The Play by Play
Coaches and players from Virginia colleges’ most reputable teams tell us where they are going and reflect on where they have been
By Libby Burns
Virginians know that, when it comes to sports, there’s no such thing as overindulgence. Lucky, then, that Virginia houses some of the most outstanding college sports teams in the nation. Teams like Virginia Tech’s football and George Mason’s men’s basketball have become household names, selling out stadiums to an immense number of face-painted, diehard fans whose enthusiasm easily rivals that of pro sports event-goers.
With so many extraordinary moments from these collegiate athletes, we went one-on-one with players and coaches to find their most memorable moments on the court and on the field.
University of Virginia Football
Division IA
The Cavaliers have some big cleats to fill, now that defensive end Chris Long’s been snatched up in a first-round NFL pick by the St. Louis Rams. Virginia head coach Al Groh said Long provided the team with some of their best moments, and will be greatly missed.
“He set a great example as a leader, and his dedication and drive to make the team better were outstanding and a great example for our younger players. He was the best defensive player in the nation and an honor to coach,” Groh said.
Despite the loss of Long, several linemen and even their starting quarterback, Groh said he believes his team will come back strong next season.
“It takes time for a team to come together, and you lose guys every year,” Groh said. “But people come back, and guys like Cedric Peerman and John Phillips and Clint Sintim have really stepped up, and they are doing a great job. They are trying to teach the younger guys the Wahoo way.”
The “Wahoo way,” according to Groh, is “the commitment of the players and coaches to build a big, strong, fast, smart, tough, disciplined team that consistently will compete for championships.”
“We say about players when we’ve gotta move on, we’ve used the phrase, ‘Next man up.’ And I guess it’s, ‘Next season up.’ It’s one of the realities of coaching teams and, in particular, in the college level, where the timeframe is short.”
Virginia Tech Football
Division IA
All season openers contain significance in setting the tone for the season, but the Hokies’ first game of the 2007 season held a unique emotional weight in light of last year’s April 16 tragedy.
“The game against (East Carolina University) was an extremely emotional game for everyone,” said junior fullback Kenny Younger. “Every member of the team felt it was their duty to play an amazing game. The support was overwhelming … I felt chills from the atmosphere that was created. The win felt good, but everyone on the team hoped for more of a blowout.”
The same sense of determination leveraged the Hokies through the ranks to the 2007 ACC Championship against Boston College, which they took, 30 to 16.
Younger predicted that the best is yet to come, declaring that, next season, the Hokies are looking to go all the way.
“The team’s expectations for this next season are higher than ever,” he said. “After narrowly missing out on the National Championship in 2007, we would love nothing more than to get there this year. The team is coming back very strong this year on offense, and the depth on the defense will show in this next season.”
College of William and Mary Football
Bowl Championship Subdivision
William and Mary football took some pretty hard hits last season, but with some much-needed upgrades, this Tribe will be ready to conquer 2008.
The biggest improvement was the addition of the Laycock Football Center, a new complex complete with football offices, meeting space, training room, equipment room and locker room. The facility is dedicated to and named after the school’s current head coach, Jimmye Laycock.
“People stepped up and decided that the football team deserved a better facility,” Laycock said.
Offensive left tackle and 2008 graduate Brent Cochran said he believes the facility will lead to significant progress in the team.
“I am confident where the program is heading, with the team returning nine starters on offense and defense, respectively, they are mature enough to make a run for a conference championship,” Cochran noted. “I think it is extremely important that Jake Phillips is back as the starting quarterback.”
With Laycock, who has dedicated over 30 years to coaching the team, hard-working players and a state-of-the-art facility, Cochran said he expects the Tribe to better take its opponents in the upcoming season.
“With a solid spring practice and a strong summer workout, the guys should be a force to be reckoned with in the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association).”
Women’s Basketball
Division I
There may not be crying in baseball, but that doesn’t mean women’s sports aren’t played with exceptional passion. Junior guard Kelly Heath recalled a January 2008 game that defined her team as strong, hard-working and fervently united.
“The most memorable moment of the season was when we played No. 13-ranked ODU (Old Dominion University) at home. Our arena was packed, and the fans were super loud. This was a different kind of feeling game; it was special,” Heath said.
She described the team as carrying a confidence and pride that she had never seen before. William and Mary started strong, leading by two points at the half.
“We were thrilled, and the thought of beating ODU for the first time in school history was something we were striving for,” said Heath, who cited a thick intesity and roaring crowd.
“With four minutes, we had the game in our hands—but we then let it slip away. The score ended up being ODU 63, William and Mary 55.”
Heath said that, despite the close loss, the game proved her team’s outstanding character.
“It showed something about our team—it showed our toughness and desire to keep fighting. We gave it our all but fell a little short. But it was a memorable game that gave us confidence for the rest of the season.”
James Madison University Football
Bowl Championship Subdivision
In 2004, JMU football won their first NCAA Division IAA championship, making a name for themselves in a way that would permanently transform the team, fans and the school.
“There’s no question the 2004 National Championship changed the perception of our football program forever; we became nationally known,” said Mickey Matthews, head coach of the Dukes’ football team. “It changed the way we are viewed by recruits, and it has opened a lot of doors for us.”
The Dukes soared through their 2007 season, only narrowly missing out on the NCAA quarterfinals to Appalachian State. However, Matthews said he believes that, despite the loss, the returning players are prepared to seek out another big win for the school.
