It’s supposed to be the lazy, hazy days of summer here at the Wild Bill sports desk. The last few weeks have seemed more like a Amazon rainforest.
If all this water keeps up, I’m asking The Chief for a couple cans of that snakeaway prevention barrier. The last thing I need with football season only a month down the road is to have to go head to head with the dreaded anaconda python.
With that being said, we’ll now slither our way through the busy local and international sports scene.
What a run for local hero Luke Hancock since the spring. The Final-4 Most Outstanding Player, a national championship ring with the Cardinals, and a great performance in Russia during the World University Games. This week Hancock joined his Louisville teammates for a visit to the White House.
Tuesday afternoon mom Van Hancock told me her instructions to Luke were simple: Have your picture taken with Barack Obama. No problem, mom. Like a Luke 3-pointer, it was in the bag.
Another great year for the Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia. The athletes poured into Roanoke for last weekend’s extravaganza, bringing big dollars and great performances in dozens of sports to the Roanoke Valley.
Congratulations go out to manager Scott Smith and his Roanoke Post 3 American Legion baseball squad that won the District 9 West championship Monday night at Kiwanis Field. Good luck to the 15-2 Post 3 guys who will travel to Williamsburgs for the eight-team state championship tournament that starts this Monday.
You still have a chance to get on board for ‘Hokie night’ July 29th at the Roanoke Valley Sports Club dinner meeting at the Salem Civic Center. New Tech offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler will offer his insight into the upcoming Hokie season. Contact Tom Marchi at 540-588-0919 for information on attending or to become a new member. Guests are welcome.
The Salem Red Sox continue their push toward a playoff spot in the Carolina League Southern Division. The Sox are in the midst of a seven-night homestand with games Thursday through Saturday against the Frederick Keys (Baltimore Orioles). Sunday through Tuesday brings the Potomac Nationals to Salem Memorial Stadium for a three-game set.
Speaking of the Nationals, the self-crowned World Series contender parent team in Washington has hit the skids and are now below .500 on the season. The brass, apparently looking for a scapegoat, fired hitting coach Rick Eckstein on Monday, a move that prompted manager Davey Johnson to voice his displeasure.
After watching the Nats get smacked by the LA Dodgers last weekend, I agree the problem lies elsewhere. This gang is the most woeful group when it comes to fundamental baseball. You don’t learn to bunt or advance runners by waiting until you get to the major league level.
This weekend the Roanoke Valley Aquatic Association puts on its season-ending City-County Championship at the Salem YMCA. Come out to see talented local swimmers of all ages hit the pool.
It’s raining again, so I need to check under my curtains for any sign of that darned anaconda. For the record, the green anaconda weighs upwards of 550 pounds and can be up to 33 feet long. Ought to be an easy spot if it’s in your front yard. This snake can hold its breath for 15 minutes and females typically are 3 or 4 times bigger than their male counterparts. I’ll offer no further comment on that statistic since my mailbag isn’t as big as the anaconda. Nevertheless, you always learn something when you read this column.
Until next time, think twice on those South American river cruises. I’m upping my request to The Chief to 4 gallons of snakeaway. That’s one big serpent.
By Bill Turner
