother.

SORSN: You have proceeded far in your educational and professional career? Any advice that you can give for the student population that makes up a high percentage of our readership at SORSN.com?

Todd: Study, study, study. Nobody wants to hear it, but making the best grades that you can now, will often have a big impact on your life later. The higher your GPA, knowledge base, and test scores are, the greater your opportunities will be for the next stage in your life. Take it from some of us who have been there, the more opportunities the better. Of course you must balance school with your responsibilities to your family, chores, physical health, God and/or work. By the way, consider a career in the medical field. The need for doctors, nurses, and technicians is great and will still be there many years from now. It is Guaranteed employment for those who apply themselves.

SORSN: Being a doctor and all, maybe you could consider "referring" some of the pharmaceutical reps that most likely visit you from time to time to our website as potential sponsors? SORSN.COM as brought to you by Pfizer, or SORSN.COM sponsored by Merck has a nice ring to it don't you think? Just a small co-pay would be sufficient. Any help here at all? You know both the editor and developer have formula and diapers to buy right?

Todd: The reps do not visit very often or give us (anesthesiology) much attention as compared to other physicians. The hospital provides us with the drugs that we use for surgery and these are contracted through the hospital and drug company/supplier. The best we ever get is a nice lunch or dinner provided by the drug rep.


Todd thanks for taking time out of your schedule to speak with us and the community. SORSN.com is proud to claim you as one of our own.

Travis Ingram, class of 1995

Though he wasn’t playing football or basketball for the Waves, Travis dedicated more time to the Athletic Department than the majority of the players and coaches during his time at MHS. Travis was/is one of the most dependable and likeable persons you’ll ever know. He was dedicated to Midway Athletics as well as the Ag program. Military since he graduated 1995, Travis continues to represent his community as well as his country with pride and honor. We are privileged to claim Travis as one of our own and share with our readers this “Where Are They Now” interview.


Section I: Travis Ingram, where are you now?

I am currently stationed in Panama City, FL at Tyndall AFB. I have a beautiful and loving wife, Nichole, a too much like me 5 year old son, Joshua, and a heartbreaker 2 year old daughter, Mia.

Section II: Q&A
SORSN: Your service in the US Air Force has taken you many places across the globe. Please share with us some of the places that you’ve been. What has been some of your favorite places? Not-so favorite places? Any places abroad remind you of home?

Travis: I have had some amazing trips over the past ten years. I spent my first five years in Valdosta, GA where I traveled to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Egypt, and Las Vegas (Vegas may not seem that important with all the other places but to a guy who never ventured too far from SOR it was an eye-opening experience). I then spent one year in South Korea and three years in Germany where I was able to travel to Austria, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, France (not too excited to say that), Luxembourg and Spain.

My least favorite place would have to Saudi Arabia. The people there only welcome us because it benefited them that we were there. And when it was no longer beneficial to them they wanted us out. The weather was around 113 degrees during the day and brisk 85 degrees at night. The only way that I can explain the heat is that it is like getting clothes out of a dryer that has just shut off, all day long!

My most favorite is defiantly Switzerland. I know the Smokies sure seemed big as you head toward them, but the Alps are absolutely amazing. The people there are very nice and you have four extremely different seasons.

I would have to say that Norway reminded me the most of SOR. Rolling ridgelines, small creeks, and small farms. The people there are simple, and after visiting the other places I realize how nice "simple" really is.

SORSN: During your years at MHS, you’ve probably made more trips across the football field than any other person in history. But yet, it was never on foot, it was always on the mower. Guesstimate for us the percentage of your time at MHS that was spent on the big John Deere? Did the field really require that much mowing or was this just a ploy to get out of class? How much speed could you gain as you came down off the hump in the middle of the field?

Travis: I'd say about 35% mowing 15% locker room and the rest split between AG and class.
Hey somebody had to do it. But needless to say I was disappointed the year we had the prisoners come out and mow it.

Thanks to Coach Branson and Coach Ruffner, I had my share of time away from Economics and Art.

The hump would definitely add a few MPH to that already screaming piece of machinery.

SORSN: You spent a lot of time with Coach Branson while at MHS. Please tell us about assisting Coach Branson as the team Manager.

Travis: I will always be thankful for Coach Branson. Not many people know this but the only reason I didn't play football was that I could not get a doctor to sign my physical. Coach Branson found out and asked me to be the Manager. He gave me a lot of responsibility that has done nothing but help me as I have gone through my military career. Coach never made me feel any less a part of the team than any of the players or coaches.

