30 • Friday, April 12, 2002 • Technique SPORTS

The women’s crew team hasn’t seen QBs from page 36 Crew from page 34 this much success since the spring of 1999 when the women’s heavy- However, one thing made the deci- chine. weight four received silvers at na- sion a little easier. This past Mon- On the women’s side, Canavan tionals. day, one of the lead candidates, Andy points to first-year rower Denize How does the Tech club team Hall quit the team. No comment Ozmen, a fourth-year chemical en- compete against teams with deep was given from him as to why he left gineering student, as a rower with a pockets? Richards and Canavan both the team after fighting for the start- large upside. Ozmen, who has the agree on the formula for Tech crew ing position the past three years. second best ergometer time on the success. However, this sudden decision has women’s team, moved quickly from “I find that Georgia Tech row- shocked many fans who have been the novice squad to the undefeated ers are better than other clubs out watching the quarterback struggle varsity four boat. Ozmen is one of there because of the people who go closely. two first-year rowers on the varsity to Tech,” explained Richards, who Andy Hall’s departure, while team, the other being Jane Wood- was a member of the cross country, unexpected, has given new hope to row, a freshman from Tampa, Fla. basketball and softball teams in high Camp, who now has the most expe- The Tech men’s varsity team has school. “We are determined and we rience on the squad. After holding also benefited from a couple of tal- want to win.” the clipboard on the sidelines the ented freshman. Taylor Bronikowski, Canavan echoes the thoughts of past few years, he knows the system a native Georgian and industrial en- Richards. well and seems to know his reads as By Marques McMillan / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS gineering major and John Hoffman, “Tech is easy in some ways to if they are second nature. While he Head Coach Chan Gailey looks over spring practice last week. Gailey a freshman computer engineering coach, the school has very intelli- does not possess the physical as- has to face another major challenge with the departure of 2001 backup major from Jacksonville, Fla. both gent student athletes,” said Cana- pects of the other two contenders, quarterback Andy Hall who most likely will transfer to a I-AA school. stepped up to the varsity level im- van. “You really have to want to be a he could easily claim the backup mediately last fall. Their presence rower because the course load is so role and even receive some playing and option runner now that Hall is With the departure of Hall, the on the team has helped fill the void demanding.” time. gone. job is Bilbo’s to lose. However, much of a departed class that created a The varsity rowers make plenty On the other hand Bilbo, who is He is also the best at handing the can happen over the course of the dominant varsity eight boat. Last of sacrifices to compete at the top seen by many as the future of Tech ball off. Many of you out there may remainder of spring practice and year’s varsity four men’s boat (which level. The squad practices on the football, may actually be hurt by be thinking, how hard is it to sim- the entirety of summer practice. actually featured several members water five times a week with four Hall’s departure. Hall was putting ply hand a ball to a runningback? Those that were worrying about a of the eight boat) finished in fourth extra practices on land lifting weights Well, the quarterback needs to de- two-quarterback system can be rest place at the IRA Regatta, meaning or doing cardiovascular routines. liver the ball in the same way in assured though. the varsity four team members were While the squads don’t have as many “You would like to which he would fake the handoff “I’d like to find one right now,” the fourth-best in the country. of the early-morning crew practices on a play action. Bilbo sticks the said Gailey, “and then we’ll worry “We beat Brown, Princeton, Yale as many imagine, the early practices have a clear cut guy ball out at the last second and deliv- about trying to find two. We’re not and Harvard [traditional Division I do require some special preparations. that jumps up there ers it in the same spot every time. in that position right now.” rowing powerhouses],” said Cana- The Tech shells, which cost about Right now, since there’s so many But what type of position are van. “We gained a lot of respect $25,000, are equipped with lights and becomes a hero, backs of different sizes competing, they in now? Before, Tech had depth after appearing in the New York Times and the club has special permits to but right now we it’s hard to get a rhythm down, but at the QB position. Now it seems as and Philadelphia Inquirer.” row in the darkness of the 5 a.m. once a starter is selected Bilbo’s hand- if it may be too thin. However, one While this year’s men’s varsity mornings. don’t have anybody off will be flawless. It will leave the talent Gailey has always had is to eight boat hasn’t had the same suc- Baxley, who has been rowing for that fits in that defenders on their heels well after build his program around his play- cess as last year’s team, they have two years, is happy to live through the ball is hiked since they wont ers and not try to transform them. made large strides as spring march- the few early practices. category.” know whether to approach the line Whoever is selected as the starting es on. “The time-commitment is worth Chan Gailey or back into zone coverage. quarterback will be in command of The varsity light weight squad it,” said Baxley. “Seeing the courses Head Football Coach Suggs on the other hand has a an offense that is tailor-suited to raced a Dartmouth boat that fin- perfectly buoyed and all the excite- forecasted handoff in which his sticks him. And that may be all that’s needed ished third in the country last year ment at big events is a big rush.” the ball as far away as possible from for this team to be successful. and lost by only one length of a boat As usual, the team has their sites him almost immediately after the Upcoming Spring Practices (about four seconds). set on the biggest event of them all, pressure on Bilbo and kept Bilbo ball is hiked. Suggs has the passing On the women’s side, the team the Dad Vail’s Regatta on May 10

