Has there ever been a less emotional Senior Night than the one held Wednesday night at University Hall?

Elton Brown

The final home game for a team's seniors is usually fraught with emotion. Affection, energy and nostalgia suffuse the arena as everyone tries to produce a fond and happy farewell for the players who have represented their university for four years. That's how it was in 1992 on one of the most memorable Senior Nights I attended -- a U-Hall lovefest for Bryant Stith and Anthony Oliver. There were similar vibes for John Crotty, Matt Blundin, Dirk Katstra and Kenny Turner the year before. Since then, some Senior Nights have been more special than others (like the one for Cory Alexander, Junior Burrough and Jason Williford in 1995, when the Cavs crushed No. 6 Maryland by 25 points), but almost all of them have been touching to some degree. Even last year's tribute to Todd Billet and Majestic Mapp helped spur UVa to an upset of Wake Forest.

This year's Senior Night, however, felt more like a wake than a going-away party. U-Hall was half-empty. Three members of the 2001 recruiting class weren't even around for the occasion. Keith Jenifer and Jermaine Harper transferred to other schools long ago, while Jason Clark flunked out. The only survivor, Elton Brown, has been a lightning rod of criticism, and there was talk on the message boards that he'd be booed during the pregame ceremony. Thankfully, that didn't happen, but fans groaned as he missed five straight free throws and erupted in a sarcastic cheer when he finally made one. It was the loudest noise of the night as Virginia lost to N.C. State and dropped to 4-11 in the ACC.

Devin Smith

The only other senior, Devin Smith, received a nice round of applause before the game, but I don't think fans ever really embraced him as part of the UVa family. That's partly because he came as a junior college transfer and partly because he looks old enough to be your grandfather. (Just kidding, Devin.) More than anything, the college careers of Brown and Smith have occurred during a dark time for UVa basketball, not something fans care to reflect on fondly. Everyone just seems to want this particular era to end.

Next year may be different. There will almost certainly be a new head coach and the last home game will also mark the final game ever held at University Hall. Even though walk-on Billy Campbell figures to be the only senior on the team, let's hope Senior Night in 2006 is a happier occasion for everyone who cares about Cavalier basketball.

TheSabreShop.com has the answer for those outdoor cold-weather exercise blues. Our new Devin and Jones wind shirts look great with the matching lined running pants. The lady 'Hoos can pair the running pants with our woman's orange end zone sweatshirt.

click here	V-Sabres Windshirt Only $49.95! From the Devin and Jones Collection. A great top for the football game, golf on windy day, or pair it with the matching pants for a workout. 100% polyester brushed microfiber. Embroidered with V-Sabres logo.
click here	Women's End Zone Sweatshirt Only $32.99! Made for women by Gitano. This orange sweatshirt features a 2 color print of the Hoo's end zone diamonds.
click here	Lined Running Pants Only $39.95! Finally, a pair of good-looking, nice-fitting navy blue, lined running pants. These pants have the orange and white V-Sabres logo embroidered on the left upper thigh. These pants are perfect for working out, lounging around, or looking good at the game.

Please feel free to browse the great selection of items we've got in-stock and ready to ship. Hundreds of items - Secure shopping - Fast, reliable shipping!

Football recruiting...

Rondre Smith, a senior at Gwynn Park, will go to Hargrave Military Academy next year to shore up his academics but has made it clear that he wants to go to Virginia. UVa has not offered yet due to academic concerns, but it looks like an offer will be there if Rondre can improve his academics.

Last season Smith finished with 72 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and two batted passes. He earned first-team all-conference honors for his performance. Though he played outside linebacker and defensive end for head coach Danny Hayes, he could potentially play inside or outside linebacker at UVa. Smith is around 6-2, 225 pounds, and runs in the 4.7s in the 40-yard dash.

So right now UVa's only "official" commitment is from 6-4, 235-pound outside linebacker/tight end George Johnson of Glassboro (N.J.) High School. Johnson, a phenomenal athlete who can run (estimated 4.5 in the 40), gets the 'Hoos off to a great start in the need area of linebacker.

Valentine's Day is over. Christmas is a long way off. What a great time to surprise your wife or girlfriend with a gift of jewelry! Right when she least expects it. What do you say, Mr. Romance?

If you're thinking about purchasing diamonds, gold, precious gems or pearls, please look to Andrew Minton Jewelers, a proud Sabre sponsor, for your shopping needs. Andy is a UVa graduate and played football for the Cavaliers from 1968-70. He has operated Charlottesville's premier jewelry store since 1978 and he handles custom jewelry design, jewelry repair, appraisals, cleaning and pearl stringing. All we ask is that you give Andy the first chance to win your business.

Cavs fading down the stretch

Sean Singletary has been a bright spot in a dismal season.

How sorry is this? Virginia's game at Florida State on Sunday will be the battle for last place in the ACC. The Cavaliers weren't expected to be an upper-echelon team in the conference, but they sure weren't supposed to be the worst.

Yet that's the position the Wahoos put themselves in by losing their last four games, including two in the past week. They are 4-11 in the ACC and could fall into a last-place tie with the Seminoles if they lose in Tallahassee. In that case, FSU would win the tiebreaker and Virginia would be the bottom seed in the ACC tournament next week.

Last Sunday's loss at Wake Forest and Wednesday's home defeat at the hands of N.C. State were like so many UVa games this season. Bad defense, weak rebounding and a lack of hustle and heart doomed the 'Hoos, who seem ready for this season to come to an end.

For the Sabre's story on the N.C. State game, please see the link below.

Sabre Edge articles and columns from the past week

Every month, Sabre Edge provides you with exclusive articles, columns, special features, interviews and recruiting news, including daily recruiting updates. There's even a special message board just for subscribers. And to top it off, you get 10 percent off all of your online purchases through TheSabreShop.com during your subscription.

All of the great Sabre Edge content can be yours for the price of $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Try it for a month and cancel if you like. But we think you'll get hooked on the Edge and find out for yourself why the most knowledgeable Cavalier fans are Edge subscribers.

If you're a true Wahoo, then the Sabre Edge is right for you. Check it out!