30 • Friday, March 22, 2002 • Technique SPORTS Patterson has sports in genes By Al Przygocki later at the top of the order. the second base- Contributing Writer “I try to get on base, use my man. “I was just speed, and try to get into scoring determined to Many freshmen have a hard time position so the guys at the top of the work hard and adjusting to college life and to the order can drive me in,” said Patter- make the most of rigors of college athletics. Then again, son. my opportunity most freshmen haven’t had the head After getting off to a slow start when I got out start that Eric Patterson has had. on the base-paths, Patterson leads there.” With a world of talent and a strong the team in stolen bases (eight) and Eric’s older family tradition at Tech to give him stolen bases attempts (ten). brother, Corey, is perspective, Patterson has taken the “Early in the year, I think I was a currently the diamond by storm. little timid as far as looking for a starting center- As Tech’s secondary leadoff man good pitch or a good count or a fielder for the batting primarily in the ninth spot good situation to run in,” explained . in the lineup, Patterson has batted the freshman from Kennesaw. “Now, He originally .390 and reached base at a .465 clip. every time I get on base, I’m so signed a letter of “The thing about hitting in the much more relaxed. I get a good intent to play nine spot…usually you’re going to feeling, and I just go.” for the see a lot of fastballs, a lot of good Many observers of the team were Yellow Jackets COURTESY GEORGIA TECH SPORTS INFORMATION pitches to , and I just try to put a caught off guard when Patterson but never played Rookie second baseman Eric Patterson has impressed fans with his smooth fielding at second good swing on the ball every time was named the starter at second base college baseball, base. Patterson has also looked good at the plate, sporting a .390 batting average. and if it gets through a hole some- going into opening day. He im- opting instead to where, so be it,” said Patterson. “I pressed the coaches with a very strong sign with the Cubs. Eric’s father, be easy to see how Eric would have a wasted home runs by Tyler Parker go to the plate and try to hit the ball showing in fall practice and solidi- Donald, played football for the Jack- hard time stepping out of the shad- and Jason Perry in the loss. For the hard every time.” fied his hold on the position in spring ets from 1976 to 1978, was a team ows cast by his older brother and his second time in two days, Tech lost a With current leadoff man Mat- drills. His wide range and smooth captain in 1978, and went on to father. That couldn’t be farther from late inning lead in losing 11-5 to thew Boggs due to move on after hands have helped him turn a team- play for the Giants and the Lions in the truth for Patterson. Wake Forest, as the Jackets allowed this season, Patterson is clearly be- leading nine double plays. the NFL. Eric’s mother Carolyn “I’ve just been myself. The good eight runs in their final two at bats ing groomed to take over the posi- “I know sometimes freshmen graduated from Georgia Tech in thing about my brother and my runs to blow a 5-3 lead. Tech wast- tion fulltime next season. Many of come in, have to pay their dues, and 1981. dad...we all understand that we’re ed a two-homer effort by Parker in the things the freshman is doing in maybe sit a few years, and I would’ve With all of the success that his all three different individuals,” said the loss. the nine spot he will be asked to do been okay with that,” commented family has had in athletics, it would Patterson. “Corey does his thing Tech used a four run rally in the every day. I just try to go out there sixth inning to come from behind and do mine. You’re always going to win 6-5 over Eastern Kentucky to have comparisons. A lot of kids on Tuesday. The star of the game have a hard time dealing with a was Victor Menocal who went 4 for sibling thing. I look at it in some 4 and moved in from shortstop to ways as an advantage. I may have earn the save. He came in with the some opportunities because of my bases loaded and no outs and was brother that might not have been able to get a strikeout followed by a there otherwise.” double play to end the Colonels BASEBALL NOTES: Tech went rally. On Wednesday against East- 2-2 on the week, dropping both ern Kentucky, the Jackets built a games at Wake Forest over the week- 10-1 lead after three innings and end and sweeping the midweek held on to win 13-9 after allowing games at home versus Eastern Ken- seven in the ninth. Tech now stands tucky. at 16-3. The 10-9 loss to Wake Forest Eric Patterson File

last Friday was a heartbreaker as PositionPosition: 2nd Base ○○○○○○ Brian Burks recorded Tech’s first ○○○○○○○○○○○

Height/WeightHeight/Weight: 5-10 / 160 ○○○○○○ blown save of the year on a Ryan ○○○○○○○○○○○

