Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 14, 1994                   TAG: 9408170014
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IT'S NOT JUST FUN, GAMES FOR SKATERS

``The Commonwealth Games of Virginia ... is facing a self-critique that could decide whether it becomes an attraction for the state's top athletes or a picnic-festival event that welcomes every Frisbee-flinger and roller skater who can fill out an entry form.''

How terribly demoralizing to the hundreds of Virginia roller skaters who train long hours with dedication and perseverance 52 weeks a year and attend numerous competitions striving to win a place at national and international competitions - including U.S. Olympic Committee-sanctioned events such as the Olympic Sports Festival and the Goodwill Games.

I challenge [Scott] Blanchard to lace on a pair of roller skates and participate in the rigorous training of these athletes. Only then will he gain a true understanding of this ``low-profile'' sport and realize it's no picnic.

NANCY McKEE

LYNCHBURG

Carr rolling at Cave Spring

To the sports editor:

The Cave Spring High School parents have been known for their involvement in sports programs in Southwest Roanoke County - in a positive and negative way. Most recently, they have rallied around the new boys' basketball coach, Chris Carr, to raise more than $4,600 to supplement the program and to send the team to the Indiana University basketball camp. They are continuing their fund-raising efforts through a golf tournament Aug.21 at Countryside.

These parents and players are inspired by Coach Carr, an Indiana native on a mission with plans to take the Cave Spring boys' varsity to the [Group AAA] state championship game. With his knowledge of basketball, with his drive and determination to win, with his motivational skills and with his passion for both the sport and the team, he will reach this goal.

He is demanding, intense and committed to the game but creates a family-style atmosphere among the team. He expects a lot from his players and parents, but no less than he expects of himself. If you know the type of successful program that Patrick Henry and [coach] Woody Deans share, then be prepared for the equivalent in Roanoke County at Cave Spring.

MARGARET BEAZLEY

DEE HARRISON

ROANOKE

Rooting for the fans

To the sports editor:

Sung to the tune of ``Take Me out to the Ballgame.''

``Take me away from the ballgame; take me away from the crowd.

``I don`t want peanuts and Cracker Jack; I don't care if they never come back.

``Oh, let's root, root, root for the ball fans; if they don't win it's a shame.

``Oh, it's one, two, three strikes too much at the old ballgame.''

My life is ruined.

BOB MURPHY

ROANOKE