UVa on short side of deal with MAC
By Doug Doughty | The Roanoke Times
The second part of the deal that involved Al Groh's Virginia football team
traveling to Middle Tennessee has yet to be completed.
It sounded like a great deal three years ago when Virginia announced that it was
travelling to Middle Tennessee State in exchange for four home games against
Mid-American Conference competition.
Good thing for the Cavaliers that they beat the Blue Raiders 23-21 on a
last-minute field goal by Chris Gould because they've got nothing else to show
for that agreement.
"We don't have any MAC teams on the schedule," UVa coach Al Groh said earlier
this week.
The agreement stemmed from Temple's acceptance by the Mid-American Conference.
At the time, several MAC teams had games scheduled with Middle Tennessee State,
a Sun Belt member.
In exchange for dropping the MAC opponents, Middle Tennessee was awarded home
games with the likes of Virginia, with the MAC picking up the tab.
"The games were going to be at home, at which time we were trying to move up to
seven home games, and they were all with Division [I-A] opponents," Groh said.
"Seemed like it worked out perfectly.
"The imperfect part of it was that the MAC failed to live up to the agreement.
And so, therefore, we were forced on short notice to try to schedule a number of
games."
That's how Virginia ended up with a home-and-home series with Southern
Mississippi, the Cavs' opponent this weekend in Hattiesburg, Miss.
Executive associate athletic director Jon Oliver noted that the resignation of
former MAC commissioner Rick Chryst may have contributed to the scheduling
breakdown.
"We are in discussions with the MAC to schedule the games consistent with the
original agreement," said Oliver, indicating that the current negotiations
involved three possible UVa home games.
The original agreement was not in writing.
UVa Insider, The column By Doug Doughty | The Roanoke Times
In the training tape they received in advance of this weekend’s games, ACC
football officials received clips of two plays by Virginia safety Corey Mosley
that resulted in personal-foul penalties.
Here was the message from league supervisor of officials Doug Rhoads:
Neither penalty needed to be called.
Rhoads isn’t about to reprimand either official. Besides, he has no jurisdiction
over Greg Yette, the back judge on the Big 12 Conference crew that called the
Virginia-Texas Christian game.
“If either call had not been made, I would not have [callenged] the official,”
Rhoads said.
Virginia coach Al Groh was furious about the late hit called against TCU, which
occurred after Horned Frogs wide receiver Jimmy Young dropped a pass on
third-and-9 with the score 0-0 in the second quarter.
A 15-yard penalty gave TCU a first down at the UVa 21 and the Horned Frogs
needed only two plays to score the touchdown that made it 7-0 with 11:18
remaining in the half.
“Clearly that event dramatically impacted the game and how we were trying to
conduct the game,” Groh said earlier this week in reference to the late hit.
“There was a real good chance we go into the half 0-0. We were putting the game
together the way we wanted to do.”
Some members of the media were wondering afterwards if playing TCU to a
scoreless tie at the half should have been the Cavaliers’ pre-game aim, but my
impression is that the Horned Frogs would have won the game anyway. They
outgained Virginia 300-80 over the first three quarters and 380-177 for the
game.
Mosley’s late hit against William and Mary, a call that was not as hotly
contested by Groh, set up a Tribe field goal that trimmed Virginia’s lead to
14-13 at the half.
William and Mary was facing a third-and-10 from UVa’s 33 and would have been
penalized for an illegal shift if not for a late hit against Mosley on a pass
that went over the head of the receiver.
The penalties did not offset. The personal foul superseded the illegal shift and
the Tribe got a first down at the UVa 23.
In a game that finished 26-14, it’s hard to say that one field goal made a
difference. With seven turnovers, Virginia had no business winning that game
anyway.
But, if you’re Groh, what do you tell Mosley?
“To say that we’re unconcerned wouldn’t be accurate because it would mean we
weren’t observant of what was going on,” Groh said today. “We’ve talked to Corey
about the significance of it [and told him], ‘This is what guys are calling.’
“Whether it’s what coaches or other people think is the way to go, it just
depends on what one person thinks and we have to be tuned in to what those
people think.”
Groh said earlier this week – and Rhoads concurred – that there has been a
greater emphasis in meetings he has attended for unprotected quarterbacks, wide
receivers and punt returners. However, Rhoads did not think Mosley took a cheap
shot.
“I’ve reviewed the plays from the TCU game and the William and Mary game,”
Rhoads said, “and both those plays are very close to being legal hits. You break
them down, frame by frame, and in both instances the defender is 4 or 5 yards
away.
“The ball does get there first but you’ve got to give the defender latitude for
whether the ball is caught. In one of them, it looks like he lowers his head a
little bit, like it might be helmet-to-helmet, but he doesn’t. He gets him with
his shoulder.”
So, what’s the message to the officials watching the training tape?
“I want our guys to see it and make it a discussion point,” Rhoads said.
He would tell them, “Make sure, in your judgment, that the defensive player
would have had time to know that it’s not a catch and to hold up. And, I don’t
think, on either one, that [Mosley] does.”
University of Virginia football notes
Published: September 18, 2009
Aches and pains
Just two weeks into the season, the injuries already are starting to pile up for
the Cavaliers.
Last night's injury report confirmed that quarterback Vic Hall is doubtful for
tomorrow's game against Southern Miss because of a hip injury. Also hurting is
running back Mikell Simpson, who is listed as questionable with a leg injury. On
Wednesday, Simpson spoke with reporters and said that he had sprained his foot
during training camp, but that he was feeling "100 percent."
Defensive standouts Denzel Burrell (hip), Nate Collins (knee) and Chris Cook
(hip) are all probable for the game.
If Burrell is unable to play, Aaron Clark and Cam Johnson would likely receive
the entirety of snaps at the linebacker position.
