may 28, 2009
COLLEGIATETIMES
Vick returns home, Tech connection intact
what’s inside News.............2 Features ........4 0pinions........5 Sports ...........7 Classifieds ...11 Sudoku........11 106th year issue 59 blacksburg, va.
ZACH CRIZER
news editor Back in Virginia after spending 19 months in a federal prison in Leavenworth, KS, Michael Vick will work for a construction company operated by the Rector of Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors. Still under federal custody in his Hampton home, Vick will work as a laborer for W.M. Jordan Company. The company’s President and CEO, John R. Lawson II, is also the Rector
of the Tech Board of Visitors. Outlined as a part of his probation, Vick will make $10 per hour working for the Hampton Roads area construction company. The former Tech quarterback was convicted of financing a dogfighting ring and suspended indefinitely from the NFL. He left the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth on May 20 and traveled by car to his home in Virginia. Vick will wear an electronic monitoring device until July 20, as he serves the remainder of his prison sentence
If he is reinstated, Vick will be in under home confinement. He will then serve three years of search of a new team. Atlanta Falcons supervised probation. Commissioner Roger Goodell has not reinstated Vick to the NFL. The league’s minicamps are expected to open about a week after Vick’s home May 20 May 26 confinement ends. While in prison, Vick met with former Indianapolis Colts head Returned home to Expected to begin coach Tony Dungy. Vick has stated Hampton to serve full-time, $10 per intentions to cooperate with the final two months hour construction Humane Society of the United States to create a program aimed at stopping of sentence job dogfighting.
owner Arthur Blank does not intend to bring Vick back to the team.
Timeline of Events for Michael Vick July 20
July 25-30
23-month sentence NFL minicamps open, ends; three-year
where Vick can attend
probation begins
pending reinstatement
WVU professor crafts new memorial CHRIS GREY
ct news staff writer
SARA SPANGLER/COLLEGIATE TIMES
A mix of Virginia Tech Marching Virginians and Community Housing Partners contactors build a house on Cedar Hill Drive. The band helped with the construction of the low-income house in memory of Ryan Clark.
Band helps out in honor of Clark SARA MITCHELL
editor-in-chief Abbie Sanders has 100 Marching Virginians to thank for her new house. In the midst of finals, graduation, and summer break, the Virginia Tech marching band teamed with Community Housing Partners to build a low-income house in Blacksburg in memory of Ryan Clark, a band member and victim of the April 16 shootings. “It really was a labor of love for an awful lot of people,” said Marching Virginians Director Dave McKee, of the Blacksburg house that stands at 615 Cedar Hill Dr. From 7 a.m. to about 10 p.m every day, band members put up the first-floor walls, installed insulation, painted the house, and assisted with appliances.
Kevin Mizell, the project manager and a Tech alum, said that about 30 workers and subcontractors worked on the project, which began on Monday, May 11. The house was finished in two weeks. Clark was a Tech senior when he was killed on April 16 in West Ambler Johnston. He was a baritone player with the MVs, and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Because of this, junior Sydney Plackett developed the idea last October to build a house in honor of him. “Sydney said ‘let’s build a Habitat house,’” McKee explained. “And I said, ‘Fine, go find out how to do this.’ I’ve been here; I’ve heard this before. Nobody’s ever come back. Sydney came back.” The Marching Virginians began in November to eventually fundraise over $41,000. They wanted to build the house in May, to allow graduating seniors to participate, and to avoid
months when the band would be in season. The New River Valley Habitat for Humanity chapter was unable to fund the project during May, so the band turned to the town of Blacksburg, and ultimately, Community Housing Partners, a Christiansburg-based company that builds low-income housing in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Because the help of the band members eliminated some labor costs, the project came in at about $130,000. Funding for all CHP projects is provided by local funding, state lowincome housing credits, and federal funding and grants. Kamilia Lawson, principal broker at CHP, said that part of the money raised by the Marching Virginians would also go toward Sanders’ mortgage payment.
see BAND, page 2
Virginia Tech received an outpouring of support from universities nationwide as a result of the April 16, 2007 shootings. The support continues this summer with the unveiling of a new memorial created by a West Virginia University professor. Levente Denes, a visiting professor at WVU, has carved a 14.5-foot, 600-pound pillar out of white oak to commemorate the victims of the shootings. The carving took almost 200 hours to complete and was done totally by hand. The new memorial will be placed in front of Cheatham Hall on campus. Denes said it was difficult to find a date for the unveiling that was acceptable to all of the officials involved, but it should be installed sometime in June. Denes was initially shocked at the news of the shootings. “I got angry because of the powerlessness,” Denes said. “The more questions, the more powerlessness.” Soon after, he decided to carve a memorial from his native Transylvania. The kopjafa serves to remember those lost on that day. “I think that this powerlessness drove me to create something I can pay tribute to this sorrowful event,” Denes said. University spokesman Larry Hincker said any commemorative item on campus requires passage by the Commemorative Tributes Committee. This would include naming buildings, rooms, or gifts of art.
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Denes’ creation also required approval of the Visual Arts Policy Committee, which must approve any art donated to the university. Denes requested permission a year ago and, after passing the committees, his project is now coming to fruition. Kopjafas, or jousting poles, are large columns found in regions populated by Hungarians. They were originally used in places such as cemeteries and battlefields for gravestones. Denes said the sculptures are now a distinct art form used as sacred commemorative public memorials. He started the massive, hand-carved column in August of 2007 and completed it by that December. After returning from a six-month stay in Hungary, Denes spent about 50 hours repairing cracks that had developed in the carving as a result of drying. The kopjafa is a symbol of respect, affection, honor, and remembrance. The symbols on the column follow rules from Transylvania. Denes explained the significance of the symbols. The star symbols mean honor, achievement, and hope. The falling store signify death. The crosses stand for sacrifice and patriotism. The star located on the top of the column represents prowess. Denes does have a message to go along with his gift. “Now, after two years, I think our society had a huge responsibility for this event and will have for the similar future events,” Denes said. “The society has to recognize those in need and help them. But we people form the society, so it is our responsibility to do that. We as individuals and we as communities.”
