April 2007
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Concerns Raised Over Future of Norris, Memorials and Potential Benefits
As if the building weren’t already eerie enough. The front doors now are closed, the windows are shut, and the wire fence casts a dark shadow over the symbolic Hokie Stone that’s featured on many campus buildings. Planet Blacksburg’s staff described the stunned faces of the police officers and evidence technicians who came and went from the building in the grim hours after the brutal events there. It’s been two weeks, and many state police cars are still there, parked in and around the building. “Flex Out Hunger” Makes Use of Left Over Hokie Passport Funds The fraternity brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon [SAE] will host their annual philanthropy event, Flex Out Hunger, to raise funds for the needy in the New River Valley, on Virginia Tech campus from April 30 to May 2. Flex Out Hunger [FOH] allows an easy way for individuals to put the left over funds on their Hokie Passports to good use, said this year’s FOH director, Dan Sheehan. 25 Years Of Great Moments In Hokie Sports Have you ever tried to make list that had too many good choices? This was the dilemma I faced upon naming the top ten Hokie victories over the past 25 years. ...So I chose eleven, but that still didn’t quell an obsessive need to modify my selections. Bomb Threats Continue to Plague University in the Wake of Killings  University officials revealed for the first time Thursday night that Virginia Tech has been peppered by four bomb threats in the past seven days, an uneasy development on the already-tense campus in the wake of the shootings on April 16. Authorities apparently have sought to deal with the threats quickly by informing staff members in each of the targeted buildings and asking them not to discuss the issue publicly to avoid unnecessary alarm. Faux News It may have taken seven years, but the Democrats have finally found their political spine. Since their sweeping victory in the November elections, the Dems have stood up to President Bush on everything from the minimum wage to the war in Iraq. The latest act of courage comes from the Democratic politicos vying for the White House. A proposed Democratic primary debate sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus and the Fox News Channel now looks to be all but irrelevant, because Clinton, Obama, and Edwards are boycotting the event due to Fox News’ anti-Democratic bias. Hokies Top Furman In Doubleheader
Furman jumped out to an early lead, scoring an unearned run off of pitcher Angela Tincher in the third. The Hokies responded in the bottom of the inning when Caroline Stolle scored off of a Kelsey Hoffman single to left. Freshman Pitches Gem in Hokies Win Freshman Rob Whitley picked up the first win of his career pitching six shutout innings and striking out six Highlanders as the Hokies ended their seven-game losing streak with an 8-3 win over Radford. “I felt right out there tonight,” said Whitley. “I hit most of my spots and the guys played well behind me.” University Warns Of E-mail Scam The university issued a campus notice Wednesday about an e-mail scam alert, after early morning reports of suspicious e-mails received by individuals both on and off campus. A representative from the University Relations Office confirms various sources informed the university hackers have sent “malware” - infected e-mails claiming to have footage of last week’s shootings. Commentary: Hokie Support in My Hometown The sea of maroon and orange from all the memorial services across campus washed over Hampton Roads on Friday April 20. With the recent tragedy on campus, the whole nation has responded with support and encouragement. My hometown in Hampton was no different. Tattoo U: Some Tech Students Turn To Body Art To Make Sure They Never Forget  She walked into Ancient Art Tattoo & Body Piercing Saturday evening, to find four other people waiting in line before her. The parlor’s managment told her to come back 45 minutes later. Sophomore Hailey Bost returned to the shop and told tattoo artist James Babb she wanted the black ribbon with a “VT” across the middle. No. 2 Terps Outlast Determined Hokies
The Virginia Tech Women’s Lacrosse team (5-11, 0-5) lost to Maryland (14-12, 4-1) 21-17 Sunday, in their final game of the season held in Blacksburg, but don’t tell them that they didn’t win. Following the game you would never know that the Hokies were defeated as they were probably feeling better than they have all week. “It was an amazing day all the way around. . .our kids showed the character of Virginia Tech,” said Virginia Tech Head Coach Katrina Silva. Despite the tragic events of the past week the Lady Hokies were able to give a tough Maryland team almost more than they could handle as they threatened the No. 1 ACC team throughout the entire contest. Silva said of her team that “our kids refused to go away …they just stopped looking at the scoreboard.” Hokie Baseball Returns To The Field The Virginia Tech baseball team took to the field Friday night against Miami as Hokie athletics took its first step towards a return to normalcy. Four hours before the game, the entire baseball team dressed in their uniforms and paid tribute to all of the lives that were lost by placing a baseball in front of each of the 32 memorials on the Drillfield. “We won before we got to the field today,” said Tech head coach Pete Hughes. Blacksburg Restaurants Help Hokies United Host Thousands of Mourning Students  If you looked out onto the Drillfield standing atop the War Memorial Pylons at about 5 p.m. Saturday, you would see a sea of maroon and orange. To the right, a crowd gathered in front of the Memorial in front of Burruss Hall, left after the candlelight vigil Tuesday. People laid flowers and honored the victims at their respective Hokie stones. Straight ahead stood four maroon and white tents, which provided a covering for the whiteboards people wrote messages on. If you looked behind the tents, a crowd of thousands stood in line for food, sat on blankets on the grass or stood among friends talking. Photos: From One Tech to Another On Friday, the Hokie nation spread from the mountains of the Blue Ridge into the hearts and souls of nations abroad. Students everywhere dug through their closets to find something orange and maroon to wear in honor of the 32 who were lost on Monday.
