The Sabre's Chalk Talk Begins!

Join TheSabre.com and the UVa Alumni Association at Alumni Hall on game day Saturdays this fall for The Sabre "Chalk Talk" Series with former Cavalier greats. Beginning 1.5 hours before home game kickoffs, Cavalier fans can spend time with our special guests to get ready for the big game. Former players and other special guests will answer questions about football, their playing days, and that weekend's game.

The "Chalk Talk" Series is open to the public and is sponsored by the University of Virginia Alumni Association and TheSabre.com. The event is part of "Football Weekends" at Alumni Hall, located near long-time Sabre sponsor UVA Bookstores on Emmett Street. "Football Weekends" at Alumni Hall are presented by TheSabre.com, the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, T.G.I. Friday's, and Claremont at Carriage Hill.

For this Saturday's 6 p.m. game against Richmond, The Sabre's "Chalk Talk" Series is set for 4:30 p.m. Ahmad Hawkins is our guest! Hawkins played from 1997-2000 at Virginia where he suited up at both receiver and defensive back. He had a team-high 4 INTs in 2000 and is legendary in Hoo circles for the go-ahead touchdown catch in the 1998 comeback win at Virginia Tech. In 2007, he was named Defensive Player of the Year for the Arena Football League. His "Hawk's Nest" columns appear on TheSabre.com.

For more information on Chalk Talk, click here. For the Alumni Association's "Football Weekends" page, click here.

This Week In Recruiting
By Chris Horne

Croce, Good Counsel Shine

Good Counsel (Olney, MD) scored a big win over St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH) in a match-up of nationally ranked high school football programs. The Falcons, down 6-0 for the first three quarters, scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth including two interception returns for scores.

6-4, 265-pound Vincent Croce, one of 20 high school seniors to commit to the University of Virginia, was impressive throughout for the Falcons. Generally disruptive from the middle linebacker position, Croce also performed well on offense, making several nice catches from the tight end spot. Overall, the talented prospect showed tenacity, toughness and good speed and athletic ability.

Croce is being recruited by Virginia initially as a defensive end, though he acknowledges defensive tackle could be his ultimate position. From what I saw Sunday, Croce fits nicely as a versatile defender that could line up at end or tackle.

TheSabre.com hopes to catch up with Croce for more on Sunday's big win, so stay tuned to the EDGE.

Harris back for the Skyhawks

L.C. Bird (Chesterfield, VA) quarterback/cornerback Anthony Harris, another Virginia 2011 commitment, suffered a leg injury in the last regular season game of last season. Feeling 100 percent, Harris was back on the field last Thursday, leading the Skyhawks in preseason scrimmages against Westfield and Dinwiddie.

"I've been working hard in the offseason," the 6-3, 190-pound Harris said. "I've been working, pulling the sled, doing a lot of agility drills. Doing all that, I felt like I was back to normal. I felt good running around out there [in the scrimmage]. There was one busted play where I had to keep it myself and make a run. After getting tackled, I was ready to go."

The Sabre EDGE will have more with Anthony this week, including his take on the prospects of his future school this season. Harris, along with fellow commitments Caleb Taylor and Clifton Richardson and Virginia targets D.J. Hill and Jay Whitmire, caught a Virginia scrimmage earlier in August.

More news

I hope to have the latest on Dunbar (Washington, D.C.) wide receiver Daniel Adams. I'll also have the latest on Owings Mills (MD) offensive tackle Donovan Smith, who includes Virginia in his top 12.

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 ...

Bailey, Hermitage Seek State Title
With eight starters returning from a defense that surrendered an average of 8.8 points per game last season, Hermitage (Richmond, VA) once again should be one of Central Virginia's top high school football programs this season. The Panthers, led by top senior linebacker Curtis Grant, UVa-bound defensive end Diamonte Bailey, 2009 Colonial District Offensive Player of the Year Brendan Riddick and more, seek a Group AAA, Division 6 state title in 2010.

Bennett, Staff Key In Brogdon's Decision
Greater Atlanta Christian (Atlanta, GA) senior Malcolm Brogdon arrived in Charlottesville on Saturday, beginning the first of a 2-day official visit. It didn't take long for the 6-5, 205-pound wing guard to feel right at home at the University of Virginia.

More recent recruiting updates on The Sabre ...

• Preseason Report: TE Darius Redman
• Promising Atlanta Guard Commits To UVa
• Recruiting Notes: Croce on ESPN (blog)

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Hoos Talking Returns!

The Sabre's Richmond radio partner "Hoos Talking" is back on the air! Hosted by Jim Hobgood and Frank Maloney on Wednesday evenings, the show features expert analysis as well as featured guests from around the world of UVa athletics. Check out The Sabre's Hoos Talking page.

Hoos Talking Season 2 begins this week. For Wednesday, Sept 1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (special time) on Sportsradio 910 AM (WRNL) in Richmond, the show has lined up Wahoo great Frank Quayle (UVa's color commentator for its radio broadcasts), Jay James (WINA's Best Seat in the House - a Sabre partner!), Dr. Jody Smith (orthopaedic specialist) and Sabre recruiting expert Chris Horne.