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NEWS
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Christiansburg to add, replace BT routes PHILLIP MURILLAS
managing editor The Christiansburg town council approved a $36 million budget on Tuesday that includes $163,000 to expand Blacksburg Transit in the town. The current plan would establish three fixed routes and two flexible routes in Christiansburg, replacing the current Two Town Trolley. Christiansburg Assistant Town Manager Barry Helms said that the new proposed routes would consist of a revised downtown loop, a loop to the mall and back to downtown, and a standard commuter route. Additionally, a flex route would be included, in which patrons would call ahead and wait for the bus at a designated location. Finally, commuters could also request a BT carpool service to pick up groups heading to work out of Christiansburg. “I’m hoping a number of people will get advantage out of it,” Helms said. “It could be very beneficial for
people without vehicles and beneficial for others if they want to save fuel and have time to ride the bus.” Blacksburg Transit marketing manager Ken Tucker also sees a positive outcome from a Christiansburg expansion. “You’re not only giving access to people in Christiansburg,” Tucker said. “You’re giving access to anyone who rides the bus if you expand and that’s a benefit.” Routes have not been finalized, as the budget has only recently been approved. “We have not sat down to work out the details,” Tucker said. “We don’t know how that money is going to be spent.” Assistant Town Manager Helms says he hopes many Christiansburg residents take advantage of the new routes. “It’s going to save fuel and take vehicles off the road so the roads won’t be so crowded.” He is also aware of modern attitudes toward public transport. “It’s a little bit inconvenient to ride a bus,” he admitted. Blacksburg Transit currently plans to launch the new Christiansburg service in October.
News in brief Zhu found competent for trial Upon evaluation, Virginia Tech student Haiyang Zhu was found competent to stand trial. Zhu, a graduate student, is charged with the first-degree murder of Tech student Xin Yang, who was killed in the Au Bon Pain in the Graduate Life Center on Jan. 21. According to the ZHU Associated Press, Zhu was evaluated in a state mental hospital in Petersburg but has returned to the Montgomery County jail. Zhu’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 29 at the Montgomery County District Court.
Tech student returns home Junior engineering major Marie Drescher, 20, was reported found 3 a.m. Sunday morning after being reported missing by her family late Saturday night. She had last been seen departing
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her hometown in Ellicott, Md. in her Volvo SUV on her way to Blacksburg. According to the Roanoke Times, Drescher’s father, Tom, says she is at home with the family
Board of Visitors to meet The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors will hold its quarterly board meeting at 1:15 p.m. Monday, June 1, in Torgersen Hall Room 2100. The board will discuss the 2009-10 university budget, and the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment, an initiative pushed by the Environmental Coalition on campus.
Tech in solar decathlon Virginia Tech is one of two U.S. universities to compete in the 2009 solar decathlon in Europe. There will be 21 universities from across the world competing in catagories ranging from best livability to best architecture. Tech’s solar house will utilize iPhone applications to monitor climate changes. For more information on the team, visit its Web site at http:// www.solar.arch.vt.edu/
Fewer freshmen expected University officials are aiming for a smaller incoming freshman class. Last year produced an unusually high number of students accepting offers of admission. Out of 13,293 applicants accepted, 5,601 chose to attend Virginia Tech. This year, admissions’ freshman enrollment goal is 5,025 students. High freshman enrollment for the 2008-09 school year created a housing shortage, which left many students in temporary housing. In 2007 and 2006, the university set a target goal of 5,000 students. The goal was exceeded each year by at least 125 students each year. Tech set a new applicant record this year. Final enrollment numbers will be released in early June.
Football club seats available Season football tickets are sold out, however Premium Season Club seats are still available. Located on the West Side of Lane Stadium, the seats offer access to private restrooms and elevators.
Band: Serving community best Clark everyone way to honor Ryan contractor guys because they defifrom page one
nitely don’t usually build a house in two weeks,” said Alison Wood, a senior in the baritone section. “It’s been really cool because they’ve worked really hard so we could get the house finished.” “We all enjoyed working alongside Kevin and the other guys,” said Steve Rich, a junior and the executive director of the Marching Virginians. Lawson, another Tech alum, visited the site with Sanders and was surprised at how quickly the house went up. “I didn’t expect it to go as smoothly,” Lawson said. “I thought maybe we’d have too many people and not enough to do … everyone was working and meshing well.” “Monday, May 11 there was nothing there,” McKee said. “There’s a house now.” The dedication for Ryan Clark will take place at the house on June 20.
collegiatetimes.com may 28, 2009
Sanders and her 14-year-old daughter will move into the house sometime after the dedication. A nail technician in Blacksburg, Sanders applied for one of the ten houses being built in the neighborhood. CHP members nominated Sanders to receive the house that would be built for Clark. “Of course I accepted,” Sanders said of the offer. “I was very honored … I am very thankful I got to work with the Marching Virginians.” She hopes to create a stepping stone made out of Hokie Stone for her front yard in honor of Clark. According to Mizell, CHP finishes about 100 units annually, but the time frame for each project is not the twoweek span that this house required. “It’s been a really long week for the
SARA MITCHELL/COLLEGIATE TIMES
The Community Housing Partners and Marching Virginians finished the house for Ryan Clark in about two weeks. The dedication will be June 20.
Economy shakes up local restaurant scene on College Avenue approached them several months ago. “After reviewing our business goals, observing the overall economy, and, most importantly, the changing needs of our young family, we decided to explore the possibility of a sale of our operation,” the Vogts’ statement said. The new owner is George El Abboud, who will open Greens Restaurant and Sushi Bar. He previously worked in Blacksburg for his sister, who owns More than Coffee. Pee Wee’s opened in November of 2006. The Vogts said they would continue to raise their two young children in the Blacksburg area, and hope to reenter the restaurant industry. “As for future restaurant plans, we are ruling nothing out,” the Vogts’ statement said. “Pee Wee’s was our first venture, but will not be our last; at ages 33 and 31, the road ahead of us is still long.” Crumb and Get It, a novelty cookie restaurant, also closed its doors last month. The space it occupied in Kent Square is currently unoccupied. PK’s Bar and Grill will undergo a change June 1, but only behind the scenes. The Main Street establishment known for its pizza has been sold to Mike Whaley, who also owns Top of the Stairs. Current owners Pete and Linda Keciorius, who opened the restaurant in 1992, will help transition to the new ownership and then settle in to retirement.
news editor
DANIEL LIN/SPPS
In the midst of a struggling economy, Bogen’s Steakhouse and Bar, located on North Main Street, will close Sunday. According to one owner, Fred Umberger, three potential buyers will visit the establishment next week. Umberger said the five current owners do not plan on opening any more business ventures. Currently, multiple prospective investors are looking at the house that holds Bogen’s. Three potential buyers toured the house last week, but decided against proceeding in negotiations. Two real estate agents viewed the house Tuesday.
