Tidewater Sports Report

Norfolk Yacht and Country Club: Serving Up Virginia's Finest Facilities

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Located on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia, the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club offers several activities for all different ages. According to its website, check out the following list of services it has to offer:

Fitness Center, offering "state-of-the-art center with exceptional equipment and services."
Yachting, with four floating piers and three ramps.
Swimming, including an Olympic pool, a spa, a 25-yard indoor pool, a children's pool, and a pool exclusively for diving.
Tennis. There are 10 courts outdoor courts with lights, along with a pro shop. There is also a wide variety of tournaments throughout the year.
Junior Sailing. It's website says their yacht "offers one of the strongest youth sailing programs in Hampton Roads."

Ok, so this place sounds pretty cool. And definitely a premier spot if you like sailing.

If you want to give them a visit, or perhaps a phone call, here's their contact information.

Norfolk Yacht & Country Club
7001 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, Virginia 23505

Phone: (757) 423-4500

Source: http://www.norfolkyacht.com/

What Hampton Roads player has the most impact for Virginia Tech Football this season?

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:14:00 +0000

Who do you think? Tyrod Taylor can run and pass...sometimes. I mean sure, he had his "breakout" game against Nebraska. Even though his wide receiver got open on a busted play. And the touchdown pass, which was also a busted play, was the result of a great pass from Taylor and an even better catch from Dyrell Roberts, another 757 player.

But what about Greg Boone? That guy is crazy good. It's too bad he doesn't get more touches. He's a stud and could probably produce more results at QB than Taylor (he played QB in high school on the Southside).

Ok, ok, enough hatin' on Taylor. VA Tech only has three losses on the year, granted one came to UNC which should not be tolerated. He can run, pass, scramble, make plays out of nothing, and he works hard. That's great, but apparently not good enough. At least for national championships.

So, who else is there? Let's get back to D-Rob, as he's better known in Smithfield. This guy has been a huge spark on the special teams this year. He can return kicks and punts great, has good acceleration, but lacks catching the ball sometimes in the slot as a receiver. They should use him more like Florida used Percy Harvin (oh wait, yet another Tidewater player).

Ok...I know I only mentioned three guys, but those are the only ones that come to mind. I think Taylor has the most impact, but I think Boone should and would have the most impact if granted the power to do so.

So there ya' go. That's how I feel about Tech's three loss season.

I want to know what you think.

A Virginia Tech Football Star is in Hampton Roads This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:07:00 +0000

Want to know who it is? Want to know what city he's in?

Email me at editor@tidewatersportsreport.com to find out.

This guy is in town because Tech had a Thursday night game and he has the weekend to hang out.

Here's a hint: he watched his old high school's football game last night.

Yeah, I know, that's not much of a hint. But, it is something.

And even better than that, Tidewater Sports Report is one of the only people to know about this exclusive, breaking news--the chance at meeting with a potential NFL draft pick.

Virginia Beach Sports Club: Providing Scholarship Grants to Virginia Beach Athletes

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:23:00 +0000

The Virginia Beach Sports Club recognizes top-notch athletic talent in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

They've had professional baseball scouts, college athletic directors, and numerous other gifted people in the athletic field speak at their meetings.

According to the website, the club's purpose is the following:

"To provide an effective civic organization sharing a mutual interest and pleasure in athletics with the predominant purpose of providing scholarship grants to deserving high school athletes."

The club was founded in 1952.

For more information on the club, visit their website at http://www.virginiabeachsportsclub.com/

Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame: Honoring Softball Leaders in Hampton Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:39:00 +0000

The Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame was established in 1983 "to recognize its outstanding citizens in softball," according to its website.

The hall of fame seeks to promote softball at all levels and honor those who have helped contribute to its success as a game.

The 2009 inductees were recently recognized at the latest ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia.

Click here for photos of the event, courtesy of Keith Parnell, a local businessman and one of the guys inducted into the hall of fame.

Want to know more about how to become a part of the Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame?

Then check out their website at http://www.tvshof.org/.

2009 VA Tech Football: More Than 20% of Roster From Hampton Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

I was just skimming over Virginia Tech's 2009 football roster and noticed some pretty cool stuff--including that this year's roster has 22 players from Tidewater, representing the Peninsula, Beach, Eastern, Southeastern, and Bay Rivers Districts, along with the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS).

Here's the breakdown of the players from each city.