This week's broadcast is on for one week at the special time mentioned above. In the 12 weeks that follow, Hoos Talking will air from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays through football season. Don't forget, you can listen live on the Web - just click on The Sabre's Hoos Talking page for the "listen live" link.

Blog Banter: Field Hockey - "Obnoxiously Positive"

Note: Effie Nicholau has joined The Sabre blog team to provide more coverage of the Hoos' field hockey team. Make sure to follow the Cavaliers on The Good Ol Blog.

Aug. 11 marked the beginning of the preseason for the UVa field hockey team. With an 'obnoxiously positive' attitude, the Hoos are hoping to return to the NCAA Final Four. Last season, UVa tasted victory frequently during a 20-win season and advanced to the ACC finals and the NCAA semifinals. Head coach Michele Madison comments on how quickly preseason went by because of "all the new players and new enthusiasm." Madison said the preseason theme has been "an obnoxiously positive attitude - hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" because just like last year "the secrets to success don't change."

Freshmen Chloe Pendlebury and Elly Buckley hail from Australia. They bring "an intense and high level of play back to our team only challenging us to get better. Their experiences can only help," senior goalie Kim Kastuk said. In addition to the two Australians, UVa welcomes seven other new players. Taylor Swezey and Shelly Edmonds are among the seniors that will provide years of experience for the team that lost many defenders. Still with so many new faces, Kastuk understands that change means adjusting, and UVa is doing just that. "Even though we have lost a lot of the defenders and our defense may be a continual progression throughout the season, I'm excited about the direction we are moving in and our defensive unit will be ready once the season starts, only improving throughout the season," Kastuk said.

Indeed, the defense played well in the preseason as UVa's hard work these past two weeks payed off with a 3-1 win against JMU in a scrimmage. The Hoos' season starts in Pennsylvania this weekend. They face St. Joseph's on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Philadelphia and they hit the field again at No. 18 Penn State on Sunday at noon. UVa's first home game is against No. 16 ODU on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 1p.m. UVa is predicted to finish third in the ACC and NCAA with defending NCAA Champion UNC taking the No. 1 spot in both polls and defending ACC Champion Maryland coming in second.

UVa Football TV Series Continues

The "Virginia Football: The Building of a Program" television show's latest episode aried Monday night at 9 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. It also will be posted online at VirginiaSportsTV.com and VirginiaFootball2010.com. The show airs each Monday on Comcast Sportsnet at 9 p.m. and is available online at VirginiaSportsTV.com on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. For more information, click here.

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Around the World of Wahoo Sports ...

• The Virginia Farm Bureau Coach's Corner with Mike London Premiers Monday: For the first time in more than a decade, the Virginia Sports Radio Network will bring its Football Coach's Show to the fans. Starting August 30th at 7:06 p.m., fans will have a chance to interact with UVa coach Mike London and "The Voice of the Cavaliers", Dave Koehn each Monday night throughout football season at The Wild Wing Café in Charlottesville. In addition to taking questions for the show in person, fans will also have an opportunity to voice their questions via telephone by calling 877-612-8821 (UVA1). Phone questions will be taken until 5 p.m. the day of the show. Fans can also e-mail the show by sending questions to [email protected].
• Dowling Named as a Candidate for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award: Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling has been recognized as one of 30 NCAA football bowl subdivision student-athletes who excel both on and off the field and were tabbed as candidates for the football Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - classroom, character, community and competition.
• Davis Makes Strong Showing At U.S. Amateur: Virginia senior golfer Amory Davis lost in the round of 32 at the U.S. Amateur Championship on Thursday at Chambers Bay Golf Course.
• Morgan Named Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach: Virginia head women's lacrosse coach Julie Myers announced Thursday that former Cavalier Jessy Morgan has been named an assistant coach. Morgan returns to Charlottesville after serving as the head women's lacrosse coach at Howard University for two seasons.
• No. 2 Virginia Rallies For 2-1 Exhibition Victory at George Mason: The second-ranked Virginia men's soccer team earned a 2-1 victory in a road exhibition played Saturday night in Fairfax, Va., at George Mason. Sophomore forward Will Bates scored the game-winning goal for the Cavaliers, while sophomore midfielder Ari Dimas had a goal and an assist for UVa.
• Cavaliers Sweep Temple Invitational: The Virginia volleyball team swept its competition in its opening weekend of play at the Temple Invitational, defeating the host Owls, 3-2 (19-25, 26-24, 25-19, 21-25, 15-11), Saturday evening. Throughout the tournament, the Cavaliers also defeated Valparaiso, 3-1, and Delaware, 3-1.
• Field Hockey Wins Twice: The third-ranked Virginia field hockey team (2-0) recorded its second consecutive shutout in a 3-0 victory over No. 18 Penn State on Sunday. Juniors Michelle Vittese and Paige Selenski each notched goals while freshman Elly Buckley also tallied a score. On Saturday, the Hoos shut out Saint Joseph's 4-0 in the season opener.
• Cavaliers Down Connecticut, Tie With Penn State: he No. 7 Virginia women's soccer team concluded play at the Penn State Invitational on Sunday with a 1-0 double overtime victory over Connecticut. Meghan Lenczyk converted a penalty kick in the 106th minute to give the Cavaliers the victory. On Friday, UVa played Penn State to a 1-1 draw.
• Courtney and Shabaz Receive US Open Doubles Wildcard: he Virginia doubles team of Drew Courtney and Michael Shabaz received a wildcard entry into the 2010 US Open, beginning this week at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The 2010 NCAA Doubles Champions will meet No. 10 seed Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman in the first round.