Tech buildings awaiting names ZACH CRIZER
news editor
reasons. Many buildings named after individuals are named for their academic impact. Virginia Tech’s last ten presidents, with the exception of William E. Lavery, are honored by buildings bearing their name. However, according to the policy, they may also be named for an individual’s financial contributions. Campus buildings have also been named after major university benefactors. Jamerson Athletic Center, Durham Hall and Pamplin Hall are each named for generous financial contributors. Like New Residence Hall East, several buildings have had to wait for permanent names. Pamplin Hall was completed in 1957, but was not given its current name until 1967. Robeson Hall waited eight years, while Price, Litton-Reaves and Norris Halls also were renamed after their completion. There are five buildings on campus named for women, nine for university presidents and one for a geographic feature. — Kristen Mankosa contributed to this report
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Opened in 2004, the Chemistry/ Physics building was recently renamed in honor of former President Thomas Marshall Hahn Jr. Other buildings, such as the 11-year-old New Residence Hall East, are still waiting for permanent names. Naming campus buildings runs through President Charles Steger and the Board of Visitors, but the Commemorative Tributes Committee considers all nominations initially. University spokesman Larry Hincker said buildings are named for people who have made significant contributions to the university. “It all comes down to impact,” Hincker said. The committee is comprised of eight members, including several university vice presidents, the President of the Faculty Senate, the President of SGA and the Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation. According to the Policy on Commemorative Tributes, written in
1969, “The University Commemorative Tributes Committee is responsible for reviewing proposals for the naming of buildings, other physical facilities, centers, institutes, etc., and for making recommendations to the president.” In order for a new name to be approved, it must then be approved by the president and the Board of Visitors. Most buildings on campus are named for individuals. “The naming of a building, part of a building, or other facility or property of the university is a high honor and would not be done casually,” the policy says. “The honor is reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions to the University through their achievements in service and/or in financial support to the university.” Peddrew-Yates and New Residence Hall East were both completed in 1998. While Peddrew-Yates Hall was immediately named after two of Virginia Tech’s first African-American students, New Residence Hall East has yet to be renamed. Hincker said the committee has received several nominations, but the names were rejected for various
Other Blacksburg establishments have also folded because of recent economic conditions. Pee Wee’s Pit Barbeque closed last month, taking an offer to sell the College Avenue space to a new restaurant owner. Chris and Erin Vogt, owners of Pee Wee’s, said in a statement that a party interested in buying the location
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with the current owners to make the business affordable for them. “The truth is, we didn’t have much money to invest then,” Umberger said. “He just kept working to get it to a point where we could afford it.” About 40 employees will lose their jobs, but Umberger said very few are full-time positions.
Hir
Bogen’s Steakhouse and Bar will close its doors Sunday after 27 years of business in Blacksburg, becoming the latest local eatery to fall victim to a struggling economy. Former Virginia Tech and New York Giants football player Bill Ellenbogen opened the restaurant in 1982. In 2004, five employees bought the business, while Ellenbogen maintained ownership of the building. Fred Umberger, one of five current owners, said the recent economy accelerated a decline in business. “It’s been a slow progression,” Umberger said. “For a number of years now, our total sales have been going down 10 percent. With the economy this year, it went down to 20 percent.” Umberger associated the lack of business with a restaurant boom in Blacksburg. “The 10 percent a year is due to new restaurants in the area,” Umberger said. “I think the other 10 percent is due to the economy.” The current owners worked hard to keep it open. “We bought it because we were very long-term committed and involved here,” Umberger said. “It’s been our lifestyle, our own little baby.” There was also motivation to keep Bogen’s open because they wanted to keep their jobs. Ellenbogen negotiated
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LooP In the
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Thurs, May 28
What: Music in the Garden! featuring The Porch Loungers Where: Hahn Garden Amphitheater When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: Free
What: "Friday Night Out" Concerts Gerry Timlin – talented musicans Where: Virginia Tech Drill Field. (Rain site: Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center) When: 6 p.m. Cost: Free
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Wondering what's going on around the 'burg? Check out the events of the upcoming week.
What: Keith Urban and Deriks Bently Where: Ronaoke Civic Center When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $69.50
What: 28th Annual Vintage Virginia Wine Festival What: Julius C and Apollo Run Where: Bull Run Regional Park Where: Awful Arthur's Centerville, VA When: 9 p.m. When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $5 Cost: $30 What: Motor Mile Speedway Presents: NASCAR Wheelen All-American Series Where: Radford, Va When: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $5
What: Blue Moonshine Blue Grass Where: Awful Arthur's When: 10 p.m. Cost: $5
What: 28th Annual Vintage Virginia Wine Festival Where: Bull Run Regional Park Centerville, VA When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $30
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Sun, May 31
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Tue, June 2
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Wed, June 3
What: Salem Red Sox vs. Frederick Keys Where: Salem Memorial Stadium When: 2:05pm Cost: $7 What: CommonPlace, Acoustic Rock Where: The Water Heater 813 Fifth Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24016-3913 Cost: Cover at door What: Wonderful Wednesday, “Get ready for Father's Day” Where: Kent Square, the Lyric and around town. See www.downtownblacksburg.com. When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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NFL record-holder Michael Vick led Virginia Tech Football to victory at the Sugar Bowl in 2000 and the Gator Bowl in 2001. After the events of April 16, Vick and United Way donated $10,000 to victims’ families. Vick is also the face of one of the most inhumane scandals in pro sports — the funding and operation of an interstate dogfighting ring. For all the allegations of “Ron Mexico’s” immoral and criminal behavior, there have been many constructive acts committed by Vick or in his name, now including his work to end the practice of dogfighting. The Board of Visitors rector John Robert Lawson II seems to think Vick deserves his second chance. After serving out his home confinement, Vick is assured a job at W.M. Jordan, a construction company for which Lawson serves as CEO. It may be upsetting to some that Tech will further be associated with the controversial football player by having its BOV
rector extend his resources. But association with Michael Vick is frankly something Tech will not shake anytime soon. His brief, standout college career is still remembered, particularly by locals who remain in Blacksburg. And let’s not forget that when the Tech community needed help, Vick gave back. We should take this as an opprtunity to realize that the NFL has a troubling history with criminal and immoral behavior. Vick is working to atone for his misdeeds. Shouldn’t his connections at Tech support him in those efforts? Our association with football stars is usually a simple perk. But in this case, it comes with a responsibility. Members of the Tech community should respect the good Vick has already done and encourage more good that can come out of his return to society. The editorial board is composed of Sara Mitchell, Phillip Murillas, Thandiwe Ogbonna, Daniel Lin, and Geri Roberts.
JUSTIN GRAVES public editor Finally, summertime is here. After a long spring semester in Blacksburg, we can all definitely say that this threemonth break is needed. Whether we spend the time at home with our families or on vacation with our roommates and friends, being away from Blacksburg is a change of pace for most, whether that pace picks up or slows down. For the staff at the Collegiate Times, that pace is just about the same. We resumed publication today, May 28. Why May 28? Why not the last week of August, when everyone is back in Blacksburg and ready for the fall semester? A break from studying doesn’t mean a break from newspaper production for us. Several Tech students on the CT staff are still in the media hall in 365 Squires trying to make a great paper for the Blacksburg community to read. Heck, even if you’re not in Blacksburg, you can check out our website at collegiatetimes.com to stay updated with happenings in the area. That being said, the CT doesn’t run on the same publication schedule that it does during the academic year. During summer sessions, the CT is only published once a week instead of four times. However, the same familiar faces are around for summer students to recognize.
