Virginia Peninsula Community College Athletics Director Chris Moore knows building a program takes more than talented athletes.
“For these student-athletes to be successful, it’s not just the work they put in. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that’s put in as well,” he said.
That led to the athletic department’s Family and Friends Day for the men’s basketball and baseball programs Feb. 18-19.
“We want to really highlight the support that we get throughout the year,” Moore said.
He mentioned the families of the athletes, families that make sure their children prioritize the programs. Moore realizes those families sacrifice a lot, too.
Included in the friends category, Moore said, are sponsors and those who engage with the athletic department.
It kicks off Feb. 18 with the men’s basketball game vs. Mid-Atlantic Christian at Warwick High School. Tipoff is 3 p.m. VPCC students, alumni, high school students, and those under 12 get in free.
“One of the things we are targeting this year is the alumni population and trying to get them in the door,” said Moore, who also is the men’s basketball coach. “We will have a VIP section for our alumni.”
The baseball team has a pair of doubleheaders this weekend against Monroe College of the Bronx. The first one is Feb. 18 at Warwick High School. The following day, with the games taking place at Hampton's War Memorial Stadium, is when the baseball team will host its Family and Friends Day. Games begin at 11 a.m. each day.
“Family and Friends weekend is really just connecting all of the supporters of Virginia Peninsula Community College as a whole, and bringing them to an athletic event so they can see the fruits of their labor,” Moore said.
Softball’s start delayed
The start of the season has been pushed back. Moore is hoping the first game will be played the beginning of March.
“We’re super excited about what softball is going to bring to the College,” he said.
He noted the programs at Paul D. Camp, Bryant & Stratton, Patrick & Henry, and Richard Bland recruit in this area, so they talent is there.
“I think that we’re going to have a dominant softball team in the next couple of years,” he said.
Samantha Haraway was named coach in January.
“Coach Haraway is working really hard to get this thing up and rolling,” Moore said. “Building a team is a lot harder than retaining it.”
The College still is recruiting players, so if interested, contact Moore at moorec@vpcc.com.
Men’s basketball coming off loss
The Gators fell to Blue Lights College 76-73 on Feb. 7, and will be the fourth seed in the New South Athletic Conference tournament. The Gators led 36-34 at the half.
Looking ahead to the conference tournament, the Gators will have a home game Feb. 22 vs. the fifth seed. The semifinals and final are scheduled for Feb. 25-26 at The Apprentice School. The Builders earned the top seed and drew a first-round bye.
This week, the Gators close out the regular season with a pair of games: Feb. 17 at Washington Adventist (Takoma Park, Md., 2 p.m.); and Feb. 18 at home against Mid-Atlantic Christian University (4 p.m.) in the final conference game of the season.
Baseball drops DH to Apprentice
The team had just two games this past week, losing both ends of a doubleheader to The Apprentice School on Feb. 8.
In the first game, a 2-0 loss, Nate Sherman had two hits. Peyton Thomas pitched six innings and gave up seven hits, two runs and struck out seven. The Gators dropped the second game 3-2, giving up a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Sherman had two more hits, and Joey Williams and Jude Morton drove in runs.
This week, the baseball team plays a nine-inning game Feb. 15 at Bryant and Stratton (5 p.m.); and doubleheaders (11 a.m. starts both days) Feb. 18 and 19 against Monroe College (Bronx campus). Feb. 18’s games are at Warwick High School, with the Feb. 19 games scheduled for War Memorial Stadium in Hampton.
For more information on VPCC athletics, go to https://www.vpcc.edu/life/Athletics/index.html.