ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, February 24, 1997 TAG: 9702250040
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
Lady Hokies, coach Alfano are winners
I am very disappointed in the article about the Lady Hokies basketball team (``Tough times for women's hoops at Tech'') by Randy King. Has this reporter followed this team at all? If he had he would have written something very different. I do follow this team, along with my family and friends. We know what this team has done in the past and what they have been up against this year.
There are a few things that need to be straightened out for Mr. King. All you have to do is look at the roster and the concept of ``young'' jumps out at you. This is a very young team with only one returning senior starter. The next fact that cannot be overlooked is that injuries have plagued this year's team all season. Only four on the roster have not been sidelined by injuries. As soon as someone is healthy and ready to return, another player goes out. It is hard to jell as a team with an unknown and always changing lineup.
As for the coaches, you could not ask for a finer coach than Carol Alfano and her staff. This is a hard-working, dedicated basketball staff that has led the team through a tough year and managed to keep morale up.
Has the win-loss issue taken over here, or is there an understanding for a rebuilding team in an injury riddled season? If the bottom line is going to be the final score on whether a team and its coaches are successful, then I think we have missed the boat. I have luckily not missed this team in action on a regular basis. Win or lose, the character of this team, the coaches and the program under Carol Alfano are winners in my book.
SUSAN HUBBLE
Goodview
Jackson River: Lay blame on all
I'm tired of the controversy over the Jackson River tailwater. It's time for me to lay blame on all involved.
First, I'm still irritated at the Corps of Engineers for not condemning the river to the high water mark shortly after the completion of the project. If this had happened, there would be no problem today. Second, it has never set well with me that certain members of Trout Unlimited alienated certain riparian landowners from the very beginning. I knew it was a mistake to let someone from out of the area work with the locals in an attempt to come to a decision that everyone could live with.
The locals continue to cry over the warm water river that was lost and they continue to blame TU for the cold water releases from the dam. TU may take credit for getting the cold releases started, but I've always had the feeling that if Westvaco had not wanted the cool water, TU may very well still be campaigning for those chilly temps. Besides the constant whining from the locals, I'm also disappointed that the people of that area really have no clue as to what the river could mean to the whole region. Yes, the landowners along the river have an idea of its importance to them and their families, but few realize that a fishery like the Jackson could be an economic gold mine for the entire area. How about Virginia's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries? Any blame for those folks? Yeah, if they continue to plant fish, bought with angler dollars, in water that's not open to the public, there will be lots of blame.
The most recent problems fall squarely on the backs of TU. Yes, I'm a TU member and have been for quite sometime. TU made a gigantic mistake by lobbying for the entire tailwater to be artificial lure only. I opposed the request, not as a TU member, but as a fly angler that could see future problems. A few years back, TU had requested that the river be split so all angling groups could use the resource. I have no idea to the most recent logic.
Last, I'll blame myself for thinking that the river could and would become the best trout fishery in the East. I grew up in Bath County; I should have known better. What do I suggest? I'd say turn the warm water back on, but Westvaco would never stand for that. Halt all stocking of trout. There's not enough reproduction to sustain a natural population, so in about four or five years the river would have few trout and no anglers. I used to have hope that a compromise would be met by all involved, but not anymore. It's time to move on.
STEPHEN HINER
Christiansburg
Officials under lots of pressure
I write to express my appreciation of your recent coverage concerning the ``blown call'' in the Duke-Virginia men's basketball game Feb.11. I am an avid ACC basketball fan and I truly wish that some area television station would sign on with Raycom to afford more coverage of the best college basketball in the nation.
Despite my affinity for Virginia basketball, my heart goes out to the referees involved. We fans seldom realize the magnitude of responsibility placed on the officials because of our interest in the score, the standings and the partisanship we enjoy. ACC Supervisor of Officials Fred Barakat said it best when he indicated that Rick Hartzell was probably ``... already thinking about steps No.3 and 4 in the process and he forgot about 1 and 2.''
What stands out about this entire episode, however, is that Rick Hartzell was man enough to come forward, bare his heart, admit his mistake, and give us, the fans, an inkling of the dedication that he and all officials have for the fairness of the game. We should all consider the tremendous pressure under which college basketball officials must perform and your coverage should make all fans aware of the devotion that the officials have for the game.
In today's world of shirking responsibility and covering mistakes, I salute Rick Hartzell, (Tim Higgins) and (Zelton Steed) for their efforts during 39 minutes and 55 seconds of pressure-packed action - yes, and even for the last five seconds, too. I think we would all rather sit in the stands and criticize them than try to do what they have to do.
DONALD G. HAMMER
Marion
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LENGTH: Long : 114 linesby CNB