28 • Friday, March 15, 2002 • Technique SPORTS Beyond the White and Gold Intramural Notebook Are these Techsters born to be athletic? with Jack B. Nimble By Derek Haynes Van Beisel—This research engi- Braves. I have a feeling he might not Sports Editor neer obviously has a name very sim- have power at the plate, but his Hockey finishes 3rd in USA ilar to an actor in one of the worst acrobatic feats in the infield will Gotta feel sorry for those club Grapplers dominate the mats There are certain names that, movies of my lifetime, Fast and the more than make up for it. hockey team members. After fin- Congrats to the club wres- given to newborns, seem destined Furious. This guy sounds powerful; Rodney Ice—There is no ques- ishing 27-2 and finishing as the tling squad qualified three mem- to create athletic stars. Some of my I imagine Beisel as a fullback for the tion this radiation safety officer has ACHA D-III Southern Division bers to the 2002 NCWA National favorites include former North Caro- the potential to step in the ring and Champions and winning the Championship. lina cornerback and current St. Louis do some major damage. Ice would Thrasher Cup, the team fell just Tourney Time Ram Dre’ Bly, former Georgia cor- Christopher Cruz — probably start out as a light heavy- short of winning the Division Softball nerback and current Washington weight but should move quickly up III national championship. March 22 marks the begin- Redskin Champ Bailey, and Travis Cruz has a name that the ladder. The squad lost a close game ning of the softball tourney. Show Lee, a first baseman for the Phillies. seems to roll off my Students to eventual runner-up Wyoming your stuff on the artificial dia- Monday night I looked through Holly Fay—Holly sounds like a 2-0 but then rebounded to thump monds of the SAC field. To reg- the Georgia Tech campus directory tounge...could be a shooting guard with deadly aim from Muskegon 5-3. Congratulations ister, visit the intramural office and came up with a list of people gold-glove winning behind the arc. I can also see a ca- on another successful season fellas. located on the bottom floor of that I feel aren’t destined for life in a reer ahead of her as a color com- Division II next year? the SAC. boring classroom. They have a name shortstop for the mentator. Phase II Action Begins Ping Pong that should almost guarantee them Braves. Meredith Nash—Meredith Monday marks the beginning It’s all about reaction time— success on athletic fields. would have been making noise at of Phase II action. The sports? tourney begins April 5. Visit the Faculty and Staff the Olympics in Salt Lake City had Softball, racquetball, 3-on-3 bas- IM office for more details. Maurice Azar—Azar, an assis- she gone with her real talent, snow ketball, tennis, and co-rec vol- Badmitton tant professor with ROTC, could Pittsburgh Steelers. boarding. leyball. Show your stuff in the sport have been a prolific defensive back. Christopher Cruz —Cruz has a James Street—This fleet-footed I can’t wait to get in the rac- that has the most creative name I imagine he would be a heavy hit- name that seems to roll off my tongue. wide receiver would have no trou- quetball court and smash a cou- for the object in play. Tourney ter with Michael Johnson-like speed I bet this custodian could be a gold- ble beating the Seminoles’ defen- ple kill shots. takes place on April 7. on the gridiron. glove winning shortstop for the sive backfield. SPORTS Technique • Friday, March 15, 2002 • 29 ramblin’ withwith tyler parker by kimberly rieck junior catcher Tyler Parker began his career KR: What sports do you like other than Buckhead, and stop by the Gold Club—the home from Buckhead. with the Yellow Jackets in baseball? former Gold Club. 2000. The catcher from TP: I like golf, football, and jai alai. KR: If you don’t play Marietta saw a lot of action KR: What’s that KR: What do you do in your free time here? baseball, what would you on the field during his first TP: Jai alai TP: I don’t have any free time. Honestly, I don’t do instead? season. In his sophomore KR:Jai alai? know what that is. TP: I’d be a dictionary year, however, injuries TP: You know the thing where they salesman, definitely. sidelined him for most have the big scoops on their hands, and KR: What pitcher would you like to catch with, of the season. This year, they move the ball? The fastest moving dead or alive? KR: If you could be any Parker is healthy and ball sport in the world. It’s in Boston, you TP: I’d like to catch against Charlie Hough. I’d cartoon character, what ready to take on can bet on it. like to hit against Charlie Liebrandt. I want to hit would it be? competitors. off of him because he’s terrible, and I might TP: If I could be any KR: What’s your favorite tv show? actually be able to get a hit. cartoon character, I would TP: Temptation Island 2. definitely be Droopy dog. KR: What would be the craziest thing that you KR: Is that a cartoon character? KR: What would you would do for a million dollars? TP: Heck yeah, you don’t know who Droopy the recommend a person do in TP: I would kiss Steve Tamborra(the trainer) dog is? He can show up wherever he wants the city of Atlanta if they with an open mouth. and never goes fast. He’s awesome. only had one day to visit? KR: What’s one of the craziest things you’ve KR: Is there anyone that you would switch TP: I would say go to ever done? places with? the Varsity, Fellini’s, TP: The craziest thing I’ve ever done is walk TP: Peter North.