SORSN: You also spent a lot of time with the Ag program at school and were very successful in the program. Can you share some of these stories/events with Ag? Perhaps Mr. Curtis, one of the most memorable teachers at Midway, and hypnotism?

Travis: After all these questions I am starting to feel a little guilty for getting out of class so much. (not really) Ag got me out of my fair share of class as well. Most Alumni from my time remember Mrs. Henley. Well, I believe I own the record for getting out of English class (and a few more also) in part because I believe the only teacher that Mrs. Henley was afraid of was Mr. Curtis. I need only mention his name and she would say "Just Go!" Mr. Curtis continues to be the best teacher I have ever had. I stay in touch with him and I still learn from him each time we talk. As for Hypnotism, You will have to get those stories from someone who was fortunate enough to witness it. I plead the 5th!

SORSN: What are some of your fondest memories of growing up South of the River? Ever dream of leaving the military way of life and just head back across the bridge to green pastures and muddy lake water?

Travis: My fondest memories will always be water-skiing and fishing out on Watts Bar with my Dad. I would have to say that working along side my brother for Larry and Travis Tilley for nearly 5 years hauling hay and tobacco is a fond memory as well.

Give up the Military? No Way. I have 10 years invested in this career and no one on earth enjoys waking up in the morning and going to work more than me. I have ten more years to serve and I will make that commitment without hesitation. My wife and kids will have a lot to say about where we live after I retire from the Air Force.

SORSN: Your graduating class, the class of 1995, recently held their 10 year reunion. Were you able to make it in and attend? Is there anyone from your class that you still stay in contact with? Is the 1980 Canary Yellow Mustang still in operation? Which would you say you put the most miles on: the Mustang or the schools lawn mower?

Travis: I did not get to make it but since then I have tried to contact some of my old classmates. I really wish I could have made it but that's the way things go sometimes.
Being so far removed from SOR I haven't kept in touch with anyone as much as I would have liked to. I have talked to a few classmates on occasion when I have been home on leave. I have talked to Ben Hughes a few times as well.

I’m quite sure that the 1980 Canary Yellow Mustang has been laid to rest by now. It wasn't much to look at, but man was it fun to drive. And as fast as I drove that car I can safely say that I defiantly sat behind the wheel of that John Deere more than I did the Mustang.

SORSN: You have done well in your military career? Have any advice that you can give for the students interested in joining the military?

Travis: My advice to anyone thinking about joining the military is "be informed". Don't do it for the wrong reasons. Money for college and the travel is great, but that won't make you enjoy the military. You will not get rich by being in the military by any means, but the best payment is every time you see someone with a US Flag in their yard, see someone pray in public, or even see a demonstration against what the military is doing. That is what makes being in the military worth it. In the Military you will get discipline, food, and shelter, you only need to bring one thing and that is you, ready to learn, eager to serve and having pride in the country you swear to defend. My Supervisor told me once that "no matter what branch of the military you are in or what job you do. We are all in public relations. We are in the hero making business. We give enemy forces the opportunity to become heroes by dieing for their country." I take great pride in serving my country as well as being from SOR. I pray that people, especially SOR people, don't believe everything negative they hear in the news. Our Military is and will continue to be the finest most lethal Military on the face of the earth and that is accomplished with something that we in Tennessee are very familiar with, Volunteers.


Travis thanks for taking time out of your schedule to speak with us and the community. SORSN.com and its readers are grateful for your service to this wonderful country.

Aimee Tilley Moore, class of 1992

Aimee Tilley defines a South of the River girl. Growing up on a cattle farm, she brought farm-girl toughness to the basketball court. Aimee was a part of the great Lady Waves teams in the early ‘90s. Listed on her Lady Waves resume are 2 District Championships, 2 Region Championships, and a trip to Middle Tennessee for the State Tournament her junior year were they won the Sub-State Championship. While wearing the #14, Aimee could defend anyone baseline to baseline, all while partially blocking out the noise coming from Coach Hayes on the sidelines.


Section I: Aimee Tilley Moore, where are you now?

I currently live in Vernon, CT with my husband of 2 years, Brian Moore. Imagine that, I moved 1,000 miles away to meet a Moore!! I currently work as a Compliance Analyst for an international reinsurance company called Alea North America. My husband is employed with the University of Connecticut where he graduated.


