New Frontiers
by Bill Glose, 12/8/99

1995 was a magical ride for Hokie fans. A football team that started out 0-2 went on a 10 game winning streak to end the season with a trip to the Sugar Bowl. Many pundits claimed Tech was a fluke, but four seasons later the Hokies are headed right back to New Orleans to battle for the National Championship. Frank Beamer and his team made a statement that after the Hokie's long climb to the top of the football world, they were there to stay.

After a stupendous season in 1998, can Bonnie Henrickson dare to make that same statement? Has her team clawed its way to the top of the basketball world? After losing a bevy of talented seniors including A-10's defensive player of the year, Lisa Witherspoon, one might expect the answer to be a quick 'no way.' But, that's where I have to shove a pencil in your face for a Corsofied 'Not-so-fast-my-friend-special!'

The Hokies started out this season with more recognition than last year, with a preseason ranking of #18. After two losses in the first four games, the Hokies remained in the top 25, and are ranked #24 this week. I know it goes against everything you've ever learned to believe pollsters can actually use some common sense, but in this case it's true because the Hokies' only losses were against #5 Georgia and #9 Oregon who are a combined 14-1. Everyone is hoping to get some redemption from VT when they meet this year, and they are all showing up focused and ready to play. Henrickson knows her team won't sneak up on anyone unaware this season. And to make matters worse, the schedule is packed with tough competition.

Just take the next two games for example. This Wednesday, the Hokies host #19 Duke, then travel to Charlottesville to face #33 Virginia. Why face such a grueling schedule with such a young team? Because Henrickson knows what waits for this team at the end of the season -- a third straight NCAA appearance -- and she's preparing for battle accordingly.

Not only is Henrickson preparing for post season play this year, but she is preparing the team for its venture into the top basketball conference in the country next year. With the beefy schedule she's lined up and the returning talent for next year, things look fairly promising. Particularly when you consider that the starting five consists of 2 Juniors, 2 Sophomores, and a true Freshman at point guard. Not only that, but the top 5 scorers on the team are all underclassmen as well (Jr. Tere Williams, So. Nicole Jones, Jr. Amy Wetzel, So. Sarah Hicks, and Fr. Chrystal Starling).

To top that off, the Hokies have added the one component that the team's been missing -- height! The starting five average just over 5'-10" and the shortest newcomer to the team is starting point guard, Emily Lipton, at 5'-8". Combine that vertical increase with the heart and determination characteristic of Bonnie-ball, and you've got one heckuva winning combination.

As much credit as Jim Weaver has gotten for his move to get Tech into the Big East for all sports, perhaps his most notable work has been keeping the quality coaches in Blacksburg. After last season's incredible ride, Weaver made the classy move of raising Coach Henrickson's salary to be equal with that of Coach Stokes. The recruits are taking notice too. A highly-regarded national recruit and long-time Tarheel fan, Davina Simmons of Winston-Salem, NC, will play for the Hokies next year. Erin Gibson, a 6'-2" standout Junior from Carroll County has already committed to play for Tech in the year 2001! In 2000, the Big East won't get the A-10 patsies they had counted on. When the Hokies play their inaugural year in the conference, they will return all five starters and have more talent loading up in the pipeline.

This game against Duke this Wednesday will be a special one. Duke, the perennial basketball power and a player in last year's national title game, is used to playing in rough environments. Lucky for them. If the Hokies can fill the seats anywhere close to last year's numbers, the Blue Devils will need to rely on some of that hostile environment experience. The Cassell can be one of the most formidable arenas in the college landscape when it gets packed and the rafters are rocking. Out of the goodness of her heart, Bonnie should give the visitors some plugs so they can at least leave with their eardrums intact.

When the Hokies defeated the Blue Devils on their home court last season, the chorus heard around the nation consisted of either 'It was a tough stretch of games for Duke' or 'The Hokies caught them by surprise.' Well, there will be none of that this year. This will be a hard-fought forty minute contest that should be packed with excitement. This will be the measuring stick for the season. Will this be the game where Coach Henrickson announces to the basketball world that the Hokies are here to stay? To find out, you'll have to come to the Cassell Wednesday night. Come early, stay late, and leave hoarse. Ahhh, life is good!

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