Staff and wire reports
Former Cave Spring High School, UVa and New York Giants running back Tiki Barber has advanced to the next stage in voting for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
The hall announced Wednesday the 50 modern era candidates who advanced from the original ballot of 167 after voting by a newly created screening committee.
Former Virginia Tech defensive back Kam Chancellor also made the cut.
The full selection committee will next reduce the list of nominees to 25 semifinalists in about four weeks. Then 15 finalists will be picked before the annual meeting before the Super Bowl that will produce the new class.
Other players of note who made the cut include two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning; former defensive players of the year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs; postseason kicking hero Adam Vinatieri; running back Marshawn Lynch; and tight end Antonio Gates.
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Radford hires coach
Radford announced Wednesday the hiring of Radford University graduate Savanna Hammond as its new head coach.
Hammond has stepped down as the coach of NCAA Division II member Bluefield State to take the Highlanders' reins. She was in her fourth season at the helm of Bluefield State. Hammond was 53-57 at that school.
In Hammond's first year at the helm, the team reached the 2021 U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association tournament final. In her second year, the team won the USCAA championship. Last year, the team went 12-5 in CIAA play in its first season in that league.
Hammond had 753 digs in her Radford career. She was part of the 2013 team that swept the Big South regular-season and tournament titles. She also was on the 2014 team that won the regular-season title.
Chris Hertel resigned as Radford's oach in early October, with assistant coach Michelle Johnson named as the interim coach.
No. 16 W&L 3, Eastern Mennonite 0
Avery Myers had 12 kills to lead the visiting Generals (22-2, 11-0 ODAC) to a 25-11, 25-14, 25-11 win over the Royals (7-13, 2-8) on Tuesday night.
Roanoke 3, Randolph 2
Rylee Mayer had 23 kills to lead the Maroons (13-7, 5-4 ODAC) to a 28-26, 13-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-9 win over the host WildCats (10-12, 3-6) on Tuesday night.
BASEBALL
Roanoke player has leukemia
Roanoke College announced Wednesday that sophomore outfielder Eddie Kaufman has been diagnosed with leukemia.
The Roanoke baseball team is selling $5 wristbands to raise money for Kaufman and his family. Purchases can be made online through Venmo to Eddiee-Kaufmann or can be made in person at the athletic department offices on the second floor of the Cregger Center.
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