Vinton Voice (Volume 2, Issue 4) January 27, 2010

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Welcome Home to Lt. Col Keith Stone!!

Janine and Frank Stone had a GLORIOUS weekend.

Their younger son, Lt. Col. Keith Stone, his wife, Kristy, and 4 of their 5 children were here for the weekend.

Keith is on a two-week leave from Afghanistan.

Also, daughter, Jennifer Hoffman, with husband, Jerry, and their grandson, Kaden, flew in from Bakersfield, California.

Ron and his son, Christopher, and Leslie’s son, Michael rounded out the family get together.

It was a great family reunion.

Keith departed Monday morning to return to Afghanistan and will end this tour of duty at the end of June. This was his first tour of duty in Afghanistan. He previously served time in Bootie Bell Chewning Bosnia and Iraq. . Kristy found Skypes (telephone with video) is a great way for son Brayden (4) and the rest of the family to BOO_TEE@msn.com keep in touch with their dad. Keith is also on Facebook (Friend Him) and send him messages as Janine says just one sentence from him a day keeps their spirits up. Knowing he is Ok. Just want to say thank you Keith and all those that are serving. You all are our heroes!!! Hurry home in June safely. Love Ya!!

Congratulations to Allison Perry & Tyler Monger on their engagement. Allison is a WBHS grad., Washington & Lee U undergrad, U. Of Richmond Law school. Now an attorney with a Firm in Richmond. Tyler is a grad of Midlothan H.S. & VMI and is territory Manager with Safeware.

An August wedding is planned. Also Congrats to Kristen Rawling and Nezir Mujkie. Kristen is a WBHS Grad and currently attending Radford U. Their big day will be in June. Best Wishes to both couples!!!!

Get well wishes and prayers go out to Becky Nunley (RMH Rm. 885), Cinderella Williamson (Now At Home), Ray Wells, Frances Fisher ( Friendship Manor) , Floyd Heath (home), Dreama Ferguson Howard ( Do much better, home N.C.), Rosemary Sink, Bill Hufton, Michele Yeatts (Lewis Gale Rn 661) fighting a battle with cancer . Send her a card. Another reason we Relay.

Need to beat that Cancer.

Get your team together for Vinton’s Relay for life Now!!!

Friday night Jan 29 at 6:00 pm at Thrasher Memorial Methodist Church It’s Family MOVIE NIGHT, Bring your blanket & pillow to watch the movie UP and then stay up to watch “Night At the Museum 2” . Hot dogs, chips, drinks and candy provided. Everyone is welcome to come to

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one or both/ what more could you ask for. A fun Time!!

Ron Dowling Guitarist/ vocalist will be performing in concert free Saturday Feb 6 at 7:00pm at the Scared Grounds Coffee House at Thrasher . Everyone is invited. Another fun thing to do.

Welcome Home Mary Beth & Chris Monroe.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Pat Gordon (1/28) ., Angela Manseau, Janett Leffell, Monica West, Hal Mabe,John Minnich,Stacie Brown Brinkley, hope you all have or had a good one.

Congratulatons !! to Lee & Jane Brogan who just celebrated their 16th Anniversary.

May you have many more!!!

Lindsey Bell & Amber Wells , Valerie Bell, Chase & Cade Hendricks , Ginger, Troy, Leighton &Addison Huffman (Richmond) all had a great time at the Mexican restaurant for dinner last Saturday night. After dinner they all went to see Amber’s new pet turtle that she named GooGoo. He is her first pet and a lot of fun to watch swim around. No Clean Up!!

Sydney Perrington joined Abbie Lewis for a Sleepover and they made necklaces and laughed a lot. Don’t think there was much sleeping. Just a fun time.

Congratulations to Chuck Lionberger on finishing the half marathon recently at Disney World in Orlando. Way to Go Chuck !!!! Proud of you!

Welcome Home From India and all your traveled places. To Mary Beth & Chris Monroe , We are so glad you all are back safe and sound.

I know it was wonderful can’t wait to hear about it. Hope you’re over the jet lag and trying to stay warm after the 90 degree weather there.

Tune in Saturday night on TNT to watch the Miss America Pageant and cheer on our Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron. Go Caressa !!!!!!!!!

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Vinton’s Myers a key component in February 6th Valley Shootout Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief

Zakk Moorman was WBHS’ top finisher at the Big Orange Photo by Danny Cruff

116 S. Poplar Street - Suite 1 Vinton, VA 24179 540-904-5836 - Office 540-904-5838 - Fax info@vintonvoice.com www.vintonvoice.com

EDITORIAL Chris Manning Publisher

chris@vintonvoice.com Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief

dan@vintonvoice.com Jacob Clifton Delivery/General

info@vintonvoice.com Brian Manning Circulation Director

brian@vintonvoice.com

COLUMNISTS Bootie Bell Chewning General Info

BOO_TEE@msn.com Michele Gunter Lifestyle

avoiceofreason@vintonvoice.com

CONTRIBUTORS Danny Cruff Contributor

dannycruffphotography@cox.net Barbara Dillon Contributor

news@vintonvoice.com Katie Martin Terrier Times

news@vintonvoice.com John A. Montgomery Special Contributor

jmonty@cox.net Will Trent Terrier Times

news@vintonvoice.com Danae Wensley Contributor

news@vintonvoice.com Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved by Vinton Voice Newspapers

The Vinton Voice accepts and encourages letters to the editor.

Letters must not exceed 400 words, must be signed and accompany contact information of the writer for verification purposes. Send to editor@ vintonvoice.com with the subject line ‘Letter to the Editor.’

For the third year, the Member One Valley Shootout will be at the Salem Civic Center on February 6, with a familiar face to Vinton leading the way behind the scenes.

Steve Myers, who’s son Chad played at William Byrd, has been highly involved in basketball in the area for years. Besides five years spent as an assistant coach for the NBDL’s now-defunct Roanoke Dazzle, he coached AAU for 12 years and ran a basketball camp in Catawba, North Carolina for 16 years.

Needless to say, Myers is kind of basketball crazy.

“I see about 200 some High School games a year,” he said.

Shootout co-organizer Woody Deans had done the same even years ago according to Myers, who one day a few years back was in Boston, Massachusetts watching a prep tournament when the gears starting turning in his head about bringing the event to the Roanoke Valley. With the first year’s funding already figured out, Myers ran the idea by Dean, and it took just around 30 minutes he says for Dean to agree to it.

This year, four games will draw fans in featuring Roanoke Valley players as well as some of the top players nationally, who also happen to be playing in Virginia and North Carolina.

“The biggest thing is, its your opportunity to see some talent [in person] you are going to see on TV for the next four years,” Myers said.

The marque game will take place at 8 p.m. when Cave Spring, a team that William Byrd fans became accustomed to early in the season, battles Christ School from Arden, North Carolina. The highlight of that game will be what is billed as “The Battle of the Big Men,” between Cave Spring’s 6-11 Josh Henderson and Christ School’s 7-foot Marshall Plumlee.

“Two seven footers– you dont see that very much in the Valley,” Myers says profoundly.

Other than just height, the contest showcases two future Division I talents.

Henderson, who will be headed to Vanderbilt next year, and Plumlee – a junior – who has offers from Duke, Indiana, Florida and LSU, among others.

Christ School also boasts 3-star guard Eric Smith who will play next year at South Carolina and 6-9 wing Lucas Troutman, who will play next season at Elon. The game will also feature former teammates in Cave Spring head coach Billy Hicks and Christ School coach David Gaines, who played together at Roanoke College.

On the undercard for the evening features Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, VA) battles Miller School (Charlottesville) at 6:30 pm with the

Photo by Dan Vance

Josh Henderson, guarding Byrd’s Derrick Palmer on an in bounds pass earlier this year, is part of the marquee matchup at the Feb.6 event as he faces off with Marshall Plumlee from Christ School (NC). future Division I matchup of Baye Moussa Keita (Oak Hill; Syracuse) and Mychal Parker (Miller; Maryland). Prior to that game, ESPN’s top ranked post-graduate program from Hargrave Military Academy will face Fishburne Military Academy. Hargrave, described by Myers as a very up tempo team, boasts many soon-to-be Division I players and prospect Shawn Kemp Jr., son of the former NBA dunk specialist of the same name.

