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(715 Results)

1. Volleyball Athlete of the Year

Volleyball :: Victoria Hamsher :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Victoria Hamsher | Senior | Nazareth, Pennsylvania The Virginia Tech volleyball team won 22 games this past season, including 10 in the ACC, and Victoria Hamsher played a major role in that success. Hamsher earned first-team …

2. Women's Track & Field Athlete of the Year

Track & Field :: Martina Schultze :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Martina Schultze | Junior | Uhingen, Germany Very few Tech student-athletes have dominated in their craft the way in which Martina Schultze has dominated in the pole vault the past three years. And this year may have been her be…

3. Men's Track & Field Athlete of the Year

Track & Field :: Grant Pollock :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Grant Pollock | Junior | Richmond, Virginia Distance runner Grant Pollock quietly enjoyed a banner season for the Tech men’s cross country and track and field teams, claiming two gold medals during the academic year in two sep…

4. Women's Tennis Athlete of the Year

Tennis (W) :: Francesca Fusinato :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Francesca Fusinato | Freshman | Feltre, Italy It didn’t take long for freshman Francesca Fusinato to make an impact on the Virginia Tech women’s tennis program. In her first collegiate season, she spent the majority of her p…

5. Men's Tennis Athlete of the Year

Tennis (M) :: Amerigo Contini :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Amerigo Contini | Sophomore | Parma, Italy The Virginia Tech men’s tennis program made the NCAA Championship for the eighth consecutive year, and while the Hokies used the talents of a lot of good players to make NCAA play thi…

6. Women's Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year

Swimming & Diving :: Kaylea Arnett :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Kaylea Arnett | Junior | Spring Hill, Texas Naming an athlete of the year for women’s swimming and diving may have been the easiest of chores. Of course, a young woman who earns three All-America honors tends to make things ea…

7. Men's Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year

Swimming & Diving :: Ryan Hawkins :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Ryan Hawkins | Senior | Charlotte, North Carolina As he prepares to dive into the next phase of his life, Ryan Hawkins can derive plenty of satisfaction in looking at the Virginia Tech record books, seeing his name plastered e…

8. Women's Soccer Athlete of the Year

Soccer (W) :: Jazmine Reeves :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Jazmine Reeves | Senior | Dover, Delaware The Virginia Tech women’s soccer team had its best season in school history, winning a school-record 19 games, scoring a school-record 56 goals and making it to the College Cup – NCA…

9. Men's Soccer Athlete of the Year

Soccer (M) :: Kyle Renfro :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Kyle Renfro | Senior | Forest, Virginia The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team did not allow many goals this past season, and a lot of its success on the defensive end of the pitch came about because of the stellar play of goalke…

10. Lacrosse Athlete of the Year

Lacrosse :: Megan Will :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Megan Will | Junior | Bel Air, Maryland The 2013 magazine’s choice for lacrosse athlete of the year did nothing but improve upon her numbers during her junior campaign, all but solidifying her spot as the 2014 selection as wel…

11. Men's Golf Athlete of the Year

Golf (M) :: Scott Vincent :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Scott Vincent | Junior | Harare, Zimbabwe Scott Vincent’s name came up numerous times in discussions for the magazine’s overall athlete of the year. For sure, he had that type of year. Vincent won three times this season …

12. Football Athlete of the Year

Football :: Jack Tyler :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Jack Tyler | R-Senior | Oakton, Virginia The Virginia Tech football team featured an outstanding defense this past season, one that ranked in the top 11 nationally in five different categories, including fourth in total defense …

13. Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Cross Country :: Sarah Rapp :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Sarah Rapp | Junior | Raleigh, North Carolina Sarah Rapp came within 10 seconds of being just the fourth Tech women’s All-American in the sport of cross country and the first since 2008. Yet that shouldn’t diminish what turn…

14. Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Cross Country :: Thomas Curtin :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Thomas Curtin | Junior | Leesburg, Virginia Thomas Curtin got off to a bit of a slow start to the cross country season. In fact, he missed four of the first five races of the season heading into the ACC Cross Country Championshi…

15. Women's Basketball Athlete of the Year

Basketball (W) :: Uju Ugoka :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Uju Ugoka | Senior | Lagos, Nigeria It was a record-setting year for senior Uju Ugoka, who snags the magazine’s women’s basketball athlete of the year honor while playing in her first, and last, full season with the Hokies. …

16. Men's Basketball Athlete of the Year

Basketball (M) :: Devin Wilson :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Devin Wilson | Freshman | McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania There weren’t a lot of positives that came out of the men’s basketball season for the Hokies, who finished in last place in the ACC for the third consecutive year. But Dev…

17. Softball Athlete of the Year

Softball :: Kylie McGoldrick :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Kylie McGoldrick | Junior | Stratford, New Jersey After a breakout season last year, Kylie McGoldrick continued her impressive offensive display in 2014 and helped lead Tech to its third straight NCAA postseason berth and its se…

18. Baseball Athlete of the Year

Baseball :: Mark Zagunis :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Mark Zagunis | Junior | Cinnaminson, New Jersey Other than taking home a national award, there was nothing else Mark Zagunis could have done this season for Virginia Tech, and his selection by the Chicago Cubs with the 78th overall pi…

19. Athlete of the Year

Wrestling :: Virginia Tech's Athlete of the Year :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Devin Carter | R-Junior | Christiansburg, Virginia On Dec. 6, in a match against Virginia’s Joe Spisak at the Las Vegas Invitational, Devin Carter felt pain in his hamstring and knew the injury was serious. Sure enough, he needed s…

20. Schultze finishes third at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Track & Field :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Martina Schultze became an All-American for the sixth time in her career after a bronze medal performance in the pole vault at the NCAA outdoor meet. Martina Schultze’s amazing season ended in style, as she finished in third place in …

21. Group of longtime athletics department employees decides to retire

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Billy Hite, who worked 33 years as Tech’s running backs coach and played a large role in developing the Hokies’ tradition of excellence in the backfield, is retiring after 36 years at the school. The laugh is unmistakable; that deep…

22. Techs top ten of the past year

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Here are the top 10 moments of the 2013-14 academic year as compiled by the magazine staff, with help from several in the athletics communications office: 1. Women’s soccer squad makes it to the College Cup The Tech women’s socce…

23. Allen anxious to turn around Tech's basketball fortunes

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Someone who carries around two cell phones – smart phones, no less – must be a person of utmost importance, or certainly a celebrity of some sorts. “Nah,” Seth Allen said, with a smile. “I use one just for music.” Tho…

24. News & Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 11

Babcock tabs Reed-Francois as executive AD As part of a restructuring within the athletics department, Tech AD Whit Babcock named Desiree Reed-Francois as an executive associate athletics director. Reed-Francois oversees all of the ex…

25. Six Hokies crowned champions at ACC outdoor track and field championships

Track & Field :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

The Virginia Tech track and field teams saw six individuals win ACC championships at the ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships held April 17-19 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Behind three individual champions, the Tech men’s team finishe…

26. Beyer, Yensen take home 2014 Skelton Award for Academic Excellence in Athletics

Baseball :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Christian Beyer and Katie Yensen, the 2014 winners of the Skelton Award, both plan to pursue careers in medicine when they graduate from Tech within the coming year. Tech men’s basketball player Christian Beyer remembers well the conv…

27. Breakfast of Champions spotlights work of FCA and Hokies' team chaplain

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Approximately 125 people attended the sixth annual FCA Breakfast of Champions and got to hear how the ministerial work of the FCA and Tech team chaplain Dave Gittings has impacted the players’ and coaches’ lives. Virginia Tech footb…

28. Beamer still searching for Tech's 2014 field-goal kicker

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Following the spring game, Tech coach Frank Beamer was asked if he felt comfortable playing a true freshman at kicker. “Did Shayne Graham play as a true freshman?” he jokingly asked. When informed that Graham played as a true fresh…

29. Defensive backfield loaded with talent and depth

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Perhaps no group on the Hokies’ roster possesses more depth than the defensive backfield – and not just in terms of bodies, but talent. It’s almost an embarrassment of riches. But defensive backs coach Torrian Gray isn’t about…

30. Whips linebackers solid this spring, await return of Vandyke

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Tech’s coaching staff worked more nickel defense, with five defensive backs, this spring than in previous spring practices, but the coaches have no plans on reducing the role of the whip linebacker position. With solid players return…

31. Linebackers' progress eases concerns about departures of Tyler and Edwards

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster lost two valuable cogs to his defense when Jack Tyler and Tariq Edwards departed after basically three years of terrific play. How good were those two? Well, they combined for 59 career starts, 4…

32. Offensive line moving in right direction under new line coach

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Normally, coaches are teachers, and the players serve as their students, but this spring, Stacy Searels found himself doing as much learning as his players. Hired in late January to be the offensive line coach, Searels used the NCAA-a…

33. Tight ends a strong part of Tech's offense coming out of spring ball

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring has spent the past two years working around injuries to players at his position. Two years ago, Randall Dunn and Eric Martin battled an array of injuries that limited them and their production. Last…

34. First-team defensive line solid, but Hokies need for depth to emerge

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Outside of the quarterback position, no group of players received more scrutiny this season than Tech’s defensive linemen, as line coach Charley Wiles began the process of finding replacements for James Gayle, J.R. Collins, Derrick H…

35. Receiving group this spring a nice blend of veterans and younger players

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Tech’s struggles in the running game a year ago have been well documented, but some of those issues came about because of the Hokies’ inability to make big plays in the passing game. Last season, the Hokies hit on just three pass…

36. Coleman, Williams lead contingent of running backs this spring

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Following signing day this past February, a day in which Virginia Tech’s coaching staff signed two of the best tailback prospects in the country, Tech fans found themselves wondering how things would shake out at the tailback positio…

37. Uncertainty remains at football's most important position

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Tech’s 2014 spring practice ended with the annual Maroon-White game held April 26, so what do fans now know about the quarterback position heading into the fall? Well, not too much. “We’re so far away from being ready to play a…

38. Defense owns the day

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

There was little scoring in the annual Maroon-White game, as both defenses controlled the line of scrimmage and left fans optimistic that the Hokies have reloaded on that side of the ball heading into the fall At the conclusion of l…

39. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

The compliance corner answers questions concerning the governance of intercollegiate athletics and its impact on our athletics department. Have a question? Please send it to inside@hokiesports.com and we’ll answer it in upcoming issues…

40. Takeaways from yet another important spring football practice

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

To get a feeling of what Tech football coach Frank Beamer thought of his team’s spring, consider his comments following the annual Maroon-White game that concluded spring practice. “We’re going to go through some growing pains …

41. News & Notes

Tennis (W) :: News & Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 10

Wolff and staff add two more Tech women’s basketball coach Dennis Wolff and his staff signed two prospects to letters-of-intent during the spring signing period, adding 6-foot-3 forward Regan Magarity and 6-3 forward Dominique Pow…

42. Hokies track down All-America honors

Track & Field :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

All seven Tech athletes who qualified for the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships became All-Americans after their performances Torben Laidig has only been on Tech’s campus a few months, but the Germany native claimed sixth plac…

43. Staying on course

Golf (M) :: Men's Golf Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

Tech golfer Scott Vincent has lived through some turbulent times in his native country of Zimbabwe, but that hasn’t kept him from swinging his way into the school’s record books Scott Vincent has won three times this season and is o…

44. Tech swimming and diving teams close season in style

Swimming & Diving :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

The men’s team finished in the top 20 for the third straight season at the NCAA Championship, while the women’s team recorded a top-25 finish for the third straight year T.J. Shinholser (left) and Ryan Hawkins claimed All-America ho…

45. Going out in style

Wrestling :: Wrestling Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

Chris Penny’s career at Tech got off to a slow start, but he closed it in grand fashion, winning an ACC wrestling championship and earning All-America honors in the span of a few weeks The life of a college student can be describ…

46. Carter finishes second at NCAAs

Wrestling :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

Devin Carter became the first Tech wrestler to make it to a championship match at the NCAA Wrestling Championships, and behind his performance, the Hokies finished in the top 10 of the team standings for the second straight year Devin …

47. Hokies own first quarter

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

Tech’s four quarters of preparation for the upcoming 2014 football season began with winter workouts in the strength and conditioning program, and the Hokies got off to a good start Wyatt Teller finished among the top five in four lif…

48. Spring Q&A with quarterback Mark Leal

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

After backing up Logan Thomas for the past three years, Mark Leal has enjoyed the competition for the No. 1 spot at quarterback this spring. After backing up Logan Thomas for four years, Mark Leal is excited about the possibilities …

49. Athletics department ready to begin construction on new indoor practice facility

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

Artist renderings of the practice facility Expect to see backhoes and bulldozers, cranes and precast concrete, and construction workers galore this summer next to Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. The Virginia Tech athletics departm…

50. Williams hire has Tech buzzing with excitment

Basketball (M) :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

Tech AD Whit Babcock hired former Marquette coach Buzz Williams to be the Hokies’ head basketball coach and hopefully turn around the program’s fortunes Buzz Williams told the crowd at Cassell Coliseum that he was excited about the …

51. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

52. Williams up for the challenge of changing the fortunes of the Tech men's basketball program

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

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53. News & Notes

Wrestling :: News & Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 9

Swimmers collect hardware from ACC The Virginia Tech swimming and diving teams had a great season, and the league’s head coaches certainly took notice. Tech swimming coach Ned Skinner and diving coach Ron Piemonte received the ACC …

54. Experience = Expectations

Golf (W) :: Golf Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

The Tech golf team returns four players from a lineup that made the NCAA regionals last season and has high expectations for the spring campaign Scott Vincent averaged a 71.6 a year ago and returns to Tech’s lineup as one of the top g…

55. Tech men and women take fifth at ACC indoor track meet

Track & Field :: ACC Track & Field Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

Two men and two women capture individual titles in their respective events Grant Pollock, a junior from Richmond, Va., won his first ACC indoor title by claiming gold in the one-mile race at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships.…

56. Miracle at Madison Square Garden not a thing of the past for '73 NIT title team

Basketball (M) :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

More than 40 years have passed since the Tech basketball team won four games by five points to claim the 1973 NIT crown – but the former players and coaches remember vividly how they pulled it off Nearly every member of the 1973 NIT t…

57. Wilson named to ACC's all-freshman teams

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

Tech’s point guard set three school freshman records this season, including one held by former great Dell Curry, and was rewarded by both the media and the league’s coaches Devin Wilson became just the fourth Tech player to make th…

58. Tech "D" looking to reload this spring

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster is hoping several young players progress this spring, as he and his staff look to replace several starters, particularly along the defensive front Der’Woun Greene is one of many young players who will…

59. Tech wrestles ACC title away from the field - again

Wrestling :: ACC Wrestling Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

The Hokies’ wrestling team dominated at the league meet, winning four individual titles and having four others finish in third place Chris Penny has bounced between heavyweight and 197 pounds during his career at Tech, but his unselfi…

60. Tech men win fight to the finish

Swimming & Diving :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

Getting solid performances up and down its lineup, the Tech men’s swimming and diving team held on over NC State to claim its first ACC championship and the program’s first since 2000 Tech’s swimmers, divers and coaches jumped int…

61. Five intriguing names to watch, as Tech kicks off spring practice

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

Click on the football schedule on hokiesports.com, and it says that the Hokies’ open the 2014 season on Aug. 30 against William & Mary. Yet ask any Tech football coach and he will tell you that the season kicks off on March 26 …

62. News & Notes

Basketball (M) :: News & Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 8

Hokies land transfer QB Michael Brewer, a quarterback from Lake Travis, Texas, will be transferring to Virginia Tech after spending the previous three years at Texas Tech. He plans to graduate from Texas Tech in May and then t…

63. Biding His Time

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7

The NCAA forced Malik Mueller to sit out this season, but the German native is making the most of a difficult situation Malik Mueller was relegated to the role of team cheerleader and scout team player after the NCAA ruled him ineligibl…

64. Recruiting Profiles

Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7

JAYLEN BRADSHAW 6-1, 180, WR Chesapeake, Va. Oscar Smith High School Also considered: Old Dominion Stats: Caught 65 passes for 1,102 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior (led Class 6A in receiving yards) … Hauled in 35 passes for 7…

65. Hokies' staff loads up on offense with 2014 recruiting haul

Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7

Marshawn Williams rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a senior at Phoebus High School in Hampton, Va., and is one of many playmakers recruited by Tech’s staff in the 2014 football recruiting class. (Photo courtesy of The Daily Press…

66. Tech tabs Babcock as new AD

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7

Native Virginian Whit Babcock returns to his home state to oversee the Hokies’ athletics program after a lengthy career in athletics administration at four different BCS schools Whit Babcock was born and raised in Virginia, and he cal…

67. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7

68. Babcock the perfect fit to be Tech's AD

General Release :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7

The minute the word came out about Whit Babcock being named the new athletics director at Virginia Tech, many in Hokie Nation expressed the same reaction. Or in other words, “Who?” Only the most educated of fans and those who toil…

69. News & Notes

Soccer (W) :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 7

Beamer names Searels new offensive line coach Tech football coach Frank Beamer named Stacy Searels as the team’s new offensive line coach shortly after previous offensive line coach Jeff Grimes departed for the same position a…

70. Season of injuries testing the Hokies

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

Tech coach James Johnson’s squad has been a little inconsistent this season, primarily because injuries have resulted in a lot of lineup shuffling Tech point guard Devin Wilson had started every game through the first 13 games and dis…

71. Settling in with San Diego

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

After several injury-plagued seasons, former Tech receiver Eddie Royal bounced back with a big 2013 season in his second year with the San Diego Chargers Eddie Royal had one of the best seasons of his career as a receiver for the San Di…

72. Ready for spring

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

The few members of the 2013 recruiting class who took redshirt years this past fall feel better for the experience, but can’t wait for spring practice Needing depth on the offensive line, Tech’s coaching staff moved Wyatt Teller to…

73. Season-ending depth chart

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

Here is a look at the depth chart for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, while the number after the slash indicates plays on special teams. The number of plays, the grades and the tackles came …

74. Same old Coles

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

The oldest player on Tech’s team didn’t quite have the senior season he wanted, but D.J. Coles handled the situation with a maturity expected from one his age The Hokies will miss the leadership of D.J. Coles, who mentored a young r…

75. Former Tech players remember fondly first trip to El Paso

Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

Most members of the 1946 squad have passed away, but the few who remain take pride in being the school’s first bowl team and remember well the program’s original trip to the Sun Bowl The 1946 Tech football team was the first in scho…

76. Sun Bowl not bright for Hokies

Football :: Sun Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

A second-quarter injury sent Logan Thomas to the sidelines, and the Hokies’ defense couldn’t contain a strong UCLA offense, as Tech ended the season with a 42-12 defeat Playing in his last collegiate game, Jack Tyler was credited w…

77. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

78. Considering the circumstances, 8-5 was not a bad season for Tech

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

In November of 1994, the former editor of the athletics department publication, Chris Colston, came up with a unique headline for the issue that capped the 1994 regular season. It said, “8-3 ain’t bad.” Nineteen years later,…

79. News & Notes

Soccer (M) :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 6

Tech adds Purdue to football schedule Virginia Tech and Purdue have agreed to play a home-and-home football series that begins in 2015. The Hokies will travel to West Lafayette, Ind., for a Sept. 19, 2015 game against the Boilerm…

80. Women's golf program adds first recruits

Golf (W) :: Olympic Sports Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

Amanda Hollandsworth was the first commitment to the Tech women’s golf program, and she has enjoyed a storied junior golf career while attending Floyd County [Va.] High School. (Photo courtesy of The Roanoke Times) Virginia Tech he…

81. Johnson replenishes perimeter

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

The Tech men’s basketball coach signed three perimeter prospects to letters of intent during the fall signing period The son of former Duke standout Antonio Lang, T.J. Lang averaged more than 17 points per game as a junior and will b…

82. Eddie off to fast start

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

Tech senior Jarell Eddie has already broken his career high in scoring and recorded three double-doubles in the Hokies’ first nine games Jarell Eddie, who scored a career-high 34 points in Tech’s win over Winthrop, has produced at a…

83. Former receiver one of the early walk-on success stories at Tech

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

Michael Stuewe worked his way into being a success story at Tech, and not surprisingly, he is now successful in his management position at Travel Centers of America Michael Stuewe started his career as a walk-on, but went on to become a…

84. Family, friends more important than fame, football for Thomas

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

Despite the ups and downs, quarterback Logan Thomas has enjoyed his time at Tech and credits his family and friends – many of whom are outside of sports – for helping him along the way A three-year starter at quarterback, Logan Thom…

85. Smoot finds himself in a familiar role

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

Former head of the Virginia Tech Foundation Ray Smoot chaired the search committee that led to Jim Weaver’s hiring and will do so again A little more than two years ago, Ray Smoot decided to retire from his leadership position at the …

86. End of an Era

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

Citing health reasons, Tech AD Jim Weaver announced his retirement effective at the end of the year after 16 years as the head of the athletics department – and he leaves some big shoes to fill In 16 years as the AD at Virginia Tech, …

87. Hokies' history-making season ends at College Cup

Soccer (W) :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

The Tech women’s soccer team lost to Florida State in a thrilling semifinal, ending a season that saw the program accomplish many firsts Tech women’s soccer coach Chugger Adair and the Hokies won a school-record 19 games this season…

88. Success should be the mark of Jim Weaver’s legacy

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

We’re four months into the academic year, which means four months into college sports’ playing seasons, and already, it’s been a bit of a bizarre fall/early winter in Blacksburg. Consider the following: the football team won si…

89. News & Notes

Cross Country :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 5

Longtime Tech supporter passes away Sonny Merryman, Jr., a longtime supporter of Virginia Tech athletics and the person for whom the Merryman Center on Tech’s campus is named, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the age 89. Merr…

90. Hokies hope to keep grip on ACC title

Wrestling :: Wrestling Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

The Tech wrestling team won its first ACC team championship last season and finished a program-best 10th at the NCAAs, and the return of guys like Devin Carter, Chris Moon and Zach Neibert mean expectations are high again this season Z…

91. Six inducted into the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame

General Release :: IHS Extra: VT Hall of Fame Induction :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

On Nov. 15, the Virginia Tech athletics department inducted six new members into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame at a banquet on the Tech campus. The new inductees bring the total number enshrined to 169. The Virginia Tech Sports H…

92. Rolling with his role

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

Tyrel Wilson hasn’t gotten a lot of attention in his career for his role on Tech’s defensive line, but he has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and unselfish attitude Tyrel Wilson doesn’t have a lo…

93. Football still in his blood

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

Former Tech kicker and punter Jack Simczak has retired and moved to South Carolina with his wife, but he hasn’t quite given up the game he loves Jack Simczak (43) was a record-setting punter and placekickerfor the Hokies in the late 1…

