The Virginian-Pilot

urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:1234 HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com http://www.pilotonline.com The Virginian-Pilot 1969-12-31T19:00:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:487810 This season in the MEAC 2008-11-13T00:24:43-05:00 2008-11-13T00:21:45-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Ready for tipoff The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's unofficial award for best overall job of scheduling goes to Hampton University. The Pirates put together a nice blend of challenging but winnable games, including several on their home court: - vs. George Mason, Nov. 20 - vs. Georgia State, Dec. 3 - vs. Delaware, Dec. 10 - at Virginia, Dec. 23 - at VCU, Dec. 27 - in Great Alaska Shootout,Nov. 26-29 What third-year coach Kevin Nickelberry says: "A big reason this job was attractive to me was the commitment from higher up to try to be a mid-major power, along the likes of VCU, ODU and GMU. It's why I left Clemson for this job. Our philosophy is to do things that help our RPI and to avoid the guarantee games if we can. That way, if we do make the NCAA field, we aren't stuck in the play-in game." By the numbers 3 Consecutive NCAA tournament play-in games in which the MEAC tournament champion has played. 87 Coppin State senior Tywain McKee's free-throw shooting percentage, tops last season in the MEAC and 21st nationally. 55 League-leading steals total last season by Norfolk State's Michael Deloach, who is a junior. 32.5 MEAC's overall 3-point percentage, which ranked last among Division I conferences last season. Over the last five seasons, the MEAC ranked next-to-last in Division I at 33.1 percent. Only the Southwest Athletic Conference, at 31.9 percent, had a lower shooting rate during that span. 1 New head coach in the MEAC: Frankie Allen (UMES). Head coach at Virginia Tech from 1987 to 1991, Allen was most recently an assistant at Maryland-Baltimore County. He has experience in the MEAC, having coached at Howard from 2000 to 2005. 7 Number of road games Delaware State will play in a one-month period against major conference squads in a brutal pay-for-play schedule: Nov. 20 - Ohio State; Nov. 22 - Kentucky; Nov. 25 - West Virginia; Dec. 1 - Connecticut; Dec. 12 - Maryland; Dec. 14 - Rutgers; Dec. 20 - Notre Dame. Did you know? Howard University will open its season with a home game against... Oregon State? Craig Robinson, brother-in-law of Barack Obama, took the head coaching job at Oregon State last spring, after coaching at Brown for two seasons. His Beavers visit Howard on Friday - the only game Oregon State will play east of the Mississippi. And it falls only 10 days removed from Obama's landmark victory. It's part of a home-and-home series in which Howard returns the favor on Dec. 20. So who wants to bet Michelle Robinson Obama might drop by to watch her brother's team in action? How about the president-elect, too? More did you know? A request to talk to Robinson about the scheduling of the Howard game and the prospects of having family/White House dignitaries in attendance was denied. While the request was made through the Oregon State athletic department, the denial was handed down by the Obama for America Oregon campaign headquarters. Super sophomores Three underclassmen who could emerge and do plenty of damage this season: Thomas Coleman, North Carolina A&T The 6-foot-9 Coleman set a school single-game record with nine blocks against Coppin State last season. He finished the year with 57 and also averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. Trevor Welcher, Delaware State The 5-10 Welcher led the league in assists-to-turnover ratio (1.84) last season and was seventh in the league in assists at 3.07 a game. He also shot 52.6 percent from the field, almost unheard of for a point guard. Brandon Monroe, Norfolk State Listed as a junior by his school, the 6-foot-7 Monroe has sophomore eligibility and can regain a year if he keeps progressing academically. And if he keeps progressing on the court, look out: He averaged 5 points and 5.9 rebounds for NSU last season while shooting 59 percent from the field. Norfolk, VA Anonymous This season in the MEAC The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:487810 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:487966 This season for the CAA women 2008-11-13T23:12:17-05:00 2008-11-13T23:07:11-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

