How 'bout them Wahoos!

It was an interesting and busy week of athletics for Virginia. Men's Lacrosse, Men's Tennis and Baseball were all involved in post season play. Unfortunately for men's lacrosse, they fell hard in the Final Four to an inspired Cornell team. In tennis, the doubles team of Dominic Inglot and Michael Shabaz advanced over the weekend and will play for the National Title today. And in baseball? Well, let's just say they swept the ACC Tourney against all odds!

Read more below to re-cap the week of Virginia athletics as well as look in on some of our exclusive content. Links to more news from around the area can be found in Sabre Newslink.

Please note that Sabre editor Kris Wright has taken a vacation. That means that I'll be in charge of things until he returns next Saturday, so please take it easy on me ;) If you're in need of assistance with your account or need to report problems on the board or with the site, please email me at [email protected].

Take care and Go Hoos!

Michael Ingalls
President & Founder
TheSabre.com

This Week In Recruiting
By Chris Horne

Charlotte Christian (N.C.) linebacker/running back Ty Linton verbally committed to UNC last week, choosing the Tar Heels over Duke and Virginia, among others. Linton, a 6-2, 210-pound prospect, seemed to be a prospect UVa was in good shape with, so the commitment does sting in a time when the Virginia program is hoping to get the commitment ball rolling.

Although Virginia only has one commitment to this point, now is not the time to panic. Virginia still has its Elite Prospect Day - a day that has been tremendously successful over the years - next month. And Virginia remains high on the list of other top targets as well...targets who plan to commit sometime this spring or summer. A few of those targets include...

Conner Davis - OL, Deep Run (Glen Allen, VA)

Davis is highest right now on Virginia and Virginia Tech. Ultimately, I like Virginia's chances the best, but this race seems very close. The 6-6, 270-pound offensive tackle remains open to other schools but could commitment anytime after the May Evaluation period, depending on how many other programs come through with scholarship offers. At last check, he held offers from six Division 1A programs including the 'Hoos and Hokies.

Marcus Rush - OLB, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, OH)

UVa has officially offered Rush and Moeller QB Andrew Hendrix and both prospects plan to return to Charlottesville for a visit this spring or summer. Michigan and Virginia are two known finalists for Rush, who hopes to narrow his list soon...for now, he remains open to other programs and is getting a serious look from the University of Florida. Both Rush and Hendrix hope to decide before the summer is out, though Rush seems more intent on doing so.

E.J. Scott - WR, Good Counsel (Wheaton, MD)

Scott, a speedy wideout out of top high school program Good Counsel, has consistently said Virginia is high on his list though he has yet to narrow down his list or claim any clear favorites. Scott told TheSabre.com that he would wait through the Evaluation period before coming to a decision, so we'll see where he goes from here after this week. He has visited UVa several times and enjoyed each trip.

Andre Simmons - S, South County (Fairfax, VA)

The 6-0, 195-pound Simmons, featured in an EDGE story on Friday, is high on the 'Hoos according to South County head coach Pete Bendorf. Coach Bendorf adds that Boston College and Northwestern have impressed Simmons, too. Simmons may narrow his list in the next few weeks and then plans to make unofficial visits to those favorite schools (and possibly some others, too). Coach Bendorf expects his star rising senior to visit Virginia again this late spring or summer but no date has been set.

Virginia certainly is in serious contention with more than just the above three prospects - including FUMA (VA) OL Russell Bodine, who likely will decide from UNC, Virginia and Virginia Tech in June. Check out more on Virginia's 2010 class needs and top targets this week in an EDGE feature. Later today check out a "Quick Take" with JHoo, who discusses the incoming freshmen class as well as Virginia's needs for the 2010 class.

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 ...

Catching up with UVa RB Commit Kevin Parks
A big reason why West Rowan (Mount Ulla, N.C.) rising senior running back Kevin "KP" Parks wanted to commit during his junior year was to be able to focus fully on helping his teammates capture a second consecutive Class 3A state championship. Parks, who committed to UVa in February, has had no regrets about his college choice and is certainly pleased to have his recruitment completed.

Wallace Discusses UVa Offer, Schedules Visit
Green Run (Virginia Beach, VA) defensive end/outside linebacker Jamal Wallace earned a scholarship offer from the University of Virginia earlier this month. Earlier this week, the 6-3, 210-pound rising senior took some time to discuss the offer from the 'Hoos, his recruitment in general and if there is a timetable for when he would like to commit.

2011 Chantilly Standout Receiving ACC Interest
6-11, 215-pound center John Manning turned in a solid sophomore season in 2008/2009, averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds and over three blocks per game for Chantilly High School's (VA) varsity basketball squad. Manning, who boasts a 7'1" wing span, is pleased with how he developed as a sophomore.

More recent recruiting updates on The Sabre ...

