Franks Roanoke Va

Shane Beamer returns to Virginia Tech, hopes to help father win elusive ...

( The Roanoke Times, Matt Gentry, File / Associated Press ) - FILE - This March 30, 2011 file photo shows Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer walking among his players as they prepare for the first day of the NCAA college football team’s spring practice at the Rector Field House indoor practice facility in Blacksburg, Va. Shane Beamer, son of Hokies coach Frank Beamer , spent the past 11 seasons cutting his teeth as an assistant coach before joining his father’s staff as running backs coach in the offseason.

“I was on the field in New Orleans that night when we gave up two touchdowns, on a blocked punt and a return punt for a touchdown,” he said with a sigh. “We’d been good on special teams all year long, and to be on the field and give up two touchdowns, that sticks with you.

“There’s probably not a day that has gone by in the last 11 years when I haven’t thought about that night. ... You get that close, it’s tough and so you want to get back and win it.”

Beamer spent those 11 seasons as an assistant coach before joining his father’s staff as running backs coach in the offseason.

Frank Beamer said the timing was right to bring his son back and he hopes Shane’s recruiting skills will boost the Hokies after some recent losses in the fight for blue-chip talent.

Shane has another agenda, too — to help his father win a national championship.

Special teams mistakes helped put the Hokies in a 28-7 first-half hole that night in New Orleans. And though Virginia Tech rallied to take a 29-28 lead entering the final quarter, the Seminoles eventually prevailed 46-29.

“We made some mistakes that night that I think really stay with you,” said Frank Beamer, whose program is known for special teams prowess — or Beamerball. “I’ve heard (Shane) say he wanted to come back and help us win that thing. That would make a pretty good story.

Skip Zobel Leads the First Day of Stroke Play Qualifying at the ...

HOT SPRINGS, Va., Aug. 22, 2011 –– Virginia Beach golfer Skip Zobel , 56, shot 5-under-par 67 at The Homestead’s Old Course to lead the first day of stroke play qualifying at the 64th Virginia State Golf Association Senior Amateur Championship being conducted at The Homestead’s Old Course and Cascades Course.

Making his second start in the event after reaching the age eligibility requirement last year, Zobel logged six birdies against a bogey. Local Jack Vardaman , 71, of Hot Springs, a VSGA member at The Homestead, and event rookie Van Renick , 55, of Roanoke each shot 2-under 70 at the Old Course, Meanwhile reigning USGA Senior Amateur finalist Pat Tallent , 58, of Vienna posted 2-under 68 to register the low round at the par-70 Cascades Course      

Six other competitors posted 1-under 71 – each of those scores came at the Old Course. The group includes Elkton’s Jeff Nemoytin , 64, the finalist at the 2007 VSGA Senior Amateur at the Cascades, and Chantilly’s John Price , 60, the runner-up at the 2009 VSGA Senior Four-Ball Championship.  

After an early birdie, Zobel admittedly settled into his round after making a 40-footer for birdie at the par-3 fifth hole. He added another birdie – this time from close range (4 feet) – on the outward half at the par-3 ninth, to turn in three under. Zobel added three birdies on the second nine – all inside 10 feet. Despite a closing bogey at the par-3 18th, he carries some added confidence heading into Tuesday’s second round at the Cascades Course, which was more demanding on day one.

“I was just trying to trust my swing and put myself in the right positions out there – that’s what you have to do,” said Zobel, a retired Naval aviator who served more than 25 years. “The greens were spectacular; where you hit it was where your ball was going to end up. It was all good.

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