DANIEL UHLIG

cot short of the Stanford Tree, put an answer for Boozer or Dunleavy. Victor’s done his fair share of Diary from page 31 up a fight against Duke and kept It’s hard to imagine how Duke lost Cuban from page 36 winning both in high school and at close most of the time, it seemed as three games in the season. How did Tech, but he still has a few goals left anything embarrassing. I think I held if Duke was merely toying with them. they ever lose to FSU for that mat- ew, Victor Menocal, who is also a to accomplish in his senior season. my own. How can any team compete against ter? team co-captain, a relief pitcher, and “I won’t settle for anything less Anyway, I digress. While I was arguably the three best players in All the Duke fans stayed for al- an enjoyer of hip-hop music. than an ACC title and going to in my stupor, I almost missed the the country? (Yes, I know about most an hour after the game to watch While winning three state titles Omaha. This is my last year to get best game of the tournament. Both Dan Dickau and .) the ceremonies. Even though the and almost every high school award there,” says Menocal. “I definitely teams played amazingly well. NC arena is half full, if that, it’s still and honor possible at Gainesville think that we have a good chance State shot the lights out again and March 10, 2002 boisterously loud. I wonder what it High School in Gainesville, Geor- with the nucleus we have on this Maryland gave them an equal fight. Checked out of my hotel this would feel like if that was my team? gia, Victor became an ardent fan of team. I really think that it’s going to The best shot of the game? Defi- morning. (Aren’t free towels great?) Oh, well. Boozer seemed genuinely Georgia Tech’s last great shortstop, be a successful year for us. We’re all nitely the line drive three by NC The atmosphere is amazing. My surprised that he received MVP. True Nomar Garciaparra. a bunch of gamers and competi- State’s Julius Hodge to put them up first pro or collegiate championship reactions. That’s what makes col- Nomar actually called the Meno- tors, and I don’t think that anyone by six with only a minute left. It had game of any sport. It really doesn’t lege sports different from the pros. cal house when Victor was getting on this team will settle for less than such an awkward sideways spin on matter who’s playing. The ride back to Atlanta was ready to come to Tech. that.” the ball and the ball seemed like it Halftime now, not really a great uneventful. No cops this time, hardly “I didn’t get to talk to him. My Sometimes, you add all the in- never went above the rim. No one game but still good and that’s what as many truckers and no banjo boy mother got to talk to him. I was real gredients properly, but you feel like thought it went in. No matter how matters. NC State is behind by 14 (I kinda missed him). Instead it was disappointed because I was actually there might be a way to make it just many how many times it’s replayed, and looking kind of sluggish but a steady cruise back to Tech until out hitting some baseballs with one a little bit better. If the team needs a I still won’t be able to explain it. they can still go on a spurt. Who the obligatory slamming of the brakes of my buddies,” said Victor. “His fireballer out of the bullpen to get a The second game was a gimme. knows, maybe they’ll come out for as soon as I hit I-985. It just gave me reason for calling was to say that he few critical outs, Victor can do that I don’t think anyone would have the second half running the four- more time to look back at a great didn’t mind that I wore his number too as he closed in high school. In betted on Wake, not even some Wake corner offense. That would be fun. ACC tourney experience. five. I didn’t want to disrespect him his first mound appearance, his adren- fans. Duke was just playing too well. Well, it’s over. Wasn’t really a Next year it’s off to Greensboro, by wearing his number because it aline got the better of him, but it is And while the Deacons, who I be- great or good game, but Duke played where hopefully Tech will make a should be retired here at Georgia clear that when focused he can be as lieve have the weirdest looking mas- amazing. The Pack just didn’t have longer appearance. Tech.” hard to hit as he is to get out. 30 • Friday, March 15, 2002 • Technique SPORTS

