THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 1, 1996 TAG: 9601300128
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THE SPORTS EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK
SOURCE: VICKI L. FRIEDMAN
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
The U.S. military effort in Bosnia-Herzegovina is affecting one Norfolk volleyball player's game.
Gretchen Cooper has always had the loudest fan in the stands. Since beginning her volleyball career four years ago at Norfolk Christian, the middle blocker has been cheered on by her father. His deep, booming voice could be heard through the crowd yelling, `Go Gretchen' as the Ambassadors battled Tidewater Conference for Independent Schools opponents.
``My dad, he's my No. 1 cheerleader,'' Cooper said. ``He always yells the loudest. It's really nice when he comes.''
This year, his voice has been noticeably absent. Cooper's father, George, left for six months of duty as a Navy chaplain in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Before he left, he developed the novel plan of taping his voice and playing it at games. Although the plan fell through, Gretchen still feels his presence when she plays.
``It would have been nice,'' Cooper said. ``It's difficult. He's always been there cheering me on. I miss him a lot. Sometimes when I'm serving, I listen for him and he's not there.''
Gretchen, the senior co-captain, is working to fill the gap by compiling a game tape and sending it overseas.
Booker T. Washington wrestling coach Rob Toran has always respected the discipline of his 189-pounder, Kevin Harper. But despite Harper's work ethic, Toran didn't anticipate the junior returning to peak form after a broken fibula. Harper broke his fibula on the mat last March in practice while wrestling the Bookers' heavyweight, Leslie Carter.
``I was determined to get back,'' said Harper, one of the Bookers' captains.
Indeed, Harper is back and better than ever. Last year he managed only a 5-16 record; this year he's improved to 17-3.
Toran said a summer of hard work has had a huge impact. ``He wasn't a real strong kid for his weight last year,'' Toran said. ``He had to use more technique, more finesse.''
Since he's come back stronger this season, Harper is able to outwrestle many of the same opponents he lost to last year. He admits to being afraid to try some of the tactics that have led to his newfound success.
But don't blame Toran for being a bit in awe. ``If you had asked me if he could go into districts in the beginning of the season a 20-match winner, I'd have said no,'' Toran said. ``Maybe 500.''
Say goodbye to the Eastern Region Duals (Lake Taylor High starting Friday) after this weekend. The event, which began in 1990 to determine which teams would qualify for state, is being discontinued. Granby coach John Cerminara has mixed emotions about the end. Granby and Lake Taylor are the teams that will represent the Eastern District.
Cerminara is pleased that Granby reached the Duals for the first time ever. ``We'll probably end up wrestling either Cox or Tallwood, and we wouldn't normally wrestle them,'' he said. ``But for the majority of the teams, it's extending the season unnecessarily.''
Ditto says the Bookers coach Rob Toran. ``The season is long as it is and the kids get a little tired,'' he said. ``(Ending the Duals) is good in some ways because it doesn't drag out the season.''
Lake Taylor boys swim coach Scott Evans is pleased with the progress of several of his swimmers this season. Senior captain Theo Weaver has the top time in the Eastern District for the 50 freestyle in 25.25 seconds. Weaver, who competed in the 200 individual medley last season, also anchors the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay.
Also impressive, Sean Harkins, the freshman brother of district champions Kelley (in the 200 free) and Erin (200 IM). Sean competes in the 500 free and has taken three minutes off his time this season.
``He's come a long way,'' Evans said. ``It takes a lot for a freshman boy to come out and swim in the shadows of his sisters.'' MEMO: Staff writer Rea Farmer contributed to this report. by CNB