HometownHometown: Kennesaw, Ga ○○○○○○ Johnson two-run double in the bot- ○○○○○○○○○○○

High SchoolSchool: Harrison ○○○○○○ tom of the ninth that scored the ○○○○○○○○○○○

MajorMajor: Management ○○○○○○ tying and game-winning runs. Tech ○○○○○○○○○○○ SPORTS Technique • Friday, March 22, 2002 • 31 Sallinger dominating in first season on mound DeVinny and A daughter of a former major leaguer, the frosh threw two no-hitters in her first three starts Tech head to Sallinger. “She lets us all pitch in NCAA’s our own styles, which since we all By Derick Stanger have different styles, is a good thing.” Assistant Sports Editor Overall, Sallinger is confident about the team’s chances for reach- Georgia Tech’s true freshman, ing and having success in postsea- Cara DeVinny, led the Jacket’s son play, and with good reason. The women’s swim team through- Lady Jackets have gone 1-2 against out the season. In the postsea- ranked teams so far this year, but all son she will have to represent the were one run games, beating No. Tech ladies herself. This week- 17 Iowa 2-1 and falling to No. 13 end she will be at the University Florida Atlantic 1-0 and seventh of Texas in the Jamail Texas ranked Arizona State 5-4. Sallinger Swimming Center to compete started all three games, throwing for the 2002 Women’s Swim- complete games against Iowa and ming NCAA Championships. FAU while striking out a total of 25 No other Tech women’s swim- batters and allowing just six hits. mer excelled at the inaugural ACC Arizona State, however, touched her tournament or met the provi- up for four runs in just two innings sional qualifying standards re- of work. When asked about the frus- quired to earn an invitation. tration of dropping a 1-0 decision, DeVinny qualified to com- Sallinger remains optimistic. pete in the 200 and 400-yard “If we can be more consistent individual medley as well as the with our hitting, I think we’ll win a 200-yard butterfly events. She is lot of games,” she said. “I just wish ranked as high as 20th, that in more people would come out to our her strongest competition, the By Robert Hill / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS games because we have a good team.” 400-yard IM. This athlete that Rookie Tech Jessica Sallinger says being close to her parents was a key factor in going to GT. “They The next chance to catch Tech started swimming at age three, haven’t missed a game yet,” she said. “Since we’re in season right now, it’s the only chance I get to see them.” in action will come this weekend in accomplished what no other the Buzz Classic at the Al Bishop Rambling Wreck ladies swim- By John Parsons Katie Donovan was also a high school lot about how to pitch.” Softball complex in Marietta. The Contributing Writer teammate of hers. Coming into the season, Sallinger mer has been able to do, achieve classic features 24 teams from Flor- a NCAA “B” qualifying time. Having played with two of her was one of four expected to ida to Michigan with the title game Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball would-be Tech teammates before give the Lady Yellow Jackets a strong The top eight finishers in the to be played at 1 p.m. Sunday. The final from each event receive All- is ninety percent mental. The other was just one reason she chose to and deep pitching staff. With such Lady Jackets will return to Glenn half is physical.” While his math come to Tech. Closeness to her par- a strong staff, she wasn’t expecting American honors while the next Field to host Maryland on Tues- eight finishers receive honorable was off, the meaning behind what ents’ Kennesaw home also played a to be relied upon as much as she has day. he said is true in any sport. Fresh- factor, since they are able to attend been already. mention. man softball pitcher Jessica Sallinger, games. “I pitched a lot last fall, but I Jessica Sallinger File The men’s qualifiers, while

HometownHometown: Kennesaw not joining DeVinny in Texas, ○○○○○○ with two no-hitters in her first three “They haven’t missed a game thought that was just because it was ○○○○○○○○○○○

High SchoolSchool: Harrison will be representing Tech at the ○○○○○○

starts, seems to have the mental as- yet,” she said. “Since we’re in sea- the fall and I was a freshman,” she ○○○○○○○○○○○

PositionPosition: Pitcher NCAA championship next week-

○○○○○○ pect of her game down already. To son right now, it’s the only chance I said. “But with Mimi (Utt) hurting ○○○○○○○○○○○

understand how she already seems get to see them.” her shoulder, we’ve all had to pitch MajorMajor: Management end in Athens. Three swimmers, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ so comfortable, one only needs to Sallinger’s dad is a more knowl- more.” The freshman from Kennesaw has juniors Shilo Ayalon, James Salaz- look at her reasons for coming to edgeable fan than most, as he was a Sallinger doesn’t mind the extra had a stellar campaign. She leads ar and Tomonori Tsuji , met the Tech. for the New York Mets. She innings, especially given her coach’s the Jackets in almost all pitching qualifying standards to make the

statistical categories: short trip up US 316 while se- ○○○○○○ “Everything just fell into place,” attributes much of her success to his relaxed approach to managing her ○○○○○○○○○○○

