From the excellent academic support services to the unparalleled athletic performance program, Virginia Tech provides student-athletes with the best possible aid to help them reach their goals on and off the field. • Virginia Tech student-athletes receive outstanding • Virginia Tech’s strength and conditioning program is academic support with state-of-the-art study areas and well regarded as one of the best in the nation. over 75 tutors. • The Hokies have more than 22,000 square-feet of strength • Tech’s athletic graduation rate is higher than the average and conditioning training space. overall graduation rate for all Division I universities and has risen significantly in the past few years. • Six Tech football strength and conditioning records were broken in the spring of 2002. • More than 82 percent of all Tech student-athletes who have completed their eligibility in the 10 year period 1986-87 • Twelve Hokies achieved Super Iron Hokie status during the through 1995-96, have graduated. spring of 2002, including three first-time members for the 2001- 2002 year. • For the fourth year in a row, a new record of 347 student- athletes, HighTechs and cheerleaders were recognized at the • Vegas Robinson and Josh Spence were named to the Athletic Director’s Honors Breakfast for posting 3.0 GPAs or Excalibur Elite Level of Performance status, signifying a higher in the 2001 calendar year. predetermined performance test which measures achievement for the individual’s position. It comprises four tests in strength • Tech had 188 student-athletes, approximately one-third of and four tests in performance. the student-athlete population, named to the dean’s list, and 26 achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall or spring semesters • A brand new training and medical complex has been of the 2001-02 academic year. completed this year on the ground floor of the Jamerson Center.

• A total of 15 Tech athletic teams achieved a 3.0 or better • The “Training Edge” dining facility features a comprehensive team GPA – five teams during the fall semester and 10 during system of eating for championship performance. the spring semester. • Tech has added a full-time sports nutritionist to the Sports • Tech student-athletes participate in the HiTOPS Performance Staff to help the student-athletes achieve their program (Hokies Turning Opportunities into sports nutritional goals. Personal Success). HiTOPS provides a well-rounded program for student-athletes • A new training room has been completed in Rector Field to develop the individual skills necessary to House — Tech’s indoor practice facility — to serve the football lead successful and productive lives. team when it moves indoors.

• A full-time sports psychologist has been added to Tech’s Athletic Performance Staff to help meet the personal and performance needs of the student-athletes.

Jarrett Ferguson is a great example of what can be achieved by a student-athlete at Virginia Tech. After entering Tech as a walk-on, he enjoyed a great collegiate experience, earned his degree, was a four- year starter and was selected in the 2002 NFL Draft. ACHIEVEMENT IN THE CLASSROOM IS A TOP PRIORITY AT TECH The success of Virginia their degrees and the Tech’s football program rests other two are within a largely on the academic semester’s worth of progress of each student- credits of completing athlete. The academic their coursework. performance of Tech student- Last spring, the athletes has improved each Athletic Director’s year due in part to the Student Honors Breakfast paid Athlete Academic Support tribute to a record 347 Services (SAASS). student-athletes, student The Virginia Tech trainers, student graduation rate for student- managers, cheerleaders athletes has risen significantly and HighTechs who in recent years and reached 71 posted 3.0 or greater Willie Pile, a percent in 2002 as compared QCAs in the 2001 two-year starter to the national average of 58 calendar year. on defense, percent. The 71 percent Student-athletes are graduated in student-athlete graduation rate the most visible student May of 2002 with a degree in marks the fourth time in the last component of a management. nine years that Tech has university. They reached that level. entertain thousands of The Virginia Tech football fans, students and program has been an integral alumni. Their athletic part of this recent academic ability and achievement success. According to the is the primary focus for American Football Coaches national media attention. Association 2002 graduation Athletic events bring rate, Tech has a 77 percent back not only faithful graduation rate as compared to alumni, but are a the 59 percent national welcome mat for average. potential new students. Additionally, African- Student-athletes American members of the devote many hours to Virginia Tech football program practice, conditioning have also excelled and training that are not academically with a 63 percent required of all students. graduation rate last year, Due to their time substantially higher than the 42 commitment and their percent national average. Six high visibility, it is an of the record-setting eight Tech obligation and in the football players drafted by the best interest of the NFL last spring have earned Continued … VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 121 university to supply these students with services which CHRIS HELMS will allow them to maximize their academic potential. To accommodate the many Director of Student Athlete Academic Support Services facets of assistance needed for student-athletes, Virginia Beginning his fourth year at Virginia Tech, Chris Helms is the director and Tech’s mission is eight fold: is responsible for the development and leadership of the Student Athlete Academic Support Services office. Helms oversees an office comprised of 1. To provide services to all two associate directors, three assistant directors, and a secretary forming a student-athletes, including any group of professionals serving the needs of all student-athletes. student participating in any In addition to his duties directing SAASS, Helms serves as a liaison between the academic varsity sport, managers, and athletic communities and is an ad hoc member of the University Athletic Committee. trainers, cheerleaders and Helms came to Tech from Michigan State University, where he served as the assistant director HighTechs. of the Student Athlete Support Services office. Prior to MSU, Helms served as the coordinator of academic affairs for the Florida State 2. To provide academic University football program. Some of his other experience includes academic advisement for support through tutoring student-athletes at Central Connecticut State University. programs, computer facilities Helms earned his bachelor's degree in psychology at Wake Forest University and received his and software which are master’s in athletic counseling from Springfield College. necessary for the individual A native of Frederick, Md., he and his wife, Renee, have a son, Walker, and a daughter, Meigs. needs of each student. 5. To provide mentoring, 7. To closely monitor the With the proper assistance, 3. To require a mandatory counseling, academic academic success of each facilities and encouragement, study hall for students below assistance, advising and to student to help ensure these potentials can become a expected GPA levels in order work closely with other academic progress toward a reality. that the staff might better academic offices on campus degree and maintenance of Student Athlete Academic assist the at-risk student- for the welfare of the students. academic and athletic eligibility. Support Services provides athletes. programming for student- 6. To work closely with the 8. To encourage former athletes from their freshman 4. To provide adequate athletic department for the athletes to be actively involved year through graduation. This study facilities and a computer academic welfare of each with our present athletes and to includes a comprehensive lab which are conveniently student-athlete and to help in provide our services to former orientation to Tech, study hall, located near the training areas the development of an effective athletes who did not graduate mentoring, tutoring, academic and coaching areas. student life program. and assist them in their monitoring, academic academic planning toward a recognition, and eligibility “Our intention is to provide the degree. The ultimate goal is for education. Additionally, all student-athletes to student-athletes are referred to best educational opportunities and successfully complete their and encouraged to take degree. advantage of other campus the appropriate resources for agencies charged with helping studentathletes at Virginia Tech to The expectations of the students in their academic Virginia Tech community are pursuits. reach their full academic potential” that each student-athlete Academic facilities for — Chris Helms achieves their maximum student-athletes include the academic and athletic potential. Monogram Room, a large room used as a study hall area adjacent to the SAASS office in Cassell Coliseum. The HEAT (Hokies Engaging in Advanced Technology) Lab and its satellite sites house over 40 computers on the second floor and third floors of Cassell Coliseum. Laptop computers are also available for Tech athletes to use when travelling to away contests. The athletic department also provides areas for private, quiet study for the athletes' convenience. Together, these spaces provide the student-athlete with a variety of study environments conducive to their success. Athletes can use these facilities between classes, after A record 347 student-athletes, student trainers, student managers, cheerleaders and HighTechs were honored practice, or in the evenings, at the 2002 Athletic Director’s Honors Breakfast. with flexible hours tailored to 122 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Student Athlete Academic Support Services Staff

Lois Berg Colin Howlett Katie Ammons Renia Edwards Becky Kolenbrander Terrie Repass Associate Director Associate Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Secretary make the most of a student- admissions of prospective advisement for student-athletes administration from Southern athlete's limited time. student-athletes. at Austin Peay State University Miss. A native of Allentown, Chris Helms, in his fourth Howlett came to Tech from and the University of Southern Pa., he and his wife, Lisa, have year at Tech, is the director the University of Maine, where Mississippi. a daughter, Natalie, and are and is responsible for the he served for a year and a half Howlett earned his expecting their second child development and leadership as an academic advisor for the bachelor's degree in business this summer. of the Student Athlete athletic department. administration at Susquehanna Katie Ammons is an Academic Support Services Some of his other University and received his assistant director who begins office. experience includes academic master’s in athletic Continued … Lois Berg, associate director, begins her 14th year at Tech. She is primarily in charge of developing the freshman orientation program, which ensures the student- athlete a smooth transition from high school to the university. She is also responsible for providing programming to assigned student-athletes from the sports of baseball, softball, men’s and women's swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, managers, trainers, cheerleaders and HighTechs. Colin Howlett begins his sixth year with Virginia Tech and serves as an associate director in the Student Athlete Academic Support Services office. In addition to assisting the director in all facets of the program, Howlett oversees the advisement of football student-athletes with regard to satisfactory progress, eligibility and degree completion as set forth by the NCAA, BIG EAST and Virginia Tech. He also helps coordinate support services for the football program, including tutorial support, mentoring, organized study table and major and career counseling. In addition to these responsibilities, Howlett assists in the recruitment, Becky Kolenbrander (back left) and Colin Howlett help the members of the football team in all aspects academic evaluation and of their academic lives while at Tech. VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 123 Virginia Tech is well above the national average when it comes to graduating its football players. her fourth year and works in 1996. She then went on to for athletics. During her tenure secretary and “first contact” with the men’s and women’s earn her master’s in social at Indiana State, Kolenbrander person for the SAASS. She basketball, men’s and psychology of sport from advised student-athletes from is responsible for women’s cross country, and Southern Illinois University in various athletic teams and organizing special events men’s and women’s track Carbondale, Ill. assisted in the coordination of and meetings for the office. programs. She served a six-month Life Skills Programming. Repass prepares all Ammons is also in charge internship at Indiana State Terrie Repass begins her accounting, purchasing and of the operation of the HEAT University before being named 28th year of service at Virginia travel transactions for the lab and other computing assistant academic coordinator Tech. She serves as the office office. resources available for student-athletes. Ammons is a former standout Hokie student-athlete. Renia Edwards is in her second year as assistant director and provides academic support for student- athletes in women's lacrosse, volleyball, men's and women's soccer and wrestling. She also is responsible for the administration of the tutorial program. Becky Kolenbrander begins her second year with Student-Athlete Academic Support Services as an assistant director. Her primary responsibilities are providing academic support for the freshman student athletes in the sport of football. The Holland, Mich., native received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Former All-American Cornell Brown came back to Tech nearly six years after he left for the NFL. After winning a Austin Peay State University Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens, he graduated from Tech in May of 2002. 124 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL ASSISTING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOTAL PERSON

