Badminton is certainly one of those sports that most seem to forget about, but it is real! Yes, badminton lovers in southeastern Virginia can find somewhere to play.
Take a peek at the Virginia Beach Badminton Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
If you are not sure exactly what badminton is, click here for a detailed description.
Photo courtesy of www.fantom-xp.com.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Badminton Alive and Well in Hampton Roads
Photos
Poquoson High School Boy's Basketball 2008
Dyrell Roberts, Smithfield High School 2008
Virginia Beach, Virginia
"Wood or Aluminum?"
Friday, March 28, 2008
"Fun for the Whole Family" at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia
An extremely fast-paced sport, Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia, is a hot spot for Tidewater racing fans.
Amateur car racers have their own special day on Wacky Wednesday at Langley Speedway. The only requirements are that the vehicle must be legal, operating status, a "DOT" or "M" rated helmet must be worn, and you must be 18 or older.
TriDuo Athletic Events in Hampton Roads, Virginia
TriDuo provides an up-to-date, comprehensive list of triatholons in Hampton Roads.
The next event listed on TriDuo's page is the Smithfield Sprint, located at the Luter Family YMCA in Smithfield, Virginia.
Although a photography website, TriDuo is great for a listing of events and various sports tournaments in Tidewater.
Learn How to Spike with Tidewater Volleyball in Virginia Beach, Virginia
For all your volleyball needs, visit Tidewater Volleyball in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Tidewater Volleyball offers adult leagues, membership, lessons, tournaments, and much more.
Are you good at Tennis? Hampton Roads Tennis will let you know
Are you a former high school or college tennis player wanting to get back in the game competitively? Or are you looking for a place for your child to play?
Hampton Roads Tennis is the spot for you. There is a tremendous amount of information on tennis, including tournaments, club membership, and lessons.
Call 757-650-3760 for more information.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Boo Williams Sportsplex: Helping Hampton Roads Athletes Achieve Success
Boo Williams is like Rusty Ingram is for baseball in Hampton Roads. If you want to know where the best talent for basketball in Tidewater is, ask Mr. Williams.
You should pay a visit to his latest project. Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton features all types of sports, from basketball to soccer to baseball. The Virginia Baseball Academy will also be moving into the sportsplex in less than a year.
Tidewater is already in its own elite category for generating superior athletes. This complex will only help the entire community.
Hit the road and drive the to below address!
5 Armistead Pointe Parkway
Hampton, VA 23666
Run, Walk, and Volunteer with Tidewater Striders in Hampton Roads, Virginia
What better place is there to run than on the shoreline at Virginia Beach, Virginia? If you are looking to get involved with others that share similar interests as you, I suggest checking out the Tidewater Striders, a running club in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Tidewater Stiders is for a all ages and even walkers.
Even if you can't run or walk, Tidewater Striders will find a place for willing volunteer.
Lacrosse Migrating to Hampton Roads High Schools
The northern region of Virginia is known for its lacrosse programs, but it appears Tidewater, Virginia is catching up. The Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools has had lacrosse for some years, but the public schools are popping up with programs--including on the southside, where the state's best baseball talent resides.
The Peninsula is embracing lacrosse as well. High schools such as Grafton and Menchville have begun programs that will likely improve in the coming years.
Hampton Roads Soccer, SEVWSA, and Virginia Rush Soccer
Hampton Roads has much more than just the big three sports--baseball, basketball, and football.
Much of today's youth is heavily involved in soccer. Leagues are much more adaptable because boys and girls can participate together, whereas in baseball or football this typically does not occur.
Get loads of information at the following soccer links in Tidewater:
South Eastern Virginia Women's Soccer Association
Virginia Rush Soccer
Virginia Tech Football and the Tidewater Hokie Club
Virginia Tech football is known for its abundant amount of starters from Hampton Roads. In the last few years, the Hokies have had starters from Phoebus, Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach.