The opening contest will be at 3 pm with Patrick Henry, where Deans played, coached and was the Athletic Director, as they do battle with Lake Norman, from North Carolina.

While the event does not feature any player or team specific draw to the residents of Vinton, Myers knows that there are things that should interest the town, especially the basketball players of all ages.

“It gives the players in the Vinton area a chance to see what talent there is out there and what they need to do to improve their game,” he said.

Myers also believes that Vinton kids could prosper from the many college coaches expected to be in attendance, witch coaches seeing how much talent they may be missing in the Valley, they may be prone to check out more games in the area.

Tickets for the event on February 6 are just $10, with half of the admission going to the Salem Kiwanis Club.

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Obituaries DOROTHY “DOT” SMITH COOK, of Vinton went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 18, 2010.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ophus “O.B.” Cook of 61 years. She was born in Giles County on January 24, 1924 to Walter K. Smith and Elsie Via Smith. She was a charter member of Parkway Wesleyan Church.

Three brothers, Morgan, Gordon, and Walter K. Smith, Jr. and a sister, Kathleen Spicer, preceded her in death.

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Wayne Sanders of Roanoke and Leta and Fred Hilton of The Villages, FLA; four grandsons; eight great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Merrill Jackson of Cary, NC; brother and sister-in-law, Dewaine and Joyce Smith of Pilot; sister-in-law, Pearl Smith of Hillsville; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts are asked to make them to Carilion Hospice Services.

The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Thursday at Parkway Wesleyan Church with Pastor John Ott and Pastor Mike Lauridsen officiating. Burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Christiansburg. A reception will follow the burial at the church at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.

JAMES RUDOLPH (JUNIOR) PORTERFIELD, JR., 71, of Roanoke died Monday morning, January 25, 2010. James was preceded in death by his parents, James R., Sr. and Grace Louise Robertson Porterfield and his nephew, Kenneth John Hancock. He is survived by his sisters, Dorothy P. Owen and husband, Maynard, and Nancy P. Hancock, all of Roanoke; his brother, John W. Porterfield of Roanoke; several nieces and nephews; and close friend, Lola Gill of Roanoke.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Rev. Dr. Eric Spano officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Roanoke County. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Life Center, 3000 Pitzer Road, Roanoke, VA 24014 in James’ memory. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 982-2221.

In Brief No Parking on block of S.Pollard St.

Beginning on Monday 1 February 2010, the east block of South Pollard St. from East Lee Ave. to Washington Ave. will be posted as “No Parking Anytime”. This is the only section of South Pollard St. that will be affected by this change and no parking changes are being made on Lee Ave. The parking restriction is being made at the recommendation of the Town’s Highway Safety Commission, who reviewed this matter in detail at meetings in July and October 2009. The intersection of South Pollard St. and Lee Ave. is a point of congestion causing traffic backups to northbound traffic on South Pollard St. and to Lee Ave. traffic turning northbound onto South Pollard St. Also, safety concerns arose that emergency vehicles from the Town or City could be blocked or delayed while travelling through this intersection, thus posing a risk to public safety.

Restricting parking at all times was determined to be the best solution along this block.

The Highway Safety Commission’s recommendation was presented to Vinton Town Council at its 1 December 2009 meeting. Council directed staff to seek input from affected businesses on South Pollard St. and some on Lee Ave. Response received to letters was minimal, with some expressing concerns about parking inconvenience from the proposed change. After careful deliberation, Council reached a final decision at its 19 January 2010 meeting to approve the Highway Safety Commission’s recommendation. In the final analysis, Town Council came down on the side of public safety, which it felt must take priority over any inconvenience that may result from this new parking restriction.

Motorists are requested to observe these public safety parking restrictions when they become effective on 1 February 2010. The Town recognizes that there will be some inconvenience to affected businesses and patrons. However, postal customers can use the post office parking lot and the Town has a 14-space municipal lot, just west of the post office; as well as the Farmer’s Market public parking lot with ample spaces available. All of these parking lots are within a short walking distance from business locations along South Pollard St. and East Lee Ave.

Partnering for Privilege at William Byrd

Giving your keys to a new teen driver?

Did you know?

Nationally over 5000 teens die in traffic crashes each year!

The crash rate for 16 year olds is 9x that of the general population.

Half of all teen drivers will be in a crash before they turn 20.

If a member of your family is preparing for the licensing process, you are invited to join other parents and students for a Partnering for the Privilege, Safe Teen Driving Program at a high school near you! As a parent or guardian, you are a key player in influencing teens to drive safely and responsibly.

Partnering for the Privilege is safe teen driving presentation designed for parents and students in the driver licensing process. The program brings together parents, students, schools, law enforcement and community resources in an effort to increase awareness and knowledge regarding teen drivers with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of car crashes and saving the lives of teen drivers and those with whom they share the road.

The meetings, held at each of the five high schools, will be approximately 90 minutes long and include the following agenda: The Real Risks for Teen Drivers An Overview of the Driver Education Program Teen Traffic Laws and the Graduated Licensing Restrictions - Roanoke County Police Department Insuring the Teen Driver – Allstate Insurance Dealing with a Teen Crash from a Parent’s Perspective The following meeting dates are available to provide access to all parents. If the meeting at your child’s school is not convenient or timely, you are encouraged to attend a meeting at any other site. Valuable resources and door prizes will be provided at each meeting!

One Thursday, February 18, the event will be in the Library of William Byrd High School from 7-8:30pm.

If you have questions please contact: Barry Trent, Coordinator for Health, Physical Education and Driver Education at Roanoke County Public Schools.

Phone: (540) 562-3900, ext. 10255 Email at btrent@rcs.k12.va.us.

Roanoke County Sheriff announces retirement

Sheriff Gerald Holt announced his retirement at 10:00 a.m. on January 20 in front of the Roanoke County Courthouse in Salem.

Sacred Grounds Performance

The Sacred Grounds Coffee House at Thrasher Church will present guitarist/vocalist Ron Downing on February 6 from 7-9pm. The event is free.

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Okay, so maybe I’m a few weeks late to make predictions for the upcoming year, but ah what the heck, I’m going to do it anyway. Why, you ask? Well basically because I see a lot of bright things in a lot of futures so since this is the Voice of Vinton, I figure we might as well get our say as well.

Sports-

• Jake Mankin will receive dozens of post season honors and a scholarship to play basketball at the next level.

Chris Manning Considering he’s the leading scorer in the entire area (at last chris@vintonvoice.com count he’s even ahead of the 6’11 phenom from Cave Spring, Josh Henderson, who is on his way to Division I Vanderbilt) and in the top five in rebounding. Watching Jake play this year brought back memories of some of the great Byrd hoop stars of the past and the effortless was he dominates the game has got to be getting attention from someone, somewhere other than just Dan, myself and the Byrd faithful.

• The girls’ basketball team will get on track and make a nice postseason run. They are too focused, too dedicated and have too much leadership for it not to happen.

• Byrd’s largest sports success this year will come in the spring sports. The baseball team will return to be state contenders, led by the left/right duo of McMillan and Bowles with Clifton, Stidham and possibly even Derrick Palmer (c’mon Palmer, just say yes) contributing to make the first year coaching duo’s debut season a success.

• The track, softball and soccer teams will also make nice runs in the postseason, reminding me of the days when the state tournaments sometimes nearly interfered with graduation, because all the teams went so deep in the tournaments.

• A long-time, big name coach will unexpectedly retire from their sport for no other reason than they want to spend time with their family.

Town-

• In the Town Council election, Matthew Hare will maintain his newly appointed council seat, nearly matching the overwhelming amount of votes Wes Nance received in the last Council election.

• Vinton will land a large name tenant for the Vinton Motors building that will bring people to Vinton and in turn will bring more businesses to Vinton.

• The Vinton Relay for Life team will eclipse all of their goals and once again be a strong team in the state.

School-

• The WB Players will take more national honors.

• WBHS and MPES will still be under construction.

• The Terrier Times newspaper will be honored for its outstanding work.