• South County DB Impressed with UVa
• Bodine Now Eyeing June Decision
• UVa One of Two New Offers for Wallace
• UVa Recruiting Notes

Cavalier Travels - Join U.Va. astronomy professor Ed Murphy on this 11-day tour to experience the must-see sites of China and view the longest solar eclipse of the 21st century. Immerse yourself in a sea of visual and cultural experiences, both ancient and modern: the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Olympic Village, Terracotta Warriors and cosmopolitan Shanghai. July 15-25, 2009.

Cavalier Travels is the University of Virginia's travel program for alumni, parents and friends. We offer the high standards of quality and value that you expect from the University.

Join us! Call 866-765-2646.

UVa Baseball Swepes Way to ACC Title

Virginia Baseball did an improbable thing over the weekend. As the 6th seed in the ACC Tournament, Coach Brian O'Connor's young and rebuilding team managed to dispatch some of the nation's best teams enroute to winning the ACC Championship.

The victims included Clemson (6-5), a mercy-rule drumming of North Carolina (11-1), and late inning come from behind victories over Duke (11-7) and Florida State (6-3). Three Cavaliers made the ACC-Tourney team, including Tourney MVP Dan Grovatt, Frank Valdes and Danny Hultzen.

Those wins put Virginia's record at 43-12-1 heading into the NCAA Tournament. Pairings for the tourney will be announced today. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, they will not be hosting a regional while four other ACC schools are.

Men's Tennis Doubles Advance to Title Game

Over the weekend, Virginia Tennis was hit with a set back when Sanam Singh lost in the singles bracket to Ohio State's Steven Moneke, but Virginia is still alive the doubles bracket with Dominic Inglot and Michael Shabaz advancing. Inglot and Shabaz play in the Title Game today against Tennessee in College Station, Texas at 11 AM EST.

Men's Lacrosse Upset by Cornell

Virginia Men's Lacrosse, the nation's number one team and top seed of the NCAA Tourney, was defeated by Cornell 15-6 in the Final Four in Foxborough, Mass. on Saturday.

Virginia failed to put solid defensive pressure on the Big Red and paid the ultimate price by falling to an early 3-0 deficit against a team that likes to play at a slower pace. The Cavaliers were also out-matched on face offs and ground balls, which led to many more shots on goal for Cornell.

The 'Hoos complete their season with a 15-3 record, with losses only to Duke (twice) and Cornell.

Former UVa Coach/Administrator Jim West Dies

UVa Athletics Media Relations Official Release

Former Virginia baseball coach and athletics administrator Jim West died Wednesday morning (May 20) of complications from a stroke. West spent 33 years in the Virginia athletics department.

A native of Suffolk, Va., West coached the Virginia baseball team from the 1962 through the 1980 seasons. UVa baseball teams compiled an overall record of 280-277-5 under his direction. The 1972 team won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and was the first Virginia baseball team to participate in the NCAA Tournament.

West received his undergraduate degree in education from Virginia in 1958 and a master’s degree a year later. He earned his doctorate from UVa in 1975.

West joined the UVa athletics department in the fall of 1959 as head cross country coach and first-year baseball coach. He assumed the head baseball coaching responsibilities for the 1962 season and was director of the service physical education program from 1961-72. West was appointed assistant athletic director in 1972 and became associate director of athletic programs in 1978. He later was named senior associate athletic director.

West retired from the Virginia athletics department in September of 1992 and baseball uniform number 24, worn by West during his 19 years as the Cavaliers’ head coach, was retired by the Virginia athletics department.

Advertise With The Sabre!

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 ...

• Meyinsse To Represent UVa At NCAA Conference: Jerome Meyinsse, a member of the Virginia men’s basketball team, is scheduled to represent UVa at the 2009 NCAA National Student-Athlete Development Conference in Orlando, Fla., May 24-27. Meyinsse was one of six recipients of Virginia’s ACC Top VI Award this spring. The awards are presented to student-athletes who have given the most in terms of service to the University and Charlottesville communities.
• Greer Inducted Into US Lacrosse National Hall of Fame: Former Virginia women’s lacrosse All-American Cherie Greer has been selected by the US Lacrosse Board of Directors as a member of the 2009 induction class into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. A three-time first-team All-American for the Cavaliers, Greer was the NCAA Division I Defensive Player of the Year in 1994 and had her jersey retired at Virginia. During her career, the Cavaliers won two NCAA Championships (1991 and 1993).
• UVa Earns Berth To 2009 NCAA Championships: For the 12th time in the 13-year history of the NCAA Women’s Rowing Championships, Virginia has earned a berth to the competition, the NCAA announced Tuesday. The championships will be held May 29-31 in Cherry Hill, N.J.
• : After a 3-0 weekend that included the South/Central Regional Championship and a victory over No. 3 Michigan State, No. 6 Michigan, No. 8 Ohio State and No. 10 Clemson, the Virginia Varsity Eight (coxswain Sidney Thorsten, Jennifer Cromwell, Helen Tompkins, Desiree Burns, Amanda Chase, Lauren Hutchins, Augusta Stratos, Nora Phillips and Victoria Burke) has been named ACC Crew of the Week.
• Five Cavaliers Named to All-ACC Baseball First Team: Five Virginia players were named to the 2009 All-ACC Baseball Team. The five first-team honorees were the most of any ACC school and the most ever by a Virginia baseball team. Danny Hultzen, in addition to earning a nod on the all-conference first-team, was tabbed as the ACC Freshman of the Year - the first Virginia player to ever win the honor. Hultzen, who won first-team honors at the utility position, was joined on the team by Phil Gosselin at second base, Tyler Cannon at shortstop and outfielders Dan Grovatt and Jarrett Parker.
• Kline Promoted to Associate Head Coach: Virginia head swimming coach Mark Bernardino has announced that Chip Kline has been promoted to associate head coach. Kline is entering his fifth season with the Cavaliers.