of tricks and went throwback style started talking about how ingenious only down by 17. After all, we came Diary from page 32 to the ancient four corners offense. a plan this was. While it would push back to win against Wisconsin. Peo- Once Duke figured out what was the start of the Tech game back ple around me laughed a little but I ing was higher comedy than that. fresh kill. happening they simply setup in zone almost an hour, definitely a bad ignored them. The second half Until, of course, the next game. Finally the Duke/UNC game defense and let UNC’s Adam Boone thing, it did make for interesting seemed like a continuous anxiety First off, between the second and started. I’m sorry. Did I say game? I hold the ball at half court until 12 watching. But as I’m sure you know attack. Tech would come within third game there was a two-hour meant circus. Boos from through- seconds were left on the . already know, this helped, but the six, then go behind by 12, then break in which they kicked every out the arena rained down upon the Every time down the court Boone Tarheels could not pull the upset come to within three with almost one out of the arena. This gave way court when the Tarheels were an- repeated this until Coach Doherty over Duke, who won 60-48. Val- two minutes remaining. How hard to the infamous passing of the tick- nounced. The Reggie Love story gave him the go-ahead to run their iant effort but not enough execu- can it be to make a basket! Then of ets. Throughout the parking lot were was certainly spread around. What offense. And along with that each tion on defense in the second half. course every thing fell apart. “We eager Duke, Maryland and NC State was amazing, though, is what hap- time a chorus of boos and chants Too bad for the Heels though, who can still win, we only need how fans preying off the Virginia and pened during the game. Matt Doher- came from the arena in disapprov- had their first 20 loss season in his- many points?…Oh. Well, we’ve still FSU fans like vultures attacking a ty pulled a gameplan out of his bag al. However, those on press row tory. Jason Capel and Kris Lang’s got how much time on the clock? senior season was the worst season Oh.” That’s when it hits you. Your in school history; how would you team lost. like that as a label? It just wasn’t fair; Wake played too One odd thing though. Appar- well. Can you take away a win from ently Duke Coach Krysc…., Coach a team if they test positive for drugs, K, has a heart, despite what many like what happens with medals in Tech fans may think. With a little the Olympics? I hope that happens. over 30 seconds left on the clock Wishful thinking I guess. Jason Capel fouled out. In what The saddest part of the entire Coach K will probably say was a tournament was Tech’s press con- sign of weakness on his part, Coach ference. Only ten reporters filled K met Capel on his way back to his nearly 60 seats, since most had al- bench to shake his hand. Maybe he ready left by the time Tech Coach was trying to pass on a cold or a Paul Hewitt and Tony Akins ar- disease but it seemed genuine. rived. Both had watery, red eyes. Finally it’s the reason I came here, Both needed to compose themselves The Tech game is about to start. at one or another while an- The Tech fan section is the only swering questions. I could tell Hewitt section that has plenty of open seats. was truly going to miss Akins. Too The majority of the press are in the bad he can’t stay one more year and back either writing stories on the watch this budding team develop. oddity that occurred in the just com- pleted game or fighting over the last March 9, 2002 few free Dove bars. Some of those I hope today’s games will be good guys can get viscous. I think I’ve so that I can forget about the prior had one too many pretzels. day’s events. It’s always bad when It’s halftime now and things don’t your team loses, but it’s worse in look good. Wake is having one of person. Anyway, that was yester- those games that NC State had what day, this is today. It’s before the seems like almost eight hours ago. games have started and I’m already Wake was shooting almost 65 per- happy. Ran into or Dickie cent from the field and Darius Son- V and Mike Wilbon. Only thing gaila seems unstoppable. Why are missing is Stuart Scott. I’ll find him they playing so well today? It just somewhere. isn’t fair. I’m starting to believe that The Maryland game is over. Sorry the ball is loaded with cement judg- about the time lapse. I was still in ing on how every shot Tech takes awe of meeting Dickie V. I’m glad comes up short. People around me I didn’t say “It’s Awesome Baby” or are already giving me looks of pity. talk about some Diaper Dandies or “Good luck next year.” I’m not go- ing to give up yet though. We’re See Diary, page 29 SPORTS Technique • Friday, March 15, 2002 • 31

