Hoos risin'

Being a fan of the University of Virginia can sometimes be tough, especially if you focus on the big name sports of football and men's basketball. In the world of UVA football, a big surprise win one Saturday is often followed by a disappointing loss the next. A few years back, I finally gave up the live-or-die by the latest game mentality - and have been a happier, if a bit less passionate fan. Basketball has mostly been a downer the past couple of years, but I have my hopes for the new coach, the style of play he'll bring, and the players he'll recruit. We should all give him several seasons of breathing space to put a successful program together.

Springtime, however, is bright for the Hoos where a number of the teams are nationally ranked and provide some of the most exciting sports in the Commonwealth.

• Men's tennis is ranked #1
• Baseball is ranked #11
• Women's lacrosse is ranked #9
• Men's lacrosse is ranked #4 and has been #1
• Women's golf is #3
• Women's rowing is #15

Men's lacrosse coach, Dom Starsia, seems in awe of the Cavaliers' across-the-board successes:

This spring has been astonishing in a lot of ways. It does create a competitive atmosphere that is healthy for everybody.

UVA has done it with hard work by athletes, quality coaches, and providing full funding for all sports. That means teams have full coaching staffs and the maximum number of scholarships for every sport. Donors put up big bucks to build a baseball stadium and indoor tennis facility, among other improvements, that didn't make the headlines of JPJ Arena or Scott Stadium. It wasn't always this way - as recently as 2001 a UVA committee recommended dropping baseball and men's tennis to club status. There's more in Spring Sports Flourishing at Virginia.

It seems to me that UVA athletics is doing many things right and successes will also bloom in the marquee sports that grab fans' attention. I'm waiting for that year when I can just smile, or smirk, when I greet one of my many friends who are rabid VA Tech supporters. ;>)

Fresh litter

Because of the collapsing economy and the budget crisis facing Virginia, the City of Harrisonburg could see a cut of $3.2 million in state aid for 2010. The figures are from projections from the Virginia Municipal League. The same dire predictions are being hashed out in city and town councils and boards of supervisors across the state.

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In a related story, the Virginia Retirement System reports the value of its investments has dropped over $14 million since June 30, about 1/4 of its value. VRS provides pension benefits to 136,000 employees and has over 345,000 active members - state and local employees, school teachers. It is the 24th largest public or private pension fund. Officials said payments to retirees and beneficiaries are not in jeopardy.

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Across the mountain at the University of Virginia, head football coach Al Groh has shaken up his coaching staff. Several assistants, including Groh's son, will retire or "pursue other opportunities." Us chickens know when a head has been chopped off! 

In spite of saying "there are no scapegoats here," the head coach keeps his job. UVA was 5-7 this year. Does this sound like an investment bank taking bailout billions and firing the middle management while the CEO keeps his multimillion dollar salary? No scapegoats here?

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One more story about our collapsing economy. Everything from toilet paper to peanut butter is affected. Popcorn, too? The size of the product shrinks while the price stays the same. But, the shrinkage is not very noticeable to the average consumer. You were shorted a couple ounces of Jiff peanut butter by an enlarged dimple in the bottom of the jar. Individual sheets of toilet paper shrink. Be a smart consumer - learn more at Mouse Print.