• One or more of the four (Mt. Pleasant, Herman L. Horn, W.E. Cundiff and Bonsack) elementary schools will be honored nationally.

Photos by Dan Vance (top) and Submitted by Matthew Hare (bottom)

Jake Mankin and Matthew Hare could be the big winners in Vinton in 2010.

What do any of these predictions mean?

Probably nothing, I’m not looking into a crystal ball, I’m basically just throwing things out there that will hopefully get people talking. As far as the Voice, we will continue to (hopefully) “wow” you with new, fresh and exciting things. We will continue to be your Voice for the community and be the source that the area depends on. For me personally, I’m going to spend a lot of time missing my wife Ashlee, unless she starts coming with me to everything.

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Everybody Reads the Voice

When you are at the Big Orange, what better is there to do next to watch wrestling, but read about the Big Orange in the January 20 issue of the Voice. Last Saturday, Andy Nicely (former William Byrd High School State Wrestling Champion) shows that even when they should be announcing...Everybody Reads the Voice.

06 VOICE

Reserve Your Spot Today– it’s easy!

classifieds

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Reach the Vinton Voice by phone at 540.904.5836 By fax at 540.904.5838 Or via e-mail at info@vintonvoice.com

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Students Raise Money for Haiti Katie Martin Terrier Times Students at William Byrd High School found their own way to help the disasterstricken Haiti. Between Tuesday, January 19 and Thursday, January 22, language clubs and the Diversity Club raised over $200 to send Haiti.

People from all over the world have been touched by the tragic events and stories which are continuously being reported from the impoverished island nation of Haiti. Before the

earthquake, Haiti was already considered one of the poorest nations in the western hemisphere.

Since the earthquake on January 12, the death toll seems to have continuously risen. It is now estimated that hundreds of thousands are dead because of it.

“I found out about the earthquake on the news,” said Cammie Williams, the WBHS French teacher who organized the fundraiser.

“I e-mailed the language department and the Spanish Club officers said that they wanted to participate. The Diversity Club agreed to participate as well. But it hasn’t just been students from those clubs – students in all

language classes have been helping.”

Students from the clubs gave up their lunch periods and collected money outside of the WBHS cafeteria. Juniors Kate Thrasher and Tyler Callahan were two volunteers for the week-long fundraiser.

“Students donated the most, but teachers donated as well,” Thrasher said. “It made me feel good to help out with the table.”

Callahan spent a few lunches outside the cafeteria. In his experience, most people donated around two dollars, but there were a few who donated $20 at once.

Junior Jasmine Patriquin donated to the relief fund.

“It made me feel good to donate because it’s a good cause,” Patriquin said. “My mom’s preschool sponsors a child in Haiti. We receive letters from her, but since the earthquake we haven’t been able to hear from her yet.”

All money raised will be donated to the Haiti Outreach Ministries, a missionary organization that was created before the earthquake. Also known as HOM, it provides food, medical care and education for the people of Haiti.

The charitable outpouring within the three days of the fundraiser last week was inspiring to many. Students and faculty will be able to donate this week as well.

“I’m really proud of the generous response from students,” Williams said.

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Danae Wensley Town of Vinton Calling all tree lovers! The Roanoke Tree Steward Program Needs You! Many people love trees for their beauty, or the shade they provide on a hot summer day.

But did you know that trees are natural filters that help reduce busy traffic noise? Or that they absorb harmful pollutants?

These are just a few of the interesting facts you could learn by participating in the Roanoke Tree Steward Program. You would also learn about the anatomy and biology of trees, how to prune trees, the best places to plant trees and much more.

The Tree Steward Program began last year, as a joint effort between the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department and the Virginia Department of Forestry. As a result there are seventeen stewards in the area, with

PHOTOS

another twenty still in training.

Interested people began by filling out an application, then taking an 11-week class and completing two field days.

Class graduates must also complete thirty volunteer hours within a year of finishing the class (after the first year, the commitment is twenty volunteer hours per year). The program is open to residents of Roanoke, Salem, Vinton or any of the surrounding areas who or 14 or older.

Melanie Van Guilder participated in the first round of classes, which began in January 2009. She says she and her husband were looking for volunteer opportunities and had heard about a Lynchburg-area Tree Steward Program, but no such program existed in Roanoke at the time. Van Guilder contacted the Urban Forestry Department to suggest that a

Photos by Dan Vance

On Monday at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School, the cafeteria workers helped carry out a campaign during lunch hours.

Picture, fifth grade W.E. Cundiff students got the chance to experience some of the dinosaur themed events, including real dinosaur artifacts shown to the children, plenty of decorations in the cafeteria and even on it’s workers. Also, what would lunch have been without a visit from one of the big green guys himself, who greeted the children. All age groups took part in the events during their lunch periods.

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program be developed.

“I’ve always loved trees and it is a wonderful way to give back to the community and improve the environment,” she said.

Since being a Tree Steward, Van Guilder has pruned many trees and helped with postflood cleanup by removing debris from trees and righting trees, among other things. She also serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the program.

The Tree Steward Program also tries to educate the general public about the importance and benefits of trees. They have previously sponsored booths at community events, are putting together tree walks and are speaking with local schools about organizing events for Arbor Day. Van Guilder would like to encourage anyone with a love of trees or concern for the environment to consider being part of the Tree Steward Program.

“Don’t hesitate. Currently, we are only able to offer one round of classes per year, but we will add more as soon as we get enough interest,” she said.

The current round of Tree Steward classes began on January 11, but they have already started a waiting list for another. To add your name, or for more information about the Roanoke Tree Steward Program, please contact Urban Forestry Planner Helen Smythers at 540-853-5225 or helen.smythers@roanokeva. gov.

For more information about the Town of Vinton and the programs we offer, please visit our website at www.vintonva.gov. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube by searching for “Vinton.”

Photo of Roanoke Tree Stewards by Melanie Van Guider

Photo of Don and Carolyn Williams, Bootie Bell Chewning and Angie Lewis by Danny Cruff

PHOTOS (1)

Kickoff to the Relay

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Vinton’s Relay for Life 2010 has begun. On Tuesday night, January 19, 2010, William Byrd High School was the site of our Kickoff Celebration.

The American Cancer Society’s national theme is Less Cancer - More Birthdays so we had a 70s Retro Birthday Party including 70s Clothing, 70’s Music, dancing to ’Shake Your Groove Thing’ and plenty of good food.

Mayor Brad Gross and Dr. Richard Turner, WBHS Principal, both welcomed everyone to our Kickoff. Chris Lawrence and Mary Beth Layman were also in attendance. Walt Hodges brought the Invocation and then it was time to eat.

Co-Chairmen of the event, Don and Carolyn Williams, introduced the Chairs for the event and thanked them for their commitment to Relay for Life.

After dancing, led by Bootie Chewning, things turned more solemn with our Keynote Speaker Julie Gilliam along with her daughters, Lauren and Caroline. Six year old, Lauren is currently battling CANCER and has 100 days of chemo left.

The spirit of this child touched our hearts.

Julie had every survivor in the room come forward and light a candle to place on our birthday cake. Our birthday is now the number of years surviving the BEAST we call cancer.

A great turnout of between 65 and 70 folks joined us for the Kickoff and everyone is ready to RELAY FOR A CURE. LET’S DO IT AGAIN IN 2010. Our goal if $85,000, 60 Teams, 600 Participants and 300 Survivors. You will soon be approached by Committee Chairs to donate, form a team or volunteer. If you are a Survivor, please contact Don and Carolyn Williams, (540) 344-3142 so you will receive an invitation to Vinton Relay for Life 2010 and walk proudly in the Survivor’s Walk.

Ricky Carr spent his Saturday afternoon and evening taking in the Big Orange Wrestling Tournament at Byrd (1). Camera in hand, the long time local coach made himself at home mat side throughout the event, including the evening’s finals.

Attendance at the Big Orange wasn’t the only thing setting the town on fire last weekend. Early Saturday afternoon, a broiler fire brought out the Vinton Fire Department to Burger King (2) on Hardy Road. While the damage is believed to be mostly minimal, the location was still closed as of press time.