Sara Mitchell, the new editor-inchief, and Zach Crizer, one of two news editors for the coming year, are spending their summer months at Tech, making sure that the CT is produced, even if the audience is considerably smaller. With a smaller staff, they need the help of the students staying on campus for the summer to create the content within the paper. If you have a really firm stance on something, positive or negative, write a column — let your voice be heard. Are you more interested in something that could be on a news wire next week? Something in the New River Valley area or on campus catch your eye? Then come report for us. Any concerns? Again, come on up to the media hall. As editor-inchief, Sara sees it as her job to take questions and make sure they receive a fair answer. Even though I’m not in Blacksburg, you can still try to find me. I’ll be the public editor for the 2009-10 school year, and as public editor, I’m responsible for making sure that there is great communication between our readers and our staff. The whole summer staff wants your feedback and help, so, if you ever have an issue, give us a call, write us a letter, anything. The Collegiate Times wants to hear from you. We want to become a forum for our student body and community, and that starts with you — the reader.
McAuliffe brings energy to Virginia race MIKE SAGE regular columnist 2009 Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe has given the campaign a big name with considerable experience working at the highest levels of public affairs. He has accomplished much in both the business and political world, and his most obvious characteristic is one that seems quite appropriate for a potential governor of the commonwealth during these tough economic times: energy. One meeting with McAuliffe is all an observer needs to fully comprehend this contagious energy. I’ve had the chance to witness McAuliffe in action on two different occasions: first at the Collegiate Times’ sponsored gubernatorial debate held in Blacksburg for this year’s Democratic candidates, and a second time at a speech in Roanoke. In each instance, I left the experience thoroughly impressed with this very outgoing candidate. At the debate, he displayed a highly sophisticated knowledge of the issues most important to Virginians, which helps to invalidate the outsider image
that has been perpetrated by some of his detractors (since the other two Democratic candidates, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds, have spent time in the state legislature). And, in true form, McAuliffe delivered his policies on these issues with the flair and energetic charisma that have become his trademark. The speech in Roanoke was no different, with McAuliffe constantly multi-tasking by juggling the difficult duties of playfully joking to members of the crowd, and delivering intellectually significant and easy-to-comprehend messages on policy. And this energy has also inspired some of the most powerful figures in American politics. McAuliffe has long been a close political ally and friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton, evidenced by the fact that he served as national co-chairman of the Clinton-Gore 1996 re-election campaign, and that he ran Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. Prior to those roles, McAuliffe held a number of vital financial positions in Democratic politics, including Director of Finance at the Democratic National Committee (DNC). McAuliffe also served as Chairman of
the DNC from 2001 to 2005, a tenure which has sparked debate. Some point to Democratic losses in Congress and John Kerry’s defeat in the 2004 Presidential campaign in assigning blame to McAuliffe. These criticisms couldn’t be more off-base; McAuliffe spent his time as DNC Chair creating a new infrastructural outlook that has enabled the party to reach unprecedented levels of voters, and a more diverse and intricate network of voters. Another example of McAuliffe’s open and energetic style, and one that is most pertinent to the needs of the Virginia citizenry, is his 130-page ‘Business Plan For Virginia’. The plan is broken down into five chapters: The major policy topics are energy, business development, education, economic security, and transportation. All of these issues are paramount in this time of economic turmoil and uncertainty. Some of the highlights are his plans for the development of wind-turbine power off the Chesapeake Bay, specifically-defined changes in electricity law and smart incentives for businesses to relocate to Virginia, and his support for a passenger rail project that would con-
nect Hampton Roads with Richmond and Washington. However, perhaps as important as any of McAuliffe’s plans for Virginia is his call for educational reform. If elected as Governor, McAuliffe proposes to make significant improvements in early childhood education, college affordability, and technical and vocational programs in the state’s numerous community colleges, which would train young people for the 21st century jobs that he plans to help create. At the end of the day, it seems to me that the current political environment is one of action and engagement. Those might be the best words to describe President Obama’s time in office so far — from direct public outreach through videos explaining his decisions, to the actual measures he has taken, which have been designed to attack our biggest problems as quickly and aggressively as possible. And, if energy and activity are the status quo in American politics at the moment, I doubt we will encounter any candidate more suited than Terry McAuliffe to be the commonwealth’s next commander-in-chief.
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As Vick moves forward, so can we
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Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief Sara Mitchell Managing Editor Phillip Murillas Production Manager Thandiwe Ogbonna News Editor Zach Crizer Features Editor Mindy Marcus Sports Editor Josh Parcell Head Copy Editor Geri Roberts Photo Editor Daniel Lin Online Director Sam Eberspacher
EDITORIAL
News continues in the summer season
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First Wednesdays kick off Blacksburg summer The town of Blacksburg aims to bring the community together through monthly events SAMANTHA ST. JEAN
ct staff writer Its small town atmosphere, quaint downtown, and unique sense of community are only a few of Blacksburg’s many appeals and it is these characteristics that town officials hope to showcase through the monthly downtown Wonderful First Wednesday events. For about a year now, downtown Blacksburg has been teaming up with the Lyric Theater, local merchants and community organizations to supply the local residents and students with unique and free activities the first Wednesday of every month. According to Special Events Director for the Downtown Merchants Laureen Blakemore, the motivation behind this campaign is to not only increase traffic and revenue in the downtown area, but also to encourage community cohesiveness by bringing the local residents, youth, and college students together on a regular basis. For the May 6 event, themed Principles of Community, the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg joined forces with The Office of Equity and Inclusion at Virginia Tech to put on a “Rooftop Celebration of Diversity” in
Kent Square. This community mixer was an opportunity for students, business owners, and local residents alike to come together and enjoy free food and music. The Blacksburg High School Latino Band performed a selection of songs while local artist Larry Mitchell displayed his glass bowls and plates and explained the intricate process of their creation. Also, a few blocks away at The Lyric Theater, a film entitled “The Organic Opportunity” by Chris Bedford was followed by a panel discussion about food sustainability, all sponsored by the Virginia Tech Sustainable Food Corps. Other specials included longer Farmer’s Market hours, free parking in Kent Square, and library events such as family fun activities and a knitting circle. In his introductory speech, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Perry Martin spoke of the park bench that we often see used as the symbol of the Downtown Merchants. He claimed that the park bench beautifully embodied the ideals of the Blacksburg community; a community of many different types of people from
Daniel Lin/SPPS
Guests converse and mingle as Blacksburg High School’s Latino Band performs during the Celebration of Diversity, organized by the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg and the Office of Equity and Inclusion at VT. many different types of places, sitting down, coming together, and sharing their stories. It is this simple spirit of community that inspired the Wonderful First Wednesday Campaign. TheJune3WonderfulFirstWednesday will be a Father’s Day celebration followed shortly by the Summer Solstice Festival. For more information about these events visit downtownblacksburg.com.