An ACC Men’s Tournament Diary Neal from page 35 a real influential character not on The scandals, the celebs, the games only in my conditioning but also in the way I play the game.” Assistant Sports Editor Derick Stanger traveled to Charlotte to take in the tourney experience. Neal considers the main high- By Derick Stanger couch. And of course some UNC ney. The grass is green, the sky is ing (you’d think they’d give more lights of his career as not only going Assistant Sports Editor students took advantage and start- blue and all is good in the world. time between games). I’m sure it to the NCAA tournament last year ing drawing on his face with mark- The only days better than today are was equally as riveting though. and getting to meet the basketball March 7, 2002 ers. Things escalated and, well, I’ll Super Bowl Sunday and the first The first half of the NC State/ great and Hall of Famer John Wood- Well, it’s . March Mad- leave that to your imagination. day or two of the NCAA tourna- Virginia game was amazing, ACC en, but also playing at Duke and ness has begun. No, it is not the first Anyway, finally in Charlotte, NC, ment. And now that I know my basketball at its prime. Both teams North Carolina and averaging a re- round of the NCAA Tourney. The the home of this year’s ACC tour- way to and from the arena, it’s child’s shot over 50 percent and traded the bound per game versus Duke. play-in game (or first round to be ney, checked into my cheap hotel (I play. lead several times. The Second half, “To get to play at places like nice to the bottom dwellers) to the love AAA). I arrive at the Coliseum, I enjoy the pre-game meal and know on the other hand, gave way to a Duke and North Carolina is some- ACC tourney isn’t even until later where of course the it’s off to over ten blowout. The Wolfpack shot 70 thing every little kid dreams about,” tonight. No, the madness I’m refer- parking attendants hours straight of percent from the field and 90 per- Neal said. “Every game is a war that ring to is the enigma that is I-85. direct me to the ACC basketball. cent from beyond the arc. Nobody usually comes down to a last-sec- I’m sitting stopped somewhere in farmers market; ap- Am I in heaven in press row could believe how well ond possession and just being a part South Carolina sitting between two parently that’s more or what? First they were shooting. They only missed of that on a day-in day-out basis is semi’s. The river below me is so popular than bas- game is the one three in the second compared phenomenal.” muddy I refuse to believe that the ketball. By the time Maryland/FSU to Virginia’s seven. Virginia lost its Neal considers his career as a water can still move. I can’t imagine I park and head game. Maryland will and was down 92-72 when the Yellow Jacket a successful one and a it was far from where Deliverance through security— let the Noles stay final buzzer rang. The post game building to a new Tech team. was shot. I swear I just saw that kid which is rather lax uncomfortably press conference was jovial. Star N.C. “Even though we haven’t won as with the banjo; maybe it was just compared to what close. Once State guard Anthony Grundy came many games as I would have liked the fumes from the semi’s. I thought it would Maryland step it out looking like a little boy that had to, I feel that with Coach Hewitt, I The traffic finally starts moving, be—and finally sit up, they put the just ravaged a candy store. He was have helped start something that is but because it’s I-85 the speed limit in my semi-court- tired Seminoles grinning from ear to ear and his going to be bigger than anything is 55 mph and there are actually side seat on press behind them. personality was contagious. Very anyone can imagine,” said Neal, who cops enforcing the mandatory 40 row, the national The Terps won soon his coach was wore number 14 for the Jackets. days in jail speeding-in-a-construc- anthem had already by a deceivingly sparring right back with jokes. With As a dedicated teammate Neal tion-zone law, so of course every been sung and the lopsided score of the crazy mood going around one has used his hard-work ethic to in- one is going 45 mph. To kill some game has already began. Great per- 85-59. It seemed as if Gary Will- reporter (I swear it wasn’t me) had fluence many of those around him, time I turn on Fox Radio to listen to formances were given by two medi- iams, the Terps head coach, let the to blurt out the dumbest question not only on the , Jim Rome. What else would he be ocre teams, FSU and Clemson, who Noles stay in it out of respect for he could think of, “Besides playing but also off of it. “He has made my talking about but the next day’s fought for the right to lose the next head coach Steve Robinson, who your best what will you have to do transition over here [from Austra- Duke/ UNC game? In basketball, day to Maryland, a situation similar everyone knew was going to be fired. to beat Maryland?” And of course lia] a lot easier,” said freshman team- no schools have more hatred for to the recent Alcorn St./ Sienna game. (He was relieved of his duties on the obligatory response from mate Luke Schenscher. “He goes each other than Duke and UNC. The game went into overtime where Monday.) Back to the post-game Grundy, “Well… I guess we’ll just out of his way to help me when I So of course there’s a scandal a cou- the behemoth that is Nigel Dixon pressroom where Gary Williams was have to play our best.” Now that need it and always takes me places I ple days before the game. Reggie dominated and led the Noles to a boring yet respectful to the FSU might not seem funny to anyone need to go. He has also set an out- Love, a Duke bench player, was at a 91-84 victory. team. gave his usual outside of the room, but to the peo- standing example on how to be a UNC party (not a smart move in lines. All-in-all uneventful. Couldn’t ple inside that was hilarious. Noth- model citizen and model student at the first place). He allegedly drank March 8, 2002 catch the FSU interviews since the Georgia Tech. He is a top bloke and to the point that he passed out on a First real day of the ACC tour- NC State/ Virginia game was start- See Diary, page 31 will be sorely missed.” 32 • Friday, March 15, 2002 • Technique SPORTS Fifth-ranked Jackets go 5-0 over break By Joseph Jeong help Tech hold on to a 6-4 victory. As expected, the Jackets’ offense Staff Writer Combining a couple of infield cooled down and the pitching still hits and a comedy of errors by the needs some work outside of Bakker The fifth-ranked Georgia Tech Jackets defense, Winthrop jumped and Burks. Patterson started the sea- baseball team came close to drop- to a 4-0 lead to start the second son 0-3 on the basepaths but has ping their first home game of the game. The lead was cut to 4-1 be- been on fire lately. Pitching coach season against two lesser opponents fore play had to be suspended due Bobby Moranda’s philosophy of over the break. They managed to to poor weather in the middle of the throwing more strikes is becoming hold off East Tennessee State and third inning. When play resumed, more and more evident as the pitchers Winthrop to maintain a pace to Tech didn’t gain the lead until the continue to be stingy about giving match their best start ever to a sea- seventh inning when they managed up free bases. They gave up just five son. to load the bases with no outs. The walks in the past four games while Tuesday’s game against East Ten- end result was a four run explosion striking out 36. nessee State went into extra innings that put the Jackets up in front for Player of the Week honors go to as the Jackets needed freshman Clif- good. Two more runs were added Burks for yet another versatile and ton Remole’s sacrifice fly to put the to pad the lead by Matt Murton in virtuoso performance. Burks pitched game away. Converted starter Jeff the next inning. Winthrop attempted ten innings, surrendering no earned Watchko was pitching very well until one last rally in the ninth when they runs and striking out 11. the sixth when he gave up five runs cut the lead to 7-5, but Watchko on five hits, which was all the of- closed the door on them as he picked Baseball America’s Top 15