RecordRecord: 11-3 (1st) nior Yellow Jacket Eduardo Ol- ○○○○○○ said Sallinger, who chose Tech over mentorship. After all, he knows a pitchers. ○○○○○○○○○○○

ERAERA: 1.30 (1st) iver is the first alternative if ○○○○○○

UGA and FSU. “Lindsay [Wood] thing or two about pitching after “A lot of coaches will try to change ○○○○○○○○○○○

Innings PitchedPitched: 97.0 (1st) somebody gets injured or can-

○○○○○○ was my catcher in high school and I playing professionally. your pitching style to pitch the way ○○○○○○○○○○○

StrikoutsStrikouts: 123 (1st) not make it to the meet hosted

○○○○○○ grew up with Katie [Donovan], so “He taught me a lot growing they want you to, but Coach Mad- ○○○○○○○○○○○

that had something to do with it.” up,” said Jessica. “He taught me a den doesn’t do that,” explained Opponents BABA: .169 (1st) by Georgia..

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 32 • Friday, March 22, 2002 • Technique SPORTS

came the first Georgia Tech team upcoming U.S.A. Track and Field her competition at the national cham- Metivier from page 36 ever to earn any ACC track and field Senior Nationals meet. pionships is similar to what she fac- title, and only the second Tech wom- When the Outdoor Track and es at the conference meet. “It makes en’s team to earn an ACC title in any Field season begins this weekend, us also have a little bit more of a well. I trust him, he’s been there, Cross Country Championships. sport; the last was Volleyball in 1995. the team will be looking to repeat connection with each other. From he’s done it, since he’s an All-Amer- After the cross-country season, she In addition, the team dethroned the their successes from the indoor sea- our conference, we kind of work ican himself,” said Metivier. jumped right into the Indoor Track reining champs in the sport, North together a little bit, because we know Under Drosky’s guidance, Me- Carolina, in their brand new venue. how each other runs,” said Metivi- tivier has turned into one of the Metivier said of the meet, “It was er. nation’s top distance runners. As a awesome. It was so emotional. We “I like to do multiple As Metivier progresses, and im- freshman, she was an All-ACC hon- “I keep on getting came together and worked so hard things. I’m really proves on her times, she and Coach oree, and established the school better and better, together. We also got together every Drosky will be looking to take her record in the 3000 meter steeple- night in the hotel room, had motiva- short; I can’t do career to the next level. That next chase. At the end of her rookie and that’s why I see tional speeches between each other, volleyball or level? The sophomore is an Olym- season, she had finished in the top myself making it to and prayed together.” Metivier also pic hopeful in the 5000 meters at five in each of her races during the posted the nation’s second fastest time basketball. And I was the 2004 Olympics in Athens, indoor season. She later competed the next level as long in the 5000 meters at the meet. really good at Greece, which is also her senior year. in the U.S.A. Track and Field Se- as I keep the training Afterwards, the sophomore com- “Last year I was no where near where nior Nationals. “I remember last that I’m doing.” peted in the NCAA Indoor Track running naturally.” I am now. I keep on getting better year I didn’t do as well as I hoped. It and Field Championships. “I didn’t and better, and that’s why I see my- was so intense. I was looking around, Renee Metivier Renee Metivier do as well as I had hoped, I got ninth on entering the running world self making it to the next level as and I was just like ‘that’s so and so, on making the Olympics in ‘04 and eleventh. It was a tough meet, long as I keep the training that I’m what am I doing here, I’m only a sometimes it’s just not your day,” doing. Coach Drosky has it all freshmen in college,” said Metivier. said Metivier. Metivier also said that planned out, I just follows what In her sophomore year, Metivi- she has greater success running on son. Metivier’s short-term goals are he says,” said Metivier. er has used her experiences to her season. hills than on the flat surface of the another ACC title for the Yellow advantage. In the fall, Metivier be- At the ACC Indoor Track and track. However, her finishes were Jackets and an NCAA Champion- The Rambling Wreck harriers are in came an NCAA All-American when Field Championships, the wom- good enough to earn her All-Ameri- ship title. Since the ACC confer- action this weekend in Tallahassee, she was runner-up at the NCAA en’s team made history. They be- can honors, and qualify her for the ence is so strong for distance runners, Fla. at the FSU Relays. Tech’s women’s basketball team finish disappointing season