The Office of Student Life at necessary to lead successful Hokies With Heart the many projects to which it Virginia Tech helps in providing and productive lives. The goal contributes, including the Hokies With Heart is a assistance to student-athletes of this program is to enhance Hokie Readers program, the program developed by the in a number of areas. This five areas of commitment that Special Olympics, hospital Office of Student Life, which office, which is run by are vital to personal growth of visits, and a canned food promotes the involvement of Jermaine Holmes, director of student-athletes. Those areas drive. student-athletes in community student life, is dedicated to are service, academic “The Virginia Tech football service activities. In the past enhancing the quality of the excellence, career program has been significantly year, Virginia Tech athletes student-athlete experience development, athletic involved in a wide variety of participated in nearly 50 through the many programs excellence and personal community service projects community service projects. that it implements. development. This program and numerous charitable This program has a major local One program that the office attempts to build individual organizations in the New River impact because the different sponsors is the HiTOPS confidence, promote respect Valley,” Holmes says. “The service projects help to build a CHAMPS/Life Skills Program for diversity, enhance players really take pleasure in positive relationship between (Hokies Turning Opportunities interpersonal relationships, giving their time and effort to a student-athletes and the Into Personal Success), which develop leadership skills, and community that is so surrounding community. provides a well-rounded enable each one to make a supportive of all of the athletic The Virginia Tech football program for student-athletes to valuable contribution to the teams at Virginia Tech.” program takes great pride in develop the individual skills community. Continued …

Director of Student Life Jermaine Holmes (right), a former receiver for the Hokies, takes an active interest in the lives of the Tech football players.

VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 125 Continued … VT-SAAC JERMAINE HOLMES The Virginia Tech Student Athlete Advisory Committee (VT-SAAC) promotes effective Director of Student Life communication between Jermaine Holmes is in his fourth year as the director of student life for athletics administration and Virginia Tech and fifth year working in the athletics department. student-athletes to better Holmes oversees the day-to-day operation of the office of student life, serve their needs. The directs the HiTOPS CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, and serves on various program is completely run by student-related committees on campus. student-athletes and each He serves as a member on the advisory councils for multicultural affairs and committee for team has two representatives. campus climate. He also provides lectures as a member of SAFE (Sexual Assault Facts and For the past two years, the Education). representatives from the While pursuing his undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech, Holmes was a star wide receiver football team have been for the Hokies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing management in 1996 and received fullback Jarrett Ferguson and his master’s in consumer studies in 1998, both from Virginia Tech. free safety Willie Pile. Born in St. Petersburg, Fla., Holmes is single and currently resides in Blacksburg. In his Ferguson and Pile attended spare time, he enjoys weight training and playing basketball. SAAC meetings to discuss issues and represent the football team in decision- student-athletes help to design Virginia Tech athletic family by importance of citizenship, work making. The representatives and provide programs that serving as positive role ethic, and working with others. then report back to the team encourage academic success, models. Pile was a part of the Winning on any issues that the team health promotion, social VT-SAAC participates in a Choices program, where he should be aware of or discuss. responsibility, and general community service activity visited numerous Montgomery This program also awareness. SAAC also called Winning Choices. This County schools to speak to encourages involvement of attempts to enhance the program sends athletes to area children on the student-athletes on campus overall image of student- local elementary, middle, and importance of having good and in the community. The athletes to those outside of the high schools to talk about the character. He traveled to

Linebacker Ben Taylor earned All-America honors last season and was a hero off the court as well. Here he speaks with Special Olympics athletes and fans at a basketball tournament at Cassell Coliseum. 126 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL middle and high schools in the students at several local the month in 2001, has been he takes out to do activities, New River Valley and spoke to elementary schools. honored by the office of student helps with schoolwork, and over 5,000 students on this The student-athletes of the life for his participation in hosts at several Hokie football topic, and later spoke to month are chosen based on community service activities. games each fall. elementary school children their willingness to be involved This year, Willis was one of “I like having a positive who were invited to Cassell with the community. “If a four Virginia Tech student- impact on other people’s lives,” Coliseum. student-athlete comes to us athletes nominated to attend said Willis. “I want people to wanting to do community the annual NCAA Leadership see the other side of football Outstanding service without us having to Conference. Willis participates players. We aren’t just Student-Athletes approach them first, we think in VT Nights, a program that competing with other teams Each month, the Office of it’s great and want to sends athletes to local each week and leaving our Student Life awards commend the athletes for elementary schools to play responsibilities on the field; we recognition to a student-athlete doing so,” said Holmes, who is games and speak with are real people who want to for participation in community in charge of the program. “We students, as well as DARE. He make positive changes in our service projects and dedication also look at the sheer number was also a guest speaker at community. The opportunities to the Hokies With Heart of times that the athlete goes several youth football banquets for service that I’ve had program. This past year, out in the community to do in the area. In his hometown of through the Virginia Tech Jarrett Ferguson was chosen service activities and their Norfolk, Va., Willis plays an football program have given me as the October outstanding willingness to go out when active role in the Big Brother the tools that I will need in the student-athlete. Ferguson they are asked to do so.” program. For the past several future to be able to participated in the Winning Tight end Keith Willis, who years, he has been the big communicate with all types of Choices programs and read to was also a student-athlete of brother to a Norfolk child who people.”

“The opportunities for service that I’ve had through the Virginia Tech football program have given me the tools that I will need in the future to be able to communicate with all types of people” — Keith Willis

Terrell Parham, Keith Willis and Lee Suggs sign autographs for a young hospital patient on one of the visits the team made to a local hospital last year.

VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 127 There’s much more to athletic performance than weight training Always striving to stay on the cutting edge Virginia Tech has added two more services for its student athletes in the past couple of years At Tech nutrition and sports psychology are also a part of the studentathlete’s preparation – not just for game day but also for life after college Virginia Tech tries to provide the best services facilities and support staff for all of its studentathletes to make them better athletes and better people

VIRGINIA TECH HAS ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP PROGRAMS FOR MAKING ATHLETES BIGGER FASTER AND STRONGER!

These days, college football is as much about strength and conditioning as it is about having outstanding athletes on your team. If you have both, your team will likely be very successful. Thanks to the direction of Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance Mike Gentry, the Virginia Tech strength and conditioning program is among the best in the nation, thus helping to make the football program one of the best as well. One of the main support centers of Tech football is the strength and conditioning program. The results of hard work by not only the staff but the student-athletes have paid huge dividends as the Hokies have continued their streak of nine-straight bowl game appearances. The football team trains in the beautiful 17,000- square foot training center on the first level of the Merryman Athletic Center. The weight room facility Defensive tackle Kevin Lewis works out on the bench press with offensive lineman Anthony Davis. 128 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL features new free-weight equipment, a full line of Hammer Strength equipment, 12 platforms and a 6,000- square foot state-of-the-art speed and agility room. Tech also has the use of a 10-by-40-yard sand pit located outdoors and adjacent to the weight room. This pit is used for resistive running drills to improve speed. The Hokies also have the new practice field for use in running drills. Tech football players used to train in the Jim “Bulldog” Haren Weight Room. Located in Jamerson Athletic Center, the 5,000-square foot weight room was officially dedicated in September 1985 to Haren, a former Hokie player and long-time supporter of the Virginia Tech Athletic Jon Dunn (above) takes his turn on some Department. With the two dumbell work, and Nathaniel Adibi facilities, the Hokies have (right) performs a hang clean. over 22,000-square feet of strength and conditioning training space. The Tech football strength “There is no question program centers around four about the value and major lifts. The bench press and squat are lifts for building importance of weight all-around strength; the push training as an jerk and power clean help players develop explosive ingredient to winning power. Gentry’s program also We’re very fortunate includes conditioning and speed development, which to have Mike Gentry the players do in the speed and agility room, Rector Field running our strength House (Tech’s indoor practice and conditioning facility) and on the Hokies’ excellent track facilities. program” Continued … — Frank Beamer

MIKE GENTRY

Assistant Athletics Director for Athletic Performance

Dr. Mike Gentry begins his 15th season as the Hokies’ director of strength and conditioning. As assistant athletics director for athletic performance, his duties include overseeing the strength and conditioning training of athletes in all 21 varsity sports at Virginia Tech. He is directly involved in the training of the football and women’s basketball teams and manages programs for nutrition. A native of Durham, N.C., Gentry received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Western Carolina University in 1979 and received his master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1981. He received his doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis in motor behavior, from Virginia Tech in 1999. Gentry worked as an assistant strength coach at UNC and as the head strength coach at East Carolina University prior to coming to Virginia Tech in 1987. In 1995 and 1996, Gentry was recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a finalist for the National Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year. Gentry has a son, Roy Christopher, who is 12.

VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 129 COACH GENTRY’S Elite Level Hokies PHILOSOPHY: Vegas Robinson • linebacker • 2002 Since our strength and Josh Spence • fullback • 2002 conditioning program has developed a Larry Austin • defensive back • 2001 Jarrett Ferguson • fullback • 2000, 2001 tradition We have a team dedicated to Browning Wynn • tight end • 2000 training hard and striving for excellence Matt Lehr • offensive lineman • 2000 The younger studentathletes see the upperclassmen's intensity and it makes everyone want to train to be one's best Our strength and conditioning program is designed to help our student athletes build overall strength power and stamina while helping them develop selfdiscipline and realize their potential as athletes We have a comprehensive program utilizing strength/ power training plyometrics functional conditioning and flexibility training Our goal is to become one of the most The full-time strength and conditioning staff consists of (l to r) Mike Gentry, Jay Johnston, physical teams in the nation Terry Mitchell and Emily Chones.

