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L-R: Steven Utroska, Lee Roberts, and Freddy Walter.
President Steven Utroska presided over today’s meeting. Mark Killingsworth gave today’s invocation and Cole Grissett led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mark Killingworth and Wes Brooks served as our greeters today.
Mike McPhail thanked those who volunteered to help with today’s meeting. He then introduced Keith and Carolyn Horne who are visiting from the Ellisville Rotary Club.
Steven reminded members that we need volunteers to deliver our Meals on Wheels. He also encouraged members who have not yet signed up for a committee to do so soon. Check with Steven if you are unsure or would like more information on how to best serve the club. Brandon Hodges announced that Stew Deen and his wife just had their first child. Paula Brahan encouraged members to continue to bring items that can be used by hospice patients and their families.
Freddy Walter then introduced today’s guest speaker, Lee Roberts. Lee serves as the Color Commentator for the University of Southern Mississippi’s athletic program. He is a former quarterback for the Golden Eagles, the team winning the 1997 Liberty Bowl. Lee noted that the USM football program has had some excellent players come through the system. Many of them have gone on to play professional sports.
Lee credits much of his football success to the support of his wife, his family, and his wife’s family. He currently has four children and he supports them in whatever endeavors they choose to participate in.
Lee has worked alongside John Cox, the voice of USM athletics. He has been in his position for the past five years and says he and John work well together. Although they don’t practice their broadcasts, they do spend hours studying and reading about the players and meeting with coaches.
He predicts that the USM football team will have more depth this season than it has experienced in the recent past, especially in the offensive line. A new strength coach has also been hired and has made a difference in player strength. He also says the defensive line is deeper and stronger than it has been in the past. The team’s motto is “Eleven brothers are hard to defeat.”
Because college football has now become a full-time job, Lee says he thinks we will see player compensation soon. College players are required to be on campus eleven months out the year now.
Steven thanked our speaker and then adjourned the meeting with our motto, “Service Above Self.”