If you're a Hokie fan in southeast Virginia, then you need to check out the Tidewater Hokie Club.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Peninsula Bowling More Than A Spare Time Sport
The Peninsula High School Traveling Bowling League (PHSTBL) is in its 23rd season, providing athletes a chance to compete with area high schools throughout Tidewater. The games take place at the AMF Hidenwood, AMF York, and AMF Williamsburg bowling alleys. The high school bowling league is very competitive, with opportunities for teams to advance to the state high school bowling championships.
Mary Pancoast, the Peninsula league coordinator, has managed this lesser-known sport for 20 years. Mary is passionate about bowling, especially for high school students. She assumed the duty of running the league from New Market Bowl (now Classic Lanes) manager Judy Golightly and continues to keep her drive alive. "The league began with about eight teams of four players and finished the last two seasons with 38 teams of four players each," Pancoast said. "Now we have students from 17 area high schools as well as some home schoolers."
Anyone can participate
District championships are held every December. The top 16 teams from the Peninsula District compete against the top 16 teams from the Tidewater District, otherwise known as the Southside. Eight teams from each district advance to the state championships, which are held in different parts of the state every year.
If you want to form your own team, the process is pretty easy. "The cost per bowler is $7.50 per session," Pancoast said. "This price includes, bowling, bowling shoes, parties, door prizes, trophies and scholarships." Pancoast says the league is open to "bowlers of all skill levels," but warns potential participants to practice regularly, attend games as often as possible, and "establish an average."
Pancoast pointed out that many Hampton Roads bowlers have aspirations to compete at a higher level. Universities and colleges have "around 180 college club bowling programs," giving competitive bowlers (especially men) the opportunity to play against other colleges that haven't accepted bowling as an NCAA sport.
Women's NCAA bowling
While NCAA bowling programs are not available for men, Pancoast estimates there are "about 50 universities" that offer bowling as a collegiate sport for women. "This can mean a free college education for some young women or at least a partial scholarship granted to them for competing as a member of the university’s bowling team," Pancoast said. "NCAA athletes receive free bowling equipment, uniforms, travel, coaching all paid for by the university."
But it's not just for NCAA-recognized sports. There is a national championship for club bowling and some clubs even offer scholarships. Some club teams require athletes to abide by strict standards, such as maintaining a certain grade point average and/or attending mandatory practice sessions.
Bowling is growing in popularity as a sport, and Tidewater has witnessed this with its increase in teams in the last 20+ years. Pancoasts' dedication to providing students in Hampton Roads the opportunity to bowl in a league is a direct result of her love for the game of bowling. She believes the Virginia High School League is still years down the road from initiating bowling as a varsity sport. Until then, Pancoast will keep pursuing her dream of affording area bowlers the chance to compete. "Never wanting to turn a student away, I anticipate that one day we may have to split the league in two in order to accommodate more students," Pancoast said.
For more information on bowling as a sport, visit The United States Bowling Congress.
If you liked this post, subscribe to future Tidewater Sports Report updates in an RSS reader or get Tidewater Sports Report updates delivered to your email.
Related Articles
Hop on your bike and Ride with Tidewater Bicycle Association all over Hampton Roads
Do you enjoy bicycling? Tidewater has plenty of places to bike, and the Tidewater Bicycle Association might be something you want to look into.
Part TBA's mission "is to promote and encourage the use of the bicycle as a means of recreation and transportation..."
Visit Tidewater Bicycle Association for more information.
If you liked this post, subscribe to future Tidewater Sports Report updates in an RSS reader or get Tidewater Sports Report updates delivered to your email.
Dyrell Roberts ESPN Scouting Report
ESPN just updated their scouting report for Dyrell Roberts, who rushed for 2236 yards and 38 touchdowns last season for Smithfield High School. They give him a scout's grade of 76.
Roberts signed with Virginia Tech.