About 150 students came out and showed their respect for the Virginia Tech community on the MIT Student Center steps, in Cambridge, Ma. Witnesses Recall Memories of Norris Hall Shootings A typical morning in Norris Hall is pretty quiet for the housekeepers who work there. Most classes do not start until 9 a.m., and various classes from German to Engineering are held there every day. But on this one day in April, when wind gusts roared like a snowstorm in January, a gunman shattered the quiet nature of the quaint building, which like many at Virginia Tech is constructed with the distinctive “Hokie Stone.” Killer’s Sister Issues Apology “For My Brother’s Unspeakable Actions” The sister of the killer in the massacre at Virginia Tech Monday has issued an apology, distributed to the Associated Press Friday by a North Carolina lawyer representing the family. “He has made the world weep. We are living a nightmare,” said the statement prepared by the killer’s sister, Sun-Kyung Cho. College Community Stands United Behind Hokies Out of every tragedy, there is the hope for something good to be learned - something that will make us stronger, closer and better as people. In the wake of the shootings here at Virginia Tech, Hokie Nation has indeed learned such a lesson. We have learned that we are not alone. And it’s a comforting feeling. A Student’s Letter Home To my loving family and friends: We continue to heal in Blacksburg. I look at the calendar and I see it's only been four days. It feels like months. Virginia Tech Releases Procedure for the Completion of the Spring Semester The Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students are overwhelmed and saddened by recent tragic events. The faculty are concerned for the education of our students, as well as their physical and mental well-being. We realize that various students will react differently to these events. Because of this Virginia Tech will offer students a number of ways to complete the Spring 2007 semester. This procedure is in effect for all sites and locations where Virginia Tech classes are being taught. ‘Girls Gone Wild’ Canceled, Fundraiser for Victims Planned Instead, Other Events Rescheduled Around Blacksburg
Smith said Chiamaka planned to release the information on Monday, but delayed because of the shootings that occurred at West Ambler Johnston Hall and Norris Hall on campus. Botched Press Conference Leaves Virginia Tech Apologizing An announcement by Col. W. Steven Flaherty of the Virginia State Police at a 4:30 p.m. press conference Wednesday revealed that Monday‘s shooter, Cho Seung-Hui, mailed a package to NBC News in the two hours between shootings. Flaherty offered very little information about the contents of a package. He said that police were working with NBC and did not allow reporters to ask questions, then abruptly, some said arrogantly, strode out of the interview room at the Inn at Virginia Tech. Killer Came From Virginia High School That Has Produced Many Fine Members Of Tech Community Editor’s Note: This is one of the final articles planetblacksburg.com will publish in regards to Cho Seung-Hui. He has dishonored the special community that is Virginia Tech. After Wednesday, April 18, 2007, his name will not be mentioned again by this student media organization. Just seven years old, Westfield High in Chantilly is the state’s largest high school with a student body that has just over 3,200 students. Among its grads are some of Virginia Tech’s best best-known faces, specifically the Hokies’ quarterback and receiver tandem of Sean Glennon and Eddie Royal. Sadly, perversely, there’s a new name to add to that Westfield list, a name that forever forward will strike dread in hearts everywhere. Cho Seung-Hui. Killer Sent Package to NBC Between Shootings Updates7:11 p.m.: According to NBC Nightly News, the package contained an eight-page, single-spaced document with 23 embedded videos and 29 photos of himself, many with weapons including a hammer, knife and the guns believed to be used in the shootings. MSNBC.com reports they have received a package from Cho Seung-Hui timestamped 9:01 a.m. on the morning of the shootings. According to NBC, the package contained numerous photos, information, and over 20 videos. In the documents, Cho is quoted as saying, “this didn‘t have to happen,” said NBC. No images of the first shooting were contained in the package. Faculty Members Notified to Keep Hush about Gunman and Victims Faculty and staff at Virginia Tech received an e-mail early Wednesday from the Office of the University Registrar stating that they be wary of divulging information to the press regarding the shooting incidents Monday. “We have just received information from the Attorney General,” noted the statement. “Please remember that FERPA rights survive death...Please be aware of confidentiality of the students involved.” Video: Candlelight Vigil on the Drillfield Viewed From Afar, Tech Has Stood Tall DIJON, France - The Hokie Nation is a network of people, thoughts and feelings that spans worldwide. As a Virginia Tech student studying in Dijon, France, far away from my friends, family and fellow Hokies, I hope to convey the sympathy the world has for Virginia Tech from a different perspective. Cassell Convocation Starts the Healing Process for Virginia Tech Community  A basketball arena was turned into a place of prayer and healing for the Virginia Tech community Tuesday afternoon. A convocation held at Cassell Coliseum, Virginia Tech’s on-campus basketball venue, brought together thousands of maroon-and orange-clad students seeking to find comfort and support in wake of Monday’s shootings. Students Using Facebook to Organize Vigils In addition to the convocation at Cassell Coliseum scheduled for this afternoon by the university, students across the country are organizing their own vigils to honor those involved in Monday’s shootings. For many of these students, Facebook is their main means of communicating the event or group to others. “I sent out the group at about 6 p.m. (Monday) to 80-100 people. About 45-50 people actually attended,” freshman Thomas Lane said. “I’m impressed by the universities all over the country. Schools from all over have sent me things. There is even a JMU Facebook group for Tech, which is great.” University Sends Out Official Update: Gunman Identified, Classes Cancelled As updates come in we will continue to update the site. Below is the official university update on the situation.
Town of Blacksburg Struggles with Grief
Many shops and business closed down today due to the shootings on campus, like Hokie House, Hokie Hair, and other business along Main St. But Sharkey’s Bar and Grill chose to stay open in order to help the community. At 10 a.m. Sharkey’s owner Stephanie Rogol said she heard someone on a bull horn warning people to stay inside. Originally she thought it was a tornado warning because of the windy weather, but soon realized it was much worse. The Senseless Violence Began in West Ambler Johnston As a bitter wind blew and a light snow fell over the campus of Virginia Tech, the morning hustle and bustle of an average Monday morning was quickly quieted by a senseless act of violence. A lone gunman entered West Ambler Johnston Hall on the campus of Virginia Tech and killed two people — one of them identified as Resident Advisor Ryan Clark— shortly after 7 Monday morning. Virginia Tech is Devastated by the Worst College School Shooting in U.S. History
Developing Story: Updates are being posted to this article as they are coming in.
