Six Virginia Tech athletics programs received Public Recognition Awards from the NCAA for their recent multi-year Academic Progress Rates. The NCAA hands out these awards annually to programs whose APR ranks in the top 10 in their respective sport. The most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years.
 

The Tech programs recognized were men’s basketball, men’s cross country, golf, men’s tennis, women’s swimming and diving and volleyball.

 The APR is a metric established and used by the NCAA to measure a program’s success in moving student-athletes toward graduation. An APR score of 925 is the minimum level of academic success, and teams scoring below 925 can lose scholarships and face other sanctions over time, including bans on postseason play.

 Full APR scores for all teams, including penalties for low-performing teams, will be released May 24.

Several teams will be playing at home this weekend. Here’s a look at the marketing and promotions schedule for those events.

Friday: Volleyball vs NC State, 7 pm, Cassell Coliseum
The first 500 children (under the age of 18) to the match will receive a FREE Tech Autograph Book. Please go to the marketing table located on the Spring Road side of the concourse to pick up your autograph book. All fans are invited to participate in a HokieBird photo opportunity with the HokieBird from 6-6:45 pm (photographs will be emailed to you the following week). Please go to the Spring Road side of the concourse to participate. All fans are invited to participate in an autograph session with the volleyball team and the HokieBird following the match.

Friday: Men’s Soccer vs. Boston College, 7 pm, Thompson Field
Come out and support the seniors as they plays their final match as Hokies at Thompson Field! Free Virginia Tech gloves will be given out to the first 200 fans in attendance at the marketing booth inside the front gate. Don't forget to watch the High Techs perform at halftime!

Saturday: Volleyball vs. North Carolina, 6 pm, Cassell Coliseum
The first 200 fans to the match will receive a FREE HokieBird Bobble Head Doll. Please go to the marketing table located on the Spring Road side of the concourse to pick up your bobble head doll.

Sunday: Wrestling vs. George Mason, 5 pm, Cassell Coliseum
The first 200 fans will receive a free VT hat and free coupon to redeem at the concessions stand for a large popcorn and soda. Please go to the marketing table located on the Spring Road side of Cassell to receive your hat and coupon.

Additionally, the cross country teams will be in action Saturday as they host the Hokie Open Race at 9 am. The swimming & diving teams host Clemson Saturday at 11 am at War Memorial Pool. And the women’s soccer team is in action Friday night, taking on Virginia in the ACC Semifinals at 7:30 pm. Catch Jerry Massey’s call on hokietv.com.

The schedule for Virginia Tech’s “Late Night with the Hokies” has been set. The event is set to begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 in Cassell Coliseum. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Hokies’ 7 p.m. volleyball game with ACC foe Wake Forest, which is free to everyone. The volleyball team is currently in first place in the ACC standings.

Late Night will begin with skits by both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, followed by a performance by the High Techs. Next will be a Knockout with fraternities and sororities and both the men’s and women’s teams will be introduced.

Following a short warm-up period, there will be a half court shot by a selected student for books from the University Bookstore. Then, a slam dunk contest and three-point shooting contest with A.D. Vassallo and Brittany Cook facing the winners of the earlier Knockout contest. A Two-Ball contest will follow and then one lucky student will get the opportunity to shoot from half court for a $10,000 grand prize. The night will conclude with a scrimmage by the men’s basketball team.

The first 4,000 fans will receive free T-shirts, courtesy of the University Bookstore. Fans attending the volleyball match can get coupons that can be redeemed during Late Night for a T-shirt.

The Virginia Tech volleyball and women's soccer teams will both THINK PINK, as the two squads host Breast Cancer Awareness Nights this weekend. Volleyball's match against Wake Forest on Friday at 7 p.m., and the women's soccer contest on Sunday against Maryland at 5 p.m. will both be THINK PINK nights where fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

The first 300 fans in attendance to the volleyball match will receive a free Virginia Tech THINK PINK t-shirt. The t-shirts will be handed out at the marketing table, located on the Spring Road side of Cassell’s concourse. Tech and Wake Forest will be wearing the t-shirts during their pregame warm-ups.

Both the volleyball and men’s soccer teams are in action this weekend at home, and fans have the chance to snag some great free stuff.

The volleyball team plays host to Clemson at 7 p.m. on Friday in Cassell Coliseum, and the first 300 fans will receive a free VT car flag. All fans will have the chance to sign up to play the “Let’s Make a Deal” contest between the second and third sets.

Also on Friday at 7 p.m., the men’s soccer team welcome in-state rival Virginia at Thompson Field, and it’s Stuff the Stadium night. Come out and help the Hokies try to break the Thompson Field attendance record of 2,711 as Tech tries to defeat the Wahoos. Also, the first 300 fans will receive a free VT soccer backpack.

