Dyrell Roberts' College Debut Results in 62 Yard Reception

Smithfield High School graduate and true freshman Dyrell Roberts started his collegeiate career off with just one reception for the Virginia Tech Hokies, but it was a good one--a 62 catch and run from quarterback Sean Glennon.

The Hokies were stunned as the East Carolina Pirates beat Virginia Tech 27-22 in Charlotte, North Carolina at Bank of America Stadium.

Hokie fans have been eager for Head Coach Frank Beamer to start sophomore Tyrod Taylor from Hampton High, an athletic quarterback that played an important role to Tech's success in reaching a Bowl Championship Game (BCS).

Imagine that. Taylor passing and handing the ball off to Roberts, while they both help carrying the Hokie offense to an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship. Roberts and Taylor are some of the best the Peninsula and Bay Rivers has to offer.

Roberts was a Bay Rivers superstar and top Virginia high school running back. He rushed for over 2,000 yards during his senior year campaign.

Nine Year Old Baseball Player Discriminated Against Because He's Too Good

The Little League World Series just finished and Hawaii was crowned champions. One thing that you didn't hear throughout the entire tournament was "he is too good" or "that pitcher throws too fast".

Those are the exact statements being made about a 9 year old in New Haven Connecticut. Jericho Scott is a pitcher that throws heat in terms of his age. He hurls a 40 MPH fastball and it is causing problems. Not the typical ones that result in a strikeout. It is causing parents to complain and one team to forfeit. As a result the league has ruled that Scott can no longer pitch in his age division and disbanded his 8-0 team.

The coach was rumored to have quit but he has denied all related statements. One of the reasons that parents want Scott to not pitch is for safety reasons. I would understand that if he was a bit wild, but he is yet to hit aplayer. Frankly, it all boils down to him being too good. Instead ofteaching the kids how to hit a fastball they cry and complain. How can you tell a 9 year old that he can't pitch because he does it too well?

Winning and losing is a part of every sport. Sure, it is about having fun at that age, but is this the right message to send to the children? When you are faced with a challenge to quit, or avoid the problem? Jericho himself seems confused by the way things are unfolding. He has said "I feel sad", "I feel like it's all my fault that nobody could play."

Nicole Scott, his mother,said, "I think it's discouraging when you're telling a 9-year-old you're too good at something." "The whole objective in life is to find something you're good at and stick with it. I'd rather he spend all his time on the baseball field than idolizing someone standing on the street corner."

I think this is ridiculous. Iunderstand taking care of your child and teaching them to succeed, but Ifeel that this league is going way overboard and he should be allowed to pitch! I want to know your opinions.

Let those comments flow.

Listen to ESPN Radio 1310 for Elite Hampton Roads MMA Coverage

This Saturday marks a huge day for sports in the Tidewater area. A new radio show on ESPN Radio 1310 could be the spark that ignites the fire of MMA in our own backyard. TSR has kept you up to date with events in the area for the past few months and an extended coverage can be expected in the future. If you have no clue what MMA is check out this introduction here.

In that introduction, I provided you with a few gyms that are sure to give you the tools needed to become a better person, get in shape, as well as compete. The two owners of those gyms (Bushido MMA and Hybrid Academy of Martial Arts) along with Seven Cities Boxing will be hosting the hour long special from 8-9 every Saturday morning.

Bushido MMA
757-391-0321
3050 High Street
Portsmouth, VA 23707

Hybrid Academy of Martial Arts
757-490-6909
5476 Virginia Beach Blvd. Suite 127
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Seven Cities Boxing
757-962-5964
633 10th St. Ste.101
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

The show will talk about all aspects of mixed martial arts and boxing. The combination of hosts is sure to provide an action packed hour and many different opinions. This is sure to spark fireworks and great commentary. This will not be your run of the mill MMA show!

Along with hearing about these two exciting sports on the national level, you will also hear about it in your local area. They will be talking about upcoming fighting events that you can view in person, give you up to date information on local fighters and follow them on their quest to be a professional fighter.

Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest growing sport in the world.Everywhere you go you can see proof of it. You see Bushido MMA or Tapout stickers in windows as you drive to work. You are starting to see MMA apparel in stores such as Foot locker and JC Penney. The sport is here to stay. Get on board the bandwagon, and start right here in the Tidewater area. You can do that by tuning in every Saturday morning from 8-9.