 Virginia Tech, indeed the nation, has been stunned by the bloodiest day in the history of American higher education. More than 20, as many as 31 by some reports, students and faculty died today when a shooter when on a rampage. Interview with Coach Dunkenberger
“Talent is obviously a key ingredient, but I think heart and competitiveness are just as important and you cannot put a price on those. We’ve won four conference championships at Virginia Tech, and yes we’ve had great talent on those teams, but we have had some of the most competitive players that I’ve ever been around. The bottom line is you have to have people who hate to lose almost as much as they are talented, and that takes you the extra mile.” No. 3 UNC Too Much for Lady Hokies
Girls Gone Wild Should Not Be Welcomed to Blacksburg There has been much hype about the confirmation of Girls Gone Wild coming to Blacksburg next weekend. Oge-Chi’s, a popular bar downtown, has agreed to host the event Saturday, April 20. Petitions, complaints, and letters are circulating around Blacksburg, including an online petition, which to date has nearly 2,000 signatures and a Facebook group entitled “Hokies Against Girls Gone Wild” with 1,200 members thus far. Girls Gone Wild typically displays intoxicated college girls exposing themselves in pornographic manners and engaging in illicit sexual activities. It also objectifies these women for millions of people to see. Why would we want to bring that sort of publicity to our very own Hokies? Born to Succeed
“I once had the occasion to taste the chemotherapy liquid that my son had to take every day...that clear liquid was easily the most foul, piercingly bitter taste I have ever experienced,” said father Gregg Acri. “It was amazingly and shockingly distasteful.” Matt Davis, a 20 year-old junior civil engineer major at Virginia Tech said he feels he may have just been born with cancer. Student Forum Aims to Improve College Experience How would you tell Virginia Tech to spend $1 million dollars to improve your college experiece? Virginia Tech is giving students the chance to answer this question at a student forum next Thursday, April 19th. The forum, called, “You Talk, We Listen!”, plans to discuss topics such as mentoring, advising, study abroad, first year experience, and many other topics that greatly affect the student body. Here with a direct message to the students about this event is Mike Ellerbrock:
Men’s LAX Nearing End Of Successful Season Virginia Tech may be known nationally as a football powerhouse with an up-and-coming basketball team, but since 1948 another Virginia Tech team has been finding success playing a very different sport. The Virginia Tech Men’s Lacrosse Club is almost 60 years old, and is having one of its most successful and exciting seasons to date. Phi Beta Lambda Recently Revived, Places in State Conference  With tissues hanging from both nostrils, a young man with a slightly flushed face stumbled to the center of the room to begin a presentation. He had prepared all year long for this moment. It the moment to show the best of his abilities; it was his time to shine. Every year, the Phi Beta Lambda student organization of Virginia Tech participates in several competitions that display thousands of students’ skills in public speaking, technology, business, finance and management all across the nation. Junior Jumpstart Prepares Students for Job Search As the power point presentation appeared on the projection screen, students began to take notes. These notes were not being taken on material about the media or psychology, rather the first "Junior Jumpstart" seminar held for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences on Tuesday. Planning Commission Addresses Zoning Concerns The Town of Blacksburg Planning Commission dealt with a host of issues including amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, amendments to the Planning Commission Bylaws and the Glade Heights Major Subdivision at their meeting that took place at 7:30 p.m. Monday. The Planning Commission along with citizens from the community met at Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers, 300 South Main Street to conduct a public hearing in order to make recommendations on the Town of Blacksburg’s Comprehensive Plan, Blacksburg 2046, to Town Council on May 8, 2007. Record Funds for Relay For Life Virginia Tech’s Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center, was a buzz of excitement Monday night when the total for Relay for Life fundraising was announced. Virginia Tech director of Relay for Life, Mary Vaughn Smith was proud to announce that Relay teams had already raised $154,187. International Fair to Fill Downtown Streets More than 45 international student organizations and additional outside performers will showcase their talent and traditional food from their respective countries during this year’s 48th annual International Street Fair in downtown Blacksburg on April 14. The event, sponsored by the Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) and Cranwell International Center, is part of International Week, held April 13-21, and turns College Avenue and Draper Road into a “crowded marketplace” atmosphere. Neighbor's Growing Together 3rd Annual Rock-a-Thon Neighbor’s Growing Together will have its 3rd Annual Rock-A-Thon on April 18. The event, co-sponsored by Council of International Student Organizations, Adult Day Services and the Child Development Center for Learning and Research of the Department of Human Development, will be held behind Wallace Hall all day on April 18. Donations are encouraged. Interview: Rusty Curry, Radio DJ As he sits back with his Ray Bans and cool persona, Rusty Curry takes us to a time of be boppin’ and hip shaking that has moved or society through the music land, accompanied by many such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles. As a boy Curry always wanted to be involved in Show Biz and now has been in radio for 50 years, out of 63. Radio is what he “loves to do”. Following The Rise Of Broken Fall
Much of the audience was part of the band’s fan base in New Life Christian Fellowship (NLCF), but there were others who came to Deet’s to get food or study, and ended up staying to listen. Lacrosse Doubles Up On Longwood
“We tried to focus on the things that we do well,“ Head Coach Katrina Silva said. “We worked on defending and had some really positive turnovers in this game.“ Hokies Win Both In Doubleheader With Campbell The Virginia Tech Softball team took on the Campbell Camels Wednesday in a doubleheader at Tech Softball Park. Excellent pitching and hot bats got the nationally ranked Hokies two wins on the day. Tech got an early lead in the first game when junior Kelsey Hoffman scored after a throwing error was committed on Charisse Mariconda’s grounder to short. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” The department of theatre arts will perform the 1988 Tony Award winning play “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone“ by August Wilson on Apr. 11-15 in the Squires Haymarket Theatre. “I hope the play will bring each audience member, no matter what their ancestry, to a fuller understanding of themselves, and to a deeper understanding of the current complexities of cultural relationships in America,“ director Patty Raun said. “Working on the piece has done that for me.“ Virginia Capital Semester: Behind the Scenes at the General Assembly Founded in 2000 and run by Virginia Commonwealth University, the Virginia Capital Semester program provides undergraduate students from across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to experience the legislative process first hand at the General Assembly. As an added bonus, the students get to spend quality time with delegates and senators, as well as spend quality time at the Governors’ offices during the Assembly session. They also get to know the members on a personal level. Hokie Softball Wins Three Against Cavaliers The Virginia Tech softball team played the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in a three-game series this past weekend where they won all three games. The Hokies got out to an early start in their first game on Friday when Stephanie Savre hit a three-run homerun in the top of the third inning. Savre went on to hit another solo homerun in the fifth inning making the game 4-0.