4/12 Practice 4 p.m. ○○○○○○ attentive. One could see Bilbo hav- down pat, however, is an immobile ○○○○○○○○○○○ has been moving strong all season. and 11.

4/13 Scrimmage 10:40 a.m. ○○○○○○ ing trouble with his reads, but could quarterback that needs guidance from ○○○○○○○○○○○ Led by seniors Joy Parrott and Sa- “The only one that really counts

4/16 Practice 4 p.m. ○○○○○○ also see how hard he was working the coaches. The transfer that at ○○○○○○○○○○○ rah Tourtellott, the team has the is the Dad Vail’s Regatta,” said Cana-

4/19 Practice 4 p.m. ○○○○○○ on them. As definitely the most ath- one point started at Tennessee has ○○○○○○○○○○○ first women’s varsity four boat to van. “We go to win, I wouldn’t put

4/20 Springfest* 11 a.m. ○○○○○○ letic back, he easily has the stron- not played to the high caliber that ○○○○○○○○○○○ ever go undefeated heading into a boat on the water if I didn’t think

* - Held at Marist School ○○○○○○

gest arm and now is the best scrambler was expected from him. ○○○○○○○○○○○ southern nationals and Dad Vail’s. it had a chance.”

were, why not support a team that Golf from page 32 wants and needs attention? A team that for some reason is in the na- 23 freshman Chan Wongluekiet, tional spotlight everywhere other No. 24 senior Matt Weibring, No. than at Tech. There is more to golf 50 freshman Nick Thompson make than simply Tiger Woods. After all, up the rest of the competing team. before Woods mastered the Mas- “This group is solid from top to ters he was simply a student athlete bottom and really is a five-man team,” at Stanford. Would you want to be said Coach Heppler. “They all can one of those Stanford fans who missed go low and they all can pick one out on their Tiger era? another up if someone is struggling.” The Rambling Wreck are in ac- And that’s what will determine tion next at Old North State Club how well the Jackets finish the sea- in Uwharrie Point, N.C. for the son. They need the support of their ACC Championships from April teammates as well as their fans to 19-21. The NCAA East Regional compete. So, instead of ripping apart comes to Georgia at the Ansley how much of a disappointment last Golf Club’s Settindown Creek in year’s football and baseball squads Roswell. SPORTS Technique • Friday, April 12, 2002 • 31 Beyond the White and Gold Intramural Notebook Forecasting next MLB Home run king with Jack B. Nimble By Derek Haynes can now expect to be compared with hit home last season. Recovering from tourney weekend Sports Editor Barry Bond’s measuring reel hom- Detroit Tigers: Hockey anyone? Police moved quickly to qui- The winners, Albert Susilo eruns. The Tigers, who after starting 0- et the wild crowds this weekend in badmitton, Fong and Susilo It’s never too early in a baseball 6 are on pace for a league-record after another wild table tennis in doubles badmitton, and Mike season to project the statistics for 162 losses, are on pace to score 2.3 and badmitton tournament at Hadsell in table tennis had to be the rest of the year. I’ve decided to If he holds to his runs per game. The Detroit Red the SAC. While school officials flown to a remote location while go ahead and make my early season current pace, Curt Wings of the NHL average 3.08 have declined to comment on order was restored to campus. projections. goals per game. the actual damage, students re- Susilo and Hadsell will par- Curt Schilling: Strikeout King Schilling will eclipse Minnesota Twins: Is this wif- ported seeing golf carts overturned ticipate in a ticker-tape parade Schilling, who fanned 17 bat- Old Hoss Radbourn’s fleball? on the steps of the Woodruff Monday down Bobby Dodd. ters against Milwaukee on Sunday, Jacque Jones isn’t the only Twin Residence Hall and general Drinks and light snacks will be is currently on pace for 842 strike- single-season strikeout donating baseballs to the fans in the drunkenness. served. outs. If he holds to his current pace, record by 401 cheap seats. As a team, the Twins Co-Rec Volleyball Top 10 Men’s 3 on 3 Top 10