5 impact newcomers JoNiquia Guilford, 5-10, fr., G, Old Dominion A preseason knee injury was hardly the start to her career she wanted, but given time, the dynamic scorer from Wilson High will add more athleticism to an already athletic Lady Monarch perimeter. Sarah Williams, 6-0 jr., G, James Madison She transferred from Richmond after being part of the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team in 2005-06. Katrina Wheeler, 6-3, jr., C, Towson Wheeler is a huge addition, having started 51 of 53 games at Georgetown, where she averaged 8.1 points and 8.1 rebounds her sophomore year. Asia Jenkins, 5-9, fr., G, Hofstra The New Jersey native will be eligible in the second semester after transferring from Cincinnati. She was a first-team All-New Jersey selection her senior year in high school. Dana Olsen, 6-1, jr., F, Georgia State Olsen was No. 2 in the nation in scoring with 24.2 points per game in earning first-team All-America honors at Labette (Kan.) Community College. The rest of her line isn't shabby either: 57 percent shooting, 7.1 rebounds and 84 percent accuracy from the foul line. 5 storylines to follow 1 If the Lady Monarchs are to win an 18th straight CAA tournament title, they'll have to win three games in Harrisonburg. The last time they won a game there was in 2005. 2 Last season, Virginia Commonwealth went to the WNIT and finished 26-8, even with center Quanitra Hollingsworth missing the final 11 games with a torn Achilles'. Will the Rams be even better with the Great Bridge High graduate returning for her senior year? 3 After three straight years of recording 20 or more wins and advancing to postseason play, Delaware slumped to 7-24. Can coach Tina Martin regroup with a roster that includes four freshmen and four sophomores? 4 Two years ago, the CAA placed three teams in the NCAA tournament. It was the first time any team from the league received an at-large bid since 1996. Last year, ODU was the only team to make it, and no one other than the Lady Monarchs is in the preseason top 25 or even receiving votes. Is the CAA mediocre again? 5 Elena Della Donne, the nation's top recruit, is playing volleyball at Delaware after saying she was burned out on basketball and reneging on her commitment to UConn. What if she peeks in at a Delaware basketball practice and gets the itch to play again? They said it "At Wilmington." Seahawks coach Ann Hancock when asked if she'd like to see Della Donne playing in the CAA. "She had so many great experiences. She called me one day and said, 'Coach, I just met Usher.' " JMU coach Kenny Brooks on Tamera Young's initial season in the WNBA "Tyne Daly." ODU coach Wendy Larry's response when asked who would play her in a movie "Julia Roberts." Blue Hens coach Tina Martin's response to the same question. By the numbers 70 Blocked shots by ODU's Tiffany Green last year. 51 Consecutive victories by ODU in the CAA tournament. 26 Consecutive victories ODU has on its home court, tied for most in the nation with Hartford. 19 Points averaged by preseason Player of the Year Gabriela Marginean of Drexel last season. 5 Starters returning for Georgia State. 1 New coach in the CAA: Former Radford coach Jeri Porter replaced Debbie Taneyhill at George Mason. 5 who moved on T.J. Jordan The conference's all-time 3-point ace from ODU is playing ball in Slovenia. Britne Rodgers The Princess Anne High graduate left Hofstra last month for unspecified personal reasons. A conference All-Rookie team forward last year, Rodgers was the Pride's third-leading scorer and one of the team's top rebounders. Nikki Moats A Tennessee transfer, Moats was expected to play a huge role for JMU, but personal issues derailed her basketball career, and coach Kenny Brooks said she will not play for the Dukes. Kia Butts The Kellam High graduate who was an assistant coach at William and Mary is the school's new assistant dean of admissions. Kyle DeHaven She started at William and Mary and transferred to Delaware before finishing up second all-time in the CAA in steals. DeHaven now plays in Germany. Vicki L. Friedman, (757) 477-6874, VickiL120@cox.net Norfolk, VA Anonymous This season for the CAA women The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:487966 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:488120 This season for the CAA men in college basketball 2008-11-15T00:58:56-05:00 2008-11-15T00:50:57-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

fhe favorite VCU is coming off back-to-back regular-season CAA titles and features reigning CAA Player of the Year Eric Maynor. PG Maynor and F Larry Sanders, who blocked a league-high 95 shots as a freshman, anchor a team with 10 underclassmen. the top contenders Northeastern welcomes back all five starters from a squad that finished 14-17 last season. Old Dominion is one of the league's youngest teams, but the Monarchs return F Gerald Lee and a host of players who saw significant playing time as freshmen. the darkhorse George Mason, the defending conference tournament champ, has three starters back from a 23-win team. on the rise Georgia State, a ninth-place finisher or worse in its first three years in the CAA, could be ready to move up on the strength of five Division I transfers. on the decline UNC Wilmington lost four starters to graduation, including first-team All-CAA pick T.J. Carter (15.