Virginia Beach: 9 players
Hampton: 5 players
Norfolk: 4
Chesapeake: 2
Smithfield: 1
Newport News: 1

These are pretty sweet numbers. Thanks in large part to Jim Cavanaugh, head recruiter.

Virginia Tech Ranked #4 Football Team in Country

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:50:00 +0000

Hampton native Tyrod Taylor, along with a host of other Tidewater players, has Virginia Tech Hokies ranked 4th in the nation, according to a recent poll.

The Hokies' only loss is to Alabama, who is now ranked 2nd in the nation (behind Florida). This is according to the AP Top 25 list. USA Today's list has Bama' ranked 3rd.

Keep going Hokies.

Top 50 Athletes Ever from South Hampton Roads?

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:47:00 +0000

The Virginian-Pilot put together a crew of local sports analysts to come up with a list of what they believe to be the top 50 athletes ever from South Hampton Roads Virginia.

Check it out: http://hamptonroads.com/newsdata/top50athletes

Do you agree or disagree with this?

Although I think it's way too early to tell, they placed Percy Harvin 30th on the list. He definitely should have been placed ahead of Michael Cuddyer and B.J. Upton.

Of course, there was no NFL experience for them to judge at the time when they put this together.

Percy is on track to make the top five list if he continues the way he's playing.

Tennis Courts in Norfolk, Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:07:00 +0000

Finding tennis courts can be tough sometimes. Especially public courts that are free to play on.

Here's a few in Norfolk that you should check out.

Barraud Park (near Norfolk State University)

Northside Park (off Tidewater Drive)

Lafayette Park (near Virginia Zoo)

For more information on parks and recreation in Norfolk, VA, check out the following link: http://www.norfolk.gov/rpos/parks.asp

Ferrum College Boasts Nine Tidewater Players on 2009 Football Roster

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:38:00 +0000

The Ferrum Panthers have 9 players from the 757 on this year's roster. Check out the complete list of each player below.

Tremaine Whitney
Southampton High School (AA)
Ivor, VA

Cedric Hargrove
Kellam High School (AAA)
Virginia Beach, VA

Kwamane Harris
Windsor High School (A)
Windsor, VA

Isaiah Sheppard
Kecoughtan High School (AAA)
Hampton, VA

Michael Sabol
Salem High School (AAA)
Virginia Beach, VA

Aaron Johnson
Churchland High School (AAA)
Portsmouth, VA

MarMarcos Crocker
Southampton High School (AA)
Sedley, VA

Don Pierce
York High School (AA)
Yorktown, VA

Clark Schurz
Poquoson High School (AA)
Poquoson, VA

Newport News Criminal Returns to Work with NFL

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:50:00 +0000

Newport News native Michael Vick, who was jailed for over a year, returned Sunday with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick saw little action and rushed for seven yards, with two incomplete pass attempts.

Vick was jailed for illegal dog fighting that took place in Surry County, about 35 miles from where he grew up in Newport News.

Some people are pretty upset about his return--including our local PETA headquarters in Norfolk--but a good portion of fans have been excited. Check out this article to see what others across the nation are saying.

I think it's great to see a terrific Tidewater athlete get back on the field. And this was a great weekend for it. VA Tech won big against Miami, led by Hampton native Tyrod Taylor. And Percy Harvin is tearing it up in the NFL with the Vikings.

Pretty good way to sum up the weekend for Tidewater sports.

Virginia Beach Native Percy Harvin Returns a Kickoff 101 Yards

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:36:00 +0000

Percy Harvin scored his third touchdown of the year, including one each week, as the Minnesota Vikings downed the San Francisco 49ers 27-24. Harvin returned a kickoff in the third quarter for 101 yards. Check out the highlight clip below.

Harvin also recorded 4 catches for 51 yards.

The Vikings are off to an impressive 3-0 start. Minnesota's next opponent is Green Bay--in what wil be another first for Harvin; a Monday night game against Brett Farve's former team.

Peninsula QB Connects with Southside Receiver in Hokie Thriller; Tech Wins 16-15 over Nebraska

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:40:00 +0000

This weekend's best game-winning drive showcased two top athletes from Hampton Roads in Virginia Tech's 16-15 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Hampton's Tyrod Taylor hooked up with Smithfield's Dyrell Roberts in the endzone to put the Hokies ahead with 21 seconds in regulation.

Props go out to Danny Coale (Lexington, VA), who caught Taylor's pass for what turned out to be an 81-yard reception. This huge play led to the TD pass to Roberts.

