Soccer programs honored
United Soccer Coaches has announced the Team Academic Award winners at the college level to recognize exemplary performance in the classroom during the 2016-17 academic year.
A total of 813 collegiate teams (282 men, 531 women) earned the Team Academic Award, including 195 schools who had both their men’s and women’s programs among the recipients. Both the Virginia Tech men’s and women’s programs are recognized this year.
College Team Academic Award recipients are active members of the United Soccer Coaches College Services Program with a composite grade point of average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for all players on the roster.
Virginia Tech is one of six Atlantic Coast Conference schools to have both its men’s and women’s programs recognized.
H2OKIES ranked in preseason poll
The Virginia Tech men’s swimming and diving team has been ranked 19th in the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America preseason poll while the women’s team is receiving votes.
Tech’s men return 21 student-athletes from last year’s team that finished fourth at the ACC Championships, marking the eighth consecutive season the Hokies have finished in the top-4. The Hokies also welcome an incoming class ranked ninth in the nation by SwimSwam.
Hokies’ softball schedule
Nineteen home games at Tech Softball Park and six non-conference opponents that appeared in last year’s NCAA Tournament highlight the 2018 Virginia Tech softball schedule, released Wednesday by head coach Scot Thomas.
The Hokies will play in four non-league tournaments starting at South Alabama, followed by the ACC/Big Ten Challenge held at Duke, Texas and Jacksonville. Tech’s trip to Austin from Feb. 23-25 will be the program’s first ever trip to the Lone Star State. While the dates and times for the Texas tournament have not been set, the Hokies will face Ohio State, Wichita State, Texas and Michigan over five games.
The Hokies’ first game at Tech Softball Park in 2018 will come against Radford on Feb. 28. After a spring break road trip through Florida, Tech returns home to open ACC play against Syracuse from March 9-11.
Venture Out trips
Venture Out, the outdoor recreation program at Virginia Tech, is an excellent way to see the area, explore and be active. It provides a fun, safe, and educational outdoor services to students, faculty, staff, and community members and specializes in exciting outdoor adventures, quality rental gear at unbeatable rates and valuable resources to help plan the perfect adventure.
Upcoming events:
Crimper’s Climbing Nights (Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct. 24)
Looking to hone your climbing skill in an indoor setting? Join us for a night at Crimper’s Climbing Gym in Christiansburg. We will meet at the Venture Out house at 6 p.m. and return around 9:30 p.m. Transportation and gear are included.
Cost: $17 / Last day to register: Oct. 16 (Oct. 17 trip) & Oct. 23 (Oct. 24 trip)
Stand up paddleboarding Oct. 22
Test your balance and find your center as you join us for a day on the water on our stand up paddleboard trip. Venture Out will supply gear and lunch, so come float with us. No experience needed.
Cost: $35 / Last day to register: Oct. 18
Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail (Saturday, Oct. 28)
Imagine zooming down a trail dodging rocks and roots, fueled by your own pedal power. Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail with us to experience the thrill of mountain biking with experienced trip leaders who are ready to teach you everything you need to know for a great day on the trail. Bikes and lunch are provided, just bring your energy and plenty of water.
Cost: $40 / Last day to register: Oct. 25
For more information, check out www.recsports.vt.edu.
CAC coat drive
The Christiansburg Aquatic Center will accept new and/or gently used coats from October 9 through November 10 for their “Give a Kid a Coat” Drive, which is held with the intention of offering a winter coat for any child in need of one. After collection, the coats will be donated to the Montgomery County Christmas Store. Coats may be dropped off at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center, 595 North Franklin Street. For more information, please call 381-7665 (POOL).
Aquatics center closed for training
The Christiansburg Aquatic Center will close at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 for staff training. It will reopen on Oct. 16 at 5:30 a.m.
VIN etching
The Christiansburg Recreation Center, Police Department and Fire Department are co-sponsoring a free VIN etching event with Virginia State Police. The event will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Oct. 16 at the Christiansburg Fire Department, 110 Depot St.
All vehicles carry a federally assigned number called a vehicle identification number (VIN). Etching a VIN onto a vehicle’s window deters thieves because they must strip and replace windows etched with a VIN from the cars they steal, which takes time and costs money.
VIN etching is safe, fast and will not damage your vehicle. Numbers are permanently etched into the glass using a chemical solution.
For more information, call 382-2349 or visit the Christiansburg Recreation Center, 1600 N. Franklin St.
Fun Beginnings Basketball
The Blacksburg Recreation Department is now taking registration for youth basketball for ages 4-6 years old. Fun Beginnings Basketball is held Saturdays, Oct. 28-Nov. 18. The cost is $30 for town residents and $40 for non-residents.
To register call 443-1100 or visit www.blacksburg.gov/recreation.