Controversy, subterfuge and the accusations of under-the-table deal making.
No, not the government purchasing overpriced toilet seats. These were the whispers at corporate headquarters after the new Roanoke Star flashy red polo shirts showed up last Friday.
The Chief had put me in charge of the entire procurement process with a strict, no frills budget. But, when The Chief saw the initial sample he was so impressed he started adding extras.
The final price tag still came in under-budget, which always makes for a happy Chief. But, eyebrows were raised when it was only 44 cents under-budget. Had Wild Bill pulled a deal making, kickback-oriented, price-fixing scheme with the middle men? I admit, it did look suspicious.
But, hey….I’m sportswriter Wild Bill; not Senator Wild Bill. Thank goodness, our corporate auditors gave the thumbs-up to our purchasing integrity. Now, I’m going to take a look at some new company cars for everyone. What say, Chief?
On to high school sports where state championship weekend finally arrives. Here’s a quick look at all our ” Big-11 ” squads in the running.
BASEBALL:
The William Byrd Terriers are the sole survivor and take on Loudoun Valley Friday at noon at Liberty University in the Group 3A semifinals. Win, and the Terriers will play for the state championship at 10 a.m. Saturday at Liberty U. against the Tunstall-Poquoson semifinal winner.
SOFTBALL: No ” Big-11 ” teams remain in contention.
BOYS SOCCER: No ” Big-11 ” teams remain in contention.
GIRLS SOCCER:
Lord Botetourt takes on Kettle Run in a Group 3A semifinal at noon Friday at Amherst County High School. If the Lady Cavs win, they advance to take on the Blacksburg-John Champe winner at 10 a.m. Saturday at Liberty University.
BOYS LACROSSE; No ” Big-11 ” teams remain in contention.
GIRLS LACROSSE:
Salem played at Woodgrove Tuesday evening in the Group 5A-1A semifinals. The winner advanced to the title game against the Loudoun Valley-Western Albemarle wine, with the championshipr set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Lake Braddock High School.
BOYS TENNIS:
Hidden Valley rakes on Blacksburg in the Group 3A team state championship Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Liberty University.
Defending state champion Michael Drougas (Salem) takes on James Pollard (Hanover) in the Group 4A singles semifinals at 10 a.m. Thursday at Liberty University. The winner follows at 1 p.m. in the singles final against the Parker Wilson (John Handley) – Danny Polk (Hanover) semifinal winner.
In the Group 2A/1A singles semifinals Glenvar’s Igor Ponjavic battles Jacob Morris (George Mason) at 9 a.m. Thursday at Radford University. The winner follows at noon for the state title against the Blake Pientka ( J.J. Burton)- Karl Katlaps (Maggie Walker) semifinal winne
GIRLS TENNIS:
In the Group 4A doubles semifinals 10 a.m. Friday at Liberty University , Salem’s Katherine Danstrom and Isabel Danstrom take on Jamestown’s Anna Walker and Marin Shea The winner moves on to the 1 p.m. final against the doubles winner between Julia Jackson/Karen Pak ( Glen Allen)-Kathryn Bock/Isabelle Damron (John Handley) semifinal.
In the Group 3A doubles semifinals 10 a.m. Friday at Liberty University, Northside’s Karlie Pope and Lydia Washington battle York’s Teresa Alverez and Gaby Tersigni. The winners move on to the 1 p.m. final against the Tyler Blalock/Haley Stallard (Abimgdon) – Maddie Coffman/Abby Baird (Loudoun Valley) semifinal winner.
Good luck to all our ” Big-11 ” contenders.
The Salem Red Sox return home Thursday, June 12th for a 4-game set against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Game times are 7:05 Thurs./Fri. ; 6:05 Sat. and 4:05 Sun.
Finally, we open the mailbag where the word’s already leaking out about the Wild Bill Race Girls appearing at the Franklin County Speedway.
Dear Wild Bill: Your Loudmouth pants have been the talk of the speedway during recent races. Now, some drivers are saying you’re going to be doing a special night with some race girls. What’s the deal? (Sam/ Rocky Mount )
You heard right, Sam. The Wild Bill Race Girls will appear at a July race at FCS. We’ll reveal the exact date and introduce our beauties by the end of June. A sure crowd-pleaser to add to the fun in Callaway. You won’t want to miss this extravaganza.
Until next week, keep the questions doing laps at [email protected]
Off to get a color chart. New red sports cars should match our new shirts pretty well. Don’t worry, Chief. I’ll have the salesman sweating bullets.
(Note from the Chief: We actually already purchased one red car from Haley Toyota this week Bill . . . They gave us a great deal but I don’t get to drive it!)
– Bill Turner