26 • Friday, February 8, 2002 • Technique SPORTS
Men’s Hoops: Duke (20-1, 8-1 ACC) at Georgia Tech (10-13, 3-7 ACC)
Frontcourt Coaching Hot Devils Georgia Tech comes into Sat- Duke’s frontcourt, with All-Americans Mike Dunleavy Paul Hewitt was selected as coach of the year last urday’s showdown with the top- and Carlos Boozer and the athletic Rutgers transfer season in the ACC, but few people would say that Mike Dahntay Jones, has too much size and talent for the ranked Duke Blue Devils riding Krzyzewski isn’t the best basketball coach in the young and undersized Jackets. Tech will probably start a recent hot streak that saw the conference—if not the country. He’s a dream coach; he 6’7” freshman Ed Nelson at center and 6’5” redshirt Jackets win their last two home gets the best student athletes and he knows basketball. sophomore Clarence Moore at power forward. games. Tech has shown that it Backcourt Intangibles can play with the nation’s elite teams, posting two near misses The Jackets and the Devils are two perimeter-oriented The Jackets have nothing to lose against the Blue Devils at home against both Maryland offenses. They rank second and third in the ACC in and have played well against powerhouses Virginia and and Virginia. However, the Jack- three-point shooting, respectively. However, while these Maryland at Alexander Memorial Coliseum. The Coliseum ets youth showed in these two two squads bury the three-point jumper with ease, this will be sold out Saturday and if the Jackets can somehow losses by allowing the game to game comes down to the battle on the blocks. The Tony stay in the game against the Devils, the Duke bench will slip away in the waning moments Akins-Jason Williams will be exciting to watch. need earplugs. of the second half. Forecast Bench The Blue Devils have also If Tech can attack the basket and get Boozer into foul Tech plays deep into their bench; Duke rarely has less been hot since suffering their trouble, than Nelson, Moore, and 7’0” freshman center than three starters on the court at a time. It’s not that only defeat of the season at the Luke Schenscher will be able to be effective inside and Tech’s bench is deeper, Duke’s bench could come close hands of the Florida State Sem- on the boards. However, an effective inside presence to winning the ACC . Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzews- inoles on January 6. Duke has won’t be able to stop Williams and the talented Chris ki simply likes to play the stars. Tech will get into foul sent a message following the Duhon on the perimeter. A win against Duke would be a trouble from simple frustration against the fast, big, and FSU defeat by easily handling huge confidence booster for the young Jackets, but this talented Blue Devils so Halston Lane, Isma'il Muham- national powers Maryland and squad should really just hope to stay in the game. mad and Robert Brooks will have to play solid games. Virginia, and slaughtering bitter Duke rolls...Blue Devils 87, Jackets 67. in-state rival North Carolina.
thrashersatlanta last week’s winner numbers Congratulations to Peter BourgBourg. He was the first to correct- ly answer that .704 is the career winning percentage for Ex-Head Coach Shelton Collierwhile at Georgia Tech.
