ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 16, 1996 TAG: 9611180125
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
TU acts as open-minded organization
On Nov. 9, a letter from Mike DeHart of Pembroke criticized Trout Unlimited for its support of the Jackson River artificials-only designation. DeHart characterized TU as a ``small, self-centered group'' of ``purists.'' As a member of Trout Unlimited for more than 10 years, I would appreciate the opportunity to respond to those charges.
To begin, I would invite Mike DeHart to attend some meetings of Trout Unlimited to actually see what the organization is about. A chapter meets near his home and he also would be welcome to attend the next Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited meeting in February. I will be glad to provide him with information and meeting schedules. What Mike DeHart will find if he attends these meetings is that Trout Unlimited is neither ``small'' nor ``self-centered'' nor ``purist.'' TU has over 95,000 members and is by far the largest coldwater fisheries conservation group in the United States. Anyone can join, regardless of how they prefer to fish.
Concerning the ``self-centered'' accusation, DeHart would learn that Virginia's Trout Unlimited members during the past 25 years have given tens of thousands of dollars and donated many thousands of hours of hands-on labor to improve trout-fishing opportunities for everyone in Virginia. TU members have worked on more than 100 stream restoration and improvement projects in our National Forests, built disabled-access facilities, participated in stream cleanups, given educational programs in local schools, and sponsored kids' trout fishing days across Western Virginia.
Concerning the Jackson River, Mike DeHart would learn that the lower river is not stocked with catchable-size trout but with fingerlings. The purpose of stocking fingerlings is to establish a reproducing population of wild trout. He would learn that there is a sound scientific basis for having a single-hook artificial-lure regulation: numerous studies exist to prove that such lures result in a 4 percent to 7 percent mortality of released fish, while fish caught on bait and released suffer a much higher death rate of 25 percent to 40 percent. He might even end up agreeing with us (as the majority of anglers did) that the artificials-only regulation for the Jackson is a good idea while we try to establish a wild-trout population.
What if he didn't agree? He would find that there are others who favor leaving part of the lower Jackson to bait fishing. Membership really isn't limited to ``purists.'' Finally, Mike DeHart would see that all members are welcome to discuss these issues and that he wouldn't be called a ``culprit'' for pursuing sincere goals with honest effort.
JAMES HENDERSON
Tazewell
No respect in polls for Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Hokies football team has once again laid its claim to being the Rodney Dangerfield of college athletics. As Lee Corso of ESPN said recently, ``They just don't get no respect,'' especially from the sportswriters in their home state and across the land. In spite of numerous off-field problems (which we are all ashamed of), the team has managed to stay focused and produce its fourth consecutive winning, yet unappreciated, season.
The CNN/Coaches poll has the Hokies currently ranked 13th; whereas, the braintrusts from the Associated Press sportswriters only have them ranked 21st in the latest poll. This is easily the largest discrepancy for any team's rankings since the conception of two polls about a decade ago.
Could there be any sensible reasons for the sportswriters blatant disregard for the success of this once down-trodden program? Maybe they don't like the team colors. Or maybe they don't like the turkey mascot, a symbol of their previous moniker, the Fightin' Gobblers. Could it be the ``next-to-impossible-to-get-there'' geographic location of Blacksburg? Or maybe it's the tougher-than-NCAA academic requirements placed on the student athletes. Or maybe it's the honesty, integrity, and humbleness that coach Frank Beamer has brought back to Tech after nine years of unscrupulous administration by Bill Dooley. The only reason I can think of is lack of intelligence on the parts of those writers who are privileged enough to get to vote.
Case in point: Which team has the better record? University of Virginia, at 6-3? Or Virginia Tech, at 7-1? The sportswriters of America would have us believe that Virginia (still ranked in the Top 25) is the better team. OK, so you think this ``new-math'' is due somehow to Virginia's strength of schedule? Better do your homework, Mr. Sportswriter. Virginia's six wins have come against teams with a cumulative record of 16-39 (.291). Virginia Tech's seven wins have come against teams with a cumulative record of 24-42 (.364). OK, must be some more of that ``new math,'' because the last time I checked, .364 is always larger than .291.
OK, so Tech did lose big this year to Syracuse (currently ranked 19th). But, let's not forget that the game was played in the unfriendly confines of the Carrier Dome, maybe the toughest college football venue in the country. And that is the only blemish on the Hokies record in the past 18 games. That's right. They are 17-1 over the last 18 games, including wins over Miami, West Virginia, Syracuse, Virginia, Texas, and East Carolina. Yet they still have to scratch and crawl to stay in the national limelight that they so much deserve. Maybe it's that ``new math''?
DAVID MILLER
Williamsburg
Not a mention of Galax runners
I read with interest your coverage of the state cross-country championships. It's great that the Timesland area was so well represented and successful. I read that Blacksburg finished fourth in Group AA competition and Matt Nolan of Christiansburg finished second, making him an all-state runner. Floyd County and Glenvar finished eighth and ninth in Group A competition, but I always thought Galax was in Timesland.
Yet, Galax, which finished fourth in boys and ninth in girls' A competition, placed two runners in the top 10 and three runners on the all-state list, did not even get a mention. I guess I was mistaken. Galax must be in the Times-hinterland.
SUSIE DIXON GARNER
Galax
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LENGTH: Long : 118 linesby CNB