ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 1996 TAG: 9604180045
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DANIEL UTHMAN STAFF WRITER
LARRY ``DUKE'' STRAGER, a former Hokies assistant, gets the nod as the football team gears up for its second season.
The Roanoke Rush professional football team has brought in another coach with Virginia Tech ties with the hiring Wednesday of Larry ``Duke'' Strager as its head coach. Strager replaces Denie Marie, a former part-time assistant with the Hokies who guided the Rush through its first campaign in 1995.
Strager was an assistant under Frank Beamer from 1987 to 1991. Last season he served as the Rush's defensive coordinator.
``I always wanted to be a head coach again,'' said Strager, who guided Carnegie-Mellon to the NCAA Division III playoffs as a head coach in 1984. ``This is a good level. Maybe it will lead to something else.''
Last year Roanoke's defense held opponents to 11 points and less than 100 yards rushing per game. Strager said he won't change much on offense or defense, but said his highest priorities were finding a quality kicker, quarterback and running back.
The Rush will have an invitation-only tryout in the next couple weeks at the Rector Fieldhouse on the Virginia Tech campus. Strager said he hopes to find some talent there, but also wants some of the players to get a shot at the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers will have scouts at the workout.
``We're trying to make this like the Single-A for professional football,'' he said. The Rush competes in the 30-team National Minor League Football league.
Meanwhile, the Rush announced a 10-game schedule running Aug.3 to Oct.12. It begins with three consecutive home games and will be scheduled around Tech's home games.
The team is deep into negotiations to play again at Victory Stadium, but hopes to line up games at other venues in the region. It is looking for a practice facility with a place to store equipment as well.
The players using that equipment will be paid a significant amount this season, unlike the last. In 1995, a small incentive program was established. Strager would like to see something more significant.
``We're planning on paying players every week,'' he said. ``That way I can have some control. The guys last year did it for nothing.''
To raise money for salaries, etc., Roanoke has added a sales director, Blacksburg auctioneer Larry J. Linkous. Tickets go on sale Friday and can be obtained by calling 1-800-978-RUSH.
LENGTH: Medium: 51 linesby CNB