Sept. 21, 2011
Vanderbilt Head Coach James Franklin will be the featured speaker this Monday at the Touchdown Club of Memphis.
The first-year Vanderbilt head coach will speak at 7:15 p.m., following a reception and dinner at the Chickasaw Country Club in Memphis. John David Baddour, speaker chairman for the Touchdown Club of Memphis, said the club welcomes non-members to the event.
The Touchdown Club of Memphis is one of the most prestigious in the Southeast, and annually sponsors the American Football Coaches Association Academic Achievement Award given to the school that posts the highest graduation rate of its student-athletes in football. Vanderbilt is a three-time recipient of the Academic Achievement Award, recognized in 2008, 2001 and 1996.
“I am honored and appreciative for the opportunity to speak to the Touchdown Club of Memphis,” Franklin said. “This organization does a tremendous job of growing the popularity of college football and its annual recognition of outstanding graduation rates speaks volumes regarding the organization’s true mission.
“It will also be fun to be visiting Memphis again. The city is very important to our university and the success of our football program,” Franklin added.
The Touchdown Club of Memphis has an impressive list of speakers this year, including Franklin, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen, Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt, Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, legendary former quarterback Archie Manning, and noted college football writers Tony Barnhart and Ron Higgins.
“We are excited to have Coach Franklin as our speaker next Monday,” Baddour said. “I personally heard Coach Franklin speak at a Glazer Coaching Clinic, and his passion and enthusiasm for winning was evident. I expect an overflowing crowd as we welcome Coach Franklin to Memphis.”
To attend Franklin’s appearance as a guest, make reservations at the organization’s official website, tdcmemphis.com.