Virginia Tech Football Strength & Conditioning Records

(UPDATED SPRING 2002) POS. BENCH PRESS BACK SQUAT HANG CLEAN POWER CLEAN PUSH JERK VERTICAL JUMP 40 YD TIME TE D. Carter 420 ’99 B. Wynn 585 ’00 J. Thompson 351 ’99 B. Wynn 356 ’00 B. Wynn 356 ’00 B. Wynn 36.5" ’99 K. Willis 4.58 ’01 OT J. Redding 500 ’99 J. Redding 685 ’99 C. Andreadis 405 ’96 T. Selmon 336 ’01 C. Barry 386 ’93 W. Flowers 36" ’96 E. Chung 4.85 ’90 OG M. Lehr 450 ’00 W. Boatwright 755 ’91 C. Malone 390 ’95 D. Campbell 356 ’99 D. McMahon 386 ’94 T. Smith 33.5" ’98 A. Lambo 4.75 ’99 C M. Udinski 475 ’82 T. Washington 680 ’97 T. Washington 445 ’97 J. Grove 376 ’00 K. Short 387 ’98 J. Grove 35" ’99 K. Short 4.81 ’98 QB A. Clark 365 ’98 B. Randall 570 ’02 J. Druckenmiller 405 ’96 D. Meyer 300 ’98 J. Druckenmiller 331 ’96 M. Vick 41.0” ’00 M. Vick 4.25 ’00 FB W. Briggs 450 ’01 J. Ferguson 630 ’01 B. Edmonds 375 ’96 J. Ferguson 360 ’01 W. Briggs 401 ’01 J. Spence 40.0” ’02 E. Jones 4.37 ’86 TB J. Jeffries 400 ’90 W. Ward 620 ’00 K. Oxendine 370 ’97 J. Spence 321 ’01 K. Oxendine 361 ’97 T. Kennedy 38.5" ’92 L.Suggs 4.27 ’00 WR M. Sturdivant 360 ’90 R. Jenkins 550 ’99 S. Scales 365 ’97 E. Johnson 305 ’01 S. Scales 331 ’97 E. Johnson 41” ’01 A. Davis 4.29 ’99

DT W. Jackson 475 ’96 P. Moronta 700 ’88 W. Jackson 405 ’95 C. Beasley 361 ’99 J. Baron 386 ’95 C. Bradley 35.5" ’98 C. Bradley 4.64 ’98 DE A. Chamblee 475 ’89 C. Moore 650 ’98 D. Wheel 410 ’97 D. Monroe 351 ’99 J. Engelberger 401 ’99 C. Taliaferro 39" ’86 C. Moore 4.38 ’99 ILB J. Houseright 425 ’01 R. Cockrell 670 ’90 K. Gray 400 ’94 B. Taylor 336 ’01 R. Pendleton 361 ’92 T. Edmond 40" ’98 V. Robinson 4.46 ’01 Whip LB T. Butler 370 ’00 T. Butler 550 ’00 M. McClung 345 ’93 B. Manning 314 ’02 N. Sorensen 336 ’00 P. Summers 42" ’98 T. Jackson 4.34 ’99 Rover C. Bird 400 ’00 C. Bird 575 ’00 P. Prioleau 330 ’97 C. Bird 341 ’01 C. Bird 390 ’00 P. Prioleau 43.5" ’97 K. Burnell 4.21 ’02 CB A. Banks 400 ’96 R. Whitaker 555 ’02 A. Banks 340 ’96 L. Austin 316 ’01 L. Austin 341 ’00 L. Austin 42.5” ’00 L. Austin 4.26 ’00 FS T. Gray 370 ’96 W. Pile 515 ’99 S. Rice 331 ’89 K. McCadam 316 ’00 K. McCadam 316 ’00 K. McCadam 37.5" ’00 D. Russell 4.23 ’90 Spec. C. Anders 400 ’99 J. Wilson 505 ’02 R. Colley 330 ’94 M. Davis 294 ’00 J. Kibble 316 ’98 S. Graham 34" ’99 V. Burns 4.35 ’01 Bold type indicates records set in Spring 2002 testing

130 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL Strength & Conditioning continued … Super Iron Hokies Each player has personal yard shuttle). Vegas Robinson goals which he works to and Josh Spence earned the achieve. The team is broken program’s Elite Level of Todd Grantham ...... 1988 Brad Baylor ...... 1997 down into four groups based on Performance distinction in Malcolm Blacken ...... 1988 Todd Washington ...... 1997 the positions that are relevant 2002. Horatio Moronta ...... 1989 Brian Welch ...... 1997,98,99,01 to the players’ body size. The Assisting Gentry in the Myron Richardson ...... 1989 Wayne Briggs ..... 1997,98,99,00,01 players work to progress from weight room this year are Karl Borden ...... 1989, 90 Tyron Edmond ...... 1998 Maroon, Orange, Hokie, Iron three full-time assistant David Hackbirth ...... 1989 Josh Redding ...... 1998,99 Hokie and Super Iron Hokie strength and conditioning Sean Lucas ...... 1989 Pierson Prioleau ...... 1998 Scott Rice ...... 1990 Carl Bradley ...... 1998,99 coaches: Jay Johnson, status to the Elite Level. Marvin Arrington ...... 1990 Daniel Nihipali ...... 1998,99 The Elite Level of assistant director of strength Al Chamblee ...... 1990 Terrell Parham ...... 1998,99,00,01 Performance was created to and conditioning, Terry Phil Bryant ...... 1991 Rick Wright ...... 1998,99 push the athletes to higher Mitchell, strength and William Boatwright ...... 1991 Jarrett Ferguson ...... 1999,00,01 levels. This level is a conditioning coordinator of Jon Jeffries ...... 1991 André Kendrick ...... 1999 predetermined performance men’s Olympic sports and Kirk Gray ...... 1991 Derrius Monroe ...... 1999 test which measures Emily Chones, strength and Chris Peduzzi ...... 1991,93,94 Matt Lehr ...... 1999,00 Jim Pyne ...... 1992,93 Browning Wynn ...... 1999,00 achievement for the individual’s conditioning coordinator for P. J. Preston ...... 1992,93 Shyrone Stith ...... 1999 position. It comprises four tests women’s Olympic sports. Hank Coleman ...... 1992,93 Ricky Hall ...... 1999 in strength (bench press, squat, Gentry will also have the John Burke ...... 1992,93 Chad Beasley ...... 1999 push jerk, power clean) and services of three graduate Joe Swarm ...... 1992 Jake Houseright ...... 1999 five tests in performance assistants — Erin O’Neil, Lisa Vernon Dozier ...... 1992 Ike Charlton ...... 1999 (vertical jump, 40-yard time, Guarneri, Keith Short and George DelRicco ..... 1992,93,94,95 Jake Grove ...... 1999,00 10-yard time, sit-reach test, 20- Gabe Tecple. Rafael Williams ...... 1992,94,95 Mike Davis ...... 1999,00 Jim Druckenmiller ..... 1993,94,95,96 Larry Austin ...... 2000,01 Waverly Jackson ...... 1994,95,96 Tee Butler ...... 2000 Keith Gray ...... 1994 Dave Meyer ...... 2000 Ken Oxendine ...... 1995,96,97 Marvin Urquhart ...... 2000,01 Jim Baron ...... 1995 Michael Vick ...... 2000 Danny Wheel ...... 1995,96,97 André Davis ...... 2000 Antonio Banks ...... 1995,96 Lee Suggs ...... 2000,01,02 Myron Newsome ...... 1996 Chris Buie ...... 2000,01 Cornelius White ...... 1996 Ernest Wilford ...... 2000,01,02 Billy Conaty ...... 1996 Josh Spence ...... 2000,01,02 Torrian Gray ...... 1996 Anthony Nelson ...... 2000,01,02 Steve Tate ...... 1996,97 Keith Burnell ...... 2001,02 Brian Edmonds ...... 1996 Joe Wilson ...... 2001,02 Ryan Smith ...... 1996,97,98 Cols Colas ...... 2001,02 Cory Bird ...... 1996,97,98,99,00 Vegas Robinson ...... 2001,02 Gennaro DiNapoli ...... 1997 Jason Lallis ...... 2001 Corey Moore ...... 1997,98,99 Brandon Manning ...... 2001,02 Shawn Scales ...... 1997 Bryan Randall ...... 2002 Al Clark ...... 1997 Doug Easlick ...... 2002 Jason Buckland ...... 1997 Mikal Baaqee ...... 2002 John Engelberger ...... 1997,99

James Miller works hard in the weight room (above). Mike Daniels and Cary Wade (right) workout in Tech’s agility room.

VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 131 Virginia Tech Football All-Time Elite Club

BENCH PRESS BACK SQUAT HANG CLEAN PUSH JERK VERTICAL JUMP 40 YD TIME J. Redding 500 ’99 W. Boatwright 755 ’91 T. Washington 445 ’97 W. Briggs 401 ‘01 P. Prioleau 43.5 ’97 K. Burnell 4.21 ‘02 A. Chamblee 475 ’89 M. Lehr 700 ‘00 D. Wheel 410 ’99 J. Engelberger 401 ’99 L. Austin 42.5 ’00 D. Russell 4.23 ’90 M. Udinski 475 ’82 P. Moronta 700 ’89 J. Druckenmiller 405 ’96 C. Bird 390 ‘00 I. Charlton 42 ’98 M. Vick 4.25 ’00 W. Jackson 475 ’96 A. Nelson 700 ‘02 W. Jackson 405 ’95 K. Short 387 ’98 P. Summers 42 ’98 L. Austin 4.26 ’00 K. Short 460 ‘99 J. Redding 685 ’99 C. Andreadis 405 ’96 J. Baron 386 ’95 A. Midget 41.5 ’97 L. Suggs 4.27 ’00 W. Briggs 450 ‘01 T. Washington 680 ’97 P.J. Preston 401 ’93 J. Petrovich 386 ’93 E. Johnson 41 ‘01 T. Drakeford 4.28 ’92 T. Kritsky 450 ’82 R. Cockrell 670 ’88 J. Grove 401 ’99 B. Smith 386 ’84 M. Vick 41 ‘00 K. Burnell 4.28 ‘01 K. Short 450 ’99 J. Pyne 655 ’93 J. Pyne 401 ’93 D. McMahon 386 ’94 M. Vick 40.5 ’99 A. Davis 4.29 ’99 N. Williams 450 ’99 W. Jackson 655 ’95 K. Gray 400 ’94 C. Barry 386 ’93 K. Irby 40.5 ’96 D. Hall 4.31 ‘02 C. Barry 450 ’93 C. Moore 650 ’98 J. Engelberger 400 ’97 W. Briggs 385 ‘00 J. Spence 40 ‘02 B. Still 4.31 ’94 M. Lehr 450 ‘00 A. Chamblee 650 ‘90 J. Ferguson 385 ‘01 T. Edmonds 40 ’98 P.J. Preston 4.32 ’91 A. Davis 40 ’99 Bold type indicates Spring 2002 testing

Conditioning workouts are an important part of the Hokies’ preparations. During a session in Rector Field House, Chris Shreve negotiates bags (left) Lee Suggs and Grant Noel lead a group through cones (above) and Willie Pile (right) hustles through a footwork drill.