Southern discomfort
The cool air of Charlottesville is cause for concern for coach Al Groh this
week, because the Hoos will be traveling to a humid environment at Southern
Miss, something that's hard to simulate.
Groh said that he'll be ready to substitute in fresh players as needed, but said
the Golden Eagles players are his top concern.
"We know that Southern Mississippi has had an excellent team over the years, and
it's probably not the type of grass they have -- more so the players they have,"
he said. "We're very impressed with the players we've seen on video."
Simpson said he's happy to challenge another team on its turf.
"Actually, I love away games," he said. "If we could play every game away that
would be fine for me. I just like going into another place and everybody's
against you and you have nothing to do but fight back."
Man in motion
Jameel Sewell is this week's quarterback, and if last week is any indication,
he'll be running the ball plenty. His 21 attempts Saturday were the third-most
QB rushing attempts in a game for the Cavaliers, and the most since 1941.
The Hermitage grad has the speed and athleticism, and unlike Virginia Tech's
Tyrod Taylor, it looks as though he's been given a green light to run whenever
he wants.
Sewell was academically ineligible last year, and when he came back, Groh said
he made sure to give him a warm welcome and make him feel a part of the team.
"We had a number of conversations about football, life, things on and off the
field," Groh said. "None of these players are just a helmet. There's a real
person in there."
Groh said he has been pleased with Sewell's poise during practices.
Who needs 11?
After Virginia scored its first touchdown of the game last Saturday, lineman
Austin Pasztor ran over to his friend Javaris Brown, who caught the touchdown,
and started celebrating with them. The two took their party to the sideline,
where Pasztor heard another cheer rise up, and noticed that the team had gone
for a two-point conversion successfully.
That's when it hit him: He was supposed to remain on the field for that play.
"We scored, I was celebrating, congratulating Javaris -- who's a good friend,
and I kind of jogged off the field with him," Pasztor said. "And then we ran it
behind where I was supposed to be."
While he took some grief from his teammates, the successful result ultimately
meant that they could laugh about the missing offensive lineman.
Johnson earns start
Linebacker Cam Johnson, a sophomore, will join the starting lineup this week.
It's mostly a formality, as Johnson has been playing a majority of the snaps
anyway in the first couple of weeks. Still, it acknowledges how fast he's
developed since arriving on campus.
"Cam might be one of the most athletic linebackers that we have here," teammate
Darren Childs said. "He's done so much in such a short period of time that I
think people can expect big things from him." -- Michael Phillips
Groh unplugged on celebrations
Michael Phillips
Sep 17, 2009
To accompany this morning’s T-D article, here are Al Groh’s unfiltered thoughts
on motivating players and when it’s useful. The words below are his:
One of the important things and challenging things to do for anybody who is the
head coach is to spend time thinking about his team. Just what’s the team need
right now.
And with the combination of administrative duties, practice scheduling, whatever
involvement in the schemes and the X’s and O’s the head coach has, sometimes
it’s difficult to say, slow down, sit down and think about the players on the
team, what they need to hear, or a phrase that I got from somebody else quite
some time ago is, “Show the face the players need to see.“ And it’s to find that
time to really think about it.
If it’s always about a gimmick, then just kind of becomes like ‑‑ it’s like
Vaudeville, what’s the next show going to be, what’s the next act going to be.
So I think it has to be ‑‑ take a special occasion for it, and sometimes they
really work out well.
Sewell opens up the playbook
Michael Phillips
Sep 17, 2009
Jameel Sewell is this week’s quarterback, and if last week is any indication,
he’ll be running the ball plenty. His 21 attempts on Saturday were the
third-most QB rushing attempts in a game for the Cavaliers.
Taking the top spot is Bill Dudley, who in 1941 ran the ball 24 times against
Virginia Tech. He’s also got No. 2 on the list, running 22 times against Lehigh
two weeks later.
QB Shawn Moore lands at No. 4 with a 20-rush performance against Maryland in
1988.
Sewell’s got the speed and athleticism, and unlike the quarterback at that other
state school, it looks like he’s got a green light to run whenever he wants.
The Hermitage grad was academically ineligible last year, and when he came back,
coach Al Groh said he made sure to give him a warm welcome and make him feel
like part of the team.
Groh said: “We had a number of conversations about football, life, things on and
off the field, which is ‑‑ none of these players, but particularly that
position, that is so well known, none of them are just a helmet. They are a real
person in there. And so there are a lot of things about being the person who is
much more significant than just being the player that will hopefully show up a
lot more in the performance than the player talk does, that the person shows up
a lot more.”
U.Va.‘s Simpson on his camp injury, being patient
Michael Phillips
Sep 17, 2009
Virginia running back Mikell Simpson entered his senior year with a bit of a
setback. He sprained his foot during training camp, though he said that it
wasn’t too big of a deal.
“I’m back 100 percent,“ he said. “So it’s nothing to worry about.“
He’s also not worried about the spread offense, saying that like everybody else,
he’s disappointed with the early results, but that the team hasn’t shown what
the offense is capable of.
“I like the spread and I like the whole offense we run, but we haven’t seen our
peak yet,“ he said. “Once people get together and start executing the plays as
they’re designed, I think the offense will be perfect.“
And as one last note, he added that he loves a hostile road environment, which
the Cavs will see on Saturday.
“Actually, I love away games,“ he said. “If we could play every game away that
would be fine for me. I just like going into another place and everybody’s
against you and you have nothing to do but fight back.“
Al Groh’s Thursday update
Michael Phillips
Sep 17, 2009
Some notes from Virginia coach Al Groh’s chat:
—During spring and fall practices, Groh would show the team video of every time
a player made a turnover or other game-changing play, with the goal of promoting
them. Those plays haven’t happened during games yet. “Clearly it would be
tremendous aid to us,“ Groh said. “There’s a real big emphasis on the impact it
has in games. We commonly cite those to the players and how they change games.