TEAM W-L ○○○○○○

fense East Tennessee State could up his first save of the season. ○○○○○○○○○○○

1. Stanford 14-5

○○○○○○ muster. Brian Burks relieved him The last game of the series saw ○○○○○○○○○○○

and pitched a perfect four innings the matchup of Winthrop’s ace Ben 2. Clemson 10-0 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

to pick up the win. Thurmond and Tech’s versatile 3. Florida State 20-4

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Kyle Bakker continues to solidi- Burks. Thurmond came close to 4. Rice 15-4

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fy his status as the staff ace as he single-handedly beating Texas his 5. Georgia Tech 13-1

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pitched eight strong innings against last time out, but he wasn’t able to 6. South Carolina 14-2

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Winthrop. He struck out eight in replicate that performance against 7. Wichita State 8-1

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the same number of innings, scat- Tech. He gave up eight runs on ten 8. Houston 12-4

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tering ten hits over that period and hits while striking out five in seven 9. Louisiana State 13-5

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gave up four earned runs. Burks innings. Burks fared much better as 10. Baylor 12-6 ○○○○○○ came in to shut the door on Win- he gave up seven hits in five innings ○○○○○○○○○○○

11. Nebraska 8-5 ○○○○○○ throp’s valiant rally as he pitched a but only let in one unearned run ○○○○○○○○○○○

12. Florida 13-3 By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS ○○○○○○ perfect ninth to pick up his third while striking out six. Remole hit ○○○○○○○○○○○