132 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL HELPING STUDENTATHLETES IN ALL ASPECTS OF THEIR LIVES

A new addition to the psychologists work on team holistic and talk about a variety talk about their recovery athletics department as of building, communication and of issues, such as nutrition or process. Injured athletes August 2000 is sports performance enhancement. academics. We want to be may also meet individually psychology. The licensed Mike Gentry, assistant AD broader and help the person as with the sports psychologists psychologists, Dr. Gary Bennett for athletic performance, says, a whole, not just with if they do not feel and Dr. Robert Miller, associate “I’ve always felt that (sports performance.” comfortable in the group or director of the Thomas E. Cook psychology) was an important “We see those other cannot make the sessions. Counseling Center, counsel element. We want to be a outside things as interfering On average, the student-athletes either holistic model of an athletics with an athletes’ ability to psychologists conduct 20 individually or as a team. department and we wanted to perform,” Bennett says. “We individual sessions per week. The psychologists meet and needed to include sports feel we can help athletes One injured player who with student-athletes on an psychology in that model.” perform better by addressing took advantage of the sports individual basis for personal “One of the dangers of those concerns.” psychologists after he tore counseling, performance sports psychology is that it can The psychologists also offer the anterior cruciate ligament enhancement and to discuss be totally about sports and an injury group to afford injured of his knee was glad to have the mental aspects of the there is that perception,” Miller athletes the opportunity to meet the services of the sports game. As a team, the sports says. “We try to be more with other injured athletes and psychology program. The student-athlete met with Dr. Miller several times before and after his surgery. “When I first got hurt, I thought I needed to talk to someone,” the player said. “As the weeks go by, you learn to deal and cope with it. But I think it helps to talk to someone.” The response to the sports psychology program has been very positive. The student-athletes are very receptive to the services offered by the doctors. The sports psychology office reaches out to athletes who may not have considered going to the counseling service that is offered to all students at Virginia Tech. “It is a great resource for our coaches and our athletes,” Gentry says. “We’ve improved a lot in areas of strength and conditioning, nutrition and in sports psychology. It’s all about becoming a well- rounded athletic program and helping student-athletes. We want to give them all the resources we can to put them in a position to be Dr. Robert Miller and Dr. Gary Bennett provide services for Tech student-athletes. successful.” VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 133 EDUCATING STUDENT ATHLETES ABOUT THE BEST FOOD CHOICES

A new program was added to gaining lean muscle mass, losing the athletics department in July body fat, and how to eat to 2000 — sports nutrition. The improve performance. department is continually She also designs preseason evolving to best serve the menus, snacks and training table student-athlete. menus for the football team. As of July 2002, Amy Freel, “It is extremely beneficial for former coordinator of student our student-athletes to have life, became the full-time sports nutrition education and counseling nutritionist in the Athletics available to them in order for them Department. to remain successful in their Freel graduated from Ball sports and outside of athletics,” State University with her Freel said. “The individualized bachelor’s degree in dietetics in nutrition educations allow me and 1996 and received her master’s the athletes to get very specific on in dietetics from Ball State in their nutritional, personal and 1998. sport specific goals.” Freel works one-on-one with The sports nutritionist works student-athletes to provide them with the “Training Edge,” a dining with information that they need option for health-conscious on their diet. She also provides students and athletes, to design individual players with diet menus for training tables and counseling on issues such as daily menu selections.

The “Training Edge” dining facility provides student-athletes and other students at Tech the opportunity to eat healthy meals and make dining choices that will have a positive effect on training and competing. This year, Amy Freel has acquired a “BOD POD” body composition system to help athletes and coaches with body analysis. Virginia Tech is one of just a few schools in the nation with cutting-edge equipment like this in their athletic department. 134 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL OUTSTANDING NEW ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITY ENHANCES ABILITY TO PROVIDE HOKIES EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL CARE

The Virginia Tech Sports Duane Lagan and Mike therapists, chiropractors, area consolidated the training Medicine Department is an Goforth, director of athletic massage therapists, sports rooms that existed in the ever-changing and developing training, is constantly evolving psychologists, nutritionists and Merryman Center and Cassell unit that strives to provide the to incorporate new ideas and orthotists, are available to Coliseum. The new facility most current and state-of-the-art resources for manage the health care of gives the training staff a comprehensive care to all the betterment of student- athletes. centralized area to care for the student-athletes. athletes. A staff including As part of the evolution, needs of all Virginia Tech The department, under the general practitioners, Tech recently completed, the student-athletes. There is leadership of Dr. Gunnar orthopedic surgeons, certified 4,300 square foot Eddie Ferrell state-of-the-art equipment and Brolinson, Dr. Delmas Bolin, Dr. athletic trainers, physical Memorial Training Room. This a unique style of architecture, developed by Glenn Reynolds, AIA. Larry Perry was the DR. GUNNAR BROLINSON, D.O. consulting engineer. The new room, which nearly doubles the size of the Football Team Physician former Merryman Center facility, also allows the staff to Dr. Gunnar Brolinson enters his first year as the Virginia Tech football team utilize that room for physical physician through a new initiative between Tech athletics and the new Edward therapy, chiropractic care and Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. massage therapy. With its Prior to coming to Tech, Dr. Brolinson served as the Medical Director of the completion, Virginia Tech now Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Toledo Hospital and the has more than 10,000 square Corporate Wellness Program for the ProMedica Health System. He also served as the team feet dedicated to sports physician for the University of Toledo, the United States Ski Team and has acted as a volunteer medicine, placing Tech in the physician for the United States Olympic Committee. top five percent nationally. Dr. Brolinson graduated with an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Missouri In addition, the $10 million at Columbia and completed his medical training at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Merryman Center, a state-of- Continued … VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 135 the-art facility which includes each have a role in bringing the 2,400 square feet of medical athlete back quickly and ready DR. DELMAS BOLIN space, will supplement the new to play. After an injury, an training room. athlete will go through This treatment room has rehabilitation and physical Team Physician numerous treatment modalities therapy. Athletes are then including electric stimulation, moved to weight training as Delmas Bolin, M.D., PhD., is the ultrasound, hot packs and they become able. The assistant team physician with Virginia interferential current. It also has strength and conditioning staff Tech. Dr. Bolin is board-certified in family an office for the staff, dozens of uses specific programs for medicine and is fellowship-trained in training tables, whirlpools, each injury in an effort to get sports medicine. Prior to moving to rehabilitation equipment and the athlete back quickly. Virginia, he was the co-director of the University of Pittsburgh two cold tubs. In addition, a The range of benefits primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. new training room has been athletes have access to include Bolin currently oversees a sports medicine clinic and constructed in Rector Field custom orthotics, custom teaches in the Carilion Family Practice Residency in Roanoke. House to serve the football mouth guards, specialized team when it practices indoors. “We, as a staff, are very excited about our new facility and the opportunity for all of us to come together for the benefit of our athletes,” Goforth said. Research is also considered to be instrumental to the sports medicine department. The department is completing the third year of development and data collection for a strategic health care planning grant. This grant, titled “The Center for Performance and Sports Medicine Excellence,” was initiated by Dr. Charles Baffi, Dr. Kerry Redican, Dr. Mike Gentry and Goforth and was awarded to develop a multidisciplinary model for Division I health care. “Our goal with this program is to formally provide our athletes with the most effective and efficient health care delivery system possible,” Goforth said. “This grant will serve as a framework for universities across the country to provide high-level health care services for their athletes, and at the same time, creates Virginia Tech student-athletes have every kind of equipment imaginable to help prevent and heal injuries. the first collaboration between academic research and athletics here at Virginia Tech.” DonJoy prophylactic bracing and The philosophy of the many other options to help DR. DUANE LAGAN program involves large prevent or protect them from volumes of research that injuries. The sports medicine shows that a properly staff also takes great pride in Team Physician maintained overall fitness treating the athlete year-round. program reduces the chance of Special attention is paid to off- Dr. Duane Lagan begins his 15th injury. season activity. During this time, season as a Tech team physician. He has After the sports medicine the staff will analyze past injury had a varied medical career, having staff diagnoses and treats an ill data from each participant and maintained a private practice in Okeene, or injured athlete, the strength construct a preventative Okla., for 16 years and having served as and conditioning staff works to program that is followed over a Texas A&M’s team physician for five years. give the best injury prevention nine-week period between the At Tech, Dr. Lagan serves as a physician at Student Health and performance enhancing end of the season and the Services. programs possible. beginning of spring practice. Dr. Lagan and his wife, Dee, have four children — Dee, The training, medical and This same procedure is followed Lynn, Tim and Lee. strength and conditioning staffs during the summer. 136 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL “If our strength and most importantly movement conditioning is so important, pattern analysis and training to MIKE GOFORTH and it is, then we owe it to our help prevent the re-occurrence athletes to provide them with of injuries. the necessary resources to “We value the off-season Director of Athletic Training keep them actively greatly within our department,” participating,” Goforth said. Goforth said. “We have Mike Goforth is in his third year as “We basically adopt the attitude adopted the same mindset as the director of athletic training and fifth that in the fall, our mission is to our strength and conditioning year on Tech’s athletic training staff. keep them participating on the staff and look at our off-season Goforth came to Tech from the field and during the other times time as an opportunity to get Hamilton Medical Center/Bradley of the year it is our job to keep our athletes better as opposed Wellness Center in Dalton, Ga., where he was the director of them participating in our to time off for our staff.” wellness and sports medicine. strength and conditioning Most of the off-season He has an extensive background in sports medicine, programs.” activity is based on a program working at East Tennessee State University, Virginia Tech, Their programs consist of called the functional movement William Fleming High School, Tusculum College, Greene strengthening, stretching and Continued … County Sports Medicine/Industrial Cooperative and Pioneer Sports Medicine/Physical Therapy Clinic. Goforth graduated from East Tennessee State University “Our goal is to provide the same high in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a level of health care that professional concentration in athletic training. He earned his master’s in sport management from Virginia Tech in 1995 and is and Olympic athletes receive” currently pursuing his doctorate in health education, also –Mike Goforth from Virginia Tech.