Section II: Q & A

SORSN: Rumor has it after graduating from Tennessee Technology University you relocated to accept a position on Geno Auriemma’s staff at the University of Connecticut? Can you shed some light on this rumor and the former employment situation with the Huskies? Are you aware of how much Geno Auriemma is disliked by those SOR? Rebecca Lobo?

Aimee: Yes. The rumor is true, in the name of capitalism; I took a job with the rival of rivals, University of Connecticut. I will make it clear that it was food service, not the athletic department. Also, our department was not allowed to provide any meals to the girls’ team, per Geno. I was very much aware of both SOR’s dislike for Geno and my coworker’s and employers’ dislike for Pat. I believe Holdsclaw was as disliked as Lobo. The only ties I currently have with the University are through my husband who both works and graduated with this Institution.

SORSN: During your basketball career at Midway High School you became known as a defensive stopper. To what do you contribute your defensive prowess on the basketball court? How much of your overall skills do you contribute to the legendary summertime battles with your much larger brother, Travis and former Midway High school star father, Larry?

Aimee: My whole defensive game was built around trying to keep my “much larger” brother and superstar father from scoring “down at the shed”. Having been the shortest of my family, it was always an uphill climb. Please note, my brother did not have these defensive skills and was schooled on a daily basis by my offensive prowess.

SORSN: Tell us about growing up South of the River? Some of your best memories of wearing the Green and White of Midway High School? Do you keep in touch with anyone from those days?

Aimee: Some of my greatest memories are at Midway High School. I love to see the look on people’s faces, including my husbands, when I tell them I graduated with 36 people. I then have to explain that some of our class believed they would receive a better education by going “north” to Roane County High School.

Some of my best memories are: (1) summer practices and basketball camps, (2) going to the state tournament my junior year with the “Fab Five”, (3) Coach Ruffner throwing me out in the hall for talking and Coach Hayes finding me out there. (Needless to say, I had many lunches with Coach Hayes and Mr. Woody in the early days.) (4) Always asking Coach Branson for his shoelaces and him giving them to me. (5) We were playing Vonore my freshmen year and were so far ahead that Coach Hayes gave me the nod. Vonore had a speaker system that called the plays and the name of the player who had scored. It was right before halftime and Judy Moore through me a “bomb” on a fast break and fortunately I scored the easy lay-up. As I was running back down the court just before the horn sounded, my name was called, and I proceeded to trip on none other than Kelly Collier’s leg (she still denies this) and fell in the middle of center court right as my illustrious name was being called to announce that I had scored 2 points for the Waves. Coach Branson laughed the whole time in the locker room during halftime, to the point that Coach Hayes almost asked him to leave!! I was alright though. A few years later, when I was on crutches, this happened to the unsuspecting Lorna Cade at a Meigs County game. (Again Coach Branson was sitting next to me.) Lorna tripped over my crutches so hard, it moved both mine and Coach Branson’s chairs. I think she was all right as well.

There are several more, but I could write a book of all of them. I keep in touch with several people or have my Mother and Father give me updates: Dewayna Plemons, Susannah Johnson, CaSonya Stout, Michael Rose, Lance Easter, Kristi McKeown, Eric Stone, Lance Wheaton, Jon Helton, Trevor Davis, Kelley Collier

SORSN: You played for legendary Coach Mike Hayes at Midway. We understand you are also now a New York Yankee fan (ugh)? Could the support of the Yankees be the only thing that you and Coach Hayes ever agreed on? Tell us a bit about summer basketball camps under Coach Hayes. Do you see similarities between the program under Auriemma at UConn and the basketball program in the 1980’s and 1990’s at Midway High School under Coach Hayes? Could you elaborate upon a story involving yourself, another Lady Waves’ baby doll and some rope?

Aimee: I am, by right of passage, a huge NY Yankee’s fan. And yes, I do believe that may be the only thing Coach Hayes and I will ever agree on. Summer basketball camps with Coach Hayes could be made into a made-for-TV-movie. The other coaches almost called Social Services on him for breaking many Child Labor Laws. All kidding aside, those were some great times and looking back on it as an adult, he had about as much patience as any man could have with that many 14-18 year olds. I do see similarities in Coach Hayes and Geno. I do believe that Geno may have more hair than Coach at this point in time!! But a dynasty he did helm during that great time. As for the story involving rope, myself, and another Lady Wave; that will just have to wait till my memoirs are published.

SORSN: SORSN.com owner and editor is expecting his first child very soon. Coach Mike Hayes, who is also his neighbor, has been asked to be the Nanny and has listed you as a reference. Would you recommend him?

