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   SabreMail - Feb. 4, 2008
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Post of the Week

Subject: Some thoughts on Coach Poindexter (long)
Posted by: LoyalHoo on Tue Jan 29 2008 11:12:26 PM

UVa coach Anthony Poindexter celebrates this season's win in Miami.

Message: September 23, 1995. A cool drizzle had settled on Clemson, South Carolina for the early afternoon kickoff. The Tigers rushed off the bus and gathered at the top of the hill overlooking Death Valley. The hungry Tigers could barely be contained as they whipped themselves into a frenzy and who could blame them? On 17 of the previous 18 visits to Clemson (one tie), UVA had been devoured by the ravenous Tigers thus earning the label of "white meat" from former Clemson Coach and long time Hoo tormentor Frank Howard. The trademark of the mighty Tiger attack was a smash-mouth brand of football featuring a power running game and a stifling defense. The crowd roared as the home team swarmed down the hill, slapping Howard's rock in one of college football's grandest entrances. All heck was about to break lose! Looking back now, I can only shake my head and think, "Those poor, unsuspecting Clemson bastards never had a chance." Then again, how could they have known? Seriously, how could anyone have possibly known that an undersized freshman linebacker subbing in for an injured Hoo starter would open up a whole case of whoop-ass on the Tigers? Yep, that was my first memory of Anthony Poindexter. It was Clemson's misfortune that they decided to try to pound away at the interior of the Hoo defense because Dex "hit 'em in the mouth" all day long and when the dust settled, he had registered 18 tackles and the Tigers had registered 3 points in a 22-3 loss!!

Dex's natural position was safety and I remember thinking that I had just witnessed the next Ronnie Lott wearing #3 for the Hoos. The possibilities seemed limitless for him as his career soared. We all have our favorite Dex story. There was the time back in '97 that he actually blocked the punter's "drop" against UNC. When the play ended, I turned to my buddy and said, "Did that really just happen? How can anyone possibly block the punter's ball drop?" Upon further review, the TV replay confirmed what I had suspected.

Legend has it that within the first couple of weeks of practice for freshman tailback Thomas Jones, he ran through the line and Dex hit him so hard that it knocked Jones out! Yeah, I mean "out"! Talk about greeting somebody to big time football!

I guess it's fair to say that Dex achieved Hoo immortality on the goal line later in the '95 season. It was a Thursday night when he teamed up with Adrian Burnim to stop FSU's Warrick Dunn just short of pay dirt on the last play of the game. By being named an All American in '97 and '98, Dex joined Chris Slade as the only UVA players to earn first team All American honors twice.

In my mind's eye, I can still see the fateful play against N.C. State on October 24, 1998. My stomach still turns when I see the play unfolding in some kind of surreal slow motion. It still makes me flinch thinking about that pile rolling up on Dex and his knee buckling in that god awful way. I want to scream, "No Dex!! Not you!! Get out of the way!! This isn't suppose to happen! You gave up the opportunity to turn pro to come back to play one more year for us!! For our University!! You are so ultra talented and energetic!! You are such a leader!! Oh, God no!! This can't be happening!!"

Five weeks later, as I sat in the stands in Blacksburg and watched the Hokies storm out to a 29-7 halftime lead, I looked over to the sideline and saw Dex standing there on a pair of crutches. My stomach once again turned and I continued to wallow in self pity. I sat there thinking, "Dex, if only you were out there ... you could make a difference ... a big hit ... a punt block ... something ... anything to turn the tide. You would do what you always do. You would make a play! Why is it that this always happens at UVA and nowhere else?" Then something strange happened. The crutch wielding Dex DID make a play! It was just different from the way that I had thought it would be. Dex was in a frenzy on the sideline. Exhorting his teammates on. Slapping them on the back. MOTIVATING THEM!! All of a sudden Hoo linebacker, Byron Thweatt, stepped in front of a pass in the flats. Thweatt raced down the sideline and launched himself across the goal line!! The tide had turned! The offense started clicking and when Ahmad Hawkins' hauled in his memorable touchdown reception in the last two minutes, UVA had capped the largest comeback victory in school history!!