TSR's been following Roberts for a couple years now.
http://www.tidewatersportsreport.com/2007/11/roberts-reaches-2000-yard-mark.html

Check out the highlights here and read the official Hokie report here.

Brett Farve & Percy Harvin Celebrating

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Check out this photo: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/9286/photos;_ylt=Ap.tTwgGiM_.r_ZPmdphoeX.uLYF?slug=b4e3897ee1b69994577de7cb34096a92-getty-88971906ms018_minnesota_vik

What an amazing photo? One of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks ever hooking up with Percy Harvin from Virginia Beach.

Wow.

Can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

Percy Harvin of VA Beach Scores TD in NFL Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:49:00 +0000

I've followed him since his junior year in high school at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. I'm now following him along with the rest of the country as he launched his NFL career with Brett Farve and the Minnesota Vikings today.

Harvin scored a touchdown with 36 yards receiving, rushed for 22 yards, and racked up 99 yards on special teams, including an exciting 41 yard return.

Hampton Roads Sports News Bites for August 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:46:00 +0000

Old Dominion University Football Inaugural Game to be Broadcasted on Cox

Former ODU Pitchers Performing Strongly in Minor Leagues

Suffolk's Dominique Patterson Chooses VA Tech Over ECU, Marshall

Oscar Smith Football to be Nationally Televised

Former NFL Star Mel Gray Headlines Peanut City Football Camp

Atlantic 10 Headquarters Headed to Newport News

Percy Harvin Named Top High School Football Player of the Decade in Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Five out of the top six high school football players of the decade are from Hampton Roads, according to VHSL-Refernce.com.

Percy Harvin of Landstown High, who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings, tops the list. Harvin starred at the University of Florida before being drafted by the Vikings in 2009.

Virginia Beach Native Robert Morey Leads UVA Baseball to 5-1 Win Over San Diego State

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:37:00 +0000

Robert Morey showed just what Tidewater baseball is all about. The sophomore from Virginia Beach (Cape Henry) fanned nine San Diego State batters, while allowing just five hits in six shutout innings in route to a Cavaliers 5-1 win May 29th, 2009.

Morey did all of this against the nation's top pitcher, Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg is projected to the #1 overall pick in the the 2009 MLB draft.

The Cavaliers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after two innings of play. However, the offense came to a halt against Strasburg. When it was all said and done, Strasburg struck out 15 batters in just seven innings, allowing two earned runs.

Morey is a former Cape Henry Collegiate graduate standout. He dominated on the diamond and also provided a solid presence on the basketball court.

Tidewater Judo Club Highlight Video Clip

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:53:00 +0000

Should Kids Specialize in One Sport at a Young Age?

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:14:00 +0000

This conversation is discussed all across the country by parents of children participating in sports at a young age. Some say travel the country on "elite" teams and become a star in your desired sport. Others believe children should be free to pursue whatever sport they want. But seriously, should kids specialize in one sport at a young age?

The idea sounds good: practice in the sport you play the best, practice it a lot, and land a starting position with a big-time college. Focus on what you do best and don't toy around with other sports--after all, you wouldn't want to injure yourself while playing a sport for mere fun. Practice year-round, play in weekend tournaments, and keep good grades so college recruiters will like your resume.

That's the jist of it. Oh yeah, and while you're at it, try to have fun, maintain a social life, and pursue other interests outside of your sport.

Does this help an aspiring Division I athlete reach his/her goals? Maybe. Is it necessary? Absolutely not.

Just stop and think about some of athletes from Hampton Roads that are now great in their desired sport. Allen Iverson graduated from Bethel High in Hampton where he excelled in football and basketball. Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor played basketball and football for the Hampton Crabbers. And Percy Harvin of the Florida Gators played football, basketball, and participated in track & field at Landstown High Schol in Virginia Beach.

Sure, some of these guys went to invitational camps, were hounded by recruiters, and probably told to specialize in one sport. But the great part is they didn't. In fact, Percy Harvin ran track his freshman year at the University of Florida. Even better, his teammate Mike Morrison of Great Bridge played football and volleyball in high school. The cool thing is despite all the efforts and pressure, these athletes played multiple sports, helped their school program, and had fun.

That's just a few names of guys that proved playing multiple sports wouldn't stop them from achieving a starting position at a higher level.

Now, I understand some sports require more intense practice than others. In other words, basketball and football are related in many ways: quickness, speed, and strength are all necessary qualities to perform well. However, with many individual sports, such as golf or bowling, you really don't need speed and quickness to be a champion. You need hours of practice.

