SBM

Barbara Farris has had an exceptional basketball career as a player, coach, and champion on various levels, despite starting late at age thirteen. Her experiences playing and coaching basketball globally demonstrate its role in her personal growth, as well as the profound impact she has had on her players and the community, exemplifying the importance of being more than just an athlete, but a beacon of inspiration for others. The conversation with Barbara celebrates the joys and challenges of basketball, while also spotlighting the long-term influence of supporting women’s sports and the growth of individuals involved.

(0:00:00) – Barbara Farris and Growing Up

(0:13:49) – Teaching Discipline and Expectations in Public

(0:18:09) – High School Athletics and Influential Coaches

(0:27:28) – Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports

(0:38:45) – College Recruiting Visits and Decisions

(0:43:44) – Tulane Women’s Basketball Program Memories

(0:56:10) – Overcoming Challenges for Success

(1:03:11) – Life Lessons Learned Through Basketball

(1:11:39) – Embracing Basketball and Self-Confidence

(1:18:53) – Athlete Transition to Playing Abroad

(1:27:24) – Success in Coaching Basketball

(1:39:27) – College Athletics and Transfer Portal

(1:44:12) – College Basketball Rule Changes and Opportunities

(1:49:40) – Support and Investment in Women’s Basketball

(1:55:02) – Favorite Things and Guilty Pleasures

(2:05:55) – Planning Diverse Sports Network Expansion

 During her Tulane career, Barbara started in 114 games and scored 1,729 points, making 408 out of 684 free throw attempts, which is second on the record-charts; she also had Tulane’s second-highest career totals of rebounds (939), offensive rebounds (351), defensive rebounds (588), free throws made (408) and free throws attempted (684). She averaged 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in her career, becoming the only player in school history to achieve all-conference honors all four years. She still holds the school’s career field-goal percentage record (63.7 percent). For all of these reasons, and for her outstanding leadership skills, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004. 

When a New Orleans East kid dreams of athletic stardom, the road isn’t always paved in gold. Bernard Robertson, III knows this all too well, and he takes us through the side streets and sharp turns from swimming pools and tennis courts to the roar of NFL stadiums. Our conversation threads through Bernard’s formative years, where family influence and mentorship played critical roles in shaping not just an athlete, but a man of resilience. His story a rich tapestry of triumphs, transitions, and the kind of life lessons you can’t find in playbooks—resonates with anyone who’s ever faced a hurdle and wondered how to leap.

But what happens when the game is over, the crowd disperses, and the lights dim? For Bernard Robertson, the play simply changed fields—from the gridiron to the world of wealth management. His tale of transition illuminates the many ways athletes can redirect their passion and skills into new arenas. And as we peel back the curtain on Bernard’s post-football success, we uncover a masterclass in adaptability, mentorship, and the never-ending quest for personal growth. Join us as we honor not only Bernard’s athletic prowess but also his commitment to guiding the next generation, ensuring that when the stadium lights eventually dim, they’re ready to shine elsewhere.

(00:00) Athletic Journey of Bernard Robertson
(13:16) Navigating Police Interactions With Black Youth
(24:34) Recruitment Visit to Tulane Football
(38:55) Tommy Bowden and Tulane Football
(45:04) Turning Around Tulane’s Football Program
(59:34) Career Transition and Personal Growth
(01:09:44) Transition From Football to Financial Advisor
(01:14:58) Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal
(01:21:10) Transfer Rules and Athletic Legacy
(01:25:20) Praising a Good Leader and Friend

Terry Johnson D’Angelo, recounts her inspiring journey from Long Beach, Mississippi beginnings to becoming a Tulane women’s basketball legend. She opens up about her formative years, the recruitment rollercoaster, and the transition to university athletics that would set the stage for an illustrious career in sports. We dive deep into the life of a woman whose influence has extended far beyond the basketball court.

Listen in as we explore the landscape of women’s collegiate basketball post-Title IX and its growth over the years. Terry reminisces about her on-court achievements, including a standout 36-point game, and discusses the evolution of the sport—from the absence of a shot clock to today’s fast-paced action. She highlights the hard work and dedication necessary to compete at a high level, touching on injury prevention and the advancements that have enriched the modern athlete’s experience.

We delve into the challenges athletes face today, including navigating NIL deals and maintaining the delicate balance between sport and scholarship. Terry’s story is a beacon for young athletes—a reminder of the power of sports to shape futures, build lasting connections, and foster personal growth that extends far beyond the court.