explain what the number on page 32 represents, and win a pair of thrashers tickets SPORTS Technique • Friday, February 8, 2002 • 27 Beyond the White and Gold Analysis from page 32 Baseball and how I almost landed in jail They’ve also made themselves at home in their spacious new club- By Derek Haynes ing in a dialect that I didn’t under- house and practice facilities. One Sports Editor “We stopped. We looked at the stand. I don’t remember where my problem that the team is recogniz- friend was; I think he was stagger- ing with their new home is the open- I remember the first time I did it fence. I don’t remember who ing along the left field line. ness of the dugouts. Fans, and very clearly. I was young, stupid, went first, but I don’t think it After admiring the field and catch- possibly opposing coaches, can peer and probably a little bit crazy. It matters.” ing our breath, we started to leave directly into them. might have been the cold weather; the stadium. Out of the corner of The second inadequacy is the it was Christmas break. It could Derek Haynes my eye I saw what I thought was walkway directly behind home plate. have been because I was bored; the Sports Editor headlights coming towards us; we What’s the point of bringing the breaks can also cause some bore- dismissed it as just a car on a nearby seats closer to the field if the fans in dom. street. the front row can have their view But I did it. I told my friends thing; I of course wore all black. So ond we saw it that all three of us The lights got brighter. We de- blocked by pedestrians? And how about it. I even told my parents did my two colleagues. We got to a would have dirt from the construc- cided we were wrong. In fact, the will this look on television, with about half of the story. temporary chain-linked construc- tion site on our sweatshirts from lights were getting very bright. Now fans walking around as Kyle Bakker No, it wasn’t my first encounter tion fence about 100 feet from where sliding under the fence. we had two options, run to the car and his fellow Jacket pitchers are with a female, it was the first time I the stadium structure began. The We all ran inside, there were some which was parked close by or calm- trying to send in the heat and throw snuck into a sporting facility at night. stadium was beautiful already; 80 lights but not much. Seats that ly explain the situation. We thought Tech to another College World Se- The Detroit Tigers were build- percent of the games we’d seen played weren’t installed yet lied on the they would catch us pretty easily ries? ing a new baseball stadium, Com- were inside of a building that Tigers ground. There were boxes, crates running to the car; we decided to Speaking of the NCAA tourna- erica Park, that was set to open the Hall-of-Famer Al Kaline said looked and other normal construction ma- pretend to be stupid college stu- ment, this place is more than ade- following April. The grass was laid, like a battleship the first time he saw terials all over. dents instead and explain the situa- quately equipped with facilities for a large amount of seats were in- it. It was as close to Wrigley Field in We saw another hole in the fence, tion. all types of media. The press rooms stalled, and it just about in every cosmetic appearance as Roseanne is metaphorically speaking. We made I asked the editor-in-chief if I are comparable to those at Disney’s way resembled a baseball stadium. to Ashley Judd. But like Roseanne, our way to the field. I’d never been could print what the security guard Wide World of Sports, which is, in My brother and a friend of mine, the old Tiger Stadium had person- on a professional sports field of any said, but he advised me not to print my opinion, the best small stadium who, like me, were all devout Ti- ality. We walked along the fence, kind before; I wanted to make sure the dialogue. The guard told me in America. gers fans, wanted a little one-on- just peering in and gathering it all that in a couple of minutes I would that he should have arrested us right Fans who aren’t entertained by one time with Detroit’s newest sports in. Then we saw it. never say that again. I walked to- then, he told us that if his supervi- the play on the field will surely be facility. The fence was pushed up, easily ward the pitchers mound planning sor came we would have been going entertained by what plays on the We pulled up and parked in a enough for even Fat Bastard to to grab a handful of clay, but it was to jail. Luckily, he just took our brand new video screen, a Russ Chan- church parking lot adjacent to the squeeze through. We all stopped. too hard; I couldn’t scrape any up. I license plate number and told us to dler first, as soon as the staff perfects stadium and made our way towards We all looked at the fence. I don’t just grabbed a handful of grass blades never come back. its use. the construction site. It’s not like it remember who went first, but I don’t instead. My brother was running in Am I, at age 21, too old to sneak As cushy as the new stadium is, looked like we were up to