Spring Update

I hope all of the Highlander fans out there are having a great spring. Before I get into events in the athletic department, I want to congratulate the class of 2008 on graduating May 3rd. We are really proud of our RU graduates and I know they will go out into the world and do great things. We are particularly proud of our student-athletes that graduated. We will miss you and we are so grateful for your many accomplishments and contributions.

Like the weather here in the New River Valley, our department continues to undergo many changes. Perhaps the biggest change is Coach Jeri Porter’s departure to George Mason University. Jeri did a wonderful job during her six years at RU and we wish her the very best as she moves to Fairfax. Jeri’s exit has opened the door for a great opportunity for her successor, Taj Ngongba. After an intense search we believe we have hired a tremendous coach, recruiter, and person. Taj has been a success at every point in her career. She was an All-American forward at George Washington University where she scored over 2,000 points and played in the Sweet Sixteen twice. She graduated from GW and played in the WNBA where she played against the very best.

Taj has also had successful stops as an assistant coach at Richmond, VCU, and George Washington. The Colonials have been to the Sweet Sixteen the past two seasons. We are excited about her leadership and expect continued success in our women’s program. Make sure you make a point to come over and see Taj as she is very excited to get to know people in the Radford University community, New River Valley, and beyond.

We currently have two teams still competing and they are baseball and track and field. The baseball team continues to improve and we are really excited about what Joe Raccuia and his staff are doing. The team is playing excellent baseball as we beat a good Liberty team 15-4 Wednesday in Big South Tournament play in Danville. I want to make special mention of Joe’s seniors-Eric Evans, Jonathan Spears, Nate Toth, and Nachion Moore. These young men have helped pave the way for an extraordinarily bright future for Radford Baseball. Their tremendous attitude, effort, and leadership have been crucial in our efforts reshape this program. I would also like to take a moment to congratulate Alex Gregory, Tyren Rivers and Eric Evans, all of whom were named All-Conference. Special congratulations go to Alex Gregory, who was voted the baseball Scholar-Athlete by the Big South. This is a prestigious honor that combines academic and athletic prowess.

Track and field has had a terrific spring and will send five student-athletes to NCAA Regionals next week. Congratulations and good luck to Kyle Morse, Amy Marshall, Shemilia Brandon, Daniel Oseth and Nic Moore, all of whom will represent RU at Regionals next weekend. RU’s 4X400 team qualified for regionals as well. Good luck also to the team of Raschad Kelso, Gaylon Johnson, Olajuwon Jones, Wayne Gore and Sean Bossman.

I want to congratulate Mickey Dean and the softball team on a sensational year. We won 46 games playing a tough schedule that included wins over NC State, Georgetown, Rutgers, Indiana, James Madison and Penn State. This team accomplished so much in 2008. President Kyle, Jo Kiernan, and I made the trip to Winthrop last Wednesday for the softball awards banquet where the Highlanders were very well represented. Here is a list of accomplishments by this team:

Ashley Taylor Big South Pitcher of the Year
First Team All-Conference Pitcher
Big South All-Tournament Team
Shannon Keefe Big South Freshman of the Year
First Team All-Conference Utility
Jenn Everhart First Team All-Conference 2nd Base
Big South All-Tournament Team
Kristen Shifflett First Team All-Conference Shortstop
Vicki Madden First Team All-Conference 3rd Base

Hope Creasy First Team All-Conference Outfielder
Big South All-Academic Team
Sarah Himan First Team All-Conference Catcher
Ashley Carlson Second Team All-Conference Outfielder

Many congratulations are in order for Coach Mike Anderson and his outstanding tennis team. We had an absolutely fantastic spring. This team accomplished so much sweeping all Big South opponents in the regular season and going on to win the Big South Tournament over Winthrop. Here is a tremendous list of honors for this exceptional team.

2008 Big South Champions-Regular season and Tournament
NCAA Tournament Participant playing at the University of Georgia against a Bulldog team that won last years’ National Title.
Mike Anderson won his 3rd straight Big South Coach of the Year Award
Martin Sayer 4th straight Big South Player of the Year Award
Mehdi Benhammou All Big South Conference
James Lloyd All Big South for the 4th season
Ivan Salec All Conference Award and Big South Freshman of the Year
Zack Watson All Big South Doubles

What a phenomenal year for Radford Tennis!

Finally, I want to congratulate Joe and Jodi Raccuia on birth of the third child, Emma. She joined us in the world last Thursday and was on hand for her first of many baseball games last Saturday when her dad’s Highlanders played Coastal Carolina.

Now I’m ready to take Coach Mike Grant up on his offer to take me smallmouth bass fishing on the New River!

Go Highlanders!