My interest in high school sports really developed as I hit high school myself. Watching old Friday Football Extra's with Mike Stevens and his very colorful sweaters was a Friday night ritual. Then, when I became a student manager at Jefferson Forest High School, on nights I was there late I would pop in the coaches office and watch Friday Football Extra with coaches Christmas, Landis, Butler and Trent. Friday Football Extra was always a show that provided the best in high school football highlights.
To me when I think of WDBJ-7, I think Mike Stevens. I never thought Mike would leave the "Big 7". A saying has been used that a lot of the times when you meet your heroes or people you look up to, they dissappoint you and let you down. Not the case with Mike. Mike always took time to talk about what you wanted to talk about and he broke things down so in-depth, tat it was simply jawdropping. Even though Roanoke is the home base for WDBJ, Mike could talk Amherst, Giles, Bath County, or any other school that wasn't in the immediate Roanoke area. Every time I talked to Mike I counted it as a privledge and a honor. Mike Stevens is a class act all the way.
This year, I sat on press row at the state tournament, and Mike Stevens was there shooting highlights. If Mike had to leave to get a drink or to go get some press notes, he would ask me "Do you mind watching this (camera) for me?" It was a total 100 % pleasure, to feel in just a little way I helped Mike Stevens, because I felt like I could never help Mike the way he helped me.
The bottom line is Mike Stevens=class, dignity and a super human being. He was good on the air, giving scores, introducing highlights and many other things he did. But, he's a better person then he is sports anchor.
Travis Wells has some big shoes to fill, but I think Travis is up for the task. After all, he's learned from one of the best and he exhibits many qualities that Mike did, such as passion, dignity, class and being a super human being.
But today, it's all about Mike. This is not farewell, it's just "see you later". The city of Salem gets another champion to add to the City of Champions.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Sports Buffet: I'm Back!
I am the proud author, creator, producer, host, do all guy of "The Sports Buffet with Bob Alvis". I checked the podcast page the other day (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com) and saw where it had almost been 30 days since I had posted podcasts. Well, I'm back baby. You are still going to hear the best podcasts available, I'll be conducting high school fall sports previews here in the next week or so, as high school football practice starts around the commonwealth today. Other sports fall in line this week or by the start of next at the latest. I also will still be conducting interviews with the best in college and pro sports, whether it be media members, or we may strive for others as well. Another change you will find is this, as we add "classic" interviews and games from the days of "Talking High School Sports" and such. The current podcasts will be placed above those from "back in the day". Check the site, (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com) and you may understand what I'm talking about. As always, your comments and suggestions are appreciated and desired, just e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Announcements About "The Sports Buffet ONLINE"
Effective immediately, "The Sports Buffet" has changed it's name to "The Sports Buffet ONLINE". This was done with the creation of a new website coming soon called thesportsbuffetonline.com. The website will be devoted to high school sports and more, with a high school history section, schedules, results and more.
Also, my apologies for not updating the podcast site as frequently as I would like. There are several additions that are going to be made to http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com with coaches who played their games last night. I had interviewed about seven coaches prior to their Wed night tournament matchups but due to some conflicts, I was unable to get them up before Wednesday. I hope to get them up tonight. The coaches interviewed were Darien McClurg (E.C. Glass Girls Soccer), Mike Padgett (Amherst Baseball), Ryan Gilleland (Jefferson Forest Baseball), Kevin Brown (E.C. Glass Baseball), Jason Kilbourne (Altavista Baseball), Barry Godsey (Rustburg Baseball) and Scott McGarry (Nelson County Baseball).
This blog has stated earlier is a supplement to the podcast "The Sports Buffet ONLINE". Comments, thoughts, suggestions, please e-mail TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net
Also, my apologies for not updating the podcast site as frequently as I would like. There are several additions that are going to be made to http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com with coaches who played their games last night. I had interviewed about seven coaches prior to their Wed night tournament matchups but due to some conflicts, I was unable to get them up before Wednesday. I hope to get them up tonight. The coaches interviewed were Darien McClurg (E.C. Glass Girls Soccer), Mike Padgett (Amherst Baseball), Ryan Gilleland (Jefferson Forest Baseball), Kevin Brown (E.C. Glass Baseball), Jason Kilbourne (Altavista Baseball), Barry Godsey (Rustburg Baseball) and Scott McGarry (Nelson County Baseball).
This blog has stated earlier is a supplement to the podcast "The Sports Buffet ONLINE". Comments, thoughts, suggestions, please e-mail TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Reaction from Wednesday's High School Events
Yesterday, Chatham was very impressive winning 11-1 against William Campbell in Dogwood district baseball. The Cavaliers host Appomattox in Friday's Dogwood regular season finale. When asked yesterday what went right, Andy Haga, Head Coach of the William Campbell Generals said, "Nothing went right for us and everything went right for them." Haga also noted that he was impressed by Gavin Hylton's three home runs. Hylton set a single season record for the Cavaliers with the three jacks.