As of right now the show will not be published as a Podcast, the second it does we will share that with you right here on TSR. As always stay tuned to TSR for your local MMA headquarters and other Tidewater news!

Curtis Sounds Off: USA Basketball and Fantasy Football

By Curtis Clontz

Welcome back to the next episode of Curtis Sounds Off. It seems like an eternity since I posted the last one, and have been very excited about the update. If you haven't subscribed yet, be sure to do so. This way, you can receive the latest updates from TSR so you don't miss anything! Get each TSR post delivered to your email.

USA Basketball

One of the biggest topics and a carry over from last week's sound off is the Redeem Team. The team is worthy of a much better nickname, but that isn't the issue at hand. The question came about of which team would win if the Dream Team played the Redeem Team. I was shocked even more when I heard more than 30% of the people who voted said the new team would beat the old guys.

If you think a team of MJ, Bird, Magic, Sir Charles, John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, Scottie Pippen, Chris Mullin, and Karl Malone would lose to anyone in the world today (in a best out of 3), in my opinion, you are ridiculous. The only argument that seems to hold water is that the 08 squad could run the 92 team and take advantage of the age difference. That is possible but who on the 08 team could guard Ewing, Barkley, or Malone? Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh…C'mon now… No one could guard MJ, and if you double teamed him are you going to leave Bird open on the wing? The 92 team could rebound, score, and shoot better and would beat our current team.

The Redeem Team would do better than every other team in the world, but even they would not be able to play with what I consider to the best basketball team ever assembled.

Fantasy Football

Enough about basketball. Lets talk football. Tonight is my fantasy football draft and I am very excited about it. Yeah, I am one of those types. I pretty much have figured out who I like, who I would like to pick late in the draft, and who I think are solid players that could lead me to a championship. I have checked ESPN and done mock drafts and think I am ready.

My league consists of 12 players and most of them were in my league last year. I plan on keeping track of the league on TSR and provide you with the comical moves and best moves of the week so that you may be able to take that information and put it to use in your own leagues. Since this will not be posted before my draft I am going to share some of my predictions. After the season we will revisit this and see just how close my predictions are.

2008 NFL Predictions

1. Tom Brady will not have as many TD passes this season. Their D is not as good and they will lose at least 3 games and will have 2 or 3 others that will be very close.

2. Ricky Williams will have more rushing yards and TDs than Ronnie Brown.

3. The Dolphins will win more games than the 49'ers if Alex Smith is the Niners' QB.

4. Derek Anderson will lose his job to Brady Quinn sometime during the season.

5. Adrian Peterson will not play in more than 14 games this season.

6. Clinton Portis will have a healthy year and the Skins will make the playoffs.

7. Darren McFadden is not the next Adrian Peterson!

In my draft tonight I am looking to go against the typical RB-RB draft plan. I believe in the best available player with the best potential, as well as the best player in the best position. Meaning if I have the choice of Ronnie Brown or Jamal Lewis I would go with Jamal because Ronnie will share carries with Ricky Williams. The same goes with the other positions on my team. It may be a bit unconventional but trust me, it works.

Wish me luck tonight. Next time in Curtis Sounds Off I will share how the draft went as well as anything that makes me sound off. Don't forget to keep the comments coming. I want to keep this column completely interactive and fun for everyone not just me.

2009 Peninsula District Baseball: Menchville to Dominate Defense; Woodside, Gloucester, and Bethel to Return Strong Clubs

Last week, I spoke with a prominent head baseball coach in the Peninsula District about the 2009 spring season. He mentioned Bethel will again be in the hunt, as they return starting pitcher Justin Shivley.

But maybe the most surprising thoughts if you aren't keeping up with PD baseball is the following teams he believes will provide some stiff competition: the Gloucester Dukes and Woodside Wolverines. Both those teams had some good games last season, but he thinks this bodes even better for those two squads.

The Hampton Crabbers, last year's district champions, will likely take a big hit and be in a rebuilding mode as they lost multiple starters.

