THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996 TAG: 9603090129
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Bill Leffler
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Golden words from the Golden Anniversary Jamboree of the Portsmouth Sports Club:
Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech football coach, who was honored as college coach of the year: ``We had a good football team that played well. It had the right chemistry and it reached its potential.
``The key now is to follow it up. Syracuse probably will be favored to win the Big East next season. Miami will be back. And we think we will be up there.
``We have to rebuild the defensive line. We could use help at wide receiver. If we fill these spots, we will have another good team.
``We went into the Sugar Bowl as an underdog and (ESPN's) Lee Corso was one of those who didn't think we belonged.
``Folks were lined up to get (Texas coach) John Mackovic's autograph before the game. I signed 300 autographs. And I still have them if anybody wants them.''
James Roe, Norfolk State receiver who was chosen as male college athlete of the year and speaking at a press conference in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame: ``I hope that I can work hard and dedicate myself. And one day I can be in this Hall of Fame.''
Donnie Shell, director of player relations for the Carolina Panthers and the Jamboree headliner: ``I guess the one play that stands out for me in my pro career was when we beat Houston at Houston in 1978. I knocked Earl Campbell out of the game on a tackle.
``Another special time for me was a game at Cleveland in 1980 when I intercepted three passes.''
Aaron Sparrow, Norfolk State quarterback who was a special award recipient:
``I felt very pleased with my showing at the NFL combine in Chicago. There were several really good quarterbacks there and I had the strongest arm in the camp. I was clocked at 58 miles per hour.''
Jimmy Williams, honored as the Sports Club member of the year: ``You have a lot of fun doing things and then it's especially nice to be recognized for it.''
Larry Piland, the Sportsperson of the Year: ``If you surround yourself with good people, you get things done. Thanks for making this a night I'll never forget.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Frank Beamer
Aaron Sparrow
Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Jimmy Williams, right, accepts the Portsmouth Sports Club Member of
the Year award from Bill Knowles. Williams was also chairman of the
Jamboree event this year.
by CNB