Blacksburg brings the arts to town MELINDA MARCUS
features editor Summer is finally here in Blacksburg, and the community is more than ready for it. A highlight of summer is the Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival. The Festival is a joint effort by Virginia Tech and the Town of Blacksburg that began in 1991, as a way to celebrate summer and unite the whole community of Blacksburg. The goal of the Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival is to give the community a chance to experience many different artistic expressions from around the world. It is a way to bring diversity and creativity to the community.
ON THE WEB
collegiatetimes.com may 28, 2009
For more information about the Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival, visit its Web site at www.sopac.vt.edu/events The producer of the Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival is Jane Harrison. She has been involved with the festival for the past 18 years The Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival is “truly a gift from Virginia Tech and the Town of Blacksburg, one that helps unite the summer students, the professors, the residents, and visitors to create that true small town community feel,” Harrison said. To her, Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival is about creating that unique community and enjoying family-fun arts. The Festival includes all ranges of
art from theater productions, concerts, films, and even art galleries. Friday night concerts Located on the Drillfield every Friday from 6:00-7:30 will be free concerts. The lineup includes everything from a steel drum orchestra to bluegrass to jazz to show tunes. Theatre productions This year the Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival will host and present “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” The play was written by Tomb McCabe and directed by Michael Anthony Williams. Free movies The Lyric will host three classic movies this summer. They are free to the public and include “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “Vertigo.” Art showcases Through the whole summer, both the Amory Gallery and the Perspective Gallery will be open to the public and showcasing local artists. Also, there will be special events like the Summer Solstice Fest (June 20), Independence Day Celebration (July 4), Art along the Ally (July 17 and 18), and Stepping out Street Festival (August 7 and 8). All are free and open to the public. The kickoff for the Blacksburg Summer Arts Festival is this Friday night on the Drillfield for a concert at 6:00 p.m. by Gerry Timlin, a musician who plays Irish, Canadian, American, and Australian folk music.
THOMAS EMERICK
sports reporter
“Something never really clicked when we all played varsity together. But, somehow, in the club environment ... everything just worked out well in our favor.” - MacKenzie Costello Attacker ate underdog, Kazlausky had a hunch they were much more dangerous entering the season, given the team’s new pivotal pieces. “We knew that we had a lot of talent on our team and that helped us,” Kazlausky said. “I guess some of the teams we played had just one starting lineup and if the rest of the girls go in, it’s a dramatic difference.” This certainly helped the Hokies in snatching one- and two-goal victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Their level of depth also came in handy in an opening round 17-goal explosion against Central Florida, when seven different Hokies scored, including midfielders Marjory Jones and Katie Berkel, and attacker Kate Tracey. “We change it up often,” Kazlausky said. “The rest of our team is so deep we never get tired; there’s never a point where we slow down the game because we’re so tired. The pace of the game is always kept really high.” Goalie Megan Waters had guarded the Hokies’ net since the previous year, when the team toppled Maryland in the regional finals, but fell in the first round of nationals. This time Tech more than cleared the early hump, with much due to Waters and a suffocating overall defensive effort in the desert heat of Arizona. It’s quite the experience for a girl who nearly pushed lacrosse out of her life less than two years ago. “I was kind of done with lacrosse after the whole varsity thing because I didn’t have a really good experience,” Waters said. “So I did not see this happening at all.” She then found a refreshing vision at club tryouts that rekindled the old lacrosse flame. “Everyone’s there because they like to play,” Waters said. “No one’s there for (scholarship) or glory or
anything like that. It’s just for fun.” Kazlausky and club president Mindy Sartori preside over practices and team management as pseudocoaches. They — with treasurer Bri Duvall, fundraising chair Diane Revalski, and social chair Kathleen Berger — act as the team’s five officers who run team activities and facilitate team cohesion. Tech really found the same rhythm down the stretch, winning 15 straight games to end the year at an 182-1 mark. Timely defensive halts played a crucial role during this streak. “It was everyone getting a say and communication on defense,” attacker MacKenzie Costello said. “We don’t really have defensive plays. We very rarely do a zone or anything like that. I think we just helped each other double a lot and it was communication that was our strategy.” With the help of stingy play from defenders Megan McDonough, Revalski, Caity Jones, and Mo Hummel, Tech dished out a clutch physical performance in limiting the potent Colorado offense to nine goals (two in the first half), after the Buffaloes had just posted 18 in the semifinals. Now, as Tech’s more prominent team heads into another offseason in
COURTESY OF GIRL’S LACROSSE
Tech Women’s Club team gathers with itsNationals trophy after its victory in Arizona on May 9, beating Colorado 17-9 to take the title. the brutally competitive ACC without a postseason victory, this conglomerate of erstwhile varsity stars and passionate lacrosse enthusiasts can reflect on a season of good fortune.
“Something never really clicked when we all played varsity together,” Costello said. “But, somehow, in the club environment … everything just worked out well in our favor.”