(3)

(4)

Last Wednesday, Miss Smith Mountain Lake Victoria Jordan, a student at Liberty University, visited William Byrd to sing the national anthem (3) at Pack the Gym night prior to the Byrd girl’s game against Staunton River. Jordan had the crowd, including Miss SML co-director and WBHS coach Amanda Stump (4) on their toes during the excellent performance.

Photos by Danny Cruff (1, 3, 4) and Dan Vance (2)

VOICE 09

Hare takes over vacant Council spot >32-year old father of three finds new home in spot left by Billy Obenchain 32 year old Matthew Hare was recently appointed to Vinton Town Council to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Billy Obenchain.

Hare is married to wife Julie and has three children, daughters Savannah and Madison and son Jackson. The Voice recently had a chance to speak with the new appointed councilman and got his thoughts. Hare also mentioned his admiration for the current members of council and their wealth of knowledge and experience and is looking forward to learning from them.

Voice: What made you decide to turn in your paperwork to be considered by council for the position left open by Mr. Obenchain?

Hare: I’ve enjoyed living in the town, I’ve been here about ten years. A couple years ago I served on the Greenway commission and I liked the idea of being able to represent Vinton. I like the small town atmosphere and sense of community and I felt this was a way for me to be able to represent that. When this opportunity came up, I thought about it and thought this might be another opportunity for me to be able to step in and

lend a hand.

Voice: What is your day job?

Hare: I’m a financial analyst for Kollmorgen.

Voice: So I assume that was a strong reason you were suggested, especially with the budget coming up.

Hare: I wasn’t part of those deliberations, but I hope it helped.

Voice: What are your expectations, coming in at what would have been the end of Mr. Obenchain’s term? Also, without letting any cats out of the bag, so to speak, do you plan to run for your seat in the election?

Hare: I’ve not decided whether or not to run, there’s a whole lot to think about. I’m just very honored that council has given me the opportunity and I’m aware there are big shoes to fill with Billy’s seat. I’m looking forward to being able to jump in and give some of my expertise in finances and hoping that will be an asset to town.

Voice: What are some of the things you’d like to accomplish, even if it is just the short term, if you decide not to run? What are some of the things you’d like to look back and know you were instrumental in accomplishing?

Photo Submitted by Matthew Hare

Hare with his two daughters during a beach trip last year.

Hare: I think that a small town has a lot of offer for a lot of people and Vinton in particular.

We have some unique natural resources available that I’d love to see more people get involved with and maybe spotlight a little more.

That may be because of the time I’ve spent with the Greenways, but ours are fantastic. Our in Vinton is unique in comparison to what they have in Salem, Roanoke City and the County. I’d really love to draw some more attention to that to showcase that. It would be nice to finish it and connect it to the

rest of the County and hope that it would bring more attention to Vinton, letting people know it is a great place to live, a great place to work and a great place to visit. Hopefully when people see something like that they may want to come invest in our community.

I’d love to see more revitalization done downtown and I know that is something council is working towards. There is a lot we could do downtown to draw people to Vinton instead of just through Vinton. I’d like to see Vinton become a destination.

the voice of vinton...this year and beyond

10 VOICE

2010

Vinton’s Older Grammar School In 1929 my dad was working in Meadville, Pa., up near Lake Erie. He worked for the J.P. Pettyjohn Company and they were building American Viscoe Plants.

When the banks crashed and the “Great Depression” started he and the others lost their jobs. Our family of mother and dad and four children moved back to Vinton and into my Grandmother’s big house on Second Street.

We came back to Vinton in December of 1930 and that is when I enrolled in Vinton Elementary School and was located in the old white fourroom building out in front of the present Roland E. Cook Building. I was in the middle of the second grade. There were four rooms and a hall in the middle of the one-story building. We had desks with fold up seats and they were wide enough for two children. The top desk had a slot in it to hold your pencil and an ink well hole to hold your bottle of ink. We had writing lessons and would put our stick pen into the ink to write every stroke. We practiced push and pulls and ovals regularly so we would form our letter correctly.

Before school started every day and at lunch time, the principal would come out the front door and hand ring a large school bell to let the children know it was time to line up and march into the school house. First and second graders were in the white building and as they were promoted to higher grades they would go into the brick building. That was wonderful and always looked forward to.

In those days everyone brought their lunch or would go home if they lived close by.

Holidays were very special and the school would always plan exciting things to do. There were special Christmas programs and children would draw a classmates name for an inexpensive gift, Easter egg hunts, May pole dances and a Valentine Box on Valentine’s Day. Remember the box that the teacher would help the class to decorate and have a slot on top so children could drop in valentines for their class mates? Sometimes we would make valentines in class or even at home. You could buy valentines in a box for ten cents for ten or fifteen valentines of pretty shapes and very colorful. You could even buy a real fancy, lacy one for a nickel. And remember the comic valentines you could buy for a penny. They were usually on a big sheet of paper. Then just before we went home at the end of the day the valentine box would be opened and the children would delight in their valentines and try to see who got the most. Remember these were depression days and costs were in line with the times.

After about a year my dad got a job with the Town of Vinton and we lived there until all of us children were grown. After I got married and World War II was over my husband and I moved back to Vinton and have raised our family here and my address is still Vinton, VA. Yes, Vinton is a wonderful little town, has great schools, and is a great place to call home.

VOICE 11

William Byrd At

FEBRUAR

Monday

1

All WBHS basketball games times are for JV, followed by Varsity games, unless otherwise noted.

8

Tuesday

2

WBHS Swimming BR District at Gator Aquatic @ 7:30

9

WBHS Boys Basketball vs. Lord Botetourt @ 6:00

The girls bid a home farewell to Sammi Webster, Brittany Mattox, Lauren James and Emily Hanna

WBHS Girls JV Basketball @ Franklin County 6pm

15

WBHS Boys Basketball BRD Tournament TBA

WBHS Girls Basketball BRD Tournament TBA

22

WBHS Boys Basketball Regional Play in

VOICE

WBHS Girls Basketball vs. Alleghany (Senior Night) 6pm

16

WBHS Girls Basketball BRD Tournament @ William Byrd

23

Make sure to get your final look at Winter sports before the Spring bloom s WBHS Girls Basketball Region III Tournament TBA

Wednesday

3

PLAY FO CURE R THE NIGH T WBHS Girls Basketball vs. Lord Botetourt @ 6:00

10

WBHS Boys Basketball vs. Alleghany (Senior Night) @ 6pm

17

WBHS Boys Basketball BRD Tournament @ Staunton River

24

WBHS Boys Basketball Region III Tournament @ Spotswood

Thursday

4

WBHS I District @

WBHS Boy vs. Staunton

11

Honoring Senior Palmer, Jake Ma Hayden, Will Tren Hammond, Eric Jordan Ronnin Leon Willia

18

Will S wimm in place ment g at Stay t u n e week end to d fin

25

WBHS I S

WBHS Girl Region II @ Je

thletic Schedules

RY 2010

Indoor Track @ Liberty 4pm

ys Basketball n River @ 6:00

rs Derrick ankin, Ben nt, Michael Pearson, ng and ams

g rep eat State? this nd ou t!

Indoor Track State @ Liberty

ls Basketball II Tournament efferson Forest

Friday

Saturday

5

6

WBHS Wrestling BRD Tournament @ Northside

WBHS Girls Basketball vs. Northside @ 6:00

12

WBHS Boys Basketball @ Alleghany 6pm WBHS Wrestling Region III Tournament @ Turner Ashby

19

WBHS Wrestling State Tournament @ Salem Civic Center

WBHS Boys Basketball BRD Tournament @ Staunton River WBHS Swimming State Tournament @ Old Dominion

WBHS Girls Basketball BRD Tournament @ Staunton River

26

WBHS Boys Basketball Region III Tournament @ Spotswood WBHS Indoor Track State @ Liberty

WBHS Boys Basketball vs. Martinsville @ 6pm WBHS Girls Basketball @ Glenvar 1pm

13

WBHS Wrestling Region III Tourny @ Turner Ashby WBHS Swimming Region III @ JMU 3pm

26 20

WBHS Wrestling State Tournament @ Salem Civic Center

WBHS Swimming State Tournament @ Old Dominion WBHS Indoor Track Region III @ Liberty

26 27

WBHS Girls Basketball Region III Tournament @ Jefferson Forest

WBHS Baseball Scrimmage vs. Patrick Henry 12pm

VOICE 13

Colonial Downs Photos by Chris Manning and Danny Cruff

Colonial Downs, home to things both expected and not. Last weekend, the venue hosted a Comedy Night, sponsored by the Vinton Voice, with a sold out crowd in attendance.

