Your guide to breaking news, recruiting updates and important offers from TheSabre.com!
 
SabreMail is powered by the following sponsors ...


UVA Bookstores

The Boar's Head
 
 
   SabreMail - Dec. 21, 2009
Sabre Links

  Home Page
  Message Boards
  SabreMail Archives
  Multimedia

Sabre Edge

  Articles/Features
  Recruiting
  Subscriber Board
  Photo Gallery

Gift Subscriptions!

Give the Perfect Gift to your favorite Wahoo fan this year, an annual subscription to Sabre Edge! TheSabre.com is your one-stop shop for all UVa sports information, commentary and discussion. Read articles from our excellent staff of sportswriters, including TheSabre.com's editor-in-chief, Kris Wright. Our resident recruiting expert, Chris Horne, will keep you up to date with recruiting from around the state and beyond. No one covers Virginia's premier sports better than TheSabre.com. Take your fanship to the next level with a Sabre Edge subscription!

Gift Subscriptions are for a full year and cost $59.99. A gift message can be included and you can request a specific date range for the email notification to the gift recipient. All credit card orders are safe and secured through GoDaddy.com Digital Security. Give Sabre Edge as a Gift Today!


   Recruiting News

This Week In Recruiting
By Chris Horne

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

It certainly should be an exciting week for Woodberry Forest (VA) safety prospect Ed Reynolds II, who told TheSabre.com on Sunday that he may pick his college this week. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, Mike London's last ditch push for the 6-3, 200-pound senior seems likely to fall short barring a change of heart. Stanford currently leads UNC, Duke and Virginia for Reynolds, who is the son of former UVa linebacker Ed Reynolds.

For the latest on Reynolds, be sure to checkout the update linked below from the EDGE. We'll also check back in with the talented prospect on Wednesday if no commitment has come by then.

West Rowan (Mount Ulla, N.C.) running back Kevin Parks Jr. continued a terrific end to a terrific career, rushing for 97 yards and a score in North Carolina's 24-14 Shrine Bowl victory over South Carolina. The 5-7, 190-pound senior, a Virginia recruit, earned Offensive MVP honors for North Carolina.

The weekend prior, Parks rushed for four scores as West Rowan captured its second consecutive Class 3-A State Championship. TheSabre.com caught up with Parks to discuss the win and check in at the Shrine Bowl last week, so be sure to check that out if you missed it. Despite a late push by Duke, Parks says he remains fully committed to UVa and Mike London, who called him following the state title victory.

In other all-star game news, Good Counsel (Olney, MD) wide receiver E.J. Scott, DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD) safety Kyrel Latimer, and Gwynn Park's Khalek Shepherd are scheduled to play in Monday night's Crab Bowl, which pits the Baltimore all-stars against the Washington all-stars. Another Good Counsel product, CB/WR Louis Young, is also slated to play. Young is a soft commit to Stanford but reportedly is considering Virginia as well.

Virginia defensive back recruit Pablo Alvarez and Belen Jesuit (Miami, FL) fell to Pensacola in the Class 3A State Championship game. Belen had a terrific year, capturing district and region crowns on the way to being the state runner-up. Alvarez, a 6-3, 190-pound senior, projects as a safety or corner at the University of Virginia.

This week, we'll check in with Bayside (Virginia Beach, VA) senior linebacker Henry Coley, who gives his reaction to the hiring of Mike London. The 6-2, 220-pound prospect remains solid in his commitment and, along with many other Cavalier commits, plans to make an official visit to Virginia on the weekend of Jan. 23.

LB/S Matthew Bailey, a junior prospect out of Edna Karr (New Orleans, LA), says he remains committed to Mike London and the Cavaliers but seems a bit more open than at last check. Stay tuned for the latest on him this week.


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 ...

Parks Talks Championship, London
Image: Kevin ParksFor West Rowan (Mount Ulla, N.C.) running back Kevin Parks Jr., the second Class 3-A state championship title may have been more special than the first. While the 5-7, 190-pound senior often made things look easy en route to becoming North Carolina High School Football's all-time leading rusher, he felt the team, which captured the 3-A title in 2008 as well, overcame more challenges in the 2009 season. It overcame a big one in last Saturday's state championship game against Eastern Alamance.

London Eyes Impact On State Recruiting
Image: Mike LondonThose wondering if new University of Virginia head coach Mike London would make in-state recruiting a priority had their question answered quickly. Last Monday, at his introductory press conference, London reached out to high school coaches all over the Commonwealth.