But what about those Menchville Monarchs? Ethan Carter has traveled the country this summer and is heating up for a good senior season, but he also Austin Chrimson to back him. Chrimson was the Monarchs' #2 pitcher last season.

It's not even the fall yet, but after speaking some baseball, I thought it'd be interesting to take a look at the season.

Antwain Britt from Virginia Beach to Compete on UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter

By Curtis Clontz


Get more pictures like this from SHERDOG.COM

TSR has been the premier MMA website for the Tidewater area for several months now. I have personally been telling you about the growth of the sport here in Hampton Roads and that we are going to have some fighters make it to the big stage in the near future.

That day is finally upon us as CNNSI has stated that local fighter Antwain Britt will be that guy. The Juggernaut, as he is called, is part of the UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter reality show.

This show has been the launching pad for more than 30 fighters. Athletes such as Diego Sanchez, Josh Koscheck, and current 205 Champion Forrest Griffin all got their start on this nationally televised show.

Some of the biggest names in the history of the sport have also coached on the show, such as Matt Hughes, Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz, and Rich Franklin. The show will be televised weekly on Spike.

Ultimate Fighter trailer


Antwain is a beast of a man. He is a product of Virginia Beach’s Hybrid Academy of Martial Arts. You have heard about Hybrid a few times on this site already. Britt is the type of fighter that is rare.


Get more pictures like this from SHERDOG.COM

He seems to have concrete in his hands and has the ability to stop a wrestler’s shot. Depending on where you look you will see him with different records. For the show they are advertising him to have a 4-0 record.

Tons more about Antwain will follow in the future. TSR will provide weekly updates of the show and his progress as he pushes to showcase more of what the Tidewater area can produce.

Curtis Sounds Off: How Bout' The Bejing Olympics!

TSR is a unique website and is constantly updating to become one of the best sites for the readers. One of the latest updates to the site is to provide you the viewer a chance to be the world’s worst critic or to agree and share your ideas on various topics.

If you agree with me make your comments under the post and keep checking for my reply, if you disagree don’t get mad when I comment back and try to emphasize my point. I want to know what you think about my sound offs as well as your opinions, especially if you disagree with what I say! Welcome to the inaugural Curtis Sounds Off.

Step into my world of a completely biased and opinionated world that is Curtis, no more boring intro lets get right into what has been on my mind recently in the world of sports! Michael Phelps! At this point the only man to ever win 8 gold medals needs to introduction, but he did much more for the Olympic Games than lead USA in medals.

Think about this… What would have had you tuning in every night with no Phelps? Would you have endured the countless hours of beach volleyball, badminton, or Phelps-less swimming? I know my answer and that is probably not. He has been the biggest story in these games hands down.

That includes what seems to be a certain run of gold for Team USA. Think about this, a month from now what will more talked about… Phelps or Team USA?

Speaking of Team USA, how about Coach K, and his ability to lead this bunch? The NCAA’s leading coach is a huge piece of the puzzle and without him the team would not be complete. He is much more than a coach, he is a true leader. He and the other coaches went into this knowing that they had to commit to win in these games. They knew they needed to have a team of guys that want to play like a team, not a typical NBA showboat looking to score 30.

I am open to any type of debate about the GREAT Duke Coach not being an important part of this run! The players are showing the world how to play this game and they are beating very good teams by 20 or more. If they are awarded anything less than a gold medal it will be massively disappointing as they seem to be the best team in the world.

The last thing I want to shout about is football. It is coming fast, but not fast enough! The Brett Favre saga has finally starting to calm, but it is funny… He went from the best team in his state, to the second best team in his new stadium. I have a question for you… Have you ever heard of the Madden Curse? Brett you are in trouble!

All curses aside, does he really make the Jets any better? I do not see him taking that team very far and I see them missing the playoffs… Later this week join me for my newest sound off as I make my NFL predictions and let you know what is on my mind! Get those comments coming in!

Curtis Sounds Off

Our Hampton Roads MMA expert and sports enthusiast Curtis Clontz will be sharing his opinions on anything sports-related right here at Curtis Sounds Off.

Curtis will be expressing views on why he believes Duke basketball is the best college team in the world and how Tidewater recruits will help continue the tradition with the Blue Devils.

You can basically expect anything, totally biased and opinionated, at Curtis Sounds Off.