We had a discussion about that in our team meeting yesterday, and cited things
from previous games.“
—Tonight’s injury report will likely include fewer names than usual, though Groh
didn’t elaborate.
—On Cam Johnson starting at linebacker: “It’s a three-way rotation with Aaron
Clark and Denzel Burrell. Part of it is game circumstances and the other is jsut
creating a rotation where we can get Denzel some relief.“
—Regarding humidity: “We used to go to Miami (with the Patriots), and no matter
what time of year it was always more humid there. And at one point a big deal
was made (in 2000) when the Eagles went down and won, and the big deal was that
they were drinking pickle juice. But there’s a product that was designed for a
southern school to help them deal with humidity (Gatorade), and that probably
works just as well and might taste a little better. So we probably won’t go the
pickle juice route this time.“
—On no field goal attempts so far: “And when we had the two touchdowns last
week, we had two-point tries after those. (Robert Randolph) has shown a good
level of improvement. Every day we put him through live competitive kicking.
Frankly, I think we’re all anxious to find out how that shapes out in a game
situation.“
Vegas confirms that U.Va. gets no respect.
Michael Phillips
Sep 17, 2009
Several of the U.Va. football players gave me some variation of “it’s us against
the world” this week. It’s a common motivational strategy, but it might also be
fairly close to the truth these days. Two items to prove the point….
1) The Scott Stadium crowd deserted the team last Saturday, and on-campus
reaction hasn’t been much kinder, including a painting of the Beta Bridge on
campus.
2) Oddsmakers declared Southern Miss a 15-point favorite this weekend. Bettors
responded by saying that wasn’t nearly enough. Currently you’ve got to give up
17 points to pick the Golden Eagles to win, a huge margin for a non-BCS school
against a BCS team.
Cavaliers must run the ball to win
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Published: September 18, 2009
After a horrible start, an injured starting quarterback, an offensive line that
hasn’t been able to adjust to the new spread offense, and heaps of criticism,
this columnist believes there’s one thing that has to change for Virginia’s
football team to win on Saturday at Southern Miss.
Run the football.
The Cavaliers have a stable of backs that we keep hearing about, but as far as
the fans are concerned, these guys might as well play for Alaska State.
Mikell Simpson, who is listed as questionable for this weekend, has reportedly
returned to his 2007 form, which was a heck of a lot better than his ’08 form.
We’ve heard Torrey Mack compared to former UVa touchdown machine Wali Lundy.
We’ve heard that true freshman Dominique Wallace is a potential Thomas
Jones-type of back.
Then for goodness sakes, unleash the hounds!
What’s my line?
One problem, though. As Coach Al Groh has said several times over the years, all
backs run the same when there’s no hole.
Ah, there’s the rub.
Virginia’s offensive line has been putrid in the first two weeks. Smaller,
quicker lines from Texas Christian and William & Mary have run around these guys
like clowns in a circus act.
The fact that quarterback Jameel Sewell has just as much difficulty making the
proper reads on whether to hand the ball off or keep it on certain running plays
as he does reading defenders on passing plays has left this offense dead in the
water — and dead last in the ACC.
Underwhelming so far
That’s right, this new-fangled offense that we believed would be the answer to
Virginia’s prayers is cellar-dwelling in the 12-team league as it flies to
Hattiesburg, Miss., today to try to avoid the program’s first 0-for-3 start
since 1982. UVa is last in the ACC in total offense, exactly 80 yards per game
behind Duke; last in scoring offense; surprisingly tied for ninth in rushing
offense with Florida State; and ahead of only Virginia Tech in passing offense.
The only way the Cavaliers are going to escape defeat in the Deep South this
weekend is to put together a successful running attack, that is if the O-line’s
big uglies can get their act together. Otherwise, they have no chance.
How important is it to be able to run the ball out of the spread, or any other
offense for that matter?
“Like so many offenses, it really helps,” Groh said when asked about how crucial
it is to run the football.
“One, it helps control the clock,” Groh pointed out. “If you can control the
clock by making first downs, then by doing that, then that’s one of the ways to
keep your hand kind of on the tempo of the game. Then, obviously the balance
that it creates in your [play-calling] selection, and how it impacts the
opponent’s thought process as far as pressuring the quarterback is concerned.”
Much of UVa’s problems against TCU — particularly an almost inconceivable eight
sacks allowed — derived largely from the Cavaliers’ ineptitude in the running
game. Knowing that Virginia was struggling to throw the ball and unwilling to
throw it deep to keep them honest, the Horned Frogs safeties cheated up to where
there were practically eight, nine defenders in the so-called box.
TCU’s pass rushers were pinning their ears back and coming after Sewell all
night long.
Had UVa completed a couple of its late-game long passes earlier in the game, it
would have made TCU think twice about coming after Sewell so often.
However, that’s part of the balance that Groh referred to. The passing game
opens up the running game and vice versa. When neither is working, well, you go
0-2, and don’t look good doing so.
Traditionally, the running game has been a big part of Wahoo football. Even last
year when the team struggled, Cedric Peerman was the focal point of the offense
and he almost beat Georgia Tech singlehandedly in one of the season’s biggest
upsets.
In the two losses, four UVa backs have carried the ball a total of 20 times — 13
of those by Simpson. By contrast, three quarterbacks have 49 carries.
We know that one of the beauties of the spread is that a mobile quarterback who
can both run and throw can be a terror to deal with. If the line ever gets back
on track and can actually open holes and pass defend, then Sewell will become a
much more effective weapon.
Still, if you’ve got the backs, and the line does its job, then it’s kind of
like an army having a cannon. If you’ve got a big gun, then shoot it.
Sewell enjoys a long leash
By Jay Jenkins
Published: September 18, 2009
For the first time since 2006, Jameel Sewell did not have to look over his
shoulder.