some- think it matters. We knew the sec- right field like a wild banshee, scream- into the new Russ Chandler? it’s more incredible considering it was built in just eight months. If defense thanks to the redesigned have a centerfielder who can run you’re not a baseball fan, check out the stadium anyway, it’s a real throw- Rusty C Up-Close from page 32 playing surface. down balls.” “The ball bounces much more As far as changes in offensive back to the old ways of baseball 391 in left center, 400 in dead starting pitcher, Jeff Watchko, also truer and more level,” said Hall on strategy, Coach Hall said that with all the conveniences of sports center, 353 to right center, and is excited about comparing the the stadium would have only a in the new millennium. Though 334 down the right field line. pitching at the new surface with slight impact on in-game tac- it’s no PNC Park, there’s no better The deepest part of the park is new Russ Chan- the old one. tics. way to spend a Friday afternoon actually slightly left of center and dler. Hall also empha- “We used to be able to sit and than watching our powerhouse base- stands at 409 feet from home “It’s an un- “It’s definitely a sized the impor- wait for the home run, but not ball team. plate. believable, top- pitcher’s park, unlike tance of having any more,” said Hall, in his ninth The pitching staff will try to notch facility, quality athletes year as head coach of the Jackets. For a complete listing of Tech games take advantage of the new, deep- left field’s a last year where guys in order to play “We have more speed than we visit www.ramblinwreck.com. er dimensions by being more graveyard,” said could just hit it out to the style of game may have had in the past.” Upcoming BBall Games
aggressive with hitters. The field’s Watchko. “As that the new sta- And speed is one aspect of at Ga. Southern 1:30 p.m. 2/9 ○○○○ left field at will.” ○○○○○○○○○○○○○
dimensions impress Kyle Bak- one of the bet- dium will de- this Tech baseball squad that will at Ga. Southern 1:30 p.m. 2/9 ○○○○ ker, the 6’9” left-handed ace of ter programs, we ○○○○○○○○○○○○○
Pitcher Kyle Bakker mand. be needed inside the spacious TENN. TECH 3 p.m. 2/15 ○○○○ the Jackets. now have one of “If you don’t new Russ Chandler Stadium. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○
on the left field alley TENN. TECH 1:30 p.m. 2/16 ○○○○ “It’s definitely a pitcher’s park, the better facili- have good ath- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○
TENN. TECH 1:30 p.m. 2/17 ○○○○ unlike last year where guys could ties.” letes in this ball- The Jackets will play their first ○○○○○○○○○○○○○
WOFFORD 3 p.m. 2/19 ○○○○ just hit it out to left field at will,” Head Coach park, you’re home game next Friday against ○○○○○○○○○○○○○
vs. Coastal Carolina* 3 p.m. 2/23 ○○○○ said Bakker. Danny Hall thinks that the biggest going to have problems on defense,” Tennessee Tech at 3 p.m. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Converted closer and current impact of the new field will be on declared Hall. “You better always vs. South Carolina* 12 p.m. 2/23
*at Baseball at the Beach Tournament, Myrtle
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Blueprint Portraits
smile! February 11-15
cyberbuzz.gatech.edu/ blueprint 28 • Friday, February 8, 2002 • Technique SPORTS
Off the Glass Men’s IM Basketball Intramural Notebook with Jack B. Nimble How did I miss this amazing score? A ton of news items today this team, and I’ve made a list of folks. I’ve been putting my nose some talented (insert lacrosse jar- to the ground; here’s what’s go- gon here) to look out for in the ing on at Altanta’s largest sports spring season. complex. • Goalie Tracy Westeyn— Item! Alpha Xi Delta of wom- Word has it the club president is en’s intramural basketball had a one of the best between the types. game to remember two weeks • Mo Deka and Jennifer ago. I’m sorry I missed it last Crews—New Head Coach Mol- week folks but I have to point ly Burckhardt is excited this pair this score out. Here it is: ATLi- of talented goal scorers. Crews is ens 45 - Alpha Xi Delta 4. Wow. only a freshman. Four years of Please tell me that it was a forfeit. terror for opposing Southeast- Please tell me that the team ern Women’s Lacrosse League thought it was a three-on-three foes? league. Please tell me there was a The women start their sea- mixer that night. Tiffany Good- son Saturday against Rhodes, 11 man, Leslie Cook and the rest of a.m., at the SAC field. the squad was practicing last Item! Who is not excited about week—they rebounded to lose Wallyball? Is ESPN covering their By Marques McMillan / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS by only eight points to AD Pi. games yet! Shout out to Delta Men’s IM action at the Student Athletic Complex. ATR is currently the top-ranked A-League team, who Item! Women’s lacrosse is Chi, the team with the best record at 3-0, have almost out-scored their opponents 2 to 1. The top-ranked IM women’s squad is the ATLiens. back. I’ve got the inside word on in A league play.
Blueprint Portraits
smile!