he will eclipse Old Hoss Radbourn’s are on pace to smash 432 longballs. 1 Pi Kappa Phi 1 Beta Theta Pi ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ strikeouts. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

single-season strikeout record by 401 On average, each Twin will hit 48 2 Short Bus CR 2 FIJI ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ strikeouts. Also of note, Schilling is homeruns this season. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

3MSM 3 Pike ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ on pace for 65 wins. Mike Williams: Leading the Pi- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

4 Can’t Beat This 4 Fastees ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Jacque Jones: New Homerun Carlos Guillen: Ducks on the pond rates to the top ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

5 FIJI 5 Phi Gam ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ King Guillen, who is usually known Pittsburgh, who’s team was as ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

6 TKE Co-Rec 6 Sigma Nu ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ This Minnesota Twin, who has as Alex Rodriguez’s replacement in bad in 2001 as their stadium is beau- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

7 It’s How You Play 7 Bongo Heads ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ averaged 18 homeruns per season, Seattle, should eclipse Hack Wil- tiful, has enjoyed more success this ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

8 WCF 8 Lambda Chi ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

is on pace to slam 97 homeruns. son’s RBI record of 191 easier than season. Williams, on pace for 97 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

9 Miss Ceo’s Psychic... 9 TKE

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Jones, who regularly appears on failing a physics test. Guillen is on saves, is leading the charge. Will- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

ESPN’s “Sports Center” for his high- pace for 227 RBIs, a little bit more iams had 22 saves last campaign. 10 Delta Chi 10 Airballs ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ light reel catches in the outfield, than the 53 the 180-pound slugger No. 1 Tech golf looks for repeat title at ACC tourney By Derick Stanger this year, and that’s including the Assistant Sports Editor NCAA and ACC tournaments. So far this year they have already This year one of the best teams defeated the competition at the Car- that Georgia Tech can claim as their pet Capital Collegiate, Long Cove own has somehow managed to slip Invitational, Waikoloa Intercolle- by undetected. While many Yellow giate in Hawaii, Puerto Rico Clas- Jackets were focusing on a crum- sic and Las Vegas Collegiate. The bling football team, a youthful bas- Jackets came through with especially ketball team or an emerging baseball strong victories in Puerto Rico and team, not many people have no- Las Vegas, where their combined ticed what has been going on at the lead over their closest opponents links. Unbeknownst to many, Tech was 25 and 19, respectively. currently holds the No. 1 ranking “But they still know that while in the NCAAs and has done so prac- this [winning] is great, there is still tically since the season started way one more out there [the NCAA back in September. This is the team Championship],” Heppler said. that has four of its players ranked “And hopefully, what we’re doing among the nations top 25 and a now will help us when the big dance fifth in the top fifty. comes around.” It is not like this is a fluke either. But even before the Jackets reach This team has been atop the rank- the NCAAs they will have to en- ings for many dure and defend years now. This the ACC Cham- is the team that “Some people say pionship. The has produced ACC is by far the PGA greats we’re peaking too hardest golf con- David Duval early. So what do you ference, as it has and Stewart the three top-rat- Cink, not to do, tell the guys to go ed teams in the mention the out and lose, not try to nation in Tech, emerging stars of Wake Forest and Matt Kuchar win? I’m sorry, I can’t Clemson, as well and Bryce do that.” as NC State, Molder. They who is among have won four Bruce Heppler the top 20 teams consecutive Head Golf Coach in the Golfweek/ tournaments, a Sagarin Colle- feat that Tech as giate Rankings. a team has never been able to ac- In order to do so, they will have to complish. What else could be ex- rely on their leadership from top- pected from the team? They have performers No.5 junior Troy Mat- accomplished near perfection. In teson and No. 17 senior Kris fact they have been criticized for Mikkelsen. playing so well. Mikkelsen is the consistent fac- “Some people say we’re peaking tor the team needs. While Matte- too early,” said Coach Bruce Hep- son can have extremely explosive pler. “So what do you do, tell the performances, he also has had di- guys to go out and lose, not try to sastrous weekends like his recent win? I’m sorry, I can’t do that. I 11-over-par finish at U.S. Colle- think you go out and play your best giate Championships where he at all times. They’re learning how placed No. 47. On the plus side, to win and I can’t believe that is Matteson finished in first in three bad.” consecutive tournaments during the And they definitely have learned Jackets’ winning streak, an amaz- how to win. So far this season the ing achievement at any level of com- Jackets have won five of their eight petition. Mikkelsen has been doing matches outright. Their five win- great in his own right, but can’t ning performances tied the NCAA seem to break away from consis- record for wins in a season since the tently finishing around tenth and NCAA limited the number of match- move up into lead contention. No. es allowed per season. The Jackets will only play eleven tournaments See Golf, page 31 32 • Friday, April 12, 2002 • Technique SPORTS