Sudflood to fill TOTS The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity will host their annual Sudflood concert on April 28.The entire chapter sends out an invitation to anyone who wants to come and listen to local bands and have a good time. A total of six bands are appearing at the concert. Carbon Leaf and Jimmy’s Chicken Shack are headlining the event and four additional local bands will also play. Hokies Continue Skid Against No. 16 Clemson Virginia Tech’s woes continued over the weekend as the Tigers came to English Field and swept the Hokies. Weather played a big part in game one as the snow and cold conditions forced play to be suspended on Friday night. The game resumed in the fifth inning on Saturday afternoon as part of a semi-doubleheader. Local Chocolate Shop Makes Easter Sweet The War Hits Home It is easy to support the war in Iraq when you only “know someone” over in the Middle East. It becomes more difficult when a member of your family has to travel the 6,000 miles to fight in an unjust war. A few days ago my brother (a U.S. Marine) called me with the news that he will be shipping out to the Sunni Triangle in July. His tour, which is scheduled to last for seven months, will take him to the center of the fighting. After hearing the news of my brother’s deployment, I have discovered a newfound disdain for the college-aged war hawks who write and blog but never fight. Health Insurance Promotions Fair The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) at Virginia Tech will hold its first Health Insurance Promotions Fair April 9 in the Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room. Students, as well as members of the community, are being strongly encouraged to attend free of charge. &ldqou;People should come because this is a great opportunity to learn about health care insurance, which is something that everyone needs,&rdqou; said Jiadi Wang, senior biochemistry major at Virginia Tech and AMSA Vice President. Holocaust Survivor to speak on “Finding My Path” Dr. Nate Kranowski will speak Tuesday, April 10th on “Finding My Path” about his life and experiences as a Holocaust survivor. Dr. Kranowski was only a boy when he made the trip from France to the United States after the death of his parents in Auschwitz. He went on to earn his doctorate from Columbia University in French literature, and a master’s degree in Accounting from Virginia Tech, and a CPA certificate, and spent 15 years teaching French language and literature, and another 25 years at Radford University teaching accounting. Hokies Reign Supreme in Intra-State Battle with VMI Amidst the frigid temperatures at English Field the Hokies struck out a season-high 16 batters to down the Keydets 13-6 Wednesday night. Sean O’Brien and Bryan Thomas led the Hokie offensive amassing three hits and three RBI apiece to help Tech score in each of the first six innings. Interview: Dr. James I. Robertson Jr. A self-proclaimed “workaholic”, Dr. James I. Robertson Jr. has done much during his tenure at Virginia Tech. He is one of eight Alumni Distinguished Professors at Virginia Tech, has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, and earned every award given in Civil War Scholarship. He is regularly called upon for guidance in historical documentaries and travels regularly to give speeches on the Civil War. Interview: Lessandra MacHamer, supervising production manager at NBC “One of the responsibilities of a production manager is to make it happen- no matter what the obstacles,” said Lessandra MacHamer, supervising production manager at NBC. These obstacles could be time, weather, budget or those that are the least predictable. Obstacles are simply part of the job description and one must learn to adapt and overcome. In a typical week MacHamer manages the Today Show, Chris Matthews Show, Dateline, as well as producing Willard Scott’s weekly appearances on the Today Show. From the moment a guest or location is selected, she is working behind the scenes to gather all the production the elements and ensure that the process is completed as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Club Volleyball Set For Championship Tourney The Virginia Tech Men’s Volleyball Club team prepares for the most climactic weekend of the season. April 12-14 marks the final competition of the NIRSA Collegiate Sport Club Championships at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. As of March 25, NIRSA, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, has Virginia Tech ranked 12th out of the 84 Men’s Division I teams attending the National tournament. Diawara Drafted In Third Round
The San Antonio Silver Stars selected Nare Diawara, the 6’6” center from Mali, in the third round of the WNBA draft (30th pick overall). Green Is Sexy Date Auction Today Virginia Tech’s largest environmental organization has wrangled up a group of students who are willing to be sold to the highest bidder in order to support a noble cause. The Environmental Coalition will host a “Green is Sexy” date auction at the Sharkey’s on Main Street today to help raise money for its Earth Day events as well as for The American Cancer Society through the organization’s Relay for Life team, The Challengers. Brush Mountain Gets Supafly On Saturday March 31, the seventh annual Supafly competition took place on Brush Mountain. Supafly is an unofficial downhill mountain biking race held by numerous members of the biking community here at Virginia Tech. The event started at the Gateway trail and racers were timed mountain biking down Old Farm and Sidewinder trails. Blacksburg Plans Massive Easter Egg Hunt The Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 7. Children up to 8 years old are encouraged to come out for the hunt and to have their picture taken with the Easter bunny himself! Randy Hall, the community programs supervisor for the town of Blacksburg, said this hunt is the biggest Easter egg hunt in the New River Valley for over 25 years. In fact, nearly 10,000 eggs are hidden around the park for children to find! There are two locations for younger and older children. Gay? Fine By Me! About 25 students were present in the library/bookstore plaza around noon on March 29, most of whom sported a boldly colored “Gay? Fine by me” T-shirt. Forming a semi-circle facing the library doors, each student looked up to Gay Awareness Week Chair for 2007, John “Gray” Williams, as he stood with a gay pride flag wrapped around him like a cape. In a loud voice, Williams called the crowd’s attention. Roanoke Celebrates 125 Years Although the weather may have put a damper on the festivities of Roanoke’s 125th birthday celebration, the procession of horse-drawn carriages, dignitaries, color guard, bands, veterans and bagpipers still made its way through downtown Roanoke from the Hotel Roanoke to the civic center with only slight delay and discomfort from the rain and humidity. The opening ceremony of Roanoke’s 125th anniversary was held in the newly built Special Events Center, on Saturday, March 31 at 12:00 p.m. in honor of Roanoke’s rich history, the people of Roanoke, and the promises made for progress and prosperity. Bomb Threat Closes Torgersen Hall A bomb threat Monday forced the evacuation of Virginia Tech's Torgerson Hall and rerouted the flow of vehicular traffic.
