Wild Bill’s Sports Roundup!

But, all is not lost. As usual, this column brings relief to every reader.

First of all, I’ll point out to everyone that we are just over 120 days until Christmas. Yes, you always learn something when you read this column. Snow around the corner.

If the thought of a white Christmas doesn’t relieve this heat, this month’s late-night product review should definitely bring on the feeling of a refreshing spring shower.

This product may well solve my search for a Christmas present for The Chief. Plus, we can clean up our act around The Star.

So, forget waiting until Black Friday. Just head to the mall for a Wild Bill Friday. Until then, let’s check what’s going on in sports.

First, a little housekeeping with a shout out to Cassie Kovacevich-Colgan and Loudmouth Golf as they continue to be the driving force and fashion statement for the fourth year as the official sportswear of The Wild Bill Column. Plenty of new styles are on the horizon for my appearances along the sidelines. A great association continues.

Area UVA and Virginia Tech fans have no better way to get ready for the upcoming college football season than to attend the Roanoke Valley Sports Club’s annual “Kick-off Programs” to be held at the prestigious Roanoke Country Club. Things get started on Tuesday, August 16th when University of Virginia Athletic Director Craig Littlepage addresses the club on the exciting changes for the Wahoos. One week later, on August 23rd, Virginia Tech Deputy Athletic Director, Desiree Reed-Francois, will be the guest speaker to fill in Hokie fans on what to expect in Blacksburg.

All fans are invited to attend either or both events and enjoy the 5:45 social followed by the 6:15 dinner meeting in the RCC ball room. Prizes and a raffle make these events two of the most popular get-togethers during the year. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Maggie Drewry at 540-353-1103.

High school football kicks off Friday, August 26th with a full slate of games throughout the “Big-11.” Head out to support your favorite team and players as they battle through the always-tough 10 game regular season that leads to potential playoff bids. (See this month’s preview!)

With a first-half championship already under their belts, the Salem Red Sox head toward the Carolina League playoffs with 16 regular season games still on tap for August. Things begin with a 4-game home stand with Northern Division front-runner Lynchburg August 4-7, a week-long home stand August 12-18, before finishing with a visits from Frederick and Winston-Salem the last week of the month.

Now, to this edition’s late-night product review when things get a little wet before the ponies start to run. We bring you the ‘Woof Washer’.

You know you’re in trouble right out of the gate when this pitch opens with a leashed dog running from a girl who is pointing a spray-nozzle hose. I’d be running away myself.

We get a quick solution with the ‘Woof Washer’- a caliper shaped clamp that fits around your dog’s torso for bathing the pooch with a soap canister. Sorta like a doggie in a mini car wash.

Quite frankly, every sized dog that appears in this ad seems totally humiliated. Supposedly adjustable to fit every size dog, we get the coup de gras when the ‘Woof Washer’ is shown as suitable to even wash a small horse. No typo, readers, washing a horse.

I’m not personally trying out the ‘Woof Washer’ on a horse until I read the fine print on The Star’s corporate dental policy. But, The Chief is big on dogs and horses, so maybe I’ll get him to make a cameo appearance.

Until then, I’m giving the ‘Woof Washer’ a neutral rating. In the meantime, drop your cleaner comments to [email protected]