We sat down with Harold Asher, a Tulane football alumnus Class of 1972, for a nostalgic journey through his athletic and personal growth from his high school days in Bogalusa to the victory at the Liberty Bowl. Harold shares stories of his evolution from a scrappy defensive end to a collegiate football player against the backdrop of the Vietnam War era. He describes his close bond with his father, who was his biggest cheerleader, never missing a practice or a game, and how the cultural and social tides of the time shaped his experiences both on and off the field.

Harold reminisces about the grueling freshman year tactics aimed at testing the mettle of young athletes, and the pioneering steps towards integration in Tulane’s football team. We discuss the camaraderie that blossomed among players under pressure and how it has endured over the years. Harold reflects on the historic milestones and challenges faced by the first African-American scholarship athletes at the university, shedding light on their legacy and the profound impact they had on the program.

Harold’s transition from biology major to business leader is a playbook for life after the whistle blows. As we discuss his successful career and benevolent involvement in community service, we uncover the value of networks and mentorship within the Tulane athletic community. This episode is a rallying cry for student-athletes to harness their support systems and give back. Harold’s wisdom, like a seasoned coach’s advice, encourages young players to dream big and live a life marked by perseverance, humor, and the joy of a touchdown dance well-earned.

We gathered to honor legends like Harold Sylvester, Charlie Hall, John Washington, Sharon Hill, and the enduring legacy of Stephen Martin Sr., whose stories of triumph and challenges during Black Alumni Weekend left us in awe. They, along with current student-athlete Sincere Haynesworth, peeled back layers of history, revealing the raw and real adjustments they faced in the realms of race, culture, and education. These conversations were an emotional homage to the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of equity in the athletic world, reminding us that the playing field is far more than just a piece of turf.

How the Wave Rolls: Navigating Muddy Waters from Stephen Martin to the Cotton Bowl.
TTalk Live: Black Alumni Weekend (recorded 2/24/24)

Moderator: Ro Brown renowned Sports Director, Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer;

• Panelists:
  Dr. Stephen Martin, Jr. whose father was the first Black student-athlete at Tulane, the first baseball player and the first to play a varsity sport in the SEC;
• Harold Sylvester award winning actor and writer, the first Black student-athlete at Tulane on an athletic scholarship and the first basketball player;
• Charlie Hall and John Washington two of the first Black student-athletes to play football at Tulane;
• Sharon Hill the first Black student-athlete to play Women’s basketball;
• Sincere Haynesworth a captain of the 2023 Cotton Bowl Championship team and a recipient of the Stephen Martin Scholars Award.

(00:00) – Celebrating Black Athlete Stories
(10:34) – Stephen Martin, Sr.
(25:41) – The Seventies
(41:47) – Sharon Hill
(46:47) – Importance of Academics
(53:00) – Sincere Haynesworth
(01:08:05) – Q & A Memorable Impactful moments
(01:54:00) – Navigating College Athletics and Finances

Remembering Stephen Martin, Sr.

This podcast includes reflections on the remarkable life and legacy of Stephen Martin, Sr., an exceptional student-athlete who faced the challenges of segregation during his time at Tulane University. We discuss his decision to attend Tulane, sacrificing the chance to play his best sport, football. Despite the racial barriers of the era, Martin’s profound character and intelligence shine through as we recount his high school achievements and the systemic issues that shaped his collegiate athletic career. We touch upon the complicated factors that led to Martin’s unique path to Tulane, including withheld recruitment letters and the decision not to play football due to safety concerns. Martin’s baseball career at Tulane is highlighted, where he still faced significant racial threats, showcasing his courage and the harsh realities of the times. Through the recollections and perspectives shared, we honor Stephen Martin Sr.’s enduring impact as both an athlete and a human being.

To one of Tulane’s finest, Roll Wave!

Thanks to:
Podcast participants Ro Brown, Charlie Hall, John Washington, Sharon Hill, Sincere Haynesworth; and Harold Sylvester and Dr. Stephen Martin, Jr who also participated on the podcast planning committee along with Carmen Jones, Jim Becnel, Justin Thompson, Journe Smith and Zoe Yates.

Special Thanks to:
Tulane University Office of Alumni Relations
Black Alumni Network of Tulane University
Carolyn Barber-Pierre
Freret Media Group and Martin Family
Freeman School of Business – Office of the Dean
Paul Thomason – Broadcast & Production Service