From Kevin McCabe to Pete Lalich to Vic Hall to Mark Verica, Virginia’s
fifth-year quarterback has almost always had footsteps and whispers in the
background.
There was always reason for Sewell to feel uncomfortable about his starting
status, something that was not the case last week as he worked from the opening
whistle to the final snap in a 30-14 loss to Texas Christian.
Sewell, the likely starter Saturday at Southern Miss (2-0), said it benefited
him emotionally to know that he would remain in the contest for the duration.
“I think it helped me a lot, just them believing in as far as the coaching
staff,” said Sewell. “I played very poorly [against William & Mary] and just to
have them start the game with me and have me in when things didn’t go well, that
meant a lot.
“It helped me with my confidence and what I need to be working on.”
Sewell was spotty at best in the first three quarters against TCU as the
offensive line broke down on a consistent basis, leading to eight sacks and the
recurring act of the quarterback picking himself off the ground.
The Richmond native took the high road after the loss, failing to blame those in
the trenches or the obvious inability of the pass-catching targets to get open.
For now, Sewell can take an odd comfort in knowing that Hall, his roommate,
remains doubtful with a hip injury and that Verica appears a non-option in the
eyes of the coaching staff.
Sewell just wants wins, something he expects soon.
“I’m not going to predict wins or anything, but we’re capable of competing with
anybody,” he said. “We’re going to win some games. We’re definitely going to do
that. There’s no doubt about that.
“The guys we got, nobody is going to back down. Everybody is willing to work.”
Sewell certainly sounds like a leader, although he was not voted as a team
captain.
It was something that Virginia (0-2) coach Al Groh discussed in the months that
preceded his return to the university following his one-year absence for
academic infractions.
“We had a number of conversations about football, life, things on and off the
field … particularly that position, that is so well known, none of them are just
a helmet,” Groh said. “They are a real person in there, and so there are a lot
of things about being the person who is much more significant than just being
the player that will hopefully show up a lot more in the performance than the
player talk does, that the person shows up a lot more.”
Sewell hopes that what he showcased during the better moments of the loss to TCU
gave offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon and Groh a better idea how he can be
used as a dual threat. He has rushed for 75 yards and passed for 200 more in a
dismal offense.
“I showed them that I can do anything that they ask me to do pretty much,” he
said. “If they need me to run the ball, I don’t care — I am going to do it.
“If the team needs me to do whatever the coach asks me to do, I am going to do
it. That’s just about it.”
Winless Cavaliers hope to find victory in Mississippi
Virginia prepares to play Golden Eagles for the first time in program history as
team combats weight of demoralizing start, lack of offensive production
Justin Dembo, Cavalier Daily Staff Writer
Featured / Football / Sports
September 18, 2009 0
Senior tailback Mikell Simpson has only run the ball 13 times for 64 yards this
season. He has complemented that, however, with a team-high eight receptions.
Photo by Jason O. Watson.
The Virginia football team will look to rebound Saturday from its slow start to
the 2009-10 season and remedy several problems it encountered during its first
two games, as the Cavaliers travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. to take on Southern
Mississippi.
The Cavaliers (0-2) will hope to find a solution to their offensive woes,
especially after recording only 177 yards of offense and scoring only 14 points
in last Saturday’s disappointing loss to No. 16 TCU — all of which came after
TCU was well in the lead.
The Golden Eagles (2-0, 1-0 C USA), on the other hand, come into Saturday’s
matchup after impressive showings in their last two games. Southern Mississippi
outscored its opponents by a combined score of 78-19 in its first two games.
Powered by a potent running attack led by senior running back Damion Fletcher,
the Golden Eagles are averaging more than 250 yards of rushing offense per game.
The Cavaliers could find themselves at a loss to defend against that potent
ground game, as they are looking to answer a series of questions raised during
the team’s first two games. After incorporating the spread offense this past
offseason, the Cavaliers are searching for a way to better integrate their own
running game into the new offense. While designed to extend the field and open
up holes for the backs, the scheme has not led to significant improvements to
the Cavaliers’ rushing attack, which is averaging a mere 94 rushing yards per
game.
If the Cavaliers can succeed in improving their rushing game, however, they may
do a better job of controlling the time of possession, keeping the ball away
from the likes of Fletcher.
“If you can control the clock by making first downs by [running the ball],”
coach Al Groh said. “That’s one of the ways to keep your hand kind of on the
tempo of the game.”
Also important for Virginia’s offensive play is finding more consistency at the
quarterback position. The offense has averaged only about 150 yards of passing
offense per game, ranking 106th in the NCAA. Senior quarterback Jameel Sewell
will once again start for the Cavaliers, but he will have to improve on his 40
percent completion percentage if the offense is to become multidimensional.
Groh still remains confident in his veteran quarterback, though.
He “had a very good presence about him throughout the game and everything he
executed — whether it was run or pass — he did with a strong conviction,” Groh
said about Sewell’s performance against TCU.
Additionally, the Cavaliers will also have to overcome injuries to their
offensive line, most notably to junior guard B.J. Cabbell.
“There’s no position that’s as developmental as offensive linemen,” Groh said.
On the other side of the ball, the Cavalier defense needs to work on getting a
better push up front to slow down the Golden Eagles’ running game.
“We knew we were going to have to shut down TCU on the inside with our linemen
and linebackers,” sophomore defensive end Matt Conrath said. “I feel like we are
going to have to do the same with Southern Miss.”
Ultimately, the Cavaliers need to turn things around quickly, as Saturday’s game
is the last tuneup before the start of Virginia’s ACC schedule against No. 24
North Carolina Oct. 3.
Injury report for Southern Miss game
Sept. 17, 2009
7:38 p.m.
CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Below is the injury report that UVa released tonight, as per
ACC policy. Virginia (0-2) plays at Southern Mississippi (2-0) on Saturday.