13. Wake Forest 13-2 6’9” starting pitcher Kyle Bakker delivers for the Jackets. Bakker has been ○○○○○○ save of the season. Freshman Eric his second homer of the season as ○○○○○○○○○○○ 6’9” starting pitcher Kyle Bakker delivers for the Jackets. Bakker has been

14. Texas A&M 16-5 the ace of the Tech staff this spring, going 5-0 with a 2.06 ERA. The lefty ○○○○○○ Patterson had a good day on the the Jackets cruised to an 8-1 win in ○○○○○○○○○○○

15. Mississippi 12-3 has also struck out 40 batters in 35 innings while giving up only 2 walks. ○○○○○○ basepaths as he stole four bases to the final game of the series. ○○○○○○○○○○○ thrashersatlanta last week’s winner numbers Congratulations to Scott SmithSmith. He was the first to correct- ly answer that 1 is the number of former Tech golfers to win the Masters Tournament. Larry Mize won the Masters in 1987.

explain what the number on page 36 represents, and win a pair of thrashers tickets SPORTS Technique • Friday, March 15, 2002 • 33 Senior Winston Neal leaves hard-working legacy behind Former high school class president and academic All-American satisfied with Rambling Wreck basketball career By Katie Neal the ACC.” which is playing basketball for Geor- Contributing Writer But Neal didn’t let what he calls gia Tech…this is the end of some- his “lack of skill” stop him from thing that I have always wanted and Editor’s Note: While few editors becoming a notable practice player I have enjoyed every minute of it. would feel comfortable allowing the and team motivator. He has been It’s the end of an era for me. This sister of a member of the basketball an Academic All-American for two will mark the end of my college team to write a story on her brother, I years and received the weight room years, more so than graduation will felt Katie would be able to provide a Iron Man Award twice. for me.” unique perspective of a situation few “Sure, it takes skill but there are He takes many enjoyable mem- of us will ever experience. sacrifices in the weight room, to ories with him due to his time on On Wednesday, February 27, your game, and to conditioning that the team, from both the end of Head Georgia Tech honored and said fare- nobody every sees,” he said. “No Coach Bobby Cremins’s era and well to three of their senior basket- one ever sees the hours I put in. No the start of Paul Hewitt’s. Neal said ball players at their last home game. one sees the ten hours a week that I one of his favorite memories from Along with Tech’s starting point put in lifting in the weight room or his early years is a team-bonding guard Tony Akins and Michael Isen- the thousands of shots a week I put getaway with Cremins at a camp- hour, who was unfortunately side- site outside of Atlanta. lined this year with acute lymphomic “I remember the whole team and leukemia, was one of the ‘big broth- coaches—particularly Coach Crem- ers’ on the team, Winston Neal, a “He has also set an ins—were dancing to the ‘Rosa Parks’ fifth-year senior guard. outstanding example song by Outkast,” he said. “I have Neal, who has played for the past never seen any human being doing four years and served his freshman on how to be a model what Coach Cremins was doing, year as manager of the team, says he citizen and model but it was pretty funny.” has welcomed this year’s added re- Even fellow senior Tony Akins sponsibilities as one of the “older student at Georgia has given Neal something to remem- guys” and leaders of the team. Tech. He is a top ber. “Tony is actually a phenome- “I enjoy being the big brother to nal artist who can sketch caricatures the freshmen,” Neal said. “I like bloke and will be really well—especially of teammates that coaching aspect, where you are sorely missed.” and coaches,” Neal said. “The pic- developing that young talent. All tures, along with his commentary five of the freshmen are going to be Luke Schenscher about the features and personalities unbelievable one day. I enjoy watch- on how Neal’s work ethic has of particular teammates and coach- ing them mature…I really like this influenced him. es, will leave you rolling on the floor freshman class. They are good kids, with laughter.” great athletes, and very good peo- Adding to his memories are the ple.” up by myself in the gym. Or the two talented individuals he has met along Although Senior Night was his miles I run around SAC fields just the way. “Foremost, the coaches have first time as a starting player in a so I can be in shape for practice the influenced me,” Neal said. “Espe- college basketball game, Neal will next day. Everybody just sees the cially Coach Hewitt and his atti- be the first to admit that sitting the end results and thinks it is so easy, tude toward basketball and life in bench doesn’t really bother him. yet no one realizes the dedication