THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 12, 1996 TAG: 9605100203
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY KEITH POMPEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Jennifer Cook and Brandi Smith are the first female track standouts to receive full track scholarships at Norcom this decade.
The seniors chose Virginia Tech over James Madison, George Mason, North Carolina Central, Virginia Commonwealth and Liberty.
``It feels good that both of us are going to Virginia Tech,'' Cook said. ``Now, I will not have to worry about making new friends. And I will not get lost by myself (while walking around campus).''
``We will get lost together,'' said Smith, who also played basketball for the Greyhounds.
Unfortunately for area opponents this duo doesn't get lost on the track. Smith is a 1996 indoor All-American in the pentathlon and the Eastern Region triple jump champ. So far this outdoor season, the 5-11, 140-pounderranks in the top three in the 100-meter hurdles, 300 hurdles, triple jump and long jump.
Cook isn't far behind, receiving All-Group AAA indoor honors in the 55 hurdles. The 17-year-old is also the defending Southeastern District champ in the 100 hurdles. And she's currently ranked second in the area behind Kempsville's Charlette Fayton.
But while they are elated with Virginia Tech, they're sad about leaving Norcom coach Vincent Pugh.
``I'm going to miss coach Pugh,'' Smith said. ``I have had a lot of coaches and the relationship has never been like this. It was always just one of a coach and athlete. But you can go to coach Pugh and talk about anything.''
Pugh feels the same way.
``I can't even measure how much I'm going to miss Brandi and Jennifer,'' he said. ``They meant everything to this program.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
Norcom track stars Brandi Smith, left, and Jennifer Cook are signing
with Virginia Tech. They are Norcom's first female track athletes to
receive full scholarships this decade.
by CNB