DATE: Sunday, September 28, 1997            TAG: 9709280220

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                        LENGTH:   47 lines

MCCLOSKEY SAYS SHE PLANS TO STAY AT VA. TECH EVEN THOUGH PASSED OVER AS THE AD, SHE SAYS HOKIES MADE THE PROPER DECISION.

Sharon McCloskey says she will remain at Virginia Tech even though she was not hired as athletic director.

McCloskey, who has been Tech's interim athletic director since Dave Braine moved to Georgia Tech in June, was the popular choice to replace Braine among coaches and some alumni. A Tech graduate who in 12 years worked her way up from a football receptionist to senior associate athletic director, McCloskey was endorsed in a letter to school administrators signed by every Tech head coach.

McCloskey admits to some disappointment at not being selected, but says Tech made the right choice last week when it hired Jim Weaver, athletic director at Western Michigan.

``Whenever you apply for a job and you don't get it, you're always disappointed,'' she said. ``But I'm an alumnus and a Hokie Club member and I want what's best for the university. They hired the right person for the job.

``I'm real excited about Jim Weaver. I've spoken to a number of people in athletics and everybody has nothing but good things to say about him. I'm hoping he'll bring in kind of a fresh perspective in. We have a successful program, but I hope he can help us to improve.''

McCloskey denied reports broadcast on a Bluefield radio station Saturday that she will accept a job from Braine at Georgia Tech.

``I haven't spoken to Dave'' about working at Georgia Tech.

Asked if she'll listen if Braine calls, she said wasn't sure.

``I can't answer that because I don't know what he would say,'' she said. ``And it's such a different environment there, much more urban than it is here.

``I've only spent an hour with Jim when he was on campus (last week), so I don't know yet what all of his plans are. But I hope to be able to gain some experience in areas where I haven't worked, such as facilities. I'd like to get out and speak at some public functions.''

McCloskey will turn over the reins of Tech's athletic program to Weaver on Thursday.

``I hope we can work closely together to that there will be a smooth transition,'' she said. ``I'll do whatever I can to help.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Sharon McCloskey denies a report she will accept a job from former

Virginia Tech boss Dave Braine at Georgia Tech.

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