Quarterback Grant Noel (above) spent the summer rehabilitating a knee injury to prepare for the 2002 season. Director of Athletic Training Mike Goforth (left, at right) assists players with all of their training needs. VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 137 screen, developed by Gray is needed, student-athletes can athletes receive,” Goforth said. athletes on Tech’s football Cook of the Athletic Testing rehab at the Merryman Center. “Our usage of specialist care is team, traveling with the team Services. This screening Staff psychologists, located in modeled after the NFL system and attending practices. device is used to assess an the Cook Counseling Center, and incorporates components There are also five Certified athlete’s potential for are also available to all student- of the Olympic Training Center Athletic Trainers assisted by a performance improvements as athletes for personal and in Colorado Springs.” staff of seven graduate well as other pre-disposition for performance issues. Dr. Brolinson, along with assistants (two primarily for certain injuries. “Our goal is to provide the Goforth and team orthopedic football) and 15 student “The beauty of this program same high level of health care surgeon Dr. Marc Siegel, care trainers in caring for Tech’s 20 is that it is a multi-disciplinary that professional and Olympic for the medical needs of other varsity sports. tool that is designed to show the athlete where their deficiencies lie,” Goforth said. “It will also provide them with the necessary resources to improve their screening scores which will in turn increase their performance and decrease their potential for injury.” A vital part of student- athletes services is the access to the Schiffert Student Health Center in McComas Hall. A health center and counseling services are available on one side of McComas Hall, while recreation sports and fitness programs are available on the other. The center also has a fully-operational diagnostic laboratory, X-ray facilities and eight full-time physicians. Student-athletes can also go to Schiffert Student Health Center to be seen by a practitioner or see an orthopedic surgeon, if necessary. If physical therapy Athletic trainers are on hand for all workouts, practices and games, as well as for rehabilitation from injuries.

Medical and Athletic Training Personnel

Dr. Marc Siegel Dr. Scott Urch Jimmy Lawrence Katie Hoctor Keith Doolan Josh Signs Joe Whitson Orthopaedic Orthopaedic Athletic Athletic Athletic Graduate Graduate Surgeon Surgeon Trainer Trainer Trainer Assistant Assistant

Dr. Lawrence Kyle Dr. Steve Jacobs Dr. Greg Tilley Robyn Roddy Todd Gerl Mark Piechoski Aaron Gresham Dentist Optometrist Chiropractor Radiologic Orthotist Physical Brace Technologist Therapist Consultant

138 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL days. The equipment is computer. Once this is done, STATEOFTHEART available 24 hours a day, the coaches and players can seven days a week and now access any situation with a coaches and players can even click of the mouse. With EQUIPMENT GIVES use laptop computers to watch computers in all coaches’ video while they are away from meeting rooms, they can the Merryman Center. instantaneously have video TECH A BIG EDGE What makes this system so footage of any scenario that potent in terms of preparing a they can dream up of Tech These days, college The Tech video department, team for a game is opponents or the Hokies. football is as competitive as under the direction of Kevin convenience, convenience, What has Virginia run on ever and each school is Hicks, has one of the most up- convenience. second downs when the ball is looking for something that will to-date video systems in the Here’s how the system placed on the right hash mark? give it an advantage. And country and has expanded its works. Every practice is Click, click. How many times while star athletes, weight operations to include all the videotaped. The tape is has Boston College gone to the training and lots of practice equipment the team needs to gathered along with video of shotgun on second and long? can make a big difference, be on the cutting edge of video opponents’ games. Then, video Click, click. How many pass Virginia Tech has something study. coordinator Tom Booth, along plays has West Virginia run on that puts it over the top — This state-of-the-art video with the graduate assistants, first down? Click, click. It’s all Pinnacle System 2.0. equipment has prepared the label each play in terms of available any time someone The system is regarded as Hokies for any possible down, distance, formation, ball wants to view it. the best in the country. NFL scenario they may come placement, pass, run and unit. The system gives the teams use it. College teams across in any game. And it’s This information, along with coaches an option block that wish they had it. Tech does. not just available on game the video, is entered into the Continued … VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 139 they use to punch in these helps out with the team to do realize that there is a lot more may face on game day. scenarios. After the coach their part. We help the coaches involved than just playing the Being able to transport game chooses the situation, the video to see the things they need to game. The average person video with relative ease is queued up in a matter of see, especially when it comes doesn’t know all the gives the Hokies that extra seconds. to breaking down the preparation that’s involved.” edge, even on the road. This new program is opponents’ tapes.” An example of the “The greatest teaching definitely preferred by the video The update in technology program’s presence came in tool is the ability to show staff. The old way consisted of not only means an improved the Gator Bowl against Florida someone what they’re doing, taking the game film without program but also improved State in 2002. In the days right or wrong,” head coach the use of a personal computer video-viewing options. Each of leading up to the Gator Bowl Frank Beamer says. “With and then cutting it up into the individual position meeting coaches were given laptops by our video equipment, we can different segments to make rooms have a pull-down the videography department do that quickly. The ease more films. This was an all- projection screen and a video that contained numerous FSU with which we can do these night job that sometimes lasted projector connected to a plays that the coaches could things and the way we can into the early hours of the next computer to display scouting view at their convenience. put certain plays and morning. material, where players or Some coaches set up video scenarios together makes us The staff in the videography coaches can access the labs in their hotel room that more efficient in getting department takes pride and joy footage any time they want it. allowed players to stop by and ready to play a game on in what they do for the football The videographers also tape view countless situations they Saturday.” staff. every single practice which can “We are a big part of the be viewed by the coaches at football team, in that we are the click of a button. This helps “The greatest teaching tool is there every day — taping the team prepare for games, practice, traveling with them on and also gives the coaches the ability to show someone what the road and attending every access to plays they need. they’re doing right or wrong game,” says Hicks. “Seven “It’s been a great tool,” Tech days a week we are here with defensive coordinator Bud With our video equipment we football, so when they win you Foster says. “Besides the can do that quickly” feel like you are a part of that.” quality and convenience, it’s “We feel like part of the right there at your fingertips. – Frank Beamer team,” says Booth. “Everyone Players at this level have to

Defensive line coach Charley Wiles goes over video with tackle Jason Murphy. 140 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL The HokieVision scoreboard at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field is a hit with fans and players alike.