rest of the guys have all contributed Hall. “The thing that I like about situations. Tech also does not turn top nine in the ACC in ERA. The Checkup from page 34 in different ways, whether it’s been both of these guys [Watchko and as many double plays as other teams offense has been almost as good, Watchko, Burks, Goodman, Perry] is they’re experienced guys in the top ten which could help scoring 8.48 runs per game while er and a quality reliever. Burks had Schmidt. All those guys have con- and they throw strikes. Those other them escape potentially big innings batting .316 and stealing 74 bases. the first complete game shutout for tributed.” guys have got to get comfortable unscathed. Against lesser teams this The bullpen has been slightly above a Tech pitcher since 1998 and also Relief Pitching (C): Victor Meno- throwing strikes, be able to handle is not an issue, but against ranked average (6-2, 4.16, 9 saves) but has leads the team with three saves. Kyle cal took over the closer role when the pressure of being in there late in opponents and the level of compe- a tendency towards giving up runs Schmidt has worked his powerful the team needed someone to step in the game when the score’s probably tition that the Jackets will face in in the late innings to make many fastball and hammer curveball into and take it, earning two saves in the tight. I’ve been pleased with what postseason competition, giving up games closer than they should have a weekend spot in the Jackets rota- process, both in dramatic fashion. Victor’s been able to do, but it’s those extra outs and extra runs could been. The defense has been a real tion. Jeff Watchko has made the Philip Perry started the season as a tough for a guy to come from short- make the difference between win- area of concern as unearned runs transition from closer to starter a starter, but an arm injury sidelined stop and go on the mound and pitch. ning the national title and going and errors have been an ongoing smooth one by pitching very effi- him for several weeks. Since then, We’ve got to get more and more of home empty handed. problem. Hall will be keeping an ciently, avoiding walks, and draw- Perry has worked his way back into those freshman contributing.” “I think the area that we have to eye on the team’s progress as he ing a constant stream of ground starting shape by working very ef- Defense (C): The defense has been improve on is defense. We’ve made looks towards the rest of the season. balls. Chris Goodman, a converted fectively out of the bullpen, earning the biggest weakness on the team too many errors,” commmented “I still don’t think we’ve totally shortstop, started the season as the two saves as well. Freshmen Jeff Kin- thus far as the Jackets have commit- Hall. “Our fielding percentage is in gelled as a team. I don’t think as a closer but after struggling early has del, Drew Taylor and Nick Wagner ted more errors than would be ex- the .960’s. Ideally, I’d like to see coach you’re ever totally satisfied. worked his way into a solid mid- and sophomore Aaron Walker have pected from a top ten team. Their that get up to .970. I think that’s As far as I’m concerned, I think week starting role. seen a fair amount of action out of defense is the one thing that could one area we need to keep working at we’re sitting pretty good right now, “I think they’ve all done great,” the bullpen as well. hold them back from competing to get better.” but we’ve got a long way to go, and said Hall. “Bakker’s been what I “We’ve made a lot of the games for a national title. 24 percent of the Overall team performance (A-): obviously some tougher opponents thought he would be, a guy that’s that we’ve won way too interesting runs that Tech has given up have The starting pitching (23-2, 2.85 to play, so we’ll have to keep getting just consistent and gives us a chance late. That’s something we’ve got to been unearned and many of those ERA) has been strong all season as better to play that type of competi- to win every Friday night, and the continue to work on,” explained have occurred in late and critical four of the Jackets starters are in the tion.” Yellow Jackets Statline U.S. Collegiate Champ. Team Results (Tucson, AZ 3/7) Recent Softball Scores and Upcoming Games