94. After wrestling with decision, Miller makes his mark in football

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

Offensive lineman Andrew Miller gave up a potentially great career in wrestling to go to the mat in football – a decision that has turned out well for both him and the Hokies The Hokies dropped a tough one to Duke, but Andrew Miller d…

95. Battle At Bristol Set

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

Tech and Tennessee will play a football game at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2016 and will attempt to break college football’s all-time single-game attendance mark Amid confetti and fireworks, officials at Bristol Motor Speedway anno…

96. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

97. Stanford shows his potential with big game versus BC

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

For a young man coming off the game of his life and playing not terribly far from his hometown across the border in Canada, Josh Stanford wasn’t in a particularly cheery mood. The Canadian had just set career highs in receptions and y…

98. News & Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 4

Curtin finishes second at ACC Championships Thomas Curtin, a junior from Leesburg, Va., finished in second place at the ACC Cross Country Championships held Nov. 1 at Beeson Park in Kernersville, N.C. Behind Curtin, the Hokies – wh…

99. Still Standing

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3

Back living and working in his hometown of Franklin, Va., Ashley Lee vividly remembers the NCAA record he broke 30 years ago – one that still stands today Ashley Lee’s 182 interception return yards against Vanderbilt in 1983 still s…

100. Athletics department gets approval on indoor practice facility

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3

It took Tech AD Jim Weaver 15 years, but he’s finally going to see a new indoor practice facility get built. The Virginia Tech athletics department received some much-anticipated good news on Sept. 9, as a building and grounds comm…

101. Faith and football come into focus for Collins

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3

A rededication to faith has enabled Tech defensive end J.R. Collins to turn his game and his life in a positive direction J.R. Collins played the best game of his career with his two-sack, seven-hurry performance in the Hokies’ win ov…

102. Men's Basketball Profiles

Basketball (M) :: 2013-14 Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3

#4 Cadarian Raines Class: r-Senior | Position: Forward | Height: 6-9 | Weight: 238 | Hometown: Petersburg, Va. Inside the numbers: Averaged 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season … Scored in double figures on eight occasi…

103. Johnson era enters second season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Basketball Season Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3

Despite seeing Erick Green graduate, Tech coach James Johnson finally has a full roster and is optimistic about the Hokies’ 2013-14 chances in his second year at the helm The Hokies will need for Cadarian Raines to improve on his aver…

104. Facyson and Fuller creating excitement now and for the future

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3

Coming into the season, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff expected many freshmen to contribute this fall, but they probably didn’t expect any of them to contribute in the secondary, where four starters were returning. Yet here we…

105. News & Notes

Basketball (M) :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 3

Davis named an ACC Legend Andre Davis, a former Tech receiver in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was selected to be a member of the 2013 Class of Legends by the Atlantic Coast Conference. The legends will be honored Dec. 6, the night be…

106. Familiar Face Returns to Blacksburg

Softball :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Former Virginia Tech softball pitcher Angela Tincher O’Brien has been hired as the program’s new pitching coach, returning to the place where she became one of the NCAA’s all-time greats Maybe the greatest softball player in Tech …

107. Former Tech receiver Myron Richardson is living up to the university’s motto

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Myron Richardson caught a game-high five passes for 69 yards to help the Hokies upset then-No. 9 West Virginia 12-10 in 1989. Just about all Americans can probably remember their whereabouts on the day of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorist…

108. Hokies in the NFL

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Here is a look at all former Tech players playing in the NFL as of opening day (Sept. 8): ARIZONA CARDINALS 87 Jeff King – King is entering his seventh season in the NFL and his third with the Cardinals after being drafted by the C…

109. Offseason change of address sees Tapp joining favorite childhood team

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Darryl Tapp suffered some tough years in Philadelphia, butcouldn’t be happier to be with the Redskins. (Photo courtesyof the Washington Redskins) Earlier this summer, Darryl Tapp and his family flew to Seattle to visit with some of hi…

110. New Chaplain Joins Tech Team

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Dave Gittings was tabbed as the Hokies’ team chaplain after Johnny Shelton left for a position with the Baltimore Ravens this summer Dave Gittings came to Tech from Georgia, where he worked as a a multi-area director with the South Ce…

111. Benedict A Rare Breed

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Tech offensive lineman Brent Benedict has dealt with some serious issues in his life, including the death of his brother, but the young man knows how to keep things light off the field Brent Benedict missed nearly two seasons while reco…

112. Bigger - And Better

Wrestling :: IHS Extra: New Video Scoreboards :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Large, new high-definition video scoreboards in both Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum should enhance fans’ experiences while generating more revenue from advertising The new high-definition video scoreboard at Lane Stadium is larger …

113. Weaver touches on array of topics as 2013-14 seasons begin

Football :: IHS Extra: Q&A with Jim Weaver :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Tech AD Jim Weaver was busy over the past year, dealing with issues such as football scheduling andextending the department’s multi-media rightscontract with IMG College. Virginia Tech is coming off arguably its best year of competi…

114. Despite loss, Hokies get off to a solid start to 2013 season

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

When Demitri Knowles caught the opening kickoff from Alabama kicker Cade Foster, the green flagged dropped on the 13-week race that is the 2013 football season. Unfortunately, 60 minutes worth of game time later, the Hokies stumbled ac…

115. News & Notes

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 2

Tech Hall of Famer passes away Jack Prater, a former Tech football player, assistant coach and director of the Hokie Club, passed away on Aug. 27 in Christiansburg at the age of 82 after a long bout with dementia and Alzheimer’s. …

116. Robertson ready to tee off on building Tech women's golf program

Golf (W) :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

Carol Green Robertson is the first women’s golf coach at Tech and thinks the renowned Pete Dye River Course (above) will be a huge recruiting tool for her going forward. In June, Carol Green Robertson gave birth to her first child. …

117. First year over, Hughes excited to improve on his numbers

Football :: Special Teams Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

A.J. Hughes admitted that he was nervous for the season opener against Georgia Tech last September. It marked his first collegiate game after winning the starting job as the punter for the Hokies. His first punt went for a mere 32 …

118. Knowles hopes he and receivers sprint to success in 2013

Football :: Receivers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

Demitri Knowles arrived in the United States from the Bahamas with the reputation of being an outstanding track athlete who just happened to play football, and even when he received a scholarship to play football for Virginia Tech, h…

119. Exum confident about returning to form following knee injury

Football :: Defensive Backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

Last October, Virginia Tech cornerback Antone Exum and Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins battled each other for much of the afternoon down at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Then they battled each other again in late March/early Apri…

120. Learning year behind him, Vandyke excited for bigger things in 2013

Football :: Whips Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

It turned out to be a rather eventful summer for Ronny Vandyke. He spent 11 days in the Dominican Republic as part of a summer school course, he went home for a few days to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday and he saw his good f…

121. After a difficult 2012 season, Edwards ready for some better luck

Football :: Linebackers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

…

122. Collins ready to put past behind him and lead a loaded defensive line

Football :: Defensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

For the first time since high school, J.R. Collins did not spend the majority of his summer preparing for a football season. But don’t misinterpret that statement. He still worked. Collins spent the first part of the summer in Lo…

123. After moving to tight end, McCray excited about 2013 season

Football :: Tight Ends Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

Zack McCray has been at Tech for three years and made small contributions on the field for the Hokies in each of the past two seasons. But this spring, he started from scratch. McCray, a former SuperPrep and Parade All-American o…

124. Miller the leader of a young, unproven offensive line

Football :: Offensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

At the Hokies’ team meeting on July 9, one that centered on the lifting schedules and academics for the second summer session, Andrew Miller and Brent Benedict showed up in old school tank tops, short shorts and aviator sunglasses.…

125. Edmunds and Coleman in the spotlight at tailback

Football :: Running Backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

It’s safe to say that Trey Edmunds puts his priorities in the proper order. When asked in mid-July what Edmunds hoped to get done during the second summer school session at Tech, he responded without hesitation – and his respon…

126. With 2012 behind him, Thomas ready to lead Hokies to big season

Football :: Quarterbacks Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

Toward the end of a rather busy summer for Tech quarterback Logan Thomas, he gave a brief assessment of his golf game, arguably his second greatest passion besides football. Like most non-professional golfers, he said he hadn’t g…

127. In a rush to be good

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

James Gayle’s lack of experience with football and lack of weight as a teenager weren’t big issues for him to overcome on his way to becoming a two-time All-ACC player at Tech Gaze at him on the street, and you’d never guess t…

128. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

129. Tech defense looking to be great from the start in 2013

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

Shortly after the Hokies’ 48-34 defeat to North Carolina last October, defensive coordinator Bud Foster walked into the postgame media session – willingly – to face media hounds who were all ready to tree him after his defense gav…

130. News & Notes

Basketball (M) :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 6 Iss. 1

Six slated for induction into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame Major League pitcher Joe Saunders and PGA Tour golfer Johnson Wagner headline a six-member class selected for induction into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. T…

131. Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Cross Country :: Sarah Rapp :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Sarah Rapp | Sophomore | Raleigh, N.C. Sarah Rapp continued her steady improvement as a cross country runner this season, finishing in the top 10 on two occasions and earning all-region honors after a solid performance at the regio…

132. Women' Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year

Swimming & Diving :: Heather Savage :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Heather Savage | Senior | Canandaigua, N.Y. Of all the selections for individual athletes of the year, the choice for women’s swimming and diving may have been the easiest. After all, Heather Savage enjoyed yet another sensationa…

133. Volleyball Athlete of the Year

Volleyball :: Cara Baarendse :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Cara Baarendse | Senior | Mason, Ohio For the third straight year, Inside Hokie Sports has named Cara Baarendse as its volleyball athlete of the year. Her consistently good play continues to warrant her as a selection. Baarendse wa…

134. Wrestling Athlete of the Year

Wrestling :: Pete Yates :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Pete Yates | R-Senior | Conyers, Ga. There were many candidates for the magazine’s wrestling athlete of the year, as the Tech wrestling program celebrated its best season in the school’s history. But Pete Yates’ year was a cut…

135. Lacrosse Athlete of the Year

Lacrosse :: Megan Will :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Megan Will | Sophomore | Bel Air, Md. The Virginia Tech lacrosse team went 8-8 this past season, and a lot of credit for that goes to Megan Will, who handled a lot of the scoring duties for the Hokies. Will started all 16 games fo…

136. Women's Track & Field Athlete of the Year

Track & Field :: Martina Schultze :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Martina Schultze | Sophomore | Uhingen, Germany In many ways, choosing Martina Schultze as the women’s track and field athlete of the year was the easiest task among all of the honorees by this magazine. After all, Schultze domina…

137. Men's Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year

Swimming & Diving :: Ryan Hawkins :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Ryan Hawkins | Junior | Charlotte, N.C. Ryan Hawkins and Logan Shinholser headlined a strong Tech diving program this past season, but Hawkins got the nod as Inside Hokie Sports’ men’s swimming and diving athlete of the year bec…

138. Women's Soccer Athlete of the Year

Soccer (W) :: Ashley Meier :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Ashley Meier | Freshman | Strongsville, Ohio The Virginia Tech women’s soccer team featured some experienced players, but the one who caught the attention of everyone – including ACC foes – was freshman Ashley Meier. The mi…

139. Men's Soccer Athlete of the Year

Soccer (W) :: David Clemens :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

David Clemens | Junior | Ballston Lake, N.Y. The Virginia Tech men’s soccer team struggled to score at times this past season, but not because of the efforts of forward David Clemens. Clemens started all 20 games for the Hokies …

140. Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Cross Country :: Sarah Rapp :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

141. Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Cross Country :: Will Mulherin :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Will Mulherin | Senior | Yorktown, Va. Will Mulherin was named the Inside Hokie Sports’ men’s cross country athlete of the year a year ago, and this season, he enjoyed arguably the best season ever by a Tech men’s cross countr…

142. Golf Athlete of the Year

Golf (M) :: Mikey Moyers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Mikey Moyers | Senior | Stanardsville, Va. The Hokies needed a big season from Mikey Moyers to continue their streak of NCAA regionals, and they got it, as Moyers closed his career strongly, recording four top-five finishes this pas…

143. Football Athlete of the Year

Football :: Logan Thomas :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

LOGAN THOMAS | R-Junior | Lynchburg, Va Quarterbacking an offense that lacked experience this past season, Logan Thomas’ numbers weren’t quite as great as his phenomenal sophomore campaign. However, he still managed to shoehorn …

144. Co-Athletes of the Year

Track & Field :: Virginia Tech Athlete's of the Year :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

One player won a national championship in his final collegiate event. The other accomplished a Tech first, leading the nation in scoring and being named the ACC’s player of the year. Given their unbelievable accomplishments over the c…

145. Tech's top ten of the past year

Baseball :: 2012-13 Edition :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Here are the top 10 moments of the 2012-13 academic year as compiled by the magazine staff, with help from several in the athletics communications office: 1. Ziegler, Kruzliak claim national titles Alexander Ziegler and Tomas Kruzli…

146. Longtime Hokie Club staff members to retire

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

John Moody and Sharon Linkous have dedicated more than 80 years combined to helping Tech athletics Usually as the spring months quickly fade into summer, Tech’s coaches take inventory of their rosters. And in many cases, they lament…

147. Tech softball team wins three in regional, falls to Kentucky to end season

Softball :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

For softball fanatics – and Virginia Tech fans – the action and the play at the NCAA Lexington Regional was hard to beat. Unfortunately, the Hokies came up a run short of advancing to the super regional round. Despite getting great…

148. Kruzliak wins national championship

Track & Field :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Behind Tomas Kruzliak’s win in the hammer throw, the Tech men’s track and field team finished in 19th place at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Tomas Kruzliak’s national title in the hammer throw marked Tech’s 14 i…

149. Cassell Coliseum reseating set to get underway

Basketball (W) :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

After going through the reseating process for Lane Stadium, Tech fans shouldn’t have any reservations about going through the process for Cassell Coliseum. After all, the process is practically the same. Season ticket applicat…

150. The 2012-13 athletics year ranks as one of the best ever for Tech

Baseball :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships marked the end of the 2012-13 sports year for Virginia Tech athletics, and it rounded out arguably the greatest athletics year in the history of the university. That may seem like…

151. News & Notes

Golf (W) :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 11

Tech adds women’s golf On May 14, Tech AD Jim Weaver announced that the athletics department will begin a women’s golf program, which makes it the 22nd intercollegiate sports program at Tech. The squad will begin competition in…

152. Smirniotopoulos and Dobbs receive prestigious Skelton Award

Cross Country :: IHS Extra: Skelton Awards :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Men’s soccer player Nick Smirniotopoulos and women’s track and field and cross country runner Courtney Dobbs received the Skelton Award for Academic Excellence in Athletics – the highest designation handed out by the Tech athleti…

153. Standing Tall

Baseball :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Tim Buheller wasn’t the biggest guy in the world when he played baseball at Tech, but his career numbers ended up being rather large Tim Buheller had a knack for getting on base when he played for the Hokies in the mid-1980s, and he s…

154. Finding the right note

Track & Field :: Track & Field Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Britani Myers came to Tech expecting to pursue ACC championships as a middle distance runner, but she’s giving up her sport and moving to Nashville to pursue a career in music Track athletes tend to do everything fast. It’s simpl…

155. Tech men's track & field team just misses another ACC title

Track & Field :: IHS Extra: ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

The men’s team finishes second at the league’s outdoor meet, while the women come in seventh The Virginia Tech men’s track and field team came up just short of winning its fourth straight ACC title, finishing second at the ACC O…

156. Kickers' experience showed this spring

Football :: spring Football Review: Special Teams :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

There wasn’t too much to report on the kicking positions coming out of spring practice, as the Hokies returned both kicker Cody Journell and punter A.J. Hughes from last season’s team. Journell and Brooks Abbott, who was the backup …

157. Young players made moves in the secondary this spring

Football :: spring Football Review: Defensive Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Torrian Gray came out of spring practice with pretty much the same thoughts as the Hokies’ other assistant coaches. He got what he expected from certain players, he liked what he saw from some of his younger guys, and he’s concerne…

158. Vandyke solidifies grip on whip linebacker spot

Football :: spring Football Review: Whips :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Last season, defensive coordinator Bud Foster played nickel defense early in the season, but he readily admitted that his unit’s fortunes changed when he went back to his base defense, which included a whip linebacker. Whips coach C…

159. Foster looking for consistency from young linebackers behind Tyler and Edwards

Football :: Spring Football Review: Linebackers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster doubles as the linebackers coach, and one of his main goals for the spring was getting Tariq Edwards back to form. As most know, Edwards basically missed last season because of a leg injury. Yes, …

160. Defensive ends shined this spring, but depth at tackle is a major concern

Football :: Spring Football Review: Defensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

A year ago, thanks largely to a very good defensive line, the Hokies finished second in the ACC with 35 sacks. Given that all four starters return and given their performance this spring, the Hokies should finish near the top i…

161. Malleck led the way at tight end after a strong spring

Football :: Spring Football Review: Tight Ends :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

To get a feel for how the tight ends progressed over the course of spring practice, one only needs to look at the box score of the Hokies’ spring game. The Hokies’ tight ends combined to catch nine passes for 125 yards and a …

162. Tech's offensive line still a work in progress heading into summer workouts

Football :: Spring Football Review: Offensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Coming out of spring practice, Tech’s offensive line remains in a bit of flux, as new line coach Jeff Grimes spent the 15 practices getting to know his players and finding out what they do best. Grimes did not come out of this…

163. Young receiver group put in the work, but there is still more to do

Football :: Spring Football Review: Wide Receivers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Last January, Tech head coach Frank Beamer hired a younger guy to coach the receivers in Aaron Moorehead. Youth, though, was going to be served with this group anyway. Tech’s depth chart at the receiver position features exac…

164. Coleman and Holmes were strong at tailback this spring, but Edmunds opened some eyes

Football :: Spring Football Review: Running Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

The Tech running backs received arguably more scrutiny this spring than any other position, as the Hokies tried to get their running game back on track. A year ago, J.C. Coleman led all Tech tailbacks with just 492 yards, while q…

165. Thomas and Leal showed improvement this spring

Football :: Spring Football Review: Quarterbacks :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Spring game performance aside – when he threw three interceptions – Logan Thomas progressed over the course of 15 practices, as he moved into the role of conductor of the new offense installed by new coordinator Scot Loeffler. Tho…

166. Interception returns headlined spring game

Football :: IHS Extra: Maroon & White Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Der’Woun Greene and Donovan Riley returned interceptions for touchdowns to lead the White team past the Orange Like several other former Tech players now working in the NFL, Kam Chancellor, Jayron Hosley and Brandon Flowers returned t…

167. Lots to take away about the Hokies following important spring practice

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

The Maroon-White game wrapped up Tech’s 2013 spring practice, which was arguably the most important in head coach Frank Beamer’s tenure. Coming off a 7-6 campaign that was a bit of a struggle throughout, he hired a new offensive co…

168. News & Notes

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 10

Two Tech players selected in NFL Draft Tech football players Corey Fuller and Vinston Painter were selected in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft held April 25-27 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Fuller, a receiver from …

169. Tech men' and women's swimming and diving teams record top-25 finishes at the NCAA Championships

Swimming & Diving :: IHS Extra: NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

Ryan Hawkins scored points in all three diving events for the Hokies at the NCAA Championships. Ryan Hawkins earned two All-America honors and led the Virginia Tech men’s swimming and diving team to a top-20 finish at the NCAA Men’s…

170. Young player reaching out to young people

Softball :: Softball Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

Tech softball player Kylie McGoldrick has established a charity that collects used baseball and softball equipment and gives it to needy youth organizations Kylie McGoldrick and her family started a chartiy several yearsago and continue…

171. Versatility is his specialty

Track & Field :: Track & Field Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

All-American Jeff Artis-Gray’s ability to be successful in many events has played a large part in helping the Tech men’s track and field program become one of the nation’s best Jeff Artis-Gray can - and has - done it all since arr…

172. Back to School

Baseball :: IHS Extra: Pat Pinkman returns to school :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

More than 10 years after his playing days ended, former Tech pitcher Pat Pinkman is helping coach at his alma mater while also finishing up work on his degree This season, Virginia Tech baseball is currently utilizing a pair of studen…

173. Tech wrestling makes history

Wrestling :: IHS Extra: NCAA wrestling championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

The Hokies recorded a top-10 finish for the first time, while a program-best four earned All-America honors Pete Yates finished fourth in the 165-pound weight class at the NCAA Wrestling Championships and closed his decorated career as …

174. With the hoops season over, Hokies look ahead to life without Green

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops season recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

Jarell Eddie averaged more than 12 points per game this past season and should be one of the Hokies' top scoring threats next season. The question was simple enough. What was the difference between the first part of the season, when th…

175. Moorehead excited about coaching and the potential of his young receivers

Football :: IHS Extra: New receivers coach excited about his job :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

New receivers coach Aaron Moorehead wants to see his receivers play more relaxed, and he feels that will translate into more big plays next season There has been a lot of excitement on Tech’s practice fields this spring, a newfound en…

176. Tech names football practice fields after former player

Football :: IHS Extra: Tech honors former player :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

The school honors former tight end Steve Johnson after his generous contributions to the football program Some past players just bring forth great memories. Tech fans remember Chris Kinzer’s kick against NC State, Corey Moore’s g…

177. More than 60 players earn honors in recent strength and conditioning testing

Football :: IHS Extra: Football strength & conditioning results :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

Defensive end James Gayle is one of the Hokies’ strongest athletes, as evidenced by his 550-pound squat in recent testing. On March 27, the Virginia Tech football team participated in the first of its 15 spring practices. Before tha…

178. New Beginnings

Football :: IHS Extra: Q&A with Scot Loeffler :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

New coordinator Scot Loeffler begins the process of turning around Tech’s fortunes on offense Scot Loeffler brings a lot of experience to Tech after stops at Michigan, Central Michigan, the NFL’s Detroit Lions, Florida, Temple and A…

179. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

180. Tech running backs use spring to put past behind them

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

By everyone’s standards, J.C. Coleman ranks as one of the good guys on Tech’s football team, someone who, yes, carries a football, but also a big smile and a bigger heart. Yet when the conversation turns toward the Hokies’ rushing…

181. News & Notes

Basketball (M) :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 9

Tech to use online system for 2013 football seat changes and parking choices For the first time, Virginia Tech football season ticket holders will be required to make changes to their seat locations and to pick their parking locations e…

182. Going for it

Golf (M) :: Golf Season Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

After making the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships a year ago, the Hokies have nearly all of their roster back and high expectations for the upcoming season Mikey Moyers is the Hokies’ lone senior and will be counted on to lead this te…

183. Hokies again make splash at ACC Championships

Swimming & Diving :: IHS Extra: ACC Swimming & Diving Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

The Tech men’s swimming and diving team finished second for the second straight year, while thewomen’s team was second as well – its best performance ever at the league’s meet The Virginia Tech swimming and diving programs con…