Interview: Carol Nahorniak, Myers PR
...You have to be willing to stick your neck out and to do things without being paid. Our company in particular, we are big on community outreach. We encourage all of our clients to reach out to the community. That’s our number one thing. Hokies Lose Ninth Straight To UVa Over Weekend Series
Pitcher Sean Doolittle lead the Cavaliers (27-5, 8-4 ACC) to an 8-5 win over Virginia Tech (15-14, 4-8 ACC) Sunday on English Field. “We knew we really had to come ready to play. It wasn’t pretty. It definitely wasn’t our best game of the year, but we found a way to get it done,” said Doolittle. MLB Preview: National League West The National League West may not be as competitive as other divisions, but don’t count them out of being the center of the media this season just yet. With Barry Bond’s on the heels of breaking Hank Aaron’s all-time homerun record and four of the five teams overhauling their pitching staffs, the division just might shape up to be more exciting than you think. |
Three Hokies Drafted; School Supported This past weekend’s NFL Draft saw only three players from Virginia Tech drafted, but once again in the wake of the terrible events of April 16th the entire university was supported. Former Hokie players and first-round draft picks Michael Vick, Bruce Smith and DeAngelo Hall along with Tech head coach Frank Beamer were in attendance at Radio City Music Hall this weekend as guests of the NFL. All of the ESPN anchors and the top players in attendance wore VT lapel pins, as they became the latest to support the Hokie Nation. Hokies Win Series With Eagles; Clinch Regular Season ACC Title
In the first game, Tech got out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first. The bases were loaded for Kelsey Hoffman, who was able to put the ball in play and the second baseman couldn’t hold onto it, scoring Callie Rhodes. Erin Ota then went on to score from third on a wild pitch, making the score 2-0. Baseball Ends 14-Game ACC Skid
The teams were forced to play a doubleheader on Saturday after Friday’s game was rained out. Rich Burke Keeps the Flame Burning After 10 years serving as Federal Express’s senior operations manager, Rich Burke decided he wanted a change of pace. After circulating his first résumé in more than a decade, Burke climbed even higher up the corporate ladder to become the vice president of inventory for Circuit City, responsible for every one of the $10 billion the company touched. Fantasy Sports Provide Real Satisfaction Every spring, millions of baseball fans come together to not only watch the great American game but to engage in head-to-head match ups against friends and many times people they don’t even know. Zach Layman knows just how intense these “friendly” leagues can be. “Fantasy Baseball gives me something to rag on my friends about, because their teams suck and I usually destroy them”. Layman has played fantasy baseball since 2002. Poem: We Are Virginia Tech Anyone who has ever been to VT knows; Former Player and Radio Network to Establish Scholarship Fund Since the campus shootings of April 16, sports entities from around the globe have displayed their support for the Virginia Tech community in a number of ways, both symbolic and monetary. One of the most ambitious of tributes, however, comes from one of the school’s own former athletes. Current Cleveland Brown and former Hokie defensive back, Justin Hamilton, has teamed up with the Sports Addict Radio Network to raise money for the creation of 32 scholarships in memory of the victims of that day’s events. Hamilton himself has already created the Justin Hamilton Foundation and donated $50,000 to start the fund off. Interview: Asaf Shakham, Interactive Web Designer and Founder of the Mones Concept, Development and Design Company Whether is developing some of the most innovating commercials around, or strategically developing a creative marketing strategy, Asaf Shakham is always ready to implement the freshest design applications to any of his varying client’s strategic needs. Every client is different. Every designer has a style, no matter what they say, and every job is a challenge. You have you make each project fit; if it doesn’t fit, you don’t get paid. Student in West AJ Recalls Fear, Tears I am a resident of the fourth floor of West Ambler Johnston and here is my story. At 7:15 on Monday, April 16, 2007, my alarm clock went off. At that same time a call was made to 911 from the fourth floor of West Ambler Johnston dormitory, after the innocent lives of a residential advisor and a resident of the fourth floor were taken… I woke up and made my usual sleepy stumble to the bathroom down the hallway. Not a soul was in sight, and the halls were as quiet as any normal morning during the school week. Sudflood to Take Stage at TOTS
“Sudflood is one of those events that brings everyone together for an amazing time and a great cause,” said Daniel Heaton, a senior management major. Charles Reinholtz: Engineering a Positive Experience for Students Charles Reinholtz finds that in his particular field, his teaching is done outside the classroom more than in it. Professor Reinholtz is one of the mechanical engineering teachers at Virginia Tech who facilitate the senior design classes, which include: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Competition Team (UAV), International Aerial Robotics Competition, DARPA Urban Challenge, Blind Driver Challenge, and Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition. Video included. Floyd's Sun Music Hall Has A Real Vibe It feels as if you’ve stepped into a movie. A sleepy dog named Sunflower stretches across the sidewalk, soaking up the last of the sunlight. Men with faded jeans and slightly ruffled hair lean against an old wooden bench and the side of a brick building. They pull out their instruments, and though they have no audience, they play together as the moon starts to take its place in the sky. The nods and smiles are warm. Here, people can feel like they belong. The air seems lighter and there is a subtle glow coming from inside the building. Hokies Done In By Wild Ways, Lose 8-6 To JMU