While the practice video is added two seasons ago to the Suggs or was Ronyell Whitaker This year, the video staff will great for players and coaches, delight of fans. just too fast for you to catch produce the games from the fans are also reaping the Did you miss that crushing rounding the corner on a punt cutting edge control room in benefits of the video block thrown by Doug Easlick, return? Relax. Just look to the the Merryman Athletic Center. department. HokieVision was that ankle-breaking juke by Lee sky and you can receive instant There has been nothing gratification from the video put positive reaction to the scoreboard located in the north new video boards that have end zone of Lane Stadium. The been placed in both Lane KEVIN HICKS scoreboard was made by Trans- Stadium and Cassell Lux, and is the largest one they Coliseum. “People like seeing Director of Video Operations have ever built, at 35 feet, 6 the replays, and people inches tall and 90 feet wide and especially like the crowd Kevin Hicks has wasted no time standing almost 60 feet above shots. People love to see moving up the ranks in the Tech video ground. themselves on the board,” office. After spending four years as a At least three cameras have says Booth. student intern, while pursuing his degree been added in Lane Stadium, The addition of the new in communication studies from Tech, the along with four replay machines equipment has produced the Yo r ktown, Va., native was hired in May of 1998 as the to help out with the operation of need for more staff. The assistant video coordinator. Within a year, Hicks moved up to the video scoreboards. The department is now operating head video coordinator. He is currently the director of video videography with three full-time staff; four operations. department undergraduate student As director of video operations, Hicks has numerous also has two assistants: Ariel Callahan, duties. Supervising undergraduate students, helping coaches editing Megan Boland, Jay Reid and with video to prepare for upcoming games, producing machines that Lindsay Mirabito; and a highlight videos for each sport and running the video board in aid in editing graduate assistant, Scott Lane Stadium are just a few of Hicks’ responsibilities. and producing Trawick. Hicks will hire about Born in Newport News, Va., in 1976, Hicks graduated video of game eight to 10 other people on a from Tabb High in 1994. Hicks and his wife, Kristen, reside in and practice game-by-game basis to work Blacksburg. In his spare time, he enjoys playing volleyball more quickly with the video board during and softball. Tom Booth and efficiently. football season. Video Coordinator VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 141 Radio & TV Network PRESENTED BY ‘From the blue waters of the Chesapeake ISP Sports Gameday Radio Schedule Bay to the hills Texas Steakhouse Virginia Tech Gameday of Tennessee the The network’s radio coverage begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff with Virginia Virginia Tech Hokies Tech Gameday featuring Tech’s coordinators Bryan Stinespring and Bud Foster and are on the air!’ Athletics Director Jim Weaver. NAPA Auto Parts Hokies’ Countdown That familiar refrain — Bill Roth The perfect tailgating companion, the Hokies’ Countdown clock begins 60 delivered by Bill Roth, the Voice minutes before kickoff with a complete preview of the game, interviews with both of Virginia Tech football — Tech coach Frank Beamer and the opposing head coach, The Big East Report, late- opens every Tech sports breaking news and features. broadcast and reflects the network’s goal of reaching The Game Broadcast Hokie fans everywhere. So, TOUCHDOWN TECH!!! Bill Roth and Mike Burnop fill the airwaves with their whether they’re sailing off unique blend of excitement and wit. The two have called every Tech football game Virginia’s eastern shore, hiking since the late 1980s. in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or sitting in their homes anywhere The Kroger Point-After Perhaps the network’s most popular show, The Point After is a fast-paced, 90- in the state, Tech fans know Mike Burnop they’re always within range of a minute postgame show which features locker room interviews, score reports from Tech network radio station. network’s award- around the country, game highlights and listener telephone calls. With over 50 affiliated radio winning television and television stations magazine show, Virginia Tech 1986. Roth has worked for past five years. He owns and throughout the region, the Sports Today, is seen every ESPN and NCAA Productions operates New River Office Virginia Tech ISP Sports Sunday on a network of TV telecasts of NCAA Basketball, Supply stores throughout the Network is the main stations and cable networks NCAA Lacrosse, and region. communications link between throughout Virginia and the professional kick boxing. He Together, Roth and Burnop Tech’s football program and the southeastern United States. was inducted into Virginia comprise one of college Hokies’ avid legion of fans. Roth — who has been Tech’s Monogram Club last football’s longest-running This season marks the 49th honored as Virginia’s year. broadcasting teams, having consecutive year Tech football Sportscaster of the Year in Former Virginia Tech tight described the action of every has been broadcast to a state- 1995, ’96, ’99, and 2001 — is in end Mike Burnop is serving his Tech game dating back to the wide audience, and once again his 15th season as the Voice of 20th season in the booth as 1988 season. this year, the Tech radio Virginia Tech football. A native the network analyst. Burnop Tech radio broadcasts are network blankets the state of of Pittsburgh, Pa., Roth was a starting tight end for the available to fans anywhere in Virginia and several graduated from Syracuse Hokies in the early 1970’s and the world via Tech’s official surrounding states. In addition University in 1987 earning a still holds the Tech record for web site (hokiesports.com) to the game broadcasts, the degree in broadcast journalism. receptions in a season with 46. and through TEAMLINE, a network also produces The Roth was honored by The He was inducted into Virginia pay-to-listen telephone service Hokie Hotline, a 90-minute Associated Press, the New York Tech’s Hall of Fame in 2000. (1-800-846-4700, team code radio talk show featuring Roth State Broadcasters Association Burnop has also served as 5453). Again this season, and Tech coach Frank Beamer and won the distinguished the analyst on Tech men’s several Tech network every Monday night. The Robert Costas Scholarship in basketball broadcasts for the broadcasts will be aired on Armed Forces Radio, to U.S. military personnel and their Virginia Tech ISP Sports Radio Network Affiliates dependents throughout the world. Alexandria WAGE 1200 AM Elizabeth City, NC WNIS 790 AM Onley WESR 103.3 FM Virginia Tech Sports Today Amherst WRVX 97.9 FM Emporia WBBC 93.5 FM Orange WJMA 96.7 FM Bassett WMVA 1450 AM Fairfax WAGE 1200 AM Petersburg WBBC 93.5 FM can be seen every Sunday on Beckley, WV WKOY 100.9 FM Farmville WBBC 93.5 FM Portsmouth WNIS 790 AM an impressive list of television Beckley, WV WKQY 100.1 FM Fredricksburg WGRQ 95.9 FM Princeton, WV WKOY 100.9 FM Bedford WSLC 610 AM Front Royal WINC 1400 AM Princeton, WV WKQY 100.1 FM stations state-wide. The 30- Blacksburg WBRW 105.3 FM Galax WWWJ 1360 AM Princeton, WV WKEZ 1240 AM Blackstone WBBC 93.5 FM Gate City WGAT 1050 AM Radford WBRW 105.3 FM minute program, featuring Bluefield, WV WKOY 100.1 FM Hampton WNIS 790 AM Richlands WGTH 540 AM Roth and Beamer, is shown Bluefield, WV WKQY 100.9 FM Harrisonburg WMXH 105.7 FM Richmond WXGI 950 AM Bluefield, WV WKEZ 1240 AM Hopewell WXGI 950 AM Roanoke WVBE 610 AM each week on WAVY-TV in Bristol WFHG 92.7 FM Hot Springs WXCF 103.9 FM Roanoke Rapids, NC WBBC 93.5 FM Bristol WFHG 980 AM Kilmarnock WKWI 101.7 FM Rural Retreat WXBX 95.3 FM Norfolk, WSLS-TV in Roanoke, Cape Charles WESR 103.3 FM Lebanon WLRV 1380 AM Staunton WTON 1240 AM WRIC-TV in Richmond, Cape Charles WESR 1330 AM Leesburg WAGE 1200 AM Virginia Beach WNIS 790 AM Centreville WAGE 1200 AM Lexington WXCF 103.9 FM Waldorf, MD WGRQ 95.9 FM WCYB-TV in Bristol, and Charlottesville WKAV 1400 AM Lewisburg, WV WKCJ 103.1 FM Warsaw WNNT 690 AM Charlottesville WFFX 102.3 FM Louisa WJMA 96.7 FM Warsaw WNNT 100.9 FM Newschannel 8 in Washington, Chesapeake WNIS 790 AM Luray WMXH 105.7 FM Washington, DC WAGE 1200 AM D.C. The show is also Chesapeake WTAR 850 AM Lynchburg WRVX 97.9 FM Washington, DC WGRQ 95.9 FM Chesterfield WBBC 93.5 FM Manassas WAGE 1200 AM Waynesboro WTON 1240 AM rebroadcast every Tuesday on Christiansburg WBRW 105.3 FM Marion WZVA 103.5 FM White Stone WKWI 101.7 FM Clifton Forge WXCF 1230 AM Martinsville WMVA 1450 AM Williamsburg WNIS 790 AM Comcast SportsNet throughout Clifton Forge WXCF 103.9 FM Martinsburg, WV WINC 1400 AM Winchester WINC 1400 AM the mid-Atlantic region, and Culpeper WJMA 96.7 FM Mt. Airy, NC WWWJ 1360 AM Woodbridge WGRQ 95.9 FM Danville WRVX 97.9 FM Norfolk WNIS 790 AM Wytheville WXBX 95.3 FM every weekday on Cox Cable Dublin WBRW 105.3 FM Onley WESR 1330 AM of Roanoke. 142 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL THE EXCLUSIVE MARKETER ISP Sports OF VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS ISP Sports, a national leader media rightsholder for the including Comcast Sports Net. both Lane Stadium and Cassell in the collegiate sports marketing athletic programs at Alabama, The 30-minute show features an Coliseum. Pregame hospitality industry, is in its eighth year as Clemson, Missouri, Syracuse action-packed, magazine-style events during football season exclusive worldwide multi-media and Villanova. format, and with its superior are another very popular item and advertising rightsholder for During its very successful production, animation and managed by ISP. Virginia Tech Athletics. In this seven-year partnership with videography has the look and The company also provides partnership with the athletic Virginia Tech, ISP Sports has feel of a national sports telecast. a wide variety of sponsorship program, ISP develops, developed the Virginia Tech “Virginia Tech Sports Today” airs opportunities for Tech produces and sells an extensive ISP Sports Network into the from late-August until mid-March. supporters at every level with range of sports marketing largest collegiate sports radio Other advertising and print advertising in the football opportunities for Tech, including network in Virginia. Broadcast marketing opportunities game program, basketball radio play-by-play and call-in coverage includes the represented by ISP Sports game cards and official shows, television coaches shows Commonwealth of Virginia, as include the state-of-the-art athletics newspaper and live events, Lane Stadium well as portions of Maryland, videoscreens (“Hokievision”) in (hokiesports the newspaper). and Cassell Coliseum venue North Carolina, Tennessee, signage and print and Internet Kentucky and West Virginia. advertising. In addition to the live ISP Sports – Virginia Tech Staff Founded in 1992 by current network broadcasts, ISP CEO and President Ben Sutton, produces “Advance Auto Parts ISP Sports is also presently the Hokie Hotline,” a live weekly • Mike Wolfert is in his third year with ISP, serving as an exclusive rightsholder for the 90-minute call-in show assistant vice president and general manager for the University of Central Florida, the featuring Tech coach Frank company’s Virginia Tech property. His duties include University of Cincinnati, Georgia Beamer and his staff during sponsorship sales and development, office management and Tech, the University of Houston, their season. ISP also keeps serving as the primary liaison with the Tech athletics Marshall University, Ohio Hokie fans involved throughout department administration. Wolfert is a graduate of Indiana University, the University of the year with daily reports that University and holds a master’s in sports administration from Southern Mississippi, Tulane air statewide from August Ohio University. University, Vanderbilt University through March. • Steve Angelucci guided the Virginia Tech sales efforts as and Wake Forest University. ISP’s television coverage of general manager for five years, but now serves as a senior vice ISP, which is based in Tech Athletics is centered president for multi-media development at ISP while maintaining Winston-Salem, N.C., is around “Virginia Tech Sports close ties to the Hokies. Prior to joining ISP Sports, Angelucci additionally a joint venture Today,” a weekly magazine served as an assistant athletic director of external affairs at partner with Learfield show aired on a network of Eastern Kentucky University where he was primarily Communications as the multi- affiliates throughout the region, responsible for athletic marketing, fund-raising and promotions. • Marketing assistant Dave Bouteiller joined the Tech ISP staff one year ago after serving in a similar capacity for ISP at VIRGINIA TECH ISP SPORTS Southern Mississippi. He is primarily responsible for the TELEVISION Bristol WCYB-TV Ch. 5 organization and implementation of all Virginia Tech venue Norfolk WAVY-TV Ch. 10 signage and sponsorship sales and client service support. NETWORK Richmond WRIC-TV Ch. 8 Bouteiller is a 1998 graduate of the Pamplin College of Roanoke WSLS-TV Ch. 10 Business at Tech. AFFILIATES Washington, DC News-8 Ch. 8 • Chris Ferris, an 11-year veteran on the ISP staff, currently serves as vice president of radio operations. His responsibilities include supervision of all programming and syndication of the ISP Sports radio networks. Ferris is a 1987 graduate of the University of North Carolina. • Jamie Frye is in her sixth year as the radio and television network manager of ISP. Her duties include affiliate relations for the more than 200 radio and television stations which make up the ISP Sports Networks. Frye is a graduate of UNC Greensboro. • Taylor Durham has a vital responsibility with the Virginia Tech ISP Radio Network as recruitment manager for all Hokie affiliates. The Elon College grad joined ISP two years ago and has been a positive factor by bringing new stations into the ISP fold. • Cory Provus is in his third year with the company’s radio team as play-by-play announcer for women’s basketball. He also added to his duties last fall, serving as studio host during all Tech football broadcasts. • A veteran member of the football broadcast crew is Carter The ISP Sports lineup that serves Virginia Tech — (front, l to r) Cory Provus, Myers, who will continue to play an integral role this season as Bill Roth, Mike Burnop, Carter Myers, (back row) Steve Angelucci, Taylor official statistician. Durham, Chris Ferris, Mike Wolfert, Dave Bouteiller and Jamie Frye. VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 143 hokiesportscom COMPREHENSIVE WEB SITE IS THE OFFICIAL SOURCE FOR INFORMATION ON VIRGINIA TECH SPORTS Regardless of where providing the fastest, most parking and traffic, as well computers, extra photo they are, Virginia Tech complete source for Hokie as listing special activities scrapbooks, weekly polls, sports fans have the luxury news on the web. planned for that day. on-line greeting cards of getting up-to-date Another offering is hokievision.com special video clips and information on their favorite individual home pages for provides video clips that are many new features Tech sports or athletes on a each of Virginia Tech’s 21 exclusive to this site. Coach changing every day. daily basis. hokiesports.com sports … breaking news and and player interviews and hokieclub.com is a is every Tech fan’s source archived releases about all video coverage of events Web site that serves the for fast, accurate and official Tech teams can be found that are one-of-a-kind are Virginia Tech Athletic coverage of all Hokie sports along with media guides all available to site users. Fund. teams and events. containing player and With the continuing hokiesports.com, from hokiesports.com is the coaching staff profiles, expansion of Lane Stadium, September 2001-March lead site of five official schedules, records, hokievision.com will always 2002, averaged more Virginia Tech Athletics sites. historical information and have a Web-cam set up to than 90,000 unique The other four sites are: other pertinent facts for bring Tech fans everywhere visitors per month. Simply hokievision.com, every sport. live pictures of the stadium put, almost 100,000 hokietickets.com, A new sport-specific construction. different people accessed hokiepages.com and the feature is the “Coaches hokietickets.com the hokiesports.com site newly-created Report,” which is updated as contains links and updates alone each month. Over hokieshop.com. There is the season progresses by about Hokie athletic tickets. the course of seven also a direct link to the the coaches themselves. It provides the user with months the site welcomed popular on-line version of With fast “live stats,” information about season over 605,900 visitors. hokiesports the newspaper fans can view home football, and individual game tickets. The in-house site was (formerly known as the men’s and women’s Tech fans can now visit this first launched on Nov. 29, Hokie Huddler). basketball, baseball, site and have instant 1999, and has provided Through the efforts of the softball, volleyball and access to tickets-online, a Hokie fans around the sports information wrestling stats as they ticket renewal system. Fans world various news department, pregame happen via the Web. Live will be able to purchase releases, images, movies releases, game stories, images may also be new football season tickets and in-depth stories. The individual features as well as available during many of on-line as well. site also provides links to up-to-date stats and results these games. hokiepages.com live broadcasts of men’s for all 21 athletic teams are A special Game Day provides the user with great and women’s basketball, posted to hokiesports.com section informs fans about wallpapers to add to their as well as football. The Web site is managed by Peg Morse, director of Internet services, and designed by Damian Salas, webmaster, along with student interns and workers who assist with the web site development and video production. Morse has served the athletics department since 1985 in the area of promotions and marketing until her present position was created in 1999. Salas created the first in- house Web site and maintained it from 1995 to 1998.