184. Tech claims first ACC wrestling title

Wrestling :: IHS Extra: ACC Wrestling Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

The Hokies’ David Marone comes through with a win in the final match to give Tech its first team wrestling crown since 1998 David Marone’s 8-0 victory in the final match of the ACC Championships lifted the Tech wrestling squad to it…

185. On Track

Track & Field :: Track & Field Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

Under the management of Dave Cianelli, the Tech track and field and cross country programs have thrown, run, jumped and vaulted their ways onto the national scene There are numerous piles of papers sitting on Dave Cianelli’s wooden…

186. Tech goes the distance at ACC indoor meet

Track & Field :: IHS Extra: ACC track & field championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

Paced by strong performances from the distance runners and the usual steady play of the throwers, the Tech men’s track and field team won the ACC Indoor Championships – and now holds the men’s crown in all three league track and fi…

187. Green scores great season in senior year

Basketball (M) :: Men' Hoops Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

Thanks to a supportive family and an unmatched work ethic, Tech guard Erick Green puts together a season for the record books Erick Green’s daily routine of hitting 300 shots paid off big time this season, as he earned the ACC’s Pla…

188. Green's big season leads to accolades

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

The final week of the 2012-13 regular season wasn’t particularly kind to the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team. The Hokies suffered two road losses and ended up as the No. 12 seed in the ACC Tournament. But for Erick Green, the en…

189. Tech "D" ready for spring

Football :: IHS Extra: Q&A with Bud Foster :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

The Hokies return a lot of starters and hope to carry over their stellar play from the end of last season to this spring Dadi Nicolas showed flashes of his athletic ability last fall, and the Tech coaching staff wants to see more of it …

190. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

191. Five to watch, as Hokies gear up for 2013 spring practice

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

For those tired of the doldrums of winter, for those tired of the varying degrees of cold, for those tired of words like “wind chill” and “jet stream,” take heart. The first day of spring is March 20. The lone exception is…

192. News & Notes

Cross Country :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

193. From the Hokie Club

Track & Field :: Hokie Club News :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 8

EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE The Virginia Tech women’s lacrosse squad was fired up for its game against No. 3 North Carolina, and the Hokies gave the Tar Heels everything they wanted before falling 18-11 in Blacksburg. The Hokies are sti…

194. Twenty-five years ago, Virginia Tech and Southern Miss combined for 274 points in a breathless, frenetic, up-and-down-the-court classic that set a Cassell Coliseum scoring mark and today remains the . . . HIGHEST-SCORING GAME IN TECH HISTORY

Basketball (M) :: IHS Extra: 25-year anniversary, VT vs. USM :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7

Bimbo Coles It was the winter of 1988, and both Louisville and Memphis State dominated Metro Conference basketball attention. It was the era of great players like Louisville’s Pervis Ellison and Memphis State’s Elliot Perry, with th…

195. Lack of depth taking its toll on Hokies as season moves toward final weeks

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7

Cadarian Raines scored in double figures in back-to-back games for the first time this season when he had 10 points against Miami and 12 against UNC. Fresh off an extremely disappointing overtime loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels i…

196. Recruiting Profiles

Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7

KYLE CHUNG 6-4, 280, OL Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Ponte Vedra High School Also considered: Arkansas, Miami, Clemson Top honors: Rated a 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Listed as the No. 29 tight end prospect nationally…

197. Tech staff brings in top-25 recruiting class for the second straight year

Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7

Bucky Hodges, a quarterback from Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Va., was one of the top in-state prospects tosign with Tech and a part of the Hokies’ top-25 recruiting class. It’s been a busy six weeks for the man in charge of…

198. Beamer shakes up staff

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7

Longtime head coach brings aboard three new assistant coaches From left to right: Jeff Grimes, Frank Beamer, Scot Loeffler, Aaron Moorehead. Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer has taken conservative approaches with the Tech prog…

199. Staff changes made with focus to improve Tech offense's consistency, particularly in the running game

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7

Tech coach Frank Beamer sat on the stage at the Schott Media Center in the south end zone of Lane Stadium. His three new coaching hires flanked him, all sitting there with a throng of media anxiously awaiting to toss them questions…

200. News & Notes

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 7

Custis, Houseright named ACC Legends Former Tech men’s basketball player Ace Custis and women’s basketball standout Michelle Houseright were named part of the 2013 ACC Legends class, as announced by ACC commissioner John Swofford. E…

201. Loving his sport

Tennis (M) :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

Former Tech tennis player Tom Hood co-authored a book about Richmond’s rich tennis history and is doing his best to promote the sport he loves Before he got involved with the Richmond Tennis Association and all of its events and prog…

202. Injury to Wood creates opportunity for walk-on

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

Christian Beyer expected to be a player who only helped out in practices, but he has played more than 20 minutes per game since Marshall Wood went down with a foot injury. Around this time a year ago, Christian Beyer spent his free …

203. Wilson flipped out versus the Saints

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

The former Tech tailback accomplished something never done before in the NFL – and celebrated by doing backflips Courtesy of AP Images David Wilson has long been known for his ability to do backflips, once doing eight in a row at…

204. Redshirt year ends for Tech freshmen

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

Members of the 2012 recruiting class who redshirted this past fall are anxious to put their talents on display during spring practice in March In the weeks leading up to the Russell Athletic Bowl held in Orlando, most of Virginia Tech…

205. Virginia Tech's season-ending depth chart

Football :: Football :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

206. Walking on to success

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

A humble attitude, a great work ethic and an undeniable determination were just a few of the traits that former walk-ons and running backs Joey Phillips and Martin Scales shared in their Tech careers Joey Phillips and Martin Scales s…

207. Tech picks off bowl victory

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

Antone Exum’s interception caps a great week for him and sets up a touchdown that enables the Hokies to rally past Rutgers for an overtime win in the Russell Athletic Bowl Last-minute Christmas shopping for the Virginia Tech footbal…

208. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

209. Tech defense saves best for last with dominating performance against Rutgers

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

Several days after Tech’s 13-10 overtime victory over Rutgers in the Russell Athletic Bowl, as most were rushing to purchase champagne to ring in the New Year, a friend submitted an email somewhat stating the obvious. “Other t…

210. News & Notes

Baseball :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 6

Former World Series champions headline “Baseball Night in Blacksburg” Former Tech baseball standouts and former Major League Baseball World Series champions Franklin Stubbs and Brad Clontz will be the guests of honor for the V…

211. Tech men's cross country team wraps up great season with appearance at NCAA's

Cross Country :: NCAA Cross Country Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

The Virginia Tech men’s cross country team made it to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 1987, and the Hokies finished in 22nd place at the event held at E.P. ‘Tom’ Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Ky., on Nov.…

212. Tech Wrestling Recruiting Haul Among the Top in the Nation

Golf (M) :: Olympic Sports Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

The Hokies’ softball and golf programs also sign highly touted recruiting classes Nov. 14 marked the beginning of the fall signing period for several NCAA sports, and several of Tech’s coaches landed high-quality recruiting class…

213. Next Generation

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

Tech coach James Johnson signed four prospects to letters-of-intent as part of his first recruiting class The lack of depth on the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team certainly hurts related to on-court performance. But it does hel…

214. Fast Start

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

The Tech men’s basketball team won its first seven games and got off to the program’s best start in 30 years New Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach James Johnson has done a masterful job of downplaying his team’s victories t…

215. Former Tech tailback Darren Evans trying to take advantage of Tennessee Titans' opportunity

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

Darren Evans played football at Virginia Tech for three seasons, even setting a single-game rushing record his redshirt freshman season, and he later graduated with a degree in sociology. So he never expected to be perfecting hi…

216. Keeping Tabs from Kentucky

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

Former Tech linebacker Kent Henry still keeps up with the Hokies even though he lives these days in the Bluegrass State, where he was born and raised Kent Henry (58) took advantage of an opportunity early in his career and became a th…

217. Quieting the Competition

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

Nick Becton is quiet off the field, but the left tackle’s play this season has spoken quite loudly to Tech’s opponents Occasionally, one who works in the journalism world comes across an athlete who is as quiet as Lane Stadium i…

218. High Voltage

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

Antone Exum has been a lightning rod for his critics this season, but his confidence in himself enabled him to become an All-ACC cornerback Some players are just lightning rods for attention. Of those, a certain few bring it upon them…

219. Readying for Reseating of Cassell Coliseum

Basketball (W) :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

The Tech athletics department and the Hokie Club plan on using the same general process that was used to reseat Lane Stadium Round 1 of the Virginia Tech athletics department’s reseating plan went quite smoothly. Now, the departm…

220. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

221. Christmas means a little more this season for Cole

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

Tis the season to put up Christmas trees, hang stockings, put up Christmas decorations and lights, and buy and wrap gifts. It’s also a time to reflect on the holiday and its meaning, and also to count one’s blessings. Michael …

222. News & Notes

Cross Country :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 5

Three Hokies earn All-ACC recognition James Gayle, Jack Tyler and Antone Exum all earned All-ACC honors after the regular season in voting conducted by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, a group of media members who cove…

223. Grappling With High Expectations

Wrestling :: Wrestling Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

A lineup that features seven wrestlers with NCAA experience has the Hokies aiming at lofty goals for this upcoming season Pete Yates, a redshirt senior at 165 pounds, finished fifth at the NCAA Championships last year and hopes to posit…

224. Shave for the Brave

Baseball :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

The Virginia Tech baseball team raises more than $35,000 to support childhood cancer research Tech baseball coach Pete Hughes and his players recently raised money for childhood cancer research and shaved their heads to bring awareness …

225. Making it to a Milestone

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

The Roanoke Valley Hokie Club has become the first non-person and first local Hokie Club to contribute $1 million to the Tech athletics program The Roanoke Valley Hokie Club has contributed financially to many projects over the years,…

226. Flowers on his way to becoming one of NFL's best defensive backs

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

Former Tech defensive back Brandon Flowers has shown the Kansas City Chiefs his talents in his five years there, including this interception against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 7. (Photo courtesy of Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs)…

227. BIG year for a BIG man

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

After four long years, Tech offensive tackle Vinston Painter is living up to his potential on the field and off He stands 6-foot-6 and weighs a rather sturdy 310 pounds. He possesses unworldly athleticism, and to put that in persp…

228. Former Hokie QB will forever remain in the Tech record book

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

Only his closest friends know this, and it rarely comes up in conversations these days given the high-powered aerial shows that dominate college football today. But Billy Holsclaw years ago etched his name in the Virginia Tech record b…

229. Tackling Adversity

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

Bruce Taylor hasn’t let past obstacles get in his way of being a great player for Tech and well respected in the community for his efforts with Special Olympics It practically takes more than an atlas to find the town of Riceboro,…

230. Hokies leave the field behind

Cross Country :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

Thanks in large part to Will Mulherin’s first-place finish, the Virginia Tech men’s cross country team won its first ACC championship and its first conference title since 1997 To gain an appreciation for just how much Will Mulhe…

231. Recent hurricane puts football into perspective for one Tech player

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

Sometimes it takes a natural disaster of epic proportions to put the sport of football into its proper perspective. A few weeks ago, on the night of Oct. 29, most Tech fans fretted about the Hokies’ upcoming game against Miami, consid…

232. News & Notes

Golf (M) :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

McCray to move to tight end Zack McCray, a highly touted recruit out of the 2010 football recruiting class, agreed to a position change shortly after the Hokies’ loss to Miami in Florida. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound redshirt sophomore, wi…

233. Donor File Q/A

General Release :: Donor File :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 4

Name: Jay and Shelly Poole Hokie Club Level: Orange and Maroon Benefactor Hokie Club member since: 1979 Currently Resides: Richmond (with a house in Blacksburg) What year did you graduate? 1978 Family: Wife – Shel…

234. Family, farming and football have always been the loves of former Tech DB Paul Davis, who excelled under Bill Dooley in the late 1970s

Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

Most folks retire from a profession and then start to take it easy. Paul Davis retired, hopped on a tractor and went to work. The former Tech defensive back retired after working 28 years as an agriculture extension agent, but he wo…

235. Overcoming Obstacles

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

Jeron Gouveia-Winslow has overcome hurdles on and off the field and is trying to make the most of his final season at Tech The ball came straight toward him, an inflated piece of stitched swine skin wobbling end over end. Here he was,…

236. Men's Basketball Profiles

Basketball (M) :: 2012-13 Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

#11 Erick Green Class: Senior | Position: Guard | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 185 | Hometown: Winchester, Va. Inside the numbers: Played in 31 of the team’s 33 games, making 30 starts … Led or tied for the team lead in scoring on 18 oc…

237. Ready to lead

Basketball (M) :: Men's Basketball Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

New men’s basketball coach James Johnson takes over a Tech squad long on experience, but short on depth Strong winds blew through Blacksburg several months ago, and no, we’re not referring to anything remotely resembling the derec…

238. Notre Dame to bring more prestige and competition for Tech and the rest of the ACC in Olympic sports

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

On Sept. 13, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the University of Notre Dame sent tremors throughout the college athletics landscape by announcing that Notre Dame was moving to the ACC for all sports except for football. In a much-…

239. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

240. Johnson excited about first season in charge of Tech basketball program

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

New Tech men’s basketball coach James Johnson makes sure he wins the opening tip on every day. He gets up at dark, gets to work before dawn leaks over the eastern horizon, and like the great defensive player he was at Ferrum back…

241. October News and Notes

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 3

Tech football leads nation in graduates The Virginia Tech football program continues to get things done off the field, as the program leads all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools with 15 players who have graduated already. O…

242. Bowl victory and finance degree made former Tech receiver Steve Sanders' career a big success

Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

Like nearly every college football player, former Tech wide receiver Steve Sanders wanted to play in the NFL. In fact, he planned for it, majoring in finance at Tech because he wanted to be able to manage his own money. But like so m…

243. Complete list of Hokies in the Pros

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

Here is a look at all former Tech players playing in the NFL as of opening day (Sept. 5): ARIZONA CARDINALS 87 Jeff King – The former Tech tight end caught 27 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns in his first season with Ariz…

244. After a tumultuous 2011, former VT receiver Josh Morgan returns home and is ready to turn some heads

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

Josh Morgan’s 2011 season in San Francisco had more twists and turns than Lombard Street. It was more torturous than a night at Alcatraz. Morgan, the former Tech receiver who departed Blacksburg after the 2007 season, suffered a bro…

245. Superstar NFL agent offers insight to 2012 football squad

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

Classes didn’t start at Virginia Tech until Aug. 27. But members of the football team got an education on an array of topics weeks before the university’s official start date of classes. In an effort to be proactive, Tech head coach…

246. Numbers Game

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

A few stories behind the jersey numbers of certain Tech football players Have you ever wondered why some players choose a particular jersey number? Why, for instance, does J.R. Collins have the number of a running back, or why Marcus Da…

247. Football band of brothers

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

Football at Tech is part of a family tradition for Corey and Kyle Fuller Corey Fuller Most people in southwest Virginia grow up as Virginia Tech fans and most remember their first experiences at Lane Stadium. They remember the crispne…

248. Five inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

On Sept. 7, the Virginia Tech athletics department inducted five new members into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame at a banquet on the Tech campus. Here’s a closer look at each new inductee: SHARON MCCLOSKEY (1984-current) S…

249. Roth and Burnop honored, surprised at halftime of Georgia Tech game

Football :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

Commemorative print to be used as a way of raising money for an endowment in the names of their two loved ones who passed away this summer Bill Roth and Mike Burnop are best known to Virginia Tech fans for using their voices to call the…

250. Working Overtime in the Opener

Football :: Football Season Opener :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

Virginia Tech gets big plays from unlikely sources and uses a Cody Journell field goal beat Georgia Tech in overtime If Tech fans needed any more evidence of the zaniness that was the first overtime game ever at Lane Stadium, then co…

251. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

252. Tyler tackling anything in his way toward being a great one

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 2

For the average Tech fan, sitting in the overcast that was Labor Day evening, it would be hard to imagine that tackling machine Jack Tyler, the anchor of the Hokies’ defense and the crux of its lunch-pail mentality, nearly wound up str…

253. Branthover anxious to take over as Hokies' punter

Football :: Special Teams Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Tech head coach Frank Beamer spent a lot of time this past spring watching his kickers – and for good reason. A year ago, the Hokies used three punters who combined to rank 108th out of 120 teams nationally in net punting, and a…

254. Bonner ready to continue tremendous play this spring in Tech's secondary

Football :: Defensive Backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

On a sweltering July afternoon, several of Tech’s skill players participated in passing drills (voluntary, of course) directed by quarterbacks Logan Thomas and Mark Leal. At the end of the session, Darius Redman, a backup tight end …

255. Tweedy hoping to stay healthy and continue solid play from the end of last season

Football :: Whips Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Alonzo Tweedy was starting to show his potential early last season. He recorded eight tackles in Tech’s win over Miami and added six more in the Hokies’ victory over Wake Forest. Then, he got the starting nod at whip linebacker for …

256. Tyler gives Hokies tested depth at mike linebacker

Football :: Linebackers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Jack Tyler spent the first summer session working an internship with a real estate company in Northern Virginia, learning how to manage properties as part of the requirements for a degree in residential property management. Tyler …

257. Gayle, Collins anchor what should be a loaded defensive line

Football :: Defensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

During a short interview in July, James Gayle made the observation that the Hokies faced a difficult schedule this upcoming season, one of the toughest schedules in the ACC. When asked if he was one who analyzed the schedules when the…

258. Wang one of several new faces on 2012 offensive line

Football :: Offensive Line Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

David Wang wasn’t in training for the Olympics this summer, but he certainly ran enough to give that impression. Uncharacteristic of an offensive lineman, Wang ran extra sprints during the Hokies’ offseason conditioning sessions a…

259. Dunn hopes patience pays off with playing time at tight end

Football :: Tight Ends Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Coming off a terrific spring in which he won a spring award – the Frank O. Moseley Award as the offensive player who exhibited the most hustle during offseason and spring workouts – Randall Dunn is challenging Eric Martin for the sta…

260. Coles and company ready to replace two greats at receiver spots

Football :: Wide Receivers Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

For the second straight season, a returning wide receiver – a talented one key to the Hokies’ fortunes – is coming back from a major injury. Last year, Dyrell Roberts was coming back from emergency surgery for compartment sy…

261. Holmes ready to assume mantle as Tech's next great running back

Football :: Running backs Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Soft-spoken Michael Holmes is quickly becoming one of the more popular players on Tech’s squad, as evidenced by the ribbing he gets from his teammates, even the lesser known ones. For example, he occasionally gets grief from Scott…

262. Leal biding his time behind Tech's star QB

Football :: Quarterbacks Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

There is a longstanding joke in football that the most popular player on a team is the backup quarterback. In Blacksburg, though, Tech fans, coaches and current players like their starter quite nicely, as Logan Thomas returns to the …

263. Tech's new Olympic Sports Athletic Performance Center a real gem

General Release :: Training Center Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Virginia Tech’s Olympic sports got much better over the summer, and it wasn’t necessarily because the coaches of those sports brought in better players. Thanks to a donation from the family of W.A. and Mae Street, originally from …

264. Pitch Perfect

General Release :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Entering their 25th season broadcasting football games, Bill Roth and Mike Burnop have called nearly 300 contests and captured the hearts of Hokie Nation When you sit at a table with Bill Roth and Mike Burnop, you better get your sto…

265. Culture Shock

Volleyball :: IHS Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Ten Virginia Tech student-athletes traveled to a poverty-stricken part of the Dominican Republic this summer to hone their leadership skills in a different culture It was a sweltering, humid June day in one of the poorest sections of …

266. Tech freshmen hope to earn playing time in 2012

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Two years ago, Tech head coach Frank Beamer and his staff played just two true freshmen – a couple of guys named Derrick Hopkins and Kyle Fuller. A year ago, seven played, including a couple of projected 2012 starters in Luther Maddy …

267. New and Notes

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 5 Iss. 1

Five to be inducted into Tech Sports Hall of Fame Former Tech receiver André Davis and former women’s basketball great Amy Wetzel Doolan are two of five individuals to be inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. T…

268. Wrestling Athlete of the Year

Wrestling :: Devin Carter :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Devin Carter | Sophomore | Christiansburg, Va. Devin Carter put together a season that could only be described in one word – dominant. Carter went 36-5 at 133 pounds this past season on his way to being named the ACC’s Wrestler o…

269. Volleyball Athlete of the Year

Volleyball :: Cara Baarendse :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Cara Baarendse | Junior | Mason, Ohio For the second straight year, Cara Baarendse earns the nod as Inside Hokie Sports’ volleyball athlete of the year, and her accomplishments warrant it. Baarendse finished her junior season with …

270. Women's Track Athlete of the Year

Track & Field :: Yvonne Amegashie :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

…

271. Women's Tennis Athlete of the Year

Tennis (W) :: Shannon Betts :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Shannon Betts | Senior | Newnan, Ga. Shannon Betts was one of the more consistent performers for the Tech women’s tennis team this past season, and that was one reason why she and teammate Martha Blakely shared team MVP honors as an…

272. Men's Tennis Athlete of the Year

Tennis (M) :: Luka Somen :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Luke Somen | Senior | Karlovac, Croatia Luka Somen’s terrific tennis career came to an end at the NCAA Championships, and those in the know about the sport of tennis realize that he will be missed. Somen capped his career at Tech …

273. Swimming & Diving Athletes of the Year

Swimming & Diving :: Logan Shinholser and Heather Savage :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Logan Shinholser | Junior | Burtonsville, Md. Logan Shinholser got consideration for Inside Hokie Sports’ athlete of the year and deservedly so following a campaign that was as good as any diver in the country. Shinholser, last …

274. Women's Soccer Athlete of the Year

Soccer (W) :: Kelly Conheeney :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Kelly Conheeney | Junior | Ridgewood, N.J. Kelly Conheeney is simply a goal- and points-scoring machine and is establishing herself as one of the best soccer players in the ACC. Actually, she may already be there. Conheeney earned se…

275. Men's Soccer Athlete of the Year

Soccer (M) :: Jed Prater :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Jed Prater | Sophomore | Somersby, Australia Jed Prater was a holding force for the Virginia Tech men’s soccer team and helped solidify the central midfield for the Hokies during the 2011 season. Serving as the team’s captain, P…

276. Lacrosse Athlete of the Year

Lacrosse :: Jessica Nonn :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Jessica Nonn | Senior | Catonsville, Md. Jessica Nonn easily will go down as one of the greatest lacrosse players in Virginia Tech’s young lacrosse history, and she capped her career with a great senior season in which she led the H…

277. Softball Athlete of the Year

Softball :: Jasmin Harrell :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Jasmin Harrell | Junior | Irvine, Calif. Jasmin Harrell made the most of the opportunity put in front of her this season. Taking over as the No. 1 pitcher on the Virginia Tech softball team, Harrell responded with a season bettered b…