February 11-15
cyberbuzz.gatech.edu/ blueprint SPORTS Technique • Friday, February 8, 2002 • 29
Equestrian DeVinny becomes first to qualify for NCAAs from page 31 By Kimberly Rieck ley relay teams, received all-state “You can be a complete begin- Staff Writer honors, and recorded Senior Na- ner who has always wanted to learn tional times in the 200 IM and 400 how to ride, or you can be someone On January 26, 2002 at Emo- IM during high school. Through- who has ridden all their lives,” said ry’s Woodruff Athletic Center, there out high school, DeVinny had a Lisa Mena, the current president was one race that stood out among goal of swimming on a Division I and one of the founding members. the other record-breaking and ex- team. Other colleges, including Rice, “Members come from various back- citing finishes. In the 400 IM race, recruited her but she chose Georgia grounds and even if you are a very all you could see was a woman clad Tech due to a number of reasons. accomplished rider, you will always in a Yellow Jacket swimsuit and swim In high school, she kept a 4.0 grade learn something from someone in cap swim faster and faster away from point average and was a member of the club.” her NC state competitors and her the National Honor Society. “On Voted as the “Best New Organi- teammates. By the time she had my recruiting trip, I really liked the zation on Campus” in 2000, the completed the first 300 yards of the team, and got along with them well. Equestrian Team has not only been race, the swimmer had a lead of I liked the coaches and the coach- training, but also extensively compet- nearly a pool length. None of the ing staff a lot. I knew it was a really ing. They currently compete in the other swimmers could reach her sta- good school, education wise,” said riding disciplines of Huntseat, West- tus. In the time span of 4 minutes, DeVinny. ern and Dressage. This year, several and 25 seconds, Cara DeVinny During practice, DeVinny has of the team riders have advanced to managed to do something no other consistently worked hard to improve Regionals in the Intercollegiate Horse female swimmer from Tech has ever her times. She trains with a group Show Association (IHSA) and some done-she had achieved an NCAA of 400 IM swimmers, of which she are also making a name for them- “B” qualifying time with her race. is usually the only female swimmer. selves in the Eventing arena. The race was the result of years The other swimmers in her group The team competes against the of hard work by DeVinny and the are Carl Nylander, Matt Fye and major rivals of Florida State, Savan- fledgling swim program. DeVinny Brady Skaggs, who she also trains nah College of Art and Design, Geor- began swimming in the summers at with in the butterfly stroke. The gia Southern, University of Miami, age three in her hometown of Mesa, training gives DeVinny a competi- College of Charleston and Wesley- Arizona. By the time she was eight, tive edge because all of the men an College, who are all included in she was swimming year-round on a have faster times than her due to their region and zoning district for competitive team. In high school, their increased muscle, body weight IHSA. Whether you are looking for a she did double duty as she trained and other factors. For example, By Daniel Uhlig / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS and competed with a club team and Nylander is a co-captain of the guys’ “I think she has the potential to become an All-American here at Georgia stress reliever, a new sport, or an swam for her high school team. How- team, one of the team’s top 10 all Tech,” said Assistant Coach Kit Raulerson of freshman Cara Devinny. impressive skill, the time spent on a ever, in high school, DeVinny did time performers and his best time horse is very unique. Just ask mem- not have much competition at her for the 400 IM is 4:02.37, about 23 off of her best time on the 400 IM at a chance of competing in the NCAA bers of this club, or just about any dual meets. Many of the swimmers seconds faster than DeVinny’s per- the ACC Championships. Last year, Women’s Swimming Champion- one who has ever ridden a horse. on the Lady Jackets team had simi- sonal best time. she dropped eight seconds off of her ships on March 21-23 in Austin, “I see a lot of talented riders joining lar problems. Assistant Coach Kit “It kind of gets frustrating some- time in that event at her high school Texas, if all of the spots aren’t filled the club now,” said Mena. “I feel Raulerson said that not many of the times, but overall it’s good for me. I state championships. with NCAA “A” times. The NCAA pretty confident that this club