Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 2, 1990 TAG: 9003023066
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By BILL BRILL EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
That's no way to enjoy a party.
Virginia tried to bid a gala farewell to basketball coach Terry Holland on Thursday night, but the best present of all, a victory, was removed from the game plan by underdog Wake Forest.
The Demon Deacons, who hadn't won in 12 tries at University Hall and just once in the past 19, took advantage of UVa's worst offensive game of the season to spoil Holland's home finale 51-50.
As a result, the postgame awards ceremony had a less-than-festive atmosphere.
"That put kind of a damper on it," said Wally Walker, one of many former players to be on hand for Holland's last home game after 16 years as Virginia's coach.
Walker, who led a seventh-place team to three stunning upsets and Holland's only Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title in 1976, presented his former coach with the biggest gift.
Current Virginia players John Crotty and Matt Blundin carried a small rubber raft to the midcourt ceremony, from which Walker removed a $25,000 check, which will permit the coach to purchase a boat large enough to carry the raft.
"He taught us there was life after basketball," Walker said. "He pushed us to do our best."
Walker also read a letter of congratulations from President Bush.
ACC Commissioner Gene Corrigan, one of many dignitaries in the sellout audience, read a commendation from the Seven Society, which gave Holland a silver tray.
UVa President Robert O'Neil gave Holland's wife a bouquet of flowers.
There were no tears for the always stoic Holland, who will return to his alma mater, Davidson, as athletic director after the season.
"The pleasure has been all the Holland family's," he said. In the crowd were his father, three brothers and his sister.
"The memories will be with us forever," the 47-year-old coach said.
Saluting the crowd, he said, "It really has been a family. The university community has been part of the family."
Then, waving to the fans, he said, "I hope you'll be here when we come back from Denver [Final Four]."
by CNB