Virginia Tech Hokies News: Mike Young wants a bid, spring practices, Louisville fires Kenny Payne
Mike Young would welcome an NIT bid and the football program announces their spring schedule.
By Scott Roche
In this edition of Virginia Tech Hokies News, football announces the spring schedule, Mike Young would like to play in the NIT, Louisville fired men's basketball coach Kenny Payne, and more.
Football to kick off spring practices Friday
Phase Two of the Hokies football offseason workouts begins Friday when the Hokies start their spring practices on the field. This phase allows the coaching staff to install base schemes and employ more strategic player development. The practices will be capped off with the annual spring game on April 13 at 3 o'clock at Lane Stadium.
Mike Young would welcome an NIT bid
Wednesday, the Hokies men were beaten by Florida State, 86-76, in the second round of the ACC Tournament and following the game, head coach Mike Young spoke with the media and was asked whether or not he would accept a bid to the NIT.
"Absolutely, to play in the postseason, sign me up,'' Young said. "We all want to play in the big one (NCAA Tournament), but to coach these guys again and make a run at that thing, you're doggone right.''
Mike Barber, a writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, caught up with Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock who said that the school would accept an NIT invitation and they even put in to host.
Spoke with #Hokies AD Whit Babcock. He said team would accept an NIT invitation and has put in to host NIT games, as long as they don't conflict with potential women's games… pic.twitter.com/HeENzyahnf
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) March 13, 2024
It's very likely the Hokies will receive a bid to the NIT and the only question will be whether or not the Virginia Tech women will be hosting the first and second round of the NCAA Tournament next weekend or not.
Louisville fires Kenny Payne, Clemson fires Amanda Butler
One of the worst-kept secrets became reality Wednesday when Louisville fired men's basketball coach Kenny Payne after two seasons just one day after they were eliminated from the ACC Tournament by North Carolina State. It wasn't the greatest tenure for Payne and it feels like the school needs to hit a home run in their next hire as they could be in for a rebuild that could take some time.
One the women's side, Clemson fired coach Amanda Butler after six season and just one NCAA Tournament berth. Athletic director Graham Neff said, "We believe that we are resourced and supported in a way to make this one of the top teams in the nation every year.''
They may have the resources, but they are in the ACC, which is arguably the best women's basketball conference. They have a ways to go to catch up with the top teams.
Softball loses at Charlotte
Wednesday, the 12th-ranked Virginia Tech softball team lost 8-4 at Charlotte in a non-conference game. Tied 2-2 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, the 49ers scored six runs to take control of the game. Emma Ritter had a home run in the game for the Hokies who fell to 18-4-1 and will return to the diamond this weekend at home for a series against Pittsburgh.
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