The volleyball team then returns to action on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. against Georgia Tech. The first 250 fans will receive a free VT volleyball cup, and all fans can sign up to participate in the “Bowling for Food” contest. This match should end just in time for you to head home to watch the football team’s clash against Nebraska, so what better way to get ready for the big game?

Admission to all volleyball and soccer games is free. Visit http://www.hokiesports.com/promotions/ for more information.

The Virginia Tech volleyball team opened its first week of practice for the 2008 season this week. Tech will have two-a-days until the fall semester starts. During practice the Hokies will do individual position work, 6 vs. 6 practice and other drills.

The 2008 team welcomes seven freshmen, from six different states to the squad along with 10 returnees. Local products Alison Blasingame an outside hitter from Yorktown, Va., and Kirsten Higareda, a libero from Woodbrige, Va., both had successful careers in Virginia state volleyball. Blasingame was Virginia’s 2007 AA State Player of the Year, while Higareda earned second-team all-state honors.

Justine Record of Redwood City, Calif., a member of the bronze-medal winning squad in the 18 open division at the 2008 U.S. Junior Nationals and Jennifer Wiker of Charlotte, N.C., and Charlotte Weekly’s Volleyball Player of the Year, accompany Blasingame as newcomers at the outside hitter position.

Rounding out the 2008 freshman class are: Kirsty Blue, a talented middle blocker from Geneva, Fla. who earned second-team all-state honors as a senior, setter Erin Leaser, who helped Allentown Central Catholic High School to the 2007 Pennsylvania AAA State Championship and Jessica Woody, a two-time letterwinning libero from Rowlett, Texas.

The Hokies open the season at home with the Hawthorn Suites Hokie Invitational on Aug. 29 and 30 at Cassell Coliseum. The squad’s first opponent is Maryland-Eastern Shore on Aug 29 at 7 p.m.

Volleyball player Felicia Willoughby was recently named the ACC’s Freshman of the Year after a vote of the league’s 12 head coaches. The Pleasanton, Calif., native has easily become one of the program's top blockers, as she tallied a team-high 1.51 blocks per game to lead the league this season, and is ranked 11th among all NCAA players this year. In collecting 172 total blocks this season, she broke Julie Neely's record of 167, set in 1986. Willoughby also holds the top spot on Tech's freshman list for total blocks, in addition to the freshman and single-season record for block assists, at 143. Here is a brief Q&A with Felicia:

• How exciting was it to be named Freshman of the Year? Was it something you thought you had a shot at or were you surprised?

“I was very excited to be named Freshman of the Year. Yes, I was suprised, since I never really thought about it. It's a great honor, but now I know that I will need to work even harder for the next upcoming season.”

• You set numerous records for blocks this season. What has been your knack for blocking more attacks per game than anyone else in the conference? What is the key to being a good blocker?

“Well, ever since I have been playing volleyball, I have never been that great of a blocker. Just working hard during practice and the feedback from the coaches have helped me a lot. Learning from my past mistakes and becoming quicker along the net, I believe, has helped me become successful. Being light on your feet, anticipating the play, and watching the setter and the attacker are the keys to becoming a successful blocker.”

• The team didn't fare as well as it did last season, but with so many young players, 2008 should see much improvement. What does the team need to improve on the most, and what are you personally looking to build on in the offseason?

“Yes, we did have a very young team. We have seven incoming freshmen next year that will bring a lot of talent and diversity to the team. I think the team needs to improve on its confidence. There were many games that we lost that we should have won. We need to believe that we can do it, and play to win – not to not lose. I think this just comes with experience. What I am personally looking to build on in the offseason would probably have to be upper body strength, and recovering from season injuries.”

In addition to the recent volleyball photo gallery that was posted on hokiesports.com, there are also numerous galleries available from this fall’s various men’s and women’s soccer games. The galleries – and all past galleries – can be accessed by selecting "News" under the sport name, then choosing "Photo Gallery" from the additional menu options that appear.

Also, for those that are interested, there are recaps available on the respective sport pages for both the softball team’s recent fall tournament and the baseball team’s intrasquad fall series.

This weekend will be a busy one for athletics on the Virginia Tech campus, as the Hokies will play host to three soccer games, two volleyball matches, and the women’s tennis team’s Hokie Fall Invitational.

It all begins on Thursday at 7 p.m. when the women’s soccer team plays Miami at Tech Soccer Stadium. Be one of the first 150 fans in attendance to receive a free VT license plate frame. It’s also Student Appreciation and Greek Life Night, so come out and support your fellow Hokies.