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg). The others - Daniel Fountain, Vladimir Kuljanin and Todd Hendley - averaged 12.5 ppg or more. he said it... "It's just a great, great league, and I think it's going to make for great theater. You don't know where the top begins and where the bottom ends. It's all scrambled up, and I think it's going to be a very exciting year." - Delaware coach Monte Ross 3 to watch VCU's Eric Maynor, a 6-3 point guard, mulled turning pro after last season, but he decided to return for his senior season. Maynor's a clutch player who led the conference in assists (5.5 apg) and was second in scoring (17.9 ppg) as a junior. Old Dominion's Gerald Lee, a 6-10 junior, established himself as one of the conference's dominant post players last season, averaging 12.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Northeastern's Matt Janning was third in the CAA in scoring last season, averaging 16.1 points a game. The 6-4 junior is one of the league's top 3-point shooters. trey, trey chic The NCAA moved back the 3-point line for this season, so players will launch treys from 20 feet, 9 inches - a foot longer than previously. Reaction to the move by a couple of CAA coaches: Towson's Pat Kennedy "For the guys who are marginal shooters to begin with, they'll go in that category 'Don't shoot it.' " VCU's Anthony Grant "Guys that can really shoot the basketball, I don't think that they're going to be affected by it." On the schedule Some of the more intriguing non-conference match-ups: James Madison plays Nov. 16 against Davidson in the NIT Tip-Off in Oklahoma. The Dukes face NCAA darling Davidson and sharpshooter Stephen Curry. UNC Wilmington is at Wake Forest on Nov. 17. The Seahawks visit a team picked to finish third in the ACC. Georgia State's schedule features games against two ACC teams in a five-day stretch: at home vs. Florida State on Dec. 13 and at Georgia Tech on Dec. 17. * VCU plays Oklahoma - and former coach Jeff Capel - in Oklahoma City on Dec. 20. transfer of power Eleven players are eligible to play this season in the CAA after transferring in from major Division I programs. Georgia State's roster has five transfers, followed by Towson with three, and Delaware, UNC Wilmington and William and Mary with one each. Georgia (State) on my mind The Panthers' transfers include forwards Trey Hampton and Xavier Hansbro, who left the University of Mississippi; guard Joe Dukes, who exited Wake Forest; and guard Dante Curry, who left South Florida. Hansbro and Hampton played for Ole Miss under Rod Barnes, who is in his second season as Georgia State's coach. by the numbers 4 CAA teams (VCU, Old Dominion, Hofstra and George Mason) rank among the nation's top 56 winningest programs over the past four seasons. VCU's .703 winning percentage is 25th. 11 Seasons Jim Larranaga has coached at George Mason, making him the CAA's elder statesman. 12 All 12 CAA members are slated to participate in the ESPNU Bracketbusters Feb. 20-21. 1,110 Approximate miles Northeastern will travel to play at Georgia State on Jan. 7, the conference's longest road trip. The Huskies play at non-conference foe South Florida (1,356 miles) on Nov. 29. coach on the hot seat Drexel's Bruiser Flint is coming off a 12-20 finish, his worst record in 12 seasons as a college head coach and the Dragons' lowest win total since 1991. super sophs Four players who are coming off big freshman seasons: Old Dominion's Ben Finney started 17 games, and an improved jump shot could make him more dangerous. Hofstra's Charles Jenkins scored in double figures 27 times and averaged 15 ppg. UNC Wilmington's Chad Tomko started all 33 games at point guard and averaged 8.6 ppg. VCU's Larry Sanders led the Rams in rebounding (5.1 per game) and was an All-CAA defensive selction. don't I know you? Two players from South Hampton Roads who are expected to have an impact around the CAA: George Mason F Darryl Monroe, a 6-7 senior from Virginia Beach, returns after missing last season with a foot injury. Monroe started 19 games two seasons ago. William and Mary G Kendrix Brown, a 6-3 freshman, averaged 17.5 ppg and was second-team all-state as a senior at Norview High in Norfolk. Tribe-ulations William and Mary had its winningest season in a decade last season, finishing 17-16 and reaching its first CAA tournament championship game. Three starters, including PG David Schneider (10.9 ppg), return. "The best change is that our guys approach the season with a lot of confidence," coach Tony Shaver said. NKOTB Forget the reunion tour of Jordan, Jonathan, Joey, Danny and Donnie. The CAA's only New Kid on the Block is baby-faced coach Matt Brady, who replaces Dean Keener. Brady coached four seasons at Marist, guiding the Red Foxes to a 73-50 record and their first MAAC regular-season title. Jami Frankenberry, (757) 446-2295, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Anonymous This season for the CAA men in college basketball The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:488120 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493463 Church leader is 'a gift of God' for Hispanic community 2009-01-05T22:52:26-05:00 2009-01-06T00:00:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