The next few years, I followed Dex's attempt to establish an NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens and continued to feel a real sense of missed opportunity. I kept thinking, "What could have been? That's just not fair. Dex deserved better! Why are Virginia players so snakebitten?" When Coach Groh came to UVA, he hired Dex as a graduate assistant on offense in 2003. In 2004, he became the running backs Coach and helped the offense to the second greatest improvement in rushing average (112.6 yards) in ACC history. His passion and ability to motivate those around him were as obvious then as when he was a player.

This past Summer at one of the open practices I sat in the bleachers and took in the session. As the unrelenting heat beat down, the spectators thinned an hour or so into the workout. The team was divided up by position and was working with their respective position coach. In one particular drill, two cones were placed 2-3 yards apart on the goal line. The running back would start with the ball on about the 3 yard line and a defender was standing on the goal line between the cones. When the Coach blew the whistle, it was up to the running back to get the ball into the end zone and it was up to the defender to stop the back from getting into the end zone. Mano a mano and may the best man win!! The drill was progressing until the running backs hit a lull. After the backs had been denied from scoring on 4-5 straight attempts, Dex absolutely blew a gasket!! Dex's ensuing verbal tirade was nothing short of legendary!! You want to talk about goose bumps?? You want to talk about inspiring and energizing?? Oh, I don't have a clue how the players felt. I'm talking about how I felt!! My Gosh, I was sitting next to Chris Long's Mother and my decrepate butt was ready to hurdle her, tell Dex to give me the damn ball, and then run over top of Chris Long on my way across the goal line!!! Heck, you could have thrown Chris' old man into the mix because I was ready to truck his butt too!! ... Fortunately for me, I came to my senses after a minute and figured that I better not allow 30 seconds of courage to ruin the rest of my life.

October 20, 2007. A cool evening had settled on College Park, Maryland for the prime time kickoff. Emerging from the lockerroom, the eager Terps could barely be contained as they whipped themselves into a frenzy and who could blame them? They had soundly defeated UVA in three straight matchups at College Park. As the crowd roared , the home team swarmed on to the field, slapping the statue of the Terrapin as they made their entrance. All heck was about to break lose! Looking back now, I can only shake my head and think, "Those poor, unsuspecting Maryland bastards never had a chance." Then again, how could they have known? Seriously, how could anyone have possibly known that a little used tailback who had started the season at 3rd or 4th on the depth chart would hang 270 yards of total offense on them? Yep, that was the first impression that Mikell Simpson made upon most of the Wahoo Nation.

As the game wore on, it was easy to see Dex's fingerprints all over this tailback who refused to go down with the initial contact. So it was only fitting that the game came down to a last second desparation lunge on the goal line. Taking the handoff as the seconds ticked down, Mikell launched himself toward the goal line with every ounce that he had left. The official's arms went up, Ralph Friedgen's jaw dropped, and the spirits of the Wahoo Nation soared!!! Simpson had succeeded where Dunn had failed. Dex had done it again. Years of sweat, heart, and motivation crystallized in that single moment of Hoo immortality for Mikell Simpson!

For me, Simpson's lunge represented something else as well. It represented a sort of closure for that part of me that has always felt that fate had been cruel to the best UVA safety and perhaps the most popular Hoo of them all. From a defender stopping the opposition at the goal line back in '95 to a Coach propelling a player across the goal line in '07, the cycle was complete. As Dex's story unfolded in my mind, the truth smacked me between the eyes and I was left looking at myself in the mirror. Why is it that I'm so self centered and so easily thrown off stride by trivial setbacks on a daily basis? Why am I so prone to negativity? Heck, I have never had to deal with a mangled knee or the threat of permanently losing my livelihood. Why can't I be more outwardly focused? When was the last time that I propelled a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a teammate, another human being across the goal line?

Several months ago I read an article on Dex where he talked about initially having a feeling of being ill equipped to coach running backs when he first took over as position coach. It made me think about how one of the greatest Coaches of all time would evaluate Dex's qualifications. "Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate." - Vince Lombardi

Maybe I should aspire to be a coach.


   Recruiting News

This Week In Recruiting
By Chris Horne

Football recruiting ...

Wednesday is National Signing Day! For those who don't know, this is the day when most recruits sign a letter of intent with the school of choice. The 2008 class will in all likelihood come to a close and the focus will shift to the 2009 recruiting class, in which the Cavaliers already have one verbal commitment (from Harrisonburg running back Alex Owah).