Colonial Downs: there is more to it than what you think Chris Manning Publisher Everybody loves the ponies, right? Colonial Downs sure thinks so and here in Vinton we have one of their eight off track betting facilities next to the Lancerlot. The Vinton location is one of the newer locations for the company, after having locations in Richmond and the eastern part of the state, the move was made to the southwest portion of the state, allowing us to have what Darrell Wood, marketing director for Colonial Downs, calls an entertainment facility.

14 VOICE

First, let’s explain exactly what Colonial Downs is. Colonial Downs is Virginia’s only pari-mutuel horse racetrack, and it’s located in New Kent County. While the horses are racing nearly year-round, the action takes place in the off track betting facilities, such as ours here in Vinton. This particular location was brought here a little over five years ago and was a source of some struggle, but eventually the town allowed the track to come and it has been described by both sides as something good.

While the facility has garnered quite a bit of interest just from the horse racing alone, there are still some people in the area who have yet to make the journey “it’s kind of like the batting

cages, you know it’s there, you drive by it, but it is a bit of an unknown” says Wood. Inside you will find 100 televisions screens with live racing, via satellite, from as many as a dozen racetracks and wager on those races. There is also a cocktail lounge and places for meals. Also, Colonial Downs has instrumented a few things outside of the normal facility amenities, such as the recent Comedy Night and Thursday night poker. There are also things like their widely popular “Tic-Track-Dough” which combines horse racing and bingo, “we’re trying to make it more of an avenue where people can socialize and have a good time” says Wood “maybe make a bet or two, get used to the experience of betting and cashing a winning ticket.”

Unlike a casino, the tracks actually want their betters to win. The term pari-mutuel wagering is defined as a system of betting on races whereby the winners divide the total amount bet, after deducting management expenses, in proportion to the sums they have wagered individually. “We sincerely want our betters to learn how to bet and continue to cash tickets and re-invest those moneys, that’s how it is going to be a win-win for the betters, the track and the OTB” Wood says. Wood also points to online wagering in Virginia as one of the biggest keys of growth, “five or six years ago, the amount of online money legally wagered was zero, now it is fifty million” Wood remarks.

Colonial Downs is open Wednesday thru Sunday, starting at noon. They run several promotions including some on Saturdays, such as Tic-Track-Dough and are a completely non-smoking facility. Plans are being made for another Comedy Night in February and currently everything is starting to be geared toward the Kentucky Derby, the apex for horse racing enthusiasts, May 1.

Last week, we examined the tragedy in Haiti and what effects it may be having on us personally and how we may cope. This week, we will talk about what happens when the bad news directly affects us. I’m referring to the types of personal tragedies that are a part of life for all of us. Health issues, family problems, unemployment or even the greater uncertainty in today’s economic climate that we all face.

These are examples of difficulties we all have at one time or another, and are a part of being alive. For most of Michele Gunter, MSW, LCSW us, these types of AVoiceofReason@vintonvoice.com personal events won’t make the news, there won’t be any celebrity fundraisers, and there won’t be any telethons. Most of us will have to rely on our own coping skills and our personal support group of family and friends. So, while contemplating these thoughts, I had to ask the question, “What can help us cope with bad news we sometimes receive?”

Here are a few suggestions and steps to help cope with the personal tragedies we all experience at one time or another.

1. Accept the reality of the bad news. It is a common human trait to go into denial, but that doesn’t help us to move on. Accepting the reality of a job loss, health problem, or family issue will allow us to develop a plan of action.

This task is very difficult and I will not even attempt to discuss how to accept the reality in this article, as individuals we are all unique.

2. Develop your own personal plan of action. You can become more successful in dealing with the issue by sitting down and writing out a step by step plan to work things through.

3. Accept the help and support of others during this time.

While there most likely won’t be a celebrity telethon or fundraiser for us, there are many good hearted and helpful people in this world. Don’t be prideful; acknowledge and accept the help that is offered. If you feel people don’t care, seek help and support on your own. Remember, since we’re talking about personal issues, many people may simply not know. Once you reach out to them, you’ll be surprised at the helpfulness and good hearted nature of people.

4. Realize this is a test of your strength and courage. There is a great amount of fear and uncertainty when you receive bad news and you will be challenged to summon all of your physical, emotional, and spiritual resources to support yourself. Nobody expects that you’ll say, “I’m ok. I’ll be fine.” Rather, the expectation is that you will reach out and seek help, solace, and comfort with others.

When doing this, you are admitting to being broken, overwhelmed, devastated, and afraid. However, in admitting these feelings, you are showing tremendous strength and courage. Be courageous and admit to the emotional distress and fear you are going through.

5. Seek out and join a support group. It is often very helpful to meet with and talk to others who have experienced the same situation you are now going through. You can find hope in hearing their stories and how they coped, and overcame, their particular situation. There are many support groups covering many of life’s difficult situations.

As a final thought, remember, nothing with form lasts forever.

The trees, the grass, the buildings around us, our friends and loved ones, and yes, even us, will not last forever. If you’re going through a difficult time, utilize this situation to draw closer to God, however you perceive his existence. If you’re not currently being challenged with a personal tragedy, draw yourself closer to God anyway. Develop and strengthen your own spirituality and faith to get yourself through the times you will be greatly challenged.

Remember, in the end nothing lasts, nothing is forever, except for faith, love, and God. And just maybe, this is the best, most hopeful news of all.

Until next week, I wish you all peace, love, and happiness.

VOICE 15

Byrd finds success at Big Orange >Top 5 finishes in four weight classes propel Terriers; Moorman runs through field before falling to part of championship Grundy team in Saturday night’s final round Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief The 34th Big Orange wrestling tournament ran last weekend at host William Byrd High School, with Grundy plowing their way through day two to extend their lead over defending Franklin County for the overall title. The Golden Wave, who won their only other Big Orange in 2008, posted a final score of 259– seemingly miles ahead of Franklin County’s 217.

Franklin County had something of a championship swagger as well, posting individual titles at 152 (Hunter Adams), 160 (James Bisnett) and 171 (Jonathan Jones) and even breaking out a set of singlets exclusive to their championship bouts late Saturday. But not even that could trump Grundy, who’s coaches didn’t even need to move from their mat-side seats for the first eight of the championship matches, with the Wave taking seven of them.

After seeing Austin Compton fell at 103, Grundy wrestlers turned on the jets to win every title between 103 and 145. Those title went to Sean Vandyke, Jeremy Hurley, Justin Street, Dakota Vance, John Dotson, Ethan Owens and Cody Rife.

Hurley’s win at 119 came by a 15-2 decision over William Byrd’s top placer Zakk Moorman.

Moorman, a junior, dropped to 27-4 on the year with the loss– still tops among all but one Big Orange wrestler in the 119 pound class, Lord Botetourt’s 31-2 Travis Hodges, who placed third. Knocking off Hodges in Saturday morning’s semi-final was a huge bright spot for the Terrier, who didn’t need to break a sweat early on day one with a first round bye. On Friday evening, he topped Alleghany’s Cole Murray by pinfall at 5:11 of the match, setting up a battle with Botetourt’s Hodges. Hodges himself had pinned his first two opponents, including a first round win in 1:04.

“When I wrestled him last Wednesday (a pin for Moorman in 27 seconds), I was really focused and really wanted to beat him” said Moorman.

The 6-4 decision over Hodges allowed Moorman to become the sole Byrd finalist at their big home event, but things, at least for an instant, didn’t look so good for Moorman, who went down clutching his knee as he rolled prior to the championship round.

It is something that bothers Zakk every now and then, but according to him “it isn’t anything that is going to affect me the rest of the season.” Coach Reed Carpenter is confident that Moorman won’t be affected by this.

