THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 7, 1996 TAG: 9609070448
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 45 lines
During the months leading up to the start of the season, players for the Hampton Roads Sharks must have thought they had signed on with a public service organization instead of a football team.
Since the team began two-a-week practices in May, members of the squad have made 30 visits to places like nursing homes, shopping centers and youth athletic practices.
And for the opening day of public school, nine Sharks were at Seatack Elementary in Virginia Beach to lend a helping hand.
``Kids are scared on their first day of school, especially the real young ones,'' said Dr. T.J. Morgan, team owner and head coach. ``But when they looked up and saw some of these football players, they forgot about mom and dad for a while and their faces just lit up.''
The Sharks helped first-timers find their classrooms.
``They even held their hands and took them to class,'' Morgan said. ``It was something to see. They really did a great job and they're so good with the kids.''
The Sharks probably have had more practice at community service than at football. They've given several community-league football teams clinics like the one they'll host at 10 a.m. today at Kempsville High. And they work as volunteers every other Friday at the Virginia Beach Family Night at Mount Trashmore.
While their efforts help promote the team, Morgan says it is a goal of Sharks management to be a visual part of the community.
``We just want to be involved with the community, because we're part of it, and it takes the community to make us work,'' Morgan said.
SHARK BITES: Running back Kevin Vines might not play in tonight's game against Lynchburg at Kempsville High, having been called up for reserve duty. Mike Nettles probably will take his place. . . . Corey Kennedy threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns in the Sharks' 34-30 victory two weeks ago over the Washington Stars. . . . Hampton Roads has only three home games remaining after tonight. . . . Running back Dean Devlin is out for the season with torn knee cartilage suffered against the Stars. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
Gamewatch
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