On Signing Day, TheSabre.com will update you as the letters of intent roll in. And, of course, we'll be here for any possible surprises that may happen. After Signing Day, stay tuned for analysis on this year's class as well as a look ahead to next year's crop.

After adding four more verbal commitments last week, the Virginia staff now holds commitments from 18 high school seniors. The staff now awaits decisions from at least two more prospects. East Stroudsburg South (Stroudsburg, PA) offensive lineman Corey Lewis, once an important verbal commitment for the Cavs, reopened his recruitment and will likely decide on Wednesday among Illinois, Penn State, and Virginia. Plant (Tampa, FL) wide receiver Derek Winter has narrowed his list to Auburn and Virginia and is expected to have a decision today. Winter, a 6-1, 190-pound prospect, made an official visit to UVa this past weekend.

Virginia's commitment run began on Thursday, when the staff picked up pledges from Plano East (Plano, TX) quarterback Riko Smalls and Solon (OH) linebacker Steve Greer. The 6-0, 190-pound Smalls chose UVa over Wake Forest, while Greer, a 6-2, 218-pound recruit, committed to the Cavaliers over North Carolina and Oklahoma State.

Sunday, the staff added Lovejoy (Atlanta, GA) defensive end/outside linebacker Tory Allen and Great Bridge (Chesapeake, VA) defensive lineman/offensive lineman Michael Price. The 6-6, 220-pound Allen chose Virginia over North Carolina, while the 6-5, 260-pound Price chose the Cavs over Old Dominion.

Check out coverage of these commitments from the past few days on the Sabre Edge. Stay tuned for more from Smalls, Greer, and Price before Signing Day. Also, we'll be sure to track the decisions of Lewis and Winter.


Basketball recruiting ...

In case you missed it, there are articles on Virginia 2008 class signees John Brandenburg and Assane Sene on the EDGE last week. Check out the latest on the 6-11, 235-pound Brandenburg and the 7-0, 230-pound Sene below.


Chris Horne, our resident recruiting expert, provides updates throughout the week for Edge subscribers about UVa's commitments and recruiting targets in football and men's basketball. To sign up for an Edge subscription, please check out the Sabre Edge Sign Up and Information Page. If you're already on board as an Edge subscriber, click the links below to catch up on recruiting.

Sabre Edge recruiting updates from the past week ...

Texas QB Commits to Virginia
In light of recent developments with red-shirt sophomore starting quarterback Jameel Sewell, it was no secret that the University of Virginia football staff was looking to add a quarterback to the 2008 class. The staff accomplished its goal, landing a commitment from Riko Smalls, a 6-0, 190-pound signal caller out of Plano East High School in Plano, Texas.

Ohio LB Makes His Pick
It didn't take long for Solon (OH) linebacker Steve Greer to know where he wanted to spend the next four or five years of his life. Shortly after returning home from an official visit to the University of Virginia, the 6-2, 218-pound first-team all-Ohio selection verbally committed to Cavaliers head coach Al Groh.

Lovejoy Sleeper Commits to Virginia
Lovejoy (Atlanta, GA) defensive end Tory Allen was nervous heading into a meeting with University of Virginia head coach Al Groh. The 6-6, 215-pound prospect had not been told beforehand that he had a scholarship offer, although he was assured by primary recruiter Anthony Poindexter that everything would work out. He left the meeting with Coach Groh both happy and relieved.

Great Bridge Lineman Makes Pledge
UVa stayed in the Commonwealth for its second verbal commitment of the weekend, scoring a pledge from Great Bridge (Chesapeake, VA) standout lineman Michael Price. The 6-5, 260-pound prospect became Virginia's third verbal commitment from the state of Virginia, quickly accepting head coach Al Groh's scholarship offer.

More recent recruiting updates on The Sabre ...


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   News, Notes, and Fan Discussion

Blog Banter: Pepper sounds open to Virginia's DC job

Finally, Pepper Johnson was asked about UVa's defensive coordinator position. Through the typical "I'm happy here" stuff, there were some interesting remarks that sound like he's open to the job.

Personally, I'd love to see Johnson as our DC. While another young, ambitious coordinator might up-and-leave again in a few years for a head coaching gig, the personality of the defense is mostly secure given Al Groh's defensive-minded presense.

Read the full blog entry here.

