VT’s Ashby named ACC linebacker of week
Junior LB Rayshard Ashby has been named ACC Linebacker of the Week following a standout performance against Miami, the league office announced Monday.
This marks the third time that Ashby has been named ACC Linebacker of the Week. He earned the weekly honor last season after racking up seven tackles, 2.0 TFL and a forced fumble in the opener at Florida State (9/3/18) and again earlier this season following the Boston College game (8/31) in which he registered 13 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a pass breakup. Ashby was a 2018 All-ACC Honorable Mention pick after finishing his sophomore season with 105 tackles, 9.5 TFL and two forced fumbles.
Ashby led the Hokies with 11 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack at Miami Saturday. The Chesterfield, Va., native has now led the team in tackles four times this season. Of his 11 tackles against the Hurricanes, six were solo stops. His 46 total tackles on the season rank fourth in the ACC. His 8.0 TFL are tied for the league lead.
Scary on Huckleberry 5K Oct. 26
The fifth annual “Scary on the Huckleberry” 5K is scheduled for October 26. The event will start and end at the Christiansburg Recreation Center.
Participants are encouraged to wear their best costume with prizes being given to most creative costume in adult and 17 & under categories. The top male and female 5K finishers will receive an award and prize money: $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third. A Kids Fun Run will also be held.
Registration is $25 before Oct. 14 and $30 thereafter. For more information, contact sguynn@mcps.org.
RU basketball coaches’ caravan
The public is invited to come out and join Radford University’s basketball coaches for the inaugural Radford Athletics Coaches Caravan on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Pulaski’s Jackson Park Inn. Head Coaches Mike Jones and Mike McGuire will discuss the upcoming 2019-2020 seasons and will take questions.
The caravan will make its stop at Al’s on First. It last from 5:30-7 p.m. and is free of charge. Hors d’oeuvres will be available while supplies last. A cash bar will be available. There will be a drawing for two reserved chair-back season tickets for men’s and women’s basketball.
This Caravan stop allows Highlander fans the opportunity to enjoy and mingle with fellow Highlanders. Each basketball coach will share what is happening in their respective programs.
Emory & Henry releases schedule
The Emory & Henry College men’s basketball team and Head Coach Ben Thompson have announced the schedule for the 2019-20 season.
In addition to the ever-challenging Old Dominion Athletic Conference schedule, the Wasps have a strong non-conference slate this year, highlighted by a pair of tournaments which will provide an all-important strength of schedule boost for NCAA Division III Regional Rankings.
Highlighting the season is a trip to Wilmington, N.C., to face UNC-Wilmington in the preliminary round of the D.C. Classic on Tuesday, Nov. 26. That contest will be streamed live on FloHoops.com.
E&H opens the season with a home contest against Keystone College on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 2:00 p.m. After a visit to Transylvania University (Fri., Nov. 15), a pair of home games await the Wasps against Marietta College (Wed., Nov. 20; 5:30 p.m.) and Maryville (Tenn.) College (Sat., Nov. 23; 2:00 p.m.). The matchup with the Scots will be a doubleheader with the Emory & Henry women’s basketball team.
Thanksgiving Week will see the Wasps make their trip to UNC-Wilmington on Tuesday and open ODAC play at Shenandoah University on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Honor for Hokies’ Keene
The John Mackey Award has named Virginia Tech’s Dalton Keene as the John Mackey Tight End of the Week. The Atlantic Coast Conference junior had a career performance with a career-high three touchdown receptions while also tying a career high with five catches and 73 receiving yards in Saturday’s win at Miami.
On the season, Keene has 11 catches for 100 yards and a team-leading three touchdowns.
The 2019 John Mackey recipient will be announced on Dec. 11, 2019, and will be presented live on Dec. 12, 2019 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on ESPNU.
UNC kickoff set
The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Monday that Virginia Tech’s home football contest against North Carolina will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Lane Stadium. The game will be televised on regional sports networks.
Festivities surrounding the North Carolina game will begin with the 2019 Homecoming Parade beginning in downtown Blacksburg at 9 a.m. ET. Pregame festivities will continue when Hokie Village opens at Noon. At 12:05 p.m., SJ McDonald will take the stage for an approximately 40-minute set prior to the Hokie Walk around 1 p.m. Following the Hokie Walk, The Jared Stout Band is scheduled to perform for over an hour in Hokie Village beginning at 1:30 p.m. This exciting local act is making some waves in the music industry. With a confidently entertaining stage presence and original music that gets the crowd moving, they approach the stage from all the right angles, performing a versatile sound of Americana blended with blues, country, soul and rock.