By Daniel Uhlig / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS The women’s basketball team, who were on the verge of making the Top 25 after a dominating 81-62 victory over powerhouse North Carolina, fell hard after starting junior point guard Nina Barlin suffered a torn ACL. By John Parsons finished the season ranked No. 16 Contributing Writer in both major polls. Tech was led in that game by sophomore Fallon The women’s basketball team Stokes with 23 points. Tech led by made significant strides this season, as much as 32 before reserves were but there is still significant work to given some playing time in the sec- be done. The Lady Jackets fell short ond half. The month also included of their goal of an NCAA bid, set- five other victories over ACC foes, tling for a third consecutive WNIT one being a 92-61 trouncing of Vir- appearance and a first round exit at ginia. the hands of Miami. At that point, the team boasted a Outstanding play and leadership 13-7 mark with a 6-4 league record from seniors Milli Martinez and Re- and an NCAA birth looked like a gina Tate along with an outstand- possibility. A crucial blow was dealt, ing season from junior Sonja Mallory however, when Nina Barlin injured led to Tech’s 15-14 record and fifth her knee in the first half at Florida place finish in the ACC. Martinez State. She missed the rest of the and Mallory were named to the all- season and the team went 4-8 in her ACC second team while Tate was absence, including early exits in both named to the third team. In addi- the ACC and WNIT tournaments. tion, Martinez was named to the Only one of the four wins came ACC all-defensive team. against a team with a winning record. The season did not get off to a Despite the disappointing end good start as Niesha Butler was sus- to the season, there is reason for pended for academic reasons and optimism heading into next year left the team later in the year. Butler with Barlin and Mallory returning led the team with 15.6 points per and five highly regarded recruits com- game in the 2000-01 campaign. ing in. All five incoming freshmen The Lady Jackets started with a are rated in the All-Star Girls Re- somewhat disappointing 6-5 mark port’s Top-100 prospects. Kasha through the end of 2001, but turned Terry and April Johnson are the it on with a 7-2 record in January of most highly regarded, rated 28th this year. The highlight of the month and 30th , respectively. Coach Ag- was a convincing 81-62 victory over nus Berenato credits her staff with North Carolina in Chapel Hill, who doing a “phenomenal” job in recruiting. SPORTS Technique • Friday, March 22, 2002 • 33 Beyond the White and Gold Intramural Notebook Rivera’s theft in terms of my bank account with Jack B. Nimble By Derek Haynes it sound like he booted a fly ball. I am going to adjust Rivera’s Sports Editor "I made a rookie's error," said salary to my terms so I can better see Catholic Center on crusade the 28 year-old reserve outfielder. how little the bat and glove theft What kind of crusade are these rec volleyball after demolishing About four times a year, an ath- "I did it without thinking, because was actually worth. Catholics on? Miss Cleo's Psychic Friends in lete does something so idiotic that it wasn't for the money, I had a My earnings last year: $10,000. The B League Catholic Cen- two sets by a combined score of it’s easy to see why they often get My salary in proportion to Riv- ter softball squad continues to 30-3. Looks like Ms. Cleo’s pals labeled as “dumb jocks”. era’s: 1/100. put up football-like numbers af- are hangin’ with the wrong lady. Ruben Rivera, step on up. My earnings last year: What $2,500 would seem like ter a successful polar bear soft- Men’s Tennis Top 15

Rivera, a backup outfielder on to me if I made $1 million: $25. ball season. The score from their 1 Rodrigo Dominguez ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

the Yankees who has the potential $10,000. So here is what I could steal to first game? The Catholics 29, 2 Chris Bertha ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of Andruw Jones but practices about My salary in proportion lose my job: Delta Sig 0. I thought that Mar- 3 Alberto Mhyrer cus Cappelli, Ryan Vaughn, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ as much as a Tech guy goes on dates, - My roommate’s Crocodile 4 Vijay Sekaran to Rivera’s: 1/100. Chris Wieczorek and the rest of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ stole Derek Jeter’s glove and bat so Hunter doll (actually over $25). 5 Neal Reeves the gang would have a top rank- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ he could sell the equipment to a What $2,500 would - Editor-In-Chief Matthew Bry- 6 Christopher McGovern memorabilia dealer last week. an’s car (probably below $25). ing, but it looks like these guys ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 7 Patrick Widener How much did the memorabil- seem like to me if I - Several reams of paper from have some temper problems. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 8 Michael Apple ia dealer pay for the equipment? the Student Center computer lab “We yelled at the refs too ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ made $1 million: $25 9 John Liu