For the seventh time this season the Hokies lost despite out-hitting their opponent as Tech collected 13 hits in the game compared to 10 hits for the Dukes. Media Presence Annoys Mourners Gathered To Honor Victims Monday Rise early at Virginia Tech and you can discover true quiet at, say, 7 a.m. Few students or faculty can be seen, except for the occasional early bird eager to snare a hot breakfast. That seemed to be the point of “A Moment In Time,” another remembrance event from a week of events that occurred Monday morning to mark the 7:15 a.m. incident at West Ambler Johnston April 16 that left two people dead and ignited the ensuing rampage in Norris Hall two hours later. This Monday the idea seemed simple enough: Have students and other members of the Tech community gather on Dietrick Lawn to mark last week’s event. This time, however, a few Virginia Tech Police officers, students and various members of campus ministry found themselves accompanied by a bevy of reporters, with their cameras and microphones in hand. Letter from ESPN's Chris Fowler ESPN announcer Chris Fowler has sent a letter of support to the Virginia Tech community. Fowler and his colleagues Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso host the weekly traveling college football show, Gameday. Their multiple visits to Blacksburg have been extremely well received by the Hokie Nation. Virginia Tech Tragedy Affects All Ages The message that has been put in effect is, “We Are All Hokies.” In Maryland and Washington D.C. area schools, the message has been clear and supported. While those on the college level have been able to understand the tragedy in its entirety, those younger in age have been trying to comprehend it. Ritchie Park Elementary School, in Potomac, Md., was one among the many elementary schools that honored Virginia Tech. Commentary: Tech Bonds Together to Support President Steger and Chief Flinchum
Hokies Win 2 of 3 Against Maryland In Emotional Weekend Series The Virginia Tech Softball team took the field this weekend for the first time after Monday’s tragedy, and gave many Hokie fans something to cheer about. The Hokies took on Maryland in a doubleheader on Saturday. The first game started with an emotional pre-game ceremony in which Maryland players presented the Hokies with a gift, followed by a moment of silence and then the powerful words of Nikki Giovanni’s “We Are Virginia Tech” speech. “Sanctuaries” Appear In Departments Across Campus In Wake Of Shootings A picture of Reema Samaha performing in a high school theater production hung on one of the walls of room 105 in the Performing Arts Building; her teacher from Westfield High School shared some memories of Samaha, and also expressed sympathies for her family and friends and the Virginia Tech community. Samaha was among the 32 students killed Monday in a shooter’s rampage on campus. Tech Graduates Write Song: “Forever Changed VT” A band called “The Season,” whose members graduated from Virginia Tech a few years ago, has written a song in reaction to Monday’s shootings. The song is called “Forever Changed VT,” and it can be listened to below. To download, right-click here and choose “Save Link As” or “Save Target As.” For more information about the band and to listen to more of their music, go to the band's MySpace page. Commentary: Friday’s Blue Skies Greeted The Orange And Maroon Bright sun, blue skies and a vivid sea of orange and maroon filled the campus of Virginia Tech, the town of Blacksburg, the state of Virginia and across the United States for our National Day of Mourning on Friday, April 20, 2007, to remember the innocent victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech. I didn’t know what to expect when I left for work this morning. Our week had been so overwhelming with the full spectrum of emotions, the intense media barrage on our small town and the outpouring of support from so many. There was still a somber silence on campus surrounding the memorials on the Drillfield where so many Hokies were mourning their friends or family or simply paying their respects to victims with whom there was no personal relationship. I, like many, fall into that last category and had no personal relationships with any of the victims, yet I still feel a connection to them. Students, Faculty Anticipate Holding Class Again Virginia Tech students have questions and some apprehension about the resumption of classes Monday. Others are eager to rejoin their groups and meet again. First, there‘s the calendar. The last day of classes ends May 2, and final exams begin on May 4. Remembering Ryan "Stack" Clark: Laughter from Yesteryear  He was an RA on the fourth floor of Payne that year, and I was on the first floor, but he would always take the time to walk by my room and look in and check on me. We became very good friends after only a few weeks, and he would come in and sit down in my room and we would talk about any and everything for long periods of time. Time seemed to just pause when he and I were together; it was as if he and I were the only two people in the world at that moment, and nobody could reach us. It was beautiful. NASCAR, Drivers To Pay Tribute To Tech
