To the editor,

I am a kid who is sick and tired of hearing about the Hokies everywhere I go.

Even if they lose, it still makes the front page of the sports section. I'm not saying I'm a Virginia fan, but it would be nice to get a little variety every once in a while.

I bet that not everyone who gets a paper is a Hokie fan or even cares about the Hokies. Everyone says that the Hokies are "the only powerhouse in the ACC," but look at Georgia Tech. Its record is [better than Virginia Tech's].

Let's face the facts and realize that Virginia Tech is not the only team that people care about.

Jake Austin

Daleville

Does winning trump integrity at UVa?

Editor's note: This letter was submitted prior to the firing of Virginia coach Al Groh.

Mr. Doughty,

The University of Virginia is one of the most highly regarded public universities in the country. As such it is not necessary that its athletic teams dominate the national polls.

It's more important that its athletes set a high standard in personal conduct, thereby bringing recognition that UVa athletes are America's cream of the crop. It is more important that UVa produce the likes of Bill Bradleys and Jack Kemps of the world.

UVa should not be recruiting convicted felons and other athletes of questionable character. Its goal should be to pay honor to the university's founder, Thomas Jefferson.

To the casual observer, it would appear that Coach [Al] Groh is the type of man that motivates young people to not only excel in athletics but also in academics and personal character traits. If he is not that type of leader, then we should be after his skin.

But there is more to being the type coach that UVa needs than just competing for national titles. Molding future doctors, lawyers, politicians, military leaders, etc. should also be a consideration.

Mark Bellamy

Marion

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