Blacksburg Weekly
Welcome to the Blacksburg Weekly Newsletter!
This week, we'll be discussing the upcoming Virginia Tech Invitational and Virginia Tech Challenge, the commitment of Richmond (VA) Hermitage three-star running back Jeremiah Coney to Virginia Tech, the employment picture in North Carolina, the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship in Blacksburg, and the transfer portal players visiting Blacksburg. We'll also be highlighting the Virginia and Virginia Tech men's and women's basketball teams, the IKF Muay Thai/Kickboxing Championship, the UNC basketball program, the No. 7 Virginia Tech Hokies, and the York County Sheriff's Office locating a missing K-9.
Stay tuned for all the latest news from Blacksburg!
A&T Releases Indoor T&F Schedule - North Carolina A&T
The Aggies will compete in the Virginia Tech Invitational and Virginia Tech Challenge in Blacksburg, Va., on Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18, respectively, as part of their nine-meet indoor track and field schedule for the 2022 season.
Anita Louise Masterson Parker, 75, of Pembroke, VA, passed away on December 7, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Wayne Parker, and her sister, Sandra Angel. She is survived by her son, John Robert Parker (Cello) of Atlanta, GA; daughters, Amy Kucsak (Michael) of Blacksburg, VA and Kristin Martin of Salem, OR; and sister Sue Corpening (Harry) of NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Xander Kucsak; Seth Godbey; Ivy, Violet, Iris, and Rose Martin; and great-grandson, Damien.
Richmond RB Jeremiah Coney flips to Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has received a commitment from Richmond (VA) Hermitage three-star running back Jeremiah Coney. Coney originally committed to Appalachian State, but has flipped his verbal commitment to Virginia Tech. He took an official visit to Blacksburg on December 9 and will sign with the Hokies on December 21.
Virginia Tech Set For Important Recruiting…
Virginia Tech is hosting a big recruiting weekend in Blacksburg, with Old Dominion WR Ali Jennings, four-star transfer, and several other top targets visiting. The Hokies have an in-home visit with Richmond's Kaveion Keys, a four-star linebacker, and are looking to add a true running back with App State commit Jeremiah Coney visiting. Former Cincinnati commit and three-star WR Ayden Greene is also on campus. Several Virginia Tech commits are also expected, including three-star DE Jason Abbey from Richmond.
Virginia Tech football recruiting: Will Hokies’ class grow before signing day?
Virginia Tech's Brent Pry is recruiting for both short-term needs and long-term goals in Blacksburg, Va. The Hokies have 19 commitments in their 2023 class, with 10 from Virginia. They are looking to add more players, such as Elijah Hughes and Ayden Greene, to their roster. They are also looking to add a running back, such as Jeremiah Coney, and a safety, such as Mose Phillips.
MBB Welcomes Yellow Jackets To Smith Center Saturday - University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina returns to the Dean E. Smith Center on Saturday, Dec. 10 to host Georgia Tech in its first ACC game of the season. The Tar Heels are 5-4 after losing their last four games, including two games in the Phil Knight Invitational and road games at Indiana and Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech is 6-3 and has won two in a row. Carolina was minus senior forward/center Armando Bacot and sophomore guard R.J. Davis in its 80-72 loss at Virginia Tech on Dec. 5.
Penn State football recruiting: PSU a favorite for former UNC commit
Penn State is in the running to land four-star linebacker Kaveion Keys, who recently decommitted from North Carolina. The Nittany Lions are the favorite according to recruiting analysts, but they may have to fend off Virginia Tech, led by former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry, for the commitment. Blacksburg could be the deciding factor in this battle.
Notre Dame record holder declares for NFL draft
Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame's all-time leader in sacks, was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Blacksburg Ravens. Foskey, who recorded 26.5 sacks and forced seven fumbles during his college career, will look to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Hokies, Cowboys set to square off in Brooklyn for Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational
Virginia Tech returns to the Barclays Center on Sunday, Dec. 13, for a matchup with Oklahoma State in the Basketball Hall of Fame Invitational. The Hokies, winners of four straight, are looking to break into the AP Top 25 with a win against the Cowboys. The Hokies are 9-1 and have not lost since their season opener in Blacksburg.