“At this point in the season, almost everyone has something that’s hurting” he said.

But not momentum from his semi-final nor a very anti-Grundy crowd from Franklin

16 VOICE

Photos by Danny Cruff

ABOVE: Derek Sheehan (right) of Byrd goes nose-tonose with Brookville’s Troung Doung during their Semi-Final contest.

LEFT: Zakk Moorman topped Lord Botetourt’s Travis Hodges Saturday to advance to the finals.

Both of Hodges losses have come at the hands of Moorman.

County could give Moorman the boost through the finals. Despite losing a decision, he held on strong throughout the match when thinks looked gloomy. With over thirty seconds left in the second period, Moorman was all but pinned, but fought off his Grundy opponent until the whistle and a third round.

“He’s a tough wrestler, definitely up there in the state” Moorman remarked “he beat me in the Big Orange finals, but what matters is the state tournament and I’d like to see him again in the state tournament.”

Carpenter was proud of his wrestler and would like to see good things for him in the future.

“Zakk wrestled a good match in the final, but that day the other guy was a little better,” Carpenter said.

Moorman was one of four Byrd’s Top 5

placers on the night.

Following him was Dustin Woods, who picked up third place at 275. Woods defeated Cave Spring’s Cray Webb with a fall at 1:26 for that honor, but was obviously dejected hours earlier with a 6-3 decision loss to Franklin County’s Taylor Horner in the semi-finals.

Wood battled valiantly all match long and went for a take down trailing by one point late, but Horner fought it off and took Woods down to close out the bout. Horner went on to the finals, where he lost to Michael Jones from Lord Botetourt. On a night dominated by Grundy and Franklin County, it was Jones who had the last laugh with his victory at 275 to close out the night and improve to 20-0.

Woods advanced the semi-finals with a first round forfeit victory and a pinfall •See ‘ORANGE’ - next page

Photo by Danny Cruff

Garfield Harris takes on the Big Orange Will Trent Terrier Times Incase you missed it, one of the most intense wrestling tournaments of the year in the Roanoke Valley was held at William Byrd High School this past weekend.

Wrestling fans traveled from and around the Roanoke Valley to WBHS to pack the gym and catch a weekend full of one on one combat between local high school wrestlers.

The Terrier wrestling team takes pride in hosting the tournament.

“It’s important because it’s at our home and we feel that we have to defend our school,” said sophomore Garfield Harris who wrestles in the 112-pound weight class for WBHS. The Terriers finished 11th in the 17-team tournament filled with very high caliber talent and legendary referees and coaches.

The tournament comes as the wrestling season nears a close and the wrestlers were

eager to show the results of all their hard work.

Harris said he prepares by “putting 100 percent into my workouts and never cheating myself in practice.”

Harris had a 19-7 record during the season and adds plenty of promise to the Terriers’ program for the remainder of this season and years to come.

“Without God there is no way I would still be wrestling today. My friends and family also motivate me to wrestle and help me stay excited about the sport,” Harris said.

Harris came out on a mission at the Big Orange, as he pinned his opponent from Staunton River in 11 seconds.

“I was thinking about the 6 points (which is awarded to the team whose wrestler pins his opponent) the whole time,” he said. “I wanted to help my team because I knew we needed bonus points to compete for first place.”

Unfortunately, Harris’ tournament was cut short because of a dislocated shoulder. Harris’ disappointment showed on his face, but he took

advantage of the opportunity to observe the tournament and analyze while learning from other wrestlers.

As for his time as a spectator, Harris said especially noticed performance of the Grundy High School wrestling team and how they got so many wrestlers into the finals.

“Some teammate’s performances that stood out to me this weekend were those of Zakk Moorman, Jacob Bailey, and Zach Johnson.

They all stepped it up for us and showed improvement,” Harris said. “This weekend really helps us know where we are as a team, what we need to work on, and what we need to keep doing.”

•‘ORANGE’ continued from previous page

weight class. Johnson defeated Lord Botetourt’s John Bucko, but then fell to Devin Smith of Salem in the third place match.

Byrd finished 11th overall out of 17 teams with 83 points. 13 total teams had wrestlers in the finals. victory at 1:25 over Salem’s David Woods. To advance to the third place “I kind of expected us to finish better we’ve got some inexperience match, Woods pinned Radford’s Tanner Will in 1:45. Woods is now 29-4 and when you mix that with some bad matches, that isn’t a good recipe on the year. for success,” said Carpenter. “We weren’t expecting to beat Grundy or The Terriers’ other two placements came with fourth places from Franklin County, but we did expect to finish a little higher.”

Derek Sheehan at 125 and Zach Johnson at 189.

Other Byrd match winners were highlighted by Garfield Harris “Derek is proof that hard work will get you far, he works as hard at 112, who won his opening round contest with a pinfall 11 seconds in or harder than anyone at practice. He’s having a really good year.” said against Staunton River’s Tyler Custer; Harris also defeated Corey Smith Moorman of his teammate. of Patrick County before withdrawing. Other winners included Seth Bass Carpenter agrees. at 145 (fall at 1:40 in second consolation round) and Jacob Bailey at 160 “When Derek goes out there, win or lose you can’t say its from lack (fall at 4:49 of opening consolation round). of effort.” Johnson was a bit of a surprise for Carpenter “I’m happy with Following Grundy and Franklin County overall were Brookville his performance right now and he’s done well,” (157), Staunton River (135), Northside (120), he said.

Lord Botetourt (109), Hidden Valley (105.5), Sheehan fought off a cut on his face in Salem (93), Patrick Henry (89), Broadway “Derek is proof that hard day one to pin Brent Cox of Salem and score (83.5), Byrd, Cave Spring (75), Alleghany (66), a decision over Alleghany’s Casey Bradberry.

Radford (62.5), Martinsville (44), Liberty (38) work will get you far. He He fell in his semi-final to Brookville’s Troung and Pulaski County (35). works as hard or harder Doung, 18-8 before picking up a decision victory Other champions included Luke Stewart over Franklin County’s Brock Adams to advance (Brookville - 103) and Jake Semones (Salem than anyone...” to the third place match, losing a 3-1 decision 215). to Staunton River’s Anthony Rezzinico to fall to The most controversial decision of the finals 25-10 on the year. Johnson pinned both of his came at 160 where Bisnett of Franklin County first two opponents (Radford’s Adam Whitlock and Northside’s Grant outlasted Hidden Valley football and wrestling standout David Williams Chapman) before running into Patrick County’s Tommy Wojcik in a for a 4-3 win. Williams rallied in the closing seconds for what would have 16-0 technical fall loss. Wojcik was undefeated heading into the final but been a championship takedown, but it was ruled to have occurred after lost to Staunton River’s Dustin Kidd, the only lower seed to win in their the whistle.

VOICE 17

(1)

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(5)

(6)

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At the end of the night, Byrd stood proud with placers Derek Sheehan (4th at 125), Zach Johnson (4th at 189), Zakk Moorman (2nd at 119) and Dustin Woods (3rd at 275) (1). It was a welcome smile to the face of Moorman, who struggled to show much happiness during the medal ceremony (2) for the 119 weight class, shortly after he lost by decision to Grundy’s Jeremy Hurley. In was the end of a long day for Moorman, who took in some pre-finals instructions (3) from former State Wrestling Champion Andy Nicely, alongside all of the other finals participants from more than half of the schools competing in the weekend’s events. Shortly before the instructions however, Moorman went down with a nagging knee problem (4) while rolling and preparing for the night’s main event.

Moorman’s well documented efforts throughout the tournament did not overshadow many wins and strong performances from the host team. Johnson helped start his tournament with a second round pinfall victory over Northside’s Grant Chapman (5) in 1:24 following an opening round win over Radford’s Adam Whitlock.

AJ Kingery was one of the Byrd wrestlers who didn’t make it out of the first round, falling by pin to Josh Friday from Patrick Henry (6), the eventual runnerup in the 171 pound division.

Kingery did however pick up a win in the consolation bracket for Byrd, with a 16-5 decision over Cave Spring’s Luke Munson before falling to Broadway’s Gabe Kreider in a 4-2 decision.

