Well, should I change the name?
As you’ve probably noticed, The Roanoke Star announced today that we will now be a bi-weekly print publication with stories updated daily online. For you out of state readers, bi-weekly means every two weeks and has nothing to do with……well, you know what I’m getting at.
Accordingly, I’m waiting for the boys in the penthouse to give me the word on a new column name. ‘Wild Bill’s Every-Two-Week’ or ‘Wild Bill’s Every-So-Often’ Roundup seems to have some missing gaps. (Publisher’s Note: how about we shorten the old moniker Bill and go with “Wild Bill’s Sports Roundup!” Yes, I like that.)
But, I can assure my faithful readers I won’t deliver anything but the best sports coverage, late-night product reviews, photography and an opinion on anything you have on your mind. The Wild Bill column won’t be caught short-handed, ever hopeful of a Pulitzer some day.
Let’s get right to the high school basketball’s Wild Bill ‘Big-11’ Top-5
#1) Patrick Henry- Despite their first loss of the season against West Virginia power Princeton, the Patriots hold firmly in the top spot. Friday night’s test at home against undefeated GW Danville and next Tuesday’s matchup on the PH court against Fleming will provide a good idea of the PH strength in the Western Valley District.
#2) William Fleming- Mickey Hardy’s Colonels stay on the heels of the Patriots as the ever-tough Western Valley race heats up. Look for big things from this squad heading into the meat of the schedule.
#3) Northside- The Vikings head into the Blue Ridge race with a trio of formidable district foes in Rockbridge County, Lord Botetourt and William Byrd looking to sink the Viking armada.
#4) Glenvar- The Highlanders move up one spot after opening the season 12-1. Glenvar has tough matchups against Radford and Floyd County on the horizon in the Three Rivers. So far they’ve passed the early tests.
#5) Cave Spring- The Knights stays in the Top-5 after their overtime win over Salem Tuesday night left them 2-0 in the River Ridge. Four of Cave Spring’s losses have been to AAA teams.
The Roanoke Valley Sports Club returns to its monthly meetings Monday, January 21st after a holiday break. Former VA Tech defensive back Pierson Priolieu will be the guest speaker for the 5:45 social and 6:15 dinner at the Salem Civic Center.
Priolieu played for several NFL teams after his career at Tech, including the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, and currently coaches at Radford High School. Those interested in attending or becoming club members should contact Tom Marchi at 540-588-2969 for additional information.
Congratulations go out to Hidden Valley, which holds second place in AA classification in the Wells Fargo Cup standings after the fall sports season. A previous two-time winner of the prestigious Cup, the Titans gained big points after their runner-up finish in volleyball in November.
Finally, a look at the mail bag where a Hokie fan asks about a ticket promotion from the Russell Athletic Bowl.
Dear Wild Bill: We had a trying season for sure this year. Football aside, I was wanting your opinion on Tech asking people to buy tickets and give them to needy kids so they could go to the bowl game. (Lou/Christiansburg)
I heard that ad, Lou. I think it’s great to donate and give kids the opportunity to see a big-time football game. But, the numbers give evidence there was possibly a better way. Someone buying four tickets at face value would have dished out around $300. On E-bay or some ticket sites, where tickets were readily going for $5 or less, that same $300 would have bought 60 tickets to give away. Instead of a car-load, your donation could have sent the entire boys or girls club. Amazing what happens when you cut out the middle man.
Until next time (notice I didn’t say week), send your ticket requests to: [email protected]