Tidewater Sports Report

Andre Dawkins Basketball Highlights from Cameron Indoor Stadium

2009-11-22T20:01:00.007-05:00

Here are some exclusive Andre Dawkins highlight clips from the Duke vs. Radford game I attended on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Dawkins left Atlantic Shores Christian School in Virginia Beach, Virginia early to play for the Duke Blue Devils. He scored 20 points--his most so far in his early college career at Duke. He drained six three-pointers and led the surge that really broke the game open against Radford midway through the first half. Duke's Nolan Smith also had 20 points and was the other spark that helped create a huge lead for the Blue Devils in the first half.

TSR has been following Dawkins for over a year now. Curtis Clontz wrote that Dawkins is expected to help "the Blue Devils be one of the best teams in the country."

If Duke can generate any sort of inside game, Clontz will have been right on the mark.

Andre Dawkins of Duke University Basketball

2009-11-22T18:54:00.004-05:00

Andre Dawkins left Atlantic Shores out of Virginia Beach, Virginia before his senior year. Here are some photos I took while I watched his breakout college game against Radford University on Saturday.

VA Beach's Andre Dawkins of Duke Shoots Out Radford Saturday

2009-11-21T23:39:00.002-05:00

Andre Dawkins came off the bench and hit six three-ballers to help Duke University beat Radford University by more than 30 points.

I've got absolute exclusive highlight clips from the game and photos. More to come later.

Norfolk Yacht and Country Club: Serving Up Virginia's Finest Facilities

2009-11-09T00:51:00.003-05:00

Located on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia, the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club offers several activities for all different ages. According to its website, check out the following list of services it has to offer:

Fitness Center, offering "state-of-the-art center with exceptional equipment and services."
Yachting, with four floating piers and three ramps.
Swimming, including an Olympic pool, a spa, a 25-yard indoor pool, a children's pool, and a pool exclusively for diving.
Tennis. There are 10 courts outdoor courts with lights, along with a pro shop. There is also a wide variety of tournaments throughout the year.
Junior Sailing. It's website says their yacht "offers one of the strongest youth sailing programs in Hampton Roads."

Ok, so this place sounds pretty cool. And definitely a premier spot if you like sailing.

If you want to give them a visit, or perhaps a phone call, here's their contact information.

Norfolk Yacht & Country Club
7001 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, Virginia 23505

Phone: (757) 423-4500

Source: http://www.norfolkyacht.com/

What Hampton Roads player has the most impact for Virginia Tech Football this season?

2009-11-07T04:14:00.003-05:00

Who do you think? Tyrod Taylor can run and pass...sometimes. I mean sure, he had his "breakout" game against Nebraska. Even though his wide receiver got open on a busted play. And the touchdown pass, which was also a busted play, was the result of a great pass from Taylor and an even better catch from Dyrell Roberts, another 757 player.

But what about Greg Boone? That guy is crazy good. It's too bad he doesn't get more touches. He's a stud and could probably produce more results at QB than Taylor (he played QB in high school on the Southside).

Ok, ok, enough hatin' on Taylor. VA Tech only has three losses on the year, granted one came to UNC which should not be tolerated. He can run, pass, scramble, make plays out of nothing, and he works hard. That's great, but apparently not good enough. At least for national championships.

So, who else is there? Let's get back to D-Rob, as he's better known in Smithfield. This guy has been a huge spark on the special teams this year. He can return kicks and punts great, has good acceleration, but lacks catching the ball sometimes in the slot as a receiver. They should use him more like Florida used Percy Harvin (oh wait, yet another Tidewater player).

Ok...I know I only mentioned three guys, but those are the only ones that come to mind. I think Taylor has the most impact, but I think Boone should and would have the most impact if granted the power to do so.

So there ya' go. That's how I feel about Tech's three loss season.

I want to know what you think.

A Virginia Tech Football Star is in Hampton Roads This Weekend

2009-11-07T04:07:00.003-05:00

Want to know who it is? Want to know what city he's in?

Email me at editor@tidewatersportsreport.com to find out.

This guy is in town because Tech had a Thursday night game and he has the weekend to hang out.

Here's a hint: he watched his old high school's football game last night.

Yeah, I know, that's not much of a hint. But, it is something.

And even better than that, Tidewater Sports Report is one of the only people to know about this exclusive, breaking news--the chance at meeting with a potential NFL draft pick.

