Last week's contest: Who is your all-time favorite Wahoo, and why?.

Fan fave Anthony Poindexter

This one drew all sorts of different responses covering many eras and sports. Anthony Poindexter got the most votes. Other favorites included Tom Sheehey, Bill Dudley, Barry Parkhill, Dawn Staley, Claudio Reyna, Harold Deane, Tiki Barber, Wally Walker, Thomas Jones, Ryan Zimmerman, Shawn Moore, Conor Gill and Bryant Stith.

Tough call on the winning entry, but it goes to Finley Waddell ('05Cav), who gets a free month of Sabre Edge...

Without question, my all-time favorite Wahoo is Thomas Jones. Thomas Jones was a tremendous running back for the University of Virginia, but more importantly, he set an example both on and off the field during his famed tenure in Charlottesville.

Not only did Thomas Jones put everything he had into being a successful football player, but also he worked even harder in the classroom. Thomas proved to be an excellent student who was able to fulfill his requirements for graduation in three years. While his friends were out enjoying their summer vacation, Thomas was hitting the books in summer school and was putting in extra hours in the weight room with the ultimate goal of improving himself both mentally and physically.

The two things that I admire most about Thomas Jones are his extreme work ethic, and his admiration for others. Thomas came from Big Stone Gap, Virginia, which is coal mining country. While living there, he witnessed the heart and determination that his parents displayed while raising their children. Thomas learned first-hand how much hard work it takes to succeed.

Secondly, Thomas took the time to work with his brother (Julius) and make sure that he became successful at Notre Dame. To put it simply, Thomas wouldn't let himself fail, nor would he let anyone around him do so. This is just one of many example of the quality of this man's character.

To conclude, I would like to share a quote from Napoleon Hill that sums up Thomas Jones. Hill stated, "Remember that all who succeed in life get off to a bad start and pass through many heartbreaking struggles before they 'arrive'." While Thomas didn't necessarily get off to a "bad start," he undoubtedly faced many obstacles on his path to success. Thomas Jones worked extremely hard, and was able to "arrive" while at the University of Virginia. For all of these reasons, Thomas Jones is my favorite Wahoo.

First runner-up goes to Doug Lewis (BeachWahoo), who gets nothing (except our appreciation) for this entry...

My all-time favorite Wahoo is Wally Walker. Every Virginia basketball fan from the pre-Sampson era vividly remembers Wally's heroics during the 1976 ACC Tournament. Sadly, that remains our only ACC championship in basketball, but it provided the exclamation point on Wally's UVA career.

Nearly 30 years later, I still recall how that tournament became Wally's showcase. The first day during the game against N.C. State I was on a field trip to the Charlottesville sewage treatment plant (exciting "stuff" for CE majors). One of the plant technicians had the game on the radio, so word got out quickly that Wally was "hot" and that we had a big halftime lead. The field trip degenerated into a bunch of wannabe toolies jumping up and down in response to the radio broadcast. Despite several Wolfpack runs, we held on for a big win. As I listened, I could picture Wally's trademark shot. The seemingly effortless flick of the wrist launching the high-arcing shot that was so dead on perfect that the net hardly fluttered. Shot after shot went in for Wally as he scored 25 points. In today's game many of Wally's bombs would be worth three points. Wally made numerous points in traffic too.

After the initial glorious day, no one thought the Hoos would be able to defeat the Terps in the semifinals. As if to say that Virginia was no fluke, Wally led the way again with 27 points. This time I was able to watch on TV as Wally made play after play to lead the Hoos. Wally did it all that day, leading the team in points, rebounds and assists. Most importantly, the team sensed that Wally wasn't to be denied and raised their play in response to his leadership.

The ACC finals against the Tar Heels brought more of the same. Wally really was "wonderful" that day and has forever since held that moniker. Once again he lead the team in scoring and rebounding while completely outplaying the UNC frontcourt of Walter Davis, Mitch Kupchak and Tom LaGarde. Watching Wally clip the nets and display the trophy for that championship will always be etched in my memory. Winning the MVP award was a given, but nice icing on the cake.

My admiration for Wally Walker didn't end with the 1976 ACC tournament. In fact, his post-UVA career added significantly to the reasons why he is still my favorite. It was great watching Wally play in the NBA finals for the Trail Blazers as a rookie and each of the next two years with the Sonics. His two NBA championships top all former UVA players. Although Wally was never an NBA All-Star, he always represented UVA well and demonstrated his "smarts" too. After his playing days, Wally prospered at every level for the Sonics going from broadcaster to GM and now President/CEO/part owner. He is one of the NBA's most respected executives and a great representative of The University.

For his outstanding play during the 1976 ACC tournament and all that he has done since, "Wonderful" Wally Walker remains my favorite Wahoo!

OK, now to this week's contest: UVa Fan Haiku!

Haikus seem to be popular on the football board these days. Not sure why, but what the heck. Write a haiku that captures the essence of being a UVa fan.

Please send your entry to [email protected] with the header: SabreMail Contest. Thanks, and good luck!

Football recruiting.

Chris Bell

The weekend will be a big one as far as football recruiting is concerned. Two uncommitted prospects are scheduled to be on grounds this weekend for official visits, while several more are scheduled for unofficial visits. The prospects in for officials include Granby (Norfolk, VA) wide receiver Chris Bell and Notre Dame Prep (West Haven, CT) offensive lineman John Moffitt.