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collegiatetimes.com may 28, 2009
You could call them ringers, but they call it a comeback. After the core of Tech’s national championship squad hit sour notes to conclude its varsity careers, these castoffs now sing sweet redemption songs with new teammates. Thanks to a significant contribution from Virginia Tech’s 2005-06 recruiting class, the US Lacrosse Women’s Division Intercollegiate Associates championship belongs to Blacksburg for 2009. This team’s loot and treasure includes 2006 Tech varsity lacrosse Rookie of the Year Christina Griel, and many others that had battled in the Atlantic Coast Conference. It was easy to assume that, even prior to the club team’s 17-9 victory over Colorado on May 9, the experience held by many of its acquisitions from playing in the NCAA’s best women’s lacrosse conference would be ample training for this spring’s task. What’s shocking is how such a collection of widely sought talent could assemble in one team. The answer: They were all initially funneled into a Division One NCAA program in the middle of transition. Fourteen recruits of former coach Tami Riley either quit, were cut, transferred, or were dismissed under the tenure of Tech head coach Katrina Silva that started before the 2006 season. Tech’s club version has no coach, but instead five officers. None of these officers played on the varsity squad at any point, but they did clarify the rules and the club’s hierarchy of power when its talent-laden additions came in. “We treat them like every other player that tries out,” club vice president Alex Kazlausky said. “They aren’t guaranteed a spot … Initially we made it clear that this was our team and this was what it’s going to be like.” Acquisitions from this past season’s potential varsity roster, like Briana and Casey Warner and the aforementioned Griel, were by no means the first to ever make the switch. They melded and bonded by camaraderie just like many before them, with cohesive aids from team socials — one of the officer positions is “Social Chair” — and travel for tournaments. This year’s squad features six players that were recruited to Virginia Tech to play varsity lacrosse in the 2009 and 2010 classes alone. Along with Griel and the Warners, this group featured attacker MacKenzie Costello, attacker Bri Beach, and goalie Megan Waters. Sure enough, they provided a colossal asset. The No. 6-seeded Hokies scraped past Central Florida (17-12), defending champion Colorado
State (12-11), and Florida (1513) before their explosion against Colorado — a game they led by double-digits through much of the second half. In the championship rout of Colorado, Griel netted four goals, Beach added three more, Waters recorded eight saves, and Briana Warner tallied three goals and two assists. Even though Tech surged through the 16-team tournament as a moder-
7 SPORTS
Club lacrosse claims Nationals
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Hokie sluggers wrap up best season in decade, looking ahead to 2010 with excitement JOSH PARCELL
sports editor
collegiatetimes.com may 28, 2009
The Virginia Tech baseball team just finished up its best regular season in a decade The Hokies finished with a record of 32-21, 12-17 in the ACC. Six of those wins came against ranked opponents, including series victories over #18 Clemson and #10 Virginia. That overall record was good enough to earn the team their highest winning percentage since 1999, when Tech went 42-17 under coach Chuck Hartman. “We ended this season playing just the way we thought we’d be. We thought we had a chance to make the postseason, and we were just a couple of innings away from that. We’re improving, that’s for sure,” Coach Pete Hughes remarked. This was also the first winning season under coach Hughes, who came to Blacksburg from ACC rival Boston College in 2006. Steve Domecus, a redshirt junior who transferred from Moorpark, California, led the Hokies, as well
as the entire conference, with a .406 batting average, although he missed the final 3 weeks of the season due to a hand injury. On May 18th he was named second team All-ACC, becom-
going to be very young, so we decided to look into the junior college ranks for more experienced, more mature players. Steve had already played Division I baseball, and has been able to put the ball in play frequently his whole life. I can’t imagine anyone letting him out of their program; he can do it all,” Hughes said. Domecus injured his hand against Georgia Tech on Sunday, March 22nd, and played through the pain for nearly a month before Coach Hughes decided to pull him for the remainder of the NICK JEREMIAH/SPPS season. “You’ve got to love a Austin Wates digs in against UNC on March 15th. kid who will do that ing the first player from the school to for you, play through an injury, but be named all-conference in its five there came a point in time when you just knew he shouldn’t be out there, so years in the league. “With such large recruiting classes I had to sit him out.” Anthony Sosnoskie, a junior catcher the past few years, we knew we were
VT Baseball in Pete Hughes Era Year
Record
Conference Record
2007
23-31
7-23
2008
23-32
6-24
2009
32-21
12-17
from Front Royal, Virginia, drove in 51 runs, while batting .314. He started all 53 games behind the plate. “It was tough for Anthony, because with the injury to Steve, we had to put him behind the plate every game, where we would have liked to have spelled him some of the time so he could be a more productive hitter. He responded great nonetheless,” said Hughes. Austin Wates finished fourth in the ACC with a .397 batting average. “Austin was outstanding this season; he has made himself into an upper-echelon player in our conference,” Coach Hughes reported of Wates’ play. On the mound, Justin Wright was the Hokie’s ace, wrapping up the year with a 7-2 record and a 3.95 era. One of Wright’s best performances this season came on April 5, at English field against Wake Forest. The sophomore hurler pitched a complete game, allowing 2 runs and 8 hits while striking out 8 batters. Another memorable game for Wright was defeating Miami, when he struck out a career-high 10 batters in a ballpark where visiting teams typically struggle. At 5’8’’ and 169 pounds, Wright is not the most physically imposing of ACC pitchers, but his seven wins were tied for 3rd most in the talent-rich conference. Cockeyesville, Maryland native Steve Bumbry launched the most home runs in the Peter Hughes era, with 10. Against High Point early in the season, Bumbry erupted for 3 long balls in the same game. Prior to the season, coach Hughes spoke of Bumbry, saying, “Steve is going to battle to get into the lineup this year. He’s had a lot of experience here at Virginia Tech, but he needs to be a more consistent performer offensively for us.” The junior answered the call with his power at the plate. A .283 batting average shows room for improvement, but with his play in 2008-09, Bumbry has set himself up for a strong senior season. Perhaps the best surprise player of the season was Ronnie Shaban, a freshmen utility player who was able to do whatever the coaches asked of him. In the first game of the season, he played
first base, even though he was typically a shortstop, where he saw most of his action at the remainder of the season. Shaban’s ability to play wherever he was needed, and play it well, was a big asset to the club this year. This season ended May 16, when Tech fell to the University of Virginia 6-4. However, the Hokies still took the series victory 2-1, winning the previous two nights in thrilling fashion. In the opening game of the series, Steve Bumbry’s walk-off home run in the 10th inning gave Tech the 5-4 win. That victory was the first in 13 tries against the Wahoos, and the first in coach Hughes’ tenure at the school. “I think [beating UVA] was one of those milestones you talk about; it was another hump to get over. One of those humps is getting to over .500; another is winning the league, and ultimately ending up in Omaha [in the College World Series]. The last five years, whenever anyone talks about college baseball in the state of Virginia, all the talk is about UVA. Our guys were tired of hearing that. Every year the guys are tired of hearing it, but there is a difference between being tired of hearing it and being talented and tired of hearing it, which we were this year,” the coach said of the season-ending win. As the Hokies wrap up the 2009 season, the team looks for much better things next season. Of the 34 players on the roster, only five are graduating. “We made a lot of strides as a program, but we are not satisfied with just winning 30 games, and not making the ACC tournament. We want to win the league and go to Omaha, and those goals will never change no matter what. We are happy, disappointed, and motivated. We are happy that our program no longer has a losing mindset; we are disappointed because we are not playing for the conference championship and beyond, but we are using that to motivate ourselves to reach those accomplishments as soon as possible,” Hughes stated. If this season is an indication, led by their ambitious young coach, they are well on their way.
