I am that guy. You know the one. The dorky one -- with what he thinks is the coolest toy in the whole world. He has to show it off everywhere he goes. You see it a million times a day. You know, that guy.
I must confess my new addiction -- the camera phone. I've started walking around everywhere with my pint-sized piece of photographic equipment looking for the perfect shot, something to look back at fondly while awaiting someone to actually call me.
So, in that vein, let me tell you about the U.Va. sports photos I most want the opportunity to take this semester.
In no particular order, I'd like to see...
... the AFC packed to capacity thanks to a strong student turnout supporting the deserving men's and women's swim teams, as they host the ACC championships in February.
... Matt Schaub back under center for the spring game after an NCAA loophole miraculously grants him an extra year of eligibility.
... wrestler Scott Moore raise his hands in triumph after completing his undefeated run through the ACC and the NCAA tournament to claim the first individual national title in Virginia history.
... the student section of U-Hall standing on its feet, decked entirely in orange, for the duration of a men's basketball game. The caveat to this photo is that it needs to be students in the student section, which isn't as obvious of a request as you might think, as poor student attendance of late has spurred increased general admission ticket sales to less passionate Charlottesville residents and even fans of the opposing team.
... QB Eagles wearing our new intramural championship t-shirts after successfully defending last year's four-on-four flag football title.
... Debbie Ryan flash the same smile one more time that she wore after the women's basketball team's win at N.C. State nearly two weeks ago. Only this time, I want to see it on the sidelines of the ACC tournament Virginia just won, ending Duke's absurdly long conference win streak. In Raleigh, it was a smile of relief that her team pulled out a close, road victory in the conference (and also a smile of the satisfaction and the realization that her team can perform under pressure and win despite not playing its best.)
... a cleanly-shaven Jason Cain.
... much-maligned Virginia punter Tom Hagan reveal that he was battling a knee injury most of last season.
... men's lacrosse goalie Tillman Johnson holding up his second consecutive Most Outstanding Player trophy at midfield of Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium after leading the Cavaliers to another national championship.
... Johnson's goaltending counterpart, senior Andrea Pfeiffer, hoist the women's lacrosse championship trophy high over her head after a finals win to host Princeton, claiming revenge one year after Virginia fell to the Tigers in overtime of the finals.
... Melissa Stark. Just because.
... a long line out the door of Taco Bell as Virginia basketball fans clamor to redeem their free taco after the Cavalier offense awakes from its hibernation to reach 90 points for only the second time this regular season (and the first time against a team other than 4-12 James Madison).
... the sun setting over Davenport Field after another beautiful night at the ballpark. And with Virginia winning that game to best last year's 16-0 start to the home schedule, of course.
... Pete Gillen wearing a white shirt so the sweat stains aren't as obvious.
... Gillen and me at O'Neill's on St. Patrick's Day, with matching red beards and pints of Guinness in our hands, toasting a surprise run in the ACC tournament to reach March Madness. And toasting our blatantly obvious Irish heritage.
... the appearance of the Jennifer Reck fan club. Because she's a reigning first-team All-American rower. And almost no one knows who she is.
... Vince Redd and Billy Glading on the basketball court at the same time. Because these football and men's lacrosse crossovers are members of teams that have proven they can win big games.
... the look of excitement on the softball team's face when the athletic department announces the construction of a brand new softball field. The Park is inadequate, and nearly every other sport has already received or soon will receive an upgraded facility.
... ACC indoor tennis champion Doug Stewart pump his fist in victory, generating excitement from the assembled crowd at Snyder as the headliner of an up-and-coming tennis team.
... Derrick Byars and Usher, arm-in-arm, admitting to the world they are indeed cousins.
If I can take half of these photos, I will be a very happy man. And that Melissa Stark photo would certainly be one to call home about.
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