general. Player-wise, it would have “Not really,” he said. “I realized long and hard work that gets these re- to be Matt Harpring. I used to be ago that I did not have the athletic sults.” his rebounding buddy before, dur- skill to take my game to the higher Nevertheless, Neal doesn’t re- ing and after practice, and we were level to play in the ACC. I do have gret any of the sacrifices. To him, always in the weight room togeth- the basketball smarts and the work the past five years have all been worth er. I learned work ethic from him ethic that allows me to play, but as the effort. “They have been the best and how hard you had to work to By Daniel Uhlig / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS to getting playing time, I am just years of my life,” he said. “It was a accomplish your goals. He has been Winston Neal talks to Paul Hewitt as he leaves the Alexander Memorial not tall enough and can’t jump high great time and I have gotten to do Coliseum court for the final time after Tech’s 90-77 victory over Wake enough to be an impact player in what I’ve always dreamed about, See Neal, page 32 Forest. Neal started and played the first 1:13 but failed to score a point. 34 • Friday, March 15, 2002 • Technique pageSPORTS 36 ESPN Comes to Campus A championship diary AMC will host several TV personalities and The Nique’s Asst. Sports Editor Derick SPORTS college hoops stars on March 28. We’ll give Stanger traveled to Charlotte to soak in his a lowdown on the event. Next Week first ACC tourney experience. Page 32 Technique • Friday, March 15, 2002 Forward Halston by Ed Nelson claims ACC Hoops Lane to leave bas- the ketball squad Rookie of the Year Award The Sophomore Lane, who numbers became a fan-favorite during By Derek Haynes N.C. State’s Julius Hodge his freshman campaign for his Sports Editor and teammate B.J. Elder for the award, who finished ability to score in big games, 2 Freshman forward Ed second and third respective- has announced his intent to Number of times this year that Tech Nelson became the ninth ly. transfer to another school. golfer Troy Matteson has not fin- Tech basketball player to Tech has won a league- Lane, who averaged 6.1 ished under par in a team tourna- garner ACC Rookie of the leading nine ACC Rookie points and 2.6 rebounds as a ment. Both of which are the only Year Honors Wednesday of the Year awards. Nelson sophomore, did not have an two times that Tech as a team has after a stellar first-year cam- joins an exclusive club that increased role on the team as includes former Tech stars not won a tournament this year. paign. many expected during his sec- The 6’7” forward from Mark Price, Dennis Scott, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. aver- Kenny Anderson and Ste- ond season. The left-handed aged 10.4 points, 6.6 re- phon Marbury, who in shooter saw his playing time, 4 bounds and shot 54.2 1996 was the last to win points, and shooting percent- percent from the floor in the award. age decrease during his second Times within the last 12 minutes of ACC play. Nelson was sec- “I give a lot of credit to spring. Tech’s men’s basketball game against ond among rookies in scor- our coaches for helping de- Wake Forest that they cut Wake’s ing and tops among velop my game and help- lead to within 4. None of the times first-year players in both re- ing me gain the confidence Golfers capture were they able to capitalize. bounding and to go out there every game shooting percentage. and play well,” said Nel- fourth-straight “I’m very happy for Ed,” son. tourney win said head coach Paul Nelson was often praised 9 Hewitt. “His hard work and throughout the season for Junior Troy Matteson won dedication was obvious to his poise on the floor. Nel- his record-setting third-straight anybody who saw him play son, along with Elder, By Daniel Uhlig / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS tournament and Tech won a Number of ACC Rookie of the Year this season.” seemed to be the most ag- ACC Rookie of the Year Ed Nelson goes up for a shot as fourth-straight team title, also Awards given to Tech players, Ed Nelson outdistanced gresive of Tech’s freshman. Duke’s Nick Horvath and GT’s Clarence Moore look on. a Tech record, as the top-ranked Nelson being the most recent. The Jackets dominated the field at number tops the ACC. UNC has the Las Vegas Collegiate, win- the second most with five. ning by 19 shots. Shortstop Victor Menocal The Jackets, who finished 20-under-par, were followed has unique Cuban heritage by tourney host UNLV and 1992 By Al Przygocki add equal parts extraordinary ACC rival N.C. State. Fresh- Last time the Lady Jacket basket- Contributing Writer defense, top-notch hitting, man Chan Wongluekiet, whose ball team won a women’s post-sea- intensity, joy, and leadership. second-round score of 