Photos by Danny Cruff

18 VOICE

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Days of struggle turned into a night of reward on Saturday. Before the finals, Byrd assistant principal and Roanoke Valley wrestling legend Otis Dowdy presented David Williams of Hidden Valley with the The Bob McCelland award is for the outstanding wrestler in the Big Orange (1) and also honored Wallace Coffey with an award from the Roanoke Wrestling Association (2). Coffey was the first state wrestling champion in Virginia.

After the matches were complete, all of the award celebration headed the way of Grundy as the Golden Wave celebrated their second Big Orange title, with seven individual champions (3).

(4)

(7)

The celebration for Byrd was still in the fight over the two days though. At 140 pounds, Cody Spradlin fell on day one to Martinsville’s Herman Jones (4), while freshman teammate Jacob Bailey was outlasted by Salem’s Travis Swain in a 3-1 decision (5). Bailey bounced back in the consolation bracket with a win over Patrick County’s Trevor Southard by pinfall before falling to Derek Thurman of Broadway.

(2)

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Top 5 placers Derek Sheehan and Dustin Woods had more success early on. Sheehan put away Casey Bradberry of Alleghany in the second round by a 9-7 decision (6), while Woods topped Radford’s Tanner Will (7) by pinfall at 1:45 to advance to the third place match on Saturday.

Photos by Danny Cruff (2, 4, 5, 6)and Dan Vance (1, 3, 7)

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VOICE 19

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20 VOICE

A pumped up student section (1) took to the road last Tuesday as the boys basketball team took a Blue Ridge District win off the host Staunton River, with the help of seven points from Eric Slone (2). As usual, the JV set the tone, with the help of a deep bench, including sophomore center Tim Coleman (3). The girls took their shot at Staunton River in a home contest on Wednesday night in full effect with a ‘Pack the Gym’ home crowd and the always spirited cheerleaders (4). Rebounds became critical in a tough loss for Stephanie Lynch (5) and the rest of the JV squad, who saw several new players on their roster as call-ups. In the varsity meeting, Byrd fell for a second time this year to Staunton River, despite a valiant physical effort from the team. Ashley Smith, Brittany Mattox and Jessica Rhodes helped compile Byrd’s game high 25 rebounds (6).

The Vinton Vipers U13 boys basketball team (7) won the New River Valley Elite Jam Championship Jan. 16 and 17. Pictured left to right: 1st row-Will Miller, Drew Hayden, Caleb Smith, Evan Owens, Montae Otey, Dean Hermanson, 2nd row-Tyler Hurley, Alex Harron, Davian Rice, Cole McFadden, Dylan Spradlin, 3rd row-Asst Coach Reed Owens, Asst Coach Emmanuel Miller, Coach Bill Hayden.

Photos by Dan Vance (1-3), Danny Cruff (4-6) and Submitted by Bill Hayden (7)

Terriers stuff frantic Eagle comeback bid >Mankin’s double-double helps keep Staunton River at bay despite late troubles Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief Needing a second straight Blue Ridge District win for momentum heading into the guts of the BRD season, William Byrd came out swinging last Tuesday night with a 57-51 win over host Staunton River.

Jake Mankin continued to impress. The area’s leading scorer put in 31 points and pulled down 15 rebounds, both higher than his season averages, to lead the way.

Mankin’s performance was clutch to have in the bag for William Byrd as the Eagles made a late game run with 23 points in the fourth quarter to make a once runaway game interesting.

Wesley Gates and Chris Eggleston accounted for 31 of Staunton River’s points, including six three-pointers. The team hit eight shots from deep.

Byrd had led 34-17 at halftime and kept that margin through the third quarter before Staunton River made their run.

“We need to work on closing out games and learning how to stop other teams when they get on a run,” Byrd coach Dave Culicerto said, adding “we’ve worked on situations like that this week.”

Ben Hayden followed Mankin with eight points, Eric Slone had seven and Michael Hammond had six, but the team missed numerous free throws and even a few point-

blank layups down the stretch to keep Staunton River in the contest.

Derrick Palmer’s three and Scott Cole’s two rounded out the Terrier scoring.

But according to Culicerto, there were several pros and cons to the game and victory on the road in District play.

“They weren’t very satisfied with themselves but they were glad that we won,” Culicerto said, but added that in the long run, “we are one more step closer to our goal and we’ve emphasized that point.”

The point will be taken into a big game Friday night at the Terriers play host to Northside, who handed Culicerto and his crew their only loss of the Blue Ridge District season. That loss came in part to a Byrd unraveling in the second quarter.

“As far as motivating them to play Northside, that’s not a very hard thing,” Culicerto said with a laugh.

The team will be right back at it on Saturday night hosting Christiansburg in the second of six straight home games.

“Christiansburg is very good, they are deep and have a couple of proven scorers,” Culicerto noted.

A came scheduled for this past Monday night at Christiansburg was cancelled due to a Demons scheduling conflict. The Terriers also missed last Thursday’s game at Alleghany due to weather, but it will be made up on February 12.

The Christiansburg road game will not be made up.

Photos by Dan Vance

ABOVE: Ben Hayden weaves in an attempt to break pressure from a Staunton River guard last Tuesday night. Late pressure from the Eagles allowed them to claw back into the game.

LEFT: Michael Hammond dribbles the ball up the court in Tuesday’s win. The victory puts Byrd at 2-1 in Blue Ridge District play heading into a pivotal rematch with the Northside Vikings this Friday night at Byrd.

Indoor Track team sees solid placements in big meet The William Byrd Indoor track team made another long trip to Liberty for the Mid-Area meet on Friday. Coach Eric Royal said it was a long day, with the meet starting at four and not ending until after midnight, getting the Terriers home well past 1am. Royal had little time to rest as he spent Saturday at the Big Orange tournament.

“The guy that put on the meet from Amherst high school opened the meet up to try to accommodate everybody” said Royal “I know he did it for the kids and it turned out to be a monster meet.” Justin Smith came in third in the high jump “he’s stuck on six foot now, but that’s okay” Royal said with a laugh “he’s still ranked number one in the district.” Royal also had good things to say about John Mooney who

was on the 4x800 team Friday and has run the fastest sprint of the year thus far, “hopefully that puts a little motivation in the other guys who run the 4x8 regularly to step up their game” Royal said.

The Terriers had two 4x400 teams in competition, the “A” team came in second and the “B” team came in seventh, an encouraging feat when you can put two teams on the track and beat a lot of other schools. “When you can put eight guys out there better than seven other high schools, that’s pretty good” said Royal.

Royal said his middle distance teams continue to be strong pointing to Jonathan Murphy as a track athlete who was coming into his own, looking forward to the Blue Ridge District meet, he expects big things out of Murphy who is just

a sophomore.

The Terriers are looking forward to the BRD meet where they are confident they have a good shot to compete, “Northside is going to be tough to beat, they’re just as good as the sprinting events as we are the middle distance events” Royal said.

This Saturday, a few athletes are heading to the Virginia Tech meet while they JV team has their only meet of the year at Heritage. This is a good thing for the younger kids who aren’t necessarily ready for to compete against some of the upper echelon athletes. “With all the kids that have practiced all season long to know they are only going to be able to compete in one meet shows a lot about their character” said Royal.

The BRD indoor track meet is February 4th.

VOICE 21

WBHS swimmers fall to defending State Champions The William Byrd swimming teams ran into a huge test Monday against the defending state champions of Hidden Valley. “We knew it was going to be a tough night” said Coach Krista Martin.

The girls fell 123-46 and the boys were beaten 138-24.

“The good part about swimming a team that’s bigger and faster is that you do see some fast swimming and it gives us the opportunity to race” said Martin.

“Some of our kids took advantage of the opportunity and swam some of their best times.”

Kacy Edsall won both the 200

Individual Medely and the 100 Free. Several members of the boys’ team were out either with illness or injury and Martin expressed that she was proud of the ones who were able to step up and swim in different events than they were used to, picking up the slack.