VIRGINIA BEACH Janice Sigala's busiest office hour starts the minute St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church's Spanish-language Mass ends on Saturday nights.

VIRGINIA BEACH Janice Sigala's busiest office hour starts the minute St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church's Spanish-language Mass ends on Saturday nights. Her customers seek her in the bustling lobby: A young Latina looking for information on free flu shots. A parishioner donating 250 prayer cards for an Our Lady of Guadalupe festival. Jorge Medina, a civilian Navy worker, who offers Sigala assistance for an immigrant newcomer she's helping. "Almost everybody that has needs, when they talk about Hispanic ministry, everybody goes to her," Medina said of Sigala. "She's a gift of God for this community." Puerto Rican-born, with the compassion of a Florence Nightingale and a love for her native Latin culture, Sigala, 43, has helped South Hampton Roads' fast-growing Spanish-speaking community for 18 years. She's led St. Gregory's Hispanic ministry since 2000 and worked for the Richmond diocese's Tidewater Hispanic apostolate in the 1990s. Though her background and employer is Catholic, Sigala's reputation is as advocate and caregiver for all Hispanics, said Augusto Ratti-Angula, publisher of El Eco de Virginia, a local Spanish newspaper. "She does feel a sense of responsibility for her community. The only thing you can see of religion with her is that she helps - she doesn't preach." At St. Gregory's, Sigala coordinates the Spanish Mass, with its volunteer ushers and lilting Latino singers and guitarists. She reads the weekly announcements from the worship platform. But on weekdays, she may be fielding calls from Hispanic domestic violence victims, helping migrant workers with visas or pushing state legislators on immigration policy. When a drunken Mexican motorist killed two Virginia Beach teens in an auto accident in 2007, Sigala was among Hispanic leaders who spoke at a news conference. They reiterated their condolences and pledged to redouble education among Hispanics on drunken driving. Social ministry was far from Sigala's mind growing up in Puerto Rico, where her father was an electrician, her mother an artist. She wanted to become a veterinarian; she cared for countless strays dropped off by neighbors who knew her warm heart. Instead, she studied business administration at the University of Puerto Rico then earned a graduate degree in organizational communications from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. During graduate school, she also met Jaime, a Navy man and Californian of Mexican descent. "We were the only ones who were not white, blue-eyed people," she said of their first encounter. "He looked at me, I looked at him. He asked me to dance, and we danced all night." They married in 1990 and moved to Virginia Beach. With her husband often at sea, Sigala found fellowship in a place she hadn't spent much time: the Catholic Church. In Puerto Rico, her Catholicism had been more cultural than religious. There were prayers, Lent, a striving to be a good Christian. But she didn't attend Mass weekly, and she wasn't even confirmed in the church until shortly before her wedding. But in her new surroundings, her faith and church suddenly felt precious. "The closest I could feel to home was through my Catholic church and my Spanish Catholic church. The music, the people, the warmth made me feel close to home." She got work in the Hispanic apostolate office; it became more than clerical when Ratti-Angula urged her to help Hispanic victims of domestic violence. Sigala did, as a victim's advocate trained in a Norfolk court-sponsored program. She accompanied women to court, translated, gave them rides and sometimes saw women go back to their abusers, with dire results. "I learned not to judge. If they call you back with the same situation, you go back again and help them again." Gradually, Sigala evolved into Hispanics' liaison with the police, immigration experts, tax professionals, Head Start, Samaritan House and social services. Her client pool mushroomed. Between 1990 and 2006 as Hampton Roads' Hispanic population nearly doubled. In Virginia Beach, they represented 5 percent of residents and ranged from 2 to 4 percent in other South Hampton Roads cities. "When I moved here there was one store selling Spanish products and few Mexican restaurants." Now, "everywhere I go, I find somebody who speaks Spanish." Spanish Masses also expanded - there are at least four Catholic churches in South Hampton Roads now holding the services. St. Gregory's service draws a spectrum of people, from temporary workers from Mexico to American-born Hispanics and naturalized citizens from Latin countries. Some are the target - unfairly, Sigala says - of American angst about immigrants. "There's a lot of hate and ignorance," among the public, she said. "Every time I write a letter to the editor, I get the comments, 'They should go back home,' " she said of callers angry at her defense of immigrants. The attacks are the opposite of the Christian tradition Sigala said she grew up with. "In my house, the doors were always open to everybody. If someone shows up, you have to serve them food. If there's not enough food, you have to give up your plate and give it to someone else." In Sigala's case, she regularly gives up her time after Saturday Mass to help Hispanics in need. On a recent evening, the smile lines at her eyes wrinkled often as she greeted acquaintances, including three men stationed at a cardboard collection box. "They're trying to collect money for Our Lady of Guadalupe, for the mariachi," she said, and laughed at the men's report. "There's two dollars!" After a half hour of lobby conversations, Sigala headed for her office, trailed by five people. The first, a woman, had Sigala notarize correspondence needed to keep benefit checks coming from Colombia. Then a trio of Mexicans - Pedro Gonzalez Torres, Dario Macias Munoz and Sergio Blanco Valdes - settled, relaxed and easy, into seats as Sigala pulled out letters from the Internal Revenue Service. The men had working papers and jobs doing roadside maintenance, but because their residences were temporary, Sigala agreed to receive their mail, which tonight included their IRS economic stimulus checks. There were smiles all round. The three said they discovered Sigala after coming to St. Gregory's church services. They said they know she can be trusted. "There is nobody else like her," Munoz said. Sigala's last client was a short young El Salvadoran displaced by a 2001 earthquake who has a temporary U.S. work permit. "Every so often they have to renew their permit," Sigala said. "If they went to a lawyer, they could be charged up to $1,000. We do the paperwork here" for free. Sigala showed the fellow where to sign the form. "Gracias," he said. "No problema," Sigala replied. Steven G. Vegh, (757) 446-2417, steven.vegh@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Anonymous Church leader is 'a gift of God' for Hispanic community The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493463 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493474 Compensation for Libya's crimes 2009-01-05T19:29:39-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:11-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

ON JAN. 20, the Obama administration will inherit quite a few international allies of questionable loyalty and lucidity, including Moammar Gadhafi. Among the tasks awaiting the new president and his secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, is cleaning up a deal made by the current administration with the longtime Libyan dictator. Five years ago Gadhafi formally renounced terrorism and declared he was abandoning his country's pursuit of nuclear weapons. He also agreed to pay settlements to the families of the victims of terrorist attacks sponsored by his country, including the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, that took 270 lives. The Bush administration, seizing the opportunity to neutralize a chronic threat in the region, began the process of restoring full diplomatic ties with Libya and re-opening its doors for American industry - most notably oil companies. In August, U.S. officials reached an agreement to dismiss all outstanding claims involving Gadhafi's terrorism. In exchange, the strongman agreed to pay $1.5 billion to the families of victims of multiple attacks, including the Pan Am flight and the bombing of a Berlin disco in 1986 that killed two U.S. military personnel and injured dozens of others. Although many families embraced the agreement as an end to their long fight for compensation, not everyone is pleased, particularly the plaintiffs in the only successful case against Libya in U.S. courts. A year ago a U.S. District judge awarded $6 billion to a group of people who lost family members in the bombing of a French plane over the Niger desert in 1989. Among the 170 killed were seven Americans, including the wife of the then-U.S. ambassador to Chad. The family members are angry that the Bush administration's August deal nullifies their victory, according to The Washington Post. They'll now have to join others filing claims with the State Department for part of Gadhafi's $1.5 billion fund. A State Department official told The Post that claimants in the case "will be able to seek compensation for their emotional distress in the same manner as family members of other victims of terrorism." Given Gadhafi's unreliability and the already-protracted negotiations involved in the settlement, it's unlikely President-elect Obama and Clinton can persuade him to increase the compensation fund. But Obama and Clinton should review the terms of the deal and ensure that all of the claims against Libya are expedited. After more than 20 years of struggling for justice, the families deserve prompt resolution of their claims. U.S. relations with Libya may have been officially "normalized," but life will never return to normal for the people brutalized by Gadhafi's reign of terror. Norfolk, VA Anonymous Compensation for Libya's crimes The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493474 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493472 From Richmond to Obama's DNC 2009-01-05T19:27:23-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

THERE IS no question that Gov. Tim Kaine earned the job President-elect Barack Obama has chosen for him as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

THERE IS no question that Gov. Tim Kaine earned the job President-elect Barack Obama has chosen for him as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Kaine saw something special in Obama long before most of America took notice of the little-known Democrat from Illinois. Virginia's governor was among the first to endorse Obama and worked vigorously to build support for him here and in states far afield. Kaine's new job will be part time for the first year, allowing him to complete his gubernatorial term. But it will also and unavoidably be a distraction at a time Virginians need their governor's full attention. With the state facing unprecedented economic turmoil and painful budget cuts, the governor must commit to keeping political intrusions to a minimum and giving priority to the constituents who elected him to a four-year term. As a candidate for governor, Kaine came across as more of a wonk than a partisan. Since election, his political achievements have exceeded expectations, while his policy accomplishments have been less than most Virginians had hoped. Obama's win in Virginia was the most notable change in Democrats' fortunes, but Kaine invested fundraising capital and elbow grease into helping secure a majority in the state Senate and Virginia's congressional delegation, as well as securing two U.S. Senate seats. Unfortunately, those successes contrast with his failure to build consensus on a transportation plan and incremental gains in expanding pre-kindergarten, much of that likely to fall victim to budget cuts this year. Still, Kaine has been a conscientious caretaker of the commonwealth's interests, steering Virginia through a horrific mass murder at Virginia Tech and an agonizing recession with both compassion and decency. He was passed over for vice president and turned down Cabinet posts that would have required him to hand over the mansion to Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, whose partisan instincts exceed Kaine's. The DNC job will give Kaine greater flexibility, both in his duties in Virginia and after he leaves office. Just a few weeks ago, Kaine asserted that he would not accept the DNC post. As with a vow to not raise taxes this year, he is too prone to make off-the-cuff categorical statements. If Virginians forgive him such contradictions, it will be only because he promises to put them at the top of his priorities and then makes good on his word. Barring a hurricane or other disaster, governors typically find their obligations lighten significantly in their final year.But these are not typical times, and Kaine should be prepared to spend the bulk of 2009 in Richmond, not Washington. Norfolk, VA Anonymous From Richmond to Obama's DNC The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493472 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493475 Cox Auto Trader to close Norfolk office 2009-01-05T21:15:38-05:00 2009-01-05T19:33:31-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK Cox Auto Trader will close its downtown Norfolk office as part of a company-wide shift from print to online publications, a Cox executive in Atlanta said Monday. Cox announced on Monday that it would close two of its automotive-classified magazines - AutoMart and AutoExtra - and devote more resources to their online counterparts. Between its print and online operations, Cox Auto Trader employs about 4,300 people nationally. About 170 work at its Plume Street office in Norfolk, said Buddy Solomon, its vice president and chief operating officer. Throughout the company, some employees on the print side will shift to online operations, and others will lose their jobs, Solomon said. A Cox news release said there would be "generous severance packages." Solomon said he could not specify how many employees in Norfolk would be eligible for transfers and how many would be laid off. "In the office in Norfolk, we will have a period of time where we will need people to help us transition the print business to online," Solomon said. "Long term, there will not be an office in Norfolk." He said he did not know when the office would close. The work force at the Norfolk office has already shrunk to less than half the size it was a year ago, with transfers to Cox Auto Trader's main base in Atlanta and job cuts. Cox Auto Trader's businesses had been part of Trader Publishing Co., a joint venture begun in 1991 by Cox Enterprises Inc. and Landmark Communications Inc. - the Norfolk company now known as Landmark Media Enterprises LLC. Landmark publishes The Virginian-Pilot. The companies split the businesses in 2006. Frank Batten Jr., Landmark's chairman and chief executive officer, said at the time that he wanted to reduce Landmark's exposure to the volatile classified advertising business. Solomon said the internal shift at Cox reflected national trends in automotive advertising: Revenues on the print side began falling three to four years ago, and last year "that decline accelerated rapidly," exceeding 40 percent. Meanwhile, he said, online advertising has enjoyed "tremendous" growth. "On the one hand, we've got a business that is in rapid decline," Solomon said, "On the other hand, we've got a very successful online business." AutoMart and AutoExtra are free weekly magazines that list cars available at dealers. Solomon said Cox had not decided when it would stop publishing the magazines. Cox will continue to print AutoTrader and TruckTrader, which feature ads from individuals and dealers. Those are sold for about $1 to $1.25. Philip Walzer, (757) 222-3864, phil.walzer@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Anonymous Cox Auto Trader to close Norfolk office The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493475 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493481 Under Evans, Booker T. girls are on the rise 2009-01-05T21:22:22-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Mike Evans' reputation precedes him in Hampton Roads. A former high school All-American, he is proving to be a pretty good coach. In his first season at Booker T. Washington, his alma mater, Evans has turned around a girls basketball team that finished 11-13 last season. The No. 6 Bookers are 8-2 after defeating No. 7 First Colonial 56-43 on Saturday. "There is some pressure on me to succeed because of my background," Evans said. But so far, Evans has surpassed expectations. A former assistant at Wilson, Evans saw the potential at Booker T. Washington. There were athletes dotting the roster he figured could be molded into serviceable players. "He really believes in us, and he's brought a lot of positive energy," junior guard LeTeea Henry said. "He knows our potential." Ten games into the season, Evans is confident his team could steal some headlines when the postseason comes around. And Henry is, too. "He doesn't want us to backtrack," Henry said. "He's got us playing like we're capable of playing. I think we can go pretty far." Pa was tested in Charlotte tournament Princess Anne coach Darnell Dozier said he was worried when the Cavaliers traveled to Charlotte to play in the Bojangles' Shootout during the holiday break. The tournament was loaded with powers from the East Coast, and his team was young. "I was really scared," he said. "I didn't know if they were up for the challenge." Although Princess Anne lost to East Mecklenburg (N.C.) in the first game, it regrouped and beat Bishop McNamara (Md.) and Norcross (Ga.). Dozier said his team came away with renewed spirit. "I was pretty much pleased," Dozier said. "I think they can play with any team." Dozier had a plan in mind when he constructed the team's schedule. The Cavaliers lost 69 percent of their scoring from last season, when they went 29-2 and advanced to the state semifinals. He wanted the Cavaliers to face tough competition, so they would be tested by the time the playoffs began. "We sat down and talked about it," he said. "But you have to play the best to be the best. I wanted to get the kids groomed early." If Princess Anne's 9-1 record is any indication, Dozier's strategy has worked. BOYS Eastern District held its own in tourney Coaches know how tough it is in the Eastern District. Now the rest of the Eastern Region knows after last week's Ronald Curry Christmas Classic tournament in Hampton. Norcom beat Hampton to win the Towne Bank Division, and Norview beat district foe Lake Taylor to win the Family Redirection Division. Booker T. Washington nearly upset King's Fork in the semifinals. Overall, the district's participants, which also included Maury and Granby, finished 9-3 against non-Eastern District teams. "Playing in the Eastern District does prepare you for games like this because we're playing against good competition every night," Norcom coach Leon Goolsby said. Norview coach Jonathan Wilson said he and his coaches rooted for other Eastern District schools. "Some people say we're not a strong district," he said. "But we showed that we had three of the best teams in the region and that we can compete with these guys on the Peninsula." The Eastern District finished 6-2 against the Peninsula, which is considered the toughest district in the region. Green run has survived rugged early schedule Kenneth Harris, in his first year as a head coach at Green Run, scheduled several prominent programs, including Norview, Tallwood, Atlantic Shores and Maury. All four teams began the season ranked in The Virginian-Pilot's preseason rankings. The Stallions (5-4) have held their own. They lost close games to Norview twice, including a two-point loss in the season opener. The Pilots also played Tallwood close and beat Maury. The only game in which they didn't play well was a 37-point loss to Atlantic Shores. "I felt like we needed to be challenged," said Harris, who as a player helped lead George Washington-Danville to a state title in 1998. "Where I come from, we know that you can't play no cupcakes. You have to play the best. That's why we played those games to get ready for district play." Harris, a former assistant at Churchland and Wilson, will find out how much the tough schedule helped when the Stallions begin Beach District play tonight at First Colonial. - Rainer Sabin and Larry Rubama Norfolk, VA Anonymous Under Evans, Booker T. girls are on the rise The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493481 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493482 PA grad Benson sets Tribe mark for blocked shots 2009-01-05T21:13:58-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

Those two Beach District Defensive Player of the Year awards Tiffany Benson earned playing girls' basketball at Princess Anne, it turns out, were omens.

Those two Beach District Defensive Player of the Year awards Tiffany Benson earned playing girls' basketball at Princess Anne, it turns out, were omens. A junior at William and Mary, the 6-foot-2 Benson set the school career record for blocked shots in her 74th game. The ex-All-Tidewater performer broke 1993 Tribe graduate Rebecca Dayvault's record of 155 blocks, 46 seconds into the Dec. 30 game against New Jersey Institute of Technology. Benson has 34 rejections in 11 outings this season. Benson is 34 blocks shy of breaking the W&M season mark of 67 she set her freshman year. She averages 11.3 points and 10 rebounds and has registered six double-doubles. -Former Norfolk Collegiate sensation She'la White is averaging 16 minutes and has made five starts for No. 2- North Carolina (14-0) in her rookie campaign. The shooting guard is averaging 6.4 points and has converted 13 of 30 3-pointers. -Shanice Fuller keyed Georgetown's 80-73 Big East victory over Syracuse on Saturday, scoring 25 points. The Indian River product, a junior guard, leads the Hoyas (11-3) in scoring with an 8.6 average and assists with 63. -Kellam alum Danielle Bell has started every game at guard for Richmond (11-2). The 5-10 junior has averaged 21 minutes, 8.3 points and 2.6 rebounds and has made 44 percent of her 3-pointers. n Junior guard Esty Flores was instrumental in Barton College's 6-1 start, winning Carolinas Conference Player of the Week honors twice. The Kempsville grad averaged 23 points, shot 48 percent from 3-point land, made 18 steals and dealt out 27 assists. After missing two games with a concussion, she returned with a 24-point performance as Barton beat Elizabeth City State for its sixth consecutive victory. -Eric Joe, a Nansemond River alumnus in his junior season at the Apprentice School, earned U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Player of the Week honors in late December after averaging 23 points and seven rebounds in games against Virginia Wesleyan and Bluefield. OTHER SPORTS Shelley Wong, a junior midfielder for Rice, was named All-Central Region second team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The ex-Norfolk Academy stalwart was Rice's Player of the Year, with nine goals, including two game-winners. She made the Academic All-District VI team. -Lakeland grad Kelsey Cutchins repeated as VaSID State Player of the Year in field hockey. JMU's two-time All-American goalkeeper and CAA Player of the Year led the nation with a 0.72 goals-against average. -Two former Beach District wrestling stalwarts, Eric Olanowski from Kellan and Collin Dozier of Cox, are competing for Michigan State after redshirting last year. Olanowski is 15-7 with six pins at 125; Dozier is 12-7 at 141. -First Colonial graduate Kara Wright helped North Carolina to fourth place in its gymnastics season opener at the Cancun Classic in Mexico. Wright's 38.250 all-around total was a team best. The junior's top scores were a 9.75 in vault and a 9.725 in floor exercise. TRACK and FIELD Hampton University's Predist Walker made an impressive showing at the UMES Lid Lifter to garner MEAC Track and Field Athlete of the Week recognition. The sophomore Lakeland product posted MEAC-best efforts of the season with a 7.97-second clocking to win the 60-meter hurdles and a 23-feet, 7-inch leap for third place in the long jump. He also was fifth in the 60-meter dash and seventh in the 200. Norfolk, VA Anonymous PA grad Benson sets Tribe mark for blocked shots The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493482 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493484 Tanay Chandler, hard track work pays off 2009-01-05T21:25:14-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:20-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

SUFFOLK Tanay Chandler is easy to spot at track meets with her long braids and trademark multi-color socks. But Chandler, a Nansemond River senior, is drawing attention for another reason this indoor track season. Last month, she won the 55 meters at the Boo Williams Winter Break Invitational in a time of 7.22 seconds. Chandler also was runner-up in the 300 meters in a time of 41.56. Her time in the 55 meters ranks second in the state and her 300 time is in the top 10. "We're not surprised at all," Nansemond River coach Tracey Parker said. "She's been working hard, and now it's paying off for her." Chandler's motivation to excel comes from two meets last season: the Group AAA state indoor and outdoor competitions. At the state indoor meet, Chandler ran the fourth-fastest time in the trials at 7.22 but ran 7.31 in the final to finish ninth. The reason? She was left in the blocks - literally. "I was so nervous that I didn't hear the gun go off," Chandler said. "So I was still in my blocks when everyone else took off. I think about that race a lot because I wonder what may have happened if I only got out of the blocks." The state outdoor meet had much different results. Chandler not only got out of the blocks fast but also finished third in the 100 meters in 12.30. "It let me know that I could become a state champion if I train right and do the right things," she said. "But I know I have to learn how to finish my races because my form falls apart at the end." Chandler's main competition this season in the state meet should be Landstown's Marlena Wesh, who is regarded as one of the nation's best sprinters. "She's really strong," Chandler said. "I can get out in front of her but you know she's going to catch you. I just have to continue to work harder." That means spending more time in the weight room and working on endurance to help her form in the final 20 meters of races. Even if she doesn't win a state title, Parker is confident that Chandler, who has a 3.1 grade-point average and scored 1580 on the SAT, will get a track scholarship. "The potential has always been there for Tanay," Parker said. "And I told her that realistically she should be able to run anything from the 55 meters to the 400. So we're going to keep working." Norfolk, VA Anonymous Tanay Chandler, hard track work pays off The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493484 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493487 New Wal-Mart store is less supercenter, more supermarket 2009-01-06T09:00:22-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK The state's first Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, a grocery concept focused on convenience and low prices, is scheduled to open Wednesday morning on East Little Creek Road.

NORFOLK The state's first Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, a grocery concept focused on convenience and low prices, is scheduled to open Wednesday morning on East Little Creek Road. The 45,000-square-foot store looks like a traditional supermarket - more akin to local rivals Harris Teeter and Farm Fresh than its sister Wal-Mart Supercenter. About one-fifth the size of a Supercenter, the Neighborhood Market abandons the open, brightly lit, warehouse feel and straight aisles of a Supercenter in favor of cozy specialty areas with track lighting and curved walls for produce, meats and deli. Jackie Russell, the Neighborhood Market's manager, describes these areas as "little shops." The store's plentiful and prominent signs show the names of departments against a peaked-roof backdrop. "We're designed to be upscale," Russell said, with "better presentation" at Wal-Mart's low prices. The store focuses on fresh goods and gives shoppers the ability to run in and out quicker than giant discount stores might permit. The store has a larger frozen-foods section and pizza ovens to bake slices to go. In other ways, it is every bit a Wal-Mart store, though green is the dominant color, rather than the discounter's well-known blue. Shoppers will find most of the same grocery merchandise they see in a Supercenter, though the Neighborhood M arket will have a more limited selection of some items. It might not carry every size box of Cheerios, for example, just the most popular ones. In other categories, where a Supercenter offers three price ranges, Neighborhood Market sells the two at the higher end, Russell said. She pointed to the two brands of cold cuts in the deli: Wal-Mart's Prima Della brand and Sara Lee. "They have the good, better, best," she said of the Supercenter. "We have the better, best." The store will host an opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. The store takes the space previously occupied by Winn-Dixie, which closed in 2004. Located on Little Creek Road east of Military Highway, the new store sits within a blue-collar area and a retail landscape dominated by nearby military bases. The store also will serve higher-income neighborhoods such as East Beach that have homes valued close to $1 million and residents with few other grocery shopping options, said W. Randy Wright, a city councilman who represents the area. Farm Fresh, Food Lion and Kroger all have supermarkets within four miles of Neighborhood Market. "This is a vital, vital anchor to everything we're trying to do on the East Little Creek Road corridor to upgrade it," Wright said of the new store. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to open a Neighborhood Market later this year in Williamsburg and another in Virginia Beach in 2010. The retailer launched the concept in 1998 with the first store in its hometown of Bentonville, Ark., and now has more than 145 locations, mostly in the South. Carolyn Shapiro, (757) 446-2270, carolyn.shapiro@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Anonymous New Wal-Mart store is less supercenter, more supermarket The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493487 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493491 Court lets stand Chesapeake airport damages 2009-01-06T08:58:40-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

CHESAPEAKE The Virginia Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that air traffic from Chesapeake Regional Airport damaged homes in a nearby subdivision.

CHESAPEAKE The Virginia Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that air traffic from Chesapeake Regional Airport damaged homes in a nearby subdivision. The decision to refuse the Chesapeake Airport Authority's appeal clears the way for a jury of five Chesapeake landowners to be assembled in Circuit Court to determine "just compensation" for damages to homeowners who lived near the airport. No date has been set for the compensation phase of the case, filed by George and Margaret Osipovs, the lead plaintiffs in a long-standing dispute involving 12 other companion lawsuits against the airport. Circuit Judge Randy Smith ruled in late 2007 that the Osipovses' property in West Landing Estates was "damaged" without just compensation by the airport. The judge ruled the Osipovses are entitled to a hearing by a jury of fellow landowners to determine compensation. The Osipovses and other homeowners in West Landing Estates sued the airport in 2004 over flights that they contend destroyed their community's tranquil atmosphere. The flights, according to the homeowners, caused cracks in walls and broken window seals, leaking of hydraulic fluid onto property and other problems. The airport, which opened in the 1970s, is on 450 acres off West Road in southern Chesapeake. The subdivision, built in the early 1990s, sits about 1-1/2 miles from the end of the airport's runway. The airport grew over the years and now is commonly used by small, private planes, helicopters and corporate jets as well as an occasional military aircraft. Several years ago, the airport installed an instrument landing system, which allows pilots to land in darkness or bad weather. It also increased air traffic. The state Constitution forbids the General Assembly from passing any law whereby private property is "taken" or damaged" for public use without just compensation. Smith found the Osipovses' property was "damaged" by the airport but not deprived of all economic use. Joseph Waldo, the attorney for the homeowners, said it was one of the most important property rights decisions in years. "They're relieved that the hard part of the case is over," he said of the Osipovs, who no longer live in the subdivision. "Because it's stressful after five years." Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the judge's ruling in the Osipovses' case, attorneys for the plaintiffs are seeking to be heard in court on the other 12 lawsuits. "We are moving those suits along right now, starting today," Waldo said. Patrick O'Donnell, the attorney for the airport, said there have been no settlement discussions. The airport, which has relied in the past on financial help from the city, ultimately will be responsible for the compensation to the homeowners. "If cost exceeds our ability to pay, we will have to deal with that in some manner, and I don't know what that manner is," said airport manager Joseph Love. John Hopkins, (757) 222-5221, john.hopkins@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Anonymous Court lets stand Chesapeake airport damages The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493491 Change 0 Usable urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493492 Hispanic tradition brings treat on Los Reyes Magos 2009-01-06T08:58:55-05:00 2009-01-06T00:01:00-05:00 Copyright The Virginian-Pilot

NORFOLK At Jessy's, a Hispanic emporium at 3201 E. Ocean View Ave., customers can buy Spanish-language DVDs, cowboy boots or hot, home-style Mexican enchiladas any time. But it's only today, on Los Reyes Magos - also known by Christians as Epiphany - that they can get baker Edi Herrera 's ring-shaped rosca de reyes, or kings' bread. The sweet bread is part of a Mexican tradition for the holiday, known also as Dia de los Reyes, that carries the Christmas season past Dec. 25. Epiphany marks the visit by gift-bearing kings - also known as the wise men or the magi - to the newborn Jesus. Many Mexican families give gifts on Epiphany. But bakers, including Herrera, recall the Epiphany with a special ingredient in their dough: figures of baby Jesus. Herrera mixed four infant Christs into each small rosca and eight in the large size before baking. The plastic figures, shorter than a wooden matchstick, depicted a baby with hands pressed together in prayer. Some writers say the hidden baby Jesus represents the infant's escape with his family to Egypt to hide from King Herod's assassins. But for families, the fun of rosca is seeing who gets the slices with the infant figures. By custom, whoever gets a mouthful of messiah is obliged to pay for and prepare another holiday meal on Candelaria, or Candlemas, on Feb. 2. Herrera started mixing 400 pounds of flour on Sunday and was hand-shaping and baking the sweet bread at a furious pace on Monday, preparing 200 orders. The finished bread was a crusty brown ring garnished with figs and green, yellow and red strips of candied fruit. Daubs of powdered sugar mix resembling ricotta cheese had bubbled like cooled lava. The biggest loaves were nearly a yard long and more than 2 feet wide. Herrera said the baking blitz is part cultural, part religious and all work. "Yes, I feel a little spiritual, but I also feel tired at the end of the day," he said. Steven G. Vegh, (757) 446-2417, steven.vegh@pilotonline.com Norfolk, VA Anonymous Hispanic tradition brings treat on Los Reyes Magos The Virginian-Pilot urn:publicid:pilotonline.com:493492 Change 0 Usable