66 was son tournament, the NWIT, which What does it take to make In case of emergency, add a the best of the tournament, later became the WNIT. That same a great shortstop? It’s like mak- splash of relief pitching. rounded out the top 10 with year was the last time the Jackets ing a quality cocktail. It’s not To be the original El Pres- an even-par performance. faced Miami, Tech’s first round just about having the right in- idente, you would have to be opponent this year. gredients; it’s also how you Mario Garcia Menocal, the mix them. president of Cuba from 1913 Men’s Swim- To make an El Presidente, to 1921, who was also a gen- ming finishes atlanta for example, add 1 and 1/2 eral, an engineer, and an en- ounces of light rum, 3/4 ounces joyer of cigars and apparently 2nd at ACC meet thrashers dry vermouth, and a splash of cocktails. Junior Shilo Ayalon earned number red Curacao. In case of a sub- To be Tech’s current great All-ACC honors in three events par mix, add a splash of gren- shortstop, you have to be El as Tech finished a distant sec- By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS adine to make it all come out Presidente’s great, great-neph- challenge ond behind Virginia at the ACC Victor Menocal has a unique relative—his right. hint: Women’s Post-season Swimming and Diving Meet. great, great uncle was the president of Cuba. To make a great shortstop, See Cuban, page 29 The second-place finish was 3 the best ever for Tech. Here’s the number...what does it Hurricanes swamp Lady Jacket’s WNIT run, 73-64 represent? By Al Przygocki the Big East and you can see why. We got The first person to email Contributing Writer the ball inside in the first half when they [email protected] with were in a zone, but they pressured the the correct response to the chal- Miami used a 15-2 run to start the point in the second half with Saake.” lenge will receive a pair of tickets to second half as they overcame a 45-36 half- Five Tech players scored nine points an Atlanta Thrashers home game, time deficit and never looked back in end- or more with Sonja Mallory leading the where admission is always half-price ing the Lady Jackets season Wednesday way with 16 points and three blocks. Se- for select tickets with a student ID. night at Alexander Memorial Coliseum. niors Milli Martinez, Ashley Ebert, and Visit www.atlantathrashers.com for Tech(15-14) built its halftime lead with Regina Tate played in their final game for more info on college nights. interior scoring and offense generated from the Lady Jackets. its suffocating half-court trap, but Mi- In front of a sparse but energetic crowd, ami(19-11) made adjustments to beat the Tech ended an up and down season with press and scored easy baskets in the sec- yet another close loss in a winnable game on ond half. When forced to using a more that once again left a bad taste in the patient, half court offense, the Lady Jack- mouth of the team and its followers. How- deck ets broke down in the absence of a veteran ever, there is reason to believe that this and turned the ball over 27 season will be a solid foundation for fu- Event Date times which lead to 23 points. ture success, especially with one of the BM at Wake Forest 3/15-3/17 “I’m very disappointed in the loss be- nation’s top recruiting classes joining the TM vs. Maryland 3/16 cause we really weren’t ready to have the fold next year. TW at NC State 3/16 season be over,” said Tech head coach Women’s Hoops File WS vs. Princeton* 3/17 Agnus Berenato. “I think that the big Final RecordRecord: 15-14 TW at Wake Forest 3/17 difference in the game was guard play and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ACC RecordRecord: 7-9 (5th place)

TM at South Carolina 3/20 our lack of a point guard. Not having a ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Leading ScorerScorer: Sonja Mallory, 14.1 ppg

SW at NCAA Championship3/21-3/22 veteran point guard was something that ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Leading FG PercentagePercentage: Fallon Stokes, .511

*Double Header, WS – Women’s Softball By Daniel Uhlig / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Miami really exploited in the second half. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Leading RebounderRebounder:Sonja Mallory,8.0 rpg

BM -- Men’s Baseball, TW – Women’s Tennis Tech guard Milli Martinez, shown in earlier action, scored 10 We faked it in the first half, but Meghan ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

SW – Women’s Swimming, TM – Men’s Tennis points and dished out 9 assists in the Lady Jackets’ 73-64 loss. Leading PasserPasser: Nina Barlin, 7.9 apg points and dished out 9 assists in the Lady Jackets’ 73-64 loss. Saake is the defensive player of the year in ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○