TTalk Podcast
Terry D’Angelo
TTalk with Terry D’Angelo
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.
Melvin Ferdinand
TTalk with Melvin Ferdinand
Harold Asher
TTalk with Harold Asher
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.
Navigating Muddy Waters
How the Wave Rolls: Navigating Muddy Waters from Stephen Martin to the Cotton Bowl EP1
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
Larry Route
TTalk with Larry Route
Larry Route, a Covington, Louisiana native and former Tulane All-American football standout, shares his amazing story. Larry suffered a broken neck in high school, but he battled back from what could have been a career ending injury and convinced his mother to allow him back onto the field. Larry’s exceptional talent caught the eye of renowned coach Lou Holtz, leading to a tough decision between Tulane and Arkansas. Larry chose to stay close to home so his mom could see him play.
Larry found himself in a unique College environment. Things were changing; Tulane was no longer playing in their on-campus stadium, they were playing in the Superdome. Larry studied Sports Administration and had to balance tough classes with playing Division I sports, especially during away games.
At first, Larry played as a receiver, but then he switched to the H-back/tight end position. He worked hard to bulk up from 180 to 205 pounds during his redshirt freshman year. He knew he had to keep getting better, especially when playing tough teams. Larry remembers how great it felt when his big plays helped Tulane seal the victory over Florida State.
Larry talks about his college days, his career after graduating, and how college sports are changing, in a conversation led by Tulane Hall of Famer Carmen Jones.