Aimee: If the child is a boy, maybe, he did seem to do an OK job with Josh (with a lot of Cindy’s influence). If the child is a girl, I would have to say nay (see my description on Child Labor Laws). The poor child would be locked in a basement until the age of 20.

SORSN: Your dad, Larry Tilley, has long employed some of SOR’s finest young men during the summer months of hay hauling. Any stories you can share about tractor driving, snakes, wasp’s nest or Coach Glenn Wheaton? Does Larry Tilley keep a hay hauling story “Hall of Fame”?

Aimee: I didn’t get a lot of experience working in the hay with the guys, but from what I hear, the stories were legendary. I only drove the tractor when Charlie Fitch, John Mac, or Johnny McMurray all called-in sick, which if any of you have heard those names, never happened. I do remember tales of Coach Wheaton being the frailest of the bunch and my Dad having to keep an eye on him in case of a heat stroke. He also had a habit of eating Todd’s candy bars and then feeling bad about it. The hall of fame consists of all the “employees” coming back the next day after Dad telling them that he would just pay them at the end of the week. If they came back, they had the status of John Wayne.

SORSN: New York City is a long way from growing up SOR. Can you tell us some of your favorite things about the Big Apple? Ever run into Jerry Seinfeld? Hang out on the couch at Central Perk with Friends? Ever see any members of the Mafia?

Aimee: NYC is a wonderful city and for any of you folks that would like to venture there, I would be happy to be your guide. I have not scene the likes of Jerry Seinfeld or hung out on the couch at Central Perk. I have however, sited Al Sharpton, Anne Heche, and Neil Patrick Harris (aka Doogie Howser). My biggest claim to fame is riding on the subway back from a Yankees’ game and sharing a bench with Curt Schilling and Rick Helling. The Yank’s had just kicked their you know what (with the current Bomber’s southpaw Randy Johnson pitching). Really nice guy, got to shake his hand and a New Yorker actually took our picture with him and sent it to us. Who says New Yorker’s are not nice? I have not met any members of the Mafia, but I did overhear a conversation on the train of someone finding a horse’s head in their bed one morning, hmmmm….

SORSN: Not sure if you’re aware of this or not but SOR has recently been referred to as the Big Apple of east Tennessee. Multiple storage facilities (one owned by Midway’s very own Preston Woody), home garbage pick up, and city water were once considered only something that could be found further north but are now luxuries that can be seen south of the river. Could you ever see SOR becoming the tourist destination that New York is now? If you were giving a New Yorker directions on must visit destinations in SOR what would they be?

Aimee: SOR could indeed become the next big thing. My directions would be said something like this on getting to my childhood home: “Go about a mile or so down the road, (now it’s going to be about 2 miles the way the crow flies), you’ll come to this road called Grigsby Hollow Road, or it could be called Suck Egg Hollow Road, whichever the sign reads at the time. Now you’re not going to take this road, you’re going to take the road across from it that is actually a county road but unpaved. Take that road for about 1 mile until you have no choice but to stop. There you are.

Destinations that are must sees: 1.) Fire tower on my Daddy’s land 2.) Southwest Point Golf Course 3.) The greasy spoon at the junction 4.) Our illustrious school 5.) Anglers’ Cove campground (where adulthood begins!!!)

SORSN: You once ran the clubhouse at the most prime real estate SOR, Southwest Point Golf Course. Please tell us how that experience prepared you for life in the working world.

Aimee: I’ve learned that having a real job just plain sucks!!!! Also, that friends come to visit you a lot more at a golf course than they do at an insurance company

SORSN: Any advice for any of our younger readers who are considering their futures after graduation?

Aimee:
- Live each day to the fullest
- Know that life after high school is very different and that one must apply themselves on a completely other level than before.
- Know that things, including respect and being well liked, are not given to you, you must earn them.
- Always remember, it is great to be successful, but make sure the costs do not cause you to be successfully unhappy.
- Whether college or starting a career are the plans right out of high school, it is never too late to change your mind.

SORSN: And lastly can you tell us what ever happened to the green El Camino?

Aimee: Contentedly awaiting to be refurbished once my Dad retires. It always amazed me how everyone enjoyed riding in the thing!!

J Karl Raschke, class of 1992

J Karl Raschke played offensive and defensive line for the Waves football team, as well as a Post for the basketball team, and was a member of the very first MHS baseball team. J Karl was a 3-sport letterman, something you don’t see much anymore, and made his presence known in each sport. J Karl could open up running lanes for running backs on the grid iron, set teeth-jarring screens (or tooth-jarring if playing Greenback) on the basketball court, and go yard on the baseball diamond.