Hubert Davis Pre-Georgia Tech Media Q&A - University of North Carolina Athletics
It was a big blow to not have D'Marco at Virginia Tech for the last drill in practice before the bus ride to Blacksburg. He broke his hand on a regular play. Seth Trimble has been playing great off the bench and the team has been preparing for Georgia Tech this week. There is a chance for Jalen to play tomorrow and the team has been focusing on offensive glass and execution.
UNC Basketball: D’Marco Dunn could be back by end of December
The UNC basketball program is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and have suffered some injuries to key players, including D'Marco Dunn who broke a bone in his hand in a practice prior to their game against Virginia Tech. Head coach Hubert Davis provided an update on Dunn, saying he could be back by the end of the month. UNC looks to get back in the win column when they face Georgia Tech on Saturday.
The First Bank & Trust Company Friday Q&A: Remaining Recruits, Strength & Conditioning, and More
Virginia Tech is coming off a successful season, finishing 8-4 and winning the ACC Coastal Division. The Hokies are looking forward to another successful season in Blacksburg in 2023.
Robinson MMA hosts tournament in Bishopville
The IKF Muay Thai/Kickboxing Championship took place at Bishopville High School on Saturday, with Robinson MMA co-hosting. Fighters from Blacksburg and beyond competed in the all-day event.
NCAA grants UVA football players in final season of eligibility another year in wake of shooting
UVA's football season ended tragically in November 2020 when three players were shot and killed in Charlottesville. The school canceled their home finale with Coastal Carolina and their season finale against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and held a memorial service to honor the three slain players.
Bill Fuller Obituary (2022) - Bristol, VA - Bristol Herald Courier
Dr. Bill W. "Doc" Fuller, 56, passed away early Friday morning, December 2, 2022, as a result of complications from lymphoma. He was a Christian and was welcomed into heaven by his Heavenly Father. He was a veterinarian serving Southwest Virginia, East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his dad, Jim Fuller; his mom, Bonnie Fuller; and his sister, Judy Fuller. He is survived by his daughter, Katie; daughter, Emily; and son, Bradley; his significant other and business partner, Dr. Cindy Harrison; and his sisters, Lynda (Tom) Wingate and Barbara (Marty) Blevins. He graduated from Gate City High School, received his bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech, his master's degree from the University of Tennessee, and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, December 16,
Inside The Chart: Georgia Tech at North Carolina
The Tar Heels enter Saturday's game against Georgia Tech having lost four straight games, the longest losing streak by a preseason AP No. 1 team in the poll's 74-year history. UNC, led by Armando Bacot, will look to end their skid in Blacksburg.
Brandyn Hillman Commitment Preview: Virginia Standout Ready To Announce His Decision
Brandyn Hillman, a 6-2, 190-pound athlete from Portsmouth (Va.) Churchland, is set to announce his college commitment today at 1:00 PM ET. Hillman has a group of five finalists that include Notre Dame, USC, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Kentucky. Virginia Tech has talked to Hillman in the past about playing quarterback, while North Carolina is recruiting him as a safety. Hillman has made multiple game day visits to Blacksburg and the Hokies have pushed hard to land him.
North Carolina companies in need of workers swoop in after sudden layoffs at United Furniture
The employment picture in North Carolina continues to be confusing, with one company abruptly laying off thousands and other companies stepping up to hire workers. In October, unemployment rates increased in 99 of the state's 100 counties and all 15 of its metro areas, to 3.9% overall. Virginia Tech's Jeffrey B. Arthur noted that higher unemployment means it is more difficult to find replacements for current employees, and employers are motivated to provide additional benefits to attract and retain them. NCWorks created a series of career fairs to help the displaced employees, with three more scheduled this week in the Triad, including one in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Virginia Tech alumnus promotes North Carolina trail from mountains to sea
Brent Laurenz '02 has been the executive director of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail since January 2021. The nonprofit organization is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and is dedicated to improving and preserving the popular cross-state pathway. Laurenz, a Virginia Tech graduate, found a passion for the outdoors during his days in Blacksburg and now has turned that passion into a dream career.