will swimmers had high school careers just try not to let them pass me too Her long-term goals are to get at has added 52 athletes to the wom- be sticking around for a while and where they got to swim meet after many times,” said DeVinny. least top 3 at the ACC champion- en’s competition this year, and there- continuing to make a good impact meet. “High school swimming is a All of the effort has paid off against ships, and to qualify for the NCAA fore has also changed their qualifying on Tech’s campus,” added Mena. huge sport in some parts of the coun- competitors. DeVinny has consis- championship by her sophomore standards. Currently there are 140 try and nonexistent in other parts,” tently won her top events, even year. women who have achieved “A” times, Club and team meetings are Tuesday said Raulerson. An exception would against top 25 schools, as was the “I think she has the potential to and therefore are guaranteed to com- evenings at 7:30 p.m. in room 211 at be Anna Saum because her high case when the team faced Alabama. become an All-American here at pete in the meet. SAC. Various aspects of the club and school swim team is a state power- By the end of the dual meet portion Georgia Tech. It might not happen team are discussed, including upcom- house in Ohio. of the team’s schedule, she had set this year, but she works hard and The swimmers have two more chanc- ing events, competitions, volunteer- DeVinny was able to swim against school records in the 200 Freestyle, she has the dedication, and that’s a es to qualify for the competition—the ing, etc. Meeting attendance is a top swimmers when she competed 200 Breaststroke, 200 Butterfly, 400 goal that she has in mind. She’s a ACC Championships in Maryland requirement of both the team and at the annual state championships IM, and 200 IM. great asset to the team,” said Raul- on February 21-23, and the NCAA club memberships. For more infor- meet. She was a member of two DeVinny’s goals for the rest of erson. Last Chance Meet at Auburn Uni- mation visit cyberbuzz.gatech.edu/ Arizona State Champion 200 med- the season are to drop five seconds Her “B” time means that she has versity on March 9. equus.
Blueprint Portraits
smile! February 11-15
cyberbuzz.gatech.edu/ blueprint 30 • Friday, February 8, 2002 • Technique SPORTS
By Robert Hill / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Supplied By Equestrian Club Senior Jamie Frost slides into home during 2001 softball action. The third Equestrian club member Karen Hoyal sits atop her horse Riley. The club, started in 1998, was selected as the baseman out of Eugene, Ore. is expected to be a leader on the squad top new student organization on the Tech campus in 2000 and offers both English and Western riding forms. after last season’s 24-29 campaign. GT finished fourth in the ACC in 2001. For the rider with a lack of funds, Devon-Aire, an English riding clothier, outfits all the riders with a full riding habit. Jackets set to start softball season Equestrian club welcomes all skill levels John Parsons the team’s anticipated success. Of By Katie Neal the past four years. For those who team, is a knowledgeable trainer who Contributing Writer particular note is Jessica Sallinger, Staff Writer have had prior practice, the club has had much practice within the who led Harrison High School in also offers more advanced lessons horse industry. The roster for the Georgia Tech Cobb County to a state champion- With Valentine’s Day fast ap- and even added training for those The club also offers an adapt- softball team this year is a young ship last year with a 0.00 ERA. proaching, most males are sent scram- who would like to compete with able lesson program to allow new one with only one senior in Jamie Anchoring the Jackets solid pitch- bling for an original plan to sweep the Georgia Tech Equestrian Team. riders to determine their own sched- Frost. Georgia Tech Softball head ing staff will be sophomore Erin the ladies off of their feet. What Appealing to different tastes, they ule and payment system. A credit coach Kate Madden, however, does Voeltz. Last year, Voeltz posted a better way than becoming her val- also offer both English and West- system allows members to earn club not think it will prevent the Lady 1.72 ERA while logging 200.0 in- iant knight on horseback? Roman- ern riding forms. Even better yet, credits to pay for their lessons through Jackets from making a run at an nings. Returning to the lineup this tic poems and heart-shaped boxes the club allows its riders to not only fundraisers. For the fashion-con- NCAA berth. The key will be wheth- year are sophomores Tasha Waugh of