Four Cavaliers who figured to be on the two-deep coming out of training camp
but, because of injuries, haven't played this season -- wide receiver Dontrelle
Inman, linebacker Billy Schautz, cornerback Mike Parker and offensive tackle
Lamar Milstead -- were cleared for the Southern Miss game.
Out
WR Bobby Smith (knee)
Doubtful
QB Vic Hall (hip)
Questionable
TB Mikell Simpson (leg)
Probable
LB Denzel Burrell (hip)
OG B.J. Cabbell (ankle)
DE Nate Collins (knee)
DE Matt Conrath (spine)
CB Chris Cook (hip)
NT John-Kevin Dolce (foot)
S Ausar Walcott (knee)
UVa's sports medicine staff, under the direction of Dr. David Diduch, compiled
the injury report, whose categories are defined as follows:
Probable: Virtual certainty will be available for normal duty
Questionable: 50-50 chance will not play
Doubtful: At least 75-percent chance will not play
Out: Definitely will not play
-- Jeff White
White: Men's Lacrosse Team Makes 'Special' Contribution
Courtesy: VirginiaSports.com Release: 09/17/2009
By Jeff White
CHARLOTTESVILLE -- For more than a decade, the UVa men's lacrosse team has been
entrusted with much of the responsibility for staging the main fund-raising
event for Area 3 Special Olympics each year.
Dom Starsia's players "are sort of our manpower, and you know what? They're good
at it," David Zentmyer said. "That's one aspect of it you don't have to worry
about."
Zentmyer, whose son is a Special Olympian, is a co-coordinator for Area 3, which
comprises the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Greene, Louisa and Fluvanna
counties.
The fund-raiser that brings in the most money for Area 3 annually is the Gene
Arnold Memorial Pepsi 10K, and this year's race is Saturday at Meriwether Lewis
Elementary School near Ivy.
Nearly 500 runners are expected for the 6.2-mile race. It starts at 8 a.m., but
the men's lacrosse players will be at the course well before that.
"This is sort of our baby," said Starsia, whose players will direct traffic, set
up the water stations, put up mile markers and hand out water to runners, among
other jobs.
A year ago, Zentmyer said, the 10K raised about $8,500 for 10 sports offered
through Area 3 Special Olympics.
"Between runners' fees and sponsorships, we could approach $10,000 this year,"
said Zentmyer, who also praised the Charlottesville Track Club for the help it
provides with the race.
The men's lacrosse players aren't the only UVa student-athletes involved in this
cause. Running Saturday, as they have in years past, will be members of the
men's and women's swimming-and-diving teams, the women's lacrosse team and the
wrestling team.
The men's lacrosse team's role is different. The Cavaliers have 42 players, and
"everybody's got a job," Starsia said. "I think that they take pride in it. The
young guys are always a little wide-eyed when they see what an elaborate event
is and how important their roles are."
Starsia and his wife, Krissy Lasagna, have four children, including twin
daughters. Maggie and Emma are Special Olympians, so "I have a personal stake in
this," Starsia said.
So do his players, who have met twice this week to discuss and divide their
race-day duties.
"The twins are a great part of our program," fourth-year defenseman Ken Clausen.
"We see them quite a bit, and it's great to have them around. This event clearly
means a lot for [Starsia], and for the team as a whole, it means a lot for us,
too."
Zentmyer said a couple of area Special Olympians "are going to actually run
[Saturday]. And then we've got a bunch who are going to help out."
Starsia has been a fixture at the race over the years, but he'll be out of town
Saturday for the wedding of one of his former players. His assistant coaches,
Marc Van Arsdale and John Walker, will be at Meriwether Lewis, but even if they
weren't, Starsia could be confident his players would take their jobs seriously.
"It's a great cause for the team," Clausen said. "We all take great pride in it,
and the fact that we take such a big role in putting it on is something that
means a lot to us."
For information about the race, contact Zentmyer at (434) 295-2391 or
david.zentmyer@ccs.k12.va.us. The website is
www.pepsi10Krun.com.
So Far, So Good For O'Connor's Club
Sept. 17, 2009
5:18 p.m.
CHARLOTTESVILLE -- By this time next month, Brian O'Connor will have a better
read on which of his new players are likely to have an impact in 2010.
For now, UVa's baseball coach is happy with the effort that his players --
veterans and newcomers alike -- are showing in fall practice.
"It's going great," O'Connor said. "There's excitement out there, obviously,
when you have new players. They're learning, and trying to prove themselves.
"It's fun to watch a team in the fall, because from week one to week three to
week six, you see that gradual improvement, especially with the young players."
The starting position players are back from a team that won the ACC title and
advanced to the College World Series last year, though Steven Proscia is
recovering from surgery on his left wrist and won't practice this fall.
Proscia played third base in 2009, but he may end up at first in 2010. O'Connor
has multiple options -- good ones, too -- at most positions, and he's been
experimenting.
"In the fall we don't try to get real specific," O'Connor said. "We try to move
guys around a little bit. One, to take them out of the comfort zones, and also
to see how they react to different positions."
O'Connor values versatility, as John Hicks knows. As a freshman last season,
Hicks played catcher, first base and outfield for the Wahoos. One of UVa's
newcomers, junior-college transfer Kenny Swab, plays those positions, too.
"I think he's got a lot of skill, and he's going to do a lot of things,"
O'Connor said of Swab.
Tyler Cannon, Virginia's starting shortstop in 2009, also has been working at
third base. Freshman Reed Gragnani is splitting time at second and third, and
classmates Stephen Bruno and Chris Taylor have each been used at second, short
and third. Another freshman, Colin Harrington, can play in the infield or the
outfield.
It's too early, O'Connor believes, to single out players for their fall-ball
performances. He noted, however, that Hicks "has come back a lot stronger. I
think he's put on 10 or 15 pounds, and he looks to be driving the ball out of
the ballpark more."