144 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL hokiesports the newspaper INHOUSE PUBLICATION COVERS THE HOKIES INDEPTH In May of 2004, Virginia publication that’s both said. “On-line, the news can all the photos and designs Tech’s in-house publication, interesting and newsworthy, be updated more frequently the cover each week. hokiesports the newspaper, and to produce that type of as well.” The up-to-date news will celebrate its 20th publication, we have to be hokiesports the provided in the paper is anniversary as the most creative and do things newspaper is updated every primarily on football, men’s accurate source of differently than a daily week from late August and women’s basketball and information concerning newspaper.” through March on-line (bi- baseball. Fans can get the Virginia Tech athletics. The During the past eight monthly in the spring) by the depth chart (during the newspaper, formerly the years, subscriptions to the staff so news can get to Hokie football season), features on Hokie Huddler, came about in publication have soared as fans as it happens. players and former athletes 1984 when then director of Tech fans everywhere crave “I hope that more fans will (the ‘Where are They Now?’ athletics and football coach to read about the success of take advantage of the on-line section), statistics and Bill Dooley wanted an in- Virginia Tech athletics and to version of the publication standings, notes and quotes house publication devoted to read the most current because the Internet is the and recruiting profiles on all of Tech’s sports, primarily information on what’s new wave of the future,” said football, men’s and women’s football. Since then, the happening within the athletics Robertson. basketball recruits, along with newspaper has undergone department. The print version of the information about other numerous changes, including Today, there are roughly newspaper is a colorful sports recruits as well. a name change and a move 6,000 devoted subscribers to publication that is printed 33 Robertson will be entering to the Internet. But providing the print version, and almost times per year — weekly his seventh year as the editor accurate, timely and quality 600 registered for the on-line during football and basketball of the newspaper. Doug information remains the version of the paper, which seasons and bi-monthly Waters served as the first constant for the newspaper became available to Hokie during the spring. The editor in 1984-85 and then staff. fans in the fall of 2000. The newspaper consists of the Chris Colston handled the “Being a weekly on-line version of the ever-popular “Insider” section, duties for the next 11 years. newspaper, we have some publication is entering its third which is a page of short Colston resigned in 1996 to restraints,” editor Jimmy year and has started to blurbs of interesting “inside” take a job with Baseball Robertson said. “But going become a popular way to information – things you won’t Weekly, leaving the job in the on-line has helped us gain valuable information get anywhere else. With hands of Robertson. overcome some of those and about Virginia Tech athletics. hokiesports the newspaper Since then, Tech has we’re always going to be “It enables people who being owned by the athletics entered into the BIG EAST committed to being creative live far away to get the department, it allows the staff for all sports, gone to bowl as far as the type of news information immediately to be closer to coaches and games every year, played for and features we do for our rather than having to wait players to get that inside the national championship print version. We want a seven to 10 days,” Robertson information. Most sports and sent off a second Hokie publications of this kind are as the first pick in the NFL independent of their school’s Draft. After a second year in JIMMY ROBERTSON athletics departments. the BIG EAST for all sports hokiesports the except wrestling, the entire newspaper also consists of program has a bright future hokiesports the newspaper columns by Robertson, Bill — which allows no limitations editor Roth, the Voice of the Hokies, to hokiesports the newspaper and assistant editor Matt and its potential. Spiers. Robertson focuses For the printed version, a Jimmy Robertson is entering his more on Tech, while Roth one-year subscription costs seventh season as the editor of the devotes more attention to BIG $37.95, while a two-year Hokies’ in-house publication. He came EAST news. Spiers handles subscription costs $69.95. to Tech after spending two years as a copy editor in the the layout and design of the For an additional $12 per sports department of The Roanoke Times, in Roanoke, Va. publication and also covers year, fans who subscribe to A native of Roanoke, Robertson graduated from Roanoke women’s the print version can access College in Salem, Va., in 1994 with a degree in English. basketball the on-line version. Or, for While in college, he worked part time for The Roanoke Times and writes $25 annually, fans who don’t covering various high school athletic events and also local features. subscribe to the print version auto racing. It was during this time that Robertson developed Veteran can view the entire an interest in sports journalism and secured a job at the photographer newspaper via the Internet. newspaper shortly after graduating from college. David For additional subscription Born in Roanoke in 1972, Robertson graduated from Knachel, information, call the Craig County [Va.] High in 1990. In June of 2000, he married who began hokiesports the newspaper the former Deanna Moore of Roanoke and they currently working on office at (540) 231-3980, or reside in Christiansburg. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Matt Spiers the paper in visit the website at golf, traveling and watching baseball and racing. Assistant Editor 1985, takes www.hokiesports.com. VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 145 Virginia Tech Athletic Fund HOKIE CLUB WORKING TO KEEP TECH’S MOMENTUM BUILDING

The 2001-2002 year was a Lu Merritt, director of major gift fundraising and for the Hokie Clubs. Jane great success with another development for special projects. A former Broadwater serves as record-setting performance for intercollegiate athletics. “They football player at Tech, Moody executive secretary for the the Virginia Tech Athletic fully understand that for has worked in the Hokie Club office. Johnnie Hoehn and Fund. Enthusiastic and Virginia Tech to maintain its for 30 years. Nancy Gabbard work part time supportive Hokie fans gave in upward momentum, additional David Everett serves as in the office and bring over 20 excess of $12 million to funds need to be raised. They director of major gifts for the years of experience to the support the scholarship and are proud of the fact that their Hokie Club. A member of the team. capital needs of the Athletics football team has been to Hokies’ 1986 Peach Bowl The Athletic Fund is proud Department. bowl games each of the last team, Everett currently serves of its volunteers who help The Hokie Club is charged nine years. Tech fans know the Richmond, Lynchburg, and ensure that 58 Hokie Clubs with raising funds to support that the Hokies can compete Staunton areas in addition to throughout Virginia, West the scholarship, capital and for national championships his major gift responsibilities. Virginia, Maryland, North and programmatic needs of the and they want to do their part Terry Bolt, also an South Carolina, Delaware, Athletics Department. Donors to provide the needed associate director and director New Jersey, Georgia, make gifts in outright forms resources for scholarships of the annual fund for Pennsylvania, and Tennessee such as cash, real estate, and facilities.” athletics, serves the Tidewater continue in their active efforts securities, gifts in kind, A 1968 graduate of and Southside areas of to support and promote corporate matching programs, Virginia Tech and a letterman Virginia, as well as South athletics at Virginia Tech. or through planned or deferred on the Hokies’ tennis team Carolina and Georgia, while Along with bus trips, game gifts such as a will, living trust, during his undergraduate also overseeing the planning watching parties, and other life income trust, retirement years, Merritt currently serves and direction of the Annual social events, Tech alumni, plans, life insurance or on the Executive Committee Fund. fans, and friends gather to charitable lead trusts. of the National Association of Sharon Linkous and Vicky cheer on the Hokies. “The ongoing national Athletic Development Moore handle all aspects of Bill Stover of Fairfax, Va., success of the football Directors (NAADD). gift entry and membership is the current president of the program has continued to John Moody, associate records. Diana Fain manages Athletic Fund, and John Clary motivate our fans to increase director, serves the North the budget process and of Lawrenceville, Va., is the their financial support,” said Carolina area and focuses on produces all meeting notices vice president.

