Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 13 No. 2 | October 2020

24 Inside Hokie Sports MANAGERS, VIDEO & TRAINERS— DIRECTOR ON MONOGRAM CLUB BOARD Nolan Nichols (’14) is welcomed to the Monogram Club Board of Directors as the inaugural sport-representative for all managers, video personnel, and trainers . Nichols lettered (2012-14) as a member of the video group during his time as a student at Tech and continued for several years after graduation on the HokieVision staff. He lives in Washington D.C. and can be contacted at nolan5@vt.edu. VOLLEYBALL Every summer, a few new faces arrive on campus to join the Virginia Tech volleyball team. This summer, Tasha Vipond , arrived ready to join the volleyball program and return to the sport she always has loved. The “return” happened because Vipond graduated in May from Lafayette College after a successful four-year basketball career, while earning a degree in civil engineering. Now, she is a dedicated volleyball player for the Hokies and enrolled in a structural engineering master’s program. Vipond was raised in Ankeny, Iowa and played many sports throughout her early years. But basketball was the direction she chose for her first college experience. Volleyball was also a favorite, and when she knew she wanted to move forward with graduate school, Tech and volleyball immediately were on her radar. Although she researched many engineering schools with volleyball programs, she said it became clear that Tech was at the top of the list. “I’ve always loved math and science, and originally I thought of pursuing architecture,” she said. “But with a structural engineering degree, I can work along with architects and design buildings that are safe and efficient.” This keen engineering interest and dedication to continuing her studies combined with volleyball led her to Blacksburg. When Vipond arrived in July for summer workouts, she was pleased with how welcoming her teammates and coaches were. After having taken a four- year break from volleyball to commit to Division I basketball, she was excited to return to the volleyball court. “I felt so welcomed right away, especially coming from four years off of volleyball,” she said. “My teammates have given me a lot of pointers and we have the most welcoming team ever!” Vipond has blended in well with new teammates, a new coach, and a great new start in a highly ranked graduate engineering program. She hopes to contribute to the team in the position of middle blocker or right-side hitter, but honestly said, “I’m happy to contribute in any way to make my teammates better, and I’m really thankful for this opportunity here at Tech.” Vipond is now an asset to Tech volleyball and will continue to make positive impacts on the program during her final two years of eligibility. Beyond volleyball, she also will contribute soon to the world as a structural engineer. Tech and volleyball are a perfect fit for Vipond, who wants to make a difference and build safe and efficient buildings in her future as well as have a few kills and big blocks on the net along the way. WRESTLING The projected starting lineup for the 2020-21 wrestling season includes (by weight): 125 pounds— Sam Latona (r-Fr.) or Joey Prata (r-Sr.); 133 pounds— Korbin Myers (grad)/ Brandon Wittenberg (r- Fr.); 141 pounds— Collin Gerardi (r-So.) or Sam Hillegas (Fr.); 149 pounds— Bryce Andonian (So.)/ Jake Hart (r-So.)/ Caden Darber (r-Jr.); 157 pounds— Connor Brady (r-Fr.)/ Jake Hart (r-So.); 165 pounds— Mekhi Lewis (r-So.)/ Clayton Ulrey (Fr.)/ Jordan Florence (r-So.); 174 pounds— Cody Howard (r-So.)/ Kolton Clark (So.)/ Kristian Scott (r-So.); 184 pounds— Hunter Bolen (r-Jr.)/ Colby Kassir (Fr.); 197 pounds— Stanley Smeltzer (r-Jr.) or Andy Smith (Fr.); Heavyweight— John Borst (r-Jr.)/ Hunter Catka (Fr). This year’s freshman class was ranked in the top 10 and includes: Catka (Brookhaven, Pennsylvania; heavyweight; two-time state champ; ranked No. 7 nationally and No. 1 at heavyweight); Clayton Ulrey (Grantville, Pennsylvania; 165; runner-up state champ; ranked No. 23 nationally and No. 4 at 170 pounds); Sammy Hillegas (Glenshaw, Pennsylvania; 141 pounds; two-time state champion; ranked No. 29 nationally and ranked No. 8 in his weight class); Eddie Ventresca (Landing, New Jersey, 125 pounds; ranked No. 47 nationally and No. 6 in his weight class; state champion in 2019); Sam Fisher (Marshall, Virginia; 195 pounds; ranked No. 70 nationally and No. 6 in his weight class); Brandon Green (Paulsboro, New Jersey; 184 pounds; ranked No. 116 nationally; state champ); Simeone Holmes (Midlothian, Virginia; 174 pounds; two-time state champion); and Nathan Warden (Christiansburg, Virginia; 174 pounds; two-time state champ). MEN’S GOLF During this time of COVID-19, golf has provided an outlet for many people. Reports show dramatic spikes in the number of rounds played and new players entering the game. In many ways, golf has become a go-to sport because of its inherent outdoor presence and ease of social distancing. Scott Vincent , a native of Zimbabwe, starred on the Virginia Tech golf team from 2011-15. A former first-team All-American, Vincent now has taken his talents to the European Golf Tour. In a recent conversation, Vincent expounded on his experience this year. “The return to golf on the European Tour has been anything but ordinary,” he said. “The atmosphere was noticeably different, with strict rules and behaviors being hammered into the players and staff each week. The return has been exciting and beats the alternative of not competing. My wife, Kelsey, a former Tech soccer player, and I set off to Europe to begin our stretch of what ended up being 11 weeks of competition. Prior to leaving, we took two separate COVID tests followed by another upon arrival. Once the onsite test results came back negative, we were then granted access to what has been termed ‘The Bubble.’ Tests were repeated at the beginning of each week, and we are thankful for 14 negative tests. “The bubble is a safe area for all players, staff, and workers, which allows them to move and work in as safe an atmosphere as possible. The bubble includes the golf course and the hotel. Once entering into the bubble, you are not allowed to move anywhere outside of this. No stops in between hotel and course were permitted. If broken, you are immediately removed from the event entirely, as one player found out. “A mask is required indoors with a two-meter distance requirement between anyone at all times—no fist bumps, high fives, or even hugs to any friends you haven’t seen in a while are allowed. This has all been set up to allow these events to continue being staged. The 11 weeks included stops in Austria, England, Wales, Spain and Portugal. We enjoyed each week and all the travel despite not getting to experience each country’s unique culture. The European Tour has done a tremendous job in ensuring events to play in during these times.” Vincent’s time since the resumption has included great success with two finishes in the top 10, one finish in the top 20 and a total of eight made cuts. Tech golf coach Brian Sharp said, “Scott was an exceptional leader, role model and player for Virginia Tech. I am not at all surprised at his success in professional golf and am sure that he will continue moving up the world rankings in the years to come. He is a wonderful ambassador for our school and golf program, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward. We firmly believe several current players will find similar success on the professional tours. Our talent levels