The “Where Are They Now” interview consists of 2 parts: (1) Where are they now and (2) a Q&A.


Section I: J Karl Raschke, Where Are You Now?

Well I am currently living in Hooterville, otherwise known as Ooltewah, TN. Home to the soon to be famous Ooltewah Owls. We have lived here a little over a year and love the area. They say that I have a million dollar family but I think the hospital kept that money because I haven't seen a dime. Seriously I have been married to a beautiful woman, April Raschke, for six years and have two wonderful children, Jadyn and Miller. I am still working for Mountain View Ford in Chattanooga and am destined to be there forever...I think. April is a flourishing real estate agent and has just recruited me as her assistant. Now I have two full time jobs so if anyone needs a car or house we are the family to see.

I know this all sounds very exciting and the readers are glued to the screen, but hey, a married guy with two kids and two jobs doesn't leave a lot of time for hobbies. All kidding aside I love it here in Hooterville and I am very blessed to be surrounded by my wonderful family. I am also excited to hear of the SORSN because it is so hard to keep up with everyone from home and I think this will be a means for all of the alumni to stay in touch.


Section II: Q & A

SORSN: It has been reported that you were once nicknamed Turbo. Can you tell us how this nickname came about?

J Karl: That report unfortunately is true. If I'm not mistaken I believe that nickname actually started during a game between the Mighty Green Wave and the Vonore Blue Devils. I was on first base after a massive grounder that only netted me one bag. And much to my surprise I was given the all clear signal to steal second base. I'm sure you are aware that this came as quite a treat for me as I have cat like quickness and am a rocket off the line. I don't know who was more shocked, me and the fact that I actually stole a base, or the pitcher, who allowed a 275lb lineman to take 2nd bag from him. Needless to say by the time I finally came in for the score, I was branded with the infamous nick name "TURBO", which has become a household name.

SORSN: You were a member of the very first MHS baseball team, a team defined by the ravishing yellow, green, and white baseball hats. Tell us about some of your memories of being a part of Midways first baseball team and how you think you looked in the yellow, green and white. Has your wife ever seen a picture of you in this uniform?

J Karl: Oh I could tell you that we were the only team that had to actually build our own field in order to play. Or I could tell you that the opposing team’s fans had to sit on pine stumps in order to enjoy the game. And possibly even dazzle you with stories of the massive swamp out in right center that attracted every fly ball hit. My most treasured moment of Midway High School baseball is when one Bryan "Dumas" Walker, after taking a thumping by Knox Webb and being unmercifully heckled about our field, took up the trusty Easton bat and proceeded to walk out on to the field and tell the opposing teams parents to “line up on the field for an A** Whoopin'.”

I'm not sure where the Yellow came from, but I believe they made the hats out of the old basketball uniforms the school made us wear that were from 1974.

What are you kidding, everyone knows that when you tell your parents that this might be the one that you marry, the first thing they do is go and get the photo album with every gorky school picture.

SORSN: Now the finance guru at Mountain View Ford in Chattanooga, you were once the guy that the salesman went to see when they said they need to go see their guy. Can you tell us the role of "the guy"? Can you tell us why he has to sit in an elevated platform like a modern day "Buddha"? Can you give us an insight to this sales tactic? Does "the guy" have to go see another "guy" when he buys a new car?

J Karl: The "guy" is actually a fictional character made of pixy dust, rubber bands, and leftover sausage balls. When you are the "guy" at a dealership that just means that the salesman has to come to you and tell you the newest joke he just heard and have time to answer the nagging wife on the cell phone to find out when he's coming home, while you sit and toil about the thousands of dollars about to fly out of your pocket. It's all very scientific.

The "tower" is all part of the illusion. If you the customer see your salesman walk up to this massive tower and seek the advice of the great one, then you in turn are convinced that you have received the best deal. I mean let’s face it, if your salesman ran to a short fat guy sitting in the corner of the showroom behind a $20 dollar desk from big lots you would feel that he's not the "guy" and that there may indeed be another "guy" that makes the best deals. We could never allow that kind of confusion and frustration for our customers. It's all very matter of fact, and such and so forth. You know.

The sales tactic is simple, if you can make the customer like you, there's an 80% chance that they will buy from you.

