ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 11, 1996 TAG: 9612110065
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
TYPE: IN THE REGION
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS
Virginia Tech's ticket office reported that it already has sold approximately 12,000 tickets for the Hokies' Dec.31 Orange Bowl clash with Nebraska at Miami's Pro Player Stadium.
Tech athletic director Dave Braine, who toured Pro Player's 75,192-seat facility on Tuesday with Nebraska and bowl officials, said fans shouldn't panic if they haven't been able to get through to the school's ticket office. Tech ticket director Tom McNeer's staff has been fighting jammed phone lines since tickets went on sale at 9 a.m. Monday.
The number to the Hokies' ticket office is 1-800-828-3244. The local number is 540-231-6731. Tickets are priced at $60, $75 and $125. The tickets will be mailed the week of Dec.16.
nBilly Conaty, Tech's senior center, was named to the first-team offense on The Sporting News All-America team. Virginia kicker Rafael Garcia was chosen for the second-team offense and UVa safety Anthony Poindexter, a former Timesland player of the year from Jefferson Forest, was named to the second-team defense.
Virginia Tech kicker Shayne Graham, a former Pulaski County High School standout, was selected for The Sporting News Freshman All-America team.
* Twelve Timesland players have been named to The Associated Press 1996 All-State Group A scholastic football team.
Rural Retreat running back Gene Field and Grayson County guard Justin Diron were selected for the first team offense. Fields, a junior, had 1,786 yards on 250 carries in the regular season, then averaged about 100 yards per game in three playoff appearances for the Indians. Complete team in Scoreboard. B4
James River linebacker Billy Joe Carter and Giles defensive lineman Chris Ruth and defensive back Chris Ratcliffe were chosen for first team defense.
Shawsville quarterback Chris Graham, Parry McCluer guard Eric Mason and Giles running back Shaun Vaught, center Roger Simpkins and tackle Jeremy Saunders were named to the second team offense.
Covington lineman William Stewart was chosen for second team defense and Glenvar's Kevin Solesbee was named second team punter.
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