I get that.

But if your child shows potential in basketball, tennis, swimming, or anything else, should you hold him or her back to hone in one sport? And then pursue it so fiercely that their lives revolve around it?

Here at Tidewater Sports Report, we don't think you should. But we also believe it's a personal choice. We just want everyone to have fun, enjoy sports, and continue representing Tidewater as one of the elite athletic regions in the country.

Chick-fil-A in Newport News to Sponsor 2nd Annual Chick-fil-A 5K

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Chick-fil-A Yoder Plaza in Newport News, VA and Chick-fil-A Kiln Creek in Yorktown, VA are hosting their 2nd Annual Chick-fil-A 5K May 23, 2009, at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA.

According to Chick-fil-A's website, there are three key reasons why one should participate in the race. It says because "you love Chick-fil-A, you love to run, and it's better than a Wii."

You can register online by clicking here, or you can pick up a registration form at Chick-fil-A in Newport News or at Chick-fil-A in Kiln Creek.

To contact either local Hampton Roads Chick-fil-A, visit its website at www.catercfa.com for more information.

Chick-fil-A Yoder Plaza

12128 Jefferson Avenue

Newport News, VA 23602

Phone: (757) 882-8844

Fax: (757) 882-8910

Chick-fil-A Kiln Creek

5003A Victory Boulevard

Yorktown, VA 23693

Phone: (757) 988-8847

Fax: (757) 988-8826

Former ODU Basketball Coach Leads Oklahoma Into Elite 8 in 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:04:00 +0000

Jeff Capel, the head coach of the University of Oklahoma, has his Sooners one game away from the 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four in Detroit, Michigan.

Capel's collegiate coaching career began right here in Tidewater--at Old Dominion University, where he assisted his father for one year with the Monarchs' men's basketball program.

Capel faces the Tar Heels of North Carolina--whose campus is just over 100 miles from where Capel graduated high school in Hope Mills, NC--Sunday for the right to play in the Final Four.

The Sooners easily beat the Syracuse Organgemen Friday evening 84-71.

Apprentice Wrestlers Claim NCWA National Championship

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:35:00 +0000

The Apprentice School Builders wrestling squad earned their first ever national wrestling championship at Hampton University's Convocation Center in Hampton, Virginia.

The Newport News-based shipyard program participates in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association. To read the official press release, click here to view the Apprentice School's athletics website.

Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Update

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:40:00 +0000

The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament is less than a month away. To date, commitments have been received from the following players…

WHO: Robert Vaden of UAB, Ahmad Nivins of Saint Joseph’s, and Chris Johnson of LSU. Announced earlier were Virginia Tech’s A.D. Vassallo, Notre Dame’s Kyle McAlarney, and Memphis’ Robert Dozier.

WHAT: The 57th Annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, the nation’s oldest amateur basketball tournament, recognized by NBA and European scouts as the premier showcase for potential professional prospects.

WHEN: April 8-11, 2009.

ADMISSION: $10 per night or $30 for all 12 games of the tournament. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and through the Willett Hall box office. (NOTE: The 3:15 p.m. Thursday and Friday afternoon consolation games and Saturday’s noon and 2 p.m. games are FREE!).

WHERE: All games held in the gymnasium of Churchland High School, 4301 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth.

CONTACT: Ticket information: 757-393-5460 (Willett Hall) or 757-671-8100 (Ticketmaster). Additional information can be found at www.portsmouthinvitational.com.

**Official press release from the PIT Media Desk**

Radford University Basketball: Two Tidewater Natives to Play #1 UNC in Men's 2009 NCAA Basketball Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Phillip Hines) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:11:00 +0000

As the nation's most popular college basketball tournament gets underway, two local Hampton Roads stars will get their shot at knocking off the University of North Carolina Tar Heels in the opening round of the 2009 Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Sophomore guard Chris McEachin graduated from Norview High School in Norfolk, VA in 2007. McEachin starred and earned several Eastern District honors. Check out his entire profile at Radford's athletics website here. McEachin has played a pivotal role in the Highlanders success this season, including scoring 18 points in Radford's championship victory over Virginia Military Institute to win the 2009 Big South Conference Championship.

Aaron Austin of Newport News played for the Woodside Wolverines out of the Peninsula District. Last year, Austin played for the Massanutten Military Academy. The freshman guard has appeared in just 12 games this season and averaged 1.6 points a game.