Robert Mahini (Vandy-Hoo)
TheSabre.com

More Banter: Recognition Rolling In For Singletary

Sean SingletaryVirginia point guard Sean Singletary has been receiving quite a bit of attention nationally in the past week. He has been named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award as well as a top 30 candidate for both the Wooden Award and the Naismith Trophy. The Cousy is given to the nation's top collegiate point guard and the finalists are selected by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America. The Naismith is one of the nation's top award and the list is selected by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists, coaches, and administrators from around the country. The Wooden list is selected by the Los Angeles Athletic Club's John R. Wooden Award Committee; the award is based on individual performance and team records.

Singletary is having a dynamite season for the Hoos despite their recent struggles and early season turnover issues. He averages 18.3 points, 6.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals thus far this season. He also shoots 84.3% from the free throw line.

Read the full blog entry here.


Newslink - Your One Stop Shop for UVa News

TheSabre.com provides an excellent service for the Virginia fan base that you may not know about: Newslink. Sabre NewsLink provides you with links to the daily news on your Hoos. Our staff checks the Internet each morning to locate and link to articles from various online media sources from around the state and beyond. We even throw some interesting ACC news to let you know what the Hoos' opponents are up to. Sabre NewsLink is updated every morning, 365 days a year!


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TheSabre.com has come a long way since its conception in 1996. We are the #1 media source and community covering UVa athletics, producing an average of 95,000 unique viewers and over 4 million page views each month. We reach a coveted demographic (you know Hoo you are) 24/7, 12 months out of the year. Rooting for their team clearly represents one of the big passions in the life of our Sabre community members. This site greatly enhances this never-ending passion through information, analysis, and most importantly through communal dialog/networking.

Our advertising approach is different in that we make it abundantly clear in a direct and honest way that your company's commitment of sponsorship dollars is what enables the site to continue existing and improving into the future.

To learn more, please contact [email protected].

The Sabre is a vital part of a unique collegiate sports network that reaches nearly 2 million individuals per month. Like the Sabre, each site in the SportsWar network is an organically grown community and the emotional home for its fans.

To learn more about SportsWar network sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected] and visit the SportsWar media guide www.sportswar.com

To view a list of our sponsors, please visit our Sponsors Page.


Around the World of Wahoo Sports ...

  • No. 1 Cavaliers Score 5-2 Win at No. 21 Michigan: The top-ranked Virginia men's tennis team rebounded from dropping the doubles point to win five singles matches and post a 5-2 victory at No. 21 Michigan Sunday afternoon. The win improves the Cavaliers' record to 5-0 on the season, while the Wolverines suffer their first loss of the season (3-1). "This was another great road win for us against a strong opponent," said Virginia head coach Brian Boland. "I was pleased with how we rebounded in singles after losing a close doubles point. We now have another week to practice and continue to improve before playing two more strong opponents in Kentucky and Harvard next weekend."
  • Wrestling Rolls Past Newberry, Campbell: The Virginia wrestling team quickly dispatched of Newberry (37-3) and Campbell (48-0) Saturday afternoon at Memorial Gymnasium. The Cavaliers dropped just one individual bout in coasting to the dominating victories. The 48-point bulge over Campbell is the fifth-largest margin of victory in program history.
  • Virginia Tops N.C. State, 74-49, For Third-Straight Win: Virginia topped N.C. State, 74-49, and senior point guard Sharneé Zoll barely missed her first-career double-double with 12 assists and eight points while directing a balanced Virginia squad to its third-straight win. The Cavaliers (16-5, 5-1 ACC) are off to their best start in Atlantic Coast Conference play since the 1999-00 season (also 5-1) and best overall start since 2004-05 (17-5).
  • Baseball Single-Game Tickets On Sale: Virginia baseball single-game tickets are on sale at the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office. General Admission tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for youth (18 and under), seniors (60 and over) and faculty/staff (limit two with valid university ID). Tickets for groups (20+) are $4 each. Customers may purchase tickets by visiting virginiasports.com, calling (800) 542-UVA1 or by visiting the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office in Bryant Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets will also be sold at the Davenport Field ticket windows beginning two hours prior to each home game.

For more Hoo news or to read full releases, check out Virginiasports.com.


   UVa Bookstores - The Place for Wahoo Gear!