If you disagree or want to express your view, give him the heat and drop a comment.

David Walters of Tabb High in Yorktown Swimming in 2008 Olympics

David Walters of Yorktown helped the U.S. Mens Swim Team set a relay record earlier this week in a qualifying heat at the 2008 Bejing Olympic games . Walters graduated from Tabb High in 2006 and was by far the top swimming in Virginia High School League play.

After high school, Walters went to the University of Texas where he still swims. He has claimed top finishes in various national and world swimming championships.

I watched this guy compete at the Bay Rivers District Swimming Championships a few years ago---and he really was the real deal. There was virtually no match at the high school level for him, and the Bay Rivers is quite competitve with Jamestown, Grafton, and Lafayette.

We've had a host of other local athletes in the world-class games this year. Katie Hoff, a native of Williamsburg, Virginia, and a Virginia Beach soccer player on the women's team.

CageFest 5 in Roanoke, Virginia: Showcasing Virginia's Finest MMA Talent

By Curtis Clontz

The Roanoke Civic Center will be on fire this weekend! Mixed Martial Arts will take over the civic center as CageFest 5 “Star City Showdown” will be on display.

This family affair will include some of the areas best fighters as well as UFC fighter Corey Hill. Hill became a star on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s reality show The Ultimate Fighter.

If you are from the Tidewater area and have been to any of the recent events you have noticed the rise of one of the hottest MMA gyms in the area. Bushido MMA is on fire as they stretched their MMA record to 15-2 last weekend with wins by two of their newest fighters.

This time around three more of their fighters will be stepping into the cage. One of the three great fighters from Bushido will be fighting for the right to hold a CageFest Title. Brodie Leap will be looking to be the first fighter from the gym to wear a title belt around his waist. Bushido’s fight team has been putting in hundreds of hours of hard work and dedication to prepare them selves for this fight.

I have personally seen the fight team hard at work and it would be hard pressed to find another that works just as hard. Some of the members of the fight team help with other classes, but when it is their turn to train they turn on the music and step it up at least 10 notches. They train hard and fast. Their conditioning is impressive but the overall technique and focus to the fines side of the game is even more impressive.

If you don’t care for Corey Hill but want to see top fighting come see the Bushido Camp, they will not disappoint. Bushido is just one of the many fight gyms that will be represented at this event. More information on the event will come after the show.

If you are interested in going to this event you will need tickets. To purchase tickets, click here or call 540-853-5483. Superstar Corey Hill is sure to draw a crown so get your tickets.

Hampton Roads Sports Events

Got a cool sports event coming up? Do you play weekly pick up games but want to spread the word?

Open to anyone, this page is dedicated to any and all sports-related events in Tidewater. Maybe a group of guys get together once a week to play tennis, and you're looking for some more to join in. This is the place to list the event.

Or maybe you're looking to play some extra basketball, but don't have anyone to play with. Drop a comment or email me to create a group of people to play.

Whatever you want, this is your page. Let the games begin.

Your Votes Are In: Hampton Roads Baseball Beats Out Football By Three Votes

For nearly one month, I ran the following poll for Tidewater sports fans to vote on:

What sport is Tidewater known best for?

The votes are in, and baseball edged football by just three votes. Basketball and the "other" category lagged far behind.

Chesapeake accounts for much of the baseball scene for professional stars. We have David Wright, the Upton brothers, and host of other ball players at all levels of play.

For football, I'd have to say Hampton Roads is better known for its collegiate athletes. It's a known fact that Frank Beamer and his Virginia Tech Hokies love recruiting down here. Some recent big names are Chris Ellis, Tyrod Taylor, and Vince Hall.

Professionally, Michael Vick positively hit the spotlight for a while with the Atlanta Falcons, as did DeAngello Hall from Chesapeake. Green Run's Plaxico Burress headlined with Eli Manning in last year's Super Bowl win, and Hampton's Ronald Curry is slowly getting noticed out in the west as a receiver.

I know I missed a bunch of names, even guys from small schools like Southampton High (I know a graduate went on to play with the Cincinatti Bengals, I just can't remember his name.).

What do you think? Who else should be mentioned? Does the poll truly reflect Tidewater sports fans?

Comment and let me know.