Claudine Smith wins at Rutgers' indoor track opener: College. notebook
On December 13, 2022, Blacksburg, Virginia, was the site of a major event. The town hosted the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship, with the Virginia Tech Hokies taking on the Duke Blue Devils. The Hokies emerged victorious, winning the title and bringing home the school's first national championship.
Virginia Tech Basketball is More Dangerous Than Ever
The Hokies passed their first true test of the 2022-23 season on Sunday, dominating North Carolina in Blacksburg. Justyn Mutts led the way, while Sean Pedulla hit clutch threes and the Hokies locked down the Tar Heels for 30 minutes. The Hokies showed their evolution and growth, proving they can be multifaceted and match up with any opponent.
York County authorities locate missing K-9 ‘Gunner’ in good health
The York County Sheriff's Office has located a missing K-9, Gunner, after it ran off during a training exercise in Blacksburg, SC on Wednesday. After an extensive search, Gunner was found safe and in good health.
Women's college basketball: AP Top 25 schedule and live TV channels - Dec. 11
Today, the No. 7 Virginia Tech Hokies host UNC-Asheville at the Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg. The game is set to tip off at 1:00 pm ET and will be broadcast live on ACCNX. Don't miss a minute of the action as the Hokies look to continue their winning streak.
Tech, UVa basketball teams open with combined 34-1 record, plus sports notes from across the region
The Virginia and Virginia Tech men's and women's basketball teams have opened the season with a combined record of 34-1. The UVa men are 8-0 and the Cavalier women are 10-0, while the Tech men are 8-1 and the Hokie women are 8-0. Danny Rocco has been introduced as the new football coach at VMI, and several players from both UVa and VT have entered the transfer portal. Phil Jurkovec has transferred to Pittsburgh, and Scott Satterfield has accepted the head-coaching position at Cincinnati.
VT Incoming Transfer Master Thread (2022/2023)
Blacksburg welcomes transfer portal players! Go Hokies!
George Reid | Obituaries | loudountimes.com
George McDaniel Reid of Falls Church, VA passed away peacefully on December 7, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Anna Mae Cook Reid, two sons, George "Glenn" Reid (Arlene) and William Dalton Reid, 5 grandchildren, Deanna Reid Sumners (Lucas) of Blacksburg, VA, Caroline Reid Turner (Scott), David M. Reid, David M. Reid, and Kimberly A. Reid, and one great grandchild, Elizabeth Rose Sumners. A graveside service was held on December 10th at Hillsboro Cemetery, Hillsboro, VA.
2024 Standout AJ Swinton Returns to Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is fully focused on their 2024 class with a bevy of talent visiting Blacksburg this season. Oak Hill's AJ Swinton was on campus earlier this week to experience the Hokies' 80-72 win over #18 North Carolina in Cassell Coliseum. Swinton has a connection to Virginia Tech through his relationship with Associate Head Coach Mike Jones and his former teammates Rodney Rice and Darren Buchanan. Swinton is a big, versatile wing with a reported 7-2 wingspan and an impressive vertical. He holds offers from Virginia Tech, Maryland, Ohio State, Georgetown, and Xavier.
Women's Lacrosse Announces 2023 Schedule - University of North Carolina Athletics
The Tar Heels begin their 2023 slate with a three-game home stretch as they host nonconference foes James Madison (Feb. 11), Liberty (Feb. 15) and Florida (Feb. 18). The team then faces its first road test against Virginia Tech on Feb. 24 in Blacksburg, Va., for the Atlantic Coast Conference opener.
North Carolina CB Transfer Tony Grimes Will Visit Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has landed a major transfer commitment from promising Baylor QB Kyron Drones and standout Old Dominion WR Ali Jennings. North Carolina CB transfer Tony Grimes will be visiting Blacksburg this Wednesday to explore the possibility of joining the Hokies.
Moments of Excellence: Hokie men finish 2022 ACC’s with best performances in program history
Virginia Tech Athletics celebrated the men's swim and dive team's Moment of Excellence in December, with the team making 11 podium finishes and breaking nine school records at the 2022 ACC Championships. The No. 8 ranked men's team ended the week with 1054 points, finishing third overall and returning to Blacksburg with 11 medals, nine school records, and 43 finalists. The win on the men's side and loss on the women's side gives the Hokies and Cavaliers one point each in the Commonwealth Clash, presented by Smithfield, with the score currently 7.5-2.5 in favor of Virginia Tech.