On Friday, Tech fans have their choice of two events, as the No. 9 men’s soccer team battles No. 1 Wake Forest, and the volleyball team looks to continue its home court success against Maryland. Both contests start at 7 p.m. The first 100 fans at the men’s soccer match will receive a free pair of VT CROC sandals, and Giles County Youth Soccer will also be recognized. At Cassell Coliseum, the first 250 fans to the volleyball match will receive a free VT Volleyball Pink Foam Finger to start off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. An autograph session with the players will also be available on the court 10 minutes following the match.

Volleyball is then back in action on Saturday at 3 p.m. against Boston College, where the first 100 fans will receive a free VT visor.

Women’s soccer will conclude the weekend on Sunday against No. 17 Florida State at 1 p.m. It is international student day and Hokie pride day, and the first 200 fans will received a free VT soccer keychain.

Senior libero Amanda Cloyd was recently named Virginia Tech's Virginia Lottery Athlete of the Week for her efforts at the St. John's Volleyball Invitational. The Muncie, Ind., native tallied 65 digs during the four-game tournament to break Tech's all-time digs record with a total of 1,712. Here is a brief Q&A with the defensive specialist.

• What does it feel like to know that no one in the history of Virginia Tech volleyball has recorded more digs than you, and were you aware that it was a record that you were approaching?

It is definitely exciting for me, but I also realize that records are made to be broken. The libero position is relatively new in college volleyball, and I know that there will be a lot of players in the near future to come through this program who will continue to raise the bar both for the position and the program as a whole. I knew that the record was approaching, but only because my parents (and biggest fans) kept me updated.

• How would you describe your defensive position of libero to someone who isn't completely familiar with the game?

The libero position gives defensive players who aren't tall enough or strong enough to attack and play front row a chance to be in the game at all times and help be a leader for the backcourt. The libero plays all six rotations, only coming out to let one of the front-row players serve. Liberos can't jump to attack or set hitters from the front row. It is a strictly defensive position, and the different colored jersey distinguishes them and allows them to come in and out of the game without using substitutions.

• What are you most looking forward to in your senior season, and what can the fans expect to see when they come to watch the Hokies at Cassell Coliseum?

I'm just looking forward to starting our conference schedule. We have made huge strides since last year and are a deeper and more well-rounded team than we ever have been. I think we have a legitimate shot at finishing at the top of the conference and making the NCAA tournament. The fans can expect a lot of energy from our team, and we feed off our crowd, who has always been great through the years. I hope to give our fans a team they can truly be proud of and excited about supporting. This year more than ever, I think VT Volleyball embodies "Hokie Pride."

The Hokies' volleyball team will officially kick off the 2007-08 Virginia Tech athletics schedule on Friday with a pair of games in the Hawthorn Suites Hokie Invitational. Game one is at 10 a.m. against the William & Mary Tribe, while the nightcap is at 7 p.m. vs. the VCU Rams. Tech will also face off with the Thundering Herd of Marshall on Saturday at 6 p.m.

The first 200 fans arriving at the VCU contest on Friday will receive a free VT/Coke t-shirt, and all fans will be eligible for great contests and giveaways throughout the match. Click here for more info, and be sure to come out and support the team at all three matches as they kick off another exciting year of Hokie sports!

The Virginia Tech volleyball team opened its fall practice on Wednesday with a double session in the back practice gyms of Cassell Coliseum.

After reporting to campus on Tuesday and going through team meetings, the 14-player roster hit the court at 9 a.m. today to begin preparations for the upcoming season. The Hokies would normally utilize the main floor of the Coliseum, but it is still a day or two away from being ready after being refinished late last week.

The two-and-a-half-hour morning practice was mostly a game of six-on-six as the players got back into the flow of game and worked off the summer rust. In the afternoon, the team broke up into positions to work on individual skills, with the middle blockers and setters working on attack, and the outside hitters and liberos concentrating on serve receive. The second session ended with another round of game play, and overall, the coaching staff said they saw some good things.

The Hokies put together a 17-14 record in 2006 to turn in their best season since 2002. Six newcomers will be added to the mix this season, although one - freshman walk-on Jess Emanuele - has already been lost for the season with a torn ACL suffered in the late summer. Two other freshmen, outside hitter Amy Wengrenovich and middle blocker Felicia Willoughby, are very athletic and should compete for playing time.

Tech will also gain the services of three others this fall. Transfers Jill Gergen (So., Nebraska-Kearney) and Kristen Cunningham (Jr., Kentucky) are eligible to play after redshirting last year. Cunningham, a middle blocker, spent the entire season in Blacksburg last year, while Gergen, a defensive specialist, worked out with the team in the spring. Walk-on sophomore Gemma Donovan also practiced with the squad in the spring.

The Hokies open the 2007 season Aug. 24-25 when they host the Hawthorn Suites Hokie Invitational at Cassell Coliseum. Tech will square off against William & Mary and VCU on the 24th, and Marshall on the 25th.