Virginia Beach Sports Club: Providing Scholarship Grants to Virginia Beach Athletes

2009-10-22T22:23:00.004-04:00

The Virginia Beach Sports Club recognizes top-notch athletic talent in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

They've had professional baseball scouts, college athletic directors, and numerous other gifted people in the athletic field speak at their meetings.

According to the website, the club's purpose is the following:

"To provide an effective civic organization sharing a mutual interest and pleasure in athletics with the predominant purpose of providing scholarship grants to deserving high school athletes."

The club was founded in 1952.

For more information on the club, visit their website at http://www.virginiabeachsportsclub.com/

Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame: Honoring Softball Leaders in Hampton Roads

2009-10-18T20:39:00.006-04:00

The Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame was established in 1983 "to recognize its outstanding citizens in softball," according to its website.

The hall of fame seeks to promote softball at all levels and honor those who have helped contribute to its success as a game.

The 2009 inductees were recently recognized at the latest ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia.

Click here for photos of the event, courtesy of Keith Parnell, a local businessman and one of the guys inducted into the hall of fame.

Want to know more about how to become a part of the Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame?

Then check out their website at http://www.tvshof.org/.

2009 VA Tech Football: More Than 20% of Roster From Hampton Roads

2009-10-13T02:00:00.003-04:00

I was just skimming over Virginia Tech's 2009 football roster and noticed some pretty cool stuff--including that this year's roster has 22 players from Tidewater, representing the Peninsula, Beach, Eastern, Southeastern, and Bay Rivers Districts, along with the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS).

Here's the breakdown of the players from each city.

Virginia Beach: 9 players
Hampton: 5 players
Norfolk: 4
Chesapeake: 2
Smithfield: 1
Newport News: 1

These are pretty sweet numbers. Thanks in large part to Jim Cavanaugh, head recruiter.

Virginia Tech Ranked #4 Football Team in Country

2009-10-13T01:50:00.002-04:00

Hampton native Tyrod Taylor, along with a host of other Tidewater players, has Virginia Tech Hokies ranked 4th in the nation, according to a recent poll.

The Hokies' only loss is to Alabama, who is now ranked 2nd in the nation (behind Florida). This is according to the AP Top 25 list. USA Today's list has Bama' ranked 3rd.

Keep going Hokies.

Top 50 Athletes Ever from South Hampton Roads?

2009-09-28T22:47:00.002-04:00

The Virginian-Pilot put together a crew of local sports analysts to come up with a list of what they believe to be the top 50 athletes ever from South Hampton Roads Virginia.

Check it out: http://hamptonroads.com/newsdata/top50athletes

Do you agree or disagree with this?

Although I think it's way too early to tell, they placed Percy Harvin 30th on the list. He definitely should have been placed ahead of Michael Cuddyer and B.J. Upton.

Of course, there was no NFL experience for them to judge at the time when they put this together.

Percy is on track to make the top five list if he continues the way he's playing.

Tennis Courts in Norfolk, Virginia

2009-09-28T22:07:00.002-04:00

Finding tennis courts can be tough sometimes. Especially public courts that are free to play on.

Here's a few in Norfolk that you should check out.

Barraud Park (near Norfolk State University)

Northside Park (off Tidewater Drive)

Lafayette Park (near Virginia Zoo)

For more information on parks and recreation in Norfolk, VA, check out the following link: http://www.norfolk.gov/rpos/parks.asp

Ferrum College Boasts Nine Tidewater Players on 2009 Football Roster

2009-09-28T19:38:00.004-04:00

The Ferrum Panthers have 9 players from the 757 on this year's roster. Check out the complete list of each player below.

Tremaine Whitney
Southampton High School (AA)
Ivor, VA

Cedric Hargrove
Kellam High School (AAA)
Virginia Beach, VA

Kwamane Harris
Windsor High School (A)
Windsor, VA

Isaiah Sheppard
Kecoughtan High School (AAA)
Hampton, VA

Michael Sabol
Salem High School (AAA)
Virginia Beach, VA

Aaron Johnson
Churchland High School (AAA)
Portsmouth, VA

MarMarcos Crocker
Southampton High School (AA)
Sedley, VA

Don Pierce
York High School (AA)
Yorktown, VA

Clark Schurz
Poquoson High School (AA)
Poquoson, VA

Newport News Criminal Returns to Work with NFL

2009-09-27T23:50:00.005-04:00

Newport News native Michael Vick, who was jailed for over a year, returned Sunday with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick saw little action and rushed for seven yards, with two incomplete pass attempts.