The team goes to Hollins Thursday in a make-up from last week’s cancelled event where they will face off against Lord Botetourt and James River. Then Friday Photo by Danny Cruff they swim against Cave Spring in the last meet of the season. Daniel Minnich competes for Byrd during Monday’s meet vs.

District swimming starts Tuesday, Hidden Valley at Gator Aquatic Center. Both Terrier teams struggled with the defending State Champions.

February 2.

Even week in BRD play puts girls at 8-8 overall Dan Vance Editor-in-Chief In what could have been a make or break week of District play, the William Byrd girls stayed even on the year, losing to Staunton River before coming back Saturday to knock off Alleghany to pull back to 8-8.

The loss to Staunton River was the second for the girls following a defeat during the holiday tournament.

Brittany Mattox led the way for Byrd with 14, matching Staunton River’s Jodi Salyer blow for blow.

Salyer also ended up with 14 in the physical game. The Terriers fell behind after a four-point second quarter, but held Staunton River to just five points in the third. Despite several strong rallies, the Byrd girls could never quite catch up with the lead Staunton River had built, falling 40-37.

“We play so hard against each other in practice, it might have taken us a while to get back to being physical in the game but we see it everyday so I think they were still accustomed to that style,” said Byrd coach Fran Recchia.

Samantha Webster finished with a game high 15 rebounds, nearly outpacing the Staunton River team by herself; they finished with 19 rebounds.

Lauren James chipped in the next

highest total for Byrd with three boards to help the team total of 25.

Webster and James also added nine and six points respectively.

Jessica Rhodes also had six points for the Terriers.

“We got good looks, we didn’t knock down shots though,” Recchia said of what slowed Byrd down the most in the loss to Staunton River. “In big games, we have to perform.”

On Saturday, Byrd made the long haul to Alleghany to pull out a 53-45 victory, despite giving up 25 points to the Mountaineers in the closing quarter. Webster led the way in both scoring and rebounding with 20 and nine, followed by Mattox’s 16 and seven.

“A win’s a win no matter how pretty or ugly it is,” Recchia said. “But, every time you step on the floor you develop habit and it’s your choice whether you develop good or bad habits.”

Kam Hagins added four points and four rebounds to the effort, Jodi Overstreet scored five.

“It’s hard to scout a team that has multiple scorers,” Recchia said. “The nice thing about this team is they get their shots in different ways.”

The girls return to action Thursday at Northside. February 3 will be Play for the Cure night at Byrd and Recchia encourages everyone to attend and help raise awareness for cancer.

Lauren James puts up a shot against Staunton River on Wednesday Night. James had six points and three rebounds in the loss.

Photo Danny Cruff

22 VOICE

•‘SELL’ continued from page 24 Salem elementary and middle schools, recognizing that wrestling excellence starts from the ground up.

Sell appreciates the work that Virginia Tech wrestling coach Kevin Dresser did at state powerhouses Grundy and Christiansburg before joining the Hokies. “He’s the best wrestling businessman that I’ve come across,” Sell says with admiration, referring to the job Dresser has done in promoting the sport to potential fans and attracting athletes into the program in their formative years.

Byrd finished third in the state behind Grundy and Poquoson during Sell’s junior and senior years, under the guidance of coach Adam Williams, who succeeded Trent after the 1995 season. Sell was the captain of a team that included such outstanding wrestlers as Chris Madonia, Tim Boothe and Kenis Maciel. As a sophomore, Sell placed sixth in the state at 112 pounds.

His final two years he placed third and fourth, respectively, at 119.

After graduation Sell spent two years at Messiah College in Pennsylvania – where he met his wife-to-be, Alicia – and then transferred to Longwood University, where he graduated with an education degree in 2002.

Longwood phased out its wrestling program while Sell was a student.

Professionally, Sell developed the wrestling program at Staunton River Middle School, before moving up to the high school’s varsity team.

For a period, Sell coached junior varsity baseball for Staunton River, but the demands of a growing family have led him to curtail his coaching to a single sport. For Sell, that one sport is wrestling.

Alicia Sell is the archivist at the Roanoke City Library. They are the parents of three children – Hunter (8), Colin (6) and Olivia (3), who keep them busy when they’re not at work.

Upon prodding, Sell recalls a wrestling defeat he suffered in the quarterfinals of the state tournament his junior year, the result of a stalling call that derailed his hopes for a title. He doesn’t brood about it, however.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Sell says. “You set goals but a lot of times you don’t reach those goals. And the way you react makes you into who you are.

“If you’re not totally committed,” Sell says, “you’re not going to be successful.”

Although he was referring to wrestling, it’s apparent that Sell recognizes that his philosophies extend to life itself.

Vinton Voice Publisher Chris Manning describes his teammate Sell in the concluding chapter of his book about Byrd’s state championship baseball squad, “One Team, One Dream.”

“Randall Sell was one of the greatest people I ever met,” Manning wrote in the book published in 2008. “You will never find a kinder soul or someone who knows [better] the meaning of true friendship.”

Not a bad endorsement for someone parents might consider entrusting with their children.

2010

the voice of vinton... this year and beyond

VOICE

Voices of the Past Randall Sell:

The man to call on when the chips are down Even though members of the current William Byrd High School senior class were in preschool when Randall Sell excelled in sports, most Vinton residents know his legacy well. Or at least they’ve heard about it.

After all, he was the “cover boy” for a local sports publication that publicized Byrd’s march to the 1997 Group AA state baseball title. In that photograph, Sell, the team’s No. 9 hitter, is shown perfectly executing a bunt. But Sell could wield power as well: he tied for the team lead in home runs that season with three. More significantly, he hit a critical home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against Chatham in the state semifinals that allowed the Terriers to tie the game and ultimately advance to play for the state championship.

Some local baseball aficionados call that homer “the Shot Heard ’Round the World,” with apologies to former New York Giant Bobby Thomson.

In addition to playing a steady second base for the Terriers, Sell also was a star wrestler, placing in state competition in the lighter weight classes three years running. During each fall of his high school tenure, Sell was a prominent cross-country runner, holding down the No. 1 or No. 2 spot for much of that period, with times consistently in the low 16:20s. In the spring, he ran a leg on the Terriers’ 3,200-meter relay team in outdoor track.

Sell reached double figures in terms of athletic letters earned during his career, a significant achievement.

These days Sell, 31, is developing a John A. Montgomery sports reputation on the other side of jmonty@cox.net the Roanoke Valley. He’s in his third year as a teacher and wrestling coach at Salem High School. At press time, Salem stood 9-3 and was coming off a solid performance this past weekend at the Big Orange Wrestling Tournament held at Byrd. Salem placed eighth in a 17-team field.

The son of a prominent wrestler at Byrd in the early 1960s (James), Sell understands the importance of establishing a tradition in the sport and that’s what he’s attempting to do with the Spartans.

“You’ve got to be at a place a while to get a tradition started,” Sell says, aware that one of his wrestling coaches, Barry Trent, was part of the Byrd program as a student and then a coach for almost 25 years until he retired from coaching in 1995. Current Byrd assistant principal Otis Dowdy, a teammate of James Sell for the Terriers almost 50 years ago, coached high school wrestling at Cave Spring for 20 years and was part of the Knights’ administration for another 10. Northside coach Mark Agner has a long history with area wrestling, too, dating back some 40 years to the Ken Shelton era.

“It helps if your dad wrestled [for the school],” Sell says, fully aware that he and his dad were the first “second-generation regional champions” at Byrd. Right now, Sell has only 12 wrestlers on his team, as the physical demands of a grueling sport have taken their toll. “We’re forfeiting a few weight classes,” he says, “but we’re going to build on the kids we’ve got.”

While Salem’s roster is lean, it is composed of several excellent competitors, as its team record would support. Junior Jake Semones, for example, won the Big Orange last weekend at 215 pounds, the third time he has won a crown at that tournament. “Our goal was to place in the top 10 at the Big Orange and to have four guys place in the top four [individually],” Sell says. “And we did that.”

Sell spends much of his time working with feeder programs in the

VOICE

•See ‘SELL’ - page 23

Photos by Danny Cruff (left) and Dan Vance (above)

Sell, now the head wrestling coach at Salem, saw one of his wrestlers take home a Big Orange title at Byrd last weekend.