Fin. Top 10 Scores Date Opponent Location Result ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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3/26 Maryland Atlanta, Ga. W, 3-0

1 Texas 278 290 291 859 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 3/26 Maryland Atlanta, Ga. W, 4-0

2 Arizona 290 287 284 861 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 3/30 Virginia Atlanta, Ga. W, 5-1

3 Oklahoma State 281 296 286 863 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 3/30 Virginia Atlanta, Ga. W, 3-1

4 TCU 289 297 283 869 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/03 Ga. Southern Atlanta, Ga. W, 7-3

5 Georgia Tech 282 300 289 871 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Next week ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/03 Ga. Southern Atlanta, Ga. W, 4-0

6 Arizona State 286 294 295 875 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the Nique ○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/05 North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. 4:00 PM ET

7 Houston 280 301 301 882 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ gets person-

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○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/05 North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC W, 1-0 s ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

8 UNLV 296 300 290 886 4/05 North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. W, 5-4 al with punt-

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g 9 Northwestern 289 311 287 887 4/06 Maryland Chapel Hill, N.C. W, 5-1 er Dan Dyke, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

10 Kent State 297 304 302 903 f 4/06 North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. W, 8-5

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○○○○○○○○○○ o ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ one of the 4/07 Virginia Chapel Hill, N.C. L, 1-0

U.S. Collegiate Championships Indiv. (Tucson, AZ 3/7) t ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ most athletic l 4/07 Virginia Chapel Hill, N.C. L, 10-5

Fin. Top 10 School Scores ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ and academ- ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ b f 4/09 Chattanooga Atlanta, Ga. W, 5-1

1 Hunter Mahan Okla. St. 62 73 69 204 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ a 4/09 Chattanooga Atlanta, Ga. W, 2-0 ic punters in

2 Chris Nallen Arizona 65 73 68 206 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/13 Florida State Tallahassee, Fla. 1:00 PM ET the nation.

3 l ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ John KlaukTexas 67 70 71 208 ○○○○○○○○○○

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4 J.J. Wall Texas 67 71 71 209 l ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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5 Tom Johnson N'western 67 75 69 211 4/18 Mississippi State Starkville, Miss. 5:00 PM ET

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6 Andy Doeden TCU 70 73 70 213 4/20 Jacksonville State Jacksonville, Ala. 12:00 PM ET

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7 Matt Weibring Ga. Tech 69 73 72 214 4/20 Jacksonville State Jacksonville, Ala. 2:00 PM ET ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○

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8 Par Nilsson Okla. St. 70 75 71 216 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/24 Samford Birmingham, Ala. 6:00 PM ET

9 *Scott Ferguson Houston 72 73 72 217 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/26 Mercer Atlanta, Ga. 3:00 PM ET

10 Chez Reavie Arizona St 71 74 73 218 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/26 Mercer Atlanta, Ga. 5:00 PM ET

Ben Flam Arizona St 69 79 70 218 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/28 Georgia Atlanta, Ga. 2:00 PM ET

Nicholas Thompson Ga. Tech 68 78 72 218 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4/28 Georgia Atlanta, Ga. 4:00 PM ET ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ SPORTS Technique • Friday, April 12, 2002 • 33

RBIs, is second in slugging, has added think it’s not easy for teams to run Checkup from page 35 the stolen base to his offensive arse- on us. Our catchers throw well Crew from page 36 nal, and has mowed down five of enough that people aren’t too anx- whole park. the twelve base runners daring ious to run on them. Offensively, “I think offensively our infield enough to try him. Mike Nickeas Parker’s a leading RBI guy. I think has been good. Menocal just set a has done an excellent job of back- he’s done real well. Nickeas in lim- record. Eric Patterson has been great, ing up Parker behind the plate as ited roles has gone in there and caught “ said Hall. “All the guys that we’ve well as filling in at both first and well and swung the bat well.” played at first base have contribut- third from time to time. Nickeas Starting Pitching (A+): Kyle Bak- ed from time to time. Jason Perry has thrown out three of the eight ker has been the Friday ace all sea- was big for us over the weekend. He base runners that have tried to run son and has performed masterfully started pretty hot, went cold, and on him. as the staff anchor with his pinpoint now is hot again.” “I think our catchers have been control, overpowering fastball, and Catcher (A): Tyler Parker has outstanding. The biggest thing for his extreme competitiveness. Brian lived up to his preseason all-Ameri- me at the catcher position is what Burks has been both a quality start- ca status both offensively and de- they do defensively and both those fensively. Parker leads the team in guys have caught well,” said Hall. “I See Checkup2, page 33