The 6-2 Hicks weighed about 185 pounds when he enrolled at UVa last year. He
said recently that he's up to 200 and hopes to add another five pounds before
the spring.
Hicks, who hit .307 with eight home runs last season, was among the Cavaliers
who played summer ball. Right-handed pitcher Branden Kline, who may be the jewel
of UVa's first-year class, was among those who did not.
Kline has thrown well in practice, O'Connor said, but is "obviously not at his
top form. It's a progression for these young pitchers if they didn't pitch this
summer."
-- Jeff White
No. 2 Demon Deacons pose tough away threat
After lackluster win Tuesday, No. 20 Virginia needs spark to knock off Wake
Forest squad in Winston-Salem
Meryem Karad, Cavalier Daily Staff Writer
Men's Soccer / Sports
September 18, 2009 0
Sophomore defender Shawn Barry anchors the Cavalier backline. He has started in
every regular season game and will try to cope with a talented Wake Forest
attack tonight. Photo by Jason O. Watson.
In its second ACC contest, No. 20 Virginia men’s soccer faces No. 2 Wake Forest
tonight in Winston-Salem, N.C. .
“I like [our chances against Wake Forrest],” senior midfielder Neil Barlow said.
“If we play like we did against Duke and just finish our chances, that’s what
it’s going to come down to. We’re getting our chances. We just need to start
putting them away.”
Barlow scored the lone goal in the 38th minute leading to a 1-0 victory against
Mount St. Mary’s at home Tuesday night. Despite the victory, Virginia’s
efficiency was lackluster. The Cavaliers (3-1, 0-1 ACC) out-shot the Mount 18-2
and held a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks but only found the back of the net
once.
“We wanted to win and we wanted to rest a lot of people, and we accomplished
that,” Virginia coach George Gelnovatch said. “I would have liked to have scored
more goals and won more convincingly, but in the end we achieved our goals.”
Wake Forest (2-0-1, 1-0 ACC) will look to extend its unbeaten home streak to 36
games. The Deacons opened conference play against Clemson last Sunday, earning
their first ACC win of the year.
Freshman forward Sean Randolph and senior midfielder Austin da Luz are tied for
the team lead in points with four each. Randolph has scored a team-leading two
goals, while da Luz leads the team with four assists.
Wake Forrest’s versatility may prove problematic even for a Virginia defense
that has allowed only three goals this season.
Offensively, Virginia needs to not only attack the net more efficiently but also
play tactically. Senior goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald has played every minute in
goal for Wake Forest this season and brings a 0.71 goals against average into
the game, allowing three goals and making 21 saves in 380 minutes of action.
“You’re always happy to come out and get a win here at home, but we were looking
for a better result,” senior forward Chase Neinken said. “We’ve had some trouble
scoring goals so far this year, and we’re just ready to hopefully get that ball
rolling [against Wake Forrest].”
Barlow and sophomore midfielder Tony Tchani, each of whom have two goals on the
season, lead the Cavaliers. Barlow has also added an assist to give him the team
lead in points with five.
Defensively, redshirt junior Diego Restrepo has played 335:28 in goal for the
Cavaliers, allowing two goals and making four saves. Restrepo has one shutout on
the season and carries a 0.54 goals against average.
“This game that we have coming up is a huge game for us,” Barlow said. “We
definitely don’t want to go down 0-2 in the ACC. That would not be a good
start.”
The last time the two teams battled the result was a 3-2 double-overtime
Virginia victory during the 2008 ACC tournament semifinals, sending the
Cavaliers to the championship. Virginia leads the all-time series with Wake
Forest, 31-6-5.
Following Friday’s match, Virginia returns for homes matches against George
Washington, Clemson and VCU before heading to its next away game against North
Carolina.
No. 5 Virginia Defeats Tribe 4-1
Courtesy: VirginiaSports.com Release: 09/17/2009
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The fifth-ranked Virginia field hockey team improved to
7-0 on the year with a 4-1 win over William and Mary Thursday at Busch Field.
Virginia is off to its best start since the 1998 squad also started 7-0. That
season, the Cavaliers made their second (and most recent) appearance in the NCAA
semifinals.
"The fighting spirit we can take to the bank," Virginia coach Michele Madison
said. "We had to find a way to win. William and Mary put great pressure on but
we were still able to build attack. Their goalkeeper (Camillia Hill) played
outstanding we had to keep working until we found a way."
The Cavalier offense rallied late in the second half with three goals after
finishing the first half in a 1-1 tie.
Freshman Tara Puffenberger scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 53rd
minute on an assist from teammate Haley Carpenter.
Ten minutes later, Floor Vogels put Virginia up 3-1 after a rebound off a goalie
save from Charlotte van den Broek's shot. Sophomore Michelle Vittese rounded out
the scoring on a penalty corner with five minutes to play in the game.
Virginia outshot the Tribe 33-3, including a 23-1 margin in the second half.
Vittese and Puffenberger led the Cavaliers with six shots apiece.
"Haley (Carpenter) was key in keeping it simple and of course Tracy (Ragukas)
did as well," Madison said. "They just kept things plain and created the attack
for us. Floor (Vogels) in the back was really strong and came up with key
tackles."
Hill had a solid night, recording 16 saves. Sophomore Adrienne Ostroff and
junior Kim Kastuk split time in the cage for the Orange and Blue.
"We have to continue to focus on taking it one day at a time," Madison
concluded. "Step by step, we need to improve on something in every game we play.
The key is to be the best team we can be at the end."
The Cavaliers return home for a noon game against No. 8 Michigan State Sunday at
the Turf Field. Head coach Michele Madison spent 13 seasons with the Spartans
before taking over the program in 2005. Assistant coach Alex Kyser, who played
under Madison at MSU, was the program's first first-team All-American.
