Recent Comments
IMHO, Jim ran the economics of the Athletic Department well, but he failed when he never capitalized on a GOOD coach and kept him around. Remember, he's the same AD who played chicken with Beamer in 2000 and if not for the Univ President getting involved, Beamer would now be at UNC. He ran off numerous coaches over the years the second they got successful because he didn't want to pony up the money to keep them around. Its the single biggest reason we have been seeing such a dramatic cycle in recent years of getting really good in a sport (men's soccer, wrestling, women's basketball, baseball) and them immediately falling back to the pack and needing to start the rebuilding process all over again.
This Athletic Department needs stability. If we get a good coach in here who brings us some positive momentum, KEEP THEM AROUND. I'm still pissed to this day that Pete Hughes is now in Oklahoma. Baseball had just become relevant, we just hosted a NCAA Regional and BAM... Weaver didn't want to pony up and now we're starting over. At a certain point, running everything on the cheap ends up doing more long term harm than good, and towards the latter years of his tenure, I cannot recall a single personnel decision that worked out in our favor, except wrestling, which can be argued was pure luck because we found a great coach in our own backyard.
How much talk was there this AM about Pro Day? Are most of the guys going to be in attendance this afternoon supporting Logan and the rest of the players on showcase?
I have never been a strong supporter of a lot of Weaver's decisions, but he did one thing well - he kept us financial stable. While most athletics programs are deep in the red, we can proudly say that VT isn't a total money suck. The only reason Whit has any sort of checkbook to open is because, from a financial perspective, Weaver left the department in a reasonable spot. Now, we can certainly have a discussion on the merits of what was spent, how much revenue is coming in, etc. because lots needs to improve, but the thing everyone needs to remember is that the function of an AD is to effectively run a business. If your business continually loses money, you're doing a bad job. We may have our financial challenges, but we're far from the big trouble that a lot of major programs are in.
At this point, the culture is changing with Whit. You heard it in the presser yesterday. "If we're keeping score, we might as well win the games". Thats not exactly a mindset that was prevalent during Jim Weaver's tenure. His goal was money driven. Anything to cut costs. Whit is already talking about opening up checkbooks and making winning the goal.
This is not your father's VT anymore... and thats a GOOD thing.
I'd rather hire a winning coach with a New York accent and an edgy attitude than a nice southern boy who goes .500.
Argue as much as you want regarding playing style, personality, 'culture', etc, but if this coach wants to be Hokie, wants to work hard, has good character, and can win, he's going to be a fan favorite at ANY SCHOOL, and I would welcome him at Virginia Tech.
When you aspire to be the best, you choose your competition. They chose VT over UVA to pick on and call their rivals. I can't say I blame them.
Jealousy
They have one of the top mid major programs in the country and they have one of the best programs in the state and region, but because they are not a premier university and because they are not in a major conference, nobody outside of VCU alumni in Richmond cares. They can't stand the fact that even when our basketball program is terrible and our football program took a step back to just mediocre they're still completely overshadowed by VT and UVa athletics in this state, and since UVa completely surpassed them this year, they only have 1 direction to take their frustrations out on.
Its very, very much like the attitude that ECU fans have towards just about everyone in NC. For years they had the better football program than anyone else in the state, and the media simply didn't give a crap.
I found Mason fans to be similar when they were on top of the world. I think it's because they don't have a football team, much like UVA.
FWIW I would love to see something like that. I still am trying to figure out what the difference between a "zone blocking scheme" and any other scheme is. Considering my OL knowledge started at a -3 before joining the site, I'm confident that you've gotten me to at least a 1 so far and I'd like to get that higher!
must be why frank wants a new one with a higher ceiling
Thinking about Hodges keeping up with Parker in speed drills makes me giddy.
How did Ronny Van Dyke look? Is he still injured?
I just posted it in the new thread! Ill try and watch the OLB group tomorrow.
I'd like to know a little more about the linebacker group. Who do you see is stepping up in that group? Thanks for the insider information. I know we are all grateful to hear more about football.
Ill try and watch the DBs on Thursday. I am a student athletic trainer so that is how I am able to watch practice (keeping the players hydrated and stuff).
Thanks for the link.
I am officially a fan.
Looking at the depth chart I can't help but feeling the glass is over half full.
We have depth, experience, likely a huge upgrade in coaching from 2 years ago still and an OC that states his main goal is to get back to running the football.
I am trying not to get my hopes up. We can't even come close to matching what Marquette is paying him. Also, and this purely speculation, but if there was mutual interest there, I can't imagine Whit would wait till the Final Four to pull the trigger. Maybe Buzz is on the short list and Whit is just exercising due diligence, but it just seems like a long shot.
Having said that, I would love to be wrong. In addition to being a proven coaching commodity, he also does tremendous work for children with medical needs and their parents. I'd be thrilled to see him come to Blacksburg.
http://www.cbssports.com/general/writer/gregg-doyel/24487387/reach-of-bu...
War Memorial. Buckets are worth 1, play to 13. Call your own fouls.
Please no one beat me up, but I'm in favor of leaving stadium woods in place.
That depth chart makes me nervous about our Center position for the season after next. Graduate Wang, Farris and Arkema and only have Willenbrock who last time I checked still weighed around 250 or so. Billy Ray and Gallo better better take their redshirt year seriously.
Submitted my bracket. Maybe I won't cry after the first day this year!
Maybe a just a vocab list? I realize there are so many words you use but we had that for a histology class I took. It was just a link to a list of words that it was useful to have a definition. Such as 'zone blocking' 'reach block' etc. Or for me 'point of attack'. Just a suggestion. Thanks for all the work you do!
Fieldhouse is probably the more viable option. Pitt played in one for years. It would keep team on campus which is huge to get student fan support which is the most important. Students should guarantee at least 25% capacity at all games. I expect a huge Cassell renovation within the next 5 years but it can be done during the offseason and be ready for ACC play the following season if done right.
The artist's rendering has a distinct Norman Rockwell feel.