By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS The Tech men’s club crew team in action at Lake Lanier in Gainesville. Both the men’s and women’s squads have shots at a national club title. “All the varsity teams give their and women’s teams can largely be shirts to the winners,” explained Bob credited to the team’s overall size Baxley, a member of the Tech varsi- with a record 80 rowers hitting the ty eight boat. “Club teams usually placid waters of Lake Lanier each don’t do it except for the big events.” week. The Tech men have lost to Crew tradition states that the only one boat out of 35 in varsity losers in an event have to give up eight races this season, and both the their shirts to the champion. How- men’s and women’s teams haven’t ever, because most of the teams that lost in varsity four. The women are the Jackets race against aren’t varsi- almost as successful in varsity eight ty squads, the shirts aren’t given up races, as they haven’t taken first in except for events like the Southern the event only three times. Intercollegiate Rowing Association “Normally, we only have one or (SIRA) Regatta and Dad Vail’s (the two novice men’s boats. This year Division II, III, and club national we have three men’s boats,” said championship). In these events the Baxley. shirt rule is actually written into the Another reason for the recent regatta rules. If a Tech boat wins a success of the women’s team has national title, as Baxley expects to been Head Coach Ethan Johnson. happen, that The former could mean a lot Florida State of shirts. T-shirt “It feels good to come rower has man- betting is done on aged to coach occasion during home at 8 a.m. and build oar the early regattas, realizing that you and boat racks but it is up to the at the Tech teams to decide at have already boat house the starting line. accomplished more while working “We’re talking and taking 60 shirts if a Tech today than most graduate class- boat wins at na- people will the whole es at Emory. tionals,” said Bax- “[He] ley. day.” has put his What makes Anne-Marie Richards heart and soul the success of both GT Women’s Crew member into coaching,” the men’s and said Anne- women’s squad Marie Rich- even more amaz- ards, a ing in a sport where the bigger the third-year international affairs ma- athlete the better, is the fact that the jor and one of the top women row- Tech varsity eight boat could com- ers on the team. pete as a light weight boat (all row- Richards also credit’s Tech’s nov- ers under 160 pounds for men and ice program for much of the teams 130 pounds for women) too. success. “It seems like we’re competing “Tech has a really good program, against guys twice as big as us,” said the novice level integrates you into Baxley, who weights in at 160 the sport really easily,” said the Mad- pounds. ison, Conn. native. “You get a taste Tech Head Coach Rob Cana- of the sport.” van wasn’t that impressed with the While the sheer numbers of the men’s team at the beginning of the Tech crew team are very intimidat- season. Canavan, in his ninth year ing to other southern schools, there at the helm of the Tech Club Crew is one rower that stands out from Team, has coached several national the large team. Jordan Smith, a fourth team rowers at Tech. Canavan him- year civil engineering major from self rowed for the national team Santa Rosa, Calif. is that rower. Smith after competing collegiately at Tem- stands 6’7” and weighs 220 pounds ple. While this team is talented, they with a 2000 meter rowing time of don’t have as many stand-out per- 6:05, only five seconds slower than formers. the national team mark of 6:00. “In the fall, I told them they Canavan, who calls Smith a “di- were the most difficult team I had amond in the rough,” feels that the to coach, but they worked hard,” native Californian could move up said Canavan, who earned his mas- to another level. ters degree at Temple University. “Jordan has a lot of raw talent, “They are very diligent workers, they he has the God-given ability to be just tried harder. It’s been fun be- an Olympian,” said Canavan, whose cause it’s been a project, they’ve 2 1/2 year-old son Bobby recently really blossomed in the past several rowed 800 meters on the ERG ma- months.” The success of both the men’s See Crew, page 31 34 • Friday, April 12, 2002 • Technique SPORTS Baseball Midseason Report No. 4 Joltin’ Jackets thriving with youth, solid pitching staff By Al Przygocki for Wes Rynders to get more play- offensive threat at the top of the Contributing Writer ing time. Rynders, a three year starter lineup with a .449 on-base percent- known mostly for his excellent range age and a team-leading 19 stolen Now that the Jackets have played in center field, has adjusted well to bases while also providing spectac- 33 of their 56 regular season games, playing off the bench and has been ular range at second base. Four-year it’s time to check on their grades so able to hit his way into a larger role. starter Matthew Boggs has made far. Tech’s record is now 29-4, 6-2 “I think that as a unit they’ve the difficult transition from second in ACC Play. The offense and the been very good. Rynders in limited base to third base this season, and starting pitching have been real roles has played great,” said Head while Boggs looked shaky early on strengths of the team all season with Coach Danny Hall. “Boggs, for a in the season while making some the relief pitching and the defense freshman, has done well. Murton uncharacteristic errors, he has real- the only concerns. started slow, but lately has been out- ly grown into the third base posi- Outfield (A): Jeremy Slayden has standing for us, particularly the last tion and is able to charge bunts and led the way in right field, pacing the two conference weekends. There’s slow rollers with ease and is also team in home runs, slugging per- not a whole lot more you can say adept at starting the double play. centage, and OPS, as well as play- about Jeremy Slayden. For a fresh- Jason Perry has split time between ing a solid right field. Left fielder man, he has been outstanding.” first base, right field, and the desig- Matt Murton started off hot, got Infield (B): Senior shortstop Vic- nated hitter positions but has been into a slump, and has since blasted tor Menocal has led the way offen- able to provide left-handed power his way out of it, raising his batting sively, sporting a .426 batting average hitting from all of them. Perry went average to .307 to along with 12 and leading the team in seven of- through a slump but has been able stolen bases. Brandon Boggs won fensive categories to go along with to break out of it by becoming less By Marques McMillan / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS the starting job in center field to his recently ended 30-game hitting pull-conscious and trying to use the Tech, shown here in their home win over UGA, haven’t lost at the new Russ start the season, but the young switch- streak that set a school record. Eric Chandler Stadium. Tech beat their first Top 25 team in Auburn last week. hitter has cooled off, leaving room Patterson has grown into a huge See Checkup, page 34 thrashersatlanta last week’s winner Congratulations to Jon SimsSims. He was the first to correctly answer that 1.23 is the ERA and .429 is the batting numberschallenge average of Tech shortstop Victor Menocal. explain what the number on page 36 represents, and win a pair of thrashers tickets pageSPORTS 36 Technique • Friday, April 12, 2002 • 35 What are they doing? Young and gunnin’ The game is very popular overseas but The No. 4 GT baseball squad is winning SPORTS rarely played in the states. What is this with rookies and pitching. Al Przygocki mystery club sport? Next Week gives his midseason grades. Page 35 Technique • Friday, April 12, 2002