2008 UVA Basketball Fan T-shirt
Regular price $10.00
Sale $8.00

Get this year's basketball fan t-shirt, now on sale! The 2008 UVA Basketball fan t-shirt features a full-front design with a partial basketball over top Virginia Hoops with Hoo emphasized. The tag line The Hoo in Hoops is underneath.

   SabreMail History

Issue No. 129 - March 12, 2004

This Week In Recruiting
By Chris Horne

Joseph's Season Comes to an End

Brewster Academy saw their season come to an end, falling in the NEPSAC Finals 101-86 despite a valiant second-half comeback.

"We were down by 20 midway through the first half," Brewster Academy Head Coach Jason Smith said. "We cut the lead to one in the second half and had the ball, but our point guard was called for a charge and that was his fifth foul. They made their free throws at the end and won the game."

University of Virginia signee Adrian Joseph enjoyed an outstanding season for Brewster, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds per contest. According to Coach Smith, Joseph impressed not only with his game, but with his character.

"We had great chemistry since the beginning of the year," Smith said. "It was because of kids like Adrian, whose character is through the roof. I really can't say enough good things about the type of person he is. He's a great basketball player, but he's a much better person.

"At our school, we have an honor system. Adrian has achieved the John Brewster scholar status each time, which symbolizes integrity and honesty. He's doing exceptionally well in his classes. All of his teachers speak highly of him and his motivation in the classroom."

At 6-7, 200 pounds, Joseph projects as a wing forward on the next level but has the versatility to play a number of different spots.

"I've seen various recruiting sites list him as a power forward, but there were so many games when he hit threes and played the wing for us," Smith said. "He has the potential to play two or three different positions on the next level. I think he's going to thrive in the up-tempo system. He plays the front man in the full court press because of his long arms and athleticism.

"I think he'll contribute the most at the three. Down the line, he could conceivably become a two, but one thing he needs to work at is his ballhandling. Sometimes he tends to over-dribble."

   What's New on TheSabre.com?

Coming Soon

The Sabre has you covered when it comes to Hoo news. Here are a few of the articles to expect on the site in the coming days:

  • Position Reviews JHoo breaks down the situation at the various positions on the Virginia football team.
  • Jed On "Losing London" Jed Williams, a long-time friend and contributor to The Sabre, weighs in on the departure of Mike London.
  • Clemson, Wake Forest The Sabre provides coverage of the Hoos' next two basketball games.


In Case You Missed It ...

Sabre articles since the last SabreMail

Things I Learned About ... The Receivers
Image: Maurice CovingtonWhen it comes to the order of the 2007 season review articles, I initially planned to go from the quarterbacks to the running backs. That would seem to be the logical order, since I would be staying in the backfield. At least, that is the order I generally have followed in the past. But this year, it seems to make more sense to discuss the wide receivers right after the quarterbacks - after all, many would argue that each unit was the other's biggest handicap this past season. In the end, however, I did not view it that way.

Best Seat In The House: Dom Starsia
Image: Coach Dom StarsiaThe Virginia men's lacrosse team is gearing up for a preseason scrimmage with Navy on Saturday at Klockner Stadium at 1 p.m. What should Hoo fans expect from the 2008 Cavaliers? UVa coach Dom Starsia joined Jay James on The Best Seat in the House this week to talk about his team, expectations, the goalie situation, the Brattons, and more.

Terps Deal Another Loss To Cavs
Image: Sean SingletaryIn an effort to change its fortunes and deal with mismatches in the paint, Virginia tried a 2-3 zone to start the game Wednesday night at Maryland. The strategy backfired when the Terrapins lit up the Comcast Center with a 13-2 run to open the game and held off the Cavs the rest of the way en route to an 85-75 victory. The loss was UVa's sixth in the last seven games. The Hoos' 1-5 start in ACC play is their worst since opening 1-7 in 2004-05.

Hoos Fall In OT - Again
Image: Sean SingletaryThe Virginia men's basketball team continues to wake up to the same recurring nightmare in 2008 and this time the only thing missing on Groundhog's Day in Blacksburg was Bill Murray and a Sonny and Cher duet. The Cavaliers lost their third overtime ACC contest of the season and let a double-digit lead evaporate for the fourth time in seven league games to fall to 1-6 in conference play after Virginia Tech overcame an early 12-point deficit to win 72-65.


   Sabre Edge

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


 
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