$2,500. - My friend’s Ben Wallace (De- much,” said team member Matt ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 10 Ryan McLellan

What is Rivera’s contract worth? troit Pistons foward) bobblehead Guinn on the squad’s No. 3 rank- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ing in the B League. 11 Brian Jackson

$1 million. good contract. It was just an instant doll ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ About as powerful as Ms. Cleo’s 12 Boeuf Pierre-Alain

After the incident, Rivera didn’t when I wasn't thinking, and I made - Half of a basketball from SAC ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

psyhic powers 13 Daniel Leon shine much light on the situation. a mistake that I'm paying for now." Mr. Ruben Rivera. Let’s make ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

In an interview with Telemetro Ca- Now, what if Rivera did steal the this worth while. At least grab a Pi Kappa Phi had the blow- 14 Vik Ramachandra ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ nal 13 television, a station in Riv- items for the money? How much couple of New York Yankee World out win of the first week in co- 15 Bill Porter era’s home of Panama, Rivera made would the goods seem like to me? Series trophies. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 34 • Friday, March 22, 2002 • Technique SPORTS Yellow Jackets Statline ’s Top 25 ITA Women’s Tennis Top 25 Golfweek’s Golf Top 25

Team W-L Last Week Previous Rank Team Rank Team ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

1. Stanford 14-5 0-0 1 1 Univ. of Georgia 1 Georgia Tech 69.60␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

2. Clemson 14-1 4-1 2 2 Vanderbilt University 2 Clemson 70.45␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

3. Florida State 24-5 4-1 3 3 Stanford University 3 Wake Forest 70.64␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

4. Rice 18-4 3-0 4 4 Duke University 4 Florida 70.65␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Statline

5. South Carolina 18-3 4-1 6 5 Wake Forest University 5 Tennessee 70.91␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ feature will al-

6. Wichita State 10-2 2-1 7 6 University of Florida 6 Oklahoma State 70.99␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ternate with

7. Houston 15-5 3-1 8 7 Univ. of Texas at Austin 7 Southern California 71.06␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the Nique’s

8. Baylor 17-6 5-0 10 8 Arizona State University 8 TCU 71.10␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ other sports

9. Nebraska 11-5 3-0 11 9 UCLA 9 Fresno State 71.16␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ feature,

10. Florida 18-3 5-0 12 10 Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville 10 Auburn 71.19␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Ramblin’, for

11. Wake Forest 16-2 3-0 13 11 Univ. of Kentucky 11 Washington 71.28␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the reminder

12. Georgia Tech 14-3 1-2 5 12 Univ. of Southern California 12 Texas 71.34␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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13. Alabama 19-2 5-0 19 13 UNC Chapel Hill 13 Toledo 71.43␣ of the semes- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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14. Louisiana State 14-8 1-3 9 14 Northwestern University 14 Georgia 71.49␣ ter. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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15. Cal State Fullerton 13-9 2-1 16 15 Fresno State 15 Oklahoma 71.57␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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16. San Diego 21-5 3-1 20 16 California 16 San Diego State 71.65␣ Next week ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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17. Long Beach State 13-6 3-0 25 17 Univ. of Notre Dame 17 Purdue 71.66␣ the Nique ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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18. Texas 20-6 4-0 22 18 Baylor University 18 Augusta State 71.76␣ gets person- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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19. Texas A&M 17-9 1-4 14 19 Univ. of Washington 19 Virginia Tech 71.76␣ al with Troy ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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20. East Carolina 14-3 1-2 18 20 Univ. of Alabama at Tuscaloosa 20 Arizona 71.77␣

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○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Matteson,

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21. Rutgers 8-4 2-1 NR 21 Georgia Tech 21 New Mexico 71.79␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Golf Week’s ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

22. Oklahoma 15-5 4-1 NR 22 University of South Carolina 22 Baylor 71.81␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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23. Arizona State 16-8 1-3 17 23 College of William & Mary 23 Pepperdine 71.84␣ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ collegiate

24. Mississippi 13-6 1-3 15 24 Texas A&M University-College Station 24 North Florida 71.84 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

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○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ golfer.