Unfortunately yes, the “guy” does go and see another “guy”. It seems that people that work at the dealership don't like for the dealership to make money on them. It’s a common disease. People are constantly trying to beat the system to avoid paying any profit.

SORSN: You played football for UTC before injuring your back. Tell us about your time playing for the Mocs and the injury that ended your football career? Please describe playing conditions at Chamberlin Field. Did you ever mix it up with Terrell Owens? Teach him any touchdown celebrations? Score a touchdown and whip a Sharpie out of your sock?

J Karl: The time play for the Mocs was one of the best times of my life. Sure we didn't win all the time, but it paid for school and a got a good education, and had a ton of fun. Much like high school ball, the best thing you take away from the whole experience is the friendships and memories.

Playing at Chamberlin Field is quite unique. Only Division 1 AA field that slants up in the corner of the north end zone. Smallest locker rooms in the world. Not to mention the awesome sky boxes .... HAH! But we did beat Marshall when they were #1 in the nation, so not to shabby.

Funny fact about Terrell. Terrell didn't have a car in college so we all got to take turns driving him to the Buddy Green Show after each week’s game. But during our time there he was just one of the guys. I thought that I was extremely fortunate to walk on then receive a scholarship, but he was the real Cinderella story. The only reason that he made it to college is because of his best friend Derrick Hall. Derrick had a full scholarship to UTC but worked out a partial scholarship for his friend Terrell Owens to get him out of their home town. I doubt that story ever winds up in Sports Illustrated. Who Knew?

A lot of people don't like some of his antics on Sundays, but he has fun, he has earned it, and for the kind of money he gets paid, come on!!!

SORSN: What do you miss about South of the River? Do you stay in touch with “Ziggy”, “Hick”, and “Dumas”? Tell us about growing up near Anglers Cove. Any problems from a former neighbor (Mike Hayes)?

J Karl: Like anyone else, you always have a spot in your heart for home. I defiantly miss being on the water and being able to go fishing anytime I want. I miss the closeness of the community that I had at home. I miss my friends from school, but we try to stay in touch. We had our ten year in '03 so I got to see several people that I hadn't seen since graduation. That was fun.

I talk to Ziggy from time to time, usually around the holidays. I talk to Dumas the most, got to keep up with the new hall monitor for the ol' High School. Anyone else out there just thinks "WOW" about Dumas being a cop? I mean I could tell you some stories ........

The Cove was cool. Ziggy had a boat so we spent a lot of time running the water. Dumas used to live in the cove when I first met him at the ripe age of 3. So we had some good times there.

Coach Hayes, to my knowledge, never really had a problem with me. I left him pretty well alone. I'm sure I got pinned for a lot of the episodes that occurred at his house, because of proximity, but I never messed with him.

SORSN: Rumorville has it that you live in a $100 Billion Dollar home on the lake. What is the square footage of your home and would you be willing to adopt the staff at SORSN? Would Mountain View Ford like to become a sponsor to SORSN? Do you know how much formula and diapers cost? On a related note, did you know the editor and owner of SORSN is about to become a father? Did you also know the SORSN designer is about to have another baby?

J Karl: I got it as a hand-me-down from Bill Gates, we’re big buddies. I don't know how that rumor got started; no one from SOR will come to visit. I would gladly build your staff a wing on my house for part of the take of the SORSN IPO.

Sponsorship? Maybe......

Diapers and formula will cost you your marriage if you run out of either. In the famous words of my father "you do know what’s causing that don't you." Congratulations to both, they are a precious gift.

SORSN: Tell us about some of your memories that define playing football for Coach Stan Branson & Glen Wheaton, basketball for Darrell Ruffner, and baseball for Chip Strickland.
J Karl: The thing that sticks with me the most about Coach Branson is that when I wanted to play college ball with no hope for a scholarship he pushed me to take the chance and walk-on. I'm glad I listened.

Who could forget about the famous "Coach Weaton Dance". The man should have a million career yards by now as many plays as he's acted out on the side lines.

My favorite thing about Coach Ruffner is "INTENSITY". If you can't get intense with him as a coach you have no soul. Keep up the intensity coach.

With Coach Strickland it was hard to get in the limelight with Preston Moore and Michael Rose around. My baseball memories are from Coach Hirt. I mean "HELLS BELLS GUYS" come on.

SORSN: And lastly, do you still have the 2-toned, blue, Ford Escort hatchback?

J Karl: Unfortunately, like this interview, it came to an end. But they say on cold and foggy Friday nights in October you can still see its ghost at the "Pits" in Kingston.