ESPN says:
"Roberts is a talented, multi-facetted athlete who certainly passes the eyeball test. Tall, high-cut with a small waist and tapered frame. For a taller more elongated prospect, he possesses fluid lateral footwork and quickness. Most of his high school production stems from his carries as a back, but we project he will slide out to wide receiver or be employed at safety in college due to his high running style and vulnerability for big hits."
Do you really think Roberts will convert to wide receiver or safety at Tech?
Also:
"Roberts' best football is a head of him; might benefit from a red-shirt year..."
Read the whole ESPN scouting report on Roberts here.
Let us know what you think about what ESPN thinks about Roberts.
If you liked this post, subscribe to future Tidewater Sports Report updates in an RSS reader or get Tidewater Sports Report updates delivered to your email.
Related Posts
Three Smithfield Packers Named to Daily Press High School Football All-star Team
Isle of Wight County Football Programs a Success
Roberts Reaches 2,000 Yard Mark
Portfolio
Writing
ACC Nation
Poutier to lead UVa. baseball in 2008
February 5, 2008
Chicago Sports Review
Proposed Ban on Metal Bats for Virginia High School Baseball Play: Are You Up for the Challenge?
MaxPreps
Virginia: Tidewater Baseball Report
March 27, 2008
Virginia: Bethel, Surry Collapse in State Finals
March 18, 2008
Virginia: Tidewater Teams Take Different Routes
March 13, 2008
Virginia: Bethel Wins Eastern Region Championship
March 4, 2008
Virginia: District Games Marked by the Unexpected
February 24, 2008
Virginia: Hampton Roads Teams Set for Districts
February 17, 2008
VirginiaPreps
Falcons Soar Past Grafton; Tabb continues to roll
March 24, 2008
Grafton defense convincing; Lafayette off to surprising 3-0 start
March 19, 2008
Bay Rivers baseball district preview
March 10, 2008
Warriors "Full of Potential" for 2008 Season
February 21, 2008
Photography
Hampton Roads Health Journal
March 2008
Hampton's Historic Chamberlin Now Resort-style Senior Apartments (Page 6)
Oyster Pointer
March 2008
Soluble Systems, LLC: Newport News company set to become a national player in the wound care industry
Orlando’s Landscaping: When knowledge defines who we are
Michael Wozniak: Friend of geese and ducks
Harbor Café: Custom coffee, comfortable setting
University of Kentucky Ice Hockey Official Fan Site
October 22, 2006
Davenport University vs. University of Kentucky
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Photos of Virginia Beach's Diverse Sports Landscape
Sports of all kinds are present in Hampton Roads.
Skimboarders crashed the chilly waves, rollerbladers weaved through crowded walkways, and of course, runners were just about everywhere. The 2008 Shamrock Marathon is this weekend.
I strolled the boardwalk at Virginia Beach and thought I'd share some rather different sports shots with you. Enjoy.
Tidewater's Natural Beauty 
2008 Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach
It's not the Kentucky Derby, just some horseback riding at Virginia Beach 
2008 Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach
It's not the Kentucky Derby, just some horseback riding at Virginia Beach 
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Calendar of Events for Tidewater Sports Report
Sponsored by Vigorous Writing
I apologize for not updating as frequently as I normally do. I thought I'd drop a note to let everyone know Tidewater Sports 
Report is still going strong. Here are a few articles to look forward to in the future.
Hampton Roads High School Bowling
I had a great conversation with Mary Pancoast, the league coordinator of the bowling league for area high schools. She is very passionate about bowling as a sport in Tidewater and works hard to maintain the league with absolutely no monetary return. It's dedicated citizens like Mary that all deserve some recognition, so I'll be putting together a report highlighting the bowling league in Tidewater pretty soon.
Area Coaches Chime in on Metal Bat Controversy
You've heard a lot about my feelings on metal bats being used in baseball today, but I'm sure you'd like to hear what others actually dealing with this very issue have to say. Following the bowling article, I'll compile the thoughts and comments from area high school baseball coaches about the issue of aluminum bats in baseball. There are some wood bat summer leagues in Tidewater, but the idea has not caught on for other Hampton Roads leagues. My responses from coaches should be very interesting; I hope you enjoy.