25. Richmond 15-2 3-1 NR 25 Virginia Commonwealth University 25 Washington State 71.85 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ thrashersatlanta last week’s winner Congratulations to Ron FerrellFerrell. He was the first to correctly answer that 3 is the number of consecutive seasons that numbers the Tech women’s basketball team has reached post- challenge season play. explain what the number on page 36 represents, and win a pair of thrashers tickets SPORTS Technique • Friday, March 22, 2002 • 35 South African Roger Anderson gives Wimbledon experience to GT By Derick Stanger the International Tennis Federation. Assistant Sports Editor After his senior season he escaped the increasing troubles in South Af- It’s hard enough for a budding rica and went to Boca Raton, Flori- adult to venture away from their da, to continue his tennis training, home to go off to college. New peo- where he stayed with a South Afri- ple and experiences can easily over- can coach for three months. Dur- whelm anyone. Add that experience ing this time he started looking at to leaving your homeland and ven- colleges and was guided by his coach, turing overseas to a completely dif- who knew Tech Head Coach Ken- ferent culture and one is twice more ny Thorne, to go to Tech. Attend- susceptible to being beleaguered. ing a school back in his home country Everyone deals with their added was never an option for him. “I stress, no matter what the cause, in always wanted to come to the states,” different manners. For Junior Rog- said Anderson. “The tennis is much er Anderson, his release came in the better (in the states). I wasn’t going form of a tennis ball. to improve if I stayed back (in South Anderson grew up a member of Africa).” a sports family in Pietermaritzburg, However, once he got to Geor- South Africa. Both his father and gia Tech he was having second mother, Richard and Judy Ander- thoughts. “I didn’t like it at all my son, played routinely at a local ten- first semester,” said Anderson “I nis club and got young Roger into didn’t know anybody. I arrived here Tennis at the age of five. His grand- by myself and it was pretty tough.” parents as well as all his siblings He totally committed and im- were also very active in the sports mersed himself in classes and prac- world. tice. (An average collegiate athlete His neighborhood was not what spends their mornings at classes and most people think of when they the rest of the day either at practice, would imagine an African commu- in the weight room or sleeping from nity. They are actually very much an exhaustive day. Rarely do they like any neighborhood one would get a day off or time to be with find in the states. But instead of friends). And because of Anderson’s kids running around the subdivi- devotion, that first year he became sion playing baseball and football, one of the leaders of Tech’s team. they played cricket and rugby. He ended the season tied for the COURTESY GEORGIA TECH SPORTS INFORMATION Anderson continued playing ten- team lead in matches won with 24 Roger Anderson, who teams with David Wright on doubles, has seen the pair’s ranking plummet from No. 8 nis throughout his childhood and and led the team in winning per- to No. 54 after an injury to Wright. “We can still compete with the top 10 teams in the nation,” said Anderson. was taken to the local tennis club at centage. could not participate in all the prac- “That’s always been a goal of mine, hang out and watch TV, listen to least twice a week. While in high It was during his first year, when tices. He is slowly recovering and to be ranked,” said Anderson. “Last house and rock/punk music and just school he played varsity rugby and he received ACC Rookie of the Year, getting back to his pre-injury form year I was happy to be ranked in hang out with friends.” cricket but kept his passion of ten- that he became doubles partners with but in the meanwhile they fell to doubles but I was still aiming at Throughout his high school and nis at the club, where he received fellow freshmen David Wright, No. 54. “The more matches we play being ranked in singles as well. I college career, Anderson has received better instruction than at school. brother of past Tech player Robert together as the season progresses just hope to finish in the top 16 by many trophies, accolades and ac- Day by day his skills increased and Wright. They went 8-5 their first we’re going to get better and better. the end of this season.” knowledgments for his athletic prow- by the time the end of his senior year and 15-8 last year as Tech’s We can still compete with the top And with Anderson defeating the ess on the court. However, what he season rolled around he had already number one seed and started this 10 teams in the nation.” No. 24 and No. 15 ranked players is most proud of came in the form won several championships includ- year ranked among the top 10 in Anderson and Wright have in the nation, he is very likely to of invitations to the Australian Open ing the Border Grand Prix and the the nation. “It’s very important to backed up that claim. While they reach that goal. However, Ander- and to Wimbledon, two of the four Cape Town Grand Prix. He was be able to bond well,” said Ander- have lost more matches than they son’s world does not simply revolve events that make up the Tennis consistently one of the top tennis son. “We’ve been playing together have in their previous years, they around a tennis ball. Rather, the Grand Slam. While he lost in the players in South Africa and for the for three years now so we know still were able to beat the fifth ranked high school varsity cricket and rug- first round of the intimidating events, majority of his senior season was each other’s games and we know duo of Foreman and Gustafsson from by player loves to play a lot of golf he was able to meet his favorite ten- ranked in the top two spots by the where each either will move (on the Middle Tennessee State. among other things. But even more nis stars, Andre Agassi and Pete Sam- South African Tennis Association. court).” Meanwhile, Anderson has been so he likes to relax, just like any pras. Who knows, the next time he He was also ranked as high as No. However, at the beginning of improving his singles play and has college student. “I’m pretty lazy,” is invited to compete he may play 88 in the world junior rankings by this season Wright was injured and jumped up to No. 27 in the nation. said the modest Anderson. “I like to against one of his idols. 36 • Friday, March 22, 2002 • Technique pageSPORTS 36 Born to do it South African Sensation Softball hurler Jessica Sallinger is 11-3 with Tennis’s Roger Anderson is climbing SPORTS a pair of no-hitters. Was the daughter of a quickly up the tennis rankings. Does his former NY Met born to pitch? Page 31 cricket experience help his game? Page 35 Technique • Friday, March 22, 2002 by ESPN brings awards show to Coliseum the Dick Vitale, college stars and SportsCenter to invade Tech campus next Thursday By Derek Haynes will be held and Dick Vitale will numbers Sports Editor address the crowd. Vitale will be joined by several Next Thursday the best in col- ESPN personalities at the event, lege basketball will descend upon which is held annually in the host 0-3 the Coliseum. Unlike when Duke city of the Final Four. Chris Fowl- Record of the Tech baseball team came to town, however, Jackets’ er, Jay Bilas and Digger Phelps will against ranked opponents. The No. Head Coach Paul Hewitt won’t have join Vitale in hosting the show. Most 12 Jackets lost to No. 4 South Caro- to spend all night preparing a game of the nominees for the awards are lina and twice to No. 8 Wake For- plan. expected to attend. est. Their third game against Wake ESPN The Magazine will broad- Seven awards will be presented was rained out. cast their annual awards show from at the show, including Men’s Play- the Alexander Memorial Coliseum er of the Year and Men’s Coach of on Thursday, March 28. The event, the Year. The V Foundation Come- which is free of charge, begins at 4 back of the Year Award will be an- 12 p.m. with the awards show running nounced prior to the show. from 6-8 p.m. Before the show a While no Tech players were nom- Number of Spring Practices for the SportsCenter Final Four segment will inated for any awards, three mem- Yellow Jacket Football team. The be taped, a player autograph session bers of Duke’s starting lineup are first practice is today and the final ESPN Awards Show on the nominees list.