Cavs to play third-straight home game
Long week presents opportunity to focus on long-term improvements
Jack Bird, Cavalier Daily Senior Associate Editor
Sports / Women's Soccer
After playing a solid game Sunday against Seton Hall, Virginia will enjoy the
longest break from competition it has had since the season’s first game.
“I think this week has been very good so far and will be good in terms of trying
to get better as a team and having the opportunity to do that,” Virginia coach
Steve Swanson said. “Sometimes when you play two to three games a week you are
just recovering from one and getting ready for another.”
The Cavaliers’ main focus this week will be their match against American that
takes place at Klöckner Stadium on Sunday. American (4-2) lost 1-0 in a key
match against Maryland last week. The team, which will be facing its second ACC
opponent of year, is led by senior forward Kelsey Brasher who has two goals on
the season. Thus far, American has had a low scoring season, managing only six
goals. The Eagles have, however, also held their opponents in check, giving up
only four goals.
Relative to the Cavaliers’ difficult schedule, a game at home against American
should be less than challenging for the team, which is ranked 16th in the
nation. Swanson noted, however, that Virginia’s reputation and talent does not
give the team reason to overlook the upcoming match.
“We just don’t have that long of a season,” Swanson said. “Every game counts. We
really, literally have to take each as they come. I think momentum is key. I
think the fact that we are at home again is very important. I think you want to
get results in your home game.”
The Cavaliers (4-1-2) have had a less consistent start than in previous years.
They have, however, managed a 3-0-1 home record, as opposed to a 1-1-1 away
record. Virginia has not had a great chance to build momentum, partly because of
a difficult early season schedule, but hopes to remedy that shortcoming during
its third-straight home game.
Looking to build confidence and hone its abilities, the team also has tried to
take advantage of a lengthy week of practice.
“The more important thing for me at this point in time is ‘are we getting
better, are we improving on the things we need to improve on?’” Swanson said.
“If you look at our schedule down the road we’ve got a lot of opportunities
against good teams down the road. I think we have to be ready for those.”
Even after scoring four goals against Seton Hall, Virginia is working to stretch
out the field during its possessions.
“Working on switching the point is a big thing for us right now,” junior forward
Meghan Lenczyk said. “Taking the ball from one side and going to the other
through the midfielders — quickly, so hopefully we can catch the other team off
guard or spread them out.”
As the Cavaliers tee up to face the Eagles on Sunday, they will get one more
chance against American to refine their skills on both sides of the ball before
trying to run a demanding ACC gauntlet, starting with N.C. State on Thursday.
Virginia gets first chance at in-state rival Virginia Tech
Memorial Gym will host two-day Mariott Cavalier Invitational; tournament
features Albany, Villanova, Virginia Tech
Abbey Lou Hendricks, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
Sports / Volleyball
Coming off a momentous weekend in Nebraska, the Virginia volleyball team returns
to Memorial Gym to start the two-day Marriott Cavalier Invitational, which will
feature Albany, Villanova and in-state rival Virginia Tech.
At the Ameritas Players Challenge in Lincoln, Neb. last weekend, the Cavaliers
(5-4) took a set from a top-10 nationally ranked team, BYU.
“I think we have some very good momentum after this weekend in Nebraska,”
Virginia coach Lee Maes said.
Virginia starts off this weekend’s play against undefeated Virginia Tech (9-0).
The Cavaliers had a 1-1 record against the Hokies in the 2008 season.
At the beginning of ACC conference play last season, the Cavaliers were swept
3-0, but were able to take revenge by defeating the Hokies 3-2 during senior
night at Memorial Gym.
The match will open up ACC play for both teams. Maes said he expects it “to be a
tough match inherently.”
The Cavaliers will look to senior outside hitter Lauren Dickson to help lead the
team. Dickson was named to the Ameritas Players Challenge all-tournament team
and earned MVP accolades in the Jefferson Cup.
“She’s been a very steady factor for us not only in passing but offensively as
well,” Maes said. “What’s really evident is her ability to make smart shots when
things are out of system and that keeps our opposing teams off balance.”
Although Virginia played NCAA regulars Nebraska and UCLA this past weekend, the
team is not taking Villanova, Albany and Virginia Tech for lesser squads.
“I think one thing that coach has been focusing on right now is playing and
preparing the same no matter what team you’re playing,” junior middle Sydney
Hill said.
Villanova, Virginia’s second competitor of the weekend, has an 8-3 record.
Sophomore defensive specialist Kim Maroon was recently named MVP of the
Villanova Classic last weekend, helping the Wildcats win the title.
The Cavaliers will take on Albany to round out the weekend. Albany seems to be
Virginia’s weakest competitor, as it holds a 4-6 record. Although the Great
Danes have not seen the other teams’ success, they were able to earn the UAlbany
Classic title earlier this month.
As for Virginia, the Cavaliers have been flawless at home, sweeping their
opponents earlier this month to earn their second consecutive Jefferson Cup
title. The team hopes to carry that momentum into this weekend’s matchups.
“We really want to keep that undefeated energy and everything alive at Mem Gym,”
Hill said.
Runners gauge off-season progress Saturday
Both men’s, women’s teams hope to continue success of last year as squads open
season at home
William Hrachovina, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
Cross Country / Sports
September 18, 2009 0
The men’s cross country team raced to victory last season, winning an ACC title.
But with the loss of several talented seniors, the Cavaliers will need to fill
leadership roles to continue their success. Photo by Jason O. Watson.
The Virginia cross country team will host the Lou Onesty Invitational at
Panorama Farms to open its season Saturday.
Both the men’s and women’s teams had successful seasons last year, with the
men’s team winning the ACC title and the women’s team capturing the Southeast
Regional title.