William Campbell must get back on the horse today though as they battle Altavista. Haga said in today's outing, the whole pitching staff is going to have to contribute, as it will have to be a staff victory, with this being the Generals 3rd tilt in three days. Altavista and William Campbell always have some tight, hotly contested games, and Haga said he expects nothing less today.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Jason Kilbourne's group had the bye yesterday and did not have a game. Altavista is already locked into sixth place in the Dogwood district, and will either have to travel to play Dan River or Nelson County (the Wildcats and Governors tangle on Friday, Dan River is currently 7-4, Nelson is 6-5 in district play. If Dan River wins, Altavista will definitely travel to Ringgold for next week. If Nelson wins, the Governors and Wildcats will split and the tie breaker will come into place) next week in the district tournament. I asked Coach Kilbourne, if he is concerned about complacency within his team, since they are locked into the district's sixth spot. He said, "We talked yesterday about having momentum going into the tournament and stopping a recent slide. Our pitching and defense have not been as sharp over the past 4 games. We have given up double digit runs over our last 4 games. We had only given up 10 runs or more once. I really think we will play with a lot of desire and intensity." Kilbourne also noted, he expects the Generals to be hungry, with them having dropped two games in the past two days.
Coach Barry Godsey's Rustburg Red Devils, were involved in a good one last night with the Heritage Pioneers. Gregg Chewning fired 1 hit ball over 7 1/3 for the Pioneers, but the Red Devils played solid defense, and had good pitching from starter Kevin Wade (no relation to former Red Devils player, Jake) and Chris Walker pitched out of jams from the bullpen. The Red Devils will most likely host Brookville in next week's Seminole District quarterfinal, while Heritage could have a first place tie with Jefferson Forest, if the Cavs fall to Amherst on Friday night in Forest.
The Brookville Bees softball team capped off the district regular season with a win at Amherst. Coach Larry Kidd was impressed by his pitcher, Nicole DeFilippo's control in the circle, as well as her fielding. The Bees also featured good defense from shortstop, Sarah Truxell. Coach Kidd was concerned with the Bees effort in the 7th, but the Bees still record the win. Coach Kidd was impressed by Amherst's Kyla Rose, commenting that she is so quick and a real tough out. The Bees open the Seminole District tournament with a bye, as they will not be on the field until the district semifinals.
William Campbell must get back on the horse today though as they battle Altavista. Haga said in today's outing, the whole pitching staff is going to have to contribute, as it will have to be a staff victory, with this being the Generals 3rd tilt in three days. Altavista and William Campbell always have some tight, hotly contested games, and Haga said he expects nothing less today.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Jason Kilbourne's group had the bye yesterday and did not have a game. Altavista is already locked into sixth place in the Dogwood district, and will either have to travel to play Dan River or Nelson County (the Wildcats and Governors tangle on Friday, Dan River is currently 7-4, Nelson is 6-5 in district play. If Dan River wins, Altavista will definitely travel to Ringgold for next week. If Nelson wins, the Governors and Wildcats will split and the tie breaker will come into place) next week in the district tournament. I asked Coach Kilbourne, if he is concerned about complacency within his team, since they are locked into the district's sixth spot. He said, "We talked yesterday about having momentum going into the tournament and stopping a recent slide. Our pitching and defense have not been as sharp over the past 4 games. We have given up double digit runs over our last 4 games. We had only given up 10 runs or more once. I really think we will play with a lot of desire and intensity." Kilbourne also noted, he expects the Generals to be hungry, with them having dropped two games in the past two days.
Coach Barry Godsey's Rustburg Red Devils, were involved in a good one last night with the Heritage Pioneers. Gregg Chewning fired 1 hit ball over 7 1/3 for the Pioneers, but the Red Devils played solid defense, and had good pitching from starter Kevin Wade (no relation to former Red Devils player, Jake) and Chris Walker pitched out of jams from the bullpen. The Red Devils will most likely host Brookville in next week's Seminole District quarterfinal, while Heritage could have a first place tie with Jefferson Forest, if the Cavs fall to Amherst on Friday night in Forest.
The Brookville Bees softball team capped off the district regular season with a win at Amherst. Coach Larry Kidd was impressed by his pitcher, Nicole DeFilippo's control in the circle, as well as her fielding. The Bees also featured good defense from shortstop, Sarah Truxell. Coach Kidd was concerned with the Bees effort in the 7th, but the Bees still record the win. Coach Kidd was impressed by Amherst's Kyla Rose, commenting that she is so quick and a real tough out. The Bees open the Seminole District tournament with a bye, as they will not be on the field until the district semifinals.