More recent recruiting updates on The Sabre ...


   Support TheSabre.com's Sponsors

UVA Bookstores Holiday Sale

Long-time Sabre sponsor UVA Bookstores is having a holiday sale! Check out some great Virginia clothing, totes, ornaments, and more in the UVA Bookstores Holiday Sale!

   News, Notes, and Fan Discussion

Fan of the Week

Every week, theSabre.com features a Fan of the Week photo on the front page of the Web site. (Archives are available in the Wahoowa! section.) So you want to be the fan of the week? It's easy - be the loudest Hoo at a live UVa event, wear some crazy Cavalier gear, or do something else to catch our attention. If Mike or Kris spot you and take your picture, you'll be in the running for Fan of the Week honors!


Blog Banter: More Player Reaction to London's Hiring

By Paul Montana

Shortly after new Virginia football coach Mike London's welcoming press conference, reporters were given the opportunity to get reaction from some of the players. Rising redshirt juniors Matt Conrath and Nick Jenkins, and rising true juniors Cam Johnson and Rodney McLeod all gave their takes to London's hiring.

Conrath and Jenkins were both scout-team players on the 2007 team that featured London as the defensive coordinator. McLeod and Johnson never played for London, but London was their chief recruiter.

Rodney McLeod

London as a "relationship guy" ...

"You could definitely tell that, Coach London, he's an easy guy to talk to. He comes off very, just outgoing I would say. Just an energetic guy - he could just relate to you throughout the game. I just think that's what this team needed - that's what we addressed in our meeting that we wanted to have. I think the people here at UVa, they did a good job at making that happen."

Nick Jenkins

London being excitable/animated on the sidelines ...

"I think everyone's going to feed off of it. Everybody feeds off of each other's energy, and if we get a coach out there - like Coach Dex, everybody feeds off Coach Dex. You have a head coach out there now that's going to be doing the exact same thing, it's going to be great."

Cam Johnson

Thought of moving to defensive end in London's 4-3 ...

"I've thought about it, but I don't really have a problem with it, because this is really my first year playing linebacker, so I don't think it'll bother me that much."

Matt Conrath

Impressions of London ...

"He's a very passionate coach, and he brought that passion when he was talking to us, just laying out the guidelines. I'm looking forward to playing for him."

Read the full blog post with more quotes from these players here.


Advertise With The Sabre!

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].

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


Around the World of Wahoo Sports ...

  • Wright Scores 2,000th-Career Point; No. 17 Virginia Falls at No. 12 Georgia 69-53: Senior guard Monica Wright became the third 2,000-point scorer in Virginia women's basketball history in No. 17 Virginia's 69-53 loss at No. 12 Georgia on Sunday afternoon. With the loss, Virginia's record went to 7-3, while Georgia remained undefeated and improved its record to 10-0.
  • Gelnovatch and Bates Named Nation's Best by Soccer America: Soccer America released its postseason awards Friday, and Virginia head coach George Gelnovatch was named Men's Coach of the Year, while forward Will Bates was named Freshman of the Year. Additionally, Diego Restrepo and Tony Tchani were named Soccer America MVPs.
  • Tchani and Restrepo Named First Team All-America by College Soccer News: Sophomore midfielder Tony Tchani and junior goalkeeper Diego Restrepo were named to College Soccer News' All-America first team, the organization recently announced.
  • Virginia's Men's and Women's Recruiting Classes Ranked Top-10 Nationally: The Virginia men's and women's track and field recruiting classes for the upcoming 2010 season have been ranked among the top-10 in the country by Track & Field News, the magazine announced in its January issue. Virginia is the only Atlantic Coast Conference team to be ranked on the women's side, as the Cavaliers pulled in a No. 8 national ranking, while the men's squad is ranked No. 9 in the nation. This incoming group of current freshmen marks head coach Jason Vigilante's inaugural recruiting class and it is the first time Virginia has had its incoming class ranked in the top-10 on both the men's and women's side in the same year.
  • Parker, Hultzen Named to NCBWA Preseason All-America Team: Virginia baseball's Jarrett Parker and Danny Hultzen have been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association Pro-Line Athletic 2010 Preseason All-America Team, the NCBWA announced. Parker was a first-team outfield selection, while Hultzen was picked to the second team at utility.
  • Madison Tabbed Captain U Coach of the Year: Virginia head field hockey coach Michele Madison was tabbed the Division I Field Hockey Coach of the Year by Captain U, the organization has announced. Virginia concluded the season with a 20-4 record and made its third trip to the NCAA semifinals, including its first since 1998.
  • Collins and Greer Honored by the Sporting News: The Sporting News released its All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football teams on Thursday and the list included Virginia defensive tackle Nate Collins and linebacker Steve Greer. Collins was named to the publication's All-ACC first-team, while Greer picked up mention on the All-ACC Freshman squad.

