ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 29, 1997 TAG: 9703310141
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTER
Ambassadors for the state of Virginia
On behalf of the Orange Bowl Committee, I just wanted to comment that all Virginians should be proud of the fine group of young gentlemen which visited us this past Orange Bowl season. During my past 18 years of working with the Orange Bowl I have not been associated with a finer group of young men who displayed themselves with such outstanding character and stature as the Hokie team.
With all the adverse publicity which apparently has appeared in the local media, I wanted to point out what was observed by those of us on the committee who worked with Virginia Tech.
Not just a few, but the entire team of young gentlemen participated in the 7 a.m. prayer breakfast which is held annually as part of the Orange Bowl Festival. Over 20 seniors made a hospital visit during their precious free time for the purpose of brightening up the day of young sick children in our community. The team hotel stated that they wished that all of their guests had the Southern manners that the players exhibited during their stay. There were no complaints, only numerous compliments on the way the Hokie team displayed themselves while in Miami.
Although Virginia Tech may not have won the football game, they certainly are winners in the eyes of all of us on the Orange Bowl Committee.
CHRISTOPHER E. KNIGHT
CHAIRMAN, ORANGE BOWL HOSPITALITY
Express competitive on and off the ice
I suppose we should take it as an indication that we've ``made it'' in professional sports when a fan described as ``loyal'' can blast our motivations and efforts despite the fact that for the fourth year running the Roanoke Express has had a winning team in the toughest division in minor league sports. We also compete with cities like Charlotte, New Orleans and Norfolk as the second smallest market in a 25-team league. Since Mr. Milona has purchased season tickets for three years, we do feel he deserves a reply and we hope he will give management a chance to set the facts straight.
While our current ownership structure is only three weeks old, I want to reassure Mr. Milona that we are 100 percent dedicated to only three true goals: 1) providing a family-oriented atmosphere of professional ice hockey; 2) developing young talent with the hopes of helping them move to the NHL; and 3) bringing a championship to our loyal fans in Roanoke. In doing this, however, we will never sacrifice our integrity or professionalism and we will strive to continue to field a team that Roanoke can be proud of on and off the ice.
As to the season ticket deposit and the amount of promotional giveaways, I really can't understand Mr. Milona's criticism. I have been to approximately 20 games in Richmond and Norfolk and they rarely give away anything to their fans but a few frisbees. Season ticket prices are nearly double ours in both arenas.
Mr. Milona's suggestion that our players don't listen to our coach and that there is a lack of intensity makes me wonder which team he's been watching. From our 20th man, through our coach, our general manager and all our ownership, we are passionate that we will never settle for or be satisfied with anything short of a Kelly Cup.
Finally, I want to add that we treasure our truly passionate fans like Mr. Milona. Perhaps reflecting on the above facts, Mike Milona will see his criticism towards management was just a bit unfair and certainly premature. As for our players and coach, I believe he owes them all an apology for questioning that group's desire and dedication.
JOSEPH J. STEFFEN, JR.
VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
ROANOKE EXPRESS
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