Staff Spotlight: Vernette Harris; Angela Puckett, Willie Brumfield

This is the 14th in a biweekly series spotlighting the men and women behind the scenes supporting Temple Athletics.

This week's Temple Athletics Staff Spotlight highlights three individuals, Vernette Harris, Angela Puckett, and Willie Brumfield, who have worked tirelessly to help maintain our athletics facilities.

Harris, who has been at the University for 25 years, has three daughters, Kandice, Krystal and recent Temple graduate Kia ('17), who is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of Miami, and two grandsons, Jaylen and Jayden. A Philadelphia native, she works mainly in the athletics administration office.

Puckett, who is in her eighth year at the University, has two daughters, Shakira and Kenesha and two grandsons, Tamaj and Saliem. Also from Philadelphia, her main coverage area is Pearson McGonigle Hall.

Brumfield, the veteran of the trio, is in his 32^nd year with the University. He and his wife Wanda have three girls, Aisha, Tracy and Robin, and one son, Willie. A native of Crosby Miss., he has covered McGonigle Hall since the days John Chaney was on the sidelines coaching the Owls.

Brumfield used to work in the shipyard in Baltimore before arriving at Temple. Once the shipyard closed, he came to Philadelphia to work in the Naval shipyard but was unable to secure a position there. His wife went to Temple and knew someone who worked on Main Campus which helped him land a job. Three decades later is happy to still be here.

What is your favorite memory of your time here at Temple?
Harris: "I have two. The first is two parts, 2005 and 2007, when I became a grandmother to Jaylen and Jayden. My next one is 2001, when I moved to the day shift from night shift."
Puckett: "My favorite memory was my first night. When I came here, there was a gentleman by the name of Mike. I was having a hard time getting my schedule done, and he took the time to help me out. He gave me the ins and outs of how to rearrange my schedule so I could my job done."
Brumfield: "My favorite memory would be working here at Temple to be honest. To be able to come into McGonigle to watch the basketball games, the gymnastics and fencing meets. Everything that goes on here at McGonigle is my favorite because you get a chance to meet the players, the coaches and the people who come in from out of town. I was surprised when Georgetown came in, because I was from Baltimore, and when they came in, and John Thompson was here, and his son came. I happened to just be walking around and I saw him, and it was amazing. I had always seen him on TV, I had never seen him in person, and just to see him. I really wanted to go up and give him a big hug. I didn't, but he did shake my hand. I didn't get a picture with him, but that's the only thing I regret."

How have your interactions with our student-athletes and coaches been?
Harris: "The women's track team, with Coach Elvis (Forde), are awesome! I love to see them practice. And then when football players come in here and practice, they are hardworking young men and I wish the best for them for the NFL because Pro Day is coming up March 22.
Brumfield: "Mark Macon and I have a good relationship. Every time I see him, he calls me grandpa. And when he sees me, no matter what he's doing, he comes over to speak to me. As a matter of fact, all the gentlemen that are here, even Aaron McKie, call me grandpa. The coaches and team that's what they call me when they see me now, they call me grandpa. So that's an enjoyment, just to see the smile on their faces, as well as keeping a smile on my face, to help me make it through the day.
Puckett: "The ladies and gentlemen in the athletic department are very positive. Even the football team, they are gentlemen. I remember I was taking the trash out, and two gentlemen stopped and got out of their cars to help me take the trash out. I really appreciate that. They took the time to stop and help me. They are really good gentlemen. Whenever they speak, they are always respectful."

You have all been here for many years and enjoy it. Why do you love working at Temple?
Harris: "I love Temple for so many reasons. It's countless. But the athletic department is the first and most dear to my heart. And each year it gets better. Now working under Arthur Johnson, he's a wonderful man, and I really respect him."
Brumfield: "So many reasons, but my favorite thing is John Chaney. The way he would be acting with his players. He was no joke. He would cuss you out, and then in the next minute, he would show you love, because that's just the way he was with the fellas that were around here. He was a father figure to his players and it's the same thing that Aaron (McKie) is trying to do. Aaron wants to stay in his footsteps. It's hard to be a coach with the younger guys that are coming up nowadays. I have a 19-year-old son myself, and he's putting me through hell. But he's my son, and I can imagine what Aaron is going through with the team he's got here. But like I said, my favorite thing is basketball, and I love Temple, and I wouldn't go anywhere else."
Puckett: "My favorite memory is when I started training. My supervisor went out of his way, above and beyond, for his workers, and that's a positive thing for me. His name is Eugene Calicat."

Temple University Athletics

Staff Spotlight: Vernette Harris; Angela Puckett, Willie Brumfield

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