As always, if you have a story idea on someone in the community that you'd like to see covered, please drop me an email at editor@tidewatersportsreport.com
Phillip Hines, Editor
Friday, March 7, 2008
Professional Teams
Norfolk Admirals
201 E Brambleton Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
PHONE: 757-640-1212
Norfolk Tides
150 Park Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
PHONE: 757-622-2222
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Bay Rivers Baseball Lacks Clear Direction for 2008 Spring Season
Sponsored by Vigorous Writing
Free Subscription to Tidewater Sports Report
I'm picking the spring 2008 Bay Rivers District season to be yet another wild one, unlike how
the Peninsula District often is with two or three dominating teams. Yes, this year Tabb, Poquoson, York, Grafton, Jamestown, and Smithfield will be smacking each other around back and forth. Tabb looks to be the favorite, with quite a few returnees and good catcher in Davey Everhart. Poquoson also has a good catcher behind the plate, with Kendall Charles leading the way and looking up the middle to the slick-fielding Pinder brothers. A baseball God on the Peninsula, Rusty Ingram told me in an exclusive interview that York's pitcher Will Lamb will be a draft pick this year. Jamestown+Mark Schultz= wins. This senior is a small guy, but he finds ways to sneak his heater past batters, especially when his breaking ball is working. What's there not to like about Smithfield? Second year Head Coach Bryan Thrift led the Packers to the district championship, turning around a 2006 team that didn't qualify for the playoffs. The Packers have a host of seniors, including senior Patrick Morrison, who had just one loss last season on the mound. But then there is Grafton. Coach John Hammons is right up there with Tabb's Doug Baggett with his ability to consistently put his team in a good position for regional play. New Kent has upset teams every year since they entered the Bay Rivers less than a decade ago. Lafayette returns a young squad and some possible pitching prospects. Bruton will face a tough year, but will remain higher in the standings than Warhill and Southampton. Warhill is a brand new program. I think the battle of the bottom standings will be played out with Warhill and Southampton, a team that should be awarded extra outs per game for the ridiculously long drive they have for every away game.
What is going to be the determining factor this season? Often undervalued, the coaching staff will play a vital part to the 2008 season. On paper, Smithfield has loads of talent--but Coach Thrift is young, perhaps last year was a fluke. Smithfield has undergone a brand new coaching change, with last year being the first season Packer fans had a new look at a smarter crew in the dugout. It turned out to be a good decision, but pitcher Jacob Evans (now at Methodist seeing some time on the hill) anchored the staff with Morrison complementing him. Tabb is an easy pick to do well, because I have full faith that Coach Baggett will find a way to win. He has for years and not just in baseball. He just finished up his boys basketball season in the regional playoffs. Plus, I really like Everhart's bat. I watched him play this summer at the Muscular Dystrophy games and he knocked the cover off the ball, helping lead Crush Con to a championship victory in the senior division against a good Kempsville-based team. Jamestown is going to ride as far as Schultz pitches them--and he will pitch a lot, as Eagle pitchers have historically been known to throw an extreme, unhealthy amount of innings in a week. The York Falcons have former Denbigh Head Coach Rusty Ingram unofficially partnering up with them. This is a great sign for this ball club, an offer that any program in the area would love to have. If he has confidence that Lamb has tremendous pitching ability (he emerged last season as a premier pitcher), hitters better get some extra cuts in during practice and refine their swing if Lamb is set to pitch against them.
The last angle I will take towards this season is going to be how well the catchers perform. Tabb, Poquoson, Smithfield, and Jamestown all have solid catchers. I already know the all-district selections will be controversial, but I suppose that is every year. I'm just emphasizing that this year will be a little more competitive than others.
Catch a game. It looks like we have a potential draft pick, an abundant amount of college talent, and as always, a host of great coaches battling it out for another exciting season.
If you liked this article, let me know by completing my readership survey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
