The Chanticleer

Issue date: 1/18/07 Section: Features

For everyone, there is a calling. That notion in life that tells you that you are on the right track, have chosen the right field and are truly doing what you are good at. For Forrest Gump, it was ping-pong, or loving Jenny, or running a shrimping boat, or it could even be running. But for another "Gump," senior communications major Matt Morgan, that calling is entertainment.

"In everything I do, I love to entertain people. Whether it is on the radio or maybe even television, I just want to make people happy," said Morgan.

Currently in Morgan's final chapter of his college years, his passion led him to a prestigious internship for the Rick and Bubba radio show. Airing on WZZK 104.7, the Rick and Bubba show is live on-air from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.

JSU alumni Rick Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey, otherwise known to their listeners as "the two sexiest fat men alive," first formed a friendship while working together at the Jacksonville State University radio station, WLJS 92J.

Since establishing the Rick and Bubba show, the duo has introduced numerous interns into the exciting life of being an on-air personality. One of show's standing rituals is the nicknaming of the interns at the beginning of their term.

Morgan was given the nickname "Forrest Gump" only to be shortened to "Gump" later on.

"There were some really cool nicknames that they were considering . . . until they found out that I ran cross-country for JSU from an old intern of the show. After that, it was settled," sighed Morgan.

Other names that were considered were "Mattquest" (due to the fact Morgan had to Map quest directions to get to the studio), "Genesis" (because he was the first intern since the move to WZZK 104.7 from Y 94.5, which happened earlier this month), and "10k"/ "Spike" (also for running cross-country).

Following a suggestion from his mom, Morgan spoke to Don Killingsworth about the internship, who then e-mailed his friend "Speedracer" (Calvin Wilburn), who in turn contacted Morgan, who then spoke with "Don Juan" (DeMarco), who set up the interview. Did you get all that?

To explain a little more, "Speedracer" is the full-time producer of the show and a former Program Director of 92J. "Don Juan," who started out as an intern, is the assistant producer and is in charge of the interns for the Rick and Bubba show.

"Getting this internship has been great! I'm not only getting hands-on experience, but I am also getting to see how only two people entertain thousands of listeners," said Morgan.

"At first, I was really intimidated to be around Rick and Bubba. But now, I love it. One thing about them is that what you see is what you get. They do not act like they are better than anyone and it makes you feel really comfortable around them."

Although Morgan was the first intern to start this term off, he definitely was not the last. He has been joined by "Darth Banker," "Flipper" and "Roller Coaster."

Enjoying every minute he gets to be there, Morgan gets to the studio at 5:45 a.m. to help set everything up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The interns' responsibilities include answering the phones (a.k.a. screening calls), running the professional editing machine and getting to "drop the satellite," which really means ending syndication for the show.

"All of the interns are starting to mold together, and I think we are anxious to start learning more. It is already a fun atmosphere, but I want the interns to do something. Maybe have a project all of our

own. I am really looking forward to whatever we get to do," said Morgan.

Originally planning on attending JSU as a Marching Southerner, Morgan changed his mind at the last minute after placing high in the cross-country state tournament. Most people are unaware that from seventh to twelfth grade, Morgan was active in the Weaver High School Band, playing both the trumpet and the french horn.

When he received a scholarship offer to run cross-country at JSU, he jumped at it, literally. After running all through college, Morgan has nothing but fond memories (and tired feet) to leave behind.

As graduation looms at the end of the semester, Morgan is still unsure what road his life is about to take. Graduate school is an option, but another possibility hovering in the distance is attending classes at the Memphis Improvisational Theater.

Many famous actors have trained in improv, and since a huge dream of Morgan's is to someday be on Saturday Night Live, Memphis would be the perfect place.

"I would love to be a part of SNL! I have always wanted to work on that show," said Morgan. "I think if I could make it that far, I could die complete."

Well Matt Morgan, as Momma Gump always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get."

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