278. Baseball Athlete of the Year

Cross Country :: Clark Labitan :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Clark Labitan | Junior | San Diego, Calif. Rebounding from an injury that sidelined him for almost two full seasons, Clark Labitan was Virginia Tech’s most reliable reliever out of the bullpen – a quality asset for the Hokies i…

279. Cross Country Athletes of the Year

Cross Country :: Will Mulherin and Madalyn Nuckols :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Will Mulherin | r-Junior | Yorktown, Va. After taking a redshirt season last year, Will Mulherin returned to the cross country team and turned in the most impressive season for a Hokie male in more than two decades. Mulherin did not …

280. Women's Basketball Athlete of the Year

Basketball (W) :: Aerial Wilson :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Aerial Wilson | Junior | Cocoa, Fla. After starting just five games through her first two seasons and averaging less than 15 minutes per game, Aerial Wilson was thrust into the starting point guard role this season for the Hokies and …

281. Men's Basketball Athlete of the Year

Basketball (M) :: Erick Green :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Erick Green | Junior | Winchester, Va. After enjoying a breakthrough campaign as a sophomore, Erick Green continued his steady improvement and enjoyed a fine junior season despite the team’s struggles in close games. Green earned s…

282. Golf Athlete of the Year

Golf (M) :: Trevor Cone :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Trevor Cone | Freshman | Concord, N.C. There may not be a more competitive sport in the ACC than golf, but Tech freshman Trevor Cone showed absolutely no fear of taking on the big boys. In his first season in Blacksburg, Cone record…

283. Football Athlete of the Year

Football :: David Wilson :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

David Wilson | Junior | Danville, Va. Logan Thomas easily could have been the choice for the football athlete of the year, but it’s hard to ignore the accomplishments of David Wilson, who broke records on his way to being named the …

284. Co-Athletes of the Year

Track & Field :: Virginia Tech Athletes of the Year :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Marcel Lomnicky | Senior | Nitra, Slovakia The Virginia Tech track and field program has an established tradition in the throwing events, and Marcel Lomnicky and Alexander Ziegler simply continued it this past season. Lomnicky, a se…

285. Tech's Top 10 of the Past Year

Soccer (W) :: 2011-2012 Edition :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Here are the top 10 moments of the 2011-12 school year as compiled by the magazine staff, with help from several in the athletics communications office: 1. Thomas rallies Tech past Miami In a football game that featured 73 points a…

286. Hokies advance to NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship, finish 24th overall

Golf (M) :: Golf Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Scott Vincent leads the way for Tech Jay Hardwick’s young Virginia Tech golf team didn’t finish as well as it wanted after making the program’s first NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship appearance in a decade. But it certa…

287. Tech men's track and field team finishes fifth at NCAA Championships

Track & Field :: Track & Field Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

The Virginia Tech men’s track and field team is a top-10 program. The numbers simply don’t lie. Bolstered by a national championship in the hammer throw by Alexander Ziegler, the Hokies finished in fifth place at the NCAA Outdoor …

288. Throwing away all reservations

Track & Field :: Men's Track Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Alexander Ziegler wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life after finishing high school in Germany, but eventually decided to come to Virginia Tech and the results have been golden Unlike a lot of the bigger cities in Germany, …

289. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

290. Uncertainty of playoff format fueling anxiety in college athletics this summer

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Normally, in the summertime, the buzzwords are “sun,” “sand,” “beach,” and “water.” But sitting in Jim Weaver’s office recently, the two of us came up with four others – “uncertainty,” “access,” “fairn…

291. News & Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 11

Johnson announces staff New Tech men’s basketball coach James Johnson has put together his coaching staff, naming three assistants, including two with local ties. Johnson hired Kurt Kanaskie, Mark Byington and Ramon Williams as assi…

292. A hit in coaching

Baseball :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Former Tech third baseman Casey Waller sports an impressive resumé as a high school coach, including winning a state championship Waller To say that baseball is in Casey Waller’s blood might just be an understatement. After all, he…

293. Landmark Success

Lacrosse :: Lacrosse Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Jessica Nonn’s brought a successful high school career to Tech and played a large role in helping turn around the Hokies’ lacrosse fortunes Nonn She isn’t that intimidating, standing only 5-foot-7. But she was definitely on…

294. Tech men's track and field team claim first ACC outdoor crown; women finish tied for fourth

Track & Field :: ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Last year, the Virginia Tech men’s track and field team ended Florida State’s dominance of the league’s indoor meet, capturing the title at the ACC Indoor Championships held in Blacksburg. This year, the members of that team dec…

295. Sister Reunited at Tech

Softball :: Softball Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Junior first baseman Courtney Liddle and freshman pitcher Bailey Liddle share an unbreakable bond, a passion for softball and their faith, and concern for their mother Courtney (left) and Bailey Liddle One is a blond, the oth…

296. Kicking situation unsettled coming out of spring

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer coaches most of the Hokies’ special teams, and he gave a telling remark about the state of the kicking positions following the attempt of the Maroon-White game on April 21. “I think a l…

297. Staff's moves in the secondary leave them feeling positive coming out of spring

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Detrick Bonner The secondary spent much of the spring in the spotlight because of all the juggling of positions that took place before practice started. Coming out of spring practice, defensive backs coach Torrian Gray expressed optimis…

298. Seniors hold down the top spots at whip, with the young guys coming on

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

The performances by his players this spring had whip linebackers coach Cornell Brown in a good mood. “Maybe they’ll let us play a little bit this year,” Brown joked. The whip linebackers certainly saw little action in 2011,…

299. Hokies didn't lose a beat with Tyler and Williams in lineup

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Jack Tyler Spring practice provided defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who doubles as the linebackers coach, an opportunity to get some younger guys plenty of reps, as starters Bruce Taylor (Lisfranc) and Tariq Edwards (leg) missed the s…

300. Experienced and deep defensive line drew notice with play this spring

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Luther Maddy Tech’s defensive line made its presence felt this spring, recording sacks at a breakneck pace. The unit recorded at least seven sacks in every scrimmage, though to be fair, the officials blew the play dead quickly any tim…

301. Martin and Dunn lead the pack at the tight end position

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Tech’s tight end position features a lot of players. It features a lot of athletic ability. It features a lot of potential. But at the moment, it doesn’t quite feature that one player, or two players, with the ability to do everyth…

302. Youngsters get much-needed work with all the injuries at the WR spots

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Dyrell Roberts Tech receivers coach Kevin Sherman planned on giving his younger receivers plenty of reps during spring practice. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much of a choice. The offense went the entire spring without the services…

303. Offensive line progresses toward the end of spring ball

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

David Wang In the first scrimmage of the spring, Virginia Tech’s offense gave up 11 sacks, and concern about the offensive line – already at a high level among Hokie Nation – rocketed. But offensive line coach Curt Newsome knew h…

304. Holmes and Coleman shine as Tech looks to replace Wilson

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Michael Holmes Tech fans went into spring practice anxious to see who would replace David Wilson, who broke the school’s single-season rushing record en route to the ACC’s player of the year honor last fall. Michael Holmes did no…

305. Thomas spent much of spring getting used to inexperienced teammates

Football :: Spring Football Review :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

The bad news about Tech’s offense heading into spring practice was the lack of experience at most of the positions. The good news was that the position with the most experience happened to be the quarterback position. Loga…

306. Lightning strikes down 2012 Maroon-White game

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Maybe this goes on at most college towns, but there is a recurring joke concerning spring games. In Blacksburg, when someone asks who won the game, the responder usually replies, “The Hokies.” But this year, the winner donned …

307. Changing of the Cassell Guard

Basketball (M) :: Men's Basketball Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

James Johnson takes over the reins as the head basketball coach at Tech When James Johnson graduated from Ferrum in 1993, he began taking steps toward his dream of becoming a head coach at the collegiate level. He probably never imag…

308. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

309. Tech's basketball players excited after Weaver tabs Johnson new men's head coach

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

Less than 24 hours after Tech AD Jim Weaver dismissed Seth Greenberg as the men’s basketball coach in a rather surprising move, Erick Green walked into the office of Tom Gabbard, the associate AD for internal affairs and the men’s …

310. News & Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 10

More than 120 student-athletes recognized at All-Sports Banquet The Virginia Tech athletics department recognized more than 120 student-athletes and student support personnel for their work not just in the playing venue, but also in the…

311. Five receive All-America nods at NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships

Swimming & Diving :: NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Logan Shinholser earned All-America honors in all three diving events at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Logan Shinholser’s collegiate season ended without a national title, but the junior from Burtonsville, Md., won just a…

312. Lomnicky claims second national title of career at NCAA indoor meet

Track & Field :: NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Hasheem Halim, Alexander Ziegler, and Marcel Lomnicky were all All-Americans It may come as a surprise to many people, but Virginia Tech’s Marcel Lomnicky really doesn’t like the weight throw event. In fact, he rarely practiced for …

313. Carter, Yates earn All-America nods, as Tech records highest finish at NCAA Wrestling Championships

Wrestling :: NCAA Wrestling Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Carter and Yates Tech wrestlers Devin Carter and Pete Yates became the second and third All-Americans under head coach Kevin Dresser, as both finished in fifth place in their respective weight classes at the NCAA Wrestling Championships…

314. Wrestling with Adversity

Wrestling :: Wrestling Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Devin Carter didn’t let his father’s mid-year health scare stop him from becoming an All-American this season, and it motivates him toward his ultimate goal of being a national champion Devin Carter has participated in a few heart…

315. Special visitor unveils Hokie helmet for Military Appreciation Day

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Tech also is selling camouflage hats, with all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior project Officially, the Virginia Tech football program plans on celebrating Military Appreciation Day on Sept. 22 in conjunction with its game agains…

316. Cassell and Jamerson part of university's energy conservation initiative

General Release :: Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

New destratification fans in Cassell Coliseum should provide more comfortable temperatures for fans during games, while also reducing heating costs. Two years ago, the Virginia Tech athletics department built a new football locker room …

317. A few defensive backs take a different approach to gain an advantage

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Some college football players are willing to do just about anything to gain that extra edge on the field, even if it means skirting the rules. But a few of Tech’s defensive backs took a novel – and totally legal – approach to the…

318. Search for Consistency

Football :: Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Rebuilding the offensive line and finding consistency in the red zone are two of many tasks for offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring this spring Nick Becton will be counted on heavily this spring, as the offensive line needs to rep…

319. Close, but not quite, the theme for Hokies this past season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Erick Green led the Hokies to a win over Clemson at the ACC Tournament, but Tech’s season ended with a loss to Duke in the quarterfinals. Virginia Tech’s 2012 ACC Tournament appearance ended the only way it really could, considering…

320. Lauten and Hehn named 2012 winners of Skelton Award

General Release :: Student Life :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

From the office of student life The annual Athletic Director’s Honors breakfast, with Tech AD Jim Weaver as the host, was held at Owens Banquet Hall on Saturday, March 24, to honor more than 400 student-athletes who achieved a 3.0 g…

321. News and Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 9

Records fall in latest strength and conditioning testing Mike Gentry, Tech’s associate AD for athletic performance, and his staff conducted strength and conditioning testing for the football team before spring break, and six Hok…

322. Handicapping the Spring

Golf (M) :: Golf Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

Mikey Moyers played well over the summer and fall, and he will be counted on to be one of the Hokies’ top players this spring. The 2012 Tech golf squad features two freshmen and a sophomore in the starting lineup, but head coach…

323. Former Tech golfer excelling in his career setting up some of the world's best golf courses for the PGA

General Release :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

Those who love the sport of golf know that basically nothing beats playing a round, regardless of the day, the course and the weather conditions. Many would argue that the next best thing to playing the game would be to work in some ca…

324. Tech men's track and field squad just misses on another ACC crown

Track & Field :: ACC Indoor Track & Field Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

The Virginia Tech men’s track and field team came up just a little short of defending its ACC crown, as Florida State edged out the Hokies at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships held at the Reggie Lewis Track Center in Bosto…

325. Tech men's swimming and diving team finishes program-best second at ACC's; women claim fourth

Swimming & Diving :: ACC Swimming & Diving Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

The Virginia Tech swimming and diving teams certainly felt at home at the ACC Championships, using the home pool advantage at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center to finish near the top of the league’s marquee event. Led by a strong pe…

326. Injury Spoils Season Finale

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

A groin injury forced Victor Davila to miss the final six regular-season games of his career, but the Puerto Rico native hopes to continue playing hoops – maybe back home It was roughly 30 hours before the tipoff of the final Virgin…

327. Hokies struggle down the stretch, but Raines certainly a bright spot

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

Following the Virginia Tech basketball team’s loss to N.C. State in the regular-season finale, Cadarian Raines politely begged off interviews, which is certainly his right. The bashful big fellow may not have felt comfortable talkin…

328. Building on Success

Football :: Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s unit played well in 2011, and he wants to build upon that in spring practice Tech’s defense finished seventh nationally in scoring defense (17.6 ppg), 10th nationally in total defense (304.6…

329. Lane Stadium reseating process set to start April 17

Football :: Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

The brochure announcing the Lane Stadium reseating plan and explaining it in great detail has been mailed. The Dec. 31 deadline for upgrading contributions to the Hokie Club has passed. So, too, has the March 2 deadline for returning sea…

330. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

331. Five to watch, as spring practice set to answer questions about 2012 squad

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

On March 28, the Virginia Tech football squad opens spring practice, which serves as college football’s version of March Madness – only the games are intrasquad scrimmages. That doesn’t make spring football any less interesting…

332. News & Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 8

Three wrestlers win ACC titles Led by a big upset at 165 pounds, three Virginia Tech wrestlers took home individual titles from the ACC Wrestling Championships held March 3 at Carmichael Auditorium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Pete Yates, a…

333. Speaking from Experience

Basketball (W) :: Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

After succumbing to a life-threatening illness while in college at Tech, Rayna DuBose now is enjoying a successful career as a motivational speaker She’s flown all over the country, given speeches in front of thousands and met…

334. Former Tech hoops player Chris Ellis holds many fond memories of his days at Tech

Basketball (M) :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

Long before Chris Ellis – the one whom most younger Tech fans know – accomplished so much on the football field, another Chris Ellis from the same town accomplished quite a bit on the basketball court for the Hokies. Only those …

335. With his performance against Clemson, Finney-Smith busts himself and Hokies out of slump

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

On a Friday night, the one actually before the Hokies’ game with Clemson, Tech head coach Seth Greenberg had nothing better to do, so he contacted Dorian Finney-Smith and asked him to meet at the Hokies’ practice facility for a lit…

336. Recruiting Profiles

Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

WOODY BARON 6-2, 258, DL Nashville, Tenn. Brentwood Academy Also considered: Vanderbilt Stats: Recorded 40 tackles, including 15 for a loss, and eight sacks his senior season despite being slowed with a knee injury … Finished wi…

337. Large 2012 recruiting haul features many of the state's best prospects

Football :: Football Recruiting Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

Trey Edmunds had a great year at Dan River High School in Ringgold, Va., and is one of seven All-Americans in Tech’s 2012 recruiting class.(Photo courtesy of Lee Luther, Jr., Media General News Service) View the full 2012 Football R…

338. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

339. Athletics is a common bond in the Edmunds family

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

When he hits the football field or the basketball court, Trey Edmunds is usually the best athlete in that particular sport. When he sits down at the dinner table at night … well … that’s another story. “We’ve had some …

340. News and Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 7

ACC announces new football and basketball scheduling formats On Feb. 3, the ACC unveiled new future scheduling formats for football and men’s and women’s basketball, announcing that league schools will play nine conference games in…

341. Burleson a Hokie at home in Florida

General Release :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

He lives 12 hours from the school in which he graduated and from the campus that he loves, but Bob Burleson likes being a Hokie in Florida these days. Bob Burleson, seen here with grandson Thatcher before the Tech-UNC game this past fal…

342. Winning streak hopefully has Hokies ready for ACC competition

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team closed 2011 on a winning note and a winning streak – and they hope that propels the Hokies to more success in the new year. Dorenzo Hudson The Hokies traveled halfway across the country…

343. Chancellor quickly making a name for himself in the Pacific Northwest

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

At this point a year ago, Kam Chancellor had just concluded a rookie season in the NFL in which he played in every game, but like most first-year players, suffered through some ups and downs. A year later, he found himself on th…

344. Redshirts ready to start own winning tradition

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

Kris Harley minces no words when asked to summarize this past fall, when he redshirted as a true freshman on the Virginia Tech football team. In fact, his opinion is probably the overwhelming consensus among his classmates who redshirted…

345. Season-ending depth chart

Football :: Football :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

Here is a look at the depth chart for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, while the number after the slash indicates plays from special teams. The number of plays, the grades and the tackl…

346. Career in journalism not a long shot for Tech long snapper

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

From radio to writing to TV, Collin Carroll isn’t limiting himself when it comes to his future following football He swore he set his alarm clock, that little contraption next to his bed that wakes him each morning at a designated tim…

347. OT Heartbreak

Football :: Sugar Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

Sugar Bowl not sweet for Hokies, who fall to Michigan 23-20 in overtime The Virginia Tech football team wanted to end its 2011 season on a sweet note following its invitation to the Sugar Bowl. But after a wild, zany affair against M…

348. Gazing into the future - Beamer has the Hokies' program built for the long term

Football :: 25 Years with Frank Beamer :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

This is the sixth and final piece in a series of stories this past season that looked back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. This particular story takes a look at Beamer’s future and …

349. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

350. In a bowl season filled with points and yards, Tech's defense transcends the norm

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

Twenty-four hours after the Sugar Bowl, your editor sat in his recliner and watched West Virginia destroy Clemson, wondering if the Clemson police department really had to wait 24 hours to begin that search for the Tigers’ defense. …

351. News & Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 6

Several Hokies undergo surgery With the season now over, several members of the Virginia Tech football underwent surgery to repair various injuries, including tailback Tony Gregory, receiver D.J. Coles, and offensive linemen Micha…

352. Softball program adds two pitchers during early signing period

General Release :: Olympic Sports Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

With only two seniors on his projected 2012 roster, Tech softball coach Scot Thomas signed only two prospects during the early signing period, and both of them are pitchers from Virginia. Kelly Heinz, from Lee-Davis High School in …

353. Wolff and staff sign three during early-signing period

Basketball (W) :: Women's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

…

354. Greenberg and staff ink two during the early signing period

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg and his staff continued their trend of signing long, athletic prospects by inking two of those types during the early signing period in November. Greenberg and his staff signed Marshall Wood,…

355. Though a freshman, Brown giving the Hokies solid production

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg joked earlier this season that Robert Brown hadn’t seen a shot that he didn’t like to take. Yet the funny thing is this: Greenberg wouldn’t want the young man to stop shooting. Robert …

356. Getting the Last Laugh

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

As serious as he is on the field, Blake DeChristopher doesn’t take life too seriously off it It’s late at night, and Curt Newsome, tired from another 15-hour grind of watching film, going to practice, watching more film and calling …

357. November off week affords small group of players another opportunity to share their faith

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

In early November, the Virginia Tech football team enjoyed a bye week in which head coach Frank Beamer gave his team several days off to heal, relax and catch up on some schoolwork. Collin Carrol But a small group of players decided to…

358. Athletics department to replace outdoor club seats at Lane

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

Nearly every football stadium in the country features some form of outdoor club seating, and Virginia Tech’s Lane stadium is no different in that regard. However, the Virginia Tech athletics department wants to make sure that those …

359. Michael Vick's play and success put Tech on the national map

Football :: Celebrating 25 Years :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

This is the fifth in a series of stories that look back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. We continue with a look at arguably the best player to play under Beamer – a young man named …

360. Surprise Sugar Bowl bid gives Hokies chance to end season on sweet note

General Release :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

As Tech head coach Frank Beamer sat on the bus during the ride home following the Hokies’ ACC championship game loss to Clemson, he said he began to wonder/wish/hope about the possibilities of a Sugar Bowl berth for his program. Twen…

361. News and Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 5

Wilson named ACC Player of the Year Tech tailback David Wilson became the second player in as many years to be named the ACC’s Player of the Year, according to the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, a group of media members who…

362. Deeper wrestling lineup has Hokies grappling toward higher goals

Wrestling :: Wrestling Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

When Kevin Dresser took over the Virginia Tech wrestling program in April of 2006, the cupboard wasn’t bare. For all intents and purposes, there wasn’t even a cupboard. Tom Brands’ messy departure for Iowa after a two-year stint…

363. Going Green

Football :: Football Locker Room Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

Tech’s new football locker room becomes the second building on campus – and the first athletics department facility – to meet new environmental certification standards Every “first” deserves to be celebrated, and the Virgi…

364. Reasons plentiful for reseating of Lane Stadium

Football :: Lane Stadium Reseating Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

Lane Stadium’s beautiful west side came with a price tag of more than $52 million. The Hahn Hurst basketball practice facility cost roughly $21 million. The new football locker room was $18 million. And the scholarship bill remains on …

365. A Coach's Journey

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

Trivia question: Name the former Virginia Tech alum who has coached under guys such as Foge Fazio, Bruce Arians, Bill Snyder, David Cutcliffe and Charlie Weis at various stops in a coaching career spanning more than three decades. The a…

366. Duane Brown has started for Houston since the beginning and hopes to stay with the Texans for the long term

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

Former Tech offensive tackle Duane Brown looked forward to the NFL Draft following his senior season in 2007. And after the Houston Texans took him in the first round of the 2008 draft, he looked forward to his first NFL game. But reali…

367. Racing for Records

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

Using different styles, receivers Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale have rewritten the Virginia Tech record book, but neither of them really gives that a lot of thought On the surface, they are as different as black and white. Yet deeper…

368. Graham's boot at the buzzer preserved perfect season

General Release :: Celebrating 25 Years :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

This is the fourth in a series of stories that look back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. We continue with a look at one of the biggest plays in Tech history – one that kept alive Te…

369. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

370. Rivers travels long road to get back

General Release :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

One year, he’s starting in the Orange Bowl as a redshirt freshman, stuffing Cincinnati’s Tony Pike at the goal line on fourth down to preserve the Hokies’ first Orange Bowl win and celebrating not only a big game, but also the star…

371. New and Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 4

Hokies again strong in latest release of GSR The NCAA released the graduation success rates (GSR) for student-athletes on Oct. 25, and Virginia Tech checked in at 91 percent – its best number since the NCAA started using this metric …

372. Chasing an Opportunity

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

Tariq Edwards is on a path to greatness as a linebacker at Tech and a lot of credit goes to stepdad and former Hokie Bo Campbell Cheraw, S.C., is a blip of town that sits in Chesterfield County, tucked away in the northeast corner o…

373. Following several stops in the NFL, former Tech receiver Bryan Still is making his mark at home

Football :: Where are they now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

If someone gave Bryan Still a laptop and told him to write up the perfect ending to a collegiate career, he’d find the assignment a rather easy one. He’d just type the ending to his own career. Bryan Still hauled in this 54-yard to…

374. Tech athletics inducts six into Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame

General Release :: Hall of Fame Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

