TTalk: Beyond the Field - TTalk with Marvin Allen, John Ripoll and Preston Washington

TTalk with Marvin Allen, John Ripoll and Preston Washington

06/21/24 • 71 min

Take a trip down memory lane with us to Tulane University in 1985, where Preston Washington (Healthcare Executive), John Ripoll (Sr. VP Investments), and Marvin Allen (Asst. GM Miami Dolphins) recount their college football days. The raucous tales of camaraderie formed in Sharp Hall and the life lessons learned from influential coaches like Mack Brown. Filled with humor and nostalgia, these stories highlight the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating collegiate athletics and solidifying lifelong friendships in the process.

(00:01) Introductions
(06:41) College Freshmen Football Memories and Bonds
(14:05) College Roommates and Shenanigans
(27:03) Academic Success
(38:45) Navigating College Challenges and Stress
(42:05) From Athlete to Finance Career
(50:00) Post-Football Careers and Personal Success
(01:00:08) Reflection on Friendship

Previous Episode

TTalk with Jerome McIntosh

Join us on this episode of TTalk as we sit down with Jerome McIntosh, a dynamic athlete who shares his incredible story from growing up on military bases to making waves on the football field. Jerome's unique upbringing across Idaho, Germany, California, and Florida instilled in him the resilience and adaptability that became the cornerstones of his athletic career. From family traditions on military bases to the challenges of constantly adapting to new environments, Jerome's early years are a fascinating blend of discipline and determination. His transition from junior high sports to high school stardom as a two-time 4A state quarterback Player of the Year is a tale of overcoming setbacks and finding a true calling on the football field.

What happens when a top-notch quarterback pivots to wide receiver and makes history? McIntosh recounts how a fateful recruiting pitch led him to Tulane, his competitive relationship with teammate Terrence Jones, and the unforgettable moments on the field, including a memorable performance against Florida State. Now an assistant wide receiver coach, Jerome discusses the evolving landscape of college sports with NIL deals and the transfer portal, sharing his insights on the challenges and opportunities they present.

(00:04) Athlete's Childhood Moving Around Military Bases

(05:22) From Junior High to College

(13:46) Recruiting and Freshman Impressions

(17:11) Quarterback Competition and Development

(23:09) Freshman Year Challenges and Successes

(26:30) Transitioning to Wide Receiver in College

(40:48) College Football Memories and Transition

(53:31) Career Transitions and Coaching Advancements

(59:12) Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal

(01:10:57) Life Lessons

(01:15:03) Reflecting on Memories

(01:21:44) Academic Sports and Life Perspective

Next Episode

TTalk with Mashandra Hall

Imagine growing up with a life filled with ballet, gymnastics, and piano lessons, only to discover your true calling is the competitive world of track and basketball. That's the story of Mashandra Hall a dynamic Tulane Hall of Famer, who joins us to share her incredible journey from Memphis to collegiate sports stardom.

She tackles the contentious issue of youth sports specialization, leveraging both personal anecdotes and professional insights to weigh the pros and cons. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of following one's dreams, the impact of educators, the legacy of strict fun, and the lasting power of kindness.

(00:00) Meshandra Hall Introduction

(05:20) Youth Sports Specialization

(20:05) Transition to College Athletics Experience"

(31:52) Navigating Freshman Year in College Sports

(41:06) Track vs. Basketball

(49:52) Athlete's Struggle With Transition and Injury

(54:59) Former Athlete Reflects on Coaching Track

(58:40) Career Transition and Academic Success

(01:03:18) Life Reflections and Memorable Moments

(01:14:01) Inspiring Young People Through Kindness

Hall, was a two-sport athlete for the Green Wave from 1989-1994, and later served as a track & field assistant coach. As a standout on the Tulane women's track and field team, Hall was a two-time Metro Conference Track & Field Most Valuable Player in 1993 and 1994, the Tulane Female Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994 and ranked No. 7 in the nation among United States women in the long jump.

She holds the Tulane record in the long jump, ranks fourth all time in the 400-meter dash and was the Green Wave's three-time MVP of running and field events (1992, 1993 and 1994). When she wasn't performing on the track, Hall was a defensive standout for the TU women's basketball team from 1989-91. She was voted defensive MVP in 1989-90 and played her final hoops season in 1990-91.

In the classroom, she received the Sophie B. Newcomb Academic Award in 1993, served on the African-American Congress of Tulane from 1989-94, was a Tulane Student-Athlete Advisory Board member from 1991-93 and was a member of Tulane's 3.0/4.0 GPA Club in 1993 and 1994.