ETSU baseball announces 2023 schedule
ETSU will open the 2023 season at home against Toledo on Feb. 17-19, and will later travel to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech on Feb. 21.
Reserves help No. 1 South Carolina women beat Liberty 88-39
No. 20 Maryland held off a depleted Connecticut team in an 85-78 win on Sunday, led by Abby Meyers' 18 points and Diamond Miller's huge 3-pointer in the final minute. The win marked the first time the Terrapins have beaten the Huskies in eight meetings. In Blacksburg, Virginia, Taylor Thierry scored a career-high 21 points and Taylor Mikesell added 16 as Ohio State won its 10th game in a row by defeating Michigan State.
Virginia Tech Hokies Women’s Basketball Puts Away UNC-Ashville: 86-48
The Hokies made the 3-hour trip to Blacksburg to face the Bulldogs of UNC-Ashville. After a tight first quarter, Tech pulled away and won the game by 22 points. The Hokies were led by Taylor Soule with 21 points and Liz Kitley with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The win was a good practice run for the upcoming game against Notre Dame on December 18th.
HokieSports Weekly: Dec. 12-18, 2022
Today is Dec. 13, 2022 in Blacksburg.
Tech Takeaways: A look back at the Hokies' 77-49 win over Dayton
VT cruised to a 28-point win over Dayton in Blacksburg on Wed.
Judge Approves Lawsuit Against Soccer Coach Accused of Benching Player Who Refused to Kneel
Kiersten Hening, a former Virginia Tech women's soccer player, won her lawsuit against her ex-coach Charles Adair in Blacksburg, VA. Adair had benched her after she refused to kneel during a public statement from a social justice organization. The judge ruled that Adair had violated her First Amendment rights.
Penn State, Iowa remain unbeaten and atop NWCA Division I Coaches Poll
Virginia Tech's win over Missouri on Sunday reshuffled the bottom half of the Top 10 in the NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll. Virginia Tech edged Missouri 17-15 in Blacksburg, Virginia, before a sold-out crowd in Cassell Coliseum.
Notre Dame Women's Basketball Remains No. 5 In Latest AP Poll
The No. 5 Notre Dame women's basketball team will open ACC play this Sunday when they travel to Blacksburg, VA to face No. 6 Virginia Tech.
JMU Announces Home-and-Home with Utah State, Change to Miami Series
JMU will travel to Logan, Utah to face Utah State on Sept. 23, 2023, with the Aggies making a trip to Harrisonburg on Sept. 13, 2025. JMU will also visit Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. on Sept. 20, 2025.
College basketball rankings: Why Purdue is No. 1, ahead of UConn
Virginia Tech makes its first appearance on my ballot. The Hokies’ only loss this season came by a bucket on the road against a solid Charleston team. Virginia Tech convinced me with wins over Dayton (home) and Oklahoma State (neutral) last week, and they beat North Carolina in Blacksburg.
Nazim Derry's 3 sends New Hampshire to OT win: College notebook
On December 13, 2022, Virginia Tech's men's basketball team defeated Oklahoma State 70-65 in Blacksburg. Led by Justyn Mutts' 14 points, six steals, four rebounds, and four assists, the Hokies earned their third win of the season.
Elizabeth Kitley earns ACC's Player of the Week honors
Virginia Tech senior center Elizabeth Kitley earned ACC Player of the Week honors on Monday for her impressive performances against Boston College and UNC Asheville. Kitley, from Summerfield, NC, averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds in the two games and ranks third in the conference in scoring. The Hokies, now ranked sixth in the AP Poll, will face No. 5 Notre Dame at Blacksburg's Cassell Coliseum on Sunday, December 18.
Monday’s live high school basketball scoreboard and the week’s complete schedule
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Why Central QB Will Watson committed to Virginia Tech: ‘I wanted a brotherhood’
Will Watson III, a former star quarterback at Springfield Central, is now a freshman at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. He chose the Hokies for their strong football program, excellent academics, and vibrant campus life.
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