On Oct. 7, the Virginia Tech athletics department inducted six former student-athletes into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. The six new honorees bring the total number enshrined to 158. Here’s a closer look: BRAD CLONTZ Spor…

375. Men's Basketball Profiles

Basketball (M) :: Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

#5 Dorenzo Hudson Class: R-Senior Position: Guard Height: 6-5 Weight: 220 Hometown: Charlotte, N.C. Inside the numbers: Played in nine games, starting eight, before missing the remainder of last season after undergoing surgery on h…

376. Return of injured players and arrival of talented freshmen usher in a new era for Tech hoops

Basketball (M) :: Men's Basketball Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

Given that the Virginia Tech basketball program lost the third-leading scorer in school history, the fourth-leading rebounder and fifth-leading shot blocker in school history, and a role player who contributions were incalculable, it wou…

377. Sugar Bowl win over Texas the start of Tech's rise to prominence

Football :: Celebrating 25 Years :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

This is the third in a series of stories that look back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. We continue with a look at the magical 1995 season – one that started horribly, but ended as …

378. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

379. Five storylines to watch for 2011-12 hoops season

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

Certainly, the majority of Tech fans are hip deep into football season, but perhaps the real intrigue this fall centers on the men’s basketball program, where, for the first time in four years, the Hokies will open a season without Ma…

380. News and Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 3

Tech loses another for season The injuries keep mounting for the Virginia Tech football team, as defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the Hokies’ 23-3 loss to Clemson on Oct. 1 and …

381. Five Tech divers qualify for U.S. Olympic Trials

Swimming & Diving :: Swimming and Diving Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

From top left: Kelli Stockon, Kaylea Arnett, Logan Kline Bottom, from left: Ryan Hawkins, Logan Shinholser Five Virginia Tech divers have qualified for the Olympic Trials held next June in Seattle with the hope of making the U.S. Olymp…

382. Two Hokies - one current, one former - compete at World Championships

Track & Field :: Track Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

Track and field standout Marcel Lomnicky and former Olympian Queen Harrison both competed at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships held Aug. 27-Sept. 4 in Daegu, South Korea. Lomnicky, a 2009 national champion in the hammer throw…

383. Ten years later, Welch remembers 9/11 and his past

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

Sept. 11, 2011, marked the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center that killed more than 3,000 people, and a nation honored those who paid the ultimate price that day. Americans also felt for …

384. Donor honors Foster by endowing scholarship in his name

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

From left to right: Bud Foster, James Gayle, John Montague and John Moody posed for a photo before one of the Hokies’ fall scrimmages. Montague endowed a scholarship in Foster’s name and Gayle was the inaugural recipient. John Monta…

385. Back in the game

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

After playing at Tech and having a seven-year career in the NFL, former cornerback Tyronne Drakeford is coaching in the high school ranks After an injury-plagued senior season at Tech, Tyronne Drakeford enjoyed a slightly better yea…

386. After a turbulent couple of years, Hall comfortable with the Redskins

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

Photo of Hall courtesy of the Washington Redskins The 2011 Pro Bowl panned out rather nicely for former Tech cornerback DeAngelo Hall. In addition to the bonus his contract called for in just making the game, Hall mined some serious go…

387. Leading from the front

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

Greg Nosal shuns the spotlight, but excels as an offensive lineman with a work ethic and a disciplined approach instilled by his father, a lifelong Navy man Greg Nosal Greg Nosal shares living quarters with teammates Andrew Lanier, C…

388. Elmassian hire important in Tech's rise to dominance

Football :: Celebrating 25 Years :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

This is the second in a series of stories that looks back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. We continue with arguably Beamer’s best decision at Tech. Phil Elmassian When asked by a …

389. Tech honors Beamer with special presentation

Football :: 25 Years with Frank Beamer :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

The kickoff of the Appalachian State football game not only kicked off the 2011 season, but also kicked off Frank Beamer’s 25th season as the head man in charge of Tech’s football program. To commemorate this silver anniversary sea…

390. Wilson's bold prediction rings true; Hokies end opening-game woes

Football :: Football Season Opener :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

Earlier in the week before Tech’s season opener against Appalachian State, Tech running backs coach Shane Beamer went over the first few plays that the offensive staff wanted to call in the game. David Wilson, taking over at the tailb…

391. O'Cain's return to calling plays starts out with a bang

General Release :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

Mike O’Cain grew up working on a farm in the heart of South Carolina just 40 miles or so south of the state capital, so he’s used to taking on a few more responsibilities to get a particular task done. He came to Tech as a quarterb…

392. New and Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 2

Six to be inducted into VT Sports Hall of Fame The 2011 class to be inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame possesses a Southwest Virginia flavor as three of the six inductees hail from that region of the Commonwealth. The…

393. Q&A with Jim Weaver

General Release :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Tech AD optimistic about Hokies’ future in spite of ever-changing landscape Virginia Tech is entering its seventh year as a member of the ACC, and the landscape of college athletics continues to change. The question remains how will t…

394. Tech's receiving group gets stronger with Roberts' return

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Tech’s football players run 110-yard sprints often over the summer as part of their conditioning in the Hokies’ strength and conditioning program, and while most guys hate running those drills, at least one was gleeful to be doing so…

395. Gouveia-Winslow hopes strong end to 2010 and strong spring leads to 2011 success

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Jeron Gouveia-Winslow made one of the biggest plays of the season a year ago, and yet hardly anyone ever talks about it. In the first quarter of the ACC title game against Florida State, Gouveia-Winslow intercepted a tipped pass of FSU …

396. Drager back to his original spot and hoping to be a playmaker

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Not many student-athletes at the elite Division I level can go from being a starter on the defensive line one season to a starter at tight end the next season. “I like to tell people that I’m not a defensive end or a tight end. I’…

397. Kickers are not proven, but possess the talent to keep tradition going

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Perhaps no positions on Tech’s squad over the years have been as consistent as the kicking and punting spots, and head coach Frank Beamer hopes that trend continues. Coming out of spring practice, Beamer told people that redshirt soph…

398. Oglesby excited for the opportunity to show his talent

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Josh Oglesby readily admits that he’s a big fan of Twitter, and he would be the first to admit that his volume of “tweeting” has increased over the summer. But that tends to happen when some of your best friends, guys like Tyrod Ta…

399. Thomas assumes the helm for the Hokies

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

As if Logan Thomas didn’t have enough to worry about in replacing the all-time winningest quarterback in Virginia Tech history, he also faces the inevitable comparisons to a guy who recently won a Heisman Trophy and a national champion…

400. Miller ready to hold his own on a talented and experienced offensive line

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

This past winter, Andrew Miller spent his free time trying to pin wrestler David Marone, a two-time NCAA qualifier at the heavyweight classification, in practices This spring, Miller pinned down the starting center job during spring foo…

401. News & Notes

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Drager applying for Rhodes Scholarship Tech tight end Chris Drager confirmed at Tech’s Football Media Day that he was submitting his application for the Rhodes Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship allows students to take postgradu…

402. Edwards ready to step into a playmaking role at backer

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Tech fans remember vividly the days when Xavier Adibi patrolled the field at the backer position. Tall, strong and fast, Adibi made plays from sideline to sideline and earned All-America honors following a senior season in which he recor…

403. Lots of things have changed over 25 years, but Frank Beamer isn't one of them

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

Tech’s new running backs coach remembers when times weren’t this good for Virginia Tech’s football program. He remembers when a rude fan called the Beamer home one time, and his sister answered, dealing with a tirade that left her …

404. Blacksburg Brotherhood

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

The Hopkins brothers are the latest brother tandem on Tech’s football squad and are looking forward to teaming up as starters on the Hokies’ defense this fall The picture frame resembled most any other in any other typical family …

405. Baughman makes bold move during his brief time at Tech

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS This is the first in a series of stories that looks back at head coach Frank Beamer’s 25 years as the head man of Tech’s football program. To begin, we look back at the circumstances that led to his hiring –…

406. Gayle hoping big offseason and spring practice carries over into this fall

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

With the exception of a couple of weeks once the spring semester ended, James Gayle was in Blacksburg the entire summer, working out and taking classes. “Sometimes, I feel I need a break from school, but not with football,” he said…

407. Fuller one of many excellent players in what should be a good 2011 secondary

Football :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

For years, Kyle Fuller was in the shadow of his older brother, Vinnie, who enjoyed a terrific career at Tech and now plays for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. Now, Fuller, the projected starter at field corner, sits in the shadow of J…

408. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 4 Iss. 1

409. Metro Baseball Champions - Tech in NCAAs after first ever league title

Baseball :: Great Moments :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 11, No. 32 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Unbelievable! There have been years when Virginia Tech baseball had better teams, gaudier records and more All-Metro Conference players under head coach Ch…

410. Athletes of the Year

General Release :: Athletes of the Year :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

FOOTBALL TYROD TAYLOR Senior • Quarterback Hampton, Va. Tyrod Taylor capped a glorious career by leading the Virginia Tech football team to an 11-game winning streak, an ACC championship and another appearance in the Orange Bowl.…

411. Virginia Tech Athletics Department Athletes of the Year

Track & Field :: Athletes of the Year :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

Dorotea Habazin Senior • Throws Zagreb, Croatia After coming up just short in her attempt to win a national championship last year, Dorotea Habazin made sure to take advantage of her final opportunity. Habazin concluded her incre…

412. Ziegler and Habazin claim national titles at NCAA Championships

Track & Field :: NCAA Championships :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

Alexander Ziegler and Dorotea Habazin became the fourth and fifth student-athletes at Virginia Tech to win national championships after both won their individual hammer throw events at the NCAA Championships held in Des Moines, Iowa, on …

413. Tech's Top 10 of the Past Year

General Release :: Top 10 :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

Here are the top 10 moments of this past school year as compiled by the magazine staff, with help from several in the athletics communications office: 1. HOKIES STUN NO. 1 DUKE February 26 might be the greatest day in Tech basketba…

414. Hammer Time - Marcel Lomnicky started his athletics career as a figure skater, but he has become one of the nation's best in the hammer throw

Track & Field :: Track Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

These days, many parents are the most delusional creatures on earth. They gaze at their children with fondness, refusing to see the flaws, or denying that those flaws will morph into something worse. But Viera Lomnicka certainly isn’t…

415. KEEPING UP WITH COMPLIANCE

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

416. Tech excels in latest NCAA APR

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

Virginia Tech’s athletics teams put together an impressive performance in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) program, according to the recent data released by the NCAA. The APR is a scorecard that tracks classroom performance o…

417. After two years of waiting, Journell ready for his chance as Tech's kicker

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 11

Cody Journell could think of many ways to build up leg strength over the course of this summer. But hiking over a mountain in the dead of night on a major highway didn’t really come to mind. Part of his summer vacation consisted of …

418. June 9, 1997 - Duo helps Tech end 28-year NCAA dry spell

General Release :: Great Moments in Virginia Tech Athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Matt Reynolds’ solo homer in the ninth inning of a 1997 NCAA regional game enabled Tech to win its first NCAA Tournament game in nearly 30 years. In a year where Tech athletics accomplished so much, outfielder Matt Reynolds fired off …

419. AWESOME ATMOSPHERE - An outside company critiques Tech's game day operation and fan experience, and the athletics department receives high marks

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Quiz Tech fans about their experiences at Lane Stadium, and one would be hard pressed to find much in the way of negativity. Question them about their experiences at Cassell Coliseum, particularly for big ACC games – the Duke game th…

420. HELPING THE HELPLESS - Former Tech softball player Laura Flowers loves helping animals as a veterinarian

Softball :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Photo provided by Laura (Flowers) RosenthalNow a veterinarian in Northern Virginia, Laura Flowers (now Rosenthal) played on Tech’s second team, and she started 131 of 133 games her final two seasons in Blacksburg. Some young adults sp…

421. Tech men's track and field team claims second at ACC meet

Track & Field :: ACC Championship :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Marcel Lomnicky continued his dominance in the hammer throw, claiming his third ACC title in the event with a record toss of 248 feet, 10 inches. The Virginia Tech men’s track and field team claimed the ACC’s indoor crown back in Fe…

422. SUCCESS IN THE CIRCLE - Despite following a legend, Tech pitcher Kenzie Roark will depart Virginia Tech ranked in the top five of just about every school pitching category

Softball :: Softball Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Kenzie Roark In 2007, an 18-year-old girl from a small town east of Nashville arrived on Virginia Tech’s sprawling campus, invited to the party that ended up being the 2008 softball season. It was a five-month stretch that was as exh…

423. A position-by-position look at the depth of the 2011 football squad

Football :: Football Spring Depth :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Thomas terrific this spring and set to be the Hokies’ signal caller in 2011 Mark Leal2011 SPRING DEPTH CHART Quarterbacks 3 Logan Thomas (6-6, 245, r-Soph.) 12 Ju-Ju Clayton (6-1, 220, r-Jr.) 6 Mark Leal (6-0, 199, r-Fr.) 16 …

424. The future appears bright, as the Hokies wrap up 2011 spring practice

Football :: Football Spring Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Cornerback Jayron Hosley was a leader and a playmaker this spring, including this punt return for a touchdown in the Maroon-White game. On the surface, the annual Maroon-White game can best be described as an ordinary scrimmage, or for …

425. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

426. Drager and Simon receive Skelton Awards

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

Chris Drager and Laura Simon received the Skelton Award for Academic Excellence in Athletics – the highest designation handed out by the Tech athletics department – at the annual Athletics Director’s Honors Breakfast held April 2 …

427. Tech with a lot of pleasant surprises this spring

General Release :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 10

The annual Maroon-White football game wrapped up spring practice, and following this year’s game, a friend surmised that, “the Logan Thomas kid is better than I thought.” Of course, the reference is to Tech’s starting quarterbac…

428. March 29, 1995 - Virginia Tech wins NIT championship

General Release :: Great Moments in Virginia Tech Athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 12, No. 30 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Shawn Smith drained two free throws with less than a second left in overtime to lift Tech to the NIT title over Marquette in 1995. When years have passe…

429. A BASEBALL ODYSSEY - Bo Durkac has traveled all over the country playing baseball, he's written books and journals about the sport and now he's coaching it.

Baseball :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Bo Durkac, a former Tech third baseman back in the early 1990s, is now in his second season at Illinois State as the hitting coach, infield coach and recruiting coordinator. Photo credit: Dennis Banks, Illinois State athletics Surprisin…

430. Men's track and field team claims 15th at NCAA indoor track and field meet

Track & Field :: Track & Field Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Yavgeniy Olhovsky and Alexander Ziegler earned All-America honors in their respective events. Olhovsky became a seven-time All-American in the pole vault, and Ziegler earned his second All-America honor in the weight throw. The Virginia…

431. PROUD OF HER PEOPLE - Despite being 6,000 miles away, Tech tennis player Yasmin Hamza felt pride at the revolution that ended an oppressive regime in her native Egypt

Tennis (W) :: Women's Tennis Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Yasmin Hamza is not an American – in fact, she’s an Egyptian – but she certainly resembles any other normal American college student. She carries around a Blackberry and is an incessant texter. She loves to randomly surf the Inte…

432. TALKIN' DIVING WITH LOGAN SHINHOLSER

Swimming & Diving :: Diving Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Logan Shinholser became Tech’s first All-American diver after finishing eighth in the platform event at the NCAA Championships in Minneapolis, Minn., on March 26. The sophomore from Burtonsville, Md., won the platform and 1-meter tit…

433. BACK TO BASICS - The Hokies' defense again features a lot of youth, and coordinator Bud Foster is focused on a couple of spots

Football :: Defensive Coordinator Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Antone Exum got a lot of playing time as a redshirt freshman, and he should be the starter at rover heading into the 2011 season. Tech’s defense finished eighth in the ACC in total defense and fourth in scoring defense last season, so…

434. MOVING FORWARD - Staff changes and replacing Tyrod Taylor are just two of many much-discussed topics this spring

Football :: Offensive Coordinator Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Tech coaches like Logan Thomas’ size, arm strength and leadership ability, and he is the frontrunner to replace Tyrod Taylor heading into next fall. Virginia Tech’s coaching staff underwent a transformation in the offseason, on the …

435. Wolff takes over the helm of the Tech women's basketball program

Basketball (W) :: Women's Hoops Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Dennis Wolff became the sixth women’s basketball coach in Virginia Tech history when Tech AD Jim Weaver named him the head coach on March 22. Normally, when making personnel decisions, Tech AD Jim Weaver and his staff take the traditi…

436. Tech's 2010-11 season comes to end with NIT loss to Wichita State

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Erick Green, who averaged 11.6 points per game this season in his first as a starter, will be a critical figure for Tech next season. Seth Greenberg wasted little time in putting this past season to rest and beginning preparations for n…

437. The spotlight's on Thomas as Hokies prepare for life without Taylor

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

Logan Thomas’ week off for Spring Break roughly a month ago was anything but a week at the beach. He spent most of it in his hometown of Lynchburg, actually most of it at his home while his untrustworthy car sat in a repair shop with …

438. Gayle the top performer in strength and conditioning testing

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 9

2011 Spring Testing Strength & Conditioning Bench Press (lbs.) 1. Vinston Painter (465) 2. Nick Acree (430) 3. James Gayle (420) 4. Tyler Barfield (420) 5. Courtney Prince (410) Front Squat (lbs.) 1. Derrick Hopkins (485) …

439. March 31, 1995 - Packed house, ESPN audience witness thriller

General Release :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 12, No. 29 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Travis Jackson (center) was swarmed by Tech fans after he hit the game-winning 3-pointer to lift the Hokies over New Mexico State in a 1995 NIT game at Ca…

440. OPENING SHOT - Frank Alvis forever made himself the answer to a trivia question when he scored the first points at Cassell Coliseum

Basketball (M) :: Basketball Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

Frank Alvis was recognized by the Tech athletics department at a game in 2006 for scoring the first two points at Cassell Coliseum. Frank Alvis cemented himself into Virginia Tech history when he scored the first two points at Cassell…

441. TEEING OFF - Virginia Tech's golf team opens the spring portion of its season with designs on playing in an NCAA regional at its home course - the Pete Dye River Course

Golf (M) :: Golf Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

For every collegiate golf tournament, a team is allowed to count five players’ scores to its overall total, so eight golfers should be plenty for a college program’s roster. But Virginia Tech head coach Jay Hardwick was beginning …

442. THREE TAKE ACC WRESTLINGS TITLES - Jarrod Garnett, Jesse Dong and Devin Carter lead Tech to a second-place finish at the ACC Championships

Wrestling :: Wrestling Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

Jarrod Garnett Devin Carter Jesse Dong The Virginia Tech wrestling team saw a bid for its first conference championship come up short, as the Hokies finished behind Maryland and in second place at the ACC Championships held March 5 in…

443. TECH MEN TAKE ACC TRACK AND FIELD CROWN - The Hokies' depth shows as they end Florida State's dominance

Track & Field :: Track & Field Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

Alexander Ziegler (middle, with the maroon jacket), Marcel Lomnicky (right) and Denis Mahmic (left) celebrated with throws coach Greg Jack after the Hokies took the top three spots in the weight throw event at the ACC Indoor Championship…

444. VAULTING TO THE TOP - Thanks to a great relationship with her father (and coach), Kelly Phillips has become one of the best pole vaulters in school history

Track & Field :: Track & Field Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

Pole vaulting coach Bob Phillips and his daughter, current pole vaulter Kelly. Bob Phillips desperately wanted his only child to become a pole vaulter as soon as his wife, Katherine, gave birth to a healthy girl. And if more evidence i…

445. Cassell Moments: Fan Responses

Basketball (W) :: Basketball Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

In the February issue of Inside Hokie Sports, Jimmy Robertson wrote a story about the 50th anniversary of Cassell Coliseum, and within that story, he listed his top 10 moments in the Cassell’s history. The staff posted the story on hok…

446. ONE FOR THE AGES - On a day when ESPN's College GameDay makes its first trip to Blacksburg for basketball, the Hokies stun top-ranked Duke

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

Following the Hokies’ stunning victory over Duke on Feb. 26, Tech head coach Seth Greenberg went home and enjoyed a muted celebration with his family by eating cheese and crackers and enjoying a glass of red wine. For sure, there’…

447. DOUBLING UP - Jeff Allen doesn't like to talk much, but this much is sure - he's learned from his past and become a double-double machine in his senior season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

Jeff Allen has been through some ups and downs in his career for the Hokies, but as a senior, he was a dominating force. The question came at head basketball coach Seth Greenberg like most others. It came in the news conference fol…

448. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

449. GameDay commentator speaks highly of Tech showing

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

As all of Hokie Nation knows by now, Cassell Coliseum served as the setting for ESPN College GameDay on Feb. 26 before the Hokies’ game with No. 1 Duke that evening. Nearly 3,200 students and fans showed up for GameDay, which made its …

450. Dowdell finally achieves lifelong dream - to play in the NBA

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 8

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } We’re going to stop the presses here and report that we’ve found the happiest dude in America.…

451. Feb. 4, 1986 - No more unbeatens; Hokies edge Memphis State

General Release :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 3, No. 22 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Feb. 4, 1986 In…

452. Recruiting Profiles

Football :: Football Extra Recruiting Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

Dewayne Alford 6-3, 225, DE - Nansemond River HS - Suffolk, Va. Stats: Had 90 tackles, including 12 for a loss, and five sacks as a senior … Recorded 61 tackles and six sacks as a junior. Top honors: A second-team All-Tidewater …

453. Five All-Americans headline Hokies' 2011 football recruiting haul

Football :: Football Extra Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

Courtesy of Rivals.com Kyshoen Jarrett, a cornerback from Pennsylvania, was one of five All-Americans who signed with the Hokies on Signing Day. Last spring, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff went into the critical spring recruiting peri…

454. FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FOOTBALL RECRUITING

Football :: Football Extra Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

(as told by Jim Cavanaugh, Tech’s whips and rovers coach who also doubles as the Hokies’ recruiting coordinator) 1. THE NCAA PLACES STRICT LIMITATIONS ON COACHES. Chris Hall (right) was a very good quarterback at Dinwiddie High …

455. Allen eclipses milestone in solid senior season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

With his 15 points in Tech’s win over N.C. State, Jeff Allen eclipsed the 1,500-point mark for his career. It has taken a while, but Tech forward Jeff Allen is starting to get recognized for his production on the basketball court …

456. GOLDEN CELEBRATION - In 50 years of existence, Cassell Coliseum has provided many terrific thrills for Tech fans - and many nightmares for opponents

Basketball (W) :: Basketball Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

The beautiful building is hard to miss: a stunning display of concrete and architecture sitting on the corner of Washington Street and Spring Road on Virginia Tech’s campus. It features a glass front entrance, domed roof and concrete…

457. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

The compliance corner answers questions concerning the governance of intercollegiate athletics and its impact on our athletics department. Have a question? Please send it to hokipoki@vt.edu and we’ll answer it in upcoming issues. Now,…