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Men’s hoops undergoes mulitiple changes sports editor As Bob Dylan once said, “The times, they are a-changing.” On May 11, sophomore men’s basketball player Hank Thorns announced he has been released from his scholarship and plans to transfer. Less than a week later, the program announced that Allan Chaney, a 6’8’’ transfer from the University of Florida, would be joining the team next season. Beyond the shuffling of the playing roster, assistant coach Stacey Palmore announced his resignation on May 8. Thorns’ departure promptly opened up a scholarship spot on the Hokies roster for Chaney, a forward from New London High School in Connecticut. In two seasons with the Hokies, Thorns averaged 3.7 points and just less than 20 minutes a game. Thorns cited lack of playing time, along with his role within the offense, as his main reasons for transferring. He played both point guard and shooting guard in his career with the Hokies, and this past season was used primarily as an extra ball-handler on the floor to support guard Malcom Delaney. The Las Vegas native hopes to become a more prominent scorer at his next destination, which is yet to be determined. Despite the coincidence of Thorns’ departure and Chaney’s arrival soon thereafter, the coaching staff remains adamant that Thorns was not coaxed to leave the program to free up a scholarship, and had the full opportunity to
stay in Blacksburg. Chaney left Florida at the end of the 2008-09 season after being suspended by coach Billy Donovan for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Chaney also expressed his desire to play in an offense more suited to his skills. Chaney’s size and ability to play facing the basket should fit nicely in coach Seth Greenberg’s offense. In recent memory, players such as Coleman Collins and current Hokie Jeff Allen fit the bill of tall bodies that can stretch the floor with their face-up game. As a high school senior, Chaney was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Connecticut, averaging 26 points and 15 rebounds per game. On rivals.com, Chaney was rated as a four-star recruit, and the 96th-ranked player overall in the class of 2008. Chaney will not be eligible to play until the 2010-2011 season under NCAA rules. When he hits the floor, he could form a tough inside tandem with Allen. Coach Palmore’s departure from the program allowed him to take a similar post under Mark Fox at the University of Georgia. Palmore made a name for himself at Virginia Tech for his ability to recruit in the south, especially the state of Georgia. Palmore originally hails from Greenwood, South Carolina, and expressed his desire to coach closer to home as one reason for leaving Tech. There is no word yet on who will replace Palmore, but there is a possibility Adrian Autry, the Director of Basketball Operations, could be promoted to fill the void.
Out With the Old 2008 Production Averages per game
SPORTS
JOSH PARCELL
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DANIEL LIN/SPPS
Hank Thorns drives against Richmond as coach Greenberg looks on from behind on January 14, 2009
Earth
G
May 29-30: 7:00 & 9:15 May 31: 3:00, 7:00 & 9:15 June 1: 10:00, 7:00 & 9:15 June 2-4: 7:00 & 9:15
Hank Thorns (at VT) 2.7 points, 2.4 assists
In With the New
The Lyric Theatre 135 College Avenue ~ Movieline: 951.0604 www.thelyric.com
collegiatetimes.com may 28, 2009
Allan Chaney (at UF) 3 points, 2.1 rebounds
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Vick deserves second chance
As former Hokie Mike Vick returns home to Hampton, VA for the final two months of a 23-month dogfighting sentence, the questions concerning his JOSH future in the National PARCELL Football League are sports out in full force. It is editor not a question of if Vick will continue his pro football career in 2009; it is when and where he will continue it. When he does return to the field this fall, the franchise that takes that gamble on him will have to prepare for the onslaught of attention from the media, and the countless animal rights groups that will be knocking the doors of the stadium down in protest. There are many more reasons why a team should
take the chance on the former all-pro quarterback than why they should not. 95% of criminals deserve a second chance, and maybe 5% of criminals deserve a third chance. When Mike Vick is released from home confinement on July 20, he will begin his second chance. He has an opportunity to repair an image that was severely damaged two years ago. Vick has already reached out to several animal rights groups in an effort to be a spokesperson against dogfighting by urban teens. He has made numerous statements with the same message: “I can change.” Most importantly, Vick must change his own image. Legally, there are people involved in that dogfighting ring that he cannot see again. Beyond those people, he must realize which people are going to bring him down and which ones will be there to help him resurrect his once-enviable life. Back in 2007, a federal judge ruled
that fair punishment for Vick’s actions was 23 months in prison. When that comes to an end in July, his punishment is over. Therefore, he should be allowed to attempt to continue his career without any further reprimand. He must cherish the opportunity he has to play football and live a normal life again. If he does not do that, and falls into many of the same lifestyle choices he made before his sentence, then he will find himself back behind bars somewhere down the road, and then he will be out of chances. Until that happens, America needs to allow him that second chance. Many people argue that Vick’s criminal status should not warrant another opportunity to play in the most recognized professional sports league in the world. They argue that if someone in an ordinary profession had committed such a crime, they would never be rehired, yet Vick will earn millions of dollars again. That argument is fundamentally wrong. Imagine if Bill Gates commits a crime, completely unrelated to his profession (i.e. dogfighting). If I am starting a new computer company, and I can hire Bill Gates to run that business while paying
him minimum wage, I hire him on the spot. That is what will happen with Vick. He cannot help that the minimum veteran’s salary in the NFL is upwards of $600,000 annually. At one point in time, he was the highest paid player in the NFL, and arguably the single best gamechanger in the history of the sport. If a team believes he can contribute on the field again, and can grab him up for what is chump change in the NFL, it makes perfect sense to do so. It is too early to speculate which teams are going to show interest in signing Vick in late July, or even whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is going to reinstate Vick to the league (all signs point towards that happening). Most likely, the team that takes a chance on him will be a bottom-of-the-pack franchise in need of a spark. Above all, the thing that is helping Vick’s prospects is the sexy new trend in the NFL: the “Wildcat” formation. This style of offense typically utilizes a running back behind center in shotgun formation, along with motion handoffs to slot receivers, to create deception within the defense. Vick is the ultimate wildcat back.
The offense is designed to have an extremely fast player with the ball in his hands and, occasionally, be able to make a throw to keep the defense offbalance, as many running backs are not the most adept passers. However, with Vick’s howitzer-like arm strength and lightning-fast foot speed, he is equally dangerous running or passing in this formation, where players of lesser abilities in both aspects have recently had great success running those type of plays. For a team like St. Louis, San Francisco, Oakland, or Cincinnati—some of the worst teams in the NFL—having Vick operate that offense could improve their team drastically. When July 20 rolls around, and every news outlet in the country is watching his every move, Mike Vick will become a free man. After that, the world will watch as he repairs one of the most epic career free-falls in the history of sports. The critics will be many, and the naysayers will be everywhere. But we all should just sit back, and give Vick his second chance because you never know, he just might become “Mr. Electric” once again.