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

20% Off UVA Lax Gear!!
Use coupon code: lax09

UVA Bookstores offers great options for Cavalier lacrosse gear. Check out different shirts, hats, and shorts dedicated to Virginia lacrosse fans. Celebrate the Hoos' run to the Final Four by getting 20% off your lax purchase with coupon code lax09!

Issue No. 82 - April 11, 2003

Cain Set to Visit
Report by Chris Horne

Virginia will entertain 6-9, 205 pound forward Jason Cain of John Bartram High School (Philadelphia, PA) this weekend on an official visit.

"He's leaving tomorrow," said John Bartram head coach Lou Biester. "He's excited - at least as excited as Jason can get. He's also considering UNC Greensboro, Indiana, and Villanova right now."

Cain, who began his high school career as a 6-1 guard, has grown eight inches over the last three years. Possessing the size of a center, his skills are suited more for a small or very athletic power forward.

"Jason is very athletic," said Biester. "He can handle the ball and he was the team's best passer. He averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks, and eight assists in leading us to a Public League Championship title. He's not a center, though. He faces the basket. The player he reminds me of in terms of style is Arizona's Luke Walton. He can do it all - even shoot the three. Jason needs to work on his three-point shot, but he can do it."

According to Biester, neither Villanova, Indiana, or Virginia have officially offered Cain a scholarship, however he feels they all will soon. Cain is one of Virginia's primary remaining targets for the Spring 2002 signing period.

Check Out SabreMail #82.

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 soon:

• JHoo's Summer Reading JHoo's Summer Reading Series is on the books for June and July.
• Lax Photos: The Sabre had a photographer on hand in Boston for UVa's NCAA Tournament Semifinal contest with Cornell. Stay tuned for photos!
• "Four Downs 2009": The Sabre's Kris Wright provides a period look at four football items for EDGE subscribers.

In Case You Missed It ...

Sabre articles since the last SabreMail

Third Time a Charm – Hoos SWEPE Up ACC Title
For the third time under Brian O'Connor the Cavaliers earned a trip to the ACC title game. The Hoos lost to Georgia Tech 4-3 back in 2005 and suffered an 8-4 setback last year in Jacksonville to the Miami Hurricanes. But as the 2009 campaign has proved, this is a special Virginia club.

Two out magic sends Cavaliers to ACC Title Game
Virginia's second consecutive trip to the ACC title game looked in jeopardy entering the seventh inning of Saturday’s game against Duke. But another big inning and some come from behind magic produced a seven run inning and ultimately an 11-7 Virginia victory.

Hoos Show Mercy in 11-1 Thumping of Heels
Eight of Virginia’s 11 ACC losses this season have come by one run, and as is so often the case in close losses it comes down to execution with runners on base. In those 11 losses the Cavaliers have left an average of 9.9 runners on base. That has not been the case in the ACC Tournament where the Cavaliers have batted just under .600 with runners in scoring position.

ACC Tournament Notes: Key Fifth Inning
Virginia's 6-5 win over Clemson in the opening game of the ACC Baseball Tournament clearly turned for the Tigers in the disastrous fifth inning. UVa combined hard hits with aggressive base running to score four times in the frame. After the Hoos took the lead on Steven Proscia's run, they held on with strong pitching.

Gaudet Heads Home For Final Four
Virginia suits up in the Final Four this weekend for the 11th time in Dom Starsia's 17 seasons at the helm. While the final weekend of NCAA men's lacrosse could be considered a figurative home for the Cavaliers, only one player can truly call the trip to Foxborough a literal homecoming. Chad Gaudet, the Hoos' face-off specialist, grew up in Massachusetts before playing football and lacrosse at Dartmouth as an undergraduate.

Four Downs 2009 - Better Reception?
With graduation in the rearview mirror and only a handful of Cavalier teams still playing, the long wait to football season is about to slow to a crawl. But don't fret Hoo fans, The Sabre has you covered. While JHoo's Summer Reading series is visible on the horizon, Editor Kris Wright will help ease your summer pangs as well with a periodic series of "Four Downs" articles. The first installment of four football thoughts features the receivers.

Get your Wahoo fix. Subscribe to Sabre Edge!

Every week, 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 UVa Bookstores purchases 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!

• Sabre Edge Info and Sign Up