458. February a short month that will go a long way toward determining Tech's NCAA fate

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

February stands as the shortest month of any year with just 28 days (29 every four years), but for college basketball teams, those 28 days are the most important of the season. A color commentator on a recent broadcast compared February…

459. Former Tech offensive lineman meets China's president

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 7

Ed Wang, a former Virginia Tech offensive tackle who now plays for the Buffalo Bills, attended a State Department luncheon in honor of Hu Jintao, the president of China, on Jan. 19 in the Ben Franklin Room at the State Department main …

460. January 6, 1987 - Hokies' Peach Bowl win 'greatest ever'

General Release :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 4, No. 17 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Amid a raucous Virginia Tech locker room on the last day of 1986, Carter Wiley said it all. “This isn’t the biggest win in the history of Virginia…

461. Harper learning and staying patient while on Baltimore's practice squad

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

Photo courtesy of Phil Hoffman/Baltimore RavensJustin Harper, who played three games for the Ravens in 2009, hopes his future is still with the organization after three years mostly on the practice squad. For a guy who’s played in jus…

462. COACHING CAROUSEL - Former Tech standout Charlie Thomas' love of basketball has taken him to many different places

Basketball (M) :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

Charlie Thomas helped lead the Hokies to the NIT title in 1973, and after four seasons of playing professional basketball, he got into coaching. Charlie Thomas grew up in Harrisonburg, Va., and grew up around the sport of basketball. H…

463. Injuries leave Tech short on numbers as Hokies enter New Year

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

With his strong play this season, Jeff Allen now ranks in the top 20 at Tech in career scoring and the top five in career rebounding, career steals and career blocked shots. On a recent ACC teleconference, a reporter asked Tech head coa…

464. Season-Ending Depth Chart

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

Here is the depth chart for the entire 2010 season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, while the number after the slash indicates plays from special teams. The number of plays, the grades and the tackles came fro…

465. Redshirt year over, Tech freshmen eager to begin competing for playing time

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

Nick Acree used the redshirt year to get himself into great shape and the upcoming spring practice will be the next step in his development as a player. Nick Acree was the rage this past August in Tech preseason practices largely becaus…

466. MAKING THE RIGHT MOVES - Eddie Whitley's love of chess has helped him line up the pieces to Tech's defense as the free safety

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

Eddie Whitley's love of chess has helped him line up the pieces to Tech's defense as the free safety. Eddie Whitley has never played in the Sugar Bowl, but he certainly remembers his first trip to the French Quarter. He wasn’t there …

467. Stanford's second half too much for Tech in Orange Bowl

Football :: Orange Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

Virginia Tech and Stanford spent a week staying in hotels right on the beach in South Florida while conducting preparations for the Orange Bowl. But after the game, the Hokies were the ones feeling beach bummed. Stanford opened the s…

468. Tech defense looking for improvement after up-and-down 2010 season

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

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469. Hospital visit a huge success

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 6

A six-person Tech contingent visited the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to meet with ailing children as part of an official Orange Bowl function. Orange Bowl officials raved about the six-person Tech contingent that visited the J…

470. Dec. 5, 1989 - Hokies stun No.21 Alabama - Upset over Tide biggest in two years

General Release :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Greg Brink (42) and Dave Herbster (45) challenged Robert Horry and Alabama, as Tech beat the Crims…

471. Softball program signs six who comprise a stellar class

General Release :: Olympic Sports Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Lauren Gaskill was one of softball head coach Scot Thomas’ top signees and she should make an …

472. A DEFINITION IN TOUGHNESS - Former Tech player Gene Breen ranks as one of the toughest players of his era

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Gene Breen Former Virginia Tech football coach Frank Moseley, a fearsome taskmaster, loved tough …

473. Former Tech receiver Josh Morgan finds San Francisco to his liking

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

Former Tech receiver Josh Morgan grew up idolizing Jerry Rice and now he plays for the same team that Rice once played for - the San Francisco 49ers. When Josh Morgan was growing up as a young kid in Washington, D.C., he idolized Jerry …

474. Dunkenberger and staff add one during the early signing period

Basketball (W) :: Women's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Tech women’s head coach Beth Dunkenberger was happy to sign high-scoring Larryqua Hall out of Po…

475. Greenberg and staff land top-15 recruiting class

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

Dorian Finney-Smith is the top-rated recruit in Tech’s class and a big reason why the Hokies’ recruiting haul was ranked No. 12 nationally by ESPNU.Photo courtesy of The Daily Press in Newport News Since arriving at Virginia Tech, m…

476. Tech coaching staff still going through learning process with young squad

Basketball (W) :: Women's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Aerial Wilson had back-to-back career scoring highs and is seeing more playing time as a result of…

477. Hokies optimistic despite early-season struggles

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Malcolm Delaney scored 26 points in Tech’s loss to UVa and will shortly be in the top five on Te…

478. UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Football team chaplain Johnny Shelton is helping Tech's student-athletes build solid foundations for their futures

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Team chaplain Johnny Shelton When Andre Smith got to Virginia Tech, he expected to go to his clas…

479. LUNCH PAIL LEADER - John Graves' impact at Tech goes well beyond the numbers

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } "It showed me that I needed to pick my game up another notch. I needed to work that much harder. H…

480. CROWNING GLORY - Behind Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech claims its fourth ACC title in the past seven years

Football :: ACC Championship Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

@font-face {"Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Tyrod Taylor and Jarrett Boykin celebrate a touchdown at the ACC Champio…

481. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

@font-face {"TimesNewRomanPSMT"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } The compliance corner answers questions concerning the governan…

482. Taylor named ACC player of the year

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt;"Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor was named the ACC player of the year, according to the Atlantic Coas…

483. Hokies with one more step to make history

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 5

Tech head coach Frank Beamer teased his team. They wanted him to dance following the Hokies’ victory over North Carolina. They implored him to get down after the win at Miami. They beseeched him to boogie after the dismantling of Vir…

484. Nov. 18, 1995 - TECH 36, UVA 29

Football :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

HOW THE HOKIES DID IT By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 13, No. 12 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Tech quarterback Jim Druckenmiller was a key player in the Hokies’ 1995 rally past UVa, throwing a touchdown pass to Jermaine…

485. King continues steady play for the Carolina Panthers

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

Jeff King Most Tech fans remember the day that Jeff King committed to come to Virginia Tech and the excitement that a relative local boy – King went to Pulaski County High, just 30 minutes or so from the Tech campus – created with t…

486. ON COURSE - Drew Weaver's performances on the eGolf Tour have him looking forward to bigger and better things

Golf (M) :: Golf Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

Drew Weaver When Drew Weaver graduated from Virginia Tech after a decorated golf career, he fully expected to head to the Nationwide Tour, or if a few breaks went his way, the PGA Tour. He never expected to spend his summer on a tour c…

487. HERO'S WELCOME - Corey Moore, one of Tech's greatest defensive players ever, returned to Blacksburg for a football game for the first time in 11 years - much to the delight of Hokie fans

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

Corey Moore was often harassing quarterbacks, and particularly ones from Clemson, as seen here when he pressured Brandon Streeter in a 1998 game at Clemson. He brought more attention to Virginia Tech and to the school’s football progr…

488. Five more named to Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame

General Release :: Hall of Fame Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

On Friday, Oct. 22, the Virginia Tech athletics department inducted five former student-athletes into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. The five new honorees bring the total number enshrined to 152. GENE BUNN Tech AD Jim Weav…

489. CONTINUING A TREND - A work ethic developed at a young age has enabled Chris Hazley to become the latest in a long line of great Tech kickers

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

Chris Hazley Motivation comes in many forms. Money motivates many people. For others, titles serve as the motivating force. Fear is often a motivator. So, too, is envy. Simple self-betterment often looms as a motivator. One Tech footb…

490. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

491. Hokies strong in latest NCAA release of GSR

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

The NCAA released the graduation success rates (GSR) for student-athletes on Oct. 27 and Virginia Tech checked in at 89 percent – its best number since the NCAA started this metric as a way of calculating graduation rates. The number i…

492. Fifteen years later and Holmes' historic catch still a topic of conversation

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 4

Jermaine Holmes made one of the biggest plays in Tech history when he hauled in this touchdown catch in the final minute to help the Hokies rally past UVa. He wasn’t named to any All-America squads. For that matter, he never even e…

493. Oct. 7, 1989 - Tech 'D' gets an 'A'

Football :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } 12-10, Hokies - Tech win over West Virginia was no fluke By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 7, No. 7 edition …

494. TECH'S DRIVING FORCE - After a slow start to his career, Clarke Bentley has become the man behind the wheel of Tech's soccer team in his senior season

Soccer (M) :: Men's Soccer Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

@font-face { }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Three seemingly short years ago, the season for the Virginia Tech men’s soccer program lasted lon…

495. A CLUB AGAINST CANCER - Tech baseball coaches and players shave their heads to support childhood cancer research

Baseball :: Baseball Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

Heading into fall practice, Tech head baseball coach Pete Hughes and the Hokies are sporting a different look. At an event held in front of a large crowd at English Field on Sept. 20, Hughes and members of the team shaved their heads,…

496. Former player Ro Waldron transitioned from playing and coaching to business

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

Ro Waldron Often, what one learns while in the coaching profession actually serves one well in the workforce. So after years of selling 17- and 18-year-old kids on attending his schools as a football coach, Ronayne “Ro” Waldron fou…

497. ROCK SOLID - Rock Carmichael lost his father suddenly more than two years ago, but has honored him by becoming a strong man on and off the field

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

Rock Carmichael He often hears that voice, one that no one else hears. It comes across as a tiny whisper that reverberates loudly within his mind. He remembers the day his father first asked him that question. He came to Virginia Tech …

498. Meet the 2010-2011 Men's Basketball team

Basketball (M) :: Men's Basketball profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

#0 JEFF ALLEN Class: Senior Position: Power forward Height: 6-7 Weight: 230 Hometown: Washington, D.C. Inside the numbers: Started 31 of 34 games a year ago … Averaged 12 points and a team-leading 7.4 rebounds per game … Sho…

499. Despite injuries, Hokies have high hopes for 2010-11 season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Basketball Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

Malcolm Delaney earned first-team All-ACC honors a year ago after averaging better than 20 points per game and is primed for a big senior year. The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team still plans on going into the 2010-11 season with …

500. Five keys for Hokies' hopes of making it to the NCAA Tournament

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

On a recent Monday evening, your friendly editor shunned a portion of Monday night football to catch an episode of Dancing with the Stars. Why, we’re not sure. Instead of watching Chicago’s Devin Hester twinkle-toe his way down the …

501. Hosley earns national recognition for game against N.C. State

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 3

Tech cornerback Jayron Hosley played the best game of his young career in the Hokies’ come-from-behind 41-30 victory over N.C. State. The sophomore from Delray Beach, Fla., intercepted three passes, including one in the waning moments …

502. Sept. 13, 1986 - Tech passes test at Clemson

General Release :: Great moments in Virginia Tech athletics :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Clemson win one of best ever for Hokies By Chris Colston (Reprinted from Vol. 4, No. 3 edition of the Hokie Huddler) Victor Jones (34) blocks the punt of Clemson punter (and former MLB player) Bill Spiers in the end zone and Mitch D…

503. HOKIE HEARTBREAK - Tech rallied from 17 points down, but can't find closure in a season-opening loss to Boise State

Football :: Boise State vs. Virginia Tech Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

A crowd of 86,587 fans came to FedExField to watch Boise State take on the Hokies in the Allstate Kickoff in the Capital. This was one season opener that won’t be soon forgotten. Unfortunately, the Hokies would like to forget it. Te…

504. Tapp now working on the East Coast

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Darryl Tapp spent four years in Seattle, but was traded to Philadelphia last March. At this point last season, Darryl Tapp worked for the Seattle Seahawks, made wedding plans in his spare time and looked forward to his fourth season pla…

505. ON GUARD - Former Tech player Todd Meade protects Vice President Joe Biden as a member of the U.S. Secret Service

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Former Tech Player Todd Meade As a former offensive lineman at Virginia Tech in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Todd Meade knows quite a bit about protection. Back then, he worked with several others in protecting a valuable commodity i…

506. Fitzpatrick unveils 'Game Night'

General Release :: Fitzpatrick Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Eric Fitzpatrick, a Roanoke artist and 1975 graduate of Tech, unveiled his second football-themed drawing of a Hokie game, debuting “Game Night” at the Roanoke Valley Hokie Club’s first annual football kickoff dinner held at the …

507. Tech group delivers and receives following visit to Roanoke Rescue Mission

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Several members of the football team had dinner at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Kory Gough (bottom) listened to the stories of those sitting at his table, as he and his teammates delivered a message of hope. Without question, football…

508. Evans takes time for children at VICCC

Football :: Football Extra :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Darren Evans with children at VICCC. Darren Evans certainly enjoyed a busy summer, though it did not entail vacations, beaches or anything else resembling relaxation. It consisted, more or less, of working a part-time job and workin…

509. LOCKER ROOM FACILITY IS STUNNING

Football :: Football Locker Room :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

The Hokies’ $18 million, 41,900-square foot locker room facility should rank among the best in the nation. 1. The second floor of the locker room facility features a 2,900-square foot balcony off of the lounge area that looks out …

510. PUTTING IN HIS TIME - Life has tested Steven Friday on the field and off, but he's finally become a starter in his final season at Tech

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Steven Friday If you take a glance at Steven Friday on the street or perhaps see him at a local restaurant, you won’t find any gray hair on display. His hearing is just fine, thank you. And judging from the haste in which he pursues…

511. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

512. Nike puts Hokies in black

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

Tyrod Taylor sporting the Nike Black Uniforms For the first time in more than 100 years, the Virginia Tech Hokies wore black when they suited up in the Nike Pro Combat System of Dress for the Boise State game at FedExField on Labor Day …

513. Hokies again find themselves in a familiar position

General Release :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 2

This issue of Inside Hokie Sports marks the first following Labor Day, that time on the calendar when all youngsters bid adieu to summer vacations and return to bells ringing, lockers slamming and friends rushing into their various class…

514. Clubhouse Completed

Golf (M) :: New Golf Clubhouse :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Tech’s $5.5 million, 18,000 square-foot clubhouse at the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech makes the course one of the premier destinations in the region 1. The new clubhouse offers flexible conference and meeting areas for ren…

515. A position-by-postion look at the 2010 Football squad

Football :: Football Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor Tech’s QB situation in good hands with Taylor Tech head coach Frank Beamer referred to him as his security blanket. Quarterbacks coach Mike O’Cain called him “low maintenance.” That should give Tec…

516. Tech AD provides answers on several topics concerning Tech athletics

General Release :: Weaver Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Jim Weaver Virginia Tech is entering its sixth year as a member of the ACC, and as usual, the department continues to invest for future success. But the landscape of college athletics continues to change and the question remains how tha…

517. GOAL-ORIENTED - Tyrod Taylor set lofty goals for himself at a young age, and as he gets ready to start his senior season at Virginia Tech, he's nearly accomplished them all

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1

The booklet sits at his folks’ home in Hampton, Virginia, slightly worn and weathered, a sure victim of time. It wasn’t a fancy piece to begin with; certainly not a work with a perfect binding, color graphics and high-gloss paper.…

518. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1

519. Seniors key to continuing Tech's stellar defensive play

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Roughly a week or so after a celebration of his 51st birthday, Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster bid farewell to another laidback summer filled with fishing, wake surfing and ray catching at his ho…

520. Eight position records fall in summer testing

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 3 Iss. 1

Eight position records fell and eight football players earned Super Iron Hokie status, the top level in the strength and conditioning program, as the staff conducted testing of Tech’s football players in late July. In all, 42 players r…

521. 25 years ago - May 28, 1985

General Release :: Celebrating a Silver Anniversary :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

The May 28, 1985 cover marked the end of the first year of the Hokie Huddler. With our last issue of the magazine for this year, we decided to talk with Doug Waters, the man who put this publication together 25 years ago, to get his pers…

522. Athlete of the Year - Queen Harrison

Soccer (W) :: Sport-by-sport Athletes of the year :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

QUEEN HARRISON - Overall Athlete of the Year Senior, Hurdler, Women's Track and Field, Richmond, Virginia Queen Harrison For all her crowning glory during her first three years at Virginia Tech – from school records to ACC champio…

523. Tech's top 10 of the past year

General Release :: Top 10 moments of this season :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

Queen Harrison claims three national titles Hokies knock off Tennessee in Chick-fil-A Bowl …

524. Harrison hurdles her way into history

Track & Field :: NCAA Track & Field Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

Queen Harrison Queen Harrison reserved a portion of July for a cruise with her family as part of a family reunion. She’s certainly earned a vacation. Harrison made history in her final track and field meet as a Virginia Tech student…

525. STANDING TALL - Justin Wright may not be the biggest dude on the block, but his pitching helped the Hokies get back to the NCAAs for the first time in 10 years

Baseball :: Baseball Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

Justin Wright At the time, Justin Wright probably wasn’t analyzing how much he had in common with a rather famous Biblical figure. Instead, as he prepared to take on Georgia Tech’s mighty batting lineup before the Hokies’ game a…

526. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

527. Roanoke artist and Tech grad drawing another Tech print

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

"Game Day" Eric Fitzpatrick enjoyed drawing his Virginia Tech “Game Day” print so much that he decided to draw another one. So now “Game Night” is in the works. Fitzpatrick, a 1975 graduate of Tech and a Roanoke artist, became…

528. Boise State has the Hokies' full attention and justifiably so

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 11

The magazine sits cockeyed on a couch in a co-worker’s messy office, and the first thing that jumps out is the photo of Tech’s sensational tailback, Ryan Williams, on the cover. Closer inspection reveals Sporting News’ preseason t…

529. 25 years ago - May 14, 1985

General Release :: Celebrating a Silver Anniversary :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10

In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of Virginia Tech athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we want to celebrat…

530. ONE BIG HIT - The Friends of Jaclyn organization has helped create a strong relationship between the Virginia Tech baseball team and a small boy overcoming the effects of brain cancer

Baseball :: Baseball Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10

Some of the Virginia Tech baseball team gathers with Levi in the dugout before a game. On April 12, the Virginia Tech baseball team nestled into the top 25 of Baseball America’s poll for the first time in 18 years following an impress…

531. FROM ATHLETE TO ADMINISTRATOR - Former Tech softball standout Michelle Meadows now has a career in athletics as an administrator at Longwood

Softball :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10

Photo courtesy of Longwood athletics departmentMichelle Meadows (left) is enjoying helping student-athletes in her role as the senior women’s administrator at Longwood University. Those who work in the upper echelon of athletics admin…

532. A look at the current depth of Hokie football

Football :: Spring Football Review and Depth Chart :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10

Thomas and Clayton to continue battle for backup job Logan Thomas The situation surrounding Tech’s quarterback position was interesting this spring. First of all, there is no question as to who starts, given that Tyrod Taylor r…

533. NEW FACES TAKE CENTER STAGE - A group of young and inexperienced players shine as the Hokies conclude spring practice with the Maroon-White game

Football :: Spring Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10

Tony Gregory capped a terrific spring by running for a game-high 37 yards and scoring a touchdown in the Maroon-White game. Perhaps the only person frustrated with what transpired during Virginia Tech’s annual Maroon-White game that c…

534. Several young players take advantage of opportunities this spring

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10

The Maroon-White game wrapped up Virginia Tech’s 2010 spring practice, and springtime this year was the time of opportunity, particularly on defense. Tech’s defense saw standouts such as Nekos Brown, Cordarrow Thompson and NFL draft…

535. Blakely and Stewart receive Skelton Awards

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 10

Women’s tennis player Martha Blakely and men’s swimmer Trey Stewart each received the Skelton Award for Academic Excellence in Athletics – the top honor handed out by the Tech athletics department. Candidates must have participate…

536. 25 years ago - March 26, 1985

Football :: Celebrating a Silver Anniversary :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

537. TALKING A GOOD GAME - Former baseball player Andy Aldrich goes by a different name these days and enjoys a successful career as a radio talk show host

Baseball :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Photo courtesy of WRIFDrew Lane, better known to Tech fans as Andy Aldrich, isn’t afraid to sport his Hokie hat during his popular radio show “Drew and Mike in the Morning.” For those looking for a different talk show and some dif…

538. OVERPOWERING THE COMPETITION - An Olympian, an All-American and a national champion, Queen Harrison has hurdled all obstacles to establish a reign of track and field dominance

Track & Field :: Track & Field Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Queen Harrison Lawrence Johnson sits in the head coach’s chair these days as the overseer of Clemson’s track and field program, but he never forgets the career stops that got him to this point, including a four-year stint in Blacksb…

539. SORTING THROUGH THE PIECES - Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has been taking a close look at a lot of younger players this spring

Football :: Football Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Bud Foster Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s unit went into spring practice a year ago with some question marks, and yet that unit developed into one that finished in the top 12 nationally in four defensive categories (pass effi…

540. Men's hoops recruiting class to bring scoring punch next fall

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruits :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Tech coach Seth Greenberg took steps last fall to replace some production that will depart after the 2010-11 season by signing two big-time scorers in Jarell Eddie and Tyrone Garland. Both of them wrapped up their prep careers this seas…

541. Hokies' ACC Tournament not a memorable one

Basketball (M) :: ACC Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Malcolm Delaney and the Hokies couldn’t get past Miami in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament. The anguished look on Malcolm Delaney’s face said it all. So, too, did the stat line – 3-for-15, seven points. “I shot horribly…

542. Tech's 2009-10 season comes to a close with NIT loss to Rhode Island

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Dorenzo Hudson scored 27 points in the Hokies’ victory over UConn in the NIT and finished the season scoring in double figures in the final 11 games. Only minutes after the Hokies’ season-ending loss to Rhode Island, Tech coach Seth…

543. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

544. For the Hokies to get in their kicks in 2010, the kickers need to be up to the task

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Field goals and field position. As most Tech fans know, their beloved Hokies have won many games over the years because of their excellence in these two elements of the sport. But in a teleconference before the start of spring practic…

545. Delaney declares for NBA Draft

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 9

Delaney declares for NBA Draft Just days after the Hokies’ season ended, Tech guard Malcolm Delaney announced his declaration for the 2010 NBA Draft. The junior from Baltimore will not hire an agent and will be eligible to return to t…

546. 25 years ago - March 19, 1985

General Release :: Celebrating a Silver Anniversary :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

547. A DIFFERENT APPROACH - The golf team used its practice facility to prepare for the 2010 spring season because of lousy weather, and with Drew Weaver now gone, the Hokies plan on using the team approach to return to the NCAAs

Golf (M) :: Golf Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

Marshall Bailey As the Virginia Tech golf team prepared to leave Blacksburg for its first tournament of the spring, the Hokies could only gaze at their home course, shake their heads and wonder who decided to transform it into a cross c…