As a tribute to the victims of Monday’s shootings on campus, NASCAR has received permission from the university to display a Virginia Tech logo on its cars during the next three weekends’ races. This includes the Nextel Cup Series and Busch Series races at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend, Talladega Superspeedway April 28 and 29, and Richmond International Raceway May 4 and 5. Beamer: “We’re Not Going To Take It”  Frank Beamer was in his office overlooking Lane Stadium Monday morning when, like many other members of the community, he first got word about the shootings at West Ambler-Johnston. And like many others, he faced a day of worsening news reports, most of them provided by his longtime administrative assistant John Ballein, who was following the story on television. As a university or college student, you may be struggling to understand how a shooting rampage could take place on a university campus and why such a thing would happen. There may never be satisfactory answers to these questions. The American Psychological Association offers three tips to help students deal with their distress. Commentary: Time To Come Together As an alumna and a current employee of Virginia Tech, I, like the rest of our tight-knit community, have gone through many emotions over the past two days; confusion, disbelief, and sadness that will continue for some time, for me and so many more. Threats Limit Access to Government Buildings The Town of Blacksburg Municipal Building is open with limited access Wednesday in response to threats on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg and the Montgomery County Court House in Christiansburg. SWAT teams drew their weapons and surrounded Burruss Hall this morning in response to an unfounded threat that targeted Virginia Tech President, Charles Steger, according to Blacksburg Police Chief, Wendell Flinchum. Community Grief Gatherings The Mental Health Association of the New River Valley will hold a “Community Grief Gathering” Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church. The gatherings will provide an opportunity for the community to share personal experiences, stories and discuss coping strategies and mental health professionals will guide discussions among participants. Prayer Services for Today Community Watched Convocation in Lane Stadium  The crowd standing on the sidewalk silenced early Tuesday afternoon. Many looked down Spring Road, which was blockaded by two motorcycles and an armored state police car, and wondered what was happening. Muffled whispers circulated in the crowd that President Bush was on his way, but a few minutes later police informed the crowd to enter Lane Stadium to proceed to gate 6. At that moment, people from both sides of the street flocked towards the gates. Inside, it was a sea of orange and maroon. Harper Resident Angered By University’s Late Decision To Shut Down Editor’s Note: In recognition of the importance of free speech, Planet Blacksburg publishes the views of student contributors. The opinions expressed herein are not the official position of Planet Blacksburg and are not endorsed by the organization. I woke up Monday morning. A seemingly normal morning, the thoughts in my mind raced over the days events. I had class at 10 a.m., a visual presentation at 12:20, a news story deadline at 2:00, and work at 2:30. It was the usual entourage of events and assignments that go through your head as a student preparing for the beginning of your busy week. Remainder of Spring Football, Other Sports Canceled In light of the tragedy on April 16, the Virginia Tech Athletics Department has made the following decisions regarding its athletics teams: The remainder of Tech’s spring football session, including Saturday’s Spring Game, has been canceled. Tech was scheduled to practice Wednesday and Friday before holding the Spring Game on Saturday. NFL Hokies Weigh In On Tragedy Former Hokies Michael Vick and DeAngelo Hall of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons released statements concerning the events that took place on Virginia Tech’s campus yesterday. “First and foremost, I am shocked and deeply saddened about the tragic loss of life that took place early Monday on the Virginia Tech campus. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones involved in this terrible tragedy. It is my hope that the university community can pull together to help the students cope with this senseless and unfortunate ordeal,” said Vick. Afternoon Press Conference Raises More Questions Than Answers During a late-afternoon press conference Monday, Virginia Tech officials and administrators struggled to provide answers to a host of media questions about the massacre of 32 students in classrooms and a dorm earlier Monday morning. When asked why officials did not close campus sooner when the shooting incident occurred in West Ambler Johnston, Virginia Tech Police Chief Wendell Flinchum said, “We thought the situation was handled. . . We knew two people were shot and that’s the information we went off of.” Schopf Speaks On Evolution Imagine the entire history of the Earth being summed up in a 24 hour period. Now imagine the existence of humans only occupy one minute of that entire day. Dr. J. William Schopf spoke to Virginia Tech faculty and students about the earliest life on Earth in Derring Hall on April 13. They Call them ‘Ugg’ for a Reason  Before I explain my reasoning behind my revulsion towards these boots (if you can even call them boots – I prefer to refer to them as sheep shoes), I should probably give you a little history on the Ugg boot. First, let me start by saying the Australian slang “Ug” is short for ugly, and this nickname did not start out as a brand name. It was an old standard term for the way this type of Australian-made boot looked. Failing. . . To Succeed? Curving: the main reason the majority of college students are not failing out of school. What’s one of the biggest problems with state universities? The professors are so worried about doing research and keeping their job that they forget their main reason for being a university employee; to teach! The Phoenix Al Gore’s life reads like a Hollywood script. He rose through the political ranks to become both a congressman and senator in the 1970s and ‘80s. In 1992, Gore joined Bill Clinton’s ticket and became the vice president of the United States. Seven years after the tumultuous 2000 presidential election, Gore has become less of a politician and more of a movie star. LEAP Rep Speaks On Alternative Drug War Solutions It was during Jerry Cameron‘s experiences on the front lines as a warrior in the War on Drugs that he determined that the U.S. policies he was responsible for enforcing were a complete failure. The former Floridian police chief of 11 years decided to take action by joining Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). LEAP is a nonprofit, educational organization comprised of over 5,000 members including police officers, judges, prosecutors, parole, probation and corrections officers, DEA and FBI agents, prison wardens, and concerned citizens. South Main Retail Developers Brief Blacksburg Community On Thursday, April 12, Fairmount Properties held a private briefing at the Inn at Virginia Tech to discuss recent updates concerning retail development in the Blacksburg area. Adam Fishman, principal of Fairmount Properties, stood