Vick was jailed for illegal dog fighting that took place in Surry County, about 35 miles from where he grew up in Newport News.

Some people are pretty upset about his return--including our local PETA headquarters in Norfolk--but a good portion of fans have been excited. Check out this article to see what others across the nation are saying.

I think it's great to see a terrific Tidewater athlete get back on the field. And this was a great weekend for it. VA Tech won big against Miami, led by Hampton native Tyrod Taylor. And Percy Harvin is tearing it up in the NFL with the Vikings.

Pretty good way to sum up the weekend for Tidewater sports.

Virginia Beach Native Percy Harvin Returns a Kickoff 101 Yards

2009-09-27T19:36:00.003-04:00

Percy Harvin scored his third touchdown of the year, including one each week, as the Minnesota Vikings downed the San Francisco 49ers 27-24. Harvin returned a kickoff in the third quarter for 101 yards. Check out the highlight clip below.

Harvin also recorded 4 catches for 51 yards.

The Vikings are off to an impressive 3-0 start. Minnesota's next opponent is Green Bay--in what wil be another first for Harvin; a Monday night game against Brett Farve's former team.

Peninsula QB Connects with Southside Receiver in Hokie Thriller; Tech Wins 16-15 over Nebraska

2009-09-19T22:40:00.005-04:00

This weekend's best game-winning drive showcased two top athletes from Hampton Roads in Virginia Tech's 16-15 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Hampton's Tyrod Taylor hooked up with Smithfield's Dyrell Roberts in the endzone to put the Hokies ahead with 21 seconds in regulation.

Props go out to Danny Coale (Lexington, VA), who caught Taylor's pass for what turned out to be an 81-yard reception. This huge play led to the TD pass to Roberts.

TSR's been following Roberts for a couple years now.
http://www.tidewatersportsreport.com/2007/11/roberts-reaches-2000-yard-mark.html

Check out the highlights here and read the official Hokie report here.

Brett Farve & Percy Harvin Celebrating

2009-09-13T20:10:00.001-04:00

Check out this photo: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/9286/photos;_ylt=Ap.tTwgGiM_.r_ZPmdphoeX.uLYF?slug=b4e3897ee1b69994577de7cb34096a92-getty-88971906ms018_minnesota_vik

What an amazing photo? One of the NFL's greatest quarterbacks ever hooking up with Percy Harvin from Virginia Beach.

Wow.

Can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds.

Percy Harvin of VA Beach Scores TD in NFL Debut

2009-09-13T17:49:00.003-04:00

I've followed him since his junior year in high school at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. I'm now following him along with the rest of the country as he launched his NFL career with Brett Farve and the Minnesota Vikings today.

Harvin scored a touchdown with 36 yards receiving, rushed for 22 yards, and racked up 99 yards on special teams, including an exciting 41 yard return.

Hampton Roads Sports News Bites for August 2009

2009-08-10T16:46:00.004-04:00

Old Dominion University Football Inaugural Game to be Broadcasted on Cox

Former ODU Pitchers Performing Strongly in Minor Leagues

Suffolk's Dominique Patterson Chooses VA Tech Over ECU, Marshall

Oscar Smith Football to be Nationally Televised

Former NFL Star Mel Gray Headlines Peanut City Football Camp

Atlantic 10 Headquarters Headed to Newport News

Percy Harvin Named Top High School Football Player of the Decade in Virginia

2009-08-10T15:20:00.003-04:00

Five out of the top six high school football players of the decade are from Hampton Roads, according to VHSL-Refernce.com.

Percy Harvin of Landstown High, who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings, tops the list. Harvin starred at the University of Florida before being drafted by the Vikings in 2009.

Virginia Beach Native Robert Morey Leads UVA Baseball to 5-1 Win Over San Diego State

2009-06-02T23:37:00.002-04:00

Robert Morey showed just what Tidewater baseball is all about. The sophomore from Virginia Beach (Cape Henry) fanned nine San Diego State batters, while allowing just five hits in six shutout innings in route to a Cavaliers 5-1 win May 29th, 2009.

Morey did all of this against the nation's top pitcher, Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg is projected to the #1 overall pick in the the 2009 MLB draft.

The Cavaliers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after two innings of play. However, the offense came to a halt against Strasburg. When it was all said and done, Strasburg struck out 15 batters in just seven innings, allowing two earned runs.