Hiking and camping attractions in the NRV HATTIE FRANCIS
collegiatetimes.com may 28, 2009
sports staff writer Taking classes over the summer may involve much time spent in dark, quiet classrooms, but students also may discover local outdoor attractions such as the Cascades, McAfee’s Knob, and Dragon’s Tooth. “I found out about hiking through my freshman roommate,” said rising senior Rachel Stair, “it was definitely through people.” Outdoor activities have become a regular part of Stair’s life at Virginia Tech. “I like to go hiking whenever I get a chance,” Stair said, “Especially if a group of my friends are going.” Tech offers an outdoor educational service through the University Unions and Student Activities’ Recreation Services, Venture Out. Located in the BreakZONE of Squires Student Center, this program educates students about the outdoors through low-risk adventures. These adventures include backpacking, canoeing, skiing, horseback riding, and more. Through Venture Out, students can rent tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment for their travels to local destinations. Instead of waiting to learn about different hiking trails around the New River Valley through the grapevine or visiting Venture Out at the beginning of the semester, read the following guide to the most popular outdoor attractions in the area:
Cascades “The Cascades is my favorite place
to hike,” said senior Amanda Thomas, “especially the scenic way.” The Cascades are located in Giles County, which is northwest of Blacksburg. Elevated 2,200-2,900 feet above sea level, there is a lower trail for more experienced hikers and an upper trail for casual hikers. A 69-foot waterfall that freezes almost every winter waits at the top of the hike. The trail is open year round and parking is free. However, the Jefferson National Forest does ask for donations upon parking at the recreational center at the start of the trail. To get to the Cascades, follow U.S. oute 460 west for approximately 13 miles to Pembroke, Virginia. From there, turn right onto Cascades Drive and keep straight for about four miles until the road turns into the paved Cascades parking lot. “I liked it because I had never been before and after coming up this giant hill and coming into a huge clearing with a waterfall was amazing,” Stair said. “It was really rewarding.”
McAfee’s Knob “If I had time to hike more, I would definitely go to McAfee’s Knob,” said rising junior Anne Curtis Saunders. Located on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee’s Knob provides a one-stop spot to see Catawba Valley, North Mountain, and Tinker Ridge. The 3.5mile hike is a moderate hike, depending on physical fitness. McAfee’s knob is just off Route 311 between Catawba and Roanoke County. The hike rises from about 2,000 feet to 3,197 feet in elevation. “It’s on the Appalachian Trial, so it’s a
more challenging hike,” Saunders said, “but when you get to the top it’s the best view.” The virtually 360-degree view gives you a jaw-dropping view of the Peaks of Otter, located in Bedford, over an hour north of McAfee’s Knob. Some have more personal reasons for enjoying McAfee’s Knob. “McAfee’s Knob is my favorite, for sure,” said graduating senior Becky Ashton. “My boyfriend, who is now my fiancé, purposed to me at the top. That and it has one of the best views.”
Dragon’s Tooth Though Dragon’s Tooth is known for being one of the hardest hikes in the New River Valley, it is only a 2.6mile hike up Cove Mountain on the Craig County and Roanoke County line. Like McAfee’s Knob, Dragon’s Tooth is also located on the Appalachian Trail and is marked by blue and white blazes to guide the way. “Dragon’s Tooth is also one of my favorites because it’s more challenging,” Ashton said. Ashton said this hike offers a different dimension than other area attractions. “The last half mile is a little bit more like rock and mountain climbing,” Ashton said. “When you get to the top you can climb the ‘tooth’; there are giant rocks that protrude straight up the edge of the mountain and you can climb to the top of those.” At its highest point, Dragon’s Tooth rises to just over 3,000 feet. For more hiking and camping guidelines, visit Venture Out once the 2009 fall semester begins.
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Spring Sports Roundup Men’s Tennis Virginia Tech junior Yoann Re dropped his opening round match May 20 at the NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Singles Championships. Ranked 55th in the latest ITA rankings, Re dropped a 6-3, 6-0, decision to Illinois’ 39th-ranked Dennis Nevolo, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He concludes the year with a 20-12 singles record, including a 4-1 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference dual matches.
Golf
collegiatetimes.com may 28, 2009
Virginia Tech shot a final-round 302 and finished in 12th place in the NCAA Austin Regional at the par 71, 7,412-yard University of Texas Golf Club in Austin, Texas on Saturday. The Hokies, the tournament’s 10th seed, posted a three-round total of 910. Senior Drew Weaver, famous on the Tech campus for his 2008 Masters appearance 2008, led the Hokies in his final collegiate tournament with a three-round total of eight over par at 221 and tied for 12th place. He finished 12 strokes behind
Lance Lopez of Texas, who claimed medalist honors.
Baseball The Virginia Tech baseball team fell short in its bid for a sweep over rival Virginia on Saturday, dropping a 6-4 decision to the 10th-ranked Cavaliers at English Field in the regular season finale. Hokie senior left fielder Klint Reed went 2-for-4 in his final appearance at English Field to finish a torrid, six-game stretch in which he went 15-for-27 with 11 runs scored. Sophomore first baseman Austin Wates and junior right fielder Mike Kaminski also added two hits apiece for Tech, one of Kaminski’s being a solo home run.
Track & Field Seniors Natalie Sherbak, Erin Reddan, Billy Berlin, and sophomore Hunter Hall all tallied victories for the Virginia Tech track and field squad at the Tar Heel and Aggie Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Sunday. The first gold medal on the track
came via senior Billy Berlin who, in his first 800-meter race this season, regionally qualified with an effort of 1:50.05. Berlin is also regionally qualified in the 1,500-meters. Sophomore Chris Walizer shattered his career best in the 800-meters, posting a time of 1:51.82 to take fifth overall. In the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, senior Erin Reddan finished with a season-best time of 10:49.19. She won the event in only her second time competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase this season. Senior Natalie Sherbak capped off the Tech victories of the day in the women’s 5,000-meters, running a 17:13.61 to finish first. Sophomore Jessica Trapeni put together a strong showing in the race, as well. The Fairfax, Va., native clocked a careerbest 17:38.27 to place second.
Club Sports Men’s Lacrosse traveled to Dallas for their national championship tournament, where they lost in the opening round 14-11 to Simon Fraser College in British Colombia. In their second and final game, they were defeated by Colorado State in
overtime. They finished the season ranked 20th in the nation. The wakeboard team finished third overall in the nation. They competed at nationals in San Diego. The national championships will be televised by CBS College Sports at a date in the near future. Three members of the cycling team brought home hardware from the ACC championships at Wake Forest Sara Hanson beat her colsest competitor by more than 150 points, winning the overall category A outright. Matt Dockins, as well as Reid Beloni, won the division 1 title in category C and category A, respectively. The softball team qualified for its fourth straight national championship tournament, and finished the season ranked 12th in the nation. The triathlon team finished 15th in the nation after traveling to Lubbock, Texas for the national competition. The men’s volleyball team traveled to Kansas City for the national championships, but failed to advance. They entered the tournament seeded fifth overall, but lost in pool play to Colorado and #12 Arizona. The final match of their season came in a close
loss to #10 UC Santa Barbara. They wrapped up their season ranked inside the top 20 nationally. Women’s Volleyball also traveled to Kansas City, where they failed to advance to the finals of the national tounrament. They finished the season ranked inside the top 20 as well.
KUMAR VEETRAG/SPPS
Yoann Re returns a serve earlier in the season