practice will take place on April 20 When: Thursday, March 28 The nominees for the awards were

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ with the Springfest. 4 p.m—6 p.m.: SportsCenter taping, determined by an ESPN The Maga- autograph session, address to fans zine panel. The USA Today/ESPN

by Vitale, live music Board of Coaches, the coaches who

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 6 p.m—8 p.m.: ESPN The Maga- vote on the weekly USA Today/ESPN

zine’s College Basketball Awards Men’s Coaches Poll, use the list of ○○○○○○ 10-0 ○○○○○○○○○○○ Who’ll Be There?There?: Dick Vitale, Chris nominees to determine the winners. Fowler, Jay Bilas, Digger Phelps, and The women’s award show is be- COURTESY ESPN

Record of the baseball team at Russ many men’s college hoops stars Dick Vitale is just one of the ESPN personalities scheduled to attend next ○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○ ing held at the RiverCenter Mall in

Chandler Stadium. Last year they Admission: Free Thursday’s college hoops awards show at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ San Antonio. finished 28-7 at home and started the season 8-0 before losing to Rut- Gailey leads grid- gers. ders into spring practice 2,500,000 New football Head Coach Chan Gailey will get his first look at the football squad in Cost to name the varsity football action this afternoon at 4 p.m. locker room in the new Bobby Dodd when Tech takes to the Rose Stadium. The name of the stadium Bowl Field for the first time will stay the same but everything from the equipment room to the this spring. entrance gates are available, for a price. Men’s crew wins atlanta SERCS regatta, thrashers undefeated since number fall Tech’s men’s club rowing challenge team continued their strong hint: Broken Record 2001-02 campaign with a first-