548. THIRD IS THE SPOT FOR TECH - Both the Tech men and women finish in third at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships

Track & Field :: Track & Field Championship :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

Hunter Hall captured his first ACC championship when he won the pole vault title by vaulting a career-best 17 feet, 8.5 inches. As the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships neared a conclusion, one could practically see Dave Cianelli…

549. TEAMING UP WITH ISP - Virginia Tech and International Sports Properties have been working together for over a decade to maximize the Hokies' advertising potential while also meeting the needs of the sponsors

General Release :: Administration Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

ISP and the Tech athletics department arranged for Virginia Lottery to give away a Corvette to Lawrence Carroll, the winner of Virginia Lottery’s Corvette Lovers Summer Sweepstakes, during the halftime of the Tech-Nebraska football gam…

550. RELISHING HIS ROLE - Terrell Bell's career got off to a slow start, but he's made an impact with his defense and rebounding this season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

Terrell Bell On the evening of Feb. 15, Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg probably wasn’t putting in a lot of thought about George Washington or Teddy Roosevelt or any of the 44 presidents whose contributions to America get…

551. Witcher makes the most of Senior Night

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

Lewis Witcher played his best game of the season, scoring four points and grabbing four rebounds against N.C. State on Senior Night. Lewis Witcher knew that he would be getting the start on Senior Night at Cassell Coliseum. But he pro…

552. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

553. Expansion of college basketball's NCAA Tournament would be beneficial to Tech's program

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

As most know, only an exclusive group of members receive invitations to college basketball’s Big Dance [a.k.a. the NCAA Tournament] these days. But that might be changing. And Virginia Tech could be a beneficiary of the rumored change…

554. Tech honors former player Allen Calloway

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 8

Before the men’s basketball team took the court against then-No. 23 Wake Forest on Feb. 16, the Tech men’s basketball program and the uncle of Allen Calloway presented a check in the amount of $7,021 to the American Cancer Society …

555. The seniors say goodbye to Cassell

General Release :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7

556. 2010 RECRUITING CLASS PROFILES

Football :: Recruiting Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7

Here are the profiles for the members of the recruiting class, with the exception of DeAntre Rhodes, who was portrayed last year: Nick Acree 6-5, 295, DT Fork Union; King WIlliam, Va. Stats: Did not play this past season afte…

557. Tech staff replenishes the lines with 2010 recruiting class

Football :: Recruiting Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7

Photo courtesy of The Lynchburg News & AdvanceZack McCray (86), one of the Hokies’ top recruits, excelled as a tight end and defensive end at Brookville High School in Lynchburg, Va., and should help the program on defense in the fut…

558. FROM SMALL TOWN TO BIG TIME - Dorenzo Hudson came from a small town and his career got off to a slow start, but a 41-point game has sparked a breakout season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7

Dorenzo Hudson His bio in the Virginia Tech men’s basketball guide lists his birthplace as Marshville, N.C., and, on the surface, that town sounds like just about any other wholesome municipality in the deep South. Yet despite be…

559. Delaney and Hudson now share FT mark

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7

Malcolm Delaney has done a great job of scoring from both the field and the free-throw line this season.On a cold, snowy afternoon when both teams were frigid from the floor at Cassell Coliseum, Malcolm Delaney took it upon himself to pr…

560. Hokies need to keep doing what they've been doing

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7

Moments after a thrilling, though not aesthetically pleasing, basketball victory over Clemson, a reporter lobbed a question toward Malcolm Delaney, asking him if he would expect to have the lead at half…

561. Beamer and former Hokies to speak at Breakfast of Champions

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 7

Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer and some former players will be speaking at the Breakfast of Champions on April 24 at 9 a.m. – the morning before the spring game. This event, held in the South End Zone West Club Room, is an annua…

562. Independence Bowl, what a week!

Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

December 18, 1984In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of Virginia Tech athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we…

563. Herbster's career in athletics administration has a Midwest flavor

Basketball (M) :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Those pursuing a career in athletics administration often view it as a glamorous profession, and for sure, it has its perks. But there is a not-so-glamorous side, particularly for those who work at smaller institutions. At these spots, …

564. Witcher excited about the rest of the season and his future

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Lewis Witcher After a stellar high school career at nearby Franklin County High, Tech men’s basketball player Lewis Witcher is wrapping up his career with the Hokies. Witcher is the lone scholarship senior on the team and the only pla…

565. Hudson enjoys career night in Cancun as Hokies win without Delaney

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Dorenzo Hudson’s 41 points against Seton Hall surpassed his previous career high of 24 set earlier this season against VMI.Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg kept raving about Dorenzo Hudson’s work ethic in practice and exp…

566. After two seasons with the Redskins, Montgomery hopes to remain there

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Photo courtesy of the Washington RedskinsFormer Tech center Will Montgomery played in every game for Washington this past season and hopes to stay with the Redskins.Versatility is good in any profession. It’s a necessity in the NFL. …

567. Season Ending Depth Chart

Football :: Season Ending Depth Chart :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Here the depth chart for the 2009 season. The number of plays does NOT include the bowl game (coaches have not graded the film yet), but the stats are for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from scrimmage, whi…

568. 2009 recruiting class hopes future is now

Football :: Redshirt Freshmen Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Logan ThomasIt was a rather odd autumn for Logan Thomas. One of the most talented prospects out of Tech’s 2009 recruiting class and arguably the most sought after, Thomas arrived in Blacksburg in July fully anticipating on playing thi…

569. BUSTIN' LOOSE IN HIS OWN WAY - Though he is the son of legendary musician Chuck Brown, Nekos Brown is shy - but he's not bashful about putting his football gig ahead of his love for music

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Keep what you got Until you get what You need y’all You got to give a lot Just to get what You need sometimes y’all Gimme the bridge now I feel like bustin’ loose Bustin’ loose Gimme the bridge now I fee…

570. Rocky Top No Match for Tech

Football :: Chick-fil-A Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Cody Grimm had seven tackles – three for a loss – and a sack to earn the game’s defensive MVP honors. New Year’s Eve in Atlanta features the annual ritual of dropping of an oversized replica of a peach to commemorate the New Ye…

571. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

572. Hokies look good heading into next season - and into the future

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

The sounds of hammering, the crackling of welding and the sights of heavy construction equipment behind the Jamerson Athletics Center are a constant reminder of the investment being made in the Virginia Tech football program, as workers …

573. Grimm, Williams named All-Americans

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 6

Here are the top five in each of the categories tested in the strength and conditioning program: BENCH PRESS Josh Call (430) Dwight Tucker (410) Jim Brown (410) Telvion Clark (390) Andrew Miller (390) F…

574. That's "Outland," spelled B-I-G

Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Dec. 11, 1984 Jack Williams, Tech’s sports information director, tells the story of how D.J. Dozier, the super running back from Tidewater who chose to play football at Penn State, was making his official visit to Virginia Tech. …

575. Anderson works his way into more playing time with the Panthers

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Photo courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.James Anderson, a former Tech whip linebacker who played for the Hokies from 2002-05, is having a career season with the Carolina Panthers. When James Anderson stepped onto the field at Giants S…

576. LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE - Melendez Byrd initially didn't plan on getting into education, but he went on to receive three degrees from Virginia Tech and now he enjoys educating others

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Melendez Byrd It says quite a bit about a young man’s character when he struggles to meet the SAT requirements to get into a college and yet graduates, goes on to get his master’s and doctoral degrees and becomes a department head…

577. Greenberg and staff sign two during the early signing period

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Photo by Arianna Hoffman of Scout.comJarell Eddie has a lot of skills and should help the Hokies on the perimeter next season. The Tech men’s basketball staff only had two scholarships at their disposal heading into the 2009 fall si…

578. Hokies beat familiar foe in Big Ten/ACC Challenge to wrap up road trip

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Terrell Bell and the Hokies opened the season with a 5-1 mark, including three victories on the road. The road-weary Virginia Tech men’s basketball team wrapped up a season-long road trip in thrilling fashion by winning at one of th…

579. Six more inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame

General Release :: Hall of Fame :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

LISA WITHERSPOON For most of her career at Tech, Lisa Witherspoon was the charitable giver. But last summer, when she went to the mailbox and opened a letter from Virginia Tech, she was nearly reduced to tears. Her alma mater…

580. A Country Boy Can Survive - Sergio Render

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Sergio Render grew up in rural Georgia, and his passion for the outdoors, along with a loving aunt and uncle, guided him from a troubling path. Practically every morning in late autumn, the alarm clock goes off at 5 o’clock, vibrating…

581. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

582. Strong regular season has put the Hokies where they want to be heading into the bowl

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Ever the model of consistency, the Virginia Tech football team stayed true to its postgame rituals following a victory. A season-ending stomping of rival Virginia wasn’t going to change that. Head coach Frank Beamer lauded his team’…

583. Nine earn All-ACC honors

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 5

Matt Waldron and Brent Bowden Nine Virginia Tech football players received All-ACC recognition in voting conducted by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, the media group for the ACC that selects the all-conference teams. The gr…

584. Bowl-bound! Independence for Tech

Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

585. COOL KAT - Former Tech defensive tackle Jim Baron began his professional football career with the AFL's Nashville Kats and ultimately became one of that league's all-time greats

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

Jim Baron If you put together a list of former Virginia Tech football players who have fared well in professional football over the past decade, you’d probably miss a certain defensive tackle who helped anchor Tech’s defensive line …

586. Return to Jacksonville has put a smile back on Wilford's face

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

Ernest Wilford is back with his old team in Jacksonville, but is playing a new position - tight end. On Feb. 29, 2008, Ernest Wilford’s life could not have been any better. The former Tech wide receiver was coming off a solid season …

587. Tech Hall of Famer helping his grandson tackle a tough foe

Football :: Beyond the Playing Field :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

Photos courtesy of the Cox FamilyVincent Dale Cox, the 6-year-old grandson of former Tech great Carroll Dale, is battling a rare blood disorder and needs a bone marrow transplant, and his grandfather is doing everything he can to help …

588. LIFE SUPPORT - Skills honed in athletics and VCOM's training and support provide opportunities for former Tech student-athletes to pursue dreams of careers in medicine

General Release :: Former Athletes Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

Brittany Cook made a name for herself as an outstanding ACC basketball player and now is attending VCOM, with her sights set on becoming a doctor. Two arrived at their individual decisions after injuries in their respective sports led…

589. BODY OF WORK - Cordarrow Thompson has faced a bulked-up list of challenges since arriving at Tech, but shedding weight was easily his biggest

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

Cordarrow Thompson His mother cooked his favorites and heaped the food on his plate, as any good mother does. And like a good son, he cleaned his plate, leaving no morsel or crumb to be scraped into the garbage bin or down the hatch o…

590. Bowden strikes a perfect chord in his final season

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

Let’s say this about Brent Bowden – he’s certainly no dummy. On the contrary, he’s a rather astute individual. He came to Tech to pursue his dreams, which included playing football and getting his degree, among other things. In …

591. Hokies All-Access an easy way for additional Tech coverage

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 4

Click here to visit Hokies All-Access A year ago, many Tech fans enjoyed the offerings of ACC Select, a broadband network service that allowed fans to catch ACC events over the Internet. This year, though, that service started prov…

592. Celebrating a Silver Anniversary

General Release :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

593. FINDING HIS CALLING - Former Tech tailback James Barber now devotes his life to teaching and ministering to others

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

James Barber Long before the likes of Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones, another tailback showed a propensity for getting into the end zone. These days, though, you have to go all the way out to Oklahoma to find him. James Barber, who sta…

594. Sorensen's stellar special teams play keeps him in the NFL

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

Photo courtesy of John Reid/The Cleveland BrownsNick Sorensen has played for four NFL teams, but is in his third year with the Cleveland Browns. Nick Sorensen has traveled all over the world, visiting such places as China, Japan, Ital…

595. SUNNY SIDE UP - Cody Grimm's lighthearted attitude makes him popular off the field and helps him thrive on it

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

When things are flying around on the field, Cody Grimm never seems to get rattled, and that demeanor has enabled him to become one of the Hokies' more productive players. The idea itself was simply ingenious. The execution absolute…

596. An in depth look at each player of the men's hoops team

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

LEWIS WITCHER #21 Class: Senior Position: Power forward Height: 6-9 Weight: 218 Hometown: Rocky Mount, Va. Inside the numbers: Played in 30 games a year ago, starting one and averaging 8.8 minutes per game … Averaged two …

597. With a lot of experience and talent returning, Hokies again have high hopes

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

Jeff Allen Though wildly speculated, Seth Greenberg did not move during the offseason. But he certainly changed addresses in one respect over the summer - he moved his basketball program’s headquarters roughly 100 yards down Wash…

598. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

The compliance corner is answering questions concerning the governance of our athletics department. Have a question? Please send it to hokipoki@vt.edu and we’ll answer it in upcoming issues. Now, here are a couple of questions that we…

599. Getting defensive the main emphasis for men's hoops squad heading into upcoming season

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

A conversation about the upcoming basketball campaign with Seth Greenberg leads one to believe that he is exploring a new defensive philosophy this season. Sounds like he doesn’t want his team to pick up the opponents at halfcourt. No…

600. Robinson's race to aid others

Track & Field :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 3

Wayne Robinson helped the Hokies on the court and continues to help the school off it. Age may have robbed him of his quickness, but almost 30 years after graduating from Virginia Tech as one of the best basketball players in school h…

601. Celebrating a Silver Anniversary

Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

602. Dolphins snap up former Tech center Grove in the offseason

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Jake Grove spent five years in Oakland, but has changed addresses this summer, moving to Miami to play for the Dolphins. Former Tech center Jake Grove may have spent the past five seasons in the NFL. He may have moved locales over the…

603. Padro Phillips, The Wind-Up Man

Football :: Where Are They Now? :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Former defensive tackle Padro Phillips got the crowd involved during his playing days at Tech and has gone on to make a career out of helping others. Padro PhillipsFor all the high school teachers out there who often wonder whether they…

604. Andre Smith - One Fine Catch

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

The lure of Tech’s bucolic surroundings helped the Hokies hook Andre Smith, and he has used his outdoor hobbies to escape from a difficult past and become a solid contributor on the field. He might be the last person one would exp…

605. Hokies fall in season opener - and hope history repeats itself

Football :: Football Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Ryan Williams was a bright spot for the Hokies, rushing for 71 yards and scoring two touchdowns against Alabama.For those distraught over the Hokies’ season-opening 34-24 loss to the No. 5 Crimson Tide of Alabama, they need only to loo…

606. Keeping up with Compliance

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

The compliance corner is changing its format this year. Instead of educating on what we do, as we did last year, we want to hear from you and answer your questions concerning the governance of our athletics department. Have a question? P…

607. After long wait, Waldron anxious to give Hokies a leg up on competition

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

The last time he kicked a field goal in an actual game, he hadn’t even graduated from high school. He hadn’t even gone to his senior prom. He barely had his driver’s license. Heck, the last time he kicked a field goal in a game,…

608. Six to be inducted into the Tech Sports Hall of Fame

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 2

Six to be inducted into the Tech Sports Hall of Fame A former head coach and former student-athletes from five different sports make up the 2009 class selected for the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. The six inductees include: …

609. Taking a look at each position on the team

Football :: Position-by-Position Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1

Taylor anchors the QB spot as a returning starter Tyrod Taylor For the first time in several years, there is an established pecking order at the quarterback position, and a lot of the Hokies’ hopes for the 2009 season hinge on th…

610. Tech AD Addresses Important Topics Concerning Athletics

General Release :: Administration Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1

Virginia Tech is entering its sixth year as a member of the ACC with three championships in football and 10 overall league titles. As usual, the department continues to invest for future success, and we sat down with Jim Weaver, Tech…

611. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS - Kam Chancellor survived childhood in a rough Norfolk neighborhood and wants to help young kids there do the same

Football :: Football Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1

Kam Chancellor wants to play in the NFL and then use his salary to rebuild an old Boys and Girls Club in a rugged area of his hometown. The shabby building sits on the corner of a crime-infested neighborhood known as Park Place in the…

612. Celebrating a Silver Anniversary

Football :: 25 Year's Ago :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1

In the spring of 1984, Doug Waters started the Hokie Huddler, a publication devoted to the coverage of VT athletics. The publication has changed names and formats over the course of 25 years, and this year, we want to celebrate the silve…

613. Five Football Players to Watch in 2009

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1

The polls show Barack Obama’s popularity gravitating toward Earth, the nation skeptical on health care reform, and people generally apathetic on Sonia Sotomayor. But for those with no interest in politics (or with a general disdain fo…

614. News & Notes

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 2 Iss. 1

Tech to meet Boise State at FedEx Field Virginia Tech’s 2010 football schedule incurred some changes recently, as the Hokies took advantage of another opportunity to play at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Tech will be playing Bois…

615. Tech's top 10 moments of the year

General Release :: Tech's Top 10 :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 11

Here are the top 10 Tech moments of this past school year as comprised by the magazine staff, with help from several in the athletics communications office: 1. Marcel Lomnicky wins national title Marcel Lomnicky has dominated s…

616. WEAVER PLAYS THROUGH HIS PAST

Golf (M) :: Golf Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 11

Despite some horrifying incidents in his past, Drew Weaver became a terrific golfer and an even better ambassador for his university Drew Weaver Days following Virginia Tech’s graduation ceremony in which he proudly accepted his …

617. Compliance office addresses issues of athletes and promotions

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 11

In early May, a story broke concerning Tech football players promoting certain events by having their photos appear on fliers, thus creating the potential for NCAA violations. The story created much angst among Hokie Nation, and Tim Park…

618. Moves in the coaching ranks not the norm during the summer

Soccer (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 11

In the athletics business, the month of June serves one of two purposes – it either provides time for camps or it allows for some vacation time for the staffs. At Tech, though, this June has been the month for two rather important c…

619. Hall of Famer passes away

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 11

Howie Wright Howard Irving Wright, better known among Hokie Nation as “Howie,” passed away on June 5 at the age of 77 in Houston. Wright was a three-sport standout at Tech in the early 1950s. He served as the co-captain of th…

620. Blacksburg Sports Club has a long history of aiding Tech athletics

General Release :: Blacksburg Sports Club Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

For some particular clubs and organizations in the town of Blacksburg, one must be either of brilliant mind or bulky wallet. But for one, the criteria are far more attainable for ordinary, hardworking folks. “The only qualificati…

621. REMEMBERING THE PAST - More than six decades later, the 1947 Sun Bowl team remembers its historic accomplishment - one that many have forgotten

Football :: Sun Bowl Reunion :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

The 1947 Sun Bowl team was the first Tech team to go to a bowl game and the first team from the state to do so as well. Over the course of the decades, the memories have faded, becoming blurred images that only come into some semblance …

622. Waldron comes out of spring in the lead to replace Dustin Keys

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 SPECIAL TEAMS SPRING DEPTH CHART Kickers 1 Matt Waldron (5-11, 190, r-Sr.) 48 Justin Myer (6-0, 198, Soph.) 15 Chris Hazley (6-1, 194, r-Jr.) 4 Tim Pisano (5-9, 181, r-Soph.) 23 Scott Demler (5-11, 184, r-Fr.) Punters…

623. Whips and rovers in good shape heading into the fall

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 WHIPS AND ROVERS SPRING DEPTH CHART Whip linebackers 26 Cody Grimm (5-11, 202, r-Sr.) 43 Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (6-2, 206, r-Fr.) 28 Alonzo Tweedy (6-2, 181, r-Fr.) Rovers 24 Dorian Porch (5-11, 212, r-Sr.) 2 Davon M…

624. The post-Macho era begins for Tech's defensive backfield

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD SPRING DEPTH CHART Field corners 21 Rashad Carmichael (5-10, 192, r-Jr.) 9 Cris Hill (5-11, 185, r-Soph.) 4 Germond Oatneal (5-11, 182, Soph.) Boundary corners 22 Stephan Virgil (5-11, 189, Sr.) …

625. Tech linebackers are young, but showed their talent this spring

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 LINEBACKERS SPRING DEPTH CHART Mike linebackers 52 Barquell Rivers (6-0, 230, r-Soph.) 51 Bruce Taylor (6-2, 251, r-Fr.) 94 Mark Muncey (5-11, 227, r-Sr.) Backers 46 Jake Johnson (6-1, 229, Soph.) 38 Quillie Odom …

626. The defensive tackle spots are in good shape, but the Hokies are hoping some ends emerge

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 DEFENSIVE LINE SPRING DEPTH CHART Stud 47 Nekos Brown (6-2, 252, Sr.) 82 Steven Friday (6-4, 229, r-Jr.) End 91 John Graves (6-3, 275, r-Jr.) 55 Isaiah Hamlette (6-4, 242, r-Fr.) 33 Chris Drager (6-3, 240, r-Soph.) …

627. A big, fast and talented receiving group continues to improve

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 RECEIVERS SPRING DEPTH CHART Split ends 81 Jarrett Boykin (6-2, 213, Soph.) 29 Xavier Boyce (6-4, 223, r-Fr.) 7 Marcus Davis (6-4, 231, r-Fr.) 35 Austin Fuller (6-2, 207, r-Fr.) 87 Prince Parker (6-5, 235, r-Jr.) Fl…

628. Tight end position may be the offense's deepest coming out of spring - even with Drager switch

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 TIGHT ENDS SPRING DEPTH CHART 8 Greg Boone (6-3, 287, r-Sr.) 18 Sam Wheeler (6-3, 258, r-Sr.) 85 Rob Stanton (6-4, 244, r-Jr.) 89 Eric Martin (6-2, 250, Fr.) Offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring doubles as the tight ends c…

629. Tech's young offensive linemen enjoy terrific spring practices

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 OFFENSIVE LINE SPRING DEPTH CHART Left tackles 77 Ed Wang (6-5, 301, r-Sr.) 54 Nick Becton (6-5, 292, r-Fr.) Left guards 75 Greg Nosal (6-6, 285, r-Soph.) 76 William Alvarez (6-4, 326, r-Soph.) 74 Jim Brown (6-3, 3…

630. Tech stable full of talented tailbacks

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 RUNNING BACKS SPRING DEPTH CHART Tailbacks 32 Darren Evans (6-0, 213, r-Soph.) 34 Ryan Williams (5-9, 205, r-Fr.) 25 Josh Oglesby (5-11, 207, r-Soph.) 27 Zac Evans (5-10, 191, Fr.) Fullbacks 42 Kenny Jefferson (5…

631. Taylor continues to improve as quarterback, while Clayton comes out of spring as No. 2

Football :: Spring Position Reviews :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

2009 QUARTERBACKS SPRING DEPTH CHART 5 Tyrod Taylor (6-1, 216, Jr.) 12 Ju-Ju Clayton (6-0, 215, r-Fr.) 7 Marcus Davis (6-4, 231, r-Fr.) 16 Jeff Beyer (6-4, 225, r-Sr.) Most people focused on the battle for the No. 2 job a…

