The NCAA announced this week changes to the definition of “redshirt” that will drastically affect college football as we know it. I believe there are both pros and cons to the measure.
The ruling states: “college athletes, competing in Division I football, can participate in up to four games in a season without using a season of competition.”
After the announcement, the Athletic Director at the University of Miami, Blake James, who is the also the chair of the Division I Council said this change promotes not only fairness for college athletes but also their health and well-being.
He said redshirts are more likely to remain engaged with the team, and starters will be less likely to feel pressure to play through injuries.
I don’t know if I agree with the “waiver.” Yes, most of the outstanding athletes never stay at a school for four years, and this could benefit the program in that respect. But it also takes the redshirt idea out of the overall equation that if the student-athletes stays for all four years, they will get a fifth year of eligibility.
I think the change speeds up the process of a player leaving early, thus hurting both the athlete and the program. Thus, causing a problem for everyone involved. Some programs might also find a way to use players in all the wrong way.
I simply do not see the logic.
Virginia Tech’s football program has made a scholarship offer to a local athlete. Bluefield wide receiver Isaiah Johnson (6’0, 165) has been given an offer by Coach Justin Fuente. He is an expected 2021 high school graduate, who also offers from Maryland, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Some sad news to report in college football this week as another player has died after participating in summer workouts. Maryland sophomore offensive lineman Jordan McNair (6’4, 235) was hospitalized on May 29 and passed away on Wednesday. He was 20 years old and a promising lineman for the program.
Congrats to a local connection. Carson College softball coach Charissa Duncan has been named coach of the year after leading her team to a 20-8 record, breaking several school records along the way.
She grew up in Radford and played softball at Auburn High School. Duncan attended Guilford College where she ran cross country and played softball where she hit .319 with 118 RBIs.
Duncan became head softball coach at Carson in 2016 and is credited with turning around a program that was 5-16 that year. Carson was the tournament champs and outscored opponents this season by more than 100 runs.
Keeping the Auburn softball tradition alive in Salisbury, North Carolina.
If you’re looking for something for your child to do this summer, don’t forget to check out many of the sport camps being offered throughout the region.
One such camp is the Christiansburg High School basketball clinic, slated for Friday, June 29 at the school. The clinic is for rising third through eighth grade and will be held from 5-8 p.m. The price is $30. For more information or to register, email kristinras7@gmail.com.
Turf work is set to begin next week at Christiansburg High School as paving was scheduled to be completed by today on a new eight-lane track at the school. The construction seems to be on track for a July 26 completion with two early scrimmages being held on the new field.
Christiansburg’s home opener against Floyd should also be on the new field.
The summer means our sports coverage will be down more than normal so if anyone has story idea or photos please send them to NRVsport@ourvalley.org. We will be looking for unique stories from throughout our community. Yes, we will have our local swim leagues and Legion baseball. There will also be an occasional recreation activity story and photo.