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

Orange and Blue Football Fridays!

The UVA Bookstore has something special geared around home football games this season. Introducing Orange and Blue Football Fridays at the UVA Bookstore! Come to the UVA Bookstore every Friday before a home football game and save 25% off of regularly priced Virginia clothing and gifts. Certain restrictions do apply so click the link above to read more.

Issue No. 346 - June 16, 2008

Ryan Inducted Into HOF

Virginia women's basketball coach Debbie Ryan was inducted as part of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2008 on Saturday. Ryan has guided UVa to 22 NCAA Tournament appearances, including three consecutive Final Four berths (1990-92). She is the seventh coach in NCAA Women's Basketball history to reach the 600-win milestone at the same school. Ryan lead the 2001 USA Basketball team to the gold medal in the World University Games, and the 2003 team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games.

"I am humbled and honored to be named to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame," Ryan said. "My life has been blessed with tremendous players, coaches, staff members, and administrators over the years who have supported me and share equally in this honor. I am very thankful and fortunate to be able to represent the University of Virginia and my entire family in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. This is a proud moment for all of us."

Several of Ryan's former colleagues and players were in attendance, including former UVa Athletics Director Gene Corrigan, and former letterwinner and current president of USA Basketball Val Ackerman, who introduced Ryan's video presentation. Former UVa greats Dawn Staley and Dena Evans also attended the ceremony.

Listen to Ryan's induction speech.

Check Out SabreMail #346.

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:

• State of the Programs: The Sabre plans to take a look back at a historic sports year for the Hoos, who locked up a record third place finish in the Director's Cup. Where do the various programs stand right now? We'll let you know!
• Game Week: The Sabre's game week coverage will prepare you for the football opener with Richmond.

In Case You Missed It ...

Sabre articles since the last SabreMail

Hoo Preview 2010: JHoo's 10 Things
Each of the last few years, I have written a 10 Things column right before the start of the season and in each of the last few years, I have looked for some kind of a theme. This year, I did not have to look hard - this season is all about hope, both the hope of better things ahead and my own hope about how certain things will play out (or not).

Hoo Preview 2010: Linebackers
When you look at the Virginia football team, two positions jump out more than any other as complete unknowns: the offensive line and the linebackers. With new coaches in town, no one is sure how those two units will adapt to the changes with the new offensive and defensive schemes being installed. At least the O-Line has some experience, though.

Hoo Preview 2010: True Freshmen
After open practices early in training camp, TheSabre.com caught up with six freshmen - FB Ryan Cobb, OL Morgan Moses, RB Kevin Parks, QB Michael Rocco, RB/WR Khalek Shepherd and QB Michael Strauss - for their thoughts on a number of subjects, including UVa, the coaches, their teammates and more. Read more in this Hoo Preview article.

Hoo Preview 2010: Photo Gallery
The Virginia football team opened five practices to start off fall training camp and The Sabre took in some of the action. This set of photos has a wide range of players, positions, and coaches, but the primary emphasis is on running backs, tight ends, defensive backs and special teams. Take a look at 128 photos of the Hoos as they practice for the upcoming season.

Hoo Preview 2010: A 4-3 Primer
A big buzz around Cavalier training camp this fall is the move away from the failed experiment called the spread offense to a more conventional pro-style set. The bigger story, however, and the most dramatic change in Virginia football this season is the defense making the switch from Al Groh's base 3-4 to a 4-3 stack alignment. The Sabre's Hoo Preview gives you a 4-3 primer as the season nears.

Hoo Preview 2010: Devin Wallace Eyes Bigger Role
One adjective that coach Mike London uses to describe sophomore corner Devin Wallace is fearless. That's good because Wallace will need to be fearless this season. Opponents likely will try to avoid standout corner Ras-I Dowling and the more experienced Chase Minnifield, meaning Wallace could see plenty of action. The Sabre caught up with Wallace after an open practice for this Hoo Preview Q&A.

Hoo Preview 2010: Defensive Backs
The Cavalier secondary is bringing a high level of physicality back to the pass defense. There is talent, speed, and a heightened sense of intensity. An experienced core group returns, led by "The 757's Finest" Ras-I Dowling, and the defensive backs are expected to help guide the defense. There were some key losses at the corner position, and there are some valid concerns about depth, but the Virginia secondary is ready to step up in 2010.

Hoo Preview 2010: Defensive Line
The Virginia defensive line has been playing a game of musical chairs this offseason and one result is a much faster line bolstered by former linebackers who are now playing defensive end. The Cavaliers have a new-look line composed of familiar faces. Expect to see an agile, aggressive front four this season and the UVa tradition of a strong defense continuing into 2010.

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