QB Battle: Down to two by Bilbo, Suggs to battle for QB slot numbersthe 9-0 Record for the Men’s Tennis team at the Bill Moore Tennis Center on Tech campus. Six of the games were against top 50 teams. Away from Tech the Jackets are 3-8. 22 Rank of Auburn by the ESPN rank- ings. No. 4 Georgia Tech beat Au- burn 9-5 on Tuesday and earned their first victory against a ranked opponent. The now have a 1-3 record against Top 25 teams. 39 Wins by the Jacket Softball team. With their two victories against Chattanooga on Wednesday the Jackets surpassed their previous high of 38 wins in a season, which was set By Marques McMillan / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS By Bill Allen / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS during the 1991 season. A.J. Suggs(left), a drop-back passer who transferred to the Jackets after starting four games for Tennessee in 2000, is competing with Damarious Bilbo(right) for the starting quarterback job after leading the scout team last season. On the right, Bilbo looks for running room against Navy last season. Bilbo, a muscular 6’0”, 200 lbs., received a medical redshirt after a recurring thumb injury sidelined him for much of the 2001season. By Derick Stanger that the mistakes are nullified. And talents and flaws. we’ll see how it shakes out.” 100.1 Assistant Sports Editor finally there are those quarterbacks Redshirt Freshman Damarius Bil- So far Coach Chan Gailey has out there that hardly even throw bo clearly has the edge with athletic not made any sort of pecking order Efficiency rating of ex-Tech quar- There are many types of quar- the ball. The Eric Crouch’s are more ability and arm strength. Redshirt for the quarterbacks. Every prac- terback Andy Hall in the nine games terbacks that can lead a team through of a third back than anything else. Junior Andy Hall has been with the tice, the four athletes rotate the start- that he received playing time. He a successful season. There are the At this point in the spring training Jackets the longest and knows the ing assignments and each player’s completed 19 passes for one touch- quarterbacks that have unheralded season, Tech would gladly take any system well. A.J. Suggs has the most number of snaps vary solely on how down and two interceptions. skill; those that can place the ball one of these types of quarterbacks experience starting a game, which well they are performing that day. anywhere they want and are smart to lead their team. he got from Tennessee before he on the field, basically the Joe Mon- At the beginning of spring prac- transferred to Tech. And finally The Race for QB