The Hokie Club staff in front of the new south end zone expansion in Lane Stadium: (l to r) Sharon Linkous, David Everett, Johnnie Hoehn, Vicky Moore, Jane Broadwater, Lu Merritt, Diana Fain, John Moody and Terry Bolt. Not pictured is Nancy Gabbard. 146 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL The Monogram Club PROUD TECH ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCING RESURGENCE

The Monogram Club was When Strock created as a social became the first organization comprised of full-time director of graduated athletes who earned the monogram club one or more monograms in 1998, there were (letters) in any varsity sport at 220 active Virginia Tech. All former members. The club coaches are designated as saw a significant honorary members. Once a increase in his first student-athlete’s career is year, adding 330 completed, the club is an new members. opportunity to remain active in With the addition of their sport. over 270 members The club focuses on over the last three keeping an open line of years, the total club said. “We sponsored tailgates When the club was formed, communication between the membership has grown to at each of the home football it was under the leadership of athletics department and the 970 active members. games, held a social at the the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund, former letterwinners. Each Upon Strock’s retirement in Gator Bowl, had individual although the Monogram Club is former letterwinner is given an early 2000, former Tech football sport reunions and improved not designed as a fund-raising open invitation to return to player and administrator Derek member benefits.” organization. On April 17, 1999, campus and not only support Carter took over as director. Whitenack has set some a reorganizational meeting was the current athletes in their Carter stepped down in May lofty goals for himself and the held with the election of officers individual sport but all the 2001 to become director of club for the next few years. and a board of directors. Dick athletes within the entire athletics at Virginia State “Ultimately I’d like to see Arnold was named the athletics department. University. every letterwinner join the president of the club. Some Over the past four years, In 2001, the Monogram club,” Whitenack said. “I would revisions were made to the the club has seen a resurgence Club welcomed its new director, like to get reps in all of the original constitution, such as of activity with record growth in Russ Whitenack, the former major cities where we have eliminating the word alumni the organization’s membership. men’s head track coach who several members and I would from the name of the club. The Terry Strock, a veteran coach oversaw that program for 28 like to see the club work more club now has a new president and administrator for many years. closely with the Hokie Club. I as well, a 1969 graduate and years at Tech, oversaw the “My first year saw a number would also like to continue former football player, Pete revival of the program. of positive changes,” Whitenack increasing member benefits.” Dawyot. A complimentary membership was instituted for recent graduates, allowing RUSS WHITENACK them a three-year membership into the club once their Director of the Monogram Club eligibility is expired. In April 2002, 100 new seniors were For 28 years, Russ Whitenack held the reins of the men’s track program, added as complimentary guiding it to conference titles and national recognition. Prior to taking over in members. 1974, Whitenack served as an assistant coach for two years. In addition to Membership dues are $25 being the men’s coach, he also guided the women’s team for 10 years during per year with the membership the 1980s and early 1990s. year being from July 1 to June A 1969 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Whitenack was a member of the Volunteers’ 30. A lifetime membership has All-America 440-yard relay team. UT won three Southeastern Conference team championships been instituted with the amount during his four years on the squad. He served for one season as a graduate assistant at set at $500. The club has set a Tennessee and three years as coach at Palmetto Junior High in Miami before coming to Tech in goal of adding 100 new 1972. members by next year. During Whitenack’s tenure, the Tech program produced 20 All-Americans, including former The club publishes a coach Steve Taylor and recent graduate Erick Kingston. He led the Hokies to two Metro newsletter twice a year for its Conference indoor championships, one in 1993 and one in 1994, and he was chosen by his peers members, once in January and as Metro Coach of the Year during the 1992 outdoor season and again following Tech’s 1993 again in June. The newsletter indoor championship. During the late 1990s, the Hokies dominated the Atlantic 10 Conference, consists of information about capturing both the indoor and outdoor titles four straight years. Whitenack was named the A-10 upcoming activities of the club, indoor and outdoor coach of the year for each of those victories. He also received the Walt articles from coaches, which Comrack Award for excellence in coaching from the Virginia Military Institute in 1997. recap each team’s season, and Whitenack and his wife, Judy, have one son, Jon, who is 21 years old and a senior at Tech. In letters from Director of Athletics his spare time, Whitenack enjoys outdoor activities, especially kayaking, boating and jet-skiing. Jim Weaver, Whitenack and Dawyot to the membership. VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL 147 NCAA Rules Compliance VIRGINIA TECH ATHLETICS — WINNING THE RIGHT WAY!

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTS AND THEIR PARENTS: 6. You (or your family) may not receive any benefit, inducement or Compliance with NCAA rules is a never-ending process that arrangement such as cash, clothing, cars, improper expenses, requires diligence on the part of both the Department of Athletics transportation, gifts or loans to encourage you to sign a National and Virginia Tech as a whole. Below is a brief summary of the basic Letter of Intent or to attend an NCAA school. issues that you may be faced with as a prospective student-athlete. 7. A “contact” is any face-to-face encounter between you or your 1. You become a prospective student-athlete if you have started parent(s) or legal guardian and an institutional staff member or classes for the ninth grade. Before the ninth grade, you become a athletic representative during which any dialogue occurs in excess prospective student-athlete if the college provides you (or your of an exchange of greeting. relatives or friends) any financial aid or other benefits that the college does not provide to prospective students generally. 8. Phone calls to you from faculty members and coaches (but not 2. A “representative of an institution’s athletics interests” boosters) are permitted beginning July 1 (Sept. 1 for football) after (commonly referred to as a booster) is defined by the NCAA as completion of your junior year. In addition, football coaches may call anyone who: a prospect or the prospect’s family once during the month of May • Is now, or previously been, a member of any organization during the prospect’s junior year. A college coach or faculty member promoting the institution’s intercollegiate athletics is limited to one telephone call per week to you (or your parents or program; legal guardians). Unlimited calls to you (or your parents or legal • Has made a financial contribution to the athletics program guardians) may be made under the following circumstances: or an athletics booster organization; • During the five days immediately before your official visit • Has helped arrange any employment for a student-athlete; by the university you will be visiting; • On the day of a coach’s off-campus contact with you; • Has been involved, in any way, in the promotion of the • During the time beginning with the initial National Letter of athletics program. Intent signing date in your sport through the two days after 3. Please be aware that any former Virginia Tech student or former the signing date; and or current member of the Hokie Club is automatically considered a • In the sport of football only, during the permissible off- representative of Virginia Tech’s athletics interests (booster). campus contact periods and during the 48 hours prior to According to NCAA rules, once an individual is identified as a and 24 hours after 5 a.m. on the initial signing date for the booster, he/she retains that status forever. National Letter of Intent. Coaches also may accept collect calls, and universities are permitted to utilize a toll-free 4. You become a “recruited” prospective student-athlete at a number to receive telephone calls from you (or your particular college if any coach or booster solicits you or your family parents or legal guardians) on or after July 1 after for the purpose of securing your enrollment and participation in completion of your junior year. intercollegiate athletics. Activities by coaches or boosters that trigger recruited status are: 9. Letters to you from coaches and faculty members (but not • Paying some or all of your expenses during a visit to campus boosters) are permitted beginning Sept. 1 at the beginning of your (known as an “official“ visit); junior year in high school. A Division I university may provide you • Arranging an in-person, off-campus encounter with you or with the following printed materials: your parent(s) or legal guardian; or • General correspondence, including letters, U.S. Postal • Initiating or arranging a telephone contact with you, your Service postcards and institutional note cards; family or guardian on more than one occasion for the • Game programs which may not include posters and one purpose of recruitment. Student-Athlete Handbook; 5. A booster may not solicit your enrollment in any manner (no • NCAA educational information; • Pre-enrollment information subsequent to signing a phone calls, letters or in-person encounters). National Letter of Intent with the university; • One athletic publication (media guide or recruiting brochure); NCAA Position on Gambling • Official academic, admissions and student services publications published or videotapes produced by the institution and available to all students; The NCAA opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports • Schedule and business cards; wagering. Sports wagering has the potential to undermine the • Questionnaires which may be provided prior to your junior integrity of sports contests and jeopardizes the welfare of year; and student athletes and the intercollegiate athletics community. • Camp brochures which may be provided prior to your Sports wagering demeans the competition and competitors junior year. alike by a message that is contrary to the purposes and meaning of “sport.” Sports competition should be appreciated 10. An “evaluation” is any off-campus activity designed to assess for the inherent benefits related to participation of student- your academic qualifications or athletic ability, including any visit to athletes, coaches and institutions in fair contests, not the your high school (during which no contact occurs) or the amount of money wagered on the outcome of the competition. observation of any practice or competition in which you participate. For these reasons, the NCAA membership has adopted specific rules prohibiting athletics department staff members This page was developed as a quick-reference guide to provide a basic and student-athletes from engaging in gambling activities as understanding of NCAA rules. It is not all-inclusive, but rather a tool to they relate to intercollegiate or professional sporting events. help you avoid inadvertent involvement in a violation of NCAA legislation. The NCAA Position on Gambling was approved by the We encourage you to always ASK BEFORE YOU ACT. Please contact NCAA Administrative Committee on March 19, 1997. the Virginia Tech Compliance Office if you have any questions at (540) 231-2937 or (540) 231-5497. 148 VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL