The Men Behind the Steel Curtain1

James Farrior and Heath Miller inspire teammates and fans with leadership

Summer 2011

Heath MillerAs if the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t formidable enough. In an offseason marked by strife between players and owners, the Steelers have a unifying factor that many teams envy. They have the combination of James Farrior (Col ’97) and Heath Miller (Col ’05). The two veterans—Farrior an inside linebacker and Miller a tight end—are team captains. Last season was the seventh for Farrior in that role; it was the first year Miller had been voted captain. James FarriorBoth played their college football at U.Va., and both exhibit the kind of leadership—on and off the field—that brings...

Embracing a Legacy1

Claire Crippen makes her own mark while honoring her brother

Summer 2011

Claire Crippen Photo by Matt RileyAs a high school student in Pennsylvania, Claire Crippen (Col ’11) wasn’t particularly motivated to become a part of her older brother Fran’s heritage at U.Va. He’d had an intimidating run before graduating in 2006—ACC Swimmer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, eight-time ACC champion and 11-time All-American. But Claire, a 12-time high school All-American, was blessed with her own distinct talents and had her own goals. Now, however, in the months following Fran’s death last October while swimming in an open-water race and the outpouring of support from people whose lives...

Faces to Watch0

Spring 2011

Brittany AltomareBrittany Altomare (Col ‘13) Led the women’s golf team last season with a 73.53 stroke average and was U.Va.‘s top finisher in seven of 12 tournaments Tied teammate Calle Nielson (Col ‘11) for second place at ACC Championships Named All-ACC selection, honorable mention All-American Adams AbdulrazaaqAdams Abdulrazaaq (Col ‘11) Holds school record in indoor 60-meter hurdles (7.76 seconds) and outdoor 110-meter hurdles (13.85 seconds) Won the ACC Championship in 110-meter hurdles in 2009; runner-up in 2010 Kristine O’BrienKristine O’Brien (Col ‘13) Named the 2010 ACC Freshman of the Year Last spring rowed with the Varsity Eight and helped win the ACC Championship and the silver...

Goal-Oriented0

Success as a player spurs Ben Olsen (Col ’99) in new coaching role for D.C. United

Spring 2011

Ben Olsen Photo by Tony Quinn/D.C. UnitedAs a player, Ben Olsen reached some of soccer’s highest peaks. At U.Va., he helped the Cavaliers win an ACC championship, was named the ACC Tournament MVP and was the 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year. On the international front, he helped the U.S. vie for Olympic bronze in 2000 and was a steady contributor on the 2006 U.S. World Cup team. As a pro with D.C. United, his honors ranged from Major League Soccer’s Rookie of the Year in 1998 to hoisting two MLS championship trophies. As a...

Cavalier Aces1

Spring 2011

Ranked No. 17 in the preseason Collegiate Baseball poll, the Cavalier baseball team has some aces of its own to keep opposing batters off balance. Standouts include Danny Hultzen, who returns as reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year, and Tyler Wilson, who led the ACC with most innings for a relief pitcher in 2010. Here’s a look at some stats and honors from last season and beyond: Danny HultzenDanny Hultzen (Col ’12) Record: 11-1 (best in ACC) ERA: 2.78 (second-best in ACC) Innings pitched: 106.2 First-Team All-American First-Team All-ACC and All-ACC Academic Baseball Team (second year for both) First in ACC in strikeouts per...

Sidearm Sizzler0

Javier Lopez (Col ’02) plays key role for Giants as relief pitcher

Spring 2011

Javier Lopez Photo Copyrighted by S. F. GiantsGame Two of baseball’s World Series, eighth inning, two outs, a runner on second. The Texas Rangers, trailing the San Francisco Giants 2-0, need a big hit. MVP Josh Hamilton comes to the plate. The Giants counter by bringing in reliever Javier Lopez, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound left-hander who played his college baseball for U.Va. Baseball analysts have predicted the Lopez-Hamilton matchup will be crucial, and it certainly is at this moment. If Hamilton can spark a rally, the Rangers could even the Series at a game apiece. If Lopez can get...

Coming Together0

Bonds forged by tragedy help lacrosse team move forward

Spring 2011

Bonds forged by tragedy help lacrosse team move forward

Sports Shorts0

Winter 2010

Still Blazing Monica Wright (Col ’10), U.Va.’s all-time leading scorer in women’s basketball, was named to the 2010 WNBA All-Rookie Team after scoring in double digits in 10 games for the Minnesota Lynx. While at U.Va., Wright scored 2,540 career points and earned numerous honors, including first-team All-American and ACC Player of the Year in 2010. Rowing Medals Three former and current U.Va. rowers won medals at the 2010 Under 23 World Rowing Championships in Belarus. Jennifer Cromwell (Col ’10), a three-time All-American while at U.Va., rowed on the U.S. women’s eight team, which won gold for the third time...