tana’s and Dan Marino’s. Then tice, four players were in the trenches there’s the redshirt junior Brian Damarius Bilbo

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atlanta there’s the Jim Miller style, where fighting for the sole starting job at Camp, who switched from fullback Redshirt Freshman, 6’3” 200 lbs.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the players aren’t amazing but they Quarterback. But all four of them to quarterback this spring, but was The Dick Butkus Football Network thrashers have enough talent to get by simply refused to step forward to stake their the sideline signal quarterback. National High School Player of the

Year ○○○○ number because they do not make any mis- claim. No one clearly rose from the “You would like to have a clear ○○○○○○○○○○○○○

takes. crowd and proved that they were cut guy that jumps up there and A. J. Suggs

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challenge Next comes the Brett Favre’s of clearly the best choice. What will becomes a hero,” said Gailey. “But Redshirt Junior 6’4” 220

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hint: golf top 25 football. These are the quarterbacks make this an even harder decision right now we don’t have anybody Transfer from Tennessee ○○○○ that makes quite a few mistakes but for Head Coach Chan Gailey is that that fits in that category. We’re let- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ simply have such a gun of an arm each player has their own unique ting everybody have a chance and See QBs, page 31 4 Sallinger and Here’s the number...what does it represent? Club crew team leaving big wake Tech softball set The first person to email By Derek Haynes school record Sports Editor [email protected] with With doubleheader victo- the correct response to the chal- This past weekend, the Tech crew team ries over Chattanooga, the Tech lenge will receive a pair of tickets to softball team broke the 1991 an Atlanta Thrashers home game, found themselves in a very uncomfort- able position, a position the squad hadn’t team’s season record with their where admission is always half-price 39th win. for select tickets with a student ID. experience for all of the 2001-02 season. Second place. Freshman pitcher Jessica Visit www.atlantathrashers.com for Sallinger also set the school more info on college nights. The Tech crew team didn’t finish in first last weekend at the John Hunter record with her 18th win of Regatta in Gainesville, but that hasn’t the season. Winning the first been a regular occurrence for the 2001- game (5-1) and the second (2- on 02 season. The men’s squad has won the 0), Tech next looks for a victo- team points at every event this season. ry versus FSU on Saturday to The women’s team has been doing al- extend the record. deck most as well, with two out of four wom- Event Date en’s point titles so far this season. Both Sinotte heaves BB at Maryland 4/12-4/14 squads have undefeated varsity four boats TM vs. Florida St. 4/12 and very competitive varsity eight squads. javelin on route SB at Florida St.* 4/13 As a whole, the squad has won three out BB vs. Auburn 4/16 of four regatta point titles, losing only to to new GT mark TW at ACC Championship 4/18 Georgia at the John Hunter Regatta. With a throw of 227 feet TM at ACC Championship 4/18 Too bad the squads weren’t compet- and one inch, Chris Sinotte SB at Mississippi State* 4/18 ing against varsity competition—they’d broke the record in the javelin * Double Header By Ian Clark / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS never have to buy shirts again. set by Tom Smith in 1989, BB -- Baseball, TW – Women’s Tennis Members of the Georgia Tech Crew Team prepare to put the boats into qualifying him to throw for an SB – Softball, TM – Men’s Tennis the water. The boats are a major expense, costing $25,000 each. See Crew, page 34 NCAA championship.