For the second year in a row, defensive tackle Carl Bradley has won Tech's prestigious Ironman competition.  I missed the story on the TV news (D'oh!!  Once again, Channel 10 provided the Hokie scoop, with video and all, but I missed it! Hey Greg, if you're out there, run it again!), but a message board poster related the outcome on the board yesterday.

Bradley has shown himself to be a total stud in the Ironman competition.  Not only is he the first two-time winner (previous winners were Jim Druckenmiller and Waverly Jackson), but since he's only a junior, he could win it again next year.   Even more amazing is the fact that he won it the first time last year as a true sophomore.  If Carl had redshirted as a freshman, then he would have had a shot at winning it four times, because he would only be a sophomore this year.

On the field last year, I expected great things from Carl, and I thought he had a decent year, but he didn't stand out.  His second Ironman crown shows that big Carl hasn't lost the fire, so keep an eye on him again this year.  He is now in his third year in the Hokie system and should hit his stride this year, particularly now that John Engelberger has been moved down to tackle, and he and Carl might be on the field at the same time (although BCE's depth chart shows Carl as a backup to Big John).

Congrats to Carl!

Several message board posters correctly pointed out a glaring omission in Monday's Stadium Expansion Special Feature.  While discussing how to fund a stadium renovation/expansion, I neglected to mention that Virginia Tech cannot use state money to fund athletic facility construction.  It's a state law, which means that UVa is at the same disadvantage, although with the deep-pocket Wahoos, it's not as big a concern.

This puts Tech at a huge disadvantage when compared to other schools around the country, most of which can (and do) use state funds for athletic facilities.  Earlier this decade, for example, Rutgers spent $35 million on renovating their stadium, most or all of which was state money.  And down in North Carolina, the state helped out with UNC's renovation, and I believe that ECU also received state funds for their current expansion (although I'm sure I'll hear about it from the ECU fans if I'm wrong on that count).

Therefore, it's doubly important that Virginia Tech be clever and inventive when fund-raising, and that Hokie fans be generous.  We have to do it all on our own.

I also received an email from a proud Houston alumnus that gives the details on their Robertson Stadium expansion project.  The sender asked not to be named or identified, and since I'm into James Bond 007 type stuff, I agreed.  Here's what he had to say (typos and all):

(beginning of email)

"Will:

This year we will add 18 luxury boxes to Robertson Stadium, construct two elevators to the boxes, and upgrade restrooms and concession areas. Boxes rent for $15k/year with a 3 year commitment.  I don't remember the cost of this project but box rentals will pay for it in three years. This project will be completed before  the start of this season.

After this year is completed we will remove the track and field, lower the field 15 feet install chair back seating to the new field level and construct end zone seating with chair backs. End zones will not be horseshoe style as that style has bad sight lines. Seating will increase to 35,000. Cost for this phase is $7 million. For a rendering of this phase check our university athletic web page. This phase will be completed before the start of next season. We will also in stall new scoreboards in each end zone I believe they  will have diamond vision screens, but this has not been finalized. Signage rates will pay for the scoreboards in a few years.

In order to remove the track we will construct a new track stadium with seating for up to 10,000. This will also serve as the stadium for our new ladies soccer team. Cost of the track stadium is $4 million.

The third phase of Robertson will be upper decks on both sides, will include up to 16 luxury/club level boxes in the end zones and  construction of end zone bleachers on top of the boxes. Capacity will increase to 45,000 to 60,000 depending on our need at that time . Estimated completion for this is the 2001 season. This is the rendering in your article.

Also, you should note we will add 20 luxury boxes to Hofheinz Pavilion  for the up coming basketball season. These boxes rent for $15K/year with a three year minimum. Rentals will pay for the boxes in three years. We will also install new lighting, sound system and a four sided scoreboard with diamond vision for instant replays. Again, I don't remember the cost but signage rates pay for it in a few years.

Besides, these programs let me list a few others:

1) We will build a new softball stadium for our new ladies softball team.

2) We have constructed a new tennis center, a new baseball stadium and our Athletics/Alumni Center which is the largest and best equipped in the country.The cost for these three items was around $24 million if I remember right. These funds were donated by two wealthy alum's. To see these facilities check out our school athletic web page. Nothing in the country compares to it. Coaches and AD's from across the country come down to look at them for their future planning.

Financing for Robertson Stadium, track stadium, softball field and Hofheinz Pavilion are all paid by alums and not state funds.

Anyway, as you mentioned in your article expansion of facilities is a requirement to survive the changing landscape of college sports.I can  see the positive effects it has had on our programs, in spite of the bad image of UH in some circles in recent years. With a positive program such as yours, it should be even more dramatic.I have never seen our fans as enthusiastic as they are now. Season ticket sales have sky rocketed for basketball, are increasing for football and we will sell-out luxury  boxes for both football and basketball, and financial support has  increased. In addition these changes have had a tremendous impact on  recruiting.

Our changes are not unique in Texas. Texas A&M built a new bb arena, tennis center and combination swimming center/student rec center and a $48 million addition to their football stadium. Texas has numerous changes going on now as do Baylor, Texas Tech and even SMU. I suggest you check out there school web pages to see the changes,especially Texas and Texas A&M."

(end of email)

Will here again - all around the country, folks, the bar is being raised.  As my correspondent said, it adds to fan enthusiasm and boosts recruiting to have the impressive digs for the recruits to play in.  With the Merryman Center, Tech has taken an important and timely step forward in facilities, but the unfortunate truth is that there is no time to rest on our laurels and enjoy it.

This discussion always goes back to the subject of Jim Weaver, who understands perfectly the situation we're in.  He has said on many occasions that if you're ever satisfied with where you are, if you ever want to just stand pat, then you're dead.   Once again, he's right.

By the way, one last note:  my correspondent said that according to the Houston University AD, the probability of VT, WVU and Pitt joining C-USA as part of the re-alignment is "good."  He also made the interesting comment that "For what it's worth, it is generally believed that VT, WVU, and Pitt bring instant credibility to the league and would lock up an Alliance Bowl bid."

Hmm, interesting. I'm sure Louisville would campaign to have a clause put in the contracts that all Alliance Bowl money goes to them, whether they actually play in the bowl or not.

Now if my correspondent wants to make me feel really good about C-USA, he'll email me and say, "Oh, by the way, if VT joins, we're kicking Louisville out."

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