chocolates never fail to delight truly enjoy riding, but also takes the scious rider, or maybe more appli- er the offense can improve enough and Tara Knudsen, who tied for the the women, but every little girl dreams stress out of finding a barn, a trainer cable, the rider with a lack of funds, to adequately compliment a solid team lead with five home runs each. of the knight at one time or anoth- and all the added costs that usually Devon-Aire, an English riding cloth- pitching staff. “I definitely expect In addition Waugh led the team er. Don’t know how to ride? Not a makes equestrians worry. ier, outfits all the riders with a full to be at the top of our conference,” with 19 RBI in 118 AB and Knud- problem, look no further than one The barn is located in Peachtree riding habit and the club provides said Madden. “Our main focus has sen led the team with a .320 on base of Tech’s very own organizations City, just a short thirty-minute drive saddles and equipment for newcom- to be in bettering our hitting.” percentage. — the Georgia Tech Equestrian Club south of the city, yet a world away ers. So not only will you be able to Last year’s squad finished 24-29 The Yellow Jackets start their and Team. from the big city. Day or night, learn an impressive talent, you will with a 2-6 ACC record. This year, season this Saturday, hosting Gard- Chartered in 1998, the Eques- lessons are available for students, also be able to save on cash while the five newcomers to the squad, ner-Webb at 1 p.m. at Glenn Field, trian Club has been helping novices Tech alumni, and even those in the doing it. including three freshmen and two at the corner of Mecaslin St. and and even struggling Casanovas learn Atlanta area that want to ride. Bill transfers, will look to contribute to 16th St. the art of staying atop a horse for Russell, the coach for the club and See Equestrian, page 29 page SPORTS 32 Technique • Friday, February 8, 2002 • 31 Can Tony’s team pull it out? Sailing down to earth No. 1 Duke comes to Atlanta Saturday to Derek Haynes will dive with the GT SPORTS take on Tony Akins and streaking Jackets, Sport Parachute Club Saturday and give winners of three in a row. Page 26 his firsthand report... Next Week Technique • Friday, February 8, 2002 by The New Russ Chandler Stadium the Flashy beginning for baseball “It’s a real numbers throwback 9.8 to the old Average rebounding margin for the Lady Jacket Cager’s up till Febru- ways of ary 6. They have out-rebounded their opponents in 18 out of 21 of their games. baseball” By Andrew Santelli 25 Entertainment Editor Following in the larger footsteps Pounds of muscle gained by Tech of parks like Atlanta’s Turner Field, Cager Luke Schenscher during his Baltimore’s Oriole Park at Camden rehabilitation. In order to do this Yards, and Pittsburgh’s new PNC he has been lifting a lot of weights Park, the new home of the Tech and has been maintaining a 9000 baseball squad has all the nice fea- calorie a day diet. In his first week tures of these new buildings, but on back from injury he was named ACC a much more intimate scale. Rookie of the Week. First, you can’t beat the setting of the new park. All the new major league parks have played off their urban locations, with Camden Yards 58-20 taking advantage of the Inner Har- Tech’s Baseball team’s record against bor neighborhood, or PNC Park Georgia Southern, their first oppo- having the panoramic Allegheny riv- nent of the 2002 season. They play erfront and downtown skyline as its at J.I. Clements Stadium on Satur- backdrop. Though the new Russ day and Sunday. Chandler is in the same spot, the skyline of Midtown makes for a nice background on a spring day. One of the problems with the old Russ Chandler was the height 60 difference between the seating and Three-point shooting percentage for By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Russ Chandler features a video screen in center, a pair of luxury suites, a spacious player’s lounge with a large- the field, making fans feel some- the Yellow Jackets in the second Russ Chandler features a video screen in center, a pair of luxury suites, a spacious player’s lounge with a large- screen television, a video room to break down film, a training room and a weight room and workout facility. what removed from the action. With half of the UNC game last Satur- the redesign, sight lines are vastly day. The Jackets shot 58.6 percent improved, and it’s accurate to say from the field in the same half to The $7 million reconstruction, which was completed in only eight there isn’t a bad seat in the house. pull away from the Tarheels in their The seats themselves are anoth- 86-74 