University of Virginia Library

Congratulations, Cavaliers

Despite the acknowledged presence of
what must be considered more urgent issues,
we feel that we would be remiss if we failed to
congratulate the members of the football
team on the fine season they concluded
Saturday.

We doubt that the accomplishment of
these men and their coaches will be fully
appreciated until the perspective of time has
been added to it. The disappointments that
inevitably accompany athletic endeavor overshadow
some of the successes now, and it will
not be until someone sits around with friends
and discusses Virginia football, and the talk
turns to the excellence of the Cavaliers of
1968, that this team will gain the stature it
deserves.

We wish especially to congratulate the
fourth-year men. The victory over Maryland
Saturday meant that their overall record
during their Varsity tenure was a winning one.
In the light of past records, this is no mean
accomplishment. Messrs. Quayle, Anderson,
Arnette, Calamos, Shelly, Hammer, Hoppe,
Rogers, Brand, Constantine, Paczkoskie, and
Reeve have given the University more than
some exciting Saturday afternoons. They
leave behind a legacy of excellence to a
University that is admittedly striving for
excellence.

To the coaches also go deserved congratulations.
Mr. Blackburn and his staff have
succeeded in producing the first winning team
the University has had in 18 years. In doing so
they have dispelled a latent loser's image that
surrounded the University. Like it or not, a
major portion of any school's image with the
general public depends on the success of their
athletic program. This is not to say that we
should strive for victory at any cost. What it
does say is that achievement in athletics, if it
is honorable achievement, is a worthwhile and
desirable goal. Just as an academic department
that reaches a laudable standard of achievement
in its field deserves the congratulations
and respect of the community, Mr. Blackburn
and his staff merit recognition.

"Gridiron glory" may well be a transient
thing. Even so, we will not soon forget the
bright memories of this season, the breakaway
runs by Quayle and Anderson, the hard-hitting
and aggressive defensive play, the frustrations
and elation we felt as spectators.
Congratulations, Cavaliers. -RBC