Hokie ClubGREENSBORO, Ga. – Virginia Tech football players Sean Glennon and Orion Martin spent the weekend in the heat of Georgia discussing the upcoming season with members of the media at the annual ACC Kickoff, being held at the posh Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee.
After arriving Saturday, the players from each school were taken to the driving range to hit balls with provided clubs, with help from the Reynolds Plantation staff. Glennon gets the most dedicated award as he was the only player to bring his own clubs. Martin was like a lot of the players who were picking up clubs for the first time, struggling at times and hitting a good one every now and then. He said it “may have been the second time I have been on a range†but came around after some helpful tips. University of Virginia tight end John Phillips blasted several near-300 yard drives while others were happy hitting it at all.
After a monstrous dinner, the players had a round of night putting with glow sticks lighting the putting green and glow-in-the-dark balls rolling all around. The group was excused for the night after that, but Glennon went to bed early as he worked some magic with the staff and was able to get an early tee time on the course Sunday morning with Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper.
The two teed off around 7:45 and were able to get in nine holes on the tough course before having to come back for a brunch with Commissioner Swofford and bowl representatives. Glennon was happy to report he shot a 10-over 46, beating Harper’s 52.
After the brunch, all 24 players headed down to the landing for a group picture with the Commissioner and then the two retreated back to their room for some rest before meeting with the press corps. Martin took a nap while Glennon was glued to the television, watching the Open Championship. Clearly rooting for Greg Norman, he cheered and groaned several times, waking up Martin occasionally.
At 12:30, the group headed down for a long session with the print media where the topics were the usual. The quarterback situation was Glennon’s No. 1 question while Martin fielded several questions about Tech’s inexperienced defense. Other questions dealt with Tech’s running back and wide receiver situation, the weight loss program of several key players and dealing with the pressure of being the defending champions, along with the typical off-the-wall random questions to lighten the mood before the action begins. The two clearly carried the most media attention of the Coastal Division teams, with writers two-deep most of the session. After finishing with the media, the two hopped from room to room doing television and radio interviews with Glennon occasionally asking for golf updates.
Tech's 2008 media guide cover also drew a lot of talk as it features a lenticular cover, a form of a hologram, for the first time. Fans will certainly enjoy the unique look this year, celebrating Tech's 2007 ACC title.
After a long day of non-stop talking, the two took the plane back to Blacksburg, thus ending their trip. Monday is the coaches’ turn to deal with the hacks as the 12 men will have to deal with them for three hours and 45 minutes. The preseason player of the year and predicted order of finish, as voted on by the over 200 media members in attendance, will be released Monday at 3:30 p.m., and the preseason All-ACC team will be released Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Tech’s players report to campus on Sunday, Aug. 3 and the first practice is set for the next afternoon.