If we were a baseball team and needed a clutch hitter, nobody better to send to bat than The Chief.
The ole boy has hit a homer by outfitting the newly-formed Wild Bill Race Team in fashionably chic, bright red Roanoke Star polo shirts.
By the way, the race team is myself and four stunningly attractive “race girls.” This column obviously maintains the highest of standards. We’ll call it the Loudmouth effect, with some PressPress influence.
We’ll be formally introducing our team in an upcoming edition in plenty of time for our inaugural appearance at the Franklin County Speedway. There’s little doubt we’ll grab the checkered flag in Callaway.
On to high school sports where I guess we could have called it “Black Monday” for the Wild Bill “Big-11.”
In shocking fashion, most of our local baseball and softball teams were eliminated from playoff contention in one swoop.
Falling on Monday in baseball were Hidden Valley, Northside, Salem and Glenvar.
On the softball side, seasons came to an end for Cave Spring and Lord Botetourt on Monday, while Glenvar followed suit on Tuesday.
After Northside softball dropped a rain-delayed heartbreaker to Brookville on Thursday, the William Byrd baseball team remains the lone man standing in the “Big-11” after their dramatic comeback win over Turner Ashby.
Good luck to Chris Carr’s Terriers in their run to a state championship next week.
Also, we give a shout out to the Lord Botetourt girls soccer team, which guaranteed itself a spot in the state tournament with a 3-0 win over Spotswood on Wednesday. Same for the Salem girls lacrosse team, which will be playing for a state crown next week.
Now, let’s look at other local sports action on the horizon.
The Salem Red Sox return home next Thursday, June 12th, for a four-game set against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Game times are 7:05 Thurs./Fri. , 6:05 Sat. and 4:05 Sun.
The green flag falls this Saturday night for a multi-event race at the Franklin County Speedway. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. where the late model stock drivers will have to set the top-6 pole positions by riding a mechanical bull. Once the bronco riders are done, racing begins promptly at 7. No word yet if Sissy and Bud will be on hand for the bull riding.
A great golf event hits the links on June 14th when the inaugural Archie Goode Memorial plays out at Brookside Golf Course. Benefitting First Tee Roanoke Valley, the nine hole tournament is named after the long-time Brookside manager. Contact Milt Crandall at 540-366-6059 for information. Get those wedges polished up for a tour of Roanoke’s classic par-3 layout. Registration was preferred by June 9th with spaces in ladies, juniors, seniors and open divisions still available.
On Tuesday, July 1st, the fifth annual Youth Day at the Greenbrier Classic will once again benefit First Tee Roanoke Valley. One of the most popular days for spectators, Youth Day offers a 2 p.m. clinic beside the Greenbrier practice tee for demonstrations by PGA TOUR pros and the chance to grab an autograph from the pros in the Greenbrier Classic field. The First Tee Scramble, a 4-hole, 4-team skins format pitting a First Tee junior with a PGA TOUR pro follows at 3:00. The golf gets intense as the four teams go for the $ 10,000 purse that benefits the competing First Tee chapters.
Finally, a quick pass through the mailbag, where the GoPilot is still getting plenty of commentary.
Dear Wild Bill: This GoPilot looks ridiculous on my car’s front seat. I feel like I’m carrying around a Eureka vacuum cleaner. Your opinion, please? (Hugo/ Forest)
Totally agree, Hugo. But, if you need the GoPilot, you’ll be shouting “Eureka!”
Until, next week, send your comments to [email protected]
Remember, in the Wild Bill Column, you can trust your car to the man that wears the star.
– Bill Turner