More Notes from Wednesday May 14th
The Seminole District Track meet beat the rain last night at Brookville High School, holding the finals one day earlier then planned. Check out info on it with Ted Allen's article from the News & Advance here www.newsadvance.com/lna/sports/high_school/article/brookville_dominates_in_seminole_district_track_championships/4879/
Check out complete results of the meet here va.milesplit.us/meets/34611/results/67775
The Piedmont District held their meet yesterday as well with the Tunstall boys and Bassett girls capturing crowns. You can read about that here http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/sports/high_school/article/tunstall_boys_capture_piedmont_track_and_field_championship/3668/
Full results can be found at www.roanoke.com/sports/highschool/wb/161952
Dan River knocked off Gretna 6-3 in Dogwood district baseball. The Hawks host Altavista for senior day at Gretna tomorrow, while Dan River travels to Nelson. The Governors were defeated by Appomattox yesterday. With the win, the Raiders clinched the regular season title in the Dogwood district. Chatham defeated the William Campbell Generals in the Dogwood's other game. The Generals hit the road to battle Altavista today at 6:00 at the Altavista Area YMCA. The game can be heard on AM 1000, WKDE. To read the article written by Matt Fuchs in the Danville Register & Bee, check it out here http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/sports/high_school/article/dan_river_baseball_reels_off_third_straight_victory/3669/
To read more about Danville area action yesterday, check out the Register & Bee's roundup,
www.godanriver.com/gdr/sports/high_school/article/danville_area_prep_roundup19/3667/
Robert Anderson of the Roanoke Times is reporting Ben Boggs will return to Hidden Valley for his senior season as a member of the Titans basketball team. Check that out here, http://www.roanoke.com/sports/highschool/wb/162037
Check out complete results of the meet here va.milesplit.us/meets/34611/results/67775
The Piedmont District held their meet yesterday as well with the Tunstall boys and Bassett girls capturing crowns. You can read about that here http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/sports/high_school/article/tunstall_boys_capture_piedmont_track_and_field_championship/3668/
Full results can be found at www.roanoke.com/sports/highschool/wb/161952
Dan River knocked off Gretna 6-3 in Dogwood district baseball. The Hawks host Altavista for senior day at Gretna tomorrow, while Dan River travels to Nelson. The Governors were defeated by Appomattox yesterday. With the win, the Raiders clinched the regular season title in the Dogwood district. Chatham defeated the William Campbell Generals in the Dogwood's other game. The Generals hit the road to battle Altavista today at 6:00 at the Altavista Area YMCA. The game can be heard on AM 1000, WKDE. To read the article written by Matt Fuchs in the Danville Register & Bee, check it out here http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/sports/high_school/article/dan_river_baseball_reels_off_third_straight_victory/3669/
To read more about Danville area action yesterday, check out the Register & Bee's roundup,
www.godanriver.com/gdr/sports/high_school/article/danville_area_prep_roundup19/3667/
Robert Anderson of the Roanoke Times is reporting Ben Boggs will return to Hidden Valley for his senior season as a member of the Titans basketball team. Check that out here, http://www.roanoke.com/sports/highschool/wb/162037
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Wednesday's May 14th Scores
Some scores from Wed May 14th. Here are some scores that I have gathered for Wed, from phone calls and Virginia Preps.com. You can check them out by going to www.virginiapreps.com
Seminole District Baseball
Amherst 10 Brookville 1
Rustburg 3 Amherst 2 in 8 innings.
Jefferson Forest defeated Staunton River, not sure of score.
Dogwood Baseball
Chatham 14 William Campbell 1 (5 innings)
Appomatox 6 Nelson County 4
Dogwood Softball
Gretna 9 Dan River 0
Seminole District Baseball
Amherst 10 Brookville 1
Rustburg 3 Amherst 2 in 8 innings.
Jefferson Forest defeated Staunton River, not sure of score.
Dogwood Baseball
Chatham 14 William Campbell 1 (5 innings)
Appomatox 6 Nelson County 4
Dogwood Softball
Gretna 9 Dan River 0
Thoughts from the coaches on tonight's Brookville-Amherst softball game
The Brookville Bees, have already captured the regular season Seminole District crown. Tonight, they look to cap off the season with a win at Amherst. Last time out, the Bees were victorious 2-1. I asked Brookville coach, Larry Kidd, what was the key tonight for a Brookville "W" and he responded "playing consistent defense and not allowing extra outs in an inning."
On the flip side, Amherst head coach Larry Thomas commented on tonight's key to a Lancers victory being "to play error free ball and to put the ball in play better then last time (against Brookville)". Thomas said of the Bees "They are a very good, well-rounded team with a very good pitcher, and are well coached. We have to play a top notch ball and execute well."
Tonight's game should be a good one, as both teams want momentum going into next week's district tournament.
On the flip side, Amherst head coach Larry Thomas commented on tonight's key to a Lancers victory being "to play error free ball and to put the ball in play better then last time (against Brookville)". Thomas said of the Bees "They are a very good, well-rounded team with a very good pitcher, and are well coached. We have to play a top notch ball and execute well."
Tonight's game should be a good one, as both teams want momentum going into next week's district tournament.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