Bell is widely considered to be Virginia's top remaining target. Having missed on several "big-time" wide receiver prospects in recent years, Coach Groh and company would love to gain a commitment from this 6-3, 205-pound, 4-star prospect. Bell has already taken official visits to Florida and Penn State. The final decision will more than likely come down to Virginia and Penn State, and Penn State made a huge impression on the official visit experience.

Moffitt is a 6-4, 290-pound prospect who could play several positions on the offensive line. Virginia is currently battling Michigan State and Wisconsin, among others, for Moffitt's signature.

Some of the uncommitted prospects taking unofficial visits for Saturday's game include Meadowbrook OLB/DE John Graves, Phoebus CB/WR Brent Vinson, Lebanon (PA) DE Jared Odrick, Blue Ridge DB Greg Davis and Vance (Charlotte, N.C.) DB Rico Bell.

Several commitments who will be on grounds include DE Sean Gottschalk and QB O.C. Wardlow.

Commitment update.

Speaking of Gottschalk, he and his teammates have Deep Run (Glen Allen, VA) off to its best start in school history at 5-0. A tight end on offense, Sean has averaged about two catches per game, according to head coach Lenny Pritchard. Defensively, he is playing solidly as well.

"I do think Sean has progressed," Pritchard said. "He's buying into what we are doing. I think it shows how coachable he is and how disciplined he is. He is really doing a great job of doing what we want him to do."

To read the rest of Pritchard's comments on his star, be sure to check out the Sabre EDGE article titled "Commitment Update: Deep Run's Sean Gottschalk."

Currently 6-5 and 265 pounds, Gottschalk projects as a defensive end at Virginia.

Basketball recruiting.

Community Christian (Stockbridge, GA) shooting guard Solomon Tat followed through and committed to UVa . albeit two days after the original announcement date. Coach Leitao and company likely do not care about the delay, as they now have their second prospect ranked in Rivals.com's Top 100 overall basketball recruits in the 2006 class.

The 6-5, 225-pound Tat is rated the #96 overall recruit by Rivals. As a junior last season, he averaged 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per contest while playing point guard. He projects as a two guard on the college level. Tat chose the 'Hoos over Georgia.

Johnnie Lett, a 6-8, 220-pound PF/C out of Ben C. Rain High School (Mobile, AL), will make an official visit to UVA this weekend. As a junior, Lett averaged 18 points and 15 boards per game and was a finalist for the 5A state player of the year.

Lett would bring a tough, physical presence to the low post - something Leitao and company seem to want in the 2006 class. Lett is a force on defense and on the boards, but may have some work to do offensively. Still, he would be a solid get for the staff and would finish out the 2006 class nicely.

You need new brakes for your car? How about an air filter, spark plugs or shocks? Or maybe you just want some new floor mats?

Whatever it is, there's no need to leave your house to get it. Just visit the Advance Auto Parts online superstore. They have just about anything you need, including alternators, starters, batteries, fuel pumps, seat covers, floor jacks...you name it.

You can also find maintenance tips and schedules for your vehicle and, if necessary, locate the Advance Auto Parts store closest to you. Also, learn how to handle automotive problems on your own with their FREE how-to video clinics, including the upcoming session on preparing your automobile for the winter.

Subject: I have an idea. Let's pretend it's the 70's
Posted by: chili beans on Tue Oct 11 2005 4:43:01 PM
Message: Face it. We're not going to win the MNC this year. While it's still mathematically possible, we are a long shot and a few miracles away from winning the ACC. We're probably going to be underdogs in most of our games.

So let's have some fun!! Instead of getting all bent out of shape about this play call or that scheme or that player etc. let's party.

Let's root for the team of course. Wear orange. Scream and yell.

But to heck with the outcome. If we win, great that's icing on the cake (or foam on the beer!). If we lose no sweat. We still had a good time cheering for the Hoos.

It's got to beat all the angst and bitterness of the past couple of weeks.

Go Hoos!!

To read the entire thread, please click the link below.

V-Sabres Multi-use Container This multi-purpose container can either be a cooler or a trashcan! It has two carry handles and snap locks for easy storage. A 33 Gallon trash bag fits inside if you want to use it for your trash, or you can fill it with ice as the inside liner is leak proof. Regular Price $19.99 Sale Price $15.99 Sale price good through Thursday, October 20th.

Notice to Sabre Edge subscribers from UVa Bookstores

The UVA Bookstores/Sabre Edge Discount Cards are ready for pick up! Sabre Edge members will need to come to the UVA Bookstore atop the Central Grounds Parking Garage and go to the Customer Service Desk (located at the front of the store to your right as you walk in). Your card will be there and you can start saving on great products throughout the Bookstore and TJ's Locker.

If you won't be in town for this weekend's game, don't worry. We will have the cards at Customer Service waiting for your arrival. If you aren't going to be in town in the near future, remember to use your online discount.

Enjoy your savings! We are excited to be a part of the Sabre community.

You want your picture posted on TheSabre.com? Then please check out our Wahoowa! section, especially the areas for Fan Photos and V-Sabres Worldwide.

We're happy to post your tailgate pics and your vacation photos (as long as the V-Sabres logo is visible). Please send them to [email protected]. Mike also is taking pics of fans during games and has a new Fan(s) of the Week every week.

Sabre articles from the past week

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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!