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

   UVa Bookstores - The Place for Wahoo Gear!

National Championship Gear!

Congratulations to the 2009 men's soccer team for bringing home the National Championship! Commemorate the Cavaliers' stellar play with gear from UVA Bookstores, a long-time Sabre sponsor.

   SabreMail History

Issue No. 376 - January 12, 2009

Hourigan To Join UVa Athletics
Official Release, UVa Athletic Media Relations

Virginia head football coach Al Groh announced Friday that Brandon Hourigan has been named the Cavaliers' Director of Football Training and Player Development. He replaces Matt Balis, who recently was named the head strength and conditioning coach at Mississippi State

Hourigan has been the head strength and conditioning coach for football at Richmond since May of 2005. He oversaw all fitness duties for the Spiders who won the 2008 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision title.

"This position is much more significant than most people could comprehend," Groh said. "The director of football training and player development is one of the only two people who coach everybody on the team. This part of our program is where not only physical skills are trained and developed, but where team chemistry and unity take root. Brandon comes highly recommended by two of our staff members who have worked with him, and Mike London who knows what we need. The position is one of the most important we've got and we are very pleased Brandon is our guy."

Prior to his appointment at Richmond, Hourigan was the assistant coordinator of speed, strength and conditioning at Northeastern University. He worked with the Huskies' football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's hockey, volleyball, men's and women's soccer and men's and women's track and field squads.

Hourigan has also worked as an assistant strength & conditioning coach on the collegiate level at Arizona (2001) and Clemson (1998-1999). He also served as a strength & conditioning intern for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL in 1999.

Hourigan graduated with a bachelor of science in physical education from Plymouth State College where he was a four-year letterwinner in football. At Clemson, he completed work toward a master's of sciences in guidance and counseling.

Hourigan is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the United States Weight Lifting Association, and has both First Aid and CPR certification.

Check Out SabreMail #376.

   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 soon:

  • Football: Last week, JHoo and Chris Horne took a look at reslotting and recruiting now that Mike London is Virginia's head coach. The Sabre will continue to break down the football program in the coming weeks.
  • Men's Hoops: The Cavaliers return to the floor this week.


In Case You Missed It ...

Sabre articles since the last SabreMail

Hoos' Development Leads To Title
Image: George GelnovatchAfter going to College Cups in 1997 and 2006 but failing to win a title, George Gelnovatch knew that a National Championship was on the horizon. But did he think it would come this year? He doesn't think in those terms, he said, after the Cavaliers' 3-2 penalty kicks victory over Akron. But, he did point to one game this season that was pivotal. And if that win was indeed a launching point for Virginia, then it makes the championship run that much sweeter for Wahoo fans.

Reslotting Candidates Could Vary
Image: Cam JohnsonBy the simplest counting method, and ignoring all contingencies, 71 players from this past year's team will be returning for next season. All 71 were recruited with a primary position or two in mind, and all 71 have been practicing at a particular position. That is where I come in. Reslotting, as I am sure you are aware, is one of my favorite topics, sandwiched on my list of favorite topics between "Slotting" and "The one time in 1997 that my wife said I was right." So I get the job of writing this article.

Long, Sintim Share Thoughts On London
Image: Mike LondonWhile many are thrilled with the choice as Mike London to coach the Virginia football team, some fans have expressed reservations and have brought up many questions. What about his lack of head coaching experience? What about the ability to recruit outside of the 757 area code? Are players as excited about the hire as the media, donors and much of the fan base appear to be? To help answer some of these questions, The Sabre caught up with two of UVa's most recognizable defensive stars of recent years, Chris Long and Clint Sintim.


   Sabre Edge

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!


 
    SabreMail is a trademark of TheSabre.com - Copyright © 2001 - 2009 - All Rights Reserved

You are receiving SabreMail because you signed up for an account with TheSabre.com using this email address. If you would like to UNSUBSCRIBE from SabreMail, please log in to your account with TheSabre.com and then select ACCOUNT INFO at the top of the page. From there you may deselect SabreMail Weekly Updates. If you have difficulty with this or do not remember your account information, please send an email to staff @ thesabre.com to request to be removed. Please include the email address that the mailings are sent to. Thank you.