Collegiate Times

Nestled in the hills of southwestern Virginia, over the past eight years the town of Blacksburg has become predominately known for one thing — Hokie football.  Thanks to Michael Vick, Darryl Tapp, and countless others, Virginia Tech football has become a contender that is in the discussion for national champion nearly every year.  This year Beamer’s team had another stellar season, posting a 10-3 record and an appearance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against SEC powerhouse Georgia. 

And although the spotlight shines brightest on the team in Lane Stadium, the 2006-2007 athletic season was one in which several teams came from the shadows to gain recognition of their own.

Basketball

This winter, the men’s basketball team proved that the third time really is the charm.  In their third year in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the basketball team had a 10-6 record that included two victories over then No. 1 North Carolina, and an upset of No. 5 Duke on the road.  These wins, coupled with a ranking of 21 in the country, propelled the Hokies into the NCAA tournament for the first time in 11 years.  After defeating first-round opponent Illinois, the Hokies ended their season with a loss to Southern Illinois in the round of 32.  While losing Jamon Gordon, Zabian Dowdell, and Coleman Collins will be difficult, Seth Greenburg’s team returns several starters and boasts a top recruiting class, making the 2007-2008 season promising.

Swimming

On the women’s side the Virginia Tech women’s swim team continued its recent triumphs, sending All-Americans Jessica Botzum and Sara Smith to compete at NCAA Championships for the second straight year.  Rising senior Botzum finished fourth in the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 2:11.07.  Earlier in the day she set a program record at 2:10.87 in the preliminary trial.  Smith took seventh in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 49.09.  She, too, set a program record with 48.87 in a preliminary trial.

Not to be outdone by their female counterparts, male swimmers Gus Calado and Scott Beard also competed at the NCAA Championships.  Beard, a rising senior, posted a 47.45 time, finishing 20th in the 100-yard butterfly.  Calado, also swimming the 100-yard butterfly, clocked a time of 47.84, good for 30th.  When asked about his team’s success this past season Coach Ned Skinner said, “We look at programs like softball and track and we get motivated knowing that there is greatness at Virginia Tech.  We are proud of where we came from.  We are getting a brand new facility, we have new recruits, and an excellent returning team to help us compete again next year.”

Golf

Perhaps one of the largest surprises of the year was the comeback victory staged by the Virginia Tech men’s golf team to capture a share of the ACC title.  After the first round at the ACC tournament, the Tech team was in fifth, while senior Ryan Sypniewski was tied for first with an individual four-under-par 68.  After the second round, the Hokies moved up to fourth, with junior Nick MacDonald in fourth place with a combined score of 141.  On the third and final day, Virginia Tech shot a nine-under-par 279 and was able to tie No. 13 Georgia Tech for a share in the ACC title. Following the championships, the Hokies qualified for the NCAA Championships, their first appearance since 2003.  The Hokies finished 12th at Regionals, just two spots out of qualifying for championship rounds.
 
Softball

Another team to advance to regional action in the NCAA tournament was the Virginia Tech women’s softball team.  Behind their All-American pitcher, Angela Tincher, the Hokies won their first ever regular season title with a conference record of 15-5.  After five previous tries, the Hokies finally captured their first conference tournament title with a 2-0 defeat of Georgia Tech.  The ACC named sophomores Jessica Everhart, Kelsy Rokey, and junior Angela Tincher to the all- tournament team.  Pitcher Angela Tincher was named the tournament MVP.  Ranked 13th in the nation, Virginia Tech was sent to Columbus, Ohio as the 16th seed in the field of 64.  After handling Canisius 5-0, the Hokies fell to No. 23 Ohio State 2-1, and ended their season with a 1-0 loss to Cal State Fullerton later in the afternoon.  Although falling short of Super Regionals for the third straight year, this year’s squad accomplished the task of putting Virginia Tech softball on an entirely new plane for seasons to come.

Track and Field

The most accomplished athletic team this past season was the women’s track team — ACC champions in both indoor and outdoor competition.  In February the women’s team dominated the competition by defeating second place Miami 136-99.  It was the first Atlantic Coast Conference Olympic sport team title in Virginia Tech history.  The women had three individual champions in the tournament—Patrice Potts in the 60m dash, Brittany Pryor in the shot put, and Erin Mahony in the pole vault.  In addition to the individual ACC Champions, the Hokies saw numerous All-ACC performances coming in the 60m hurdles, the 400m, the 200m, and the 4x400m relay team.

The team carried their dominance into the outdoor season with another 144.5-113 final over second place Miami.  This time there were six individual champions for the Hokies.  Brittany Pryor repeated in shot put, Kristi Castlin won the 100m hurdles, Patrice Potts took the 100m dash, Sherlenia Burns topped the 400m hurdles, Ashley Early won the pole vault, and Tamara Burns won the hammer throw.  Four Hokies, Pryor, Potts, Castlin, and Green all set school records in their individual events.  The outstanding performances lead USA Track & Field to name the Hokie women’s team the Athlete of the Week.  In addition to the numerous honors that the women’s team already garnered, the ACC named freshman Kristi Castlin freshman of the year, and coach Dave Cianelli coach of the year.

Even though the name Virginia Tech has become synonymous with football in recent years, 2006-2007 has been a season in which other teams have shined.  With multiple ACC Championships and national rankings galore, Hokies have flexed their athletic prowess across the board.  This season has proved that Tech is no longer just a force in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but in the nation as well.