victory. months, has given the Rambling Wreck a top-notch baseball facility er highlight of the stadium. Stu- By Al Przygocki fort. The two sidelines feature the clubhouse facilities for the team. dents will still sit on bleachers, as Contributing Writer more traditional bleacher style that There is now a wide concourse and those seats are still general admis- atlanta can hold up to 3,300 fans. There is plaza area between the new main sion (but you can’t complain about Spectators at the newly recon- also room to expand by adding ap- entrance and the home stands be- the price). The chairback seats, thrashers structed Russ Chandler Stadium will proximately 500 more bleacher seats hind third base. Home fans will though, are now permanent. Long notice many changes and improve- on the third base line. The old sta- also be taken care of in case of rain. gone are the transplanted football number ments both on and off the field of dium housed around 2,500 seats, There is a covered area behind the seats covered with a baseball logo. challenge play. 500 of which were reserved seating. home stands where spectators can Now the best seats at Russ Chan- hint: record The stadium has doubled in the The home side has been moved either watch the action if play con- dler are nice, wide, green seats with number of seats and in the quality to the third base side instead of the tinues or wait out rain delays in a baseball marking the seat num- of those seats. There is now a large first base side. This was done to comfort. ber. The green color of the seats is area behind home plate composed create more room to construct con- The seven million dollar recon- reminiscent of Camden Yards, al- 19-1 of 1,100 chair-backed seats for com- cessions areas for fans and improved struction project was designed by beit lacking the intricate railings on HOK, the architectural firm that the aisles. Here’s the number...what does it Devils in Town No. 1 Duke faces Tech also designed Oriole Park at Cam- All the amenities are in place for represent? den Yards in Baltimore, Jacobs Field Tech baseball fans, with an expand- The first person to email in Cleveland, Pacific Bell Park in ed concession stand, modern re- [email protected] with San Francisco, Coors Field in Den- stroom facilities, and most the correct response to the chal- ver, and others. The playing field importantly, a real concourse. Say lenge will receive a pair of tickets to itself has been replaced with a new ‘so long’ to the days of snaking lines an Atlanta Thrashers home game, sand-profile, under-drained natu- for food and the bathrooms and the where admission is always half-price ral turf surface with an irrigation congestion of the area beneath the for select tickets with a student ID. system. The turf system was based stands. Visit www.atlantathrashers.com for on the one used at PNC Park in How does the field play, you more info on college nights. Pittsburgh and the turf itself was ask? Well, the surface is smooth (no obtained from the Tennessee Ti- more odd bounces), and the green tans of the NFL. stuff has been designed using the As part of the reconstruction, same system as Pittsburgh’s new park, on the playing field was rotated slight- regarded as the best of the recently- ly which altered the park’s dimen- constructed stadiums. Left center deck sions and created room for field, though, is a graveyard, stretch- improvements. The bullpens are ing out for 400 feet. The Yellow Event Date no longer in the playing area, but Jacket outfielders will need their BM at Ga Southern 2/9–2/10 instead have been enlarged and wheels this season. MB vs. Duke 2/9 moved behind walls on each base The team has already made them- WS vs. Gardner-Webb 2/10 line. The new ten-foot high, pad- selves at home in the new park, with WB at Virginia 2/11 ded wall has created a much deeper some dents visible in the building WS vs. Furman 2/13 left field and left center field while on the left field line (see for yourself MB at Maryland 2/13 By Daniel Uhlig / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS keeping right field essentially the in the aluminum siding above the WB at Maryland 2/14 No. 1 Duke’s Jason Williams drives inside on the Yellow Jackets same distance. The new dimensions concession stand) from a few foul BM vs. Tennessee Tech 2/15-2/17 senior guard Tony Akins. Williams, the consensus preseason Player are 328 feet down the left field line, balls during preseason training. MB – Men’s Basketball, WS – Women’s Softball of the Year, is averaging an ACC-best 21.9 points per game. WB – Women’s Basketball, BM -- Men’s Baseball See Rusty C Up-Close, page 27 See Analysis, page 27