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Beamer raising money for victims

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Hokies' coach donates items for online auction to help Hurricane Katrina survivors.

Date published: 9/8/2005

By JIM McCONNELL

Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer is among several high-profile coaches who will participate in an online sports auction to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Tech men's basketball coach Seth Greenberg is the organizing chairman of a committee of college coaches, who are working with the Web site AllCoaches Care.com.

The group has received commitments from Mike Krzyzewski (Duke), Tom Izzo (Michigan State), Lute Olson (Arizona) and Bob Knight (Texas Tech).

Beamer confirmed during yesterday's Atlantic Coast Conference coaches' teleconference that he has selected several items to donate for the auction. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity. The auction begins Sept. 14 on eBay.

"It's a chance for not only coaches, but everyone in the country to come together and help these people," Beamer said. "As much as we watch it on TV, we can't get the real picture of what's going on down there."

Virginia Tech's football program has played in the Sugar Bowl three times in the storm-battered Superdome--the last time in January against Auburn.

"Our Hokie Nation has some great memories down there," Beamer added. "We need to help as much as we can."

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said yesterday that Drew Weatherford will remain the Seminoles' starting quarterback, but promising redshirt freshman Xavier Lee will see significant playing time.

Weatherford struggled mightily in his first collegiate start, completing only 7-of-24 passes for 67 yards and an interception in FSU's 10-7 win over Miami Monday night.

Weatherford was pulled early in the fourth quarter, but although the gifted Lee received a loud ovation from the crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium, he did nothing to distinguish himself, either.

"We have to bring those quarterbacks along," Bowden said. "It was the same way when we had Chris Rix. When you have young quarterbacks, you want them not to beat you, and for the most part they did that. Now we have to get them playing to their ability."

Special teams blunders

Even after surrendering nine sacks Monday, Miami had a chance to tie the game with a short field goal in the final minute.

Then punter Brian Monroe, making his debut as the Hurricanes' holder, fumbled the snap from center. Jon Peattie never got to attempt the kick and the Seminoles ran out the clock.

SATURDAY'S ACC GAMES Virginia Tech at Duke, noon Clemson at Maryland, noon Army at Boston College, 12:30 N. Carolina at Georgia Tech, 3:30 Citadel at Florida State, 6:45 Wake Forest at Nebraska, 7 p.m.

Date published: 9/8/2005