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

DATE: SATURDAY, July 9, 1994                   TAG: 9407110196
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY  
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: RADFORD                                 LENGTH: Medium

RADFORD ADDS SOFTBALL

The city's School Board gave Radford High School the go-ahead to add girls' softball to its athletic program beginning in 1994-95.

During its regular meeting Thursday, the board accepted a proposal from Radford High Principal Buddy Martin and Athletic Director Norman Lineburg to establish a softball program. The proposal included projected startup costs and gate receipts.

"We're ready to crank it up next spring," Martin said. "Starting a softball program is something Norman and I have talked about for a couple of years. This is a growing sport that we believe will generate a lot of interest."

Martin said a poll of Radford students indicated that 54 girls in grades nine through 12 were interested in playing, and 16 eighth-graders expressed interest. The school will attempt to field both varsity and junior varsity squads.

With the addition of softball, Radford has 19 interscholastic varsity sports. Softball becomes the ninth sport available for girls.

In a letter to the School Board, Martin and Lineburg estimated that the program will cost $3,640 in its first year. After that, softball could be funded for about $1,800 annually. Approximately $2,200 of the startup costs will be for equipment and uniforms.

(rest of this story ran on C2 in the New River Valley edition ).

Martin said a coach has not been named but "we have some plans there." The board approved a stipend request for a head coach and an assistant.

One problem the team will face will be finding enough opponents to complete a schedule. This fall, Radford will join the Group A Three Rivers District, a league that includes only one other school, Floyd County, that plays softball. Radford probably will have to fill out its schedule with some schools from the Roanoke Valley-area Pioneer District and possibly a Group AA opponent such as Carroll County, a former foe from Radford's days in the New River District.

"We know we'll have to do some traveling," Martin said.

by CNB