Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, August 21, 1995 TAG: 9508220034
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DANIEL UTHMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LEXINGTON LENGTH: Medium
In response to strong alumni interest in the area, Keydet officials are looking at the possibility of playing a game in Victory Stadium as early as the 1996 season. VMI played Virginia Tech in Roanoke every year from 1913 to 1971.
Talk of the Keydets playing in the stadium got serious when Liberty came on the schedule for the upcoming season. Some hoped the game would be played in Roanoke, but the two schools were concerned about Victory Stadium's facilities, particularly its lack of on-site locker rooms.
``It's not something we felt we could do this year,'' said VMI athletic director Davis Babb. ``That's not to say it could not happen in the future, though.''
If it is to happen in 1996, the most likely dates would be either Sept.7 against an opponent to be announced - possibly Liberty - or Nov.9, when the Keydets are scheduled to host Richmond. Fans have their eyes on Oct.12 - the Marshall game. The problem is that Oct.12 is also Parents' Weekend, and a game couldn't be pulled away from the campus that day.
If a game were to come to Victory Stadium, all proceeds beyond the visitor's guarantee would go to the Shriners, who would then provide a donation to local hospitals.
VMI already plays one neutral-site game each year, the Oyster Bowl in Norfolk against William and Mary.
QB QUANDARY: Backup Greg Ellen calls it a ``competition, not a controversy.'' He and incumbent starting quarterback Al Lester call each other friends. Perhaps that's why they are staying so positive about their neck-and-neck battle for the starting job.
Both are sophomores and both have different strengths. Their teammates say Lester is more of a leader and is more decisive, but that Ellen has a better arm. Lester has the edge on experience. What they both have, thanks to their coaches, is a chance to win the position.
``We've got two weeks to decide,'' Keydets coach Bill Stewart said. ``I'm hoping not to wait to game week.''
VMI opens at Richmond Sept.2. The No.2 quarterback at that point better be prepared to play, though. ``Both will play in the first ballgame,'' Stewart said. ``One game does not a season make.
``Our [second-stringers] will be in the football game in the second quarter. We've got to play people.''
DEFENSE DOMINATES: The linebacking corps of Kelly Cook, Mike Rogers and Mike Edwards, along with cornerback Ron Hill, held the upper hand in the Keydets' first scrimmage Saturday.
Hill was not in school last year, but is back with sophomore eligibility. His presence was noted in the scrimmage with a series of pass break-ups.
Tailback Thomas Haskins led all rushers with 62 yards on 14 carries. Ellen was 6-of-12 for 52 yards and Lester was 5-of-11 for 43.
GOOD SHAPE: Injuries have been limited in camp so far. Darrius Jackson is the only returning letterman sidelined. He will have a pin placed in his foot today to heal a stress fracture and will be out four weeks. Offensive guard Jon Sherrod has had kidney problems and Ben Schultz, also a backup guard, is resting a knee he sprained while water skiing this summer.
SHORTS: Sophomore Chris Strock and freshman Justin Molloy have been moved to tight end. They will help fill the void left by Jason Crowder, who is academically ineligible this fall. Crowder plans to rejoin the team next season. ... Last summer, 16 rats failed the preseason running test. This summer, that number dropped to six. ... With receivers coach Mike Tomlin (William and Mary class of '94) and tight ends coach Eric Plogger (VMI '93) on board, the Keydets' staff now includes two 23-year-olds. Split end Jeff Hubbard will be 23 on Nov.25. ... There are only six seniors on the VMI roster.
by CNB