632. Young standouts shine in Maroon-White game as Tech wraps up spring practice

Football :: Spring Football Game :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

More than 40,000 Tech fans attended the game and left excited about the upcoming 2009 season. Normally, spring games simply serve as tailgating practice for avid college football fans; an excuse to eat and drink with little expectatio…

633. Athletics department holds All-Sports Banquet

General Release :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

The Virginia Tech athletics department held its annual All-Sports Banquet on May 4 at the Squires Student Center and recognized student-athletes who excelled both on and off the field this past academic year. The department recognized…

634. Young players create excitement with their improvement and overall play this spring

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 10

Normally, the Maroon-White game that marks the conclusion of Tech’s spring football practice lacks entertainment value. The same thing applies to the majority of the practices as well. After all, Tech’s coaching staff uses the spr…

635. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster and his staff are anxious to see how new pieces fare this spring

Football :: Spring Football :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

The Tech football team began practice on April 1. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster sat down and answered some questions about his unit days before spring ball began. Q: So in looking at the depth chart, how are things going to s…

636. Taking it in Stride - A Family-Friendly Affair

Track & Field :: Track & Field Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

Natalie Sherbak Rebecca Motley remembers the evenings vividly. Usually spent from a day of working and facing a lengthy list of chores at home that simply demand a mother’s full attention, she remembers hopping in her cold car nonethe…

637. Tech's Rachel Culp has used sports to triumph over some tough times

Lacrosse :: Lacrosse Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

Rachel Culp Even those without a fundamental knowledge of the game of women’s lacrosse couldn’t help but be impressed on this unquestionably miserable day. On a 38-degree afternoon in which the methodical rain that cascaded dow…

638. Tech's recruiting class closes prep careers and gears up for ACC play

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruits :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

A year ago, Tech fans wondered how the basketball program would fare with the departure of versatile superstar Deron Washington. Another postseason berth simply answered that question. Now, they wonder how Tech’s program will get…

639. Curtain falls on Hokies' 2008-09 season with NIT loss to Baylor

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

Despite the early tip-off, Tech's fans showed up in full force. But Tech couldn't extend its season, falling to the Bears 84-66 in the second round of the NIT. The Virginia Tech Hokies’ 2009 National Invitation Tournament run came to …

640. Practice time heavily regulated by the NCAA

Football :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

Coaches and studentathletes have to make efficient use of practice time because the NCAA only allots 20 hours per week. Allen Iverson once made it rather clear that he was not a fan of practice. If he still played in college, he wo…

641. Hokies have some answers to questions in place, but spring practice will answer the rest

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

Tech head coach Frank Beamer recently spent 22 minutes on a teleconference, fielding questions from media hounds the way Macho Harris fields punts. Of course, Beamer doesn’t quite return the answers as briskly as Macho returned tho…

642. Three Tech student-athletes receive postgraduate scholarships from ACC

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 9

Three Tech student-athletes receive postgraduate scholarships from ACC Three Virginia Tech student-athletes were one of 42 ACC student-athletes to be named recipients of postgraduate scholarships, as announced by the league in early Mar…

643. Tech men run and vault their way to second at ACC indoor meet; injuries prevent three-peat for women's squad

Track & Field :: Track & Field :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8

Adam Witt aided Tech’s cause by easily winning the 800-meter run. Walking out of Rector Field House following the 2009 ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships, Dave Cianelli could have felt disappointment over the performance of Te…

644. Teeing Off

Golf (M) :: Golf Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8

A while back, after one of his team’s rounds, a reporter walked up to Tech golf coach Jay Hardwick and asked him which member of his team was his favorite player. Hardwick wasted little time in answering. “The guy who is shooting 6…

645. Team chaplain combining with a higher power to impact Tech's football program

Football :: Administration Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8

Johnny Shelton, Tech’s football team chaplain, delivered a prayer before the Hokies took the field in every game this past season. Roughly 25 years ago, Frank Beamer, then a young sprite of a coach at Murray State, recruited a parti…

646. Basketball Knows No Boundaries

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Spotlight :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8

Cheick Diakite

647. Basketball family loses beloved member

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8

Despite having cancer, Allen Calloway never complained during his battle with the disease. His quiet, unassuming manner will be missed by all. Allen Calloway’s battle with cancer unfortunately ended the way most do against this insi…

648. An unlikely league coach makes case for Hokies

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8

Judging from message board fodder, snippets of conversations unintentionally overheard and harsh critiques delivered by friends, the prevailing thought here is that Tech fans certainly care little for the Duke Blue Devils. Part of that …

649. 2009 football schedule filled with exciting match-ups

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 8

In mid-February, the ACC finally released the football schedules for each team for the upcoming season, and the Hokies’ slate features attractive non-conference match-ups against Alabama and Nebraska and two Thursday night appearances …

650. 2009 Recruiting Class Profiles

Football :: Recruiting Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7

Here are the profiles for the members of the recruiting class, with the exception of D.J. Coles, who was portrayed last year: Telvion Clark 6-1, 220, LB Granby High; Norfolk, Va. Stats: Tallied 123 tackles, eight sacks, five forced fu…

651. A well-balanced recruiting class has Tech staff optimistic about program's future

Football :: Football Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7

James Gayle, a defensive end from Hampton, Va., is a member of the Hokies’ 2009 recruiting haul. Photo courtesy of The Daily Press Not long after Florida played Oklahoma in the BCS national championship game, David Wilson received…

652. From Puerto Rico to Prominence

Basketball (M) :: Men's Basketball Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7

A.D. Vassallo’s decision to come to the United States has resulted in him becoming an ACC star Like most young kids growing up in Puerto Rico, he came home from school, went into his house, probably tossed his book bag on the couch …

653. Hokies end struggles against N.C. State and finish first half of ACC with 5-3 mark

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7

Jeff Allen’s 21 points helped Tech snap a six-game losing streak to the Wolfpack. The attire of a head basketball coach never decides the outcome of a game. But given that the Hokies had lost to N.C. State on six straight occasions,…

654. Close games create angst for coaches, great theater for hoops fans

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7

February 2 represents Groundhog Day, the time-honored tradition when Punxsutawney Phil waddles out of his cozy burrow on Gobbler’s Knob and predicts the remaining length of winter – which always seems to be six more weeks. Fifteen y…

655. Dixon living the life

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 7

Dixon living the life Carlos DixonFormer Tech basketball player Carlos Dixon spent last season playing in Korea. This season, though, he decided to take his talents to South America. Dixon is averaging 12.3 points per game for Quilme…

656. Tech wrestlers fare well over break

Wrestling :: Olympic Sports Beat :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Tech’s wrestling team got in a lot of work over the holidays, participating in the Southern Scuffle in Greensboro, N.C., and the Lone Star Duals in Dallas. Tech won three matches at the Lone Star Duals, knocking off Cal Poly 34-9, bea…

657. Hoops team hoping recent trend holds form

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Notebook :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Malcolm Delaney and the Hokies are expecting to see even better results the second half of the season. With the spring semester set to begin, it’s time for a little refresher course concerning the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team…

658. Royal enjoys a banner rookie season in Denver

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

…

659. Suggs embarks on a different type of professional career

Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Photo courtesy of The Plain DealerIt’s advice parents often give their children once they graduate from college and start searching for a job – you have to start at the bottom and work your way toward the top. Certainly, Lee Suggs c…

660. Season Ending Depth Chart

Football :: Season-ending Depth Chart :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Here is the season-ending depth chart. The number of plays is through the ACC title game (the coaches have not graded the film from the bowl game), but the stats are for the entire season. The number before the slash indicates plays from…

661. Large group of redshirts ready to continue Tech's winning tradition

Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Ryan Williams received rave reviews for his work this fall and should see some time at tailback in 2009. Shortly after an Orange Bowl practice on Dec. 30, members of Tech’s scout team – a group that consisted mainly of freshmen wh…

662. Dustin Pickle's dream of running out of the Lane Stadium tunnel and playing for the Hokies became a reality

Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

No. 35, Dustin Pickle Most home improvement shows these days deal with ways to spice up a bland living room or bedroom. They can focus on ways to spruce up worn decks or sidewalks, or even narrow things down to something as simple as …

663. Hokie's 2008 Season Happy Ending

Football :: Orange Bowl Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Darren Evans was named the Orange Bowl MVP after rushing for 153 yards and a touchdown in the Hokies’ 20-7 win over Cincinnati. It was the celebration you would have expected. As the final seconds ticked off the digital scoreboard a…

664. From getting in to staying in - Compliance Corner focuses on continuing eligibility

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

The Compliance Corner in the last issue dealt with initial eligibility, or in simpler terms, the NCAA’s requirements that a high school prospect needs to meet before being admitted into a school and eligible to participate in a sport. …

665. The final destination was great, but the 2008 journey should always be remembered

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Tech fans will certainly remember this bowl game. You’ll remember the opponent. You’ll probably remember the score. You’ll remember Darren Evans, who was unbreakable; Tech’s defense, which was unbendable; and Tyrod Taylor, who w…

666. Palmer to headline baseball team's fundraiser

Softball :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 6

Tech baseball’s second annual ‘Baseball Night in Blacksburg’ will take place on Feb. 7 and the featured speaker will be Hall of Fame pitcher and Baltimore Orioles legend Jim Palmer. The event, sponsored by Bull and Bones Brewhaus …

667. Tapp back in the starting lineup and playing well in Seattle

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

“That’s just the way I am. I knew I had to do something to validate them inserting me back in the starting lineup. So you push even harder. That’s what I did.” – Darryl Tapp on earning his way back into the Seattle starting l…

668. Hokies sign four players for 2009-10 hoops season

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Recruiting :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

Seth Greenberg and his staff signed four players who not only added talent to the roster, but also took care of some needs. Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg already possesses a talented, young team, but the Hokies’ hea…

669. Last-second losses leave Hokies heartbroken

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

A.D. Vassallo Following the Hokies’ game with Wisconsin, an exhausted A.D. Vassallo slumped in one of the leather couches in the men’s basketball lounge area with an exasperated expression on his face. “At least he hit a shot…

670. Compliance corner focuses on initial eligibility

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

Working in the compliance office at any major university requires that one possess a deep knowledge of the NCAA’s intricate web of rules and processes, and then be willing to remain abreast of all the topics on a daily basis. After al…

671. Five more inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame

Track & Field :: Hall of Fame :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

Dr. James Robertson Dr. James I. Robertson is a well-respected history professor, an authority on the Civil War, and in all, a rather shrewd gentleman. He also displays a keen fondness for telling jokes during his public speaking enga…

672. Tech football coaches tackle their jobs with passion

Football :: A Week in a Football Coach’s Life :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

After a long week of preparing for an opponent, Frank Beamer likes nothing more than celebrating with his players and staff after a victory. Ever wonder what exactly a football coach does during the week? Ever wonder what it’s actua…

673. Another freshly squeezed championship

Football :: ACC Title Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

The Hokies are headed back to the Orange Bowl after knocking off BC to claim the ACC title for the second straight year Darren Evans recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season, piling up 114 yards in Tech's 30-12 win over …

674. Harris named first-team All-ACC; seven others honored

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

Orion Martin has gone from walk-on to scholarship player to starter in his four-plus years at Tech. He can add All-ACC player to that list. Martin, a defensive end from Martinsville, Va., was one of eight Hokies to receive All-ACC reco…

675. ACC championship obviously worth celebrating, but the biggest game of the season lies ahead for the Hokies

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 5

Following Tech’s precise dismantling of BC in the ACC title game, league commissioner John Swofford stood tall in the Hokies’ noisy locker room and gave the commonplace congratulatory speech to the winning team. Then he delivered a …

676. Graham giving to Cincy on the field and off it

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

Shayne GrahamCourtesy of Cincinnati Bengals Shayne Graham works two jobs these days. With one, he gets paid extremely well. With the other, he gets handsomely rewarded. As most Tech fans know, Graham is still kicking it in the N…

677. De Jonge's huge year on Nationwide Tour almost complete

Golf (M) :: Golf Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

Brendon de Jonge Brendon de Jonge came into this year with rather lofty goals. But not even he could have expected this. He won his first tournament as a professional. He found out he’s going to be a father for the first time. And…

678. Two Hall of Famers headline Tech's first Female Forum on Success

General Release :: Female Forum on Success :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

Lisa Pikalek KarlishOne looks like the javelin she once tossed, tall and slender, and talks quietly in a way that belies her success. The other one still looks like a volleyball player and resembles a CEO, seemingly confident in front o…

679. Following their uncle's path, the Martin brothers share childhood memories and grown-up dreams

Football :: Football Feature: Family Tradition :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

He sort of stole an old Hokie Huddler from 1988 out of his parents’ house. The paper looked slightly faded and the edges were slightly frayed. The article was about his uncle, with a black-and-white photo of him playing, a man w…

680. Holt draws praise for play in tough situation

Football :: Football Game Recaps :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

With Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon out, Cory Holt, a redshirt senior from Lexington, N.C., made the most of an opportunity, throwing a touchdown pass in the Hokies’ 30-20 defeat at Florida State. Cory Holt never participated in the …

681. Office of Student Life now under new leadership

General Release :: Administration Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

Reyna Gilbert (third from right) will be coordinating many outreach projects in the future similar to this one in which Paul LaPenna, Erin Reddan, Natalie Sherbak and other members of the track and cross country teams collected shoes…

682. Despite injury, Lewis has plenty to add to Hokies' cause

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

On a cold, blustery afternoon, Tech’s football team worked out in Rector Field House, and along the sideline stood a young man on crutches dressed in a sweatsuit – and wearing a helmet, of all things. To be sure, it was an odd sight…

683. Hokies picked to finish sixth in ACC preseason poll

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 4

The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team was picked to finish sixth in the ACC in voting by 40 media members at the league’s annual basketball media day held Oct. 26th in Atlanta. All 40 of those media members picked North Carolina to…

684. Prioleau proving NFL longevity can be attained

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

Pierson Prioleau Courtesy of Jacksonvile Jaguars It’s seems odd referring to Pierson Prioleau as an old man – after all, he just turned 31 years old. But he stands as the oldest and longest-tenured of all the former Hokies actively…

685. HOKIE HUMOR - Ryan Shuman works hard on the field, but keeps it light off it

Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

The smile came slowly across Cody Grimm’s face. He was sitting at Tech’s weekly press conference, answering the same old tired, mundane questions about the upcoming week’s opponent when he finally received something worth actually…

686. Five straight wins leaves Hokies in prime position heading into second half of '08

Football :: Football Game Recaps :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

Darren Evans scored two touchdowns in Tech's 35-30 win at Nebraska. Like most Tech football fans, Tyrod Taylor glanced at the Hokies’ 2008 football schedule before the season even kicked off. Unlike most, he fully expected his tea…

687. 2008-09 Men's Basketball Profiles

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Profiles :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

40 A.D. VASSALLO Class: Senior Position: Guard/small forward Height: 6-6 Weight: 215 Hometown: Toa Baja, Puerto Rico Inside the numbers: Started all 35 games last season … Averaged a team-leading 16.9 points per game and 34.3 mi…

688. Experience, talent and motivation have Hokies' hopes high

Basketball (M) :: Men's Hoops Preview :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

A.D. Vassallo The stock market’s recent plunging has investors searching far and wide for a safe haven to put their future retirement dollars. From a college basketball perspective, the safe money seems to be on the Virginia Tech men…

689. NLI dominates as the early-signing period approaches

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

The month of November marks the time for Thanksgiving, but for head coaches in most collegiate sports, the month marks the time for bringing in some top-notch talent. The second week of November marks the early-signing period for all sp…

690. League foe provides lesson for Hokies as they get ready to begin upcoming season

Basketball (M) :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

A.D. Vassallo is majoring in sociology. Cheick Diakite chose agricultural economics. Lewis Witcher picked accounting. That’s just a smattering of majors for Tech men’s basketball players. There are others, though not a single one in…

691. Tincher honored, getting ready to head to Japan

Softball :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 3

At some point, the awards and accolades may stop rolling in for Angela Tincher. Maybe. The latest one came courtesy of the Tech athletics department. On the same day in which the softball pitcher and her family stood at midfield before…

692. POOLING THEIR RESOURCES - Tech and Christiansburg partner up to build an aquatics center that helps both sides and should move the Hokies' already strong swimming and diving program up the national rankings

Swimming & Diving :: Swimming & Diving Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Ned Skinner remembers the first time he walked into venerable War Memorial Gymnasium on the Virginia Tech campus and took a glimpse at the swimming and diving facility. A 34-year-old head coach at the time, he quickly surmised that thi…

693. Fatherhood, faith in his ability keys to Saunders' fantastic season

Baseball :: Baseball Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Joe Saunders This seems hard to believe, but back in late January, Joe Saunders was wondering if he’d have a job. He probably spent countless hours pondering if he’d have a good-paying job as a member of the starting rotation o…

694. Fuller working himself into prominent role with Titans

Football :: Hokies in the Pros :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Vincent Fuller There are many things that signify the impending kickoff to a football season. For starters, the magazines start rolling out their season previews. The various conferences start announcing their media kickoff funct…

695. Hokies stepping up to keep the weight down

Football :: Big Guys Slimming Down :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Greg Boone After watching Georgia’s talented and speedy defensive ends sprint past some of his offensive linemen in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Tech offensive line coach Curt Newsome got a first-hand glimpse of a rather ‘big’ problem …

696. Q&A with back-up quarterback Cory Holt

Football :: Cory Holt Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Q: What was your reaction when the coaches approached you about moving back to quarterback following a stint at receiver? CH: They told me the first day of practice and they said they didn’t know what the situation with Sean [Glennon]…

697. FAMILY TIES - For the Marshmans, the beauty of family is beyond skin deep

Football :: Football Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Marshman family (left to right): Bernadette, Janet, Elliott, Nick, Sonya, Alexandra, Patrick (Alexandra’s husband), and Frank (sitting). Nick Marshman remembers the day vividly. He had been at Virginia Tech for just four months, …

698. Hokies sputter down the stretch in season-opening loss to ECU

Football :: ECU Game Recap :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Ike Whitaker The 2008 Virginia Tech football squad opened the season at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, right in the heart of NASCAR country and only minutes away from cavernous Lowe’s Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most po…

699. Virginia Tech's Compliance Corner

General Release :: Compliance Corner :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

The Virginia Tech athletics department compliance team has a certain motto – ‘Winning the right way.’ Roughly 10 years ago, the compliance department at Virginia Tech consisted of basically one person. But the complexity of NCA…

700. Five selected to Tech Sports Hall of Fame

Track & Field :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

Members of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame selection committee announced that five more former Tech standouts were selected for induction to the Hall of Fame. Those five will be inducted officially at a dinner on the Tech campus on…

701. Young Hokies learn tough lesson in season opener, but should get better as season continues

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 2

As we compile this issue of the magazine, the students have been back a week, backpacks heavy with textbooks and notebooks. The classes started, the syllabi got handed out, professors updated Blackboard and young men and women began a ra…

702. Bowden headlines unknown special teams group

Football :: Football Preview: Special Teams :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

A year ago, Tech head coach Frank Beamer went into fall practices not quite knowing about his team’s kicking situation. Suffice it to say, things worked out fine. After all, Brent Bowden averaged 42.5 yards per punt and Jud Dunlevy ma…

703. Chancellor's new role to solidify Tech secondary

Football :: Football Preview: Defensive Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Kam Chancellor was one of the few Tech football players who actually went home for the first summer session. The prevailing thought might be that he went home and spent some time relaxing, recharging before coming back to Blacksburg for…

704. Younger Martin taking on more of a leadership role from whip LB spot

Football :: Football Preview: Whips & Rovers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Cam Martin is trying to shed his image. No, not the one in which he is a tremendous football player. No one wants that part of him to disappear. And no, not the one in which he provides leadership. This year’s defense needs that. In…

705. Two seniors with huge shoes to fill, but finally glad to see their time come

Football :: Football Preview: Linebackers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Every year, players come and players go. Most fans realize this, too. They know that college football is a cyclical entity. Yet even though they know this and fully understand it, they feel a sense of anguish when certain players – gr…

706. Worilds expecting big things from d-line in spite of personnel losses

Football :: Football Preview: Defensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

On a sweltering July afternoon, a large contingent of football players gathered on the practice field outside the Merryman Center to run a series of sprints as the ‘conditioning’ part of strength and conditioning. It was a brutal ta…

707. Dillard's injury leaves Hokies young and inexperienced at WR

Football :: Football Preview: Receivers :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

In analyzing the Hokies’ 2008 wide receiving group, one could start by astutely pointing out that the team lost four talented wideouts from last season’s group, three of whom rank in the top 10 in virtually every career receiving cat…

708. Boone ready for prominent role at tight end

Football :: Football Preview: Tight Ends :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Greg Boone is starting to get really serious about football. He’s always been serious, but he decided to take that up to another level shortly after spring practice. Boone, a redshirt junior from Chesapeake, Va., has battled weight i…

709. Hokies with rare experience and depth on the o-line this season

Football :: Football Preview: Offensive Line :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

On most occasions – actually, on just about every occasion – watching an offensive lineman run sprints is a rather painful experience. In fact, most don’t run. Instead, they lumber. But Ed Wang has been proving to people that he …

710. Lewis is back and a key part among a large contingent at tailback

Football :: Football Preview: Running Backs :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

That Kenny Lewis Jr., came back sooner than expected from his serious shoulder injury comes as no surprise. That he came back at least two months beforehand defies all logic. Lewis suffered from a torn labrum that ultimately required s…

711. Both quarterbacks ready to lead the team in 2008

Football :: Football Preview: Quarterbacks :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

A lot of coaches around the nation are searching for a top-notch starting quarterback at this time of the year. At Tech, the coaches find themselves in the rare situation of having to decide between two top-notch signal-callers. Down …

712. Tech AD provides answers on a wide array of topics

Soccer (W) :: Jim Weaver Q&A :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Virginia Tech is entering its fifth season in the ACC and there is a lot of going on within the athletics program. We sat down with Jim Weaver, director of athletics, as part of our annual Q&A to get his thoughts on a wide range of topic…

713. Last call for battle-tested veteran

Football :: Sean Glennon Feature :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

After helping lead the Hokies to the ACC title last season, Sean Glennon’s hoping his atypical career ends this season in crowning fashion The two-bedroom apartment resembled that of the typical college student, a slightly unkempt …

714. Taylor, Younger lead way in testing

Football :: VT News and Notes :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

As expected, defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor and fullback Kenny Younger paced the football team’s testing in the strength and conditioning program in late July, with Younger earning Excalibur Award honors – the top honor in the str…

715. A young Tech team could well be back in the ACC title hunt again

Football :: From the Editor's Desk :: Jimmy Robertson :: Vol. 1 Iss. 1

Following the Hokies’ first practice in preparation for the 2008 season, Macho Harris met with a small throng of media members to discuss the opening day’s events and then engaged in a serious conversation with a gentleman whom few r…