COURTESY GEORGIA TECH SPORTS INFORMATION place finish in the South East- Renee Metivier, who began her athletic career as a gymnast, holds the Tech record in both the 3000 and 5000 ern Rowing Championship 16:12.26 meters event. Metiviii er finished second at the NCAA Cross Country meet and won All-America honors at the indoor meet. Series last weekend. The Jack- ets won the men’s varsity four Here’s the number...what does it and varsity eight events and represent? Metivier runs way into track record book medaled in several other events. The first person to email The Jackets edged out Duke [email protected] with Distance runner gains All-America honors while double majoring in the varsity eight event by the correct response to the chal- By Kimberly Rieck she wanted to run. She decided to The double major in biology and one-tenth of a second. lenge will receive a pair of tickets to Staff Writer give it a try because soccer was not in math has consistently been on the The women’s squad finished an Atlanta Thrashers home game, the summer. “I started off doing it, ACC Academic Honor Roll. in second behind Georgia at where admission is always half-price As a young girl growing up in and I’ve been hooked ever since. I Another factor that influenced her the SERCS regatta, and won for select tickets with a student ID. Highland Village, Texas, Renee Me- love to run and I see it as being a decision to come here was Coach the varsity four event. Visit www.atlantathrashers.com for tivier loved to participate in sports. lifelong career or hobby,” said Me- Alan Drosky. “We get along really This week the men’s and more info on college nights. Metivier focused most of her time tivier. women’s squads head to the and energies on soccer and gymnas- As Metivier grew older, her soccer See Metivier, page 32 Augusta/Aiken Sprints in Lan- tics. Unfortunately, a series of inju- career quickly became phased out by gley Pond, SC. ries in sixth grade cut her career short. her running career. In high school, Renee Metivier File

HometownHometown: Highland Village, Texas ○○○○ on “I got really hurt in gymnastics. I Metivier led her cross-country team ○○○○○○○○○○○○○

YearYear: Sophomore ○○○○ fell off the beam and dislocated my to a pair of cross-country state titles, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Women’s Tennis

EventsEvents: Distance ○○○○

elbow,” said Metivier. “I did it twice.” and was an individual state title as a ○○○○○○○○○○○○○

MajorMajor: Math and biology falls in upset bid

○○○○ deck After her falls, Metivier decided senior. She earned all state-honors ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Event Date to give up on gymnastics and began all four years of high school, and re- Metivier posted the nation’s second- fasted 5000 meter time and broke the of No. 5 Wake SW at NCAA 3/21-3/23 searching for a replacement sport. “I ceived the Dallas/Ft. Worth Runner like to do multiple things. I was of the Year award on three occasions. school record with a time of Singles wins by freshman BM vs. GardnerWebb 3/23-3/24 16:12.26 at the ACC Indoor Catherine Gunn (13-1 on the

TM at NC State 3/23 trying out for all the teams in middle When it came time to decide which Championships ○○○○ school. I’m really short; I can’t do college to attend, Metivier chose to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ year in dual-match singles) and TM at North Carolina 3/24 Earned All-America honors at the Laura Ozolins weren’t enough TW at North Carolina 3/24 volleyball or basketball. And I was come to Georgia Tech. The main NCAA Indoor meet in the 5000 to upset the Deacons, who

BM at Georgia 3/26 really good at running naturally,” said reason she came was because of the meters event with her ninth-place finish ○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ pulled out a 5-2 win over the SM at NCAA 3/28-3/30 Metivier. school’s academic reputation. Aca- Also holds the Tech record in 3000 visiting No. 21 Yellow Jack-

BM -- Men’s Baseball, SM – Men’s Swimming Surprisingly, Metivier never con- demics have always been important meters with a time of 9:22.89 ○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ets. Tech heads to Duke and TM – Men’s Tennis, TW – Women’s Tennis sidered track until a summer track to Metivier. At Tech, she has contin- Finished runner-up last season at the

SW – Women’s Swimming coach came up to her and asked her if ued to perform well scholastically. NCAA cross country meet UNC next weekend.

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