University of Virginia Library

more than the score

Attitude

by steve giannini

OVER THE PAST years a negative attitude, on the part of the
fan, the student, and sometimes the athlete, has pervaded the
sports program here at Virginia.

Hopefully and demonstrably this is changing and will continue
to change. We can see no reason why a winning, "can do," feeling
cannot replace mediocrity, frustration, and failure. Looking
closely at various teams' records over the past season should
support this feeling of a new era.

COACH GEORGE BLACKBURN'S 1968 football squad
turned in a fine record of 7-3. What it might have been is an
outstanding 9-1, if maybe the field had been dry against N. C.
State and if South Carolina had not gotten that touchdown right
before the half, immediately after Virginia had knocked the
door and "Blown it."

But those are past "ifs" about which the Virginia fan often
relishes speculating, when what they should be doing is
enthusiastically anticipating and supporting what they believe our
team can do.

THERE ARE SOME fine athletes on our football squad that
were sought by such major college football powers as Ohio State
and Penn State, ranked number one and two at the end of last
season. They are players from Ohio and Pennsylvania who came
to Virginia because of something they believed the University had
to offer them.

HOW MUCH WATER does the theory hold that you
cannot do it without scholarship? Some, but is it that much.

Take a look at the so called secondary sports at the University,
those which do not have the recruiting benefits of money.

Head wrestling coach George Edwards has collected a group of
incoming first-year men whom along with the already proven
older grapplers he believes can challenge Maryland for the ACC
Championship, if not this year, then in the next few years. And
from there, aspirations go on to national prominence. It is
interesting and excitingly hopeful to note that last year, his first
year here, our wrestlers came in second to Maryland in the ACC
team championships, while scoring the most points any team has
scored below Maryland in the team championship history of the
ACC.

COACH BUDDY BEARDMORE managed to lead the Cavalier
lacrosse team to an ACC championship after two years. The
crown came on Virginia's 9-7 win over Maryland, who along with
Navy and Johns Hopkins has been a traditional national power.
His squad consisted of first team all-Americans defensemen Pete
Coy and goalie Jim Eustace. Another all-American choice was this
year's co-captain and midfielder Jim Potter.

Virginia's tennis fortunes were quite a surprise to the rest of
the ACC as Coach Gordon Burris' netters came in third in the
ACC Tournament, upending past powers of the ACC.

CLUB SPORTS here have shown a "can do" attitude that is
fairly amazing. The Rugby Club and Polo Club have become
major Eastern collegiate powers as well as national powers.
Consistently enthusiastic crowds turn out to watch these
contests.

Much is being done in the Athletic Department to promote
this general winning spirit. A new track will be begun in the near
future; Athletic Director Steve Sebo hopes in time for the 1970
season. The plans were initiated by two students, trackmen Ed
Hardy and Vince Derr. The plans call for an Olympic sized Tartan
track with nine lanes and all new field facilities.

Closely following the construction of the new track will be a
baseball field for Jim West's team.

A NEW ADDITION to University Hall, housing a new
swimming pool will replace Memorial Gym's archaic
puddle pond. Construction is scheduled to begin in January and
should be quite an appropriate fixture for Virginia's successful
mermen.

CHANGE MUST COME and University of Virginia fans,
athletes, and coaches are beginning with a change of attitude.
That attitude will be one of what our teams can do, what the
Athletic Department can do, and what support everyone can lend
for winning.