
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 3, 1990                   TAG: 9004030307
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Scott Blanchard
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WOOTEN TO HAVE SURGERY

Rodd Wooten, who entered spring practice as Virginia Tech's No. 1 quarterback, said he will have arthroscopic surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder Monday.

Wooten, who has suffered pain and weakness in the shoulder because of an inflamed rotator cuff, will miss the rest of spring practice.

"They're going to see if they can find something to do to alleviate the pain," said Wooten, a redshirt junior from Virginia Beach. "This is the last chance we have."

Wooten said the pain became worse shortly after the 1989 season ended, and that he has tried exercise, rest and medication, but has not felt any improvement. He has missed most of spring drills.

Wooten replaced Cam Young as the Hokies' starting quarterback when Young was injured against Virginia. Wooten led Tech to an upset of North Carolina State in the season finale. He was expected to battle fellow junior Will Furrer and freshman Maurice DeShazo for the starting job in the fall.

"I'm kind of upset because I set a lot of goals for spring," Wooten said. "[But] I really don't think it's going to hurt my chances. I don't think it will hurt my ability to throw the ball."

by CNB