Morey is a former Cape Henry Collegiate graduate standout. He dominated on the diamond and also provided a solid presence on the basketball court.

Tidewater Judo Club Highlight Video Clip

2009-04-20T02:53:00.002-04:00

Should Kids Specialize in One Sport at a Young Age?

2009-04-20T01:14:00.004-04:00

This conversation is discussed all across the country by parents of children participating in sports at a young age. Some say travel the country on "elite" teams and become a star in your desired sport. Others believe children should be free to pursue whatever sport they want. But seriously, should kids specialize in one sport at a young age?

The idea sounds good: practice in the sport you play the best, practice it a lot, and land a starting position with a big-time college. Focus on what you do best and don't toy around with other sports--after all, you wouldn't want to injure yourself while playing a sport for mere fun. Practice year-round, play in weekend tournaments, and keep good grades so college recruiters will like your resume.

That's the jist of it. Oh yeah, and while you're at it, try to have fun, maintain a social life, and pursue other interests outside of your sport.

Does this help an aspiring Division I athlete reach his/her goals? Maybe. Is it necessary? Absolutely not.

Just stop and think about some of athletes from Hampton Roads that are now great in their desired sport. Allen Iverson graduated from Bethel High in Hampton where he excelled in football and basketball. Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor played basketball and football for the Hampton Crabbers. And Percy Harvin of the Florida Gators played football, basketball, and participated in track & field at Landstown High Schol in Virginia Beach.

Sure, some of these guys went to invitational camps, were hounded by recruiters, and probably told to specialize in one sport. But the great part is they didn't. In fact, Percy Harvin ran track his freshman year at the University of Florida. Even better, his teammate Mike Morrison of Great Bridge played football and volleyball in high school. The cool thing is despite all the efforts and pressure, these athletes played multiple sports, helped their school program, and had fun.

That's just a few names of guys that proved playing multiple sports wouldn't stop them from achieving a starting position at a higher level.

Now, I understand some sports require more intense practice than others. In other words, basketball and football are related in many ways: quickness, speed, and strength are all necessary qualities to perform well. However, with many individual sports, such as golf or bowling, you really don't need speed and quickness to be a champion. You need hours of practice.

I get that.

But if your child shows potential in basketball, tennis, swimming, or anything else, should you hold him or her back to hone in one sport? And then pursue it so fiercely that their lives revolve around it?

Here at Tidewater Sports Report, we don't think you should. But we also believe it's a personal choice. We just want everyone to have fun, enjoy sports, and continue representing Tidewater as one of the elite athletic regions in the country.

Chick-fil-A in Newport News to Sponsor 2nd Annual Chick-fil-A 5K

2009-04-08T22:23:00.010-04:00

Chick-fil-A Yoder Plaza in Newport News, VA and Chick-fil-A Kiln Creek in Yorktown, VA are hosting their 2nd Annual Chick-fil-A 5K May 23, 2009, at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA.

According to Chick-fil-A's website, there are three key reasons why one should participate in the race. It says because "you love Chick-fil-A, you love to run, and it's better than a Wii."

You can register online by clicking here, or you can pick up a registration form at Chick-fil-A in Newport News or at Chick-fil-A in Kiln Creek.

To contact either local Hampton Roads Chick-fil-A, visit its website at www.catercfa.com for more information.

Chick-fil-A Yoder Plaza

12128 Jefferson Avenue

Newport News, VA 23602

Phone: (757) 882-8844

Fax: (757) 882-8910

Chick-fil-A Kiln Creek

5003A Victory Boulevard

Yorktown, VA 23693

Phone: (757) 988-8847

Fax: (757) 988-8826

Former ODU Basketball Coach Leads Oklahoma Into Elite 8 in 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

2009-03-28T00:04:00.004-04:00

Jeff Capel, the head coach of the University of Oklahoma, has his Sooners one game away from the 2009 NCAA Men's Final Four in Detroit, Michigan.

Capel's collegiate coaching career began right here in Tidewater--at Old Dominion University, where he assisted his father for one year with the Monarchs' men's basketball program.

Capel faces the Tar Heels of North Carolina--whose campus is just over 100 miles from where Capel graduated high school in Hope Mills, NC--Sunday for the right to play in the Final Four.

The Sooners easily beat the Syracuse Organgemen Friday evening 84-71.