“This year we have a lot of experience returning, and we hope that translates into success on the field,” he said. “We’ve built a program that attracts quality student-athletes, we have outstanding student support services and facilities, and we’ve been able to maintain a good coaching staff. With those ingredients and everything JMU has to offer students in general, we feel we always should be among the leading programs in the Football Championship Subdivision.”
George Mason Men’s Basketball
Division I
In 2006, George Mason men’s basketball became only the second team with a double-digit seed to make it to the NCAA tournament’s Final Four quarterfinals in 20 years. Head coach Jim Larranaga remembers the moment that carried them there.
“The whole game, the crowd had been deafening, they were so loud. University of Connecticut made a game-tying shot, and all of a sudden it became silent. Everyone thought it was over.”
As the two schools huddled before overtime, Larranaga told his team there was no place he’d rather be than there with them. Then he asked his players the question that reminded them what the sport was all about.
“Are you having any fun yet?”
With that, George Mason defeated the Huskies, one of the topped-ranked teams in the nation, 86-84, to create one of the greatest moments in college sports.
Then-junior guard John Vaughan recalls the whirlwind clearly.
“It was the biggest achievement in the school’s athletic history,” Vaughan said. “The sights, sounds, the fans, to have the whole country behind you. I grew up watching that on TV.”
Having earned the title of CAA champions in the 2007-2008 season and taking another trip to the NCAA tournament, the squad dubbed the “Cinderella team” wouldn’t call their run to the Final Four a happy ending; rather, just the beginning.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Men’s Basketball
Division I
With an outstanding 2007-2008 season, Virginia Commonwealth University head coach Anthony Grant has a gamut of outstanding moments to choose as favorite. Though one in particular, he said, stands out.
“The win at home against UNC Wilmington—the regular season championship.”
Despite losing the title of 2008 CAA champion to George Mason University, the team went 24-8 overall, and claimed the title of CAA regular season champs. With a one-point lead going into halftime in the game against UNCW, the Rams proved their strength and talent by stretching their lead in the second half, ultimately shutting out the Seahawks, 72-58.
With fresh talent coming in and the return of some of the Rams’ best players, Grant said he believes his team will continue to be front-runners for the CAA.
“We lost three seniors, but have 10 scholarship players returning and signed two incoming freshman that will be ready to play,” he said.
And when asked what to expect from his team in the upcoming season, Grant’s answer was simple.
“Our expectation is to be the best we can be.”
University of Mary Washington
Women’s Basketball
Division III
In their 2006-2007 season, Mary Washington women’s basketball ushered in an extraordinary 31 wins, making their way to the NCAA Division III Final Four for the first time in the school’s history.
As the Lady Eagles toppled their opponents throughout the tournament, one game in particular stands out for players and head coach Deena Applebury alike.
The Eagles faced Bowdoin College—the team that shut them out of the ’05-’06 Sweet 16 game—in an Elite Eight lineup. This time, the ladies were determined to take victory over the Polar Bears.
The game, in then-junior guard Kaitie Clarkin’s mind, was both tense and unforgettable.
“At halftime we were down nine. We came back and won by five,” Clarkin remembered. “It proved how good we were and showed we really deserved to be there.
“It was just a great experience, and we left our hearts on the court that night.”
The Eagles finished with a 64-59 win over Bowdoin, advancing them to the Final Four semi-finals, and establishing themselves as one of the nation’s top college teams.
Coach Applebury credited the team’s success to their dedication and close bonds. “Our individual development, team chemistry and team depth has been key to our success. We have players that believe in each other and the system.”
Keeping Score
Virginia Game Day Fundamentals
University of Virginia Football
Division IA
School Colors: Blue and Orange
Mascot: The Cavalier
2007 Season Record: 9-4
Athletic Name: Cavaliers, Wahoos, Hoos
Head Coach Name: Al Groh
Virginia Tech Football
Division IA
School Colors: Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange
Mascot: HokieBird
2007 Season Record: 11-3
Athletic Name: Hokies
Head Coach Name: Frank Beamer
College of William and Mary
Football—Bowl Championship Subdivision
School Colors: Gold, Green and Silver
Mascot: None
2007 Season Record: 4-7
Athletic Name: The Tribe
Head Coach Name: Jimmye Laycock
College of William and Mary
Women’s Basketball—Division I
School Colors: Gold, Green and Silver
Mascot: None
2007-2008 Season Record: 14-18
Athletic Name: The Tribe
Head Coach Name: Debbie Taylor
James Madison University Football
Bowl Championship Subdivision
School Colors: Purple and Gold
Mascot: Duke Dog
2007 Season Record: 8-4
Athletic Name: Dukes
Head Coach Name: Mickey Matthews
George Mason University Men’s Basketball
Division I
School Colors: Green and Gold
Mascot: Gunston
2007-2008 Season Record: 23-11
Athletic Name: Patriots
Head Coach Name: Jim Larranaga
Virginia Commonwealth University Men’s Basketball
Division I
School Colors: Black and Gold
Mascot: Rodney the Ram
2007-2008 Season Record: 24-8
Athletic Name: Rams
Head Coach Name: Anthony Grant
University of Mary Washington Women’s Basketball
Division III
School Colors: Gray and Blue
Mascot: Eagle
2007-2008 Season Record: 28-3
Athletic Name: Eagles
Head Coach Name: Deena Applebury
(August 2008)
Tags: basketball, college sports, Education, football