behind a podium in front of a standing room only audience in the Drillfield room of the Inn at Virginia Tech early Thursday afternoon and delivered an impassioned lecture concerning recent developments for The Boulevards at Blacksburg, a site situated just minutes from Virginia Tech‘s main campus. Interview: Cathy Bongiovi of UVa Athletics Media Relations Tucked away underneath the 16,000 seats that make up the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va., is an office with framed sports memorabilia from the University of Virginia hanging on the wall, and telephone ringing nearby. According the University of Virginia athletic website, Cathy Bongiovi has received 14 citations from College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) for excellence in publication design, including one for the 2003-2004 Virginia women’s media guide. Radford Professor Shares Holocaust Experience “They lived, although I barely knew them,” Dr. Nat Kranowski said of his parents, after showing the only picture he had of them together. Kranowski was four when his parents were taken to a concentration camp in France in 1942. They were later taken to Auschwitz, where they were killed by the Nazis. Kranowski was the fifth speaker to participate in the “Finding My Path” series begun by Multicultural Programs and Services this year and also as part of Jewish Awareness month and Holocaust Awareness week. Soundfest Brings Bands, Free of Charge Blacksburg is home to the Virginia Tech Hokies, which brings thousands of fans and a huge amount of publicity every fall. Yet, how often do you see Blacksburg under the tour section of your favorite band’s website? Blacksburg has never been a huge alternative music scene hub, despite its ever-growing population of college students. But, one day a year, Virginia Tech puts on an all-day music festival, free of charge, to satisfy and stimulate a thirst for live music. One Man Show Battles Discrimination Four folding chairs sat center stage, each with a different garment of clothing resting on the chair’s back. The garments consisted of a football jersey, a black hooded sweatshirt, a scarf and a vest-like garment. These random garments would illustrate just a few of the “masks” people in society have come to hide behind to adapt or fit in with what is seen as the “right-handed world.” Town Council Approves Mixed Use Development District The Blacksburg Town Council held a meeting on April 10 to discuss and vote on various issues, which included an ordinance amending the zoning ordinance to create a mixed use development, an ordinance to amend the fiscal year operating budget, a review of the Blacksburg Partnership Annual Report, and to discuss other issues concerning the town. The meeting, held at 7:30 p.m. at 300 South Main Street, had all council members in attendance. They are Mayor Ron Rordam, Vice Mayor Susan Anderson, Mary Holliman, Don Langrehr, Alvah T. Leighton, Jr., Paul Lancaster, and Thomas M. Sherman. Good Friday Prayer Walk “...take time on Good Friday to stop and pray, and remember about Jesus dying on the cross and pray for some important issues...,” said Karen Gilbert, a leader of the Intercessory Prayer Team at Blacksburg Baptist Church. The Blacksburg Baptist Church hosted a Good Friday prayer walk in honor of the religious day, April 6. The walk started at 11:30 a.m. and ended at 1 p.m., but the sanctuary was open all day. Interview: Morgan Dean, TV8 Reporter  The cluttered desk, photos of his family, and an email inbox full of hundreds of new emails from a single day, indicated a very busy lifestyle for Morgan Dean. It didn’t take long for Dean, weekday evening reporter for TV8 News and weekend film critic, to realize his passion for being in the public eye. He discovered at a young age that he had an immediate love for film and people. Dean anchored news shows and also co-anchored a movie review show during his college years at Virginia Tech. His hard work and good-natured personality have made him a favorite in the Richmond area. In-de-pend-ent
Scott is sophomore business finance major from Virginia Beach that is responsible for the cost of her education and as well as all other living expenses. Spring Football: An Early Look at the Running Backs Everyone knows what Brandon Ore can do. Last season, Ore rushed for almost 1,200 yards with 16 touchdowns and in the process, asserted himself as the starting tailback. After Ore however, the Hokies were left searching for a consistent second-string runner and that search continues this spring. Padgett’s Three-Run Blast Lifts Hokies Over Richmond
Padgett and Adam Redd both collected three hits on the day for Tech and combined for five of the team’s 12 runs. Annual Kids Health Day To Teach Heathy Habits The YMCA at Virginia Tech and the Department of Recreation Sports will co-sponsor Virginia Tech 1st Annual YMCA Kids Health Day on Saturday, April 14. “It’s just a lot of little fun activities to get kids to realize that they don’t have go out and run a track in order to be healthy, that it can encompass a variety of different events ,“ said Director of Student Programs for YMCA Sandy Wirt. Interview: Bill Roth, the “Voice of the Hokies” The “Voice of the Hokies,” Bill Roth, has become a well-known name over the years in Virginia Tech Athletics. Due to his easy going personality and the drive he had to succeed at such a young age, Roth has been able to fulfill his goal of working for one specific athletic team during his career. Roth has now been with the Hokies for 19 seasons. In addition, he has worked for ESPN during off seasons and writes the Kroger Roth Report. Roth has announced more games than any broadcaster in Virginia Tech history including 13 bowl games. |
Authorities quickly erected a wire fence around Tech’s Norris Hall in the days
after the shootings there April 16.
Girls Gone Wild, scheduled to occur at Oge-Chi’s on Draper Road in Blacksburg, will be canceled. The decision came Friday, according to Jerry Smith, director of operations for Chiamaka Entertainment, Inc., which owns the restaurant.
Imagine being 5 years old and scared to drink juice for the next ten years because of the horrible memories you have of ingesting the most disgusting chemotherapy medicine you could ever imagine. 
The University of Virginia earns a Commonwealth Challenge point after a three game sweep of the Hokies.
by Brittney Asbury, Sports Writer
The Virginia Tech logo will be seen in a new place this weekend, but if you blink you just might miss it.