Virginia coach Jason Vigilante considers this weekend’s season opener as a type
of preseason meet, through which the teams can formulate ideas about where they
stand in relation to other runners.
“This first meet will give a few individuals a chance to showcase where they are
fitness-wise,” Vigilante said. “We won’t run our full squad, but just a portion
of our men’s team and a portion of our women’s team.”
This year, the Cavaliers return two-time All American junior Emil Heineking, who
was the ACC’s first runner to finish at the NCAA championships. Heineking, along
with junior Ryan Collins, will highlight the men’s squad this season.
“We picked up some new runners this year, which has the returning guys pumped up
and working hard,” Collins said. “We bring a lot of guys back, a lot of them are
getting older and maturing, and I feel some of the younger guys will be stepping
up and give us a lot of chances to fill some of the extra spaces.”
For the women, senior Lauretta Dezubay will be among the leaders again this
season. The women’s squad will also have junior Catherine White, a transfer from
Arkansas. White finished first at the SEC Championships last season and was
named the 2008 SEC Athlete of the Year.
Though many teams might use the offseason to push themselves as hard as they
can, the women’s team took a slightly different approach.
“Instead of really putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to really go after it
hard in the summer, we all took a step back and worked on what each of us
individually needed to do to make sure we are where we need to be when the
season starts,” senior Lauretta Dezubay said.
Offseason training that focuses on the long-term goal of making it to the
championships can make a long season more bearable.
“The best thing our women’s team has done is to keep in perspective that it is a
long season and train everyday with a focus on the big meets,” Vigilante said.
Vigilante also noted that though individual success is key, the team’s overall
performance is just as important if the Cavaliers want to make it to the ACC and
national championships.
“Those guys have recently begun to figure out that they are a part of something
more important than themselves,” Vigilante said.
Ex-Cavs Ogletree, Phillips catch on
By Steve Hunt
Published: September 18, 2009
IRVING, Texas — Virginia football is well-represented in Dallas with recent UVa
products Kevin Ogletree and John Phillips on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.
An undrafted free agent, Ogletree is currently the team’s No. 5 receiver, while
Phillips, a sixth-round pick in April’s draft, will be the third tight end.
Both rookies were relieved to hear the good news.
“It was a relief, knowing that I made the team and that I was going to be given
a chance to fight for a Super Bowl with these guys and for a great
organization,” Ogletree said.
Already close friends from their time in Charlottesville, the pair have been
roommates since arriving in Dallas.
“I’m very happy Kevin made it as well,” he said. “Right after the draft, I
called him and was really excited to get down here. We decided to be roommates
to save a little bit of money. It was an easy choice to bunk up together for
[organized team activities]. On the road, we also room together.”
Both ex-Wahoos agree that there is no substitute for hard work, but they also
attribute their success to lessons learned under current UVa head coach Al Groh.
“That’s a testament to Coach Groh, his staff and the way they run things at
Virginia,” Phillips said. “They run a pro style deal, which is similar (to
Dallas). It was an easy transition as far as the tempo of practice and the way
they do things.”
Ogletree’s familiarity with Groh dates back to his pre-ACC days.
“Coach Groh was the head coach in New York when I was in high school and I was a
Jets fan, so I knew of him,” he said. “At Virginia, that’s all we knew, how to
practice like an NFL team and how to get ready for the NFL. He was always
preparing us for what we would face when we got here. That was great for us.”
Those strong roots have also helped each maintain a simple, yet successful
approach.
“When the opportunity presents itself, you’ve got to make the most out of it,”
Ogletree said. “Nothing was final the whole time during preseason, so you’ve got
to leave your last impression as the most important one, which means every play
is crucial.”
Phillips’ approach was all about confidence.
“I felt like I was doing the right things, just working hard and competing every
day,” he said. “You’ve got to think like you’re going to make the team. You’ve
got to want it, go after it and try to get it.”
Also speeding up their development has been some sage advice from great
veterans. Ogletree’s source has been all-pro receiver Roy Williams.
“85, he’s pretty good,” Williams said, referring to Ogletree. “I told him once
this thing started back in OTAs that he was going to be the guy. I don’t know if
he took that to heart or not, but I’m a good scout and I know talent when I see
it.”
Phillips has learned from all-pro Jason Witten and up-and-comer Martellus
Bennett.
“I call him ‘Baby Wit,’” Bennett quipped. “He’s been doing a great job. I think
he’s coming along quicker than I did coming out of a pro-style offense out of
college. He’s a physical guy and hard-nosed.”
The talkative tight end even offered up an alternate moniker for Phillips.
“Actually, we call him ‘Big Country,’” Bennett said. “He’s an exceptional talent
and he has really good hands too. For a guy who didn’t catch too many balls in
college the last year or so, he has nice hands and he just works hard, which is
all you can ask from a player.”
Williams admitted that Ogletree has also received a nickname.
“One of his best friends now is probably (fellow receiver) Miles Austin,” he
said. “Whenever he makes a play, one of the coaches will ask, ‘Who is this?’
Miles will say, ‘Don’t pick the fruit from the poisonous Ogletree.’ We get a
kick out of that.”
The Cowboys’ top receiver has given him a different tag.
“I don’t call him by his name,” Williams said. “I call him ‘85’ or my shoe
picker-upper because that’s what he does.”
And Ogletree admits he and Phillips have already endured some rookie hazing.
“We’ve had to deal with it but I think everyone has to,” he said. “I had to buy
some lunch for away games, carry shoulder pads and that kind of stuff. It’s not
that hard, per se. It’s just part of paying your dues.”
One adjustment for both has been learning a more complicated playbook. Ogletree
has focused on paying more attention to detail.
“I think the stuff here is well-explained and well-introduced,” he said. “We go
over it enough times. You will have your time to mess up, but it shouldn’t
repeat itself. When you pay attention to detail, you’ll be fine.”