THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 10, 1994 TAG: 9411100766
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHARLIE DENN, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
If progress is measured in wins and losses, you would have to call this a disappointing year for VMI football.
The Keydets, who play The Citadel (4-5) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the annual Oyster Bowl at Foreman Field, have yet to win a game under first-year coach Bill Stewart.
VMI is 0-9 this season and has lost 14 in a row. The Keydets were 1-10 in 1993.
But like an architect designing a building, Stewart and his players know that the first step toward a finished product is a sound foundation. They believe that foundation is being constructed despite the lack of success on the field.
``We've made a lot of strides,'' Stewart said. ``The kids have adjusted well to our system and they are still playing hard. They have not given up.''
For example, last week, VMI trailed powerful James Madison 10-3 at halftime and 24-9 early in the fourth quarter.
``Then they got after us,'' said Stewart, ``and that was that.''
The Keydets are building with youth. They will start 10 true freshmen against The Citadel, and the theory is that players who gain experience today will be successful in the future.
``Madison was able to dominate us in the fourth quarter because they have kids who have been in the program four or five years,'' Stewart said. ``Our kids don't have that experience yet.''
One of those freshmen starters is defensive back Damon Pinero, who played at First Colonial last fall.
``I came here because I was looking to play right away,'' Pinero said. ``The new coaches said they would give the young guys a chance, and they have.
``It's been a difficult year because we haven't won. But I do see a tremendous amount of progress. The players believe we will be successful here before we're done.''
The Keydets' woes this season started in the opening game at Richmond. VMI dropped a heartbreaking 34-31 decision. The following week, they lost at East Tennessee State, 31-21.
``The first two games were both in our control,'' Stewart said.
Then the Keydets were bombed four straight weeks by a combined 192-28. Since then, the team has played more consistently, staying in games for a half or three quarters.
``We need to put four good quarters together,'' Pinero said.
Pinero's progress has mirrored that of the team. He didn't start early in the year but gradually got some playing time. Then an injury to the starter at free safety pushed him into regular duty.
He's contributed 38 tackles, has broken up three passes, has caused a fumble and has recovered three others.
``My confidence has been building every week,'' Pinero said.
The Keydets have not been without their high points. Sophomore Thomas Haskins leads the Southern Conference in rushing with 1,034 yards, and erratic freshman quarterback Al Lester has shown flashes of a high skill level.
``We're not discouraged and we're not down,'' Stewart said. ``But I hurt for my players because I know how hard they've worked. I know what a win would mean to them.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
VMI sophomore Thomas Haskins leads the Southern Conference in
rushing with 1,034 yards.
OYSTER BOWL FACTS
What: The 48th Annual Oyster Bowl football game.
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Foreman Field.
Who's playing: Virginia Military Institute (0-9) vs. The Citadel
(4-5).
Who benefits: Shriner's Hospitals for Crippled and Burned
Children.
Ticket info: $10, $12.50, $17.50 and $20. Available at Oyster
Bowl Office, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake (420-4560).
by CNB